Freely programmable driver-passenger interface

Abstract

The invention relates to a bus having a cockpit (1) with an operating apparatus (20). The operating apparatus (20) comprises a display device (21) with a display surface (22). The operating apparatus (20) also comprises a communication interface (23) for communicating with a passenger terminal (3), which is arranged to receive a passenger request from the passenger terminal (3). Furthermore, the operating apparatus (20) comprises a control device (24) that is configured to control the display device (21) to display a driver message (2) and at least one operating element (2a...2n) on the display surface as a function of the received passenger request. In this case, the at least one control element (2a...2n) is assigned a predetermined control function for sending a response to the passenger request to the passenger terminal (3) via the communication interface (22) and / or is assigned a predetermined control function for controlling an equipment and / or equipment function component integrated in the bus. Furthermore, the operating apparatus (20) comprises an actuating device (25) by means of which the control functions assigned to the at least one operating element (2a...2n) can be triggered.

Description

[0001] Freely programmable driver-passenger interface

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a bus with a cockpit comprising an operating device.

[0004] In city buses and coaches, the control and operation of vehicle-specific equipment components (e.g., ambient lighting, door controls, restroom release, kitchen release, etc.) is usually carried out by the driver via corresponding switches or buttons on the cockpit. Consequently, the switch assignment, labeling, and functionality of the switches must be individually adapted to customer-specific requirements during bus production, which involves a significant amount of work.

[0005] In addition to manufacturing problems (location, labeling, wiring), a large number of control elements ("switch overload") also leads to a confusing workspace for the driver and complicates vehicle operation, as the driver must first find the desired function or corresponding switch among the multitude of control elements. This can distract the driver from the actual vehicle operation.

[0006] Furthermore, in connection with the bus-specific equipment components, there is usually the problem that the driver must first be reliably informed about a corresponding passenger request (such as exiting the bus or using the toilet) in order to be able to trigger a corresponding control (e.g. a door control and / or a toilet door release) by pressing a suitable switch.

[0007] With regard to the aforementioned problems, previous approaches offer only an inadequate solution. Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide an improved possibility for driver-passenger interaction and / or for an improved response to passenger requests. A preferred object of the invention is to provide a possibility by which the driver can easily and quickly operate equipment components of the bus in accordance with corresponding passenger requests.

[0008] These objects can be achieved with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures. According to an independent aspect, a bus (e.g., a regular service bus or a touring coach) is provided. The bus has a cockpit with a preferably programmable operating device. A "cockpit" can preferably be understood here as an area of ​​a bus that forms the workplace for the bus driver and / or in which corresponding operating elements for driving the vehicle (e.g., a steering wheel) are arranged.

[0009] The operating device comprises a display device with a display surface (e.g., in the form of a screen or display). The display surface can, for example, be embedded in a panel of the cockpit.

[0010] Furthermore, the operating device has a communication interface (e.g., in the form of a WLAN and / or Bluetooth transceiver). Preferably, the communication interface serves for (e.g., wireless) communication with a passenger terminal. The passenger terminal can preferably be a mobile passenger terminal, such as a tablet or mobile phone. The communication interface is further configured to receive a passenger request (e.g., a request to use the restroom) from the passenger terminal (e.g., via a wireless communication technology such as WLAN, Bluetooth, UMTS, and / or LTE). This means that the communication interface can be configured to receive information from the passenger terminal concerning a request and / or a request from the passenger to a driver of the bus.

[0011] The operating device further comprises a control device (e.g. in the form of an electronic circuit). The control device can be connected to the display device via signaling. The control device is configured to actuate the display device, depending on the received passenger request, to display a driver message (e.g. a text message, a symbol and / or an animation) and at least one operating element (e.g. an icon or menu symbol) on the display surface. By way of example only, in the case that the passenger request is a request to use the toilet, the text message "Passenger toilet request" can be displayed to the driver as a driver message. In the alternative case that the passenger request is a request for the provision of boarding assistance, the text message "Boarding assistance has been requested" can be displayed to the driver as a driver message. Furthermore, a predetermined, ieA previously defined control function for sending a response to the passenger request to the passenger terminal via the communication interface can be assigned. For example only, the response can be a text message such as “Request received” or “Service currently not available.” Additionally or alternatively, a predetermined control function for controlling an equipment and / or equipment function component integrated into the bus can also be assigned to the at least one control element. For example, the equipment component can be a release for a toilet door or a drive for an boarding aid. Furthermore, the at least one control element can also comprise a plurality of control elements, each of which can be assigned alternative control functions.

