Operating device and method for operating the operating device

Abstract

Method for operating an operating device (15) for a device, wherein: - an input device (18) activates a predetermined device function depending on the operation, - a first functional unit (27) generates first result data (30) according to the device function exclusively by means of at least one device-internal functional component, - a second functional unit (28) determines second result data (33) according to the device function by means of at least one device-external functional component by sending request data (31) to the at least one device-external functional component and receiving the second result data (33), and - an output device (19) outputs the result data (30, 33), wherein the output device (19) outputs the first result data (30) in a first representation form and the second result data (33) in a second representation form.wherein the output first result data (30) on the one hand and the output second result data (33) on the other hand differ independently of their respective data content by the two representation forms, wherein the first result data (30) and / or the second result data (33) are each determined from several different data sources and at least one of the representation forms has several subconfigurations that differ in a representation of the result data (30, 33), and the result data (30, 33) of each data source are output according to a different of the subconfigurations.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a control device of a device, in particular a motor vehicle. The control device provides a predetermined device function, wherein the device function comprises an internal and an external component. The invention also includes a control device for the device by means of which the method according to the invention can be carried out. Finally, the invention also includes a motor vehicle with the control device according to the invention.

[0002] The described device function could, for example, involve searching for data in different storage locations, one of which might be located within the device itself, particularly in a vehicle, and another, for example, on an internet server. However, a wireless connection for conducting an online data search on the internet server is not always available. If a user activates the device function and receives search results, it is often unclear whether these results are solely from the device's own storage or whether data from the internet server has also been included.

[0003] The described onboard data search in a vehicle's own memory and the combination with an online data search in an external data storage device is known, for example, from WO 2015 / 06250 A1.

[0004] From DE 10 2009 023 447 A1 it is known to operate a display unit, such as a screen, in a split-screen display in which an available total display area is divided into two adjacent display areas and filled with different content.

[0005] It is also known from EP 2 642 359 A1 to arrange display areas for showing different data side by side on a screen.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a compact output of the result data with data source information for an operating device that provides a device function with an onboard functional part and an online functional part.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the features of the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figure.

[0008] The invention provides a method for operating a control device of a device. The control device is described below in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle. Instead of a motor vehicle, the control device can also be used to operate another device. The references to the motor vehicle described above are therefore to be understood generally as references to a device in the context of the invention. Such another device could be, for example, a portable mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The control device could also be intended for an installation, for example, in a public space.

[0009] An input device activates a predetermined device function depending on its operation. The input device can, for example, include a touchscreen operated by a user. A first functional unit generates initial result data according to the device function, exclusively using at least one internal functional component. A second functional unit generates further result data according to the device function, using at least one external functional component, by sending request data to this external component and receiving the second result data. Both the first and second functional units generate the respective result data according to the device function; that is, they execute the device function and produce the respective result data as a result of the function execution.The first functional unit provides the onboard functionality, while the second functional unit controls the online functionality. An output device displays the results data on the device.

[0010] To ensure that the result data can be assigned to the correct functional unit, i.e., the correct data source, the invention provides that the output device outputs the first result data in a first representation format and the second result data in a second representation format. The output first result data and the output second result data differ, regardless of their respective data content, due to the two representation formats. In other words, even if the data content of the first result data and the second result data are identical, the result data will be represented differently, for example, in appearance, solely because they were determined by the first functional unit and the second functional unit, respectively.

[0011] The invention offers the advantage that the display device uses both display formats to indicate whether result data from the first and second functional units is available. Furthermore, it indicates which result data originates from which functional unit.

[0012] The invention also includes optional further developments whose features provide additional advantages.

[0013] Preferably, the device function in question includes a data search. The first functional unit performs this data search in at least one device-integrated memory. Such memory can be, for example, a hard drive, a DVD, or a memory card. If the device is a motor vehicle, "vehicle-integrated memory" in the context of the invention also includes a portable, mobile device connected to the vehicle, for example, via Bluetooth or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). The second functional unit uses the query data to control an online data search in at least one server device. Such a server device can be, for example, an internet server. The query data, on the one hand, and the received result data, on the other, can each be transmitted or exchanged, for example, via a wireless connection between the device and the server device.The wireless connection can be provided, for example, by means of a cellular module or a WLAN radio module. The second functional unit can communicate with at least one server device, for example, based on an internet connection or an IP connection (IP – Internet Protocol). The results data obtained during a data search can be, for example, navigation data, address data, or media data. Due to the different display formats, the first set of results data and the second set of results data can then be displayed, for example, in different colors, fonts, and / or with different markers, thus indicating the respective data source (device-specific data storage or online data storage) in the output data.

