Control unit, input device and method for an information and communication system

Abstract

Control unit (131) for an information and communication system of a vehicle, wherein the control unit (131) is configured - to receive a sequence of sensor signals from different proximity sensors (122, 322) from corresponding different mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein the mechanical function keys (121, 321) are assigned corresponding first functions of the vehicle's information and communication system; wherein each of the mechanical function keys (121, 321) is configured to trigger the corresponding assigned function upon actuation of the function key (121, 321); - detecting a swipe event over the mechanical function keys (121, 321) from the sequence of sensor signals; wherein a swipe event comprises - the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals of proximity sensors (122, 322) of corresponding adjacent mechanical function keys (121, 321); and - a time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals is less than a sensor time interval; and - when a wiping event is detected, to assign corresponding second functions of the information and communication system to the mechanical function keys (121, 321).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the control of device functions via physical buttons. In particular, the invention relates to the control of functions of an information and communication system in a vehicle using physical buttons.

[0002] Today's vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) usually have information and communication systems that can centrally provide functions such as radio, audio, navigation, telephony, climate control, etc. To control the various functions, such systems typically have a multitude of physical buttons and a screen. The screen can be used, for example, to display a menu of the information and communication system, and the multitude of physical buttons can be used to navigate within the menu and to select / initiate certain functions.

[0003] To accelerate the selection of frequently used functions of the information and communication system, physical function keys can be provided. Pressing the physical function keys directly initiates a predefined function of the information and communication system. Function keys thus enable a user to conveniently and quickly select frequently used functions. However, this is only possible for a limited number of functions, as the number of available function keys is generally limited by the space and desired clarity of a vehicle's dashboard (e.g., to fewer than 10 function keys).

[0004] DE 195 29 571 A describes an operating device with a control panel with several control elements.

[0005] The present invention describes an input device for an information and communications system (IC system) that allows a limited number of physical function keys to be assigned any number of frequently used functions, thus enabling fast and convenient input of these functions via the limited number of physical keys without increasing the number of function keys. In other words, the device according to the invention enables increased input efficiency while potentially reducing the space required for the physical keys on the dashboard of a vehicle.

[0006] According to one aspect, a control unit for an information and communication system of a vehicle is described. The control unit is configured to receive a sequence of sensor signals. The sequence of sensor signals comprises a sequence of sensor signals from different proximity sensors of corresponding different mechanical function keys. Typically, the mechanical (i.e., physical) function keys are arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional keypad. The individual mechanical function keys are usually assigned at least one proximity sensor, which generates a sensor signal when a physical body (e.g., an object or a user's finger) approaches the assigned function key. The at least one proximity sensor can, for example, be arranged below, inside, or in the immediate vicinity of the mechanical function key.Thus, the sequence of sensor signals can represent a temporally sequential sequence of the approach of the physical body to the assigned different function keys.

[0007] The mechanical function keys are assigned corresponding first functions of the vehicle's information and communication system. These first functions can, for example, be predefined by a user. The mechanical function keys are configured to trigger the corresponding assigned function when the function key is pressed. For example, pressing a function key can generate a trigger signal from the function key (e.g., via a switch or a contact on the mechanical function key), which is received by the control unit. The control unit can then, based on the trigger signal and a function list, determine the first function assigned to the pressed function key and initiate execution of the first function.

[0008] The control unit is configured to detect a swipe event over the (or on or over the surface of, or in the immediate vicinity of, or on) the mechanical function keys from the sequence of sensor signals. A swipe event can, for example, comprise the movement of the physical body over at least two (adjacent) mechanical function keys. The at least two mechanical function keys can, for example, be adjacent horizontally or vertically. Furthermore, the at least two mechanical function keys can be directly adjacent to one another. The movement over the at least two function keys is detected by the proximity sensors of the mechanical function keys and leads to a sequence of at least two sensor signals (corresponding to the respective proximity sensors).A swipe event can therefore include the condition that the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals from proximity sensors of corresponding (immediately) adjacent mechanical function keys. The control unit can be configured to check whether this condition is met.

[0009] Furthermore, a swipe event can include the condition that a time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals is less than a sensor time interval (e.g., 0.5 seconds or 1 second). The control unit can be configured to check whether this condition is met. In other words, in one embodiment, a swipe event can only occur if the movement across the at least two (adjacent) function keys occurs at a minimum speed.

