Vehicle Window as Interactive Display for Driving Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle user interfaces are spatially limited and can impair driving safety when complex, and there is a need for a method to utilize vehicle windows as an input/output module for computing and multimedia devices while ensuring driver visibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A control method and apparatus that monitor the driving mode to determine if a vehicle window can be used as a transparent touch screen, allowing interaction with computing and multimedia devices, and output notifications through color and pattern changes, with limitations based on vehicle speed, autonomous driving state, and window position, ensuring safety by deactivating notifications when the vehicle is moving or the window is next to the driver's seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex user interface is added in the vehicle, then the convenience of the driver or user is enhanced, but the driving safety is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the user interface from traditional 2D screens (dashboard, console) to the 3D surface of the vehicle window itself. The window glass becomes the interactive surface, allowing users to interact with the interface in the spatial dimension where the window naturally exists, rather than adding separate interface components in the vehicle interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle window serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains its primary function as a transparent barrier for visibility while also functioning as a user interface for computing and multimedia devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interface components, addressing the contradiction by making the window itself the interactive element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user interface is provided in the vehicle, then the functionality is enhanced, but the spatial limitation is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The window glass serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains its primary function as a transparent barrier for visibility while also functioning as a user interface for computing and multimedia devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interface components, addressing the contradiction by making the window itself the interactive element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the user interface from traditional 2D screens (dashboard, console) to the 3D surface of the vehicle window itself. The window glass becomes the interactive surface, allowing users to interact with the interface in the spatial dimension where the window naturally exists, rather than adding separate interface components in the vehicle interior space.
3Loss of information
If notifications are displayed on all windows, then the information delivery is maximized, but the driving safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different notification display rules to different windows based on their location and the vehicle's operating state. Windows near the driver's seat have restricted notification display during driving, while other windows may display notifications freely. This localized quality control ensures information is delivered where it won't compromise safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification display capability is made dynamic based on the vehicle's operating state. When the vehicle is in motion or in autonomous driving mode, notification display is restricted on driver-side windows. When the vehicle is stationary, notifications can be displayed more freely. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between information delivery and safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user convenience by allowing vehicle windows to function as user interfaces safely, improving driving safety by limiting notifications and interactions during critical driving conditions and ensuring that the window can be used as an input/output device only when it does not compromise driving safety.
Implementation Method 1
a driver or a user adjusts the amount of sunlight flowing through the windshield of the vehicle by a simple manipulation. Such a smart window technology uses a special film inserted in a car window to change the transparency of the car widow based on a received electrical control signal.
Implementation Method 2
The in-vehicle head-up display (HUD) is a technology that projects information or guidance, which is displayed on a conventional instrument panel such as a dashboard, on the eye level of the driver's window.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an in-vehicle user interface includes monitoring a driving mode of a vehicle, determining, in response to the driving mode, whether to provide at least one window as an input/output module allowing a driver or a passenger to interact with at least one of a computing device, a camera, and a multimedia device provided in, or engaged with, the vehicle, and outputting a notification through the window in response to a determination result.