Method for operating a control device and control device in a vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a control device in a vehicle, in which - an approach of an actuating element (4) to a control element (2) and / or a touch of the control element (2) by the actuating element (4) is detected and - a signal related to the actuation of the control element (2) is generated, characterized in that, after the approach of the actuating element (4) to the control element (2) or the contact of the control element (2) by the actuating element (4) has been detected, the signal related to the actuation of the control element (2) is generated only after a time interval has elapsed, and that the length of the time interval is selected depending on at least one driving-related parameter.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a control device in a vehicle, in which the approach of an actuating element to a control element and / or contact of the control element by an actuating element is detected, and a signal related to the actuation of the control element is generated. The invention further relates to a control device in a vehicle comprising a control element, a sensor device with which the approach of an actuating element to the control element and / or contact of the control element by an actuating element can be detected, and a control device with which a signal related to the actuation of the control element can be generated depending on the approach and / or contact of the control element detected by the sensor device.

[0002] DE 10 2009 018 678 A1 describes such a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is equipped with a variety of electronic devices that must be operable by the driver or other vehicle occupants. These devices include any of the vehicle's functional systems, such as a navigation system, a variety of driver assistance systems, and communication and multimedia applications, including, for example, a telephone system and devices for playing music and speech, such as a radio or a CD player.

[0004] To operate the various systems within a vehicle, central multifunction control systems are frequently used. These systems comprise one or more multifunction displays and controls that allow the operation of the vehicle's various systems. The information displayed on the multifunction display supports and guides the user's operation. Furthermore, the control system allows the user to select which information is displayed on the multifunction display.

[0005] From EP 0 366 132 B1, a multifunction operating system is known in which the selection of function groups and the selection of individual functions is carried out by means of a rotary push-button switch, where the switch can be actuated in the direction of the axis of rotation. From DE 199 44 324 A1, a multifunction operating system is known which has a rotary switch for selecting functions that can be displayed within a display field. Push-button switches are arranged around the rotary switch, to which display fields are also assigned. Finally, from DE 103 24 579 A1, an operating device for controlling vehicle equipment is known which has a touch-sensitive control panel.

[0006] In addition to the remote controls described above, it has also been proposed to equip a display area with a touch-sensitive surface. Such display areas are also known as touchscreens. With a touchscreen, operation is achieved by the user touching the touchscreen, for example, with their fingertip. The position of the touch and, if applicable, the movement during the touch are detected, evaluated, and assigned to an operating action. To assist the user, virtual controls are displayed on the screen as graphic buttons. A display device with a touch-sensitive surface, used in a vehicle, is described, for example, in WO 2010 / 026 044 A1.

[0007] Operating the various systems in a vehicle presents very specific challenges, as the driver may be among those responsible for their operation. It is crucial that the operating process and the associated information gathering do not distract the driver while driving. Therefore, the operating process should require as little attention from the driver as possible and be quick to execute. Furthermore, the controls should be able to be operated reliably and quickly even when the vehicle is experiencing vibrations or traveling on an uneven road surface.

[0008] To facilitate the operation of a touch-sensitive surface, DE 10 2006 037 154 A1 and DE 10 2006 037 156 A1 proposed detecting the position of an actuating element before it touches the surface. For example, the approach of a user's finger is interpreted as an intention to operate the touchscreen. If such an intention is detected, the information displayed on the screen can be modified to make the touchscreen easier to use. In particular, when an intention to operate is detected, buttons are displayed larger so that they are easier for the user to tap.

[0009] However, a control device that detects, for example, a finger in front of a control element to infer user intent presents the following problem: If the user unintentionally moves their finger near or touches a control element, for example, during a driving maneuver, then activating the control element or any prior change in the display content is undesirable, as the user does not intend to activate the control element at all. Such misinterpretations resulting from the detection of an actuating element in front of a control element should be avoided.

[0010] German patent application DE 199 27 464 B4 describes an operating device arranged on the steering wheel of a vehicle. The operating device comprises tactile elements with pressure sensors. To allow the tactile elements to be perceived haptically, the surface of the steering wheel coating in the area of ​​the pressure sensors has a perceptible surface structure that differs from the rest of the surface. Furthermore, it is provided that at least some of the pressure sensors can only be activated when driving straight ahead or at a small steering angle or low steering speed.

[0011] From DE 102 11 825 A1, another operating device for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel switch is known. For the operation of the steering wheel switch, straight-ahead driving of the motor vehicle is detected by the rotational position of the steering wheel. In this rotational position of the steering wheel, the switching functions assigned to the steering wheel switches are enabled. When the steering wheel is turned into a position corresponding to a curve in the road, the switching operations assigned to the switches are disabled.

