Vehicle Mobile Device Operating Mode Transition via Touch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices in vehicles are not designed for intuitive and distraction-free operation by drivers, as the touchscreen operation requires attention and may not function reliably when detecting the approach of an actuation object.

Innovation Solution

The method and operating device allow for a seamless transition from display mode to operating mode upon touching the touch-sensitive surface, enabling user inputs even if the approach detection fails, by defining switching elements within partial areas and generating control signals, and automatically switching back to display mode if no inputs are recorded for a predefined time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the display switches to operating mode only when an actuating object approaches the touch-sensitive surface, then the user interface can display switching elements for operation, but the system may fail to detect the approach correctly causing operation failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of switching to operating mode only when approach is detected, the invention inverts the logic by allowing touch input in display mode as a fallback mechanism. This ensures operation reliability even when approach detection fails, while maintaining the ability to switch to operating mode when approach is successfully detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares a fallback operation mode beforehand by enabling touch input processing in display mode. This cushioning mechanism ensures that if approach detection fails, the user can still operate the device by touching the display, preventing operation failures without adding complex detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the touchscreen requires approach detection to enable operation, then the interface can be optimized for interaction, but the driver operation becomes more complex and less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver operation easeVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on detection status. When approach is detected, it switches to operating mode with full interaction capabilities. When approach detection fails, it remains in display mode but allows touch input as a fallback, creating a flexible adaptive system that optimizes for both ease of operation and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the conventional approach by allowing touch input to work in display mode rather than requiring mode switching first. This reversal makes the system more intuitive for drivers as touch responses work immediately without requiring successful approach detection, reducing operation time while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Area of stationary object

If the display mode shows only information without control elements, then the display area is optimized for information presentation, but the user cannot perform any operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area utilizationVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the operational capability from the display mode by allowing touch input processing independently of mode switching. The display area remains optimized for information presentation in display mode, while the touch-sensitive surface maintains operational capability through the fallback mechanism, separating information display function from operation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive surface is given universal functionality by enabling it to process both information display and operational input in display mode. This multi-functionality allows the same display area to serve both information presentation and control purposes depending on the nature of the user interaction, without requiring separate modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution ensures intuitive and distraction-free operation of mobile devices in vehicles, allowing users to interact with the touch-sensitive surface in both display and operating modes, even if the approach detection is malfunctioning, thereby enhancing user experience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity detection device for detecting an object approaching the touch-sensitive surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3033668B1Method for providing a operating device in a vehicle and operating device
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3033668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3033668B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3033668B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for providing an operating device (6) in a vehicle (12), which operating device comprises a mobile device (1), which is located in the interior of the vehicle (12), wherein the mobile device (1) has a display area (2), on which a touch-sensitive surface (4) is formed, according to which method graphic data are produced, which are displayed on the display area (2) of the mobile device (1), an approach of an actuating object (11) toward the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected, and the presentation on the display area (2) changes from a display mode to an operating mode if it was detected that an actuating object (11) has approached the touch-sensitive surface (4), wherein switching elements (14) that can be actuated are displayed in the operating mode, wherein the presentation on the display area (2) changes from the display mode to the operating mode also if it was detected that the actuating object (11) touches the touch-sensitive surface (4). The invention further relates to an operating device (6) by means of which the method described above can be performed.