Method for customizing haptic feedback of one or more controls for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for individualizing haptic feedback from a control element (1) for a motor vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: providing two different haptic feedback options using the control element(s) (1), and comparing the two different haptic feedback options in pairs, with a user of the control element(s) (1) choosing one of the two haptic feedback options. The steps of providing and comparing the haptic feedback options are repeated several times until a haptic feedback option individualized for the user is determined.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for individualizing haptic feedback of one or more control elements for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Control elements in motor vehicles can provide the user with haptic feedback, confirming, for example, that the user has activated the control. Control elements are known where the user can select a suitable type of haptic feedback from a predefined selection. However, this haptic feedback is not personalized to the individual user.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2022 118 723 A1 describes a method for calibrating the desired haptic feedback of a feedback actuator for a motor vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: generating a control signal for the desired haptic feedback by the feedback actuator, controlling the feedback actuator with the generated control signal so that the feedback actuator generates haptic feedback, measuring the haptic feedback of the feedback actuator to obtain a feedback curve, extracting at least one feature from the measured feedback curve, and adjusting the control signal based on the at least one extracted feature.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2016 014 150 A1 discloses a control element for a functional unit in a vehicle, wherein the control element has an individually configurable function, so that a user receives feedback regarding the detection of the action when the control element is operated. The individually configurable function can be visual, acoustic and / or haptic, and can be set by means of the vehicle's on-board computer.

[0005] US Patent 2018 / 0136727A1 describes a haptic feedback system for controlling a steering system. The system comprises a touch sensor input detection module and a driver module for the haptic feedback of an actuator. The touch sensor input detection module detects a touch sensor input from one or more touch sensors of the steering system and identifies the type of touch gesture. The driver module determines the desired haptic feedback in conjunction with the type of touch gesture and controls an actuator of the steering system to generate the desired haptic feedback.

[0006] DE 10 2018 215 291 A1 relates to a method for the interaction of a user with a vehicle with the steps: Determining (100) a signal and, depending on the signal, selecting a parameter for the output of haptic feedback for the user.

[0007] EP 3 140 717 B1 discloses methods, systems, computer-readable media, and devices for adapting the way haptic feedback is given to the user based on their physical characteristics. Physical characteristics can include stable physical attributes that do not change with respect to the user's level of physical activity. Examples of such stable physical attributes may be age, gender, visual impairment, and / or other physical characteristics. In some embodiments, the mobile device can adapt the haptic feedback by changing the intensity, frequency, duration, and type of haptic feedback provided to the user.

[0008] The personalization of sensory feedback based on a user sensitivity analysis (US 11 929 169 B2) involves maintaining user-specific parameters for the delivery of sensory feedback in augmented reality. These parameters apply to specific contextual situations and determine the intensity of the sensory feedback provided by the stimulus devices in those situations. Based on the user's identified contextual situation in the target augmented reality environment, a set of parameters for the intensity of sensory feedback is selected. The stimulus devices in the target environment are then automatically controlled to provide the user with sensory feedback based on one or more of these parameters. This automatic control includes electronic communication with the stimulus devices to control at least one of the stimuli they provide to the user.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a method in which it is possible to individualize the haptic feedback of one or more control elements for a motor vehicle.

[0010] This problem is solved by a procedure according to the independent claim.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for customizing haptic feedback of one or more controls for a motor vehicle. The method comprises, in particular, the following steps: - Providing two different haptic feedback signals using the control element(s), and - Pairwise comparison of the two different haptic feedbacks, whereby a user of the control element chooses one of the two haptic feedbacks, and wherein the steps of provisioning and pairwise comparison are performed several times in succession until a haptic feedback individualized for the user is determined.

[0012] This method makes it possible to determine a personalized haptic feedback experience for the user of the control element(s) by repeatedly comparing two different haptic feedback patterns. In contrast to a menu selection from several fixed haptic settings, a user-specific haptic feedback experience can be found. Advantageously, this can lead to greater acceptance and usability of the control element(s) through optimal haptics. Furthermore, it can introduce a gamification aspect compared to a tedious menu selection. Users may also be surprised by the wide range of possible haptic and acoustic feedback. This results in a high degree of personalization in the vehicle and an enhanced sense of well-being.

[0013] The provision of the two distinct haptic feedback signals is achieved via the control element(s). For this purpose, the control element(s) incorporates a haptic feedback unit, for example, in the form of an unbalanced motor or a piezo actuator. The haptic feedback unit can, for instance, vibrate a user interface of the control element(s), such as a touchscreen, so that the user experiences these vibrations as haptic feedback through their hand operating the control element(s). The fact that the two haptic feedback signals "differ from each other" in this context means, in particular, that they may differ in their amplitude, frequency, waveform, and / or duration.For example, the force threshold for triggering feedback or haptic feedback can be adjusted. Some users want the controls to activate with very little force, while others prefer to press harder before receiving feedback or haptic feedback.