[0014] The search function is preferably designed so that, for a search term received via the input device, the search is conducted across data sources with diverse thematic content, regardless of the search term's topic category. A topic category could be, for example, navigation, address, or entertainment. Even if the search term clearly indicates its topic category (for example, a city name suggesting the topic category "navigation"), the search function will search all available data sources, i.e., data sources for different topics or aspects, such as a navigation database, an address database, and / or a media database. This so-called "truffle principle," i.e., the category-independent search, allows users to specify a search term without explicitly defining a topic category.

[0015] The device's functionality can include voice control. Upon receiving a voice input via the input device, such as a search term, the first functional unit performs onboard speech recognition using the vehicle's own speech recognition system. The second functional unit then uses the query data to control an online speech recognition service. For example, the second functional unit can include an audio signal of the voice input or recognition features generated from the audio signal, such as cepstral coefficients, in the query data. Since the error rate for recognition can be high with complex voice inputs using a vehicle's own speech recognition system, potentially leading to the identification of an incorrect word, such as an incorrect search term, the different presentation formats of the output data immediately indicate a possible source of error.Because with complex voice input that has been converted into text using the vehicle's own speech recognition system, the initial results may, for example, contain a search result for an incorrect search term that does not match the voice input.

[0016] The device function can include handwriting recognition. Based on a character trace received via the input device, which a user may have drawn or executed on a touchscreen, for example, the first functional unit uses an onboard handwriting recognition sensor to determine the handwriting recognition value. The second functional unit then uses the query data to control an online handwriting recognition service. This achieves the same advantages in handwriting recognition as described in connection with speech recognition.

[0017] Preferably, the output unit in question has two spatially separated display areas, delimited from each other, in particular by a boundary element. The boundary element can be, for example, a graphic symbol, such as a line or a solid-color area, or, for example, a bar or a bridge, which may be made of plastic. The two display configurations include the first set of result data being displayed on the first display area and the second set of result data on the second display area. In other words, the first set of result data and the second set of result data are displayed separately on predetermined, distinct display areas. Preferably, the result data is displayed in two separate lists.This has the advantage that the two functional units are assigned different output locations for their respective result data, thus preventing any visual or optical mixing of the output data.

[0018] The two display formats can also differ in that the results data are output sequentially. The output time thus represents a form of display. This has the advantage that a user's concentration is always focused on only one group of results data at a time, i.e., either the first or the second set of results data.

[0019] The results data can be displayed graphically. The system then switches between the first and second sets of results. This switching can be automatic, for example, after a predetermined display period. Alternatively, the switching can also be operator-controlled.

[0020] The sequential output of results can also be audible. In this case, the results are announced via speech output, with the first and second sets of results being announced by different voices. The first set of results is thus grouped chronologically and announced before or after the second set of results, which are also grouped chronologically. The voice and / or speaker differ in this regard. This offers the advantage that the origin of the results (first or second functional unit) is conveyed or signaled even without visual input, i.e., without requiring the user to look at a display, for example. This is particularly advantageous for drivers while driving a motor vehicle.

[0021] As previously explained, the at least one external functional component is only available if the vehicle's communication system has established a communication link to it and the component responds to the request data. If this is not the case, an empty display, specifically an empty field, is shown. This empty field could, for example, be a solid color. Therefore, even if no further result data is available, this is still indicated by the empty display. This signals or communicates the interrupted communication link or the unresponsive external functional component in the vehicle.

