Device for information output in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Device for information output in a motor vehicle, comprising communication means that receive service data from a vehicle-external data source which provides data for spatially distributed participants, as well as information output means for outputting information based on the service data and at least one control element by whose actuation control commands for interaction of the operator with the device can be generated, characterized in that the at least one control element is a control element on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein the control commands that can be generated by actuation of the control element are at least partially variable depending on the service data received from the vehicle-external data source.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for information output in a motor vehicle, comprising communication means for receiving service data from a data source external to the vehicle, information output means for outputting information based on the service data and at least one control element by whose actuation control commands for interaction of the operator with the device can be generated.

[0002] Such devices are known, for example, as vehicle-mounted devices for using telematics services and for displaying internet-based content in a motor vehicle. Service data is received from a service provider via communication devices (e.g., a mobile phone receiver) as part of a data service. Information contained in the service data is displayed, for example, on a monitor inside the vehicle. The connection to the service provider and, if applicable, the subsequent data retrieval are controlled, for example, by operating a rotary push-button in a specific manner.

[0003] The majority of information services available on the open internet today are designed for use with a standard PC. Accordingly, unrestricted use typically requires the usual input devices of a standard PC, such as a mouse and / or a keyboard.

[0004] Due to the lack of suitable controls, current methods for using internet-based services in motor vehicles are mostly limited to specially prepared content and do not offer integrated access to the open internet. Furthermore, the operator's interaction options are generally limited. Satisfactory, ergonomically operated solutions for accessing the open internet using a device permanently integrated into the vehicle are not currently known.

[0005] The same applies to telematics services available in motor vehicles according to the state of the art. Due to a lack of user-friendly controls suitable for broader use, these services are often limited to specially prepared content and / or offer the operator only limited interaction options.

[0006] Document US 6,711,474 B1 discloses an automotive computer system in an automobile that interacts with a dealer's wireless device located outside the vehicle to enable a user to purchase a product from the dealer, comprising: at least one processor that processes user commands; a sound system by which the processor plays audio content for the user; a wireless communication circuit that supports wireless communication for the processor via a bidirectional local wireless link, and a remote wireless link that is separate from the local wireless link;and a global positioning receiver that determines the location of the automobile, wherein the processor uses the wireless remote connection to obtain information about the dealer based on the location determined by the global positioning receiver, and wherein the processor uses the local wireless connection to interact with the wireless device located outside the vehicle in order to purchase the product from the dealer.

[0007] Document US 6,253,131 B1 discloses a steering wheel assembly for use in a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel with a steering wheel hub that can be coupled to the vehicle; a steering wheel input connected to the steering wheel hub; a steering wheel interface module in the steering wheel hub that has a communication link with the steering wheel input to receive control information from the steering wheel input and to formulate a data message based on the control information; and a data communication bus in the steering wheel hub that can be connected to a data communication bus in the vehicle. The data communication bus in the steering wheel hub is connected to the steering wheel interface module to transmit the data telegram from the steering wheel interface module to the data communication bus in the vehicle.

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a device for information output in a motor vehicle with improved usability for data services that are based on receiving data from an external data source.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, the control commands generated by actuating the control element are at least partially variable depending on the service data received from the external data source. The function of the control elements is thus adapted to the received data.

[0011] The variation according to the invention can also depend on the identity of the data source. However, this is to be regarded as a special case of the variation according to the invention depending on service data received from the external data source, since the data source on the vehicle side is identifiable – if at all – only by means of transmitted data, in particular an identifier, in the intended application cases.

[0012] For the purposes of this invention, an external data source is understood to be a device that provides data to geographically distributed participants. In particular, an external data source can be a provider of a telematics service or a provider of internet access via mobile network or satellite.

[0013] In the following, it is assumed that the device according to the invention receives service data from such an external data source as part of its participation in a data service. A data service is defined as any application in which an external data source sends data to the device according to the invention or the device according to the invention receives data from the external data source. Such data services include, in particular, telematics services (e.g., for traffic information, traffic forecasts, navigation) and provided internet pages. Certain characteristics of a data service can also be identified from the service data received within the data service. Thus, the variation according to the invention can also depend on certain (basic) characteristics of the data service (e.g.,specific configuration for the telematics service of a particular vehicle manufacturer, such as "BMW Assist", other configuration for conventional internet pages or special proprietary internet services such as "BMW Online").

