User interface device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a user interface device. The user interface device of the disclosed embodiment may include: a floating knob for detecting an input based on a user operation; a knob hanging part for hanging the floating knob when the floating knob is not floating; and a rising driving part formed on the lower side of the knob hanging part to cause the floating knob to rise and float from the knob hanging part. A first magnet is provided on the floating knob, and the rising driving part causes the floating knob to float or hang by raising or lowering a second magnet, and the second magnet is arranged such that the polarity of the facing surface is the same as that of the first magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a floating user interface device, and more particularly, to a floating user interface device that detects user input by floating from a hanging portion by the magnetic force of a magnet. Background Art

[0002] A variety of systems that can be controlled by a user may be formed in the center fascia of a vehicle instrument. The systems formed in the center fascia of the vehicle instrument include navigation, radio, air conditioning control systems, etc. In order to control the above-mentioned various systems, an input device for receiving user input may be formed.

[0003] Recently, the center fascia of a vehicle not only simply performs the function of inputting and outputting information, but also plays a core role in the decorative design of the vehicle. The decorative design of the vehicle is constituted by the overall shape of the center fascia or the shape and configuration of input devices such as buttons and knobs, as well as output devices such as a display and ambient light. Moreover, it has also become important to provide a user experience (UX) that gives users a fresh feeling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the disclosed invention, a floating user interface device that detects user input by floating from a hanging portion by the magnetic force of a magnet is provided.

[0005] A user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention may include: a floating knob for detecting an input based on a user operation; a knob hanging portion for hanging when the floating knob does not float; and a rising driving portion formed under the knob hanging portion to cause the floating knob to rise and float from the knob hanging portion. A first magnet is provided in the floating knob, and the rising driving portion causes the floating knob to float or hang by raising or lowering a second magnet, and the second magnet is arranged such that the polarity of the facing surface is the same as that of the first magnet.

[0006] The floating knob may include: a knob cover forming the appearance of the floating knob; a first light emitting device disposed inside the knob cover; and an input detection portion for detecting an input based on a user operation, and a part or all of the knob cover is formed of a light transmissive material.

[0007] The first light emitting device can change color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection portion.

[0008] The floating knob may further include a wireless communication portion capable of performing wireless communication with an external device, and the first light emitting device changes color or brightness based on a signal received through the wireless communication portion.

[0009] The above-mentioned knob hanging part may further include a power supply part for supplying power to the above-mentioned floating knob. The above-mentioned floating knob includes: a power receiving part for receiving power from the above-mentioned power supply part; and a rechargeable battery for storing the received power.

[0010] The above-mentioned power supply part may be a wireless charging device.

[0011] The user interface device may further include a detachment prevention section arranged at a predetermined distance from the above-mentioned floating knob to prevent the rising above-mentioned floating knob from detaching from the upper side of the above-mentioned knob hanging part.

[0012] The user interface device may further include a second light-emitting device for applying illumination to the above-mentioned detachment prevention section.

[0013] The above-mentioned detachment prevention section may be formed of a light-transmissive material, and the above-mentioned second light-emitting device applies illumination to the inside of the above-mentioned detachment prevention section.

[0014] The above-mentioned floating knob may include an input detection part for detecting an input based on a user operation, and the above-mentioned second light-emitting device can change its color or brightness based on the detection information of the above-mentioned input detection part.

[0015] The above-mentioned floating knob may include a protrusion protruding along the outer peripheral surface in the horizontal direction, and the above-mentioned detachment prevention section is arranged at a predetermined distance to cover all or a part of the upper side of the above-mentioned protrusion of the floating above-mentioned floating knob.

[0016] The user interface device of the disclosed embodiment can detect a user input in a state where the knob floats from the hanging part, thereby providing a brand-new user experience.

[0017] In the user interface device of the disclosed embodiment, the color or brightness of the light-emitting device can be changed through a user input to provide feedback to the user.

[0018] The user interface device of the disclosed embodiment can prevent detachment from a set position during the floating process through the detachment prevention section. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 A diagram for briefly showing a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0020] Figure 2 A diagram for briefly showing the floating operation of a floating knob of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0021] Figure 3 A diagram for briefly showing the structure of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0022] Figure 4A diagram for briefly showing the state of the floating knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0023] Figure 5 A diagram for briefly showing the operating state of the light-emitting device of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0024] Figure 6 A diagram for briefly showing the knob anti-disengagement structure of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, this embodiment will be described in detail. The following embodiments are disclosed to fully convey the idea of the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but can be embodied in other specific forms. To clearly illustrate the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the dimensions of the structural elements may be appropriately enlarged for the purpose of helping understanding.

