Vehicle HMI Dynamic Function Assignment via Finger Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-machine interfaces for vehicles, particularly those with touch-sensitive surfaces, require greater user attention, leading to distractions from the traffic situation, and the need for separate buttons for each function increases space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a control unit with separate touch-sensitive selection and control areas, where the number of fingers on the selection area determines the function assigned to buttons on the control surface, allowing for increased functionality without spatial occupation and minimizing user attention diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate buttons are provided for each function, then function accessibility is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single touch-sensitive control surface is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different touch patterns (number of fingers, touch positions, touch duration). The control unit dynamically assigns different functions to the same physical location based on the detected touch pattern, allowing one surface to replace multiple separate buttons while maintaining ease of access to various functions
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface transitions from static button assignments to dynamic function assignment. The control unit continuously monitors touch patterns and changes the assigned function in real-time based on the number of fingers touching, their positions, and the duration of contact. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical surface to provide access to multiple functions without requiring multiple physical buttons
2Area of stationary object
If touch-sensitive surfaces are used, then space requirement is reduced, but user attention requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or zones of the touch-sensitive surface are assigned different functions based on the number of fingers touching. For example, touching with one finger activates navigation functions, while touching with two fingers activates media control. This spatial differentiation within the touch surface provides intuitive feedback and reduces the cognitive load required to operate the interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides immediate feedback to the user by detecting the number of fingers touching the surface and activating the corresponding function. This feedback mechanism helps users understand which function is currently active based on their touch pattern, reducing confusion and the attention required to operate the interface correctly
3Device complexity
If multiple functions are assigned to single touch points, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive surface is divided into multiple detectable zones or regions, each capable of detecting touches independently. The control unit analyzes the specific zone touched, the number of fingers, and their positions to determine the intended function. This segmentation allows for precise differentiation of touch patterns while maintaining a unified control surface design
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method for operating a human-machine interface (30) for a vehicle with a control unit (34) and at least one selection area (42) designed as a touch-sensitive surface (32), and at least one operating area (43) designed as a touch-sensitive surface (32), wherein the at least one selection area (42) and the at least one operating area (43) are separate from each other, has the following steps: a) a touch at at least one arbitrary touch point (46) of the at least one operating area (43) is detected, b) the number of fingers touching the at least one selection area (42) is determined, and c) a button (48) is then assigned to the at least one arbitrary touch point (46) on the at least one operating area (43), by means of which input is possible, wherein the button (48) is assigned a function which depends on the number of fingers,Those that touch at least one selection area (42) are selected.