Multimedia operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a multimedia operating device for processing multimedia content by user input. The multimedia operating device has at least one actuatable operating element, which has at least one magnet for receiving a user input, wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field. The multimedia operating device has at least one sensor, which is assigned to the operating element and is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet and to convert the magnetic field into an electrical signal. The sensor is connected to an evaluation unit in order to transmit the electrical signal to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to receive and evaluate the electrical signal from the sensor, in order to register the user input and to process the multimedia content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multimedia operating device for processing multimedia content through user input. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technology includes multimedia operating devices with operating elements, such as rotary controllers, through which multimedia content can be processed. Traditionally, the rotary controller actuates an electrical signal generator in the form of an incremental rotary encoder. This generator converts the user's actuation of the operating element into a digital electrical signal, which is then provided to an evaluation unit to change desired parameters of the multimedia content. However, the electrical signal generator, crucial to these configurations, occupies valuable space in the multimedia operating device, thus rendering it unusable for other purposes. This also applies to the space requirements of the basic electrical connection between the electrical signal generator and the evaluation unit. In particular, if an attempt is made to use the area surrounding the operating element for displaying parameters changed by the operating element for ease of operation, this is impossible in known multimedia operating devices due to the sensors and the wiring allocated to them. A significant drawback of the space requirements is that the display of the multimedia operating device is obstructed by the known operating element.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known that multimedia operating devices record user input via corresponding movement input on a touchscreen. However, operating these devices is difficult and unintuitive due to the lack of haptic feedback during user input. This drawback becomes particularly pronounced in time-critical situations, such as during live concerts, where users cannot constantly monitor the device to check their input due to the need for rapid input. In this respect, cumbersome touchscreen operation can lead to erroneous input.

[0004] US9310901B2 discloses a multimedia device with an operating element, the operating element being provided with a light signal generator that transmits light signals to a sensor disposed on the surface of the multimedia operating device. A disadvantage is that the light transmission path between the operating element and the sensor must always be unobstructed, making it susceptible to contamination. Since the sensor must be in continuous direct visual contact with the operating element, the sensor must be disposed on the side of the multimedia operating device facing the operating element. This adversely affects the available space for the remaining components of the multimedia operating device. Providing a purely electrical transmission path between the operating element and the sensor also presents the same disadvantage, as even then, there is a corresponding space requirement on the surface of the multimedia operating device allocated to the operating element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages in the prior art, and in particular to develop a multimedia operating device that optimizes the space requirements of the operating elements without adversely affecting operability.

[0006] The object of the present invention is achieved by a multimedia operating device having the features of claim 1. The multimedia operating device according to the invention is configured to process multimedia content via user input and has at least one actuable operating element for receiving user input, wherein the operating element has at least one magnet configured to generate a magnetic field. The multimedia operating device has at least one sensor assigned to the operating element and configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet and convert the magnetic field into an electrical signal, wherein the sensor is connected to an evaluation unit to transmit the electrical signal to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to receive and evaluate the electrical signal from the sensor, thereby recording the user input and processing the multimedia content.

[0007] The basic concept of this invention is to achieve simple, robust, and particularly wireless signal transmission by using a magnetic field to transmit user input information, input via an operating element, to a sensor assigned to the operating element. Furthermore, in this way, it is no longer necessary to connect the sensor to the operating element assigned to it via cables; consequently, the necessity of forming contact and connection between the operating element and the sensor is eliminated. The sensor also does not need to be located in the immediate vicinity of the operating element assigned to it. Because signal transmission uses a magnetic field, the sensor can be arranged spaced apart from the operating element assigned to it, eliminating the need for wires for transmission. This results in considerable space savings, particularly in the environment of the operating element, and has the advantage that the area surrounding the operating element can still be used for other purposes, such as for a display assigned to the operating element. This is impossible for known multimedia operating devices.

[0008] Within the framework of this invention, multimedia content is, for example, digital or analog audio data or video data or metadata assigned to it.

[0009] Preferably, the at least one operating element is movable relative to at least one spatial axis. In particular, the operating element can move in one or two dimensions.

