Vehicle Input Device Dynamic Keypad Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle input devices, such as keypads, face challenges in accommodating varying use conditions and efficiently handling user inputs, particularly in terms of sensitivity and privacy, as they often rely on mechanical switches and fixed display sizes which may not adapt to user interactions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle input device featuring a touchscreen with an array of proximity sensors, displaying virtual input icons that adjust their size and separation based on user interaction, using capacitive sensors to determine the offset and adjust the sensing area for enhanced interaction and privacy, allowing for dynamic adjustment of keypad size and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed display sizes and mechanical switches are used, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to varying use conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying use conditionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of display element sizes and spacing based on detected user input conditions. The system transitions from fixed mechanical switches to a touchscreen display where virtual keys can dynamically change size and position, allowing the device to adapt to different use conditions such as gloved operation or rapid input scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes display parameters (key size, spacing, position) based on detected input conditions. The controller monitors touchscreen input patterns and adjusts display parameters accordingly, enabling the same physical device to accommodate varying use conditions without structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical switches are used, then manufacturing is simple, but sensitivity to user input deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity to user inputVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with a touchscreen display system that uses capacitive or resistive sensing technology. This substitution provides superior sensitivity to user input while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of standard touchscreen components and controller integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If fixed keypad size is used, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts keypad size and spacing based on detected input conditions, making operation easier for different scenarios (e.g., larger keys for gloved hands, faster response for rapid input). The controller automatically manages these adjustments without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects input conditions and self-adjusts display parameters without user input. The controller monitors touchscreen interactions and autonomously modifies key size and spacing to optimize ease of operation for the current use condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If proximity sensors with fixed sensing area are used, then measurement precision is adequate, but adaptability to user-specific offsets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput location detection precisionVSAvoidadaptability to user-specific offsets

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the sensing area parameters of proximity sensors based on detected user input patterns and stored user profiles. The controller modifies sensing thresholds and area parameters to accommodate individual user characteristics, improving both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from proximity sensor readings and user interaction patterns to refine sensing parameters. By monitoring input accuracy and user behavior, the controller adjusts sensing area parameters to optimize both precision and adaptability to individual users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides an enhanced user experience by dynamically adjusting the keypad size and sensitivity based on user input, improving interaction efficiency and privacy by adapting to user-specific settings, ensuring accurate input recognition and secure operation.

Implementation Method 1

The capacitive sensors are configured in an array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10817141B2Vehicle input device having offset registration

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle keypad device is provided that includes a touchscreen having an array of proximity sensors located on an exterior of a vehicle, a keypad display displaying virtual input button icons proximate the proximity sensors, and a controller determining a location of a user input from the proximity sensors, determining an offset of the input from one of the virtual input icons and adjusting a sensor area of the proximity sensors for the icon based on the offset.