DE102014011164A1 - Operating device for a motor vehicle with a three-dimensional touchscreen - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a motor vehicle (5) for detecting an operator action of a user. The operating device (10) comprises a touch screen (12) and a guide element (14) which is arranged on the touch screen (12) or integrated in the touch screen (12). The guide element (14) comprises at least one orientation region (22) with a three-dimensional, predetermined shape which can be perceived haptically by a user's body part (24) carrying out the operator action. The at least one orientation area (22) is designed to transmit the operating action to the partial area of the touch screen (12). The predetermined shape of the at least one orientation region (22) is preferably designed in accordance with a movement path predetermined by the operator action. Preferably, the at least one orientation region (22) is designed as a circular elevation of the guide element (14) or as an elongated depression of the guide element (14), for example as a push button or slide controller.

Description

The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, for detecting an operating action of a user, wherein the operating device comprises a touch screen.

In motor vehicles, operating devices are increasingly being used as a user interface between a user performing an operator action and an electronic system, such as an infotainment system. In the meantime, the functions and systems which can be controlled by such an operating device have become so diverse that the use of a touch screen, that is to say a touch screen, has become established. However, with increasing complexity and variety of corresponding software of the exemplary infotainment system, the user's operation becomes more complex.

From the DE 10 2011 012 838 A1 and the EP 2 562 630 A2 Methods and apparatuses for providing a user interface are known in which a touch-sensitive screen has a freely programmable display area with a tactile profile. This requires complex electronics within the touchscreen.

Another touch-sensitive screen with recessed symbols on the sensory surface of the screen is in the DE 10 2011 013 599 A1 described.

The known in the art touch-sensitive screens are usually complex electronic components that need to be integrated with considerable manufacturing effort of the motor vehicle. Another disadvantage is that the tactile profile is software and / or function specific.

One object of the present invention is to provide the operating device for a motor vehicle for intuitive operation of one or more motor vehicle systems.

The object is achieved by the operating device according to the invention, for example a user interface of an infotainment system, and the motor vehicle according to the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of integrating a guide element into the operating device, wherein the guide element comprises at least one orientation region with a three-dimensional, predetermined shape haptically perceptible by a body part of the user performing the operator action. As a result, fixed touch areas can be provided for the touch screen, which a user can operate without eye contact. By providing the guide element, the touch screen of the operating device no longer has to be equipped with complex electronics of the profile encompassed by the screen.

The operating device according to the invention in a motor vehicle accordingly serves for detecting an operating action of a user. The operating device comprises a touch screen, ie a touch screen, d. H. an input and output device with a touch-sensitive surface, which also includes a display.

The operating device is characterized by a guide element which is arranged on the touch screen. A guide element is an element that allows and promotes the orientation of the user on the touch screen. In this case, the guide element and / or the touch screen itself comprises at least one orientation area with a three-dimensional, predetermined shape, which can be perceived haptically by a user of the body performing the operation. An orientation area thus represents a touch area. The orientation area is here arranged on a partial area of the touch screen, for example a control panel of the touch screen, and is designed to transmit the control action to the partial area of the touch screen. In other words, the guide element comprises at least one orientation region, which comprises a three-dimensional profile, that is to say a relief and / or a raised structure. The at least one orientation area can transmit the operator action to the subarea by z. B. at least one orientation region is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and / or in that the at least one orientation region is designed such that it comprises a raised edge of a recess, and for example a finger of the user by the raised edge along the recess on the Can be moved along the touch screen.

The guide element according to the invention assigns fixed touch areas to the touch screen, which the user can perceive and operate without eye contact. Independently of a stored display on the touchscreen, therefore, an operator action can be transmitted from the orientation area to the sensor of the touchscreen. Even with a changing display of the touch screen, For example, when switching from a menu of a radio to a menu of an air conditioner, so firm tactile areas are provided, which can operate the user intuitively.

Furthermore, in order to produce the operating device according to the invention, no complex mechanics and / or electronics have to be installed in a sensory surface of the touch screen, so that conventional flat touch screens could be easily upgraded. Such an orientation range as a touch range is defined by this, d. H. conveys a kind of function that can be performed, for example.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the haptic perceptible shape with respect to a user-facing surface of the orientation region is designed as a survey and / or a depression. Preferably, the shape is configured as a circular elevation of the guide element or as an elongated recess of the guide element. This provides characteristically defined touch areas, a feature of a function that can be triggered with the area of the touch screen below the orientation area. This allows intuitive operation by the user.

