Vehicle Control Panel With Context-Adaptive Multi-Function Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control panels face challenges in providing a large number of functions within space constraints while ensuring safety and ease of use, as they often require numerous keys or complex key presses, leading to driver distraction and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with clickable keys that automatically assign functions based on vehicle parameters and context, accompanied by a display to indicate the current function, allowing minimal key usage and intuitive operation, with optional manual override and customizable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more keys are provided on the control panel to increase the number of available functions, then the vehicle can offer more functions and features, but the control panel requires more space and the driver may experience loss of concentration and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically adapts its functionality by detecting the driver's hand position and presenting only the most relevant functions at any given moment. The system transitions from a static layout of all functions to a dynamic presentation that shows only 3-5 most relevant keys based on real-time driver context, thereby maintaining versatility while improving safety and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the control panel are assigned different functions based on the driver's hand position. When the driver's hand is detected on the left side, left-oriented functions are highlighted; when on the right side, right-oriented functions are presented. This local differentiation allows the same physical space to serve multiple functional contexts without requiring additional keys
2Ease of operation
If one key is assigned several functions to reduce the number of keys, then the control panel space is reduced, but it becomes difficult for the driver to select the right function while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback by illuminating or highlighting the currently active function on each key. When the driver approaches a key, the system detects the hand position and displays which function will be activated, allowing the driver to confirm the correct function before pressing. This feedback mechanism eliminates the confusion of multi-function keys while maintaining space efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel performs preliminary action by pre-selecting and highlighting the most relevant function based on the driver's hand position and vehicle context before the driver actually presses the key. This preliminary indication allows the driver to verify the correct function is selected, reducing selection difficulty while maintaining compact key design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of keys are provided to cover all vehicle functions, then all functions can be accessed directly, but the control panel becomes complex and requires more space on the dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel transitions from a static, comprehensive key layout to a dynamic presentation that adapts to the driver's needs in real-time. Only the most relevant 3-5 functions are presented at any moment based on detected hand position and vehicle state, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining full function coverage through sequential access
Solution Approach 2:
Each physical key serves multiple functions depending on the context and driver's hand position. The same key may represent different functions at different times, allowing a compact control panel to provide comprehensive function coverage without requiring a separate key for each function, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle control panel (15) that comprises: - at least one clickable key (20) to which is assigned at least one function, said key (20) being configured to move at least between an inactive position and an active position in which said function is activated; - a screen (25) for displaying the current function of the key (20). The function is automatically assigned to the key (20) depending on a current parameter of the vehicle equipped with said control panel (15) or on a current context-related parameter.