Method and display device for temporarily blocking a display of an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle having such a display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a display (22) of an infotainment system (30) of a motor vehicle (10), in which the display (22) is at least partly temporarily blocked if a user input by a driver of the motor vehicle (10) has been detected on the display (22) for a specified duration, wherein the display (22) is prevented from being temporarily blocked if it is detected that a person other than the driver is performing the user input. The invention further relates to a display device (20) for an infotainment system (30) for carrying out such a method, the device comprising a display (22) and a control apparatus (24), and to a motor vehicle (10) having such a display device (20) for an infotainment system (30).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and display device for temporarily locking a display of an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle with such a display.

[0003] device

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for operating a display of an infotainment system of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a display device for an infotainment system, comprising a display and a control unit designed to carry out such a method, as well as a motor vehicle with such a display device.

[0005] Display devices and screens for vehicles are known from the prior art.

[0006] US 2016 / 0009178 A1 relates to a display system for a vehicle mounted on an instrument panel, comprising a display device, a swivel coupling and an electronically controlled locking arrangement, wherein the swivel coupling is configured to allow the display device to swivel relative to the instrument panel.

[0007] US 2022 / 0348148 A1 relates to a vehicle seat, a backrest, and a display attached to the backrest that can be moved around a pivot axis. The display automatically adjusts to maintain the desired viewing angle when the backrest's tilt angle changes.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a solution which has advantages over the prior art and contributes to safety without restricting user comfort.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded, at least analogously, as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.According to the invention, a method for operating a display of an infotainment system of a motor vehicle is provided, in which the display is at least partially temporarily locked when a user input by a driver of the motor vehicle has been detected on the display for a predetermined duration, wherein the temporary locking of the display is prevented when it is detected that a person other than the driver is making the user input.

[0010] The invention has the advantage that, when the infotainment system display is temporarily locked during input, it takes into account whether the driver or someone else is operating the display. This ensures that the display is not unnecessarily locked, for example, if the passenger is making an input.

[0011] Non-limiting examples of motor vehicles within the scope of the invention are: passenger cars, trucks, or agricultural machinery. Non-limiting examples of such passenger cars include: small cars, compact cars, mid-size cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), station wagons, sedans, pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles, minibuses, minivans, and the like. A motor vehicle within the scope of the invention can, in particular, be a passenger car.

[0012] An infotainment system within the scope of the invention can be understood as an integrated system in a motor vehicle responsible for providing entertainment and information functions. It typically includes the control of multimedia content such as radio, music, and video, as well as communication functions such as telephony or text messaging. Furthermore, it may include navigation systems, connectivity services (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), and the control of certain vehicle functions such as climate control settings or driver assistance systems. User interaction typically occurs via a central display, which is not part of the instrument cluster or instrument panel, and may be via a touchscreen, voice control, or physical controls. User input based on voice commands or gesture control is not included within the scope of the invention.

[0013] A display within the scope of the invention can be understood as a display unit in a motor vehicle that serves to visually present information and controls of the infotainment system. The display can comprise a touch-sensitive display, such as a capacitive or resistive display, or a touchscreen, which enables direct interaction by touch. The display can show content such as navigation, media controls, vehicle data, or communication functions. Non-limiting examples of the formats of the displayed information include graphical user interfaces, touchscreen interactions, or virtual buttons. The display within the scope of the invention explicitly does not include the instrument cluster or the instrument cluster typically located behind the steering wheel.

[0014] The display according to the invention can be arranged in or on the center console of the motor vehicle. The center console can be understood as the part of the dashboard in the motor vehicle that begins approximately at knee height between the two front footwells and extends to the position of the armrest between the front seats. The display is arranged in such a way that it can be operated by both the driver and the front passenger, for example, by means of touch-sensitive operation. In other words, it can be a touchscreen located in the area of ​​a center console.

[0015] A partially temporary display lockout as described in the invention can be understood as blocking the display from user input for a limited period. This means that the moment such user input is received, for example via a touchscreen, it is ignored. The user input is therefore not processed; that is, the action associated with the input is not executed. In this context, displaying a warning or error message may also be provided. A partially temporary display lockout as described in the invention should therefore not be understood as meaning that the display no longer shows any content at all.

[0016] In this context, capturing user input for a predetermined duration means that the blocking of user input can occur immediately or after a certain time delay, which can be, for example, between 0 seconds [s] and 60 seconds [s]. The time delay can be, for example, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 30 s, 35 s, 40 s, 45 s, 50 s, 55 s, or 60 s.

