Operating equipment for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating device (3), in particular an operating device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), in particular an operating device (3) for operating a function of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the operating device (3) comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, wherein a fiber optic system (11) is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber optic system (11) comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device (300) is provided for determining whether light of at least a first group of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident on a second group of the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber optic system (11) as a result of an operating process, so that the second group of LEDs forms a continuous area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular an operating device for operating a function, in particular a function of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, for example in a matrix, wherein a computing device is provided to determine whether light from at least one first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident on a second LED of the plurality of LEDs as a result of an operating process. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having the operating device and a method for operating the operating device. Background Art

[0002] Such an operating device or such a method is known from DE 10 2018 222 203 A1, DE 10 2019 220 071 A1, DE 10 2019 220 050 A1 and DE 10 2019 220 067 A1.

[0003] US 2013 / 0141375 A1 discloses a system for implementing a user interface, wherein a device for generating tactile measurement values ​​in response to tactile input associated with the user interface is provided. In this document, the input is in the form of gestures that can be correspondingly recognized by the user interface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to specify an alternative operation of a motor vehicle.

[0005] The aforementioned object is achieved by an, for example, high-resolution, operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a function of the motor vehicle, according to the invention, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, a fiber optic system (Faseroptik) comprising a plurality of fibers is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber optic system comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating surface (Bedienfläche) facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device is provided for determining whether light from at least a first group of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident on a second group of the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber optic system as a result of an operating process, so that the second group of LEDs forms an, in particular, continuous area.

[0006] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the computing device is configured to determine whether, as a result of an operational process, light from at least a third group of LEDs among the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident upon at least a fourth group of LEDs among the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber-optic system in such a manner that the fourth group of LEDs forms a continuous region together with the second group of LEDs. In particular, it is provided that the second group of LEDs is part of the third group of LEDs, and the fourth group of LEDs is part of the first group of LEDs. Thus, the first group of LEDs includes LEDs in light emission mode, while the second group of LEDs includes LEDs in light recognition mode. Switching between these two modes can be rapid, specifically at such a speed that the switching is imperceptible to the human eye. Similar to the teachings disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,207,851 B1 or US Pat. No. 2006 / 0086896 A1, the LEDs switch between light emission mode and light recognition mode at such a high frequency that the switching is imperceptible to the human eye.

[0007] In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the operating device and / or the computing device includes a module for detecting the extension range (Ausdehnung) of a continuous area and / or for detecting a change in the extension range of a continuous area. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the operating device and / or the computing device includes a module for determining the distance between the operator's finger and the operating surface based on the extension range of the continuous area. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the operating device and / or the computing device includes a module for determining the proximity (Annäherung) of the operator's finger to the operating surface based on a change in the extension range of the continuous area. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the operating device and / or the computing device includes a module for detecting the position (Lage) of the continuous area.

[0008] A group of LEDs forms a continuous area if each LED of the group adjoins at least one other LED of the group. This means that the two LEDs adjoin one another at their outer surfaces or at least adjoin via their corners.

[0009] In particular, it is provided that a continuous region is identified as a continuous region by the computing device or a module of the computing device only if the continuous region is based on a bell-shaped intensity distribution. In particular, it is provided that the continuous region is identified as a continuous region spaced apart from the operating surface by the computing device or a module of the computing device only if the continuous region is based on a bell-shaped intensity distribution. In particular, it is provided that the distance between the operator's finger and the operating surface is recognized as such a distance only if the corresponding continuous region is based on a bell-shaped intensity distribution. A bell-shaped intensity distribution within the meaning of the present disclosure can, for example, be rotationally asymmetric. The intensity distribution within the region regarded as a continuous region can, in particular, approximate a Gaussian curve or at least have a cross-section corresponding to a Gaussian curve. The cross-section of a bell-shaped intensity distribution within the meaning of the present disclosure can, for example, be parabolic.

[0010] In particular, it is provided that the computing device or a module of the computing device identifies a continuous region as a continuous region only if the continuous region is based on a top-hat intensity distribution. In particular, it is provided that the computing device or a module of the computing device identifies the continuous region as a continuous region caused by a touch operating surface only if the continuous region is based on a top-hat intensity distribution. A top-hat (cylindrical with a plateau) intensity distribution within the meaning of the present disclosure particularly means a circular, elliptical, circular-shaped, or elliptical (spatial) intensity distribution of (almost) uniform / constant intensity.

