Vehicle Control Button Auditory Feedback Teaching System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle occupants often struggle to understand the functionality of control buttons in their vehicles, even with standardized icons, leading to confusion and the need to consult user manuals.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides audible messages regarding the functionality of control buttons when triggered by the occupant, allowing for hands-free learning and enabling the occupant to understand the purpose of each button without actuating its typical functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If standardized icons are displayed on control buttons, then the visual information is provided to occupants, but the functionality remains unclear to occupants without consulting the user manual
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an audio message intermediary that translates the static visual icon information into dynamic verbal explanations. When an occupant presses a control button, an audio message is generated that provides detailed functionality information, serving as a mediator between the button icon and the occupant's understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing immediate audio responses when control buttons are pressed. The audio messages confirm the button's function and provide additional context, creating a feedback loop that enhances the occupant's understanding of the control system.
2Loss of information
If the occupant presses control buttons to learn functionality, then the typical functionality is actuated, but this may cause unwanted changes in vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control buttons dynamically change their function based on the system state. When the teaching mode is activated, the buttons trigger audio messages instead of their typical functions. This dynamic reassignment allows the same physical button to serve different purposes depending on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by deactivating the typical functionality of control buttons before the occupant presses them for information. This prevents unwanted vehicle operations by ensuring the buttons are in a safe state before being used for learning purposes.
3Loss of information
If the occupant consults the user manual to understand button functionality, then detailed information is provided, but this requires the occupant to stop driving and look at the manual
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical interaction of reading a physical manual with an acoustic information delivery system. Audio messages provide the same functional information that would be in the manual, but through a hands-free, eyes-free interface that allows the occupant to remain focused on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic audio feedback delivered at the moment of button press. Instead of requiring the occupant to continuously reference a manual, information is provided periodically and contextually when needed, reducing the overall time and cognitive load required to understand button functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for teaching control button functionality to an occupant of a vehicle are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for teaching control button functionality to an occupant of a vehicle includes a plurality of adjustable vehicle components, an audio device, a plurality of control buttons, and a controller. The audio device is configured to receive an audible trigger from the occupant. The plurality of control buttons are each configured to cause an adjustment of at least one adjustable vehicle component when actuated by the occupant. The controller is programmed to (i) disable the plurality of control buttons upon reception of the audible trigger by the audio device, and (ii) upon actuation of a control button of the plurality of control buttons, cause the audio device to output an audible message relating to the at least one adjustable vehicle component configured to be adjusted by the control button.