Direct access via 2-finger character input on touch surfaces

Abstract

Control device (100) with an input device (201) for an infotainment system (200) of a vehicle, wherein the input device (201) has a touch-sensitive surface (2010) for inputting control instructions; wherein the control device (100) is designed to distinguish between two input modes for inputting the control instructions; in the first input mode, the control instructions are entered by touching the surface (2010) with a user's finger; wherein in the second input mode the input of the control instructions is carried out by simultaneously touching the surface (2010) with two fingers (300, 301) of the user and moving the two fingers on the surface, wherein the control device is configured to distinguish between two classes of control instructions when inputs are made in the second input mode; wherein the class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written on the surface by moving two fingers (300, 301); the first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions; the second class includes control instructions for selecting sub-functions; where the specific gesture for defining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode is to be performed after the character has been entered on the touch-sensitive surface (2010).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for an infotainment system for a vehicle, a vehicle with an infotainment system, a method for operating the infotainment system, a program element and a computer-readable medium. Background of the invention

[0002] Capacitive touch controls and user interfaces may be provided for vehicle infotainment systems, allowing users to select list items, such as a radio station in the radio menu, or to enter a phone number or street name when using the navigation function, by touching the screen. Functions that a user of a vehicle infotainment system can select include radio functions, navigation system functions, comfort settings (such as adjusting the interior temperature), and multimedia settings. In addition to the option of directly accessing functions by touching the user interfaces, corresponding functions may also be selected using separate mechanical buttons on the infotainment system.

[0003] Separate mechanical buttons can help reduce the need to look away when operating touchpads and touch displays due to their haptic feedback and coding, but they sometimes increase the manufacturing costs of the touchpads or touch displays. Touchpads and touch displays without mechanical buttons are generally cheaper to manufacture, but in the absence of haptic feedback and coding, they often require looking away to operate.

[0004] US Patent 2011 / 0 285 649 A1 discloses information display devices, methods, and programs that move an image on a display screen by inertial scrolling based on a printing process. US Patent 2010 / 0 079 501 A1 relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. US Patent 8 810 509 B2 describes a technology that provides an interface to a computer application using a multi-digit sensor. Summary of the invention

[0005] It can be considered an object of the invention to simplify and make more intuitive the operation of a touch-sensitive operating or control device for an infotainment system. For example, it can be an object of the invention to increase driving safety during the operation of a vehicle's infotainment system by simplifying its operation.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments and embodiments are contained in the dependent claims and the subsequent description.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a control device with an input device for an infotainment system is provided. The input device has a touch-sensitive surface for inputting control instructions by a user of the infotainment system. The control device is designed to distinguish between two input modes for the input of the user's control instructions, wherein in the first input mode the control instructions are entered by touching the touch-sensitive surface with one finger of the user, and in the second input mode the control instructions are entered by simultaneously touching the surface with two fingers of the user and moving the two fingers on the surface.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the infotainment system can be implemented as a vehicle infotainment system. However, the invention is not limited to use in vehicles. Nor is it limited to control devices for infotainment systems. The proposed control device with a touch-sensitive surface, described above and below, can, for example, also be designed for ATMs, ticket vending machines, or for controlling mobile phones.

[0009] The following description refers to the application in infotainment systems in vehicles. However, the described characteristics can be applied to the alternative applications of the control device mentioned above.

[0010] The touch-sensitive surface can also be used to display text, symbols, and graphics. For example, a navigation system's street map can be displayed via the touch-sensitive surface.

[0011] In other words, a control device for a vehicle's infotainment system is specified, which provides the possibility of two different input modes. To use either mode, it is not necessary to enter an initial selection command to choose either the first or second mode. A user can directly input a control instruction in either mode via the input device without having to activate the mode beforehand by entering an additional, separate command.

