Knob assembly and control method therefor, vehicle-mounted apparatus or electronic device, and vehicle

Abstract

A knob assembly, comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide a torque to the knob, wherein the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of the rotation position, displacement, angle or radian related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; and the control unit determines the rotation rate or speed of the knob on the basis of the characterization data, and during the single rotation operation, dynamically adjusts, on the basis of the rotation rate or speed, the torque output unit to generate at least two torques for the knob in the single rotation operation. The number of detents and the force feedback of a mechanical knob are simulated, and an adjustable torque is provided on the basis of the rate or speed at which a user adjusts a knob, or an adjustable torque combination is provided on the basis of the adjustment of the knob by the user to perform dynamic force feedback, thereby improving the user experience in terms of comfort, personalization, etc.

Description

Knob assembly and control method thereof, vehicle-mounted device or electronic device, and vehicle Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of switches, and in particular to a knob assembly, a method for controlling the knob assembly, a vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A rotary switch is a switch component that can be rotated to adjust a function. Various rotary switches are widely used in many fields due to their multiple positions and convenient operation, such as household appliances or appliances, electronic equipment, communication equipment, vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles) or other means of transportation.

[0003] Traditional mechanical knobs have a fixed number of positions and generally only support adjusting a single function, or use the same number of positions to adjust multiple functions. Furthermore, these mechanical knobs typically provide a single force feedback mechanism, making it difficult to provide a different feel for the same or different users, and thus failing to meet the personalized needs of customers or consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a knob assembly, a method for controlling a knob assembly, an in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance, and a vehicle. The present invention simulates the number of gear positions and force feedback of a mechanical knob, providing an adjustable torque or an adjustable torque combination based on the user's knob adjustment rate or speed to provide dynamic force feedback, thereby improving the user experience (e.g., comfort, personalization, etc.).

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a knob assembly is provided, which includes: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of the rotation position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, the control unit determines the rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a knob assembly is provided, wherein the knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein the method includes: the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotational position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit determines the rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to provide adjustable torque to the knob in the single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

[0007] The control method of the knob assembly according to the first aspect or the second aspect may include any of the following preferred features, alone or in combination.

[0008] In some examples, the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques or adjustable torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, including: determining a plurality of gears experienced by the single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, the plurality of gears including at least a first gear segment and a second gear segment following the first gear segment; and during the first gear segment: generating first control information for the first gear segment based on a first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit based on the first control information; during the second gear segment: if the obtained rotation rate or speed is higher than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, generating second control information for the second gear segment based on a second reference torque different from the first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit based on the second control information.

[0009] In some examples, the multiple gears also include a third gear segment between the first gear segment and the second gear segment; and the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques or adjustable torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, including: during the third gear segment: generating third control information for the third gear segment based on a third reference torque between the first reference torque and the second reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit according to the third control information.

[0010] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: during the second gear segment, if the obtained rotation rate or speed is within or below the rate or speed threshold range or the rate or speed threshold range, then continue to use the first control information to control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob.

[0011] In some examples, the multiple gears also include a fourth gear segment following the second gear segment; and the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques or adjustable torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, including: during the fourth gear segment: if the obtained rotation rate or speed is lower than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, generating fourth control information for the fourth gear segment based on the first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit according to the fourth control information.

[0012] In some examples, the relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on a rotational direction.

[0013] In some examples, the control unit also obtains functional object information corresponding to the single rotation adjustment operation; and at least one of the first reference torque, the second reference torque, and the relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on the rotation direction data and / or the functional object information.

[0014] In some examples, generating control information for a gear based on a reference torque includes: obtaining a torque change curve for the gear based on the reference torque, the torque change curve including at least a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; and generating control information for the gear based on the torque change curve.

[0015] In some examples, the reference torque is the peak torque for the gear.

[0016] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: detecting whether the single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or other predetermined torque to the knob.

[0017] In some examples, the control unit also performs the following operations: determining an initial gear position and one or more gear positions experienced for the single rotation operation; and determining an ending gear position of the single rotation operation based on the initial gear position and one or more gear positions experienced, wherein the ending gear position is limited to an allowable gear range.

[0018] In some examples, determining the initial gear position of the single rotation operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be the historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0019] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: if the ending gear is the limit gear of the gear range, determining the limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear based on the limit torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit according to the control information for the limit gear.

[0020] In some examples, the functional object information is associated with a functional object, the functional object being selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters being associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters being associated with different components.

[0021] In some examples, the rotation axis of the knob rotates together with the torque output unit; and the rotation axis of the knob and the rotation axis of the torque output unit are aligned, or the rotation axis of the knob and the rotation axis of the torque output unit are not aligned, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected by a transmission manner.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knob assembly, comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit is capable of controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotational position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmit the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit is configured to determine the rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, and the control unit is further configured to dynamically adjust the torque output unit to generate at least two different torques to the knob in a single rotation operation or provide an adjustable torque to the knob based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a knob assembly is provided, comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein the detection unit detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit.

[0024] The control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, the control unit determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and the control unit configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation.

[0025] In some examples, the control unit further determines completion of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and after completion of the single rotation operation, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

[0026] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided, and the control unit resets the torque combination configuration or configures the torque to the initial torque after the single rotation operation stops and the first time threshold has passed.

[0027] In some examples, the control unit also obtains or stores functional object information corresponding to the knob; and the control unit configures the torque combination for a single rotation operation, including: the control unit configures the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the functional object information.

[0028] In some examples, the functional object information is associated with a functional object having the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

[0029] In some examples, the control unit identifies one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and the control unit configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation including: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; based on the determined reference torque for each gear, generating control information for each gear; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

[0030] In some examples, the control unit identifies that the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc occurring in a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configures a first preset torque for the portion of the single rotation operation that exceeds the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc exceeding the gear coverage of the torque combination.

