Procedure for setting an audio output in a vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Adjusting audio output settings in vehicle parking sensors is often time-consuming and complicated, distracting the driver and increasing safety risks during maneuvers.
A method for adjusting audio output using a touch-sensitive display screen that distinguishes between static and dynamic touch inputs to control volume levels intuitively, allowing users to select desired volumes without looking at the screen.
Enables intuitive volume adjustment, reducing driver distraction and enhancing road safety by allowing volume changes based on touch input type and duration.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for adjusting audio output in a vehicle, a storage medium for executing the method, a driver assistance system for a vehicle, and a vehicle with such a driver assistance system. The present disclosure relates in particular to an intuitive adjustment of the volume of a driver assistance system. State of the art
[0002] Modern vehicles are often equipped with parking sensors that alert the driver to obstacles while parking using acoustic and visual signals. These parking sensors can be, for example, electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors. The output of the acoustic and visual signals can be individually adjusted by the driver. However, this adjustment is often complex and time-consuming, as the driver must enter numerous settings to make the desired changes to the acoustic and visual signals. If the driver attempts to adjust the settings while driving, for example, before or during a planned parking maneuver, they may be distracted, creating an increased safety risk. Disclosure of the invention
[0003] It is an objective of the present disclosure to specify a method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle, a storage medium for carrying out the method, a driver assistance system for a vehicle, and a vehicle with such a driver assistance system, all of which enable intuitive adjustment of an audio output. In particular, it is an objective of the present disclosure to prevent driver distraction when adjusting an audio output, thereby improving road safety.
[0004] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0005] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The method comprises: a) Displaying a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen; b) Receiving a touch input from a user on or at the volume scale; and c) Controlling an audio output unit to produce an acoustic signal based on touch input, wherein controlling the audio output unit includes: c1) Output of the acoustic signal with a first volume level if the touch input is static at a first position on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which differs from a second position corresponding to a currently set volume level, and a touch duration at the first position is equal to or less than a threshold value; and c2) Outputting the acoustic signal with a time-varying volume level if the touch input is a dynamic drag input on the volume scale, wherein the volume level is adjusted during the drag input to a current touch position on or at the volume scale.
[0006] According to the invention, an acoustic signal with a specific volume is emitted depending on the type and duration of a touch input. In other words, a technical system, namely the audio output unit, is controlled based on the touch input. The volume corresponds to a level selected by the type of touch input, allowing the user to intuitively select a desired volume, particularly without looking at the touch-sensitive display screen. This prevents driver distraction when adjusting the audio output, thus improving road safety.
[0007] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a distinction is made between a static and a dynamic touch input.
[0008] A static touch input refers to a user touch where the user does not move their finger across the touchscreen, but the finger remains in contact with the screen for a certain duration. This duration can be the time between a user's body part touching the screen and the user's body part lifting it. For example, the user's body part could be a finger.
[0009] In contrast, dynamic touch input involves a user touch where the user dynamically moves their finger across the touch-sensitive display screen while the finger is in contact with the screen. Dynamic touch input is referred to as "drag input" within the scope of this disclosure.
[0010] In the first case, the acoustic signal is output at a first volume level upon static touch input if the static touch input occurs at a first position on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which differs from a second position corresponding to the currently set volume level, and if the touch duration at the first position is equal to or less than a threshold value. Such a (short) static touch input can be referred to as a "short touch".
[0011] The acoustic signal, at the volume level newly set by the short touch, is emitted after the touch duration has elapsed, i.e., after the user no longer touches the touchscreen, for example, by lifting their finger from the screen. No acoustic signal is emitted while the touch input or short touch is ongoing.
[0012] In a second case, the touch duration of the first position can be greater than the threshold ("Long Touch"), whereby the output of the acoustic signal occurs at the currently set volume level, i.e. without any change in the volume level due to the touch input.
[0013] The acoustic signal, at the currently set volume level, is emitted after the touch duration has elapsed, i.e., after the user no longer touches the touchscreen, for example, by lifting their finger from the screen. No acoustic signal is emitted while the touch input continues.
[0014] This means that a static touch input will change the volume level to a newly selected level if the user performs a short touch, or it will not change to the newly selected level if the user performs a long touch. This gives the user the option to intuitively choose not to change the volume level by extending the touch input.