[0014] In paired comparisons, exactly two different haptic feedback patterns are always compared. The user only needs to decide which of the two differing haptic feedback patterns they prefer. The user can, in particular, repeatedly press different control surfaces or buttons to make a decision. For example, the choice might be between left or right using the buttons. The decision can be communicated in various ways. One example would be a long press on the control surface with the preferred haptic feedback. It would also be possible to use other control surfaces to select the preferred haptic feedback.

[0015] In one implementation example, the user is guided through a menu during the paired comparison and prompted to choose between the two different haptic feedback options. For example, the user interface displays a corresponding menu item or submenu item, which the user then selects. This results in a dialog-driven setting of the haptic feedback or haptics.

[0016] In one embodiment, the prompt is delivered visually, audibly, and / or haptically. For example, the prompt is displayed visually to the user via the user interface. Additionally, an audible and / or visual indication can be provided, for example, using the haptic feedback unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the provisioning and pair-matching steps are performed 10 to 20 times consecutively. In principle, the provisioning and pair-matching steps can be performed consecutively any number of times. In particular, the steps are performed consecutively until the best individualized haptic feedback for the user is found.

[0018] In one implementation example, a full pairwise comparison or an incomplete pairwise comparison is performed. In a full pairwise comparison, all stored haptic feedback is compared with each other. However, an incomplete pairwise comparison can also be performed, for example, using a power ranking.

[0019] In one embodiment, the two distinct haptic feedback signals are provided by means of two different buttons on a user interface of the control element(s). The user interface, which can be a touchscreen, has a display area on which the buttons are shown. There can be a first or left button, or a second or right button. Thus, when comparing the two buttons, the user only needs to choose between left and right.

[0020] In one embodiment, the user selects one of the two haptic feedback options by pressing one of the two buttons or by pressing a different button. For example, the user can press the selected button again or hold it down for a longer period. Furthermore, the additional button, particularly a third button, can be provided to allow the user to choose which haptic feedback they find more pleasant or suitable.

[0021] In one embodiment, the two distinct haptic feedback options are selected from a multitude of predefined haptic settings or from a multitude of self-changing haptic settings, particularly those generated by artificial intelligence. Thus, the haptic feedback of the control element or elements can not only be selected from predefined settings, but can also be continuously adjusted. Furthermore, a multitude of parameters, especially tactile parameters such as amplitude, frequency, waveform, or length, and acoustic parameters such as amplitude, frequency, waveform, or length, can be determined in just a few steps without requiring any prior user knowledge.

[0022] In one embodiment, the process is initiated by the user selecting a menu item for customizing the haptic feedback of the control(s) on the control(s), or by the vehicle's voice control system or a suggestion from the vehicle during a charging break. For example, the user might select a submenu item such as "Smart Haptic Preference Prediction" from a submenu displayed via the user interface. The two buttons are then displayed to the user. Instructions are also shown on the display, instructing the user to operate the left button first and then the right button, or vice versa.

[0023] In one embodiment, the determined individualized haptic feedback is transferred to the vehicle's control element(s). The individualized haptic feedback can be transferred to all of the vehicle's control elements. In particular, different individualized haptic feedback can be transferred to the control element or elements for different vehicle users, depending on the user, as soon as the respective user uses the vehicle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the user of the multiple control elements chooses a preferred side for one of the two haptic feedback options by means of a long press, a voice dialogue, a swipe, a slide and / or a gesture.

[0025] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0026] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. To this end, we will show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of an embodiment of an actuating device; and Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the actuating device according to Fig. 1.

[0027] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these 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.

[0028] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0029] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a control element 1. The control element 1 can be installed in a motor vehicle, in particular in a passenger car. The control element 1 can be used, for example, to control various functions of the motor vehicle, such as the seat settings of a driver's seat.

[0030] The control element 1 features active haptics. This means that a user operating the control element 1 with their hand 2 receives haptic feedback from the control element 1 in response to their operation. The haptic feedback can be, for example, a vibration or any movement that the user feels in their hand 2.

[0031] The control element 1 has a user interface 3. In this case, the user interface 3 is a so-called touchscreen. However, the user interface 3 could also be a button, a switch, several buttons, several switches, a rotary knob, a push button, or the like. In principle, the user interface 3 can be any component that the user can operate with their hand 2. However, it is assumed below that the user interface 3 is a touchscreen. The user interface 3 can be part of a multifunction steering wheel. Several user interfaces 3 can be provided. For example, one such user interface 3 could be located on the left and one on the right side of the multifunction steering wheel. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed below that exactly one user interface 3 is provided.