[0012] The operating device further comprises an actuating device by means of which the control function assigned to the at least one operating element can be triggered. This means that the actuating device can thus be configured to trigger (e.g., based on user interaction) the control function assigned to the at least one operating element (e.g., sending the response and / or controlling the equipment and / or equipment function component). For example only, the actuating device can be a rotary push-button and / or a touch-sensitive area of ​​the display surface (e.g., designed as a touchscreen).

[0013] Overall, the operating device advantageously enables the driver to be easily informed of a passenger request or inquiry, as well as to be provided with response options tailored to the request on the same display. This eliminates the need for the driver to search for the correct switch, which advantageously reduces distraction from the actual vehicle operation. A further advantage is that the corresponding operating device enables communication between driver and passenger without the need for direct contact between the respective persons, so that interaction between the passenger and the driver (e.g., purchasing a ticket and / or requesting the provision of a wheelchair ramp) is possible even before boarding.

[0014] According to one aspect, the control device can be configured to control the display device such that the driver message and the at least one control element are displayed simultaneously on the display surface. This means that the control device can be configured to control the display device such that the driver message and the at least one control element are displayed together on the display surface. Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be configured to control the display device such that the driver message and the at least one control element are displayed adjacently (e.g., adjacent to one another) on the display surface. For example, the at least one control element can be arranged within a frame delimiting the driver message and / or within a text field of the driver message.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be configured to control the display device so that the driver message and the at least one control element are displayed spatially associated with one another on the display surface. For example, the driver message and the at least one control element can be displayed together and / or in close proximity to one another on the display surface. Due to the spatial proximity between the respective elements, all of these variants advantageously enable the driver to perceive the response options relating to the passenger request as quickly as possible, thus avoiding the need to search for a corresponding control element.

[0016] According to a further aspect, the predetermined control function of the at least one control element can be adapted to the passenger request and / or the driver message. This means that the predetermined control function can be logically related to the passenger request and / or the driver message. If the passenger request and / or the driver message concerns, for example, a passenger request to use the (currently locked) restroom, the predetermined control function of the at least one control element can be, for example, releasing the restroom door or sending a response "Restroom release currently not possible." If, however, the passenger request and / or the driver message concerns a seat reservation request, the predetermined control function of the at least one control element can be, for example, sending a response "Seat 4A has been reserved for you" or "A seat reservation is currently not possible."In an advantageous manner, the driver can thus be provided with a fixed and thus possibly familiar location in the cockpit (= display area) on which the relevant driver messages are displayed, but at the same time, depending on the passenger request, different response options or those adapted to the respective request are always provided.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined control function of the at least one control element can relate to an available control action of a driver of the bus in response to the passenger request and / or driver message. This means that the predetermined control function of the at least one control element can be specifically defined with regard to a possible or probable control or operating action of the driver. The available control action can vary depending on the current equipment of the bus. The available control actions can be defined and / or adapted (e.g. via a programming interface of the control device, which is described in more detail below) as part of maintenance and / or repair work on the bus (e.g. after installation of a new equipment component). However, it is also conceivable for the driver to make corresponding presettings with regard to possible control functions or available control actions (e.g.via a configuration menu). This advantageously provides the driver with the most "suitable" control elements possible, enabling quick and easy response to the corresponding passenger request or driver message.

