Vehicle Display Background Switching for Travel Mode Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve the recognition of the current travel mode by the operator in vehicles that have multiple travel modes.

Innovation Solution

A display system and method that utilizes different background patterns for different travel modes, with a first background pattern for the normal travel mode and a second visually distinct background pattern for the walk mode, enhancing the visibility of the current mode through contrasting display settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If auditory cues from the power source are used to indicate travel mode, then operator recognition is improved, but this approach is ineffective in electric motor vehicles where auditory cues are minimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode recognition reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability across different vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces auditory cues (mechanical/engine sound) with visual cues (display screen background patterns) to indicate travel mode. This substitution allows the system to work effectively in electric motor vehicles where auditory cues are minimal or absent, while maintaining reliable mode recognition across all vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses different background patterns with distinct colors, saturation levels, and brightness to represent different travel modes. The display screen changes its background appearance based on the current mode, providing clear visual feedback to the operator about the vehicle's current state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If visual display elements are added to indicate travel mode, then operator recognition is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode recognition reliabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing display screen serve multiple functions: it displays both operational information and travel mode indication through background patterns. By integrating the mode indication function into the existing display infrastructure rather than adding separate indicators, the system improves mode recognition while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If distinct background patterns are used for different travel modes, then operator recognition is improved, but information presentation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode recognition reliabilityVSAvoidinformation clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different background patterns specifically to the display screen area to indicate travel mode, while keeping other operational information intact. This localized approach provides clear mode indication without overwhelming or complicating the overall information presentation, maintaining both recognition reliability and information clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4349633B1Display system for vehicle, vehicle, and display method for vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
  • EP4349633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4349633B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4349633B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display system is a system which can set a first travel mode and a second travel mode. A display system includes: a display displaying an information image indicating vehicle information to be superimposed on a background pattern; and a circuitry controlling a display on the display so that a first background pattern is set as the background pattern when the first travel mode is set and a second background pattern visually recognized to be different from the first background pattern is set as the background pattern when the second travel mode is set.