DE102008021186B4 - Method and device for displaying information in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for displaying information in a vehicle relating to vehicle devices (1), in which- the vehicle devices (1) transmit data to a control device (3),- the control device (3) determines objects to be displayed from the data, wherein at least a number of objects are assigned data from different hierarchy levels,- the control device (3) generates graphic data which is shown by a first display (5) in the vehicle, wherein data from a first hierarchy level is shown for the objects to be displayed, and- a displayed object can be selected by the user by means of an input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object, which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be shown on a second display (6).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for displaying information in a vehicle relating to vehicle devices. The invention further relates to a device for displaying information in a vehicle having a control device which is connected to devices of the vehicle for exchanging data, at least two separate displays coupled to the control device and an input device coupled to the control device.

Originally, the various devices provided in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, were operated using separate control elements. For example, there were rotary switches for adjusting the ventilation and temperature, switches for adjusting the various air vents, switches for operating the lighting devices for the interior of the vehicle, corresponding switches for the lighting and headlight devices on the outside of the vehicle and control elements for a radio or a CD player. Modern motor vehicles now have so many devices for adjusting various vehicle functions, information systems, including driver assistance systems and entertainment systems, that it is no longer practical to provide separate control elements for all vehicle devices. For this reason, the various vehicle devices are operated using a uniform operating concept with a few control elements that are operated in conjunction with the display of a display device. The display device displays buttons that can be selected by the control element. The display device can comprise a display for display, whereby a display is generally understood to be a device for optically signaling changing information. Liquid crystal displays in various designs are usually used as displays.

The display of the display device can visually show the driver traffic or operational data of the vehicle. It can also support the driver in navigation or in communicating with the outside world. The so-called instrument cluster is arranged for this purpose near the driver's primary field of vision. It is usually located in the cockpit behind the steering wheel, and is visible through an opening in the steering wheel. It is used in particular to display the speed, fuel tank content, radiator temperature and other operational information of the motor vehicle. Radio and other audio functions can also be shown. Finally, menus for telephone, navigation, telematics services and multimedia applications can be shown. The display also supports the operation of various other vehicle devices.

In the DE 100 01 988 A1 For example, a combination instrument for displaying operational and/or traffic-related data is described. In order to better absorb the wide range of information available, the DE 103 03 792 A1 a perspective representation of three-dimensional elements is proposed.

Furthermore, there are sometimes other information and communication areas in a vehicle, to which separate display devices or display areas are assigned. They often serve to inform both the driver and the passengers. For example, a multifunction display can be provided in the center console or above the center console. A multifunction control element with such a display is, for example, in the DE 199 41 955 A1 described.

If a vehicle has several displays, e.g. in the instrument cluster and in the center console, the displays of the vehicle systems and the user guidance are often shown redundantly on both displays. However, since the display area available in the vehicle is very limited, it is desirable to avoid redundant displays and to use the displays in the vehicle in such a way that different information content is shown, although the comprehension of the information and the user guidance should not be impaired by the display on several displays.

Furthermore, a touch-sensitive display, ie a so-called touchscreen, can be used instead of the separate multifunction control element. The use of such a control element in a vehicle is, for example, DE 10 2004 031 659 A1 known.

The DE 100 56 305 C1 describes an operating and display system for a motor vehicle with a plurality of operating elements for selecting and controlling various functional or comfort devices and a plurality of display devices arranged at different locations in the motor vehicle.

The US 6 118 441 A describes a display device with a central display unit, with a subordinate display unit and a communication line for the communicative connection of the central display unit and the subordinate display unit.

The WO 01/00452 A1 describes a vehicle communication system in which a graphical user interface is implemented using pages in an HTML/XML format. The user interface can be used to control various control units via a data bus. Several display units can be provided to display the user interface.

Operating the various vehicle devices and taking in information that can be provided by these devices may demand the driver's attention to such an extent that it is not possible or only possible to a limited extent to drive the vehicle safely at the same time. If the driver wants to operate the vehicle devices whose information is shown on the display device, he should do so before starting a journey or interrupt the journey to operate them. However, such impairments to operation are undesirable. They often lead to the driver operating the vehicle devices while driving, even though this can lead to distraction. However, this can impair the safety of driving the vehicle.

