METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AN OPERATING MODULE FOR A VEHICLE AND CORRESPONDING OPERATING MODULE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for programming an operating module for a vehicle. The present invention further relates to an operating module suitable for the method.

[0002] The increasing number of different functions and components in vehicles, as well as their ever-increasing complexity, has led to a multitude of control elements. In addition to new operating concepts, such as voice or gesture controls, mechanical control elements in the form of knobs, buttons, and switches continue to be used.

[0003] The multitude of different labels for different vehicle functions and components, as well as the different designs of different vehicle manufacturers and models, results in a large number of variants of these mechanical control elements, even with the same mechanical design and dimensions. This causes, among other things, additional effort in production and warehousing, and thus additional costs. On the other hand, the labels and logos, as well as the haptic feel of mechanical buttons, are predefined by the vehicle manufacturer or standards organizations such as ISO, making personalization and customization of mechanical buttons impossible.

[0004] Furthermore, the number of vehicle functions and components continues to increase, at least when the multitude of vehicle functions and components are operated exclusively or predominantly using mechanical controls. In addition to the variety of functions, this is particularly the case because, to ensure ease of use and safety, a button typically has only one function—namely, the one indicated on it. Some buttons can only be used under specific conditions, such as switching cruise control on / off only while driving or switching the handbrake on / off only when the vehicle is stationary. Likewise, the use of a large number of mechanical controls can disrupt or complicate the design of the vehicle interior.

[0005] In order to reduce the number of mechanical controls, they can be designed in such a way that they can be assigned several different functions by reprogramming.

[0006] But even if the functions, logos, and / or haptic feedback of the buttons can be changed via software, this can currently only be done in the vehicle via the central computer or control unit and its operating system. This, however, creates new problems: First of all, current operating systems do not allow for the programming or configuration of control elements, especially control modules with display buttons. Modifying an existing vehicle operating system is very complex and can therefore only be performed by specialists with specific knowledge. Furthermore, extensive testing and debugging of the modified operating system would be required to avoid endangering passengers due to faulty programming.

[0007] But even if the operating system software could be modified, a connection to the central computer or central control unit would have to be established.

[0008] A physical connection to a computer or a dedicated programming device for this purpose requires cables, special connectors, etc., which incur additional costs. Furthermore, depending on the location in the vehicle, connecting a cable after the vehicle has been installed can be difficult or time-consuming. Finally, programming via a physical connection would be inefficient, as the same process would have to be performed separately for each individual vehicle.

[0009] However, wireless transmission of the modified operating system software via an access unit to the Internet for vehicle-specific services, such as a so-called Online Connectivity Unit (OCU), is also problematic, since the central computer also opens up the possibility of illegal intrusion into the vehicle's operating system during the download of the modified software and thus represents a significant security risk.

[0010] DE 10 2006 046 496 A1 discloses receiving configuration data for control elements of the motor vehicle from an external data source to simplify the operability of internet-based services in a motor vehicle. The configuration data can relate to the assignment of specific control commands to the control elements or to a visual indication of the current function of a control element by a display unit assigned to the control element. According to one embodiment, the control elements can be arranged on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle and have displays whose appearance can be dynamically changed. The control commands triggered by pressing these steering wheel buttons can also be varied depending on the context.

[0011] DE 10 2008 061 574 A1 describes an infotainment system in which the graphical representation of a graphical user interface and / or the handling of the user interface can be modified even after the infotainment system has been manufactured using user configuration data generated by the user. For this purpose, the infotainment system has a data transmission interface freely accessible to the user, which is designed, for example, as a USB interface.

[0012] Furthermore, DE 10 2009 055 221 A1 discloses a vehicle entertainment system with a display and a control unit that can receive user inputs via an internet connection. Using the user inputs made on a computer or mobile device, a graphical user interface shown on the display, for example, the display of preset buttons, can be remotely adjusted.

[0013] Furthermore, document US2011082615 discloses an operating system for a vehicle with a user-configurable user interface. The user interface can optionally be configured using a wirelessly connected external device.

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for programming an operating module and an improved method for programming such an operating module.