[0031] In some examples, the first preset torque is consistent with the final torque of the torque combination, or the first preset torque and the final torque of the torque combination provide a consistent feel.

[0032] In some examples, determining the reference torque for each gear includes determining the reference torque for each gear based on a gear-torque mapping relationship.

[0033] In some examples, the gears are divided into levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

[0034] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: obtaining a correspondence table between functional objects and gear-torque mapping relationships, and determining the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the functional object corresponding to the functional object information.

[0035] In some examples, generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear includes: obtaining a torque change curve for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear, the torque change curve including at least a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; and generating control information for each gear based on the torque change curve.

[0036] In some examples, the reference torque is the peak torque for each gear.

[0037] In some examples, the control unit also performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, wherein the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting torque of the torque combination.

[0038] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining an initial gear and one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation, and determining an end gear of the single rotation adjustment operation based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, wherein the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

[0039] In some examples, determining the initial gear position of a single rotation adjustment operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a third preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0040] In some examples, the control unit also performs the following operations: if the end gear is the limit gear of the gear range, determining the limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear based on the limit torque; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the limit gear.

[0041] In some examples, the functional object corresponding to the functional object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, wherein the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

[0042] In some examples, the knob is capable of rotating together with the torque output unit; and the rotation axis of the knob is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, or the rotation axis of the knob is not aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected by a transmission manner.

[0043] In some examples, the torque combination includes at least two different torques.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a knob assembly is provided, wherein the knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit, wherein the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein the method includes: the detector detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of the rotation position, displacement, angle or arc of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, the control unit is provided with a torque combination, the control unit determines the starting end and ending end of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the starting end and / or ending end.

[0045] In some examples, the control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque before the starting end or after the ending end.

[0046] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided, and the control unit identifies the end end and resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque after the first time threshold has passed at the moment corresponding to the end end.

[0047] In some examples, the control unit further obtains or stores functional object information corresponding to the knob; and the control unit configures the torque combination including: the control unit configures the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the functional object information.

[0048] In some examples, the functional object information is associated with a functional object having the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

[0049] In some examples, the control unit identifies one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and the control unit configures the torque combination for each single rotation operation including: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; based on the determined reference torque for each gear, generating control information for each gear; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

[0050] In some examples, the control unit identifies that the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc occurring in a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configures a first preset torque for the portion of the single rotation operation that exceeds the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc exceeding the gear coverage of the torque combination.

[0051] In some examples, the first preset torque is consistent with the final torque of the torque combination, or the first preset torque and the final torque of the torque combination provide a consistent feel.

[0052] In some examples, determining the reference torque for each gear includes determining the reference torque for each gear based on a gear-torque mapping relationship.

[0053] In some examples, the gears are divided into levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

[0054] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: obtaining a correspondence table between functional objects and gear-torque mapping relationships, and determining the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the functional object corresponding to the functional object information.

[0055] In some examples, generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear includes: obtaining a torque change curve for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear, the torque change curve including at least a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; and generating control information for each gear based on the torque change curve.

[0056] In some examples, the reference torque is the peak torque for each gear.

[0057] In some examples, the control unit also performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, wherein the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting torque of the torque combination.

[0058] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining an initial gear and one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation, and determining an end gear of the single rotation adjustment operation based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, wherein the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

[0059] In some examples, determining the initial gear position of a single rotation adjustment operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a third preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0060] In some examples, the control unit also performs the following operations: if the end gear is the limit gear of the gear range, determining the limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear based on the limit torque; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the limit gear.

[0061] In some examples, the functional object corresponding to the functional object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, wherein the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

[0062] In some examples, the torque combination includes at least two different torques.

[0063] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-mounted device, an electronic device, or an appliance, comprising the knob assembly according to the first aspect.

[0064] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising computer instructions stored thereon, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method for controlling the knob assembly according to the second aspect.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the knob assembly according to the first aspect or the vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance according to the third aspect.

[0066] Compared with existing traditional mechanical knobs, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that it provides dynamic control for the tactile feedback of the knob by performing dynamic feedback on the rate of adjusting the knob, thereby meeting the personalized usage needs of customers or consumers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary multiple rotation operation processes according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary single rotation operations according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0071] FIG4 shows a control method for a rotating assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary torque control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary torque control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows a torque variation curve according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary reference torque-rate or speed curve according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 9 shows exemplary limit torques according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows a control method for a rotating assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows another control method for a rotating assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary torque control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows another exemplary torque control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 14 shows a torque variation curve according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary reference torque-gear mapping curve according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary reference torque-level mapping curve according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0084] FIG. 17 shows exemplary limit torques according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 18 illustrates the structure of an exemplary knob assembly according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 19 illustrates components of the knob assembly of FIG. 18 , according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance having a knob assembly according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] As described below, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a knob assembly, a method for controlling a knob assembly, an in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance, a computer-readable storage medium, and a vehicle. More specifically, to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0089] 1 , a block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly 100 according to first and second embodiments of the present invention is shown. The knob assembly 100 includes a knob 110, a torque output unit 120, a detection unit 130, and a control unit 140. The knob 110 may be rotatable in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) or rotatable in two directions, without limitation. The detection unit 130 may detect the rotational operation of the knob 110 to obtain characterizing data of a rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc associated with the rotation of the knob 110. For example, the detection unit 130 may directly detect the rotational operation of the knob 110, or may indirectly detect the rotational operation of the knob 110 by detecting the rotational operation of the torque output unit 120 that is rotatable together with the knob 110. For example, the detection unit 130 can be an encoder, a sensor (e.g., an infrared or photoelectric sensor), or other detection components known in the art that can be used to detect the rotation state (e.g., a camera), and outputs data representing the rotation state (e.g., rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc). The detection unit 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 140 to transmit the data representing the rotation state to the control unit 140. The control unit 140 can control the torque output unit 120 to dynamically provide torque to the knob 110 based on the data representing the rotation state.