[0011] Intensity within the meaning of the present disclosure is in particular light intensity. In the meaning of the present disclosure, light intensity is in particular the radiant energy W that strikes the surface A vertically within the time t:

[0012]

[0013] In the sense of the present disclosure, light intensity is in particular P / A, where P is the light power.

[0014] For operating functions of a motor vehicle, for example, a virtual operating element can be displayed on a display. It can be provided that the virtual operating element is selected when the operator's finger approaches it and activated when the operator's finger touches it. It can be provided that the operating element is already activated upon further approach to the operating surface. Activation can also be performed, for example, by performing a specific gesture (with one or more fingers of the operator) after selection, such as a rotational or circular motion. After activating the fictitious operating element, the function assigned to it is executed. Furthermore, it can be provided that the activation of the virtual operating element is "displayed" to the user or operator through tactile feedback.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a method for operating an operating device, in particular a method for operating the above-mentioned operating device, in particular for operating functions of a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, wherein a fiber optic system is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber optic system comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein it is determined whether light from at least a first group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident on a second group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber optic system due to an operator's finger, so that the second group of LEDs forms a continuous area.

[0016] In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the three-dimensional movement of a finger is determined based on changes in a continuous area. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the three-dimensional movement of a second finger is determined based on changes in another continuous area formed by another group of LEDs. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the three-dimensional movement of a third finger is determined based on changes in another continuous area formed by another group of LEDs. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the three-dimensional movement of a fourth finger is determined based on changes in another continuous area formed by another group of LEDs. In a further advantageous design of the present invention, the three-dimensional movement of a fifth finger is determined based on changes in another continuous area formed by another group of LEDs.

[0017] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular an operating device having one or more of the above-mentioned features, in particular an operating device for operating functions of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, wherein a plurality of fibers of a fiber-optic system are arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber-optic system comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating surface facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the operating device has a computing device for determining a three-dimensional movement of a finger of an operator of the operating device based on a group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs on which light reflected by the fibers passing through the fiber-optic system is incident.

[0018] Within the meaning of the present disclosure, a fiber optic system is particularly an optical component consisting of a plurality of parallel transparent fibers or a large number of parallel transparent fibers, particularly glass fibers, as light guides (TIR). The fibers are fused together, for example as a support plate, to form a mechanically homogeneous mass. Transparent within the meaning of the present disclosure may mean and / or include translucency. Within the meaning of the present disclosure, a transparent fiber may be opaquely coated or include or have an opaque cladding surface to prevent scattered light. For example, the opaque cladding surface of the fiber may be black. A fiber optic system within the meaning of the present disclosure may also be embodied as a fiber optic device or a fused fiber optic device. Within the meaning of the present disclosure, a fiber optic system may include a plurality of light guides that are oriented (substantially) perpendicularly or orthogonally to a side of the fiber optic system facing the plurality of LEDs, or perpendicularly or orthogonally to a plane in which the plurality of LEDs are arranged, at least on a side of the fiber optic system facing away from the plurality of LEDs. Fiber optic systems within the meaning of the present invention are particularly designed as fiber boards. The fiber board or fiber optic system can be a one-piece component or an assembled structural component. Within the meaning of the present disclosure, light-conducting fibers consist of or include, for example, PE, PMMA, or glass. For example, as with light guides, each individual fiber consists of a core glass and an enclosing, low-refractive-index cladding glass. For example, a bundle of black (absorbent) glass is additionally arranged between them to suppress stray scattered light.

[0019] The distance between the individual pixels is, for example, 4–10 µm.

[0020] The light-conducting fiber in the sense of the present disclosure has in particular a rounded, in particular circular, cross section. However, it can also be provided that the light-conducting fiber in the sense of the present disclosure has a rectangular, square or hexagonal cross section.

[0021] Within the meaning of the present disclosure, motor vehicle functions may include an infotainment system, a navigation system, a telephone or telephone interface, window regulators, actuators for side mirrors, an actuator for a sunroof, and the like. An operating procedure within the meaning of the present disclosure may include, in particular, touching an operating surface of the fiber-optic system provided for the operation with a finger and / or a specific gesture. Within the meaning of the disclosure, arrangement above a plurality of LEDs particularly means that the fiber-optic system or the fibers of the fiber-optic system are designed such that the LEDs radiate light into the fibers of the fiber-optic system.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a display function of the motor vehicle is assigned to the fiber-optic system and / or a group of side-by-side light-conducting fibers. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure relates in particular to: operating functions that can be operated via a bus system. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure is in particular an infotainment system and / or a navigation system and / or a telephone. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure uses, for example, a bus interface of the computing device or display device and / or operating device. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure is in particular one or more of the following functions, which depend on what is displayed with the aid of the display. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure is in particular a menu-guided operation. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure can also include a plurality of applications that can be operated or called up when these applications are displayed. A display function in the sense of the present disclosure can also be the display of information.

