Method for displaying information in a menu structure and device for this purpose

Abstract

Method for displaying information in a menu structure, in which - the information is structured across multiple menu levels and - multiple display elements are shown in one menu level, whereby - when selecting a first subset (21) from the total set of display elements (20) of a menu level, the display content of the first subset (21) of the display elements is displayed sharply and - the display content of a second subset (23) of the display elements is displayed blurred, characterized by the fact that the display elements of the first subset (21) and the display elements of the second subset (23) within the hierarchical menu structure belong to the same menu level, and the first subset (21) comprises display elements from the second subset (23) and these display elements are extended by associated additional information (22), where a control device (12) is arranged in a vehicle which creates or receives a message (24), the created or received message (24) is displayed sharply, the total number of displayed menu items (20) is displayed blurred, and The communication (24) is a system-generated warning message relating to the vehicle or traffic conditions.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying information in a menu structure. The information is structured into multiple menu levels, with multiple display elements being displayed in each menu level. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for displaying information, particularly in a vehicle, comprising a control device and a display surface, by means of which information structured into menu levels can be displayed, with multiple display elements being displayed in each menu level.

[0002] Devices for displaying information have a wide range of applications, for example, in computers, mobile phones, or entertainment and infotainment systems. With the increasing range of functions of such devices, it must be possible to display a wide variety of different information, which is advantageously achieved via an intuitive, interactive menu structure that can be easily operated by the user. The rapid development of screen technology in recent years has made it possible to provide a growing amount of information to the user at a glance, for example, on large, high-resolution screens.

[0003] A particular problem with an infotainment system in a vehicle is that it requires increased attention from the driver to absorb the wealth of displayed information. Operation should be so intuitive, simple, and quick that the driver can quickly grasp the information and operate the device while driving, even if it may display complex hierarchical structures. The information display and the operation associated with the information display in the motor vehicle thus contribute to safety while driving.

[0004] Reducing the amount of content displayed simultaneously to facilitate information acquisition would have the disadvantage of increasing user activity when switching from one display to another. It is therefore desirable to find the best possible compromise between the amount of information displayed and limiting it to the necessary minimum to avoid distracting the driver from the road.

[0005] DE 10 2005 017 313 A1 describes a method for displaying information in a means of transport in which various menus are presented stereoscopically to the viewer on different levels. This allows menu levels to be prioritized. Levels with important or current information are brought to the foreground, while less important levels disappear into the background.

[0006] US 2007 / 0083911 A1 proposes a method for navigating media content, whereby a menu can be displayed in the foreground while at the same time other subordinate windows are displayed blurred in the background.

[0007] In the graphical user interface proposed in US 2005 / 0091596 A1, various hierarchically arranged sets of objects, namely photos within different time periods, are displayed in a staggered manner.

[0008] US Pat. No. 6,414,677 B1 discloses a method for displaying data objects in groups. For this purpose, the objects are assigned topics, keywords, or predefined clusters.

[0009] Further relevant prior art is described in US 6 480 192 B1, DE 10 2006 062 416 A1, US 8 717 157 B2, US 7 747 968 ​​B2 and US 2006 / 0070098 A1.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying information of the type mentioned above, as well as a device for this purpose, that enables the user to quickly and conveniently visually perceive the displayed information. In particular, the method is to be tailored to the needs of the driver of a vehicle.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device for displaying information having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0012] In the method according to the invention, when a first subset is selected from the total number of displayed display elements of a menu level, the display content of the first subset of display elements is displayed in sharp focus, while the display content of a second subset of display elements is displayed in a blurred manner. This allows the user to quickly grasp the selected display elements of the first subset. At the same time, however, the blurred display elements of the second subset indicate to the user which additional display elements are present.