[0032] User interface 3 is capable of sensing contact with hand 2 through a change in capacitive sensitivity and / or pressure applied to user interface 3 by hand 2. Suitable sensors can be integrated into user interface 3 for this purpose. User interface 3 can provide information regarding the change in capacitive sensitivity and / or the applied pressure to a control unit 4 of the operating element 1. Control unit 4 can then use this information to, for example, control actuators for the aforementioned driver's seat adjustment.

[0033] To provide the user with the aforementioned haptic feedback, the control element 1 includes a haptic feedback unit 5. The haptic feedback unit 5 can be mounted on the back of the user interface 3 to provide the user with haptic feedback via the user interface 3. For example, the haptic feedback unit 5 can vibrate the user interface 3, which the user registers as haptic feedback in their hand 2. The control element 1 can have any number of haptic feedback units 5. Hereinafter, it is assumed that exactly one haptic feedback unit 5 is provided. The haptic feedback unit 5 can, for example, comprise an unbalanced motor, a piezoelectric element, a coil with a permanent magnet movable relative to the coil, or the like.

[0034] The user interface 3 can have a display area 6, on which, in this case, two buttons 7 and 8 are displayed. The buttons 7 and 8 can also be referred to as control surfaces. The user can optionally tap or activate one of the buttons 7 and 8 with their hand 2. In particular, a first or left button 7 and a second or right button 8 can be provided. In principle, any number of buttons 7 and 8, and any number of different buttons 7 and 8, can be displayed using the display area 6. If the user interface 3 is part of a multifunction steering wheel, the buttons 7 and 8 can be assigned to two different user interfaces 3, located on the right and left sides of the multifunction steering wheel. Optionally, a further button 9, in particular a lower or third one, can be provided. However, this is not mandatory.

[0035] The haptic feedback generated by such a haptic feedback unit 5 is adjustable. In particular, this can be achieved with suitable software for known settings (not shown), where, for example, the user is presented with three possible haptic feedback settings. However, the user must be aware of their preference and know what they want to adjust. The user can then select the setting or variant that best suits them.

[0036] Instead of allowing the user to select from several predefined settings, with control element 1 it is advantageously possible to allow the user to set an individually preferred haptic from a variety of predefined settings or self-changing haptic settings, for example a combination of tactile waveform, amplitude, length and / or frequency and acoustic waveform, amplitude, length and / or frequency, using a procedure that will be explained below.

[0037] In this process, the user can, for example, select a submenu item such as "Smart Haptic Preference Prediction" or "Smart Haptic Preference Prediction" from a submenu of control element 1 displayed via user interface 3. The two buttons 7 and 8 are then displayed to the user on display area 6. Instructions are also displayed on display area 6 instructing the user to first press the left button 7 and then the right button 8, or vice versa. When pressed with hand 2 or with both hands 2, the two buttons 7 and 8 then provide two distinct haptic feedback signals via the haptic feedback unit 5.

[0038] The user must then, preferably via user interface 3, for example using button 9 or either button 7 or 8, indicate whether they prefer the haptic feedback of the left button 7 or the right button 8. The user must then again press the left button 7 and then the right button 8, or vice versa, which will again provide haptic feedback, but different from the previous feedback. Finally, the user must again indicate which haptic feedback they prefer.

[0039] This previously described process can be repeated, for example, 10 to 20 times. The method used is a complete pairwise comparison or an incomplete pairwise comparison with power ranking. From this, the haptic feedback desired by the user can be determined and applied to control element 1, as well as to all other control elements 1 with active haptic feedback in the vehicle. Therefore, the haptic feedback of control element 1 can not only be selected from predefined settings, but can also be continuously adjusted.

[0040] Furthermore, a multitude of parameters, particularly tactile parameters such as amplitude, frequency, waveform, and length, and acoustic parameters such as amplitude, frequency, waveform, and length, can be determined in just a few steps, without requiring any prior user knowledge. The user simply needs to choose between left and right using buttons 7 and 8, depending on which side with the haptic setting they prefer. This can also contribute to gamification and personalization in the vehicle, for example, to alleviate boredom during charging breaks.

[0041] The preferred page or button (7, 8) can be selected by making a selection in display area 6. Alternatively, a long press can also be used to select the desired page. User instructions for selection can be provided audibly, either additionally or exclusively. It is not mandatory to have separate buttons (7, 8), such as left and right on a multifunction steering wheel. It is also possible to provide two buttons (7, 8) on a touchpad or touchscreen, as mentioned above, which the user presses.

[0042] Advantageously, this can lead to greater acceptance and usability of control element 1 through optimal haptics. Compared to a boring menu selection, this can create a gamification aspect. Users may be surprised by the wide range of possible haptic and acoustic feedback. This results in a high degree of customization within the vehicle and an enhanced sense of well-being. Reference symbol list 1 control element 2 Hand 3 User interface 4 Control unit 5 Haptic feedback unit 6 Display area 7 Button 8 button 9 button

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