[0023] The plurality of LEDs forms a display or is part of a display. A display within the meaning of the present disclosure is, in particular, a display for variably displaying information or a matrix display. A display within the meaning of the present disclosure can be, for example, a TFT. In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs or a group of LEDs form a color display. In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the second group of LEDs forms a color display. In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs of the plurality of LEDs are designed as a color display (for displaying image content in different colors).

[0024] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle including the aforementioned operating device. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the present invention is particularly a land vehicle that can be used independently in road traffic. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the present invention is not limited to land vehicles with an internal combustion engine. Within the meaning of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle may also be understood to include an engine-driven vehicle, for example, also a vehicle for 3D mobility. Within the meaning of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle may be a means of transport, particularly a means of transport driven by an actuator. A means of transport within the meaning of the present disclosure may be a means of locomotion. A means of transport within the meaning of the present disclosure may be a means of transport for transporting people and / or goods, or may be understood to be such a means of transport for transporting people and / or goods. A means of transport within the meaning of the present disclosure may be a powered vehicle. A powered vehicle within the meaning of the present disclosure particularly means a vehicle equipped with a technical drive, wherein the main portion of the drive may be located externally to the vehicle, but preferably is located internally or integrated into the vehicle. A powered vehicle within the meaning of the present disclosure is particularly a vehicle that is not exclusively powered by animal and / or human power. However, a powered vehicle within the meaning of the present disclosure may optionally include a vehicle powered by wind and / or the sun. A drive within the meaning of the present disclosure may be an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further advantages and details can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown in an interior view,

[0027] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 Schematic view of a motor vehicle,

[0028] Figure 3 The basic design of an operating device within the meaning of the invention is shown in the form of an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an operating device,

[0030] Figure 5 A plurality of LEDs are shown for explanation of the principles of the present invention,

[0031] Figure 6 Shows the explanation based on Figure 5 A supplementary illustration of the principle of

[0032] Figure 7 Shown Figure 5 and Figure 6 Further explanation of the principle,

[0033] Figure 8An embodiment of a diagram for explaining an operating device according to the invention or a method according to the invention for using an operating device is shown,

[0034] Figure 9 An embodiment showing an operation state performed by a finger spaced apart from the operation surface of the fiber optic system is shown.

[0035] Figure 10 It shows that when the finger approaches the operation surface further, Figure 9 situation,

[0036] Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 and 10 The further continuation of the operation state is that when the user's finger reaches the operation surface,

[0037] Figure 12 shows the intensity distribution when operated with two fingers, and

[0038] Figure 13 A complex gesture for operating an operating device is shown, in which five fingers are used to implement a multi-touch input signal or an operating signal or a corresponding operating state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 An internal view shows the Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 is shown in a schematic diagram in FIG. Reference numeral 2 denotes a steering wheel, while reference numeral 3 denotes an HMI or an operating device designed as an HMI, which is operated via an associated display and operating control 10. Reference numeral 4 denotes a door, and reference numeral 5 denotes an operating device in the center console of the motor vehicle 1. Display 12, formed by a plurality of LEDs, or the information displayed by display 12 can be influenced via display and operating control 10. Non-safety-critical functions of the motor vehicle 1, such as a telephone interface 114 for a mobile phone MT, automatic air conditioning 115, navigation system 116, infotainment system 117, or other functions, can be operated via HMI 3. To this end, telephone interface 114, automatic air conditioning 115, navigation system 116, infotainment system 117, and other non-safety-critical functions are connected to the display and operating control 10 of the HMI 3 via bus system B1. Other non-safety-critical functions of the motor vehicle 1 may include, for example, a WLAN interface 118, a Bluetooth interface, or a USB interface 119. Motor vehicle 1 also includes safety-related functions, such as engine control 131, ESP 132, or transmission control 133. Reference numerals 134, 135, and 136 denote further safety-related functions or modules of motor vehicle 1. Safety-related modules 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136 of the motor vehicle are coupled via bus system B2, which is coupled to bus system B1 via gateway 100.

