User control system and method for selectively providing control buttons in a user control system of a vehicle

Abstract

A user control system (10) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (100), comprising: a control device (1) having an elastic cover layer (3) formed with an electronic textile; and a control adapter (2) arranged beneath the cover layer (3) and having a plurality of button-forming surface geometries (4); wherein the control adapter (2) and the control device (1) are configured to move the cover layer (3) and the button-forming surface geometries (4) relative to one another in order to press the button-forming surface geometries (4) into the cover layer (3), wherein the cover layer (3) is drawn into the shape of a control button (5) shaped corresponding to the respective button-forming surface geometry (4);andwherein the electronic textile of the cover layer (3) is designed to provide a control button function for each shaped control button, wherein the control button function is designed to control the vehicle and is executed when a user actuates the respective shaped control button (5) from above the cover layer (3);wherein the control adapter (2) is designed to be movable in order to move the button-forming surface geometries (4) into a position below the cover layer (3);wherein different surface geometries (4) are present, so that the shape and function of the control button (5) can be changed by inserting the different surface geometries (4) into the cover layer (3).;

Description

Technical FieldThe present invention relates to a user control system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, and to a method for selectively providing control keys in such a user control system.BackgroundModern motor vehicles have an ever-increasing number of control functions that allow the driver and / or operator to control the vehicle and / or the electronic equipment of the vehicle. With the advent of advanced driver assistance systems, motor vehicles are also increasingly connected to sensors and telematics to implement assisted and / or autonomous driving functionalities. Against the background of these developments, new control concepts may be advantageous, which make it possible to operate these various new functionalities comfortably and flexibly.The document DE 10 2013 003 464 A1 describes an input device having a flexible layer with an input surface which is provided with a surface shape, a plurality of movable magnetizable or magnetized elements and a magnetic field source. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic force on the magnetizable or magnetic elements, wherein the position of the magnetizable or magnetic elements with respect to the input surface is changed, such that the surface shape of the input surface of the flexible layer is changed to generate local height differences and at least one input position.U.S. Pat. No. 8,830,174 B1 describes an electronic device having one or more buttons that are mechanically coupled to actuators that use electroactive polymers. When activated, the electroactive polymer adjusts the button such that a height of the button above a substrate is increased.The document DE 10 2011 101 785 A1 describes active interface controllers with bistable actuation and intrinsic detection capability.The document US 2008 / 0 105 527 A1 describes switches and devices which are suitable for use in soft articles such as textiles.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThus, there is a need to find customizable solutions for controlling a vehicle.To this end, the present invention provides a user control system according to claim 1, a motor vehicle according to claim 11 and a method according to claim 12.According to one aspect of the invention, a user control system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a control device which has an elastic covering layer which is formed with an electronic textile; and a control adapter which is arranged below the covering layer and has a plurality of key-forming surface geometries; wherein the control adapter and the control device are configured to move the covering layer and the key-forming surface geometries relative to one another in order to press the key-forming surface geometries into the covering layer, wherein the covering layer is drawn into the form of a control key which is shaped in accordance with the respective key-forming surface geometry; and wherein the electronic textile of the top layer is configured to provide a control key function for each shaped control key, wherein the control key function is configured to control and be executed by the vehicle when a user operates the respective shaped control key from above the top layer. The control adapter is configured to be movable in order to move the button-forming surface geometries into a position below the cover layer, wherein different surface geometries are present, such that the shape and function of the control button can be changed by inserting the different surface geometries into the cover layer.According to another aspect of the invention, a method for selectively providing control buttons in a user control system of a vehicle comprises moving an elastic cover layer of a controller and button forming surface geometries of a control adapter disposed below the cover layer relative to each other such that the button forming surface geometries are pressed into the cover layer, the cover layer being dragged into the shape of a control button shaped according to the respective button forming surface geometry; and providing a control button function with an electronic textile on the cover layer for each formed control button, the control button function being configured to control and be executed the vehicle when a user operates the respective formed control button from above the cover layer. The key-forming surface geometries are moved into a position below the cover