[0017] User input within the scope of the invention can be understood as any interaction that the user performs using the inventive display of the infotainment system to control or configure functions of the infotainment system of a motor vehicle. User input can be via touch-sensitive displays, such as capacitive or resistive displays or touchscreens, on which the user interacts by tapping or swiping. User input can also be via non-touch-based methods such as physical controls, including rotary knobs, switches, or buttons and combinations thereof. User input based on voice input or gesture control is explicitly excluded. Non-limiting examples of user input include selecting menu items, controlling multimedia content, or entering navigation destinations.

[0018] The term "detect" within the context of the invention can be understood as synonymous with the terms "determine" or "verify". Therefore, if, according to the wording of the invention, it is "detected" that a person other than the driver is making the user input, this means that it is verified whether a person other than the driver is making the user input.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the display of the infotainment system is only at least partially temporarily locked when a voltage is present at the ignition positive and / or it is detected that the motor vehicle is in motion.

[0020] The presence of voltage at the ignition positive terminal means that electrical voltage is present on the power line connected to the vehicle's ignition as soon as the ignition is activated. This is also typically referred to as "terminal 15." In a vehicle's electrical system, terminal 15 typically represents the power supply for the ignition positive terminal. Terminal 15 typically carries voltage when the ignition switch is turned to the "ignition on" position, supplying power to relevant components such as control units, infotainment systems, or other electrical components that are only active when the ignition is on. In this context, the vehicle's movement may be detected using sensors, signals, or data. For example, a speed sensor (speedometer signal) can be used to determine whether the vehicle is in motion.Furthermore, GPS data can be used to determine whether a vehicle is in motion. In this context, a GPS module in the vehicle can detect movement through regular position updates, with changes in GPS coordinates over time indicating that the vehicle is moving. Radar sensors / LiDAR can also determine whether a vehicle is in motion by measuring changes in distance to stationary objects. Finally, an accelerometer (gyroscope) can detect whether a vehicle is in motion by measuring changes in the vehicle's acceleration or deceleration.Furthermore, engine control signals can be used to determine whether the vehicle is in motion. The engine control unit uses the engine's status, such as engine speed or transmission activation, to determine if the vehicle is moving. Brake control signals can also be used to determine if the vehicle is in motion. For example, the signal from the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or electronic stability program (ESP) can be used to determine whether the vehicle's wheels are rotating, thus confirming that the vehicle is moving. It is also possible to use a combination of the aforementioned methods to determine whether the vehicle is in motion.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the orientation of the display is used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making user input. In this context, it can be provided that the orientation of the display is determined by a sensor integrated into the display or its mounting, indicating whether the display is oriented centrally or towards the passenger. This has the advantage that it is possible to detect, using relatively simple means, whether the display is swiveled towards the passenger, since sensors and technologies that can be used to detect the orientation of a display are comparatively inexpensive. When the passenger makes input on the display, they will typically, for comfort and better readability, turn the display towards themselves.Therefore, if the display is swivelled towards the passenger, this can serve as an indication that the passenger is also operating the display.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the display can be pivoted between a driver-facing position and a passenger-facing position, and the current orientation of the display can be used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input. In another embodiment, the display can have three lockable pivot positions, with the display being centrally oriented in a first lockable position facing the driver, in a second lockable position facing the passenger, and in a third lockable position. A pivotable display has the advantage that its orientation can be adapted to the specific occupancy situation of the vehicle.For example, if the passenger makes a user input, they can swivel the display towards them so they can view it from a convenient angle. Conversely, after the passenger has made a user input, the display can be turned back towards the driver so they can, for example, see the navigation data more clearly. This results in improved usability and readability of the display, and therefore increased user comfort.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, a seat occupancy sensor can be used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input. This has the advantage that it can be determined with relatively simple means whether a person is, for example, in the passenger seat. This can be used additionally or alternatively to detect the presence of a person, for example, in the passenger seat.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor system may comprise at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective seat surfaces of the vehicle seats and / or at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective floor mats, whereby data from the sensors is used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input. If it is provided that a seat occupancy sensor system detects whether a person other than the driver is making the user input, this has the advantage that sensors typically already installed in the vehicle can be used without incurring additional costs for installing such sensors.