[0012] German patent DE 103 46 112 A1 describes a multifunction control device for a motor vehicle, which has a display and an input device for activating and / or selecting menu items displayed on the screen. The input device is located on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0013] DE 10 2009 018 678 A1 describes a device and a method for providing information and / or assistance to the user of a motor vehicle.

[0014] DE 101 63 967 A1 describes a driver assistance system with sensors for detecting a driving situation and a device for detecting the attention level of a motor vehicle driver.

[0015] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method for operating an operating device and such an operating device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which incorrect operation of the operating device can be avoided.

[0016] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and an operating device with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention, a method for operating a control device in a vehicle is provided, in which the approach of an actuating element to a control element and / or contact of the control element by an actuating element is detected. After the approach of the actuating element to the control element or contact of the control element by the actuating element has been detected, a signal related to the actuation of the control element is generated after a time interval. The length of the time interval is selected depending on at least one driving-related parameter. In this case, the signal related to the actuation of the control element is therefore not blocked, but delayed. This ensures that the signal is generated with a greater delay, for example, during a driving maneuver that requires the driver's attention.For example, the display associated with the activation of the control element may be shown with a greater delay.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the inventive method for operating a control device, it is checked whether a driving-related blocking condition is met, and the signal associated with the actuation of the control element is not generated if a driving-related blocking condition is met.

[0019] In the inventive method according to this embodiment, it is thus checked, depending on parameters of the vehicle's operation, whether a blocking condition is met. If this is the case, the generation of the signal associated with the actuation of the control element is prevented. The blocking condition is met, in particular, if it can be inferred from the parameters that it is unlikely that the control element should actually be actuated by the user. In this way, false triggering during operation of the control device can be prevented.

[0020] The signal associated with the activation of the control element can be a signal that controls a vehicle function. In this case, it is the control signal itself. However, the signal associated with the activation of the control element can also be a pre-signal generated when the actuator approaches or touches the control element. In this case, the signal is merely a reaction to the user's intention, detected by the control device, to activate the control element. The actual activation of the control element is then carried out later, whereupon a further signal is generated, which is also associated with the activation of the control element—namely, the actual control signal.

[0021] For example, the signal associated with the activation of the control element can generate a display in the vehicle that indicates the function of the control element or the position of the actuator relative to the control element. In this case, the actuator's approach to the control element or its contact with the control element is interpreted as an intention to operate the device, triggering the generation of a display associated with the control element or changing a display element belonging to the control element. The display can assist the user in operating the control device.

[0022] The positions of the mechanical controls, which are fixed during vehicle production, can thus be displayed at any other location, e.g., as a display element on a screen, regardless of their physical position. Depending on the intended use of a specific control, the information displayed can be changed. This has the advantage that the labels for controls can be displayed ergonomically and cost-effectively, depending on the specific operating situation. In this way, different product variants, especially country-specific versions, can be manufactured cost-effectively because different variants can be equipped with the same control unit, requiring only minor software adjustments.

[0023] The detection of an operating intention can be achieved in various ways. In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, an operating intention of the control element is detected when an approach within a defined area around the control element or a touch of a defined activation position of the control element is detected. The operating intention can thus be detected by touching the control element with an actuating element, e.g., the driver's fingertip, or even contactlessly by means of a proximity detection device.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driving-related locking condition is fulfilled when the steering angle exceeds a steering angle limit value. The steering angle limit value can, for example, be in a range from 10° to the maximum possible steering angle, where a steering angle of 0° corresponds to driving straight ahead with the steering wheel not turned. The steering angle limit value is, in particular, 15°.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driving-related locking condition is fulfilled when the vehicle speed exceeds a vehicle speed limit. The driving-related locking condition can be fulfilled solely due to exceeding the vehicle speed limit; however, it is preferably fulfilled when a combination of exceeding the steering angle limit and exceeding the vehicle speed limit occurs. In this case, the vehicle speed limit is, for example, in a range from 20 km / h up to the maximum possible vehicle speed; preferably, the vehicle speed limit is 30 km / h.This means that the driving-related locking condition is met and therefore the signal associated with the actuation of the control element is not generated if the vehicle has a speed of more than 30 km / h and the steering angle limit specified above is exceeded.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the road classification being driven on is determined. The driving-related locking condition is then fulfilled when a specific road classification is being driven on. This condition can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the aforementioned conditions. In particular, the limit values ​​for the steering angle and the vehicle speed can be defined depending on the road classification.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the current position of the vehicle is determined. In this case, the driving-related locking condition is fulfilled when the vehicle is located in certain positions or in certain geographical areas. This condition can also be used alone or in combination with one or more of the aforementioned conditions. In particular, the limit values ​​for the steering angle and the vehicle speed can be defined as a function of the vehicle's position.

