DE102009033061A1 - Method and device for controlling a user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing a user interface including an input device with a control unit for controlling coordination of a display surface (2) i.e. LCD surface. A push button (8) is displayed on the display surface and associated with multiple interaction possibilities. An initiated action performed in connection with the push button is detected using the input device that is provided with a touch-sensitive surface (5). One of the interaction possibilities is activated based on the detected action. An independent claim is also included for a device for controlling a user interface.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for controlling a user interface, the one input device with means for driving coordinates a display area. In the inventive Procedure becomes a button on the display area displayed, which are controlled by means of an input device and can be operated. Furthermore, the invention relates to a Device for controlling a user interface, with a display device with a display surface, an input device, the Means for driving coordinates of the display area includes, and a control device. By means of the control device the display area is controllable such that a button can be displayed, the button by means of the input device is controllable. Furthermore, the button is several Associated with interaction options. Furthermore, with the Control device in conjunction with the button executed, initiating action detectable. The invention The method and the device are used in particular in a vehicle stated.

In Conventionally, a vehicle is given various information displayed, in particular, the operating data of the vehicle for visually represent the driver. Furthermore, in the Vehicle for the driver traffic-related data shown become. For the display of this information was earlier used analogue mechanical indicating instruments. These were particular within the so-called instrument cluster nearby the driver's primary field of vision behind the wheel arranged. The instrument cluster is used in particular to display the Speed, tank contents, cooler temperature and other operational information of the vehicle.

With The increase in electronic equipment in the vehicle has made it necessary to display a larger amount of information in the vehicle. For example, modern vehicles include a variety of driver assistance systems, whose information must be displayed in the vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles often include a navigation system. By means of such a navigation system, digital geographical road maps with a route and, where appropriate various additional information is displayed. After all modern vehicles often include communication and multimedia applications, including a mobile phone interface and facilities for playing music and speech. Also for these applications there must be the possibility of information in the vehicle display.

Around flexibly display the diverse information in the vehicle to be able, as a display area z. B. a free programmable display used. This display can be in the range be arranged of the conventional instrument cluster. Furthermore, can For example, it is located above the center console of the vehicle be there and provide a multi-function display.

A multifunction display is usually operated in conjunction with an operating system. The input device for the operating system can remote control elements, such. As key switch, rotary switch or rotary pressure switch include. Furthermore, a touch-sensitive surface can be provided. This can be provided separately from the display surface in order to provide a so-called touchpad. Further, the touch-sensitive surface may be provided on the display surface to provide a so-called touch screen. In the case of a touch screen, the operation is performed by the user z. B. touched with his touchscreen. The position of the touch is detected, evaluated and assigned to an operating step. To support the user in the operation, virtual switches can be displayed on the display as graphical buttons. A display device with a touch-sensitive surface, which is used in conjunction with a navigation system, is for example in the DE 10 2005 020 155 A1 described.

From the DE 10 2004 053 950 A1 a method for controlling a display device is known in which by means of a display device an operating menu of a device of a vehicle is displayed if a touch of a control element of the device is identified.

From the DE 10 2007 029 618 A1 is a contactless activatable display and control device for a vehicle known. The device described in this document comprises a display surface which can be operated in a display mode and an operating mode. Furthermore, a position-sensitive sensor unit is provided with which the position of an actuating element relative to a control element can be detected. Upon actuation of the operating element, the user moves the actuating element into an activation volume in front of the actuating element. Thereafter, the operation mode of the display device changes from the display mode to the operation mode. In the operating mode, interactive controls are displayed. From the DE 10 2006 061 778 A1 Another display and control device is known in which can be switched between a display mode and an operating mode back and forth.

For the display of information in one Vehicle and for the operation of the various facilities of the vehicle arise very specific requirements. The information recording and operation in the vehicle, inter alia, by the driver. The information should thus be displayed in the vehicle so that the information recording by the driver does not lead to a distraction while driving. The information presented should therefore be intuitively and quickly detectable by the driver, so that he only has to take his eyes off the driving experience for a very short time for the information recording. Similarly, the operation of the vehicle equipment should be as simple and intuitive as possible, so that the driver can operate the equipment while driving. If the operation is supported or guided by a display, the display should be such that the operator only has to look at the display for a very short time to perform the operation.

