Control panel with full-surface touchscreen and push and rotary buttons that protrude beyond the touchscreen at selectable positions.

Abstract

Control panel with full-surface touchscreen and freely positionable push and turn buttons that extend beyond the touchscreen, characterized in that the buttons are attached to the side of the touchscreen and can be variably positioned along the sides of the control panel.

Description

[0001] Control panel with full-surface touchscreen and push and turn buttons that extend beyond the touchscreen at selectable positions. 1. State of the art 1.1 The current design

[0002] Control panels often require an increasing number of functions and settings, which may even change during their lifecycle. Touchscreen technology offered a solution, as it allows many functions to be combined cost-effectively on a single screen.

[0003] In current solutions, physical controls are positioned next to the touchscreen. These controls are either permanently integrated into the touchscreen frame or located in an adjacent strip. 1.2 The shortcomings of today's construction design

[0004] The technical problem with touchscreens is that the following disturbances can occur between the desire to trigger a command and the execution of the command.

[0005] Control panels that only allow command input via touchscreen and have a large number of functions that cannot all be displayed on the screen simultaneously do not offer direct access to the desired function. This can mean that it takes longer to read and understand the information before the option to select the correct function appears.

[0006] The difference between primary and secondary functions is only noticeable when the user's gaze is fixed on the screen. Touchscreens are particularly unsuitable for applications where the user should not have to divert their attention from their main task, as they cannot be operated blindly due to the lack of haptic reference points.

[0007] Often the screens have very low contrast, and the monitor's backlighting and sunlight cause glare, making the text barely legible. Touchscreen commands are frequently faulty and lack clear feedback (including delays). For people with physical disabilities, entering commands via touchscreens often takes unnecessarily long.

[0008] With today's solutions, the controls are programmable but permanently installed. This means that the position and type of controls cannot be optimally adapted to the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the visible area of ​​the screen is limited by surrounding controls.

[0010] Vehicle movements can impair the accuracy of the function. 2. The objective of the design 2.1 The problem underlying the invention

[0011] The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of ergonomically optimizing the touchscreen control panel by allowing buttons and rotary controls to be placed freely as needed at any location, enabling direct, blind access to functions and providing feedback without restricting the viewing area of ​​the screen more than necessary. 2.2 The goal

[0012] Depending on the function, both touchscreen operation and button operation offer their advantages.

[0013] The advantages of the touchscreen, particularly the cost-neutral changes to functions and the freedom of graphical representation, should be utilized; that is, they should be as unobstructed as possible by physical controls. Combinations of controls with a screen display of their settings are therefore highly recommended.

[0014] The goal of this design is a sensible and balanced combination of touchscreen and control elements. 2.3 The means to solve the problems

[0015] Controls will be added to the touchscreen, which: - to provide direct access to the most important functions without having to look at them. - enable direct access to personalized secondary functions. - provide physically perceptible feedback when commands are triggered and level settings are adjusted. - restrict the viewing area of ​​the screen as little as possible. - the number, position and design can be adapted to the equipment level and the driver's preferences. - their position can change during the life cycle and can be added, removed or replaced as easily as possible as needed. - Screen content related to the control element can be displayed directly on the control element and accompanied by icons that can be adjusted in size and design. 3. Example: Control panel for a vehicle 3.1 The safety of drivers and road users has the highest priority

[0016] Modern vehicles are equipped with a central control panel (see drawing 1 (1)). The ergonomic operation of a vehicle via a touchscreen is a safety-relevant issue. This often requires the driver to take their eyes off the road for extended periods. This must be avoided.

[0017] Numerous studies have examined the traffic safety and disadvantages of touchscreen operation. The recommendations of these studies can be summarized as follows: Systems in the car should ideally: - take your eyes off the traffic as little as possible, and if at all, only briefly. - only a few menu steps are needed to access the function. - to make the main functions operable without looking at the screen. - have a short operating time and provide clear feedback. 3.2 Advantages and disadvantages of touchscreen operation while driving

[0018] Disadvantages of using a touchscreen while driving: - high levels of distraction, which significantly increases reaction times. - the driver must take their eyes off the road and look at the screen. - Touchscreens demand more attention: understanding menus, selecting options. - Despite being touched, the command is sometimes not executed; look twice. - There are more operating steps; functions are often hidden in menus or submenus. - Longer operating time: Tasks take longer than with physical buttons, Touchscreens produce higher error rates. - No reference points: Buttons cannot be operated without looking. - No haptic feedback: The lack of tactile buttons makes "blind" use difficult. There are no perceptible steps. - Physical buttons are faster, more intuitive, and safer. - Inaccurate input: vehicle movements can lead to operating errors. - Limited screen visibility due to light reflections and dust deposits - Increased mental strain: the driver has to process additional information on the screen. - Frustration arises from incorrect operation due to multiple taps or slow, delayed system responses. Complex operation increases stress and cognitive load. - Possibility of a software problem: Critical functions may be temporarily difficult to access. Touchscreens are less responsive with cold fingers or gloves. - Standardized controllers are always recognized in different vehicles. - A vibration as feedback of the command being triggered does not necessarily mean that the correct function has been activated. Fingerprints make it difficult to recognize the functions.