[0018] According to a further aspect, the passenger request may include at least one of the following requests: a restroom use request, a kitchen use request, a seat reservation request, a luggage compartment booking request, a baggage claim request, a request for boarding assistance, a request for a wheelchair ramp, a request regarding a program and / or volume preference for an infotainment system of the bus, and a purchase request (e.g., a ticket, food, and / or beverage purchase request). Additionally or alternatively, the passenger request may also include a request regarding opening and / or closing a vehicle door, an air conditioning request, and / or a lighting request.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger request can include a luggage compartment booking request for a piece of luggage to be stowed in the bus. The piece of luggage to be stowed can, for example, be a bulky piece of luggage, such as skis, a bicycle, and / or a stroller. The luggage compartment booking request can specify whether and / or where a corresponding piece of luggage (e.g., bulky luggage) can be stowed in the bus. The response can then include an assignment of a specific luggage storage location for the piece of luggage to be stowed in the bus. This means that the at least one control element displayed to the driver for the corresponding driver message (e.g., "booking request for skis") can be assigned the sending of a response, such as "Please stow luggage in luggage compartment 2" or "Please stow luggage in the luggage box at the rear of the bus," as a control function.In this context, the control device is preferably configured to adapt or update possible luggage storage locations (e.g. by saving already assigned spaces and completely occupied storage locations can no longer be selected), so that the control function of the at least one control element can advantageously vary with the current loading situation.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the passenger request can also include a baggage reclaim request for a piece of luggage stowed in the bus. The baggage reclaim request can thus contain the request that a piece of luggage (e.g., a suitcase) previously stowed in the bus (e.g., manually by the driver) should be reclaimed. The baggage reclaim request can also include a request as to where a corresponding piece of luggage is currently located in the bus (e.g., in which luggage compartment). The response can include confirmation of receipt of the reclaim request and / or an indication of a current luggage storage location for the piece of luggage in the bus. This means that the at least one control element displayed to the driver for the corresponding driver message (e.g., "Baggage reclaim request from passenger X") can be assigned the sending of a response, such as "Receipt request confirmed" or "Luggage is in luggage compartment 3," as a control function.In this context, the control device is preferably configured to automatically assign the corresponding storage location to the corresponding passenger terminal and display it to the driver (e.g., by previously saving the storage location together with the passenger or the passenger terminal during loading). Overall, this advantageously provides simple and reliable baggage management.

[0021] According to a further aspect, the equipment and / or equipment functional component integrated into the bus can comprise at least one of the following components: a toilet facility, a toilet lighting, a toilet door release, a kitchen facility, a kitchen lighting, a kitchen door release, a luggage compartment, a luggage compartment lighting, a luggage compartment door release, an entry aid, a wheelchair ramp, a microphone system, an infotainment system for displaying passenger information and / or entertainment. In addition or alternatively to the aforementioned components, the equipment and / or equipment functional component integrated into the bus can also comprise a vehicle door control, a passenger compartment air conditioning system, and / or passenger compartment lighting (e.g., in the form of ambient lighting).Since the respective equipment of buses differs, particularly in the aforementioned components, vehicle production can be advantageously simplified overall by providing a corresponding "universal" operating device, which can be quickly adapted to the specific equipment of the respective vehicle (e.g. via the programming interface). In this case, the term "equipment component" can preferably be understood as a component that can be installed in the bus. The term "equipment functional component", on the other hand, can preferably refer to a possible functional element or a possible function of an equipment component. For example, the equipment component "ambient lighting" can have the equipment functional components "dimming", "color change" and "emergency lighting". Alternatively, for example,For the equipment component “passenger seat”, possible equipment function components can be various adjustment functions of the corresponding passenger seat.

[0022] According to a further aspect, the control device can be configured to immediately trigger the predetermined control function upon selection of the at least one control element by the actuating device. For example, the control function "unlocking the toilet door" can be assigned to the at least one control element, which can then immediately trigger a corresponding unlocking of the toilet door upon corresponding actuation (e.g., clicking) via the control element (e.g., touchscreen).

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the control device can also be configured to control the display device upon selection of the at least one control element by the actuating device, so that a plurality of optional control elements are displayed in addition to or instead of the at least one control element. Preferably, different (e.g. alternative) control functions are each assigned to the optional control elements. In this context, the optional control elements can also be understood as submenus or subfunctions. For example, if the driver receives a request to change the interior climate control, initially only one control element "air conditioning" can be displayed, which, when selected accordingly, enables access to further optional control elements, such as temperature, ventilation, humidity, etc.