Of the The present invention is based on the object, a method and to provide a device of the type mentioned, which simplifies the operation of buttons is displayed on the display area.

According to the invention this object by a method having the features of the claim 1 and a device with the features of claim 13 solved. Advantageous training and further education emerge from the dependent Claims.

at the method according to the invention is on the display surface a button appears, where the button several interaction options are assigned. through the input device will be executed in conjunction with the button initiating action and it becomes at least one of the interaction option activated depending on a detected action.

Under A button becomes a control within the meaning of the invention understood a graphical user interface. A button differs from elements and surfaces to pure Information display, so-called display elements or advertising areas, in that they are selectable. When selecting a Button performs a function assigned to it. The function can only change the information display to lead. Furthermore, via the buttons Facilities are controlled, their operation by the information display is supported. The buttons can thus replacing conventional mechanical switches. The buttons can arbitrarily on a freely programmable display surface of a display are generated and displayed. Furthermore, can be provided be that a button can be marked. In this case the assigned function is not yet executed. The marked button, however, is opposite to others Buttons highlighted. The mark and / or selection of a button can by means of a Cursor control or by direct operation of a touch-sensitive surface of the display.

Under an initiating action is understood in the sense of the invention, that in an operation a connection to a specific Button has been made. Subsequently the user performs a specific operation. This operation is initiated by an action of the user, i. H. began. These initiating action is analyzed. In dependence of The result of the analysis may provide a certain opportunity for interaction activated from the variety of interaction options.

If a button several interaction options are usually associated with an interaction via activates a separate operating step. For example, in a tool menu are selected, which interaction option desired for the displayed buttons is. However, if it is particularly important for a user interface is that an operation is performed quickly, as is the case, for example, in a vehicle, it is disadvantageous if an interaction option in a separate operating step is selected. According to the invention the selection and activation of the desired interaction with the button in the operating procedure to actuate the button integrated. The activation of the interaction possibility namely at the beginning of the operation by a initiating action in conjunction with the button is performed.

According to one Embodiment of the method according to the invention The input device comprises a touch-sensitive Surface. The touch-sensitive surface is formed in particular on the display surface, so that provided a so-called touchscreen becomes. To drive coordinates of the display area is the touch-sensitive surface of one Actuator touched. Will a touch screen provided, thus becomes the touch-sensitive surface the display area, at the coordinates on the display area touches that are to be addressed. When the actuator is in particular, it is the fingertip of a user.

According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the input device comprises a cursor control. In this case For example, in order to drive coordinates of the display area, a cursor is displayed which is displayed on the display area. The user operates in this case, for example, a mechanical control element, such as a so-called joystick.

The initiating action, which activates at least one interaction possibility leads, for example, a driving the button means the input device. An initiating action to activate at least one interaction option is in particular then before, if the button for a particular Time interval is controlled. Is this the button around a virtual push-button and the input is made via a touch-sensitive surface of the display area, corresponds to the activation of the button for a certain time interval a longer press of the pushbutton (long press).

According to one another embodiment becomes a gesture as an initiating action executed by the input device. This gesture is executed in particular if already a connection to a specific button has been created. The initial gesture of the operation leads in this case to activate a certain interaction possibility. If the input device is a touch-sensitive Surface includes, the user can, for example, with the fingertip a certain characteristic movement on the Run surface to a desired Enable interaction option. Such a gesture is in particular an outgoing of the button movement. This movement can be done by means of a cursor or directly on the display surface be executed.

According to one another embodiment of the method according to the invention is approaching an actuating element detects the input device and the initiating action for activation the at least one possibility of interaction is approaching an actuating element to the input device. includes the input device, for example, a touch-sensitive Surface, the approach becomes with the fingertip to this interface to activate an interaction opportunity used. The approach to the input device can particularly spatially resolved, d. H. it will detects at what position the actuator approaches the input device.

