Steering Wheel Interface Control for Safer In-Vehicle Screen Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of effectively controlling vehicle interfaces, such as central control screens, during vehicle operation is not adequately addressed by existing technologies, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns when drivers interact with these interfaces while driving.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize steering wheel controls to detect and generate control instructions for vehicle interfaces, allowing drivers to manage these interfaces without direct interaction, enhancing convenience, safety, and integration with the vehicle system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drivers directly interact with central control screens during driving, then interface control functionality is achieved, but driving safety deteriorates and operation convenience worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidinterface control convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces steering wheel controls as an intermediary device between the driver and the central control screen. The steering wheel control unit receives driver inputs and transmits control instructions to the interface, eliminating the need for direct interaction with the screen. This mediator approach maintains driving safety by keeping hands on the steering wheel while still enabling interface control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If steering wheel controls are used to manage interfaces, then driving safety and operation convenience are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface control convenienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a steering mechanism and as an interface control device. By integrating multiple functions into an existing component, the system avoids adding separate dedicated control devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while still providing enhanced operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control modes are integrated into steering wheel, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mode flexibilityVSAvoidsteering wheel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control modes (physical buttons, touch-sensitive areas, scroll wheels) into a single integrated steering wheel control unit. This consolidation approach provides diverse control options and adaptability for different driving scenarios while avoiding the complexity of having separate control devices for each mode. The unified design allows various control technologies to work together within one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4578693A1Method and apparatus for controlling interface
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 XIAOMI EV TECH CO LTD
  • EP4578693A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4578693A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4578693A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and apparatus for controlling an interface, a medium, a system, a steering wheel and a vehicle are provided, which belong to the field of vehicles. A method for controlling an interface includes: detecting (S11) a control signal of a steering wheel control; and generating (S12) a first control instruction in response to the control signal, where the first control instruction is configured to control an interface of a first device.