[0090] FIG2 illustrates exemplary multiple rotation operation processes according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG2 , the knob 110 is manipulated to: rotate clockwise during time t0 to t1; stop rotating during time t1 to t2; rotate clockwise during time t2 to t3; stop rotating during time t3 to t4; and rotate counterclockwise during time t4 to t5. For example, when the rotation stops for less than a time threshold or a stop time threshold, adjacent rotation processes may be considered to belong to the same rotation operation; when the rotation stops for more than a time threshold or a stop time threshold, adjacent rotation processes may be considered to belong to different rotation operations.

[0091] FIG3 illustrates an exemplary single rotation operation according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG3 , a single rotation of the knob can be represented as a process of changing from a starting (end) rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc to a final (or end) rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc (e.g., angle θ shown in the figure). The detection unit 130 can obtain characterization data by detecting the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc at different times. For example, a preferred change in the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc can be set based on the distance between the knob and the human-computer interaction in the rotation plane. Taking angle as an example, the angle θ can be preferably set within a range of [30°, 120°]. For example, when a single rotation operation exceeds 120°, the rotation operation will be considered to be a rotation of 120°, rather than an angle exceeding 120°, to avoid single rotation errors or excessive rotation. Alternatively, a torque of 120° can be maintained, but the control recognition remains consistent with the actual rotation operation. Similarly, a selected range can be set for the preferred change in the rotational position, displacement, or arc.

[0092] The process of providing adjustable torque based on rate or speed to perform dynamic force feedback according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 9 .

[0093] FIG4 illustrates a control method 200 for a rotary assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Method 200 may be performed by any of the rotary knob assembly 100 of FIG1 , the rotary knob assembly 300 of FIG18 , or the rotary knob assembly 410 of the vehicle-mounted device, electronic device, or appliance 400 of FIG20 . As shown, method 200 includes steps 210 to 230.

[0094] In step 210 , the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle, or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit.

[0095] At step 220, the control unit determines the rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data. For example, the control unit may determine the rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data received from the detection unit at different times. For example, the control unit may determine the rotational angular velocity based on the change in the rotation angle over time. For example, the control unit may determine the rotational linear velocity based on the change in the rotational position over time, and the control unit may determine the rotational angular velocity based on the rotation radius of the knob.

[0096] In some examples, the knob 110 can rotate together with the torque output unit 120, and the rotation rate or speed of the knob can be determined based on the relative relationship between the rotation rates or speeds of the two. For example, when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque output unit 120 are aligned, the two have the same rotation rate or speed. However, when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque output unit 120 are not aligned, the two are connected via a transmission and may have the same or different ratios of rates or speeds. The rotation rate or speed of the knob 110 can be determined based on the ratio by determining the rotation rate or speed of the torque output unit 120.

[0097] In step 230, the control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit 120 to generate at least two (e.g., different) torques to the knob 110 in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation, or dynamically adjusts the torque output unit 120 to provide an adjustable torque to the knob 110 in a single rotation operation.

[0098] In some examples, step 230 may include: determining, based on the characterization data or the rotational rate or speed, a plurality of gears experienced during a single rotational operation, the plurality of gears including at least a first gear segment and a second gear segment following the first gear segment; and, during the first gear segment, generating first control information for the first gear segment based on a first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to a torque output unit based on the first control information; and, during the second gear segment, generating second control information for the second gear segment based on a second reference torque different from the first reference torque if the rotational rate or speed is greater than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit based on the second control information. Here, each reference torque may, for example, correspond to or be equal to the at least two torques generated above.

[0099] Taking angle as an example, assuming the total number of knob positions (360° rotation) is 30, the number of positions experienced in a single rotation can be determined based on angular velocity, linear velocity, angle change, and position change. For example, a single rotation of 60° can be determined to have experienced 5 positions.

[0100] Turning to Figures 5 and 6, Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary torque control process according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 illustrates another exemplary torque control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the torque variation of the knob may include at least a first phase and a second phase. In the first phase, associated with a first gear range (e.g., one or more gears), when rotation adjustment begins, the rotation rate or speed calculation has not yet been completed, and the knob torque feedback may be set to a default value, such as a first reference torque. Accordingly, the control unit may generate first control information for the first gear range based on the first reference torque and output a control signal to the torque output unit based on the first control information to provide a corresponding torque. In the second phase, associated with a second gear range (e.g., one or more gears), after the rotation rate or speed calculation is completed, if the rate or speed V1 or V2 exceeds a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, the knob torque enters an adjustment phase, and the knob torque feedback may be set to a second reference torque different from the first reference torque. Accordingly, the control unit may generate second control information for the second gear range based on the second reference torque and output a control signal to the torque output unit based on the second control information to provide a corresponding torque. Here, the “rate or speed threshold range” may be a preset threshold range or threshold interval of the rate or speed, and the “rate or speed threshold” may be a preset threshold point value of the rate or speed.

[0101] For example, the second reference torque can be lower than the first reference torque (decrease as shown in FIG5 ) or higher than the first reference torque (increase as shown in FIG6 ). In some examples, the relative gradient relationship (e.g., increase or decrease) between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on the rotational direction, for example, providing different torque force feedback in different rotational directions.

[0102] In some examples, the control unit 140 further obtains functional object information corresponding to a single rotation adjustment operation (e.g., indicating a functional object, which may be, for example, various adjustable parameters such as FM selection, audio volume, etc.). At least one of the first reference torque, the second reference torque, and the relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on the rotation direction data and / or the functional object information. For example, different rotation directions and / or functional objects may have the same or different reference torque starting values ​​or adjustment values, or different torque change trends, thereby providing different torque force feedback.