[0019] Advantages of touchscreen operation while driving: - Many functions are combined in a small space. - There is no limit to the space available for screen content, and the screen content is customizable in shape and size. - the ability to represent an almost unlimited number of functions without requiring a separate control panel for each function. - Flexibility and individualization through software customization - Personalization of content - graphical display options and variable symbol sizes Adding or replacing features does not incur any additional product costs. - no mechanical wear - the cockpit does not appear cluttered. 3.3 Development of safety regulations

[0020] From 2026, the Euro NCAP test will only award the maximum rating if physical controls are present for certain functions. Safety-relevant functions such as lights, windshield wipers, hazard warning lights, and mirrors must have tactile controls that can be operated by feel.

[0021] Several car manufacturers have already announced that they will increasingly rely on buttons again. 4. The design of a control panel for a vehicle

[0022] The design optimizes the operation of the control panel by combining the advantages of a touchscreen with those of push buttons and rotary controls. 4.1 Assembling the control panel

[0023] The control panel combines 2 assemblies: - the operating module assembly - the control panel assembly

[0024] The operating module assembly consists of (drawing 2): - Pushbutton modules (Drawing 2 (2)), assembled from a front part (Drawing 3 (12)), a back part (attached to the back) (Drawing 3 (2)), the pushbutton (Drawing 3 (15)) with contact point (Drawing 3 (11)) and a spring (Drawing 3 (16)). - Rotary control modules (Drawing 2 (3)) and large rotary control modules - (Drawing 2 (4a, 4b)), composed of a front part (Drawing 4 (19)), a back part (attached to the back, Drawing 4 (20)), a switch unit (Drawing 4 (22)) depending on the version with one push button (Drawing 2 (4a)) or with two push buttons (Drawing 2 (4b)) with rotary control (Drawing 4 (24).

[0025] The control panel assembly consists of (drawing 2): - a back (Drawing 2 (5)) on which there are attachment points (Drawing 8 (53)) to which the back parts of the push button modules and rotary control modules can be attached at freely selectable positions. - a front part, composed of a frame (Drawing 2 (6)) with a protective glass (Drawing 8 (41)). - a touchscreen (Drawing 2 (7)) that can be integrated between the back and front sections. - 4 covers (Drawing 2 (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d)) which are arranged around the control panel. They have openings at the points where push-button and rotary control modules are connected to the back. - possibly: a strip with conventional pushbuttons (Drawing 8 (9)), enclosed by a pushbutton cover (Drawing 8 (40)). - Wiring that can be routed through a central opening (Drawing 2 (10)) with a seal (Drawing 2 (44)). 4.2 The push button modules 4.2.1 How they work

[0026] The push-button modules are only available in one form factor. When a command is triggered, the contact point is brought into contact with the touchscreen. This initiates a command. Pressing the push button either executes a function or opens a menu on the touchscreen, where a command can be triggered by pressing the button again (possibly multiple times) or by swiping a finger on the touchscreen. If the display of the function triggered by the command is not integrated into the push button (which would require a power supply, possibly located where the fiber optic cable is currently housed), it appears on the touchscreen and can be programmed to turn off after a few seconds. 4.2.2 Assembling the push-button module

[0027] The push-button modules consist of a front part (Drawing 3 (12)) and a rear part (Drawing 3 (13)). The front and rear parts snap together (snap connection Drawing 3 (14a,b)) and can only be separated using a special tool.

[0028] The front part includes the button (Drawing 3 (15)), which, by means of a spring (Drawing 3 (16)), presses the contact point (Drawing 3 (11)) against the touchscreen. The spring rests on the glass surface of the touchscreen. A light guide (Drawing 3 (17)) is integrated into the front part, which supplies the illumination from the button.

[0029] The light source (Drawing 3 (18)) is located in the rear section. The rear section is attached to the attachment points of the back (Drawing 8 (53)) so that the light source can be connected to its power supply.

