Touch-sensitive control device with recess

Abstract

Control device for a vehicle, comprising: A touch-sensitive surface the surface has a first depression; a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured as follows: Recognizing a user input, wherein the user input comprises a first touch inside the first recess and a second touch outside the first recess; In response to recognition: issuing a notification that the user input has been recognized; characterized by the fact that the surface includes a second depression; and The user input specifies that the second touch takes place in the second recess.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle and a vehicle with such an operating device.

[0002] Currently, the first vehicles, particularly passenger cars, are being manufactured with touch-sensitive displays, so-called touchscreens, for operating vehicle functions. A touchscreen comprises a touch-sensitive surface that detects touches, for example, from a user's fingers, and a display that is arranged in relation to the surface in such a way that the user can enter information at the location of displayed symbols.

[0003] In practice, it has been shown that operating touchscreens distracts the driver more from their driving task than operating mechanical controls such as switches or rotary / push buttons. A touchscreen provides the driver with no haptic feedback, meaning they must keep their eyes on the screen for almost the entire duration of the input. This jeopardizes road safety, as any driver distraction can lead to an accident. For this reason, operating concepts are being developed that make the use of touch-sensitive displays safer for the driver.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2009 018 955 A1 proposes placing a mask on a touchscreen, with the mask including cutouts. This mask is intended to facilitate blind operation of the touchscreen. DE 10 2009 018 955 A1 provides for user input fields within these cutouts.

[0005] The publications US 2013 / 0 162 582 A1, DE 10 2009 052 928 A1 and DE 10 2012 018 355 A1 disclose relevant state of the art.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide improved operating options for touch-sensitive surfaces that avoid, as far as possible, the distraction of a vehicle driver.

[0007] The task is solved by an operating device and a vehicle according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] In one aspect, a vehicle control device comprises: a touch-sensitive surface, wherein the surface has a recess; a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: recognize an operating input, wherein the operating input comprises a first touch inside the recess and a second touch outside the recess; in response to the recognition: issue a signal indicating that the operating input has been recognized. The signal issued typically leads to the activation of a vehicle function, for example, playing a piece of music, adjusting the interior temperature, starting the engine, etc.

[0009] This proposal therefore suggests a user interaction that is not solely based on touching the recess, but also involves a second interaction outside of it. This dual interaction prevents the user, for example, a vehicle driver, from accidentally activating a function. This principle simplifies user input, as the user always retains the option to correct their input. If the second touch is omitted, no function is activated. This dual mechanism is particularly beneficial for vehicle drivers and reduces distractions from the road.

[0010] A depression is a depression in a surface. The depression comprises walls and at least one local minimum, that is, a point representing the deepest depression in that area. The depression can also have a bottom, which may contain infinitely many local minimums. The walls of the depression can form a continuous transition to the at least one minimum or drop off abruptly, for example, perpendicular to the surface. A depression typically has a round shape when viewed from above; that is, its edge is formed by a circle. However, depressions with oval, rectangular, or arbitrarily shaped edges are also conceivable.

[0011] The touch-sensitive surface can be based on resistive or capacitive touch detection. Alternatively, a camera can be used to detect touch. Touch-sensitive surfaces are known in the prior art.

[0012] The operating device can include a display, for example, an LED or OLED display, or a rear projector. The display can be arranged to show symbols or, more generally, a graphical user interface in and / or around the recess, thus creating a touchscreen. The graphical user interface can explain which function is activated when the operating input for the recess is executed. Advantageously, this is done by means of a symbol.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the user input is designed so that the first touch occurs before the second. This means that the user can first locate the recess by touch and then complete the input by removing their finger from the recess. This enables true blind operation. German patent DE 10 2009 018 955 A1 describes inputs based on a user touching a recess. This does not, in itself, allow for complete blind operation, as activation occurs upon touching the recess. Activations can occur during the "blind" search for the recess. In contrast, this patent proposes that the user can first locate the recess by touch (first touch) and then remove their finger from the detected recess (resulting in a touch outside the recess).The driver thus sweeps their finger from the inside of the recess to the surface outside the recess in a continuous motion. Only the second touch activates a function. It may be stipulated that the second touch must be at a minimum distance from the edge of the recess, for example, 1 cm. This procedure allows for true blind operation. The driver is therefore less distracted from the road.

