Portable, mobile operating device in which a display area is provided on at least two surface areas.

Abstract

Portable, mobile operating device (10) in which a display surface (19) is provided on at least two surface areas (16), wherein a respective surface normal (17) of the surface areas (16) is separated from the respective surface normal (17) of at least one other of the surface areas (16) by a predetermined angle (18), and wherein a control device (20) of the operating device (10) is configured to display an operating element (21) for triggering a predetermined operating function on the display surface (19), wherein the operating device (10) has at least one position sensor (L) configured to signal an absolute spatial orientation of the operating device (10) at least with respect to a preferred perpendicular direction (23) of the earth (24), and the control device (20) is configured to display the operating element (21) on the surface area (16) thatwhose surface normal (17) exhibits the smallest angular deviation from the preferred direction (23), wherein the surface areas (16) are designed as flat sides (14) of the operating device (10) and the display surface (19) is provided on at least two opposite sides and / or at least two sides (14) connected by an edge (15), characterized in that the control device (20) is configured to display the operating element (21) completely on only one of the flat sides (14) in a rest position (27) of the operating element (21), when its display location on the display surface (19) must remain unchanged due to the spatial orientation of the operating device (10), thereby preventing the operating element (21) from lying or remaining on an edge (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable, mobile operating device comprising a display unit or screen that extends over more than one side of the operating device. The operating device can be designed, for example, as a remote control for a motor vehicle or as a mobile terminal.

[0002] An operating device of the type in question is known, for example, from EP 3 116 203 A1. This operating device is designed as a mobile terminal device which has a display unit that has a display surface for displaying pixel-based graphic elements on a front, a back, a narrow side and both end faces of the terminal device.

[0003] From GB 2 414 309 A, a spherical control device is known which has a display unit by means of which graphic displays are possible on the entire surface of the sphere. For a control function, this control device also has a gyroscopic sensor and an accelerometer. By moving or rotating the control device, a control signal can be generated to control a device.

[0004] From EP 2 555 101 A1, a mobile device is known that has a simple display device with a display area for digital graphics on a single side of the device. Controls or icons can be displayed on this area. The system detects how the user interacts with the device using their fingers. Areas of the display that are difficult to reach with the fingers are not assigned a control; that is, the controls are moved to the remaining display area.

[0005] A disadvantage of this is that when the user repositions their grip, i.e., changes their finger position, the controls are rearranged accordingly, and the user may then not immediately find a control they were looking for, forcing them to search for it visually again. This problem would be even more pronounced with the two control devices described at the beginning, whose display area extends across more than one side of the device, since the movable controls could also move to the other side of the device.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of making at least one control element on a display surface of an operating device locatable from different holding positions.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] The invention provides a portable, mobile operating device. In this device, a display area is provided, for example, by a display or a display unit, on at least two surface areas. A pixel-based graphic can be displayed using this surface area. The two surface areas point in opposite directions; that is, the surface normal of each surface area is arranged at a predetermined angle to the surface normal of the other surface area. A surface normal is a vector perpendicular to the respective surface area. The operating device can, for example, be designed as a cylinder, cube, or rectangular rod. In this case, the display area would then be provided on at least two sides of the operating device pointing in opposite directions.In other words, the display area extends over at least one edge, so that, for example, when viewing one surface area, the other surface area cannot be viewed or seen by the user in every viewing position. With a round cylinder or rod, the surface areas can each represent different parts of the lateral surface. The surface areas can also be formed by different sides of a triangular (triangle as base), pentagonal (pentagon as base), or octagonal (octagon as base) cylinder. In general, the angle in question is therefore greater than 0° (° - degrees), in particular greater than 10°, e.g., greater than 80°.

[0009] The operating device includes a control unit designed to display a control element on the screen for triggering a predetermined operating function. Such a control element can be a pixel-based graphic element, i.e., a so-called icon, or a button.

