Operating system for a vehicle and method for operating an operating system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating system for a vehicle (1), the operating system comprising: an operating element (2) having a first or second operating state, an illumination unit (6) for illuminating the operating element (2) with a first or second illumination parameter, a detection unit (5) for detecting a manipulation intention and the operating state of the operating element (2), and a control unit (4) coupled to the operating element (2), the illumination unit (6) and the detection unit (5). Herein, the control unit (4) is configured to adjust the first or second illumination parameter to the illumination unit (6) according to the detected operating state and according to the detected manipulation intention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating system for a vehicle and a method for operating an operating system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles, especially motor vehicles, a large number of electronic devices are provided, and their operations must be carried out by the driver or other passengers. These devices include, for example, navigation systems, a large number of driver assistance systems, and communication and multimedia applications, which, for example, include telephone devices and devices for playing music and voice, such as radios or CD players.

[0003] When operating various devices in a vehicle, it is important that the operating elements are easily accessible and operatively designed and arranged for the user, that is, for example, the driver of the vehicle. In addition, fixed functions or input possibilities are usually assigned to the buttons or operating elements, so that the user does not have to switch between different operating modes.

[0004] DE 102010012239 A1 proposes an operating and display device, in which a virtual image of the operating device is displayed when the user approaches the operating device, so that the available operating possibilities are visible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an operating system, a method for operating the same, and a motor vehicle having the operating system, wherein the user can easily understand which operating possibilities are available to him.

[0006] This technical problem is solved according to the present invention by the following technical solutions.

[0007] An operating system for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: an operating element having a first or second operable state, an illumination unit for illuminating the operating element with a first or second illumination parameter, a detection unit for detecting a manipulation intention and the operable state of the operating element, and a control unit coupled to the operating element, the illumination unit, and the detection unit. Here, the control unit is configured to adjust the first or second illumination parameter to the illumination unit according to the detected operable state and according to the detected manipulation intention. In order to adjust to the first or second illumination parameter, in particular, a first or second control signal is generated and transmitted to the illumination unit.

[0008] In the operating system, it is advantageously possible to display to the user at a very early time point which operable state the operating element is in.

[0009] In particular, a basic state is defined for the lighting unit, in which no manipulation intention is detected. Thereby, for example, the lighting of the operating element can be achieved by lighting parameters formed independently of the operating state of the operating element. In particular, in this basic state where no manipulation intention is detected, the lighting unit is adjusted to a first lighting parameter. After detecting a manipulation intention, it is adjusted to the first or second lighting parameter, for example, according to the current operating state of the operating element.

[0010] Thereby, it is advantageously clearly and easily understandable to inform the user which operating state the manipulated operating element is currently in. The operating system particularly includes a plurality of operating elements that can be in different operating states.

[0011] In a design of the operating system according to the invention, the first operating state of the operating element is the activated operating state of the operating element and the second operating state of the operating element is the deactivated or deactivated operating state of the operating element. Thereby, the user can advantageously easily understand whether he can perform an operation through his manipulation. Thereby, it is also possible to advantageously understand according to the lighting whether the operating element is in the first operating state or the second operating state after detecting a manipulation intention.

[0012] In particular, in the activated operating state, an input signal is generated according to the manipulation and transmitted to a device of the vehicle, for example, to an operable functional unit. An input is executed according to the input signal, for example, inputting data, adjusting, or activating or deactivating a function. In the deactivated operating state, in particular, no input signal is generated and / or such a signal does not cause an operation or input. That is, the manipulation of the operating element does not cause an operation, especially does not cause an operation on the functional unit.

[0013] The lighting is carried out in a manner known per se. For this purpose, the lighting unit generates light radiation with the adjusted lighting parameters, which can, for example, relate to the intensity, color, or dynamic change of the light radiation. The lighting parameter that can be dynamically changed particularly relates to a periodically generated light signal, such as a flashing or pulsed light radiation or a moving light beam, or a one-time light animation, such as a light radiation with weakening and disappearing.

[0014] In addition, the lighting parameter can relate to a shape, such as a graphic element, such as a symbol or a geometric shape. Different shapes can be illuminated in the first and second lighting parameters.

