Controlling a graphical interface of a screen via a touchpad in an infotainment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a graphical interface via a touchpad, comprising displaying (210) an initial configuration in which a navigation graphic element is linked to a first interactive graphic element. Upon detection (211; 212) of a touch swipe by the user on the touchpad, the method determines (213) a direction of touch swipe and compares (214) a current quantity of movement of the touch swipe with a threshold value. If the current quantity of movement is less than the threshold, an intermediate configuration is displayed (215) in which the navigation graphic element is linked to the first interactive graphic element and is oriented according to the determined direction. If the current quantity of movement is greater than the threshold, a subsequent configuration is displayed (216; 217) in which the navigation graphic element is linked to a second interactive graphic element. FIG. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Control of a graphical interface of a screen by touchpad in an infotainment system

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of controlling the graphical interface of an infotainment system, in particular in a motor vehicle.

[0002] Motor vehicles are now equipped with an infotainment system

[0003] A screen of an infotainment system is capable of displaying a graphical interface, comprising interactive graphical elements. This is the case in particular when the infotainment system displays a menu, each interactive graphical element corresponding to a section or function of the menu, for example a “vehicle parameters” section, a “multimedia” section, and any other section or function associated with parameters or functionalities of the vehicle or the infotainment system.

[0004] In order to be able to navigate the menu of the infotainment system, the user, namely a driver or a passenger of the vehicle, must be able to selectively interact with one or other of the interactive graphic elements.

[0005] Some vehicles are equipped with a screen which is not touch-sensitive, and which therefore requires a navigation interface separate from the screen, the navigation interface allowing navigation in the menu to select one or other of the interactive graphic elements.

[0006] The navigation interface allows a navigation graphic element to be moved within the graphical interface. Such movement allows navigation among the interactive graphical elements, in order to select one of them, for execution of a function associated with the selected interactive graphical element.

[0007] In some cases, when the navigation graphic element is positioned on an interactive graphic element, the navigation graphic element makes visible and identifiable the interactive graphic element on which it is positioned. The navigation graphic element and the interactive graphic element that it identifies appear as linked and the navigation graphic element is complementary to the interactive graphic element, unlike another option in which the navigation graphic element is a free cursor or pointer.

[0008] The navigation graphic element is then called “focus”. The interactive focus-type graphic element can take various forms: - a frame, for example in color, of the interactive graphic element; - a colored background behind the interactive graphic element; - highlighting of the interactive graphic element; - a change in contrast of the interactive graphic element; - an enlargement of the interactive graphic element; etc.

[0009] Thus, in these cases, the positions that the graphical selection interface can adopt are limited to the positions of the interactive graphical elements.

[0010] In certain graphical interfaces, the positions of the graphical navigation element are free and the graphical navigation element can then take the form of a cursor or pointer. However, the use of a free pointer can complicate the selection of an interactive graphical element and the selection time by the user of the graphical interface.

[0011] The following navigation interfaces are most commonly used: a rotary wheel, also called a "rotary" in English, and a touchpad, also called a "touchpad" in English.

[0012] The rotary wheel is used to control a movement to the right or to the left on the graphical interface, of the navigation graphical element. A clockwise rotation moves the navigation graphical element to the right and a counterclockwise rotation moves the navigation graphical element to the left. The navigation graphical element then follows a grid structure, with an automatic transition to a lower row of interactive graphical elements when the navigation graphical element is at the right end of the screen.

[0013] Thus, a rotary wheel is not very suitable for cases where many interactive graphic elements are displayed on the graphical interface, because the navigation time to select an interactive graphic element is too long. It is also not very suitable for cases where the interactive graphic elements are not displayed in regular rows and columns.

[0014] When the navigation interface is a touchpad, a horizontal user input, such as a horizontal touch swipe, moves the navigation graphical element right or left in the graphical interface, while a vertical input, such as a vertical touch swipe, moves the navigation graphical element up or down.

[0015] Thus, in most vehicle infotainment systems, when the navigation interface is separated from the screen displaying a graphical interface, navigation follows the principle of movements in an orthogonal system: the movements of the graphical navigation element are only vertical and horizontal. It is then not possible to move the graphical navigation element diagonally.

