DE102007005027A1 - Navigation device for assisting motor vehicle driver, has sensor unit for determining finger position of user relative to display device, where display of navigation information is adjusted based on determined finger position - Google Patents

Abstract

The navigation device has a display device (1), and a sensor unit for determining a position of a finger (3) of a user relative to the display device. The display of navigation information e.g. card clippings (2), is adjusted based on the determined position of the finger. A movement of the finger is made possible within a partial volume and without any adjustment of the display of the navigation information. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a navigation device.

Description

The The invention relates to a display and control device for a motor vehicle, comprising a display device designed as a touch screen, a control unit coupled to the display and a Storage device, wherein the storage device comprises data, by means of which, in cooperation with the control unit, a user interface for operating at least one vehicle system, a vehicle function and / or a service can be implemented.

From the prior art, it is known to use display devices designed as a touch screen, on which a user interface is formed, via which one or more vehicle functions, vehicle systems and / or in-vehicle or vehicle-external services can be operated. For example, is from the DE 10 2005 007 642 A1 an input device for a motor vehicle with a touch screen known. Also from the DE 10 2004 031 659 A1 a control element for a motor vehicle is known, which comprises a touch screen for visual display of information and for entering commands by touching the touch screen or by pressing on the touch screen, wherein the touch screen is round.

by virtue of a limited space in a motor vehicle is a size of the touchscreen in usually limited. As the touch screen also provides information and to be used for operation, what usually a fade is required by controls, with respect to the disposal standing display area Resource conflict. In the devices known in the prior art is provided over a first act of action between a display mode in which preferred information is displayed to switch to a control mode in which virtual controls and / or panel mappings. Under control panel assignments are understood representations of information that a function assignment for one Enable operating action, for example a control element formed separately from the display device Specify a function assigned in a current context.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an easier-to-use, to the needs a display and operating device adapted to a driver and / or passenger for a To provide motor vehicle, in particular a number of required actuating actions to trigger a vehicle function or operating a vehicle system or Service minimized.

The The object is achieved by a Display and operating device with the features of the claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

This is included a display and control device of the type mentioned provided with the control unit, a position determination unit for determining a three-dimensional position of an operating element of a user, that preferably a body part, more preferably a hand and most preferably an extended finger is to couple in space and to design the user interface so that they are interactive in dependence the determined position is influenced. This makes it possible, the executed in the room Include movement of the user in the control of the vehicle functions. The display and operating device thus uses actions of the user, the one actuation preceded by a control element according to the prior art. hereby Is it possible, to configure the user interface such that, for example at an approach of the body part to the display device, the user interface of a display mode changes to an operating mode. While in a display mode preferred information about the vehicle system to be operated, the vehicle function and / or the service are shown are reproduced in an operating mode information that is an operation the corresponding vehicle system, the vehicle function and / or facilitate or enable the service. For example, virtual Controls on the designed as a touch screen display device are displayed. Likewise Control element mappings are displayed.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous to provide in the detection area of the position-determining unit a core detection volume defined relative to a display surface of the display device, within which a presence of the user's operating element (body part) is detected, wherein an interactive reaction of the user interface upon detection of presence in the core detection volume is triggered and wherein the user interface is designed so that an interactive reaction based solely on the detected presence of the actuator takes place only upon detection of the actuator in the core detection volume. As a result, the possibility is created to treat edge regions of the detection or detection region of the position determination unit as quasi non-detected regions. This means that a user outside the core detection volume can freely move his body parts without interactively affecting the user interface. As a result, the possibility is created, the display and control device adjacent to Kompo nenten, such as a steering wheel to arrange, which at least partially protrudes into the detection range of the position determination unit, the operation of which should not trigger interactive influence of the user interface. Only a targeted, executed with control intent operation, in which a body part is moved into the core detection volume, thus leading to an interactive influencing the user interface.

A simple and intuitive operation of the display and operating device requires that the user think about the core detection volume just imagine in the room. A particularly preferred embodiment The invention thus provides that the core detection volume a parallelepiped, preferably cuboid, Room area comprises and a side surface of the parallelepiped-shaped space area adjacent to the display area aligned parallel to this and covers it. Preferably thus the display area even a footprint of a parallelepiped Sphere area included by the core detection volume. In As a rule, the core detection volume itself is parallelepiped-shaped be. For A user is thus easily able to access the area in the room estimate in which he shares his body parts without affecting the interactive user interface trigger, or in which room area he has to move his body part to the influence interactive user interface. A cuboid room, the quasi an extrusion body the display area is, is here particularly easy to imagine. Depending on installation position in the vehicle, however, it may be advantageous that the resulting parallelepiped Room area not along a surface normal of the display area, which is "extruded", but along a vector, which is a preferred operating direction of a body part, especially a finger, a user who corresponds to his Finger is moved to the center of the display device, extruded.

