Vehicle Function Assignment for Easier Steering Switch Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle function assignment systems require user selection, which can be inconvenient for those unfamiliar with the functions, leading to underutilization.

Innovation Solution

A control device that identifies frequently used vehicle functions and suggests assigning them to easier-to-operate operation units, such as steering switches, based on usage frequency and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user voluntarily selects a vehicle function to be assigned to the steering switch, then the user has control over the assignment, but the usability is reduced for users who do not know which function is more convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidassignment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically identifies frequently used vehicle functions and proposes assignments to the steering switch without requiring user knowledge or manual selection. The system serves itself by analyzing usage data and making intelligent recommendations, freeing the user from the complex task of selecting and assigning functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of vehicle function usage frequencies before the user needs to make an assignment decision. By pre-identifying which functions are most frequently used, the system prepares the optimal assignment recommendations in advance, simplifying the user's interaction to merely accepting or rejecting the proposed assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the system automatically identifies and proposes function assignments, then the usability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements a feedback mechanism where it monitors vehicle function usage, analyzes the data to identify frequent operations, and uses this feedback to generate intelligent assignment proposals. The system continuously learns from user behavior patterns and adjusts its recommendations accordingly, achieving high usability through data-driven automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation units are available for function assignment, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of determining optimal assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment flexibilityVSAvoidoptimization difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses usage frequency as a key parameter to evaluate and compare different vehicle functions. By quantifying how often each function is used, the system transforms the complex qualitative judgment of optimal assignment into a straightforward quantitative comparison, making it easy to identify which functions should be assigned to the steering switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12545272B2Control device

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

In the control device, the identifying unit specifies, as the first vehicle function, a vehicle function having a relatively high use frequency among the vehicle functions assigned to each of the plurality of operation units mounted in the vehicle. The suggesting unit proposes to the user of the vehicle that the identified first vehicle function is assigned to a second operation unit different from the first operation unit to which the first vehicle function is assigned in advance.