Method for operating telecommunication system in vehicle and telecommunication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a telecommunication system in a vehicle and a telecommunication system. In the method, an active first telecommunications connection is established between a central telecommunications device of the vehicle and a first external telecommunications device by using a first communication module. The central telecommunication device of the vehicle then receives an incoming call dial of a second external telecommunication device by using a second communication module, where the second communication module is a separate application from the first communication module. Then, a second graphical object for the dial is generated, and the second graphical object is displayed in the central graphical object in addition to the first graphical object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a telecommunications system in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a telecommunications system in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles often include communication and multimedia applications, including mobile phone interfaces and devices for reproducing music and speech. For these applications, information must be displayed and operating actions must be performed in the vehicle.

[0003] To enable flexible display of a wide variety of information, freely programmable displays are used, for example. These displays often also assume the functions of conventional mechanical instruments. For example, DE 10 2006 032 118 A1 describes an instrument cluster for a motor vehicle that includes a display that can variably display the vehicle's speed, engine speed, engine temperature, fuel level, and / or time. Furthermore, information from a navigation system, telephone, music system, infotainment system, and / or air conditioning system can be displayed.

[0004] In addition to the instrument cluster, a display device is typically located above the vehicle's center console, which can display additional information. Such a display device is typically used as a multi-function display device and is used to display geographical maps for navigation systems. For example, DE 199 41 956 A1 describes such a multi-function display device.

[0005] Displaying information in a vehicle places very specific demands on the driver. This is particularly true for the driver who receives information while in the vehicle. Therefore, information should be displayed in a way that does not distract the driver from driving. The displayed information should be intuitive and quick for the driver to grasp, requiring only a brief moment of distraction to receive the information. If a display device supports or guides the operation of a vehicle device, the display should be designed so that the driver only needs to look at the display device briefly to perform the operation.

[0006] Especially when operating telecommunications equipment, it is important not to distract the driver from driving. For this reason, in some countries, mobile phone operation is only permitted when it is coupled to the vehicle's electronic equipment, i.e., using a so-called hands-free system. In this case, for example, the vehicle's operating system can be used to answer calls or look up the phone number of the person to call.

[0007] Due to the wide range of possibilities for using communication and multimedia applications, there is also a growing interest in using multiple of these applications in parallel. For example, you might want to be able to use a navigation system while driving and answer an incoming call at the same time. These applications should be displayed simultaneously and clearly on the same display. To date, this has involved temporarily completely overlaying the operating and display context of one application with the display of another.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need to establish and operate multiple telecommunication connections simultaneously. It is known to answer two or more calls simultaneously and speak with the person on the first call while the person on the other call waits in a waiting queue. However, this approach is limited to telecommunication connections from the same application and source. Telecommunications devices making inquiries and calls from different sources are problematic. While telecommunication devices can each connect to the vehicle via a corresponding interface, they are not tuned to each other, potentially leading to undesirable connection failures. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a telecommunication system in a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, which permit an improved and safe operation of the vehicle's telecommunication system.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1 and a telecommunication system having the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments and developments are derived from the dependent claims.

[0011] In a method for operating a telecommunications system in a vehicle according to the present invention, an active first telecommunications connection is established between a central telecommunications device of the vehicle and a first external telecommunications device using a first communication module. The central telecommunications device first generates a central graphical object for displaying and controlling the telecommunications connection. The first telecommunications connection is displayed by a first graphical object in the central graphical object, and at least one first button is displayed in the first graphical object, which allows the central telecommunications device to control the first telecommunications connection. The central telecommunications device of the vehicle receives an incoming call from a second external telecommunications device using a second communication module, which is a separate application from the first communication module. The central telecommunications device then generates a second graphical object for the incoming call and displays the second graphical object in addition to the first graphical object in the central graphical object. The second graphical object displays a second button, which allows the central telecommunications device to control the incoming call.

[0012] When establishing a telecommunication connection, another telecommunication device dials the telecommunication device. The reception and connection of the dial can be carried out by different connection modules. In one communication module, the telecommunication connection can be made, for example, by a user's mobile phone. The user's mobile phone can be connected to the telecommunication system via a radio connection, such as a Bluetooth hands-free profile. In another communication module, the telecommunication connection can be made by a user's smartphone. The smartphone can be connected to the telecommunication system via smartphone projection technology, whereby remote control and display of the smartphone are performed by projection onto a display device of the telecommunication system. In addition, in yet another communication module, a telecommunication connection can be made by calling via an online connectivity unit (OCU), such as manual and automatic legally required and private emergency calls, information calls, service / road assistance calls, claims service calls, etc.

[0013] When making such calls to telecommunication devices via different communication modules, different data can already be transmitted to the recipient, for example the application being used, ie, the type of communication app being used or the caller's phone number.