[0040] Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the basic design of an HMI 3, or operating device 3 within the meaning of the present invention, which includes a display 12. Here, LEDs 121, designed as an LED arrangement of display 12, emit light that is (multiple) reflected in fibers 111 of fiber-optical system 11 and emerges from the side of fiber-optical system 11 facing away from the LED arrangement (display 12), namely, operating surface 110. If an operator's finger F is placed on or near operating surface 110 of fiber-optical system 11 for the purpose of operating this operating device 3, the light emerging from the surface is (diffusely) reflected into fibers 111 of fiber-optical system 11 and / or into one or more indirectly or directly adjacent fibers and is guided by these fibers to LEDs 122, which are not currently emitting light, whose energy consumption is detected by means of a computer 300 of operating device 3. Computer 300 of operating device 3 communicates with display and operating controller 10 by means of bidirectional communication connection 310 and thus with corresponding functions of motor vehicle 1 to be operated or controlled by means of display and operating controller 10 via bus system B1 or B2 .

[0041] Furthermore, the computing device 300 controls the actuator denoted by reference numeral 13. As explained in more detail below, the computing device 300 and the display 12 are arranged in a housing, just like the actuator 13. Here, the computing device 300 controls the movement of the actuator 13 by outputting an actuator control signal. The design of the actuator 13 can be found in, for example, EP 1 560 102 A1. Furthermore, a piezoelectric actuator or a so-called voice coil can be used as the actuator 13, for example. In EP 1 677 180 A1, a piezoelectric actuator or a so-called voice coil can be used. Figure 3 A suitable actuator can also be found in EP 1 677 180 A1, wherein this actuator is denoted by reference numeral 19. The operating device 3 furthermore comprises an interface for a communication connection 310 with the display and operating control 10 (see above).

[0042] Figure 4 An embodiment of an operating device 3 is shown in cross-section. The operating device 3 includes: a housing 15; a display 12 arranged in the housing 15 for optically displaying information; a fiber optic system 11 arranged above the display 12 and connected to the housing 15, for inputting commands by touching an operating surface of the fiber optic system 11; and an actuator 13 for moving the housing 15 parallel to the display 12 and thereby moving the fiber optic system 11 relative to the display 12. The actuator 13 is not shown in FIG. Figure 1 11 is not shown in the figure, but is arranged on the end face of the display 12. With the help of the computing device 300, different information can be displayed by outputting corresponding display signals on the display 12. In addition, the computing device 300 reads the position signal output from the display 12, which indicates the position where the fiber optic system 11 is touched or the corresponding proximity of the operator's finger F to the fiber optic system 11.

[0043] The housing 15 comprises four openings 20 and 21, which are covered by flexible collars 24 and 25, respectively, through which fastening elements 22 and 23 for fastening the display 12 to the instrument panel of the motor vehicle 1 are guided. The housing 15 also comprises a further opening covered by a further flexible collar 31, through which a plug-in contact 30 for supplying energy to the display 12 and for transmitting display signals to the display 12 is guided. The plug-in contact 30 comprises or implements a Figure 3The interface for display and operating control 10 is denoted by reference numeral 310. Flexible collars 24, 25, and 31 can, for example, consist of or include an elastomer. In particular, the flexibility of collars 24, 25, and 31 is coordinated with the mass of housing 15 including fiber-optical system 11 so that housing 15 (including fiber-optical system 11), connected to collars 24, 25, and 31, has a mechanical natural frequency between 5 Hz and 150 Hz. This natural frequency is particularly coordinated with actuator 13, or actuator 13 is selected corresponding to this natural frequency.

[0044] In the described embodiment, the operating device 3 includes at least one fastening element 44 or 45 connected to the housing 15 as a connecting element for securing the lever 40 or 41, respectively. Furthermore, the fastening elements 44 and 45 each include at least one sliding element 42 or 43 connected to the display 12. Each sliding element has at least one sliding bearing 46 or 47, by means of which the sliding element 42 or 43 can be moved along the lever 40 or 41, respectively. It can also be provided that the sliding element 42 or 43 is (fixedly) connected to the housing 15, and the fastening element 44 or 45 is (fixedly) connected to the display 12. This design is particularly suitable for implementing tactile feedback, for example, for simulating the actuation of a button. Corresponding control signals for the actuator can be found, for example, in EP 1 677 180 A1 or DE 10 2006 047 893 A1.