[0022] As previously explained, the search function, for example, need not be limited to a single data store. In general, the first functional unit and / or the second functional unit can obtain their respective result data from several different data sources. Therefore, if the first result data and / or the second result data are each determined from several different data sources, it is preferred that at least one of the two display formats, i.e., the first display format and / or the second display format, has several subconfigurations that differ in the presentation of the result data. The different subconfigurations can, for example, differ in their graphical representation (color, font type, and / or highlighting) and / or in their output locations and / or output times, as described above.The results from each data source are output according to a different subconfiguration. In other words, it is possible to differentiate between the various data sources within the output of the first set of results and / or within the output of the second set of results. Thus, the respective data source is also indicated here.

[0023] The invention also includes the described operating device for a device, in particular a motor vehicle. The operating device is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the operating device comprises a processor unit with program code that, when executed by the processor unit, is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The processor unit can, for example, comprise a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. The program code can be stored in a program memory of the processor unit.

[0024] Finally, the invention also includes a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle according to the invention features an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention. Preferably, the motor vehicle according to the invention is designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck.

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The single figure (Fig.) shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0026] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0027] The figure depicts a motor vehicle 10, which could be, for example, a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or truck. The image shows the interior of a vehicle. 11 From the perspective of a (not shown) driver. A steering wheel is shown. 12 , a center console 13 and a dashboard 14 The motor vehicle 10 can a control device 15 exhibiting a processor unit shown in the figure 16 and an interface element 17 are shown. The interface element 17 This could be, for example, a touchscreen. Using the interface element 17 can an input device 18 and an output device 19 to be realized.

[0028] The processor setup 16 This can be implemented, for example, by a control unit.

[0029] The processor setup 16can be accessed via a communication link 20 with an external, stationary server device 21 be coupled. The server device 21 This could be, for example, an internet server. The communication connection 20 for example, through a communication device 22 This may be implemented, for example, by means of a radio module, in particular a mobile communication module and / or a WLAN radio module. 22 can a radio connection 23 for example, to a mobile network 24 be provided. The communication link 20 can be done via radio connection 23 and the mobile network 24 and / or via the internet 25 to the server device 21 lead.

[0030] Through the operating device 15For example, a search function may be provided. The search function is a device function. Via the input device 18 can a user (not shown) enter a search term 26 Enter a search term, which can specify, for example, the name of a city or a person. 26 This can also be done, for example, using handwriting recognition or voice control.

[0031] The processor setup 16 can two functional units 27 , 28 exhibit the functional unit 27 represents a first functional unit. The functional unit 28 represents a second functional unit. The functional units 27 , 28 They can, for example, serve as program modules of the processor setup 16 be realized. The functional unit 27 can be stored in an in-vehicle data storage device 29based on the search term 26 Perform an onboard data search within the vehicle. The functional unit can do this. 27 For example, the first search results data. 30 determine.

[0032] The second functional unit 28 can be based on the search term 26 Request data 31 generate and via the communication link 20 to the server device 21 transferred. The server device 21 For example, the internet search service GOOGLE SEARCH TM use it, for example, to access an online database 32 based on the data provided by the request 31 predefined search term 26 second results data 33 to be determined as a search result. The second result data 33 can be through the server device 21 via the communication link 20 to the motor vehicle 10be transferred.

[0033] The functional unit 27 can use the initial results data she has determined 30 via the output device 19 output. The functional unit 28 can the second result data she determined 33 also on the output device 19 output. However, the output results differ. 30 , 33 from each other. For example, the initial results data can 30 in a first results list 34 and the second results data 33 in a second results list 35 will be displayed. The two results lists 34 , 35 Each represents a form of presentation of the respective result data. 30 , 33 The results data 30 , 33 are through the output device 19 spatially separated. Between the two results lists 34 ,35 can be considered a boundary element 36 For example, a graphic dividing line or a graphic dividing bar may be provided.

[0034] Thus, the result data 30 , 33 in two separate results lists 34 , 35 This is output. 30 , 33 signals which data source they come from, i.e., from the data storage 29 of the motor vehicle 10 or from the vehicle's external data storage 32 .

[0035] Through the operating device 15 This makes a truly global search technically possible. The results lists 34 , 35 The results can be displayed spatially separated as described, or, for example, designed to be switchable between the onboard search results and the online search results. 30 , 33can represent a final search result or, for example, an intermediate result, so that the two separate result lists 34 , 35 already during the input of the search term 16 are available. The user can immediately access the sources for the result data. 30 , 33 recognize. If either of the two result lists 30 , 35 If the field remains empty, this signals that the respective data storage device is not functioning. 29 , 32 or the respective functional unit 27 , 28 does not respond or is unavailable.