[0014] In the method according to the present invention, incoming calls are not simply received by the application assigned to the dialing recipient. Instead, the call is forwarded to a central telecommunication device in the recipient's vehicle and processed centrally there. The central telecommunication device uses one of the aforementioned communication modules assigned to the call and establishes a connection between the external telecommunication device and the central telecommunication device.

[0015] Thus, the actual call placement is not performed by the original phone context / call hosting application, but by the central telecommunication device. During the ongoing call, the central telecommunication device can access the content and functionality of the application.

[0016] The user is informed of the established connection, for example by a ring tone or an indication on a display. To this end, the central telecommunications device generates a central graphical object, which is typically used to display and control telecommunications connections. Additionally, a first graphical object is generated for the first established connection and displayed within the central graphical object.

[0017] The central telecommunication device can thus advantageously centrally control the calls. The actual application of the communication modules used remains only a subordinate role for the user; the connections are displayed in a central graphical object independently of the application.

[0018] The user of the called communication module can now accept the connection by means of a button within the first graphical object, whereupon an active telecommunication connection is established.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, buttons in this context should be understood as control elements of a graphical user interface. Buttons differ from elements and screens that simply display information, so-called display elements or screens, in that they are selectable. Selecting a button executes the associated function, which simply changes the displayed information. Furthermore, buttons can be used to control devices whose operation is supported by the information display. Thus, buttons can replace traditional mechanical switches. Any buttons can be generated for a freely programmable display and displayed on the display.

[0020] When an active telecommunications connection exists and a call is received from another external telecommunications device using the second communication module during the existing connection, the call is processed by the vehicle's central telecommunications system. The additional call can then be signaled. To this end, the central telecommunications system generates a second graphical object for the call and displays it in the central graphical object in addition to the first graphical object. A button is also displayed in the second graphical object, which the user can use to accept the call.

[0021] This feature is called call waiting. The receiving telecommunications device can now set up another telecommunications connection for the further call. However, it can also ignore or reject the incoming call.

[0022] The vehicle's telecommunications system allows users to access previously stored contacts and establish a telecommunications connection with them without distraction. The vehicle driver can also accept calls without distraction. However, if the vehicle's central telecommunications system receives a call from a second external telecommunications device during an active telecommunications connection, controlling the telecommunications connections to both external telecommunications devices can become challenging for the vehicle driver, particularly when the calls are made via two separate communication modules, which are typically displayed in two separate display contexts. In this case, to ensure the driver's attention is not distracted while driving, the method according to the present invention advantageously facilitates the control of both telecommunications connections by visualizing the existing and incoming telecommunications connections via first and second graphical objects within a single central graphical object. Furthermore, the connection status of both telecommunications connections can be controlled very simply and intuitively via buttons associated with the graphical objects for the telecommunications connections.

[0023] The individual telecommunication connections are thus displayed spatially in a common object and their status is made visually visible.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, by actuating the first or second button, the telecommunication connection between the central telecommunication device of the vehicle on the one hand and the first or second external telecommunication device on the other hand is activated and / or deactivated and / or terminated by means of the central telecommunication device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, telecommunication connections activated by the central telecommunication device are active telecommunication connections, while telecommunication connections not activated by the central telecommunication device but not terminated are inactive telecommunication connections.

[0026] When a telecommunication connection is activated between the vehicle's central telecommunication device on the one hand and a first or second external telecommunication device on the other hand, i.e., when there is an active telephone connection between the two parties, the connection to the audio device and the use of the loudspeaker and microphone are released for the user, audio data is transmitted bidirectionally between the two parties, and contact is established with the user of the external telecommunication device.

[0027] A button for ending the active telecommunication connection can then be displayed in the graphical object for the active telecommunication connection, and when the button for ending the telecommunication connection is actuated, the central telecommunication device ends the telecommunication connection.

[0028] Furthermore, a button for holding the active telecommunications connection is displayed in the graphical object for the active telecommunications connection, and when the button for holding the telecommunications connection is actuated, the central telecommunications device holds the telecommunications connection. This hold feature allows an already existing active telecommunications connection to be placed in a standby state, thereby rendering it inactive. The inactive telecommunications connection can then be activated. The hold button allows switching back and forth between telecommunications connections.

[0029] Furthermore, a button for muting the active telecommunication connection may be displayed in the graphic object of the active telecommunication connection, and when the button for muting the telecommunication connection is operated, the central telecommunication device mutes the telecommunication connection.

[0030] When the telecommunication connection between the central telecommunication device of the vehicle on the one hand and the first or second external telecommunication device on the other hand is not activated but also not terminated, ie when there is an inactive telephone connection, several situations may arise:

[0031] A button for activating or accepting the telecommunication connection may be displayed in the graphic object for the inactive telecommunication connection, and when the button for activating or accepting the telecommunication connection is operated, the central telecommunication device may activate the telecommunication connection and deactivate the previously established telecommunication connection.

