DE102014200546A1 - Method for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle and operating device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle, wherein infotainment data (Inf1) can be displayed or displayed on at least one display or projection surface (108) and with at least one separate operating device (200) functions of the infotainment system via a selection menu (207 ) are selectable and activatable or can be selected or activated. According to the invention, in at least one operating mode of the infotainment system, the selection menu (207) can be displayed or displayed exclusively on a display device (202) of the at least one separate operating device (200), while exclusively on the at least one display or projection surface (108) Infotainment data (Inf1) of an activated function of the infotainment system can be displayed or displayed. With this decoupling of the representation of the selection menu (207) on the one hand and the presentation of infotainment data (Inf1) on the other hand, the operation of the infotainment system can be significantly improved.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to an operating device for carrying out the method according to claim 3.

Nowadays, motor vehicles of the upper and luxury class are particularly high-quality equipped to offer passengers the greatest possible comfort in the motor vehicle. Such equipment usually includes an infotainment system. An infotainment system within the meaning of the invention is to be understood broadly and, in addition to the possibility of setting driver assistance systems, at least also includes the option of setting communication, navigation, audio and video functions.

Due to the increasing variety of adjustable functions, efforts are made to make operating an infotainment system as easy as possible for an operator.

From the features of the preamble of claim 1 forming DE 10 2009 019 818 A1 is known a control and display system for a vehicle with multiple control units. These are used for the redundant selection and activation of entries in a menu structure with several menu levels. One of the operating units is integrated in the vehicle at a predetermined fixed position, the other is designed as a portable remote control unit with a touch-sensitive surface. Degrees of freedom and associated operations of the stationary operating unit can be emulated on the run as a portable remote control second control unit.

From the also the features of the preamble of claim 1 forming DE 10 2009 037 401 A1 It is known to operate an infotainment system by means of a touchpad in conjunction with arranged around this touchpad pushbuttons. In particular, when touching the touchpad, the control of a cursor on a central screen of the motor vehicle is effected, by means of which functions of an infotainment system can then be selected and activated.

In the DE 38 42 413 A1 a portable operating device is proposed, which also has cursor control elements in addition to a conventional input keyboard. These cursor controls allow you to select desired functions when interacting with a monitor.

Finally, in the DE 10 2012 007 704 A1 the control of a rear equipment by means of a smartphone described.

The invention is based on the object, the said prior art according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 such that the operation of an infotainment system is further simplified.

It is also the object of the invention to provide a suitable operating device for operating an infotainment system.

The above objects are achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 and the characterizing features of claim 3.

Advantageous embodiments or developments of the invention can be taken from the respective subclaims.

The invention is based on a method for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle, where infotainment data can be displayed or displayed on at least one display or projection surface and with at least one separate (ie not coincident with the display or projection surface as in a touchscreen). Operating device functions of the infotainment system can be selected and activated via a selection menu or selected and activated.

The term "infotainment data" is also to be understood here very broadly and includes data of a selected and activated function of the infotainment system. Selection options of a selection menu do not fall under this term.

If, for example, a video function is selected and activated, the infotainment data comprise the video data displayed on a display or projection surface of the motor vehicle, that is to say the representation of the film itself.

For example, when selecting and activating a navigation function, the infotainment data includes a navigation map displayed on a display or projection screen.

According to the invention, it is now proposed that in at least one operating mode of the infotainment system, the selection menu is displayed or displayed exclusively on a display device of the at least one separate operating device, while exclusively on the at least one display or projection surface Infotainment data of an activated function of the infotainment system can be displayed or displayed.

By this method, it is thus possible to separate the display or presentation of infotainment data on a display or projection surface on the one hand from the display of a selection menu on the other hand.

Thus, on at least one operating or functional level of the infotainment system, selection options of a selection menu are displayed only on the separate operating device.

This can be particularly useful when an operator is watching a movie or a navigation map is displayed and the operator wants to navigate through a selection menu.

In the intended change of function or menu level or browsing for change options, the presentation of infotainment data on the display or projection screen is in no way limited or disturbed by fading example of a menu to be operated with a cursor.

According to a very advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, the infotainment system is operated by several people by means of a separate operating device or is operated by these, depending on the particular selected function of the infotainment system infotainment data can be displayed or displayed only on a single area or on several areas of the screen become.

