METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE FUNCTIONS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle functions, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein vehicle functions are at least partially set in a first operating and display area, wherein the first operating and display area is at least partially touch-sensitive.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are increasingly being fitted with electronic devices that can be individually controlled by the driver. These include, for example, the infotainment system and the associated operation of the radio or other music sources. Driver assistance systems such as lane keeping systems or navigation systems are also almost standard. Vehicle-specific settings, such as the suspension settings, can often be adjusted by the driver using electronic devices. In addition, windows are almost exclusively opened electronically, and the ventilation and / or air conditioning systems are further electronically controlled units in a modern motor vehicle.

[0003] To make operation as simple as possible, a multifunction control unit is typically provided on the vehicle. This unit comprises a display area, usually a sufficiently large screen, on which a variety of different function groups or functions can be displayed. The multifunction control unit can be controlled using various control elements. Over time, touch-sensitive displays have become more commonplace, allowing the functions to be controlled to be clearly presented.

[0004] WO 2013 / 159911 A1, for example, shows a multifunctional control device for a motor vehicle with a screen display in the form of a touchscreen and a control element for activating or selecting a function displayed on the screen display. The control element is designed as a depressable button with additional touch sensitivity.

[0005] EP 3 040 842 A1 discloses a user interface for the hybrid use of a display unit of a means of transport with a primary screen and an additional finger bar with a proximity sensor in order to simplify the operation of the user interface by means of gesture control.

[0006] DE 10 2010 048 745 A1 discloses a user interface for operating functions of a motor vehicle. A touchscreen is provided for this purpose, via which a user can enter inputs. The touchscreen has different operating or display areas.

[0007] DE 10 2004 037 644 A1 discloses a display device with a display for displaying information relevant to the operation of a motor vehicle. An actuator layer is arranged on the display, the surface geometry of which can be deformed depending on a control signal. For this purpose, softkeys can be provided, which are located in the edge area of ​​the display area.

[0008] Document DE 10 2018 120 825 A1 discloses a control device for a vehicle with a touch-sensitive display. It is provided that the display can be digitally divided so that different functions can be displayed in different areas of the display.

[0009] DE 10 2014 213 429 A1 discloses a touchpad for user-vehicle interaction. The touchpad is provided with angled areas. This allows a user to feel the touchpad without having to look, because it is located in a recess.

[0010] The current solutions cover only a portion of the adjustable vehicle functions. Various comfort functions are controlled via separate electronic devices to avoid cluttering the screen display.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of specifying a method for controlling vehicle functions in which operability is simplified and made more intuitive.

[0012] This object is achieved in the present invention by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1, firstly in that at least one second operating and display area is arranged in the edge area of ​​the first operating and display area, that the second operating and display area is at least partially touch-sensitive and that vehicle functions are at least partially set in the second operating and display area.

[0013] The first control and display area can be a display in the center area or in the cockpit area, for example, in the area of ​​the vehicle's instrument cluster. The display is designed to be touch-sensitive. Touch sensitivity refers to a touch function, which can be implemented, for example, with a capacitive display and / or a resistive display.

[0014] Vehicle functions are all settings that can be adjusted by the driver of the vehicle using an electronic device.

[0015] The second operating and display area can be either exclusively an operating area without a display function or exclusively a display area without an operating function. Preferably, however, it is a combination of an operating and display area. The second operating and display area is also designed to be touch-sensitive. As with the first operating and display area, it can, for example, be a display with a touch function, but can also be part of the display of the first operating and display device. In the second operating and display area, touch sensitivity can also be implemented using a capacitive or resistive display. The second operating and display area can, however, also be designed simply as a slider for controlling various functions. This can be provided mechanically or electronically via a touch function.

[0016] The second operating and display device is arranged in an edge region of the first operating and display device. The edge region of the first operating and display device is understood to be at least one section in which the second operating and display device can be arranged in such a way that the functionality of the first operating and display device is not impaired.