[0026] Figure 1 A diagram for briefly showing the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0027] The user interface device 1000 can be disposed in the instrument central box of a vehicle, and can simply provide driving environment information through the display 100, and at the same time can control the in-vehicle system by means of the physical operation of the knob 200. The knob 200 can slide on the display surface of the display 100 and can detect rotational input.

[0028] On the other hand, the user interface device 1000 includes a floating knob 600, so that it can detect input based on user operations. As Figure 1 shown, the floating knob 600 can rise or fall from a preset hanging position to detect user input. The user can operate the floating knob 600 by means of touch, rotation, downward pressing, etc.

[0029] Figure 2 A diagram for briefly showing the floating operation of the floating knob of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2 , the user interface device 1000 may include: a floating knob 600 for detecting input based on user operations; a knob hanging portion 700 for hanging when the floating knob 600 is not floating; and a rising driving portion 800 disposed below the knob hanging portion to cause the floating knob 600 to rise and float from the knob hanging portion 700.

[0031] Figure 2 Part (a) of shows the state where the floating knob 600 is hung by the knob hanging portion 700.

[0032] A first magnet 610 may be provided on the floating knob 600. In this case, the ascending driving unit 800 may include a second magnet 810, the polarity of the facing surface of which is different from that of the first magnet 610. The ascending driving unit 800 can drive the second magnet 810 to ascend or descend to suspend or hang the floating knob 600.

[0033] Figure 2 Part (b) shows the state where the floating knob 600 ascends from the knob hanging part 700 and floats. As Figure 2 shown in part (b), the ascending driving unit 800 can drive the second magnet 810 to ascend, so that the first magnet 610 provided on the floating knob is pushed by the magnetic force of the second magnet 810 and ascends. The ascending driving unit 800 may include an actuator device capable of linearly driving the second magnet 810 to ascend and descend.

[0034] In this case, the ascending and driving distance of the second magnet 810 can be adjusted so that the floating knob 600 ascends from the knob hanging part 700 and floats at a preset height.

[0035] Figure 3 A diagram for briefly showing the structure of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention, Figure 4 A diagram for briefly showing the state of a floating knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3 , the floating knob 600 may include: a knob cover 620, forming the appearance of the floating knob 600; a first light-emitting device 630, disposed inside the knob cover 620; an input detection unit 640, for detecting an input based on a user operation; and a knob control unit 650, for controlling the operation of the floating knob.

[0037] In this case, part or all of the knob cover 620 may be formed of a light-transmissive material.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4 , the state of the knob cover 620 can be confirmed in more detail. Figure 4 In the shown embodiment, the knob cover 620 may include: an upper surface cover 620a, forming the upper surface of the floating knob 600; a lower surface cover 620b, forming the lower surface of the floating knob 600; a side cover 620c, forming the side surface of the floating knob 600; an upper surface decorative layer 620d, refracting or reflecting the light generated by the first light-emitting device 630 inside the upper surface cover 620a; and a lower surface decorative layer 620e, refracting or reflecting the light generated by the first light-emitting device 630 inside the lower surface cover 620b. The first magnet 610 may be provided inside the lower surface decorative layer 620e.

[0039] The upper face cover 620a and the lower face cover 620b can be formed of a transparent light-transmissive material, so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting device 630 inside is transmitted to the outside.

[0040] The upper face decorative layer 620d and the lower face decorative layer 620e refract or reflect the light emitted from the first light-emitting device 630. For this purpose, as Figure 4 shown, the upper face decorative layer 620d and the lower face decorative layer 620e can be in the shape of a polyhedron having a plurality of faces or edges. The light emitted from the first light-emitting device 630 can be refracted or reflected by the above-mentioned plurality of faces and edges, or the light within a preset wavelength range can be selectively transmitted to present colors.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3 , the knob hanging part 700 can include a power supply part 710 for supplying power to the floating knob 600. The floating knob 600 can be hung by the knob hanging part 700, or can rise and float from the knob hanging part 700. Therefore, the power supply part 710 can be formed of a flexible material, so that even when the floating knob 600 floats or is hung, power can be continuously supplied.

[0042] In another embodiment, when the floating knob 600 is hung by the knob hanging part 700, the power supply part 710 can supply power, and when the floating knob 600 floats from the knob hanging part 700, it does not supply power. In the above embodiment, the power supply part 710 can include an electrode in contact with the floating knob 600, and when the floating knob 600 is hung, it can contact the electrode of the power supply part 710 to receive power.

[0043] In another embodiment, the power supply part 710 can be a wireless charging device. In the case where the power supply part 710 is a wireless charging device, the power supply part 710 can supply power without directly contacting the floating knob 600.