[0010] The at least one operating element can move parallel to and / or perpendicular to the surface of the multimedia operating device and / or rotate about its extension direction. An operating element that can move parallel to the surface of the multimedia operating device can be configured as a slider controller. An operating element that can move perpendicular to the surface of the multimedia operating device can be configured as a button and / or key. An operating element that can rotate about its extension direction can be configured as a knob. A two-dimensionally movable operating element can be configured as a planar movable slider controller, or as a combination of a one-dimensional slider controller and a button. The at least one operating element can move continuously or between discrete positions that can be locked. The various movement types mentioned can be combined to accommodate the possible movements of the operating element.

[0011] Preferably, at least two, particularly at least ten, and especially at least twenty operating elements are provided, wherein each operating element may be assigned at least one sensor, particularly exactly one sensor. In this respect, at least two sensors may be formed. In a further development of the invention, the multimedia operating device may be specified to have at least two display zones, each display zone may be assigned at least one, particularly at least two operating elements. Preferably, each display zone is assigned a maximum of 28 operating elements. The display zones may be arranged vertically and / or adjacent to each other. For example, three display zones (each including a maximum of 28 operating elements) are arranged adjacent to each other and vertically to form a 3×3 pattern. Preferably, a maximum of 28, particularly a maximum of 48, and preferably a maximum of 1200 operating elements are provided.

[0012] Preferably, the operating elements are arranged in a periodic pattern, i.e., arranged at regular intervals relative to each other. The pattern can be one-dimensional or two-dimensional; in the latter case, it can have different periods in different spatial directions. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the operating elements are arranged in a rectangular pattern. Since signal transmission between the operating element and the sensor assigned to it does not require electrical contact and / or electrical connection, the arrangement of the operating elements on the multimedia operating device can be freely chosen.

[0013] The at least one operating element may have a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch on the operating element, wherein the touch sensor is specifically connected to a touch evaluation unit of the multimedia operating device. The touch sensor may be configured as a capacitive touch sensor and / or include a conductive cap that can be disposed on the operating element. Specifically, the touch sensor is connected to the touch evaluation unit via a transparent conductive trace, particularly as a transparent connecting line, wherein the conductive trace may be made of indium tin oxide. In a further development of the invention, the touch sensor is wirelessly connected to the touch evaluation unit. In a further development of the invention, it may be specified that the evaluation unit is also configured as a touch evaluation unit. Alternatively, the touch evaluation unit may be formed separately from the evaluation unit. A further development of the invention may specify that the touch evaluation unit is configured to detect touches on a display area, which, as described above, may be configured as a touchscreen. In this respect, the touch evaluation unit may be connected to the display area, particularly its glass layer.

[0014] Preferably, the operating element can be switched to an active or deactivated state based on the signal from the touch sensor assigned to it. In the active state, user input can be recorded, while in the deactivated state, user input cannot be recorded. The evaluation unit can be configured to record and further process the sensor signal only when the operating element assigned to the sensor is active. This ensures that only signals from operating elements actually touched by the user are detected and forwarded, avoiding erroneous input and allowing for more efficient operation of the multimedia operating device. Specifically, it can be specified that the operating element is switched to an active state only when the touch sensor records a user touch. Furthermore, it can be specified that if the touch sensor of the operating element does not record a user touch, the operating element is switched to a deactivated state. The operating element can be configured to change at least one parameter of the multimedia content, particularly at least two parameters.

[0015] Preferably, the user input is at least one element from the group consisting of: the current direction of the operating element, a change in the direction of the operating element, the current position of the operating element, and a change in the position of the operating element.