[0016] Such a limitation is imposed in the case of a rotary navigation interface, and is a choice in the case of a touchpad, the choice being to limit the gestures to simplify user interaction and make the navigation interface as close as possible to using an orthogonal arrow system on a remote control. In addition, limiting the number of directions helps limit user input errors. However, this choice comes at the expense of the speed at which the user can select an interactive graphic element.

[0017] Taking diagonals into account requires greater skill on the part of the user, and is more likely to cause handling errors.

[0018] A known infotainment system allows for the user's diagonal input to be taken into account, but offers the use of two types of graphic selection elements: - the navigation graphic element is of the focus type when it is positioned near an interactive graphic element; - the navigation graphic element is of the free pointer type when it is in areas of the graphical interface located between several interactive graphical elements.

[0019] To navigate from a first interactive graphical element to a second interactive graphical element, the graphical interface first displays a focus on the first interactive graphical element, then a pointer in the area between the first interactive graphical element and the second interactive graphical element, then a focus on the second interactive graphic.

[0020] Such navigation is complex and slow due to the use of the pointer: the user must take the time to navigate between two interactive graphic elements with the pointer, before being able to select a new interactive graphic element.

[0021] There is thus a need to allow a user of an infotainment system, in particular for a vehicle, to navigate quickly in a graphical interface comprising several interactive graphical elements displayed on a screen, with a separate navigation interface, while allowing precise control of the movement of a graphical navigation element in the graphical interface.

[0022] The present invention improves the situation.

[0023] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a graphical interface displayed on a screen of an infotainment system, the infotainment system comprising a touchpad capable of receiving touch inputs from a user to control a movement of a graphical navigation element among a set of interactive graphical elements of the graphical interface, the graphical navigation element being linked, at a given instant, to a single current graphical navigation element, the method comprising the following steps: - display of an initial configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphic element is linked to a first interactive graphic element, the current interactive graphic element being the first interactive graphic element; - upon detection of a tactile slide of the user on the touchpad, determination of a direction of said tactile slide; - comparison of a current amount of movement of the touch slide with a predetermined threshold value; - if the current amount of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, displaying an intermediate configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to the first interactive graphical element, and in which at least the navigation graphical element is oriented according to the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - if the current amount of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, displaying a next configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a second interactive graphical element distinct from the first interactive graphical element, the second interactive graphical element being determined from the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element.

[0024] The fact that the navigation graphic element is linked to the current interactive graphic element means that the navigation graphic element is positioned on the current interactive graphic element and that the navigation graphic element makes visible and identifiable the interactive graphic element on which it is positioned.

[0025] According to the invention, the graphic navigation element is always linked to a single interactive graphic element, called current, which distinguishes it from the use of a free pointer: it is thus not necessary to navigate in the zones between the interactive graphic elements, and it is possible to move from one interactive graphic element to another. In order to allow better control of the direction of the tactile slide, the intermediate configuration indicates the direction taken into account on the graphic interface, while linking the graphic navigation element to the first interactive graphic element to which it was already linked originally. The user can thus correct the direction if it does not correspond to the desired direction.

[0026] The addition of the intermediate configuration creates, in appearance, a magnetization between the current interactive graphic element and the navigation graphic element, which makes it possible to improve the precision in the use of the touchpad, and reduces user input errors.

[0027] According to embodiments, the direction of the touch slide can be determined from strictly more than four possible directions.

[0028] The invention is particularly advantageous in a case where at least one direction diagonal is possible, since such a case requires greater precision from the user.

[0029] Additionally, the direction of the touch slide can be determined from at least eight possible directions.

[0030] In this case, the touch sliding can be performed in the orthogonal system and in the diagonals. The invention makes it possible, in this case, to improve the precision of the user's touch sliding.

[0031] According to embodiments, the graphical navigation element may be one of the following elements: - a frame of the current interactive graphic element; - a background behind the current interactive graphic element; - a highlight of the current interactive graphic element; - a change in contrast of the current interactive graphic element; and - a magnification of the current interactive graphic element.

[0032] Such “focus” type navigation graphic elements make it easy for the user to identify the current interactive graphic element.

[0033] According to embodiments, in case of detection of a release of the touch swipe of the user on the touchpad during the intermediate configuration, the method can return to the display of the initial configuration.