[0045] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 To explain the function of the operating device 3 in principle. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 In , shaded pixels represent illuminated LEDs, while white pixels represent non-illuminated LEDs. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the same figure, the shaded pixels represent LEDs that are not emitting light. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shaded pixels in the graph represent the non-emitting LEDs into which the light from the emitting LED is coupled or incident. Figures 5 to 6 It can be seen from the transition that Figure 5 The light-emitting LED (LED that emits light) Figure 6 The LED is non-luminous, and vice versa. Figure 5 describes the first state of the LED, while Figure 6 The second state of the LED is described. In this case, the LED is constantly switched between the first state and the second state so quickly that this switching is not visible to the human eye.

[0046] therefore, Figure 5 The densely shaded pixels in correspond to the first group of LEDs in the sense of the embodiment. Figure 5 The pixels shown in middle shaded areas represent the second set of LEDs within the meaning of this embodiment. Figure 6 The densely shaded pixels represent the third group of LEDs in the sense of the embodiment, Figure 6 The LEDs shown in the middle hatching represent an example of a fourth group of LEDs within the meaning of the embodiment. Advantageously, it is provided that the LEDs receiving light (i.e. according to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The LED into which light is incident or input coupled) is superimposed by the first state and the second state, as in Figure 7 exemplarily shown based on shaded pixels, wherein the shaded pixels represent the first group of LEDs and the third group of LEDs in the sense of the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 A diagram is shown for explaining an operating device 3 according to the invention or a method according to the invention for using a corresponding operating device. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 In principle, the LEDs of the display are operated alternately or very rapidly (the switching is invisible to the human eye). Due to this rapid switching, during operation of the operating device 3, half of the plurality of LEDs are first switched on to emit light, while the adjacent LEDs are switched off.

[0048] As a result, a pixel P1 is obtained which is illuminated by light diffusely reflected due to the operation. Figure 5 In the simplified illustration of , pixel P1 corresponds to the shaded pixel, and Figure 8 The pixel P2 in corresponds to Figure 6 The shaded pixels or corresponding LEDs that receive light.

[0049] In the merging module 321, if alternating operation of LEDs is set, these LEDs are merged, which corresponds to, for example, Figure 7 The shaded pixels in . Figure 8 In, with Figure 7 The merged pixel or merged LED corresponding to the shadow LED or shadow pixel in is represented by the reference numeral P12.

[0050] Then, a contrast improvement is provided, for example by means of a contrast improvement module 322. Suitable algorithms or suitable devices for improving the contrast can be found, for example, in DE 10 2011 009 710 A1. The correspondingly modified pixels or LEDs or LEDs and pixels with modified signal levels are then Figure 8It is represented by the reference numeral P12' in the accompanying drawings. However, if the intensity of the light recognized by the pixels or LEDs is evaluated as described below, in particular, the operation of the contrast improvement or contrast improvement module is not provided.

[0051] The grouping module 323 is connected to the merging module 321 or to the contrast improvement module 322 (if provided), and with the aid of the grouping module 323, it is determined which pixels or LEDs belong to a continuous region or form a corresponding group G , Figure 9 ,

[0057] . For example, if the corresponding signal distribution according to Figure 12 is the basis, in this case, two groups of signals assigned to two continuous regions 501 and 502 are identified by the grouping module 323. In order to identify the group G that forms a continuous region i , in an advantageous design, it is specified that the intensity distribution is evaluated and specifically in the following way: The light received by the LEDs that receive light and form the group G of the continuous region i includes a bell-shaped or (at least approximately) bell-like intensity distribution as shown in Figure 13 .

[0052] For each of the identified continuous regions G i , distance recognition represented by the reference numeral 324 is performed for the finger F near the operating surface 110 to determine the distance d between the operator's finger F and the operating surface 110. In the sense of the present disclosure, near the operating surface should mean, for example: The user's finger is no more than 10 cm away from the operating surface, especially no more than 5 cm. In an exemplary design, the distance d between the operator's finger F and the operating surface 110 is determined as follows:

[0053] 1]

[0054] Here, α is a constant, and N0 is the average or expected number of pixels or LEDs in a group when the user's finger F touches the operating surface 110. N represents the number of pixels or LEDs that form a continuous region in a group. Instead of the above formula, a family of characteristic curves, a characteristic curve, a neural network, or a table can also be used, for example

[0055]

[0056] which represents the relationship between the distance d and the number N of pixels or LEDs that form a continuous region in a group. Here, N i is a limit value, where N1 < N2 < N3. It can be specified that d2 is only recognized if d1 has been recognized previously

[0057] Referring to Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11The principle of distance recognition is explained. Thus, for example, when the operator's finger F approaches the operating surface 110, a continuous area K1 is generated. When the operator approaches further, Figure 10 As shown in FIG, the area is expanded to area K2. If the operator's finger F finally reaches the operation surface 110 and touches the operation surface 110, the maximum expansion range is reached, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in the middle region K3, the region K3 is correspondingly larger than the regions K2 and K1.