[0103] For example, when quickly adjusting the knob 110, the torque feedback is reduced, and vice versa, the torque feedback is increased, which can meet the needs of fast adjustment and fine-tuning, such as FM frequency selection. For example, when quickly adjusting, the torque feedback is increased, and vice versa, the torque feedback is reduced, which can avoid the impact of excessively fast function adjustment, such as a sudden increase in volume.

[0104] For example, the functional object information is associated with the functional object, and the functional object is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, wherein the plurality of adjustable parameters may be associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters may be associated with different components. For example, the knob 110 may be used to adjust multiple functional objects of the same component or to adjust multiple different functional objects of different components. For example, the functional object information may be obtained by obtaining a user's selection of the functional object (via user input, such as touch screen input, voice input, key input, etc.).

[0105] Optionally, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 , the torque variation of knob 110 may include a third stage (i.e., a transition stage) between the first and second stages. This stage corresponds to a third gear segment (one or more gears). The torque feedback of knob 110 may be set to a third reference torque between the first reference torque and the second reference torque. Accordingly, control unit 140 may generate third control information for the third gear segment based on the third reference torque and output a control signal to the torque output unit based on the third control information to provide the corresponding torque. Providing a transition stage can avoid user discomfort caused by sudden changes in torque.

[0106] In some examples, during the second stage, if the obtained rotation rate or speed is within or below the rate or speed threshold range or the rate or speed threshold range, the first control information is continued to be used to control the torque output unit 120 to provide torque to the knob 110, and it is continued to be determined in subsequent stages whether the torque change is to be adjusted.

[0107] After torque adjustment is complete, the torque change can continue to be controlled by the rate or speed of knob 110. For example, the plurality of gears may further include a fourth gear segment (e.g., one or more gears) following the second gear segment. During the fourth gear segment, if the rotation rate or speed obtained is below a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, the torque feedback of knob 110 may be set to return to a default value, such as the first reference torque. Accordingly, control unit 140 generates fourth control information for the fourth gear segment based on the first reference torque and outputs a control signal to the torque output unit based on the fourth control information to provide the corresponding torque.

[0108] Turning to FIG. 7 , a torque variation curve according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aforementioned operation of generating control information for a gear position based on a reference torque may include: obtaining a torque variation curve for the gear position based on the reference torque, the torque variation curve including at least a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; and generating control information for the gear position based on the torque variation curve. By including a torque variation curve with a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase, a user manipulating the knob 110 can be provided with both force feedback and resistance feedback, making it easier to perceive gear position changes. For example, the reference torque may be the peak torque of the torque variation curve for the gear position shown in FIG. 8 .

[0109] FIG8 illustrates an exemplary reference torque-rate or speed curve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG8 , in some examples, the reference torque (e.g., a first reference torque, a second reference torque, or more) can vary depending on the rate or speed. For example, different reference torques can be used for different rate or speed ranges to provide the user with a feel for different rotation rates or speeds.

[0110] Returning to FIG. 4 , method 200 may further include, by the control unit, detecting whether the single rotation operation is complete based on the characterization data; and, upon completion of the single rotation operation, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or another predetermined torque to the knob. For example, upon completion of the rotation, torque feedback may be released or a predetermined torque feedback may be provided to the user to indicate the completion of the rotation. This step may be performed, for example, immediately after the single rotation operation is completed, or some time after the completion of the single rotation operation.

[0111] Method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: determining an initial gear position and one or more gear positions passed through during the single rotation operation, and determining an end gear position of the single rotation operation based on the initial gear position and the one or more gear positions passed through, where the end gear position is limited to a permissible gear range. This step can prevent the rotation operation from exceeding the actual gear range of the functional object.

[0112] For example, determining the initial gear position of a single rotation operation may include: if the single rotation operation of the knob 110 is the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob 110 is not the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be the historical end gear position of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0113] Method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: if the end gear is the limit gear of the gear range, determining the limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear based on the limit torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit 120 according to the control information for the limit gear.

[0114] FIG9 illustrates an exemplary torque limit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The knob 110 has a limit stop or limit position in at least one direction. For the limit position, a torque limit different from the reference torque used during torque adjustment can be used to provide torque limit feedback. For example, a larger torque limit feedback can be provided to limit further rotation by the user.

[0115] The process of providing adjustable torque for dynamic force feedback based on a single rotation operation will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 17 .

[0116] FIG10 illustrates a control method 200 for a rotation assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Method 200 may be performed by any of the rotation assembly 100 of FIG1 , the knob assembly 300 of FIG18 , or the rotation assembly 410 of the vehicle-mounted device, electronic device, or appliance 400 of FIG20 . As shown, method 200 includes steps 210 to 220.

[0117] In step 210 , the detection unit 130 detects a single rotation operation of the knob 110 to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle, or arc related to the rotation of the knob 110 , and transmits the characterization data to the control unit 140 .

[0118] At step 220, the control unit 130 is configured with at least one torque combination, and the control unit 130 determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data and configures a torque combination for the single rotation operation. For example, the configured torque combination is one of the at least one torque combination. For example, the configured torque combination includes at least two different torques.

[0119] In some examples, the knob 110 can rotate together with the torque output unit 120. For example, when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque output unit 120 are aligned, the two have the same rotational state. However, when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque output unit 120 are not aligned, the two are connected via a transmission and may have the same or different rotation ratios. The rotational state of the knob 110 (e.g., representative data) can be determined by determining the rotational state of the torque output unit 120 based on the ratio.

[0120] In some examples, the control unit 140 may also determine the completion of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and may reset the torque configuration to the torque combination or to the initial torque after the single rotation operation is completed. For example, after the single rotation operation is completed, the torque feedback of the knob 110 may be immediately set to the torque combination or to the initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is complete.