[0014] The term "service data" specifically refers to the data transmitted within the framework of such a data service. While the present case refers exclusively to the receipt of service data, this does not preclude the possibility that data can also be sent from the device according to the invention to the external data source, i.e., that a bidirectional interaction takes place.

[0015] The invention exploits the fact that while interaction with various data services requires the generation of numerous different control commands, most data services, when considered in isolation, enable or require interaction based on only a few control commands. The invention provides a way to generate precisely the control commands required for interaction with a specific data service using a small number of controls present in the vehicle. These existing controls are variably assigned control commands for this purpose.

[0016] Therefore, a large number of different operating elements do not need to be provided in the vehicle. The technical effort remains low or can even be further reduced compared to the current state of the art in many cases.

[0017] The ability to generate the multitude of different control commands required for extensive use of various data services is only achieved through the variation according to the invention. Thus, the operator is no longer limited with regard to their interaction possibilities.

[0018] The invention allows the functionality of a small number of existing controls to be expanded many times over. Furthermore, the driver is not confused by an overabundance of controls. Instead, the invention allows the number of controls to be limited so that only controls for the most important commands are ever provided.

[0019] Preferably, the control commands generated by the variation according to the invention serve to control the reception of service data. The requirements for control elements for controlling the reception of service data from a specific data service are particularly dependent on the characteristics of such a data service. Therefore, it can be especially advantageous, ergonomic, and / or economical to provide a control element for controlling the reception of service data from a data service only for specific data services and / or in a form specifically tailored to the characteristics of the data service. For example, for interaction with a telematics service that provides traffic jam warnings based on various calculation models, a control element can be assigned a control command such that its activation causes the traffic jam warnings to be requested and received from the service provider according to an alternative calculation model.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the control commands generated by the variation according to the invention serve to control the output of the information based on the service data. The requirements for control elements for managing the output of information based on the service data of a specific data service can also depend heavily on the characteristics of that data service. Therefore, it can be particularly useful, ergonomic, and / or economical to provide a control element for managing the output of information based on the service data in a form specifically tailored to the characteristics of the data service. For example, in the case of displaying web pages that extend particularly wide horizontally, a control element can be configured so that its activation generates control commands for a lateral scrolling function.In the case of displaying web pages that are particularly vertically extended, the same control element can be configured so that its activation generates control commands for a vertical scrolling function. Similarly, it can be advantageous to provide a control element for specific data services to manage the output of information based on those service data.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the visual appearance of the control element is also variable. This allows the operator to be visually informed of the purpose of activating the respective control element. The operator can therefore recognize the current function of the control element from its visual appearance and is thus informed which control commands can currently be generated by the control element.

[0022] The control element can include a display unit for this purpose. Preferably, such a display unit is implemented separately from display means, which are provided, for example, as information output means within the meaning of the preamble of claim 1. In the case of several simultaneously possible functions of a control element (e.g., a rocker switch with two actuation directions or a toggle switch with four actuation directions), the provision of several display units may also be advantageous. Likewise, a single display unit can also illustrate the multiple control commands that can be generated. The display by the display unit can be, in particular, textual, symbolic, and / or graphical.

[0023] The use of animated graphics, such as animated GIFs, is particularly suitable for interaction, especially with internet services, and can be displayed on the control element's screen. Such moving graphics effectively illustrate the current status of the control element for the user.

[0024] Preferably, the display unit is attached directly to a surface of the control element, possibly concealed under a cover that is at least partially transparent. However, it can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the control element. Particularly in this case, a single display unit can serve for the variable labeling or other (graphical, symbolic) variable optical identification of several control elements, as is known in another context from DE 102 37 725 A1, for example, for variably assignable radio station buttons.

[0025] OLEP or OLED technology is particularly suitable for providing a display unit on the surface of the control element. A control element for a motor vehicle equipped with a display unit based on OLED technology is also described in DE 10 2005 003 548 A1 in a different context. For the technical design of such a control element, reference is therefore made to DE 10 2005 003 548 A1. In connection with the invention, it can also be advantageous to spatially highlight the control element depending on the service data received from the external data source, as described in DE 10 2005 003 548 A1.