[0012] The input device, which has a touch-sensitive surface, can be a touchpad or touch display, or more generally, a touch-sensitive control element or user interface. The touch sensitivity of the surface can be implemented, for example, by a capacitive system, an inductive system, a resistive system, or an optical system.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device is designed to assign the touching of a symbol, a sequence of numbers or a lettering displayed on the surface with one of the user's fingers to a pre-programmed control command and to execute this control command when the user selects the first input mode.

[0014] For example, the touch-sensitive surface of the input device can display icons for the navigation system, the radio, comfort settings, multimedia settings, and a telephone. In this case, a user can select one of these icons with a finger, and the control device is designed to recognize the area of ​​the surface selected by the finger, assign it to a corresponding control command, and execute that command. For instance, touching the navigation system icon can open the navigation system.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control device is designed to recognize, when the user selects the second input mode, a character written on the surface by the movement of the user's two fingers, to assign this character to a pre-programmed control command, and to execute the control command. The character can be a symbol, a character, a number, a gesture, or a combination of symbols and / or characters and / or numbers and / or gestures.

[0016] In other words, a user can write a character, for example, the letter N, on the touch-sensitive surface using two fingers of their right hand. In this case, the control device can be configured to recognize that input is being made with two fingers and can further be configured to recognize the written character, in this case, the letter. The letter N can be assigned the control command to open the navigation system or the menu associated with the navigation system on the touch-sensitive surface. In this case, a user of the input device can enter the letter N into the input device without taking their eyes off the road ahead. Looking at the touch surface to ensure that the correct symbol, in this case, the navigation system symbol, is selected is unnecessary.This allows for easy and direct access to the necessary functions of a vehicle's infotainment system.

[0017] The second input mode does not have to be limited to using two fingers to enter a character. More than two fingers, whose fingertips touch the touch-sensitive surface during input, are also possible.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the two fingers by means of which the user writes a character on the touch-sensitive surface of the input device in the second input mode touch each other, at least at the fingertips with which the two fingers each touch the touch-sensitive surface.

[0019] In other words, it can be provided that the two fingers on the surface in the second input mode are combined to form a "large finger". For example, the thumb and index finger of the right hand can be used as the two combined fingers. In this case, the two combined fingers simulate the position these two fingers would assume when using a writing instrument, such as a pen. However, the invention is not limited to using the thumb and index finger as the two fingers touching the surface. Rather, a user can use a pair of fingers of their choice to input control instructions in the second input mode.

[0020] According to the invention, the control device is designed to distinguish between two classes of control instructions when input is received in the second input mode. The class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with the character written by moving two fingers on the surface. The first class comprises control instructions for selecting main functions, such as a navigation system, a radio, a comfort setting of the infotainment system, or a multimedia unit. The second class comprises control instructions for selecting sub-functions, such as a list item subordinate to a main function. Each list item is subordinate to exactly one element from the main functions. The sub-function, or...The list item can be an address, a radio station, a vehicle interior temperature, a telephone number, a volume level, a website address, or a song title. Further sub-functions or list items are also possible.

[0021] In other words, the control device is designed to distinguish between the activation of main functional elements and the activation of sub-functions, such as list items. The input of a specific gesture in combination with a control instruction classifies the entered instruction as belonging to main functional elements, such as radio comfort settings or the navigation system, or to the corresponding sub-functions of the main functional elements, which may be stored in list items and which may contain, for example, addresses, telephone numbers, or radio stations.

[0022] According to the invention, the specific gesture for defining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode is to be performed after the character has been entered on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0023] The gesture used to assign a first-class control instruction could, for example, be a single, brief touch—that is, a tap—of both fingers on a spot on the screen. The second gesture used to assign a second-class control instruction could, in this case, be two brief taps of two fingers on the touch-sensitive surface. Other gesture forms are also possible. In any case, these gestures should be characterized by being easy and quick to perform and sufficiently distinct from one another. For example, the first gesture used to assign a control instruction to the first class, i.e., to main function instructions, could be a short swipe from top to bottom across the touch-sensitive surface, and the corresponding second gesture could be a swipe from left to right across the surface.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the control device includes a programmable memory for storing characters entered with two fingers and for storing a link between the corresponding character and a control command.