In a further preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the predetermined shape of the at least one orientation region is designed according to a movement path predetermined by the operating action. The predetermined shape may take the form of a slider, a button or a key as follows. This allows a more intuitive operation of the motor vehicle.

The guide element and / or the at least one orientation region may or may adhere to the touch screen according to a further preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, preferably be sprayed on and / or glued on and / or manufactured by means of a rapid prototyping method. The orientation region can be designed, for example, as a glued ring. In a reversible attachment of the exemplary mounting option, for example, depending on the user or depending on the situation different guide elements can be applied to the touch screen. With a fixed application of the guide element and / or the at least one orientation region, an already existing touch-sensitive user interface of the motor vehicle or a touch screen of the user can be retrofitted for a journey with the motor vehicle without a complex change of the electronics.

According to a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the guide element and / or the at least one orientation region may consist at least partially of an electrically conductive material, for example a resistive polyester layer and / or an inductive touchscreen film. By means of such a guide element and / or an orientation region, the operator action can already be received by the guide element and / or the orientation region and passed on to the touch screen. As a result, the user no longer has to touch the control panel of the touch screen during operation, but instead can, for example, have a finger steer from the orientation element to the partial area of the control panel. Thus, the user can control the touch screen by blind operation.

In order to further promote an intuitive operation without visual contact, the at least one orientation region according to a further embodiment may comprise a push button and / or a slider.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the guide element is configured as a flat cover element for the touch screen. Such a flat cover member may be configured, for example, as a support, cover, screen and / or peelable film with raised elements of different thickness. As a result, a pass-type mask can be provided as a guide element for the touch screen.

A movement device which is designed to connect the guide device to the touch screen in a mobile manner, so that the guide device is movable relative to the touch screen, according to another preferred embodiment, allows the guide element to be used depending on a user and / or situation. In this case, the movement device can for example comprise a joint, so that a flat cover element can be placed as a guide element, for example on the touch screen or folded away from the touch screen, depending on which user uses the operating device or, for example, in which situation the user uses the control.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the movement device comprises a control device and / or an up and / or unwinding mechanism for winding and / or unrolling the guide device as a function of an operating state of the motor vehicle. For example, can so, as soon as a motor vehicle is started, the control device generate a control signal that causes a rolling up and / or unwinding of the guide device on the touch screen. As a result, the guide element is automatically available to a user as a user aid while driving.

The above object is also achieved by a motor vehicle, preferably by a passenger car, comprising an operating device according to one of the embodiments described above.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of concrete embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples shown represent preferred embodiments of the invention. Functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals in the figures. It shows:

1 a schematic sketch of an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention in a cross section,

2 a schematic sketch of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, which comprises, for example, a movement device,

3 a further schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, which includes, for example, a movement device, and

4 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, which is equipped in an interior with an operating device according to the invention.

The 1 shows an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention in cross section for a motor vehicle, for example for a passenger car. The operating device 10 may include, for example, an operating device, such as an input keyboard of an infotainment system of the exemplary motor vehicle. The exemplary operating device 10 includes a touch screen 12 So a touch screen 12 , and a guide element 14 , The 1 also shows a control unit 25 , each having an exemplary communication connection 29 determine a detected operator action and / or the display 18 of the operating element 12 can control. The control unit 25 includes, for example, a microchip or a microcontroller of the touchscreen 12 ,

The exemplary touchscreen 12 of the 1 includes, for example, a surface-capacitive touchscreen with a touch-sensitive layer 16 from, for example, indium tin oxide ("ITO"), that is to say from a semiconducting material which is largely transparent in visible light. Furthermore, the exemplary surface capacitive touchscreen includes 12 a display area such as a thin film transistor ("TFT") display. The touch screen 12 however, may alternatively have a touch screen 12 according to another known to those skilled in the operation, for example, a resistive touch screen 12 , a projected capacitive touch screen 12 , a touch screen 12 with an inductive touch screen film, a touch screen 12 with an optical system, a touch screen 12 with a dispersive signal technology system or a sound wave controlled touch screen 12 ("SAW Touchscreen", "Servers Akustic Wave Touchscreen"). In the example of 1 is the touch screen 12 by means of a holder 20 firmly stored, for example on a dashboard of the motor vehicle.