[0015] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a method having the features of claim 7, an operating module according to claim 10, and a computer program having the features of claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] The method according to the invention for programming an operating module for a vehicle, wherein the operating module has several operating elements and different functions of the vehicle can be assigned to the operating elements, comprises the following steps carried out in the operating module: Receiving information about the functions available in the vehicle and / or the current status of the vehicle from a central control unit of the vehicle; transmitting the received information to an external device via a wireless connection; receiving configuration data for programming the operating module from the external device via the wireless connection; and configuring the operating module based on the received configuration data.

[0017] This allows vehicle users to assign functions to the operating elements of the control module according to their individual preferences and needs, as well as to change their labels or logos and even the haptic feedback. Programming can be carried out conveniently using a software configurator on an external device, with the required data being transmitted wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to the control module without involving the vehicle's central computer and operating system. Furthermore, wireless transmission eliminates the need for a cable connection between the control module and the external device, which would otherwise be difficult after the control module has been installed in the vehicle if corresponding electrical connections on the front of the control module are to be dispensed with, for example for cost or design reasons.

[0018] Preferably, the configuration data is received from a vehicle user's mobile device. This is particularly convenient for the vehicle user, as they can use their personal smartphone, for example, which they are particularly familiar with.

[0019] In particular, depending on the configuration data received, one of several different functions and / or displays and / or haptic feedback can be assigned to a control element.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, operating elements are displayed on a display of the operating module in accordance with the received configuration data, wherein the operating elements are represented as icons that represent a function assigned to the respective operating element.

[0021] Advantageously, the configuration data can contain an image symbol for a control element created by the vehicle user, which is shown for the control element on the display.

[0022] Likewise, the configuration data advantageously contain a position on the display for an image symbol specified by the vehicle user, the image symbol being displayed at this position on the display.

[0023] The method according to the invention for programming an operating module for a vehicle, wherein the operating module has several operating elements and different functions of the vehicle can be assigned to the operating elements, comprises the following steps carried out in an external device: Receiving information about the functions available in the vehicle and / or the current status of the vehicle from the control module via a wireless connection; capturing user inputs from a vehicle user for programming the control module; generating configuration data for programming the control module based on the captured user inputs; transmitting the configuration data to the control module via the wireless connection.

[0024] Preferably, the user inputs for a control element comprise an assignment of one of several different functions and / or displays and / or haptic feedback.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user inputs for displaying operating elements on a display of the operating module contain an image symbol created by the vehicle user for an operating element and / or a position on the display for an image symbol determined by the vehicle user.

[0026] Preferably, a function assignment, a logo, parameters for haptic feedback and / or a preview for the representation of the image symbols on the display of the operating module can be displayed on a display of the external device for an operating element.

[0027] The operating module according to the invention for a vehicle has several operating elements, whereby different functions of the vehicle can be assigned to the operating elements. The operating module comprises an actuating unit for actuating one of the plurality of operating elements; an electronic display unit for displaying a display associated with the operating elements; an actuator for generating haptic feedback in response to actuation of the actuating unit; a communication unit with a wireless interface, by means of which a configuration for programming the operating module can be received; and a control unit, by means of which programming of the operating module takes place based on a received configuration and by means of which, after programming, upon actuation of the actuating unit, an electrical control signal for a function associated with the programming is generated depending on the actuated operating element.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating unit and the electronic display unit are designed as an integrated touch-sensitive screen, wherein the operating elements are operated by a vehicle user by touching the touch-sensitive screen

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic display unit is designed as an OLED, MicroLED or LCD display and / or the actuator for generating haptic feedback is designed as a piezo actuator, vibration motor or another mechanically deformable element.

[0030] Preferably, the communication unit of the operating module comprises a WiFi communication unit and / or a Bluetooth communication unit and / or another wireless communication unit.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer program for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0032] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the inventive interaction of a wirelessly configurable operating module, a mobile terminal of a vehicle user and the central control unit of a vehicle; Fig. 3 shows an operating module using the example of six operating elements in a 2 x 3 arrangement with the associated module housing; Fig. 4 schematically shows the operating module installed in the interior of a vehicle from Figure 3 ; Fig. 5 shows a schematic exploded view of the control module installed in the interior of a vehicle Figure 4; and Fig. 6 schematically shows an application example of an operating module with six control elements shown and a mobile device for configuring the operating module with a visualization of the parameters for haptic feedback when operating one of the control elements.

