Mobile, portable control device for operating a device wirelessly coupled to the control device, and method for operating a device using a mobile, portable control device

Abstract

A mobile, portable operating device (10) for operating a device (28) wirelessly coupled to the operating device (10), characterized in that it comprises: - a base body with only a single operating element, which is designed as a keypad (12) for operating several operating functions of the device (28) and forms an uninterrupted portion of a surface of the base body, wherein the keypad (12) extends over at least 50% of the surface, - a control unit (16) which is configured to receive an operating signal from the keypad (S6), to select an operating function of the device (28) from a plurality of operating functions of the device (28) on the basis of the received operating signal (S8), and to generate a control signal (S9) depending on the selected operating function, which describes the execution of the selected operating function, and to transmit the generated control signal to the device (28) (S10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile, portable control device for operating a device wirelessly coupled to the control device, for example for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and / or for operating an infotainment system of a motor vehicle.

[0002] In modern vehicles, displays are becoming increasingly larger and more widely distributed throughout the vehicle, for example, in the dashboard, center console, and windows. Vehicles that enable autonomous driving also offer features such as comfort seating positions. Direct touch operation of the displays is then often no longer possible. In these cases, a remote control, or "remote operation," is required, for example, via voice or gestures.

[0003] The disadvantage of fixed control units is that, for example, in the door area of ​​a vehicle, numerous buttons take up a lot of installation space and increase costs and weight. When operating without a remote control, a user, especially in a vehicle with many screens, may have to lean to the side or forward to use the touchscreen. A further disadvantage of current remote controls is that many are not reliable.

[0004] EP 2 846 312 A1 describes a remote key for controlling a motor vehicle, wherein the remote key has a touch area, a memory device, and a touch-sensitive screen. The screen displays the two functions for unlocking and locking the vehicle. However, such a device cannot be used, or can only be used with difficulty, to operate a more complex device with, for example, a menu of numerous different functions, because the display occupies very little space.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2014 008 024 A1 describes a remote control system for a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle has at least one display device showing an operating menu for controlling vehicle functions. Here, too, the problem arises that the screen is very small, and when operating, for example, a complex menu, a user of the motor vehicle must devote attention to the remote control until they have scrolled through many different screen displays.

[0006] US patent 2016 / 0170493 A1 discloses a method and a system for gesture recognition of a driver, where the driver wears a ring or bracelet as a portable device. The device is operated exclusively via gestures. However, the operating possibilities are thus limited to the movement capabilities of the user's hand.

[0007] One of the problems underlying the invention is to provide an improved operating concept.

[0008] The stated problem is solved by the device and method according to the invention as defined in the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the sub-claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a multimodal operating device that has as its only operating element a touch panel forming an uninterrupted portion of a lateral surface of the base body. In other words, the operating element is designed without buttons. The touch panel extends over at least 50% of the lateral surface. A lateral surface is defined as the surface of a volume of the base body that is generated by rotation about a coordinate axis. The base body can, for example, have the shape of a rod, a pyramid, or a cube.

[0010] In other words, the keypad is designed seamlessly, i.e., as a single, continuous user interface. This keypad can be used to operate multiple functions of a device physically separate from the portable control device, such as an infotainment system, or even multiple devices. The screen function is not part of the control device but remains with the device controlled by the control device. In other words, the mobile, portable control device does not have a screen; it is designed without one. The mobile, portable control device according to the invention provides a multimodal remote control. Operation is intuitive, and the user of the control device needs to pay little attention to it.

[0011] An operating device is understood to be a device for receiving and recording operating actions, wherein the operating device includes a control unit that is configured to generate a control signal depending on the recorded operating action. The operating device is mobile and portable, i.e., it can be carried in the hand, for example.

