Method for providing an operating device in a vehicle and operating device therefor

Abstract

Method for providing an operating device (6) in a vehicle (10), wherein - a button (11) is displayed on a display area (2) with a touch-sensitive surface (4), - a touch of the touch-sensitive surface (4) with an actuating object (13) at the button (11) or an approach of an actuating object (13) to the button (11) is detected, whereupon the button (11) is activated, and - after activation of button (11), an actuation of button (11) is recorded, - wherein, with or after activation of the button (11), a graphical additional element (14) associated with the button (11) is displayed, which extends on the display surface (2) away from the button (11) or is displayed at a distance from the button (11) on the display surface (2), characterized in that a cover area (A) is defined around the center point of the button (11) and that the graphical additional element (14) is displayed at least partially outside the cover area (A).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing an operating device in a vehicle. In this method, a button is displayed on a display area with a touch-sensitive surface. Contact between the touch-sensitive surface of the button and an actuating object, or the approach of an actuating object to the button, is detected, whereupon the button is activated. After activation, actuation of the button is detected. The invention further relates to an operating device for a vehicle comprising a display device, which includes a display area, and a touch-sensitive surface formed on the display area. The operating device also includes a control device coupled to the display device and the touch-sensitive surface.The control device can generate graphic data for displaying buttons. Furthermore, it can detect when the touch-sensitive surface is touched by an actuator.

[0002] With the increase in electronic systems in vehicles, it became necessary to display a greater amount of information within the vehicle. Modern vehicles, for example, include a multifunction display and a variety of driver assistance systems, the information from which must be displayed. Furthermore, vehicles often include a navigation system. Such a navigation system can display digital geographical maps with a route and, if applicable, a wide range of additional information. Finally, modern vehicles frequently include communication and multimedia applications, including a mobile phone interface and systems for playing music and speech. The vehicle must also be able to display information for these applications.

[0003] To flexibly display the diverse range of information, freely programmable displays are used, which often also replicate the functions of conventional mechanical instruments. For example, German patent DE 10 2006 032 118 A1 describes a combination instrument for a motor vehicle that includes a display capable of variably showing the vehicle's speed, engine speed, engine temperature, fuel level, and / or time. It is also possible to display information from a navigation system, telephone, music system, infotainment system, and / or air conditioning system.

[0004] In addition to the instrument cluster, a display device is often arranged above the vehicle's center console, which can show further information. This display device is used in particular as a multifunction display and for showing a geographical map from a navigation system. Such a multifunction display is described, for example, in DE 199 41 956 A1.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2009 057 081 A1 discloses a method for providing a user interface in which buttons are displayed on a screen. Such a button serves as a control element of a graphical user interface. In this method, an input gesture on a touch-sensitive surface is detected, with various parameters of the touch being recorded. Depending on these parameters, the graphical representation on the screen is changed.

[0006] US 2011 / 0279391 A1 describes an image display device in which a touchpad for performing a predetermined input by an operator touching the front of an image display unit for displaying predetermined content is arranged, particularly for an image display device attached to a device mounted in a vehicle, such as a vehicle navigation system, or a mobile device frequently operated while carried. When it detects that the operator touches the finger rest area, the control unit waits until the touchpad is subsequently touched, and when it detects that a position at which the touchpad is subsequently touched lies within the specific area, the control unit performs a function corresponding to the position at which the touchpad is subsequently touched.

[0007] US Patent 2012 / 0274662 A1 describes a method for providing a user interface and an electronic device that uses this method. In this method, a user command is received via a touchscreen. The touch screen detects the pressure of a single touch input and controls the device based on that pressure.

[0008] EP 1 195 673 A1 describes a motor vehicle multimedia system with a display device controlled by a control unit and a selection device for selection fields displayed on the display device, whereby selecting a selection field using the selection device calls up a submenu linked to the selected selection field. After selecting a selection field, the control unit controls the display device in the form of an animation running on the display unit.

[0009] Finally, DE 10 2008 026 030 B4 describes an information and assistance system, particularly for automobiles, wherein the system includes a display device for showing an avatar for data output and for controlling the avatar by a user. The system is designed such that the information content, quantity, and quality of the information output by the system can be adjusted by changing the size of the avatar as determined by the user.

