Vehicle Display Mode Switching via Hand Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display and operating devices in vehicles face a resource conflict due to the limited display area, where information and operating elements compete for space, leading to inefficient operation, especially when complex vehicle systems require more control options.
Innovation Solution
A spatially resolving detection unit is coupled to the control unit to automatically switch between display and operating modes based on the presence of an actuating element, such as a finger, allowing for an immediate operating menu to be displayed only when necessary, optimizing the use of space and eliminating the need for additional control elements to switch modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display area is used to display both information and operating elements, then the display area utilization is improved, but the operating elements become harder to operate due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface dynamically changes its function based on the detected hand position. When a hand is detected, the display switches from showing information to showing operating elements. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical space to serve different purposes at different times, resolving the contradiction between maximizing display area utilization and maintaining operating element operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the display usage. Instead of statically allocating space for both information and operating elements simultaneously, the system alternates between displaying information and operating elements based on hand detection. This temporal multiplexing allows full utilization of the display area without compromising operating element size or operability.
2Device complexity
If control elements are displayed directly on the display surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating elements become harder to operate due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface dynamically switches between information display mode and operating element display mode based on hand detection. When no hand is detected, the full display area shows information. When a hand is detected, the display transitions to showing operating elements that utilize the entire display surface, ensuring they remain large enough for easy operation despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own hand as the trigger for mode switching. The hand detection mechanism automatically initiates the transition from information display to operating element display without requiring separate control actions, making the system self-adaptive to user needs.
3Device complexity
If the display switches between display mode and operating mode manually, then the mode switching control is simplified, but the operation time increases due to additional switching steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the user's hand and initiates mode switching without requiring manual intervention. The hand detection mechanism serves as an automatic trigger that eliminates the need for users to press buttons or perform additional actions to switch between display mode and operating mode, thereby reducing the time lost to mode switching while keeping the control mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical switching (buttons, knobs) with an automatic sensor-based detection system. The hand detection mechanism uses optical or capacitive sensing to automatically trigger mode changes, eliminating the need for mechanical switching actions and reducing the time required to transition between modes.
4Area of stationary object
If the display area is limited, then the device size is reduced, but the information display capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display alternates between showing information and showing operating elements based on periodic hand detection. When no hand is present, the display shows information about vehicle systems. When a hand is detected, it transitions to showing operating elements. This periodic switching allows the limited display area to serve both information display and control functions effectively, maximizing the utility of the limited space without permanently sacrificing either function.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A display and control device (2) in a motor vehicle (1) for operating at least one vehicle system and/or at least one service, and a method for operating such a display and control device. This device comprises a display device (3) for generating a visually perceptible representation on a display surface (4) and a control unit (8) configured to operate the display device (3) in a display mode and in an operating mode, wherein in the display mode information about the at least one vehicle system (12, 13) or the at least one service is displayed on the display surface, and in the operating mode at least one control element (5) or a control element assignment (7) for at least one further control element (6) is additionally displayed or at least modified for optimal operation.wherein at least one spatially resolving detection unit (19) for detecting a spatial position of an actuating element relative to the display surface (4) is coupled to the control unit (8), wherein the control unit (8) is configured to switch from the display mode to the operating mode when it detects an approach of the actuating element to the display surface (4), and wherein, after switching from the display mode to the operating mode, an instant menu is initially displayed, the display of which depends on the presence of the actuating element in a holding volume (22) defined relative to the display surface (4) and located within the detection range of the detection unit (19).