Vehicle Function Menu Grouping for Intuitive Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems require complex and time-consuming processes for setting and changing vehicle functions, which can distract drivers and increase the number of operating steps, making it difficult to adjust settings quickly and intuitively while driving.

Innovation Solution

The method involves grouping individual functions into main and intermediate collection functions, allowing users to assign settings directly through a touchscreen menu without needing to call up submenus, using intermediate collection functions to change assignments and providing modification profiles for temporary changes, enabling rapid and intuitive adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual functions are set through submenus, then comprehensive function settings are achieved, but the number of operating steps increases and driver attention is required for longer periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setting vehicle functionsVSAvoidtime required for setting functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments functions into main collection functions (displayed in the main menu) and individual functions (accessible via submenus). This segmentation allows the driver to quickly access commonly used main functions while providing detailed configuration options in submenus when needed, reducing the time for routine adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring main collection functions that group related individual functions together. This allows the driver to make comprehensive function adjustments through a single main menu selection rather than navigating multiple submenus, effectively performing the configuration action in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive function settings are provided, then all vehicle functions can be adjusted, but the menu complexity and number of displayed options increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of function settingsVSAvoidmenu structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the comprehensive function settings into hierarchical segments: main collection functions in the main menu and individual functions in submenus. This segmentation maintains completeness of settings while reducing the complexity visible at any one time, as the main menu only displays high-level function groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the menu structure, organizing functions across multiple levels (main menu → submenus → individual settings). This dimensional organization allows comprehensive functionality to be accessed systematically without overwhelming the driver with all options simultaneously in the main menu.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements are provided for different functions, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to locate and use different controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of controllable functionsVSAvoidintuitiveness of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by providing a single multifunctional touchscreen display that can access all vehicle functions through a unified menu system. This eliminates the need for the driver to locate and operate multiple separate physical controls, as the touchscreen serves as a universal interface for all vehicle settings and functions.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2790953B1Method and operating device for setting vehicle functions
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2790953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2790953B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2790953B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for setting vehicle functions in a vehicle. Several individual functions (E) are associated with several main collective functions (H), such that several individual functions (E) are set by selecting a main collective function (H), and the main collective functions (H) can be selected by means of an operating device (1) by using a menu displayed by a display device (2). In said menu, buttons (8-1 to 8-5) associated with the main collective functions (H) are displayed. The association of the settings of the individual functions (E), which are performed when the respective main collective function (H) is activated, is carried out in at least one submenu. The method according to the invention is characterized in that at least one intermediate collective function (Z) is defined, with which settings of a subset of the individual functions (E) are associated, a button (9-1) to 9-3) for selecting the intermediate collective function (Z) is displayed by the display device (2) simultaneously to the buttons (8-1 to 8-5) of the menu for selecting the main collective functions (H), and if the intermediate collective function (Z) is selected, the settings of the individual functions (E) of the subset that are associated with the intermediate collective function (Z) are applied to the selected main collective function (H). The invention further relates to an operating device (1) for performing said method.