Method and device for operating a facility

Abstract

Method for operating a device (9) to which a setting parameter is assigned, in which - on a display area (2) which has a touch-sensitive surface (4), a button (15) for changing the setting parameter is displayed, the value of the setting parameter being displayed in the button (15), - a touch of the touch-sensitive surface (4) at the button (15) is detected, - the button (15) is then displayed enlarged, the enlargement of the button (15) being in the direction of a display area (16-2) which is not obscured by the object (10, 11) for the user (12) who touches the touch-sensitive surface (4) with an object (10, 11), and the value of the setting parameter is displayed at a distance from the touch position, - a movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected, whereby during the movement on the touch-sensitive surface (4) it is always ensured that the part of the button (15) which displays the value of the setting parameter is located in the visible area (16-2) of the display area (2), and - the setting parameter is changed depending on the direction and / or length of the movement on the touch-sensitive surface (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a device to which a setting parameter is assigned. The invention further relates to such a device, comprising a display device having a display area with a touch-sensitive surface. The display device is configured to show a button for changing a setting parameter of the device. The device further comprises a control device coupled to the display device and having an interface to the device to be operated. The control device detects both contact with the touch-sensitive surface of the button and movement of the contact position on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0002] Such a method and device are known from DE 10 2008 061 987 A1. In the method described therein, the setting parameter is changed by a swipe gesture performed on or in front of the display surface. The swipe gesture is performed successively both in or in front of an area occupied by the button and in or in front of an area outside the area occupied by the button.

[0003] Another method for changing a numerical value on a display device is described in EP 0 961 199 A1. To change the numerical value, a sliding movement of a pointing element is performed.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device of the type mentioned at the outset, by which a user can change a setting parameter as easily and quickly as possible by actuating the touch-sensitive surface of the display area.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] In the method according to the invention, a button for changing the setting parameter is displayed on a display area that has a touch-sensitive surface. Furthermore, contact with the touch-sensitive surface of the button is detected, whereupon the button is displayed in an enlarged format. If a movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface is detected, the setting parameter is changed depending on the direction and / or the length of the movement on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0007] In the method according to the invention, the display of the button is enlarged at least upon contact with the touch-sensitive surface. Subsequently, a movement of the touch position from a position within the button on the touch-sensitive surface is detected and converted into an input for setting the parameter. The enlarged display of the button has the advantage that the user can still recognize the button even when touching the touch-sensitive surface, for example, with their fingertip. In known methods for operating a device where input is made via a touch-sensitive surface, it has proven disadvantageous that the user can no longer see the area covered, for example, by their fingertip. This has made operating the device more difficult. The method according to the invention avoids this disadvantage.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the inventive method, the value of the setting parameter is displayed in the button. As the touch position moves on the touch-sensitive surface, the displayed value of the setting parameter is shown in the enlarged button, corresponding to the change in the value of the setting parameter. Advantageously, the user can monitor the change in the value of the setting parameter even while moving the button on the touch-sensitive surface, and the enlarged display of the button, which shows the value of the setting parameter, ensures that the display of the setting parameter is not obscured by the user's finger or hand.