[0030] The push button module has two mounting points on the rear (Drawing 3 (50a,b)) for mounting on the back of the control panel. 4.3 The rotary control elements 4.3.1 How they work

[0031] All rotary control modules have a contact point 1 (Drawing 4 (25)) to the touchscreen. Rotating the rotary control places this contact point at different locations on the touchscreen. This triggers different commands when the rotary control is turned. If the command indicator is not integrated into the rotary control module (which would require a power supply, possibly located where the fiber optic cable is currently situated), a scale can be displayed on the screen (Drawing 5 (30)) around the rotary control when it is moved. This scale can be programmed to disappear after a few seconds. The set value can remain visible until the rotary control is moved again.

[0032] In addition to the rotary control function, further functions can be triggered via a push button. Pressing an additional contact point 2 (Drawing 5 (27)) on the touchscreen triggers a command. 4.3.2 Assembly of the rotary control modules

[0033] The rotary control modules consist of a front part (Drawing 4 (19)) and a rear part (Drawing 4 (20)). The front and rear parts are snapped together by a snap connection (Drawing 4 (21a,b)) and can only be separated again with a special tool (Drawing 7). The switch unit (Drawing 4 (22)) is attached to the front part using a retaining ring (Drawing 4 (23)).

[0034] The front part includes the rotary control (Drawing 4 (24)). When the rotary control is turned, contact point 1 of the switch unit (Drawing 4 (25)) moves along a rotating disc (Drawing 4 (31)) on the touchscreen. Pressing the push button (Drawing 4 (26)) brings contact point 2 (Drawing 4 (27)) into contact with the touchscreen.

[0035] A light guide (Drawing 4 (28)) is integrated into the front section to illuminate the icon on the button. The light source (Drawing 4 (29)) is located in the rear section. The rear section is attached to the mounting points on the back (Drawing 8 (53)) so that the light source can be connected to its power supply. 4.4 Design types of rotary control modules

[0036] There are small rotary control modules (Drawing 5 (3)) and large rotary control modules (Drawing 5 (4a,b)). They are designed for different functions. Since there are two different sizes of rotary control modules, the front part (Drawing 4 (19)), rear part (Drawing 4 (20)), switch unit (Drawing 4 (22)) and fixing ring (Drawing 4 (23)) are available in two formats. 4.4.1 The small rotary control modules

[0037] The small rotary control module is intended for functions that do not require further selection. When the rotary control is turned, the command activation is displayed on the touchscreen. The display can be programmed to turn off after a few seconds without the need to turn the rotary control again. The small rotary control module has a push button (Figure 6 (26)).

[0038] The small rotary control modules have 2 mounting points (Drawing 6 (52a,b)), with which they can be attached to the back of the control panel (Drawing 2 (5)). 4.4.2 The large rotary control modules

[0039] The larger rotary control modules are intended for functions with more selection options. There are two form factors for the larger module: - Rotary control modules with a central push button (Drawing 6 (32)) - Rotary control modules with two central push buttons (Drawing 6 (33a,b))

[0040] The pushbuttons trigger a command by bringing their contact points (next to the rotary control's contact point) into contact with the touchscreen. Confirmation of the command is displayed on the screen. The display can be programmed to remain active until the same button is pressed again or the adjacent button is pressed, thus canceling or changing the command.

[0041] The large rotary control modules have four possible mounting points (Drawing 6 (51a,b,c,d)) with which they can be attached to the back of the control panel (Drawing 2 (5)). The distance between these points is the same as the distance between the two mounting points (Drawing 6 (52a,b)) of the small rotary controls and the two mounting points of the push-button modules (Drawing 3 (50a,b)). 4.5 The tool for removing the controls

[0042] The individual control elements can be replaced, as they have no electronic connection to the control panel (unless a power supply contact is required if the control elements are to have a display (Drawing 5 (50))). A special tool is available for replacing or removing the front parts of the control elements.

[0043] The front part (for push button elements drawing 3 (12), for rotary control elements drawing 4 (19)) is snapped onto the back part (for push button elements drawing 3 (13), for rotary control elements drawing 4 (20)).

[0044] To detach a front part, the rounded support surface of the tool (Drawing 7 (34)) is placed against the front part of the control element. The distance between the tips of the tool (Drawing 7 (35a,b)) is slightly greater than the distance between the openings of the rear part. This allows the tool to be aligned approximately in the middle of the width of the control element. The side surfaces (Drawing 7 (36a,b)) are then pressed together by hand, with the thumb and forefinger placed in their concave surfaces. This pressing action forces the side surfaces against the control element. The tips then engage in the openings of the back part of the control element and release the snap connections (for push-button modules, Drawing 3 (14a,b); for rotary control modules, Drawing 4 (21a,b)) that connect the back part to the front part.

