3D Vehicle Interface for Intuitive Touchless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle information systems overwhelm users with information, leading to lengthy operation procedures and increased risk of driver distraction due to complex menu structures, necessitating an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that minimizes incorrect entries.

Innovation Solution

A method that converts two-dimensional graphical objects on a touch-sensitive display into three-dimensional representations when an operating intention is detected, allowing users to recognize operable objects without contact, using three-dimensional graphic data calculation and display techniques such as autostereoscopic or holographic projections, to facilitate quick and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If complex menu structures are used to provide comprehensive vehicle information, then information completeness is improved, but operating time and driver distraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional spatial representation. When an operating intention is detected, selected graphical objects are converted from flat 2D icons to立体3D objects that protrude from the display surface, creating depth perception and spatial hierarchy. This allows the system to present comprehensive vehicle information while enabling faster operation through intuitive spatial navigation and reduced cognitive load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If comprehensive vehicle information is displayed, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different visual properties to different regions of the display. When an operating intention is detected in a specific area, graphical objects in that local region are transformed into 3D representations with enhanced visual properties (depth, shading, perspective), while other regions maintain their standard 2D appearance. This localized enhancement guides user attention and simplifies operation without compromising overall information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If visual highlighting is used to draw attention to display objects, then ease of operation is improved, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dimensionality change as a focused attention mechanism. Instead of using broad visual highlighting that could distract the driver, the system selectively transforms specific graphical objects into 3D forms only when an operating intention is detected in their vicinity. This creates a narrow, context-relevant visual cue that guides the driver's attention precisely where needed without causing general distraction from the road.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2750914B1Method and device for making available a user interface, in particular in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2750914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750914B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2750914B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for making available a user interface, in particular in a vehicle (1), in which one or more graphic objects (100 - 120) are displayed on a display (2) with a touch-sensitive surface, an operator controlled intention which can be assigned to an operator controlled area (10) of the display (2) is determined in a contactless fashion in a space in the viewing direction in front of the display (2), and an operator controlled action is implemented by touching one of the graphic objects (100 - 120) in the operator-controlled area (10) of the display (2). The method according to the invention is characterized in that three-dimensional graphics data are calculated for a graphic object (100 - 120) in the operator-controlled area (10) of the display (2), and that when the operator-controlled intention has been determined, the graphic object in the operator-controlled area (10) is emphasized visually in that the display (100 - 120) of said graphic object which can be perceived over an area in the plane of the display (2) is changed into a display (100' - 120') which can be perceived spatially. The present invention also relates to an associated device (2, 3, 4) for making available a user interface, and to a vehicle (1) with such a user interface.