Method for operating a touch-sensitive display device

Abstract

An example relates to a method (10) for operating a touch-sensitive display device (21) which is designed to display at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2). The method (10) comprises the following steps:-determining (11) a relative position (P1) of one user (N1) or a plurality of users (N1, N2) relative to the display device (21); assigning (12) at least one of the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) to one of the users (N1); and arranging (13) the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) on the display device (21) as a function of the assignment to the user (N1) and of the relative position (P1) of the user with respect to the display device (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for operating a touch-sensitive display device, which is designed to display at least two operating surfaces. Other exemplary embodiments relate to a system having a touch-sensitive display device and a vehicle having such a system. Background Art

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, large screens are increasingly being installed, through which the vehicle occupants can also make inputs. Such touch-sensitive displays or touch screens are considered to be advantageous compared to pure screens with keys, since, on the one hand, they do not require additional structural space for keys or buttons, and, on the other hand, the arrangement of the operating surface on the display can be adapted to the display content.

[0003] For example, it is known from the field of mobile communications to adapt the size of elements (e.g. so-called operating surfaces) which display input possibilities on a touch screen. Thus, for example, an experienced user can set a smaller size and thus display a large number of such elements on the display, while other users can decide to display fewer and larger input elements (e.g. operating surfaces) (e.g. displaying applications which can be started by clicking on the touch-sensitive screen).

[0004] Nowadays, more and more vehicles are equipped with touch-sensitive screens. These touch-sensitive screens can be used to control a large number of functions in the vehicle via operating elements, such as air conditioning and seat adjustment. In premium vehicles, for example, there are screens for the passengers in the first row of seats (driver and front passenger), i.e., front screens or front seat displays, and screens for the passengers in the rear seats, i.e., rear screens or rear seat displays.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known to determine the occupancy of a vehicle by means of an interior sensor system which comprises, for example, an interior camera and seat pressure sensors.

[0006] Publication DE 10 2017 206 942 A1 discloses a display device for a motor vehicle, which has a plurality of display elements. In order to reduce the wear and energy consumption of the plurality of display elements of the motor vehicle, a switch device for switching the plurality of display elements on and off together according to a single switch signal and a sensor device for detecting the seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat by the occupant are provided. In this case, all of the plurality of display elements are assigned to the seats of the motor vehicle, and the switch signal is related to the seat occupancy of the seat by the occupant.

[0007] Publication EP 1 895 389 A2 discloses a computer system for dynamically adapting the size of touch-sensitive areas or "buttons" on a touch screen (e.g., the operating surface of a touch-sensitive display device) as a reaction to a level of motor dexterity describing the user. Data from sensors arranged around the touch screen transmit minute changes in the position of the user's hand, and these data are passed to a filter that separates the movement components due to hand tremors from the intended movement components. Information about the amplitude of the hand tremors can be used to dynamically increase the size of the button when the user's hand moves, or to retrieve and display a fixed screen layout with appropriately sized buttons.

[0008] A possible disadvantage of known display systems is that not all users are able to operate the relevant operating surfaces on the touch-sensitive display in a suitable manner. For example, in a vehicle, it may happen that a passenger must reach very far to reach a certain operating surface, which may be uncomfortable, for example. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved concept for controlling the display of a touch-sensitive screen and, in particular, to improve the arrangement of operating surfaces on such a touch-sensitive screen.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, in the following description and in conjunction with the drawings.

[0011] Accordingly, a method for operating a touch-sensitive display device is proposed, which is designed to display at least two operating surfaces. Such operating surfaces are, for example, operating panels or areas on the touch-sensitive display device, which cause a triggering action (eg, activation of a function) by a user's touch.

[0012] The proposed method comprises the following steps: determining the relative position of one or more users relative to a display device; assigning at least one of at least two operating surfaces to one of the users; and arranging the at least two operating surfaces on the display device according to the assignment to the user and the relative position of the user relative to the display device.