[0017] A first advantage of the method according to the invention is that adjustable vehicle functions can now be adjusted within a specific range. If the second operating and display area is part of the first operating and display area, additional electronic devices can also be eliminated.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second operating and display area comprises a force sensor to prevent incorrect operation. The force sensor can ensure that the second operating and display area only responds above a certain pressure, which corresponds, for example, to the user's typical finger pressure on the display, so that settings are not made inadvertently. The force sensor can be set such that the second operating and display area cannot be operated even if the pressure is too high. This can be the case, for example, if objects are inadvertently stored and / or supported in the area of ​​the second operating and display area.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, haptic feedback is provided at least when adjusting vehicle functions using the second operating and display area. The haptic feedback can be provided mechanically, for example, via a pushbutton. Preferably, the haptic feedback is provided via vibration.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, a further embodiment of the method according to the invention can provide for acoustic feedback to be output at least when adjusting vehicle functions using the second operating and display area. Acoustic feedback, for example, a signal tone, can inform the operator that their input or touch has been registered.

[0022] To simplify operation and implementation of the method, a further embodiment of the method according to the invention provides for the second operating and display area to be arranged at the upper and / or lower edge area of ​​the first operating and display area. This allows for simplified adjustment of the vehicle functions, since orientation at the upper or lower edge area contributes to intuitive operation.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the second operating and display area to be arranged at the left and / or right edge area of ​​the first operating and display area. Depending on the orientation in the lower or upper edge area, settings of the vehicle functions can be simplified in this way, since orientation at the upper or lower edge area contributes to intuitive operation.

[0024] According to the invention, the second operating and display area is angled from the first operating and display area. If the first operating and display area is not in the same plane as the second operating and display area, this creates both a visual and physical separation between the first operating and display area and the second operating and display area. The three-dimensional design of the two areas further simplifies operation and makes it more intuitive.

[0025] The first display and operating area is arranged on a first side surface. The second display and operating area is arranged on a second side surface, which is adjacent to the first side surface. For example, it is conceivable that the first display and operating area is designed as a display, in particular a rectangular display, which is installed in the vehicle only to the extent that the side surfaces of the display are at least partially visible, so that at least a raised appearance of the display is achieved by the protruding side surfaces. The side surfaces can encompass the second display and operating area.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the essential vehicle functions are bundled in the second operating and display area. By centrally bundling the essential operating and / or display functions of the vehicle, cost savings are achieved because individual modules in the form of additional electronic devices can be eliminated. In addition, a tidy, reduced-size vehicle interior is realized.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one window lift function and / or a volume setting and / or a temperature selection are adjusted using the second operating and display area. By bundling these functions in the second operating and display area, separate control elements for the window lift or the module for controlling the air conditioning system can be eliminated.

[0028] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that vehicle functions relating to the left-hand area of ​​the vehicle are set in the area of ​​the left edge area of ​​the first operating and display area, and that vehicle functions relating to the right-hand area of ​​the vehicle are set in the area of ​​the right edge area of ​​the first operating and display area. In this way, an intuitive control option is provided. For example, it is conceivable that the control for opening and closing the windows on the left-hand side of the vehicle is located in the area of ​​the left edge area of ​​the first operating and display area. Accordingly, the control for opening and closing the windows on the right-hand side of the vehicle can be located in the area of ​​the right edge area of ​​the first operating and display area.

[0029] Accordingly, ventilation, air conditioning and / or heating settings for the front passenger can be located in the area of ​​the right edge area of ​​the first operating and display area, whereas ventilation, air conditioning and / or heating settings for the driver's side are located in the area of ​​the left edge area of ​​the first operating and display area.

[0030] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in individual cases.

[0031] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a display and operating device for carrying out a method according to the invention and Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the functioning of the display and operating device according to Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 1shows a display and operating device with a first operating and display area 10. A second operating and display area 14 is arranged in the edge area 12 of the first operating and display device 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second operating and display area 14 is oriented circumferentially around the first operating and display area 10. This results in an upper edge area 16, a lower edge area 18, a left edge area 20, and a right edge area 22.

[0033] The first operating and display area 10 is a display that can be arranged, for example, in the center area or in the cockpit area, for example, in the area of ​​a vehicle's instrument cluster. The display is capacitive, i.e., touch-sensitive. Furthermore, a force sensor is provided that registers corresponding touches and prevents incorrect operation. Additionally, when the second operating and display area 14 is touched, an acoustic signal and haptic feedback in the form of vibration are emitted.

