DE102009030263A1 - Operating method for a menu-based operating and information system of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves displaying a menu (101), forming a controlling element for the controlling the menu and forming another controlling element for accessing a context sensitive extension menu (103). The context sensitive extension menu is provided multiple operatable auxiliary functions for the menu. An independent claim is also included for a menu-based operation and information system for a vehicle, which has a processor unit.

Description

The The present invention relates to an operating method for a menu-based operating and information system of a Vehicle as well as a menu-based operating and information system a vehicle and in particular a help function for the operating and information system.

In modern vehicles, such. B. Passenger cars or lorries, become operating and information systems, so-called infotainment systems installed and used to the driver of the vehicle as well as the occupants the vehicle to provide a variety of information and a Variety of devices to use the vehicle. So be for example via the infotainment system an audio system, operated a video system and / or a navigation system of the vehicle. In addition, functions of the vehicle, such as As an automatic cruise control system, a Phone of the vehicle or comfort features of the vehicle, such as z. B. a seat adjustment or interior climate control of Vehicle to be adjusted. Because of the great variety of information and setting options, which about the infotainment system is provided and / or configurable are, the configuration functions and display functions become common in different menus on for example a screen, For example, an LCD display shown. A find your way in such menus, however, falls many users difficult, especially if they have functions of the infotainment system want to use, which they rarely use or never used. For this reason has been in previous Infotainment systems aids integrated, which, however, only very rudimentary are, for example, a keyword-like addition to provide individual functions. A comprehensive help is usually over a user manual of the infotainment system in the logbook of the Vehicle provided.

The DE 199 41 973 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for actively assisting a motor vehicle driver in a motor vehicle. For this purpose, an automatic assistance in the communication between the motor vehicle driver and the vehicle is given by means of a control unit and an input and display unit.

Preferably be used to assist the driver in and / or reference-sensitive input options offered after selection independently carried out by the motor vehicle driver become. For example, if the controller detects that the Motor temperature exceeded its permissible value has, this is automatically displayed on the display unit. In addition, the possible actions such as "engine shut down "," call next workshop "or" ignore " the display unit shown. Selects the motor vehicle driver the action "turn off engine", so the device turns automatically the engine off.

The DE 200 03 800 U1 relates to an input and output device for operating a driver information system. On a screen device of the driver information system, several menu groups are displayed, each with a plurality of menu selection fields. For example, a menu selection box may have a question mark identifying a help function.

The US 2007/0156648 A1 relates to a searchable help system for a multifunctional peripheral device, such. As a printer or a copier. The help system is configured to receive one or more search keywords via a display screen of a man-machine interface. The search results are displayed to the user via their section heading and the corresponding help file. The user may then return to the menu display screen or review additional help information.

The US 7,429,993 B2 discloses an unobtrusive overlay window which is used to provide access to a help function. An ad presents visual content to a user. An unobtrusive overlay window, which is both partially transparent and functionally transparent, is superimposed on the content of the ad. As a result, the user has access to the help function in the form of the inconspicuous overlay window, but the user is not prevented from accessing the content on the display, which is below the inconspicuous overlay window.

The WO 02/079896 A2 concerns a multimodal interface. A multimodal interface is generally understood to mean a man-machine interface in which there is more than one input type for input from the user or more than one output type for output to the user. Input types are z. As a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus or language and types of output can, for. B. be a visual display via a screen or voice or a sound. According to one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a telephone that is connected via a public exchange to a voice XML-based interactive voice unit. The phone is arranged together with a conventional computer. The computer can access the Internet server via the Internet, which is coupled to the speech unit. If a user wants to retrieve information from the Internet server, can It connects to the Internet server via a multimodal interface, both via the telephone and the voice unit, and via the computer. After establishing a connection to the speech unit, the speech unit may ask the user as an exit request an open question such. For example, "How can I help you?" Or "Which products are you interested in?".

There an infotainment system of a vehicle often from one Driver of the vehicle is operated while driving and the driver should focus essentially on traffic, should help with the operation of the infotainment system be as efficient as possible. This means, for example, that no extensive help texts or operating instructions are given should distract the driver from traffic. Farther should, in order to increase the acceptance of a help system, run the help function as inconspicuously as possible to avoid the impression the user would have can not manage operation of the system without this help can.

task The present invention is therefore an improved operating method for a menu-based infotainment system, d. H. a menu-based operating and information system, one Vehicle provide.