[0013] The relative position of the user with respect to the touch-sensitive display device may include the distance and / or angle of the user with respect to the display device. Different functions of the display device may be activated or controlled by means of the operating surfaces, for example. Depending on which of these functions the user requires or can use, the corresponding operating surfaces may be assigned to the user accordingly. Thus, for example, a group of operating surfaces relevant to the user may be assigned to the user (for example, these operating surfaces should be accessible from the user's position).

[0014] The arrangement may, for example, comprise positioning an operating surface on a touch-sensitive display device. The position of a certain operating surface on a touch-sensitive display device may be achieved based on the assignment of the operating surface to a user in combination with the position of the user relative to the touch-sensitive display device. The arrangement may alternatively or additionally comprise not displaying certain operating surfaces, for example when these operating surfaces are not assigned to any of the identified users and are therefore not needed. The arrangement may also alternatively or additionally comprise adapting the size of the operating surface to the user or to the area available for the operating surface on the touch-sensitive display device (for example, showing the operating surface larger when only a small number of operating surfaces are displayed).

[0015] The proposed method makes it possible to position operating surfaces for the respective users at a particularly suitable position of the display device and / or with a particularly suitable size, based on the assignment of operating surfaces to the users in combination with knowledge of the positions of the users relative to the touch-sensitive display device. For example, operating surfaces that are more frequently required by the user (e.g. operating surfaces with a higher priority) can thereby be arranged and displayed closer to the user and / or displayed larger than other operating surfaces. For example, the display of operating surfaces that are not required by the user can be suppressed at least in the vicinity of the user. In this way, the screen space can be better utilized, so that, for example, the relevant operating surfaces can be displayed larger.

[0016] According to one example, the arrangement of the at least two operating surfaces includes arranging the operating surface assigned to the first user at a position on the display device that is closer to the first user than to the second user. Correspondingly, the arrangement of the at least two operating surfaces can also include, for example, arranging the operating surface assigned to the second user at a position on the display device that is closer to the second user than to the first user. In this way, it can be achieved, for example, that different users can accurately and smoothly access the operating surfaces that these users also need.

[0017] According to one example, if one of the at least two operating surfaces is assigned to two users, this operating surface is displayed in duplicate, wherein the first operating surface of the duplicated operating surface is arranged closer to the first user, and the second operating surface of the duplicated operating surface is arranged closer to the second user. Compared to other solutions, in which, for example, one or even both users cannot optimally reach an operating surface that is required by both users, the proposed method makes it possible for both users to reach the operating surface more comfortably from their respective positions.

[0018] According to an example, the allocation of the operating elements includes not allocating any of the operating elements to one of the multiple users, and then arranging the operating surfaces on the display device so that these operating surfaces cannot be touched from the position of the user. For example, some display devices may provide functions that are not suitable for all users present or should not be operated by all users present. Therefore, it is possible to avoid allocating the operating surfaces corresponding to these functions to the users involved (i.e., not making such an allocation). Therefore, it is advantageously possible to avoid operating these functions by the users involved because these users cannot touch the required operating surfaces. This aspect may be advantageous in particular when the display device has multiple display elements (e.g., display elements respectively allocated to one user or display elements distributed in space), because then it is only difficult or impossible for the users involved to touch the operating surface arranged or shown on another display element.

[0019] According to an example, the method also includes determining which of the at least two operating elements are relevant to the users present. For example, the allocation of the operating surface to one or more users can be improved thereby. The determination of the relevance can be achieved, for example, by means of camera-based user recognition and / or by using stored user profiles (for example, of the seats assigned to the users). Here, when arranging the at least two operating elements, only the operating elements relevant to the users present can be arranged on the display device. Advantageously, it is therefore possible, for example, to abandon the display of operating surfaces that are not relevant to any user present. As a result, the space available on the screen can be better utilized, for example, the displayed operating surface can be shown larger, so that it can be used more easily, or more space can be used for the display of information.