[0032] A button for holding the telecommunication connection can be displayed in a graphic object for an inactive telecommunication connection, and when the button for holding the telecommunication connection is operated, the central telecommunication device can hold the telecommunication connection. By means of this hold feature, an already existing inactive telecommunication connection can be put into a waiting state.

[0033] The graphical objects of active telecommunication connections can be highlighted compared to the graphical objects of inactive telecommunication connections. In particular, the graphical objects of active telecommunication connections can be displayed brighter than the graphical objects of inactive telecommunication connections. Furthermore, the graphical objects of active telecommunication connections can be displayed in the foreground compared to the graphical objects of inactive telecommunication connections. Conversely, the graphical objects of inactive telecommunication connections can be displayed darker and / or in the background compared to the graphical objects of active telecommunication connections.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the central telecommunication device is coupled to a control unit, with the aid of which incoming calls to telecommunication connections, active telecommunication connections and / or inactive telecommunication connections are prioritized in order to activate, reject or deactivate dialed telecommunication connections, to deactivate or terminate active telecommunication connections and / or to activate or terminate inactive telecommunication connections.

[0035] The regulating unit prevents, in particular, one communication module from directly influencing another communication module. The telecommunication connections via the various communication modules are controlled in a rule-based manner in the central telecommunication installation.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the case of telecommunication connections originating from different communication modules, only one of the telecommunication connections is always active at a specific point in time.

[0037] In this case, the control unit can prevent the communication modules from influencing each other in an undesirable manner. If a user is already using an active telecommunication connection and a second communication module, different from the first, makes a query during this time, the central telecommunication device first detects this query and generates a graphic object for this query on the display. For the telecommunication connection established via the second communication module, the control unit intervenes and displays this telecommunication connection as inactive, and in this case, the user is initially unable to activate this inactive connection.

[0038] This can prevent, for example, a specific communication module from prioritizing its telecommunication request over an already existing connection via another communication module, despite the user's unwillingness.

[0039] When, in addition to the active and inactive connections between two communication modules, an incoming call is made via a communication module that has already established a telecommunication connection via the central telecommunication device, the central telecommunication device generates a third graphical object for the call and displays this third graphical object in the central graphical object in addition to the graphical object for the established telecommunication connection of this communication module. In particular, this third graphical object is displayed directly above or below the first or second graphical object associated with the connection established via the same communication module.

[0040] When an incoming call is made using a communication module that has already established an active telecommunications connection with the central telecommunications device, a button for merging an inactive telecommunications connection within a communication module with the already established active telecommunications connection is displayed in the graphical object for the inactive telecommunications connection. When the button for merging telecommunications connections is pressed, the central telecommunications device also activates the telecommunications connection along with the active telecommunications connection. The two active telephone connections are then merged into a conference connection. This results in an active telephone connection between the three participants, freeing the connection to the audio device and the use of the loudspeaker and microphone for the entire conference connection, and enabling bidirectional audio data transmission between all three participants.

[0041] Such a conference connection is represented by a graphical object which connects graphical objects connected by means of the same communication module.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the central telecommunication device allows a further request to add an inactive communication module to the telecommunication connection of the inactive communication module when the active first telecommunication connection of the first communication module has ended.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the central telecommunication device automatically activates the remaining communication connection of the second communication module when the first communication connection via the first communication module has ended.

[0044] The user advantageously does not need to activate the maintained telecommunication connection himself. This occupies the user's attention less, which leads to a safer driving style.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the central telecommunication device does not allow a key press for a further query of an inactive communications module for the telecommunication connection of this communications module.

[0046] As long as the telecommunications connection of a communication module is inactive, this module is blocked for further queries and no further buttons are displayed. This prevents excessive preparation of inactive queries and the resulting buttons from confusing the user. After the active first telecommunications connection ends, the user can now establish a telecommunications connection for queries using the previously inactive second communication module. From this point on, adding further queries to this communication module is once again possible.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, if another incoming call is made from an external telecommunication device via a communication module that has not previously established a telecommunication connection via the central telecommunication device, the central telecommunication device rejects the call. Thus, in this embodiment, incoming calls can be made from up to two different communication modules. This prevents the user from being overwhelmed with inactive queries and the generated buttons from confusing the user.

[0048] In another embodiment of the method according to the present invention, incoming call processes from more than two different communication modules can be allowed. In this case, the call processes are allowed through the central telecommunications system, but if the call processes originate from more than two communication modules, they are no longer displayed to the user. In other words, the display is based on a time-based priority principle ("first come, first served"). The call processes are stored in the chronological order of the calls made by the telecommunications units and placed in a waiting list. Once one of the two connections displayed for the user from a communication module ends, the chronologically first call on the waiting list is presented to the user by displaying it and generating a key.