[0045] The front part of the control element, which is clamped by the tips (and cannot rotate around them), can now be removed. No tools are required for reassembly.

[0046] The tool is available in three formats: for the small rotary control modules (Drawing 7 (37)), for the push button module (Drawing 7 (38)) and for the large rotary control modules (Drawing 7 (39)). 4.6 The advantages of the design: Clear operation

[0047] The driver can easily locate the clearly separated buttons by touch without taking their eyes off the road or accidentally triggering an unwanted command. The shapes of the push buttons and rotary controls are distinctly different. They rise three-dimensionally from the screen and are clearly spaced apart. flexibility

[0048] Buttons and rotary switches can be freely positioned on the screen. This allows for various configurations for different equipment options. It is possible to add, remove, or reposition buttons. Since there is no frame around the controls, they are independent of each other.

[0049] To allow direct access, the driver's preferred functions can be assigned to a rotary switch. standardization

[0050] There is a standardized control panel with a touchscreen.

[0051] There is one format for the push button and two formats for the rotary switch. This allows the requirements of different customers to be met. If desired, only the operating elements can be exchanged for personalization. The front part of the operating element can be easily replaced, as no electronic connections need to be made (unless a power supply contact is required if the operating elements are to have a display (Drawing 5 (50))). Maximum screen area

[0052] The on-screen displays can be programmed to turn off after a few seconds. This avoids unnecessary information and provides more space for the desired function. Furthermore, this screen space can be used for other purposes. Business model

[0053] During the lifecycle of the control panel, not only the screen content but also the positioning of the controls can be adapted to new screen content.

[0054] Since both the shape and graphics of the control unit and the screen content can be adapted to brand-specific requirements without having to redesign the entire control panel, the utility model can be designed differently for various brands. Because the control panel is independent of the cabin walls and can be adapted to existing cabins, it is also suitable for renovations.

[0055] The control panel with screen can also be used as an information panel without buttons. Assembly

[0056] The front parts of the controls can only be removed from the control panel using the special tool. There are no other connections between the front and back parts of the controls. Only the back parts of the controls are attached to the back, and their electronic connections are connected to the corresponding connections on the control panel. 4.7 Examples

[0057] To illustrate this, three exemplary configurations are shown (Drawing 9): - the configuration selection of favorite functions configured by the driver (or passenger) (Drawing 9 (47)) - the configuration selection of phone options (Drawing 9 (48)) - the volume control configuration (Drawing 9 (49)) Reference symbol list

[0058] for drawing 2 Control elements assembly 2 Pushbutton module 3 small rotary control modules 4a large rotary control module with one push button 4b large rotary control module with two push buttons, control panel assembly 5 Back 6 frames 7" Touchscreen 8a Cover on top 8b Cover on left side 8c Lid on underside 8d Cover on right side 9 conventional pushbuttons 10 central openings in the back 40 Pushbutton cover 44 Seal for drawing 3 11 Contact point 12 Front part push button module 13 Rear part push button module 14a Snap connection 14b Snap connection 15 key 16 springs 17 optical fibers 18 Light source for the drawing 4 19 Front part rotary control module 20 Rear rotary control module 21a Snap connection 21b Snap connection 22 Switch unit 23 fixing ring 24 rotary knobs 25 Contact point 1 26 pushbuttons 27 Contact point 2 28 optical fibers 29 Light source 31 Turntable for drawing 5 3 small rotary control modules 4a large rotary control module with one push button 4b large rotary control module with two push buttons 30 graphics on screen for drawing 6 3 HPL front 4a Top fixing ring 4b Bottom fixing ring 25 Contact point 1 26 pushbuttons 27 Contact point 2 31 turntable 32 push buttons 33a Push button 33b Push button for drawing 7 34 Tool support surface 35a peak 35b peak 36a Side surface of the tool 36b Side surface of the tool 37 Tools for small rotary control modules 38 Tools for push button modules 39 Tool for large rotary control modules for drawing 8 2 Pushbutton module 3 small rotary control modules 4a large rotary control module with one push button 4b large rotary control module with two push buttons 5 Back 6 frames 7 touchscreen 8a Cover on top 8b Cover on left side 8c Lid on underside 8d Cover on right side 9 conventional pushbuttons 40 Pushbutton cover 41 Protective glass 42 Glass adhesive layer 43 Circuit board 44 Seal 48 Mounting point 49 Opening in lid for drawing 9 45 Configuration Selection of favorite functions 46 Configuration Selection of phone options 47 Configuration Volume control