[0020] According to one example, the position is determined based on seat occupancy information or a camera of a seat provided for the user. The proposed method can be used, for example, in vehicles that already have corresponding sensors, such as cameras or seat occupancy sensors. In this way, already existing components of the vehicle can be used in an efficient manner in order to be able to implement the proposed method.

[0021] Another aspect relates to a system comprising a touch-sensitive display device which is designed to display at least two operating surfaces, wherein the system has a control device which is designed to carry out the method described above or below. For example, the system can be used in a vehicle or alternatively in an end-user device operated by multiple users (for example, a public terminal with a touch screen or a mobile device for multiple users).

[0022] According to one example, the system is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the control device is designed so that, when the at least two operating surfaces are arranged, the operating surface shown on the display device is shown larger when the number of users is smaller than when the number of users is larger. For example, it can be provided that the size of the operating surface is controlled inversely proportional to the number of operating surfaces shown. For example, when the number of users is larger, a larger number of operating surfaces may need to be displayed when the users need operating surfaces, while fewer users may need a smaller number of operating surfaces. Since a certain area can be provided on the touch-sensitive display device for displaying operating surfaces, it is possible to show these operating surfaces larger when the number of operating surfaces is smaller. Thus, for example, a more comfortable operation can be achieved for the user.

[0023] According to one example, the display device has at least two display elements that are separated from each other in space. The two or more separated display elements can be, for example, individual displays that can be assigned to different users (for example, arranged at the user's respective seats). The different display elements can be controlled by means of a common control device. The proposed system enables that only the operating surfaces related to the respective users of the display are displayed on each display. This can avoid, for example, the display of operating surfaces that the user does not need at all. In addition, by suppressing the display of the operating surface for certain users, it can be avoided that these users can operate the functions controlled by means of the operating surface.

[0024] According to one example, the system is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the display device has a front seat display and a rear seat display, wherein the control device is designed to arrange the operating surface only on the front seat display when (for example only) a user who is not authorized to operate the display device is located on the rear seat of the vehicle. For example, it is possible that children are sitting on the rear bench seat of the vehicle, and these children should not be able to operate certain functions. If the operating surface required for operating these functions is not displayed on the rear seat display of the vehicle, it is only difficult or impossible for the passengers on the rear seat to operate these functions.

[0025] According to one example, the system is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the display device has a front seat display and a rear seat display, wherein the control device is designed to deactivate the rear seat display when no user is sitting in the rear seat. In this way, unnecessary energy consumption in the vehicle can be avoided when the rear seat display is not needed at all.

[0026] Some aspects relate to a vehicle comprising a system as described above or below. A control device of the system (e.g. an onboard computer of the vehicle) is designed to flexibly arrange the at least two operating surfaces on a touch-sensitive display device depending on the vehicle occupancy of the vehicle. The vehicle occupancy can describe the position and type of passengers in the vehicle (e.g. driver, front passenger, child, etc.). According to the proposed solution, the operating surfaces can be arranged on the display device so that they are particularly convenient to reach for a user who wants to operate them. In this way, a flexible response to the vehicle occupancy can be achieved.

[0027] For example, a passenger of the vehicle may first sit in the front passenger seat, and during this time, the operating interface relevant to the passenger may be displayed on the right side of the front display arranged centrally in the vehicle, while the rear seat display may be deactivated. Deactivating unnecessary displays can achieve energy savings. When the passenger changes to the rear bench seat, the display of the operating interface previously displayed on the right side of the front seat display can be suppressed, the rear seat display is activated, and the operating interface relevant to the passenger is displayed on the rear seat display.

