Method and apparatus for controlling infotainment system of vehicle

Abstract

A method (100) for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle is proposed, comprising determining (101) at least two events causing respective animations, and fading (102) the two animations at a common fading time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle, and to a vehicle comprising a corresponding device according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] In each vehicle, there are different components or different functions, which are associated with correspondingly different, non-synchronized animations (such as a welcome animation or a farewell animation). When multiple animations are triggered simultaneously, overlaps in location but also in time may occur, which is not intuitive and not very comfortable for the vehicle user.

[0003] US 2013 / 0127609 A1 describes a system of two non-overlapping display devices, in which the animations are controlled in such a way that their displays on different screens transition into one another.

[0004] WO2021 / 258656 describes a method for interacting with a vehicle, in which a welcome animation can be played on the screen based on facial recognition. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide the user with a comprehensive and engaging overall experience with regard to the animation, in particular when greeting or saying goodbye or in other driving situations.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle, in which at least two events are determined that cause corresponding animations. These are different animations. According to the invention, the two animations are faded in at a common fade-in time.

[0007] Preferably, the animation can be associated with different functions of the vehicle. In particular, the functions are associated with different components.

[0008] Each function or each component can be associated with an actual fade-in time point. In the case of determining only one event that causes the corresponding animation, the actual fade-in time point will be the fade-in time point. In other words: if only the corresponding animation of the corresponding component or function is triggered, the animation will fade in at the actual fade-in time point.

[0009] In particular, a time span between the event that causes the animation to fade in can be defined for each function, which time span determines the fade-in time point. Now, only the actual fade-in time point of at least one animation can be delayed so that it coincides with the fade-in time points of the other animations. In addition, two actual fade-in time points can be delayed so that the actual fade-in time points coincide. This ensures that there is a common fade-in time point.

[0010] At the same time as the fade-in time point, a sound signal can be output, in particular a common sound signal can be output instead of two sound signals of two animations. The sound signal can be output on an acoustic output unit, preferably a loudspeaker. These output units can be arranged externally or internally on the vehicle. The sound signal can also be output externally and the sound signal can be output internally.

[0011] Advantageously, the fade-in time span of at least one animation may be adapted so that the animation fades in within the same time span as the other animation. The fade-in time span refers to the time span over which the animation is faded in. As described above, the fade-in time span of at least one animation may be adapted to the fade-in time span of a second animation. Alternatively, the fade-in time spans of two animations may be adapted to each other so that they are consistent.

[0012] Preferably, at least one imaging feature of at least one animation is adapted. Furthermore, preferably, the imaging features of two animations can be adapted so that they are consistent. If only at least one imaging feature of one animation is adapted, the imaging feature is adapted with respect to the corresponding imaging features of the corresponding imaging features of the other animations. The imaging feature can be, for example, the size and / or brightness and / or color and / or resolution of the visual presentation of the animation. For the last-mentioned feature, it is ensured that the imaging qualities of the animations are of equal value and are coordinated with each other in location. In addition, if multiple sound signals are to be output, the sound signals can be adapted to each other, for example, with respect to their volume.

[0013] In particular, each animation is associated with the first display area or the second display area. The corresponding function can be displayed in the corresponding display area, for example. The display area can be a display surface, such as a screen or a projection surface or projection area of ​​a vehicle.

[0014] In particular, the animation is faded in at least temporarily in a common display area. For example, the common display area can be an overlapping area of ​​the first display area and the second display area. For the occupants, in particular for the driver, these display areas can overlap at least visually. The first display area can be, for example, a projection surface in the area in front of the vehicle, for example on the ground, in front of the door or on the wall. The projection surface can be seen from the vehicle through the windshield, and the second display area can be a head-up display. Both areas can be seen through the windshield for the driver and overlap visually in the overlapping area. In addition, the second display area can be an area of ​​the interior space of the vehicle, so that projection can be performed in the interior space. Then it is not a typical surface, but a projection area in the interior space.

[0015] At least one animation can be displayed in such a way that it fades in from the display area into the overlapping area. Thus, for example, an animation can start on a display area, preferably an associated display area, but transition into the overlapping area. Preferably, this applies to two animations, so that they "meet" in the overlapping area, for example. In this case, the animations preferably arrive in the overlapping area at the same time.

[0016] For example, each animation can start in the associated display area and merge with one another in the overlapping area, thereby creating an attractive "magic" impression for the user. In the case of merging with one another, it is ensured that the animations can reach the overlapping area at the same time and graphically merge with one another there. For example, in the case of boarding a vehicle, this can involve a corresponding welcome animation. In addition, when opening a vehicle door, the illusion can be created that a projection in the front field of view of the vehicle is moving into the vehicle interior.

[0017] Overall, a holistic and engaging overall experience is achieved as different animations for different functions for the user blend into the overall animation.

[0018] Functions can be associated with different importances, wherein the importance of the functions is compared before they are simultaneously faded in. If a defined importance difference is exceeded, the more important animation can be faded in before the less important function. In addition, the imaging features can be adapted so that the more important animation is more obvious or more visible, for example by adapting the size, brightness and / or color of the animation. Sound signals can also be adapted.

[0019] Furthermore, when fading in two animations, it can be taken into account whether day or night is present. For example, when transitioning from day to night, the functions of the second display area can be displayed in the corresponding overlapping area as common functions of both display areas with the aid of a transition animation. These functions are then associated with the overlapping area. For example, functions can be displayed from the head-up display with the aid of a transition animation in the overlapping area and displayed there as a combination of the projection surface in front of the vehicle (for example on the roadway) and the animation of the head-up display.