For example, it is conceivable that two passengers seated in the rear of the motor vehicle each operate the infotainment system with a separate operating device and each selects a different function. For example, one person watches a video or TV movie while the other listens to MP3 or CD music.

On the basis of this different function selection, a control unit of the infotainment system can control one or more projection devices in such a way that data on one area of a suitable projection surface in the rear of the motor vehicle belong to one passenger in front of the one passenger and to another on another area of the projection surface in front of the other passenger Music titles are projected.

However, as soon as both rear passengers select and activate the same function, for example watching the same movie or listening to the same music track, the corresponding infotainment data is only displayed on a single area of the projection screen. This area can then be aligned, for example, centrally or centrally on the projection surface, so that each rear passenger must perform a comparable rotation of the head.

As mentioned, the invention also relates to an operating device for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle.

According to the invention, such an operating device has a touch-sensitive input surface and a separate display surface from the input surface.

As a result, the prerequisite is created that a selection menu on the operating device can be displayed and that the operation of the operating device itself is very intuitive.

In this case, it is very expedient if the operating device can be operated by slidingly touching the touch-sensitive input surface and a selection menu with selectable selection options can be displayed on the display surface, which can be set in motion when the input surface slides in a sliding manner.

In this way, the operation can be further facilitated and interesting selection options can be moved quickly despite a possibly compact design of the operating device to the correct position.

In particular, it is expedient if the selection options have a direction of movement which corresponds approximately to that of the sliding contact. The operation can thus be very intuitive.

In order to be able to carry out the operating device in an extremely compact manner, it is proposed that it be substantially circular in plan view, with preferably a substantially circular operating button being present in the center, which is surrounded by the respective input and display surfaces of partial circular ring design. Radially between the input and display surfaces at least two further teilkreisringartig formed control buttons are arranged.

Another embodiment provides that the preferably central control button is also formed as a display surface. In this way, the information density of the compact operating device can be significantly increased. Thus, the preferably central control button at any time provide information about the selected by an operator control or menu level of the infotainment system.

It is conceivable and advantageous if a selected function of the selection menu can be activated via the central operating key and a return to the next higher level of the selection menu or to the topmost menu level is possible by means of the two further partial circular ring-shaped input and display surfaces. In this way, an even easier and faster operation of the infotainment system can be realized.

Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with at least one operating device according to the invention. Such a motor vehicle makes a passenger easier to use.

It is advantageous in this case if the operating device can be detachably fastened in the interior of the motor vehicle. The operating device can be clipped, for example, with an inner lining of the motor vehicle or fastened in the manner of a hook-and-loop fastener. Other types of attachment are conceivable.

A very advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept provides, if at least in the rear of the motor vehicle at least two control devices are present and at least one located in the rear projection device by means of Infotainmentdaten an infotainment system can be projected onto a projection surface, wherein the projection surface at least over a majority of the width of the motor vehicle or its interior extends.

In this way, the requirement is created that with multiple rear passengers, depending on the selected function of the infotainment system, the projection device or optionally a plurality of projection devices can be controlled very flexible and either on a portion of the screen a common projection or on several areas of the screen different projections are projectable.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description. Here, the same reference numerals refer to the same, comparable or functionally identical components, with corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

It show, each schematically

1 a motor vehicle which operates according to the method of the invention,

2 an operating device according to the invention in a plan view,

3 an illustration of the operating device according to view III 2 .

4 a view of the operating device 2 detachably fastened in a door inner lining,

5 the operating device acc. 4 when switched on and in a certain operating mode of the infotainment system,

6 the operating device acc. 4 after selecting a selection option (submenu),

7 the operating device acc. 4 in an even deeper level of the menu structure,

8th the detailed representation of a belonging to the infotainment system projection device in a first operating state and

9 a representation according to 8th in a second operating state.

First, it will open 1 Referenced.

Therein, a motor vehicle K can be seen, which is equipped with an infotainment system. The infotainment system includes various functionalities such as audio, video, communication and navigation functions. As a human-machine interface (so-called HMI) is on the one hand in the field of an instrument panel 102 a touch-sensitive input and display device 103 in the form of a touch screen.

On the other hand, as HMI for rear passengers in the rear, however, additional separate control devices 200 available. The operating devices 200 are each in an interior lining 109 taken in the doors. Here are the operating devices 200 preferably with the inner lining 109 releasably clipped. Other types of attachment are conceivable.