[0013] A blurred image can be achieved, in particular, by a lower pixel resolution or by blurring, in which the original pixel resolution is retained but the locally displayed pixel is averaged over a specific neighboring area of ​​the original pixel points. Advantageously, pixel patterns of the blurred display elements are calculated in such a way that the optical effect of depth of field is created, as is familiar from photography. The now common post-processing of digital images for subsequent manipulation of depth of field is also called the digital bokeh effect.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the blurred second subset of the display elements is covered by the sharply displayed first subset of the display elements. This means, in particular, that when the pixel points of both subsets are superimposed, those pixel points of the second subset are not displayed for which there is a pixel point of the first subset to be displayed.

[0015] In the method according to the invention, the first subset comprises display elements from the second subset, wherein these display elements are expanded with associated additional information. The second subset of display elements can also correspond to the total set of displayed display elements.

[0016] According to the invention, the selection of a first subset from the total number of displayed display elements typically occurs via a system or user interface. Thus, the selection of the first subset could be triggered by a system parameter, for example, by a timer or random generator.

[0017] In particular, however, the selection via a user interface is made by the user themselves. If, for example, the menu level concerns display content for the radio receiver in the infotainment system in a vehicle, the user could make settings by interacting via a user interface in the menu, for example, selecting their favorite stations. In this case, the display elements are assigned to radio stations that can currently be received, and the additional information can include the station name and / or broadcast frequency. In this way, displayed points of interest in the navigation device could also be selected, for example, limiting the subset to all displayed restaurants in order to display additional information, such as opening hours and menus.

[0018] In the method according to the invention, a control device is arranged in a vehicle which creates or receives a message. In the method, the created or received message is displayed in focus and the entire set of displayed display elements of the menu level is displayed in a blurred manner. Typically, such a message is a system-generated warning message relating to the vehicle or traffic conditions. For example, this could inform the driver about a critical operating condition of the vehicle, such as low tire pressure, slippery road surfaces detected by sensors, or a low level of various operating fluids. It is also conceivable to use this method to inform the driver about an impending traffic jam or an incoming message on a connected mobile phone.

[0019] The device according to the invention for displaying information is arranged in a vehicle. It comprises a control device and a display surface by means of which information can be displayed that is structured in menu levels, wherein several display elements can be displayed in one menu level. The device is characterized in that when a first subset is selected from a displayed total set of display elements of a menu level by means of the control device, the display surface can be controlled such that the display content of the first subset of the display elements is shown sharply and the display content of a second subset of the display elements is shown blurred. The display elements of the first subset and the display elements of the second subset belong to the same menu level within the hierarchical menu structure.The first subset comprises display elements from the second subset, and these display elements can be expanded with associated additional information. Messages can be generated in the control device or received from the control device. The control device can control the display surface so that the messages can be displayed clearly on the display surface. The display content of the displayed display elements of the menu level can be blurred. The messages are system-generated warnings related to the vehicle or traffic conditions.

[0020] Advantageously, the device comprises a computing unit by means of which a blurred display content can be generated for display elements with sharply displayed display content. The computing unit can, for example, contain a calculation rule that calculates a blurred or soft-focus pixel representation from the pixel information of the sharply displayed display content of the display elements.

[0021] In one embodiment of the device for displaying information according to the invention, messages can be generated in the control device or received from the control device. Messages can be received, for example, via a dedicated interface connected to system components of the vehicle or external communication systems, e.g., traffic information. The control device can control the display surface in such a way that the messages can be displayed sharply on the display surface while the display content of the displayed display elements of the menu level can be blurred.

[0022] In particular, a touch-sensitive user interface is arranged on the display surface of the device according to the invention. The user interface can therefore be implemented as interactive buttons configured on the touch-sensitive display surface. A button, within the meaning of the invention, is understood to be a control element of a graphical user interface. When a button is selected, a function assigned to it is executed, which leads to a change in the display. Furthermore, the buttons can also be used to control devices whose operation is supported by the device for displaying information. The buttons can thus replace conventional mechanical switches. The buttons can be generated and displayed as desired on a freely programmable display surface.However, the display surface can also have rotary or toggle switches for user interaction, typically on the edge next to or below the touch-sensitive display surface, which are not designed to be interactive.

[0023] According to the invention, a vehicle is equipped with a device for displaying information according to one of the aforementioned types.