[0010] The minimum speed or maximum time interval requirement can be used to distinguish the swipe event from an event where the user wants to select a specific function key and glides (relatively slowly) over various function keys on the keypad (the latter event is referred to as a detail event in this document).

[0011] The control unit is configured to assign corresponding second functions of the information and communication system to the mechanical function keys when a swipe event is detected. In other words, a user is enabled to assign new (i.e. second) functions to the mechanical function keys by swiping across at least two adjacent function keys. The second functions are generally different from the first functions. Typically, the second functions of the function keys can also be predefined by the user. As a result of the assignment of the new, second functions, the function keys are now configured to initiate the respectively assigned second function when a function key is pressed (and no longer the respectively assigned first function).

[0012] The control unit can further be configured to display a graphical output (or simply an output) on a screen of the information and communication system. The screen can be a dedicated screen located in the immediate vicinity of the keypad and specifically intended for displaying the graphical output. Alternatively, it can be a central screen of the information and communication system on which information from other applications of the information and communication system (e.g., radio, navigation, audio, etc.) is also displayed. The graphical output can include function descriptions for the first and / or second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys. The respective function descriptions can include pictorial elements (e.g., icons) and / or written elements (e.g., numbers, names, etc.), and thus describe the function to be triggered with the function key (e.g.,a radio function, a navigation function, a telephone function, an audio function).

[0013] In particular, the graphical output can comprise a first sheet with the functional descriptions of the first functions and a second sheet with the functional descriptions of the second functions. The control unit can then be configured to transition from displaying the first sheet of the graphical output to displaying the second sheet of the graphical output when the swipe event is detected. This can give a user the impression that they can scroll forward or backward between different sheets of the graphical output (and thus between different groups of functions, i.e., the group of first functions and the group of second functions) by swiping across the keypad.

[0014] The control unit can be configured to detect a detailed event from the sequence of sensor signals, wherein a detailed event comprises the time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals being greater than a sensor time interval. In other words, a detailed event comprises a relatively slow movement of the physical body across the at least two adjacent function keys. This relatively slow movement can be interpreted by the control unit as a user searching for the desired function and the desired function key. To support this search, the control unit can be configured to highlight at least a functional description of the first functions in the graphical output.Typically, the highlighting in the graphical output follows the user's movement, so that the respective function descriptions are highlighted according to the sequence of function keys that are hovered over during movement.

[0015] The control unit can also be configured to determine a direction of the swipe event from the sequence of sensor signals. Possible directions of the swipe event are, for example, horizontally from left to right, horizontally from right to left, vertically from bottom to top, and vertically from top to bottom. Thus, the control unit can be configured to determine the second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys depending on the direction of the swipe event. If the graphical output comprises a plurality of sheets, the control unit can be configured to display different sheets with function descriptions of other functions depending on the direction of the swipe event.

[0016] According to a further aspect, an input device for a vehicle is described. The input device comprises a keypad which has at least two mechanical function keys. At least one proximity sensor is each assigned to the at least two mechanical function keys, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal upon detection of the presence of a physical body in the (immediate) vicinity of the assigned mechanical function key. Thus, a sequence of at least two corresponding sensor signals can be generated by a movement across the at least two mechanical function keys. Corresponding first functions are assigned to the mechanical function keys, wherein the mechanical function keys are configured to trigger the respectively assigned function upon actuation of the function key.

[0017] The input device further comprises a control unit according to one of the aspects described in this document. The control unit is configured to receive the sequence of sensor signals from the proximity sensors of the at least two function keys. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to detect a swipe event across the keypad from the sequence of sensor signals and, upon detection of a swipe event, to assign corresponding second functions to the at least two function keys. Furthermore, the input device can further comprise a screen configured to display a graphical output. The graphical output can include function descriptions for the first and / or second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys.

[0018] According to a further aspect, a method for multiple assignment of mechanical function keys with different functions is described. The method comprises capturing a sequence of sensor signals from different proximity sensors of corresponding different mechanical function keys. Corresponding (user-defined) first functions are assigned to the mechanical function keys. The mechanical function keys are configured to trigger the respective assigned function when the function key is actuated. The method further comprises detecting a swipe event over (or on) the different mechanical function keys from the sequence of sensor signals. A swipe event comprises the condition that the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals from proximity sensors of corresponding neighboring mechanical function keys.When a wiping event is detected, corresponding (user-defined) second functions are assigned to the mechanical function actions.

