Vehicle Operating Environment Customization via Software Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle owners have limited ability to customize their dashboard environments, as manufacturers predetermine the layout and sequence of electronic displays, restricting personalization beyond physical component changes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows vehicle owners to configure their operating environment using a VOE configuration application, which provides an initial configuration file and components file, enabling users to modify and store preferences, and send these modifications to the vehicle for implementation, incorporating a processor, memory, and communication interface to manage and apply user-defined settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the manufacturer predetermines the dashboard layout and display sequence, then the manufacturing process is simplified and production efficiency is improved, but the vehicle owner's ability to customize the dashboard environment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dashboard configuration into separate modular components that can be independently selected and arranged. Each display component (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) is a discrete element that can be customized without affecting the overall manufacturing process, allowing both efficient production and user personalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, manufacturer-fixed dashboard layout to a dynamic, user-configurable interface. The electronic display can be reconfigured by the user through software settings, allowing the dashboard to adapt to different user preferences while maintaining the same physical hardware structure.
2Reliability
If physical dashboard components are used, then the dashboard structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to change dashboard configuration is limited to physical removal and replacement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical dashboard components with an electronic display system controlled by software. This substitution maintains the reliability of a stable physical structure while enabling easy reconfiguration through digital settings, eliminating the need for physical removal and installation of components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic displays replace physical components, then dashboard flexibility is improved, but the sequence and number of components displayed becomes predetermined and cannot be changed by the vehicle owner
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently configure their own dashboard displays through an intuitive interface. Users can select, arrange, and customize display components according to their preferences without requiring manufacturer intervention or complex technical knowledge, making the system self-configurable and user-controlled.
4Manufacturing precision
If the manufacturer controls the dashboard 'look and feel', then manufacturing consistency and quality control are improved, but user personalization and preference customization are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows different levels of customization while maintaining overall design consistency. The manufacturer controls the fundamental dashboard structure and available component options to ensure quality standards, while users can customize specific local elements such as display sequences, component positions, and visual preferences, achieving both consistency and personalization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are presented for configuring a vehicle operating environment. An initial VOE configuration file and a VOE components file are provided to a VOE configuring application. A user employs the application to modify the VOE configuration file. The modified VOE configuration file is provided to a vehicle, where the vehicle uses the modified VOE configuration file to configure an operating environment of the vehicle.