[0049] To make the graphical display clearer for the user, when the vehicle's central telecommunications system receives an incoming call from a second external telecommunications device and the call is represented by a second graphical object, the position and / or size of the first graphical object can be changed during the display. For example, its position within the central graphical object can be changed.

[0050] Furthermore, the graphic objects of active telecommunication connections of a communication module may be highlighted and / or positioned higher in the list of graphic objects compared to the graphic objects of inactive telecommunication connections of the same communication module.

[0051] Furthermore, the graphic objects of active telecommunication connections of one communication module may be displayed more prominently and / or positioned higher in the list of graphic objects than the graphic objects of inactive telecommunication connections of another communication module.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, individual graphic objects of applications of vehicle devices not controlled by the central telecommunication device are displayed in a first display layer, and central graphic objects of the central telecommunication device are displayed in a second display layer, which is superimposed on the first display layer.

[0053] The use of a central telecommunication device advantageously enables handling of the telecommunication connection without the need to close an active context and interrupt interaction within the other context.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the second display layer covers only a portion of the first display layer, and the applications of the vehicle system continue to be at least partially visible and / or operable in the first display layer. In particular, the display on the first display layer is not blurred or dimmed.

[0055] Advantageously, the graphical objects generated for the telecommunications connection do not prevent the user from continuing to use at least a portion of the first display layer. In addition to the telecommunications system displayed on the second display layer, the applications opened on the first display layer remain active.

[0056] Furthermore, the size of the central graphic object can be minimized when the display screen is touched upward over the central graphic object, and maximized when the display screen is touched downward over the central graphic object. The central graphic object can then be integrated into a graphics state object permanently displayed to the user in the form of a button in its minimized state.

[0057] In this way, the user can enlarge or reduce the display of the central telecommunications device as needed. When a telecommunications connection is active, the user can use applications particularly well on the first display layer in the minimized state. In the maximized state, the user can clearly see active and inactive telecommunications connections and easily access the buttons for placing a call on hold, muting the call, ending the call, or dialing to create a conference. Switching between the two display modes is particularly simple and intuitive with a "swipe" on the display. Because the buttons are integrated into the permanently displayed graphical status object, the user can easily activate the central telecommunications device at any time; in other words, the user does not need to search for a specific application on the display before establishing a telecommunications connection.

[0058] An active telecommunications connection can be terminated by operating a button in the persistently displayed graphical state object. During an incoming call on a telecommunications connection, an additional button can be displayed in the persistently displayed graphical state object, and by operating this additional button, the incoming call on the telecommunications connection is activated. The button previously displayed in the state object can continue to be displayed in addition, or alternatively, the button can no longer be displayed. This advantageously allows the user to perform activities primarily associated with the telecommunications connection even in a minimized display mode.

[0059] A telecommunications system in a vehicle according to the present invention includes a central telecommunications device and a first and second communication modules connected to the central telecommunications device. The telecommunications system also includes a display controller and a display device having a display screen. The central telecommunications device of the telecommunications system according to the present invention is configured to establish an active first telecommunications connection with a first external telecommunications device using the first communication module and to receive incoming calls from the second external telecommunications device using the second communication module. The second communication module is a separate application from the first communication module. The central telecommunications device, using the display controller, is configured to generate a central graphical object on the display screen of the display device, which can be used to control the telecommunications connection, display the first telecommunications connection on the display screen by a first graphical object in the central graphical object, and display at least one first button in the first graphical object, which can be used to control the first telecommunications connection via the central telecommunications device. Furthermore, the central telecommunications device, using the display controller, is configured to generate a second graphical object for dialing an incoming call in addition to the first graphical object and also display the second graphical object in the central graphical object, wherein a second button is displayed in the second graphical object, which can be used to control the dialing via the central telecommunications device.

[0060] The telecommunication system according to the present invention is particularly designed to carry out the method according to the present invention described above. Therefore, the telecommunication system according to the present invention also has the same advantages as the method according to the present invention.

[0061] In another embodiment of the telecommunications system, the first communications module has a mobile radio interface, and the central telecommunications device is designed to establish a connection to the first external telecommunications device via the mobile radio interface.

[0062] The mobile radio interface may be provided by a mobile phone of the user, wherein the mobile phone of the user is coupled to the interface of the vehicle via a radio connection or a cable connection.

[0063] In this case, the first communication module includes: a device of the vehicle, i.e. an application, which controls the mobile radio connection via the user's mobile phone; and a device for connecting to the user's mobile phone, i.e. a mobile radio interface and an interface for a radio connection, e.g. via a Bluetooth connection or a cable connection.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, a mobile radio interface can be integrated into the vehicle (Online Connection Unit; OCU).

[0065] Furthermore, the first communication module can be provided with a mobile radio interface of a mobile phone of a user, and the further communication module, as a separately executable application, can be provided with a mobile radio interface integrated into the vehicle.

