Vehicle Steering Angle Graphic Object Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing amount of information in vehicles, particularly in off-road driving situations, requires a more effective way to display the instantaneous steering angle to enhance driver safety and awareness without distracting the driver from the road.

Innovation Solution

A method and display system that generates and displays graphic objects representing the steering wheel, axis, and steering angle in a realistic and adaptable manner, using a combination of detected steering angles, camera inputs, and programmable display areas to provide real-time and easily interpretable information about the steering angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a freely programmable screen is used to display information in the instrument cluster, then the adaptability of displayed information to driver needs is improved, but the clarity and immediate comprehensibility of critical information like steering angle may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of displayed informationVSAvoidimmediate comprehensibility of steering angle information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display information is segmented into different types: critical operational parameters (steering angle) are displayed using dedicated graphic objects with specific visual conventions, while other information can be displayed using programmable formats. This segmentation allows critical information to maintain immediate comprehensibility while the overall system retains adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display formats are applied to different types of information within the same display system. Critical information like steering angle uses standardized graphic objects with consistent visual properties for immediate comprehension, while other information can use adapted formats, creating local quality variations that optimize both adaptability and comprehensibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital displays replace mechanical gauges in the instrument cluster, then the adaptability and information capacity are improved, but the immediate readability and intuitive understanding of vehicle status may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation capacityVSAvoidimmediate readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates graphic objects that copy the visual appearance and behavior of traditional mechanical gauges (needles, scales, circular displays) but implements them digitally. This allows the display to maintain the immediate readability of mechanical gauges while gaining the adaptability and information capacity of digital systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of display format from purely digital to a hybrid that incorporates visual metaphors from mechanical gauges. By adjusting parameters like display shape, needle animation, and scale markings, the system maintains immediate readability while enabling digital adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive information from multiple sensors and systems is displayed, then the usefulness to the driver is improved, but the distraction from the road and cognitive load may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusefulness of informationVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates critical information (steering angle) from the general stream of information and gives it a distinct visual representation through dedicated graphic objects. This extraction allows critical information to be processed intuitively without adding to cognitive load, while other information remains available but visually differentiated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of presenting all information in a uniform detailed format that requires cognitive processing, the patent inverts the approach by using simplified, intuitive visual metaphors for critical parameters. This inversion reduces cognitive load while maintaining usefulness by matching the visual representation to natural driver expectations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3543060B1Method for displaying information relating to the operation of a vehicle and display system
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3543060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543060B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for displaying information concerning the operation of a vehicle (1) by means of a display device (2) in the vehicle (1), which includes a steering system that controls a steering angle of at least one steering wheel, the instantaneous steering angle of the vehicle (1) being detected. The method according to the invention is characterized in that a first graphic object (12) is generated to represent the steering wheel, wherein different steering angles are distinguishably displayed in the first graphic object (12), and the first graphic object (12) with a representation of the steering wheel corresponding to the detected instantaneous steering angle is displayed by the display device (2). The invention further relates to a display system for carrying out this method.