It is therefore desirable to display the information in the vehicle in such a way that it can be quickly and intuitively understood by the driver, so that the comprehension of the information displayed does not lead to the driver being distracted while driving. Furthermore, operation should be so intuitive, simple and quick that the driver can operate the vehicle's devices, the information for which is displayed by the display device, even while driving, even if the display device may be able to display complex structures. The display of information and the operation associated with the display of information in the vehicle is directly related to the safety of driving the vehicle. A particularly simple, intuitive and quickly comprehensible information display and operation in the vehicle therefore contributes to the safe driving of the vehicle.

Hierarchical menu structures are often used to present the various operating and display options clearly. A menu shows various list entries and, if applicable, graphics, graphic buttons or icons assigned to the list entries. When a list entry is selected, a submenu with further list entries opens. This structure can be continued over several hierarchy levels. In addition, a list entry can be assigned a specific display image instead of a submenu, which shows the information assigned to the list entry.

When using hierarchical menu structures in a vehicle, the problem arises that navigating within these menu structures and absorbing the information shown on the display can distract the driver. It is therefore desirable to develop operating and display concepts for hierarchical menu structures in which the information can be absorbed quickly and intuitively by the driver.

A device and a method for displaying a hierarchically structured selection menu is described in the DE 101 32 956 A1 described. Furthermore, the DE 103 60 663 A1 An operating system for a motor vehicle is described in which a menu structure is shown on a display.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset with which the displayed information can be captured simply, quickly and intuitively and with which a simple, quick and intuitive operation of the equipment of a vehicle is possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims.

In the method according to the invention, the vehicle devices transmit data to a control device. The control device determines objects to be displayed from the data, with data from different hierarchy levels being assigned to at least a number of objects. The control device generates graphic data that is shown by a first display in the vehicle, with data from a first hierarchy level being shown for each of the objects to be displayed. In the method, a displayed object can be selected by the user using an input device. An input process can then be carried out with the selected object, which causes data from the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be shown on a second display.

In the method according to the invention, the display on the two displays is used to show an object in a context of user guidance, but at the same time to show the data associated with an object in another hierarchy level without having to change the display on the other display. The information displayed can be understood easily and intuitively by the user, since the input process itself has caused the data of the object on the second hierarchy level to be displayed on the second display.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, an object symbol that is shown on the first display and that belongs to an object is moved by means of the input device in relation to the representation on the first display towards the second display until it is shown at the edge of the first display, whereupon the control device generates graphic data that cause data of the object that belongs to the second hierarchy level to be shown on the second display. The object symbol can then disappear from the first display or be retained on the first display. Furthermore, the object symbol can also be shown on the second display in addition to its data on the second hierarchy level.

In the method according to the invention, the user has the option of using the input device to carry out an operating process which corresponds to the actual moving of an object symbol from a first display to a second display. This correspondence to real operating processes in which real objects are moved makes it easier for the user to easily and intuitively grasp the changes in the information display on the two displays.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least the first display has a touch-sensitive surface, i.e. it is a touchscreen. In this case, the input process is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display. For example, the user can touch the first display with his finger at the object symbol that he wants to move and then move the finger along the first display in the direction of the second display. The object symbol is then moved together with the finger to the edge of the first display, then disappears there and reappears on the second display together with the associated data of the second hierarchy level.

The data in the second hierarchy level can, for example, be details and/or properties of the object. The data in the second hierarchy level can therefore be a context menu of a list entry in the first hierarchy level.

According to a development of the method according to the invention, a detail or a property which is shown on the second display can be selected by the user using the input device. The selected detail or the selected property can then be used to carry out an input process which causes data of the detail or property belonging to a third hierarchy level to be shown on a third display. In this case, three displays are thus provided on which data from the various hierarchy levels of an object are successively shown. The hierarchy levels can contain increasingly detailed information about the object. The first hierarchy level can only contain information about what type of object it is, the second hierarchy level a context menu and the third hierarchy level certain default settings for the object.

