Method for operating a motor vehicle operating device with haptic output, as well as operating device and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating an operating device (B) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein at least one predetermined event (17) that has occurred or is about to occur, which is independent of a route guidance of a navigation device of the motor vehicle (10) or has an influence on the motor vehicle (10) that goes beyond the route guidance, is detected by a control device (16) of the operating device (B), and a notice (18) signalling the detected event (17) is issued to a user in each case, the indication (18) is output haptically via at least one vehicle element (F) with which the user is in contact, by the at least one vehicle element (F) being subjected to a haptic signal pattern (19) dependent on the detected event (17) and / or the indication (18) by controlling a respective actuator unit (14) of the vehicle element (F), wherein the signal pattern (19) comprises that the respective vehicle element (F) is shaken and / or vibrated and / or temporarily blocked and / or subjected to a torque and / or a translational force, characterized in that a response from the user to the issued instruction (18) is received by the operating device (B) in that a user reaction (23) generated by the user, which comprises a force and / or a torque and / or an impulse and / or a change in position of a body part of the user, is recorded on the at least one vehicle element (F) by means of a measuring device (22) which is implemented by the respective actuator unit (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an operating device of a motor vehicle in order to issue a notification to a user when at least one predetermined event that has occurred or is about to occur is detected, which event is independent of a route guidance of a navigation device of the motor vehicle or at least has an influence that goes beyond the navigation.

[0002] In a motor vehicle, a user, in particular the driver, can be given an indication of an event, for example as a graphic display on a screen or by an acoustic signal. This means, however, that other occupants of the motor vehicle can also perceive this indication. However, a user, for example the driver, may be interested in receiving an indication of a predetermined event unobtrusively. For example, a driver may be interested in ensuring that the other occupants of the motor vehicle do not notice when the driver is informed that they have exceeded a current speed limit. This could otherwise make another occupant of the motor vehicle nervous and / or cast doubt on the driver's driving competence.

[0003] From DE 10 2008 011 710 A1 it is known to provide route guidance of a navigation device by giving the driver a direction instruction for the direction to be taken as a vibration signal on the right or left of the steering wheel, depending on the direction to be taken.

[0004] DE 10 2015 219 698 A1 discloses a method for periodically swelling a motor vehicle steering wheel to provide a warning. In other words, the steering wheel's outer shape is changed in a pulsating manner. However, this can cause a motor vehicle driver to lose their grip on the steering wheel.

[0005] From DE 10 2016 200 899 A1 it is known to output a haptic signal as a navigation instruction in a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle.

[0006] WO 2005 / 045 794 A2 discloses an accelerator pedal which, depending on a sensor signal indicating the state of the accelerator pedal, provides haptic feedback to a user in the form of a force.

[0007] DE 10 2015 113 498 A1 discloses the transmission of a haptic signal to the operator via a driver's seat to guide a vehicle operator to a destination, which is a wireless charging station. This ensures the correct alignment of the vehicle with respect to the charging station.

[0008] From US 2004 / 0 049 323 A1 a haptic driver seat warning system is known which emits a haptic signal via a driver seat when detecting speeding and / or lane crossing.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of discreetly transmitting to a user of a motor vehicle an indication of an occurred or impending predetermined event, which is independent of navigation or at least has an influence going beyond navigation, i.e. directed only at the user.

[0010] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0011] The invention provides a method for operating an operating device of a motor vehicle. A control device of the operating device detects at least one predetermined event that has occurred or is about to occur, which is independent of route guidance from a navigation device of the motor vehicle. The aim is therefore not to inform a driver of a motor vehicle of the direction of travel to be taken. Rather, a predetermined event can be, for example, an incoming telephone call. An "imminent" event can be, for example, that the motor vehicle will pass a predetermined point of interest (POI). In the method, a notification signaling the detected event is output to the user for each event.