These Problem is in accordance with the present invention by a menu-based operation method Control and information system of a vehicle according to claim 1 and a menu-based operating and information system of a Vehicle according to claim 14 solved. The dependent ones Claims define preferred and advantageous embodiments the invention.

According to the The present invention is an operating method for a menu-based operating and information system of a vehicle provided. The operating method includes displaying a menu and providing a first operating element for operation of the menu. The menu presented and the first Control element for operating the menu correspond to one conventional menu with appropriate control, such as a Menu for setting a destination in a navigation system with a control for entering, for example, a destination address. The control can also be several controls, such. B. touch-sensitive Surfaces on a touch screen, include. The operating method further comprises providing a second operating element for calling up a context-sensitive extension menu. The second control element may, for example, another touch-sensitive Field on a touch-sensitive screen of the operating and information system. The second control can, for example, with labeled "What do you want to do?" be. The context-sensitive extension menu, which is called and is displayed when the second operating element is actuated includes a selection of operable auxiliary functions for the menu. The selection of the actuatable auxiliary functions is determined depending on the menu.

By doing in addition to the first control for conventional operation of the menu, a second control for calling up the context-sensitive extension menu is provided directly in the menu a way to call for assistance. In the extension menu, a Selection of actuatable auxiliary functions provided the user can by selecting one of the actuatable Auxiliary functions operate another function of the menu, instead of information as in conventional help to get over how he works on this more can access. This provides the user with immediate support rather than teaching him how to do certain functions are accessible and to use. This will make the user less of Road traffic distracted and a faster and easier Operation of the operating and information system achieved.

The Selection of auxiliary functions of the extension menu can for example, predetermined typical in general frequently Functions of the menu include or functons include, which previously for at least a predetermined time were not used or which due to previous operating steps and / or due to an overall condition of the operating and information system a high probability of subsequent use exhibit. Finally, the selection of auxiliary functions The extension menu also includes functions that are available from a user previously frequently used in the menu were. In addition, a user behavior can be modeled be to the selection of auxiliary functions of the extension menu depending on the modeling of the user behavior to determine. The thus selected range of actuatable Helper functions in the context-sensitive extension menu can thus optimally adapted to the user, so that the user at Operating the operating and information system in case of ambiguity and Problems receive a high level of support.

According to one embodiment of the method, the menu-based operating and information system has a hierarchical menu structure. The selection of actuatable auxiliary functions includes functions which are different in this position archived menu structure are anchored. By also using the context-sensitive extension menu functions outside the current menu can be called directly, the operation of the operating and information system can be considerably simplified because the user does not necessarily have to move through the hierarchical menu structure to get to a specific function, which useful in connection with the current menu.

According to one In another embodiment, the operating method further comprises a presentation of a function execution menu, if one of the auxiliary functions of the context-sensitive extension menu was selected by the user. The function execution menu provides the user a choice ready to the selected function either directly execute or the selected function in the context of a step-by-step guide perform. If the user chooses to execute directly the selected function becomes its current problem Immediately resolved and he can get back on the road focus. By performing the step-by-step instructions for the selected function receives the Users an information where this function, for example, in the Hierarchical menu structure is to be found in the future to be able to use this function directly.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention in the operating method continues an additional control provided in the context-sensitive extension menu, which to call a general Help menu for the operating and information system is used. This will give the user provided a two-stage support or help concept. In a first step, the user in the context-sensitive Extension menu obvious functions for a provided directly. If the user is under he does not find what he is looking for with these functions Help of additional control in a general Help menu for the operating and information system Branch there to find a suitable solution for to look for his problem. For example, in the Help menu, a Selection function for entering a help topic via a Speech input, a selection function for entering a help topic via a topic list or selection feature for entering a help topic via a keyword search will be provided. Thus, the user can either by selecting a topic from the list of topics or by entering one or more keywords or a question for example, via a voice input information to received a current operating problem.

The Controls, such. B. the first control, the second control or the extra control, can one include multimodal interaction, i. H. for example, an optical Text output, an acoustic voice output, an acoustic voice input and / or an operator input via a haptic control element, such as B. touching a touch-sensitive Surface of a screen or press a button or a joystick.