[0044] On the other hand, the knob control part 650 can include: a wireless communication part that can perform wireless communication with an external device; a power receiving part 660 that receives power from the power supply part 710; and a rechargeable battery for storing the received power.

[0045] The knob control part 650 can include the power receiving part 660 and the rechargeable battery. Thus, power can be received from the power supply part 710 of the knob hanging part 700 and stored. In one embodiment, only when the floating knob 600 is hung by the knob hanging part 700, power can be received through the power receiving part 660 and stored in the rechargeable battery, and when it rises and floats from the knob hanging part 700, the power stored in the rechargeable battery can be used to perform work.

[0046] On the other hand, the knob control unit 650 may include a wireless communication unit, so that wireless communication can be performed with an external device. Since the floating knob 600 floats in the air and operates, it is necessary to send the result of detecting an input based on a user operation to the external device. In this case, the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication, so that information can be transmitted and received without a wiring connection to the external device.

[0047] The input detection unit 640 can detect an input based on a user operation. The user can operate the floating knob 600 by various methods such as touching, rotating, and pressing down the floating knob 600. In this case, the input detection unit 640 detects the user operation and converts it into an electrical signal to transmit it to the knob control unit 650. In order to detect the above user operation, the input detection unit 640 may include various detection devices such as a touch sensor and a gyroscope.

[0048] The first light emitting device 630 can selectively generate light of two or more colors. For example, the first light emitting device 630 may include an RGB LED. The first light emitting device 630 can change the color or brightness based on the operation of the user interface device 1000. That is, the first light emitting device 630 can change the color or brightness based on the signal received through the wireless communication unit. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the operation of the user interface device 1000 by the floating knob 600 emitting light through the first light emitting device 630.

[0049] On the other hand, the first light emitting device 630 can change the color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection unit 640. When the first light emitting device 630 changes the color and brightness based on the detection information of the input detection unit 640, the user can immediately confirm whether the input through the floating knob 600 is normal, thereby improving the operation feeling. For example, the user can apply a touch input to the floating knob 600, the input detection unit 640 detects the touch input, and the first light emitting device 630 can change the color based on the detection result of the input detection unit 640, so that the user can visually confirm whether the touch input is normally executed.

[0050] On the other hand, the user interface device 1000 may further include: a detachment prevention section 900, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the floating knob 600 to prevent the rising floating knob 600 from detaching from the upper side of the knob hanging portion 700; and a second light emitting device 950 for applying illumination to the detachment prevention section 900.

[0051] As Figure 3As shown, the anti-disengagement section 900 has an annular shape that is spaced a predetermined distance from the side surface of the floating knob 600 in a floating state, and can be combined with and fixed to the cover 750 of the knob hanging portion 700 through a plurality of legs. As described above, the anti-disengagement section 900 has a shape that surrounds the side surface of the floating knob 600 in a floating state, whereby the floating knob 600 can be prevented from disengaging laterally and the floating of the floating knob 600 can be obstructed by a predetermined distance from the floating knob 600.

[0052] In this case, the anti-disengagement section 900 can be formed of a light-transmissive material, and the second light-emitting device 950 can apply illumination to the inside of the anti-disengagement section 900. As described above, when the second light-emitting device 950 applies illumination not to the outside of the anti-disengagement section 900 but to the inside of the light-transmissive anti-disengagement section 900, the light is indirectly transmitted through the light-transmissive material, thereby improving the aesthetic sense. In Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second light-emitting device 950 can apply illumination at the position where the leg of the anti-disengagement section 900 is combined with the cover 750 of the knob hanging portion 700 to apply illumination to the inside of the anti-disengagement section 900.

[0053] The second light-emitting device 950 can selectively generate light of two or more colors. For example, the second light-emitting device 950 can include an RGB LED. The second light-emitting device 950 can change the color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection section. Similar to the first light-emitting device 630, the second light-emitting device 950 can change the color or brightness based on the operation of the user interface device 1000. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the anti-disengagement section 900 illuminated by the second light-emitting device 950 to confirm the operation of the user interface device 1000. In this case, the color or brightness of the second light-emitting device 950 can be independently changed from the color or brightness of the first light-emitting device 630.

[0054] On the other hand, the second light-emitting device 950 can change the color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection section 640. When the second light-emitting device 950 can change the color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection section 640, the user can immediately confirm whether the input through the floating knob 600 is normally executed, thereby improving the operation feeling.

[0055] Figure 5 A diagram briefly showing the operating state of the light-emitting device of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0056] Figure 5 It shows a state in which the first light-emitting device 630 and the second light-emitting device 950 generate light and apply illumination to the floating knob 600 and the anti-disengagement section 900 in the user interface device 1000 described above. Figure 5In this case, the first light-emitting device 630 applies red illumination so that the user can see the red floating knob 600, and the second light-emitting device 950 applies blue illumination so that the user can see the blue anti-disengagement section 900.