[0034] Thus, the intermediate configuration can allow the user to correct his touch input, if he realizes that the direction taken by the graphic navigation element is not the desired direction. What is more, the handling error has no consequences since the graphic navigation element remains linked to the first interactive graphic element.

[0035] According to embodiments, in the intermediate configuration, the navigation graphical element and the first interactive graphical element can be moved in the graphical interface according to the determined direction of the touch drag.

[0036] Thus, the user is able to track the direction of the navigation graphic element, while still indicating that it is still linked to the first interactive graphic element as long as the threshold value is not exceeded.

[0037] According to embodiments, the graphical interface may be a menu of a motor vehicle, and each interactive graphical element of the graphical interface may be associated with a function of a motor vehicle or the infotainment system, or with a section of the menu of the motor vehicle.

[0038] It is thus made possible to improve the precision and speed associated with navigation in a vehicle menu by a vehicle driver, which is all the more important since the driver must simultaneously steer the vehicle. Safety associated with navigation in the vehicle menu is thus reinforced.

[0039] According to embodiments, if the current amount of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the method may comprise displaying another intermediate configuration before displaying the next configuration of the graphical interface. In said other intermediate configuration, the navigation graphical element may be linked to the second interactive graphical element, the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element, and at least the navigation graphical element may be oriented towards the first interactive graphical element.

[0040] Thus, the transition from the first interactive graphic element to the second interactive graphic element is progressive and continuous, which makes it possible to make the movement conform to the user's tactile sliding, and which allows better control of navigation.

[0041] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0042] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control module for a graphical interface displayed on a screen of an infotainment system, the control module comprising a first interface capable of receiving descriptive information of touch inputs from a user on a touchpad of the infotainment system, and the control module being capable of controlling a movement of a graphical navigation element among a set of interactive graphical elements of the graphical interface, the graphical navigation element being linked, at a given instant, to a single current graphical navigation element, the control module comprising a processor capable of: - controlling the display on the screen of an initial configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a first interactive graphical element, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - upon detection of a touch slide by the user on the touchpad, determining a direction of said touch slide; - compare a current amount of movement of the touch slide with a predetermined threshold value; - if the current amount of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, controlling the display on the screen of an intermediate configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to the first interactive graphical element, and in which at least the navigation graphical element is oriented according to the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - if the current amount of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, controlling the display on the screen of a following configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a second interactive graphical element distinct from the first interactive graphical element, the second interactive graphical element being determined from the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element.

[0043] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0044] [Fig.l] illustrates a motor vehicle interior according to embodiments of the invention;

[0045] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a process according to rea modes lization of the invention

[0046] [Fig.3a] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a vehicle screen at automobile, in a first configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0047] [Fig.3b] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a vehicle screen at automobile, in a second configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.3c] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a vehicle screen at automobile, in a third configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0049] [Fig.3d] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a motor vehicle screen, in a fourth configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0050] [Fig.4a] illustrates an example of a graphical element of navigation by focus, in a first position, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0051] [Fig.4b] illustrates an example of a graphical element of navigation by focus, in a second position, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0052] [Fig.5] illustrates the structure of a control device according to embodiments of the invention.

[0053] [Fig.l] illustrates the interior of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0054] The interior of the vehicle 100 comprises, according to the invention, an infotainment system 104, comprising at least one screen 101, a navigation interface 102 and a control module 103.

[0055] According to the invention, the screen 101 is a non-touch screen, that is to say that it is not capable of receiving touch inputs from the user, the user being the driver or one of the possible passengers, especially the front passenger.

[0056] The screen 101 is, on the other hand, capable of displaying a graphical interface, under the control of the control module 103, which transmits data to be displayed on the screen 101. No restriction is attached to the technology associated with the screen 101, which may be an LCD screen, for “Liquid Crystal Display” in English, an OLED screen for “Organic Light-Emitting Diode” in English, or any other screen technology.

[0057] According to the invention, the screen 101 is in particular capable of displaying, under the control of the control module 103, a graphical interface comprising several interactive graphical elements, as well as a graphical navigation element by means of which the user navigates among the interactive graphical elements, in order to activate a function associated with one of them.