Around a position-dependent, differentiated interactive influencing the user interface to enable, is in a preferred embodiment the invention provided that the position determination unit is formed is a position of the body part clearly attributable to one of several segment volumes of core volume, wherein the segment volumes are partial volumes of the core volume and respectively one of the display area have facing, aligned parallel to the display surface base the bases the display area segment.

Around an assignability of one within the base area of one of the sub-volumes displayed graphical content to the respective sub-volume for the user easy to enable It is preferably provided that the segment volumes parallelepiped-shaped, preferably cuboid further space regions comprise and particularly preferably parallelepiped-shaped, preferably cuboid, formed are.

For certain functionalities the user interface, it has proven to be advantageous to provide a subset of the core detection volume that is none is assigned to the segment volumes. An embodiment of the invention therefore provides suggest that the core detection volume space points at a greater distance from the display area includes, as the segment volumes, wherein the distance along a surface normal or measured parallel to a surface normal of the display area becomes. This means that the core detection volume comprises spatial points, which are not covered by any of the segment volumes. These space points also have a greater distance from a virtual level where the display area is located, as spatial points of the segment volumes. Here, the display area is as just accepted. If the display surface has a curvature, the virtual plane through the display area and tangential to the boundary points adjacent virtual surfaces educated.

Around configure a user interface driver and Passenger dependent to be able to is in one embodiment the invention provides that the position determination unit a Can differentiate users from another user and the user interface user-specific interactive designed. A user-dependent interactive design means that the information displayed by the interface and / or controls themselves in at least one operating context for a Differentiate users and one other user. Depending on whether in the core detection volume the actuator (the body part) the user is detected or another actuator (another Body part) is detected by another user, the interactive user interface is different affected.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an approach of the user and / or the other user to, for example, an actuating element, which is arranged adjacent to or at a predetermined distance from the display and control device, can be detected. A preferred embodiment therefore provides that the position determination unit is configured to detect a presence of the actuating element (of the body part) in at least one neighboring volume to the core detection volume. In particular, those embodiments are of particular advantage in which a Positi onsbestimmungseinheit is used, which can distinguish a driver from a passenger. In such a case, an actuation of an operating element can likewise bring about a user-dependent influencing of the vehicle system, a vehicle function or a service associated with the actuation element.

advantageously, the position determination unit is designed such that a position determination of the actuating element the user or the further operating element of the other user possible is provided the actuator of the User or the further actuator of the another user each a body part, preferably a hand, most preferably a single extended one Fingers, are. It is understood that a body part can be dressed as well. So will be dressed with a glove Finger as an actuator from the preferred position determining unit according to the invention captured and determines its position in space.

The Invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Hereby show:

1 a schematic view of a display and control device for a motor vehicle; and

2 an exemplary embodiment of a core detection volume, segment volumes and adjacent space areas relative to a display area.

In 1 is a motor vehicle 1 shown schematically. The car 1 includes a display and control device 2 , The display and operating device 2 includes a display device 3 with a display area 4 , The display device 3 is designed as a touch screen. The graphical representation of information on the display area 4 is via a control unit 5 controlled with a storage device 6 is linked. In the storage device 6 Data are stored, the implementation of a user interface by means of the control unit 5 enable.

On the one hand, the display device designed as a touch screen 3 to capture user input. On the other hand, the display and operating device has 2 via an upper control element 7 and a lower control 8th which are arranged one below the other. The upper control element 7 and lower control 8th Both are designed as a turn-push button and with the control unit 5 coupled. The display and operating device 2 also includes two superimposed buttons 9 . 10 which also with the control unit 5 are coupled. As well as designed as a touch screen display device 3 can also use the top control 7 , the lower control 8th and the two buttons 9 . 10 to capture user input. Other embodiments of the display and operating device comprise, except for the display surface designed as a touch screen, no further operating elements.

The display and operating device 2 is via an interface 11 with a vehicle bus 12 connected. With the vehicle bus 12 are vehicle systems 13 - 16 connected. The vehicle systems 13 - 16 can via the display and control device 2 to be served. In some embodiments, further vehicle systems may be wholly or partially incorporated into the display and control device 2 be integrated, such as an MP3 player, etc.

The vehicle systems 13 - 16 include in the described embodiment, inter alia, a seat heater 16 , which is a driver's seat heating module 17 sitting at a driver's seat 18 is arranged, and a passenger seat heating module 19 includes that on a passenger seat 20 is arranged.

At the driver's seat 18 and the passenger seat 20 are also each a transmitter 21 respectively. 22 arranged in one on the respective driver's seat 18 seated user 23 (Driver) or one in the passenger seat 20 sitting another user 24 (Co-driver) capacitively couple different high-frequency signals.

