Vehicle Gauge Display With Geometric Scale Continuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle display systems that show measured driving variables often require additional information fields, increasing complexity and distracting drivers by necessitating them to view multiple displays simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A display device for vehicles that includes a primary scale for displaying a measured variable and an optional information field adjacent to it. The device features a controller that allows the measured value to be displayed on both the primary scale and the information field, with the information field providing additional context through a geometric continuation of the primary scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an information field is added to display additional information about the measured variable, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity and driver distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the information field with the first scale by creating a geometric continuation (second scale) that is visually integrated with the primary scale. The controller coordinates both displays to show the same measured value, making them appear as a unified continuous scale rather than separate elements. This combining approach provides comprehensive information while maintaining visual simplicity and reducing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the display into another visual dimension by adding the information field as a geometric continuation of the first scale. The second scale is positioned to create a visual extension (e.g., radial continuation for circular scales, linear extension for linear scales), allowing additional information to be displayed in a spatially integrated manner that does not increase complexity but rather enhances information density.
2Loss of information
If the driver looks at both the measured variable display and additional information field, then more information is obtained, but the time to complete the driving task increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the information field with the primary scale through geometric continuation and coordinated display, the patent creates a single unified visual element that provides both the measured value and additional information simultaneously. The driver perceives this as one integrated display rather than two separate elements requiring sequential attention, thereby obtaining complete information without increasing the time needed to process the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the information field and primary scale at equivalent visual importance and accessibility, with the geometric continuation creating a natural visual flow between them. Both elements are displayed with equal clarity and are positioned within the driver's normal field of view, eliminating the need for the driver to shift attention between hierarchically different elements and reducing cognitive processing time.
3Loss of information
If the measured value is displayed on both the first scale and information field, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased visual complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into two coordinated parts: the primary scale for the measured value and the information field as a geometric continuation. Each segment has a specific function but they are visually integrated through the geometric continuation relationship. This segmentation allows the driver to process information in a natural sequence while maintaining the perception of a unified display, improving readability despite providing comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric continuation to extend the display into another visual dimension, creating a natural visual flow from the primary scale to the information field. For circular scales, this creates a radial continuation; for linear scales, it creates a linear extension. This dimensional approach organizes information spatially in a way that maintains ease of reading while providing additional context.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A technique for displaying a measured quantity at a driver's seat in a vehicle is described. The vehicle is, in particular, a commercial vehicle. A device aspect (100) of the technique comprises a display (110) that shows a first scale (112-A) of the measured quantity and optionally an information field (114) adjacent to the first scale (112-A). The device aspect (100) further comprises a control unit (120) that is capable of exchanging signals with the display (110) for controlling the display (110). The control unit acquires a numerical value (111) of the measured quantity. In a first mode, the numerical value is displayed on the first scale (111). In a second mode, in addition to displaying the numerical value on the first scale (112-A) in the information field (114), the numerical value (111) is also displayed on a second scale (112-B) spaced apart from the first scale (112-A).Displaying the numerical value (111) on the second scale (112-B) corresponds to a geometric continuation of displaying the numerical value (111) on the first scale (112-A).