[0016] The magnet can be configured as a permanent magnet and / or arranged such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet is aligned with the sensor. In this respect, the magnetic field generated by the magnet can be non-uniform and / or anisotropic. The at least one actuating element can have at least two magnets to allow a user to actuate the actuating element, thereby making user input more easily detectable by the sensor. Preferably, the actuating element has two magnets. In a further development of the invention, the magnet is configured as a bar magnet.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor is configured as a magnetoresistive sensor, particularly a Hall sensor, also known as a Hall emitter or Hall probe. Within the framework of this invention, a magnetoresistive sensor is a sensor that detects a magnetic field by detecting resistance. The advantage of a Hall sensor over a coil is that it can also detect a time-constant magnetic field and does not require ferromagnetic materials for detection. A further development of the invention may specify that the sensor is configured as an AMR sensor, wherein the magnetic field can be detected by taking into account the anisotropic magnetic effect (AMR effect). The sensor can be formed as a giant magnetoresistive sensor, also known as a GMR sensor, wherein the giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR effect) is taken into account for the detection of the magnetic field. The sensor may also be configured as a fluxgate sensor, also known as a fluxgate magnetometer. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may be configured to detect at least one, particularly at least two, preferably three directional components of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. The directional components of the magnetic field detected by the sensor can be stored, particularly, in vector form for subsequent evaluation of the sensor signal, which can be evaluated for recording user input. In this respect, the vector of the sensor signal can serve as the basis for recording the position and / or orientation of the operating element, for example, the current rotational position or changed rotational angle of the operating element. In this respect, the sensor can be configured for vector detection of magnetic fields. The electrical signal generated by the sensor can be analog or digital. The sensor can be configured to detect magnetic fields up to about 15 mT, particularly up to 10 mT, and preferably up to 1.2 mT. At least one sensor, preferably all sensors, can be arranged on a circuit board of the multimedia operating device, which can be arranged in the area of ​​the display area facing away from the user. The circuit board can be connected to the display area.

[0018] Preferably, the multimedia operating device has at least one display area configured to reproduce information. As previously mentioned, the display area may have at least one, and particularly multiple, display partitions. The at least one operating element may be arranged on, in the middle of, or above the display area, in the user-facing area of ​​the display area. In the case of multiple display areas, each operating element may be assigned a display area, particularly a display partition. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor may be arranged on and / or behind the display area, in the user-remote area of ​​the display area. In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the operating element is arranged on and in contact with the user-facing side of the display area. In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the at least one sensor is arranged behind the display area, on the user-remote side, and / or may be in contact with the display area. In another configuration of the invention, the display area may be functionally divided into a user-facing area and a user-remote area, the former being assigned to the operating element and used to receive user input, and the latter being assigned to detect magnetic fields, convert them into electrical signals, and perform further processing. The sensor may be configured separately from the display area. The magnet is preferably configured such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet penetrates the display area. At least 50%, particularly at least 75%, preferably at least 96%, and most preferably the entire surface of the multimedia operating device is configured as the display area, wherein the specification refers to the externally visible area, which in particular is not obstructed by the operating elements.

[0019] The display area may have a touchscreen in at least some areas and / or may have a protective layer, particularly on the side facing the operating elements. As a touchscreen, the display area may have a cover glass facing the user as a protective layer, a glass layer disposed beneath it, and a display layer. The glass layer may have a touch sensor for detecting user touch. The display layer may be configured to display graphic information. Since the display area is configured as a touchscreen, it simplifies receiving additional user input directly on the display area, which improves the operability of the multimedia operating device. Because the operating elements are actuated, tactile feedback of user input is not required when it is crucial for processing multimedia content. Simultaneously, the display area may be configured to display parameters that need to be changed, particularly through user input. In this respect, the display area may be configured as a touch-enabled display. The protective layer provides protection for the multimedia operating device, particularly the display area, especially against mechanical damage; this protective layer may have protective glass. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the entire display area is configured as a touchscreen.

[0020] Preferably, the display area has a display device in at least some areas, which is configured to display, in particular, parameters of multimedia content recorded by the operating elements, especially in the form of graphical information. The display device may be configured to display a graphical representation of the operating elements, such as a knob, as graphical information. The display device may be arranged in a surrounding area around the operating elements, which improves the operational clarity of the multimedia operating device. Preferably, the display device is at least configured as part of the display layer of the touchscreen.

