Split Display Operating System for Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles with numerous devices require an intuitive and efficient operating system to minimize driver distraction while allowing operation of various vehicle functions during driving, as separate mechanical switches are no longer practical due to the complexity of modern systems.

Innovation Solution

An operating method and system utilizing a split display approach, where the first display area shows information in the driver's field of vision and a second touch-sensitive display area within reach for input operations, supporting intuitive button-based control without requiring significant driver movement, with graphic data and previews displayed to facilitate easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a uniform operating concept with few operating elements is used to control all vehicle devices, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates because the driver must divert attention from the road to operate the controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of operating elementsVSAvoiddriver attention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into two separate display areas: a first display area arranged in the driver's field of vision for displaying information, and a second display area arranged within reach of the driver for receiving inputs. This spatial segmentation allows the driver to operate controls without diverting gaze from the road, resolving the contradiction between simplified control architecture and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If separate mechanical operating elements are provided for each vehicle device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the large number of switches and controls required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect control accessVSAvoidnumber of operating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operating elements (buttons, switches, controls) are merged into a single touch-sensitive display area. The second display area with touch-sensitive surface consolidates what would traditionally require numerous separate mechanical controls, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical operating elements (rotary switches, physical buttons, sliders) are replaced with a touch-sensitive surface that displays graphic interfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous mechanical components while providing equivalent or superior operational ease through visual feedback and intuitive interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the second display area is placed within reach of the driver, then ease of operation is improved, but the display of information is compromised because it is outside the driver's primary field of vision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of controlsVSAvoidinformation visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Information display and control input functions are segmented into separate spatial zones: the first display area in the driver's field of vision presents information without requiring gaze diversion, while the second display area within reach handles inputs. This segmentation ensures both information visibility and operational accessibility are optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2925552B1Operating method and operating system in a road vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2925552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2925552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2925552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an operating method in a road vehicle (6), according to which method first graphic data is displayed on a first display surface (3) arranged in the interior of the vehicle (6) within the field of view of a person (9) sitting on a driver's seat (20) of the vehicle (6), second graphic data is displayed on a second display surface (5) arranged separately from the first display surface (3) within reach of the person (9) sitting on the driver's seat (20) of the vehicle (6), and inputs made via a touch sensitive surface formed on the second display surface (5) are detected and the first and/or second graphic data is changed on the basis of said inputs. The operating method according to the invention is characterized in that in an input process comprising a plurality of individual input steps, first graphic data associated with the input process is displayed for preview after each individual input step, and the first graphic data is displayed for preview on the first display surface (3). The invention also relates to an operating system for performing said method.