[0121] In some examples, the control unit 140 may reset the torque combination configuration or set the torque to the initial torque after the single rotation operation stops and a first time threshold has passed. For example, the control unit 140 may delay setting the torque feedback of the knob 110 to the torque combination or the initial torque after the single rotation operation is completed to prompt the user that the rotation is complete.

[0122] In some examples, the control unit 140 may also obtain or store functional object information corresponding to the knob 110, and step 220 may include configuring a torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the functional object information. For example, different functional object information may correspond to different torque combinations, thereby providing different dynamic torque feedback for different functional objects.

[0123] In some examples, the functional object information is associated with a functional object, and the functional object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

[0124] In some examples, the control unit 140 may also identify one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and step 220 may include: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

[0125] Taking angle as an example, assuming the total number of knob positions (360° rotation) is 30, the number of positions experienced in a single rotation can be determined based on angular velocity, linear velocity, angle change, and position change. For example, a single rotation of 60° can be determined to have experienced 5 positions.

[0126] Turning to Figures 12 and 13, Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary torque control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 illustrates another exemplary torque control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the torque change of the knob 110 may include the change in torque during a single rotation operation (e.g., the first rotation operation and the second rotation operation shown in the figure).

[0127] During the first or second rotational operation, as the number of gears rotated increases, the reference torque for the gears may change according to a predetermined trend (e.g., increasing, decreasing, or changing in another predetermined trend), thereby configuring a torque combination for the rotational operation. As previously described, when the rotation interval is greater than the stop time threshold, the first and second rotational operations are considered different rotational operations. Thus, the torque and rotation mapping is zero at the start of each rotational adjustment, achieving relatively gradient-varying torque feedback.

[0128] Furthermore, although the same functional object has different torque combinations for different rotation directions in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , in other examples, the same functional object may have the same torque combination for different rotation directions.

[0129] Turning to FIG. 14 , a torque variation curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aforementioned operation of generating control information for a gear position based on a reference torque may include: obtaining a torque variation curve for the gear position based on the reference torque, the torque variation curve including at least a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; and generating control information for the gear position based on the torque variation curve. By including a torque variation curve with a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase, a user manipulating the knob can be provided with both force feedback and resistance feedback, making it easier to perceive gear changes. For example, the reference torque may be the peak torque of the torque variation curve for the gear position shown in FIG. 15 .

[0130] FIG15 shows an exemplary reference torque-gear mapping curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG15 , in some examples, the reference torque can vary depending on the gear. For example, different reference torques can be used for different gear ranges to provide the user with a feel for different gears. For example, the initial torque of the starting segment and the final torque of the ending segment of the torque combination can be different, or at least one of the initial torque and the final torque can be different from the torque of the intermediate segment (between the starting segment and the ending segment).

[0131] In some examples, determining the reference torque for each gear may include determining the reference torque for each gear based on a gear-torque mapping relationship.

[0132] In some examples, each gear may be divided into levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship may be determined based on the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

[0133] Refer to Figure 16, which shows an exemplary reference torque-level mapping curve according to the second embodiment of the invention. For example, the torque relative adjustable range can be divided into M levels based on the number of gears N, and M can be less than N, for example, to avoid discomfort to the user caused by overly detailed gear divisions. For example, M = k*N, k∈(0,1] can be set. Alternatively, other nonlinear mappings or segmented mappings can be used. As shown in Figure 10, for the set M levels and knob torque range, there is a relationship mapping of the feedback torque with a gradient increase. It should be understood that whether it is the reference torque-gear mapping curve of Figure 15 or the reference torque-level mapping curve of Figure 16, it is also possible to set a relationship mapping of the feedback torque with a gradient decrease or a predetermined trend change, which is not limited in this article.

[0134] For example, the control unit 140 may obtain a table of functional object and gear-torque mapping relationships, and determine the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the functional object corresponding to the functional object information. For example, different functional objects may have different gear-torque mapping relationships.

[0135] For example, the functional object information is associated with the functional object, and the functional object is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, wherein the plurality of adjustable parameters may be associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters may be associated with different components. For example, the knob 110 may be used to adjust multiple functional objects of the same component or to adjust multiple different functional objects of different components. For example, the functional object information may be obtained by obtaining a user's selection of the functional object (via user input, such as touch screen input, voice input, key input, etc.).

[0136] Returning to FIG. 10 , in some examples, method 200 may further include the control unit 140 performing the following operations: identifying a portion of the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc of a single rotation operation that exceeds the gear range covered by the torque combination, and assigning a first preset torque to the portion of the single rotation operation that exceeds the rotational position, displacement, angle, or arc covered by the torque combination. For example, the rotation operation may be limited to rotation within a relative maximum possible rotational gear range, such as being limited to no more than 10 gears, while the absolute maximum gear may be 100. In this step, assigning the first preset torque to the portion that exceeds the gear range covered by the torque combination can indicate to the user that the relative maximum possible rotational gear for the single rotation has been reached.

[0137] In some examples, the first preset torque is consistent with the final torque of the torque combination, or the first preset torque and the final torque of the torque combination provide a consistent feel. In this step, the first preset torque being consistent with the final torque or having a substantially consistent feel can be used to indicate to the user that the maximum rotatable gear position for a single rotation has been reached.

[0138] In some examples, the method 200 may further include the control unit 140 performing the following operations: detecting whether the single rotation operation is complete based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is complete, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque, an initial torque, or a second preset torque to the knob, where the second preset torque produces a position-limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is a starting torque of the torque combination. For example, after the single rotation operation is complete, a torque different from the final torque (e.g., zero torque or the initial torque) may be provided to notify the user of the completion of the single rotation operation via tactile feedback, or the second preset torque may be used to produce a position-limiting and fixing effect on the knob to notify the user of the completion of the single rotation operation via tactile feedback.