[0066] In another embodiment of the telecommunications system, the second communications module has a data interface, and the central telecommunications device is designed to establish a connection to the second external telecommunications device via the data interface.

[0067] The data interface can in turn be provided by the user's mobile phone, which is coupled to the vehicle's interface via a radio connection or a cable connection. Alternatively or additionally, the data interface can also be integrated into the vehicle (online connection unit; OCU).

[0068] In another embodiment of the telecommunications system, the telecommunications system is designed such that the use of the first communications module is carried out independently of the use of the second communications module.

[0069] Generally speaking, there can be multiple communication modules, each implemented independently of one another in separate applications. The central telecommunications device controls the operation and display of all communication modules via displays in a central graphical object. In particular, a graphical object is displayed within the central graphical object for each active communication module.

[0070] In particular, the combined module no longer has direct access to the display. Telecommunications equipment is inserted in between to prevent the display of the communication module from taking up too much of the display and covering other display layers in an undesirable manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Now, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Figure 1 An embodiment of a telecommunication system according to the invention is shown, and

[0073] Figures 2 to 4 A display resulting from an embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] refer to Figure 1 An embodiment of the telecommunication system 1 and its coupling to external telecommunication devices 12-1, 12-2 according to the invention is described below:

[0075] Telecommunications system 1 includes a display device 2 having a display screen 3. Display device 2 is arranged in the interior of a vehicle so that it is clearly visible and accessible to at least one occupant of the vehicle, in particular the driver. Display screen 3 can be provided by a display having any desired design, in particular a liquid crystal display.

[0076] A touch-sensitive surface 4 is formed on the display screen 3 of the display device 2. This provides a so-called touch screen as an input device.

[0077] The display device 2 is connected to a display controller 5 , and the display screen 3 can utilize the display controller 5 to display the transmitted graphic data.

[0078] The display controller 5 is connected to a central telecommunication device 6. The central telecommunication device 6 generates graphic objects 14, in particular for display on the display 3. These graphic objects 14 are associated with a telecommunication connection, as will be explained later. The graphic data of the generated graphic objects 14 are transmitted to the display controller 5.

[0079] Furthermore, the central telecommunications system 6 is connected to the vehicle's audio system 7. Voice communication can be performed from the vehicle's interior in a manner known per se by means of this audio system 7. For this purpose, the audio system 7 is connected to a loudspeaker 8 and a microphone 9 arranged in the vehicle's interior.

[0080] Furthermore, the vehicle's central telecommunication system 6 is coupled to communication modules 20 and 21. Communication modules 20 and 21 are coupled to interfaces 10-1 and 10-2, via which a connection to a mobile radio network 11 can be established, for example, according to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) standards. The vehicle's central telecommunication system 6 can establish a telecommunication connection with external telecommunication devices 12-1 and 12-2 via the mobile radio network 11 and interface 10-1. The vehicle's central telecommunication system 6 can also establish a mobile data connection with external telecommunication devices 12-1 and 12-2 via the mobile radio network and interface 10-2. The central telecommunication system 6 can establish a connection to a user's mobile phone or smartphone via a further interface 10-3. This connection to the telecommunication system 1 can be via a radio link or a cable connection, whereby the user's mobile phone or smartphone can be controlled using projection technology. This means that a telecommunication connection is established via the communication module 20 or 21 , which forwards the connection to the central telecommunication device 6 for further processing.

[0081] The central telecommunication device 6 is coupled to a control unit 13. This control unit 13 collects telecommunication connections activated by the central telecommunication device 6, as well as inactive telecommunication connections and incoming calls to telecommunication connections. Using a predefined control mechanism, the control unit 13 prioritizes the connections transmitted by the central telecommunication device 6 and returns the priority ranking to the central telecommunication device 6. The central telecommunication device 6 can then activate, reject, or deactivate the dialed telecommunication connections, deactivate or terminate active telecommunication connections, and / or activate or terminate inactive telecommunication connections.

[0082] Below, reference Figures 2 to 4 An embodiment of the method according to the invention and further configurations of an embodiment of the telecommunication system 1 are described in detail:

[0083] The user can navigate to the vehicle's telecommunication menu by means of the touch-sensitive surface 4 in a manner known per se and, by using an application via the first communication module 20 , establish an active first telecommunication connection with the first external telecommunication device 12 - 1 .

[0084] Via the outgoing telecommunications connection, the user can select a previously stored contact or enter a contact address / telephone number using a graphical object of the application via the first communication module 20. The graphical object of the application is embodied as a button when displayed, which the driver can click on the touch-sensitive surface 4, for example.

[0085] The touch is detected by the touch-sensitive surface 4 and is signaled to the central telecommunication device 6 via the display controller 5. The central telecommunication device 6 then establishes a first telecommunication connection with the selected contact, which is stored for the person associated with the graphical object of the first communication module 20.