[0012] A control unit is understood to be a component or device part for receiving and evaluating signals, as well as for generating control signals. The control unit can be designed, for example, as a small control device or a control chip. Preferably, the control unit can include a processor, i.e., a component or device part for electronic data processing. The processor preferably includes at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor and is configured to execute program code stored in a data memory, wherein, when executed by the processor, the program code can cause the control unit to perform its functions.

[0013] The mobile, portable control device according to the invention for operating a device wirelessly coupled to the control device, for example a screen or an infotainment system, is characterized in that it has the following features.

[0014] The mobile, portable control device consists of a base unit with only a single control element, i.e., a single component for receiving a control input. This control element is designed as a touchpad, a touch-sensitive surface used as a replacement for a mouse and keyboard. By definition, the touchpad is screenless.

[0015] The control element forms an uninterrupted, i.e., seamless, portion of a lateral surface of the base body of the control device, with the touch field extending over at least 50% of the lateral surface.

[0016] The mobile, portable operating device also includes a control unit configured to receive an operating signal from the keypad, wherein the received operating signal describes an operating action received by the keypad. The control unit is further configured to select an operating function of the device from a plurality of operating functions of the device based on the received operating signal and, depending on the selected operating function, to generate a control signal that describes the execution of the selected operating function. The control unit is further configured to transmit the generated control signal to the device.

[0017] Preferably, the selected operating function can be, for example, an operating function displayed on a screen of an output device of the device, such as a menu item in an operating menu. An output device is understood to be a device or device component for outputting the information signal, for example, for outputting a video signal, whereby the output device can be designed as a screen with a display area, and / or for outputting an audio signal, whereby the output device can include a loudspeaker.

[0018] The advantages mentioned above result. Although the control device has only one control element, different functions can be performed with it. Because the control element is designed as a touch panel, different operating actions can be detected, such as swiping or tapping. However, visual information, for example, is still displayed by the device being controlled, such as a screen in a center console or control panel. The mobile, portable control device according to the invention is therefore a multimodal remote control unit that can be operated intuitively via its touch-sensitive surfaces. This means that the user only needs to pay minimal attention to the control device, so that the user does not have to engage intensively with both the control device and the screen simultaneously.The device to be operated, or even multiple devices, can be used from a relaxed seated position without the user having to stretch or stand up. This also results in increased driving safety. A further advantage of this relaxed seating position is that no additional screen is needed within easy reach of the user's hand in the example vehicle. For instance, a rear-seat screen in a vehicle can thus also be operated by a passenger.

[0019] The seamless design of the touch panel across at least 50% of its surface means the user is not restricted to a predetermined finger position, and the control device can be rotated during operation. This also makes manufacturing the control device relatively simple.

[0020] The larger the proportion of the surface area covered by the control element, the greater the variety of operating actions that can be received and registered. This results in new application possibilities and operating options, as well as more convenient handling. In a preferred embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the operating surface can extend over the entire surface area. Therefore, the control device can be rotated as desired during operation, since it can be used to trigger an operating function in any position in the hand.

[0021] Preferably, the operating device can include a position detection device, i.e., a device component or part configured to determine the current spatial orientation of the operating device. For this purpose, the position detection device can, for example, include a gyroscope. The additional information about the spatial orientation of the operating device, such as its relative position to a device in a vehicle, allows for the triggering of even more operating functions and / or, at a higher level, the selection of, for example, the screen to be controlled or the device to be operated. This enables even more degrees of freedom in multimodal operation.

[0022] In the example of selecting the device to be operated, the control unit can be configured to select one device from a plurality of wirelessly coupled devices based on a position signal from the position detection device, which describes the detected spatial position. For example, the user then only needs to point the operating device (if it is, for instance, rod-shaped) at the device to access its functions. This eliminates the need for the user to establish a cumbersome connection between the device and the operating device or to first register the device with the operating device; instead, they can easily operate multiple devices simultaneously. This makes operating the device(s) even more personalized and intuitive.