[0015] Preferably, the threshold that defines the boundary between a short touch and a long touch is one second or less. For example, the threshold could be approximately 800 milliseconds.
[0016] In a third scenario, the user can perform dynamic touch input, or drag input, on the touchscreen. In this case, the audio signal is emitted at a variable volume level, adjusting to the current touch position on the volume scale during the drag input. In other words, the volume level increases or decreases based on the direction of the drag input, providing the user with audible feedback. This allows the user to intuitively adjust the volume level to a desired value, for example, by dragging their finger across the touchscreen.
[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises displaying a cursor on or at the volume scale. The cursor can indicate or mark a volume level on the volume scale.
[0018] Preferably, in step c1), a cursor position is changed from a cursor position corresponding to the second position to a cursor position corresponding to the first position if the touch duration of the first position is equal to or less than the threshold ("short touch"). In particular, the cursor position can be changed (only) after the end of the touch input in order to display the newly set volume level.
[0019] Preferably, the cursor position in step c2) follows the drag input. For example, the cursor position can continuously follow a movement of the user's finger on the touch-sensitive display screen.
[0020] Preferably, the cursor position remains unchanged in step c3) if the touch duration of the first position is greater than the threshold ("long touch"). In particular, the cursor position can remain unchanged after the end of the touch input in order to continue displaying the currently set volume level.
[0021] Preferably, an acoustic signal is emitted for a predetermined duration at a given volume level. In particular, the acoustic signal can be emitted once per volume level, such as once after a short touch or long touch. Similarly, a corresponding acoustic signal can be emitted for each adjustable volume level (e.g., discretely) swiped over during a drag input. In other words, a multitude of acoustic signals, each with a different volume level, can be emitted sequentially during a drag input.
[0022] Preferably, the predetermined time duration is one second or less, in particular 500 milliseconds or less.
[0023] Preferably, the acoustic signal is a gong sound.
[0024] Preferably, the method further comprises the output of acoustic signals at the set volume level during a parking maneuver using a parking aid. For example, the acoustic signals can be output depending on the distance to an obstacle in order to alert the driver to the obstacle and / or to indicate a distance to the obstacle by modulating the acoustic signals.
[0025] In some embodiments, the frequency of the output of the acoustic signals and / or the frequency of the acoustic signals themselves can indicate the distance of the obstacle. For example, faster tones can indicate greater proximity, and a continuous tone can indicate a predefined minimum distance.
[0026] Preferably, the audio output unit includes (or is) at least one loudspeaker. The audio output unit is configured to output the acoustic signal at various adjustable volume levels.
[0027] The term "volume level," as used in this disclosure, refers to the intensity of sound emitted by the audio output unit. In some embodiments, the different volume levels may be defined between a minimum and a maximum value that define the volume scale. For example, a plurality of discrete volume levels, including the minimum and maximum values, may be available on the volume scale, selectable or adjustable by the user.
[0028] Preferably, the touchscreen display is provided by the vehicle's infotainment system and / or head unit. Typically, the touchscreen is installed in or on the vehicle's dashboard. The touchscreen is a combined input / output device that allows direct control of a technical system, namely the audio output unit, by touch.
[0029] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is specified. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby perform the procedure described in this document for setting an audio output in a vehicle.
[0030] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is specified. The storage medium may include a software program configured to run on one or more processors and thereby execute the method described in this document for setting an audio output in a vehicle.
[0031] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code for carrying out the method of setting an audio output in a vehicle is to be executed when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.
[0032] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a driver assistance system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The driver assistance system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors to perform the method described in this document for setting an audio output in a vehicle.
[0033] The driver assistance system can implement aspects of the procedure described in this document for setting an audio output in a vehicle.
[0034] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the driver assistance system is a parking assistant (e.g., Park Distance Control, PDC, from BMW). The parking assistant can be configured to alert the driver to obstacles while parking by means of acoustic signals. Optionally, the parking assistant can also be configured to alert the driver to obstacles while parking by means of visual signals.
[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle comprises the driver assistance system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., used for the transport of people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.
