Multifunctional configurable controller based on cockpit and application method thereof
By designing a multi-functional configurable controller that integrates multiple modules, the problems of low operating efficiency and insufficient safety in existing in-vehicle human-machine interaction systems have been solved, achieving an efficient and safe user interaction experience and meeting the diverse operating needs of users.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOSCH CAR MULTIMEDIA WUHU
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing in-vehicle human-machine interaction systems are inefficient to operate during driving and pose safety hazards, failing to meet users' diverse needs for operation methods and personalized interaction experiences.
Design a multi-functional configurable controller that integrates a button input module, a touch operation module, an auxiliary display module, an audio module, a communication module, a power and charging module, and an attitude sensing module. It supports physical buttons, touch operation, voice interaction, and visual feedback, and features a game controller mode and an anti-loss retrieval mechanism. It achieves integrated control through an IVI host.
It improves cockpit interaction efficiency, enhances blind operation safety, expands the application boundaries of intelligent cockpits, meets users' multi-functional needs, and improves user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN121879196A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent vehicle cockpits. Specifically, this invention relates to a multi-functional configurable controller based on a cockpit and its application method. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of smart cockpits, in-vehicle human-machine interaction systems are gradually transitioning from traditional physical buttons to touch screens and voice assistants. While this provides a unified interface style and functional integration capabilities, it also brings a series of inconveniences to users.
[0003] While the vehicle is in motion, drivers often need to operate the system via the central control screen, requiring them to shift their gaze to the screen and precisely locate virtual buttons. This process is inefficient and poses safety hazards. Voice control, on the other hand, is affected by factors such as recognition accuracy, noise interference, and semantic understanding capabilities, often resulting in inconsistent performance under continuous commands and complex scenarios, and cannot completely replace physical operation. Especially in functions involving high frequency and immediate response, such as entertainment controls and cockpit settings, existing interaction methods struggle to balance operational efficiency and driving safety.
[0004] In addition, existing central control systems generally lack highly customizable input schemes and information feedback mechanisms, failing to meet users' personalized needs for diverse operation methods and interactive experiences.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a multifunctional control device that integrates physical buttons, touch operation, voice interaction, and visual feedback to improve cockpit interaction efficiency, enhance blind operation safety, and expand the application boundaries of smart cockpits.
[0006] Therefore, this invention proposes a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller and its application method. Summary of the Invention
[0007] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and proposes a multi-functional configurable controller based on the cockpit and its application method to achieve the following objectives: improve cockpit interaction efficiency, meet the multi-functional needs of users, and enhance the user cockpit experience.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a multi-functional configurable controller based on a cockpit, the controller being connected to an IVI host; the controller includes a controller housing consisting of a front cover and a rear cover, a button input module, a touch operation module, an auxiliary display module, an audio module, a communication module, a power and charging module, and an attitude sensing module, wherein the button input module, the touch operation module, and the auxiliary display module are all disposed on the controller housing, and the audio module, the communication module, the power and charging module, and the attitude sensing module are all disposed within the controller housing; the power and charging module is electrically connected to the other modules; the button input module, the touch operation module, the auxiliary display module, the audio module, the attitude sensing module, and the power and charging module are all connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
[0009] Preferably, the key input module includes a five-way navigation key and multiple custom function keys; the five-way navigation key and multiple custom function keys are all located on the front cover of the controller housing and are connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
[0010] Preferably, each of the multiple custom function buttons has a miniature display screen on top.
[0011] Preferably, the touch operation module includes a capacitive touch panel, which is disposed on the front cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
[0012] Preferably, the auxiliary display module includes a display screen, which is disposed on the rear cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
[0013] Preferably, the audio module includes a microphone and a speaker, both of which are housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
[0014] Preferably, the communication module includes a wireless communication device, which is disposed within the controller housing and establishes a wireless connection with the IVI host via wireless communication technology.
[0015] Preferably, the power supply and charging module includes a wireless charging battery, a wireless charging receiving coil, and a wired charging interface. The wireless charging battery is used to electrically connect with various modules of the controller for power supply and to be charged through the wireless charging receiving coil. The wired charging interface is connected to the wireless charging battery so that external power can be used to directly charge the wireless charging battery through the wired charging interface.