According to one Embodiment of the method according to the invention becomes the representation depending on a detected action the button according to the activated interaction option changed. In an initial state, for example, a first interaction option visualized by the graphic design of the button become. This first interaction option can be, for example correspond to a virtual key switch. If the user is now using the fingertip the touch-sensitive surface touched the display area at this key switch and the fingertip is not immediately removed, but the fingertip starting from the displayed button in one direction moves, the design of the button changes z. B. such that a slide switch is displayed graphically. A associated with the button can thus be a continuous change of the driven Coordinates of the display area. Furthermore, an interaction possibility a selection of a button from several displayed Be buttons. In this case, several selectable Buttons graphically displayed.

According to one Further development of the method according to the invention is the user who is performing the action. For example the user of the actuating element, which z. B. the fingertip of the user is to be captured. Further, from the user preferred interaction options stored. The selectable interaction options can in this case, the user-preferred interaction options depend. In particular, the selectable interaction options the user-preferred interaction options. According to this Further development of the method according to the invention the interaction possibilities can be individualized adapted to individual users.

After all be noted that different buttons be associated with different interaction options can. In addition, the activatable Interaction options of a button from Depend on context in which the button is shown.

The Device according to the invention for controlling a User interface is characterized in that by means of Control device at least one of the interaction options the button depending on a detected Action is activatable.

By the control device according to the invention are the Steps of the above method in part or in full feasible.

According to one Embodiment of the device according to the invention this includes a proximity sensor with which to approach an actuating element to the input device is detected. The position sensor is also preferred with the proximity sensor detectable, in which the actuating element of the input device approaches.

The Input device may further, for example, a touch-sensitive Surface and / or cursor control include how above with reference to the method according to the invention was explained.

The Invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment Explained with reference to the drawings.

1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the coupling of this device with other devices of a vehicle, and

the 2 to 5 show displays that were produced by an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

The device for controlling a user interface is accommodated in particular in a vehicle. Through this user interface, a vehicle occupant can operate various devices of the vehicle. The control device comprises a display device 1 with a display area 2 , which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible by at least one vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. The display area 2 can be provided by a display, in particular a liquid crystal display, of any type.

The display device 1 is with a control device 3 coupled. The control device 3 generates graphics data by means of the display device 1 can be displayed. The control device 3 is this with a memory 4 coupled to store data. The data include in particular buttons 8th on the display area 2 can be displayed and through which the user can interact with the control device. The buttons 8th are associated with multiple interaction options that are in the memory 4 are stored.

Furthermore, the control device 3 with a vehicle bus 7 coupled, over which data can be exchanged with various facilities of the vehicle. The user interface is used in particular to control these devices of the vehicle. Furthermore, the user interface of the control of the display device 1 serve yourself.

Furthermore, an input device is provided by means of which the user can generate control signals. In the present case is a touch-sensitive surface 5 on the display surface 2 intended. The display device 1 thus includes a so-called touch screen. By touching the touch-sensitive surface 5 with an actuating element, such. As a fingertip, the user can certain coordinates of the display area 2 drive. This is done by means of the touch-sensitive surface 5 detects at which position the surface is touched. Then, a control signal can be generated, which in particular the display content at the position on the display surface 2 depends on which the touch-sensitive surface 5 was touched.

Alternatively, the touch-sensitive surface may also be separate from the display surface 2 be provided. In this case, a so-called touchpad is provided. Furthermore, a mechanical operating element can also be provided, with which one on the display surface 2 displayed cursor is controllable.

Finally, a proximity sensor 6 provided with the approach of an actuating element to the input device, ie in the present embodiment of the touch-sensitive surface 5 , is detected. The proximity sensor 6 is with the control device 3 connected. It transmits a signal to the control device 3 when an actuator as far as the touch-sensitive surface 5 has approached below a pre-set threshold.