[0033] To better understand the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the described features may also be combined or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0034] Figure 1shows a schematic flowchart for programming an operating module for a vehicle, wherein method steps of a method according to the invention in the operating module interact with method steps of a method according to the invention in a mobile terminal of a vehicle user. The operating module has one or more operating elements, wherein different vehicle functions can be assigned to the operating elements through programming.

[0035] According to process step 1, the operating module first receives information about which operating functions are available in the vehicle and can be assigned to the operating module. The current status of the vehicle is also determined and transmitted to the operating module. Both of these can be provided to the operating module, in particular, by a central control unit of the vehicle.

[0036] Such operating functions can include, for example, switching the interior light on / off, unlocking and locking doors or seats, seat adjustments, activating or deactivating central locking or child safety lock functions, the windscreen wiper or a heated rear window, adjusting and dosing a seat heater or air conditioning system, opening or closing a sunroof and many other vehicle functions.

[0037] Some of these control functions are always present regardless of the vehicle type, such as the windshield wiper control. The availability of other control functions, however, depends on the vehicle model or the vehicle's equipment variant. For example, if the vehicle equipped with the control module does not have seat heating or a sunroof, these control functions cannot be assigned to the control module.

[0038] Furthermore, certain operating functions can be executed regardless of the current status of the vehicle, while others can only be executed for a specific vehicle status. For example, the status of a vehicle can reflect whether the engine is currently running or not, or whether the vehicle is currently moving or stationary. For example, opening or closing a sunroof may be possible at any time regardless of the vehicle status, while opening or closing the trunk lid may only be permitted when the vehicle is stationary. It is also possible to assign different operating functions to the same control element, which are then activated or swapped depending on the current vehicle status.

[0039] Finally, it may also be possible to make functions available only at certain geographical positions of the vehicle, for example to allow the vehicle trunk to be opened only at home.

[0040] In the subsequent process step 2, information about the available functions and the current vehicle status is transmitted to an external device belonging to the vehicle user. If functions have already been assigned to the control elements of the control module, the information can also include details about the current configuration of the control elements. A wireless data transmission method, for example, according to the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi standard, is used for the transmission.

[0041] After configuration data for programming the operating module has been generated on the vehicle user's external device, these configuration data are again received wirelessly in the subsequent process step 3 and are then used to configure the operating module in process step 4.

[0042] To carry out the method according to the invention in the external device of a vehicle user, in particular a mobile device of the vehicle user such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, or a laptop computer, the device must first be paired with the operating module. This pairing can be activated manually or occur automatically when entering the vehicle. Furthermore, a suitable software application (app) for configuring the operating module must be installed on the mobile device. This app is provided, for example, by the vehicle manufacturer in a digital sales platform for application software. The software application can have a standard and a professional version to enable different configurations depending on the user's level of knowledge.It can also be stipulated that part of the configuration, for example concerning security-relevant settings, can only be carried out by authorized persons.

[0043] After the software application for configuring the control module has been launched by the vehicle user, the information sent by the control module regarding the available functions of the vehicle and the current vehicle status can be received and further processed by the external device in process step 5. It can also be provided that, after the software application has been launched, the external device imitates the determination and transmission of the information through an earlier, not shown, process step.

[0044] In method step 6, user inputs from the vehicle user are then recorded for programming the operating module. For this purpose, the vehicle user can enter inputs for one or more operating elements of the operating module, in particular using a graphical user interface of the external device. The vehicle user can thus select a function for a operating element, with the function being assigned in particular depending on the current vehicle status. Furthermore, the vehicle user can assign a graphic representation to the function, in particular in the form of a logo. Parameters for haptic feedback using a piezo actuator can also be defined. The haptic feedback improves the interaction between the vehicle user and the vehicle.This means that feedback can be given to the vehicle user even if the graphic display is not visible, for example because it is covered by the vehicle user's finger.