The operating devices 200 are thus within reach of possibly rear seats 106 seated passengers. It is also conceivable, the operating devices 200 to arrange elsewhere, for example in a center console between the rear seats 106 (indicated by dashed lines).

By means of the operating devices 200 may be located in the headliner of the motor vehicle K projection unit 107 be controlled, which infotainment data of said infotainment system on a projection screen 108 projected. The projection screen 108 is on backrests of two front seats 105 arranged and extends over a majority of the width of the motor vehicle K and the width of the motor vehicle interior.

As infotainment data, for example, audio, video and communication data (for example, contact data of persons) come into consideration.

From the figure are also a center armrest 104 and a center console 100 with a gear selector lever on it 101 seen.

With reference to the 2 now becomes the operating device 200 explained in more detail. The operating device 200 has a roughly circular shape in a plan view. Its shape can be subdivided into two equally sized halves with an imaginary center line M. On the right half of the operating device in the figure 200 is a touch-sensitive input surface 201 available. This is located at a small distance a from the mentioned center line M.

The touch-sensitive input surface 201 is designed for sliding contact by an operating tool B (eg fingers) of an operator.

Within the input area 201 are several circular elevations 206 present, which in each case over the entire length of the input surface 201 extend.

The surveys 206 give the operating tool B when sliding over the input surface 201 an additional guide.

Overall, the input surface indicates 201 in a plan view of an approximately part circular ring-like shape.

On the left side of the center line M is a display area 202 available. The display area 202 is preferably designed as a freely programmable display area in LED technology. Other embodiments are of course conceivable.

On the display surface 202 are menu selection options 207 represented. The menu selection options 207 comprise selectable menu items of a respectively selected menu of the infotainment system of the motor vehicle K. The thus each on the display area 202 The displayable menu can thus be a main menu on the top operating level of the infotainment system, but also a submenu on a lower operating level.

As can be seen, the display area 202 in the plan view also has a part-circular ring-like shape.

Centered on the control device 200 is a control button 205 arranged. The control button 205 is also designed as a display, wherein the display is also preferably freely programmable.

This is on the control button 205 for example, a symbol 208 can be displayed with which the respective active function or menu level of the infotainment system can be displayed.

As can be seen, the display area extends 202 at their ends with the already mentioned distance a in each case slightly above the center line M. In this way, the size of the display area can be additionally increased and the display optimized for a user.

By means of the control key 205 can select a selected menu option 207 be confirmed or activated. The procedure will be explained in more detail below.

In addition, the operating device includes 200 two more, teilkreisringartige buttons 203 and 204 , These control buttons extend on the right side of the center line M, substantially radially between the control button 205 and the input area 201 ,

The control button 204 Used to return to the last selected function or menu level. The control button 203 serves for the immediate jump to the highest function or menu level (main menu).

The control buttons 203 . 204 and 205 are preferably designed as touch-sensitive sensor keys. Other configurations, for example in the form of mechanical key switches, are conceivable.

Particularly noteworthy is now that sliding movements of an operating tool, for example, counter-clockwise (R1) or clockwise (R2) with the presentation of menu selection options 207 on the display surface 202 be synchronized.

In other words, the menu selection options are moving 207 in the same direction to a sliding movement R1 or R2 of the operating tool B.

If an operating tool B executes, for example, a sliding movement R1, then the selection options move 207 in a direction R3, that is counterclockwise. For a sliding movement R2 of the operating tool B clockwise applies accordingly.

This makes extremely intuitive selection and positioning of the menu selection options 207 possible.

How out 3 can be seen, the operating device 200 a flat shape. Overall, it is very compact.

Based on 4 to 7 now the operation of the infotainment system of the motor vehicle K will be explained in more detail.

That's how it shows 4 a representation in which the operating device 200 in an interior lining 109 the right vehicle door is arranged. The interior lining 109 is designed in this area as an armrest, the armrest in an additional display area 110 passes.

The operating device 200 is in the embodiment with the inner lining 109 or with the integrated display area 110 clipped. It is thus easily detachable and can be removed from an operator at any time from its holder.

In the figure is on the control button 205 the symbol 208 designed such that it indicates the not yet turned on state of the infotainment system.

As soon as an operating tool B the control button 205 pressed, appears on the display area 110 an information 111 , which acknowledges the successful activation of the infotainment system by the rear passenger.