[0034] The upper edge region 16, the left edge region 20, and the right edge region 22 are angled at an angle of approximately 45°, so that they appear to be tilted backward from the first operating and display area 10. The lower edge region 18 is angled at an angle of approximately 45° in the opposite direction, so that it appears to be tilted forward from the first operating and display area 10. This simplifies usability.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the embodiment according to Figure 1 with various additional functions.

[0036] It is planned that the essential vehicle functions will be bundled in the second control and display area 14. Centrally bundling the vehicle's essential control and display functions will result in cost savings, as individual modules in the form of additional electronic devices can be eliminated. In addition, a tidy, streamlined vehicle interior will be realized.

[0037] In addition, vehicle functions that affect the left area of ​​the vehicle are set in the area of ​​the left edge area 20 of the first operating and display area 10. Vehicle functions that affect the right area of ​​the vehicle are set in the area of ​​the right edge area 22 of the first operating and display area 10. This provides an intuitive control option.

[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the window lift function for the left side of the vehicle is set in the left edge area 20 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14. The opening and closing of the window(s) can be controlled by a touch-sensitive slider 24 in the left edge area 20 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14. Accordingly, the window(s) is / are set by a touch-sensitive slider 24 in the right edge area 22 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14.

[0039] The temperature settings for the heater or air conditioning system can be adjusted in the lower edge area 18 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14. The temperature increase or decrease by the ventilation system on the driver's side can be controlled by a touch-sensitive slider 24 on the left side of the lower edge area 18 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14. Similarly, the temperature of the ventilation system on the passenger side is adjusted by a touch-sensitive slider 24 on the right side of the lower edge area 18 of the first operating and display area 10 by the second operating and display area 14.

[0040] In the center of the lower edge area 18, the volume of the infotainment system can be adjusted using another slider 24. In the upper edge area 16, a touch-sensitive switch 26 provides the option of activating the hazard warning lights.

[0041] In the first operating and display area 10, corresponding displays 28 can be located near the functions adjustable by the second operating and display area 14. These displays provide information about the functions of the individual slide controls 24 and switches 26. Various menus or active contexts of the infotainment system or navigation system are displayed in the first operating and display area 10. In addition, other information, such as driving information, is also displayed. This includes contents of the instrument cluster, which can be displayed permanently. Displays of the speed, remaining range, gear position, information about turn signals, and / or warning messages are conceivable. List of reference symbols

[0042] 10First control and display area 12Edge area 14Second control and display area 16Upper edge area 18Lower edge area 20Left edge area 22Right edge area 24Slider 26Switch 28Display

Claims

1. Method for controlling vehicle functions, in particular of a motor vehicle, at least some vehicle functions being set in a first operating and display region (10), the first operating and display region (10) being at least partly touch-sensitive, at least one second operating and display region (14) being arranged in the edge region (12) of the first operating and display region (10), the second operating and display region (14) being at least partly touch-sensitive and at least some vehicle functions being set in the second operating and display region (14), characterized in that the second operating and display region (14) is angled from the first operating and display region (10), the first operating and display region (10) not being in the same plane as the second operating and display region (14).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating and display region (14) comprises a force sensor system to prevent incorrect operation.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that haptic feedback is output at least when vehicle functions are set by means of the second operating and display region (14).

4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that acoustic feedback is output at least when vehicle functions are set by means of the second operating and display region (14).

5. Method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second operating and / or display region (14) is arranged at the upper edge region (16) and / or lower edge region (18) of the first operating and display region (10).

6. Method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second operating and display region (14) is arranged on the left edge region (20) and / or right edge region (22) of the first operating and display region (10).

7. Method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the essential vehicle functions are bundled in the second operating and display region (14).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one window lift function and / or a volume setting and / or a temperature selection are set by means of the second operating and display region (14).

9. Method according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that vehicle functions relating to the left region of the vehicle are set in the region of the left edge region (20) of the first operating and display region (10) and in that vehicle functions relating to the right region of the vehicle are set in the region of the right edge region (22) of the first operating and display region (10).