[0021] Specifically, the multimedia operating device has a pole plate configured to align the magnetic field generated by the magnet of the operating element with the sensor assigned to the operating element. Preferably, at least one operating element has a pole plate, particularly if the operating element is configured as a rotation control element. A further development of the invention may specify that each operating element has a pole plate. The pole plate may be assigned to at least one sensor. If possible, this is to ensure that the magnetic field generated by the magnet of the operating element reaches only the sensor assigned to that operating element. For a similar purpose, the multimedia operating device may have at least one permeability element, particularly a permeability sheet, particularly arranged on the side of the display area opposite to the operating element, in order to align the magnetic field generated by the magnet of the operating element with the sensor assigned to that operating element. The permeability element may be arranged as a shield in the area surrounding the sensor, particularly on a circuit board.

[0022] Specifically, the multimedia operating device has at least one electromagnetic interference sensor configured to specifically detect the effect of electromagnetic interference on the magnetic field detected by the sensor. Therefore, the interference sensor is not assigned to any operating element, but rather detects significant interference effects not caused by the magnetism of the operating element, but by external sources (e.g., other electromagnetic emitters, such as external permanent magnets, particularly poorly shielded power lines or high-voltage lines). The interference sensor can be configured to convert the detected interference effects into an electrical signal and transmit it to an evaluation unit. Specifically, the electrical signal transmitted from the sensor to the evaluation unit can be processed together with the electrical signal transmitted from the interference sensor to the evaluation unit to more accurately evaluate user input.

[0023] Preferably, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the multimedia operating device, the distance between the operating element and the sensor assigned to it is at least 16 mm. This distance may correspond to the thickness of the display area. Another important parameter within the framework of this invention is the ratio of the distance between the operating elements relative to each other to the distance between the operating element and the sensor assigned to it. Within the framework of this invention, when multiple operating elements are present, excessively small distances between the operating elements relative to each other and / or excessively large distances between the operating elements and the sensors assigned to them may cause the sensors to also detect magnetic fields from magnets not assigned to them, resulting in multiple magnets generating their own magnetic fields in each case. This could interfere with the correct recording of user input. However, excessively large distances should also be avoided, as otherwise the magnetic field will not be able to effectively bridge this large distance and therefore will no longer be detectable by the sensor.

[0024] Specifically, the evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the received signal and modify the parameters of the digital signal processing system of the multimedia operating device. In this regard, the evaluation unit may have a microcontroller or PC and / or be connected thereto. The digital signal processing system may be configured as part of the multimedia operating device. Specifically, in the display area, transparent conductive traces connecting the sensor to the evaluation unit may be arranged so that, particularly where a display area is provided, the user's line of sight is not obstructed by the conductive traces, if possible. For this purpose, the conductive traces may be made of indium tin oxide. A further development of the invention may specify that the connection lines connecting the sensor to the evaluation unit are arranged behind the display layer, and therefore in the area opposite to the user. In the area of ​​the display area, the connection lines may be transparent.

[0025] Preferably, the evaluation unit is configured to compensate for interference fields with respect to at least one sensor. Within the framework of the invention, the interference field is the magnetic field detected by the sensor, but generated by a magnet other than the magnet assigned to the operating element of the sensor. If two or more operating elements are present, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets of adjacent operating elements overlap significantly. Therefore, in some cases, the sensor detects not only the magnetic field generated by the operating element assigned to it, but also the magnetic field nearby that is not, in this respect, assigned to the operating element of the sensor. The evaluation unit can be configured such that the compensation for the interference field is based on all measurements of the sensor, thereby, particularly with the aid of a model, the effect of the interference field on the sensor can be determined. Since this interference effect is now known, it can be subtracted, for example, from the total received signal of the sensor (also referred to as the raw signal within the framework of the invention), leaving only the magnetic field of the magnet assigned to the operating element of the sensor (also referred to as the pure signal within the framework of the invention). The user input can then be determined from this.

[0026] Preferably, the evaluation unit is configured to compensate for interference fields with respect to the sensor based on a measured magnetic field originating from at least one operating element not assigned to the sensor. Specifically, the compensation takes into account magnetic fields originating from magnets not assigned to any operating element of the sensor. In the process of compensating for the interference field, it can be specified that the interference field is determined and calculated, in particular, by subtracting from the original signal determined by the sensor.