[0037] Preferably, the vehicle, and in particular the driver assistance system, comprises environmental sensors configured to acquire environmental data. Preferably, the environmental sensors comprise at least one LiDAR system and / or at least one radar system and / or at least one camera and / or at least one ultrasonic system and / or at least one laser scanner. The environmental sensors can provide the environmental data (also referred to as "surrounding data") that maps an area surrounding the vehicle, for example, to enable the parking assistant. List of characters
[0038] Examples of the manifestation of the revelation are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 a flowchart of a method for setting an audio output in a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B a touch-sensitive display screen and a Short Touch according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 3 a touch-sensitive display screen and a drag input according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B a touch-sensitive display screen and a long touch according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Implementations of the revelation
[0039] Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements in the following.
[0040] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a flowchart of a method 100 for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 100 can be implemented by appropriate software that can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).
[0041] The process comprises, in block 110, displaying a volume scale on a touch-sensitive screen, and in block 120, receiving touch input from a user on or near the volume scale. Block 130 determines the type of touch input. Specifically, it distinguishes between short touch, long touch, and drag input. Based on the type of touch input, an audio output unit is activated to emit an acoustic signal.
[0042] In the case of a short touch, i.e., when the touch duration is equal to or less than a threshold (e.g., 800 milliseconds), the acoustic signal in block 140 is output at a new volume level corresponding to the touch position. This new volume level is only emitted after the touch duration has elapsed, meaning after the user has stopped touching the touchscreen, for example, by lifting their finger from the screen. No acoustic signal is emitted while the touch input or short touch is ongoing.
[0043] In the case of a long touch, i.e., when the touch duration exceeds the threshold (e.g., 800 milliseconds), the acoustic signal in block 160 is emitted at the currently set volume level, meaning the volume level remains unchanged due to the touch input. This acoustic signal is only emitted at the currently set volume level after the touch duration has elapsed, i.e., after the user has removed their finger from the touchscreen. No acoustic signal is emitted while the touch input or long touch continues.
[0044] This means that a static touch input will change the volume level to a newly selected level if the user performs a short touch, or it will not change to the newly selected level if the user performs a long touch. This gives the user the option to intuitively choose not to change the volume level by extending the touch input.
[0045] In the case of drag input, the acoustic signal in block 150 is output at a time-varying volume level, with the volume level adjusting to the current touch position on or near the volume scale during the drag input. In other words, the volume level increases or decreases based on the direction of the drag input, providing the user with acoustic feedback. This allows the user to intuitively adjust the volume level to a desired value, for example, by dragging their finger across the touchscreen.
[0046] Preferably, the acoustic signal in blocks 140, 150, and 160 is output for a corresponding volume level for a predetermined duration, such as one second or less. In particular, the acoustic signal can be output once per volume level, such as once after a short touch or long touch. Similarly, a corresponding acoustic signal can be output for each adjustable volume level (e.g., discretely) swiped through during a drag input. In other words, a multitude of acoustic signals, each with a different volume level, can be output sequentially during a drag input.
[0047] In some embodiments, method 100 may further include the output of acoustic signals at the set volume level during a parking maneuver using a parking aid. For example, the acoustic signals may be output depending on the distance to an obstacle in order to alert the driver to the obstacle and / or to indicate a distance to the obstacle by modulating the acoustic signals.
[0048] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a touch-sensitive display screen 200 and a Short Touch 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 is provided by a vehicle's infotainment system and / or head unit. Typically, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 is installed in or on the vehicle's dashboard.
[0050] The touch-sensitive display screen 200 is designed to allow a user to adjust the volume level of an audio output, for example, in a modification or edit mode. For instance, the audio output can be adjusted to a specific volume level during a parking maneuver, depending on the distance to an obstacle, to alert the driver.
[0051] To adjust the volume level of the audio output, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 can show a volume scale that includes a variety of discretely adjustable volume levels between a minimum and a maximum value. In some embodiments, a cursor 210 is also displayed on or at the volume scale on the touch-sensitive display screen 200. The cursor 210 can indicate or highlight a volume level on the volume scale. In the example of the Fig. 2A marks the cursor 210 as the currently set volume level.
[0052] In Fig. 2A is schematically represented as a Short Touch 10, i.e., a touch input with a touch duration below a threshold of, for example, 800 milliseconds, at a first position A on the volume scale. The first position A corresponds to a first volume level. If the first position A differs from a second position B, which corresponds to a currently set volume level, an acoustic signal at the first volume level is emitted after the end of the touch input, as schematically shown in Fig. 2B is shown.