[0012] In order to do this unobtrusively, the invention provides that the notification is output haptically via a vehicle element with which the user is or is in contact, in that the at least one vehicle element is subjected to a haptic signal pattern dependent on the detected event and / or the notification by controlling a respective actuator unit of the vehicle element. The signal pattern therefore represents the event. The signal pattern can therefore be used to recognize the event or to differentiate between different events. The signal pattern comprises the respective vehicle element being shaken and / or vibrated and / or temporarily blocked and / or subjected to a torque and / or a translational force. In other words, a haptic channel is used to output the notification. The signal pattern is designed in such a way that no deformation of the vehicle element results.Instead, the vehicle element as a whole is subjected to the signal pattern in the manner described. Preferably, this also results in no overall change in the position of the vehicle element. This means that at the end of the signal pattern, for example after a maximum of one second or a maximum of half a second, the vehicle element returns to the position it had before the signal pattern began. As a respective vehicle element, for example, a steering control unit, for example a steering wheel or a joystick, and / or a seat of the motor vehicle and / or an armrest of the motor vehicle and / or a pedal of the motor vehicle and / or a footrest of the motor vehicle can be subjected to the signal pattern by a respective actuator unit. If several vehicle elements are used, the same or different signal patterns are possible for different vehicle elements.A steering wheel offers the advantage of offering up to six degrees of freedom: three linear (up / down, right / left, forward / backward) and three rotational (rotation around the steering wheel axis, tilting up / down, tilting right / left). One or more of these degrees of freedom can be used in combination. A steering wheel, for example, can be used as the actuator unit, a dynamic steering system, which can also be used to implement steering intervention. A steer-by-wire manual actuator and / or an actuator for an EPS (Electronic Power Steering), which is otherwise used to adjust steering resistance, can also be used.

[0013] The invention offers the advantage that only the user in contact with the vehicle element feels the warning. Thus, the warning can be communicated to one user without being noticeable to any other occupant of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, the operating device receives a response from the user to the issued notification in that a user reaction generated by the user, which comprises a force and / or a torque and / or an impulse (i.e., for example, a knock) and / or a change in the position of the user's body part, is recorded on the at least one vehicle element by means of a measuring device. In other words, the user can, for example, confirm the notification and / or carry out an adjustment measure as a user reaction. If, for example, an incoming call is signaled as a notification, the user can, for example, decide or determine using the user reaction whether the call is to be accepted or rejected. To this end, the user can, for example, emit a force and / or a torque and / or an impulse as a user reaction to the at least one vehicle element.For example, the user can shake and / or tap the steering wheel. Additionally or alternatively, the user can, for example, shift their weight on the vehicle seat as a user reaction. To detect a shift in weight in a vehicle seat, a so-called detection mat with a matrix of sensors for pressure and / or force can be provided as a measuring device. Additionally or alternatively, the user can adjust the torque of their hand to the left or right on the steering wheel. Multiple input of a user reaction is also possible. On a steering wheel that has a capacitive sensor as a measuring device, such as can be provided for driving safety to detect driver presence, for example, a knock and / or a shift in the palm of the hand can be detected.Another possible measuring device is the respective actuator unit itself, which can also be used to measure force and / or torque. This is possible, for example, based on the principle of magnetic induction, which can be implemented or used by an electric motor and / or an electromagnet. For example, a controller of the actuator unit can also be used to set a target position for the vehicle element, and the controller signal can be used to detect whether the user is attempting to move the vehicle element from the target position as a reaction.

[0015] A different user response may be required for each of several possible decisions (e.g. accepting or rejecting a call).

[0016] The invention also includes embodiments which provide additional advantages.

[0017] According to one embodiment, it is preferably provided that the user reaction is only recorded within a predetermined time window after the notification has been issued. This results in the advantage that an operating action by the user on the vehicle element, for example the steering wheel, is possible independently of the notification without this being misinterpreted as a response to the notification. If, for example, a steering wheel is used as a vehicle element, it may happen that the user wants to steer the vehicle independently of the notification after the notification has been issued. This is not understood as a user reaction if it occurs outside the time window. The time window can be set accordingly short, for example shorter than 3 seconds, in particular shorter than 2 seconds.

[0018] Of course, as an alternative or addition, the user reaction can also be provided for by the user operating a control element, for example on a touchscreen and / or an instrument panel and / or performing a voice input and / or a gesture input on a touchpad and / or freely in the room.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the said signal pattern provides for the application of a torque and / or a translational force for the indication in the manner described. In this case, however, a change in position of the respective vehicle element caused by the respective actuator unit is preferably avoided in the said manner by the torque and / or the translational force being adjusted, for example, as a function of a counterforce applied by the user. The dependence on the counterforce prevents, for example, a steering wheel from being turned or adjusted by a torque of the signal pattern because the user follows the torque or gives in to the signal pattern. The lower the counterforce of the user, the more the torque and / or force is reduced.If the user instead applies a counterforce to the signal pattern, the torque and / or translational force of the signal pattern can be generated up to a predetermined maximum value. By reversing the direction of the torque and / or force, a position change can be reversed.