[0027] The interference field can be compensated based on a model, which specifically relies on the position and / or motion of operating elements not assigned to the sensor and the detection of the magnetic field thereby detected by the sensor. The model can be configured to repeat this step sequentially for all operating elements not assigned to the sensor.

[0028] This model can take into account a particularly linear relationship between the measured signal actually measured by the sensor and the desired target signal actually generated by the operating element assigned to the sensor. Within the framework of the invention, the model can take into account that the original signal measured by the sensor corresponds to the sum of the target signal to be detected and, in particular, the interference signal generated by the interference field. Furthermore, the model can take into account a linear functional relationship between the interference signal of the sensor (which corresponds to the interference field not assigned to the specific operating element of the sensor) and the target signal generated by the operating element and detected by the sensor assigned to the operating element. This can be taken into account, particularly for all sensors and operating elements. Preferably, the model takes into account the linear relationship between the target signal of the sensor (as mentioned above, which is generated by the operating element assigned to the sensor) and at least one original signal detected by the sensor (in particular, the original signals of all sensors).

[0029] To compensate for disturbance fields, the model can provide solutions to a system of linear equations. To simplify compensation, the model can specify that predefined user inputs are executed through at least one, and in particular all, operating elements, for example, setting a predefined angular direction when a rotary control is used as the operating element.

[0030] Preferably, the model is determined before the initial commissioning of the multimedia operating device. This has the advantage that the multimedia operating device is immediately ready for use, while providing the possibility of removing the influence of interference fields from the (raw) signal detected by the sensors with the help of the model, thereby improving the accuracy of the multimedia operating device. During the operation of the multimedia operating device, the model can be immutable to obtain reproducible behavior during interference field compensation.

[0031] Specifically, the evaluation unit is configured to modify the model during operation of the multimedia operating device, particularly when the operating elements move. This can improve the operational accuracy of the multimedia operating device. The model can specify that touch sensor data is used to compensate for interference fields. The evaluation unit can be configured to determine which operating element is actuated by user input based on the operating element performing the maximum movement change. In another configuration of the invention, the model can be analyzed to improve processing speed.

[0032] The model can be configured as a trained neural network, where interference fields are compensated by feeding the magnetic field detected by the sensor forward to the neural network. The advantage of a trained neural network is that it allows for simple optimization of interference field compensation for the specific application scenarios of the multimedia operating device, particularly by continuously performing this compensation during its commissioning.

[0033] Specifically, the neural network is trained by feeding back magnetic fields from an operating element not assigned to the sensor. Therefore, the training data can be the raw signal detected by the sensor and interference signals from a magnet not assigned to the sensor's operating element.

[0034] Preferably, the multimedia operating device has a multimedia processing device, particularly a mixing console. In another configuration of the invention, the multimedia operating device can be configured as a multimedia processing device, particularly a mixing console. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other advantages and features of the invention can be found in the claims and the following description, which explain in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multimedia operating device according to the present invention, wherein two operating elements and two sensors assigned to them are provided.

[0037] Figure 2 Another multimedia operating device is shown in a top view. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic side view shows a multimedia operating device 1 according to the present invention, which has Figure 1A digital signal processing system and a display area 2 (not shown) are illustrated, with a display partition 6 shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display area 2 is configured as a touchscreen and has a thickness of 16 mm. Viewed from top to bottom, the display area 2 has a cover glass 7 for protecting the multimedia operating device, a glass layer 8 disposed below it, and the actual display layer 9 of the touchscreen 2. The glass layer 8 is provided with a touch sensor. Figure 1 Not shown, it is configured in this respect to detect user touch on display area 2. For this purpose, the touch sensor of layer 8 is constructed via a transparent conductive trace made of indium tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide). Figure 1 (Not shown) is connected to the touch evaluation unit 10, which will be discussed further below. In this way, the signals from the touch sensors of layer 8 are evaluated by the touch evaluation unit 10, thereby enabling the detection of user input on the display area 2, which serves as a touchscreen. The display layer 9 is configured to present graphic information 21.