[0023] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the operating device can be designed as an electronic pen, wherein the position signal can describe a change in the position of the operating device, preferably a writing movement. A writing movement is the sequence of movements that results when the user uses the operating device like a writing instrument and thus, for example, writes a text or a word in the air or on a surface. The control unit can be configured to detect an operating action for composing input text depending on the position signal, wherein the control signal describes the composed input text. In this embodiment, for example, a surface of the center console can be used as a writing surface without the surface of the center console needing to be equipped with sensors.The user can, for example, type the word "off", and an evaluation of this input text can select the operating function to switch off the device, and / or be described by the control signal. This also enables particularly intuitive operation of the device.

[0024] For example, if a vehicle has multiple screens as output devices, a control device can be provided to improve orientation and reduce the risk of operating errors. This device may preferably include a light pointer for emitting a light beam. A light pointer is understood to be a component or device part for emitting a light beam, which may, for example, be designed as a laser pointer. The control device can then be configured to determine the orientation of the emitted light beam, for example, using the position signal from the position detection device.Based on the determined orientation, the control device can be selected from the majority of devices wirelessly coupled to the operating device as the device to be operated, and / or the generated control signal can describe a cursor function of the device and / or a cursor movement on a display area of ​​the device's output device.

[0025] The mobile, portable control device can optionally include a voice recording device for recording a voice message. A voice recording device is understood to be a device component or part for sound recording. The voice recording device can, for example, include a microphone. The control device can then be configured to play back the recorded voice message when connected to a local network. For example, if the user of the control device is at home and suddenly remembers that they could make an important call on their way to work, they can record a voice message as a reminder.If the control device connects to a local network of the vehicle, such as a Bluetooth network or a WLAN network, after the user has later entered the vehicle, the control unit can, after detecting the network, play the previously recorded voice message through a speaker of the control device, thus reminding the user of the phone call.

[0026] To provide the user with immediate feedback, for example, regarding a successful selection of an operating function or the device's status or mode, the operating device can optionally include a light source. This light source can consist of multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The light source is configured to emit a light pattern depending on the received operating action. The difference from a touch-sensitive screen is that the emitted light pattern does not represent a sensory area for touch-sensitive operation of functions, but rather displays a light pattern for informational purposes in response to the operating action or a signal from the device.For example, the lighting device can output feedback as a light strip.

[0027] The problem posed above is solved, while achieving the aforementioned advantages, by a method for operating a device using a mobile, portable control device according to one of the embodiments described above. The control device performs the functionalities of the control device described above as process steps.

[0028] In a further development of the method according to the invention, the generated control signal can describe the control of a motor vehicle and / or the control of an output device of the device. Here, too, the advantages already mentioned above apply.

[0029] The invention also includes combinations of the described embodiments.

[0030] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the operating device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0031] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention and of a first embodiment of the operating device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention and of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention and of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, wherein the operating device may have a motor vehicle key function; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention and of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, wherein the operating device can be designed as an electronic pen.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, 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 embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0033] In the figures, elements with identical operating functions are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the method and operating device according to the invention. 10 based on a first exemplary embodiment.

[0035] This shows the Fig. 1 a mobile, portable control device 10 , which can, for example, be designed as a rod. The basic body of the operating device 10 It can be made of materials such as plastic, ceramic, or metal. The operating device 10 Its only control element is a keypad. 12 , which is exemplified by the Fig. 1 can extend over, for example, at least 50% or more than 50% of the lateral surface of the base body, preferably at least 60% of the lateral surface, at least 65% of the lateral surface, at least 70% of the lateral surface, at least 80% of the lateral surface, or at least 90% of the lateral surface.

[0036] The touchpad can be a touchpad sensor known from the prior art. The touchpad can... 12 from a lighting device 14It may be limited, for example extending in a ring shape over a diameter of the base body, and may, for example, contain several light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The control unit 16 the operating device 10 is connected via a data communication link 17 with the lighting system 14 and the touchpad 12 in connection. Such a data communication connection can be, for example, a wireless data communication connection, such as a WLAN connection, or, for example, a wired data communication connection, such as a data bus or a cable.