[0019] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0020] The invention will be described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1a shows an exemplary input device for an information and communication system in a vehicle; Fig.1b Components of an exemplary input device; Fig. 2 an exemplary use of the Fig. 1a shown input device; and Fig. 3 an exemplary input device for an information and communication system in a vehicle with a two-dimensional keypad.

[0021] As already explained in the introduction, today's vehicles usually have information and communication systems whose diverse functions can be controlled using physical buttons and a screen as an input / output user interface. Information and communication systems (IC systems) can, in particular, feature function keys that can be flexibly linked to frequently used functions, thus allowing the user to directly select and trigger a frequently used function. Examples of functions include a call function (e.g., for calling a specific number), a radio function (e.g., for playing a specific radio station), a music playback function (e.g., for playing a specific predefined playlist), a navigation function (e.g., for determining a route to a predefined destination), etc.

[0022] Due to the limited space available on a vehicle's dashboard, the number of physical (e.g., mechanical) function keys, and thus the number of directly selectable functions, is generally limited. This limited number of function keys, in turn, limits the efficiency of entering information and communication system functions. It is therefore advantageous to increase the number of functions that can be triggered with a limited number of physical function keys.

[0023] Fig. 1a shows an exemplary input device 100 which allows a plurality of functions to be assigned to a function key. Fig.1b shows exemplary components of the input device 100. The input device 100 is typically part of the information and communication system of a vehicle. The input device 100 comprises a function keypad 120 with a plurality of function keys 121. The function keys 121 are physical, i.e., usually mechanical, keys. Pressing a key 121 typically closes or opens electrical contacts below the key 121, or pressing the key 121 actuates a switch. As a result, a trigger signal is generated, which is received and interpreted by a control unit 131 of the input device 100 or of the information and communication system. The information and communication system can comprise a stored function list in which a specific trigger signal can be uniquely assigned to a specific function of the system.This function list can be stored in a memory unit 132 of the input device or the information and communications system. The function list can be modified by a user in order to assign user-defined functions to the various function keys 121. Using the function list, the control unit 131 can assign the received trigger signal of the actuated function key 121 to a function of the information and communications system. The control unit 131 then triggers the assigned function of the IK system (e.g., the playback of a specific radio station assigned to the function key). This is shown in . Fig. 1b represented by the arrow 133.

[0024] The function keys 121 include associated proximity sensors 122, which are configured to detect that a user's finger (or a general physical body or object) is approaching the function key 121. Example proximity sensors 122 are, for example, capacitive proximity sensors, which respond contactlessly—i.e., without direct contact—to the approach of a conductive or non-conductive physical body (e.g., a finger or an object) with an electrical sensor signal. Further examples are optical and / or electromagnetic proximity sensors. The sensor signal detected by the proximity sensor 122 is received by the control unit 131. The control unit 131 can then, for example, display the function associated with the function key 121 on a screen 140 of the input device in order to inform the user which function is stored on the function key 121.

[0025] The input device 100 is configured to display a graphical output 110 (or simply an output 110) associated with the functions of the information and communication system stored in the function keys 121. The graphical output 110 can be displayed on the screen 140, e.g., on a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen. The screen 140 for displaying the graphical output 110 can be mounted as a dedicated screen for the function keys 120 in the immediate vicinity (e.g., above) of the function keys 120 in order to display the functions of the function keys. Alternatively, the screen 140 for the graphical output 110 can be the central screen of the information and communication system, on which other aspects of the information and communication system are also displayed.For example, the screen 140 for the graphical output 110 could be the screen used to display a route plan of the navigation unit of the information and communication system.

[0026] The display of the graphical output 110 on the screen 140 can be made dependent on the detection of one or more sensor signals by the proximity sensors 122 of the keypad 120. For example, the input device 100 (or the control unit 131) can be configured to display the graphical output 110 on the screen 140 only when at least one sensor signal is detected (i.e., when the approach of a physical body to a function key 121 is detected). This is particularly advantageous when the graphical output 110 is displayed on a screen 140 on which other aspects of the information and communication system are also displayed.

[0027] A plurality of function descriptions 114 can be displayed in the graphical output 110, wherein each of the plurality of function descriptions 114 describes the function of an associated function key 121. A function description 114 can, for example, comprise a pictorial description of the associated function (e.g., using a symbol or icon) and / or a (supplementary) written description of the function. The function descriptions 114 thus provide a user with a quick and precise overview of the functions that can be triggered using the function keys 121. As already explained, the display of the graphical output 110 can be made dependent on the detection of a sensor signal by one of the proximity sensors 122. For example, the graphical output 110 can only be shown on the screen 140 when it is detected that a user's finger is approaching a function key 121 of the function key panel 120.