[0010] Displaying information in a vehicle presents very specific requirements. Information is processed, among other things, by the driver. Therefore, the information should be presented in such a way that it does not distract the driver while driving. The displayed information should be intuitive and quickly grasped by the driver, requiring only a very brief glance away from the road. If the operation of vehicle controls is supported or guided by a display, the display should be designed so that the driver only needs to glance at it very briefly to perform the operation.

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method and an operating device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which an operating process is improved which is carried out on the touch-sensitive surface in conjunction with a button that is displayed on the display area.

[0012] 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 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] In the method according to the invention, an additional graphic element associated with the button is displayed with or after the activation of the button, which extends away from the button on the display surface or is displayed at a distance from the button on the display surface.

[0014] For the purposes of this invention, a button is understood to be a control element of a graphical user interface. A button differs from elements and areas used solely for information display, so-called display elements or display areas, in that it is selectable or operable. When a button is selected or pressed, a function assigned to it is executed. This function can only result in a change to the information display. Furthermore, the buttons can control devices whose operation is supported by the information display. The buttons can thus replace conventional mechanical switches. The buttons can be created and displayed on any freely programmable display area. In the method according to the invention, the button is also activated.For the purposes of the invention, this means that an impending activation of the button is detected. Such activation of a button is known per se. For example, the activation of the button is represented in a different way.

[0015] It has now been identified that when buttons are activated using an actuator, a problem arises: the button becomes invisible when the actuator touches the touch-sensitive surface. This problem is particularly noticeable on small displays where the buttons are displayed as relatively small elements. The actuator could be, for example, a user's fingertip or a stylus. The problem could be solved by displaying the button large enough to remain visible even when the actuator touches the surface. However, such buttons often appear bulky. Furthermore, this leaves less space for other display elements.

[0016] In the solution according to the invention, an additional element is displayed with or after activation of the button, which is also visible when the actuating object touches the touch-sensitive surface. This advantageously improves the operation of the buttons.

[0017] According to the invention, a cover area is defined around the center point of the button. This cover area encompasses the center point of the button. However, the center point of the button is not necessarily located in the middle of the cover area. According to the invention, the additional graphic element is now displayed at least partially outside the cover area. The cover area is, in particular, the area that covers a user's field of vision on the display surface when the user touches the button with the actuating object, for example, with their fingertip. The size and, if applicable, also the position of the cover area thus depends on the size and position of the area of ​​the display surface that is covered when the button is touched by the actuating object.

[0018] For example, if the touch-sensitive surface is to be operated with a user's fingertip, the distance between the upper boundary of the coverage area and the center of the button can be between 5 mm and 15 mm, and more specifically between 6 mm and 10 mm. The directional designation refers to the upper reference edge of the display area when it is vertically oriented. However, it is not necessary for the display area to be oriented in this way. The display area can also be oriented diagonally and horizontally. In this case, the upper boundary of the coverage area is the boundary of the coverage area that is adjacent to the reference edge that would be at the top if the display area were vertically oriented.

[0019] According to the invention, an additional graphic element is displayed above the area that is hidden from the user when the touch-sensitive surface of the button is touched. This additional element allows the user to still perceive the button, thus improving its usability.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the inventive method, the additional graphic element comprises a line extending upwards from the button on the display surface. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the button is associated with a marking on a scale. In this case, the user can advantageously use the line to determine the exact position of the button, which is obscured by the actuating object, relative to the scale and position the marking accordingly. Furthermore, in this case, the additional graphic element can include a display element that appears at the end of the line. The display element is shown, in particular, outside the area of ​​obscuration, so that the user can be shown additional information relevant to actuating the button.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the button for actuating the button is activated, the actuating object is moved from the button on the touch-sensitive surface. Particularly in such a case, it is important for the user to see the exact position of the button. According to the invention, this is ensured by the display of the additional graphic element.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the approach of the actuating object in a detection area in front of the display surface is detected. When an actuating object is detected in the detection area, the display surface changes from a display state to an operating state, with the button being activated in the operating state.