A short time later, the operating device changes 200 in a representation according to 5 , In this illustration, the icon points 208 on the control button 205 indicates that an operator is in the main menu of the infotainment system. At the same time on the display area 202 several menu selections 207 shown, by means of which, for example, the functions "Phone", "Audio" and "Video" or "Television" can be selected.

In the present case, the operator has performed a sliding movement R1 with the operating tool B, so that the menu selection options 207 performed a move R3 and a menu selection option 207 for the "Audio" function between selection marks 112 and 113 could be positioned.

The selection mark 112 gets through a small elevation within the display area 110 and the selection mark 113 by a line-shaped, optical representation on the display surface 202 educated.

In the exemplary embodiment, first that operating mode was activated automatically in which the infotainment system was last. So be by means of the projection unit 107 , which is controlled by a control unit of the infotainment system, not shown, on a projection area PB of the projection surface 108 (compare also 1 ) first Infotainmentdaten Inf1 shown in the form of a video film.

A big advantage is now that a user by means of the operating device 200 at rest through the menu selections 207 can navigate without affecting the presentation of Infotainmentdaten Inf1 in any way. The presentation of the menu selection options 207 takes place exclusively on the display surface, at least in the present operating mode 202 ,

Through this decoupling of the representation of the infotainment data Inf1 on the one hand and the presentation of menu data ( 207 On the other hand, an impairment of the rear passengers during the phase of navigating through menus of the infotainment system can be minimized.

Now press an operator, starting from 5 , again the control button 205 , it enters an operating mode according to 6 ,

In this illustration, the symbol changes again 208 on the integrated display of the control button 205 and shows that you are in the "Audio" function level.

On the display surface 202 Again, there are several context-sensitive menu selections 207 shown, wherein the user now by a sliding movement R2, the menu selection options 207 has put into a movement R4. This gives the user a menu selection option 207 between the selection marks 112 and 113 positioned, which indicates the possible (list-like) representation of existing radio stations.

Depending on the selected function, however, selectable CD titles or MP3 titles can also be displayed.

In the exemplary embodiment, after selecting the "Audio" functions, first the functional state was called, which was last active on the selected functional level.

Therefore, first a particular radio station is played and by means of the projection unit 107 are matched Infotainmentdaten Inf2 on a projection area PB of the screen 108 projected.

Additionally, on the optional display area 110 information 111 are presented, which give information about the currently active radio station.

In this operating mode, too, the operator can display the infotainment data Inf2 on the projection screen during the display 108 sliding movements on the input surface at all times 201 and thus the preselection for any desired menu selection option 207 without affecting or impairing the presentation of infotainment data Inf2.

Operates the operator, starting from 6 , now again the control button 205 , he then again gets an operating or functional level deeper (see 7 ).

Again the symbol changes 208 in a representation which points to the now possible selection of several radio stations. The menu selection options 207 are now shown for example in the form of digits and can in turn by sliding movements of the operating tool B between the selection marks 112 and 113 positioned and thereby selected for activation.

Optionally, it can be provided that on this operating or functional level menu selection options 207 ' also on the projection area PB of the projection surface 108 be projected.

The presentation of the menu selection options is based on this 207 ' on the circular display of the menu selection options 207 on the display surface 202 the operating device 200 ,

The preselected and activatable function (radio station) can be highlighted graphically. Also optional is on the display area 110 the information 111 appear over the now selectable radio station.

Operates the operator, starting from 7 , now again the control button 205 so he activates the between the selection marks 112 and 113 displayed radio station. However, he presses the control button 203 , it returns directly to the top operating or functional level of the infotainment system (see 5 ).

By pressing the control button 204 it only reaches the last activated function or operating level (cf. 6 ).

In the 8th and 9 is now finally shown that the projection unit 107 depending on the number of operators via the operating device 200 each selected functions can be controlled in a special way.

Thus, for example, two passengers can sit in the rear of the motor vehicle K, one of which is the infotainment system with an operating device 200 and the other the infotainment system also with such an operating device ( 200 ' ) served.

Both passengers select the same function via their operating device (cf. 8th . 200 = 200 ' ), so for example, both the activation of the same radio station or the same video, so the projection unit 107 driven so that they are on the screen 108 Infotainment INF only on a "common" projection area PB of the screen 108 represents. This area PB is preferably aligned centrally between the rear passengers and can be made slightly larger.

On the other hand, the rear passengers choose different functions with their operating device (cf. 9 . 200 ≠ 200 ' ), for example, one video and the other a certain radio station, so the projection unit 107 controlled in the way that different infotainment data Inf1 and Inf2 on different projection areas PB1 and PB2 on the screen 108 be projected.