[0009] The setting parameter can, for example, be assigned a numerical value. This numerical value can be increased or decreased by movement on the touch-sensitive surface. For instance, the value can be increased by movement in one direction and decreased by movement in the opposite direction, with the magnitude of the change depending on the length of the movement. Furthermore, the change in the setting parameter can depend on the speed of movement on the touch-sensitive surface. Finally, the setting parameter can also be assigned a logical value that is modified by movement on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0010] According to a further development of the inventive method, the button is enlarged in the direction of a display area that is not obscured by the object when the user touches the touch-sensitive surface. The object can be, for example, a pen-like item. Furthermore, the object can be the fingertip, finger, hand, or arm of a user. When the touch-sensitive surface is touched with the object, the problem arises that part of the display area, on which the touch-sensitive surface is formed, is obscured by the object. The user cannot see any display in this area.In the method according to the invention, it is advantageously ensured that the magnification of the button, which, for example, represents the value of the setting parameter, is increased in a direction that is not obscured by the object. In this way, it is ensured that the button remains visible to the user even when they touch the touch-sensitive surface.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the inventive method, a standard operating position for a user operating the touch-sensitive surface of the device is stored. Depending on the position of the button within the display area and the stored standard operating position, the display area is determined that is not obscured by the object for the user. The obscured area of ​​the display surface depends on both the position of the button and the user's operating position, in particular the position of their eyes relative to the position of the display surface. This is advantageously taken into account in the inventive method, so that it can be ensured that the enlargement of the writing area occurs in a direction that is not obscured by the object used to operate the touch-sensitive surface.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating position of a user operating the touch-sensitive surface is detected. Depending on the detected operating position of the user and, if applicable, depending on the position of the button on the display area, the display area that is not obscured by the object for the user is then determined. In this way, the obscured area of ​​the display area can be determined even more precisely, since the actual operating position of the user is ascertained, thus ensuring even better that the button is enlarged in an area of ​​the display area that is not obscured for the user.

[0013] Furthermore, the detection of the user's operating position can advantageously include recording the user's eye position and gaze direction. Finally, the position of the object touching the touch-sensitive surface in an area in front of the display area can also be determined. For example, not only is the contact position of a user's fingertip on the touch-sensitive surface recorded, but also the spatial position of the user's hand in front of the display area. In this case, the user's eye position and gaze direction, along with the object's position in front of the display area, can be used to precisely determine the area of ​​the display area that is not visible to the user.

[0014] According to a further development of the inventive method, the position of the enlarged button changes depending on the detected movement of the touch position, such that the displayed button is not obscured by the object for the user during the movement. For example, if the user moves the object in the direction of the enlarged button, the position of the button can advantageously change. It can be moved away from the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface, so that the button remains visible to the user even during the movement on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the inventive method, the approach of an object to the touch-sensitive surface is detected. When such an approach is detected, the enlarged display of the button is initiated. In particular, the button is displayed in an enlarged format even when the object has approached the touch-sensitive surface but has not yet touched it. When the object then touches the touch-sensitive surface, the button is already displayed in an enlarged format. In this way, it is advantageously ensured that the button is not obscured as the object approaches the touch-sensitive surface, preventing the user from seeing it.

[0016] The device whose settings are being changed is, in particular, a vehicle device. In this case, the display surface is located inside a vehicle.

[0017] For example, the setting could be the vehicle's navigation system. The procedure allows, for instance, the navigation system's geographical data to be configured.

[0018] The device according to the invention is characterized in that the display area can be controlled by means of the control device in such a way that the button is displayed enlarged when the touch of the touch-sensitive surface of the button has been detected, and the setting parameter can be changed depending on a direction of movement and / or length of movement of a detected movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0019] The device according to the invention is particularly designed to carry out the method described above. It therefore has the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, it comprises a detection device for sensing the user's operating position. In this case, the display device can be controlled by means of the control device such that, depending on the detected operating position of the user, a display area can be defined that is not obscured for the user by an object touching the touch-sensitive surface, and the enlarged button is displayed within this defined display area. The detection device of the device according to the invention ensures that the button is always visible to the user, even when the user is touching the touch-sensitive surface with an object.

[0021] Furthermore, the device according to the invention can include a proximity detection device by means of which the approach of an object to the touch-sensitive surface can be detected. In this case, the display device can be controlled by the control device in such a way that the enlarged display of the button is initiated as soon as such an approach has been detected. Advantageously, the proximity detection device ensures that the button remains visible to the user even when they approach the touch-sensitive surface. The proximity detection device and the detection device for recording the user's operating position can, for example, be a single device, such as a camera whose image data is evaluated.

[0022] The invention will now be explained using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the coupling of this device with the equipment to be operated. Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the display device of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a user operating the touch-sensitive surface of the embodiment of the device according to the invention, and the Fig. Figures 4-6 show displays on the display surface of the embodiment of the device according to the invention, which are generated by an embodiment of the method according to the invention when the touch-sensitive surface is operated.

