Vehicle Operating System Dynamic Information Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle operating systems face challenges with confusing menu structures, sensory overload, and distraction due to the combination of digital and analog displays, making it difficult for drivers to navigate and access relevant information without compromising safety.

Innovation Solution

An operating system with a display device, input device, and control device that allows for a curtain-like or drawer-like opening movement of information panels, ensuring that essential vehicle information remains visible while enabling users to access detailed information without overlaying critical displays, using a familiar metaphor to minimize distraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If information panels are displayed in a fixed overlay manner, then detailed information can be accessed, but essential vehicle displays become obscured and driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of detailed informationVSAvoidvisibility of essential vehicle displays
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The information panel transitions from a static overlay to a dynamic element that can slide horizontally across the display. This dynamic behavior allows the panel to move out of the way of essential vehicle displays (speedometer, tachometer) while still providing access to detailed information when needed, resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and essential display visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The information panel is given horizontal movement capability across the display area, adding a spatial dimension to its presentation. Instead of simply appearing and disappearing or overlaying fixed positions, the panel can traverse the display horizontally, creating new spatial relationships that prevent obstruction of essential displays while maintaining information availability.

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

2Loss of information

If multiple menu items and functions are displayed together, then comprehensive information is provided, but the menu structure becomes confusing and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of informationVSAvoidmenu navigation clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The information panel is segmented into distinct functional areas: a header section for the title, a content area for detailed information, and a footer section for navigation controls. This segmentation organizes comprehensive information into manageable sections, improving navigability while maintaining completeness of the information presented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel's ability to slide in and out provides a dynamic navigation mechanism that helps users understand the hierarchical structure of information. The animation creates a visual metaphor for opening and closing information layers, making the menu structure more intuitive and easier to navigate despite the comprehensive nature of the content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If analog and digital displays are combined, then traditional and modern display requirements are met, but the arrangement and appearance become visually bulky and operationally complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different display typesVSAvoidarrangement and operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding information panel design serves multiple functions: it provides detailed information display, maintains navigation controls, and dynamically adjusts to avoid obstructing essential vehicle displays. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate analog and digital display systems into a unified, versatile interface that simplifies rather than complicates the overall system.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3395602B1Operating system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3395602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3395602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3395602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating system for a vehicle for selecting and displaying certain vehicle functionalities and/or information. The operating system comprises a display device with a display area; an input device (10) for marking and/or selecting an element displayed on the display area by a user; and a control device (8) which is coupled to the display device (1) and the input device (10) and with which a display on the display area (2) can be controlled. The display area (2) can be controlled by the control device (8) such that a first round instrument (3) for displaying a tachometer or speedometer, a vehicle display (7) for displaying at least one state of a driver assistance system and/or a vehicle environment, and a first information panel (5) arranged between the first round instrument (3) and the vehicle display (7) are displayed on the display area (2).The first information panel (5) can be displayed either in an open state, in which it shows detailed information (13, 14), or in a closed state, in which it displays a summary overview that indicates which detailed information (13, 14) can be displayed when the panel is open. A change (W) from the closed to the open state can be triggered by actuating the input device (10). During this change (W), an animated opening movement (A) is generated, in which the first information panel is enlarged by a pull-up movement towards the vehicle display (7), thereby shifting the vehicle display (7) on the display surface (2) so that it remains visible.