Vehicle Automatic Driving Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic driving systems in vehicles require complex operating procedures for users to influence or control the driving style during partially or fully automated journeys, lacking intuitive and ergonomic interfaces for quick and safe user intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that records environmental data to generate a graphical user interface with control objects, allowing users to easily and intuitively control automatic driving functions through actuation of selection objects, which generate control signals for influencing the automatic driving function, including representations of the vehicle and surrounding traffic for safe and direct interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex operating procedures are used to control automatic driving functions, then the system can provide comprehensive control options, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user intervention becomes difficult and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol optionsVSAvoiduser intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface is segmented into multiple interactive layers: a first layer displaying environmental representation with control objects for basic functions, and a second layer providing additional control options when elements are selected or activated. This segmentation allows comprehensive control capabilities to be presented in a structured, easily navigable manner rather than as a complex monolithic interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional static menus to a multi-layered interactive graphical interface where control objects can be activated in sequence. The first control layer presents essential functions, while a second control layer provides additional options, creating a depth dimension in the UI that organizes complexity spatially and temporally.

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

2Reliability

If traditional control interfaces are used for automatic driving, then system functionality is maintained, but the response time for user intervention increases and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Control objects are pre-positioned and pre-configured in the graphical user interface based on the current driving context and environment. When a user situation arises requiring intervention, the relevant control objects are already displayed and ready for immediate activation, eliminating the time needed to search for or navigate to control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the driving environment and user interactions, dynamically updating the graphical user interface to reflect current conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that control objects remain relevant and accessible, and that users receive immediate visual confirmation of their actions, enabling rapid iterative control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If comprehensive environmental data is displayed to all passengers, then awareness and confidence are improved, but the complexity of the display system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger awarenessVSAvoiddisplay system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions or zones of the graphical user interface are assigned different levels of information density and detail. The environmental representation displays comprehensive data in a structured manner, while control objects and their associated information are localized to specific interactive elements. This allows comprehensive information to be presented without overwhelming the entire display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3802191B1Method and system for operating an automatic drive function in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3802191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3802191B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3802191B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an automatic driving function in a vehicle (1), in which method surroundings data in surroundings of the vehicle (1) are detected and based on the detected surroundings data, graphical data of a representation of the surroundings are generated and output. The representation of the surroundings comprises at least one first operating object (21), wherein, when an actuation of a first operating object (21) is detected, a selection object (36) is generated that is assigned to the first operating object (21); an actuation of the selection object (36) is detected; and subject to the actuation of the selection object (36), a control signal is generated. The automatic driving function is executed subject to the control signal. The invention further relates to a system for operating an automatic driving function in a vehicle (1), having a surroundings detection unit (6), by means of which surroundings data in surroundings of the vehicle (1) can be detected, a control unit (5), by means of which based on the detected surroundings data, graphical data of a representation of the surroundings containing at least one first operating object (21) can be generated and can be output by means of a display unit (3), and an input unit (4), by means of which an actuation of the first operating object (21) can be detected. The control unit (5) is configured such that when the actuation of the first operating object (21) is detected, a selection object (36) is generated that is assigned to the first operating object (21); an actuation of the selection object (36) is detected; and subject to the actuation of the selection object (36), a control signal is generated. The automatic driving function can be executed subject to the control signal.