[0023] With reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 First, an embodiment of the operating device 6 according to the invention and its arrangement in a vehicle is explained: The operating device 6 comprises a display device 1 with a display surface 2, which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible to at least one vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. The display surface 2 can be provided by a display, in particular a liquid crystal display, of any design.

[0024] The operating device 6 further comprises a control device 3 and an input device 4. The control device 3 is connected to the display device 1, which can generate graphic data for displaying information on the display surface 2. The input device 4 is designed as a touch-sensitive surface 4 on the display surface 2. A so-called touchscreen is thus provided.

[0025] For example, a film can be arranged over the display area 2, which can detect the position of a touch on an actuating object. The actuating object is, in particular, the fingertip 10 of a user. The film can be designed, for example, as a resistive touch film, a capacitive touch film, or a piezoelectric film. Furthermore, the film can be designed to measure a heat flow, e.g., emanating from the user's fingertip. Various inputs can be derived from the temporal development of the touch on the film. For example, in the simplest case, the touching of the film at a specific position can be detected and assigned to a graphic object displayed on the display area 2. Furthermore, the duration of the touch at a specific position or within a specific area can be recorded.Furthermore, the movement of a contact position on the film, the speed and length as well as the direction of such a movement can be detected.

[0026] Furthermore, the operating device 6 includes a proximity detection device 7. By means of the proximity detection device 7, an actuating object 10 can be detected within a detection area 8. The detection area 8 is in Fig. 2 shown in detail. The detection area 8 is designed such that an approach of an actuating object 10 to the touch-sensitive surface 4 on the display surface 2 is detected.

[0027] In the embodiment described here, the detection area 8 forms at least one volume in front of the touch-sensitive surface 4. In particular, it forms a cuboid whose side faces, extending parallel to the touch-sensitive surface 4, completely enclose the surface. In a direction perpendicular to the touch-sensitive surface 4, the cuboid extends from the surface 4, or immediately in front of it, to a distance of, for example, approximately 40 cm. The distance of the outer boundary of the detection area 8 in front of the touch-sensitive surface 4 is chosen such that an approach to the surface 4 can be detected in time for the display on the screen 2 to change early enough to assist the user with input.Furthermore, the distance of the detection area 8 from the touch-sensitive surface 4 should be chosen so that the actuating object 38 or any other object is moved into the detection area 8 as infrequently as possible when no operation of the touch-sensitive surface 4 is intended.

[0028] Further details on various training courses for the proximity detection device 7 are described, for example, in WO 2011 / 051361 A1.

[0029] The proximity detection device 7 continuously transmits the current position of an actuating object 10 in the detection area 8 to the control device 3. Depending on this signal, the control device 3 can change the display on the display surface 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the proximity detection device 7 includes a device for detecting the operating position of a user. In Fig. Figure 3 shows such a user 12, who, for example, is sitting in the driver's seat 14 of a vehicle and operating the touch-sensitive surface 4 of the display device 1. The proximity detection device 7 detects not only the position of the user's fingertip 10 in the detection area 8, but also the user's overall operating position. This means, in particular, that the spatial arrangement of the user's hand 11 and, if applicable, the associated arm of the user 12 is detected, as well as the position of the user's eyes 13 and the user's gaze direction B towards the display surface 2 of the display device 1.

[0031] Finally, the control device 3, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows an interface 17, via which it is coupled to a data bus 5. The control device 3 is connected via this data bus 5 to a vehicle component 9, for which information is to be displayed on the display surface 2 and which is to be operated by means of the control device 6. Information can be displayed to the vehicle occupants by means of the control device 6 and by means of the procedure. Furthermore, the vehicle occupants can operate the vehicle component 9 by means of the control device 6 and, in particular, change a setting parameter.