[0058] The position determination module 325 determines the position of the user's finger F with respect to coordinates x and y, where the coordinates x and y are located in the plane of the operating surface 110 or represent the coordinates of the operating surface 110. The coordinate z corresponds to the orthogonality of the coordinates x and y, and therefore corresponds to the distance d between the user's finger F and the operating surface 110. The distance recognition 324 and the position determination module 325 jointly determine the continuous area G i Position P i (x, y, z).

[0059] A differential module 326 may also be provided to determine the group G i Position P i First derivative of (x, y, z)

[0060]

[0061] This derivative ultimately tells us something about the speed of three-dimensional motion in space.

[0062] The module 327 determines the associated command B for the function of the motor vehicle 1 based on the recognized three-dimensional movement of the user's finger F or multiple user's fingers. In addition, the module 327 generates a modified display signal D and activates tactile feedback via a corresponding indication H. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is provided that up to five independent groups or continuous areas can be distinguished and processed. This corresponds to, for example, Figure 13 The illustrated processing of a gesture situation, in which the fingers of a hand 600 generate continuous areas 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 by their touch, shows a bell-shaped intensity distribution of these continuous areas.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that by a touch of four or five fingers or by a gesture with four or five fingers: returning to the root menu is achieved. In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that by three fingers or by using a gesture with three fingers: returning to the previous view is achieved. In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that two fingers are used to rotate, for example, a virtual rotary head and / or a graphic or image, such as a map, and / or to use two fingers to move apart or together to zoom in and / or out of an image or image. In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a gesture with a single finger can be used to move an image or graphic or image. In another embodiment of the invention, a touch of three fingers or a gesture with three fingers is used to achieve a zoom function.

Claims

1. An operating device (3), in particular an operating device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), in particular an operating device (3) for operating a function of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the operating device (3) comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, wherein a fiber optic system (11) comprising a plurality of fibers is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber optic system (11) comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device (300) is provided for determining whether light from at least a first group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or incident on at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber optic system (11) as a result of an operating process. D, so that the second group of LEDs forms a continuous area, wherein the continuous area is identified as a continuous area by the computing device only when the continuous area is based on a top-hat intensity distribution, wherein the computing device (300) is designed to determine whether light of at least a third group of LEDs among the plurality of LEDs passes through the fiber of the fiber optic system (11) due to operational processing and is reflected and / or incident on at least a fourth group of LEDs among the plurality of LEDs, so that the fourth group of LEDs forms a continuous area together with the second group of LEDs, and wherein the second group of LEDs is part of the third group of LEDs, and the fourth group of LEDs is part of the first group of LEDs.

2. The operating device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating device (3) and / or the computing means (300) comprises a module for detecting the extension of the continuous area and / or for detecting a change in the extension of the continuous area.

3. The operating device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The operating device (3) and / or the computing apparatus (300) includes a module for determining the distance between the operator's finger and the operating surface based on the extension range of the continuous area.

4. The operating device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating device (3) and / or the computing apparatus (300) includes a module for determining the proximity of the operator's finger to the operating surface based on a change in the extension range of the continuous area.

5. The operating device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating device (3) and / or the computing means (300) comprises a module for detecting the position of the continuous area.

6. A motor vehicle (1), characterized in that The motor vehicle comprises an operating device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. A method for operating an operating device (3), in particular a method for operating an operating device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the operating device being in particular for operating a function of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the operating device (3) comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side, wherein a fiber optic system (11) is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, wherein the fiber optic system (11) comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and an operating side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein it is determined whether light from at least a first group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is at least reflected and / or incident on a second group of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs through the fibers of the fiber optic system (11) due to a finger of an operator, so that the second group of LEDs forms a continuous area, wherein the continuous area is identified as a continuous area by a computing device only if the continuous area is based on a top-hat-shaped intensity distribution.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The three-dimensional movement of the finger is determined according to the change of the continuous area.

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