[0020] All of the above-described features of the method may equally relate to more than two animations.

[0021] In another aspect, the invention relates to a device for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle, comprising a central control unit, wherein the central control unit is designed to determine at least two events causing corresponding animations and to fade in two animations at a common fade-in time.

[0022] This is particularly important for the central control unit, since only it can ensure simultaneous fade-in times, since coordination of the fade-in times can possibly lead to a possible, necessary, above-described delay or adaptation of the imaging characteristics.

[0023] Furthermore, the device can include display areas, in particular a first and a second display area forming a common display area. Furthermore, the device can include an acoustic output unit (e.g. a loudspeaker) and a light, if necessary for the interior and the exterior. In particular, the loudspeaker and also the light can also be centrally controlled in coordination with the corresponding animation both in the interior area of ​​the vehicle and in the exterior area of ​​the vehicle. In this case, the acoustic output unit for the exterior area can be controlled, for example, synchronously with the corresponding light for the exterior area, so that the sound and the corresponding light signal sent to the exterior are synchronous. The same can apply to the interior area.

[0024] In particular, the device is designed to carry out the method described above.

[0025] In another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising the device described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] in,

[0027] Figure 1 A method diagram for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle is shown in purely schematic form,

[0028] Figure 2 A purely schematic diagram shows a device for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle; and

[0029] Figure 3 The purely schematic diagram shows the Figure 2 The display area of ​​the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A method diagram of a method 100 for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle is shown, which includes determining 101 at least two animation-inducing events.

[0031] The two animations are faded in 102 at a common fade-in time point. To this end, the actual fade-in time point of at least one animation can be delayed 103. Furthermore, the fade-in time span of at least one animation can be adapted 104.

[0032] At least one imaging feature of at least one animation can be adapted 105 in order to ensure an overall overall experience of the whole disk. In addition, whether it is daytime or nighttime can be taken into account 106. The animation can be faded in 107 at least temporarily in the common display area.

[0033] Figure 2A device 10 for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle is shown, the device comprising a central control unit 11, a first display area 12 and a second display area 13. In addition, the device may have an acoustic output unit (e.g., a loudspeaker) for outputting a sound signal. The device may also include an optical output unit, in particular a lamp. In detail, there are an acoustic output unit 15a for the outside and an acoustic output unit 15b for the inside, as well as a lamp 16a for the inside and a lamp 16b for the outside. All of these components can be controlled synchronously by the central control unit. In particular, the loudspeaker and the lamp can also be coordinated with the corresponding animations and centrally controlled not only in the interior area of ​​the vehicle but also in the exterior area of ​​the vehicle. Here, the acoustic output unit for the exterior area can be controlled synchronously, for example, together with the corresponding lamp for the exterior area, so that the sound and the corresponding light signal sent to the outside are performed synchronously. The same situation can be applied to the interior area.

[0034] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 The display areas form a common display area 14, which is defined as an overlapping area. The first display area 12 can be a projection surface in the area in front of the vehicle, wherein the second display area 13 can be a head-up display. The two areas overlap visually for the driver in the overlapping area 14. The animations can be faded in synchronously, so that they are presented at least temporarily in time on the common display area 14.

[0035] Reference numerals list

[0036] 100 Method for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle

[0037] 101 Identify at least two events that cause corresponding animations

[0038] 102 Fade in two animations at the same fade-in time point

[0039] 103 Delay the actual fade-in time of at least one animation

[0040] 104 Adapt the fade-in time span of at least one animation

[0041] 105 Adapting at least one imaging feature of at least one animation

[0042] 106 Consider whether there is day or night

[0043] 107 Fade animation at least temporarily in common display area

[0044] 10A device for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle

[0045] 11Central Control Unit

[0046] 12First display area

[0047] 13 Second display area

[0048] 14Common display areas

[0049] 15a External acoustic output unit

[0050] 15b Internal acoustic output unit

[0051] 16a Internal light

[0052] 16b External lights

Claims

1. A method (100) for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle, It is characterized in that The method (100) comprises - determining (101) at least two events causing corresponding animations, and - Fading in (102) both animations at a common fade-in time point.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The animations are associated with different functions of the vehicle.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The method (100) comprises delaying (103) an actual fade-in time point of at least one animation, Among them, in the case of determining only an event that causes the animation, the actual fade-in time point is important.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The method (100) includes adapting (104) a fade-in time span of at least one animation so that the animations are faded in within the same time span.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one imaging characteristic of at least one animation is adapted (105).

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that Each animation is associated with the first display area (12) or the second display area (13).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The animation is faded in (107) at least temporarily in the common display area (14).

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The common display area (14) is an overlapping area of ​​the first display area (12) and the second display area (13).

9. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The first display area (12) is a projection area in the area in front of the vehicle, wherein the projection area can be seen from the vehicle through the windshield, and Wherein, the second display area (13) is a head-up display.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, It is characterized in that At least one animation is faded in such a way that it fades in from the display area into the overlap area (14).

11. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that When fading in the two animations, it is considered (106) whether there is day or night.

12. The method (100) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that When the day changes to the night, the function of one display area is displayed in the overlapping area as a common function of both display areas by means of a transition animation.

13. A device (10) for controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle, It is characterized in that The device (10) comprises a central control unit (11), The central control unit (11) is designed to determine (101) at least two events that cause corresponding animations and to fade in (102) the two animations at a common fade-in time.

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The device (10) is designed to carry out a method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A vehicle comprising a device (10) according to claim 13 or 14.

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