According to the The present invention will further be a menu based Operating and information system of a vehicle provided. The Operating and information system comprises a display unit for presentation a menu for a user, a first control element and a second operating element for operating the operating and information system by the user, and a processing unit associated with the Display unit and the first control element and the second control element is coupled. The processing unit is configured to open the menu represent the display unit and an operation of the first control element and, depending on this, a function of the menu to press. The processing unit is further configured to detect an operation of the second control element and in dependence of which a context-sensitive extension menu is called. The Context-sensitive extension menu includes a selection of operable auxiliary functions for the menu. The processing unit is finally designed, the selection of actuatable auxiliary functions depending on of the menu.

The menu-based operating and information system can also be configured such that it is to carry out the previously described method or one of its embodiments suitable is. Therefore, the operating and information system also includes those identified in connection with the method described above Advantages.

The The present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS Drawings explained with reference to preferred embodiments.

1 shows a schematic representation of an operating procedure according to an operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 - 7 10 are schematic illustrations of outputs of a menu-based operation and information system operating in accordance with an operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will be described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a Operating method for a menu-based operating and information system, a so-called infotainment system, a vehicle described. 1 shows an overview of how various menus of the operating and information system are displayed in response to a user operation on a display unit of the operating and information system. The 2 - 7 show more detailed representations of corresponding display outputs of the operating and information system.

The The present invention describes an operating method with a new one Concept of help for operating an infotainment system of a vehicle. A user, for example, a driver or a passenger of the vehicle, intended to operate the infotainment system in the case of ambiguities and problems, support is provided. This will initiate activation of the support initiated by the user intended. Therefore, there is a control to activate the support attainable at any time and without complex interaction steps. Because the support function as inconspicuous as should be possible to avoid the impression that User would have the operation of the infotainment system without can not do the support, becomes the control to activate the support as a similar control to the other controls executed. In a menu-based infotainment system For example, this may be an entry in a list or a different one kind of menu item, such. B. an actuating surface or a so-called icon. The control element for activating the Support is integrated into each menu and submenu and is thus available to the user at any time. The For example, control to enable support can be an operating element of a so-called touchscreen or a rotary pushbutton, a button, a button or the like.

Using the example of an operation of a navigation system of the infotainment system, the operating method for various exemplary operating steps with reference to 1 to be discribed.

In 1 is an exemplary operating procedure 100 according to an operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary operating procedure 100 starts with an output of a menu 101 on a display unit of the infotainment system. In this example, the menu is used 101 for entering a destination for the navigation system of the infotainment system. 2 shows an enlarged view of the menu 101 , The menu 101 includes several controls 201 - 205 to specify a destination address for the navigation system. The controls 201 - 205 include, for example, a control 201 for entering a destination country, a control element 202 for entering a destination, a control element 203 for entering a destination street, a control element 204 for entering a destination intersection and a control element 205 for entering a POI. In addition, the menu includes 101 another control 206 , which is titled "What do you want to do?". Depending on the configuration of the infotainment system, the controls 201 - 206 For example, be selected directly by touching the controls on a so-called touch screen or, for example, with the help of additional input devices such. As a rotary-push-button, one or more buttons, a joystick or the like are operated. For example, the user can enter the destination for the navigation system by entering the country, city and street.

If, on the other hand, the user wishes to be guided to a destination whose address he does not know, for example to a next gas station, then he must call the "POI" control element. 205 select to accomplish this. However, the user must know that behind the control 205 (POI) hides such a setting. An inexperienced user generally does not know this. For this reason, the menu includes 101 the further control element 206 which the user would dial in this case. Because the control element 206 as a "normal" additional control to the list of controls 201 - 205 is added, so the requirement for an unobtrusive control element for activating the support or help function is met. By the operating element 206 labeled "What do you want to do?" instead of a term like "What do you want to do?" B. "Help" is called, the acceptance of the operation of this control element 206 increased in the user and beyond, the formulation of such a question corresponds to the situation in which the user is in case of uncertainty regarding the operation of the menu 101 occur.