[0028] In the inventive method, the driving-related locking condition is thus parameterized. This parameterization is carried out such that, when the locking condition is fulfilled, a situation is probable in which the driver has not intentionally activated the control element or does not intend to do so. In this case, the driver is even more likely to not require the assistance associated with approaching or touching the control element for its operation. This is because the driving task places such a high demand on the driver at this moment that activation in this situation is unlikely.

[0029] To better prevent operating errors and to define the driving-related locking condition even more precisely, a further development of the inventive method determines the driver's attention requirement while driving the vehicle and / or the driving situation. Depending on the determined attention requirement and / or the driving situation, limit values ​​for the locking condition are defined. For example, a measure of attention requirement can be determined, and it can be specified that the locking condition is met when the attention requirement exceeds a certain level. Similarly, driving situations can be categorized, and it can be specified that the locking condition is met when certain driving situations are present.Finally, the aforementioned limits for the steering angle and / or vehicle speed can be set depending on the driver's attention required while driving the vehicle and / or the driving situation.

[0030] The driving situation can be determined, for example, based on so-called context data. The term "context" generally refers to any type of information that can be used to describe the situation of an entity. An entity is a person, a place, or an object relevant to the interaction between a user and an application, including the user and the application itself. Here, the context of the driver's interaction with the vehicle encompasses all information relevant to that interaction. This includes, in particular, the current driving situation. The context can also include a user model of the driver.

[0031] The description of the situation can be divided into categories. A distinction can be made between the situation in the vehicle's surroundings (e.g., the driver's own position, the position of other vehicles, weather, traffic conditions), the situation inside the vehicle (the condition and behavior of the driver and any other occupants), and the condition of the vehicle itself.

[0032] Contextual data can be obtained, for example, by collecting context-related basic data and interpreting the basic data using a data processing device.

[0033] Context-related basic data collected includes, for example: the phase of the car journey, i.e., whether the journey has just started or is about to end, whether it is a city journey or a motorway journey, or whether the vehicle is currently in a traffic jam; the user's operating history; vehicle data, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and the status of the lighting functions, as well as the direction of travel; data on the traffic situation in the vicinity and / or on the vehicle's route; data on the driver's condition, such as physiological and psychological data; data on the vehicle interior; time and / or date data.

[0034] The basic data can be acquired in a variety of ways using designated or employed data acquisition devices. For example, the basic data can be acquired using the vehicle's sensors. This includes, in particular, all sensors that provide data relevant to the driver's emotional state. Furthermore, the basic data can be read from at least one memory location within the vehicle. Finally, basic data can be transmitted from external information sources via at least one communication interface. The data can be transmitted, for example, via a mobile network or a wireless data network.

[0035] The detection devices are selected, for example, from the following group: vehicle speed sensor, speed sensor, sensors for measuring the distance and / or speed of a vehicle ahead and / or behind, visibility sensors, outside temperature sensors, humidity, rain and / or moisture sensors, sensors for the status of the windshield wipers, solar radiation sensors, sensors for the anti-lock braking system, lane keeping assist, brake assist, adaptive cruise control and parking assist, sensors for traffic control systems such as speed limits or lane markings, sensors for pedestrians or cyclists near the vehicle, data from the vehicle's internal CAN bus, clocks, external information services that transmit, for example, traffic information, data storage of the vehicle's control units and the navigation system, data determined by or entered via the navigation system, such as...the destination address or the route to a specific destination.

[0036] Examples of the detection devices that capture basic data on the interior condition of the vehicle are selected from the following group: cigarette smoke sensors, interior temperature sensors, sensors for operating individual controls in the vehicle interior.

[0037] Examples of data acquisition devices that collect basic data about the vehicle's occupants, especially the driver, are selected from the following group: sensors for identifying vehicle occupants, especially the driver; sensors for the operating behavior of a vehicle occupant, especially the driver, such as sensors for the frequency of use of certain controls, sensors for the operating error rate and the speed of operation; sensors for recording physiological data of the driver, such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, grip pressure on the steering wheel and / or blood oxygen saturation, the driver's skin conductance; sensors for gaze direction detection and / or gesture and facial expression recognition; storage devices in which personal or individual data of vehicle occupants, especially the driver, are stored, such as age, gender and level of knowledge, as well as personal preferences, such as...the interest in certain categories of information.