[0024] In order to advantageously draw the driver's attention to the driver message, according to a further aspect the operating device can comprise an acoustic output device (e.g. a loudspeaker). Furthermore, the control device can be configured to control the acoustic output device to output an acoustic signal (e.g. a ping sound) if the driver message is shown on the display surface. For example, the acoustic signal can be output when the driver message appears on the display surface and, if appropriate, again after a predetermined period of time in which no input or reaction is made by the driver. According to a further aspect the operating device can comprise an interface for programming the operating device, which can be referred to below as a programming interface. By means of this programming interface (e.g. an API interface, English:application programming interface), the control functions of at least one control element can be changed and / or new control elements can be provided. This means that, for example, new functions of the control device - e.g. by the bus manufacturer and / or a third party authorized by the manufacturer (e.g. a retrofitting company) - can be integrated using the programming interface using software imported or integrated via the programming interface. By way of example only, the programming interface can be set up so that, for example, applications ("apps") or other software content can be integrated into the control device via this. In an advantageous manner, vehicle-specific control elements, i.e. control elements specially adapted to or adapted to the respective equipment of the vehicle in question, can thereby be provided on the control device.Since the controls are provided by programming the control device (software) instead of physical switches (hardware), vehicle-specific adaptations can be made quickly or subsequent modifications can be made without necessarily having to make changes to the cockpit hardware (e.g., replacing switches, etc.). A further advantage of this solution is that appropriate programming or menu navigation can advantageously eliminate the need for control elements and reduce the overall complexity of the cockpit.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the programming interface can be a preferably standardized application programming interface, or API interface for short. The API interface can be configured to provide predefined commands, functions, and / or protocols in order to advantageously simplify interaction with the program structure of the operating device without having to directly address its hardware. For example, the API interface can enable access to databases, interfaces, and / or application functions of the programmable operating device. Furthermore, the API interface can be designed for data exchange according to a predetermined structure and / or for transferring commands. The API interface can be designed as an external API interface that can only be accessed indirectly via a user environment provided by the bus manufacturer (e.g., on a web server).Additionally or alternatively, the operating device can comprise a configuration framework (e.g., an application framework, which can also be referred to as an app framework), which is preferably accessible via the programming interface. For example, the configuration framework can be stored in the control device of the operating device or in a memory of this control device. The term configuration framework can be understood as a programming framework for creating an application, e.g., for creating or connecting apps. For this purpose, the configuration framework can provide a reusable, common structure (e.g., in the form of basic building blocks) for programs or applications, by means of which external software content can be integrated as easily as possible into the program structure of the programmable operating device.

[0026] According to a further aspect, the arrangement and / or representation of the driver message on the display surface can be changed by a driver of the bus. Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement and / or representation of the at least one control element on the display surface can be changed by a driver of the bus. Thus, for example, based on the driver's individual preferences, a corresponding adjustment of the driver message and / or the at least one control element can be made, thereby advantageously achieving the best possible perception and operation for the driver.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the actuating device can comprise a button. For example, it can be a button on a multifunction steering wheel, a button on a steering column stalk, and / or a button (e.g., a shortcut button) in the area of ​​the display surface. Additionally or alternatively, the actuating device can also comprise a rotary push-button and / or a touch-sensitive display surface (e.g., a touchscreen). Additionally or alternatively, the actuating device can comprise a means (e.g., a camera) for detecting (e.g., contactless) gestures and / or a means (e.g., a microphone) for detecting voice input.

[0028] According to a further aspect, the bus can comprise at least one screen display in a passenger compartment of the bus. This means that, in addition to the display device or display surface of the operating device in the area of ​​the cockpit, the bus can comprise at least one further (screen) display, which can be arranged in an area of ​​the bus in which the passengers are permitted or intended to be present. The at least one operating element can comprise an operating element (e.g. in the form of an icon or symbol) by means of which a representation of the screen display can be changed. Preferably, a note and / or status information, i.e. an indication of the state and / or setting of an equipment and / or equipment function component, can be displayed on the screen display by means of the corresponding operating element. For example, for at least some of the integrated equipment and / or equipment function components (e.g.current) status information of the respective equipment and / or equipment function components is displayed (e.g. whether the toilet door is locked or the toilet is occupied). In addition or alternatively, the information can contain details about stops, connections, disruptions, traffic data and / or warnings. It is conceivable, for example, that the driver is informed by means of a driver message on the display surface about current conditions (e.g. disruptions on the route) (e.g. received from a control room via the communication interface) and that the driver can pass this information on to the screen display or the passengers using the corresponding control element. This means that the driver's corresponding information can be shared with the passengers via the control device or the screen display.For example, timetables for different bus lines can also be synchronized in this context. Overall, passengers can thus be conveniently informed about current conditions and the current status of equipment and / or equipment functional components.