According to a development of the method according to the invention, the control device uses the data transmitted by the vehicle devices to determine the processes running in the vehicle to be visualized, as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects. The control device generates a network structure for the processes and generates graphic data for the network structure that visualizes the network structure. The graphic data is shown by the first display in the vehicle, with an object of the network structure being selectable by the user using an input device and an input process being able to be carried out with the selected object, which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be shown on a second display.

The representation realized in the method according to the invention using network structures shows the user in a simple way the relationships between individual objects and the links between these objects, so that he can intuitively grasp the displayed information at a glance. In this way, object-oriented user guidance is realized in the vehicle, with the processes initiated by the user being visualized as a network structure. The network structure is characterized in particular by the fact that several processes, which may affect very different areas of the vehicle, are displayed simultaneously with the objects involved and their links.

According to a preferred development of the method according to the invention, a first object symbol which is displayed on the first display, which belongs to an object and which is associated with a second object symbol bol is linked via a connection symbol, is shifted with regard to the representation on the first display, the control device generating such graphic data that the connection between the two object symbols is maintained by the connection symbol. A connection is thus visualized between the two object symbols in the manner of a rubber band connection. Even when an object symbol is moved using the input device, the connection between the two object symbols is maintained. If in this case the first object symbol is shifted towards the second display until it is displayed at the edge of the first display, the control device generates graphic data which cause the first object symbol to no longer be displayed on the first display, but to be displayed instead on the second display, the connection symbol between the first and second object symbols being split in such a way that on the first display it is directed from the second object symbol towards the first object symbol on the second display and on the second display it is directed from the first object symbol towards the second object symbol on the first display. If the object symbols are shown on separate displays, the connection between the two object symbols is interrupted, but connection symbols remain on both displays that point in the direction of the other object symbol. In this way, the connection between the objects is still visualized, although a continuous connection can no longer be visualized due to the representation on the separate displays.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the data to be displayed is divided into at least two functional groups, the first functional group relating to operating processes that are associated with an operating request of the user, and the second functional group relating to operating processes for controlling vehicle equipment. The data is thus divided into a so-called "I want" functional group and a "The vehicle should" functional group. In this case too, the display can be based on the data of the network structure described above, with the network structure being shown on the first display and details of an object of the network structure on the second display.

Furthermore, the object symbols of the first functional group can be displayed in conjunction with a first color and the object symbols of the second functional group can be displayed in conjunction with a second color that differs from the first color. For example, the object symbols can have a specific background color. Furthermore, two manually operable control elements are provided for the two functional groups. The control element for the first functional group is coded with the first color and the control element for the second functional group is coded with the second color. The control elements can be colored push buttons, for example.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that objects to be displayed can be determined with the control device from the data transmitted by the vehicle devices, wherein at least a number of objects are assigned data from different hierarchy levels, and graphic data can be generated which are shown by the first display in the vehicle, wherein data from a first hierarchy level is displayed for each of the objects to be displayed and a displayed object can be selected by the user by means of the input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be displayed on the second display.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least the first display has a touch-sensitive surface. In this case, the input process is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display. Preferably, the second display also has a touch-sensitive surface. Finally, the device can comprise a third display for displaying data from a third hierarchy level.

According to a preferred development of the device according to the invention, the control device can determine from the data from the vehicle devices the processes to be visualized in the vehicle as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects, a network structure can be generated for the processes and graphic data can be generated for the network structure which visualize the network structure. The graphic data can be displayed on the first display in the vehicle, wherein an object of the network structure can be selected by the user using the input device, and an input process can be carried out with the selected object which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be displayed on a second display.

According to a further embodiment, the data to be displayed can be divided into at least two functional groups by the control device, wherein the graphic data generated by the control device contains the object symbols of the first functional group in conjunction with a first color, and display the object symbols of the second functional group in conjunction with a second color that differs from the first color. Furthermore, the device according to this embodiment comprises two operating elements for the two functional groups, wherein the operating element for the first functional group is coded with the first color and the operating element for the second functional group is coded with the second color.

