Vehicle Instrument Cluster Navigation Offload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital instrument clusters in vehicles require high computing resources to display navigation data, particularly for three-dimensional map images, which is costly and not feasible with low computing resources.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that offload the mapping calculation to a multimedia computer connected via a video link, allowing users to select display modes such as a 3D map, simplified cartographic representation, or occasional navigation instructions, with metadata-controlled video data processing to manage display modes efficiently on low-computing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If navigation data is displayed on a digital instrument cluster with high computing resources, then the display quality and functionality are improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the navigation data processing function from the instrument cluster and relocates it to a separate multimedia computer. The instrument cluster only receives and displays video signals, while the multimedia computer handles all navigation calculations and map rendering. This separation allows the instrument cluster to use low-cost components while maintaining high display quality through the dedicated navigation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a video signal as an intermediary between the multimedia computer and the instrument cluster. The multimedia computer generates navigation data and converts it to video signals, which are then transmitted to the instrument cluster for display. This intermediary approach allows complex navigation processing to be decoupled from the display hardware, enabling cost-effective implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional map images are calculated and displayed, then the navigation functionality is improved, but the computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation functionalityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the computationally intensive three-dimensional map calculation function from the instrument cluster and assigns it to a multimedia computer. The instrument cluster is relieved of processing demands and only performs video signal display, while the multimedia computer handles all 3D rendering and navigation computations independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display modes are implemented on the instrument cluster, then the user customization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser customizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses video signals as an intermediary to transmit multiple display modes from the multimedia computer to the instrument cluster. The multimedia computer generates different video formats (full-screen map, split-screen with speedometer, etc.) and the instrument cluster simply displays the received video signals. This approach enables multiple display modes without increasing instrument cluster complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3504862B1Method and device for displaying navigation data on a digital instrument panel of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3504862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504862B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504862B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying navigation data on a digital instrument panel (11) of a vehicle, comprising a first screen (11.1) and a processing unit (11.2), the method comprising the steps of: • - receiving, by the processing unit (11.2), a command for display of a mode from among at least two display modes for navigation data, characterised in that it further comprises the steps of: • - sending, by the processing unit (11.2), to a computer (12), a message indicating the selected display mode, • - receiving, by the processing unit (11.2), of video data coming from the computer (12) and corresponding to the selected display mode, • - commanding a display of the received video data in at least one display area of the first screen (11.1).