[0014] This is somewhat analogous to locating and activating a mechanical, haptically separated switch. This type of switch can also be located by touch and then actuated. However, compared to a mechanical switch, this operating device has the advantage of being more durable, as it requires no moving parts. At the same time, cleaning is easier and does not affect the functionality or longevity of the operating device.

[0015] To guide the finger out of the groove, a guide can be provided by a further groove or depression that adjoins the groove directly (and thus excludes part of the groove wall). This further depression or groove has another local minimum depth. Particularly in the case of a depression, this further local minimum depth need not exist in every direction, but can also exist in only one direction, thus forming an elongated guide of constant depth. The further local minimum depth can be shallower than the local minimum depth of the first groove. In other words, the first groove is deeper than the further groove or depression. It can be stipulated that the second contact must occur within the further groove or depression, possibly at a threshold distance from the junction of the further groove or depression with the first groove.In this way, the user is almost completely guided through the input process, further reducing errors. The user can first locate the indentation by touch and then activate a function by moving their finger along a predefined path (the next indentation or depression). This surface design already indicates how a function is activated and can facilitate the learning process of how to operate the interface.

[0016] The first touch in the recess can be confirmed to the user by an acoustic signal or a vibration. Similarly, a message can appear, or a larger area or the recess itself can change color, provided the surface is backed with a display.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the second touch occurs simultaneously with the first during operation. This is therefore an operation performed with two fingers simultaneously. However, the inventive method also allows the recess to be located "blindly" with one finger. A second finger can then be placed on the surface to activate the function.

[0018] In another embodiment, the operating input is a first operating input, and the first operating input stipulates that the first touch occurs before the second touch; the control device is further configured as follows: in response to the detection of the first operating input: execution of a first function of the vehicle; detection of a second operating input, wherein the second operating input stipulates that the first touch occurs after the second touch; and in response to the detection of the second operating input: output of a signal indicating that the second operating input has been detected and execution of a second function of the vehicle. Thus, two operating inputs and the activation of two different functions of the vehicle are enabled at a recess, namely, in particular, by pushing in and out of a recess.

[0019] The operating device may be designed so that the second contact occurs within a predetermined angular range relative to the recess. This angular range can be indicated, in particular, by a further recess or indentation as described above. The angular range is defined, for example, by dimensioning the surface surrounding the recess according to an angular measurement. Thus, a direction originating from the center of the recess (or another point within the recess) can be defined as the 0° direction, and degree measurements up to a maximum of 360° can be assigned to the other directions in a clockwise direction, with the 360° direction again corresponding to the 0° direction. An angular range could, for example, comprise 10°, 20°, or 45°.

[0020] Similarly, the operating input can be a first operating input, and the first operating input stipulates that the second contact must take place within a first predetermined angular range relative to the recess; and the control device is further configured to: In response to the detection of the first operating input: initiate the execution of a first function of a vehicle; detect a second operating input, wherein the second operating input stipulates that the second contact must take place within a second predetermined angular range relative to the recess; In response to the detection of the second operating input: The device issues a signal indicating that the second user input has been recognized and triggers the execution of a second vehicle function. This control allows different functions to be performed depending on the direction in which the finger is moved from the recess. For example, if the user moves their finger to the right of the recess, the next track can be played. If the user moves their finger to the left of the recess, the previous track can be played. The first and second angular ranges can each be indicated by further recesses or indentations, as described above, to guide the user's finger.

[0021] Following the above system, further functions can be assigned to second contacts in additional angular ranges. Thus, 4, 5, or 6 angular ranges are conceivable, each assigned the activation of a different function.

[0022] The recess may be provided with protruding tabs on its inner edge (which do not extend above the surface). These tabs are advantageously designed so that they can be detected by touch. Typically, 4 to 8 (evenly spaced) tabs are provided. In this case, the control device is configured to detect when a user's finger passes over a tab by touching it along the edge of the recess and to issue a notification. This method is particularly suitable for scrolling through lists. When a tab is passed over, the next list entry is selected. Using this control device in combination with angle-dependent function activation as described in the preceding paragraph, the functionality of a rotary / push controller can, in principle, be replicated without any mechanically moving parts.Pressing the control can be interpreted as sliding the control downwards out of its recess. Sliding it to the right or left out of the recess is interpreted as pressing the control to the right or left. Sliding it over the tabs is interpreted as rotating the control. Since the operating logic of rotary / push controllers, such as the BMW iDrive controller, is familiar to many users, the combination control device presented in this section facilitates learning its operating logic.

