Vehicle User Interface Metric-Based Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interfaces in vehicles face challenges with ambiguous search results due to incorrect inputs from vibrations or noise, leading to tedious operator actions and distractions while navigating, especially when dealing with large numbers of search results that are scattered or close together on maps.

Innovation Solution

A method that assigns a metric to positions in a graphical representation, allowing objects within a certain distance of the selected position to be included in a subset, simplifying the selection process by restricting the area and adapting the display scale, enabling intuitive operation without requiring precise object selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If objects are displayed in a sequential list to simplify selection, then ease of operation is improved, but the user loses spatial orientation when dealing with large numbers of search results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection simplicityVSAvoidspatial orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the search results into two complementary views: a sequential list for detailed selection and a graphical map representation for spatial orientation. This segmentation allows users to switch between views depending on their current need - using the list for precise selection and the map for contextual understanding of object locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds the sequential list and graphical representation within a unified user interface framework where both views coexist and reference the same underlying data. The list and map are nested within each other's functionality - the list provides detailed information while the map provides spatial context, creating a nested information architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If all search results are displayed on the map to provide complete information, then completeness is improved, but objects become scattered and difficult to locate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of search resultsVSAvoidlocating objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts a subset of search results from the complete set and highlights them on the map based on their relevance or selection status. This extraction allows users to see all results in the sequential list while only the relevant ones are visually emphasized on the map, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to locate important objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual qualities to different regions of the map - highlighted objects receive special visual treatment (such as different colors or icons) while non-highlighted objects maintain a standard appearance. This local differentiation helps users quickly identify relevant objects without being overwhelmed by the complete set of results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If a large number of search results are displayed to provide comprehensive options, then completeness is improved, but operator actions become tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of optionsVSAvoidselection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary filtering and organization of search results before presentation to the user. By pre-processing the data to identify and highlight relevant objects on the map, the system reduces the number of objects the user needs to examine in detail, thereby reducing selection time while maintaining access to all results through the sequential list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic updating of the map display based on user interaction with the sequential list. As users navigate through results in the list, the map dynamically highlights corresponding objects, allowing users to quickly locate and assess options without manually searching through all results, thus reducing selection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If voice interface is used for search input to enable hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to increased noise level in vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidsearch input accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides visual feedback on the map display that confirms the system has correctly interpreted the voice input. By highlighting the selected object(s) on the map, the system allows users to verify accuracy immediately and provides an opportunity to correct misinterpretations before final selection, compensating for the reduced precision of voice recognition in noisy environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2718672B1Method and apparatus for providing a user interface
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2718672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2718672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2718672B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for providing a user interface in which a set of objects (11A - 11 E, 11?'- 11 ?', 11X) stored in the form of data is displayed as a sequential list (9). The method furthermore involves each of the objects (11A -11 E, 11?'- 11?', 11X) being allocated a position in a graphical presentation (8) displayed in addition to the sequential list (9), said position being taken as a basis for displaying the objects (11A - 11 E, 11A'- 11 E-, 11X) in the graphical presentation (8). A first user action selects a position (13) in the graphical presentation (8), and the selected position (13) is taken as a basis for selecting a subset (11?'- 11 E') from the displayed set of objects in the sequential list (9). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the positions in the graphical presentation (8) are allocated a metric, as a result of which it is possible to ascertain a measure of distance between two positions, and an object (11A - 11 E, 11A'- 11 ?', 11X) is included in the subset (11?'- 11 ?') on the basis of the measure of distance between the position associated with the respective object (11A - 11E, 11?'- 11?', 11X) and the selected position (13). The present invention also relates to an associated apparatus (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for providing such a user interface, particularly in a vehicle.