[0026] In the simplest case, a variation of the control commands according to the invention can be derived from the external data source from which service data is received, i.e., depending on the identity of the data source. For example, the device according to the invention can contain information (perhaps in the form of a look-up table) indicating that a specific assignment of control commands to the vehicle's controls is required for interaction with a particular data service or service provider. Likewise, a suitable label (or graphic / symbolic identifier) ​​for display on the control unit(s) can be stored, which is activated depending on the identity of the external data source.

[0027] The variable assignment of control elements to the operating element according to the invention (and optionally to labels or graphic / symbolic markings) can alternatively or additionally be based on the service data received from the external data source. On the one hand, the type of service data received can be evaluated. On the other hand, the service data can contain specific configuration data for the operating element. The vehicle-side capability of the inventive variable assignment of an existing operating element to control commands based on the received service data enables the data service provider to offer a data service (e.g., a website or an internet portal) independently of the specific characteristics of the vehicle using the data service.The external data source sends each participant the necessary information in the form of configuration data to configure the existing controls for interaction with the data service. For setting the visual appearance, animated GIFs, for example, can also be sent as configuration data. The device according to the invention is suitable for evaluating the received configuration data, adapting it to the device's specific characteristics if necessary, and configuring at least one control element of the device accordingly. The universally offered data service thus becomes usable in the vehicle even though only a limited number of controls are available.

[0028] The configuration data sent from the external data source to the vehicle can be specifically tailored to vehicles of a particular manufacturer or type, to vehicles with specific software, or to vehicles containing a particular control element. This configuration data can then be used to represent precise configuration instructions (e.g., assign the control commands "up" for an upward rocker movement and "down" for a downward rocker movement to rocker button X). The vehicle's make, model, and / or equipment may generally be known to the service provider, or this information may only be provided upon connection establishment or at another time. The service provider can also provide configuration data for different makes, models, and / or equipment variants. The vehicle then uses the relevant configuration data.

[0029] However, the use of a common data standard is particularly advantageous, as it can then be individually implemented in the control layout for each vehicle. The configuration instructions contained in the configuration data then need to be formulated somewhat more loosely (e.g., if a control element is present and not otherwise assigned, allowing operation in two opposite directions A and B, assign this control element the commands "up" for operation in direction A and "down" for operation in direction B).

[0030] Preferably, the device according to the invention has the special suitability of extracting configuration data for configuring the control elements from service data, which typically contains predominantly information data.

[0031] For example, the configuration data can be embedded as XML code in the HTML code of a web page. On the receiving end, the controls are then configured according to the XML configuration data in order to interact appropriately with the HTML web page.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, configuration data can also be transmitted via a separate communication channel, by direct transport over TCP / IP, and / or in a binary format. The implementations mentioned above merely represent preferred examples of general inventive thought.

[0033] Preferably, the configuration of the control element according to the invention takes place during the establishment of a connection with the external data source. However, it can also take place at a later time and / or be updated periodically or in response to events (e.g., when new service data is loaded).

[0034] Embedding configuration data in the code of web pages offers the advantage that, in principle, individual configuration of the controls can be set for each page. However, this option is not mandatory. In particular, it is important to avoid confusing the user with unexpected changes to the control assignments. If a web page does not provide configuration data, a default configuration can be used, or the last configured setting can be retained.

[0035] The invention is preferably applied to controls on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. Only a very limited number of controls can be arranged on the steering wheel. However, the invention allows the functionality of these few controls to be expanded many times over. Furthermore, the potentially modified appearance of the controls is particularly easy for the driver to recognize on the steering wheel.

[0036] In order to make advantageous use of a vehicle-mounted device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, configuration data is also provided by an external data source, which primarily serves to provide service data for such vehicle-mounted devices. This configuration data contains at least guidelines for configuring the vehicle's controls. In extreme cases, the configuration data can even contain specific configuration instructions.

[0037] Preferably, the configuration data provided by such an external data source contains guidelines and / or instructions for assigning specific control commands to the controls.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the configuration data includes guidelines and / or instructions for displaying a visual indicator of the current function of a control element via a display unit associated with the control element. Preferably, the display content (text, graphics, etc.) is also provided, at least partially, by the external data source. However, it can also be advantageous to reference another external data source (e.g., specifying a URL) from which the display content can be retrieved.

[0039] Further details of the invention, preferred embodiments and advantageous developments will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiment.

[0040] The example illustrates a case in which configuration data is provided as so-called Automotive Website Directives to enable vehicle-integrated operating concepts for internet-based content and services.