[0045] This can be tailored to the vehicle user's personal preferences or to the operating environment. For example, a construction vehicle might choose to provide strong haptic feedback and display very bright icons.

[0046] This allows access to a library of various functions, graphical representations (particularly in the form of a logo), and parameter sets for haptic feedback using a piezo actuator, which are stored in the memory of the external device. Likewise, the vehicle user can use the software application to download external images for new logos and / or parameter settings for the piezo actuator to the external device via a mobile data connection or create new ones using the software application. A preview can also be displayed on the graphical user interface of the external device.

[0047] During the vehicle user's input, or even after the input is completed, configuration data for programming the operating module is generated in process step 7 based on the recorded user input. This data is then wirelessly transmitted to the operating module in process step 8 and used to configure the operating module, as described above.

[0048] In addition to configuring a single control module for a single vehicle, the initial configuration or updating of the configuration of control modules for multiple vehicles or even the entire vehicle fleet of a company can also be carried out quickly and easily.

[0049] Figure 2shows schematically how a wirelessly configurable operating module 9 according to the invention, a mobile terminal 10 of the vehicle user, and a central control unit 11 of a vehicle in which the operating module is installed interact. Data exchange between the operating module and the central control unit takes place via cable connections, in particular via a bus system such as the CAN bus, while data exchange between the operating module and the mobile terminal is wireless.

[0050] The operating module 9 has a display 12, which can be configured, in particular, as a touchscreen. The use of touchscreens has the advantage of being highly reliable and widely accepted by users, while also allowing any desired image symbols to be displayed as needed. For example, an LCD or OLED display is provided with a touch-sensitive surface that uses resistive or capacitive technology to determine the position of the display being touched by a vehicle user. In the example shown, six operating elements 13-1 to 13-6 are shown on the display.

[0051] If the touchscreen is touched by the vehicle user, for example in the area of ​​the control element 13-1, the point of contact is determined and information about this is forwarded to a microcontroller 14 of the control module 9. The microcontroller 14 determines which control element was selected by the vehicle user and which function is assigned to the selected control element based on the current vehicle status. For the selected function, a corresponding CAN message is then sent to the central control unit 11 via a CAN interface 15 and executed by the central control unit or forwarded for further processing to a control unit (not shown) for the operated vehicle component, provided that this is also connected to the CAN bus. Furthermore, haptic feedback assigned to the operated function can be output via a piezo actuator 18.To save costs, a design is also possible in which the piezo actuator can be replaced by a mechanical switch. However, in this case, it is not possible to provide different haptic feedback to the vehicle user.

[0052] Information about the current vehicle status and the available vehicle functions is also sent as CAN messages from the central control unit 11 to the operating module 9. This can occur, for example, when the vehicle status changes or at regular intervals. The information about the current vehicle status and the available vehicle functions is fed to the microcontroller 14, which stores it in an internal memory 16. Various parameters and settings for the operating elements are also stored in the internal memory 16, such as the function assigned to the respective vehicle status, possibly also depending on the current location of the vehicle, the assigned icon, or the haptic feedback assigned to the respective function.The various functionalities, displays and forms of haptic feedback of the control elements can be stored in the vehicle at the factory before delivery and can then be individually programmed by the respective vehicle user according to his or her needs.

[0053] To configure the control module, information about the available vehicle functions, the current vehicle status, and the existing control element settings are sent wirelessly to the external device 10 via a communication unit 17. This device also has a communication unit 19 for wireless communication. A microcontroller 20 forwards the received information to an internal memory 21 of the mobile device 10 and evaluates user inputs for programming the control module, which the user performs via a graphical user interface 22.

[0054] For each of the six control elements, settings such as the exemplary settings 23-2, 23-4, and 23-6 for control elements 24 and 6 can be selected from a local library or database 24 located in the internal memory 21, depending on the respective vehicle status, and initially also saved locally. This database 24 can, for example, contain a multitude of possible vehicle functions, only a portion of which are implemented in the vehicle under consideration. Likewise, a multitude of image symbols or logos can be present for the various functions. Different logos can also be available for selection for a function, and additional image representations can also be loaded from an external database, for example, via a cellular data connection. Furthermore, it is also possible for the user to create image representations themselves according to their wishes.Finally, the database 24 also contains presets for controlling the piezo actuator.