In the sense of the invention, the object is understood to mean not only the symbol that is visually displayed by the display device, e.g. using an icon, but also the information associated with this object, which includes data that has been generated by vehicle devices and transmitted to the control device. The possible actions that can be carried out with the object may be assigned to different contexts within the vehicle. With a conventional hierarchically organized operating logic, the user would have to navigate the operating structure with great effort in order to get to functions that are in a different context. If such operating processes are carried out by the driver while driving the vehicle, this leads to a distraction of the driver, which impairs the safety of driving the vehicle. The representation and operation of the objects within the network structure simplifies the information absorption and operation by the driver, so that he is less distracted.

• 1 zeigt schematisch den Aufbau eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• die 2 bis 6 veranschaulichen die bei einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens durchgeführten Schritte,
• die 7 und 8 veranschaulichen die Veränderungen der Anzeigen der beiden Displays bei einem Verschieben eines Objektsymbols auf ein anderes Display,
• 9 zeigt weiter Anzeigen auf den beiden Displays, die von dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erzeugt werden,
• 10 zeigt die Anordnung des zweiten Displays und von Bedienelementen in dem Fahrzeug und
• die 11 bis 14 veranschaulichen weitere Anzeigen, die von dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erzeugt werden.

The invention will now be explained using embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows schematically the structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention,
• the 2 to 6 illustrate the steps carried out in an embodiment of the method according to the invention,
• the 7 and 8 illustrate the changes in the displays of the two displays when moving an object symbol to another display,
• 9 further shows displays on the two displays generated by the method according to the invention,
• 10 shows the arrangement of the second display and controls in the vehicle and
• the 11 to 14 illustrate further displays generated by the method according to the invention.

1 shows the basic structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the embedding of this device in the environment of the vehicle. The vehicle has a large number of vehicle devices 1, which generate information that is to be visualized in the vehicle. Furthermore, information that supports the operation of the vehicle devices 1 is to be visualized. These devices 1 include the sensors and control units of the vehicle that record vehicle states. Furthermore, the devices 1 include all devices that are intended to support the driver in driving the vehicle. This includes all driver assistance systems, including a navigation system. Finally, the devices 1 include all information and entertainment systems (infotainment systems).

The vehicle devices 1 are connected to a control device 3, for example, via the vehicle bus 2. It is also possible that some of the vehicle devices 1 are connected directly to the control device 3. The vehicle devices 1 transmit data to the control device 3. This data relates in particular to information that is to be visualized within the vehicle. The control device 3 uses the data to determine the processes taking place in the vehicle that are to be visualized, as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects.

If, for example, data is transmitted from the navigation system to the control device 3, this data contains the current position of the vehicle and the geographical position of the destination of a currently running navigation process. In this case, the control device assigns an object to the current position of the vehicle, which is visualized in the graphic data in such a way that the user recognizes that this object relates to their own vehicle. The control device assigns another object to the geographical position of the destination of the route and links this object to the object for the user's vehicle. In a schematic representation of the process, these two objects are now visualized in the graphic data using symbols, with the connection between the two objects being shown, for example, using a connecting line.

In a more detailed representation, a digital geographical road map can be shown as a background and the symbol assigned to the user's vehicle is shown at the corresponding geographical position in the digital road map. Likewise, the symbol assigned to the geographical position of the destination is shown at the corresponding geographical position is shown in the digital road map and finally the connection between the symbol for your own vehicle and the symbol for the destination is visualized by a connecting line, which represents the actual route indicated by the navigation system on the road map.

For another process taking place in the vehicle, data on a communication connection between two communication partners can be transmitted from the vehicle's communication devices to the control device 3. In particular, data on a current telephone call can be transmitted to the control device 3. The control device uses this data to determine the communication partners involved and links them to a communication connection. This communication process can be visualized, for example, by two symbols connected to one another for the communication partners.

The control device now generates a network structure for all or some of the processes taking place in the vehicle. Graphic data is generated for this network structure, which visualizes the network structure. The graphic data is transmitted to a first display 5, on which the graphic data is shown.

The control device 3 is also connected to a memory 4. A wide variety of data can be stored in this memory 4, which the control device 3 uses to generate the graphic data. For example, the symbols to be displayed for various objects that can be involved in the processes taking place in the vehicle are stored in the memory 4. Furthermore, link tables can be stored in the memory 4, which enable the control device 3 to determine the objects involved in the processes and the links between the objects from the data that have been transmitted by the vehicle devices 1.