[0010] This control element is to be made accessible or locatable for the user in different spatial orientations or operating positions of the control device. According to the invention, the control device has at least one position sensor configured to signal the absolute spatial orientation of the control device, at least with respect to a preferred vertical direction of the Earth. The at least one position sensor thus signals how the control device is oriented or aligned with respect to a vertical line or preferred direction relative to the Earth. The at least one position sensor therefore signals, for example, where up and down are with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. The control device for displaying the control element is configured to display the control element on the surface area whose surface normal exhibits the smallest angular deviation from the preferred direction.If the preferred direction is, for example, upwards, then the surface area selected to display the control element is the one whose surface normal forms the smallest angle with the upward direction, i.e., the area that also points upwards. It does not have to point completely in the preferred direction; rather, the surface area most closely aligned with the preferred direction is chosen. It may be provided that, in the event that two surface areas have the same angular deviation from the preferred direction, an additional decision criterion is used to select the surface area on which the control element should be displayed. For example, this additional decision criterion could be that the control element should undergo as little change in position as possible.In other words, the control element remains displayed on one surface area until a single other surface area exhibits the smallest angular deviation from the preferred direction.

[0011] The invention offers the advantage that the control element on the display surface is always shown in the surface area or on the side that points in the preferred direction or is oriented in the preferred direction. If the preferred direction is upwards, the control element is therefore always displayed on the surface area that is currently facing upwards. The at least one position sensor used for this purpose can be a position sensor known from the prior art.

[0012] The invention also includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0013] Once the control device has selected the surface area on which the control element is to be displayed, the question arises as to where on this surface area the control element should appear if the surface area is larger than the control element itself. For example, if the surface area represents a flat side of the control device, the control element must be positioned on this side. One embodiment of this solution provides that the control device displays the control element at the top or bottom of the respective surface area. Thus, the control element is displayed at the upper or lower edge of the surface area.If the control element is displayed at the top and the preferred direction for selecting the surface area is also oriented upwards, this means that the control element is displayed at the top of the control device and is held there by the control unit, even if the control element is rotated or pivoted. This creates an effect similar to a spirit level, where an air bubble in a glass cylinder always rises. This has the advantage that the control element is always displayed on the control device in an absolute position that is reconstructible or known to the user.

[0014] One embodiment provides that the control unit is configured to move the control element to a new display location when its position changes, i.e., when the control element needs to be displayed at a new location. In other words, the control element does not jump from its previous display location to the new one. Instead, a smooth effect occurs, in which the control element is moved from its previous display location (its resting position) to its new display location (its resting position) in at least one intermediate step, and preferably several intermediate steps. The change of display location is thus presented as an animation and can therefore be followed visually. This prevents the user from losing sight of the control element during the change of display location, which would otherwise be possible, especially when moving across an edge.

[0015] Previously, the sides of the control device that are designed with a display area to show the control element were referred to as surface areas. This is because the control device can also be round, for example as a round rod or a sphere.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the surface areas are designed as flat sides of the operating device, and the display area is provided on at least two opposite sides and / or at least two sides connected by an edge. The surface areas thus each represent a flat or planar side of the operating device. Therefore, the surface areas can be two sides arranged via a common edge and / or opposite sides of the operating device. The sides can be connected in pairs via a respective edge of the operating device, for example, arranged at right angles or, more generally, at an angle greater than zero to each other. If two flat sides are arranged at right angles or, more generally, at an angle greater than zero to each other, an edge is formed between the two sides at their common boundary.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the control device is configured to always display the control element completely on only one of its flat sides when its position on the display surface remains unchanged due to the spatial orientation of the control device. In other words, the control element does not remain on an edge but is always moved completely to a flat side of the control device and can only assume a rest position there. This has the advantage that the control element is always displayed without distortion in its rest position.