[0023] In another aspect, a vehicle incorporates one of the control devices described above, wherein the surface of the control device is arranged and designed in the vehicle in such a way that, when the driver performs an operation, they can rest their hand on the surface, and in particular, their palm. As already explained, vehicle movement makes operating the device more difficult. The ability for the user (especially the driver) to support their hand with their fingers during operation allows for safer operation. In one variant, the control device is located on the vehicle's steering wheel or on the vehicle's dashboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface with two recesses according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an interaction with a recess according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface with two connected recesses according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface with a recess and connected depressions according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows details of the arrangement of several recesses in a vehicle dashboard according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows the arrangement of an operating device in a vehicle dashboard according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows the structure of an operating device with display according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows the structure of an operating device according to the invention.

[0024] Identical reference symbols refer to corresponding elements across the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface with two recesses according to one embodiment. The touch-sensitive surface 1a includes a touch sensor that detects contact with the surface based on capacitance effects. A control unit (not shown) is coupled to the touch sensor. The touch-sensitive surface 1a comprises two recesses 2a. The edge of each recess forms a circle with a diameter of, for example, 2 cm. Each recess 2a is recessed approximately 0.5 cm deep into the surface 1a and has a local minimum to which the walls of the recess continuously slope. In operation, a user can touch the surface at point 3a with their finger and drag this touch to point 3b. They have thus performed a sweeping motion from the inside of the recess to a point outside the recess on the surface 1a.Such a touch is detected by a control unit (not shown), and a notification is issued. Surface 1a is integrated into a vehicle, and the user's operating movement activates a function, such as music playback or initiating a phone call. This operation has the advantage that the user can first locate the recess "blindly" by touch and then activate the associated function by pulling the touch out with their finger.

[0026] In Fig. In the right-hand recess 2a, a swiping motion is shown. The user touches the surface 1a at point 4a and then moves their fingertip into recess 2a until a touch occurs at point 4b. In this case, too, a touch occurred first outside the recess and then inside. This is detected by the control unit, and a corresponding message is issued, triggering the activation of a function. In this example, "first" and "second" touches do not necessarily mean that the touches must occur sequentially in that order.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an interaction with a recess 2b according to one embodiment. The touch-sensitive surface 1b includes a recess 2b, which, like the recesses 2a in Fig. 1. In this configuration, the user activates a function by touching the recess inside it, as indicated by touch 5a, and, while continuing to touch 5a, by touching the surface 1b at point 5b with another finger. This has the advantage that the user does not have to perform a swiping motion, but can quickly activate a function by using another finger.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface 1c with two connected recesses according to one embodiment. The touch-sensitive surface 1c comprises a recess 6 and a recess 7 connected thereto. The recess 6 essentially corresponds to the recesses 2a and 2b according to Figure 3. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, however, part of the wall of recess 6 is removed, creating a connection to recess 7. Recess 7 is smaller in diameter than recess 6, for example, 0.8 cm, and also less deep, for example, only 0.25 cm. The second recess is sometimes referred to as the "recess child." During operation, the user can move the touch sensor from point 8a to point 8b. This movement is detected, and a notification is displayed accordingly, potentially triggering the activation of a function. If the user moves touch sensor 8a to a location outside of recesses 6 and 7, this is not recognized as a valid input in this example. Only if the second touch sensor is located within recess 7 is the input recognized and a function activated. In this example, the touch sensor movement is guided by providing the user with a target within recess 7 into which the touch sensor must be moved.This makes it easier to learn the operating system and at the same time prevents incorrect entries.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a touch-sensitive surface 1d with a recess 8 and connected indentations according to one embodiment. The recess 8 is connected to the elongated indentations 9a, 9b, and 9c in a similar manner to how the recess 6 is connected to the recess 7. Furthermore, the recess 8 also includes protrusions 10 that project into the recess 8 and are perceptible by touch. The indentations 9a, 9b, and 9c are of a similar depth to the recess 7, and the recess 8 is of a similar depth to the recess 6. During operation, a user can move their fingertip from inside the recess 8 into one of the indentations 9a, 9b, and 9c. This touch movement is detected, and an associated action is triggered. Depending on the menu hierarchy and selection options available to the user in the respective situation, different actions are assigned to the movements into the various elongated indentations 9a, 9b, and 9c.For example, a movement into the right indentation 9c scrolls forward through a horizontally arranged list of music tracks. A movement into the left indentation 9b scrolls backward in the same list. A movement into the bottom indentation 9a plays the selected music track.