[0029] To advantageously prevent driver distraction in (e.g., critical) driving situations, the operating device can, according to a further aspect, comprise a release element by means of which the display of the driver message can be selectively activated or deactivated. For example, the release element can be an operating element displayed on the display surface, which can be triggered by the actuating device. Alternatively, the release element can also be a physical switch.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the control device can be configured to automatically deactivate and / or delay the display of the driver message and / or the at least one control element depending on received vehicle data (e.g., speed data). This preferably serves to avoid distraction of the driver in critical driving situations. For example, the control device can be configured to deactivate and / or delay the display of the driver message and / or the at least one control element if the bus exceeds a predetermined speed or if reversing is detected. Delaying can preferably be understood here as initially postponing the display and displaying it later (e.g., once the high-speed journey or reversing has ended).

[0031] The above-described aspects and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0032] Figure 1A: a schematic representation of a cockpit of a bus with an operating device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 1B: a schematic detailed representation of a display surface of the operating device shown in Figure 1A according to an embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 2: a schematic representation of an operating device according to a further embodiment.

[0035] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are described in all figures with the same reference numerals and some are not described separately.

[0036] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a cockpit 1 of a bus (not shown in detail) with an operating device 20 according to one embodiment. A cockpit 1 can preferably be understood as the area of ​​the bus that forms the workplace for the bus driver and / or in which the steering wheel and corresponding operating devices for driving the vehicle are arranged. A cockpit 1 can preferably be understood specifically as the panel (e.g. made of plastic) that usually extends along the windshield in the vehicle and which, in addition to accommodating measuring indicators (e.g. speedometer) and / or operating devices, can also serve as a storage area. The operating device 20 can be at least partially integrated and / or accommodated in this panel.

[0037] The operating device 20 comprises a display device 21 with a display surface 22, a communication interface 23, a control device 24 and an actuating device 25.

[0038] The display surface 22 of the display device 21 can, for example, comprise an LC display or a TFT display. The display surface 22 can be a touch-sensitive display surface (e.g., a touchscreen). The display surface 22 can be embedded in the paneling of the cockpit 1. The display surface 22 can be part of an infotainment system of the bus. In addition to the display surface 22, the display device 21 can include control means for image generation, such as a processor, a memory, and / or a data communication interface.

[0039] The communication interface 23 of the operating device 20 can preferably be designed for radio communication (e.g., via WLAN, mobile radio, and / or Bluetooth). For example, the communication interface 23 can comprise an antenna and / or a receiver for receiving radio signals. The communication interface 23 can also comprise a transmitter. This means that the communication interface 23 can also be a communication interface 23 for bidirectional communication. The communication interface 23 serves for communication with a passenger terminal 3 (e.g., via a corresponding communication connection). The communication interface 23 and the passenger terminal 3 can communicate with each other, for example, via preferably standardized communication protocols.

[0040] The passenger terminal 3 can preferably be a device intended for operation by the passenger. The passenger terminal 3 can, for example, be a mobile (e.g., portable) passenger terminal 3, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a smartwatch. However, the passenger terminal 3 can also be permanently integrated into the bus (e.g., in the form of a touchscreen integrated into a backrest). Accordingly, the communication interface 23 of the operating device 20 can also be connected to the passenger terminal 3 via a physical signal line. However, the communication interface 23 is preferably configured for wireless communication with the passenger terminal 3.

[0041] The communication interface 23 of the operating device 20 is further configured to receive a passenger request from the passenger terminal 3. A passenger request can preferably be understood as information sent from the passenger terminal 3 to the communication interface 23, which can contain a request and / or a request to a driver of the bus. For example, the passenger request can be a request to use the toilet and / or kitchen, a seat reservation request, and / or a request to provide a wheelchair ramp. The passenger request can be generated, for example, via an application ("app") available on the passenger terminal 3. For example, a plurality of predefined request options can be made available to the passenger via a graphical user interface, from which they can select a "suitable" request.One control device 24 of the operating device 20 can be designed, for example, as a control unit. The control device 24 can be connected to the display device 21, the communication interface 23, and the actuating device 25 by signaling (e.g., via signal connections). The control device 24 can have a processor and / or a memory. The control device 24 is configured to control the display device 21 to display a driver message 2 (cf. Figure 1B or 2) on the display surface 22 depending on the received passenger request. The control device 24 can thus be configured to control the display device 21 based on the previously received passenger request such that a driver message 2 is displayed on its display surface 22.

