Method for displaying a time-changing subset of a total set of objects and a display device for this purpose

Abstract

Method for displaying a plurality of objects receivable via an interface (13), wherein - a time-changing subset of the total set of objects is received, - each of the received objects of the subset is assigned a history relationship (23), whereby radio network parameters are included in the history relationship (23), - the objects are divided into classes (24) depending on the assigned history relationship (23), whereby objects of the same class (24) have at least one identical representation feature and objects of different classes (24) have at least one different representation feature that makes them visually distinguishable from one another, and - the received objects are each displayed with the assigned display characteristic, whereby - one of the classes (24) consists of preselected objects, and - another of the classes (24) contains those objects that are displayed for the first time and / or have not yet been preselected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying a plurality of objects receivable via an interface, in which a time-changing subset of the total set of objects is received. The invention further relates to a display device comprising an interface for receiving a time-changing subset of the total set of objects, a control device, and a display surface for representing the objects.

[0002] Display devices have a wide range of applications, such as in computers, mobile phones, and infotainment systems in vehicles. These devices can display a variety of objects, but the data received via an interface can only be provided intermittently. For example, the selection of radio stations changes constantly while driving. This means that a radio station display device must continuously update its screen.

[0003] When a display device is used in a vehicle, the problem arises that it requires increased attention from the driver to perceive the displayed information if it changes frequently. For example, if the driver wants to tune into a new radio station, they must first deal with the constantly changing display, which can distract them from the road.

[0004] From DE 43 07 367 A1 a display device for a vehicle is known in which the screen has an area in which status information can be displayed in different forms selectable by the user.

[0005] German patent DE 698 31 307 T2 describes a network access management system in which the addresses of information elements are displayed in order of how frequently they have been accessed in the past. Images can also be displayed for the information elements.

[0006] US 2006 / 0171675 A1 describes how the frequency of an object selection should be considered as a history relationship when classifying objects into classes.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2005 030 361 A1 describes an operating device for the individual operation of a motor vehicle device, in which a user can compile a user-specific operating menu from a subset of selectable operating functions. Operating functions can be grouped together and called up as a group.

[0008] DE 100 44 819 A1 describes a method for operating a multimedia unit.

[0009] From DE 101 51 007 A1, an operating device for a vehicle is known in which voice outputs are stored for various vehicle functions. The vehicle functions are organized in a structured menu, and the voice outputs are displayed according to this menu structure.

[0010] DE 102 31 619 A1 describes a method for controlling a screen display system in a vehicle, whereby a menu structure is displayed and parts of the displayed image information that were not selected or were rarely selected during previous usage are visually dimmed. For example, unselected radio stations are displayed more dimly.

[0011] US Patent 5,396,264 A describes a method for automatically arranging menu items. Priorities are determined for the items based on a predefined value and a frequency value, and the items are then arranged according to these priorities.

[0012] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a display device of the type mentioned, in which the displayed information can be grasped quickly and intuitively by the user.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1 and a display device with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] In the method according to the invention, each of the received objects in the subset is assigned a history relationship, whereby radio network parameters are included in the history relationship. The objects are classified into classes depending on the assigned history relationship, with objects of the same class having at least one identical display feature, and objects of different classes having at least one different display feature. This makes it possible to distinguish objects of both classes from one another at a glance, thus improving ease of use. The received objects are then displayed with their assigned display features. With the method according to the invention, the user can recognize the displayed objects more quickly because they differ due to the display features that depend on the objects' history.

[0015] In the context of the invention, a historical relationship is understood to mean documenting the temporal connection between objects and the display device, and potentially the user. Of particular interest is the historical sequence of an object's reception. This can be achieved, for example, by using raw data from a reception log, individual user interactions with an object, or related statistical analyses.

[0016] The interface through which the objects are received is typically a radio interface, for example, for radio and television, but also for other radio distribution services such as cell broadcast / multicast, as known from public mobile networks. Due to the nature of the interface, the received subset of objects changes over time. This change is typically caused by the characteristics of the interface (mobility of the transmitter or display device, or by atmospheric disturbances such as heavy rain or thunderstorms) or by the method of object transmission. However, the interface could also be provided via other media, such as ultrasound or a more susceptible wired interface.