[0025] In this context, seat occupancy sensors can be understood as a system that detects whether a car seat or an area immediately adjacent to the car seat, such as the floor mat, is occupied by a person. The sensors can incorporate various technologies, including pressure sensors in the seat or floor mat. These sensors register the pressure or weight exerted on the seat surface and / or the floor mat and transmit this information to the central control unit of the vehicle or system. In other words, seat occupancy sensors detect whether or not a person is occupying a particular seat. Therefore, detection via seat occupancy sensors should not be interpreted as directly identifying who is currently performing a user input.Therefore, data collection via seat occupancy sensors should be understood as meaning that the information that a person is occupying a particular seat is taken as a possible indication that the user input is also being made by a person other than the driver.

[0026] If the display is designed to pivot between a driver-facing and a passenger-facing orientation, and if the current orientation of the display is used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input, and if a seat occupancy sensor is used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input, then in one embodiment of the invention, the temporary locking of the display can be prevented only if the current orientation of the display and the seat occupancy sensor detect that a person other than the driver is making the user input. This has the advantage of particularly high reliability of the method according to the invention, because at least two criteria must be met to prevent the locking, which contributes to increased safety.For example, if a heavy object is placed on the passenger seat, and the seat occupancy sensor data indicates that a person is in the passenger seat, the display will not automatically lock. Instead, an additional criterion is used to determine whether the user input is being made by someone other than the driver, which increases the overall safety of the system. This has the advantage of ensuring that the driver is paying attention to the road, thus minimizing the risk of accidents.

[0027] If the display is designed to pivot between a driver-facing and a passenger-facing orientation, and if the current orientation of the display is used to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input, and if the seat occupancy sensor system has at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective seat surfaces of the vehicle seats and / or at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective floor mats, using data from the sensors to detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input, then in one embodiment of the invention it may be provided that the temporary locking of the display is only prevented if the current orientation of the display and the seat occupancy sensor system detect that a person other than the driver is making the user input.This offers the additional advantage that sensors typically already installed in the vehicle can be used without incurring additional costs for installing such sensors.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, image data of the passenger compartment can be provided, and this image data can be used to determine whether a person other than the driver is making the user input. In particular, the image data can be used to directly and immediately determine whether the driver or the passenger is making the user input. This offers the advantage of increased safety and a simultaneous increase in user-friendliness.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the display can also be temporarily locked if the driver is making a user input, but image data indicates that the driver is not looking at the display during the input but is still observing the traffic situation. This has the advantage that the driver can, for example, make familiar user inputs while the vehicle is in motion, without having to look at the display. This improves overall ease of use.

[0030] The display device according to the invention for an infotainment system comprises a display and a control unit, which is configured to carry out the method according to the invention or possible embodiments of the method according to the invention. In other words, the control unit is configured to at least partially and temporarily lock the display when a user input by a driver of the motor vehicle has been detected on the display for a predetermined duration, wherein the temporary locking of the display by means of the control unit is prevented if it is detected that a person other than the driver is making the user input.

[0031] According to the invention, a motor vehicle is also provided which has a display device for an infotainment system. The motor vehicle according to the invention can further have a camera device which is configured to capture the passenger compartment, i.e., the camera device can produce images of the entire passenger compartment and generate image data from them. The motor vehicle according to the invention can also have seat occupancy sensors, which comprise sensors in the area of ​​the respective seat surfaces of the motor vehicle seats and / or at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective floor mats of the motor vehicle. Further features of the invention can become apparent from the following description of the figures and from the drawing.The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the figure description and / or in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0032] The drawing shows in the single figure (Fig. 1) a schematic representation of a motor vehicle, wherein a driver's seat and a passenger's seat are shown, and wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a display device, an infotainment system, a camera device and a seat occupancy sensor.

[0033] A motor vehicle 10 is shown schematically in Fig. 1. The motor vehicle 10 has a display device 20 for an infotainment system 30, a seat occupancy sensor 40, and a camera device 50. The display device 20 has a swiveling display 22 and a control unit 24. A driver's seat 60 and a passenger seat 62 of the motor vehicle 10 are also shown. The dashed line between the camera device 50 and the control unit 24 indicates the transfer of image data 52 from the camera device 50 to the control unit 24.

[0034] In the procedure for operating the display 22 for the infotainment system 30 of the motor vehicle 10, the display 22 is at least partially and temporarily locked if a user input from a driver of the motor vehicle 10 is detected for a predetermined duration. This temporary locking of the display 22 is prevented if it is detected that a person other than the driver is making the user input. For example, if the driver of the motor vehicle 10 enters a destination in the navigation menu of the infotainment system 30, the display 22 is locked, i.e., the input is ignored. However, if it is detected that, for example, the passenger is entering the destination, the locking of the display 22 is prevented.

