Touchscreen Seat Control Interface for Low-Distraction Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems can be non-intuitive and distracting to use, especially in compact vehicle designs where accessing controls is challenging, and may not provide a seamless user experience across different vehicles and seat configurations.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) activated by a control switch, separate from the GUI, displays a specific vehicle seat adjustment screen, allowing intuitive control of seat adjustments through touch-sensitive regions and optional sound cues, bypassing multiple menu screens for direct access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional seat adjustment switches are mounted on the side of the seat or door panel, then the controls are easily accessible and intuitive to use, but the device complexity increases and space is consumed in compact vehicle designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single centralized control module located on the door panel. This module integrates seat adjustment controls with other vehicle functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of access. The control module serves as a hub that manages multiple functions through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to perform multiple functions beyond just seat adjustment, including controlling other vehicle amenities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving accessibility and ease of operation for all functions.
2Ease of operation
If traditional seat adjustment switches are mounted on the side of the seat or door panel, then the controls are intuitive and easy to use, but the area required for controls increases in compact vehicle designs
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with a compact, space-efficient layout that nests controls within a minimized footprint. The switches and controls are arranged in a nested configuration that maximizes functionality within the available door panel space, reducing the overall area required while maintaining intuitive accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement of controls rather than only horizontal expansion. By stacking controls and using vertical mounting on the door panel, the design reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining all necessary control functions and their intuitive relationships.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full set of seat adjustment controls is provided, then all seat functions are controllable, but driver distraction increases during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the most frequently used seat adjustment functions and places them in prominently positioned controls that are easily accessible and intuitive. Less frequently used functions are either integrated into the same control module with clear labeling or provided through secondary interfaces, reducing the visual and cognitive load on the driver while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control design allows drivers to quickly access and adjust the most critical seat functions through prominently placed, intuitively labeled controls that require minimal attention. The layout enables rapid adjustment without requiring the driver to study or search for controls, reducing distraction while maintaining complete adaptability of all seat functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a particular vehicle function, for example the adjustment of a vehicle seat, using a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided. The GUI is activating by toggling a control, switch intuitively linked to the particular vehicle function. The control switch is separate from, and not proximate to, the GUI. When the GUI is activated by toggling the control switch, a control screen specific to the particular vehicle function is displayed on the GUI.