Vehicle Touchscreen Interface for CAN Bus Function Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display and control systems are largely analog in nature, failing to leverage the full potential of digital technologies and user interfaces, such as touch screens, to provide enhanced user experience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A touch-screen user interface system that communicates with a vehicle's CAN bus, allowing users to access and control various vehicle functions, display information, and automate operations through a graphical interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional analog switches and rheostats are used to control vehicle components, then the control system is simple and reliable, but the user interface is limited and does not leverage digital technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidcontrol system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and rheostats with a digital touch-screen interface that communicates with vehicle components through a data bus. The touch-screen controller sends digital messages to control modules, which then actuate components like windows, mirrors, and seats, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections between switches and motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-screen interface serves multiple control functions simultaneously, allowing users to control various vehicle components (windows, mirrors, seats, audio systems) through a single unified interface rather than requiring separate switches and controls for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If digital control with data bus is implemented, then wiring complexity is reduced and components can be added easily, but the user interface remains cumbersome and redundant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring installationVSAvoidcontrol operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The touch-screen interface consolidates control of multiple vehicle functions into a single device, eliminating redundant physical switches and controls scattered throughout the vehicle interior. Users can access and control windows, mirrors, seats, audio, and other functions through one unified touch-screen interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Physical switches, knobs, and buttons are replaced with a digital touch-screen interface that provides graphical controls and icons, making the control system more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining the benefits of digital data bus communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If multiple control locations (center console and steering wheel) are provided for the same functions, then user accessibility is improved, but control redundancy increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol system redundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch-screen interface provides centralized control of multiple vehicle functions that were previously accessible through separate controls at different locations. The same control functions (window operation, mirror adjustment, seat positioning, audio control) are consolidated into one interface, eliminating the need for duplicate controls on the steering wheel and center console.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12304397B2Touchscreen-based vehicle control interface

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 METRA ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An interface/electronics module for reading information from a vehicle data bus and controlling functions available through the vehicle data bus. A graphical user interface is provided. The interface may include a stand-alone tablet computer or may be part of an integrated and permanently-mounted display. The interface/electronics module may include the functionality of the factory audio system (such as a radio tuner, power amplifier, etc.). In addition, the interface/electronics module is able to transmit commands via the vehicle's CAN bus.