[0024] The invention will now be explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows schematically the structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention for displaying information, Fig. Figure 2 shows a display of information generated according to a method known per se, Fig. 3a shows a display of information generated according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, and Fig. 3b shows a further display of information generated according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for displaying information. It comprises a display surface 11 configured as a touch-sensitive user interface. The device 10 further includes a control device 12, which may include a graphics driver and controls the output of the graphic content on the display surface 11. In the example shown, a computing unit 13 is integrated into the control device 12, in which calculations for manipulating the display elements 20 are executed. The control device 12 is connected to the display surface 11 via a system interface 14 and may have further interfaces 15 for receiving information that can be displayed as messages 24 on the display surface 11.

[0026] The messages 24 can originate from system components of the vehicle, for example, temperature sensors or sensors for monitoring operating parameters such as fuel level and tire pressure, or from external communication systems, for example, a connected mobile phone. The messages 24 are typically system-generated warnings, such as road slipperiness detected by sensors, critical operating conditions such as low levels of various operating fluids (oil, fuel, windshield washer fluid), and / or associated requests for action to the driver, for example, "VISIT WORKSHOP," "REFUEL," or "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE." The messages 24 can also originate from a connected information or communication system, such as traffic information, a navigation device, or a mobile phone.The messages 24 can inform or warn about the traffic situation (traffic jams, wrong-way drivers), indicate incoming or missed calls or provide other information, such as current information on nearby points of interest in the navigation device.

[0027] The interface 15 is typically coupled to a bus system for transmitting data in the vehicle's electrical system, via which the control device 12 is connected to various electronic devices in the vehicle, such as driver assistance systems and devices in the vehicle for information, communication or entertainment.

[0028] The control device 12 can, in particular, also further process data received via the interface 15 and generate messages 24 therefrom, which can then be displayed on the display surface 11. For example, a low fuel level, a message about an upcoming traffic jam, and a comparison of possible gas stations determined from a navigation device could be summarized in a single message 24 to prompt the driver to immediately deviate from the planned route, instead of displaying several competing individual messages.

[0029] The device 10 for displaying information advantageously comprises a user interface 16, which enables user interaction through operating elements. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two operating elements are located on the lower left part of the display area 11, which can be implemented as rotary or toggle switches or as interactive buttons on the touch-sensitive user interface. Menu commands can be triggered by an operating element 17, including the selection of a menu item or the selection of individual or a subset of display elements 20. The operating element 17 can be any element with which user interaction can be carried out. In particular, the operating element 17 is the hand or fingertip of a user.

[0030] In Fig. 2, a display area 11 with a menu structure, as typically implemented in an infotainment device arranged in a vehicle, is described using the example of a radio receiver. The display elements 20 represent radio stations and are represented by corresponding logos or icons. Furthermore, a frequency scale is displayed. Furthermore, interactive buttons 16 are provided at the bottom of the display area 11 as user interfaces, with which the user can interact with the operating menu.

[0031] According to the method according to the invention, the user can now make a selection in the menu using buttons 16, for example, to change the display content so that only a limited number of radio stations, such as a favorites list, are displayed among the displayed display elements 20. To do this, the user presses one of the buttons 16 of the user interface, which displays, for example, "Select FAVORITES."

[0032] According to the invention, after the user interaction has taken place, a display area 11 is created as in Fig. 3a. Two display elements of a first subset 21 are now shown in sharp focus, with associated additional information 22, for example, the full name of the radio station. In this example, the user's selection creates a second subset 23 of the display elements, which corresponds to the total set of display elements 20. This second subset of display elements 23 is still blurred or out of focus, as if it were a depth of field effect. However, it is not completely hidden. In this way, the user can concentrate fully on the selected display elements of the first subset 21, including the associated additional information 22 displayed, without losing sight of the remaining information from the previous display.

[0033] The change from the display to Fig. 2 to the ad in Fig. 3a can be supported by animations, for example, by zooming in on the display elements 21 of the first subset, while the display elements 23 of the second subset are displayed with progressively less focus. In particular, the pixel pattern of the display could be calculated by the computing unit 13 in such a way that the impression is created as if the display elements 21, 23 of the first and second subsets are continuously shifted relative to each other in two planes, as occurs when focusing a microscope or camera lens.

