Vehicle Parameter Display with Segmented Circular Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in displaying information to drivers in a way that is intuitive and quick to grasp, leading to driver distraction due to the overwhelming amount of data presented in multifunction operating and display devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a circular design for display elements, allowing for different representation modes, including a classic and modern view, with animated transitions to indicate mode changes, enabling the display of various vehicle parameters in a visually appealing and easily understandable manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive information is displayed in the combination instrument, then the driver can access vehicle data in one location, but the driver becomes distracted and cannot grasp desired information quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidinformation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple display areas with different functions: a first display area for primary vehicle parameters, a second display area for additional information, and a third display area for critical alerts. This segmentation allows comprehensive information to be organized in a way that maintains quick accessibility to essential data while providing space for additional details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display areas are assigned different visual characteristics and information densities. The first display area uses large, clear graphics for immediate recognition, the second area provides supplementary details, and the third area uses distinctive visual cues for critical information. This local differentiation ensures that each type of information is presented with appropriate visual weight and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If multiple display areas are used to organize information, then information can be categorized for better comprehension, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation comprehensionVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combination instrument serves multiple functions within a single integrated display unit. It displays primary vehicle parameters, supplementary information, and critical alerts simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate gauges and displays. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive information presentation without proportionally increasing physical device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent organizes information across multiple spatial dimensions within the display area rather than using multiple separate physical devices. By utilizing vertical and horizontal arrangement of display zones, the system accommodates comprehensive information presentation within a compact footprint, effectively adding organizational dimensions without increasing physical complexity.

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

3Device complexity

If conventional display layouts are used, then the design is simple and familiar, but the display is not visually appealing and may not engage driver attention appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay designVSAvoiddriver engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display layout employs asymmetric arrangement of display areas and graphical elements rather than conventional symmetric designs. The first display area features prominent graphical representations positioned for optimal visibility, while supplementary information is arranged asymmetrically in the second area. This asymmetric design creates visual interest and directs driver attention to critical information more effectively than traditional symmetric layouts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curved graphical elements and circular display zones, particularly in the graphical representations of vehicle parameters. These curved designs replace conventional linear or angular display elements, creating a more visually appealing and modern aesthetic that engages driver attention while maintaining clarity of information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2960096B1Method for displaying at least one parameter in the vehicle related to the operation of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2960096B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2960096B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2960096B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying at least one parameter relating to the operation of a vehicle (1) in the vehicle (1) by means of a display device (2) with a display area (7), wherein in a first display mode of the display device (2) the display area (7) is controlled such that a display element (10) with a first boundary (12.1) and an area lying within the first boundary (12.1) is generated. The area is subdivided into at least a first (10.1) and a second sub-area, and the first sub-area (10.1) comprises a scale (17) by means of which a state variable of the vehicle (1) is displayed. The current value of the state variable in the first display mode is displayed via a graphic element (11) which extends from the second sub-area into the first sub-area (10.1) towards the scale (17). Furthermore, the parameter is detected.In addition, an operating action is recorded, by which the display device (2) is moved from the first display mode to a second display mode. In the second display mode, the display element (10) is generated such that the second sub-area (10.2) is visually separated from the first sub-area (10.1) by a second boundary (12.2), that the second sub-area (10.2) is divided into a central area (10.2) and an inner area (10.3), with a third boundary (12.3) formed between the central area (10.2) and the inner area (10.3), and that the central area (10.2) is positioned between the first sub-area (10.1) and the inner area (10.3), that the graphic element (11) extends from the second boundary (12.2) to the scale (17), so that the graphic element (11) is only displayed in the first sub-area (10.1), and that the value of the parameter is displayed in the central area (10.2) and the inner area (10.3).3) is displayed in different display modes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device (3) for displaying at least one parameter relating to the operation of a vehicle (1) in the vehicle (1).