Steering Wheel Scroll Button Volume Control via CAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sound volume control systems using steering wheel remote controllers experience time delays and reduced operation sensitivity due to the limitations of CAN communication, particularly when using scroll-type buttons, as they struggle to ensure timely transmission of volume signals.

Innovation Solution

A steering wheel remote controller with a scroll-type button, counter, and communicator that counts volume variation steps and generates a volume signal for real-time transmission to the head unit via CAN communication, allowing immediate adjustment of sound volume without delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CAN communication is used for transmitting volume signals from the steering wheel remote controller to the head unit, then the system integrates well with the vehicle's existing communication network, but time delays occur and operation sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration with vehicle communication networkVSAvoidtime delay in volume adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The counter accumulates volume variation steps during a predetermined time period before generating the volume signal for transmission. This preliminary accumulation action allows multiple button operations to be batched together, reducing the number of transmission cycles needed and minimizing the perceived delay for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The counter continuously accumulates volume variation steps throughout the predetermined time period without interruption. This continuous accumulation ensures that no volume adjustment is lost during the transmission process and maintains the responsiveness of the volume control function despite using CAN communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If CAN communication is used for transmitting volume signals, then system integration is achieved, but operation sensitivity of the scroll-type button deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidoperation sensitivity of scroll button

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counter performs preliminary accumulation of volume variation steps before signal transmission, allowing the system to process multiple quick successive operations as a single batch. This maintains the sensitivity perception for the user while utilizing the standardized CAN communication protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The head unit receives the accumulated volume signal and adjusts the sound output accordingly, providing immediate audible feedback to the driver. This feedback mechanism compensates for the communication delay by ensuring the volume change is perceived as responsive despite the underlying CAN protocol latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9340225B2Apparatus for controlling sound volume for vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling sound volume for a vehicle includes a steering wheel remote controller and a head unit. The steering wheel remote controller includes a scroll-type button disposed at a portion of a steering wheel and configured to increase or decrease the sound volume depending on a rotational direction of the button. A counter is configured to count the number of volume variation steps due to rotation of the scroll-type button for a predetermined time and generate a volume signal. A communicator is configured to transmit the volume signal to the head unit.