• – Naheliegende Funktionen: das Erweiterungsmenü enthält typische Funktionen des aktuell geöffneten Menüs 101, die üblicherweise häufig bedient werden. So stellt beispielsweise die Eingabe eines Ziels im Navigationsmenü eine naheliegenden Funktion dar.
• – Neue Funktionen: das Erweiterungsmenü 103 enthält Funktionen, die der Anwender im aktuell geöffneten Menü 101 noch gar nicht oder schon für längere Zeit nicht bedient hat und daher möglicherweise nicht oder nicht mehr kennt.
• – Wahrscheinliche Funktionen: das Erweiterungsmenü 103 enthält Hilfsfunktionen, die ausgehend von vorangegangenen Bedienschritten und/oder einer aktuellen Gesamtsituation des Infotainmentsystems wahrscheinlich sind.
• – Favoriten: das Erweiterungsmenü 103 enthält Hilfsfunktionen, die der Anwender in der Vergangenheit besonders häufig bedient hat und somit besonders schnell im Zugriff hat.

If the user the operating element 206 selects, the operating method as in 1 shown in one area 102 a context-sensitive help continued. The user is given a context-sensitive extension menu 103 displayed on the display unit of the infotainment system. 3 shows an enlarged view of the context-sensitive extension menu 103 , The context-sensitive extension menu 103 includes a selection of various helper functions 301 - 305 in the currently open menu 101 are operable. In the in 3 shown extension menu 103 are for example auxiliary functions for selecting points of interest, such as auxiliary function 301 "Drive home" and auxiliary function 303 "Next tank search ", listed. In addition, in the extension menu 103 also auxiliary functions for the configuration of the navigation system, such as auxiliary function 302 "Voice messages off" and help function 304 "Change Map Settings" listed. The auxiliary functions 301 - 305 thus not only functions of the menu 101 but also include functions that are anchored in other positions in, for example, a hierarchically organized menu system of the infotainment system. These functions are therefore in the extension menu 103 listed redundantly. The selection of the in the extension menu 103 shown auxiliary functions 301 - 305 can be done according to different aspects. For example, a selection and an order are in the extension menu 103 possible according to the following criteria:

• - Obvious functions: the extension menu contains typical functions of the currently opened menu 101 that are commonly served frequently. For example, entering a destination in the navigation menu is an obvious function.
• - New functions: the extension menu 103 Contains functions that the user in the currently opened menu 101 not yet or has not served for a long time and therefore may not or no longer knows.
• - Probable functions: the extension menu 103 contains auxiliary functions, which are probably based on previous operating steps and / or a current overall situation of the infotainment system.
• - Favorites: the extension menu 103 contains auxiliary functions that the user has used very frequently in the past and thus has access to them very quickly.

The selection of auxiliary functions 301 - 305 may for example also have a dynamic behavior. For example, an auxiliary function can be found in the list of the extension menu 103 Once this helper function has been explained in a step-by-step guide, it will be removed as learned.

The extension menu 103 leads therefore auxiliary functions 301 - 305 to operate on which it is predicted that they will assist the user in the current situation. The content of the utility function list is adaptive and depends on the current situation and the user input. This behavior requires user modeling in parts. By performing redundant functions in the menu, for example in the menu 101 , and in the extension menu 103 , provides the context sensitive help 102 a meshing of a hierarchical menu structure with a situational menu operation. The user always finds support in the same place in the hierarchical menu in the form of a situational selection of functions. The support potential of the context-sensitive help is therefore shown above all in the fact that functions that it would like to serve in the current situation and in the current context are offered to the user at the highest level for selection, without having to search them in hierarchical menus.

In the exemplary operating procedure 100 of the 1 the user selects in the context-sensitive extension menu 103 for example, the auxiliary function 303 Look for "Next gas station". This will give the user a function execution menu 104 displayed on the display of the infotainment system. 4 shows an enlarged view of the function execution menu 104 , The function execution menu 104 includes control element 401 and 402 to either the selected auxiliary function 303 of the extension menu 103 directly execute (control element 401 ) or a step-by-step guide for the selected auxiliary function 303 to execute (control element 402 ). The user can thus decide between two help modes. He chooses the control element 401 (Execute function), the function is executed immediately or branches to the menu required to execute the function immediately. The support of the operation consists in the fact that, as soon as it is known which function the user wants to perform, it can be executed immediately without having to carry out the necessary operating steps in the system all individually. Immediate execution in a hierarchical menu system therefore corresponds to a direct "jump" from one system state to another.

