Vehicle GUI Window State Management for Driver Distraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle graphical user interfaces often distract drivers due to complex and non-intuitive information display and operation, requiring prolonged eye diversion from the road.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that display at least two windows on a touch-sensitive surface, where graphic objects are categorized and change states based on user intention and action, allowing for intuitive operation by highlighting and enlarging relevant windows, thereby minimizing distraction and improving accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If complex information is displayed in a vehicle GUI, then information completeness is improved, but driver distraction increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddriver operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is divided into multiple display windows, each showing different categories of information (e.g., media playback, navigation, vehicle status). This segmentation allows drivers to quickly locate specific information without being overwhelmed by a comprehensive but complex single display, thus maintaining information completeness while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display windows are assigned different visual characteristics and information densities based on their category and importance. Critical information windows use simpler, more prominent displays, while less critical information can be displayed in more compact formats. This local differentiation optimizes both information delivery and driver interaction ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If detailed information is presented to the driver, then information completeness is improved, but the time required for the driver to comprehend information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinformation comprehension time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Information is segmented into category-specific display windows that can be independently scanned. Drivers can quickly glance at relevant windows based on their current needs without processing entire screens of mixed information, significantly reducing comprehension time while maintaining access to complete information across all windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system displays only the most relevant information prominently in each window, with less critical details available but not dominating the view. This partial presentation approach allows drivers to grasp essential information quickly while knowing additional details are available if needed, reducing comprehension time without losing information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If multiple display windows are shown simultaneously, then information accessibility is improved, but display complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into standardized window templates with consistent layouts, borders, and interaction methods. This modular segmentation allows multiple windows to be displayed simultaneously with predictable behavior, improving information accessibility while managing display complexity through repetition of proven design patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All display windows use a universal interaction paradigm (e.g., touch selection, activation states, category-based organization). This universality allows drivers to interact with any window using the same mental model and actions, improving accessibility while reducing the cognitive complexity of learning and using the display system.

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

4Measurement precision

If the display requires multiple interaction steps, then operation precision is improved, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation precisionVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects and responds to driver input gestures (e.g., approach, touch, swipe) with immediate visual feedback that confirms the selected window and intended action. This preliminary confirmation reduces the need for multiple corrective interaction steps, maintaining operation precision while minimizing distraction by providing clear, immediate feedback that prevents erroneous operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The display provides continuous visual feedback about the current state, selected window, and available actions. This feedback loop allows drivers to confirm their intentions quickly and accurately with minimal interaction steps, maintaining operation precision while reducing distraction through clear, immediate system responses that eliminate uncertainty and reduce corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2930603B1Method and device for providing a graphical user interface in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2930603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2930603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2930603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing a graphical user interface in a vehicle (2), in which a display is shown on a display surface (4) of a display device (3), wherein at least two display windows (7.1 - 7.3) are shown in a first display state, and graphical objects (8.1 - 8.8) are displayed in the display windows (7.1 - 7.3), the graphical objects (8.1 - 8.8) being assigned to a category for each display window (7.1 - 7.3). Furthermore, a user's operating intention for a first display window (7.2) is detected. When the operating intention has been detected, the first display window (7.2) switches to an operating state. An operating action by the user is detected when the first display window (7.2) is in the operating state. Finally, when the operating action has been detected, at least the first display window (7.2) switches to a second display state.The invention further relates to a device (1) for providing a graphical user interface in a vehicle (2).