[0023] In display mode, the information is presented in a way that makes it particularly easy for the user to understand. In operating mode, the display is then modified so that the viewer can see which areas of the display surface are configured as buttons for operation. Furthermore, the display style can be optimized for use with a touch-sensitive surface on the display.

[0024] In the method according to the invention, for example, when switching from the display state to the operating state, the activation of the button is indicated by the additional element, but the actual actuation of the button only takes place when the user touches the touch-sensitive surface with the actuating object and moves the actuating object on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0025] If the user wants to perform an action, for example, activate the button of a sliding element, they only need to bring the object being actuated, such as their fingertip, close to the display surface. This is an intuitive procedure for the user, so it can usually be performed by the driver of the vehicle without having to take their eyes off the road. When such an approach to the display surface is detected, the display switches from the display state to the operating state. If the user then only briefly looks at the display surface when their fingertip is already within the detection range, they perceive the display mode selected in the operating state and can thus very quickly perform the desired action. In particular, this avoids the problem of buttons being obscured by the control element.

[0026] In the operating device according to the invention, the control device is designed such that when contact between the touch-sensitive surface and the actuating object is detected at the button, the button is activated, and a graphical element associated with the button is displayed. This element extends away from the button on the display surface or is displayed at a distance from the button on the display surface. The operating device according to the invention is characterized in that a cover area is defined around the center point of the button and that the graphical element is displayed at least partially outside the cover area.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the approach of the actuated object to the display surface is detected. The proximity detection device provided for this purpose can, for example, comprise a reflective light barrier, which 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 actuated object. It can, in particular, be configured to recognize the actuated object in the detection area based on the intensity of the received detection radiation. The proximity detection device can also include different light sources for the individual detection zones, each emitting electromagnetic detection radiation into the 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 object.

[0028] In this case, the control device is designed in such a way that, when the approach of the actuating object to the display surface has been detected, the button is activated and the additional graphic element associated with the button is displayed.

[0029] The operating device according to the invention is specifically designed to carry out the method described above. It therefore also has the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with the operating device according to the invention. In this case, the display surface is arranged so that it can be easily reached by the driver and / or the passenger. For example, the display surface is arranged in the center console of the vehicle.

[0031] The coverage area, defined around the center of the button, is determined in advance in such a way that, from a typical viewing angle from the driver's or passenger's position, it is determined which part of the display surface is obscured when the button is pressed, for example, by the driver's or passenger's fingertip. This obscured area is then defined as the coverage area for the button. The coverage area can also differ for the driver and passenger, provided that the touch-sensitive surface of the display is detected to determine whether the driver or passenger is activating it.

[0032] The invention will now be explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention and the coupling of the operating device with other devices of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the display device of the exemplary embodiment of the operating device for displaying the detection range, Fig. Figure 3 shows the interior of the vehicle in which the embodiment of the operating device according to the invention is housed. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows displays that are shown on the display surface of the exemplary embodiment of the operating device according to the invention and that are generated by an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0033] With reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 An embodiment of the operating device 6 according to the invention and its arrangement in a vehicle 10 is explained: The operating device 6 comprises a display device 1 with a display surface 2, which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle 10 and is easily accessible so that it is clearly visible to at least one vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. The display surface 2 can be provided by a display, in particular a liquid crystal display, of any design.

[0034] The operating device 6 further comprises a control device 3 and an input device. The control device 3 is connected to the display device 1, which can generate graphic data for displaying information on the display surface 2. The input device is designed as a touch-sensitive surface 4 on the display surface 2. A so-called touchscreen is thus provided.

[0035] For example, a film can be arranged over the display area 2, which can detect the position of a touch on an actuating object 13. The actuating object is, in particular, the fingertip 13 of a user. The film can be designed, for example, as a resistive touch film, a capacitive touch film, or a piezoelectric film. Furthermore, the film can be designed to measure a heat flow, e.g., emanating from the fingertip 13 of a user. Various inputs can be obtained from the temporal development of the touch on the film. For example, in the simplest case, the touching of the film at a specific position can be detected and assigned to a graphic object displayed on the display area 2. Furthermore, the duration of the touch at a specific position or within a specific area can be recorded.On display area 2, operable switching symbols, switching elements or buttons can be displayed.