[0055] The settings generated by the vehicle user using the mobile device 10 can then be transmitted via the communication unit 19 of the mobile device to the communication unit 17 of the operating module and then temporarily stored in the internal memory 16 of the operating module 9. The settings for the operating elements, such as the respective icons or controls for the haptic feedback, are then retrieved from the internal memory 16 by the microcontroller 14 depending on the current vehicle status and fed to the touchscreen 12 or piezo actuator 18 for output.

[0056] It is not possible for the mobile device or the software application running on this device to access the vehicle's central control unit for configuring the operating module; rather, the only way to execute a function is to physically press the specified area on the display of the operating module.

[0057] An operating module 9 according to the invention with six operating elements in a 2 x 3 arrangement is shown in Figure 3shown. This has a single display 12, in which the displayed icons are physically separated from one another by a front cover 25 with several webs 26, despite the continuous display surface. This makes it easier for the vehicle user to operate the device without having to look at the operating module, as the divisions can then also be perceived haptically. This can be particularly helpful for the driver of a vehicle, as they do not have to take their eyes off the road to operate the device while driving. The front cover can also have a large opening without interruptions, in order to present a coherent user interface and maximize the available display area.Instead of a single display showing multiple control elements, the control module can also consist of multiple mechanically separate control elements combined into a single component. In this case, each control element can be programmed and controlled separately. In this case, the individual control elements of the module are arranged in a module housing with rails that interact with the guides on the outside of the control element housings to ensure play-free fastening. Such an control module can then be installed in a single step, even though it consists of multiple mechanically separate control elements, which simplifies assembly and reduces installation time.

[0058] In principle, any arrangement and number of controls can be provided, both for a single display showing multiple controls and for several mechanically separate controls. However, a matrix-like arrangement with one or more controls next to each other and one or more controls above each other is often more practical. If the control module is installed on a B, C, or D pillar, for example, it can have a long but narrow rectangular shape for space reasons. However, depending on the installation location in the vehicle, a different arrangement may also be appropriate instead of such a rectangular arrangement.

[0059] Figure 4shows schematically how such an operating module can be installed in the interior of a vehicle. The operating module is arranged in a recess of a front panel 27, which is part of the interior trim of the vehicle. The operating module is preferably arranged in an area that is easily accessible to the vehicle user, in particular the driver, such as in the area of ​​the center console. However, such an operating module can also be provided, for example, on an armrest or in a side door.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a schematic exploded view of the control module from Figure 4The control module is located behind the front panel 27. A front cover 25 of the control module divides the display area into six separate areas, thus creating the impression of separate "buttons." Behind the front cover 25 is a touch-sensitive display 12, which can be configured, in particular, as an LCD or OLED display. However, other display types with a shallow installation depth are also suitable. The display preferably enables an RGB color display, but a monochrome display is also conceivable. Furthermore, the display has a sufficient number of pixels to clearly represent different symbols.

[0061] An adhesive layer 28 connects the LCD display to a first circuit board 29, which contains the electronic components required to operate the touchscreen and is flexibly connected to a main board 31. This allows the touchscreen to be movable and thus provide haptic feedback to the vehicle user. For this purpose, a piezo actuator is provided on the main board 31, whereby the design of the haptic feedback can be freely programmed, for example with regard to strength, duration, and frequency. The piezo actuator can consist of several piezo plates in order to be able to operate with relatively low operating voltages and to increase the expansion when the operating voltage is applied. A lever mechanism 30 arranged between the two circuit boards ensures that this type of haptic feedback is provided regardless of where the touch-sensitive LCD display is pressed.

[0062] A force sensor or proximity sensor can be provided on the main board 31 to activate the piezo actuator. The force sensor can first detect that the vehicle user has pressed the display surface to operate one of the displayed control elements. Which of the displayed control elements was selected by the vehicle user can then be determined by evaluating the signals from the touch-sensitive surface of the display. Furthermore, the force sensor can also be used to determine the strength and duration with which the vehicle user presses a displayed control element in order to differentiate between different inputs based on this. This function can also be performed by the touch sensor of the touchscreen or the piezo actuator as a sensor element.