The guide element 14 is on the touch screen 12 arranged and includes at least one orientation area 22 , In the 1 are for example two orientation areas 22 illustrated, wherein a respective orientation area 22 a three-dimensional, through the operating action performing body part 24 the user haptic perceptible, predetermined shape comprises. The at least one orientation area 22 is on a portion of the touch screen 12 arranged. In the present example the 1 is the guide element 14 as a flat cover element for the touch screen 12 designed. The guide element 14 is for example as a support or screen for the touch screen 12 designed. Preferably, the flat cover element as a guide element 14 a peelable sensory film comprising at least one raised orientation region 22 includes, so at least one orientation area 22 having a thickness different from the surface of the cover member. This exemplary film may preferably comprise a resistive polyester layer, so that touching the body part 24 on the orientation area 22 can be detected by this and the sensory property of the operating action on the sensory film 16 of the touchscreen 12 can be transferred.

Around the at least one orientation area 22 on the touch screen 12 can arrange the guide element 14 and / or the at least one orientation area 22 stick on the touch screen. This can be done for example by an injection molding process or by sticking. Alternatively, the guide element 14 and / or the at least one orientation region 22 by means of an alternative manufacturing method known to the person skilled in the art, for example by means of a rapid prototyping method. In a simple exemplary embodiment, at least one orientation area 22 For example, this one can be on the touch screen 12 glued ring of plastic, for example. The orientation area 22 lies on the subsection of the touchscreen 12 Preferably, the subarea displays a control panel, such as a slider for changing a volume in a radio function, or a toggle field for turning on or off the radio function, and / or changing a program or function of the touch screen software , a on and / or off field for turning on or off an air conditioner.

The predetermined shape of the at least one orientation area 22 can be configured according to a predetermined by the operating action movement. The example of 1 shows as a first example on the left side an orientation area 22 , which is designed in the shape or shape of a button or a button. The exemplary orientation area 22 on the left side of the guide element 14 of the 1 is thus configured, for example, as a survey. Depending on a stored display of the touch screen 12 So is the operation of various functions of, for example, a radio and / or air conditioning possible.

Another exemplary orientation area 22 , in the 1 on the right side of the guide element 14 can be configured, for example, as an elongated recess. Here, for example, the orientation area 22 in the form of a bead on the touch screen 12 Adhere, wherein within the exemplary elongated bead a recess is provided so that upon touching the orientation area 22 on the right side the body part 24 along the exemplary bead the touch screen 12 touched and can drive along the bead. Such an exemplary elongated depression as orientation area 22 For example, it can include or symbolize a slider, slider, or slider. In an exemplary raised designed orientation area 22 this may consist of a non-conductive material. The exemplary orientation area 22 , which is designed as a recess, may preferably at least partially made of an electrically conductive material, for example of an inductive polyester. Alternatively, the guide element 14 also one or more individual orientation areas 22 which are not connected to each other. In the simplest case, this can be made possible by a glued-on plastic ring or several plastic rings.

The orientation area 22 is for transmitting the operation to the partial area of the touch screen 12 designed. The transfer of the operator action can, as already described above, a guiding of the body part 24 on the surface of the touch screen 12 or directly transmitting an electrical signal upon contact by the body part 24 to the touch screen 12 ,

The 2 shows a further embodiment of an operating device according to the invention 10 , For example, a control device according to the 1 , in addition a movement device 26 includes. Also in the example of 2 can the guide element 14 be designed as a flat cover.

As in the example of 2 shown, the movement device 26 For example, be designed as a joint, so that the guide element 14 for example, like a mask on the touch screen 12 can be folded down, for example, the touch screen 12 for a driver to cover, so to provide (in the example of the 2 shown by the case P). Is the operating device 10 for example, not by a holder 20 attached, the touch screen can 12 For example, be given by the driver to a person in the back seat, and the person in the back seat, the guide element 14 from the touch screen 12 fold up when the person is the guide element 14 do not want to use. The movement device 26 can, for example, depending on an operating condition of the motor vehicle, by a control device 28 via a communication connection 29 to be moved. The operating state may include, for example, an operating state of the engine.