[0015] Here, the illumination is generated such that light radiation is emitted from a spatially locatable region assigned to the operating element. For example, a surface assigned to the operating element can be illuminated, wherein the light radiation that can be perceived thereby can be generated, for example, by reflection on the illuminated surface or by transmission of light in the region of the operating element. The illumination can be generated, for example, by spot illumination or by backlighting of light symbols formed by means of a mask. In other examples, a display screen with a plurality of individually controllable image points, for example a display screen dimensioned accordingly, can be arranged in the operating element.

[0016] The operating element is in particular designed as an analog operating element, which is configured with a static detection region, in particular an invariant surface. The detection region can be at least partially illuminated by means of the illumination. In this case, the detection region is designed to not be freely programmable, but rather is statically arranged and dimensioned, wherein, for example, in the case of a touch screen, a freely programmable situation exists, on which a user interface can be designed, which has operating surfaces that can be freely positioned and dimensioned.

[0017] In other designs, the control unit is set up to adjust to a first illumination parameter when a first operability state is detected for the operating element, and to adjust to a second illumination parameter when a second operability state is detected for the operating element. Here, the first illumination parameter is designed to illuminate the operating element with a brighter intensity than in the second illumination parameter. Thereby, the operating element can be advantageously gradually shown or hidden depending on the operability state of the operating element.

[0018] In particular after a manipulation intention has been detected, the operating element in the second operability state, in particular the deactivated state, is faded out or not illuminated relative to other operating elements, for example in such a way that the illumination is now implemented with a reduced intensity or the illumination is completely switched off here. As an alternative or in addition, the operating element in the second operability state can be specifically marked or highlighted, for example by implementing the illumination in a specific color or with a dynamic effect, such as blinking or pulsing.

[0019] In this way, in particular, a temporary black panel effect can be generated, wherein all potentially usable operating elements are first illuminated and thus visible, wherein, after a manipulation intention has been detected, the illumination of the inactive operating elements is interrupted, so that these operating elements are not visible or not as clearly visible to the user.

[0020] If an intention to manipulate an operating element in a first operating state, in particular an activated operating state, is detected, the same adjusted lighting parameters can be maintained here. In other designs, the first lighting parameters adjusted for the operating element in the first operating state in the presence of an intention to manipulate also differ from the lighting parameters adjusted before the intention to manipulate was detected. For example, an operating element in a first operating state, in particular in an activated operating state, is highlighted in the presence of an intention to manipulate, for example by illuminating the operating element more brightly, in a changed color and / or with a dynamic effect.

[0021] In an extended design, the detection unit is configured to detect an intention to manipulate based on the proximity of a manipulation object to the operating element, where proximity can be detected when the distance between the manipulation object and the operating element is below a predefined proximity threshold.

[0022] This advantageously analyzes a particularly reliable indication for the intention to manipulate. In other designs, the intention to manipulate can be recognized when the manipulation is actually performed.

[0023] The entry of a manipulation object, such as a body part of a user, into a specific spatial region around the operating element can be understood as proximity. The spatial region can be defined, for example, by a maximum distance from the operating element, for example not exceeding 5 cm, preferably not exceeding 3 cm. Additionally, as an alternative or in addition, proximity can be detected based on the movement direction of the manipulation object, where proximity includes movement in the direction of the operating element.

[0024] Here, in particular, the distance between the manipulation object and the position assigned to the operating element, the change in the distance, and / or direction information, such as the movement direction of the manipulation object relative to the operating element, can be considered. For example, proximity can only be detected when movement towards a specific position is detected. The position assigned to the operating element can be a position or a region in which manipulation can be performed, for example, by touch or applying pressure. As an alternative or in addition, proximity to other positions can be detected, such as a device including the manipulation object, for example an "operation island" in which multiple operating elements are grouped.

[0025] The manipulation object can be, for example, a user's hand or finger. In principle, the manipulation object can be any object suitable for performing a manipulation on the operating element.