[0063] Furthermore, a communication unit is provided on the main board 31. This unit enables the control module to receive information about the current vehicle status from the vehicle via CAN messages via a CAN interface and suitable connectors, and to inform the vehicle via CAN messages about which vehicle function is being activated by the vehicle user using the control module. An interface for wireless communication with an external device and a suitable antenna are also provided. Bluetooth is preferably used, as this enables simple coupling and the range is limited to a few meters.

[0064] A rear cover 32 protects the electronics and forms the rear end of the control module. The complete control module is then housed in a housing 33 that is permanently attached to the vehicle.

[0065] An application example for an operating module with six operating elements in a 2 x 3 arrangement is shown in Figure 6 shown schematically. A different symbol is displayed on each control element in the form of a menu, allowing six different functions to be operated, in this case relating to windshield wiper, ventilation, and seat settings. After an operation by the vehicle user, the display of the activated control element or several of the displayed controls can change, for example, to display additional symbols for setting the selected function.

[0066] As already described, the operating module can be configured according to the invention using a mobile device, in this case a tablet computer. However, a smartphone, for example, can also be used for this purpose.

[0067] In the example shown, the mobile device 11 is used to configure the control element 34, which can be used to electronically adjust the backrest of a seat, for example to automatically fold down the seats to expand the cargo space. The logo 35 assigned to the control element is displayed on the graphical user interface 22 of the mobile device 11 to clarify to the vehicle user during configuration which of the control elements they are currently configuring. Furthermore, one of two different operating modes can be selected using two icons 36, with one operating mode enabling simple operation of the basic settings, and the second operating mode enabling advanced settings. In the case shown, the first operating mode is selected, which is graphically illustrated by highlighting the icon.At a further level, three icons 37 can be used to select whether the vehicle user wishes to assign a new function to a control element, change the displayed logo, or adjust the associated haptic feedback. In this case, the haptic feedback is to be adjusted, as indicated by the highlighting of the corresponding icon. For this purpose, various amplitudes, waveforms, and / or frequencies of the voltage applied to the piezo actuator can be selected and, if necessary, manually varied. Threshold values ​​can also be defined, which can be used to configure how hard a control element must be pressed to activate a function and receive the haptic feedback. The selected waveform 38 is displayed as an example on the graphical user interface, with the amplitude curve being shown over time, for example, over a range of a few milliseconds.Once the configuration has been completed by the user, it can be transferred to the control module using another icon 39. Finally, an icon 40 is provided that can be used to call up a preview of the various control elements.

[0068] The invention can be used in a wide variety of vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses, with the size and shape of the control module being selectable depending on the vehicle type, available space, and interior design. Thus, when using a control module according to the invention in motorcycles, where, due to their design, only limited space is available for control elements, the module's individual configuration can save space for control elements not required or used by the respective user.

[0069] The operating module according to the invention can also facilitate the multifunctionalization or modularization of vehicles. For example, various equipment units can be purchased and kept in stock for a commercial vehicle, and the required equipment units can be installed in the cargo area only when needed. To operate the installed equipment unit, the user interface of the operating module can then be configured so that the required operating elements for the installed equipment unit are displayed and can be operated.

[0070] However, the operating module according to the invention is not limited to use in vehicles, but can also be used in other transport devices or work machines that require a flexible and changeable user interface and personalization in order to simplify operation and thus shorten learning times and improve work efficiency.