[0016] Preferably, the attitude sensing module includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, both of which are housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
[0017] This application also provides an application method for a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller. Using the aforementioned cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, the method includes: Custom function key configuration: Users configure target functions for each custom function key through the IVI host. After the configuration logic is stored in the IVI host in the form of a key-value mapping table, the IVI host sends it to the multiple custom function keys of the key input module through the communication module. Correspondingly, after the multiple custom function keys complete the configuration according to the configuration logic, the corresponding function icon is displayed on the miniature display screen on the top of the key. Game control mode switching: The IVI host uses a gyroscope to detect whether the controller is currently in a horizontal grip position. If it is, it further detects whether the continuous pressing time of the confirmation key in the five-way navigation key exceeds a preset threshold. If it does, the IVI host automatically switches to game control mode. Correspondingly, the IVI host sends the pre-stored game-adaptive key mapping logic to the key input module through the communication module for configuration. After configuration, the IVI host realizes interactive control with the in-vehicle game interface by detecting the input of the key module and the posture perception module in real time. Controller loss prevention and retrieval: The controller's communication module determines whether the controller is lost by detecting the communication strength between itself and the matched IVI host in real time; when the communication strength between the IVI host and the communication module is greater than the preset communication strength threshold, the controller is considered lost. At this time, the communication module sends an alarm signal to the audio module and the auxiliary display module to provide audible and visual alarm.
[0018] The technical effects of this invention are as follows: The controller of this invention adopts a front and rear cover structure. The front cover houses navigation keys, customizable buttons, and a touchpad, while the rear cover integrates an auxiliary display screen, enabling various operations such as central navigation, application switching, cursor control, and button function feedback. The controller supports button function binding and customizable configuration, and features voice input and auxiliary sound capabilities, serving as a backup audio channel in case of vehicle speaker malfunction. It also incorporates a game controller mode and an anti-loss retrieval mechanism, communicating with the host via Bluetooth or UWB to achieve integrated functions such as cockpit control, entertainment interaction, and device management, improving efficiency and driving safety. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller provided for embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the front cover configuration of a controller housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation. It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are only for the convenience of describing the technical solutions and to distinguish components; the corresponding component configurations may be the same or different, and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. To make the technical solutions of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be explained and illustrated through the following embodiments.
[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, which is connected to an IVI host. The controller includes a controller housing consisting of a front cover and a rear cover, a button input module, a touch operation module, an auxiliary display module, an audio module, a communication module, a power and charging module, and an attitude sensing module. The button input module, touch operation module, and auxiliary display module are all mounted on the controller housing, while the audio module, communication module, power and charging module, and attitude sensing module are all located inside the controller housing. The power and charging module is electrically connected to the other modules. The button input module, touch operation module, auxiliary display module, audio module, attitude sensing module, and power and charging module are all connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
[0022] Specifically, the controller housing in this embodiment has an overall rectangular structure, consisting of a front cover and a rear cover. The overall structure facilitates handheld operation.
[0023] The button input module in this embodiment includes a five-way navigation key and multiple custom function buttons. Both the five-way navigation key and the custom function buttons are located on the front cover of the controller housing and are connected to the IVI host via the communication module. The five-way navigation key includes four directional keys (up, down, left, and right) and a confirmation button located in the middle, used for user operation command input. The multiple custom function buttons support custom function mapping, and users can configure their control logic through the central control interface for commonly used vehicle functions such as air conditioning adjustment, window lifting, and seat control. Each of the multiple custom function buttons has a miniature display screen (which can be an OLED display) on top for button status feedback. It can dynamically display corresponding function icons or text prompts based on the binding status, assisting users in function identification and blind operation confirmation during operation. After a user presses a button, the corresponding signal is transmitted to the IVI host via the communication module. The IVI host executes the signal to achieve menu navigation, interface operation, or vehicle function control.