[0026] The proximity can be detected in a manner known per se. The proximity can be detected, for example, by a capacitive sensor. In addition, the proximity can be detected, for example, by means of a reflection grating which includes at least one light-emitting device for emitting an electromagnetic detection ray into the detection area and a receiving element for detecting the fraction of the detection ray scattered and / or reflected on the actuating object. The reflection grating can in particular be designed to identify the actuating object in the detection area based on the intensity of the received detection ray. In addition, the detection unit can include different light-emitting devices for each individual detection area, each of which emits an electromagnetic detection ray into the respective detection area. In addition, a modulation device can be provided for modulating the emitted detection ray, such that the detection rays emitted into the individual detection areas are different with respect to their modulation. In this case, the detection unit can also include an analysis unit which is designed such that it is possible to analyze the received reflected and / or scattered detection ray with respect to its modulation in order to determine in which detection area the detection ray is scattered or reflected on the actuating object.

[0027] In other designs, the proximity includes touching the operating element by the actuating object. In this case, the actuation may have been effected by touching or may be effected by applying pressure at the touch location.

[0028] In one design, an actuation intention can be detected when a preset proximity threshold is undershot for at least one specific time interval. This can advantageously avoid accidentally or unintentionally detecting an actuation intention. For example, the actuating object may approach the operating element briefly as it passes by the operating element.

[0029] In addition, it can be provided that the lighting parameters are adjusted only when a longer-lasting proximity is effected or when hovering in a specific area. For example, the user can bring his finger close to the operating element or touch the operating element without actuating it before he decides which actuation he wants to perform or when he is still not sure which operational state the operating element currently has. In this case, after a specific time interval has elapsed, the first or second lighting parameter is adjusted and, for example, currently deactivated operating elements are hidden.

[0030] In other designs, the control unit is provided for adjusting the lighting parameters of the lighting unit after an actuation intention has been detected for a specific timeout interval. In particular, the lighting parameters are adjusted to a changed parameter value during this time. This can advantageously ensure that the user can recognize when the lighting parameters change.

[0031] In particular, for the lighting in the basic state without detecting the manipulation intention, the lighting is adjusted to the first lighting parameter, and if the second operational state is detected, the lighting is adjusted to the second lighting parameter when the manipulation intention is detected. After the timeout interval has passed, the lighting parameter is then adjusted to the state before the manipulation intention is detected.

[0032] The timeout interval may be, for example, 1 s to 5 s, preferably 2 s to 3 s.

[0033] The operability state of the operating element can be detected in different ways. For example, the operating element is configured with an operable functional unit or a specific function thereof and the functional unit or function can preset an operability state, for example, according to the current state of the control program. In addition, if the operating element is configured with a unit or function that can be operated by manipulation, an activated operability state can be detected, and if no unit can be operated by manipulating the operating element, a deactivated operability state can be detected.

[0034] As an alternative or in addition, other operational states can be distinguished. For example, permanently and temporarily deactivated or activated operational states can be defined. Here, the operating element is, for example, configured with a function that is permanently unavailable for the vehicle, for example because the corresponding functional unit is missing or because it is not activated. For example, the functional unit can represent different driver assistance systems, which can be activated or operated by a specific operating element. If such a functional unit is unavailable, for example due to the lack of corresponding sensors, actuators or control possibilities, the corresponding operating element has no function and is in a permanently deactivated operational state. On the contrary, the functional unit can be temporarily turned off, for example in a specific driving state or after the user makes a corresponding input, so that the operating element will be available again after the functional unit is turned on; therefore, the operating element is only in a temporarily deactivated operational state.

[0035] In other embodiments, the operating element comprises a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can be used to detect manipulation and / or manipulation intentions, in particular based on proximity. The operating element can thus be advantageously integrated particularly well into the surface. Such a sensor can also detect manipulation very accurately and can be operated with less effort. In other examples, other sensor types can be used, such as resistive sensors or temperature sensors and analog switches or regulators.

[0036] In a design with a capacitive sensor, the operating element can be designed as an operating surface or switch surface in a specific detection area within a smooth surface, ie the operating element has no perceptible boundaries, as is common in pushbutton switches, for example.