[0028] The example relates to a computer program having a program code for carrying out the disclosed method when the computer program is executed on a processor, a computer or programmable hardware. Such a computer program can advantageously be provided on a storage medium. For example, the computer program can be provided and executed on a control unit of an instrument (e.g. a vehicle), thereby enabling the control of the display of a vehicle display and an operating surface displayed thereon to be adapted to the position of a passenger in the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following is a more detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 A flow chart showing a method for operating a touch-sensitive display device;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a schematic example of a system with a touch-sensitive display device and two users; and

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic example of a system with a touch-sensitive display device having two separate display elements is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are shown. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity. In the following description of the drawings showing only some exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals may represent the same or comparable components.

[0034] An element that is said to be "connected" or "coupled" to another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intervening element. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those given to the terms by ordinary technicians in the field to which the embodiments belong.

[0035] According to other solutions, the display of the operating element on the touch-sensitive screen of the vehicle is static. As a result, for example, an occupant who should not operate or cannot operate the operating element correctly may easily and unauthorizedly control functions in the vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, the space on the touch-sensitive screen may not be utilized optimally. A disadvantage of the known solutions may be that the display of the operating elements is optimized only for the needs of an individual user.

[0037] It is therefore proposed to flexibly adapt the display of, for example, the front and rear screens of a vehicle to the occupancy situation of the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method 10 for operating a touch-sensitive display device is shown. The touch-sensitive display device is designed to display at least two operating surfaces. The method 10 comprises the following steps: determining 11 the relative position of one or more users relative to the display device; assigning 12 at least one of the at least two operating surfaces to one of the users; and arranging 13 the at least two operating surfaces on the display device in dependence on the assignment to the user and the relative position of the user relative to the display device.

[0039] This method 10 can be advantageously used in a vehicle, for example, to arrange or show the content displayed on a touch-sensitive display device and its operating surface in a manner adapted to the occupants in the vehicle. For example, the operating surface can be displayed on the front and rear seat displays of the display device of the vehicle.

[0040] For example, in a first step, it can be determined by means of interior sensors (e.g. cameras, seat pressure distribution, etc.) whether and possibly which vehicle positions are occupied by passengers. From this, it can be determined how far and in which direction (relative position with respect to the display) the respective occupant is sitting or located.

[0041] For example, in a second step, it can be determined for each occupant present whether they should be able to operate vehicle functions (e.g., assign functions to individual users) and / or whether these occupants are, for example, humans or animals (e.g., dogs). In other words, the functions associated with the operating surfaces can be assigned to the users.

[0042] For example, if it is detected that only the driver is present, the display of the front screen can be adapted so that only the functions necessary for the driver can be controlled. Thus, for example, operating elements for the air conditioning on the front passenger side (e.g., operating surfaces of a touch-sensitive display device) and / or operating elements for the air conditioning of the passengers in the rear seat can be omitted (e.g., seat operation or rear-seat entertainment can also be omitted when the person concerned is not present).

[0043] If it is detected that a passenger (e.g. a child and / or an animal) should not operate an adjacent screen (the front screen for the front passenger, the rear screen for a rear passenger) because, for example, he or she is unable to operate the adjacent screen correctly, the corresponding operating elements for his or her seat position (e.g. air conditioning, seat operation, etc.) can be positioned on the front screen so that they are only accessible to the driver (e.g. can be particularly easily reached by the driver).

[0044] If it is detected that the passenger can operate the adjacent screen himself, the operating element can be positioned on the screen adjacent to the seat position so that it is more accessible for the passenger's seat position.

[0045] The display on the front and rear screens can be adapted so that the space on the individual screens can be optimally utilized. If the driver is, for example, alone in the vehicle, this way significantly more space is available on the screen and operating elements for other functions can be displayed significantly larger (for example, because operating surfaces that are not required by the driver or are only required by the front passenger are not displayed and therefore more space is available on the display).

