Reconfigurable Virtual Instrument Panel With Tactile Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern media devices, particularly in vehicles, lack user-friendly interfaces that allow drivers to access full functionality without diverting their attention from the road, and they do not provide the tactile sensation of physical controls like knobs and sliders.
Innovation Solution
A customizable and reconfigurable instrument panel with removable interface components that provide tactile feedback, using magnetic or inductive coupling with encoders, sensors, and LCD displays to control devices like multimedia systems and GPS, allowing personal customization and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If glass cockpit with touch screen surfaces is used, then space within dashboard is simplified and conserved, but interfaces are not easily reconfigured by end user and lack tactile sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into multiple removable interface components (knobs, sliders, buttons) that can be individually placed on the display surface. Each component is a separate, interchangeable element that provides physical tactile feedback while maintaining the space-efficient glass cockpit design.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical interface components serve as intermediaries between the user and the digital display system. These components provide tactile sensation and mechanical feedback while communicating with the digital interface through magnetic coupling or other detection mechanisms, bridging the gap between physical and digital control.
2Area of stationary object
If glass cockpit with touch screen surfaces is used, then space within dashboard is simplified and conserved, but interfaces are not easily reconfigured by end user
Solution Approach 1:
The interface configuration is dynamic and changeable by the user. Interface components can be removed, repositioned, and reconfigured on the display surface according to user preferences and operational needs, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining a compact dashboard layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface serves multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously accepts physical interface components. The same surface area provides both graphical user interface capabilities and physical control feedback, eliminating the need for separate control panels.
3Ease of operation
If conventional analog media devices are used, then tactile sensation is provided, but interface complexity and distraction level increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of analog controls (tactile sensation, mechanical feedback) with the advantages of digital interfaces (visual display, programmability). Physical interface components are integrated with the digital display surface, creating a unified control system that provides both tactile and visual feedback without requiring separate analog devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If driver accesses multimedia device functionality, then full device functionality is available, but driver attention is diverted from road
Solution Approach 1:
The interface components are positioned in locations optimized for driver interaction, such as within easy reach and in the driver's peripheral vision field. The physical placement of knobs and sliders follows ergonomic principles that minimize the need for the driver to move their eyes or hands significantly, reducing distraction while maintaining access to full functionality.
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
Enables drivers to control media and navigation systems with familiar physical controls, reducing distraction and enhancing user experience by providing tactile feedback and customizable interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The interface components are magnetically coupled with control components disposed on an opposite side of the interface display surface
Implementation Method 2
The interface components are inductively coupled with encoders positioned on the opposite side of the interface display from the interface components
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.