[0038] In the method according to the invention, the signal associated with the actuation of the control element is not blocked, but delayed. This ensures that the signal is generated with a greater delay, for example, during a driving maneuver that requires the driver's attention. For example, the display associated with the actuation of the control element can be shown with a greater delay.

[0039] However, it is also possible to delay signal generation depending on the driving parameters and to completely block it depending on the driving-related blocking condition. This ensures that the signal is generated with a greater delay, for example, during a driving maneuver that places little strain on the driver, and that signal generation is blocked if a driving maneuver that places high demands on the driver is detected.

[0040] The driving-related parameter can include all or part of the parameters used to determine the locking condition, with different limit values ​​being set as needed. The driving-related parameter includes, in particular, the steering angle, vehicle speed, and / or the vehicle's current position.

[0041] According to the invention, the operating device mentioned at the outset comprises at least one detection device, in particular several detection devices, which is or are coupled to the control device. The control device is configured such that, after the actuating element has been detected approaching the operating element or touching the operating element by the actuating element, the signal associated with the actuation of the operating element is generated only after a time interval has elapsed, and that the length of the time interval is selected depending on at least one driving-related parameter that has been transmitted by the detection device.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the control device is configured to check, based on data from at least one detection device, whether a driving-related locking condition is met, and does not generate the signal associated with the actuation of the operating element if the driving-related locking condition is met. The operating device according to the invention is particularly designed to implement the method described above. The operating device thus has the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the operating element can be actuated by a mechanical deformation. It can, for example, be a momentary switch or a push button. In this case, no mechanical deformation occurs when the operating element is touched by the actuating element and detected by the sensor device. Thus, as explained above, a preliminary signal is generated by touching the operating element, which, for example, assists the user in operating the element by displaying information about its function. The actual actuation of the operating element only occurs through the application of a force that leads to a mechanical deformation, i.e., to pressing the momentary or push button.

[0044] The actuating element can be any element with which the control element can be operated. In particular, the actuating element is the hand, a finger, or the fingertip of a user. Within the detection area, the user's hand or fingertip is specifically detected before the fingertip touches the surface of the control element.

[0045] The sensor device can, for example, comprise a proximity detection device, which in turn comprises a reflective light barrier. This barrier includes at least one light source for emitting electromagnetic detection radiation into the detection area and a receiving element for detecting a portion of the detection radiation scattered and / or reflected by the actuating element. It can be configured, in particular, to detect the actuating element within the detection area based on the intensity of the received detection radiation. The proximity detection device can further comprise different light sources for individual detection zones, each emitting electromagnetic detection radiation into its respective detection zone.Furthermore, a modulation device can be provided to modulate the emitted detection radiation, so that the detection radiation emitted into the individual detection zones differs in its modulation. In this case, the proximity detection device can also include an analysis unit designed to analyze the received reflected and / or scattered detection radiation with respect to its modulation in order to determine in which detection zone the detection radiation was scattered or reflected by an actuating element. Using the proximity detection device, the dwell time of an actuating element can then be determined separately for each detection zone in order to track the approach of the actuating element to the control element with particular accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, the locking condition can be selected depending on the operating user's seating position. For example, it can be stipulated that a locking condition is only considered when the operation is initiated by the driver. In this case, a seat position detection device is provided, which can detect the seating position of the user of the operating element. The seat position detection device can, for example, include a signal transmitter that couples a weak high-frequency electrical signal into the user, who is in a seated position, such as a vehicle seat. This high-frequency signal can be detected by a receiver near the operating surface via capacitive coupling as soon as the user, with their operating element, especially their fingertip, enters the detection range, thus allowing the user's seating position to be determined.

[0047] In the operating device according to the invention, the control element is arranged, in particular, on the steering wheel of the vehicle. In this case, it can happen particularly easily that the control element arranged on the steering wheel is unintentionally activated while driving. Such unintentional activation can be prevented by the locking condition.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the user interface of the control element is touch-sensitive. In particular, it is a touch-sensitive user interface of a display area. In this case, the control element is thus a touchscreen. The control element, i.e., the touchscreen, and the proximity detection device can be coupled with a control device by means of which the display shown on the display area can be changed depending on the signal indicating a user's intention to operate the device. As already explained with reference to the method according to the invention, the display can be changed when a user intends to operate the device so that the user can operate the touchscreen more easily. For example, buttons can be displayed larger, or the display can be switched from a display mode to an operating mode.