[0036] Furthermore, the operating device 6 includes a proximity detection device 7. By means of the proximity detection device 7, an actuated object 13 can be detected within a detection area 8. The detection area 8 is in Fig. 2 shown in detail. The detection area 8 is designed such that an approach of an actuating object 13 to the touch-sensitive surface 4 on the display surface 2 is detected.

[0037] In the embodiment described here, the detection area 8 forms at least one volume in front of the touch-sensitive surface 4. In particular, it forms a cuboid whose side faces, extending parallel to the touch-sensitive surface 4, completely enclose the surface. In a direction perpendicular to the touch-sensitive surface 4, the cuboid extends from the surface 4, or immediately in front of it, to a distance of, for example, approximately 40 cm. The distance of the outer boundary of the detection area 8 in front of the touch-sensitive surface 4 is chosen such that an approach to the surface 4 can be detected in time for the display on the screen 2 to change early enough to assist the user with input.Furthermore, the distance of the detection area 8 from the touch-sensitive surface 4 should be chosen so that the actuating object 13 or any other object is moved into the detection area 8 as infrequently as possible when no operation of the touch-sensitive surface 4 is intended.

[0038] Further details on various training courses for the proximity detection device 7 are described, for example, in WO 2011 / 051361 A1.

[0039] The proximity detection device 7 continuously transmits the current position of an actuating object 13 in the detection area 8 to the control device 3. Depending on this signal, the control device 3 can change the display on the display surface 2 and further process any signals from the touch-sensitive surface 4.

[0040] Finally, the control device 3 is coupled to a data bus 5. Via this data bus 5, the control device 3 is connected to other components of the vehicle 10, for which information is to be displayed on the display surface 2 and which are to be operated by means of the control device 6. Information can be displayed to the vehicle occupants by means of the control device 6 and by means of the procedure. Furthermore, the vehicle occupants can operate components of the vehicle 10 and control the display by means of the control device 6.

[0041] In the following, an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which can be carried out by the operating device 6 described above, is described with reference to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 explained in detail: The embodiment described below relates to the operation of a slider for setting the frequency of a radio in the vehicle 10. However, the method and operating device 6 according to the invention can be used with any other operating elements that use buttons which are actuated by means of a touch-sensitive surface 4.

[0042] Display area 2 shows a frequency scale 9 of the radio. A marker 11 is also displayed, which indicates the currently tuned frequency of the radio relative to scale 9. Marker 11 is a button 11, which can be activated by touching the touch-sensitive surface 4 next to button 11; in this case, it can be moved along scale 9.

[0043] When pressing button 11, the problem usually arises that, for example, a user's fingertip 13 covers button 11 when pressed, as is the case in Fig. 5 is shown. This is avoided by the method according to the invention as follows: When the user approaches the display area 2 with their fingertip 13, the proximity detection device 7 detects the fingertip 13 entering the detection area 8. The proximity detection device 7 transmits a corresponding control signal to the control device 3. The control device 3 then switches the display on the display area 2 from a display state to an operating state, in which the button 11 is, in principle, operable. This can be visualized for the user by a change in the display of the button 11 or other buttons. The button 11 is thus activated. Activation can occur shortly before the fingertip 13 touches the touch-sensitive surface 4 or immediately after the fingertip 13 touches the touch-sensitive surface 4 at the button 11.

[0044] In the method according to the invention, a graphical additional element 14 associated with the button 11 is displayed with or shortly after its activation. An example of such a graphical additional element 14 is shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that in this case, the additional graphic element 14 includes a straight line 15 extending upwards from the button 11.

[0045] The length of line 15 is determined as follows: The user's fingertip 13 covers a coverage area A on the display surface 2, which the user can no longer see. The size and position of this coverage area A are determined in advance and stored in the control device 3. The upper boundary of the coverage area A is, for example, 10 mm from the center of button 11. Line 15 extends upwards from button 11 so that it is partially displayed outside the coverage area A, allowing the user to still see it even when their fingertip 13 touches and covers button 11.

