Input device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Input device (4), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the input device (4) comprises a display (12) for the optical representation of an operating element, a touchscreen (11) arranged above the display (12) for detecting a touch of the touchscreen (11) in the region of the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90), and a controller (10) for displacing the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) represented by means of the display (12) in accordance with a touching movement across the touchscreen (11), and wherein the input device (4) has an actuator (13) for deflecting the touchscreen (11) after a specific time, when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved either a predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD) or an integer multiple of the predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD).

Description

The invention relates to an input device, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a touchscreen.A touchscreen is known, for example, from DE 201 02 197 U1. DE 201 02 197 U1 discloses a touchscreen for visualizing electronic signals and an affirmative touch input of characters and symbols, comprising a functional plane for visualizing and touch input and a protective plane corresponding thereto, which is located at a higher level and can be deformed at points. In this case, when certain points of the functional plane are selected by touching across the protective plane, at least one confirmation signal for the sense of touch (haptic stimulus) of the user is generated perceptibly at the position of the touch point in the deformed protective plane and the confirmation signal for the sense of touch (haptic stimulus) is generated by oscillation elements arranged eccentrically, inside and / or below the functional plane. In addition, in the touchscreen known from DE 201 02 197 U1, the transmission of the generated oscillations from the functional plane to the protective plane takes place by direct contact of the two planes and / or via the edge regions of the planes by rigid or elastic connecting elements.Touch screens are also known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,565 A and EP 920 704 B1. Suitable touchscreens may be obtained from 3M™ (see www.3m.com), for example. Further details on touchscreens can be found, for example, in EP 1 560 102 A2.From DE 201 80 024 U1 or the corresponding WO 01 / 54109 A1, a touch controller with haptic feedback for inputting signals into a computer and for outputting forces to a user of the touch controller is also known for haptic feedback, wherein the touch controller comprises a touch input device which has an approximately planar touch surface which is operated in such a way that it inputs a position signal into a processor of the computer on the basis of a position on the touch surface which a user touches, wherein the position signal reproduces the position in two dimensions. The touch controller according to WO 01 / 54109 A1 further comprises at least one actuator connected to the touch input device, the actuator outputting a force to the touch input device to provide a haptic sensation to the user touching the touch surface, the actuator outputting the force directly to the touch input device based on force information output from the processor.Haptic feedback is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,846 B2, WO 03 / 038800 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,902 A, WO 99 / 26230 A1, WO 97 / 21160 A1, DE 200 22 244 U1 and WO 03 / 41046 A1.US 6 118 435 A discloses a touch panel.DE 197 31 285 A1 discloses an operating element for a device with a plurality of selectable menus, functions and / or function values, which has a surface which can be detected by the operator and via which the selection can be made by local movement or touching of the surface. The surface can be changed in its shape in accordance with the menu, function and / or function value selected and / or selectable.DE 103 40 188 A1 discloses a screen with a touch-sensitive user interface for command input by locally touching the user interface and generating a command signal when there is sufficient touch, comprising electrically actuatable means assigned to the user interface for generating a signal haptically perceptible by the user at the location of touching the user interface as a function of the generation of a command signal.It is an object of the invention to improve an input device with a touchscreen. It is desirable to provide an input device which is particularly well suited for motor vehicles.The aforementioned object is achieved by an input device according to claim 1 and a method for operating an input device according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. In this case, it is provided, inter alia, that the input device comprises a display for the optical representation of an operating element, a touchscreen arranged above the display for detecting a touch (in particular an operating surface) of the touchscreen in the region of the operating element, and a controller for displacing the operating element represented by the display in accordance with a touching movement (in particular detected by means of the touchscreen), via the touchscreen, and wherein the input device has an actuator for deflecting the touchscreen when the operating element reaches a predetermined position and / or is moved at a predetermined distance.In this case, it is provided in particular that the actuator can be controlled by means of the controller for deflecting the touchscreen. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deflection is ended after a certain time, in particular after 20 m to 150 ms.When the touchscreen is deflected when the operating element is moved a predetermined distance, it is provided in particular that the touchscreen is deflected again or is deflectable when the operating element is moved the substantially integer multiple of the predetermined distance. If, for example, a deflection after 3 mm (as a specific distance) is provided, then in this case a deflection also takes place after 6 mm, after 9 mm, after 12 mm, after 15 mm, etc.A touch of the touchscreen can also be, or only a press on, the touchscreen in the sense of the invention.In one embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it has its output in the region of the operating element. In another embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it runs through the region of the operating element. In this case, it is provided in particular that the operating element is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the operating element.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the touchscreen is deflectable both when the operating element reaches a predetermined position and when the operating element is moved a predetermined distance.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the amplitude of the deflection of the touchscreen is adjustable as a function of the position of the operating element or a distance over which the operating element is moved.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the touchscreen can be deflected at a specific frequency, wherein the frequency can be adjusted as a function of the position of the operating element or a distance over which the operating element is moved.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the predetermined distance is between 1 mm and 5 mm.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control element is a slide or a card.In one embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it has its output in the region of the operating element. In another embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it runs through the region of the operating element. In this case, it is provided in particular that the operating element is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the operating element.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frequency is between 1 Hz and 30 Hz.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control element is a slide or a card.The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method for operating an input device, in particular an input device having one or more of the preceding features, wherein the input device comprises a display for the visual representation of an operating element and a touchscreen arranged above the display for detecting a touch (in particular an operating surface) of the touchscreen in the region of the operating element, wherein the operating element represented by means of the display is moved over the touchscreen in accordance with a touching movement (in particular detected by means of the touchscreen), and wherein the touchscreen is deflected when the operating element reaches a predetermined position and / or is moved a predetermined distance.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deflection is ended after a specific time, in particular after 20 ms to 150 ms.In one embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it has its output in the region of the operating element. In another embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it runs through the region of the operating element. In this case, it is provided in particular that the operating element is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the operating element.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the touchscreen is deflected both when the operating element reaches a predetermined position and when it is moved a predetermined distance.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the touchscreen is deflected with an oscillating movement.In one embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it has its output in the region of the operating element. In another embodiment of the invention, the operating element is moved according to a touching movement only when it runs through the region of the operating element. In this case, it is provided in particular that the operating element is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the operating element.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frequency is between 1 Hz and 30 Hz.A touchscreen in the sense of the invention is in particular a transparent touchscreen. A display in the sense of the invention is in particular a display or matrix display for the variable display of information. A display in the sense of the invention can be a TFT, for example.Motor vehicle in the sense of the invention is in particular a land vehicle that can be used individually in road traffic. Motor vehicles within the meaning of the invention are in particular not restricted to land vehicles with an internal combustion engine.Further advantages and details are evident from the following description of exemplary embodiments. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cockpit of a motor vehicle; FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an input device with an associated controller in a schematic illustration; FIG. 3 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 in a perspective plan view; FIG. 4 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 in a cross section; FIG. 5 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 from below; FIG. 6 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for setting a volume; FIG. 7 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for setting a volume; FIG. 8 shows a method for operating the input device according to FIG. 2 ; FIG. 9 shows a deflection of a touchscreen; FIG. 10 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for setting a temperature; FIG. 11 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for setting a temperature; FIG. 12 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for operating a navigation system; FIG. 13 shows the input device according to FIG. 2 during the representation of an operating mask for operating a navigation system, and FIG. 14 shows a further method for the method for operating the input device according