[0049] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows the view of the cockpit of a vehicle from the driver's point of view according to an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of the exemplary embodiment of the operating device according to the invention.

[0050] The operating device is arranged in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. It comprises a control unit 1, which has several control elements 2. In the embodiment shown here, the control unit 1 is arranged on two spokes of the steering wheel 3 of the vehicle. It can, for example, be a so-called cross rocker switch, which comprises at least four outer pushbuttons and one central pushbutton as control elements 2.

[0051] The controls 2 can be conveniently operated by a user using an actuating element 4. In the following, it is assumed that the actuating element 4 is the driver's finger 4.

[0052] The control unit 1 allows for the operation of various functions of the vehicle's operating systems. It is possible to assign different functions to the control elements 2 of the control unit 1, for example, in a hierarchical operating concept. The labeling of the control elements 2 is therefore very general. However, a display object 6, which is assigned to the control unit 1, is shown by means of a display device 5. This display object 6 contains information about the current function of the individual control elements 2 of the control unit 1.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the detailed construction of the exemplary embodiment of the operating device. In this case, a specific operating element 2 of the operating unit 1 is shown as an example. The other operating elements 2 of the operating unit 1 can be partially or completely constructed accordingly.

[0054] Control element 2 is associated with a sensor device comprising a touch sensor 8 and a proximity sensor 9. Alternatively, only one of the two sensors 8, 9 may be provided.

[0055] By means of the proximity sensor 9, the driver's finger 4, in particular the fingertip, can be detected within a detection area 10. The detection area 10 is specifically designed such that the approach of the finger 4 to the surface of the control element 2 can be detected before the fingertip touches the control element 2.

[0056] According to a first embodiment of the proximity sensor 9, this electromagnetic detection radiation, preferably in the infrared wavelength range, is emitted in the detection area 10. For this purpose, for example, light-emitting diodes that emit light in the infrared wavelength range can be arranged in the vicinity of the control element 2. Furthermore, a receiving element, such as a photodiode, is arranged in the vicinity of the control element 2, which detects the scattered infrared radiation. Finally, a reference light source can be provided to compensate for the background radiation in the vehicle. By evaluating the received scattered or reflected detection radiation or reference radiation, the position of the finger 4 in the detection area 10 can thus be determined by a control device 7.

[0057] In an alternative approach to proximity sensing (9), frequency signals are additionally transmitted via the user's body. This allows the position of the user's fingertip to be detected. Furthermore, the user's sitting position can be identified. Finally, it is also possible to detect the position of the finger (4) and / or the user's sitting position using a camera system and subsequent image processing or an ultrasonic sensor system.

[0058] Instead of merely detecting the entry of an actuating element 4 into the detection area 10, the proximity sensor 9 can also detect gestures performed by the user's finger 4 or hand within the detection area 10. These gestures can be interpreted by the control device 7 and converted into corresponding control signals.

[0059] For the surface of the control element 2, a touch sensor 8 is provided as an alternative or in addition to the proximity sensor 9. This can be a touch sensor known per se, which is integrated into the control element 2 or arranged on or under its surface. For example, mechanical pressure can be converted into an electrical or optical signal to detect the touch of the control element 2. Furthermore, the touch sensor can be designed as a capacitive sensor. Thus, a touchpad, in particular a capacitive touchpad, can be provided under the surface of the control unit 1, i.e., for example, under the rocker switch on the steering wheel 3 of the vehicle.

[0060] Regardless of whether an actuating element 4 enters the detection area 10 and whether it touches the surface of the control element 2, which is detected by the touch sensor 8, the control element 2 is mechanically actuated by applying a certain amount of pressure. For example, if a user wants to actuate the control element 2 with their finger 4, their fingertip first enters the detection area 10. This is detected by the proximity sensor 9 and the control device 7. The user then touches the surface of the control element 2 with their finger 4. This is detected by the touch sensor 8 and the control device 7. Finally, the actual actuation of the control element 2 by pressing the push button is detected by the control device 7. For example, pressing the push button could close an electrical contact.This results in a mechanical deformation of a spring in the push-button switch. The push button of the push-button switch is moved.

[0061] The control device 7 is also coupled to the display device 5. It generates graphic data for display on a display surface of the display device 5. The display device 5 is, for example, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a display in the vehicle's instrument cluster. However, the display device 5 can also be a so-called head-up display of the vehicle.

[0062] The control device 7 is further connected to a data bus 11 of the vehicle, which in turn is coupled to various functional units 13 of the vehicle. These functional units 13 can transmit data via the data bus 11 to the control device 7, which processes this data so that a corresponding display is reproduced by the display device 5. Furthermore, the control device 7 can detect actuations of the operating elements 2 and convert them into control signals for the functional units 13. These control signals are transmitted via the data bus 11 to the corresponding functional units 13.