[0017] The total set of receivable objects can include, for example, receivable radio or television stations, points of interest for a navigation system, or belong to closed user groups in mobile communication systems, the subset of which of the objects actually received at any given time is determined by the limitations of the aforementioned interface. For instance, due to regional reasons, only a limited number of radio stations can be received at a fixed location; furthermore, the number is also limited by the system capacity of a radio receiver. Similar limitations apply to the other receivable objects mentioned above.

[0018] The received objects are represented by a display. A conceptual distinction is made here between the received objects, e.g., a transmitter identification, and the displayed objects, e.g., an icon or a logo. Typically, the received objects serve for information and / or communication. In addition to the actual information or communication content, control data is transmitted, for example, the frequency and name of a transmitter. From this control data of the received objects, initial features for the representable objects can be derived in the method according to the invention.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the inventive method, the objects to be represented are assigned to radio transmitters.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the objects to be displayed are assigned special destinations for a navigation system. Special destinations can consist of any kind of individual additional information. These can include, in particular, the locations of restaurant chains, ATMs, or gas stations.

[0021] The method according to the invention provides for classifying the received objects into classes depending on their history relationship. This classification serves to structure and appropriately summarize the documented history data. In particular, it allows for user-specific customization and configuration of the display, for example, to group individual details that are unimportant to the user into one class, and conversely, to divide objects into classes when further differentiation is required.

[0022] According to the invention, a class consisting of preselected objects is created using the inventive method. Preselected objects can be, in particular, so-called favorites, but can also refer to other properties of the objects. The preselection can be carried out in various ways. For example, the objects can be assigned to one of the classes via a menu in a user interface or loaded into the display device via other interfaces.

[0023] In the method according to the invention, one of the classes is formed by objects that are displayed for the first time and / or have not yet been preselected.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the objects are displayed in a vehicle. The movement of the vehicle changes the subset of objects received via the interface.

[0025] The display device according to the invention comprises an interface with which a time-changing subset of the total set of objects can be received. It further comprises a display area for showing the objects and a control device, which may be equipped with operating elements. Operating elements can be understood to be manual control devices, including rotary knobs or switches, as well as a touch-sensitive user interface with interactive buttons. The display device is designed such that a history relationship can be assigned to the received objects via the control device, whereby radio network parameters can be included in the history relationship. Furthermore, the objects can be assigned to classes depending on the assigned history relationship, whereby objects of the same class with at least one identical display feature can be displayed on the display area.Objects of different classes are represented with at least one different representation feature, so that they are visually distinguishable from each other.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the interface for receiving the objects to be displayed is designed as a radio interface. The displayed objects can be assigned to radio stations or special destinations for a navigation system.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the control device comprises an interactive graphical user interface.

[0028] In the display device according to the invention, the classes contain pre-selected objects, which are often also referred to as favorites, or objects that are displayed for the first time and / or objects that have not yet been pre-selected.

[0029] The invention also relates to a vehicle which includes the display device according to the invention.

[0030] The display characteristics serve to distinguish objects belonging to different classes. Besides the usual visual differentiation, such as black and white or gray versus color, shapes or other visual effects can also be used. For example, individual classes could be highlighted by blinking. Icons or images could also be used for pre-selected objects. In particular, the user has the option of changing the display of objects within individual classes. This can be done, for example, via the interactive graphical user interface or by downloading an entire class of objects from another source. For instance, lists of points of interest are available on the internet and can be downloaded to the display area via an interface.

[0031] The invention will now be explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the structure of an embodiment of the display device according to the invention. Fig. Figures 2a - 2c schematically show an information display in the display state in an embodiment of the method according to the invention and Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment for documenting the history relationship in the display device according to the invention.