[0139] The method 200 may further include the control unit 140 performing the following operations: determining an initial gear position and one or more gear positions passed through during the single rotation operation, and determining an end gear position of the single rotation operation based on the initial gear position and the one or more gear positions passed through, where the end gear position is limited to a permissible gear range. This step can prevent the rotation operation from exceeding the actual absolute gear range of the functional object.

[0140] For example, determining the initial gear position of a single rotation operation may include: if the single rotation operation of the knob 110 is the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be a third preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob 110 is not the first operation, determining the initial gear position to be the historical end gear position of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0141] The method 200 may further include the control unit 140 performing the following operations: if the end gear is the limit gear of the gear range, determining the limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear based on the limit torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit 120 according to the control information for the limit gear.

[0142] FIG17 illustrates an exemplary torque limit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The knob 110 has a limit stop or limit position in at least one direction. For the limit position, a torque limit different from the reference torque used during torque adjustment can be used to provide torque limit feedback. For example, a larger torque limit feedback can be provided to limit further rotation by the user.

[0143] Turning to FIG. 11 , another control method 300 for a rotational assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Method 300 can be performed by any of the rotational assembly 100 of FIG. 1 , the knob assembly 300 of FIG. 18 , or the rotational assembly 410 of the vehicle-mounted device, electronic device, or appliance 400 of FIG. 20 . As shown in FIG. 11 , method 300 includes steps 310 to 320. For example, the initial torque of the starting segment and the final torque of the ending segment of the torque combination may be different, or at least one of the initial torque and the final torque may be different from the torque of the intermediate segment (between the starting segment and the ending segment).

[0144] In step 310 , the detection unit 130 detects the rotation operation of the knob 110 to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle, or arc related to the rotation of the knob 110 , and transmits the characterization data to the control unit 140 .

[0145] At step 320, the control unit 140 configures a torque combination, determines the start and end points of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the start and / or end points. For example, the configured torque combination may be one of at least one torque combination. For example, the configured torque combination may include at least two different torques.

[0146] In some examples, the control unit 140 resets the torque configuration to a torque combination or to an initial torque before the start or after the end. For example, after a single rotation operation is completed or before the start, the torque feedback of the knob 110 can be set to a torque combination or to an initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is complete or started.

[0147] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided, and control unit 140 may identify the end point and, after the first time threshold has passed at the time corresponding to the end point, reset the torque configuration to the torque combination or to the initial torque. For example, control unit 140 may delay setting the knob torque feedback to the torque combination or the initial torque after a single rotation operation is completed to indicate to the user that the rotation is complete.

[0148] Similarly, method 300 may also include one or more of the steps in the aforementioned method 200, which will not be described in detail.

[0149] Fig. 18 shows the structure of an exemplary knob assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The knob assembly 300 may be, for example, the knob assembly 100 of Fig. 1 and is adapted to execute the above-mentioned method for controlling the knob assembly.

[0150] FIG19 illustrates the components of the knob assembly 300 of FIG18 , according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The knob assembly 300 includes a knob 310, a torque output unit 320, a detection unit 330, and a control unit (not shown). The knob 310 includes a rotational contact portion 311 located on the side of the knob 310, a screen assembly or touch-sensitive portion 313 located on the top of the knob 310, and a transmission gear 312. The rotational contact portion 311 can be used to allow the operator to rotate the knob 310, while the screen assembly or touch-sensitive portion 313 can be used to display rotational status information or for touch control. The torque output unit 320 includes a motor 321 and a motor output gear 322. The transmission gear 312 of the knob 310 and the motor output gear 322 cooperate (e.g., mesh) so that the control unit controls the motor output torque to be transmitted to the knob 310. The knob 310 and the torque output unit 320 can rotate together, but their rotational axes are not aligned. Because the motor's center hole is too small, if the motor is directly aligned with the knob's central axis, the wiring harness for the knob-screen assembly or touch control unit 313 cannot pass through the motor's center hole. Therefore, by designing a set of transmission gears, it is possible to achieve the aforementioned motor's tactile function while also allowing space for the wiring harness to pass through the knob's internal space (for example, through hole 314). This also facilitates the use of a smaller motor to avoid occupying too much space. Detection unit 330 can be, for example, the aforementioned encoder or other similar sensor to detect the rotational state of knob 310 or torque output unit 320 (particularly motor 321).

[0151] It should be understood that, in other examples, the knob assembly according to the present invention may also be applicable to situations where the rotation axis of the knob 310 is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit 320. Furthermore, the torque output assembly is not limited to the motor 321 shown in FIG. 19 , but may also be a controlled elastic member or other similar functional components known in the art.

[0152] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 400 having a knob assembly according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 400 may include the aforementioned knob assembly 100 or 300 .

[0153] The present invention further provides a vehicle, which includes the aforementioned knob assembly 100 or 300 or the aforementioned vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 400.

[0154] In addition, alternatively, the above method can be implemented by a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is loaded with computer-readable program instructions for executing the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions used by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device, for example, a punch card or a protrusion structure in a groove on which instructions are stored, and any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium used herein is not to be construed as a transient signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through wires.