[0042] Driver message 2 can preferably be understood as a predetermined notification informing the driver of the corresponding passenger request. Driver message 2 can, for example, be a text message, a symbol, an animation, and / or an audio output. As shown by way of example in Figure 1B, the text message "Toilet request" can be output to the driver as a driver message in response to a passenger's request to use the toilet. Alternatively, the text message "Luggage compartment booking request" can be output to the driver as a driver message, for example, in response to a passenger's request to book a luggage compartment, as shown by way of example in Figure 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the control device 24 is configured to control the display device 21 to display at least one operating element 2a ... 2n on the display surface 22 depending on the received passenger request. The control device 24 can thus be configured to control the display device 21 on the basis of the previously received passenger request such that, in addition to the driver message 2, at least one operating element 2a ... 2n is also displayed on its display surface 22. The at least one operating element 2a ... 2n can be exclusively one operating element 2a, as shown in Figure 1B. However, the at least one operating element 2a ... 2n can also comprise several operating elements 2a ... 2n, as shown by way of example in Figure 2 for the case of two operating elements 2a and 2b.

[0044] Furthermore, it is provided that the at least one control element 2a ... 2n can be assigned a predetermined, i.e., previously defined, control function for controlling an equipment and / or equipment function component integrated into the bus. As shown by way of example in Figure 1B, the at least one control element 2a can, for example, be assigned the "unlock toilet" control function for controlling a toilet door release integrated into the bus.

[0045] In addition or alternatively, the at least one operating element 2a ... 2n can also be assigned a predetermined, i.e. previously defined, control function for sending a response to the passenger request to the passenger terminal 3 via the communication interface 22. For example, upon actuation of the at least one operating element 2a, a response in the form of a text message "Toilet is available" can also be sent to the passenger terminal 3. Preferably, the term "response" can be understood as information sent from the operating device 20 to the passenger terminal 3 as a function of an actuation of the at least one operating element 2a ... 2n. The response can be, for example, a confirmation, rejection, request for payment, allocation of a seat and / or a luggage storage location. The response can be displayed to the passenger on the passenger terminal 3 (e.g.as a text message, image display and / or audio output). For example, in the case shown in Figure 2, the response may be the message "Service currently not available" if control element 2b is operated. Furthermore, the response may be the message "Please stow luggage in luggage compartment 2" if control element 2a was operated first, whereupon the driver was presented with several storage options in the form of several option controls (e.g. "Luggage compartment 1", "Luggage compartment 2", "Luggage box at the rear") and then selected the option control element "Luggage compartment 2".

[0046] The actuating device 25 of the operating device 20 can comprise, for example, a button, a rotary push-button, a means for detecting (e.g., grazing) gestures, a means for detecting voice inputs, and / or a touchscreen of the display device 21. The actuating device 25 is intended to trigger the control functions assigned to the at least one operating element 2a...2n. This means that the at least one operating element 2a...2n can be selected (e.g., clicked) or operated via the actuating device 25. Operation can also comprise a combination of different elements of the actuating device 25 (e.g., in the case of hierarchical menu navigation). For example, the at least one operating element 2a ... 2n can be selected via shortcut buttons of the actuating device 25, wherein, upon a corresponding selection, in addition to or instead of the at least one operating element 2a ... 2n, a plurality of option operating elements (e.g.(in the form of a submenu). These optional controls can then be operated / adjusted using a rotary push button, touch screen, and / or voice control, for example.

[0047] Furthermore, the operating device 20 can include an acoustic output device 26. The acoustic output device 26 can be connected to the control device 24 for signaling purposes. Furthermore, the control device 24 can be configured to control the acoustic output device 26 to output an acoustic signal if the driver message 2 is displayed on the display surface. For example, the acoustic signal can be output when the driver message appears on the display surface 22 and, if necessary, again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed during which no input or reaction is made by the driver.

