Vehicle Data Display System with User Configurable Touch Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems require drivers to divert attention from the road to read gauges, are difficult to customize, and lack integration with on-board computers and peripheral devices for user-configurable data acquisition and display.
Innovation Solution
A data acquisition and display system that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer via a data link connector, featuring a full-color touch screen monitor for user-configurable displays, bi-directional communication, and integration with peripheral devices, allowing customization of gauge skins and automatic adjustments based on ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional gauge clusters are used, then vehicle performance data can be displayed, but driver safety deteriorates due to required attention diversion from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical needle gauges with a digital display system that presents vehicle performance data in a simplified, easily interpretable format. This substitution reduces the cognitive load and time required for drivers to interpret gauge readings, thereby maintaining information visibility while improving safety by minimizing attention diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the display and controls in optimized locations that improve driver accessibility and reduce the need for extreme head movements or prolonged glances at the instrument panel. The localized arrangement of frequently used controls and critical information within easy reach and view of the driver enhances safety while maintaining data accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket gauges are installed for customization, then vehicle personality and performance monitoring are enhanced, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal mounting brackets and standardized connection interfaces that allow the same display unit to be installed in various vehicle types and configurations. The system provides multiple display modes and configurable parameters that serve different customization needs, reducing the need for vehicle-specific modifications while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the gauge system into modular components including separate mounting brackets, display units, and control elements that can be independently installed or configured. This segmentation allows for simplified installation where components can be assembled and positioned separately, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining customization flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If multiple aftermarket gauges are mounted in various positions, then data accessibility is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gauge functions and data displays into a single integrated display unit. This consolidation maintains data accessibility by presenting all relevant vehicle performance information in one location, while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to install and wire multiple separate gauge components throughout the vehicle interior.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.