[0046] The user can now move the button 11, in particular to the left or right, by moving their fingertip 13 accordingly on the touch-sensitive surface 4. The control device 3 detects this movement on the touch-sensitive surface 4 and modifies the graphic data for the display on the screen 2 so that the button 11, which is not immediately visible, moves along with the fingertip 13. Furthermore, the visible graphic element 14 with the line 15 is also moved along with the fingertip 13, so that the user can see the relative position of the button 11 to the scale 9 during this operation.When the user lifts their fingertip 13 from the touch-sensitive surface 4, the button 11 remains in its last displayed position, and the additional graphic element 14 disappears, for example, when the fingertip 13 leaves the detection area 8. The control device 3 converts this change in the position of the button 11 into a control command to change the current frequency of the radio.

[0047] In Fig.Figure 7 shows another example of a graphical element 14 that can be generated on the display surface 2 by the method according to the invention. In this case, a display element 16 is shown at the end of line 15 outside the coverage area A. This display element 16 can show the user additional information relevant to pressing button 11, such as the currently set frequency as a digital number or a time stamp for a piece of music. However, other additional information can also be displayed. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Display device 2 Display area 3 Control device 4 touch-sensitive surfaces 5 Data bus 6 Operating device 7 Proximity detection device 8 Detection range 9 scale 11 Button 13 Actuating object 14 additional graphic element Line 15 16 Display element A Cover area

Claims

[1] Method for providing an operating device (6) in a vehicle (10) wherein - a button (11) is displayed on a display area (2) with a touch-sensitive surface (4), - a touch of the touch-sensitive surface (4) with an actuating object (13) at the button (11) or an approach of an actuating object (13) to the button (11) is detected, whereupon the button (11) is activated, and - after activation of button (11), an actuation of button (11) is recorded, - wherein, with or after activation of the button (11), an additional graphic element (14) associated with the button (11) is displayed, which extends away from the button (11) on the display area (2) or is displayed at a distance from the button (11) on the display area (2), characterized by, that a cover area (A) is defined around the center point of the button (11) and that the additional graphic element (14) is displayed at least partially outside the cover area (A). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the size of the cover area (A) depends on the size of the area of ​​the display surface (2) which is covered when the button (11) is touched by the actuating object (13). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the distance of the upper boundary of the cover area (A) from the center point of the button (11) is in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the additional graphic element (14) includes a line (15) that extends upwards from the button (11) on the display area (2). [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by, that the graphical additional element (14) includes a display element (16) which is displayed at the end of the line (15). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that after the activation of the button (11) for the actuation of the button (11) the actuation object (13) is moved from the button (11) on the touch-sensitive surface (4). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an approach of the actuating object (13) in a detection area (8) in front of the display area (2) is detected and the display area (2) changes from a display state to an operating state when the actuating object (13) has been detected in the detection area (8), with the button (11) being activated in the operating state. [8] Control device (6) for a vehicle (10) with - a display device (1) with a display surface (2), - a touch-sensitive surface (4) formed on the display surface (2), and - a control device (3) which is coupled to the display device (1) and the touch-sensitive surface (4) and by means of which graphic data for displaying buttons (11) can be generated and the touching of the touch-sensitive surface (4) by an actuating object (13) can be detected, - wherein the control device (3) is designed such that, when contact of the touch-sensitive surface (4) with the actuating object (13) at the button is detected, the button (11) is activated and a graphical additional element (14) associated with the button (11) is displayed, which extends away from the button (11) on the display surface (2) or is displayed at a distance from the button (11) on the display surface (2), characterized by, that a cover area (A) is defined around the center point of the button (11) and that the additional graphic element (14) is displayed at least partially outside the cover area (A). [9] Operating device (6) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the operating device (6) has a proximity detection device (7) for detecting the approach of the actuating object (13) to the display surface (2) and the control device (3) is designed such that, when the approach of the actuating object (13) to the display surface (2) has been detected, the button (11) is activated and the graphical additional element (14) associated with the button (11) is displayed.

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