Vehicle Display Topic Segmentation and Spatial Navigation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying information in vehicles do not allow for intuitive and rapid changes in information presentation, particularly in multifunction control systems, which can be distracting for drivers and do not adapt well to different vehicle operating modes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that graphically display information objects associated with specific topics, allowing users to change topics through intuitive operator actions such as touch gestures or switching elements, with automatic topic changes triggered by vehicle operating mode changes, enabling seamless integration of various vehicle functions like navigation, media playback, and climate control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple information objects are displayed on the display surface, then the quantity of information displayed increases, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity in navigating between different information topics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of informationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display surface is segmented into multiple information objects, each representing a different information topic (e.g., journey, media, climate control). Each object can be independently selected and manipulated, allowing the system to display multiple types of information simultaneously while enabling the user to focus on one topic at a time through selective interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to information organization by positioning different information objects at different locations on the display surface. Objects associated with different topics are placed adjacent to each other, creating a visual map of information categories. This spatial arrangement allows users to navigate between topics by detecting operator actions (such as touches or gestures) on specific regions, transforming the flat information display into a multi-dimensional navigation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If information display changes require user interaction, then the adaptability to user preferences improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to time required for manual changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user preferencesVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects operator actions on the display surface and autonomously changes the displayed information topic based on user interactions. When a user touches or gestures toward a specific information object, the system self-adjusts to display that topic without requiring additional menu navigation or confirmation steps. This self-service mechanism maintains high adaptability to user preferences while significantly reducing the time and steps required for information display changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-organizes information objects on the display surface according to different topics and their spatial relationships. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to quickly respond to user interactions by simply switching between pre-positioned information objects, rather than requiring users to construct or search for information displays in real-time. The preliminary organization enables rapid topic switching while maintaining user preference adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If topic changes are automatic based on operating mode, then the productivity improves by reducing manual intervention, but the adaptability to specific user information needs worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidadaptability to user information needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can automatically switch topics based on vehicle operating modes (journey, break, work) for efficient productivity, while simultaneously allowing manual user interaction to override or adjust the displayed topic according to specific information needs. The same display surface and control mechanisms handle both automatic mode-based switching and user-initiated topic changes, making the system universally adaptable to different usage scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The information display system is dynamic in nature, allowing the displayed topic to change automatically based on operating mode detection while remaining responsive to real-time user interactions. The system can transition between automatic control (when productivity is prioritized) and manual control (when specific user information needs arise), creating a flexible and adaptive display behavior that adjusts to the current operational context and user intent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2930050B1Method and device for displaying information in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2930050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2930050B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2930050B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying information in a vehicle (15), in which at least one first object (14.1) is graphically displayed on a display surface (4) for the purpose of displaying information, wherein the first object (14.1) is assigned to a first topic. Adjacent to the first object (14.1), a second object (14.2, 14.3) is at least partially displayed for the purpose of displaying information, which is assigned to a second topic. It is detected when a topic change from the first topic to the second topic occurs on the display surface (4). Depending on whether a topic change has been detected, the second object (14.2, 14.3) is fully graphically displayed on the display surface (4) for the purpose of displaying information. The invention further relates to a device for displaying information in a vehicle.