[0058] According to the invention, the graphical interface may be a menu of the motor vehicle, and each interactive graphical element, when selected, activates a function of the vehicle 100 or of the infotainment system 104, and / or opens a given section of the menu (or sub-menu) and / or displays an overlay window with information.

[0059] No restrictions are attached to the functions permitted by the interactive graphic elements, nor to the structure of the menu of the vehicle 100.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the invention, the navigation interface 102 is a touchpad, capable of receiving touch inputs from the user such as touch, double-touch, touch swipe or any other type of touch input.

[0061] In the case of receiving a touch-swipe type input by the navigation interface 102, the navigation interface 102 is capable of detecting a direction and a direction of sliding, among strictly more than four directions. The directions detectable by the navigation interface include at least one horizontal direction to the right, one horizontal direction to the left, one vertical direction upwards, one vertical direction downwards, and at least one diagonal direction.

[0062] Further in addition, according to certain embodiments, the navigation interface is capable of detecting tactile slides in at least eight directions, namely the four horizontal and vertical directions mentioned above, but also the following four diagonal directions: up right, up left, down right and down left.

[0063] The relative terms "top", "bottom", "left" and "right" are defined relative to a predefined orientation of the navigation interface 102, which may be rectangular in shape, with a border at the top, a border at the bottom, a border on the right and a border on the left.

[0064] Further in addition, according to certain embodiments, the navigation interface 102 is capable of detecting tactile slides in strictly more than eight directions, for example in sixteen directions, further including up-up-right, up-right-right, up-up-left, etc.

[0065] The infotainment system 104 may comprise other modules not shown in [Fig.l], in particular one or more loudspeakers. No restriction is attached to all of the modules making up the infotainment system 104 according to the invention.

[0066] The control module 103 is capable of receiving information relating to the user's touch inputs on the navigation interface 102, from the navigation interface, and of moving the graphical navigation element in the graphical interface to navigate among the interactive graphical elements.

[0067] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a graphical interface displayed on a screen of an infotainment system, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0068] The control method can be implemented by the infotainment system 104 described with reference to [Fig.l], and in particular by the control module 103.

[0069] In a step 210, the control module 103 commands the display of the graphical interface on the screen 101 in a first configuration, considered here as an initial configuration. The first configuration may follow a previous movement of the graphical navigation element, following previous touch inputs by the user on the touchpad 102.

[0070] The first configuration of the graphical interface displayed on the screen 101 is shown in [Fig.3a]. The graphical interface in the first configuration is referenced 200.

[0071] In the first configuration, the graphical interface 200 comprises a plurality of interactive graphical elements 201, such as interactive graphical elements 201 of a menu of the vehicle 100.

[0072] The graphic navigation element 205 is, in the first configuration, linked to a first interactive graphic element 202 associated with a function A. According to the invention, the graphic navigation element 205 is of the focus type, and is not a free pointer, that is to say that the graphic navigation element 205 is always linked to a current interactive graphic element, i.e. the first interactive graphic element 202 in the first configuration.

[0073] Thus, in general, the fact that the navigation graphic element 205 is linked to the current interactive graphic element means that the navigation graphic element differentiates the appearance of the current interactive graphic element, so that the user can identify the position of the navigation graphic element. No restriction is attached to the way in which the navigation graphic element 205 differentiates the appearance of the current interactive graphic element. In Figures 3a to 3d, the navigation graphic element changes a background color of the current interactive graphic element on which it is positioned. Alternatively, the navigation graphic element can be: - a frame, for example in color, of the current interactive graphic element; - a colored background behind the current interactive graphic element; - a highlight of the current interactive graphic element; - a change in contrast of the current interactive graphic element; or - a magnification of the current interactive graphic element.

[0074] The graphical interface 200 further comprises a second interactive element 203, placed above to the left of the first interactive graphical element 202.

[0075] Other interactive graphical elements 201 not individually referenced are displayed above, above right, right, below right, below, below left and left of the first interactive graphical element 202, in the graphical interface 200.

[0076] In the example of Figures 3a to 3d, the graphical interface 200 is represented with regular rows and columns of interactive graphical elements 201. However, no restriction is attached to the number of interactive graphical elements or to their respective positions in the graphical interface 200.