The control device 3 is further connected to a second display 6 and optionally to a still further third display 7. As will be explained later, the control device 3 can also generate graphic data for display on the second and third displays 6 and 7 and transmit them to the corresponding displays 6 and 7.

The first display 5 is housed in the center console of the vehicle, the second display 6 is part of the vehicle's instrument cluster and the third display 7 can be, for example, a so-called head-up display. At least the first display 5 is provided with a touch-sensitive surface, i.e. it is a touchscreen. The display 5 therefore also represents an input device. Furthermore, the second display 6 can also be designed as a touchscreen.

In 2 is an example of the display of a network structure. The graphic data for this display was generated by the control device 3. In this case, the network structure contains an object symbol 8, which visualizes the vehicle itself, as well as an object symbol 9 for a further object. This further object belongs to a specific person. The telephone number and address data for this person are stored in the memory 4. The object symbols 8 and 9 are linked to one another via two processes. Firstly, the user, such as the driver of the vehicle, which is visualized using the object symbol 8, makes a telephone call to the person who is visualized using the object symbol 9. This link is visualized using the connection symbol 12 and the verb-like instruction 13. Furthermore, the vehicle is guided by the navigation system to the address of the person, which is represented by the object symbol 9. This process is displayed by the connection symbol 10 and the verb-like instruction 11.

Data from different hierarchy levels is stored in the memory 4 for the individual objects. The data in the first hierarchy level can, for example, contain just one object symbol, such as object symbol 8 or object symbol 9, which, when shown on a display, allows the user to quickly and intuitively understand which object the corresponding object symbol is assigned to. The object symbol can either be just a graphic icon. Alphanumeric information can also be assigned to the icon, which is shown together with the icon. Finally, the object symbol can also be just alphanumeric information that is shown on the display.

The data in the second hierarchy level are in particular details and/or properties of the object. The data in the second hierarchy level can also contain a context menu with several list entries. The details, properties or context menu are also shown on a display using graphic icons and, if necessary, additional alphanumeric information.

With reference to 3 It is explained how to assign data of the second level to an object whose object symbol 8 is shown on the first display 5. rarchy level on the second display 6. The starting point is the display on the first display 5 as shown in 2 shown. Data from the first hierarchy level is shown for the objects, namely the object symbols 8 and 9 with the associated connection symbols 10 and 12 as well as the verb-like instructions 11 and 13. The user now touches, for example, with his finger 14 the first display 5, which is designed as a touchscreen, at the position at which the object symbol 8 is displayed. The user then moves his finger 14 on the touch-sensitive surface of the first display 5 in the direction of the second display 6 up to the edge of the first display 5. The user can now remove his finger 14 from the first display 5 and place it again on the second display 6, which in this case is also designed as a touchscreen. The movement of the finger 14 is in the 3 visualized by the arrow B. The movement of the finger 14 thus corresponds to a movement that the user would perform if he were to move a real object from the first display 5 to the second display 6.

In 4 shows how the control device 3 changes the graphic data for the first and second displays 5 and 6. The object symbol 8 is no longer shown on the first display 5. Instead, detailed data on the corresponding object, i.e. the vehicle, is shown on the second display 6. At the same time, the connection symbols 10 and 12 change. On the side facing the second display 6, the connection symbols 10 and 12 are split. The first display 5 shows the connection symbols 10-1 and 12-1, which are directed from the object symbol 9 via the verb-like instruction 13 in the direction of the detailed representation 15 of the vehicle on the second display 6. The connection symbol 12-1 continues on the second display 6 through the connection symbol 12-2 so that a connection to the detailed representation 15 of the vehicle is again established. Likewise, the connection symbol 10 is split into the connection symbol 10-1 on the first display 5 and the connection symbol 10-2 on the second display 6.

Finally, further buttons 16-1 to 16-3 are displayed on the second display 6, via which the user can access a third hierarchy level.

If the user touches the button 16-1 on the second display 6 and moves his finger 14 upwards in the direction of the arrow C as in 5 shown to the head-up display 7, as in 6 shown on the head-up display 7, an even more detailed view of the vehicle from the inside is shown. This data belongs to the third hierarchy level of the object that is assigned to the vehicle. Furthermore, the display on the head-up display 7 can also contain further buttons 17.