[0034] Furthermore, it is also possible to display the display elements 21 of the first subset transparently or semi-transparently, overlapping the display elements 23 of the second subset. By appropriately controlling the luminosity, an effect can be achieved as if the display elements 21 of the first subset were illuminated on a semi-transparent pane in front of the display elements 23 of the second subset.

[0035] However, it is emphasized that the display elements 21 and 23 of the two subsets belong to the same menu level within the hierarchical menu structure.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driver of a vehicle is informed or warned by a message 24 created or received by the control unit 12. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, the message 24 is now displayed sharply in the center of the display area 11 as a so-called "pop-up message," so that it can attract the appropriate attention of the driver and vehicle occupants. To support this attention, the previously displayed display content 20 is now displayed blurred.

[0037] Here too, the display can be changed from Fig. 2 to the ad in Fig.3b can be animated as described above. In particular, the message 24 is designed as an interactive button that can be further manipulated using an actuating element 17. Thus, it could be enlarged, reduced, moved, or deleted. In particular, by clicking, moving, or enlarging, the display content of the message 24 could be expanded to include associated additional information. Advantageously, the original display content is restored when the message 24 is deleted or clicked away. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Device for displaying information 11 Display area 12 Control device 13 Computing unit 14 System interface 15 Interface for receiving messages 16 buttons of a user interface 17 Actuating element 20 display elements 21 display elements of the first subset 22 Additional information 23 display elements of the second subset 24 Notice

Claims

[1] Method for displaying information in a menu structure, in which - the information is structured in several menu levels and - several display elements are shown in one menu level, whereby - when a first subset (21) is selected from the total number of display elements (20) of a menu level, the display content of the first subset (21) of the display elements is shown sharply and - the display content of a second subset (23) of the display elements is blurred, characterized by , that the display elements of the first subset (21) and the display elements of the second subset (23) belong to the same menu level within the hierarchical menu structure, and the first subset (21) comprises display elements from the second subset (23) and these display elements are displayed in expanded form by associated additional information (22), where a control device (12) is arranged in a vehicle which creates or receives a message (24), the created or received message (24) is displayed sharply, the total number of displayed display elements (20) of the menu level is blurred, and the message (24) is a system-generated warning message relating to the vehicle or traffic conditions. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the second subset (23) of the display elements is covered by the first subset (21) of the display elements. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second subset (23) of the display elements corresponds to the total set of displayed display elements (20). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the selection is made via a system interface (14) or user interface (16). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display elements (20) are assigned to radio stations and the additional information (22) includes station name and / or transmission frequency. [6] Device (10) for displaying information in a vehicle, comprising a control device (12) and a display surface (11) by means of which information can be displayed which is structured in menu levels, wherein a plurality of display elements can be displayed in a menu level, wherein when a first subset (21) is selected from a displayed total set of display elements (20) of a menu level by means of the control device (12), the display surface (11) can be controlled such that the display content of the first subset (21) of the display elements is shown sharply and the display content (23) of a second subset of the display elements is shown blurred, characterized by , that the display elements of the first subset (21) and the display elements of the second subset (23) belong to the same menu level within the hierarchical menu structure, and the first subset (21) comprises display elements from the second subset (23) and these display elements can be expanded by associated additional information (22), where messages (24) can be created in the control device (12) or messages (24) can be received by the control device (12), by means of the control device (12), the display surface (11) can be controlled in such a way that the messages (24) can be displayed sharply on the display surface (11), the display content of the displayed display elements (20) of the menu level can be displayed blurred, and the messages (24) are system-generated warnings relating to the vehicle or traffic conditions. [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized bya computing unit (13) by means of which a blurred display content can be generated for display elements (20) with sharply displayed display content. [8] Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by that a touch-sensitive operating surface is arranged on the display surface (11). [9] Vehicle with a device (10) for displaying information according to one of claims 6 to 8.

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