[0077] Referring again to [Fig.2], the control module 103 detects a touch input from the user on the touchpad 102, at a step 211.

[0078] In a step 212, the control module 103 determines whether the user's touch input is a touch swipe.

[0079] If this is not the case, i.e., if the touch input detected at step 212 differs from a touch swipe, then the control module 103 performs an action in accordance with the touch input at a step 219. For example, the touch input may be a tap, in which case the function associated with the first interactive graphical element, which is the current interactive graphical element linked to the navigation graphical element, may be performed by the control module 103.

[0080] If this is the case, i.e. if the user's touch input is a touch swipe, the control module 103 determines, at a step 213, a direction of the touch swipe from among the directions permitted for moving the graphical navigation element 205 on the graphical interface 200. The direction may be determined by a name, such as the direction names described above: up, down, right, left, top right, top left, etc. Alternatively, the direction may be determined by an angular position relative to a right-oriented axis, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise. Thus, no restriction is attached to the manner in which the direction is determined. It is thus understood that "direction" means a direction and a sense defining a motion vector associated with touch dragging.

[0081] In the example considered below, the direction of the tactile slide is towards the top left, i.e. towards the second interactive graphic element 203 introduced previously.

[0082] In a step 214, the control module 103 determines whether a current amount of movement of the touch slide is less than a predetermined threshold value. The current amount of movement of the touch slide can be: - the length of the touch slide; - the speed of the touch slide; - determined from the speed and / or length of the touch swipe.

[0083] If this is the case, that is to say if the quantity of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, then the control module 103 moves, at a step 215 at least the graphic navigation element 205 in the direction determined at step 213, in the graphic interface, while maintaining the graphic navigation element 205 linked to the first interactive graphic element 202. The first interactive graphic element 202 thus remains the current interactive graphic element, but the direction of the touch slide is indicated by moving at least the graphic navigation element 205 in a direction of the screen 101 corresponding to the direction of the touch slide, which allows better precision of the touch slide by the user who can observe the screen 101 to verify that the interactive graphic element is indeed going in the desired direction.

[0084] Step 215 may correspond to the display by the control module 203 of the graphical interface 200 in the second configuration illustrated in [Fig.3b]. The second configuration corresponds to an intermediate configuration between the initial configuration, and a final configuration in which a new current interactive graphical element is linked to the navigation graphical element 205.

[0085] In the second configuration, the control module 103 moves at least the graphic navigation element 205 in a direction of the screen 101 corresponding to the direction determined in step 213. In the example shown in [Fig.3b], the control module 103 moves both the graphic navigation element 205 but also the first interactive graphic element 202 to which it is linked, in a direction of the screen 101 corresponding to the direction determined in step 213, i.e. upwards and to the left.

[0086] As a variant of the example shown in [Fig.3b], in which the graphic navigation element 205 and the first interactive graphic element 202 are moved together by the control module 103, only the graphic navigation element can be moved during step 215, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0087] In the example of Figures 4a and 4b, a navigation graphic element 405 is a circling a current interactive graphic element 401.

[0088] In the initial configuration corresponding to the first configuration of step 210, and shown in [Fig.4a], the navigation graphic element 405 is linked to the current graphic element 401 and centered around the current graphic element 401. In other words, the navigation graphic element 405 is not oriented in any direction.

[0089] In the intermediate configuration, when the amount of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control module 103 can move, or deform, the graphic navigation element 405, in the manner shown in [Fig.4b].

[0090] In [Fig.4b], the navigation graphic element 405 is still linked to the same current interactive graphic element 401, but is oriented in the top left direction, corresponding to the direction determined in step 203 previously described.

[0091] Thus, the user can observe the screen 102 and determine in which direction the graphic navigation element 205 or 405 is moved. In the event of an operating error, for example if the direction desired by the user is different, for example upwards or to the left, then the user can interrupt the touch slide, and the control module 103 controls the graphic interface 200 to return to the first configuration of [Fig. 3a]. If the desired direction corresponds to the direction of movement of the graphic navigation element 205 or 405, the user can continue his touch slide.

