Definable hard knob and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of automobile interaction, and particularly relates to a definable hard knob and a control method thereof. The present disclosure comprises a hard knob, an interaction interface and a memory. The hard knob is used for switching through rotation a plurality of gear positions corresponding to a plurality of functions. The interaction interface is used for editing the plurality of gear positions corresponding to the plurality of functions. The memory is used for saving the distribution of initial functions and a user setting state. The present disclosure carries a plurality of functions and a plurality of types of functions on the knob. The functions can be partially or wholly coexistent. The number of functions can be edited and defined. The order of the functions can be edited and defined. Through the definition and storage memory of the vehicle machine and the display interface, the present disclosure realizes multi-function control, multi-mode self-definition and configuration, and the presentation of human-computer interaction information, and improves the human-computer interaction experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automotive interaction technology, and in particular to a definable hard knob and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive human-machine interaction, simply put, is the process by which people and cars exchange information through certain interaction methods, directly impacting the user's driving experience. Generally, interaction methods are divided into two main categories: in-vehicle cabin interaction and external vehicle interaction. Among these, knobs are a common type of automotive interaction.

[0003] Existing technologies mostly involve single-button or multi-functional physical knobs for control. Typically, the order in which the knob functions are activated is fixed and cannot be customized or the functions to be added or removed. Only one of the alternative functions can be selected to redefine the single button.

[0004] In conclusion, there is an urgent need for a definable hard knob to enhance the human-computer interaction experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a definable hard knob and its control method.

[0006] In a first aspect, a definable hard knob is characterized by comprising: a hard knob, an interactive interface, and a memory;

[0007] A hard knob is used to switch between several function levels by rotating it;

[0008] The interactive interface is used to edit the gear positions corresponding to several functions;

[0009] The memory is used to save the initial function distribution and user settings.

[0010] Furthermore, the interactive interface is integrated into the vehicle's central touchscreen or into a physical knob.

[0011] Furthermore, the gear positions corresponding to several functions can be edited, including:

[0012] Add functions, remove functions, adjust function corresponding gears, and set function availability status.

[0013] Furthermore, additional features will be added, including:

[0014] In the interactive interface, you can add this function as one of the knob toggles by briefly pressing the function name.

[0015] Furthermore, features to be removed include:

[0016] In the interactive interface, you can remove a function from the knob toggle by briefly pressing its name.

[0017] Furthermore, adjust the corresponding gears for the adjustment function, including:

[0018] In the interactive interface, you can adjust the switching order by long-pressing and dragging the function names.

[0019] Furthermore, the availability of the settings includes:

[0020] New feature added: characters are displayed in a highlighted color; currently available.

[0021] When the function name is available, a short press will display the characters in grayscale, indicating that it is currently unavailable.

[0022] If a function name is short-pressed while the function is unavailable, the function will be removed from the knob toggle.

[0023] Furthermore, the user settings are automatically saved in the memory after each edit of the interactive interface.

[0024] Secondly, a control method for a definable hard knob, based on the aforementioned definable hard knob.

[0025] When the hard knob includes a separate switch, the function of the current gear position of the hard knob can be turned on or off by the separate switch;

[0026] When the hard knob does not include a separate switch, the function of the current gear is activated when the hard knob is switched to the current gear, and deactivated when the hard knob is switched to another gear.

[0027] Thirdly, an automobile includes the aforementioned definable hard knob.

[0028] This disclosure includes at least the following beneficial effects:

[0029] This disclosed knob can carry multiple functions; some or all functions can coexist; the number of functions can be edited and defined; the order of functions can also be edited and defined. Through the definition and storage memory of the vehicle's infotainment system and display interface, it can realize multi-functional control, multi-mode customization and configuration, and the presentation of human-machine interaction information, thereby improving the human-machine interaction experience.

[0030] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the disclosure. The objects and other advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hard knob interaction interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a definable hard knob is characterized by comprising: a hard knob, an interactive interface, and a memory;

[0035] A hard knob is used to switch between several function levels by rotating it;

[0036] The interactive interface is used to edit the gear positions corresponding to several functions;

[0037] The memory is used to save the initial function distribution and user settings.

[0038] The specific implementation details are as follows:

[0039] This disclosure discloses a multi-position rotary knob capable of rotating and switching multiple functions, allowing for customized control over the number of functions and the switching sequence, thereby enabling changes to the functions accessed on the screen, the functions of the knob, and the order in which they are switched. It includes a switching knob, a display and touchscreen device, and a SoC memory.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, on the user interface of the display and touchscreen, the knob and its aggregated function switches are set, or the interactive interface is integrated into the knob or around the knob, and the switches are distributed circumferentially based on the characteristics of the knob. The SoC memory stores the factory default distribution, full functions, and user settings. The default memory can be reset by: short-pressing the mode name to add that item as one of the knob switching items or removing that item from the knob switching items; long-pressing and dragging the mode name to adjust the switching order; the characters of added items are highlighted. By setting the available status of each function on the screen, the selectable functions can be determined, thereby realizing the customization of a series of functions of the multi-functional, multi-mode gear knob control unit, rather than just setting a single button or single function.

[0041] After clicking the button, a pop-up window with instructions will appear, and the instructions can also be displayed directly under the title.

[0042] In existing technologies, button customization typically involves customizing a single button, simply replacing it with a different function. Unlike existing technologies, this disclosure allows the knob to perform multiple functions; these functions can be partially or fully coexisted; the number of functions and their order can be edited. This enables multi-functional control and multi-mode customization.