In the 7 and 8 In the example shown, the only process displayed in the network structure is a telephone call. The object symbol 8 for the user, e.g. the driver, is linked to the object symbol 9 for the driver's telecommunication partner via the connection symbol 12 and the verb-like instruction 13. This process is carried out as in 7 shown on the first display 5. The second display 6 initially contains no display.

If the user now wants to enter a new telephone number for the telecommunications partner, which is displayed using the object symbol 9, he touches the first display 5 at the object symbol 9 with his finger and then moves his finger in the direction of the second display 6. He places his finger on the edge of the first display 5 and touches the second display 6 at a certain position. The control device 3 then generates graphic data for the two displays 5 and 6, which are displayed by the 8 shown displays. The position of the object symbol 8 for the driver remains unchanged. The object symbol 9 for the communication partner has disappeared from the first display 5, but is shown on the second display 6. As explained above, the connection symbol 12 is split into the connection symbols 12-1 and 12-2, so that the link between the object symbols 8 and 9 is still visualized. The existing structure that the driver is on the phone with a specific communication partner is thus retained. The second display 6 also shows settings that belong to a second hierarchy level and that are assigned to the object symbol 9. The display contains, for example, the telephone number and the mobile phone number of the communication partner to whom the object symbol 9 is assigned. These settings are shown in a button 18. They can be changed there by the user.

• Die anzuzeigenden Daten, welche die Steuereinrichtung 3 von den Fahrzeugeinrichtungen 1 erhalten hat, werden von der Steuereinrichtung 3 bedienlogisch in zwei Funktionsgruppen unterteilt. Die erste Funktionsgruppe, die so genannte „Ich will“-Funktionsgruppe, enthält alle Bedienprozesse, die einem Bedienwunsch des Nutzers zugeordnet sind. Dies sind insbesondere Prozesse, die die Wiedergabe von Audiodaten betreffen („ich will hören“), Prozesse, welche das Navigationssystem betreffen („ich will zu ... fahren“), Prozesse, die die Telekommunikation betreffen („ich will mit ... telefonieren“), und Prozesse, die eine Suche betreffen („ich suche“). Die Netzwerkstruktur der Prozesse, welche dieser Funktionsgruppe zugeordnet sind, werden in einer ersten Farbe z. B. in rot dargestellt. Um Prozesse dieser Funktionsgruppe aufzurufen ist am Lenkrad 27 ein spezieller Tastschalter 25 vorgesehen, welcher auch in der ersten Farbe d. h. in diesem Fall in rot gekennzeichnet ist. Das zweite Display 6 des Kombiinstruments ist in diesem Fall im Lenkrad 27 untergebracht.

With reference to the 9 and 10 another example of the method according to the invention is explained:

• The data to be displayed, which the control device 3 has received from the vehicle equipment 1, is divided by the control device 3 into two functional groups for operational reasons. The first functional group, the so-called "I want" functional group, contains all operating processes that are assigned to an operating request of the user. These are in particular processes that relate to the playback of audio data ("I want to hear"), processes that relate to the navigation system ("I want to drive to ..."), processes that concern telecommunications ("I want to call ..."), and processes that concern a search ("I am looking for"). The network structure of the processes that are assigned to this functional group are shown in a first color, e.g. red. In order to call up processes in this functional group, a special push button 25 is provided on the steering wheel 27, which is also marked in the first color, ie red in this case. The second display 6 of the instrument cluster is in this case housed in the steering wheel 27.

The second functional group, the so-called "the car should" functional group, concerns operating processes for controlling vehicle equipment. The processes particularly concern certain settings of the vehicle equipment 1 of the vehicle, such as light and climate settings, as well as changes to these settings. The network structure and operating processes of this functional group are shown in a second color, e.g. blue. In order to call up processes of this functional group, a second push button 26 is provided in the steering wheel 27, which is marked with the second color, i.e. in this case marked with blue.

In this example, the network structure 19 with the processes 20 and 21 is shown on the second display 6 at the steering wheel 27. As described above, a specific object, which is visualized by the object symbol 24, can be moved from the second display 6 to the first display 5 in the center console. The graphic data generated by the control device 3 after moving the object symbol 24 are in 9 reproduced. The multimodal processing of the object assigned to the object symbol 24 can now take place on the first display 5.