In the 3 is a further embodiment of an operating device according to the invention 10 also shown a movement device 26 may include. In the example of 3 can the movement device 26 for example in a holder 20 be integrated, and may, for example, a rotatable rod with a rolling mechanism, over which the guide element 14 in the direction of movement P up and / or can be unrolled include. The movement device can, as already for 2 described, depending on an operating condition of the motor vehicle by means of a control device and a communication link 29 to be moved.

The 4 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention 5 , for example one Passenger car as a motor vehicle 5 In an interior an interior equipment component 30 For example, a center console and / or a dashboard includes. The exemplary motor vehicle 5 of the 4 also includes an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention 10 , for example, an operating device according to one of the previously described interior facilities 10 may include. In the 4 is the operating device 10 thereby to be seen in a view into the front interior and there are schematically two exemplary orientation areas 22 shown.

The above-mentioned embodiments illustrate the principle of the invention, an operating device 10 to facilitate operation of, for example, an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, the at least one orientation area 22 includes. The guide element 14 of the touchscreen 12 (and / or the touchscreen 12 itself) may comprise, for example, a round depression, for example for a pushbutton and / or a switch and / or a control panel and / or an elongated recess for, for example, a slider operation (ie a recess designed as a finger and / or touch panel) and / or or a round survey and / or a linear survey. In other words, for example, a round depression or an elongated depression may be included in the touch screen, for example 12 be integrated. The at least one orientation area 22 can represent a defined operating area. Depending on a stored display of the touch screen 12 would be the operation of various functions of, for example, a radio and / or air conditioning possible. The operating device according to the invention 10 facilitates operation and / or finger pressure on a touch screen 12 ,

It does not matter how the preferably touch-sensitive orientation area 22 and / or a limitation of the at least one orientation area 22 is made or pronounced (for example, recessed and / or sublime). In principle, for example, a ring and / or an elongated delimitation on a touch-sensitive area of the touch screen 12 be glued on. As a result, the tactile areas are fixed, and an application can switch to a "skin" (ie a display). Thus, for example, a button for turning on and / or off a radio and / or an infotainment system can be used with a radio function, while the background, so for example, the display of the touch screen 12 , a radio or menu to operate the radio. If, for example, an air conditioner is displayed, or a menu for operating an air conditioner, the same exemplary orientation area is used 22 and / or switches for example, switching on and / or off the air conditioning.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011012838 A1 [0003]
• EP 2562630 A2 [0003]
• DE 102011013599 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Control device ( 10 ) for a motor vehicle ( 5 ), for detecting a user's operation, comprising a touch screen ( 12 ), characterized in that a guide element on the touch screen ( 12 ) is arranged, wherein the guide element ( 14 ) and / or the touch screen ( 12 ) at least one orientation area ( 22 ) with a three-dimensional, by a the operating action performing body part ( 24 ) comprises a user-perceivable, predetermined shape which is displayed on a partial area of the touch screen (FIG. 12 ) and the at least one orientation region ( 22 ) for transferring the operation to the partial area of the touch screen ( 12 ) is designed. Control device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the haptic perceivable shape with respect to a user-facing surface of the orientation region ( 22 ) is designed as a protrusion and / or a recess, preferably as a circular elevation of the guide element ( 14 ) or as an elongated depression of the guide element ( 14 ). Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined shape of the at least one orientation region ( 22 ) is designed according to a predetermined by the operation action movement path. Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element ( 14 ) and / or the at least one orientation area ( 22 ) on the touch screen ( 12 ), in particular sprayed on and / or glued on, and / or is manufactured by means of a rapid prototyping method. Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element ( 14 ) and / or the at least one orientation area ( 22 ) consists at least partially of an electrically conductive material. Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one orientation region ( 22 ) comprises a button and / or a slider. Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element ( 14 ) as a flat cover element for the touch screen ( 12 ) is configured. Control device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a movement device ( 26 ), which is designed to allow the management device ( 14 ) with the touch screen ( 12 ) so that the guide means relative to the touch screen ( 12 ) is movable. Control device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, wherein the movement device ( 26 ) a control device ( 28 ) and / or a winding and unwinding mechanism comprises for winding and / or unwinding of the guide device ( 14 ) in dependence on an operating state of the motor vehicle ( 5 ). Motor vehicle ( 5 ), comprising an operating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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