Consequently, when searching for the next gas station, the function is turned into a menu 105 branches, as in 1 shown. In the menu 105 For example, several gas stations located nearby are listed with corresponding distance indications, and the user can select one of the listed gas stations, completing his destination input to the navigation system of the infotainment system.

Alternatively, the user can, as in 1 a step-by-step guide to the Find Next Gas Station feature in the Function Run menu 104 choose. After this selection the user is in a help menu 106 explains how he is in the menu 101 As the destination, you can enter a next gas station: "To search for gas stations in the vicinity, open the navigation menu and select" Point of interest "...". The step-by-step instructions can then also explain in an interactive instruction manual, which operator actions and / or user inputs in which order are necessary for carrying out the function, or which operating action must be taken next in order to achieve the operating target or the desired operating state. For this purpose, for example, at the bottom of the display unit of the infotainment system, a line with information about each operating step can be displayed and a corresponding voice output. In addition, an implicit embedding of the help information (what must now be served) in the menu representation is possible. For example, by highlighting relevant screen contents or graying out non-relevant screen contents, the user's attention can be directed directly to the desired and user-serviceable content. This contributes to the reduction of gaze avoidance times because there are no long texts to read. 5 shows explicit help information by outputting a help text in connection with a step-by-step instruction. As in 5 is shown at the bottom in a help line 501 a section of the step-by-step guide is shown. An additional acoustic output of the individual steps of the step-by-step instructions is possible in order to reduce the time away from the road. 6 represents the interactive highlighting of display content in the context of a step-by-step guide. The control 601 "Point of interest" can, for example, be emphasized by highlighting in color or marking with a framing.

The concrete expression of the instructions (for example an animation, a text output, a voice output, etc.) as well as the degree of interactivity can depend on the current overall situation be (stationary vehicle, moving vehicle or the like). Once the function is completed and reaches the operating target is, the help mode will automatically exit and the guide completed.

The context-sensitive help 102 thus provides the user redundant to the actual assignment of functions in a hierarchical menu structure selected functions in an extension menu 103 for operation. It thus represents the combination of hierarchical menu structure and situational operation. The context-sensitive help 102 thus supports the user in finding and operating functions even without knowledge of conceptual or hierarchical assignments without a long search and to obtain further information on their operation.

The context-sensitive extension menu 103 ( 3 ) includes an additional operating element 306 ("Something Else") for global help 107 activate the infotainment system of the vehicle. The global help 107 may include, for example, general help menus for operating the infotainment system. In contrast to context-sensitive help 102 is the global help 107 not limited to the context of functions related to the menu 101 from which the context-sensitive help 102 was called, are operable. The additional control element 306 for example, always at the top of the first page or at the top of the list of context-sensitive extension menus 103 be arranged to ensure quick accessibility.

• – Per Sprache (Bedienelement 701): der Anwender erhält die Möglichkeit nach Drücken einer Spracheingabetaste, beispielsweise einer so genannten Push-to-Talk-Taste, die gewünschte Bedienhandlung oder Funktion als freie Formulierung zu sprechen. Eine Interaktion in dieser natürlich sprachlichen Form ist besonders bei Unkenntnis hinsichtlich Kommandos oder begrifflicher Zuordnungen vorteilhaft.
• – Themenliste (Bedienelement 702): Die Themenliste bietet dem Anwender eine beispielsweise hierarchische und/oder alphabetisch geordnete Liste mit allen Funktionen des Systems. Darüber hinaus kann beispielsweise auch ein Online-Bordbuch des Fahrzeugs integriert werden. In dieser Themenliste sind zu jeder Funktion Informationen und Bedienhinweise zu finden. In 1 ist eine beispielhafte Darstellung einer derartigen Themenliste als ein Auswahlmenü 110 dargestellt. Nach einer Auswahl eines der Themen, über die der Anwender mehr Informationen erhalten möchte, werden in einem weiteren Auswahlmenü 111 detailliertere Funktionen des in dem Auswahlmenü 110 ausgewählten Themas dargestellt. Ist die von dem Anwender gesuchte Funktion gefunden, so kann der Anwender diese Funktion auswählen, um diese Funktion wie zuvor beschrieben in dem Funktionsausführungsmenü 104 entweder direkt auszuführen oder mit Hilfe einer Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung auszuführen.
• – Stichwortsuche (Bedienelement 703): Zur Spezifikation des aktuellen Bedienproblems bietet die Hilfe die Möglichkeit, Suchbegriffe in Form einer Stichwortsuche eingeben zu können und anschließend eine Trefferliste auszugeben. Dabei können Synonyme verwendet werden, um die Trefferwahrscheinlichkeit zu erhöhen.