[0086] Alternatively, the user can accept an incoming telecommunication connection by means of the first communication module 20 .

[0087] In both cases, the central telecommunication device 6 generates graphic data for display. These graphic data are directed to the display controller 5, which generates a first central graphic object 14-1 on the display screen 3. Figure 2 As shown, a first graphical object 14-2 is generated within central graphical object 14-1. For example, an image and name of the associated person are displayed. Furthermore, the status of the telecommunication connection is displayed. First, the "Call..." or "Incoming Call" signal indicates that the telephone number of the person being dialed is being dialed. If the telecommunication connection with the person is active, the duration of the telecommunication connection with the person is displayed.

[0088] Furthermore, a button 15-1 is displayed in the first graphical object 14-2. If the user actuates the button 15-1 by touching the touch-sensitive surface 4 in the region of the button 15-1, the telecommunication connection associated with the graphical object 14-1 is terminated by the central telecommunication device 6.

[0089] This first telecommunication connection is established, for example, via a communication module 20 having a mobile radio interface 10-1. For example, a call is made to the driver via a telephone function integrated into the vehicle. The telephone function is then coupled to the central telecommunication device 6. Furthermore, the telephone function integrated into the vehicle is connected to an external telecommunication device 12-1 via the mobile radio interface 10-1 and the mobile radio network 11.

[0090] When the central telecommunication device 6 of the vehicle now receives an incoming call from the second external telecommunication device 12-2 using a second communication module 21 having an application separate from the first communication module 20, the central telecommunication device 6 evaluates the data transmitted during the call and generates graphic data for display. These graphic data are directed to the display controller 5, which generates a second graphic object 14-3 within the central graphic object 14-1 on the display screen 3, so that the display changes to the following: Figure 3 Display 3 shown.

[0091] The incoming call is made, for example, via a communication module 21 having a data interface 10 - 3 . For example, the driver is called via a communication application on his smartphone 22 . Smartphone 22 is then coupled to central telecommunication device 6 via data interface 10 - 3 (e.g., a short-range radio link) and via communication module 21 . Simultaneously, it is connected to a second external telecommunication device 12 - 2 via Internet connection 11 .

[0092] Central telecommunications system 6 transmits the incoming call and the existing telecommunications connection to control unit 13. Control unit 13 checks the underlying communication modules of the two telecommunications connections. In this case, because different communication modules are involved, control unit 13 prioritizes one of the two telecommunications connections and assigns it a button 15 that can be operated by the user. In this case, the existing mobile radio connection should also remain active. The incoming call via the data connection is displayed to the user as an inactive connection in a second graphical object 14-3.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, the graphical objects 14 - 2 and 14 - 3 are now displayed one above the other in the central graphical object 14 - 1 .

[0094] Furthermore, the button 15 of the first graphical object 14-1 has also changed. Now, not only is the button 15-1 for ending the first telecommunication connection associated with the graphical object 14-1 shown, but a button 15-2 for switching to mute, i.e., temporarily shutting down the transmission of audio data received via the microphone 9, is also shown. Furthermore, a button 15-3 is shown, which allows the user to place the first telecommunication connection on hold.

[0095] As in the first graphical object 14-1, the second graphical object 14-2 for incoming calls displays an image and name of the associated person, along with three buttons 15. Pressing button 15-4 rejects the incoming call, and thus no telecommunication connection is established. Pressing button 15-5 establishes a telecommunication connection with the second external telecommunication device 12-2, but this second telecommunication connection is placed on hold, i.e., inactive. Pressing button 15-6 accepts the incoming call, and thus an active second telecommunication connection is established with the second external telecommunication device 12-2. Because only one of the telecommunication connections is active at a given time when the telecommunication connections originate from different communication modules 20, 21, in this case the first telecommunication connection with the first external telecommunication device 12-1 is automatically placed on hold.

[0096] Figure 4 The display on the display screen 3 is shown in the following case, that is, the user Figure 3The state shown begins with the operation of key 15-5, and although a telecommunication connection with external telecommunication device 12-2 is established, the telecommunication connection is simultaneously placed on hold. To signal to the user that the telecommunication connection with second graphical object 14-3 is inactive, while the telecommunication connection with first graphical object 14-2 is active, second graphical object 14-3 is displayed in a slightly darker color and graphically placed in the background. In contrast, first graphical object 14-2, which is the active telecommunication connection with first external telecommunication device 12-1, is displayed in a lighter color and in the foreground.

[0097] If the user now makes an incoming call to another third external telecommunication device using a communication module to which no telecommunication connection has been established so far via the central telecommunication device 6 , the central telecommunication device 6 rejects the call.

