On-Board Vehicle Help Interface for Fast Feature Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles have complex systems that are often incompletely understood by operators, leading to underutilization of features due to inadequate access to relevant information in traditional hardcopy manuals.
Innovation Solution
An on-board vehicle information system that provides descriptions of operating systems and control devices in audio, visual, or audio-visual formats, using a requestor-initiated inquiry device, an information storage and retrieval system, and a communications center, allowing for timely access to pertinent vehicle information through a graphic user interface or remote handheld device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional hardcopy operator manuals are provided in vehicle compartments, then information is available to operators, but access time is excessive and information retrieval is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardcopy manual system with an electronic information delivery system that uses audio, visual, or audio-visual formats through the vehicle's existing multimedia infrastructure. This substitution enables instant access to information without the physical limitations of flipping through pages or searching through text, directly resolving the time loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of operator manual content and stores them in an information storage device within the vehicle. These copies can be instantly retrieved and delivered through the communications center, eliminating the need to physically handle the original manual while providing the same informational content immediately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle systems become more complex with enhanced features, then vehicle functionality is improved, but operator understanding and feature utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a requestor-initiated inquiry mechanism where operators can actively request information about specific vehicle features they are unsure about. The system responds by delivering relevant information through the communications center, creating a feedback loop that adapts to the operator's information needs and improves understanding of complex features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information delivery system that acts as a mediator between the complex vehicle systems and the operator. This intermediary translates complex system information into easily understandable audio, visual, or audio-visual formats, making sophisticated vehicle features more accessible and easier to understand.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive operator manuals are provided, then complete information is available, but the manual becomes bulky and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive operator manual information into discrete, searchable topics and features stored in the information storage device. Instead of a single bulky manual, the information is divided into manageable units that can be individually accessed and delivered, eliminating navigation complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional printed text to multi-dimensional information delivery using audio, visual, and audio-visual formats. This dimensional change allows comprehensive information to be presented in multiple formats simultaneously, improving accessibility and reducing the perceived complexity of navigating through extensive information.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board information system is provided, including a help facility, which is operable to provide information to a requester. The information comprises audio or audio-visual descriptions for operating various systems and control devices, using on-board or off-board devices. An information system is provided, comprising a requestor-initiated information inquiry device, an information storage system, and, an information communications center. The information storage system communicates information to the communications center based upon a request for information initiated by the requester to the information inquiry device. The request for information can be canceled during delivery. The system is applicable to vehicles and other systems wherein operators may have limited knowledge of functioning of all aspects of the system.