[0048] The operating device 20 can further comprise a programming interface 27 (e.g., an API interface). This can be used to program the operating device 20. The programming interface 27 can be connected to the control device 24 via signaling. Using the programming interface 27, the control function of the at least one operating element 2a...2n can be changed and / or new operating elements 2a...2n can be provided. Accordingly, the operating device 20 can be a programmable, preferably freely programmable, operating device 20.

[0049] Having primarily discussed the structural design of the operating device 20 above, the display will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 1B. Figure 1B shows, by way of example, a driver message 2 displayed on the display surface 22 as well as at least one operating element 2a. The driver message 2 can be a text message. The text message or driver message 2 can be contrasted with the background in terms of color. The driver message 2 can be highlighted by corresponding symbols and / or a frame. Furthermore, the control device 24 can be configured to control the display device 21 so that the driver message 2 and the at least one operating element 2a are displayed simultaneously and / or adjacent to one another on the display surface 22.Preferably, the driver message 2 and the at least one control element 2a are display elements that are only displayed on the display surface 22 in response to the received passenger request. Accordingly, the at least one control element 2a can be a control element that was previously arranged in a submenu and / or arranged elsewhere on the display surface 22. Preferably, the driver message 2 and the at least one control element 2a are displayed larger than other elements visible on the display surface 22. Furthermore, the predetermined control function of the at least one control element 2a can be adapted to the passenger request or the driver message 2. This means that the predetermined control function can be logically related to the passenger request or the driver message 2. The predetermined control function can relate to a probable action of the driver in response to the passenger request or the driver message 2.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an operating device 20 according to another embodiment. The operating device 2 comprises a display device 21 with a display surface 22, a communication interface 23, a control device 24, and an actuating device 25. It is understood that the techniques and features described with reference to Figure 2 can be combined with the techniques and features described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, individually or in any combination.

[0051] In the present case, the actuating device 25 exemplarily has a touch-sensitive area of ​​the display surface 22 (e.g., designed as a touchscreen). Furthermore, the control device 24 can comprise, for example, a communication module 2.1, into which the communication interface 23 and / or the programming interface 27 can be integrated. The communication module 2.1 can form a (possibly replaceable) closed functional unit within the control device 24. New functions of the operating device 20 (e.g., by the bus manufacturer and / or a third party authorized by the manufacturer) can be integrated via the programming interface 27. This can be done, for example, by software imported or integrated via the programming interface 27. The software can be, for example, apps or other software content.The programming interface 27 is preferably an application programming interface, or API interface for short. The API interface can be designed as an external API interface that can only be accessed indirectly via a user environment provided by the bus manufacturer (e.g., on a web server). For this purpose, the programming interface 27 can be connected, for example, via mobile radio, WLAN, powerline, or a cable connection to a backend server or local storage of the bus manufacturer 4 and / or to a backend server or local storage of the third-party provider 5 authorized by the bus manufacturer. Preferably, the control device 24 further comprises a configuration framework 2.2 (e.g., stored in a memory of the control device 24). The configuration framework 2.2 can be accessed via the programming interface 27. The configuration framework 2.2 can be an application framework, which can also be referred to as an app framework. The configuration framework 2.2 can have a programming framework for creating an application, e.g., for creating or connecting apps. The configuration framework 2.2 can provide a reusable, common structure (e.g., in the form of basic building blocks) for programs or applications, by means of which external software content can be integrated as easily as possible into a program structure of the operating device 20.

[0052] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, independent of the referenced claims.