[0025] The programmable memory can be accessed via a dial function of the input device, and a user of the control device can then write a character on the touch-sensitive surface of the input device using two fingers. The shape of this character is then stored in memory. The user can then associate the written character with a control command and also store this association in memory, so that when the user subsequently writes the character on the surface, the control unit can recognize the character, associate it with the corresponding control command, and execute it. In this way, personalized function calls and interactions can be enabled. As described in the exemplary embodiments, in particular those of Fig. As described in section 3B, a user can write a heart symbol on the surface and store it in the control device's memory, linking this symbol to their spouse's phone number. When a heart symbol is entered via the input device in the second input mode, the spouse is immediately called, eliminating the need to search for the corresponding phone number in several steps by dialing a phone book and looking up the stored numbers. This allows for simple and direct access and increases driving safety, as the user can write the symbol without taking their eyes off the road.

[0026] The availability of memory also makes it possible to easily retrofit control devices with touch-sensitive surfaces as input elements, i.e., touch systems in general, with a software update.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control device is designed to visually display the control command selected by a user and executed by the system in the form of information characterizing this command. The visual display can be directly on the touch-sensitive surface in the form of text, a sequence of numbers, or a graphic. However, it is also possible for this display to be shown on another display device in the vehicle within the driver's field of vision.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a control device for a vehicle infotainment system is described. The control device comprises an input device with a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes the following steps: recognizing and distinguishing between a first input mode and a second input mode, wherein, in the first input mode, a control instruction is entered by touching the touch-sensitive surface with one finger of the user, and, in the second input mode, a control instruction is entered by simultaneously touching the touch-sensitive surface with two fingers of the user and moving the two fingers on the surface. When inputting a control instruction in the second input mode, two classes of control instructions are distinguished from one another.The class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written by moving two fingers on the surface. The first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions, the second class control instructions for selecting sub-functions. The specific gesture for determining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode must be performed after entering the character on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a program element which, when executed on a control device of a vehicle infotainment system, instructs the control device to perform the following steps: Recognizing and distinguishing between two input modes for entering control instructions by a user touching a touch-sensitive surface of an input device of the control device, wherein the input of control instructions in the first input mode is effected by touching the surface with one finger of the user. The input of control instructions in the second input mode is effected by simultaneously touching the surface with two fingers of the user and moving the two fingers of the user on the surface. When inputting a control instruction in the second input mode, two classes of control instructions are distinguished from one another.The class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written by moving two fingers on the surface. The first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions, the second class control instructions for selecting sub-functions. The specific gesture for determining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode must be performed after entering the character on the touch-sensitive surface.

[0030] In the second input mode, the user's two fingers touching the touch-sensitive surface of the control device can be spaced apart, or they can be pulled together in such a way that the fingertips touching the surface also touch each other.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention provides for a computer-readable medium on which a program element is stored that has the properties described above and below.

[0032] Features described above and below with reference to the control device can equally refer to the method, the program element and the computer-readable medium, and vice versa.

[0033] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle with a control device for an infotainment system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an infotainment system with a control device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3A shows the input of a control instruction in the second input mode according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3B shows the input of a control instruction in the second input mode according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3C shows the input of the character N in the second input mode according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3D shows the input of a character-number combination in the second input mode according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a control device for an infotainment system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The drawings are schematic and not to scale. Identical reference symbols describe identical or similar elements. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 101 with a control device 100. The control device is designed to control the various elements of an infotainment system for the motor vehicle.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a more detailed representation of the infotainment system 200 with a control device 100 for the infotainment system 200. The control device has an input device 201 and a processor 202, which is connected to the input device. The connection can be wired, but it can also be a wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth connection.

