Transparent Display Knob for Safer In-Vehicle Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems require separate knobs or buttons for multiple functions, which can distract drivers and make it difficult to manipulate virtual knobs in moving vehicles, especially when users need to focus on driving.
Innovation Solution
An automotive display control device featuring a transparent knob on the display that recognizes touch inputs, allowing multiple functions to be controlled using a single knob, with a knob activation area that overlaps the transparent knob and adjusts window size for intuitive function control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate knobs or buttons are provided for different vehicle functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases due to driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single transparent knob that can control multiple vehicle functions (volume, temperature, mode selection) by detecting the position where the user touches its peripheral portion. This universal control mechanism eliminates the need for multiple separate knobs and buttons, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for controlling various vehicle functions through one integrated interface.
2Device complexity
If a virtual knob is displayed on the display screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is difficult to manipulate in a moving vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent physical knob as an intermediary element placed on top of the display screen. This knob has a specific structure with a protruding peripheral portion that provides tactile feedback, allowing users to easily locate and manipulate it by touch in moving vehicles. The transparent material allows the display content to remain visible through the knob, combining the benefits of physical tactile interaction with digital display integration.
3Ease of operation
If the driver focuses attention on the display to determine which function the knob controls, then the ease of operation improves, but the safety deteriorates due to distraction from driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes visual feedback through the transparent knob by changing the color or appearance of the display content visible through the knob based on which function is currently being controlled. This allows the driver to identify the active function at a glance without needing to read detailed information on the display, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing visual distraction and improving driving safety.
4Device complexity
If a single transparent knob is used to control multiple functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transparent knob into a central portion and a peripheral portion with protruding edges. The display is segmented into multiple control areas, each corresponding to different vehicle functions. The touch detection system is segmented to specifically detect touch positions on the peripheral portion, which corresponds to different angular positions around the knob. This segmentation simplifies the detection process by focusing only on relevant touch areas rather than the entire knob surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automotive display control device according to one embodiment includes a display configured to display a plurality of windows and sense a touch, and a transparent knob which is located on a surface of the display and sense a touch, wherein the display includes a knob activation area located to at least partially overlap the transparent knob, the window is displayed to overlap the knob activation area, and the transparent knob provides a control function corresponding to a function of the window covering the knob activation area.