It should be noted that it is in principle possible to define further functional groups. A third functional group can, for example, relate to the environment of the vehicle. In this case too, the network structure for each functional group is shown on one display, e.g. the second display 6, and individual objects of the network structure are processed on another display, e.g. the first display 5.

In the example described above, the buttons 25 and 26 correspond to the display in the second display 6 and possibly also in the first display 5 using color coding. This correspondence could also be made using coding based on shape. The buttons 25 and 26 could, for example, have a different shape, e.g. triangular and square. The object symbols of the corresponding function groups would in this case be displayed in the corresponding shape.

• Im rechten Bereich der 11 bis 14 wird in diesem Fall jeweils die Netzwerkstruktur der vom Fahrer initiierten Prozesse in ihrer Gesamtheit angezeigt. Auf der linken Seite des Displays schiebt sich ein Fenster oder ein so genanntes Pop-up-Bild in die Netzwerkdarstellung. In diesem Fenster können Daten der zweiten Hierarchieebene eines in der Netzwerkstruktur ausgewählten Objekts, d. h. z. B. Einstellungen dieses Objekts, angezeigt werden. Damit der Nutzer weiß, auf welches Objekt sich das Fenster bezieht, ist das Objektsymbol zu dem ausgewählten Objekt in der Netzwerkdarstellung hervorgehoben dargestellt, z. B. farblich oder mit einem anderen Kontrast markiert. Das in den Anzeigen der 11 bis 14 auf der linken Seite angezeigte Fenster kann vom Nutzer über die Eingabevorrichtung, d. h. im vorliegenden Fall über den Touchscreen, verschoben sowie größer und kleiner gezogen werden. Das Fenster kann außerdem transparent dargestellt werden, so dass das dahinter liegenden Netzwerk mit den Prozessen weiterhin sichtbar bleibt. Das in den 11 bis 14 gezeigte Fenster kann auch wie vorstehend beschrieben auf dem zweiten Display 6 dargestellt werden, wenn die Netzwerkstruktur auf dem ersten Display 5 dargestellt wird.

With reference to the 11 to 14 another example of the graphic data generated by the method according to the invention is explained:

• In the right area of the 11 to 14 In this case, the network structure of the processes initiated by the driver is displayed in its entirety. On the left side of the display, a window or a so-called pop-up image slides into the network display. In this window, data from the second hierarchy level of an object selected in the network structure, e.g. settings of this object, can be displayed. So that the user knows which object the window refers to, the object symbol for the selected object is highlighted in the network display, e.g. marked in color or with a different contrast. The object shown in the displays of the 11 to 14 The window displayed on the left can be moved and resized by the user using the input device, in this case the touch screen. The window can also be made transparent so that the network behind it with the processes remains visible. The 11 to 14 The window shown can also be displayed on the second display 6 as described above when the network structure is displayed on the first display 5.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

1

facilities

2

vehicle bus

3

control device

4

memory

5

first display

6

second display

7

third display

8

object symbol

9

object symbol

10-1, 10-2

connection symbol

11

verb-like instruction

12-1, 12-2

connection symbol

13

verb-like instruction

14

user's finger

15

detailed representation

16-1 to 16-3

buttons

17

button

18

button

19

network structure

20

process

21

process

22-1, 22-2

connection symbols

23-1, 23-2

connection symbols

24

object symbol

25

push button switch

26

push button switch

27

steering wheel

Claims (15)