[0037] The control unit 16 of the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 is equipped with a processor setup 18 shown, which can, for example, have multiple microprocessors. An optional data storage device is also shown. 20shown, which may be designed, for example, as a memory chip or memory card and may, for example, have stored a program code for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0038] The control unit 16 can also be equipped with an optional position detection device 22 This device may be connected to, for example, a rotation rate sensor and / or a gyrometer or gyroscope. Such sensors are known to those skilled in the art. This enables the orientation detection device to 22 a current position of the operating device 10 This includes capturing a current position or spatial orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection device can 22 be equipped to detect a change in the position of the operating device 10 to detect, and to generate a position signal based on the detected position and / or the change in position.

[0039] The exemplary operating device 10 the Fig. Figure 1 also shows an optional light indicator device 24 , which can be designed, for example, as a laser pointer or light pointer.

[0040] An optional voice recording device 26 It may, for example, have a microphone, which could be a directional microphone. A voice recording from the voice recording device. 26 For example, a recorded voice message can be stored in the data storage. 20 the control unit 16 File away. Suitable voice recording devices 26 are known to experts from the state of the art.

[0041] In the example of the Fig. 1. The operating device 10 for example, to operate a device 28 used, for example, in a motor vehicle's infotainment system 30The example infotainment system can have an output device. 32 The output device may feature a screen that can preferably be designed as a screen that can be extended and retracted from an interior trim panel of the motor vehicle. 32 For example, it can display multiple icons or symbols for different user programs ("apps").

[0042] To establish a data communication connection 34 to the device 28 to build the control unit 16 for example, via a communication module known to a specialist from the prior art, such as a mobile communication module or a Bluetooth module.

[0043] In the example of the Fig. 1. A user holds 36 the operating device 10 held straight in hand, so that the tips of his first three fingers are on the touchpad 12 can lie. In the example of the Fig. 1 can be the control unit16 It should be set up, for example, to have a cursor function of the device. 28 to control the operating device 10 This can also be referred to as a "virtual pointer". In an optional process step S1 can the position detection device 22 a current spatial position of the operating device 10 determine and generate a position signal ( S2 ), which can describe the determined spatial position. This position signal can be sent to the control unit. 16 The position signal is transmitted to a device that receives and can evaluate it. Based on the position signal, it can be deduced, for example, the relative position of the operating device. 10 to the device 28 and / or the output device 32 This data can then be used to determine, for example, on which area or at which point in the output device. 32A cursor is to be positioned. The position could be, for example, the position or location on the display area of ​​the output device. 32 be, on which, for example, an end, preferably a predetermined end, of the operating device 10 can show. The operating device indicates 10 a light-pointing device 24 On, for example, it can emit a beam of light ( S3 ) and the control unit 16 can determine the orientation of the beam path of the emitted light beam ( S4 Based on this alignment, the control unit 16 then, for example, derive or calculate at which position on the display area of ​​the output device 32 the light beam can point straight ahead.

[0044] Depending, for example, on a rotation or swiveling of the operating device 10 and / or, for example, an operating procedure B1(in the Fig. (1 shown as an arrow), for example, a finger swiping along the keypad towards the center of the control device. 10 The cursor can then be moved in an analogous direction, for example.

[0045] Upon receiving the user input, the keypad generates 12 a control signal ( S5 ), which is the exemplary operating procedure B1 describes. The generated operating signal is sent to the control unit. 16 transmitted, which receives the control signal ( S6 The control unit 16 can evaluate the received control signal ( S7 ) and, based on the evaluated operating signal, select one of several operating functions of the device ( S8 ), for example, moving or positioning the example cursor analogously to the direction of movement of the operating action B1 .

[0046] The selected operating function is triggered via a control signal from the control unit. 16 in the process step S9 generated and connected to the device in S10 28 is transferred.