layer by means of movement of the control adapter, wherein different surface geometries are, so that the shape and function of the control key are changed by inserting the different surface geometries into the cover layer.According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a user control system according to the invention.One concept of the present invention is to realize different control possibilities on the same surface by providing a flexible textile surface which can be reconfigured at any time according to the functions currently required. If necessary, the operating elements for the functions can be completely hidden under the textile surface. In this sense, in principle any surface within a vehicle can be used as a control surface, e.g. the surface (or a part of the surface) of an armrest.The invention is possible by using electronic textiles (also called smart textiles or smart fabrics) in a flexible covering layer. The cover layer can be shaped into a specific control key design by means of a control adapter below the cover layer, which has a plurality of surface geometries prefabricated for this purpose, e.g. one or more switches, keys or other operating elements. The surface geometries are pushed into the fabric of the cover layer to form the cover layer into a corresponding control key (or multiple keys). This approach is conceptually similar to deep drawing of metal or plastic components where moldable sheet material is drawn into a forming tool by the mechanical action of a punch. In the present case, however, the shape of the respective control button is only temporarily established and the cover layer can be transformed at any time to another control button or merely to a flat surface because of its flexibility, provided that no control function is required.As a result, a functional and flexible textile surface is provided that can provide different functions in a deep-drawn state. As long as no functionalities are required, these can be hidden relative to the respective surface in an imperceptible manner. Thus, for example, an armrest or a center console of a motor vehicle, e.g. of an automobile, can be provided with a flexible cover layer according to the invention.Electronic circuits can be integrated into a fabric of the cover layer and / or printed thereon and thus form an electronic textile which can impart various functionalities to the surface of the cover layer. An electronic textile in the sense of the invention is any type of fabric which contains electronic elements and / or computer elements. The electronic textile can be designed in such a way that different functions can be realized on the same surface depending on the current deep-drawn shape of this specific surface. In one example, one or more capacitive switches and / or buttons, touch panels, etc. may be implemented by appropriately configured electronic circuits in and / or on the cover layer (and / or on the back side of the cover layer). Such a capacitive mechanism can replace, for example, a physical push button. Physical feedback can be effected via a tactile feedback transducer, which can be pressure-sensitive and can additionally provide various feedback functions such as vibrations or the like.It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general such as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). In the present case, a hybrid vehicle is understood to mean a vehicle which has two or more energy sources, for example both petrol-driven and electrically driven vehicles.Advantageous embodiments and refinements emerge from the dependent claims.According to the invention, the control adapter is configured to be movable in order to move the key-forming surface geometries into a position below the cover layer. The method accordingly comprises moving the key-forming surface geometries to a position below the cover layer of the control adapter.For example, the control adapter can be designed to be rotatable in such a way that the key-forming surface geometries are brought into position below the covering layer by rotating. The rotational movement can be driven, for example, by a corresponding actuator.According to a further development of the invention, the control adapter can be designed to selectively move the key-forming surface geometries upwards into the covering layer in order to form the control keys. The method may correspondingly comprise moving the key-forming surface geometries upward into the cover layer of the control adapter in order to form the control keys.For example, each key-forming surface geometry can be arranged on a base, a projection or the like, which can be movable in order to press and retract the respective surface geometry into the covering layer as soon as the function is no longer required.According to a further development of the invention, the control adapter can be designed rotatably in order to move the button-forming surface geometries upwards into the covering layer by means of rotation in order to form the control buttons. The method may correspondingly comprise moving the key-forming surface geometries upwards into the cover layer by means of rotation of the control adapter in order to form the control keys.For example, the control adapter can have a plurality of adapter arms which are arranged on the control adapter around a mounting axis. The control adapter can be rotatable about an axis which is formed eccentrically with respect to this mounting axis, so that a simple rotation of the control adapter about this axis can rotate one adapter arm at a time into the cover layer, whereby the respective key-forming surface geometry is pressed into the cover layer.According to a further development of the invention, the control adapter can comprise a plurality of adapter arms. Each adapter arm may support at least one of the key-forming surface geometries.For example, a key-forming surface geometry may be disposed at a distal