[0030] The recess 8 also includes the protrusions 10. During operation, the user can run their fingertip along the edge of the recess 8 over these protrusions. Each crossing of a protrusion is interpreted as a discrete input, and an associated value is increased or decreased depending on the direction in which the protrusion is crossed. For example, crossing a protrusion can be associated with a change in volume. Furthermore, it can be configured that crossing the connection between one of the recesses 9a, 9b, and 9c and the recess 8 is also assigned a value change (volume change). (When a protrusion or connection is detected, the control unit issues a corresponding notification.)

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows details of the arrangement of several recesses in a vehicle dashboard according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the touch-sensitive surface 1e has four recesses 6a to 6d. Simultaneously, the touch-sensitive surface is provided with a graphic display by means of a rear projection. Details of the rear projection are given with reference to Fig. 6 explained. The graphic display represents a symbol in each recess, for example, a musical note symbol for music, a telephone symbol for telephone calls, etc. The smaller recess attached to each of recesses 6a to 6c is also color-coded. The execution of a movement, as with reference to Fig. As described in step 3, this leads to the activation of the function indicated by the symbol.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows the arrangement of a touch-sensitive surface, for example the surface 1e, in a dashboard 11 of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows the structure of an operating device with a display according to an exemplary embodiment. The surface 1e according to Fig. Surface 6 is illuminated from behind by a projector 12 via a mirror 14 and has a rough back surface. Simultaneously, a camera 13 records the surface 1e and thus detects the points of contact. An alternative system can provide that the display function is fulfilled by an OLED display and the contact detection by a capacitive touch sensor arranged in a layer in front of the OLED display, as is known from the prior art.

[0034] Fig.Figure 8 schematically shows the structure of an operating device according to the invention. A surface 1 with a recess is arranged in front of a touch detection layer 20, which detects touches on the surface 1 using capacitance effects. Together, the surface 1 and the layer 20 constitute a touch-sensitive surface. An OLED display 21 is arranged behind the layer 20. Both the layer 20 and the display 21 are connected to the control unit 22, which displays and evaluates the touches during operation. The control unit can be a computer, in particular firmware, or a vehicle head unit.

Claims

[1] Operating device for a vehicle, comprising: A touch-sensitive surface wherein the surface has a first depression; a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: Detecting an operator input, the operator input comprising a first touch within the first recess and a second touch outside the first recess; In response to detection: outputting an indication that the operator input was detected; characterized by , that the surface includes a second depression; and the operating input stipulates that the second touch takes place in the second recess. [2] The operating device of claim 1, wherein the first and second troughs contact each other, and wherein each of the troughs includes a local depression minimum. [3] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The operator input specifies that the first touch occurs before, after, or at the same time as the second touch. [4] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating input provides that the first and the second touch are part of a continuous touch movement, in particular a swipe with a finger across the surface. [5] Operating device according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the operating input according to claim 1 is a first operating input and wherein the first operating input provides that the first touch occurs before the second touch; and wherein the control unit is further configured to: In response to detecting the first operator input: causing a first function of a vehicle to be performed; Detecting a second operating input, wherein the second operating input provides that the first touch occurs after the second touch; and In response to detecting the second operator input: issuing an indication that the second operator input was detected and causing a second function of the vehicle to be performed. [6] Vehicle with an operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the operating device is arranged and designed in the vehicle in such a way that when the operating input is carried out by a driver of the vehicle, the driver can support his hand, with which the operating input is carried out, on the surface, and in particular can support the ball of his hand. [7] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the operating device is arranged on the steering wheel of the vehicle or in the dashboard of the vehicle.

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