If the function desired by the user is not in the selection of the extension menu 103 he can by selecting the additional control element 306 into global help 107 branch to search for the desired function. As in 1 shown, after pressing the additional control element 306 a general help menu 108 displayed on the display unit of the infotainment system. 7 shows an enlarged view of the general Help menu 108 , In the in 7 In the embodiment shown, the user has three options for operating the global help 107 where:

• - By language (control element 701 ): the user has the option after pressing a voice input button, such as a so-called push-to-talk button to speak the desired operator action or function as a free formulation. An interaction in this natural linguistic form is particularly advantageous in ignorance of commands or conceptual associations.
• - Topic list (control element 702 ): The list of topics offers the user an example hierarchical and / or alphabetical list of all functions of the system. In addition, for example, an online log of the vehicle can be integrated. This list of topics contains information and operating instructions for each function. In 1 is an exemplary illustration of such a list of topics as a selection menu 110 shown. After selecting one of the topics about which the user would like to receive more information, in another selection menu 111 more detailed functions of the in the selection menu 110 selected theme. Once the function sought by the user is found, the user can select this function to perform this function as previously described in the function execution menu 104 either directly or with a step-by-step guide.
• - keyword search (control element 703 ): To specify the current operating problem, Help offers the option of entering search terms in the form of a keyword search and then outputting a hit list. there Synonyms can be used to increase the hit probability.

The user chooses in the general help menu 108 the operating element 701 for a voice input, as in 1 represented, for example, a request to activate the voice input via, for example, a push-to-talk button on the display unit of the infotainment system shown (reference numeral 109 ). After the voice input, for example, a selection menu 112 displayed on the display unit of the infotainment system, the selection menu 112 comprises a list of functions which matches the user's input entered via the speech input. From this list of functions, the user can select the desired function and then as described above using the execution menu 104 either directly or with a step-by-step guide.

Furthermore, the general help menu 108 another operating element with, for example, the term "last operations" include, where, for example, the last n operator actions are displayed summarized. If support is required for a function, although it has already been explained, then in this case the function does not have to be activated via the list of topics or the voice input (drop-down menu) 110 or note output 109 ) can be selected, but it can be requested in this way directly support for this function.

The global help 107 provides the user with the ability to invoke a function that causes problems in the operation, regardless of where it is currently in the menu structure, and to request additional information and assistance. The selection of the function can, for example, via a hardware control part, such as a rotary-push-dial, or a touch-sensitive screen, a so-called touch screen, done or alternatively be carried out via a voice input. For this, the user does not need to know any commands, but can freely formulate his language request.

• – System: Wählen Sie eine Funktion. Sagen Sie dazu den Namen des Menüs, in dem sich die Funktion befindet, aus der dargestellten Liste.
• – Anwender: Navigation.
• – System: Navigation. Wählen Sie nun die Funktion aus der dargestellten Liste.
• – Anwender: Routenführung.
• – System: Routenführung. Sie können die Routenführung jetzt abbrechen oder weitere Information zu dieser Funktion erhalten.

The voice input described above may be graded in terms of technological implementation between a natural language formulation of a help request (eg, "I want to pause route guidance") and a simpler voice control of the function list. The natural language query requires a high recognition performance of the infotainment system as well as a complex semantic interpretation of the spoken word. For example, a voice control of a function list can also be implemented as a simple dialog:

• - System: Select a function. For this, say the name of the menu in which the function is located from the displayed list.
• - User: Navigation.
• - System: Navigation. Now select the function from the displayed list.
• - User: route guidance.
• - System: route guidance. You can now cancel the route guidance or get more information about this function.

The operating method according to the invention provides an inconspicuous operating aid for an infotainment system of a vehicle and combines a context-sensitive with a global help, which is described as an integral part of a menu-based information system. The described help provides the user with a menu item (control element 206 ) summarizes a situational contextual selection of various functions predicted to be helpful to the current situation, and the ability to choose, with a haptic selection or voice input from a global list of functions, the one to which help is desired. The selected function can either be performed immediately or information and step-by-step instructions for each function can be requested.