Claims

Control panel with full-surface touchscreen; control panel and freely positionable push and turn buttons that extend beyond the touchscreen, characterized in that the buttons are attached to the side of the touchscreen and can be variably positioned along the sides of the control panel. Control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises 2 assemblies: - the control panel assembly - the operating elements assembly Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are 2 types of control elements: - Pushbutton modules - Rotary control modules Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-button and rotary control modules can be attached to both side edges, and / or to the upper edge, and / or to the lower edge of the control panel on the back. Multiple mounting points are located on each edge of the back to which the push-button and rotary control modules can be connected. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that commands can be triggered via control modules and by touching the touchscreen. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push and turn control modules can trigger a command which is triggered via contact points with the touchscreen. Depending on the position of these contact points, different functions can be triggered. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components designated as "contact" are made of a conductive material, such that when the push button is pressed and the rotary control is turned, this contact is moved and a command can be triggered in contact with the touchscreen. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary controls can move their contact points to the touchscreen so that the touchscreen can detect the position of the contact point within the area. In this way, values ​​within a range can be interpreted by the operating software. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary controls may also have integrated push buttons. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the function status and function selection options associated with the control element is shown on the screen (Drawing 5 (30)). A control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displays on the screen can be programmed such that when the control element is activated, the display either appears and then disappears, or its status is displayed at another location on the screen. This frees up the display area for other functions. The display format and size can be customized as needed. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control panel is composed of (Drawing 8): - Back part (5), optionally designed (in this example) to allow the mounting of a push-button strip (9) and a push-button cover (40). - Front part, composed of a frame (6) with front glass (41) and glass adhesive layer (42). - Push-button modules (2) and / or - small rotary control modules (3) and / or - large rotary control modules with one push button (4a) and with two push buttons (4b). - Touchscreen (7). - Circuit board (43). - Cover (8a, b, c, d) around the sides of the back part, with openings (Drawing 8 (49)) that serve to connect the rear parts of the control elements to the mounting points of the back. - Sealing ring (44) through which the wiring of the control panel is routed. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-button module is assembled from (Drawing 3): - front part (12) which is attached to the rear part (13) by means of snap connections (14a,b), and by inserting a light guide (17) for illuminating the graphic on the push button (15); - rear part (13) which is attached to the mounting points of the control panel back (Drawing 2 (48)) by means of the connection points (50a,b), and by inserting an LED light source (18); - push button (15) with a contact point (11) which can be pressed against the touchscreen by means of a spring (16). Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the small and large rotary control modules are assembled from: - a front part (Drawing 4 (19)) which is attached to the rear part by snap connections (Drawing 4 (21a,b)), and by inserting a light guide (Drawing 4 (28)) for illuminating the graphic on the switch unit (Drawing 4 (22)). - a rear part (Drawing 4 (19)) which is attached to the mounting points of the control panel back (Drawing 8 (48)) with the connection points (small rotary control module: Drawing 6 (52a,b), large rotary control module (Drawing 6 (51a,b,c,d)), and by inserting an LED light source (Drawing 4 (29)). - rotary control modules which have a contact point (Drawing 4 (27)). have a support (Drawing 4 (25)) that can rotate around the axis of the rotary control and thus move to different points on the touchscreen and trigger different commands.- Small rotary control modules having one push button (Drawing 6 (26)) with a contact point (27) that can be pressed against the touchscreen to trigger a command. - Large rotary control modules having one (Drawing 6 (32)) or two push buttons (Drawing 6 (33a,b)). - A locking ring (Drawing 4 (23)) that holds the rotary control to the front of the rotary control module. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a special tool (drawing 7) is required to separate the front part from the back part of the control element. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has 3 different tools (Drawing 7 (37, 38, 39)) (with the same functional principle and design, but with different formats), which consist of: - a support surface (Drawing 7 (34)) against which the tool rests on the front part of the control element; - side surfaces with concave areas (Drawing 7 (36a, b)) on which the fingers are placed to squeeze the side surfaces together; - points on each side surface (Drawing 7 (35a, b)) which, by squeezing the side surfaces together, release the snap connections in the control elements and simultaneously hold the front part of the control element (push button module or rotary control module) and can now separate it from the rear part of the control element. Control panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this concept also works in principle with a screen without touchscreen functionality, wherein the commands originate exclusively from the push-button module and rotary control module. An electronic connection between the front and rear parts of the control elements is then required for command activation.

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