[0035] If the display 22 for the infotainment system 30 is intended to be at least partially and temporarily locked only when voltage is present at the ignition positive terminal and / or it is detected that the vehicle 10 is in motion, then the aforementioned locking of the display 22 upon input by, for example, the driver, only occurs if either the ignition key has been turned to the ignition position, or if the vehicle 10 is moving, or if both of these conditions are met. Thus, if the driver starts the vehicle 10 and drives off, and then enters a destination in the navigation menu of the infotainment system 30, the display 22 is locked, and the input is ignored.

[0036] If the system is designed to detect whether a person other than the driver is making user input based on the orientation of the display 22, then the display 22 will not lock if, for example, it is facing the passenger. If the display 22 is designed to swivel between a driver-facing and a passenger-facing orientation, and if the system detects that a person other than the driver is making user input based on its current orientation, then the display 22 will not lock. For example, if the driver of the vehicle 10 enters a destination in the navigation menu of the infotainment system 30, the display 22 will lock if it is facing the driver, but it will not lock if it is facing the passenger.

[0037] The seat occupancy sensor 40 can detect whether a person other than the driver is making the user input. For example, if a person is sitting in the front passenger seat 62 of the vehicle 10, the seat occupancy sensor 30 detects that a person is present in the front passenger seat 62. If the driver of the vehicle 10 then enters a destination in the navigation menu of the infotainment system 30, the display 22 is prevented from locking. A sensor can be located, for example, in the area of ​​the seat surface of the front passenger seat 62 or in the area of ​​the floor mat belonging to the front passenger seat 62, which can be used to detect the presence of a person in the front passenger seat 62.

[0038] If, however, the temporary locking of the display 22 is only prevented when the current orientation of the display 22 and the seat occupancy sensor 40 detect that a person other than the driver is making the user input, then the locking of the display 22 will only be prevented if the seat occupancy sensor 40 detects that a person is in the passenger seat 62 and the display 22 is simultaneously oriented towards the passenger. Thus, the probability that the driver would place a heavy object on the passenger seat 62 to circumvent the system is significantly reduced.

[0039] If image data 52 of the passenger compartment is transmitted to the control unit 24 via the camera device 50, and this image data 52 indicates that a passenger is present in the front passenger seat 62, then the display 22 is prevented from locking if the image data 52 shows that the passenger is making the input. Furthermore, the display 22 can also be prevented from locking if the driver makes the input, but the image data 52 shows that the driver is not looking at the display 22 at the time, but is concentrating on the road. This can be the case, for example, if the driver makes the input via voice control or a rotary knob.

[0040] Reference symbol list for motor vehicle display device, swiveling display, control unit, infotainment system, seat occupancy sensor, camera device, image data, driver's seat, passenger seat

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a display (22) of an infotainment system (30) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the display (22) is at least partially temporarily locked when a user input by a driver of the motor vehicle (10) has been detected on the display (22) for a predetermined duration, wherein the temporary locking of the display (22) is prevented when it is detected that a person other than the driver is making the user input.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the display (22) of the infotainment system (30) is only at least partially temporarily blocked when a voltage is present at the ignition positive and / or it is detected that the motor vehicle (10) is in motion.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is detected, based on an orientation of the display (22), whether a person other than the driver is making the user input.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display (22) is pivotable between an orientation towards the driver and an orientation towards the passenger and, based on the current orientation of the display (22), it is detected whether a person other than the driver is making the user input.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a seat occupancy sensor (40) detects whether a person other than the driver is making the user input.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the seat occupancy sensor (40) has at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective seat surfaces of the motor vehicle seats (60, 62) and / or at least one sensor in the area of ​​the respective floor mats, wherein based on The sensors record data to determine whether someone other than the driver is making the user input.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6 in reference to claim 4, wherein the temporary locking of the display (22) is only prevented if, based on the current orientation of the display (22) and the seat occupancy sensor (40), it is detected that a person other than the driver is making the user input.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein image data (52) of the passenger compartment are provided and it is determined on the basis of the image data (52) whether a person other than the driver is making the user input.

9. Display device (20) for an infotainment system (30), comprising a display (22) and a control unit (24) designed to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Motor vehicle (10) with a display device (20) for an infotainment system (30) according to claim 9.

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