Vehicle Operator Control Device Display Surface Menu Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices face challenges in presenting information in a clear and intuitive manner, particularly in limited display areas, while also needing to convey vehicle-type-specific information to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A method and operating device that detect the presence of an actuation object in a detection area to selectively display or change a sub-area with vehicle-type-specific information, such as graphics or lettering, within the menu structure, either upon entry or exit, to provide brief but repeated attention to the vehicle type, enhancing user awareness without cluttering the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If hierarchical menu structures are used to present various operating and display options, then the information can be organized clearly, but the display area becomes cluttered and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple regions: a first display region for hierarchical menu structures and a second display region for vehicle-type-specific information. This segmentation allows both menu information and vehicle type information to be displayed simultaneously without cluttering a single space, resolving the contradiction between information clarity and display complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the display serve different functions: the first display region is optimized for menu navigation while the second display region is optimized for vehicle type identification. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its function effectively without interfering with the other, maintaining information clarity while managing display complexity.
2Loss of information
If vehicle-type-specific information is always displayed, then the driver is constantly aware of the vehicle type, but the display area is reduced for primary menu operations
Solution Approach 1:
The second display region for vehicle-type-specific information is configured to be movable or adjustable relative to the first display region. This dynamic configuration allows the display areas to adapt based on operational context, enabling the driver to access vehicle type information when needed while maximizing menu display area during primary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-type-specific information can be displayed periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, allowing the menu display area to be optimized for primary operations while still providing regular reminders of the vehicle type to the driver.
3Ease of operation
If the display area is optimized for menu operations, then menu navigation is intuitive, but vehicle-type-specific information is not conveyed to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The display device merges two distinct information functions into a single integrated system: menu navigation and vehicle type identification. By combining these functions in a unified display architecture with multiple regions, the system maintains ease of menu operation while simultaneously conveying vehicle type information to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a menu navigation interface and as a vehicle type identification display. This universal design allows the same hardware to fulfill multiple information delivery roles without compromising the ease of primary menu operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a display surface (2) of an operator control device (6) in a vehicle (20), wherein data for a menu structure having menus in different levels is stored in a memory (11). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the presence of an actuating object (12) in a detection region (8) is detected and in that the menus of the menu structure comprise a subsurface (14) for displaying vehicle type-specific information, wherein the subsurface (14) having the vehicle type-specific information is displayed or modified in the associated menu on the display surface (2) only if it is detected that the actuating object (12) enters into the detection region (8) or exits from the detection region. The invention further relates to a corresponding operator control device (6) in the vehicle (20) for performing said method.