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic example of a system 20 with a touch-sensitive display device 21 and two users N1, N2 is shown. The two users N1, N2 are, for example, the driver and the front passenger of a vehicle. Accordingly, the driver N1 on the driver's seat can be located in a first relative position P1 relative to the touch-sensitive display device 21, while the front passenger N2 on the front passenger seat can be located in a second relative position P2 relative to the touch-sensitive display device 21. The two positions P1, P2 can be at the same distance from the vehicle display 21, for example, in the case of a central arrangement of the vehicle display, wherein the first position P1 is located to the left of the display and the second position P2 is located to the right of the display.

[0047] The two positions P1, P2 of the two users N1, N2 can be determined by means of a sensor S of the system 20 (e.g., an interior camera of the vehicle or a seat occupancy sensor). Certain functions can be provided to the users N1, N2 by means of a touch-sensitive display device 21, which functions can be controlled by means of operating surfaces B1, B2. It can be determined which of the users N1, N2 should operate which functions, and thus it can be assigned which of the operating surfaces B1, B2 is relevant to the respective users N1, N2. For example, the content can be output to the touch-sensitive display device 21 by means of a control device (not shown) or an onboard computer of the vehicle. In addition to a pure display area (e.g., without operating functions), the content can also have a touch-sensitive operating surface. For example, a first function can be activated or set by touching the first operating surface B1, and a second function can be activated or set by touching the second operating surface B2.

[0048] For example, in the example shown, the first and second operating surfaces can be assigned to the driver N1, since he should be able to operate the corresponding functions, while only the second operating surface B2 is assigned to the co-driver N2. Therefore, according to the first position P1 of the driver N1, both operating surfaces B1 and B2 are arranged at a position on the left side of the touch-sensitive display device 21, which is close to the driver N1, so that the driver can easily reach this position. Because the co-driver N2 should also be able to use the operating surface B2, this operating surface can be displayed in a duplicated manner and additionally also displayed on the touch-sensitive display device 21 at a position on the right side close to the co-driver N2, so that the co-driver can also easily reach the second operating surface B2. For example, the duplicated second operating surface B2 can be displayed larger for the co-driver N2 than for the driver N1, because the first operating surface B1 does not need to be displayed for the co-driver N2, and therefore more space can be provided on the right side of the touch-sensitive display device 21.

[0049] Other details and aspects are mentioned in conjunction with the embodiments described above or below. Figure 2 The embodiments shown in the embodiment may have one or more optional additional features, which correspond to the combination of the proposed solution or the combination of the above (for example Figure 1 ) or below (e.g. Figure 3 ) One or more aspects mentioned in connection with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic example of a system 20 is shown with a touch-sensitive display device 21 having two separate display elements 22a, 22b. The separate display elements 22a, 22b may be, for example, a front seat display 22a and a rear seat display 22b of a vehicle.

[0051] For example, the content can be output to the two display elements 22a, 22b by means of a control unit (not shown) or an onboard computer of the vehicle. The first and second operating surfaces B1, B2 of the content can be displayed distributed on the two display elements 22a, 22b.

[0052] By means of sensors (not shown here) it can be detected that, according to the example shown, the first user N1 is sitting in the front seat and can therefore operate the front seat display 22a. According to the example, the second user N2 is sitting in the rear bench seat and can therefore operate the rear seat display 22b.

[0053] It is possible that the second user N2 is not authorized to make any input to the touch-sensitive display device 21. It is therefore possible that the touch-sensitive operating surfaces B1, B2 are only displayed on the front seat display 22a, where they can be operated by the first user N1. In this case, the second user N2 cannot touch the operating surfaces B1, B2 and therefore cannot operate them.

[0054] Alternatively, it is also possible that a second user (e.g. a child) can use limited functions of the entertainment system. In this case, for example, the second operating surface B2 configured to control the video display can be displayed on the rear seat display 22b, while the first operating surface B1 configured to set the air conditioning system is only displayed on the front seat display 22a and can therefore only be operated by the first user N1.

[0055] Other details and aspects are mentioned in conjunction with the embodiments described above or below. Figure 3 The embodiments shown in the embodiment may have one or more optional additional features, which correspond to the combination of the proposed solution or the combination of the above (for example Figure 1-2 ) or one or more aspects mentioned in connection with one or more embodiments described below.