to FIG. 2.FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cockpit of a motor vehicle 1. a steering wheel 2 is arranged in the cockpit 1 below an instrument panel 3. The instrument panel 3 has an input device 4 arranged next to the steering wheel 2. Alternatively or additionally, an input device corresponding to the input device 4 can also be arranged in the steering wheel 2.FIG. 2 shows the input device 4 with an associated control in a schematic illustration. FIG. 3 shows the input device 4 in a perspective plan view. FIG. 4 shows the input device 4 in a cross section. FIG. 5 shows the input device 4 from below. The input device 4 comprises a housing 15, a display 12 arranged in the housing 15 for the visual representation of information and operating elements, a touchscreen 11 arranged above the display 12 and connected to the housing for detecting a touch on the touchscreen or for inputting commands by touching an operating surface 16 of the touchscreen 11 and an actuator 13 for moving the housing 15 and thus the touchscreen 11 relative to the display 12, The input device 4 is assigned a controller 10, by means of which different information can be represented on the display 12 by outputting a corresponding display signal A. In addition, the controller 10 reads in a position signal P output from the touch screen 11 indicating the position of a touch of the operation surface 16 or a press on the operation surface 16. In addition, the controller 10 controls the movement of the actuator 13 by outputting an actuator control signal S. An embodiment of the actuator 13 can be found, for example, in EP 1 560 102 A2. Furthermore, piezoelectric actuators or so-called voicecoils, for example, can be used as actuator 13.The touch screen 11 is externally fixed to the housing 15. The housing 15 is transparent at least in the region below the touchscreen 11 denoted by reference numeral 17. Alternatively, the touchscreen 11 can also be designed as part of the housing 15.As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the housing 15 comprises four openings 20 and 21, each covered by a flexible collar 24, 25, 26 or 27, through which fastening elements 22 and 23 for fixing the display 12 to the steering wheel 2 or the dashboard 3 are guided. The housing 15 also comprises a further opening covered by a further flexible collar 31, through which a plug contact 30 for supplying energy to the display 12 and for transmitting the display signal A to the display 12 is guided. The flexible sleeves 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31 can consist, for example, of an elastomer or comprise an elastomer. It is provided in particular that the flexibility of the sleeves 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31 is matched to the mass of the housing 15 including the touchscreen 11 in such a way that the housing 15 (including the touchscreen 11) in conjunction with the sleeves 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31 has a mechanical natural frequency between 5 Hz and 150 Hz. In this case, the natural frequency is matched in particular to the actuator 13 or the actuator 13 is selected in accordance with the natural frequency.The input device 4 comprises connecting elements for positively connecting the housing 15 to the display 12, so that the housing 15 can only be moved along a straight line with respect to the display 12. For this purpose, a connecting element comprises at least one fastening element 44 or 45 connected or connectable to the steering wheel 2 or the dashboard 3 for fixing a respective rod 40 or 41. In addition, a connecting element comprises at least one sliding element 42 or 43 connected to the housing 15 each with at least one sliding bearing 46 or 47, by means of which the sliding element 42 or 43 can be moved along the rod 40 or 41. It can also be provided that the sliding element 42 or 43 is connected or connectable to the steering wheel 2 or the dashboard 3 and the fastening element 44 or 45 is (fixedly) connected to the housing 15. The movable connection between the display 12 and the housing 15 can be effected via the steering wheel 2 or the dashboard 3 or via an additional element. In this case, for example, both the sliding elements 42 and 43 and the fastening elements 44 and 45 can be fastened to a frame. This frame, in turn, can be connected to the steering wheel 2 or the dashboard 3 for installation in the motor vehicle 1.In an alternative embodiment, the input device 4 comprises an aforementioned display, an aforementioned touchscreen arranged above the display, and a flexible element arranged between the display and the touchscreen for preventing particles from entering between the display and the touchscreen. In addition, the input device comprises an aforementioned actuator for moving the touchscreen relative to the display in at least one direction, in particular parallel to the operating surface of the touchscreen. The flexible element is advantageously arranged at the edge of the touchscreen in such a way that it substantially does not cover a display surface of the display. In an advantageous embodiment, the flexible element has a stiffness which is matched to a mass of the touchscreen in such a way that the touchscreen, in conjunction with the flexible element, has a mechanical natural frequency between 5 Hz and 150 Hz in the direction of movement. The flexible member may be made of a foamed material such as polyurethane or an elastomer. The flexible element can be designed in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,186 or the corresponding DE 2 349 499.The controller 10 is configured such that an operating element represented by the display 12 is moved over the touchscreen 11 in accordance with a touching movement (detected in particular by means of the touchscreen), wherein the touchscreen is deflected when the operating element reaches a predetermined position and / or is moved a predetermined distance. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 10 is configured such that an operating element represented by means of the display 12 is moved over the touchscreen 11 in accordance with a touching movement (detected in particular by means of the touchscreen), wherein the touchscreen 11 is deflected at a specific frequency when the operating element is moved, and wherein the frequency and / or the amplitude of the deflection is adjusted as a function of the position of the operating element or a distance over which the operating element is moved. Exemplary embodiments for a corresponding configuration of the controller are explained below.FIGS. 6 and 7 show the input device 4 during the display of an operating mask for setting a volume. Reference numeral 50 denotes a slider which is represented by means of the display 12 and can be moved over the touchscreen 11 in accordance with a touching movement detected by means of the touchscreen 11 in order to set the volume along a scale 51. In this case, an embodiment can be provided in which the slide 50 is moved over the touch screen 11 in accordance with a touching movement detected by means of the touch screen 11, regardless of whether this movement also takes place in the region of the slide 50. In another embodiment, the slide 50 is moved according to the touching movement only when it has its outlet in the region of the slide 50. In a further embodiment, the slide 50 is moved according to the touching movement only when it runs through the region of the slide 50. In this case, it is provided in particular that the slide 50 is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the slide 50. x and y denote a coordinate system, wherein the position signal P indicates the position of a touch on the operating surface 16 of the touchscreen 11 by means of these coordinates.FIG. 8 shows a method implemented in the controller 10 for operating the input device 4 and for setting a volume according to the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this case, the variant is implemented in which the slide 50 is moved according to the touching movement only when it runs through the region of the slide 50, wherein, however, it is provided that the slide 50 is moved only according to the touching movement after passing through the region of the slide 50.The method illustrated in FIG. 8 begins with a query 70 as to whether the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is touched in the region of the slider 50. If the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is touched in the area of the slide 50, the query 70 is followed by a query 71 as to whether the position of this touch is changed along the y coordinate within the scale 51. If the position of this touch along the y-coordinate is changed within the scale 51, the query 71 is followed by a step 72, in which the slider 50 is displaced along the y-coordinate in accordance with the changed position of the touch and the volume is set in accordance with the new position of the slider 50. If queries 70 and 71 are negated, query 70 follows again.Step 72 is followed by a query 73 as to whether the slide 50 has reached its minimum position, its maximum position or its middle position. If the slide 50 has reached its minimum position, its maximum position or its middle position, then in a step 74 a deflection d of the touchscreen 11 according to FIG. 9 takes place, which has decayed after approximately 70 ms. Here, t denotes time. If the slide 50 has not reached either its minimum position or its maximum position or its middle position, the interrogation 74 is followed by an interrogation 75 as to whether the situation appliesHere, y(i) is the current position of the contact in the y direction, y 0 is the original position of the slider 50 in the y direction, and Δy is a threshold value. In the present embodiment, Δy is 3 mm. If, in a step 76 corresponding to step 74, a deflection d of the touchscreen 11 according to FIG. 9 is effected, which has decayed after approximately 70 ms. Step 76 is followed by a step 77, in which setting is carried out. The step 77 is followed by the query 70.FIGS. 10 and 11 show the input device 4 during the illustration of an operating mask for setting a temperature. Reference numeral 80 denotes a slide which is represented by means of the display 12 and can be moved along a scale 81 in order to indicate the setting of the temperature. To adjust the temperature and the corresponding movement of the slide 80, buttons 82 and 83 are provided, which are represented by means of the display 12. In this case, the temperature is increased by touching the button 82 and the temperature is decreased by touching the button 83.As long as the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is touched in the area of buttons 82 and 83, the touchscreen 11 is deflected d according to or or wherein y is the current position of the slide 80 in the y direction, y cold is the position of the setting of the lowest temperature in the y direction and y hot is the position of the setting of the highest temperature in the y direction.FIGS. 10 and 11 show the input device 4 during the representation of an operating mask for operating a navigation system. Here, reference numeral 90 denotes a map. It is provided that the map 90 can be moved in the region of the map 90 by a touching movement via the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16. If, for example, a touching movement takes place via the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 in accordance with the arrow designated by reference numeral 91 in FIG. 12, the visible section of the map is displaced in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 13.FIG. 14 shows a method implemented in the controller 10 for operating the input device 4 and for moving the card 90 according to the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The method illustrated in FIG. 14 begins with a query 100 as to whether the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is touched in the area of the map 90. If the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is touched in the area of the map 90, the query 70 is followed