end of each adapter arm with respect to the control adapter. In this embodiment, the adapter arms can be individually or jointly movable in order to press one of the key-forming surface geometries into the covering layer. For example, a plurality of adapter arms can be arranged next to one another on an adapter surface of the control adapter. The adapter surface may be movable to position one of the adapter arms in a particular position below the cover layer. The adapter arms may further be provided with an actuator or similar mechanism which allows each adapter arm to be extended and / or slid into the cover layer to form a corresponding control button.According to a further development of the invention, the adapter arms can be arranged around an axis of rotation of the control adapter, and the adapter arms can project radially from the axis of rotation.The control adapter thus forms a rotating carousel, each adapter arm having a specific surface geometry. By rotating one of the arms into a position below the cover layer and subsequently extending and / or moving the arm into the cover layer, the surface geometry can be pushed into the cover layer in order to pull the respective control button into the electronic textile of the cover layer.According to a further development of the invention, the adapter arms can be designed as telescopic cylinders in order to press the button-forming surface geometries upwards into the covering layer in order to form the control buttons.For example, each adapter arm may comprise a series of telescoping cylinders of ever smaller diameters nested within each other, e.g., two, three or more cylinders. The cylinders may be extended together or sequentially to force the surface geometry at a distal end of the adapter arm into the cover layer.According to a further development of the invention, the control adapter can comprise a first actuator which is designed to press the button-forming surface geometries and / or the control adapter upwards into the covering layer in order to form the control buttons.Thus, for example, an actuator can be used as an alternative or in addition to the abovementioned approach based on telescopic cylinders in order to shift the surface geometries individually into the covering layer. In principle, it is also possible to move the control adapter itself and thus also to shift one or more of the surface geometries into the covering layer.According to a further development of the invention, the control device can comprise a second actuator which is designed to move the cover layer downwards onto the key-forming surface geometries of the control adapter in order to form the control keys. The method may include correspondingly moving the cover layer down onto the key-forming surface geometries of the control adapter to form the control keys.Alternatively or additionally to the active movement of the control adapter or of parts of the control adapter, the cover layer itself can thus also be moved. For example, one of the surface geometries can first be arranged and / or positioned under the cover layer. The cover layer can then be moved down to this particular surface geometry to form a control button.According to a further development of the invention, the control device can be designed as a surface of an operating panel, an instrument panel, a central console, an armrest and / or a steering wheel.In general, any surface of the vehicle interior (or even the exterior) can be used as a control surface, i.e. it can be provided with a cover layer including an electronic textile. This is possible as long as the control adapter and the further components of the present system fit under the respective surface.According to a further development of the invention, the user control system can be configured to be activated by an operator input in order to form the control keys, wherein the operator input comprises voice control, interaction with a graphical user interface and / or operation of a manual key.For example, a microphone may be incorporated into or on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle to receive voice commands from a driver or passenger, which may activate the control system and / or cause the control system to activate a particular control button or a combination of control buttons. Similarly, an operator may also use a graphical user interface to activate, steer, and / or control the control system of the present invention, e.g., a GUI integrated into a dashboard or control panel of a motor vehicle, e.g., a touch screen. Moreover, the control system of the invention may be activated and / or controlled by manual buttons provided for this purpose in the dashboard, in a steering wheel, in a center console, or in another suitable location in the vehicle.The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures.Brief Description of the FiguresThe accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the invention and form a part of the present disclosure. They illustrate embodiments of the invention and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the stated advantages of the invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to each other. In the figures, identical reference numerals designate identical or functionally identical elements, unless stated otherwise. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an armrest of a motor vehicle having a user control system according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a control adapter of the user control system of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically show the control adapter from FIG. 2 in a sectional view. FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter according to a further embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter according to a further embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter according to a further embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter according to a further embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle with the user control system of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method for selectively providing control buttons in any of the user control systems of FIGS. 1-12.Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations may replace the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. In general, the application covers any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSFIG. 1 schematically illustrates an armrest 11 of a motor vehicle 100, e.g., that illustrated in FIG. 13, having a user control system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.The user control system 10 is configured to control various functions of the vehicle 100, including, without limitation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), navigation systems, onboard computers, in-car entertainment, telecommunication systems, and seat adjustment. To this end, the user control system 10 provides convertible control buttons on a particular user interface that can be adapted to the particular desired function or control mode and can also be completely hidden beneath the interface, among other things, as will be explained below.The user control system 10 comprises a control device 1 which is formed as the surface of the armrest 11 and has an elastic cover layer 3 which comprises an electronic textile, i.e. a fabric with electronic circuits. For example, various circuits including capacitive switches and other capacitive or similar electronics may be printed on a back side or bottom side of the cover layer 3. The circuits may be hidden from above the cover layer 3 and therefore not visible to an operator, e.g. a driver. Only a fraction of the upper side of the armrest 11 can be configured as an electronic textile, other parts of the armrest 11 can be configured in a conventional manner, for example with a stowage compartment, a beverage holder, conventional instrumentation such as mechanical buttons or the like.The user control system 10 further comprises a control adapter 2 which is arranged below the cover layer 3 and has a plurality of key-forming surface geometries 4. An exemplary control adapter is shown in FIGS. 2-4, wherein FIGS. 3 and 4 are a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.As can be seen in FIG. 2, the control adapter 2 comprises four adapter arms 6, each adapter arm 6 carrying a key-forming surface geometry 4. For example, the key-forming surface geometry 4 above in FIG. 2 has a spherical shape and represents a single key or a single touch pad, as will be explained further below. The key-forming surface geometry 4 on the right in Fig. 2, on the other hand, comprises four identical square keys or switches.The four adapter arms 6 are arranged around an axis of rotation 7 of the control adapter 2 and project radially from the axis of rotation 7 at a relative angle of 90° with respect to one another. The control adapter 2 is designed to be rotatable about the axis of rotation 7 in order to move the button-forming surface geometries 4 into a position below the cover layer 3 (cf. in particular the arrows in FIG. 3 ). To this end, the control adapter 2 may be mounted in a suitable bracket within or on the armrest 11, e.g., a bracket connected to a floor console or the like (not shown).In the example shown, the axis of rotation 7 of the control adapter 2 is oriented parallel to a longitudinal extent of the armrest 11 (i.e. parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100). However, it is understood that the control adapter 2 can also be oriented and / or configured differently, e.g. with the axis of rotation 7 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the armrest 11, e.g. in a transverse direction of the vehicle 100.Furthermore, the control adapter 2 is designed to move the key-forming surface geometries 4 selectively upwards into the covering layer 3. For this purpose, the adapter arms 6 are designed as spring-mounted telescopic cylinders 12 for pushing the button-forming surface geometries 4 up into the covering layer 3 (cf. springs 13 in FIGS. 3 and 4 ).When the control adapter 2 pushes the key-forming surface geometries 4 into the cover layer 3, the surface geometries 4 draw the cover layer 3 into the shape of a control key 5 which is shaped in accordance with the respective key-forming surface geometry 4 (cf. FIG. 4 ). The electronic textile of the cover layer 3 is designed to provide a control key function for each control key 5 shaped in this way. The control key function is configured to control the vehicle 100, e.g., an HVAC system or the like. The control key function is performed when a user operates the respective shaped control key 5 from above the top layer 3 as well as an mechanical key or switch is operated.However, the shape and function of the control key(s) 5 can be changed by inserting different surface geometries 4 into the cover layer 3. For this purpose, the electronic textile of the cover layer 3 can be designed in such a way that, depending on the current deep-drawing shape, different functions can be realized on the same surface, which functions are defined by the surface geometry 4 currently used. In the specific example of FIG. 4, a capacitive switch or pushbutton switch can be realized by a correspondingly configured electronic circuit on the rear side of the cover layer 3. Such a capacitive mechanism may replace a physical push button, wherein physical feedback may be provided via a tactile feedback transducer or the like, e.g. a pressure sensitive device.The user control system 10 thus provides a control system which is completely invisible in the unused case and which can provide different deep drawn configurations and thus functionalities and / or modes. In this way, many different functions and control key geometries can be realized in an extremely flexible and efficient manner in a single