[0037] Furthermore, a memory 203 is connected to the processor. The memory can be programmable, meaning that a user can define new control instructions or new input symbols, the form of which can then be stored in the memory of the control device. The connection between the memory and the processor can, for example, be a wired or wireless connection. The processor 202 is connected to the various elements of the vehicle's infotainment system, which may include a speaker 204, as well as an air conditioning system 205, a navigation system 206, a radio 207, and a comfort control unit 208, which, for example, can be used to regulate the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 101.Additional features that may be part of a vehicle's infotainment system, such as a CD or MP3 player, or a connection for a mobile phone or USB stick, may be provided. In this case, the 202 processor is also connected to these features.

[0038] In the Fig. Figures 3A to 3D show examples of different characters being entered in the second input mode using a user's two fingers 300 and 301 on the touch-sensitive surface. These examples assume that the two fingers touching the screen are held together, so that their fingertips, which are in contact with the surface, also touch each other. However, character entry in the second input mode is not limited to the case of fingers being held together. It is also conceivable that the fingers are held at a distance from each other, so that the fingertips do not touch. Such a distance could be, for example, on the order of 2 cm, although the distance between the fingers during the writing of a character on the touch-sensitive surface may fluctuate, for example, on the order of a few millimeters.Other distances between the fingertips touching the surface are also possible. Input in the second input mode should be performed in such a way that the fluctuations in the distance between the fingertips touching the screen are on the order of a few millimeters, and not on the order of the average distance between the fingertips. This ensures that the second input mode can be distinguished from a zoom-in or zoom-out gesture. Generally, the distance that the two fingers touching the surface can be from each other in the second mode can depend on the sensor resolution of the touch system. If the sensor resolution of the touch system is high enough to distinguish two fingertips touching the surface from a single fingertip touching the surface, input in the second input mode can be performed with fingers touching the surface.Otherwise, in the second input mode, the fingers should maintain a minimum distance from each other, ensuring that the distinction between one and two fingertips on the touch surface is maintained. This distance could, for example, be 1 cm to 2 cm, corresponding to the size that fingertips typically maintain in a natural, relaxed position.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 3A shows an input device 201. The input device has a touch-sensitive surface 2010, for example, a touchpad or a touch surface. The input device 201 can be part of the infotainment system 200, which is located in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0040] On the touch-sensitive surface 2010 of the input device, two fingertips, 300, 301, which touch the surface 2010, are shown schematically. The arrows that appear in the Fig. Connecting terminals 3A to the schematically depicted fingertips 300 and 301 indicates a direction of finger movement when entering control instructions in the second input mode. The fingers are shown being moved in such a way that the digits 1 and 0 can be written on the surface. In addition to the depicted touch-sensitive surface 2010, the input device 201 can also have separate mechanical buttons via which different functions of the infotainment system can be selected. These separate buttons are located in Fig. 3A not shown.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 3B shows another example of character input in the second input mode via the touch-sensitive surface 2010. In this case, the two fingertips 300 located on the touch-sensitive surface 2010 are moved according to the arrow directions shown so that a heart symbol is written on the surface of the input device 201.

[0042] Generally, when entering characters in the second input mode, the following sequence of steps can occur. First, a touchpad or touch-sensitive surface is present, on which symbols, characters, or text containing information from the infotainment system can be displayed. Regardless of the information currently displayed on the touchscreen, in the second step, a user can directly write a character, such as a heart symbol, on the touchscreen using two fingers. The system first recognizes that the user is using two fingers to enter the character and then identifies the character as a heart symbol. In the memory of the control system or device, the heart symbol can be linked to the phone number of the driver's partner, and in the third step, after entering the heart symbol, the partner is called directly.This offers the advantage that the corresponding telephone number does not have to be looked up in a telephone book, but access can be quick and direct.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3C shows another example of a user entering a character in the second input mode. The figure again depicts an input device 201 of a control system for an infotainment system with a touch-sensitive surface 2010. In the case of the Fig. 3C uses arrows to describe how to type the capital letter N on the touchscreen or touchpad surface. The control system may store information indicating that the capital letter N is associated with accessing the navigation system. The depicted input of the capital letter N in the second input mode could be a command by which a user wishes to access a main function of the infotainment system. To distinguish between accessing main functions and sub-functions, two different gestures may be used to clearly assign a control command to either a main function or a sub-function. For example, after entering the capital letter N in the second input mode, a user could briefly tap the touchscreen with both fingers to classify the control command as being directed to a main function.In this case, for example, the navigation system might open, allowing the user to enter an address via the touchscreen. Instead of selecting an address from a list, the user can, in the second input mode, enter a symbol, such as the letter H, to select their home address. To classify the entered command as belonging to a sub-function of the navigation system, the user can then tap the screen twice in quick succession with two fingers. The system can be configured to interpret this gesture as assigning the input to a sub-function of the main navigation system function.