[0032] The following describes an embodiment of the display device according to the invention and the method for displaying a time-changing subset from a total set of objects with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 explained in detail: In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a display device 10 comprising a display surface 11, a control device 12, and an interface 13 for receiving objects. A subset of a total set of objects can be received via the interface 13. This subset can change over time. The control device 12 typically includes a memory in which the history relationships 23 of the objects are stored. The history relationship 23 can document statistics on the reception and user interaction with the objects and is explained in more detail below. The control device 12 can have one or more additional interfaces 14, through which, for example, the user can input further history relationships 23 of the receivable objects. This interface can be a common interface of electronic devices, such as a USB or infrared interface.

[0033] According to the invention, the received subset of objects is displayed on the display surface 11 using graphic elements 20, 21. The graphic elements 20, 21 can contain both graphics and alphanumeric information. Objects that are not currently received but could be received in principle are not displayed.

[0034] The displayed subset of objects on display area 11 changes dynamically due to the nature of the interface 13. In this case, the received objects represent, for example, radio stations, or are information from mobile networks such as cell broadcast / multicast, or are assigned to points of interest in a navigation system. Points of interest can consist of any kind of individual additional information. These can include, in particular, the locations of restaurant chains, ATMs, or gas stations.

[0035] The display area 11 is designed as an interactive screen with a touch-sensitive surface, allowing the user, for example, to quickly select a radio station. The control device 12 can also include operating elements such as manual rotary knobs or switches. The additional interfaces 14 allow the user to input information about the objects via data carriers, for example, information about the historical relationships 23, which are explained in more detail below.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2a shows the display area 11 with a number of graphic elements 20, which in this embodiment are assigned to radio stations received. According to the invention, the radio stations are divided into classes 24, which serve to structure and appropriately group the objects depending on the historical relationship 23. Elements relating to objects of different classes are displayed in a visually easily distinguishable manner, while elements relating to objects of the same class are clearly recognizable as such. While the radio stations represented by the elements 20 are not preselected and are displayed with the frequency and the station name, the station represented by the element 21 has been classified as a favorite and is visually highlighted and displayed with the station's logo.

[0037] In the Fig. 2b shows the display that appears when the subset of received objects has changed. Compared to the one in Fig. In the display shown in 2a, the two lower radio stations are no longer shown, but an element for another station has been added.

[0038] The user has the option, in particular, to reassign objects to the defined classes 24 at any time. For example, they might like a newly displayed station and want to add it to their favorites. To do this, they can, for example, use an actuation element 30 to activate a control element. The control element can be a switch or rotary knob, or, in particular, an interactive button that is activated by touching the displayed station. The interaction is then entered into the history relationship 23 and stored in the control device 12. The actuation element 30 can be any element used to perform the interaction. In particular, the actuation element 30 could be the user's fingertip.

[0039] Fig. 2c shows another example of how the changing subset of received objects is represented over time. The one already in Fig. The favorite shown in 2a, which was temporarily unavailable, can now be received again in this example and is once again visually highlighted as a favorite. The one in Fig. The transmitter described in section 2b, for which the pre-selection procedure was described, is now also visually highlighted as a favorite.

[0040] Based on Fig. Section 3 explains an exemplary implementation for documenting the history relationship 23. A table lists objects to which the graphical elements 20 and 21 are assigned in the first column. This column must not only include the currently received subset of objects, but can also contain other objects to which a history relationship 23 has been established, for example, previously received radio stations that cannot currently be received. The subsequent columns contain the types of history relationships 23. These can represent characteristics that apply to the objects or do not apply and are documented accordingly with a yes / no assignment, for example, by checking a box. Alternatively, they can document a quantitative statement, using numbers, indicating the strength of a characteristic.One type of history relationship 23 is typically a user-defined preference, for example, whether the object is a favorite, meaning whether the user has pre-selected this object. The user could also mark unwanted objects in this way.

[0041] According to the invention, the radio network parameters, for example, reception levels or bit error rates, are included as further features of the history relationship 23. If the objects are, as in this exemplary embodiment, radio transmitters, it could be recorded whether the transmitter was received for the first time or repeatedly. The reception stability over time could also be expressed quantitatively, for example, how long a radio transmitter has been received continuously, since when it has been received again after an interruption, or how often interruptions occurred in a past time interval.