by a query 101 as to whether the position of this touch is changed. If the position of this touch is changed, query 101 is followed by a query 102 as to whether a displacement of map 90 is permitted in accordance with the touching movement via touch screen 11 or its operating surface 16. If queries 100 or 101 are negated, query 100 follows again.If a displacement of the map 90 corresponding to the touching movement over the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is not permitted, then in a step 103, a deflection d of the touchscreen 11 takes place accordinglyThe step 103 is followed by the interrogation 100. If, on the other hand, a displacement of the map 90 corresponding to the touching movement over the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16 is permissible, the query 102 is followed by a step 104 in which the map 90 is moved corresponding to the touching movement over the touchscreen 11 or its operating surface 16.Step 104 is followed by a query 105 as to whether or notHere, x(i) is the current position of the touch in the x direction, x 0 is the original position of the map 90 in the x direction, y(i) is the current position of the touch in the y direction, y 0 is the original position of the map 90 in the y direction, and ΔD is a threshold value. In the present embodiment, Δy is 3 mm. If, in a step 106 corresponding to the step 74, a deflection d of the touchscreen 11 according to FIG. 9 is effected, which has decayed after approximately 70 ms. Step 106 is followed by a step 107, in which and are set. The step 107 is followed by the interrogation 100.The elements and spaces in Figures 2 to 5 are drawn to scale for simplicity and clarity and not necessarily. For example, the orders of magnitude of some elements and spacings in Figures 2 through 5 are exaggerated relative to other elements and spacings in Figures 2 through 5 to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.The invention can also be used in conjunction with an input device disclosed in EP 1 560 102 A2.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS1 Motor vehicle 2 steering wheel 3 dashboard 4 input device 10 controller 11 touch screen 12 display 13 actuator 15 housing 16 operating surface 17 region 20, 21 opening 22, 23 fastening element 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 collar 30 plug contact 40, 41 rod 42, 43 sliding element 44, 45 fastening element 46, 47 slide bearing 50, 80 slide 51, 81 scale 70, 71, 73, 75 100, 101, 102, 105 query 72, 74, 76, 77, 103, 104, 106, 107 step 82, 83 button 90 map 91 arrow A display signal

Claims

Input device (4), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the input device (4) comprises a display (12) for optically displaying an operating element, a touchscreen (11) arranged above the display (12) for detecting a touch of the touchscreen (11) in the region of the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90), and a controller (10) for displacing the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) displayed by means of the display (12) in accordance with a touching movement over the touchscreen (11), and wherein the input device (4) has an actuator (13) for deflecting the touchscreen (11), which is ended after a certain time, when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved either a predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD) or an integer multiple of the predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD).Input device (4) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the touchscreen (11) is deflectable both when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) reaches a predetermined position and when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved a predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD).Input device (4) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the amplitude of the deflection of the touchscreen (11) can be adjusted as a function of the position of the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) or a distance over which the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved.Input device (4) according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the touchscreen (11) can be deflected at a specific frequency, the frequency being adjustable as a function of the position of the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) or a distance over which the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved.Input device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD) is between 1 mm and 5 mm.Input device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element is a slide (50) or a button (82, 83).Input device (4) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating element is a card (90).Method for operating an input device (4), in particular an input device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input device (4) comprises a display (12) for optically displaying an operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) and a touchscreen (11) arranged above the display (12) for detecting a touch of the touchscreen (11) in the region of the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90), wherein the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) displayed by means of the display (12) is moved over the touchscreen (11) in accordance with a touching movement, and wherein the touchscreen (11) is deflected when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) is moved a predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD) or an integer multiple of the predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD), wherein the deflection is ended after a certain time.Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the touchscreen (11) is deflected both when the operating element (50, 82, 83, 90) reaches a predetermined position and when a predetermined distance (Δy, ΔD) is moved.Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the touchscreen (11) is deflected with an oscillating movement.

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