[0044] In Fig. 3D is another embodiment of character input in the second input mode by writing on the touch-sensitive surface 210 of the input device 201 of a control device 100. The arrows indicate the directions of movement of a pair of fingers with which, in this case, the letter T and the number 19 are written on the touch-sensitive surface 210. In this case, this can, for example, address the temperature control of the vehicle and regulate the temperature in the passenger compartment to 19°C.

[0045] A particular advantage of the invention is that, in the second input mode, the main functions and submenu elements of the infotainment system can be selected directly via character input and free-form symbol input using two-finger input. Character input is flexible and can be used independently of the user and vehicle manufacturer. In particular, the control system allows for the input and storage of user-specific, personalized symbols. Each user can thus use their preferred, simple, and memorable symbols and link them to a specific control instruction for the infotainment system. It is advantageous to directly address the main functions and frequently used interaction elements of the infotainment system with a maximum of two specific symbols, enabling quick and easy access.This enables direct, fast, and secure access via manual character input. The interaction method is simple and easy for the user to learn. It allows direct access to desired content, regardless of the current position of the user. For example, a user can enter the character combination that is in . Fig. The 3D display shows "T 19" directly on the touchscreen surface, while a map from the navigation system is currently being shown on that surface. This eliminates the need for the user to first close the navigation function or the map display and then access the temperature control. This also reduces the cognitive load on the driver and thus increases driving safety. The invention is inexpensive and easy to implement on existing devices via a software update.

[0046] In other words, the second mode allows direct switching between functions of the infotainment system. Switching between the first and second input modes also occurs directly, without requiring a separate initializing command.

[0047] For example, a user in the second input mode can use the digits 0 to 9 as favorite bookmarks. Depending on user settings or the default configuration, entering a digit in this case will call up the corresponding favorite. If another character, such as a letter, precedes the digit, the number can be interpreted as a parameter or position indicator for the function to be executed, for which the character, i.e., the letter, represents.

[0048] Fig.Figure 4 shows an example flowchart for a procedure for operating a control device of an infotainment system in a vehicle. In a first step, 401, the system detects that a user is touching the touchpad surface. In a second step, the control device distinguishes whether the user is touching the surface of the control device's input device with one finger or with two fingers. If the user touches the input device or its surface with one finger, the system classifies the control instruction in step 403 as belonging to the first input mode. The first input mode can be characterized by selecting symbols, characters, graphics, or text by choosing the corresponding screen area. Further characteristics of the first input mode are described above and / or below.If, in step 402, the control device detects that the user is entering in the second input mode, i.e., touching the touch-sensitive surface of the input device with two fingers simultaneously, the system classifies the user's entered control instruction as a second input mode instruction in step 404. The characteristics of the second input mode are described above and / or below.

[0049] Features described in connection with the control device can equally refer to the method, the program element or the computer-readable medium, and vice versa.

[0050] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the embodiments above can also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above.

[0052] Reference numerals in the claims are not to be regarded as limitations.