[0047] Another operating action (not shown in the figure) can then, for example, trigger an operating function that can cause the opening of the user program to which, for example, a cursor can point.

[0048] In other words, positioning the cursor can preferably be done by pointing at the display area of ​​the output device. 32 This is done by means of the orientation using the position detection device. 22 as can be determined, for example, with a virtual pointer. By dragging with the thumb ( B1 ) a selection can then be made, for example, of an application program or a menu item.

[0049] Optionally, the position detection device can be 22 a movement of the operating device 10 To detect, for example, a rotation or swivel. The generated position signal can, for example, describe such a swivel, and the control device can use the position signal to 16 for example, to read that the operating device 10 no longer access the device 28 the Fig. 1 points, but for example to another device, such as a driver assistance system (in the Fig. 1 not shown), or to another output device 32 of the exemplary infotainment system. The selected operating function can then, for example, control the other output device. 32 Subsequently, for example, generated control signals can be sent to the other output device. 32be addressed, and / or only those operating functions can be provided that are available from the other output device 32 can be displayed.

[0050] Optionally, appropriate software can determine where the operating device is located. 10 points out, and this software can, for example, be used in the control unit 16 and / or, for example, in a control unit of the motor vehicle 30 , or stored externally on a data server.

[0051] Changing the orientation of the control device 10 and / or a change in the position of the operating device 10 can be controlled by the control unit 16 for example, by using a suitable algorithm or by using predefined coordinates to which certain location data can be assigned, to determine the new spatial location.

[0052] When recording a voice message ( S11) through the voice recording device 26 The recorded voice message, for example a reminder to call home on the way home, can be stored, for example, in the data storage. 20 The voice message is stored. To play the voice message, it can then be accessed by the control unit. 16 output (S12) or output to a speaker of the device 28 be transmitted. The output of the voice message ( S12 ) may preferably depend on where the operating device is located 10 is located, which can preferably be determined by logging into a local network. If the user assumes 36 the operating device 10 for example, in his motor vehicle 30 and however, the control unit connects 16 with a local motor vehicle network 30 , so in the control unit 16It must be recorded that after connecting to the vehicle's local network, the following information is available: 30 the voice message is played (S12), for example via a loudspeaker in the vehicle 30 .

[0053] The lighting system 14 For example, if the control unit successfully connects to the local network, it can do so 16 can be controlled so that the lighting device 14 For example, all lighting elements, such as all LEDs, are activated, thus illuminating, for example, the light strip around the control device. 10 around it lights up. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided, for example, that a light pattern is created by the lighting device. 14 It can be output as soon as, for example, a user function has been successfully selected and / or successfully activated.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the illumination can be used to highlight, for example, which operating function is currently active, using color. This would be useful, for instance, if a driver assistance system is activated by the control device. 10 The lighting system was activated 14 For example, it could display a red light if the infotainment system is currently being used, and a green light if it's not. This would allow the user to... 36 For example, a status update can be provided.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the method and the operating device 10 , where optional possible operating applications are shown using the exemplary operating actions B2 , B3 , B4 These are illustrated. These example operating procedures B2 , B3 , B4 are in the Fig. 2 each represented by arrows, which for example show a swiping or stroking motion along the touch field 12 These exemplary operating procedures can demonstrate this. B2 , B3 , B4 These are examples.

[0056] The procedure and the operating device 10 can thereby the person who Fig. 1 correspond, of which only the differences will be discussed below. The operating device 10 the Fig. 2 can optionally include a light pointing device 24 and / or a voice recording device 26 exhibiting, however, for the sake of clarity, in the Fig. 2 are not shown.

