Vehicle Display Control Device Variable Update Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle instrument cluster displays face challenges in timely and high-quality information presentation due to the high computational demands of frequently updating measured variables and the need for continuous image rendering, which can result in jerking or poor image quality if the frame rate is not maintained.

Innovation Solution

A method and control device that determine the estimated update time for display data based on measured and operating variables, controlling updates as a function of this time and a predefined frame rate, ensuring a consistent frame rate and optimal use of computing power, while prioritizing updates for critical information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If display data is frequently updated to reflect rapidly changing measured variables, then information timeliness is improved, but computing power requirements increase and frame rate stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display timelinessVSAvoidcomputing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of update frequency from uniform to variable based on information priority. Critical information (e.g., warning signals) is updated at high frequency while non-critical information is updated at lower frequency, optimizing the balance between timeliness and computing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively updating only those display elements that contain critical information or have changed significantly, rather than updating all display elements uniformly. This reduces unnecessary computing operations while maintaining essential information timeliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of time

If display data is frequently updated to reflect rapidly changing measured variables, then information timeliness is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to jerking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display timelinessVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by updating display data at controlled time intervals based on frame rate requirements. By synchronizing updates with the display refresh cycle and using estimated update times, the system maintains smooth visual presentation while ensuring critical information is displayed timely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the update timing parameter based on the estimated update time and priority of information. Critical information triggers updates that maintain frame rate stability, while non-critical information updates are scheduled to avoid visual artifacts, thus maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If all display elements are updated uniformly, then simplicity of control is maintained, but information priority differentiation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidinformation priority differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different update priorities and frequencies to different display elements based on their information importance. Critical information elements (e.g., warning signals, speed data) receive higher priority and more frequent updates, while non-critical elements use lower priority, optimizing both information delivery and resource usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display elements into different priority groups (critical, normal, non-critical) and applies different update strategies to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate information priority while maintaining manageable control through standardized update mechanisms for each group

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2750913B1Method for operating a control device for a display of a vehicle and respectively operating control device
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2750913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750913B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2750913B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device (10) for a display (16) is designed to acquire display data for at least one element to be displayed (AE). The display (16) is arranged in a vehicle and is designed to optically signal the respective element to be displayed (AE), depending on the display data acquired by the control device (10) for said element to be displayed (AE). The method for operating the control device (10) comprises the following steps: An estimated updating time period (t_est) for an update of the display data of the element to be displayed (AE) is acquired for said element to be displayed (AE). The updating of the display data for the element to be displayed (AE) is controlled depending on the estimated updating time period (t_est) and a specified image rate.