These Form of help has the advantage, a support potential without being identified as an aid in the classical sense. Depending on your needs, it provides an abbreviation for a function or detailed explanations of the function. The wording as a question ("What do you want to do?") corresponds to the situation in which a user needs help. Of the User does not ask for help, but shares it System with what he wants to do.

100

operating procedure

101

menu

102

context-sensitive Help

103

context-sensitive Extended menu

104

Function execution menu

105

menu

106

Help menu

107

global Help

108

general Help menu

109

Note issue

110

selection menu

111

selection menu

112

selection menu

201-206

operating element

301-305

auxiliary function

306

additional operating element

401

operating element

402

operating element

501

help line

601

operating element

701

operating element

702

operating element

703

operating element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 19941973 A1 [0003]
• - DE 20003800 U1 [0005]
• US 2007/0156648 A1 [0006]
• - US 7429993 B2 [0007]
• - WO 02/079896 A2 [0008]

Claims (15)

Operating method for a menu-based operating and information system of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: - displaying a menu ( 101 ), - providing a first operating element ( 201 - 205 ) for operating the menu ( 101 ), - providing a second operating element ( 206 ) to call up a context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ), with the context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ) a selection of actuatable auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) for the menu ( 101 ), wherein the selection of the actuatable auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) depending on the menu ( 101 ) is determined. Operating method according to claim 1, characterized in that the menu-based operating and information system has a hierarchical menu structure, and that the selection of actuatable auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) Includes functions anchored at other positions in the hierarchical menu structure. Operating method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection of auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the extension menu ( 103 ) predetermined typical generally commonly used functions of the menu ( 101 ). Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selection of auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the extension menu ( 103 ) Includes functions not previously used for at least a predetermined time. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selection of auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the extension menu ( 103 ) Comprises functions which, due to previous operating steps and / or due to an overall state of the operating and information system, have a high probability of subsequent use. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selection of auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the extension menu ( 103 ) Includes functions previously used by a user frequently in the menu ( 101 ) were used. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising modeling user behavior to enable the selection of helper functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the extension menu ( 103 ) depending on the modeling of user behavior. The operating method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising displaying a function execution menu ( 104 ) depending on a selection of one of the auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) of the context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ), where the function execution menu ( 104 ) a selection for either a run ( 401 ) one of the selected auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) corresponding function of the system or for execution ( 402 ) step-by-step instructions for the selected auxiliary function ( 301 - 305 ). Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing an additional operating element ( 306 ) in the context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ) to call a general help menu ( 108 ) for the operating and information system. Operating method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the general help menu ( 108 ) at least one selection function ( 701 ) is provided for inputting a help topic via a voice input. Operating method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the general help menu ( 108 ) at least one selection function ( 702 ) is provided for entering a help topic via a related list. Operating method according to one of Claims 9-11, characterized in that in the general help menu ( 108 ) at least one selection function ( 703 ) is provided for entering a help topic via a keyword search. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuation of the first ( 201 - 205 ), the second ( 206 ) or the additional ( 306 ) Comprises a multimodal interaction, wherein the multimodal interaction comprises an optical text output, an acoustic voice output and / or an acoustic voice input. A menu-based operating and information system of a vehicle, comprising: a display unit for displaying a menu ( 101 ) of the operating and information system for a user, - a first operating element ( 201 - 205 ) and a second control element ( 206 ) for operating the operating and information system by the user, and a processing unit connected to the display unit and the first operating element ( 201 - 205 ) and the second control element ( 206 ), wherein the processing unit is configured, - the menu ( 101 ) on the display unit, - an operation of the first control element ( 201 - 205 ) and, depending on this, a function of the menu ( 101 ), - an operation of the second operating element ( 206 ) and, depending thereon, a context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ), with the context-sensitive extension menu ( 103 ) a selection of actuatable auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) for the menu ( 101 ), the processing unit selecting the actuatable auxiliary functions ( 301 - 305 ) depending on the menu ( 101 ) certainly. Menu-based operating and information system according to claim 14, characterized in that the operating and information system for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1-13 is designed.