[0063] Before generating the actual control signals for operating the functional device 13, another control signal, also known as a pre-signal, can be generated. This pre-signal can serve to assist the user in operating the control unit 1. In the embodiment described here, the entry of an actuating element 4 into the detection area 10 causes a change in the display object 6 shown by the display device 5. The display object 6 represents the control unit 1, with each control element 2 being shown symbolically. When an actuating element 4 enters the detection area 10 of a specific control element 2, the symbol for that control element 2 is displayed larger in the display object 6.Secondly, in conjunction with this enlarged display, information is shown in display object 6 that indicates the current function of this control element 2. Depending on which menu of the hierarchical operating concept the user is in, the function of a control element 2 can differ.

[0064] A corresponding change or a further change of the display object 6 can occur if it has been detected that an actuating element 4 has touched the control element 2 without, however, actuating it.

[0065] Instead of changing the display object 6, it can also be displayed only when the actuating element 4 enters the detection area 10 or when the surface of the control element 2 is touched. Furthermore, in this case, the display object 6 can brighten, i.e., become lighter.

[0066] Furthermore, the position of the actuating element 4, i.e., the position of the user's fingertip 4 relative to the control unit 1, can be displayed by the display object 6. The user therefore does not need to directly check the position of their finger 4 relative to the control unit 1. Instead, they can observe the display on the display device 5. Moreover, it is also not necessary for the user to feel the controls 2.

[0067] The signal generated by detecting the approach of an actuating element 4 to the control element 2 or by touching the control element 2 is also referred to as a signal related to the actuation of the control element 2, since it is generated due to an intention to actuate the control element 2.

[0068] Furthermore, the control device 7 is connected via the data bus 11 to one or more detection devices 12, which, among other things, transmit driving-related parameters to the control device 7. The driving-related parameters include data related to the operation of the vehicle. The detection devices 12 include, in particular, a steering angle sensor that measures the steering angle on the steering column. The steering angle sensor transmits this steering angle to the control device 7. The detection devices 12 also include a vehicle speed sensor, which transmits the current vehicle speed to the control device 7.

[0069] Finally, the detection devices 12 can also process data from the vehicle's navigation system. For example, the detection devices 12 can determine the currently driven road class and transmit it to the control device 7. In particular, it can be determined whether a motorway, a rural road, a local road, or a zone with specific speed limits is being driven on. Furthermore, these detection devices 12 can transmit the vehicle's current position, determined by a satellite receiver, to the control device 7.

[0070] The driving-related parameters, which have been transmitted by the detection devices 12, can be further processed by the control device 7 with regard to the actuation of the control element 2, as will be explained later.

[0071] Furthermore, an optional device 14 is provided for determining the driving situation and the driver's attention level. The driving-related parameters described above can be further processed to determine the driving situation. In addition, so-called context data can also be acquired. For this purpose, further basic data is recorded alongside the driving-related parameters, transmitted to device 14, and interpreted by it.

[0072] To obtain the basic data, the acquisition devices 12 can read data from at least one storage device provided in the vehicle. Finally, basic data can be transmitted from external information sources via at least one communication interface. The data can be transmitted, for example, via a mobile network or a wireless data network.

[0073] Context-related basic data collected includes, for example: the phase of the car journey, i.e., whether the journey has just begun or is about to end, whether it is a city or highway journey, or whether the driver is currently stuck in traffic; a user's operating history; vehicle data such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and the status of the lighting functions, as well as the direction of travel; data on the traffic situation in the vicinity and / or on the vehicle's route; data on the driver's condition, such as physiological and psychological data; data on the vehicle interior; and time and / or date data. A Bayesian network, whose variables constitute the basic data, is used, for example, to interpret the basic data.

[0074] This contextual data allows not only the determination of the current driving situation but also the driver's attention level while driving the vehicle. In addition to driving-related parameters, vehicle-independent parameters such as the time of day, environmental conditions, traffic volume, and the driver's physiological and psychological data can also be incorporated into the measure of the driver's attention level. The driving situation and the driver's attention level are transmitted from device 14 to the control unit 7, which processes this data further, as will be explained in detail later.

[0075] The following describes a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, which can be carried out using the operating device described above: The driver can control a function of a vehicle function 13 using the control unit 1. To generate a control signal for this function, it is necessary to press the control element 2, which is designed, for example, as a push-button switch. This results, for example, in the mechanical deformation of the push-button switch's spring and the movement of the button.

