Vehicle Control Device On-Demand Explanation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of vehicle systems in motor vehicles makes it difficult for users to operate them intuitively, leading to misuse and underutilization of functionalities due to the need for extensive printed manuals that are hard to update and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system that includes an interface for detecting control inputs and a control device for controlling functionalities, with a storage medium for explanation information that can be retrieved and output via the interface, ensuring users have access to necessary explanations for operating the system, even if modifications occur during production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If printed operating manuals are provided to explain vehicle system functionalities, then users can obtain operational information, but the manuals become difficult to update and maintain when vehicle systems are modified during production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational information availabilityVSAvoidmanual update complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical printed manual system with an electronic information storage and retrieval system integrated into the vehicle. The control device stores operational information in memory and retrieves it electronically, eliminating the need for physical manuals and their associated update complexities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves multiple functions: it controls vehicle system functionalities, stores operational information, retrieves information upon request, and outputs information through various interfaces. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate components (manuals, update systems, information delivery mechanisms).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If extensive printed manuals are provided to cover all functionalities, then users can access operational information, but users are unwilling to read and study them, leading to misuse and underutilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational information availabilityVSAvoiduser interaction with information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to access operational information on-demand through simple interactions with the control device. Users can retrieve information about specific functionalities when they need it, without requiring proactive study of comprehensive manuals. The system serves the user's information needs directly at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device provides operational information as feedback in response to user requests or system states. This interactive feedback mechanism allows users to obtain relevant information without having to navigate through extensive printed materials, improving ease of access and utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of functionalities in vehicle systems is increased to provide more features, then system capability is improved, but system complexity increases making operation more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem operational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores operational information about all functionalities in advance within its memory. This preliminary preparation of information allows users to access detailed guidance for any functionality on-demand, making it easier to operate complex systems without requiring users to anticipate or study all features beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an information dimension to the vehicle control system. By integrating memory storage and information retrieval capabilities, the system provides a new layer of interaction where users can access operational guidance, effectively managing complexity through information availability rather than simplifying the core functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2188594B1Vehicle system of a motor vehicle having explanation function
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2188594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2188594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2188594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle system of a motor vehicle, having an integrated explanation functionality. A vehicle system providing functionalities in the motor vehicle in a manner controlled by control input comprises an interface for detecting the control input and a control device for controlling the functionalities as a function of the control input detected. A memory medium is linked to the control device, explanation information explaining the functionalities and/or operation of the vehicle system being stored on said medium, wherein the control device is configured to retrieve explanation information from the memory medium (7) and output the same via the interface (9).