[0037] The sensor unit can also be defined as a virtual unit, for example, by a specific detection area in which manipulation can be detected, or for a specific operation, where the sensor unit is thus defined as a unit for detecting manipulation by means of an operation.

[0038] The detection of manipulation especially includes the detection of information that a user's manipulation action has been performed by means of an operating element. In addition, the detection can include information about the detected manipulation action, such as when and at which position the manipulation is performed, how long the manipulation lasts, or which type of manipulation action is performed. Examples of such manipulation actions are, for example, touching, clicking for a short or long time, a swiping gesture, or the approach of a manipulated object to a specific position of the operating element.

[0039] In an extended design, the operating system includes a feedback unit coupled to the control unit for outputting feedback, where the control unit is also configured to generate a first or second control signal based on the detected operability state of the operating element and the detected manipulation and transmit it to the feedback unit. Here, the feedback unit is configured to generate and output feedback based on the first or second control signal.

[0040] Thereby, different feedback can be advantageously output to the user according to the current operability state of the manipulated operating element. Thus, for example, he can easily understand whether the manipulated operating element is currently in an active or inactive operability state. Different from changing the lighting parameters when a manipulation intention is detected, this aspect of the present invention can provide support for the user after the user has performed the manipulation, so as to avoid, for example, confusion about non-functional, temporarily or permanently deactivated operating elements.

[0041] Especially, the feedback is output immediately after the manipulation or already during the manipulation, so that the user can directly identify which operability state the manipulated operating element is in. Especially if a distinction is made between the inactive and active operability states, the user can thereby identify whether an operation can currently be performed by means of the operating element. That is, he can particularly simply understand through the feedback that the manipulation does not result in an operation, and the corresponding (possibly non-existent) system response is not based on a fault or incorrect operation. Thereby, the user's trust in the system can be improved because he can easily understand his operation possibilities.

[0042] In an extended design, the feedback unit is configured to output feedback to the user in a manner that can be perceived tactilely, auditorily, and / or visually. For this purpose, the feedback unit includes, for example, an actuator, a speaker, or a display, where such a unit can also be used to output feedback for multiple operating elements. The user can thereby advantageously understand the feedback particularly quickly and directly.

[0043] For example, the feedback may include an optical signal, wherein the color, intensity, blinking frequency, or other optical parameters of the optical signal are designed according to the detected operational state. The optical signal can be generated by using a direct spatial association with the position of the operating element, especially in a surface area where the manipulation can be detected. For example, the optical signal can signalize an activated or deactivated operational state by means of specific optical parameters and thus make it easier for the user to select the appropriate operating element.

[0044] In one design, the feedback unit includes a piezoelectric actuator. Thereby, vibrations can be generated particularly simply and flexibly in an advantageous manner, and the actuator can be easily integrated into different operating elements. Different types of vibration signals can be generated particularly simply because only the distribution of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element needs to be changed.

[0045] In other designs, the feedback includes vibrations, wherein the duration, frequency, amplitude, and / or signal shape of the vibrations are designed according to the detected operational state. The different feedbacks generated by the vibrations can also be distinguished in terms of the signal shape, for example, by outputting a sine curve, a triangular curve, or a rectangular curve. In addition, different pulse sequences can be considered. Thereby, different feedbacks for distinguishing various operational states can be advantageously output to the user. Furthermore, in a manipulation including touch, the feedback by means of vibrations can establish a direct association between the position of the manipulation and the position of the feedback.

[0046] In particular, the vibrations can be output in such a way that they are output at the position of the manipulation or the operating element. That is, the user perceives the feedback at the part where he performs a manipulation associated with touch, for example. Thereby, the feedback is particularly clearly and directly associated with the manipulation of the operating element. In other embodiments, for example, the feedback including vibrations can be output at a position spaced apart from the operating element or the manipulation position. This can be, for example, feedback output by means of a device arranged spaced apart from the operating element.