[0057] In this case, the color or brightness of the first light-emitting device 630 and the second light-emitting device 950 can be changed based on the detection information of the detection unit 640 of the floating knob 600 or the operation of the user interface device 1000. In this case, the color or brightness of the first light-emitting device 630 and the second light-emitting device 950 can be independently changed. That is, even if the color of the first light-emitting device 630 changes from red to green, the color of the second light-emitting device 950 can remain blue. During the period when the color of the first light-emitting device 630 remains red, only the color of the second light-emitting device 950 changes from blue to green.

[0058] Figure 6 It is a diagram for briefly showing the knob anti-disengagement structure of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0059] The user interface device 1000 of the disclosed invention can be provided in the instrument center console of a vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle suddenly stops or accelerates suddenly during operation, it is necessary to prevent the floating knob 600 floating in the air from disengaging. Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the case of the anti-disengagement section 900 shown, it can be arranged on the side surface of the floating knob 600 to prevent the floating knob 600 from disengaging sideways.

[0060] On the other hand, Figure 6 It shows the state of the user interface device 1000 that prevents the floating knob 600 from disengaging sideways and upwards. Figure 6 Part (a) of shows a diagram of the floating knob 600 and the anti-disengagement section 900 of the user interface device 1000, Figure 6 Part (b) of shows a side view of the floating knob 600 and the anti-disengagement section 900.

[0061] In Figure 6 In the shown embodiment, the floating knob 600 includes a protrusion 670 protruding along the outer peripheral surface in the horizontal direction. The anti-disengagement section 900 can be arranged at a specified distance to cover all or part of the upper side of the protrusion 670 of the floating knob 200. For this purpose, as Figure 6 shown, in the anti-disengagement section 900, the section end 910 can extend upward to the protrusion 670.

[0062] As Figure 6As shown, when the interval end 910 extends to the upper side of the protrusion 670, the floating knob 600 can be prevented from disengaging upward. On the other hand, since the interval end 910 extends to the upper side of the protrusion 670 protruding along the outer peripheral surface, the upper side surface of the floating knob 600 is not blocked by the anti-disengagement interval 900, but is exposed to the user. The user can operate the floating knob 600 through the upper side surface exposed as described above.

[0063] As described above, in the user interface device 1000 of the disclosed embodiment, user input can be detected in a state where the floating knob 600 floats from the hanging portion, so that a new user experience can be provided. Through the user input, the color or brightness of the light emitting device changes, so that feedback can be provided to the user.

Claims

1. A user interface device, characterized in that, comprising: a floating knob for detecting an input based on a user operation; a knob hanging portion for hanging when the floating knob is not floating; a rising driving portion formed on the lower side of the knob hanging portion to cause the floating knob to rise and float from the knob hanging portion; and a detachment prevention section disposed at a predetermined distance from the floating knob to prevent the rising floating knob from detaching from the upper side of the knob hanging portion, a first magnet is provided on the floating knob, the rising driving portion causes the floating knob to float or hang by raising or lowering a second magnet, and the second magnet is disposed such that the polarities of the facing surfaces are the same as those of the first magnet.

2. The user interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the floating knob includes: a knob cover forming the appearance of the floating knob; a first light-emitting device disposed inside the knob cover; and an input detection portion for detecting an input based on a user operation, a part or all of the knob cover is formed of a light-transmissive material.

3. The user interface device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the first light-emitting device changes color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection portion.

4. The user interface device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the floating knob further includes a wireless communication portion capable of performing wireless communication with an external device, the first light-emitting device changes color or brightness based on a signal received through the wireless communication portion.

5. The user interface device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the knob hanging portion further includes a power supply portion for supplying power to the floating knob, the floating knob includes: a power receiving portion for receiving power from the power supply portion; and a rechargeable battery for storing the received power.

6. The user interface device according to claim 5, characterized in that, the power supply portion is a wireless charging device.

7. The user interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a second light-emitting device for applying illumination to the detachment prevention section.

8. The user interface device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the detachment prevention section is formed of a light-transmissive material, the second light-emitting device applies illumination to the inside of the detachment prevention section.

9. The user interface device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the floating knob includes an input detection portion for detecting an input based on a user operation, the second light-emitting device changes color or brightness based on the detection information of the input detection portion.

10. The user interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the floating knob includes a protrusion protruding along the outer peripheral surface in the horizontal direction, the detachment prevention section is disposed at a predetermined distance to cover all or a part of the upper side of the protrusion of the floating floating knob.

Images