Vehicle I/O Device Segmented Touch and Display Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-based interfaces in vehicles pose challenges due to the physical constraints of the in-vehicle environment, particularly in reaching the ideal display position for drivers without causing distraction, as traditional touch interfaces combine input and display areas, making it difficult to maintain driving safety.
Innovation Solution
A dual-display system with a touch-sensitive input display unit located in a reachable position and an output display unit positioned for easy viewing, connected by a control unit that allows for intuitive gesture-based control of vehicle functions, minimizing driver distraction by separating input and output areas and using a head-up display for non-distracting information presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch-based interface combines input and display areas in one location, then ease of operation is improved, but driver distraction increases and driving safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two separate display units: a first display unit positioned in the driver's regular field of view for displaying information, and a second display unit positioned in a readily reachable position for touch input. This spatial segmentation allows the driver to view information without moving hands from the steering wheel, while touch interactions occur on a separate, accessible display, thereby reducing distraction while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the display is positioned close to the driver's regular road view angle, then driving safety is improved, but ease of reaching the display for input deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the display functionality into two separate units with different purposes and positions. The first display unit is positioned in the driver's regular field of view (e.g., instrument cluster or upper center console) for information display, while the second display unit is positioned in a readily reachable area (e.g., lower center console) for touch input. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each display unit to be optimally positioned for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The second display unit acts as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle's information systems. It provides a touch interface that the driver can easily reach and manipulate without moving their eyes or hands from the primary driving position. The control unit mediates between touch inputs on the second display and the information displayed on the first display, enabling intuitive control while maintaining driving safety.
3Device complexity
If a single display is used for both information display and touch input, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both readily visible information and easily accessible input deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two separate display units, each optimized for its specific function. The first display unit displays information in the driver's field of view, while the second display unit provides touch input capabilities in a reachable position. This segmentation increases adaptability by allowing each unit to be independently optimized for its purpose, while the control unit integrates their functionality to manage overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides universal functionality by managing both display units and coordinating between them. It receives touch inputs from the second display unit, processes the corresponding commands, and updates the information displayed on the first display unit. This multi-functional control unit handles both information presentation and input processing, enabling the system to adapt to various operating modes while maintaining manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An I/O device for a vehicle includes at least one touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT, at least one output display unit DI and a control unit CU connecting the I/O display unit DT and the output display unit DI with an information exchange unit IEU. The touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT is located in a readily reachable position for a driver and the output display unit DI is located in a readily discernible position for a driver, and the control unit CU communicates output data DD-I/O related to an interactive I/O communication to the I/O display unit DT, receives touchscreen input data TI from the I/O display unit DT and communicates output data DD-O to the output display unit DI in relation with the input data TI. An I/O method using the above mentioned I/O device for a vehicle is also provided.