[0047] Feedback can include different elements and be adapted or adjusted differently depending on the current operational state of the operating element. Different combinations can be used here: for a first operational state, the feedback can be designed to be perceptible only auditorily, visually, or haptically; in this case, the feedback output for a second operational state can be designed in a changed manner or omitted entirely, where it is also possible to consider switching between feedbacks that can be perceived in different ways. That is, the feedback can be omitted in the second operational state, the feedback can also be perceived in the same way but designed differently, or it can be designed to be perceptible in different ways. In addition, the feedback for the first operational state can be perceptible by a combination of different ways, for example by components detectable auditorily and haptically; in this case, at least one of these components can be omitted or designed differently in the feedback for the second operational state.

[0048] In one design, the operating element is mounted on a steering device of a vehicle, such as a steering wheel. The operating element is particularly integrated in the steering device. The driver of the vehicle can thus advantageously and particularly easily access the operating element. In this case, the operating system according to the invention allows for simplified operation, and the user does not have to focus too much attention on the operating element, because the operational state can be particularly easily understood based on the feedback.

[0049] A motor vehicle according to the invention includes an operating system according to the above description, where the operating element is particularly integrated in the steering wheel of the vehicle. Here, the manipulation intention is particularly detected based on the movement of the hand that detaches from the steering wheel rim and moves in the direction of the operating element arranged in the central region of the steering wheel. The user, especially the driver of the vehicle, can thus advantageously and particularly simply use the same operating element in different equipment variants, where different operation possibilities of the operating element are output in an easily understandable manner based on the feedback.

[0050] In a method for operating an operating system for a vehicle according to the invention, the operating system includes an operating element having a first or second operational state and an illumination unit for illuminating the operating element with a first or second illumination parameter. In the method, the operational state of the operating element and the manipulation intention are detected, and the first or second illumination parameter is adjusted based on the detected operational state and based on the detected manipulation intention.

[0051] The method according to the invention is particularly designed to implement the operating system according to the invention described above. The method thus has the same advantages as the operating system according to the invention. Description of the Drawings

[0052] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings according to embodiments.

[0053] Figure 1 An embodiment of the operating system according to the present invention in a vehicle is shown,

[0054] Figure 2 An embodiment of a steering device having an operating system according to the present invention is shown and

[0055] Figure 3 An embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Description

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the operating system according to the present invention in a vehicle is described.

[0057] The vehicle 1 includes a steering device 10, and the steering device 10 further includes an operating element 2, a feedback unit 3, a proximity detection unit 5, and a lighting unit 6. The steering device 10 is coupled to a control unit 4. A functional unit 11 is also coupled to the control unit 4.

[0058] In this embodiment, the steering device 10 is designed as a steering wheel 10, and the operating element 2 is integrated in the steering wheel 10. The operating element 2 is designed in a manner known per se and includes a capacitive sensor configured with a specific detection area in this embodiment. The detection area is designed on the surface of the steering wheel 10, within which a touch by a manipulation object, such as a user's finger, is detected as a manipulation and a manipulation signal is generated and the manipulation signal is transmitted to the control unit 4.

[0059] In this embodiment, the steering wheel 10 includes a plurality of separately designed operating elements 2 as shown in Figure 2 . Each of the operating elements is respectively configured with at least one capacitive sensor and a surface area on the steering wheel 10. They are grouped on the left and right sides beside the central area of the steering wheel 10 in a manner known per se and form keys arranged in a cross shape and other keys. In this embodiment, the surface of the steering wheel 10 in the area of the operating element 2 is structured such that the edges of the planar detection areas assigned to the individual operating elements 2 can be felt by the user with a finger. In other embodiments, the operating element 2 is not respectively configured with its own capacitive sensor, but rather the detection area defined for the operating element 2 is formed in a different manner, for example, by detecting the position of a touch on the surface with other sensors and assigning the position to the detection area of the operating element 2; in this case, the operating element 2 can be virtually formed by a partial area of a larger detection area.

[0060] In this embodiment, it is stipulated that the operating element 2 of the steering wheel 10 is permanently visible, in particular in such a way that symbols are arranged, for example printed, on the surface in the corresponding assigned detection area. In a further example, the operating element 2 is only visible in an activated operating system, for example after starting the vehicle 1, in such a way that the symbols can be visibly distinguished from the surrounding surface only when they are backlit, for example by means of black panel technology.