Finally, the input device or the proximity sensor 6 be formed so that the user is detected, who operates the input device. Details of how a user or the sitting position of a user who operates a device of a vehicle can be determined are shown in FIG WO 2008/025407 A1 described.

The following is related to the 2 to 5 an embodiment of the method according to the invention described. The method can be carried out in particular by the control device explained above:
By means of the control device 3 be on the display area 2 several buttons 9 to 11 displayed, to which certain functions are assigned. The button 9 is used to call a defined submenu using the button 10 The volume of an acoustic output in the interior of the vehicle can be adjusted and the buttons 11 Serves to adjust the temperature for the driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The buttons 9 to 11 Several interaction options are assigned. For example, the button is 9 shown as a virtual push-button. The user can use the touch-sensitive surface 5 at the position of the button 9 briefly touch. This operation causes a submenu to be displayed which is the button 9 assigned. Furthermore, the button 9 as a possibility of interaction a virtual slide switch associated with the user by a movement with the fingertip on the touch-sensitive surface 5 can move. The following explains how to enable an interaction option:
Starting point is the in 2 Display shown, where the button 9 as interaction option a virtual key switch is assigned. The user types the button 9 shortly, a submenu appears. The submenu contains additional buttons which the user can select by tapping again.

The user touches the button 9 but with his fingertip and does not immediately release it, but moves the fingertip on the surface 5 z. B. in the horizontal direction, the graphical representation of the button changes 9 , It will not be the in 2 shown virtual key switch, but a graphical element 12 as it is in 3 is shown. Touching the surface 5 at the button 9 and the subsequent shifting of the touch point on the surface 5 is from the control device 3 considered as an initiating action in conjunction with the button 9 was executed. This initiating action, where the fingertip starting from the button 9 on the surface 5 Being moved causes another interaction opportunity for the button 9 is activated. For this new interaction option, the in 3 shown graphic element 12 with the virtual slide switch 13 displayed.

The slide switch 13 includes a scale, with a total of five divisions and a marker 14 by the user by moving the fingertip on the touch-sensitive surface 5 can be positioned on a position of the scale. Above the scale are five display elements 15 to 19 shown, which visualize functions that correspond to the corresponding positions of the marker 14 on the scale of the slide switch 13 assigned.

For example, to call a phone function through the display element 15 is visualized, the user touches the button 9 with your fingertip, moving it slightly in one direction. The graphic element then appears 12 , where the mark 14 of the slide switch is displayed so as to be displayed at the position where the user touches the surface with the fingertip 5 touched. The user now moves with the movement on the touch-sensitive surface 5 until he reaches the mark 13 at the scale below the display element 15 has placed, which is assigned to the phone function. Is the mark 14 on the slide switch 13 positioned accordingly, the user leaves the surface 5 Come on. Then a telephone function is called, ie eg a telecommunications menu is displayed.

In the method according to the invention, the user thus has various options with a button 9 to interact. Which interaction option is activated depends on an initiating action of the operation associated with that button 9 is performed.

Other initiating actions for activating a certain interaction possibility, which are not explained in detail here, are, for example, the touch of a button for a specific time interval, without any movement on the touch-sensitive surface 5 , or performing a specific gesture on the touch-sensitive surface 5 ,

Furthermore, the approach to the touch-sensitive surface already can 5 at a particular position, or the manner of approaching that position, as an initiating action to activate a particular interaction opportunity from the controller 3 be interpreted. If the user executing the action is identified, the initiating actions for activating the interaction options can also be defined user-specifically. Furthermore, the possibilities of interaction may depend on the user and, where appropriate, the context of use.

Touches the user at the in 2 displayed ad, the button 10 with your fingertip and then moves the fingertip slightly z. B. in the horizontal direction, this is the control device 3 again interpreted as an initiating action for activating an interaction opportunity. On this action the in 4 reproduced display in which a slide switch 20 with a marker 21 and a display element 22 for the volume setting. By means of this slide switch 20 the user can adjust the volume for an acoustic output in the vehicle interior.