[0056] The example relates to a method for automatically displaying at least one screen in a vehicle adapted to the occupancy situation (e.g., users N1, N2). As a result, for example, the display at the front screen and the rear screen (e.g., front and rear seat displays 22a, 22b) can be adapted so that the space on each screen can be optimally utilized (e.g., hiding the operating surface for users who do not need it; for example, the size of the operating surfaces on different screens adapted to the user). The accessibility of the operating surfaces on the screen for passengers can also be improved. If the driver N1 is, for example, alone in the vehicle, in this way, significantly more space is provided on the screens 21, 22a, and, for example, operating elements B1, B2 of other functions can be better positioned and / or displayed significantly larger. Therefore, a solution for improving the screen display of the touch-sensitive screen 21 can be provided.

Claims

1. A method (10) for operating a touch-sensitive display device (21), the display device being designed to display at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2), the method (10) comprising: - determining (11) a relative position (P1) of a user (N1) or a plurality of users (N1, N2) relative to a display device (21); - assigning (12) at least one of the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) to one of the users (N1); and - Arranging (13) the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) on the display device (21) according to the assignment to the user (N1) and the relative position (P1) of the user relative to the display device (21).

2. The method (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The arrangement (13) of the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) includes arranging (13) the operating surface (B1) assigned to the first user (N1) at a position on the display device (21) closer to the first user (N1) than to the second user (N2).

3. The method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: If one of the at least two operating surfaces (B2) is assigned to two users (N1, N2), this operating surface is displayed in duplicate, wherein a first operating surface in the duplicated operating surface (B2) is arranged closer to the first user (N1) and a second operating surface in the duplicated operating surface (B2) is arranged closer to the second user (N2).

4. The method (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The allocation (12) of the operating surfaces (B1, B2) includes not allocating (12) any of the operating surfaces (B1, B2) to a user among a plurality of users (N2) and subsequently arranging (13) the operating surfaces (B1, B2) on the display device (21) in such a way that the operating surfaces are not accessible from a position (P2) of the user (N2).

5. The method (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - determining which of the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) are relevant to the present user (N1, N2), wherein when arranging (13) the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2), only the operating surfaces (B1, B2) relevant to the present user (N1, N2) are arranged on the display device (21).

6. The method (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The position (P1, P2) is determined (11) based on seat occupancy information of seats provided for the users (N1, N2) or on a camera (S).

7. Computer program having a program code or a non-volatile storage medium with a program code in order to carry out the method (10) according to one of the preceding claims when the program code is executed on a processor, a computer or programmable hardware.

8. A system (20) comprising a touch-sensitive display device (21) which is designed to display at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2), wherein: The system (20) has a control device which is designed to carry out a method (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The system (20) according to claim 8, wherein: The system (20) is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the control unit is designed so that, when the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) are arranged (13), the operating surface (B1, B2) displayed on the display device (21) is displayed larger when the number of users (N1, N2) is smaller than when the number of users (N1, N2) is larger.

10. The system (20) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The display device (21) has at least two display elements (22a, 22b) that are spatially separated from one another.

11. The system (20) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein: The system (20) is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the display device (21) has a front seat display (22a) and a rear seat display (22b), wherein the control unit is designed to arrange the operating surfaces (B1, B2) only on the front seat display (22a) when a user (N2) who is not authorized to operate the display device (21) is located on a rear seat of the vehicle.

12. The system (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The system (20) is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the display device (21) has a front seat display (22a) and a rear seat display (22b), wherein the control unit is designed to deactivate the rear seat display (22b) when no user (N1, N2) is located on the rear seat.

13. A vehicle comprising a system (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The control device is designed to flexibly arrange the at least two operating surfaces (B1, B2) on a touch-sensitive display device (21) depending on the vehicle occupancy status of the vehicle.

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