[0024] The touch operation module of this embodiment includes a capacitive touch panel, which is disposed on the front cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module. The capacitive touch panel recognizes user touch operations such as single / multi-finger swipes, clicks, and long presses to send control signals to the IVI host, thereby controlling interactive actions such as cursor movement, page scrolling, and menu selection on the IVI host. Preferably, the touch operation module also supports extended functions such as edge pressure sensitivity and custom gestures.
[0025] refer to Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the controller housing front cover configuration provided in this embodiment. The controller front cover adopts a three-section layout design. In the vertical position of the controller, the controller front cover is divided into three areas from top to bottom, which are respectively set with a five-way navigation key, multiple custom function buttons, and a capacitive touch panel to meet the multi-level operation of IVI host control interface navigation, application switching, cursor control, etc.
[0026] The auxiliary display module in this embodiment includes a display screen, which is mounted on the rear cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module. The display screen obtains status information of various modules of the controller and the IVI host through communication with the communication module, thereby displaying information such as the current operating mode, button function mapping, battery status, and Bluetooth connection status, facilitating user information access and improving user experience. Specifically, the display screen can be constructed using a low-power color LCD screen or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, possessing good brightness, viewing angle, and response speed, supporting synchronous refresh with the main controller, and enhancing the device's visual interactive feedback capabilities.
[0027] The audio module in this embodiment includes a microphone and a speaker, both housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module. The microphone and speaker are used for voice command input, intercom communication, karaoke entertainment, prompt tone output, and buzzer alarms. Simultaneously, by linking with the IVI host, the audio module can provide backup voice broadcasting capabilities as an auxiliary sound source when the main in-vehicle speaker malfunctions or is occupied.
[0028] The communication module acts as a bridge between the controller and the IVI host. To facilitate controller operation, this embodiment employs a wireless communication device. This device is housed within the controller housing and establishes a wireless connection with the IVI host via wireless communication technology. Wireless communication technologies include Bluetooth Low Energy, UWB, or automotive-grade proprietary communication protocols, ensuring stable interaction of operating signals and status data.
[0029] The power and charging module supplies power to all modules of the controller. In this embodiment, the power and charging module includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging receiving coil, and also includes a wired charging interface. The wireless charging battery is electrically connected to each module of the controller for power supply. It also supports magnetic alignment between the wireless charging receiving coil and a standard vehicle charging bracket for inductive charging. The application of wireless charging enhances the in-vehicle convenience and battery life of the controller. The wired charging interface is connected to the wireless charging battery, allowing external power to be used directly to charge the battery as a backup charging method to ensure sufficient battery power. During wireless charging, after the wireless charging receiving coil establishes magnetic attraction with the standard vehicle charging bracket, if the battery level is less than a preset threshold (e.g., 95%), charging automatically begins, and the corresponding charging information is synchronized to the communication module. At this time, the IVI host and auxiliary display module can obtain the charging information through the communication module to provide charging status prompts. If the battery level is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the controller automatically enters a standby power-saving mode to ensure battery life. Correspondingly, after the IVI host and auxiliary display module recognize through the communication module that the wireless charging receiving coil has established a magnetic attraction with the standard vehicle charging bracket and that the battery power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, the display controller is in the storage state.
[0030] The attitude sensing module in this embodiment includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, both of which are housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module. The gyroscope and accelerometer are used to detect the controller's attitude and rotation direction, supporting input logic extensions such as horizontal grip control, direction simulation, and motion mapping in game mode.
[0031] Based on the above-described cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, this embodiment provides an application method for the cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, the method comprising: Custom function key configuration: Users configure target functions for each custom function key through the IVI host. After the configuration logic is stored in the IVI host in the form of a key-value mapping table, the IVI host sends it to the multiple custom function keys of the key input module through the communication module. Correspondingly, after the multiple custom function keys complete the configuration according to the configuration logic, the corresponding function icon is displayed on the miniature display screen on the top of the key to help users identify the function status and achieve clear and intuitive interactive prompts.