[0053] List of reference symbols

[0054] 1 cockpit

[0055] 2 Driver message

[0056] 2a ... 2n Control element 2.1 Communication module

[0057] 2.2 App framework

[0058] 3 Passenger terminal

[0059] 4 Backend server or local storage of the bus manufacturer

[0060] 5 Backend server or third-party local storage 20 Operating device

[0061] 21 Display device

[0062] 22 display area

[0063] 23 Communication interface

[0064] 24 Control device 25 Actuating device

[0065] 26 Acoustic output device

[0066] 27 Programming interface

Claims

Patent claims 1. Omnibus comprising a cockpit (1) with an operating device (20), wherein the operating device (20) comprises the following: - a display device (21) with a display area (22); - a communication interface (23) for, preferably wireless, communication with a, preferably mobile, passenger terminal device (3), which is configured to receive a passenger request from the passenger terminal device (3); - a control unit (24) configured to control the display unit (21) to display a driver message (2) and at least one control element (2a ... 2n) on the display surface, depending on the passenger request received; wherein the at least one control element (2a ... 2n) is assigned a predetermined control function for sending a response to the passenger request to the passenger terminal device (3) via the communication interface (22) and / or a predetermined control function for controlling an equipment and / or fittings function component integrated into the bus; and - an actuating device (25) by means of which the control functions assigned to the at least one operating element (2a ... 2n) can be triggered.

2. Omnibus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (24) is configured to control the display device (21) so that the driver message (2) and the at least one operating element (2a ... 2n) a) are displayed simultaneously on the display surface (22); and / or b) are displayed adjacently, preferably adjoining each other, on the display surface (22); and / or c) are displayed spatially related to each other on the display surface (22).

3. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined control function of the at least one control element (2a ... 2n) a) is adapted to the passenger request and / or the driver message (2); and / or b) relates to an available control action of a driver of the omnibus in response to the passenger request and / or driver message (2).

4. Bus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passenger request includes at least one of the following requests: - a request to use the toilet and / or kitchen, - a seat reservation request, - a baggage claim request, and / or a baggage claim request, - a request for the provision of an entry aid and / or wheelchair ramp, - a request concerning a program and / or a volume setting for the bus's infotainment system, - a purchase request, preferably a food and / or beverage purchase request.

5. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) the passenger request includes a luggage compartment booking request for a piece of luggage to be stowed in the omnibus and the response includes an assignment of a specific luggage storage location for the piece of luggage to be stowed in the omnibus; and / or b) that the passenger request includes a luggage release request for a piece of luggage stowed in the omnibus and the response includes an indication of a current luggage storage location of the piece of luggage in the omnibus.

6. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equipment and / or equipment function component integrated into the omnibus comprises at least one of the following components: - a toilet facility, toilet lighting, a toilet door release, - kitchen furnishings, kitchen lighting, kitchen door release - a luggage compartment, luggage compartment lighting, a luggage compartment door release, - an entry aid, a wheelchair ramp, - a microphone system, an infotainment system for displaying passenger information and / or entertainment content.

7. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (24) is configured, when the at least one control element (2a ... 2n) is selected by the actuating device (25), to a) directly trigger the predetermined control function; or b) control the display device (21) so that, in addition to or instead of the at least one control element (2a ... 2n), a plurality of option control elements are displayed, each of which is assigned different control functions.

8. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (20) further comprises an acoustic output device (26); and the control device (24) is configured to control the acoustic output device (26) to output an acoustic signal if the driver message (2) is displayed on the display surface.

9. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (20) comprises a programming interface (27) for programming the operating device (20), wherein the control function of the at least one operating element (2a ... 2n) can be changed and / or new operating elements (2a ... 2n) can be provided by means of the programming interface (27).

10. Omnibus according to claim 9, characterized in that the programming interface (26) is an API interface and / or the operating device (20) comprises a configuration framework (2.2) which is accessible via the programming interface (27).

11. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following parameters can be changed by a driver of the omnibus: a) an arrangement and / or representation of the driver message (2) on the display surface (22), b) an arrangement and / or representation of the at least one control element (2a ... 2n) on the display surface (22).

12. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (25) comprises a push button, a rotary push button, a means for capturing gestures, a means for capturing voice inputs and / or a touch screen of the display device (21).

13. Omnibus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one screen display in a passenger compartment of the omnibus, which is connected to the operating device (20) via a signal connection, wherein the at least one operating element (2a ... 2n) comprises an operating element by means of which a display of the screen can be changed, preferably a message and / or status information can be displayed. A bus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (20) comprises a release element by means of which the display of the driver message (2) can be selectively activated or deactivated. A bus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (24) is configured to automatically deactivate and / or delay the display of the driver message (2) and / or the at least one operating element (2a ... 2n) depending on received vehicle data, preferably to prevent distraction of the driver in critical driving situations.

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