[0020] One embodiment provides that a composition of the signal pattern and / or a temporal progression of the signal pattern and / or an amplitude of the signal pattern is adjusted depending on a currently used respective operating mode for at least one operating interface different from the operating device and / or an interior output device and / or a configurable driving behavior. For example, an operating interface can have a changeable so-called "look and feel" of a graphical user interface (look and feel), which corresponds to the said operating mode. Such a changeable setting of graphical user interfaces is also referred to as a theme. In an interior output device, for example, a lighting mode can be adjustable, for example to switch between ambient light and reading light.With a configurable driving behavior, for example, it is possible to switch between a sport mode and a comfort mode and / or an eco mode. The chassis, for example, is then configured accordingly. In this embodiment, it is now provided that the signal pattern is also adapted in the manner described to the current setting regarding the user interface and / or the interior output device and / or the driving behavior. Thus, the signal pattern can be adapted.

[0021] One embodiment provides that a composition and / or temporal sequence of the signal pattern (i.e., a selection or combination of the described options: shaking, vibrating, temporary blocking, torque, translational force) and / or a temporal progression of the signal pattern (duration and / or modulation and / or sequence) and / or an output location of the signal pattern and / or an amplitude of the signal pattern is adjusted as a function of a driving speed of the motor vehicle and / or as a function of a volume measured in or around the motor vehicle and / or a currently set charisma mode of the motor vehicle. This advantageously adapts the signal pattern to a degree of attention and / or a degree of distraction of the user.The Charisma mode is an operating mode for at least one operating interface different from the operating device and / or at least one interior output device and / or a configurable driving behavior.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the at least one event (for which the notification is issued) is received from an infotainment system and / or a control unit of the motor vehicle and / or a mobile device connected to the motor vehicle and / or from an internet server and / or via Car2X communication from another motor vehicle and / or from an infrastructure component. In other words, the event can also be received or signaled by a unit external to the vehicle (mobile device, server, another motor vehicle, infrastructure component). For example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a smartwatch can be connected as a mobile device. The connection can be established in a known manner, for example via a Bluetooth connection. An internet server can, for example, manage the user's digital calendar.An infrastructure component may, for example, be an electronic device installed in the road network, for example on a bridge and / or on a traffic sign and / or on a traffic light.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the respective event is a warning message about a traffic obstruction that forces an alternative route to another lane (for example, signaled by another motor vehicle or an infrastructure component) and / or a speed recommendation (when exceeding a speed limit, signaled for example by an infrastructure component and / or a mobile device and / or another motor vehicle and / or an infotainment system) and / or a place of interest and / or generally a so-called point of interest,that is passed (for example, signaled by an infotainment system and / or an infrastructure component and / or a mobile device) and / or an incoming call (for example, signaled by an infotainment system) and / or an appointment from a user's digital calendar (for example, signaled by the said server and / or a mobile device and / or an infotainment system) is detected. More than one event can also be signaled simultaneously, for which purpose an overlay of the above examples is possible. Accordingly, the signal pattern can be an overlay of several signal patterns intended for each event. For example, to signal an appointment to the user, the driver identity or the user identity in general can first be recorded. This can be detected, for example, using a connected mobile device and / or a user ID from a vehicle key.

[0024] The invention also includes combinations of the described embodiments.

[0025] The invention also encompasses the described operating device for a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device has a control device configured to control at least one actuator unit of a respective vehicle element of the motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the control device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller. The control device can have program code configured to implement an embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the control device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the control device.

[0026] The invention also encompasses a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle element with a respective actuator unit and an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention can be configured in particular as a motor vehicle, preferably as a passenger car or truck.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. It shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0029] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 10, which may be a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a truck. A steering control unit 11, for example a steering wheel 12, and / or a vehicle seat 13, in particular a driver's seat, may be provided in the motor vehicle 10. An actuator unit 14 with at least one actuator 15 may be provided in the steering wheel 12 and / or in the vehicle seat 13. By means of the respective actuator unit 14, an indication 18, for example a warning or information, to be output in relation to a detected event 17, can be output in the steering wheel 12 and / or in the vehicle seat 13 by a control device 16, in each case as a haptic signal pattern 19, for example on a steering wheel rim 20 and / or a seat surface 21.A user (not shown) then feels the haptic signal pattern on the steering wheel 12 and / or the vehicle seat 13 at the point where they touch the steering wheel 12 and / or the vehicle seat 13. Another occupant of the motor vehicle, however, does not feel the signal pattern 19. Therefore, they also do not receive the notification 18.

[0031] Instead of the steering wheel 12 shown in the example, another steering handle can also be provided, e.g. a so-called sidestick or joystick.