Method for displaying information in a vehicle relating to vehicle devices (1), in which - the vehicle devices (1) transmit data to a control device (3), - the control device (3) determines objects to be displayed from the data, with data from different hierarchy levels being assigned to at least a number of objects, - the control device (3) generates graphic data which is shown by a first display (5) in the vehicle, with data from a first hierarchy level being shown for each of the objects to be displayed, and - a displayed object can be selected by the user using an input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object, which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be shown on a second display (6). procedure according to claim 1 , characterized in that by means of the input device an object symbol (8) which is displayed on the first display (5) and which belongs to an object is displaced with regard to the display on the first display (5) in the direction of the second display (6) until it is displayed at the edge of the first display (5), whereupon the control device (3) generates graphic data which cause data of the object belonging to the second hierarchy level to be displayed on the second display (6). procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least the first display (5) has a touch-sensitive surface and that the input process is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data of the second hierarchy level contain details and/or properties of the object. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detail or a property which is shown on the second display (6) can be selected by the user by means of the input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected detail or the selected property, which causes data of the detail or the property to be shown on a third display (7), which data belong to a third hierarchy level. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device (3) determines from the data transmitted by the vehicle devices (1) the processes running in the vehicle to be visualized as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects, generates a network structure for the processes and generates graphic data for the network structure which visualize the network structure, and - the graphic data are displayed by the first display (5) in the vehicle, - wherein an object of the network structure can be selected by the user by means of an input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be displayed on the second display (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the input device a first object symbol (8) which is displayed on the first display (5), which belongs to an object and which is linked to a second object symbol (9) via a connection symbol (10, 12), is shifted with regard to the representation on the first display (5), wherein the control device (3) generates such graphic data that the link between the two object symbols (8, 9) by the connection symbol (10, 12) is maintained. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that by means of the input device a first object symbol (8) which is displayed on the first display (5), which belongs to an object and which is linked to a second object symbol (9) via a connection symbol (10, 12), with regard to the representation on the first ten display (5) is moved towards the second display (6) until it is shown at the edge of the first display (5), whereupon the control device (3) generates graphic data which cause the first object symbol (8) to no longer be shown on the first display (5), but instead to be shown on the second display (6), wherein the connection symbol (10, 12) between the first and second object symbols (8, 9) is split such that on the first display (5) it is directed from the second object symbol (9) towards the first object symbol (8) on the second display (6) and on the second display (6) it is directed from the first object symbol (8) towards the second object symbol (9) on the first display (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data to be displayed are divided into at least two functional groups, the first functional group relating to operating processes which are assigned to an operating request of the user, and the second functional group relating to operating processes for controlling vehicle devices. procedure according to claim 9 , characterized in that the object symbols (8, 9) of the first functional group are displayed in conjunction with a first color and the object symbols (8, 9) of the second functional group are displayed in conjunction with a second color which differs from the first color, and that two manually operable operating elements (25, 26) are provided for the two functional groups, wherein the operating element (25) for the first functional group is coded with the first color and the operating element (26) for the second functional group is coded with the second color. Device for displaying information in a vehicle with - a control device (3) which is connected to devices (1) of the vehicle for exchanging data, - at least two separate displays (5, 6) coupled to the control device (3) and - an input device coupled to the control device (3), characterized in that - objects to be displayed can be determined with the control device (3) from the data transmitted by the vehicle devices (1), wherein at least a number of objects are assigned data from different hierarchy levels, and graphic data can be generated which are shown by the first display (5) in the vehicle, wherein data from a first hierarchy level is displayed for each of the objects to be displayed, and - a displayed object can be selected by the user by means of the input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object, which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be shown on the second display (6). device according to claim 11 , characterized in that at least the first display (5) has a touch-sensitive surface and that the input process is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display (5). device according to claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the device comprises a third display (7) for displaying data of a third hierarchy level. Device according to one of the Claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that - with the control device (3) the processes to be visualized running in the vehicle as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects can be determined from the data transmitted by the vehicle devices (1), a network structure can be generated for the processes and graphic data can be generated for the network structure which visualize the network structure, and - the graphic data can be displayed by the first display (5) in the vehicle, - wherein an object of the network structure can be selected by the user by means of the input device and an input process can be carried out with the selected object which causes data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy level to be displayed on a second display (6). device according to claim 11 until 14 , characterized in that the data to be displayed can be divided into at least two functional groups by the control device (3), and the graphic data that can be generated by the control device (3) display the object symbols (8, 9) of the first functional group in conjunction with a first color and display the object symbols (8, 9) of the second functional group in conjunction with a second color that is different from the first color, and in that the device for the two functional groups comprises two operating elements (25, 26), the operating element (25) for the first functional group being coded with the first color and the operating element (26) for the second functional group being coded with the second color.

Images