[0032] In the following, an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which can be carried out by the operating device 6 described above, is described with reference to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 explained in detail: As in Fig. Figure 4 shows a button 15 displayed on the display area 2, which shows the value of a setting parameter. For the purposes of the invention, a button 15 is understood to be a control element of a graphical user interface. A button 15 differs from elements and areas for purely informational display, so-called display elements or display areas, in that it is selectable. When a button 15 is selected, a function assigned to it is executed. This function can only result in a change to the information display. Furthermore, devices 9 can be controlled via the buttons 15, the operation of which is supported by the information display. The buttons 15 can thus replace conventional mechanical switches. The buttons 15 can be created and displayed on any freely programmable display area 2.Button 15, for example, belongs to the vehicle's navigation system. The value of the setting parameter could, for example, correspond to a geographical location.

[0033] If user 12 now wants to change the value of the setting parameter, they bring their fingertip 10 closer to the touch-sensitive surface 4 of the display area 2. When user 12 touches the touch-sensitive surface in the area of ​​button 15 with their fingertip 10, the control device 3 changes the display on the display area 2 so that button 15 is shown enlarged, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown. Alternatively, this enlarged display of button 15 can be initiated as soon as the proximity detection device 7 detects the fingertip 10 in the detection area 8. There are several ways in which the display of button 15 is enlarged: According to one embodiment, the button 15 is enlarged so that the touch position of the object 10, which touches the touch-sensitive surface 4, is located in the lower area of ​​the button 15 and the value of the setting parameter is displayed at a distance from this touch position, in particular above this touch position.

[0034] According to another version, the in Fig. The user's standard operating position 12 relative to the display device 1 is stored in the control device 3. Depending on this standard operating position and the current position of the button 15 on the display surface 2, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the display area 2 is divided into two areas, 16-1 and 16-2. Area 16-1 corresponds to an area that is obscured by the object (for example, the user's hand 11) when the touch-sensitive surface 4 is touched at button 15, so that the user 12 cannot see this area 16-1 from a normal viewing direction B. The other area, 16-2, remains visible to the user 12 even if they touch button 15, for example, with their fingertip 10. The button 15 then enlarges in the direction of the area 16-2 of the display area 2 that remains visible.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the proximity detection device 7, as explained above, detects the operating position of the user 12, that is, in particular the position of their hand 11, their fingertip 10, and their eyes 13, including their gaze direction B. The associated data is transmitted by the proximity detection device 7 to the control device 3. Based on the data transmitted by the proximity detection device 7, the control device 3 then calculates the areas 16-1 and 16-2 on the display surface 2. The button 15 is then enlarged again in the direction of the area 16-2 of the display surface 2 that remains visible.

[0036] If the user now wants to change the value of the setting parameter displayed in button 15, they move the object, for example their fingertip 10, on the touch-sensitive surface 4. For example, the user 12 moves their fingertip 10 to the right on the touch-sensitive surface 4 of the display area 2, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 is shown. This movement is detected by the control device 3. Depending on the direction and / or length of the movement, the control device 3 then changes the value of the setting parameter on the touch-sensitive surface 4. Simultaneously, the control device 3 also changes the display on the display area 2 so that the current value of the setting parameter is always shown within button 15, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 6 shows that during the operation on the touch-sensitive surface 4, the user 12 thus recognizes the effects of their input. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the user 12 can, for instance, move their fingertip 10 to the right on the touch-sensitive surface 4 until the desired value of the setting parameter is reached. They then release their fingertip 10 from the touch-sensitive surface 4, whereupon the value of the setting parameter is permanently changed and the control device 3 transmits the corresponding data to the device 9.