[0155] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor is caused to perform the methods in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0156] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., the inventive concept, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the drawings based on exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present invention are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings is merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such subject matters (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, changes, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, etc. may be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concept, design, structure, device, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process / method, step, order of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention; all of these subjects (e.g., modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter described in the description and / or drawings of this patent document (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, orders, systems, results, etc.). Considering that the claims of this patent document will be appropriately interpreted to cover the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it should be understood that the terminology used in this patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments, and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0157] It should also be noted that, depending on the exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional technologies (such as those implemented and / or integrated in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents), or may include any other applicable technologies (present and / or future) that have the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All of these technologies (such as those implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, comprising: Knob, torque output unit, detection unit and control unit; The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; in, The detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit determines a rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in the single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: Based on the rotation rate or speed, determining a plurality of gears experienced in the single rotation operation, the plurality of gears comprising at least a first gear segment and a second gear segment following the first gear segment; and During the first gear segment: generating first control information for the first gear range based on a first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit according to the first control information; During the second gear segment: If the obtained rotation rate or speed is higher than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, generating second control information for the second gear range based on a second reference torque different from the first reference torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the second control information.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of gears further includes a third gear section between the first gear section and the second gear section; and The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: During the third gear segment: generating third control information for the third gear range based on a third reference torque between the first reference torque and the second reference torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the third control information.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: During the second gear section, if the obtained rotation rate or speed is within or below a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold range, the first control information is kept used to control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of gears further includes a fourth gear section after the second gear section; and The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: During the fourth gear segment: generating fourth control information for the fourth gear stage based on the first reference torque if the obtained rotation rate or speed is lower than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold; as well as A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the fourth control information.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on a rotation direction.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit further acquires functional object information corresponding to the single rotation adjustment operation; and At least one of the first reference torque, the second reference torque, and a relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on rotation direction data and / or the functional object information.

8. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: Generating control information for the gear position based on the reference torque includes: Based on the reference torque, obtaining a torque variation curve for the gear, wherein the torque variation curve at least includes a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; Based on the torque curve, control information for the gear is generated.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The reference torque is the peak torque for the gear.

10. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: detecting whether the single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; After the single rotation operation is completed, the torque output unit is controlled to provide zero torque or other predetermined torque to the knob.

11. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining an initial gear position and one or more gear positions experienced in the single rotation operation; Based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, an end gear of the single rotation operation is determined, and the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

12. The knob assembly according to claim 11, wherein: Determining the initial gear position of the single rotation operation includes: If the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be a preset gear position, or If the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

13. The knob assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: If the end gear is a limit gear of the gear range, determining a limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear position based on the limit torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the control information for the limit gear.

14. The knob assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The functional object information is associated with a functional object, the functional object is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

15. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rotation axis of the knob rotates together with the torque output unit; and The rotation axis of the knob is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, or The rotation axis of the knob and the rotation axis of the torque output unit are not aligned, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected in a transmission manner.

16. A knob assembly, comprising: Knob, torque output unit, detection unit and control unit; The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit is capable of controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; in, The detection unit is configured to detect a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmit the characterization data to the control unit; The control unit is configured to determine a rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, The control unit is further configured to dynamically adjust the torque output unit to generate at least two different torques to the knob or provide an adjustable torque to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

17. A method for controlling a knob assembly, The knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit; The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; in, The method comprises: The detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit determines a rotation rate or speed of the knob based on the characterization data, The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to provide an adjustable torque to the knob in the single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed during the single rotation operation.

18. The control method according to claim 17, wherein: The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to provide an adjustable torque to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: Based on the rotation rate or speed, determining a plurality of gears experienced in the single rotation operation, the plurality of gears comprising at least a first gear segment and a second gear segment following the first gear segment; and During the first gear segment: generating first control information for the first gear range based on a first reference torque; and outputting a control signal to the torque output unit according to the first control information; During the second gear segment: If the obtained rotation rate or speed is higher than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold, generating second control information for the second gear range based on a second reference torque different from the first reference torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the second control information.

19. The control method according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of gears further includes a third gear section between the first gear section and the second gear section; and The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to provide an adjustable torque to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: During the third gear segment: generating third control information for the third gear range based on a third reference torque between the first reference torque and the second reference torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the third control information.

20. The control method according to claim 18, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: During the second gear section, if the obtained rotation rate or speed is within or below a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold range, the first control information is kept used to control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob.

21. The control method according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of gears further includes a fourth gear section after the second gear section; and The control unit dynamically adjusts the torque output unit to generate at least two torques to the knob in a single rotation operation based on the rotation rate or speed, comprising: During the fourth gear segment: generating fourth control information for the fourth gear stage based on the first reference torque if the obtained rotation rate or speed is lower than a rate or speed threshold range or a rate or speed threshold; as well as A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the fourth control information.

22. The control method according to claim 18, wherein: The relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on a rotation direction.

23. The control method according to claim 18, wherein: The control unit further acquires functional object information corresponding to the single rotation adjustment operation; and At least one of the first reference torque, the second reference torque, and a relative gradient relationship between the first reference torque and the second reference torque is based on rotation direction data and / or the functional object information.

24. The control method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein: Generating control information for the gear position based on the reference torque includes: Based on the reference torque, obtaining a torque variation curve for the gear, wherein the torque variation curve at least includes a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; Based on the torque curve, control information for the gear is generated.

25. The control method according to claim 24, wherein: The reference torque is the peak torque for the gear.

26. The control method according to claim 17, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: detecting whether the single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; After the single rotation operation is completed, the torque output unit is controlled to provide zero torque or other predetermined torque to the knob.

27. The control method according to claim 17, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining an initial gear position and one or more gear positions experienced in the single rotation operation; Based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, an end gear of the single rotation operation is determined, and the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

28. The control method according to claim 27, wherein: Determining the initial gear position of the single rotation operation includes: If the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be a preset gear position, or If the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

29. The control method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: If the end gear is a limit gear of the gear range, determining a limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear position based on the limit torque; and A control signal is output to the torque output unit according to the control information for the limit gear.

30. The control method according to claim 23, wherein: The functional object information is associated with a functional object, the functional object is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

31. A knob assembly, comprising: Knob, torque output unit, detection unit and control unit; The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; in, The detection unit detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle or arc related to the rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, The control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, The control unit determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and the control unit configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation.

