Vehicle Driving Mode Display with Segmented Responsibility Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers face difficulty in intuitively identifying their tasks in various vehicle automation modes, as existing systems lack clear visualization of responsibility distribution between the driver and automated systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that generate graphical elements on a display to represent the driver and automated subsystems, with action elements indicating current responsibilities, allowing flexible and intuitive recognition of tasks in different driving modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple automation levels are provided with different control elements, then the vehicle can operate in various driving modes, but the driver cannot clearly identify which tasks he has to perform himself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelsVSAvoidtask identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into distinct graphical elements: a first graphical element representing the driver, a second graphical element representing the automated subsystem, and action elements representing specific tasks. This segmentation clearly assigns tasks to specific actors, making it intuitive for the driver to understand his responsibilities in each automation mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different colored markings are used to indicate control responsibility and task assignment. The color coding system provides immediate visual feedback about which actor (driver or subsystem) is responsible for which action, enhancing the driver's ability to quickly comprehend his current tasks without confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Extent of automation

If control responsibility is distributed between driver and subsystem, then automation can be implemented, but the driver cannot intuitively recognize his tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol responsibility distributionVSAvoidtask recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous visual feedback through the display device, showing the driver which tasks are currently assigned to him and which are handled by the automated subsystem. This feedback mechanism ensures the driver always knows his current responsibilities, making task recognition intuitive despite varying automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display device acts as an intermediary between the automated subsystem and the driver, translating complex control responsibility distributions into simple, intuitive graphical representations. This intermediary clearly communicates task allocation, bridging the gap between automation complexity and driver understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3328676B1Method and system for displaying driving modes of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3328676B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3328676B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3328676B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying driving modes of a vehicle (6). The vehicle (6) can be operated in at least two different driving modes. In the method according to the invention, it is ascertained whether the vehicle (6) is being operated in a first or a second driving mode. In the first driving mode, a first actuator carries out a first action, and in the second driving mode, a second actuator carries out the first action. A first graphical element (7) which represents the first actuator and a second graphical element (8) which represents the second actuator are generated on a display surface (3). Depending on whether the vehicle (6) is in the first or the second driving mode, a first graphical action element (9, 10) which represents the first action is generated with the first (7) and/or second graphical element (8). The invention further relates to a system (1) for displaying driving modes of a vehicle (6).