[0092] Note that steps 213 to 215 can be performed in real time, that is, while the user's touch drag is in progress. This is why the amount of movement of the touch drag is said to be current: it evolves as the touch drag is executed, and the user can observe the screen 103 while the touch drag is in progress.

[0093] Thus, at the end of step 215, the current quantity of movement is again determined and compared to the threshold value predetermined in step 214.

[0094] If, in step 214, the control module 103 determines that the current quantity of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, then the method proceeds to step 216.

[0095] In step 216, the control module 103 moves the navigation graphic element 205 in a direction of the screen 101 corresponding to the direction determined in step 213, by linking it to the interactive graphic element which is located closest to the first interactive graphic element 202 and in the direction determined relative to the first interactive graphic element 202.

[0096] Thus, the control module 103 operates a change of current interactive graphic element to which the navigation graphic element 205 is linked, only if the current quantity of movement of the user's touch slide is greater than the value predetermined threshold.

[0097] By way of example, step 216 corresponds to the display of the interface 200 in a third configuration, called other intermediate configuration, represented in [Fig.3c], by the control module 103.

[0098] The interactive graphic element that is located closest to the first interactive graphic element 202 and in the determined direction relative to the first interactive graphic element 202, is the second interactive graphic element 203. The second interactive graphic element 203 and the navigation graphic element 205 are thus linked and the second interactive graphic element 203 becomes the current interactive graphic element.

[0099] According to the invention, in step 216, the graphic navigation element 205 can be displayed as linked to the second interactive graphic element, but oriented towards the first interactive graphic element, i.e. in the direction opposite to the direction determined in step 203, so as to allow continuity in the movement of the graphic navigation element 205.

[0100] In a complementary manner, as shown in the example of [Fig.3c], the navigation graphic element 205 and the second interactive graphic element 205 are both offset relative to the original position of the second interactive graphic element 205, the offset being oriented towards the first interactive graphic element 202, i.e. in the direction opposite to the direction determined in step 203

[0101] Thus, the transition of the graphic navigation element 205 from the first interactive graphic element 202 to the second interactive graphic element 203 is continuous, and not abrupt, which increases the user's control of the tactile sliding.

[0102] At a step 217, the control module 103 displays, on the graphical interface 200, the navigation graphical element 205 as linked to the second interactive graphical element 203, in its original position, the graphical element being centered on the second interactive graphical element 203, as shown in [Fig.3d] which presents a fourth configuration, or final configuration.

[0103] Step 217 can be implemented by the control module 103: - when the user has continued the touch slide in the direction of step 213, after the third configuration, until reaching the original position of the second interactive graphic element 203, i.e. the position of the second interactive graphic element in figures 3a and 3b; or - when the user has interrupted the touch swipe in the third configuration. Switching to the fourth configuration even though the user releases the touch swipe gives the impression that, once the predetermined threshold value has been passed, the graphic navigation element 205 is magnetized or attracted by the second interactive graphic element 203.

[0104] Thus, the graphical interface 200 clearly indicates, in the fourth configuration, that the navigation graphical element 205 is positioned on the second interactive graphical element, and that the user can enter a new touch input on the touchpad 102, the method returning to step 210, which is this time initialized with the second interactive graphical element 203 as the current interactive graphical element.

[0105] Note that step 216 is optional and that the control module 103 can implement step 218 directly after step 214, if the current amount of movement of the touch slide is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In this case, the control module 103 controls the graphical interface 200 so as to go directly from the second configuration to the fourth configuration, without going through the intermediate step 216 corresponding to the third configuration or other intermediate configuration.

[0106] The method according to the invention thus allows a better user experience, better ergonomics and better usability of the touchpad 102 and the infotainment system 104, compared to the solutions of the prior art.

[0107] Indeed, the visual feedback given to the user via the graphical interface 200 allows him better control of the touchpad 102, including when a large number of directions, in particular strictly greater than 4, is made possible to navigate in the graphical interface 200.

[0108] [Fig.5] shows the structure of the control module 103 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0109] The control module 103 comprises a processor 501 configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a direct wired connection, with a memory 502 such as a memory of the “Random Access Memory” type, RAM, or a memory of the “Read Ordy Memory” type, ROM, or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory 502 comprises several memories of the aforementioned types.