[0061] In other embodiments, the operating element 2 is designed in a different way, for example as a resistive switch, as a pushbutton switch that opens or closes an electrical contact by applying an external pressure, as a slide or rotary regulator. In addition, the surface in the area of the operating element 2 can be structured in different ways or designed to be completely smooth.

[0062] The feedback unit 3 is also integrated in the steering device 10 and in this example includes a piezoelectric actuator. This piezoelectric actuator reacts to the applied voltage by mechanical deformation in such a way that an alternating voltage generates vibrations. The feedback unit 3 is arranged such that by touching the surface of the steering wheel 10 in the detection area assigned to the operating element 2, the vibrations generated by the piezoelectric actuator can be mechanically sensed. In this embodiment, feedback is output by means of this vibration. In other embodiments, as an alternative or in addition, the feedback unit 3 can output feedback that can be sensed auditorily or visually.

[0063] In this example, the proximity detection unit 5 includes a capacitive sensor that detects the entry of a manipulation object, in particular a user's finger, into the area around the operating element 2 and the proximity to the operating element. In this embodiment, the proximity of the manipulation object is detected when the distance of the manipulation object from the detection area is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, and manipulation is detected when the manipulation object touches the surface in the detection area. In other embodiments, proximity can be detected in different ways.

[0064] The lighting unit 6 includes light-emitting diodes that are designed such that they illuminate the surface of the steering wheel 10 in the detection area of the operating element 2 with light of a specific intensity and / or color according to a control. Here, first and second lighting parameters are defined for the lighting: If the lighting unit 6 is adjusted to the first lighting parameter, the operating element 2 is illuminated with a specific intensity and color. If, conversely, it is adjusted to the second lighting parameter, the lighting is switched off. In other embodiments, other lighting parameters can be considered, which can also relate to different aspects of the light radiation generated by the lighting unit 6, such as the color of the light.

[0065] The lighting unit 6 can also be controlled by adjusting lighting parameters such that dynamic lighting is produced, for example having an intensity that can vary over time, a flashing or moving light, or other animations, wherein the light radiation of the lighting unit 6 or of the plurality of light sources of the plurality of lighting units 6 is changed.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 Embodiments of the method according to the invention are described. Starting from the embodiments described above, these embodiments will be further explained below.

[0067] In this method, in a first step S1, the approach of the user's finger to one of the operating elements 2 is detected as an operating intention. That is, the distance between the finger and the operating element 2 on the steering wheel 10 is below a specific, pre-determined proximity threshold. In this embodiment, the proximity threshold is 2 cm, but the proximity threshold can also be designed differently and can be, for example, between 1 cm and 5 cm or between 2 cm and 3 cm. In order to avoid detecting an operating intention when the user only accidentally guides their finger past the vicinity of the operating element 2, the operating intention is only detected when the finger is below the proximity threshold for at least 100 ms. Other thresholds for this time can also be defined, for example at least 50 ms, 200 ms, 1 s, or a value between 50 ms and 2 s.

[0068] In other embodiments, the approach is only detected as an operating intention when the finger moves towards the operating element 2 and not, for example, obliquely away from the operating element 2.

[0069] In this embodiment, the operating element 2 is configured with an operable functional unit 11, that is, according to the actuation of the operating element 2, the control unit 4 can generate an input signal and transmit the input signal to the functional unit 11, thereby operating the functional unit. The functional unit 11 is controlled by an electronic control program, and its state can be changed according to the input signal according to the operating action. In this embodiment, the functional unit 11 includes a driver assistance system, but as an alternative or supplement, it can include other systems and devices, such as a navigation or multimedia system.

[0070] Depending on the current state of the operable functional unit 11 or the current state of the control program controlling the operable functional unit, the operating element 2 can currently be used for input (active operable state) or cannot be used for input (deactivated operable state). That is, in the deactivated operable state, the actuation of the operating element 2 does not cause the functional unit 11 to be operated, and thus the actuation is not interpreted as an operating action. In step S2, the control unit 4 detects the current operable state of the operating element 2. The control unit 4 can in particular receive this information from the functional unit 11 or read this information from a memory.