[0028] Detecting the approach of a physical body by a specific function key 121 of the keypad 120 (i.e., the generation of a sensor signal by the specific proximity sensor 122 of the specific function key 121) can be used to highlight the function description 114 associated with the function key 121 in the graphical output 110, e.g., to enlarge it compared to the other function descriptions 114 or to display it in a different color. Furthermore, the user can be informed, for example, about further details of the specific function stored on the specific function key 121.

[0029] This document proposes using the proximity sensors 122 of the keypad 120 to scroll or "swipe" within the graphical output 110, thus increasing the number of functions that can be assigned to the function keys 121. In other words, it is proposed to provide multiple sheets of the graphical output 110, wherein each sheet of the graphical output 110 includes different function descriptions 114 for different functions of the information and communication system. The proximity sensors 122 can be used to determine whether the user wishes to scroll or swipe between the sheets of the graphical output 110 (e.g.by detecting a quick "swipe" movement across a plurality of function keys 121) or whether the user wants to have the assignment of certain function keys 121 within the currently displayed sheet of the graphic output 110 displayed in more detail (e.g. by detecting a slow movement from one function key 121 to the next function key).

[0030] The Fig. The exemplary graphical output 110 shown in Figure 1a comprises three sheets. A sheet position indicator 112 informs the user which of the sheets of the graphical output 110 is displayed (in Fig.1a, the middle, i.e., the second, sheet of the graphical output 110 is displayed. A scrolling indicator 111, 113 of the graphical output 110 can inform a user (e.g., by displaying arrows to the right and / or left of the function descriptions 114) about the direction in which to scroll to display another sheet of the graphical output 110. The input device 100 can enable a rolling view of the sheets of the graphical output 110, in which scrolling forward when the last sheet of the graphical display 110 is displayed causes the first sheet of the graphical display 110 to be displayed, and in which scrolling backward when the first sheet of the graphical display 110 is displayed causes the last sheet of the graphical display 110 to be displayed.

[0031] Navigating through the pages of the graphic display 110 allows the user to assign several different functions of the information and communication system to each function key 121 of the keypad 120. This is exemplified in Fig.2. By a quick swipe movement 201 across a plurality of function keys 121 (e.g., at least two function keys 121 or three function keys 121), the user can scroll through the graphical output 110 and thus view the function descriptions 214 of additional functions that can be triggered using the function keys 121. A changed scroll position indicator 212 can inform the user which page of the graphical display 110 is being displayed. The scroll indicator 111, 213 can show the user in which direction scrolling is possible from the current page of the graphical display 110. For example, the absence of an arrow 213 indicates that scrolling is not possible from the current page of the graphical display 110.

[0032] The control unit 131 of the input device 100 or the information and communication system can be configured to detect a plurality of input events based on the trigger signals or the sensor signals of the keypad 120. Example input events are, for example, • a trigger event: receipt of a short trigger signal from a specific function key 121; the short trigger signal has a duration that is less than a predefined trigger time interval (e.g., 2 seconds); the short trigger signal is triggered by a correspondingly short pressing of the specific function key 121; • an editing event: receipt of a long trigger signal; the long trigger signal has a time length equal to or greater than the predefined trigger time interval; the long trigger signal is triggered by pressing the specific function key 121 for a correspondingly long time; • a detail event: receipt of a temporally isolated sensor signal from a specific function key 121; “temporally isolated” means that no further sensor signal from another (neighbouring) function key 121 is received within a predefined sensor time interval (e.g., 0.5 seconds or 1 second); the isolated sensor signal is triggered by the approach of a physical body to the proximity sensor 122 of the specific function key 121; and • a swipe event: receipt of a sequence of sensor signals from at least two or three adjacent function keys 121; the time interval between two directly consecutive sensor signals of the sequence is equal to or less than the predefined time interval; this condition should be met for at least one pair of directly consecutive sensor signals; the sequence of sensor signals is triggered by the swiping of a physical body over the proximity sensors 122 of the adjacent function keys 121; the swipe event can be independent of which of the two or three adjacent function keys 121 of the keypad 120 the sequence of sensor signals is received from; the swipe event can be direction-dependent, depending on the direction in which the sequence of sensor signals occurs;Thus, in a one-dimensional keypad 120, a swipe event “to the right” or “to the left” can be detected, and in a two-dimensional keypad 120 (see ; Fig. 3) a swipe event “right”, “left”, “up” and / or “down” is detected.