[0053] In some embodiments, after the end of the touch input, the cursor position can also be changed from a cursor position corresponding to the second position B to a cursor position corresponding to the first position A, as shown schematically in Fig. 2B is shown. In particular, the cursor position can be changed after the end of Short Touch 10 to display the newly set volume level instead of the previous volume level.
[0054] Fig. Figure 3 shows a touch-sensitive display screen 300 and a drag input 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] In Fig. Figure 3 schematically represents a drag input 20, i.e., a dynamic touch input, from the second position B to the first position A on the volume scale. The second position B corresponds to the currently set volume level, and the first position A corresponds to the newly set volume level. During the drag input 20, an acoustic signal with a time-varying volume level is emitted, whereby the volume level is adjusted to the current touch position on the volume scale during the drag input 20.
[0056] In some embodiments, the cursor 210 follows the drag input 20. For example, the cursor position can continuously follow a movement of a user's finger on the touch-sensitive display screen 300.
[0057] Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows a touch-sensitive display screen 400 and a Long Touch 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0058] In Fig. 4A is schematically represented as a Long Touch 30, i.e., a touch input with a touch duration above a threshold of, for example, 800 milliseconds, at a first position A on the volume scale. The first position A corresponds to a first volume level. If the first position A differs from a second position B, which corresponds to a currently set volume level, an acoustic signal with the current volume level is emitted after the end of the touch input, as schematically shown in Fig. 3B is shown. In other words, the volume level used is not that corresponding to the first position A, but rather the currently set volume level corresponding to the second position B.
[0059] In some embodiments, the cursor position can remain unchanged after the end of the touch input. In particular, the cursor position can remain unchanged after the end of the long touch 30 in order to continue displaying the currently set volume level.
[0060] According to the invention, an acoustic signal with a specific volume is emitted depending on the type and duration of a touch input. In other words, a technical system, namely the audio output unit, is controlled based on the touch input. The volume corresponds to a level selected by the type of touch input, allowing the user to intuitively select a desired volume, particularly without looking at the touch-sensitive display screen. This prevents driver distraction when adjusting the audio output, thus improving road safety.
[0061] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.
Claims
[1] Method (100) for setting an audio output in a vehicle, comprising: a) Display (110) a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400); b) Receiving (120) a touch input (10, 20, 30) by a user on or at the volume scale; and c) Controlling an audio output unit to produce an acoustic signal based on touch input (10, 20, 30), wherein controlling the audio output unit includes: c1) Output (140) of the acoustic signal with a first volume level if the touch input (10) is static at a first position (A) on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which differs from a second position (B) corresponding to a currently set volume level, and a touch duration of the first position (A) is equal to or less than a threshold value; and c2) Output (150) the acoustic signal with a time-varying volume level if the touch input is a dynamic drag input (20) on the volume scale, wherein the volume level is adjusted during the drag input (20) to a current touch position on or at the volume scale. [2] The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein controlling the audio output unit further comprises: c3) Output (160) the acoustic signal with the current volume level if the touch input (30) is static at the first position (A) on the volume scale and a touch duration of the first position (A) is greater than the threshold. [3] The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the threshold is 1 second or less, in particular wherein the threshold is 800 milliseconds. [4] The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the touch duration corresponds to a time interval between a touch of the touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400) by a body part of the user and a lifting of the body part from the touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400). [5] The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising displaying a cursor (210) on or at the volume scale, wherein: - a cursor position in step c1) is changed from a cursor position corresponding to the second position (B) to a cursor position corresponding to the first position (A) if the touch duration of the first position (A) is equal to or less than the threshold value; - the cursor position in step c2) follows the drag input (20); - the cursor position in step c3) remains unchanged if the contact duration of the first position (A) is greater than the threshold. [6] The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acoustic signal is output at a corresponding volume level for a predetermined time period, in particular wherein the predetermined time period is one second or less, in particular 500 milliseconds or less. [7] The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: Emitting acoustic signals at the set volume level during a parking maneuver using a parking aid. [8] Storage medium comprising a software program configured to run on one or more processors and thereby to execute the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Driver assistance system for a vehicle, comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, comprising the driver assistance system according to claim 9.
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