[0071] Depending on the operational state, after detecting a manipulation intention, the lighting unit 6 is controlled and the lighting parameters are adjusted. In this embodiment, in the absence of an approaching base state, it is adjusted to a first lighting parameter, and the operating element is illuminated with a specific intensity and color regardless of its operational state. If the base state is left, i.e., if a manipulation intention is detected, the adjustment is made according to the current operational state: if the operating element 2 is in an active operational state, its lighting remains unchanged; however, if the operating element is in a deactivated operational state, it is adjusted to a second lighting state, so that in the current case the lighting is turned off and the operating element 2 is less visible or no longer visible (black panel effect).

[0072] In other embodiments, different combinations of intensities, colors or dynamic effects are set for the first and second lighting parameters. Thus, for example, blinking or pulsing of the lighting can be implemented for the first and / or second lighting parameters. In addition, after detecting a manipulation intention, the operating element 2 in the activated state can be highlighted, for example, by increased intensity.

[0073] In this embodiment, it is stipulated that as long as there is a manipulation intention, the adjusted first or second lighting parameter is maintained; only when no manipulation intention is detected subsequently does the lighting unit 6 return to the base state. In other embodiments, a timeout interval can be defined, in which the adjustment to the first or second lighting parameter is made only during this time period after detecting a manipulation intention and then the base state is reached again. For example, in the case where a finger hovers over the operating element 2 for a long time, the deactivated operating elements 2 are initially hidden, but they reappear after the timeout interval.

[0074] In other embodiments, when approaching a deactivated operating element 2 is detected, the symbols displayed by the lighting unit 6 in the area of the operating element 2 are hidden; in this case, only the symbols assigned to the operating elements 2 that are currently in an active operational state are displayed after the approach. In addition, other types of feedback can be output when approaching, for example, specifically highlighting the operating elements 2 in the active operational state.

[0075] In a further step S3, the manipulation of the operating element 2 is detected, that is, in this case, the touch of the steering wheel 10 on the surface in the assigned detection area is detected. The operating element 2 generates a manipulation signal, which is then transmitted to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 determines which operating element 2 has been manipulated based on the manipulation signal.

[0076] In other embodiments, a specific type of manipulation is also determined based on the manipulation signal. Thus, for example, manipulation can be performed by a click gesture, in which a specific position is touched for a specific period of time, where, for example, a distinction is made between a short press and a long press. In addition, a swipe gesture can be detected, which includes a movement along a trajectory from a specific start position to a specific end position.

[0077] The control unit 4 generates a control signal, and in step S4, the feedback unit 6 generates and outputs a feedback based on this control signal. In this embodiment, different control signals and corresponding different feedbacks are generated depending on which operational state is detected for the operating element 2: if the operating element 2 is in an active operational state, a first feedback is generated, and if the operating element is in a deactivated operational state, a second feedback different from the first feedback is generated. The feedback is output immediately after the manipulation is detected, such that the feedback can be haptically perceived by the user's finger. Thus, the output is achieved in particular during the period when there is contact between the finger and the surface of the steering wheel 10 in the detection area.

[0078] In this example, the output feedbacks differ in the frequency and duration of the vibration: as a feedback for the manipulation of the operating element in the active operational state, a relatively short and high-frequency vibration is output, while for the deactivated operational state, the vibration duration is longer and has a lower frequency. As other parameters, the feedback can differ in the amplitude or the order of a plurality of vibration signals.

[0079] In other embodiments, the feedback can be output in a manner that is perceptible haptically, auditorily, and / or visually (or optically). For example, an auditorily perceptible feedback can be formed by a specific length, frequency, duration, signal order, or specific information content, in particular speech information, where the various feedbacks for the various operational states can differ in these parameters. Visually perceptible feedback can, for example, include a specific light radiation of the lighting unit 6, for example having a specific intensity, color, or distribution, in particular having a graphical symbol, or a dynamically changing light radiation. In addition, the visually perceptible feedback can be output at a distance from the operating element 2, for example by an output unit such as a display or a head-up display; for example, a pop-up window can be generated, which indicates the current operational state, in particular the deactivated operational state.