[0033] The control unit 131 can trigger an action depending on the detected input event and / or depending on a state of the graphical output 110. One possible state of the graphical output 110 is, for example, the current sheet of the graphical output 110. The current sheet represents a current group of functions assigned to the function keys 121 of the keypad 120. Consequently, the control unit 131 can be configured to trigger an action depending on the detected input event and / or depending on the group of functions assigned to the function keys. The behavior of the control unit 131 depending on the current state of the graphical output 110 is described below, which is equivalent to the behavior of the control unit 131 depending on the currently assigned group of functions.

[0034] The control unit 131 can use a predefined state machine that defines actions to be executed depending on a state of the graphical output 110 (or depending on the assigned group of functions) and depending on an input event. Example actions are shown in Table 1, where x=1,...,X (X>1, e.g., X=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) identifies a specific sheet of the graphical output 110 and where y=1,...,Y (Y>1, e.g., Y=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) identifies a specific function key 121 of the keypad 120. As already noted, sheet x of the graphical output 110 corresponds to a group x of up to Y functions that can be assigned to the Y function keys 121. Table 1 Condition Event action x tes Page of the issue Edit event of y ten Function key Initiating an input function that allows the user to enter y ten Function key in x ten To assign a function of the IK system to the output sheet. x tes Page of the issue Trigger event of y ten Function key Initiate the y ten Function key in x ten Sheet of the output assigned function of the IK system, ie initiating the y ten Function in the x ten Group of functions. x tes Page of the issue Detail event of the y ten Function key Initiate the display of the highlighted and / or detailed functional description of the function of the y ten Function key x tes Page of the issue Right swipe event Initiate the display of (x+1) ten sheet of the output; if x=X, initiating the display of the 1 ten sheet of the output; ie assigning the (x+1) ten or 1 ten Group of functions to the function keys. x tes Page of the issue Left swipe event Initiate the display of the (x-1) ten sheet of the output; if x=1, initiate the display of the x ten sheet of the output; ie assigning the (x-1) ten or x ten Group of functions to the function keys.

[0035] Consequently, it is possible to assign a corresponding plurality of functions of the vehicle's IK system to the function keys 121 of the keypad 120 on each of the plurality of sheets of the display 110. The user can use swipe events to te Select sheet of display 110 and trigger event of y ten Function key (ie by pressing the y ten function key), the execution of the function that the y ten Function key in x ten sheet of the display 110. In other words, the user can assign swipe events to the Y function keys to trigger the x te group of functions, and through a trigger event the y te Function of the x ten Trigger a group of functions.

[0036] For this purpose, a function list can be stored in the memory unit 132, which makes it possible to assign the trigger signal of the y ten Function key 121 in x tenTo assign a function of the IK system to the graphic display 110 sheet. In other words, the function list can assign up to X functions (in the X groups of functions) to the trigger events of the Y function keys 121.

[0037] The function list can contain corresponding entries for all x=1,..., X (ie for all sheets of the display or for all groups of functions) and / or for all y=1,...,Y (ie for all function keys).

[0038] In Fig.3 shows an exemplary input device 300 with a two-dimensional keypad 320 and a two-dimensional graphical output 310. The keypad 320 includes physical function keys 321 with corresponding proximity sensors 321. The graphical output 310 includes function descriptions 314 arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the associated function keys 321. The graphical output 310 includes a plurality of sheets with different function descriptions 314. As an orientation aid through the plurality of sheets of the graphical output 310, the graphical output may include sheet position indicators 312 and / or sheet indicators 311.

[0039] The leaves of the graphic display 310 are arranged in a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises X rows and Z rows (Z>0, e.g., Z=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). By swiping right / left, the user can scroll through the X leaves of a current z ten Scroll through the row (z=1,...,Z). By swiping up / down, the user can scroll through the Z pages of a current x ten A function list can be stored in the memory unit 132 in which a sheet of the graphic display 310 is assigned the x ten series and the z ten Line for the y te Function key 321 can be assigned a specific function of the IK system (typically for all x=1,...,X; y=1,...,Y; and z=1,...,Z). In other words, X times Z groups of functions can be stored in the function list, with specific functions of the IK system being assigned to the Y function keys in each group.