[0037] The change in the value of the setting parameter can also depend on the direction of movement. For example, if the user moves their fingertip 10 to the left on the touch-sensitive surface 4, the value of the setting parameter decreases. Even when the fingertip 10 moves on the touch-sensitive surface 4, it is always ensured that the part of the button 15 that displays the value of the setting parameter remains within the visible area 16-2 of the display area 2. If necessary, the position of the button 15 on the display area 2 is changed during the movement of the fingertip 10 on the touch-sensitive surface 4 so that the displayed value of the setting parameter remains visible. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Display device 2 Display area 3 Control device 4 touch-sensitive surfaces, input devices 5 Data bus 6 Operating device 7 Proximity detection device 8 Detection range 9. Vehicle setup 10 fingertips of the user 11. User's hand 12 users 13 eyes 14 Driver's seat 15 button 16-1 Display area 16-2 Display area 17 Interface

Claims

Method for operating a device (9) to which a setting parameter is assigned, wherein: - a button (15) for changing the setting parameter is displayed on a display area (2) having a touch-sensitive surface (4), the value of the setting parameter is displayed in the button (15); - a touch of the touch-sensitive surface (4) at the button (15) is detected; - the button (15) is then displayed enlarged, the enlargement of the button (15) being in the direction of a display area (16-2) which is not obscured by the object (10, 11) for the user (12) who is touching the touch-sensitive surface (4) with an object (10, 11), and wherein the value of the setting parameter is displayed at a distance from the touch position; - a movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected.wherein, during movement on the touch-sensitive surface (4), it is always ensured that the part of the button (15) which displays the value of the setting parameter is located in the visible area (16-2) of the display area (2), and the setting parameter is changed depending on the direction and / or length of movement on the touch-sensitive surface (4). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that during the movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface (4), the displayed value of the setting parameter is shown in the enlarged button (15) according to the change in the value of the setting parameter. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a standard operating position for the user (12) who operates the touch-sensitive surface (4) is stored, and that, depending on the position of the button (15) within the display area (2) and depending on the stored standard operating position, the display area (16-2) is determined which is not obscured by the object (10,11) for the user (12). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating position of the user (12) who operates the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected and that, depending on the detected operating position of the user (12), the display area (16-2) is determined which is not obscured for the user (12) by the object (10,11). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the enlarged button (15) changes depending on the detected touch position so that during the movement the displayed button (15) is not obscured by the object (10,11) for the user (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an approach of an object (10, 11) to the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected and, when such an approach has been detected, the enlarged display of the button (15) is already initiated. Device (6) for operating a device (9) to which a setting parameter is assigned, comprising: - a display device (1) having a display area (2) with a touch-sensitive surface (4) for displaying a button (15) for changing the setting parameter of the device (9) and for displaying the value of the setting parameter in the button (15); and - a control device (3) coupled to the display device (1) and having an interface 17 to the device (9) to be operated, wherein the control device (3) can detect a touch on the touch-sensitive surface (4) of the button (15) and a movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface (4), characterized in that the display area (2) can be controlled by the control device (3) so that the button (15) is displayed enlarged.when the touch-sensitive surface (4) is detected at the button (15), wherein the button (15) is enlarged in the direction of a display area (16-2) which is not obscured by the object (10, 11) for the user (12) who touches the touch-sensitive surface (4) with an object (10, 11), and wherein the value of the setting parameter is displayed at a distance from the touch position, and the setting parameter is changeable depending on a direction and / or length of movement of a detected movement of the touch position on the touch-sensitive surface (4), wherein during the movement on the touch-sensitive surface (4) it is always ensured that the part of the button (15) which displays the value of the setting parameter is located in the visible area (16-2) of the display area (2). Device (6) according to claim 7, characterized in that the device (6) comprises a proximity detection device (7) for detecting the operating position of a user (12), and that the display device (1) can be controlled by means of the control device (3) in such a way that, depending on the detected operating position of the user (12), a display area (16-2) can be determined which is not obscured for the user (12) by an object (10, 11) with which the touch-sensitive surface (4) is touched and the enlarged button (15) is displayed in the determined display area (16-2). Device (6) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the device (6) has a proximity detection device (7) by means of which an approach of an object (10, 11) to the touch-sensitive surface (4) can be detected, and that by means of the control device (3) the display device (1) can be controlled in such a way that the enlarged display of the button (15) is already initiated when such an approach has been detected.

Images