[0098] For example, a user receives a request for a telecommunications connection on their mobile phone. The control unit 13 has detected two telecommunications connections for different communication modules. When the central telecommunications device 6 forwards this request to the control unit 13, the call to the other communication module is rejected. The central telecommunications device 6 rejects the request, and the user does not experience it.

[0099] Now, a user receives an incoming call from an external telecommunication device using a communication module. Although this communication module previously established a telecommunication connection via central telecommunication device 6, the telecommunication connection via this communication module was previously inactive. For example, the user receives a request on their smartphone 22 for a telecommunication connection to the same communication application as that used by second external telecommunication device 12-2. The control unit 13 detects the known telecommunication connection of communication module 21. The control unit 13 recognizes that the first telecommunication connection of this communication module 21 is inactive and therefore does not allow a key press for further inquiries to this communication module 21. This means that the inquiry is not visible on the user's display.

[0100] When the user wishes to terminate the telecommunication connection with the first external telecommunication device 12-1, the user actuates the button 15-1 in the first graphical object 14-2 to terminate the telecommunication connection. The telecommunication connection is then terminated by the central telecommunication device 6. Since the first telecommunication connection via the first communication module 20 has already been terminated, the previously inactive telecommunication connection of the second communication module 21, i.e., the query via the data interface 10-2, is automatically activated.

[0101] The user now deactivates the second telecommunications connection, for example, by using the button 15-3 provided for this purpose, placing it in hold mode. If the user now receives an incoming call from a third external telecommunications device via the same communication module 21 as the inactive second telecommunications connection, the control unit 13 detects this. In this case, the control unit 13 recognizes that the telecommunications connection of this communication module 21 is inactive, but there are no other active telecommunications connections from other communication modules. Therefore, the control unit 13 allows the central telecommunications device 6 to generate a third additional graphical object 14-4 in response to these inquiries. This third graphical object 14-4 is displayed in the central graphical object 14-1 in addition to the graphical object for the established telecommunications connection of the communication module 21.

[0102] like Figure 3 As shown, telecommunication connections of the same communication module are arranged one above the other in a central graphical object 14-1. For the inactive of the two connections, another button is displayed for merging this telecommunication connection with the already established active telecommunication connection. If the user presses this button for merging telecommunication connections, central telecommunication device 6 also activates this telecommunication connection along with the active telecommunication connection, and the two active telephone connections are merged into a conference connection. In other words, after pressing this button, the vehicle's central telecommunication device 6, the second external telecommunication device 12-2, and the third external telecommunication device are connected to one another in a three-way conference. This conference connection is represented by another graphical object 14-5, which connects the graphical objects of the first and second telecommunication connections.

[0103] In another embodiment, a user uses a vehicle device 16 that is not controlled via the central telecommunications system 6, such as a navigation system. To this end, the vehicle device provides a graphical object with buttons on the display screen 3. These are displayed on a first display layer 18. When one or more telecommunications connections are established using the central telecommunications system 6, these connections are displayed on a second display layer 19, which overlays the first display layer 18. To enable the user to continue to follow the navigation system's display and, if necessary, perform operating actions, the second display layer 19 covers only a portion of the first display layer 18. This allows the user to, for example, see a graphical object 14 for a phone call and operate its buttons 15 while simultaneously following the display of the navigation system or other vehicle device 16 in the first display layer 18.

[0104] When the user wants to further reduce the size of the central graphic object 14-1, for example, to better track the display of the vehicle device 16 on the first display layer 18, the user can reduce the size of the central graphic object 14-1 to the minimum by touching the display screen 3 and moving upwards past the central graphic object 14-1. Figures 2 to 4As shown, the central graphical object 14-1 is then integrated into the graphical status object 17, which is permanently displayed to the user, in the form of a button 15-9. By actuating this button 15-9, the user can perform the main operating options required when conducting a telecommunications connection, namely accepting and ending a call. In other words, the user can actuate button 15-9 during an existing telecommunications connection to end the active telecommunications connection.

[0105] When a call is received during a telecommunication connection, a changing key is displayed for the user in the permanently displayed graphical state object 17. The user recognizes that there is an incoming call and can activate the telecommunication connection by operating the key 15-9.

[0106] Then, for example, to maintain the telecommunication connection, it is necessary to display the central graphical object 14-1 again in an enlarged manner, i.e. as a separate window, outside the continuously displayed status object 17. To this end, the user touches the display screen 3 by swiping downwards through the central graphical object 14-1. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the central graphic object 14 - 1 is opened again and, in addition to the buttons in the permanently displayed graphic status object 17 , buttons for holding, switching to mute, etc. are provided again.