[0018] One embodiment provides that at least two of the sides are connected in pairs via a respective edge of the control device, and the control unit is configured to move the control element across one of the edges in an animation effect during or after a tilting movement of the control device, when the control element needs to be switched from one side to the other. The control element is thus animated across the edge. This is, of course, the edge connecting the two sides. At least an intermediate display is provided during the animation effect such that the control element is partially or partially displayed on both sides and the edge. The display area can also be located on the edge for this purpose.This embodiment has the advantage that the user is notified when the control element switches to another side. This allows the user to keep the control element in sight and observe it as it changes sides.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the operating device is designed as a cylindrical body or rod. The lateral surface can be square or round, i.e., the cross-section of the cylindrical body or rod. The operating device thus has a lateral surface and two end faces. The display area extends over the entire lateral surface or to a predominant extent. Preferably, it also extends over one or both end faces of the operating device. Preferably, the operating device is designed such that the display area is omnidirectional, i.e., it is provided on the operating device completely across the entire surface or at least over 90 percent of the surface. A pixel-based graphic can therefore be displayed in any direction. In other words, a pixel matrix is ​​provided that extends along the lateral surface completely or partially and across one or both end faces of the operating device.A pixel matrix can be implemented, for example, using a flexible pixel film, such as an OLED film. In the control device, this can be arranged in a transparent housing, which can form the surface or grip area of ​​the control device. The pixel film can then be seen through the transparent housing.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the control unit is configured to display at least one additional control element on the display surface in a fixed position, that is, regardless of the spatial orientation of the control device. Thus, only one control element, or only a few control elements, are arranged or positioned on the display surface as described, depending on the absolute spatial orientation of the control device. At least one other control element, however, remains displayed at the same location regardless of its orientation. This offers the advantage that when the spatial orientation of the display surface changes, the entire appearance of the displayed content does not change; instead, only the one control element or a few control elements are moved and / or displayed at a different location, determined by the preferred orientation.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the operating function, which can be triggered or controlled by the movable control element, is a home function that displays an overview of the operating options provided by the control device on the display surface. Activating the control element thus triggers the home function, meaning that one arrives at a starting point for each operating option provided by the control device. This overview could, for example, be the root of a menu tree. This embodiment has the advantage that the home function, i.e., the jump to or accessing the overview, can be triggered or accessed by a control element that is always located on the surface area oriented in the preferred direction.

[0022] One embodiment provides an accelerometer configured to signal a relative change in the position of the operating device by means of a motion signal, independent of its absolute spatial orientation. The control unit is configured to position the operating element on the display surface based on this motion signal. This offers the advantage that even a change in position smaller than the resolution of the at least one position sensor can still be detected by the accelerometer and signaled by the motion signal, allowing the control unit to display the operating element in the correct position (with respect to the preferred direction). This is possible even if the change in position falls below the resolution of the at least one position sensor.

[0023] One embodiment provides a lock function which, when activated, holds the control element in a fixed position on the display surface, regardless of its orientation. The control element is only moved as described when the lock function is deactivated. If a user activates the lock function, for example, in a menu, the control element is held in a fixed position.

[0024] One embodiment provides that the control element is part of a group of several movable controls, and the control unit always moves the group together on the display surface. Such a group can, for example, be a control panel that includes several operating functions (e.g., one for each control element in the group). Thus, the group can, for example, contain controls for operating media playback (e.g., music playback) (e.g., play / pause and / or fast forward and / or rewind and / or next track and / or previous track). The control unit then always aligns the group as a whole in the preferred direction as described.

[0025] The operating device according to the invention is designed in particular as a remote control for a motor vehicle. The operating element can thus be used to control an operating function for the motor vehicle, for example, displaying an overview of all the operating functions that can be switched in the motor vehicle.

[0026] The control unit of the operating device can, for example, be implemented on the basis of a processor. The processor can include at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor. The operating device can contain program code, which may be stored in a data memory of the processor, and whose program instructions, when executed by the processor, trigger or perform the described processes in the operating device.

[0027] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0028] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, as well as two partial views to illustrate a movement of the operating device; Fig. 2. A schematic representation of a perspective view of the operating device in two different spatial positions, in which one operating element remains displayed on the same side; and Fig. 3 A schematic representation of a perspective view of the operating device while a control element is moved over an edge to an end face of the operating device.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a portable, mobile control device 10 , which could, for example, be designed as a remote control for a motor vehicle. The operating device 10 can be by a user 11in one hand 12 be held. The operating device 10 can be done by fingers 13 the hand 12 be enclosed or grasped. The operating device 10 It can take the form of a rod or cylinder. A size of the operating device 10 Its largest external dimension can range from 7 centimeters to 35 centimeters.