operating surface. Thus, the system may help reduce mechanical or other conventional switches and controllers.Various configurations may be designed for the activation and / or operation of the user control system 10. For example, the user control system 10 may be configured to be activated by an operator input to form the control buttons 5, the operator input including at least one of voice control, interaction with a graphical user interface, and operation of a manual button. The system 10 and thus the functions of the armrest 11 can be activated by voice control, e.g. via a microphone provided in the interior of the vehicle 100, e.g. on a steering wheel. In another example, the system 10 may be actuated by softkey or hardkey activation, e.g., via a front display (softkey) or a center console (hardkey). Depending on the selected surface geometry 4 and the corresponding control mode, the armrest 11 can then be used for different control functions.For example, one of the surface geometries 4 can relate to an HVAC control mode, wherein the operator can control an HVAC system of the vehicle 100 with the respective control button 5. With the voice control, the operator can then change, for example, the surface geometry 4 and thus the control button 5, which is currently drawn into the cover layer 3. For example, the new control button 5 may relate to a seat adjuster, a telecommunication system and / or an entertainment system. The operator can now control the respective other system with the new control button 5 on the same control panel.FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter 2 according to a further embodiment of the invention.The control adapter 2 is constructed similarly to that in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this case, however, the axis of rotation 7 does not correspond to the axis of symmetry of the control adapter 2. instead, the control adapter 2 has an eccentric configuration, so that the respective surface geometries 4 are pushed into the cover layer 3 in the form of the control buttons 5 by merely rotating the control adapter 2 (cf. in particular FIG. 6 ). Thus, the control adapter 2 does not require a telescopic cylinder system for the adapter arms 6.FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter 2 according to a further embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the control adapter 2 has an actuator 8 which is designed to move the complete control adapter 2 upwards into the cover layer 3 (in contrast to merely moving one of the adapter arms 6). Moreover, the control adapter 2 can be rotated as shown in Figs. 2 to 4.FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter 2 according to a further embodiment of the invention.In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover layer 3 is provided in this case with a plurality of actuators 9 which are designed to pull the cover layer 3 down onto the control adapter 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control adapter 2 is configured to be rotatable, but without being movable along a translation direction.FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically show a sectional view of a control adapter 2 according to a further embodiment of the invention.As a further exemplary embodiment, these figures show a variant in which a plurality of adapter arms 6 are arranged on an adapter surface 14 of the control adapter 2. In this case, the surface geometries 4 are changed by displacing the adapter surface 14 with respect to the cover layer 3, for example along a spherical curve, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11 As soon as one of the adapter arms 6 has reached the intended position, a spring-mounted telescopic cylinder 12 moves the respective adapter arm 6 upwards into the cover layer 3 in order to form the respective control button 5.FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of a method M for selectively providing control buttons 5 in any of the user control systems from FIGS. 1 to 12 The method M comprises, under M 1, moving the elastic cover layer 3 of the control device 1 and the button-forming surface geometries 4 of the control adapter 2, which are arranged below the cover layer 3, relative to one another in such a way that the button-forming surface geometries 4 are pressed into the cover layer 3, wherein the cover layer 3 is drawn into the shape of a control button 5, which is shaped in accordance with the respective button-forming surface geometry 4. The method M further comprises, at M 2, providing a control button function with the electronic textile on the cover layer 3 for each shaped control button 5, wherein the control button function is configured to control and be executed the vehicle when a user operates the respective shaped control button 5 from above the cover layer 3.In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been summarized to improve stringency of the representation in one or more examples. It should be understood, however, that the above description is merely illustrative, but not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Many other examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from their knowledge in view of the above description. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to be able to represent the principles underlying the invention and its application possibilities in practice, such that it is possible for those skilled in the art to optimally modify and utilize the invention and its various embodiments with respect to the intended purpose of use.List of reference characters1 Control device 2 Control adapter 3 Cover layer 4 Button-forming surface geometry 5 Control button 6 Adapter arm 7 Axis of rotation 8 First actuator 9 Second actuator 10 User control system 11 Armrest 12 Telescopic cylinder 13 Spring 14 Adapter surface 100 Motor vehicle M Method M 1-M 2 Method step

Claims

