Vehicle Operation Unit Function Switching by Occupant and Driving State

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle operation systems do not dynamically adjust operations based on the state of the vehicle or the occupant, leading to suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that adjusts the functions and display of operation units based on the state of the vehicle and occupant, utilizing a function setting unit and display control unit to dynamically set and display functions accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the function of an operation unit is fixed beforehand, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle states and occupant states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle and occupant statesVSAvoidcomplexity of function setting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the function of the operation unit changeable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the function based on detected vehicle states (e.g., driving mode, speed) and occupant states (e.g., seat position, presence), allowing the operation unit to adapt its functionality in real-time according to current conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting vehicle and occupant states and autonomously determining appropriate functions for the operation unit without requiring manual reconfiguration. The control unit serves itself by making intelligent decisions about function assignment based on sensor data and predefined rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the function of an operation unit is changed dynamically, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle and occupant statesVSAvoidease of operation of operation unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle state and occupant state through sensors, and using this information to adjust the operation unit's function. The control unit receives feedback from the environment and adapts the function accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to changing conditions while maintaining operational appropriateness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the functional parameters of the operation unit based on detected states. Instead of physical reconfiguration, the system changes software-controlled parameters such as the assigned function, display content, and operational characteristics, allowing dynamic adaptation without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If the function information is displayed on the operation unit, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about functionVSAvoidcomplexity of display control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display function with the operation unit by integrating a display device directly into or near the operation unit. This combination allows function information to be displayed at the exact location where the operation is performed, eliminating the need for separate display systems and reducing overall device complexity while improving information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an operational interface and an information display device. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions: executing operations and providing feedback about current function and state, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated display components.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20260070418A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US20260070418A1 patent drawing
  • US20260070418A1 patent drawing
  • US20260070418A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program which are capable of improving operability of a vehicle.The information processing apparatus includes a function setting unit that sets a function to be carried out by an operation unit, on the basis of a setting condition based on at least one of the state of a vehicle and the state of an occupant of the vehicle, and a display control unit that controls display, on the operation unit, of function information regarding the function set for the operation unit. The present technology is applicable to, for example, vehicles.