[0032] In response to the signal pattern 19, the user can exhibit a user reaction, for example, pressing with the hand and / or shifting weight on the vehicle seat 13, which can be measured by a respective measuring device 22 of the steering wheel 12 and / or the vehicle seat 13 and thus detected by the control device 16 using the measuring device 22. The control device 16 can, for example, be a control unit of the motor vehicle 10. The measuring device 22 of the steering wheel 12 can, for example, comprise a capacitive arrangement of one or more capacitive sensors. Measurement tests have shown that, using such a capacitive sensor arrangement, a knock and / or a change in the position of a user's hand on the steering wheel 12 can be detected. The measuring device 22 of the vehicle seat 13 can, for example, have a matrix of several pressure sensors and / or force sensors.By means of the measuring device 22, a weight shift of the user on the vehicle seat 13 can be detected.

[0033] The control device 16 can output at least one control command 24 to at least one vehicle component depending on the measured user response 23. For example, if an incoming telephone call is signaled as notification 18 and the user requests acceptance of the telephone call through their user response 23, the control command 24 can be used to control, for example, a telephone of the motor vehicle 10 and / or a smartphone coupled to the motor vehicle 10 to accept the telephone call.

[0034] The steering control unit 11 and the vehicle seat 13 each represent a vehicle element F, via which the haptic signal pattern 19 is output. An actuator 15 of the actuator unit 14 can be implemented, for example, based on an electric motor with an eccentrically mounted flywheel and / or by means of a piezo actuator and / or by means of a plunger and a plunger arranged thereon. The actuators 15 of the actuator unit 14 can each be controlled by a control signal 25 from the control device 16.

[0035] Overall, the control device 16, particularly in combination with the respective actuator unit 14 of each vehicle component F and optionally the measuring device 22, represents an operating device B for the motor vehicle 10.

[0036] Fig. 2 once again illustrates the method steps that can be carried out in the operating device B by the control device 16. In a step S10, at least one predetermined event 17 that has occurred or is about to occur, which is independent of route guidance by a navigation device of the motor vehicle, i.e., is not related to driving direction instructions, can be detected. In a step S11, an indication 18 signaling the detected respective event can be output to the user by outputting the indication 18 haptically via at least one vehicle element F with which the user is in contact, by subjecting the at least one vehicle element F to a haptic signal pattern 19 dependent on the detected event 17 by controlling a respective actuator unit 14 of the vehicle element F.

[0037] The signal pattern 19 comprises in particular that the respective vehicle element F is shaken and / or vibrated and / or temporarily blocked (i.e. prevented from moving) and / or subjected to a torque and / or a translational force.

[0038] The event 17 can be signaled or detected, in particular, by a unit external to the vehicle, for example a smartphone and / or via Car2X communication from another motor vehicle or an infrastructure component. Thus, the operating device B offers the user in the motor vehicle 10 a variety of information that can be collected from different sources. For example, information relevant to the upcoming route can be transmitted haptically to a driver or user via the steering control unit 11 and / or the vehicle seat 13. In particular, information from units external to the vehicle can be output as a notification 18 in the manner described. A notification from a digital map, for example an impending bump in a road, can also be signaled haptically via the steering control unit 11 and / or the vehicle seat 13.Furthermore, the user can input a user reaction 23 on the steering control unit 11 and / or the vehicle seat 13 as a response to the control device 16 with a force input and / or a torque input (also in the form of a predetermined pattern).

[0039] Thus, individual communication between the motor vehicle 10 and a user for navigation-independent instructions 18 is possible via a haptic channel, i.e. haptically.

[0040] In addition to sources external to the vehicle, events 17 onboard the motor vehicle 10, as well as additionally or alternatively the user's personal travel destinations and / or appointments (for example, from a schedule on an internet server and / or a smartphone), can also generate events 17 that are output to the user, in particular the driver, as a haptic cue. The identity of the driver or user themselves can be determined via their smartphone or the vehicle key. The evaluation of these events 17 may then result in a recommended course of action, which is to be output as cue 18.

[0041] Examples of such recommendations for action are: - Recommended lane change or driving on the left / right side of the lane due to obstacles, narrowing of the lane, poor road surface, change in road friction coefficient (including oil), navigation event, traffic jam, infrastructure facility. - Recommended speed reduction / increase due to obstacles, narrowing of the road, poor road surface, change in road friction coefficient (including oil), navigation event, traffic jam, infrastructure facility, etc. - Information about points of interest (POI), e.g. shopping facilities, workshops, restaurants, petrol stations, etc., in the vicinity, also matching the driver / vehicle destinations (smartphone schedule as well as personal preferences / social networks) - Incoming calls - An overlay of the above examples.