[0032] A cross-section of the depicted rod-shaped or cylindrical form can be rectangular. The operating device 10 can therefore have several flat or level sides 14 exhibiting pairs that cross an edge 15 the operating device 10 They can be connected. The edges can be rounded, meaning they have a radius of curvature greater than 0, e.g., up to 0.5 millimeters, up to 2 centimeters, or up to 5 centimeters. Each of the sides 14can a surface area 16 represent whose surface normal 17 to the surface normal in each case 17 on the other surface area 16 is aligned at right angles, or at least at an angle 18 is aligned with an angle greater than 0°, especially greater than 10°. The surface areas 16 and thus the pages 14 can each be used as a display area 19 a display device or screen. In other words, a pixel matrix can be arranged on the display surface. 19 about the pages 14 be arranged across the edges. 15 can the display area 19 be provided.

[0033] A control device 20 the operating device 10 can be displayed on the screen 19 a control element 21Display, which may, for example, be intended to trigger a predetermined operating function, such as a home function. The control element 21 It can be designed as a pixel graphic. The display area 19 It can be designed as a touchscreen or touch display, meaning the display area 19 It can also be touch-sensitive. By tapping the control element. 21 with one finger 13 The associated operating function can thus be triggered or started.

[0034] The operating device 10 This ensures that the control element 21 always at a previously known display location 22 with regard to a spatial absolute preferred direction 23 regarding the Earth 24 is aligned. For example, the Earth's preferred direction can be 23pointing upwards, i.e., radially away from the Earth's center or center of gravity. The control device 20 For example, the control element 21 on that side 14 or generally that surface area 16 represent or indicate whose surface normal 17 the smallest angle difference to the preferred direction 23 It always displays the control element. 21 through the control unit 20 that side 14 or more generally, that surface area 16 selected, the one in the preferred direction 23 indicates or shows the slightest difference from the preferred direction 23 exhibits.

[0035] Fig. 1 illustrates how in the case of a rotational or tilting movement 24 the operating device 10 , as the user 11 when turning the hand 12 can cause the control element21 in an animation effect 25 in a shifting movement 26 along the display area 19 over one of the edges 15 over to another side 14 or generally another surface area 16 It can be moved or shifted. This can always be the case if the other side 14 or the other surface area 16 through the tilting movement 24 closer to the preferred direction 23 or in the preferred direction 23 is aligned as previously used for displaying the control element 16 used surface area 16 .

[0036] This includes in Fig. 1 Two animation phases a, b are shown, where b follows a. It may be provided that the translation movement 26 It will only end when the control element 21 completely on one of the pages 14or generally one of the surface areas 16 is displayed. This prevents a resting position from developing. 27 of the control element 21 such that the control element 21 on an edge 15 lying down or standing still.

[0037] The absolute spatial position with respect to the preferred direction 23 can be achieved by at least one position sensor L the operating device 10 to the control unit 20 be signaled.

[0038] It can also be an accelerometer. B be provided to allow for a relative change in the position of the operating device 10 to signal this by means of a motion signal. This can be used to support at least one position sensor.

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates the operating device 10 in two different spatial positions 28 , 29, where, although with regard to the preferred direction 23 the surface normal 17 one and the same page 16 or generally one and the same surface area 16 has the smallest angular distance, but due to a tilting movement 24 in the spatial position 28 a first end 30 and in spatial orientation 29 a second end on the opposite side 31 further upwards or is positioned higher. In this case, too, the control unit 20 provide that the control element 21 from the spatial location 28 intended resting position 27 at the top 30 in an animation effect 25 by a shifting movement 26 into a resting position 27 am in the spatial position 29 upper end 31 will be postponed.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows the operating device 10 additionally a front side32 , for example at the end 30 It can be arranged. The front 32 The control unit is shown in a given state at two different points in time. 20 can provide that in the event that the user 11 by a tilting movement 24 the operating device 10 the front 32 oriented upwards, so that the surface normal 17 of all surface normals of the surface areas 16 with display area 19 the surface normal 17 is the one that has the smallest angular distance or difference to the preferred direction 23 features the control element 21 for example in an animation effect 25 by a shift 26 over an edge 15' of a lateral surface 33 on the forehead 32 is shifted (first representation). A subsequent resting position27 can then be applied to the forehead 32 for the control element 21 provided for (second representation).