[0110] The memory 502 is capable of storing, permanently or temporarily, at least some of the data used and / or resulting from the implementation of the method described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0111] In particular, the memory 502 can store the predetermined threshold value.

[0112] The processor 501 is capable of executing instructions, stored in the memory 502, for implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig.2]. Alternatively, the processor 501 can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0113] The control module 103 comprises a first interface 503 capable of exchanging bidirectionally with the touchpad 102, and to receive in particular descriptive information of touch input, such as the type of touch input, and the current amount of movement in the case of a touch swipe.

[0114] The control module 103 may further comprise a second interface 504 capable of communicating with the screen, in order to control in particular the display of the graphical interface 200 described previously, in the different configurations, as a function of the user's touch inputs identified from the information received from the touchpad 102.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a graphical interface (200) displayed on a screen (101) of an infotainment system (104), the infotainment system comprising a touchpad (102) capable of receiving touch inputs from a user to control a movement of a graphical navigation element (205; 405) among a set of interactive graphical elements (201) of the graphical interface, the graphical navigation element being linked, at a given instant, to a single current graphical navigation element, the method comprising the following steps: - display (210) of an initial configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a first interactive graphical element (202), the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - upon detection (211; 212) of a tactile slide of the user on the touchpad, determination (213) of a direction of said tactile slide; - comparing (214) a current amount of movement of the touch slide with a predetermined threshold value; - if the current quantity of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, display (215) of an intermediate configuration of the graphical interface in which the graphical navigation element is linked to the first interactive graphical element, and in which at least the graphical navigation element is oriented according to the determined direction of the tactile sliding, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - if the current quantity of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, display (216; 217) of a following configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a second interactive graphical element (203) distinct from the first interactive graphical element, the second interactive graphical element being determined from the determined direction of the tactile sliding, the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element.

2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the direction of the touch slide is determined from strictly more than four possible directions.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the direction of the touch slide is determined from at least eight possible directions.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation graphic element (205; 405) is one of the following: - a frame of the current interactive graphic element; - a background behind the current interactive graphic element; - a highlight of the current interactive graphic element; - a change in contrast of the current interactive graphic element; and - a magnification of the current interactive graphic element.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein upon detecting a release of the user's touch swipe on the touchpad during the intermediate configuration, the method returns to displaying the initial configuration.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in the intermediate configuration, the navigation graphic element (205) and the first interactive graphic element (202) are moved in the graphic interface (200) according to the determined direction of the touch slide.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the graphical interface (200) is a menu of a motor vehicle, and in which each interactive graphical element (201) of the graphical interface is associated with a function of a motor vehicle or of the infotainment system, or with a section of the menu of the motor vehicle.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein if the current amount of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the method comprises displaying (216) another intermediate configuration before displaying (217) the next configuration of the graphical interface; wherein, in said other intermediate configuration, the navigation graphical element (205; 405) is linked to the second interactive graphical element (203), the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element, and at least the navigation graphical element is oriented towards the first interactive graphical element (202).

9. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, when These instructions are executed by a processor (501).

10. Control module (103) of a graphical interface (200) displayed on a screen (101) of an infotainment system (104), the control module comprising a first interface (503) capable of receiving descriptive information of touch inputs from a user on a touchpad (102) of the infotainment system, and the control module being capable of controlling a movement of a graphical navigation element (205; 405) among a set of interactive graphical elements (201) of the graphical interface, the graphical navigation element being linked, at a given instant, to a single current graphical navigation element, the control module comprising a processor (501) capable of: - controlling the display on the screen of an initial configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a first interactive graphical element, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - upon detection of a touch slide by the user on the touchpad, determining a direction of said touch slide; - compare a current amount of movement of the touch slide with a predetermined threshold value; - if the current amount of movement is less than the predetermined threshold value, controlling the display on the screen of an intermediate configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to the first interactive graphical element, and in which at least the navigation graphical element is oriented according to the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the first interactive graphical element; - if the current amount of movement is greater than the predetermined threshold value, controlling the display on the screen of a following configuration of the graphical interface in which the navigation graphical element is linked to a second interactive graphical element distinct from the first interactive graphical element, the second interactive graphical element being determined from the determined direction of the touch slide, the current interactive graphical element being the second interactive graphical element.

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