Motor Vehicle Operating Device With Oscillating Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional motor vehicle user interfaces, especially in commercial vehicles, have complex and non-intuitive menu structures that confuse drivers and require extensive training, making it difficult to operate the vehicle without errors, especially during driver changes.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a screen and input unit that displays first and second information, where the second information is hidden in a closed position and revealed by oscillating movement, allowing intuitive access without distracting the driver and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex menu structures are used to provide comprehensive functionality, then the vehicle can operate with extensive features, but the user interface becomes confusing and requires extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple levels: a simplified main menu with frequently used functions and a detailed secondary menu accessible through selection. This segmentation allows comprehensive functionality to be organized in a structured way, presenting only essential options at the primary level while maintaining full feature availability in subordinate levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to menu interaction by implementing animated transitions that guide users through menu structures over time. The animation sequence transforms the static complex menu into a dynamic, time-based presentation that reveals information progressively, reducing cognitive load while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
2Ease of operation
If animations are used to conceal menu complexity, then the interface appears smoother, but the operating process is not sped up and complexity remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic animated transitions between menu levels and states. These rhythmic animations create a predictable, regular pattern in the user interaction flow, making the system behavior foreseeable and reducing the perceived complexity without adding unnecessary time to the operating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The animated menu transitions provide visual feedback that confirms user selections and guides the operating process. The animations serve as immediate feedback mechanisms that show users the system is responding to their input, reducing uncertainty and perceived complexity while maintaining efficient operation timing.
3Loss of information
If all information is displayed simultaneously on screen, then complete information is available, but the screen display becomes confusing especially while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The information display is segmented into hierarchical levels and categories. The main screen shows only essential information and primary menu options, while detailed information is organized in secondary menus accessible through selection. This segmentation maintains information completeness while ensuring display clarity by preventing information overload on the primary screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic information display where the content shown on screen changes based on user interaction state. Information is revealed progressively through animated transitions as users navigate menu levels, rather than displaying all information statically at once. This dynamic approach maintains clarity while preserving access to complete information.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control device in the driver's area of a motor vehicle is described. The control device comprises a screen (102) capable of displaying first information (108) and, in an information area (110), a second piece of information (130) dependent on the first information (108). An input unit (104) is configured to determine a plurality of movement directions (118). A control unit connected to the screen (102) and the input unit (104) displays the first piece of information (108) and a portion of the information area (110) without the second piece of information (130) on the screen (102) when the information area (110) is closed. When the information area (110) is open, at least the information area (110) containing the second piece of information (130) is displayed on the screen (102). A transition from the closed position to the open position is effected by inputting (120) one of the movement directions (118) (122).A transition from the open position to the closed position is effected by inputting (121) the same direction of movement (122).