Accordingly, the user can use the button 11 set the temperature for the driver side or front passenger side. He taps one of the buttons 11 shortly, a menu for climate settings of the vehicle appears. On the other hand, the user touches one of the buttons 11 and leaves the touch-sensitive surface 5 then does not immediately start again, but moves the finger in one direction, the appears in 5 displayed display with a slide switch 23 with a marker 24 and a display element 25 which the Setpoint temperature.

at Another interaction option, be in the area a general button several differentiating Buttons are displayed. For example, a "Media" button at an initiating action of an operation in buttons which the functions "forward", "stop / play", "reverse" for associated with the reproduction of pieces of music.

At the end of the interaction with a button, as in the 3 to 5 are shown, the display jumps back to the in 2 shown display. Furthermore, after a defined time after releasing a button, the display can jump back to the original representation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

display device

2

display area

3

control device

4

Storage

5

touch-sensitive surface

6

Annäherungsqsensor

7

vehicle bus

8th

button

9-11

buttons

12

graphic element

13

virtual slide switches

14

mark

15-19

indicators

20

virtual slide switches

21

mark

22

display element

23

virtual slide switches

24

mark

25

display 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 102005020155 A1 [0005]
• - DE 102004053950 A1 [0006]
• - DE 102007029618 A1 [0007]
• - DE 102006061778 A1 [0007]
• WO 2008/025407 A1 [0036]

Claims (15)

Method for controlling at a user interface, comprising an input device ( 5 ) with means for driving coordinates of a display area ( 2 ), in which - on the display surface ( 2 ) a button ( 8th ) is displayed, whereby the button ( 8th ) are associated with a plurality of interaction possibilities, - by means of the input device ( 5 ) one in conjunction with the button ( 8th ) and at least one of the interaction options is activated as a function of a detected action. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device ( 5 ) a touch-sensitive surface ( 5 ) and that for driving coordinates of the display area ( 2 ) the touch-sensitive surface ( 5 ) is touched by an actuator. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input device ( 5 ) comprises a cursor control and that for driving coordinates of the display surface ( 2 ) a cursor is moved on the display surface ( 2 ) is shown. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiating action for activating the at least one interaction possibility activates the button ( 8th ) by means of the input device ( 5 ). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the initiating action for activating the at least one possibility of interaction activates the button of the input device ( 5 ) for a certain time interval. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the initiating action for activating the at least one possibility of interaction comprises executing a gesture by means of the input device ( 5 ). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the gesture is one of the button ( 8th ) is outgoing movement. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an approach of an actuating element to the input device ( 5 ) and the initiating action for activating the at least one possibility of interaction, the approach of the actuating element to the input device ( 5 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on the detected action, the representation of the button ( 8th ) is changed according to the activated interaction option. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first interaction possibility a continuous change of the controlled coordinates of the display area ( 2 ) and that for this first interaction possibility a slide switch ( 13 . 20 . 23 ) is graphically displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second possibility of interaction a selection of a button from several displayed Buttons is and that for this second interaction option several selectable buttons shown graphically become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user is detected who the action executes that the user stored preferred interaction options are and that the selectable interaction options from the user-preferred interaction options depend. Device for controlling a user interface with - a display device ( 1 ) with a display area ( 2 ), - an input device ( 5 ), the means for driving coordinates of the display area ( 2 ), and - a control device ( 3 ), by means of which the display surface ( 2 ) is controllable so that a button ( 8th ) is displayed, with the button ( 8th ) by means of the input device ( 5 ) and the button ( 8th ) are assigned to a plurality of interaction possibilities, and by means of which one in connection with the button ( 8th ), initiating action can be detected, characterized in that - by means of the control device ( 3 ) at least one of the interaction possibilities of the button ( 8th ) is activated as a function of a detected action. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the device comprises a proximity sensor ( 6 ), with which an approaching of an actuating element to the input device ( 5 ) is detectable. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the input device has a touch-sensitive surface ( 5 ) and / or a cursor control.

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