Claims

[1] Control device (100) with an input device (201) for an infotainment system (200) of a vehicle, wherein the input device (201) has a touch-sensitive surface (2010) for inputting control instructions; wherein the control device (100) is designed to distinguish between two input modes for inputting the control instructions; in the first input mode, the control instructions are entered by touching the surface (2010) with a user's finger; wherein in the second input mode the input of the control instructions is carried out by simultaneously touching the surface (2010) with two fingers (300, 301) of the user and moving the two fingers on the surface, wherein the control device is configured to distinguish between two classes of control instructions when inputs are made in the second input mode; wherein the class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written on the surface by moving two fingers (300, 301); the first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions; the second class includes control instructions for selecting sub-functions; where the specific gesture for defining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode is to be performed after the character has been entered on the touch-sensitive surface (2010). [2] Control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, when the user selects the first input mode, the control device is configured to associate the touching of a symbol, sequence of numbers or lettering displayed on the surface (2010) with one finger with a pre-programmed control command and to execute this control command. [3] Control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the user selects the second input mode, the control device is configured to recognize a character written on the surface (2010) by moving the user's two fingers (300, 301), to assign it to a pre-programmed control command and to execute the control command; where the sign is a symbol, a character, a digit, a gesture or a combination of symbols and / or characters and / or digits and / or gestures. [4] Control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two fingers (300, 301), by means of which the user writes a character on the touch-sensitive surface (2010) of the input device (201) in the second input mode, also touch each other at least at the fingertips with which they each touch the touch-sensitive surface. [5] Control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the main functions include a navigation system, a radio, a comfort setting of the infotainment system or a multimedia unit; where the sub-functions include a list element subordinate to the main functions; where each list item is subordinate to exactly one element of the main functions; where the list item is an address, a radio station, a vehicle interior temperature, a volume level, an internet address, or a music title. [6] Control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device has a programmable memory (203) for storing characters entered with two fingers (300, 301) and for storing a link of the corresponding character with a control command. [7] Control device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, designed to visually display information characterizing the executed control command on the touch-sensitive surface (2010) in the form of a text, a sequence of numbers or a graphic. [8] Method for operating a control device (100) with an input device (201) for an infotainment system (200) of a vehicle, wherein the input device has a touch-sensitive surface (2010); the procedure comprising the following steps: - Detect (401) and distinguish (402) a first input mode and a second input mode; wherein the input of a control instruction in the first input mode is carried out by touching the touch-sensitive surface (2010) with a user's finger; wherein the input of a control instruction in the second input mode is carried out by simultaneously touching the touch-sensitive surface with two fingers (300, 301) of a user and moving the two fingers on the surface, where, when a control instruction is entered in the second input mode, two classes of control instructions are distinguished from each other; wherein the class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written on the surface by moving two fingers (300, 301); the first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions; the second class includes control instructions for selecting sub-functions; where the specific gesture for defining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode is to be performed after the character has been entered on the touch-sensitive surface (2010). [9] Program element which, when executed on a control device (100) of an infotainment system (200) of a vehicle, directs the control device to perform the following steps: - Detecting and distinguishing between two input modes for inputting control instructions by a user touching a touch-sensitive surface (2010) of an input device (201) of the control device (100); where the input of the control instructions in the first input mode is done by touching the surface (2010) with a finger of the user; wherein the input of control instructions in the second input mode is carried out by simultaneous touching of the surface (2010) by two fingers (300, 301) of the user and movement of the two fingers of the user on the surface, where, when a control instruction is entered in the second input mode, two classes of control instructions are distinguished from each other; wherein the class of a control instruction is determined by performing a specific gesture on the surface in combination with a character written on the surface by moving two fingers (300, 301); the first class includes control instructions for selecting main functions; the second class includes control instructions for selecting sub-functions; where the specific gesture for defining the class of a control instruction in the second input mode is to be performed after the character has been entered on the touch-sensitive surface (2010). [10] Computer-readable medium on which a program element according to claim 9 is stored.

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