[0057] In the example of the Fig. 2. For example, an infotainment system can be used as a device. 28 to be operated by means of the output device 32 for example, a first display field 38and a second display field 40 can display. In the two display fields 38 , 40 For example, multiple menu sub-items can be displayed. In the display field 38 The functions can, for example, be listed line by line. Through the operating procedure B2 , for example, stroking a finger along a longitudinal axis of the operating device 10 In either direction, for example, menu items can be highlighted and / or selected from top to bottom or bottom to top, i.e., row by row. For example, if a cursor is over the first row... Z1 , or is the first line Z1 marked, for example by crossing out a line B2 from one end of the operating device 10 towards a center of the operating device 10 the line Z2can be selected and / or activated. Similarly, for example, the menu items in the rows can be selected and / or activated. Z3 and Z4 be marked and / or activated.

[0058] When painting B3 along or parallel to a transverse axis of the operating device 10 for example, in the display field 40 between the columns C1 , C2 , C3 The user can switch between menu items and / or select one of these columns. The user selects or marks... 36 for example through an operating action B3 the column C2 The corresponding menu item can be selected, for example, through the operating action. B4 , for example, pressing or touching an end face of the operating device 10 , confirmed and thus activated.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the operating device 10It may have a so-called "keyless entry" function, i.e., a remote key function. For better clarity, these are included in the Fig. 3 and in the following description only the differences to the previous embodiments of the method and the operating device 10 shown.

[0060] For example, by using a blind gesture, such as swiping along the touchpad. 12 upwards or outwards ( B5 ), the vehicle can be controlled via the radio key function 30 For example, it can be unlocked and / or locked. Selecting this key function can be done, for example, by touching the front of the control device. 10 and / or by pressing the front edge that is adjacent to the keypad 12 This can be done while surrounded by other objects. A corresponding control signal can then be sent to the motor vehicle. 30 be transferred, for example to a locking device (in the Fig. 3 (not shown) of the motor vehicle 30 .

[0061] According to the example of Fig. 3. It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the operating device is used 10 a vehicle authorization system of the motor vehicle 30 can be operated, with the help of which the operating device 10 and / or the user 36 can be authenticated. An example authorization that is configured in the control system. 16 the operating device 10 It can be stored, for example, using a docking station, which could be located, for example, in the user's home. 36 An authorization code can then be specified between the control device at or before opening the vehicle. 10 and the motor vehicle 30 be exchanged.

[0062] The Fig. 4 shows an operating device 10, which is one of the operating devices 10 which may correspond to the preceding examples, with only the differences being discussed below. For the sake of clarity, the following also includes the following: Fig. 4 not all device components of the operating device 10 shown, which may, however, be present.

[0063] In the example of the Fig. 4. The operating device 10 It should be set up to be used as an electronic pen. The position detection device 22 can, for example, detect ( S1 ) that the user 36 the operating device 10 performs a writing motion, for example, writing the word "Radio", where the radio can be the target device to be operated ("TARGET"). The user 36 can be used with the operating device 10 for example, “writing” this word in the air, or for example, on an aperture. 42 a center console 44The control unit can process the written text. 16 The system captures and recognizes the writing movement, and the generated control signal can, for example, describe a corresponding command, such as switching on the radio or selecting the radio as the device to be operated. Corresponding techniques for capturing and recognizing a writing movement are known to those skilled in the art from the prior art of electronic pens.

[0064] Preferably, the motor vehicle can be used in 30 a storage compartment for the control device 10 It should be provided for, whereby the storage compartment can be designed, for example, as a holder or as a storage tray. The storage compartment can, for example, be located in or attached to a coin compartment in the center console. 44 be arranged. Optionally, such a storage compartment can provide a charging option for an optional energy storage device (not shown in the figures) of the control unit. 10These energy storage devices can be, for example, a rechargeable battery and / or a standard battery. A corresponding charging option could, for example, include an induction loop.

[0065] In another example, multiple users can 36 Each has one operating device 10 have, each of the operating devices 10 For example, it can be personalized or person-centered, meaning it can exert a corresponding directional effect. This can be the case, for instance, in the relevant control unit. 16 It should be recorded which person operates the device 10 operated, and / or which operating function and / or devices 28 this person and therefore this operating device 10 is allowed to operate or control.