A user control system (10) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (100), comprising: a control device (1) having an elastic cover layer (3) formed with an electronic textile; and a control adapter (2) which is arranged below the cover layer (3) and has a plurality of key-forming surface geometries (4); wherein the control adapter (2) and the control device (1) are configured to move the cover layer (3) and the key-forming surface geometries (4) relative to one another in order to press the key-forming surface geometries (4) into the cover layer (3), wherein the cover layer (3) is drawn into the shape of a control key (5) which is shaped in accordance with the respective key-forming surface geometry (4); and wherein the electronic textile of the cover layer (3) is configured to provide a control button function for each shaped control button, wherein the control button function is configured to control and be executed when a user actuates the respective shaped control button (5) from above the cover layer (3); wherein the control adapter (2) is movably configured to move the button-forming surface geometries (4) into a position below the cover layer (3); wherein different surface geometries (4) are present, such that the shape and function of the control button (5) can be changed by inserting the different surface geometries (4) into the cover layer (3).The user control system (10) of claim 1, wherein the control adapter (2) is configured to selectively move the key-forming surface geometries (4) upward into the cover layer (3) to form the control keys (5).The user control system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control adapter (2) is configured rotatably to move the key-forming surface geometries (4) upwards into the cover layer (3) by means of rotation in order to form the control keys (5).The user control system (10) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control adapter (2) comprises a plurality of adapter arms (6), each adapter arm (6) carrying at least one of the key-forming surface geometries (4).The user control system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the adapter arms (6) are arranged around an axis of rotation (7) of the control adapter (2) and project radially from the axis of rotation (7).User control system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the adapter arms (6) are configured as telescopic cylinders for pressing the key-forming surface geometries (4) upwards into the cover layer (3) in order to form the control keys (5).The user control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control adapter (2) comprises a first actuator (8) configured to press the key-forming surface geometries (4) and / or the control adapter (2) upwards into the cover layer (3) to form the control keys (5).The user control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device (1) comprises a second actuator (9) which is configured to move the cover layer (3) downwards onto the key-forming surface geometries (4) of the control adapter (2) in order to form the control keys (5).The user control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller (1) is formed as a surface of at least one of a control panel, a dashboard, a center console, an armrest (11), and a steering wheel.The user control system (10) of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the user control system (10) is configured to be activated by an operator input to form the control buttons (5), the operator input comprising at least one of voice control, interaction with a graphical user interface, and operation of a manual button.Motor vehicle (100) comprising a user control system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10.Method (M) for selectively providing control buttons (5) in a user control system (10) of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle (100), comprising: moving (M1) an elastic cover layer (3) of a control device (1) and button-forming surface geometries (4) of a control adapter (2) which are arranged below the cover layer (3) relative to one another in such a way that the button-forming surface geometries (4) are pressed into the cover layer (3), wherein the cover layer (3) is drawn into the shape of a control button (5) which is shaped in accordance with the respective button-forming surface geometry (4); providing (M2) a control button function with an electronic textile on the cover layer (3) for each shaped control button (5), wherein the control button function is configured to control and be executed when a user actuates the respective shaped control button (5) from above the cover layer (3); wherein the button-forming surface geometries (4) are moved into a position below the cover layer (3) by means of movement of the control adapter (2); wherein different surface geometries (4) are present, such that the shape and function of the control button (5) are changed by inserting the different surface geometries (4) into the cover layer (3).Method (M) according to claim 12, wherein the key-forming surface geometries (4) are selectively moved upwards into the cover layer (3) of the control adapter (2) in order to form the control keys (5).Method (M) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the key-forming surface geometries (4) are moved upwards into the cover layer (3) by means of rotation of the control adapter (2) in order to form the control keys (5).Method (M) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the cover layer (3) is moved downwards onto the key-forming surface geometries (4) of the control adapter (2) in order to form the control keys (5).The method (M) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the user control system (10) is activated by an operator input to form the control keys (5), the operator input comprising at least one of voice control, interaction with a graphical user interface, and operation of a manual key.

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