[0042] In the right-hand column in Fig. Section 3 contains the classification into classes 24. The classification based on the history relationship 23 can be implemented in various ways. Individual classes 24 can be predefined and contain, for example, the aforementioned favorites, newly displayed objects, or objects with particularly stable reception. Advantageously, however, the user can also configure the classes 24. Thus, each user can define their desired classes 24 based on the history relationships 23, which are defined in the Fig. The features mentioned in points 2a to 2c may go beyond those listed above. In particular, a user might wish to categorize irregularly received channels or channels that regularly do not suit their taste into a taboo category.

[0043] Searching for a new radio station can be particularly distracting for drivers, diverting their attention from the road. Therefore, a system of categorization could be established that, taking into account all of the driver's preferences (e.g., favorites) and the given circumstances (e.g., signal stability), generates a Class 24 list of "recommended stations" or "TOP 3".

[0044] The visual highlighting of Class 24 can be achieved, for example, through color contrast (color versus black and white), but also through different colors or shapes, or by displaying them as icons or logos. Possible display methods include stronger backlighting or flashing light effects. The system can predefine the display method as a default setting. It can be chosen specifically to be optimized for use in a motor vehicle, enabling the driver to quickly recognize the constantly changing situation while avoiding distractions from overly strong visual effects. Advantageously, the user can customize the display method to their needs and configure it according to their preferred display settings.

[0045] The display device 10 is typically coupled to an electronic device, such as a consumer electronics device or an infotainment system in a motor vehicle. The receivability of an object is determined in particular by its reception quality. Quality criteria may exist that define reception thresholds below which an object is considered non-receivable.

[0046] The history relationship 23 can be established and / or updated in various ways. The entries in the table can be controlled by the electronic device coupled to the display device 10, which typically includes system data about the objects, such as reception times. The history relationship 23 can be established or modified by situational interactive buttons, for example, when a newly displayed object is assigned to a specific class 24. Another possibility is that the user defines or updates a history relationship 23 for a subset of objects via the interface 14. For example, they could create a list of their favorite radio stations or download one from another electronic medium, such as the internet. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Display device 11 Display area 12 Control device 13 Interface for receiving objects 14 more interfaces 20 Subset of graphical elements of objects of a first class 21 Subset of graphical elements of objects of a second class 23 Historical relationship 24th grade 30 Actuating element

Claims

[1] Method for displaying a plurality of objects receivable via an interface (13), in which - a time-varying subset of the total set of objects is received, - each of the received objects of the subset is assigned a history relationship (23), wherein radio network parameters are included in the history relationship (23), - the objects are divided into classes (24) depending on the assigned history relationship (23), whereby objects of the same class (24) have at least one identical display feature and objects of different classes (24) have at least one different display feature that makes them visually distinguishable from one another, and - the received objects are displayed with the assigned display feature, whereby - one of the classes (24) consists of preselected objects, and - another of the classes (24) contains those objects that are displayed for the first time and / or have not yet been preselected. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the interface (13) is a radio interface. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the objects are assigned to radio stations. [4] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the objects are assigned to points of interest for a navigation system. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the objects are displayed in a vehicle and the subset of objects changes when the vehicle moves. [6] Display device (10) comprising - an interface (13) for receiving a time-varying subset from a total set of objects, - a control device (12) and - a display area (11) for displaying the objects, characterized by , that - a history relationship (23) can be assigned to the received objects via the control device (12), the objects can be assigned to classes (24) depending on the assigned history relationship (23), wherein radio network parameters can be included in the history relationship (23), - wherein objects of the same class (24) can be displayed on the display surface (11) with at least one identical display feature and objects of different classes (24) can be displayed on the display surface (11) with at least one different display feature that makes them optically distinguishable from one another, wherein - one of the classes (24) consists of preselected objects, and - another of the classes (24) contains those objects that are displayed for the first time and / or have not yet been preselected. [7] Display device according to claim 6, characterized bythat the interface (13) is a radio interface. [8] Display device according to claim 7, characterized by that the objects are assigned to radio stations. [9] Display device according to claim 7, characterized by that the objects are assigned to points of interest for a navigation system. [10] Display device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the control device (12) is designed as an interactive graphical user interface. [11] Vehicle with a display device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 10.

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