[0066] Overall, the exemplary embodiments illustrate how the invention enables a multimodal operating device. 10, which may preferably be designed as a remote control unit, for preferably autonomous motor vehicles 30 is provided.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the operating device 10 It should be designed as a multimodal control unit, enabling remote operation. In the example control device... 10 For example, various simple operating options can be represented, such as one or more of the following: simple touch operation, i.e., simple touch operation, such as scrolling, swiping, pushing; and / or writing on surfaces or in the air; and / or a virtual pointer function; and / or voice input.

[0068] One or more of the following technologies may be incorporated into the operating device. 10, i.e., in the example remote control unit, are: touch-sensitive surface, i.e., the keypad 12 ; optionally a microphone for voice input; optionally a position detection device 22 , for example, for position detection in space; optionally a mode indicator, preferably provided by an optional lighting device 14 .

[0069] The touch-sensitive surface of the remote control, i.e., the keypad 12 the operating device 10 It is seamless, meaning there are no mechanical buttons. The generated control signals can be transmitted to the respective device, for example via Bluetooth and / or WiFi or similar technologies. 28 , are transmitted. Additional touch-sensitive surfaces or microphones are installed in the vehicle. 30 Not required. Even outside the vehicle. 30 can the operating device10 (for example, for a smartphone). Furthermore, it is conceivable to additionally or alternatively integrate the vehicle authorization system and / or remote control for operating the vehicle. 30 to be used in automated parking and driving operations.

[0070] This results in a simple possibility of multimodal remote control and intuitive operation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] EP 2846312 A1

[0004] DE 102014008024 A1

[0005] US 2016 / 0170493 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Mobile, portable control device (10) for operating a device (28) wirelessly coupled to the control device (10), characterized by is that it exhibits: - a basic body with only a single operating element, which is designed as a touch panel (12) and forms an uninterrupted portion of a lateral surface of the basic body, wherein the touch panel (12) extends over at least 50% of the lateral surface, - a control device (16) which is configured to receive an operating signal from the keypad (S6), to select an operating function of the device (28) from a plurality of operating functions of the device (28) based on the received operating signal (S8), and to generate a control signal (S9) depending on the selected operating function which describes the execution of the selected operating function, and to transmit the generated control signal to the device (28) (S10). [2] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to claim 1, which characterized by The feature is that the user interface extends across the entire surface of the casing. [3] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a position detection device (22) which is designed to determine the current spatial position of the operating device (10). [4] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to claim 3, which characterized by is that the control device (16) is configured to select, on the basis of a position signal from the position detection device (22) which describes the detected spatial position, one device (28) from a plurality of devices (28) wirelessly coupled to the operating device (10) as the device to be operated. [5] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, which characterized byis that it is designed as an electronic pen, and the position signal describes a change in the position of the operating device, preferably a writing movement; and that the control device (16) is configured to detect an operating action for writing an input text depending on the position signal, wherein the control signal describes the input text. [6] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that - it has a light pointing device (24) for emitting a light beam (S3), and - the control device (16) is configured to determine the orientation of a beam path of the emitted light beam (S4); and a) to select, based on the determined orientation, one device from the majority of devices wirelessly paired with the control device as the device to be operated; and / or b) the generated control signal describes a cursor function of the device and / or a cursor movement on a display area of ​​the device. [7] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that it exhibits: - a voice recording device (26) for recording a voice message (S11); wherein the control device (16) is configured to output the recorded voice message depending on a connection to a local network. [8] Mobile, portable control device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that it exhibits: - a lighting device (14) which is configured to output a lighting pattern depending on the received operating action. [9] Method for operating a device (28) using a mobile, portable control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16) performs the method steps relating to the control device (16). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that the generated control signal describes the control of a motor vehicle (30) and / or the control of an output device (32) of the device (28).

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