[0036] The operating device 15 can be used in the described manner for a motor vehicle 10 be provided. The operating device 15However, it can also be designed, for example, for operating a portable, mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet PC. The operating device can also be intended for installation in a public space, for example.

[0037] Overall, this example demonstrates how the invention enables a global search to be carried out from a motor vehicle. Reference symbol list 10 motor vehicle 11 Vehicle interior 12 Steering wheel 13 Center console 14 Dashboard 15 Operating device 16 Processor setup 17 Interface element 18 Input device 19 Output device 20 Communication link 21 Server device 22 Communication device 23 Radio connection 24 mobile network 25 Internet 26 search term 27 First functional unit 28 Second functional unit 29 Data storage 30 results data 31 Inquiry data 32 data storage 32 Online database 33 results data 34 Results list 35 Results list 36 boundary element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0038] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0039] WO 2015 / 06250 A1

[0003] DE 102009023447 A1

[0004] EP 2642359 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Method for operating an operating device ( 15 ) for a device, wherein: – an input device ( 18 ) depending on the user, a predetermined device function is activated, – a first functional unit ( 27 ) according to the device function, first result data ( 30 ) generated exclusively by means of at least one internal functional component, – a second functional unit ( 28 ) according to the device function second result data ( 33 ) by means of at least one external functional component by sending request data ( 31 ) to at least one external functional component and receiving the second result data ( 33 ) determined and – an output facility ( 19 ) the result data ( 30 , 33 ) spends, characterized by that the output device ( 19) the first results data ( 30 ) in a first presentation form and the second result data ( 33 ) is displayed in a second form, whereby the first output result data ( 30 ) on the one hand and the output second result data ( 33 ) on the other hand, they differ in their respective data content through the two forms of representation. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the device function comprises a data search and the first functional unit ( 27 ) the data search in at least one device-specific data storage ( 29 ) performs and the second functional unit ( 28 ) using the request data ( 31 ) a respective online data search in at least one server device ( 21 ) controls. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the search function is accessed via the input device ( 18 ) received search term ( 26) the search regardless of the topic category of the search term ( 26 ) in data sources with different thematic content. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device function comprises voice control and leads to an input device ( 18 ) received speech input the first functional unit ( 27 ) performs onboard speech recognition using a device-integrated speech recognition system and the second functional unit ( 28 ) using the request data ( 31 ) controls an online speech recognition service. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device function comprises handwriting recognition and leads to a result obtained via the input device ( 18 ) received character track the first functional unit ( 27 ) using a device-integrated handwriting recognition system, an onboard handwriting recognition system, and the second functional unit ( 28) using the request data ( 31 ) controls an online handwriting recognition service. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output device ( 19 ) two spatially separated by a boundary element ( 36 ) has separately delimited display areas and includes the two display formats, such that the first result data ( 30 ) displayed on the first screen and the second result data ( 33 ) will be displayed on the second display area. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two representation forms differ in that the result data ( 30 , 33 ) will be issued one after the other. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the result data ( 30 , 33 ) are displayed graphically and between the first result data ( 30 ) and the second result data ( 33) is switched. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the result data ( 30 , 33 ) are output by means of a speech output, whereby the first result data ( 30 ) on the one hand and the second result data( 33 ) on the other hand, they are announced by different voices. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event that no second result data ( 33 ) are available, an empty representation, in particular an empty field, is displayed. [11] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first result data ( 30 ) and / or the second result data ( 33 ) are each determined from several different data sources and at least one of the representation forms has several subconfigurations that are reflected in a representation of the result data ( 30 , 33 ) differ, and the result data (30 , 33 ) each data source is output according to a different subconfiguration. [12] Control device ( 15 ), wherein the operating device is a processor unit ( 16 ) with program code that is configured to, when executed by the processor setup ( 16 ) to carry out a method according to any of the preceding claims. [13] motor vehicle ( 10 ) with an operating device according to claim 12.

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