[0042] The steering wheel 12 serves as a haptic interface (see also Fig. 1). The steering control unit 11 is subjected to a moment and / or a force and / or an internal vibration in one of its six degrees of freedom (three linear and three rotational directions of movement). Combinations of forces / moments / internal vibrations are also possible.

[0043] With the existing hardware of EPS (Electronic Power Steering), superimposed steering (dynamic steering) and / or a steer-by-wire hand actuator, the torque of the steering wheel can be used as an interface.

[0044] The following signal patterns can be used, for example: - Harmonic oscillation with constant frequency and amplitude direction - Harmonic oscillation with constant frequency and an amplitude offset to the left or right - Harmonic oscillation with rising / falling frequency and constant amplitude (sweep) Harmonic oscillation with constant frequency and rising / falling amplitude - Further harmonic vibrations - Nonharmonic vibrations - Single pulses to the left or right - Sawtooth profiles - Triangular profiles - Noise signals - Combinations of the above patterns.

[0045] These signal patterns can be designed in their form and properties depending on the “charisma mode” (operating mode for at least one operating interface B different from the operating device and / or an interior output device and / or a configurable driving behavior) and / or depending on the driving speed and / or a volume.

[0046] The driver, or user in general, can also provide a user response 23 as a "response" to the information announcement. Immediately after the vehicle's haptic transmission, they can briefly increase or decrease the hand torque to the left or right, even multiple times. This, for example, initially prevents further communication regarding this specific type of information. Of course, normal control buttons in the interior or on the steering wheel can also be used for this purpose. Voice commands can also be used.

[0047] Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a method for determining information to a driver via a haptic communication channel as well as a corresponding operating device.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an operating device (B) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein at least one predetermined event (17) that has occurred or is about to occur, which is independent of a route guidance of a navigation device of the motor vehicle (10) or has an influence on the motor vehicle (10) that goes beyond the route guidance, is detected by a control device (16) of the operating device (B), and a notice (18) signalling the detected event (17) is issued to a user, the indication (18) is output haptically via at least one vehicle element (F) with which the user is in contact, by the at least one vehicle element (F) being subjected to a haptic signal pattern (19) dependent on the detected event (17) and / or the indication (18) by controlling a respective actuator unit (14) of the vehicle element (F), wherein the signal pattern (19) comprises that the respective vehicle element (F) is shaken and / or vibrated and / or temporarily blocked and / or subjected to a torque and / or a translational force, characterized by , that a response from the user to the issued instruction (18) is received by the operating device (B) in that a user reaction (23) generated by the user, which comprises a force and / or a torque and / or an impulse and / or a change in position of a body part of the user, is recorded on the at least one vehicle element (F) by means of a measuring device (22) which is implemented by the respective actuator unit (14). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the user reaction (23) is detected only within a predetermined time window after the output of the indication (18). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal pattern (19) provides for the application of a torque and / or a translational force and in this case a change in position of the respective vehicle element (F) caused by the respective actuator unit (14) is avoided by adjusting the torque and / or the translational force as a function of a counterforce applied by the user and / or periodically reversing a direction of action. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a composition of the signal pattern (19) and / or a temporal profile of the signal pattern (19) and / or an amplitude of the signal pattern (19) is set as a function of a currently used respective operating mode for at least one operating interface different from the operating device (B) and / or an interior output device and / or a configurable driving behavior. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a composition of the signal pattern (19) and / or a temporal profile of the signal pattern (19) and / or an output location of the signal pattern (19) and / or an amplitude of the signal pattern (19) is set as a function of a driving speed of the motor vehicle (10) and / or a volume measured in and / or around the motor vehicle (10) and / or a currently set charisma mode of the motor vehicle (10). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one event (17) is received from an infotainment system and / or a control unit and / or a mobile terminal coupled to the motor vehicle (10) and / or from an Internet server and / or via Car2X communication from another motor vehicle and / or from an infrastructure component. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a warning message about a traffic obstruction that requires an alternative route to another lane, and / or a speed recommendation and / or a point of interest and / or a POI that is passed, and / or an incoming call and / or an appointment from a digital calendar of the user is detected as the respective event (17). [8] Operating device (B) for a motor vehicle (10), wherein the operating device (B) has a control device (16) which is designed to control at least one actuator unit (14) of a respective vehicle element (F) of the motor vehicle (10) according to a method according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle (10) with at least one vehicle element (F) having a respective actuator unit (22) and with an operating device (B) according to claim 8.

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