Vehicle Operating Device Time Zone Selection via Geographic Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles require intuitive and quick methods to display and set time zones for navigation and multimedia systems without distracting the driver, as existing systems lack simplicity and efficiency in selecting and assigning time zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and operating device that generates graphic data to display the earth's surface divided into time zones, allowing users to select and highlight a geographic area using a touch-sensitive interface, with supporting graphic objects showing current time and relative shifts, and assigning the selected time zone to the vehicle's timer upon release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional time zone setting methods are used in vehicles, then the system can display multiple time zones, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming for the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The earth's surface is divided into distinct geographic areas, each representing a different time zone. This segmentation allows the driver to visually identify and select specific time zones by tapping on their corresponding regions on the displayed map, rather than navigating through complex menus or lists of time zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or menu-based time zone selection with a graphical touch interface. The driver interacts with the display by tapping on geographic areas, which are detected by a touch-sensitive panel. This substitution eliminates the need for manual scrolling, menu navigation, or complex button sequences, significantly reducing the time and cognitive load required for time zone setting.
2Loss of information
If more information is displayed in the vehicle, then navigation and multimedia systems can provide comprehensive data, but driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the vehicle's current location and highlights the corresponding geographic area and time zone on the display. This self-service feature eliminates the need for the driver to manually search for their location or configure time zone settings, providing comprehensive information while minimizing interaction time and cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual highlighting and color changes to indicate selected geographic areas and their corresponding time zones. The highlighted display provides intuitive visual cues that allow the driver to quickly identify and select the correct time zone without extensive reading or interpretation, reducing eye strain and distraction while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing an operating device (3) in a vehicle (1), wherein graphic data are generated by a control device (7), targeting a display area (2) such that a graphic object (10) showing at least part of the earth's surface is displayed, that the illustration of the displayed part of the earth's surface is subdivided into geographic areas (11, 12) in different time zones, and that the position of an actuation object (5) in front of or on the display area (2) is captured. Depending on the captured position of the actuation object (5) relative to the displayed geographic areas (11, 12) in different time zones in the depiction of the graphic object (10), a geographic area (12) located in one single time zone is selected and is displayed in bold formatting, and the time zone of the selected geographic area (12) is dedicated to at least one timer (9) of the vehicle (1). The invention further relates to an operating device (3) for carrying out said method.