[0039] On the user-facing side of display area 2 (in) Figure 1 (Middle finger pointing upwards) Two operating elements 3 are inserted into and connected to the display area 2 via feet 11. The operating elements 3 are each rotatable about their extension direction and can translate along their extension direction, thus being configured as a combination of a knob and a button. Each operating element 3 has two bar magnets 12 extending substantially axially, which generate a magnetic field. On its user-facing side, the bar magnets 12 are provided with pole plates 13. For clarity, these features are related to... Figure 1 The left operating element 3 is shown, but the right operating element 3 also has these features.

[0040] In the area of ​​display area 2 facing away from operating element 3 (in Figure 1 A circuit board 14 (middle to bottom) of a multimedia operating device 1 is arranged on the board, and two sensors 4 configured as Hall effect sensors are arranged on it. The sensors 4 are located at the height of the operating element 3 assigned to them. The sensors 4 are arranged separately from the display area 2, but connected to it. The distance between the sensors 4 and the operating element 3 assigned to them (which approximately corresponds to the thickness of the display area 2) is approximately 16 mm.

[0041] Due to this arrangement of sensor 4 relative to operating element 3, it is ensured that the magnetic field generated by the magnet of operating element 3 penetrates the display area 2 of multimedia operating device 1 and is detected by sensor 4 assigned to operating element 3. Sensor 4 is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet of operating element 3 in all three spatial directions, particularly detecting a field strength of approximately 1.2 mT, thereby performing vector detection of the magnetic field. To optimize magnetic field detection, sensor 4 is surrounded by shielding plates 15. Sensor 4 converts the three directional components of the detected magnetic field into digital electrical signals, which are transmitted via electrical connections on circuit board 14. Figure 1(Not shown in the diagram) and the connection line 16 transmit to the evaluation unit 17, which is arranged separately from the circuit board 14. The evaluation unit 17 evaluates the signal received from the sensor 4, thereby deriving conclusions about the current position and current orientation of the operating element 3 assigned to the sensor 4, wherein changes in the position and orientation of the operating element 3 are also detected. Within the framework of the present invention, the position, position change, orientation, and orientation change of the operating element 3 are all user inputs. In this regard, in the exemplary embodiment shown, both the rotational movement and pressing movement of the operating element 3 are detected by the sensor 4. Based on this, as a result of the user input, the evaluation unit 17 initiates a change in the parameters of the multimedia content (e.g., video) that the user intends to change. This is achieved by the digital signal processing system already mentioned.

[0042] according to Figure 1 The multimedia operating device 1 is configured to detect user touch on the operating element 3. For this purpose, each operating element 3 is provided with a conductive cap 18 serving as a touch sensor. When the user touches the cap 18, an electrical signal is transmitted via a transparent electrical connection line 19 (which extends axially through the operating element 3 and its legs 11 and is located below the cover glass 7 but above the glass layer 8 above it) and via another connection line 20 outside the layer 8 to the aforementioned touch evaluation unit 10, where it is evaluated. Due to the transparency of the connection line 19, particularly in the area of ​​the layer 8, the user's observation of the graphic information 21 presented on the display layer 9 remains unobstructed. The touch evaluation unit 10 is configured to activate the operating element 3 and only allow the operating element 3 for input when a user touch is detected. As long as the operating element 3 is not touched, it remains in a deactivated state, thus preventing touch recording. For clarity, the features described above related to the touch sensor 18 are only referenced to… Figure 1 The right operating element 3 is shown, but the left operating element 3 also has these features.

[0043] according to Figure 1 The display area 2 of the multimedia operating device is configured such that, in the surrounding area 5 adjacent to the operating element 3, parameters of the multimedia content to be changed by the operating element 3 are displayed as graphic information 21. Since the display area 2 is configured as a touchscreen, the parameters assigned to the operating element 3 can be changed through corresponding user input, and this change is also displayed to the user through the corresponding information 21. The presentation of the graphic information 21 is performed by the display layer 9, which serves as the display device.