The projection areas PB1 and PB2 are then preferably positioned in each case in the center in front of the corresponding rear passenger and inevitably designed to be slightly smaller than the "common" projection area PB.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. These were used only for general explanation of the essence of the invention. Rather, within the scope of its scope, the invention may assume other than the embodiments or forms described above. In this case, it may in particular also have features which represent a combination of individual features of the respective claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 center console

101

 Gear selector

102

 dashboard

103

 Touchsecreen

104

 center armrest

105

 front seats

106

 rear seats

107

 projection unit

108

 projection

109

 interior panelling

110

 Interior panel integrated display surface

111

 information

112

 selection brand

113

 selection brand

200

 detachable operating device

201

 touch-sensitive input surface

202

 display area

203

 control key

204

 control key

205

 Control button with integrated display

206

 circular-shaped elevations

207

 Menu selections Options

208

 Icon (display function or menu level)

a

 distance

B

 operating tool

Inf1, 2

 infotainment data

K

 motor vehicle

M

 center line

PB

 projection area

PB1, 2

 projection areas

R1

 Sliding movement of an operating tool counterclockwise

R2

 Sliding movement of an operating tool in a clockwise direction

R3

 Movement of menu selections counterclockwise

R4

 Moving the menu selection options clockwise

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 102009019818 A1 [0004]
• DE 102009037401 A1 [0005]
• DE 3842413 A1 [0006]
• DE 102012007704 A1 [0007]

Claims (11)

Method for operating an infotainment system ( 103 . 107 . 108 . 200 ) in a motor vehicle (K), wherein infotainment data (Inf1, Inf2) on at least one display or projection surface ( 108 ) can be displayed or displayed and with at least one separate operating device ( 200 ) Functions of the infotainment system via a selection menu ( 207 ) can be selected and activated or selected and activated, characterized in that in at least one operating mode of the infotainment system, the selection menu ( 207 ) exclusively on a display device ( 202 ) of the at least one separate operating device ( 200 ) is displayed or displayed while on the at least one display or projection surface ( 108 ) only infotainment data (Inf1, Inf2) of an activated function of the infotainment system can be displayed or displayed. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the infotainment system of several persons by means of a respective operating device ( 200 ) is operated or operated, wherein depending on the selected function infotainment data (Inf) only on a single area (PB) or on several areas (PB1, PB2) of the screen ( 108 ) can be displayed or displayed. Operating device ( 200 ) for operating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle (K), characterized in that the operating device ( 200 ) a touch-sensitive input surface ( 201 ) and one of the input area ( 201 ) separate display area ( 202 ) having. Operating device ( 200 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that it is achieved by sliding contact (R1, R2) of the touch-sensitive input surface ( 201 ) and on the display surface ( 202 ) a selection menu with selectable selections ( 207 ) which, upon sliding contact (R1, R2) of the input surface ( 201 ) in motion (R3, R4) are displaceable. Operating device ( 200 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the selection options ( 207 ) have a direction of movement (R3, R4) approximately equal to that of the sliding contact (R1, R2). Operating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it is circular in plan view, wherein centrally a circular control button ( 205 ) is present, which of the respective teilkreisringartig formed input and display surfaces ( 201 . 202 ), wherein radially between the input and display surfaces ( 201 . 202 ) at least two further teilkreisringartig trained control buttons ( 203 . 204 ) are arranged. Operating device ( 200 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the central control button ( 205 ) is also designed as a display surface. Operating device ( 200 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that via the central control button ( 205 ) a selected function of the selection menu ( 207 ) can be activated and by means of the two other teilkreisringartig formed input and display surfaces ( 203 . 204 ) a return to the next higher level of the selection menu ( 207 ) and to the highest menu level is feasible. Motor vehicle (K) with at least one operating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8. Motor vehicle (K) according to claim 9, characterized in that the operating device (K) releasably in the interior of the motor vehicle (K) can be fastened. Motor vehicle (K) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least in the rear of the motor vehicle (K) at least two operating devices ( 200 ) are present and at least one located in the rear projection device ( 207 ), by means of the infotainment data (Inf, Inf1, Inf2) of an infotainment system onto a projection surface ( 108 ) are projectable, whereby the projection surface ( 108 ) extends over at least a majority of the width of the interior of the motor vehicle (K).

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