[0076] The display device 5 presents a display object 6, which visualizes the functions of the individual controls 2 of the control unit 1. If, for example, the driver's finger 4 enters the detection area 10 of the control element 2, this is detected by the proximity sensor 9 and transmitted to the control device 7. The control device 7 interprets this signal as an operating intention. The control device 7 then generates graphic data that modifies the display object 6, but only if a driving-related locking condition is not met, as will be explained later. The modification of the display object 6 consists, for example, of the symbol assigned to the control element 2 in whose detection area 10 the driver's finger 4 has entered being displayed enlarged and accompanied by further information about the function of the control element 2.This change to the display object 6 makes it easier for the user to perform the desired function using the control unit 1.

[0077] Before the control device 7 generates the graphic data for changing the display of the display object 6, it checks whether a so-called driving-related locking condition is met. This is intended to prevent false triggering in connection with the operation of the control element 2 if the driver unintentionally enters the detection area 10 with one of their fingers 4 or their hand. This can occur, for example, during sharp steering movements or rapid changes of hand position on the steering wheel 3.

[0078] In the embodiment described here, the driving-related locking condition depends on the steering angle and the vehicle's speed. For example, the driving-related locking condition can be met if the steering wheel 3 deviates more than 15° from the 0° position for straight-ahead driving and the vehicle speed is greater than 30 km / h. Alternatively, a further condition can be added that the road class being driven is an urban road, i.e., specifically not a rural road or a motorway.

[0079] If the driving-related locking condition is met, the display object 6 is not changed by the control device 7, even though an actuating element 4 has been detected in the detection area 10. Thus, a signal associated with the actuation of the control element 2, in this case a signal that changes the display of the object 6, is not generated. Furthermore, it can be provided that the actuation of the control element 2, i.e., pressing the push button, also does not result in a control signal for the functional device 13 being generated and transmitted. This signal associated with the actuation of the control element 2 is also suppressed when the driving-related locking condition is met.

[0080] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention differ from the embodiment described above, particularly with regard to the parameterization of the driving-related locking condition. Additional parameters of the vehicle's detection devices 12 can be incorporated into the driving-related locking condition. Furthermore, the driving-related locking condition can depend on the driving situation as determined by the device 14. Additionally or alternatively, a locking condition can be defined based on the driver's level of attention while driving the vehicle, as determined by the device 14. If this level of attention exceeds a certain threshold, the driving-related locking condition is fulfilled; otherwise, it is not.If the driver's attention is too high, it is assumed that, for example, their finger 4 has unintentionally entered detection area 10 and they do not actually intend to operate the control element 2. In this case, no signal is generated that would lead to a change in the display object 6, which is intended to assist the driver in operating the control element 2. Furthermore, no control signal is generated, even if the control element 2 is activated after the operating element has entered detection area 10.

[0081] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the detection area 10 is not detected when an actuating element enters it, but rather when the control element 2 is touched on its surface by means of the touch sensor 8. In this case, the control element 2 is designed such that the actual actuation does not occur by touching the surface of the control element 2, but rather by a mechanical deformation of a part of the control element 2. Otherwise, the method of this embodiment corresponds to the method according to the embodiments described above.

[0082] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, both the entry of an actuating element 4 into the detection area 10 and the contact with the surface of the control element 2 before the actual actuation of the control element 2 are detected. In this case, a first pre-signal can be generated when the actuating element 4 enters the detection area 10, which, for example, changes the display object 6 as described above. If the actuating element 4 touches the surface of the control element 2, a second pre-signal is generated, which further changes the display object 6. For example, additional information is given to assist the user in operation. However, these two pre-signals, which are related to the actuation of the control element 2, are not generated if the aforementioned travel-related locking condition is met.Furthermore, no control signal is generated during the actual actuation of control element 2 if the driving-related locking condition is met.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, as explained above, the entry of an actuating element 4 into the detection area 10 and / or contact of the control element 2 by an actuating element 4 is detected. This detection occurs before the actual actuation of the control element 2. In this case, the control device 7 again generates graphic data which, as explained above, modifies the display object 6 to assist the user in its operation. However, in this case, this signal associated with the actuation of the control element 2 is only generated after a certain time interval. Only when, for example, the driver's finger 4 is within the detection area 10 for a certain period of time or touches the surface of the control element 2 for a certain period of time, does this lead to a change in the display object 6.