[0032] Game control mode switching: The IVI host uses a gyroscope to detect whether the controller is currently held horizontally. If it is, it further detects whether the continuous pressing time of the confirmation key in the five-way navigation key exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 2 seconds, which can be flexibly set according to actual needs). If it exceeds the threshold, the IVI host automatically switches to game control mode. Correspondingly, the IVI host sends the pre-stored game-adaptive key mapping logic to the key input module through the communication module for configuration. After configuration, the IVI host realizes interactive control with the in-vehicle game interface by real-time detection of input from the key module and posture perception module, thus meeting the in-cabin entertainment needs.
[0033] Controller Loss Prevention and Retrieval: The controller's communication module determines whether the controller is lost by real-time monitoring of the communication strength between itself and the paired IVI host. When the communication strength between the IVI host and the communication module exceeds a preset communication strength threshold, the controller is considered lost. In this case, the communication module sends an alarm signal to the audio module and auxiliary display module for audible and visual alarms. Simultaneously, the user can actively trigger the controller retrieval function through the IVI host. Correspondingly, the IVI host sends an alarm signal through the communication module to the audio module and auxiliary display module to assist the user in quickly locating the device through audible and visual alarms.
[0034] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, characterized in that: The controller is connected to the IVI host. The controller includes a controller housing consisting of a front cover and a rear cover, a button input module, a touch operation module, an auxiliary display module, an audio module, a communication module, a power and charging module, and an attitude sensing module. The button input module, touch operation module, and auxiliary display module are all located on the controller housing, while the audio module, communication module, power and charging module, and attitude sensing module are all located inside the controller housing. The power and charging module is electrically connected to the other modules. The button input module, touch operation module, auxiliary display module, audio module, attitude sensing module, and power and charging module are all connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
2. The cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key input module includes a five-way navigation key and multiple custom function keys; the five-way navigation key and multiple custom function keys are all located on the front cover of the controller housing and are connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
3. The cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the multiple custom function buttons has a miniature display screen on top.
4. The cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch operation module includes a capacitive touch panel, which is disposed on the front cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host through the communication module.
5. A cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary display module includes a display screen, which is mounted on the rear cover of the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
6. The cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The audio module includes a microphone and a speaker, both of which are housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
7. A cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module includes a wireless communication device, which is disposed inside the controller housing and establishes a wireless connection with the IVI host through wireless communication technology.
8. A cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply and charging module includes a wireless charging battery, a wireless charging receiving coil, and a wired charging interface. The wireless charging battery is used to electrically connect with various modules of the controller for power supply and to be charged through the wireless charging receiving coil. The wired charging interface is connected to the wireless charging battery so that external power can be used to directly charge the wireless charging battery through the wired charging interface.
9. A cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The attitude sensing module includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, both of which are housed within the controller housing and connected to the IVI host via the communication module.
10. An application method for a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller, using a cockpit-based multi-functional configurable controller according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The method includes: Custom function key configuration: Users configure target functions for each custom function key through the IVI host. After the configuration logic is stored in the IVI host in the form of a key-value mapping table, the IVI host sends it to the multiple custom function keys of the key input module through the communication module. Correspondingly, after the multiple custom function keys complete the configuration according to the configuration logic, the corresponding function icon is displayed on the miniature display screen on the top of the key. Game control mode switching: The IVI host uses a gyroscope to detect whether the controller is currently in a horizontal grip position. If it is, it further detects whether the continuous pressing time of the confirmation key in the five-way navigation key exceeds a preset threshold. If it does, the IVI host automatically switches to game control mode. Correspondingly, the IVI host sends the pre-stored game-adaptive key mapping logic to the key input module through the communication module for configuration. After configuration, the IVI host realizes interactive control with the in-vehicle game interface by detecting the input of the key module and the posture perception module in real time. Controller loss prevention and retrieval: The controller's communication module determines whether the controller is lost by detecting the communication strength between itself and the matched IVI host in real time. When the communication strength between the IVI host and the communication module is greater than the preset communication strength threshold, the controller is considered lost. At this time, the communication module sends an alarm signal to the audio module and the auxiliary display module to provide audible and visual alarm.