Steering Wheel Thumb Controls With Context Display Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern transportation vehicles have complex operator control regions due to numerous technical devices, leading to overloaded and incomprehensible interfaces, which complicates operation, increases the risk of errors, and distracts drivers.
Innovation Solution
An operator control device with an operator control element, analysis unit, indicator, and interface that allows for intuitive operation of vehicle functions by displaying the operator control element in an input menu, enabling clear and efficient control of vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple vehicle functions are integrated into a single operator control device, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide comprehensive vehicle functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operator control element is designed to perform multiple functions through different input modes (touch, press, long-press). A single physical element controls diverse vehicle functions including media playback, telephone operations, climate control, and navigation, eliminating the need for separate control elements for each function while maintaining comprehensive vehicle control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control element's functionality dynamically changes based on the current menu context and input type. The same physical element can trigger different actions (selection, confirmation, cancellation, parameter adjustment) depending on what is displayed in the indicator, allowing one element to adapt to multiple vehicle functions without increasing physical complexity
2Ease of operation
If the operator control element can perform multiple functions through different input modes, then ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the intended function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides immediate visual feedback in the driver's field of view showing which function will be triggered by each input mode. When the control element is touched, pressed, or long-pressed, the indicator displays the corresponding action (e.g., play/pause, answer call, adjust temperature), allowing the driver to verify the intended function before execution and reducing ambiguity
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and displays the anticipated action in the indicator before the driver completes the input gesture. The feedback is shown in advance of final execution, giving the driver opportunity to correct unintended inputs by lifting their finger before the threshold time is reached, thus preventing erroneous function activation
3Ease of operation
If physical control elements are grouped on the steering wheel, then ease of operation is improved, but the area required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate physical elements are merged into a single operator control element on the steering wheel. This consolidation reduces the total area occupied by control elements while maintaining accessibility, as one multifunctional element replaces what would have been multiple separate buttons or switches
Solution Approach 2:
The single operator control element is designed to provide universal access to multiple vehicle functions through contextual menus displayed in the indicator. By combining multiple functions into one physical element, the steering wheel surface area required for controls is minimized while still providing comprehensive vehicle control capability
Data Source
AI summary
An operator control device for controlling vehicle functions in a transportation vehicle, a system, and a corresponding method. Provided are operator control elements on a steering wheel and a display indicator to be used for controlling vehicle functions. Operator control zones/regions with which functions are selected and controlled are located on the left and the right of the steering wheel in a position that is ergonomically easily reached by the driver's thumbs. The contexts/functions to be controlled in each case are depicted in the display element in the driver's line of sight here, so that diversion of the driver's eyes is minimized. The operator control elements are of a symmetrical design.