[0044] In order to detect external magnetic fields that may interfere by overlapping with the magnetic field of the magnet 12 to be recorded, the evaluation unit 17 is connected to an interference sensor 22 disposed outside thereon. The interference sensor is configured to detect these external magnetic fields and send the corresponding digital electrical signals to the evaluation unit 17 via an electrical connection line.

[0045] Figure 2Another configuration of the multimedia operating device 1 is shown, which has a total of eight operating elements 3, these operating elements 3 being consistent with... Figure 1 The operating elements 3 are formed in a basically similar manner, therefore each operating unit 3 is specifically configured as a combination of knobs and buttons. Figure 2 In this configuration, the operating elements 3 are arranged and assigned to rectangular display zones 6. The eight display zones 6 are arranged in a two-dimensional 4×2 pattern, with the operating elements 3 arranged equidistantly in two mutually perpendicular directions. Figure 2 In the middle, the sensor 4 assigned to the operating element 3 is transparently blocked by the operating element 3, but with Figure 1 The configurations are similar, and they are arranged at the same height behind the operating element 3. For clarity, the display partitions 6 are separated from each other by dashed lines.

[0046] Figure 2 The view schematically shows the conductive cap 18 of the touch sensor, which is described as operating element 3, and the touch evaluation unit 10 via a transparent electrical connection line 19 arranged on layer 8 (for clarity, in...). Figure 2 (Seen in dashed lines in the middle) and the electrical connections of the electrical connection lines 20 outside the display area 2. As an example, this is in Figure 2 Only the upper left operating element 3 is shown. However, each operating element is connected to the touch evaluation unit 10 via a specific dedicated transparent connecting line 18 and a specific dedicated connecting line 19.

[0047] according to Figure 2 The display area 2 of the multimedia operating device 1 is configured such that each display partition 6 is arranged in a surrounding area 5 of an operating element 3 assigned to that display partition 6, for displaying graphic information 21, wherein the graphic information 21 corresponds to parameters that can be changed by the operating element 3. In this exemplary embodiment, this is represented by a type of filling a quarter circle, wherein the fill level corresponds to the currently set parameter value. For example, if the user rotates the operating element 3 to the right, the quarter circle fills, which corresponds to an increase in the parameter value, while rotating to the left clears the quarter circle, and the parameter value decreases. In this way, the user can clearly identify the currently set parameter value at a glance and correct it where applicable. Therefore, from Figure 2 It is clear from the representation that the parameter values ​​assigned to the operating element 3 are set differently.

[0048] Evaluation unit 17 is configured to compensate for interference fields, such that, based on the original signal measured by sensor 4, the target signal generated by the operating element 3 assigned to sensor 4 and thus to be utilized is determined. This compensation is based on a model that considers a linear functional relationship between the interference field of sensor 4 caused by a specific operating element 3 not assigned to sensor 4 and the target signal generated by that operating element 3 at the sensor 4 to which it is assigned. This consideration applies to all operating elements 3. Further consideration is given to measuring only the magnetic field component parallel to the surface of display area 2, thus compensation is performed in two-dimensional space, resulting in a system of linear equations whose solutions can be solved analytically, particularly in the case of the predefined setting position of the operating element 3, but are numerically solvable in any case. The solution to the system of equations leads to the determination of the parameters of the model. Therefore, considering the original signal measured by sensor 4, the target signal can be determined, thereby determining the magnetic field generated by the operating element 3 assigned to sensor 4.

[0049] Before debugging the multimedia operating device 1, determine the model and its parameters. Optionally, it can be set whether the model can be changed or can no longer be changed during debugging.

[0050] To determine the model parameters, and particularly to solve the aforementioned system of equations, the model is configured as a trained neural network, wherein interference fields are compensated by feeding forward the magnetic field recorded by sensor 4 to the neural network; within the framework of this invention, this magnetic field is also referred to as the original signal. The neural network is trained by feeding backward the magnetic field (i.e., the interference field within the framework of this invention) that is not assigned to the operating element 3 of sensor 4. In this way, compensation can be optimized, especially during the commissioning of the multimedia operating device 1.