[0043] This disclosure addresses the drawbacks of existing knob controls: such as overloading too many low-value or infrequently used functions, making selection slow, distracting, and diverting attention. From an interactive perspective, this disclosure customizes the rotatable selection functions, allowing users to choose some or all. Furthermore, it allows for customization of the function sequence when the knob's input order is fixed. Therefore, the monotonous and conventional rotary function is transformed into a customizable knob, improving both the user experience and the overall functionality.

[0044] Customizable human-machine interaction for hard knobs is achieved through the vehicle's HMI user interface and a stepless rotary selector knob (usually a stepless rotary encoder or an infinite rotary encoder).

[0045] The vehicle's memory stores the touchscreen position coordinates for each custom location set on the user interface.

[0046] The vehicle's memory stores the default values ​​and random settings for each custom position, as shown in the following adjustment results. Long-pressing and dragging a function adjusts its order when switched using the knob. Releasing the drag between any two functions inserts the function into the position of the clockwise function of those two functions. Simultaneously, the clockwise function, the previously counter-clockwise function of the inserted function, and any adjacent functions (if any) shift clockwise one position. Dragging onto any function swaps their positions. Long-pressing a function icon to activate adjustment enlarges the icon until it reaches the set response range; releasing the drag returns the function to its original position and the icon reverts to its original state.

[0047] By default, all functions are selected and available. When the response range is set by clicking the position coordinates of the touch screen, the function is toggled between "Available" and "Not available". When enabled, the function character is highlighted, and when disabled, it is grayed out.

[0048] The set data is sent to the controller ECU. The ECU adjusts its own state based on the received information, so that when the knob is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the ECU algorithm switches, activates, controls, memorizes, and retrieves functions according to the adjusted state for each input electrical signal. The number and order of functions switched vary depending on the settings. When some functions are turned off, the knob's cycle time for activating functions is shorter, and the selection efficiency is higher.

[0049] A control method for a definable hard knob, based on the aforementioned definable hard knob.

[0050] When the hard knob includes a separate switch, the function of the current gear position of the hard knob can be turned on or off by the separate switch;

[0051] When the hard knob does not include a separate switch, the function of the current gear is activated when the hard knob is switched to the current gear, and deactivated when the hard knob is switched to another gear.

[0052] An automobile includes the aforementioned definable hard knob.

[0053] Existing technologies mostly involve single-button or multi-functional physical knobs for control. Typically, the function sequence of these knobs is fixed and cannot be customized, nor can the functions be added or removed. Users can only select one function from a pool of options to redefine a single button. Customizing buttons usually involves modifying the function of a single button to replace it with an alternative function.

[0054] Compared to existing technologies, this disclosure differs from buttons in that it uses a rotary knob instead of a single button for customization; the knob carries multiple functions, which are not the same function (e.g., volume); some or all functions can coexist; the number of functions can be edited and defined; and the order of functions can be edited and defined. Through the definition and storage memory of the vehicle's infotainment system and display interface, multi-functional control, multi-mode customization / configuration, and the presentation of human-machine interaction information can be achieved.

[0055] Rotating the knob generates an electrical signal, which is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller executes corresponding operations based on the signal type. Depending on the type and quantity of the signal, different control outputs are sent to the ECU, thereby realizing the pre-selected function.

[0056] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A definable hard knob, characterized in that, include: Hard knobs, user interface, and memory; A hard knob is used to switch between several function levels by rotating it; The interactive interface is used to edit the gear positions corresponding to several functions; Memory is used to save the initial function distribution and user settings. The user interface is integrated into the physical knob. Based on the rotational characteristics of the hard knob, the function switches on the interactive interface are arranged in a circle; Editing the gear positions corresponding to several functions, including: Add functions, remove functions, adjust function levels, and set function availability. Adjusting the corresponding gears of functions includes: adjusting the switching order by long-pressing and dragging the function name in the interactive interface. Specifically, long-pressing and dragging a function icon in the interactive interface will insert the function icon into the position of the clockwise function between the two functions when it is released between any two functions. At the same time, the clockwise function, the function originally counterclockwise of the inserted function, and the functions in between will shift one position clockwise. When dragged onto any function, the positions of the two functions will be swapped. Set the availability of functions, including shortening the cycle time of the hard knob when some functions are turned off and improving the selection efficiency when some functions are turned on; Added features, including: In the interactive interface, add this function as one of the knob toggles by short-pressing the function name; Configure the availability of features, including: New feature added: characters are displayed in a highlighted color; currently available. When the function name is available, a short press will display the characters in grayscale, indicating that it is currently unavailable. If a function name is short-pressed while the function is unavailable, the function will be removed from the knob toggle.

2. A definable hard knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, Removed features, including: In the interactive interface, you can remove a function from the knob toggle by short-pressing its name.

3. A definable hard knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, After each edit of the interactive interface, the memory automatically saves the user settings.

4. A control method of a definable hard knob, characterized by, A definable hard knob based on any one of claims 1-3 When the hard knob includes a separate switch, the function of the current gear position of the hard knob can be turned on or off by the separate switch; When the hard knob does not include a separate switch, the function of the current gear is activated when the hard knob is switched to the current gear, and deactivated when the hard knob is switched to another gear.

5. A car, characterized in that, Includes a definable hard knob as described in any one of claims 1-3.

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