32. The knob assembly according to claim 31, wherein: The control unit also determines completion of the single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and after completion of the single rotation operation, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

33. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: A first time threshold is provided, and the control unit resets the torque combination configuration or configures the torque to the initial torque after the single rotation operation stops and after the first time threshold has passed.

34. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The control unit further acquires or stores functional object information corresponding to the knob; and The control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation includes: the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the functional object information.

35. The knob assembly of claim 34, wherein: The functional object information is associated with a functional object, and the functional object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

36. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The control unit identifies one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and The control unit configures the torque combination for a single rotation operation including: For each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; The torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob according to control information for each gear.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The control unit identifies that the rotational position, displacement, angle or arc of a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configures a first preset torque for the portion of the single rotation operation that exceeds the rotational position, displacement, angle or arc that exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination.

38. The rotating assembly according to claim 37, wherein the first preset torque is consistent with a final torque of the torque combination, or the first preset torque and the final torque of the torque combination provide a consistent feel.

39. The knob assembly of claim 36, wherein: Determining the reference torque for each gear involves: Based on the gear-torque mapping relationship, a reference torque for each gear is determined.

40. The knob assembly of claim 39, wherein: Each gear is divided into levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

41. The knob assembly of claim 39, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: Get the corresponding table of function objects and gear-torque mapping relationship, and The gear-torque mapping relationship is determined based on the functional object corresponding to the functional object information.

42. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein: Based on the determined reference torque of each gear, generating control information for each gear includes: Based on the determined reference torque of each gear, acquiring a torque variation curve for each gear, wherein the torque variation curve at least includes a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; Based on the torque variation curve, control information for each gear is generated.

43. The knob assembly of claim 42, wherein: The reference torque is a peak torque for each gear.

44. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is complete based on the characterization data; and After a single rotation operation is completed, the torque output unit is controlled to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting torque of the torque combination.

45. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining an initial gear and one or more gears experienced during a single rotation operation, and Based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, an end gear of the single rotation adjustment operation is determined, and the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

46. ​​The knob assembly of claim 45, wherein: Determining the initial gear position for a single rotation adjustment operation includes: If the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the third preset gear position, or If the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

47. The knob assembly according to claim 45 or 46, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: If the end gear is a limit gear of the gear range, determining a limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear position based on the limit torque; The torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the limit gear.

48. The knob assembly of claim 34, wherein: The functional object corresponding to the functional object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

49. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The knob is rotatable together with the torque output unit; and The rotation axis of the knob is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, or The rotation axis of the knob and the rotation axis of the torque output unit are not aligned, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected in a transmission manner.

50. The knob assembly of claim 31, wherein: The torque combination includes at least two different torques.

51. A method for controlling a knob assembly, The knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; in, The method comprises: The detector detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of the rotation position, displacement, angle or arc of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, The control unit is provided with a torque combination, The control unit determines a start end and an end end of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the start end and / or the end end.

52. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque before the starting end or after the ending end.

53. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: A first time threshold is provided, the control unit identifies the end end, and after the first time threshold has passed at the time corresponding to the end end, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

54. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit further acquires or stores functional object information corresponding to the knob; and The control unit configuring the torque combination includes: the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the functional object information.

55. The control method according to claim 54, wherein: The functional object information is associated with a functional object, and the functional object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

56. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit identifies one or more gears experienced in a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and The control unit configures the torque combination for each single rotation operation including: For each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; The torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob according to control information for each gear.

57. The control method according to claim 56, wherein: The control unit identifies that the rotational position, displacement, angle or arc of a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configures a first preset torque for the portion of the single rotation operation that exceeds the rotational position, displacement, angle or arc that exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination.

58. The control method according to claim 57, wherein the first preset torque is consistent with the final torque of the torque combination, or the first preset torque and the final torque of the torque combination provide consistent hand feel.

59. The control method according to claim 56, wherein: Determining the reference torque for each gear involves: Based on the gear-torque mapping relationship, a reference torque for each gear is determined.

60. The control method according to claim 59, wherein: Each gear is divided into levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

61. The control method according to claim 59, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: Get the corresponding table of function objects and gear-torque mapping relationship, and The gear-torque mapping relationship is determined based on the functional object corresponding to the functional object information.

62. The control method according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein: Based on the determined reference torque of each gear, generating control information for each gear includes: Based on the determined reference torque of each gear, acquiring a torque variation curve for each gear, wherein the torque variation curve at least includes a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; Based on the torque variation curve, control information for each gear is generated.

63. The control method according to claim 62, wherein: The reference torque is a peak torque for each gear.

64. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is complete based on the characterization data; and After a single rotation operation is completed, the torque output unit is controlled to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting torque of the torque combination.

65. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: determining an initial gear and one or more gears experienced during a single rotation operation, and Based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, an end gear of the single rotation adjustment operation is determined, and the end gear is limited to an allowable gear range.

66. The control method according to claim 65, wherein: Determining the initial gear position for a single rotation adjustment operation includes: If the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the third preset gear position, or If the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, the initial gear position is determined to be the historical end gear position of the last historical operation of the single rotation operation.

67. The control method according to claim 65 or 66, wherein: The control unit also performs the following operations: If the end gear is a limit gear of the gear range, determining a limit torque for the limit gear; generating control information for the limit gear position based on the limit torque; The torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the limit gear.

68. The control method according to claim 54, wherein: The functional object corresponding to the functional object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

69. The control method according to claim 51, wherein: The torque combination includes at least two different torques.

70. An in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance having a knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and 31 to 50.

71. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions stored thereon, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the control method of the knob assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 30 and 51 to 69.

72. A vehicle comprising the knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and 31 to 50 or the vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance according to claim 70.

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