[0041] By using the Automotive Website Directives (AWD), it becomes possible to transmit context-specific additional information to a vehicle for improved operation and navigation of internet-based content and services. The external data source, for example, a web server, transmits this additional information to the vehicle's web browser or display system via suitable channels. This additional information is then evaluated by the vehicle's web browser or display system and used to configure the vehicle's operating systems.

[0042] One example of the application of AWDs is the configuration of (existing) controls on the vehicle's steering wheel. The surface of each control has a so-called OLEP display. The appearance of the controls can therefore be dynamically changed. The control commands triggered by pressing these "steering wheel buttons" can also be varied. Depending on the context, a control can thus have a different function (and its corresponding appearance). The necessary configuration data is transmitted to the vehicle as AWDs from an external data source. For example, a web server from which the vehicle receives service data can equip the controls with its own graphics and control commands (or so-called events).

[0043] One possible use case is navigating an email interface. While the email content is read aloud, two controls on the steering wheel are configured as "forward" and "back" buttons. The corresponding displays are configured to show right and left arrows, respectively. The relevant graphics are retrieved from a web server. The driver can then conveniently navigate through the emails using these two configured buttons on the steering wheel.

[0044] One example of how to implement these AWDs is via XML. For this, the corresponding XML code is embedded in the HTML code of a website and can thus be transmitted to the vehicle "transparently" within the content.

[0045] The configuration data in the code could, for example, look like this: < <BMW_AWD control=„STEERING_WHEEL_BUTTON_1“ img=„<www.bmw.com / images / bmw_email_next.jpg“ event=„www.bmw.com / email / next.php“ / > <BMW_AWD control=„STEERING_WHEEL_BUTTON_2“ img=„<www.bmw.com / images / bmw_email_back.jpg“ event=„www.bmw.com / email / back.php“ / >

[0046] Another control on the steering wheel is configured as a "Reply" button using appropriate configuration data, and its corresponding display unit is marked with the "Reply" symbol familiar from many web browsers. Yet another control is configured as a "Forward" button, and its corresponding display unit is marked with the "Forward" symbol familiar from many web browsers. After pressing the "Reply" or "Forward" button, further operation can be carried out via voice input. A fifth control on the steering wheel is not used for interaction with the email service. Its display unit is therefore colored to blend in with the surroundings, making the control unit barely visible to the driver, and no control command is assigned to it.

[0047] These same five controls can be assigned entirely different commands and graphics for interacting with an internet search engine. The controls then allow access to the "Web," "Images," "News," "Video," and "Shopping" sections. The corresponding indicators show appropriate symbols for the user, for example, a "shopping cart" icon for the "Shopping" section.

[0048] The invention is preferably applied – as described above – to controls on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. However, the invention is fundamentally applicable to virtually all controls in a motor vehicle. Another possible application of the invention is, for example, the assignment of so-called "functional bookmarks," freely configurable controls in the motor vehicle. Such controls, which were previously freely configurable manually by the operator, could also be configured via AWDs from a web server and provided with symbols and events.

[0049] Compared to the prior art, the invention simplifies the operation of internet-based services in motor vehicles. This enhances the convenience of unrestricted internet access in vehicles. Safety is also improved due to reduced driver strain and distraction. The invention is also suitable for proprietary services such as "BMW Online" or telematics services like "BMW Assist".

[0050] The invention promotes intuitive operation by the operator, since an optimal configuration of the available control elements can be set for each service.

[0051] The invention can easily be combined with other input methods, for example voice control for navigation in internet services.

[0052] The invention enables service providers to offer a universal data service which, despite a large range of functions, can be fully used by a motor vehicle equipped with a device according to the invention.

[0053] Conversely, for the manufacturer of a motor vehicle, the advantage is that no proprietary service offering is required, since the invention allows the vehicle user to use conventional internet services and other data services.

Claims

[1] Device for outputting information in a motor vehicle, comprising communication means which receive service data from a vehicle-external data source which provides data for spatially distributed subscribers, as well as information output means for outputting information based on the service data and at least one operating element, by the actuation of which control commands for the interaction of the operator with the device can be generated, characterized by that the at least one control element is a control element on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein the control commands that can be generated by actuating the control element are at least partially variable depending on the service data received from the vehicle-external data source.