Claims

1. A multimedia operating device (1) for processing multimedia content via user input, having at least one actuable operating element (3) for receiving the user input, wherein the operating element (3) has at least one magnet (12) configured to generate a magnetic field, and at least one sensor (4) assigned to the operating unit (3) configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet (12) and convert the magnetic field into an electrical signal, wherein the sensor (4) is connected to an evaluation unit (17) to transmit the electrical signal to the evaluation unit (17), wherein the evaluation unit (17) is configured to receive and evaluate the electrical signal from the sensor (4) thereby recording the user input and processing the multimedia content.

2. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one operating element (3) is movable relative to at least one spatial axis.

3. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one operating element (3) may move parallel to and / or perpendicular to the surface of the multimedia operating device and / or may rotate about its extension direction.

4. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It is equipped with at least two, particularly at least ten, particularly at least twenty operating elements (3).

5. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operating element (3) is arranged in a periodic pattern.

6. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one operating element (3) has a touch sensor (19) for detecting a user's touch on the operating element (3), wherein the touch sensor (19) is specifically connected to the touch evaluation unit (10) of the multimedia operating device (1).

7. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, According to the signal assigned to the touch sensor (18) of the operating element (3), the operating element (3) can switch to an active state or a deactivated state. In the active state of the operating element (3), user input can be recorded, while in the deactivated state of the operating element (3), user input cannot be recorded.

8. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The user input is at least one element from the following group: the current direction of the operating element (3), the change of the direction of the operating element (3), the current position of the operating element (3), and the change of the position of the working element (3).

9. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The magnet (12) is configured as a permanent magnet and / or arranged such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet (12) is aligned with the sensor (4).

10. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The sensor (4) is configured as a magnetoresistive sensor, particularly a Hall sensor, and / or configured to detect at least one, particularly at least two, preferably three directional components of a magnetic field.

11. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The multimedia operating device (2) has a display area (2), wherein at least one operating element (3) is arranged on, in the middle or above the display area (2), and / or wherein a sensor (4) assigned to the operating element is arranged on and / or behind the display area (2).

12. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The display area (2) has a touch screen in at least some areas and / or a protective layer (7) is provided, particularly on the side facing the operating element (3).

13. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The display area (2) has a display device (9) in at least some areas, which is configured to display, in particular, parameters of the multimedia content recorded by the operating element (3) in the form of graphic information (21).

14. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, At least one electrode plate (13) is configured to align the magnetic field generated by the magnet (12) of the operating element (3) with the sensor (4) assigned to the operating element (3).

15. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, At least one electromagnetic interference sensor (22) is configured to detect interference effects on the magnetic field detected by the sensor (4).

16. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, In particular, in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the multimedia operating device (1), the distance between the operating element (3) and the sensor (4) assigned to it is at least 16 mm.

17. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (17) is configured to evaluate the signal received by the sensor (4) and change the parameters of the digital signal processing system of the multimedia operating device (1).

18. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, In particular, in the display area (2), there is a particularly transparent conductor trace (16) that connects the sensor (4) to the evaluation unit (17).

19. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (17) is configured to compensate for interference fields with respect to at least one sensor (4).

20. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (17) is configured to compensate for interference fields with respect to the sensor (4) such that the compensation is performed based on the influence of a magnet (12) in particular, which is not assigned to at least one operating element (3) of the sensor (4).

21. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The compensation interference field is performed based on a model, wherein the model depends in particular on the movement of the operating element (3) not assigned to the sensor (4) and the detection of the magnetic field recorded by the sensor (4).

22. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The model is determined prior to the initial commissioning of the multimedia operating device (1) and, in particular, cannot be changed during the operation of the multimedia operating device (1).

23. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (17) is configured to change the model during operation of the multimedia operating device (1), particularly when the operating element (3) moves.

24. The multimedia operating device (1) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, The model is configured as a trained neural network, wherein compensation for the disturbance field is performed by feeding forward the magnetic field recorded by the sensor (4) to the neural network.

25. The multimedia operating device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The training of the neural network is performed by feeding back a magnetic field into the operating element (3) that is not assigned to the sensor (4).

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