[0084] In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the length of this time interval is selected depending on at least one, but preferably a combination of, the driving-related parameters described above. For example, the length of the time interval is selected depending on the steering angle and the driving speed, and optionally the road class currently being driven on. The length of the time interval is calculated from these three parameters. Furthermore, the length of the time interval can be calculated depending on a measure of the driver's attention level.

[0085] In this embodiment, the signal associated with the actuation of the control element 2 is not suppressed, but only triggered with a delay. If, for example, the driver were to move their finger 4 out of the detection area 10 before the time interval expires, or release the surface of the control element 2, no signal associated with the actuation of the control element would be generated. This design takes into account the fact that during certain driving maneuvers, such as sharp steering movements or quick changes of grip on the steering wheel 3, the driver's finger 4 may only briefly touch the control element 2 or be within the detection area 10, so that in such cases there is no change to the display object 6.However, if in this case the driver were to operate the control element 2 despite the steering movement and therefore leave his fingers 4 on the control element 2 for longer, the change of the display object 6 would also be brought about in order to assist the driver in the operation.

[0086] This embodiment can also be combined with the preceding embodiments. For example, the generation of the signal associated with the actuation of control element 2 can be delayed depending on driving-related parameters and can also be blocked if the driving-related blocking condition is met.

[0087] It should be noted that the signal associated with the operation of the control element 2 may have any other effects instead of changing the display object 6, in particular those intended to support the user before the actual operation of the control element 2, especially to offer assistance. Reference symbol list 1 control unit 2 Control element 3 Steering wheel 4 Actuating element; driver's finger 5 Display device 6 Display object 7 Control device 8 Touch sensors 9 Proximity sensors 10 Detection range 11 Vehicle data bus 12 recording devices 13 Functional devices of the vehicle 14 Device for determining the driving situation and the driver's attention requirements

Claims

[1] Method for operating an operating device in a vehicle, in which - an approach of an actuating element (4) to an operating element (2) and / or a contact of the operating element (2) by the actuating element (4) is detected and - a signal related to the actuation of the control element (2) is generated, characterized by that, after the approach of the actuating element (4) to the operating element (2) or the contact of the operating element (2) by the actuating element (4) has been detected, the signal associated with the actuation of the operating element (2) is only generated after a time interval has elapsed, and that a length of the time interval is selected as a function of at least one travel-related parameter. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that - it is checked whether a journey-related blocking condition is met, and - the signal associated with the actuation of the control element (2) is blocked if the travel-related blocking condition is met. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the signal associated with the actuation of the control element (2) generates a display in the vehicle which gives an indication of the function of the control element (2) or of the position of the actuating element (4) relative to the control element (2). [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the trip-related blocking condition is met when a steering angle exceeds a steering angle limit and / or when a vehicle speed exceeds a vehicle speed limit and / or when it has been determined that a certain road class is being driven on and / or when it has been determined that the vehicle is in certain positions. [5] Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized bythat the driver's attention demand when driving the vehicle and / or a driving situation is determined and, depending on the determined attention demand and / or the driving situation, limit values ​​of the blocking condition are set. [6] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the driving-related parameter includes the steering angle, the vehicle speed and / or the current position of the vehicle. [7] Control device in a vehicle with - a control element (2), - a sensor device (8, 9) with which an approach of an actuating element (4) to the operating element (2) and / or a contact of the operating element (2) by the actuating element (4) can be detected, and - a control device (7) with which a signal associated with the actuation of the control element (2) can be generated as a function of the approach to the control element (2) detected by the sensor device (8, 9) and / or the contact of the control element (2), - a detection device (12) coupled to the control device (7), characterized by , - that the control device (7) is set up in such a way that, after the approach of the actuating element (4) to the operating element (2) or the contact of the operating element (2) by the actuating element (4) has been detected, the signal associated with the actuation of the operating element (2) is only generated after a time interval has elapsed, and that a length of the time interval is selected as a function of at least one travel-related parameter which has been transmitted by the detection device (12). [8] Operating device according to claim 7, characterized bythat the control device (7) is designed such that it checks, depending on data from the detection device (12), whether a travel-related blocking condition is fulfilled, and does not generate the signal associated with the actuation of the control element (2) if the travel-related blocking condition is fulfilled. [9] Operating device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the operating element (2) can be actuated by a mechanical deformation, wherein no mechanical deformation occurs when the operating element (2) is touched by the actuating element (4) as detected by the sensor device (8, 9). [10] Operating device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized by that the operating element (2) comprises a touch-sensitive surface and the sensor device (8, 9) detects the approach of the actuating element (4) to the touch-sensitive surface. [11] Operating device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the control element (2) is arranged on the steering wheel (3) of the vehicle.

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