[0107] Reference Signs List

[0108] 1Telecommunications System

[0109] 2 Display device

[0110] 3 displays

[0111] 4 touch-sensitive surfaces

[0112] 5 Display Controller

[0113] 6Central telecommunications equipment

[0114] 7. Audio Equipment

[0115] 8 speakers

[0116] 9 microphones

[0117] 10-1 to 10-3 interface

[0118] 11Mobile radio networks

[0119] 12-1, 12-2 External telecommunications equipment

[0120] 13 adjustment units

[0121] 14-1 to 14-4 graphic objects, these objects are also collectively referred to as 14

[0122] 15-1 to 15-9 buttons, these objects are also collectively referred to as 15

[0123] 16Other vehicle equipment

[0124] 17 Graphics state objects that are displayed continuously

[0125] 18 First display layer

[0126] 19 Second display layer

[0127] 20 first communication module

[0128] 21 Second communication module

[0129] 22 Driver's smartphone

Claims

1. A method for operating a telecommunications system in a vehicle, wherein: establishing an active first telecommunication connection between a central telecommunication device of the vehicle and a first external telecommunication device by using a first communication module, The central telecommunication device generates a central graphical object for displaying and controlling the telecommunication connection, The first telecommunication connection is displayed by a first graphical object in the central graphical object, and at least one first button is displayed in the first graphical object, by means of which the first telecommunication connection can be controlled by means of the central telecommunication device, The central telecommunication device of the vehicle receives an incoming call from a second external telecommunication device by using a second communication module, wherein the second communication module is an application separate from the first communication module, The central telecommunication device generates a second graphical object for the dialing and displays the second graphical object in addition to the first graphical object in the central graphical object, wherein a second button is displayed in the second graphical object, via which the dialing can be controlled by the central telecommunication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: By operating the first or second button, the telecommunication connection between the central telecommunication device of the vehicle on the one hand and the first or second external telecommunication device on the other hand is activated and / or deactivated and / or terminated by means of the central telecommunication device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: Telecommunications connections activated by the central telecommunications device are active telecommunications connections, while telecommunications connections not activated by the central telecommunications device but not terminated are inactive telecommunications connections.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, It is characterized by: The central telecommunication device is coupled to a control unit, with the aid of which incoming calls to telecommunication connections, active telecommunication connections and / or inactive telecommunication connections are prioritized in order to activate, reject or deactivate dialed telecommunication connections, to deactivate or terminate active telecommunication connections and / or to activate or terminate inactive telecommunication connections.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, It is characterized by: In the case of telecommunication connections originating from different communication modules, only one of the telecommunication connections is always active at a specific point in time.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, It is characterized by: When the active first telecommunication connection of the first telecommunication module has ended, the central telecommunication device allows a further request to add the telecommunication connection of the inactive telecommunication module.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, It is characterized by: When the first communication connection via the first communication module has ended, the central telecommunication device automatically activates the remaining communication connection of the second communication module.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, It is characterized by: The central telecommunication device does not allow any keystrokes for further inquiries to an inactive communications module for the telecommunication connection of this communications module.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized by: If a further incoming call is made to an external telecommunication device by means of a communication module to which no telecommunication connection has previously been established via the central telecommunication device, the central telecommunication device rejects the call.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized by: Individual graphic objects of applications of vehicle devices that are not controlled by the central telecommunication device are displayed in a first display layer, and central graphic objects of the central telecommunication device are displayed in a second display layer that is superimposed on the first display layer.

11. The method according to claim 10, It is characterized by: The second display layer covers only a portion of the first display layer, and the applications of the vehicle device continue to be at least partially visible and / or operable in the first display layer.

12. A telecommunication system in a vehicle, the telecommunication system comprising: a central telecommunication device, a first communication module and a second communication module connected to the central telecommunication device, a display controller, and a display device having a display screen, in, The central telecommunication device is designed to: establishing an active first telecommunication connection with a first external telecommunication device by using said first communication module, By using the second communication module, receiving an incoming call from a second external telecommunication device, The second communication module is an application separate from the first communication module. With the display controller, generating a central graphic object on the display screen of the display device, with which the telecommunication connection can be controlled, On the display screen, the first telecommunication connection is displayed by a first graphical object in the central graphical object, and at least one first button is displayed in the first graphical object, by means of which the first telecommunication connection can be controlled by means of the central telecommunication device. In addition to the first graphic object, the central telecommunication device generates a second graphic object for the incoming call to be dialed, and The second graphical object is also displayed in the central graphical object, wherein a second button is displayed in the second graphical object, via which the dialing can be controlled by means of the central telecommunication device.

13. The telecommunication system according to claim 12, It is characterized by: The first communication module has a mobile radio interface, and the central telecommunication device is designed to establish a connection with a first external telecommunication device via the mobile radio interface.

14. The telecommunication system according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized by: The second communication module has a data interface, and the central telecommunication device is designed to establish a connection with a second external telecommunication device via the data interface.

15. The telecommunication system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, It is characterized by: The telecommunications system is designed such that the use of the first communication module is carried out independently of the use of the second communication module.

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