Vehicle Control Interface Layout for Faster In-Car Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face difficulties in user convenience and efficiency due to the complexity of memorizing and navigating numerous physical and virtual buttons for controlling various vehicle parts, especially during driving operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that arranges interactive elements on a control user interface by categories of physical attributes or effects of the corresponding vehicle parts, allowing for customizable display and frequency-based arrangement, with a processor controlling the interface to facilitate quick access and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many physical buttons are provided to control various vehicle parts, then the controllability of vehicle parts is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in memorization and familiarity
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into multiple categories (e.g., climate control, audio, navigation, vehicle settings) with each category containing related functions. This segmentation allows users to access only the relevant category for their current need, reducing the cognitive load of remembering all buttons while maintaining comprehensive controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of physical buttons to a multi-dimensional hierarchical interface structure. Users navigate through layers: first selecting a category, then choosing specific functions within that category. This dimensional reorganization maintains full functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation through contextual navigation.
2Ease of operation
If a control user interface with virtual keys is displayed on an onboard terminal device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to long operation paths and low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing all control functions into logically grouped categories before user interaction. When users enter the control interface, the relevant category options are already prepared and displayed, eliminating the need for users to search through unrelated functions or remember navigation paths, thus reducing operation time while maintaining ease of use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control user interface is designed with comprehensive functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases making it unfriendly to users
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive control system is segmented into distinct functional categories (climate, audio, navigation, vehicle settings, etc.). Each category is independently organized and presented to users only when relevant, masking the underlying complexity while maintaining full adaptability. Users interact with simplified category-level interfaces rather than the full complexity of all available functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves complexity by adding hierarchical dimensions to the interface structure. Instead of presenting all functions at one level (which would be overwhelming), the system creates multiple navigation levels: category selection first, then function selection within categories. This dimensional organization maintains comprehensive adaptability while presenting a simple, friendly interface at each level.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling vehicle parts are disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a display (10) configured to provide a control user interface (100), wherein the control user interface (100) displays a plurality of interactive elements (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) for controlling various vehicle parts; and a processor (20) configured to control, in response to receiving an indication message indicative of entering into the control user interface (100), at least some of the plurality of interactive elements (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) to be arranged and displayed by categories on the control user interface (100). The apparatus and method can greatly shorten an operation path and have a low requirement for a user's memory, thereby making operations for controlling vehicle parts convenient and providing a good user experience.