[0071] For this purpose, it can also be provided to provide a mobile controller with a configurable user interface and haptic feedback instead of a permanently installed operating module. For example, if a user is operating a crane or other piece of equipment, it may be necessary to leave the crane or piece of equipment in order to have a better view of the work environment. For this purpose, it can be provided that the user can remove the operating module from a holder and operate the crane or piece of equipment from a distance, for example a few meters. It can also be provided that if cameras or sensors are installed in the crane or piece of equipment, the video or sensor signals recorded by these are transmitted to the mobile controller and displayed on the operating module's display. List of reference symbols

[0072] 1 - 8 Process steps 9 Operating module 10 Mobile device 10 Central control unit 11 11 Central control unit 12 Electronic display unit 13-1 - 13-6, 34 Operating elements 14 Microcontroller 15 CAN interface 16 Memory 17 Communication unit for wireless communication 18 Piezo actuator 19 Communication unit for wireless communication 20 Microcontroller 21 Memory 22 User interface 23-2, 23-4, 23-6 Settings for operating elements 24 Database with settings for operating elements 25 Front cover of the operating module 26 Webs 27 Front panel 28 Adhesive layer 29 Circuit board 30 Lever mechanism 31 Main board 32 Rear cover of the operating module 33 Housing 35 Logo of the selected operating element 36 - 40 Icons

Claims

1. Method for programming an operating module for a vehicle, wherein the operating module has a plurality of operating elements and different functions of the vehicle can be assigned to the operating elements, the method comprising the following steps carried out in the operating module: - receiving (1) information about the functions available in the vehicle and / or the current status of the vehicle from a central control unit of the vehicle; - transmitting (2) the received information to an external device via a wireless connection; - receiving (3) configuration data for programming the operating module from the external device via the wireless connection; and - configuring (4) the operating module based on the received configuration data.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration data are received from a mobile terminal of a vehicle user.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of a plurality of different functions and / or displays and / or kinds of haptic feedback is assigned to an operating element in accordance with the received configuration data4. Method according to claim 3, wherein operating elements are displayed on a display of the operating module in accordance with the received configuration data, and the operating elements are shown as icons which represent a function assigned to the relevant operating element.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the configuration data contain an icon for an operating element, which icon is generated by the vehicle user and shown for the operating element on the display.

6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the configuration data contain a position on the display, specified by the vehicle user, for an icon, and the icon is shown at this position on the display.

7. Method for programming an operating module for a vehicle according to claim 1, comprising the following steps carried out in the external device: - receiving (5) information about the functions available in the vehicle and / or the current status of the vehicle from the operating module via a wireless connection; - detecting (6) user inputs by a vehicle user for programming the operating module; - generating (7) configuration data for programming the operating module based on the detected user inputs; - transmitting (8) the configuration data to the operating module via the wireless connection.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the user inputs for an operating element comprise an assignment of one of a plurality of different functions and / or displays and / or kinds of haptic feedback.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the user inputs for displaying operating elements on a display of the operating module contain an icon, generated by the vehicle user, for an operating element, and / or a position on the display, specified by the vehicle user, for an icon.

10. Method according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein a function assignment, a logo, parameters for haptic feedback and / or a preview for showing the icons on the display of the operating module is displayed on a display of the external device for an operating element.

11. Operating module for a vehicle, wherein the operating module has a plurality of operating elements and different functions of the vehicle can be assigned to the operating elements, comprising - an actuating unit (12) for actuating one of the plurality of operating elements; - an electronic display unit (12) for showing a display assigned to the operating elements; - an actuator (18) for generating haptic feedback in response to actuation of the actuating unit; - a communication unit (17) having a wireless interface, by means of which the information received from a central control unit of the vehicle regarding the functions available in the vehicle and / or the current status of the vehicle can be transmitted to an external device, and a configuration for programming the operating module can be received from the external device; and - a control unit (14), by means of which the operating module is programmed based on a received configuration and by means of which, after programming, upon actuation of the actuating unit, an electrical control signal is generated for a function assigned according to the programming, depending on the actuated operating element.

12. Operating module according to claim 11, wherein the actuating unit and the electronic display unit are designed to be integrated as a touch-sensitive screen (12), and the operating elements are actuated by a vehicle user by means of touching the touch-sensitive screen.

13. Operating module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the electronic display unit (12) is designed as an OLED, MicroLED or LCD display and / or the actuator (18) for generating haptic feedback is designed as a piezo actuator, vibration motor or another mechanically deformable element.

14. Operating module according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the communication unit comprises a WiFi communication unit and / or a Bluetooth communication unit and / or another wireless communication unit.

15. Computer program for executing a method according to any of claims 1 to 10.