[0040] This document describes a control unit, an input device, and a method that allow a limited number of physical function keys to be assigned a number of functions that exceeds the number of physical function keys. This makes it possible to reduce the number of required physical function keys while maintaining or even increasing the number of functions, thus reducing the space required and the cost of physical function keys. On the other hand, the remaining function keys can be enlarged to increase the precision in selecting functions. Furthermore, the experience value when selecting functions by the user can be enhanced (through the additional swipe / scroll input). Furthermore, the efficiency of input can be increased by increasing the number of directly selectable functions of the IK system.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices, and systems.

Claims

[1] Control unit (131) for an information and communication system of a vehicle, wherein the control unit (131) is arranged - to receive a sequence of sensor signals from different proximity sensors (122, 322) from corresponding different mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein the mechanical function keys (121, 321) are assigned corresponding first functions of the vehicle's information and communication system; wherein each of the mechanical function keys (121, 321) is configured to trigger the corresponding assigned function upon actuation of the function key (121, 321); - detecting a swipe event over the mechanical function keys (121, 321) from the sequence of sensor signals; wherein a swipe event comprises - the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals of proximity sensors (122, 322) of corresponding adjacent mechanical function keys (121, 321); and - a time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals is less than a sensor time interval; and - when a wiping event is detected, to assign corresponding second functions of the information and communication system to the mechanical function keys (121, 321). [2] Control unit (131) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (131) is configured to display a graphical output (110, 310) on a screen (140) of the information and communication system; wherein the graphical output (110, 310) comprises functional descriptions (114, 314) for the first and / or second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys (121, 321). [3] Control unit (131) according to claim 2, wherein - the graphical output (110, 310) comprises a first sheet with the functional descriptions (114, 314) of the first functions and a second sheet with the functional descriptions (114, 314) of the second functions; and - the control unit (131) is configured to transition from the reproduction of the first sheet of the graphic output (110, 310) to the reproduction of the second sheet of the graphic output (110, 310) when the wiping event is detected. [4] Control unit (131) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the control unit (131) is arranged - to detect a detailed event from the sequence of sensor signals, wherein a detailed event comprises that a time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals is greater than a sensor time interval; - to highlight the functional description (114, 314) of one of the first functions in the graphical output (110, 310). [5] Control unit (131) according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit (131) is arranged - when a wiping event is detected via the mechanical function keys (121, 321), to determine a direction of the wiping event from the sequence of sensor signals; and - to determine the second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys (121, 321) depending on the direction of the wiping event. [6] Input device (100, 300) for a vehicle, the input device (100, 300) comprising: - a keypad (120, 320) comprising at least two mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein at least one proximity sensor (122, 322) is assigned to each of the at least two mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein the proximity sensors (122, 322) are configured to generate a sensor signal upon detection of the presence of a physical body in the immediate vicinity of the assigned mechanical function key (121, 321); wherein corresponding first functions are assigned to the mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein the mechanical function keys (121, 321) are configured to trigger the respectively assigned function upon actuation of the function key (121, 321); and - a control unit (131) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Input device (100, 300) according to claim 6, wherein the input device (100, 300) further comprises; - a screen (140) configured to display a graphical output (110, 310); wherein the graphical output (110, 310) comprises function descriptions (114, 314) for the first and / or second functions assigned to the mechanical function keys (121, 321). [8] Input device (100, 300) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein - the mechanical function keys (121, 321) are arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional keypad (120, 320); - each of the mechanical function keys (121, 321) is assigned at least one proximity sensor (122, 322) which generates a sensor signal of the sequence of sensor signals when a physical body approaches the assigned function key (121, 321); and - the sequence of sensor signals represents a temporally sequential sequence of the approach of the physical body to the associated different function keys (121, 321). [9] Method for assigning multiple functions to mechanical function keys, the method comprising: - detecting a sequence of sensor signals from different proximity sensors (122, 322) from corresponding different mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein corresponding predefined first functions are assigned to the mechanical function keys (121, 321); wherein each of the mechanical function keys (121, 321) is configured to trigger the respectively assigned function upon actuation of the function key (121, 321); - detecting a swipe event over the different mechanical function keys (121, 321) from the sequence of sensor signals, wherein a swipe event comprises - the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals of proximity sensors (122, 322) of corresponding adjacent mechanical function keys (121, 321); and - a time interval between at least two consecutive sensor signals of the sequence of sensor signals is less than a sensor time interval; and - when a swipe event is detected, assigning corresponding predefined second functions to the mechanical function keys (121, 321).

Images