[0080] In other embodiments, as an alternative or in addition, other operating states are defined. For example, it can be distinguished whether the operating element 2 is in a deactivated state temporarily or permanently. Thus, for example, a specific function in the vehicle 1 may be permanently unavailable and the corresponding operating element 2 may therefore be continuously deactivated. It is also possible, for example, to temporarily deactivate a function or the operation by means of the operating element 2 by a corresponding input of the user. In these cases, the first and / or second lighting parameters can be designed differently. For example, when a manipulation intention is detected, the continuously deactivated operating element 2 can be completely hidden, while the temporarily deactivated operating element is only illuminated weakly. In addition, different feedback can be output when the operating element 2 is manipulated, for example to prompt the user that the operation possibility is currently deactivated and can be activated by a payment service or otherwise if necessary.

[0081] In other embodiments, the approach to the operating element 2 can already be interpreted as a manipulation. In this case, feedback can be output, which is formed in particular according to the operating state of the operating element 2. That is, the finger only needs to be below a specific distance from the operating element 2 to enable manipulation.

[0082] List of reference signs

[0083] 1 vehicle

[0084] 2 operating element

[0085] 3 feedback unit

[0086] 4 control unit

[0087] 5 detection unit; proximity detection unit

[0088] 6 lighting unit

[0089] 10 steering device; steering wheel

[0090] 11 functional unit

[0091] Steps S1 to S4

Claims

1. An operating system for a vehicle (1), the operating system comprising an operating element (2) having a first or second operational state; a lighting unit (6) for lighting the operating element (2) with a first or second lighting parameter; a detection unit (5) for detecting a manipulation intention and the operational state of the operating element (2); and a control unit (4) coupled to the operating element (2), the lighting unit (6) and the detection unit (5); wherein, the control unit (4) is configured to adjust the first or second lighting parameter to the lighting unit (6) according to the detected operational state and according to the detected manipulation intention, the first operational state of the operating element (2) is the activated operational state of the operating element; and the second operational state of the operating element (2) is the deactivated operational state of the operating element, wherein the operating element (2) is configured to generate an input signal according to a manipulation and perform an operation or input according to the input signal in the activated operational state, while in the deactivated operational state, no input signal is generated when the operating element (2) is manipulated and / or such an input signal does not result in an operation or input, the control unit (4) is configured to adjust to the first lighting parameter when the first operational state is detected for the operating element (2), and to adjust to the second lighting parameter when the second operational state is detected for the operating element (2).

2. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lighting parameter is designed to light the operating element (2) with a brighter intensity than in the second lighting parameter.

3. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit (5) is configured to detect a manipulation intention according to the proximity of a manipulation object to the operating element (2); wherein, when the distance between the manipulation object and the operating element (2) is below a preset proximity threshold, the proximity can be detected.

4. The operating system according to claim 3, characterized in that moreover, when the preset proximity threshold is continuously below for at least a specific time interval, a manipulation intention can be detected.

5. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (4) is configured to adjust the lighting parameter of the lighting unit (6) after a manipulation intention is continuously detected for a specific timeout interval.

6. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (2) includes a capacitive sensor.

7. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that a feedback unit (3) coupled to the control unit (4) for outputting feedback; wherein, the control unit (4) is further configured to generate a first or second control signal according to the detected operational state and the detected manipulation of the operating element (2) and transmit it to the feedback unit (3); wherein, the feedback unit (3) is configured to generate and output feedback according to the first or second control signal.

8. The operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating element (2) is mounted on the steering device (10) of the vehicle (1).

9. A method for operating an operating system for a vehicle (1), the operating system being the operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an operating element (2) having a first or second operable state and a lighting unit (6) for lighting the operating element (2) with a first or second lighting parameter; wherein, In the method, the operability state and the manipulation intention of the operating element (2) are detected; and adjusted to a first or second lighting parameter according to the detected operability state and according to the detected manipulation intention.

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