[0041] Thus, on an operating device 10 at least one menu item or control can be moved wherever the display area 19 in a preferred direction 23 This operating device 10 It can then be operated and touched from all sides. In this case, a predetermined operating function, such as a home function, is always accessible and visible from the same preferred direction.

[0042] To use this operating function of the control element 21 To ensure it is always visible and accessible, the control element can be designed as a digitally floating or flowing object, for example, like a bubble in a liquid, always floating upwards. When rotating the control device 10Thus, the control element, for example a home icon for a home function, always moves over the edges. 15 , 15' to the side or surface area that points upwards.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates that the control element also rises on the same side or surface area as a spirit level when tilted. When the operating device is righted, the control element can 21 , as in Fig. 3 shown, over the edge 15' also on the forehead 32 move.

[0044] Thus, a control element is provided that can also extend over an edge. 15 , 15' shifts to another side. This means that when operating the device, the user always knows where to find the control element. Therefore, at least one important control element is always easily accessible.

[0045] Preferably the operating device consists of a form completely enclosed by a display surface. 19 is externally demarcated. As a position sensor L For example, a gyroscope may be provided. The control unit can implement the described controls for the operating element using software or program code.

[0046] Overall, the examples show how, through the invention, in a control device whose form is completely provided with a display surface, a control element for a menu item can always move upwards (possibly over an edge). 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 3116203 A1

[0002] GB 2414309 A

[0003] EP 2555101 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Portable, mobile operating device (10) in which a display surface (19) is provided on at least two surface areas (16), wherein a respective surface normal (17) of the surface areas (16) is separated from the respective surface normal (17) of at least one other of the surface areas (16) by a predetermined angle (18) and wherein a control device (20) of the operating device (10) is configured to display an operating element (21) for triggering a predetermined operating function on the display surface (19), characterized by, that the operating device (10) has at least one position sensor (L) which is configured to signal an absolute spatial position of the operating device (10) at least with respect to a perpendicular preferred direction (23) of the earth (24), and the control device (20) is configured to display the operating element (21) on that of the surface areas (16) whose surface normal (17) has the smallest angular deviation from the preferred direction (23). [2] Operating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (20) displays the operating element on the respective surface area above or below. [3] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to move the operating element (21) to the new display location by means of a displacement movement (26) when the spatial position of the operating device (10) changes and the operating element (21) needs to be displayed at a new display location. [4] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface areas (16) are designed as flat sides (14) of the operating device (10) and the display area (19) is provided on at least two opposite and / or at least two sides (14) connected by an edge (15). [5] Operating device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the control device (20) is configured to display the operating element (21) completely only on one of the flat sides (14) when its display location on the display surface (19) has to remain unchanged due to the spatial orientation of the operating device (10) in a rest position (27) of the operating element (21). [6] Control device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least two of the sides (14) are connected in pairs via a respective edge (15, 15') of the control device (10) and the control device (20) is configured to move the at least one control element (21) over one of the edges (15) in an animation effect (25) during and / or after a tilting movement (24) of the control device (10). [7] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (10) is designed as a cylindrical body or rod and the display area (19) extends over a lateral surface (33) wholly or predominantly and over one or two end faces (32) of the operating device (10). [8] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to display at least one further operating element (21) on the display surface (19) in a fixed position, independent of the spatial position of the operating device (10). [9] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating function is a home function which displays an overview of the operating options provided by the operating device (10) on the display surface (19). [10] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an acceleration sensor (B) is provided which is configured to signal a relative change in position of the operating device (10) by means of a motion signal, regardless of the absolute spatial position of the operating device (10), and the control device (20) is configured to position the operating element (21) on the display surface (19) depending on the motion signal. [11] Control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking function is provided which, in the activated state, holds the control element (21) at a display location on the display surface (19) regardless of its spatial orientation. [12] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (21) is part of a group of several movable operating elements and the control device (20) always moves the group together on the display surface (19).

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