Approach the users 23 or the other user 24 a body part of the display and operating device 2 On, so is the respectively coupled high frequency signal from sensors 25 - 28 detected and from a position determination unit 29 evaluated. The sensors 25 - 28 receive the high frequency signals contactless. Based on the different high-frequency signals is a reliable detection of the user 23 and the other user 24 possible.

In embodiments such as the in 1 shown, the multiple sensors 25 - 28 use, a non-contact position determination of the body part is possible. A detailed description of such a sensor can, for example, in WO 2004/078536 being found. The number of individual sensors used can be adjusted according to requirements.

In another embodiment, electrically arranged around the display surface, between which a preferably static electric field is formed. When a body part of a user approaches the display surface, the static electric field changes. About a change of Feldes the position of the body part, in particular one of the display area nearest the end of the body part can be determined. A user recognition is realized via a tracking of the body part, whereby it is assumed here that the display and operating device is arranged between the user and the other user, for example in a center console. The electrical elements are preferably configured linearly and arranged in each case on opposite sides of the display surface. The electrical elements can be segmented and unsegmented.

Again another embodiment uses optical sensors that have a reflection rate of preferably in the invisible wavelength range Detect emitted electromagnetic radiation. A user distinction also finds in such a system based on a track or motion tracking of the body part instead of.

A such position determining unit, which is an optical method For example, sensors configured according to the following principle may be used are, include. A transmission LED emits a rectangular shape amplitude modulated light signal in the optical or infrared wavelength range. The light signal reflected on an object, for example the body part is detected by a photodiode. From a compensation LED will a 180 ° out of phase also rectangular amplitude modulated Reference light signal to the photodiode via a fixed Light path sent. The compensation LED is connected via a control loop a control signal so regulated that the received reflected Light signal of the transmission LED and the received reference light signal cancel the compensation LED on the photodiode and a DC signal is detected. A change the control signal is a measure of the distance of the object. A designed according to this principle sensor is largely independently of temperature and brightness fluctuations.

Also other sensors, especially ultrasound based or on camera systems based position determination units can be used.

In 2 is a core detection volume 30 , also referred to as coordinate block Q2, relative to a display area 4 shown. A whd coordinate system is relative to the display area 4 so defined that an origin 31 in a lower left corner of the display area 4 is arranged. A w axis 32 is along a longitudinal direction and an h-axis 33 along a transverse direction of the display surface 4 oriented. This means that the display area 4 lies in a wh-level. Perpendicular to the wh-plane extends the d-axis 34 , The core detection volume 30 has a width W 35 , a height H 36 and a depth D 37 on. In an exemplary display area having a width along the w direction of 12 cm and a height along the h direction of 4 cm, the core detection volume dimensions preferably have the following values: W = 12 cm, H = 4 cm and D = 6 cm. A footprint of the core detection volume 30 is congruent with the display surface in the described embodiment 4 , The core volume 30 is cuboidal.

The core detection volume 30 includes segment volumes 38 - 42 , base areas 43 - 47 the segment volumes 38 - 42 are oriented parallel to the display area and adjoin it. The bases 43 - 47 segment the display area 4 , The segment volumes extend along the h-direction 38 - 42 over the entire height 36 the core detection volume 30 or the display area 4 , The latitudes 48 - 52 the segment volumes 38 - 42 are each the same size, so that the display area 4 in equal segments, the base areas 43 - 47 the segment volumes 38 - 42 correspond, is divided. The latitudes 48 - 52 (w1-w5) each have a value of wi = 2.4 cm (i = 1, ..., 5) in the preferred embodiment described. A depth D1 52 the segment volumes 38 - 42 is less than the depth D 37 the core detection volume 30 , The depth D1 53 the segment volume is preferably 2.5 cm. A depth difference D2 54 is thus 3.5 cm. Adjacent to the core detection volume 30 is a lower adjacent volume 55 (Coordinate block Q3) defined. Within this volume, the position determination unit is capable of user discrimination in the presence of a body part within the lower adjacent volume 55 make. The same applies to an upper adjacent volume 56 (Coordinate block Q1). Preferably, the position-determining unit is designed such that it also determines the position of the body part, in particular when touching a volume which is adjacent thereto 55 . 56 arranged control element that is located in the wh-plane or extending from this determine. In such a case, operating elements which are not technically connected to a control unit and whose actuation can thus only be determined via the position determination unit can also be used with the user interface.

The position determination unit 29 is configured to receive the actuator, which will typically be an extended finger, such as a single extended index finger, of one of the segment volumes 38 - 42 can clearly assign, provided it is in one of the segment volumes 38 - 42 staying. This is true that this is of course only possible if the actuator at one of the display surface end facing an off elongation parallel to the display surface, which is smaller than the extent of the display surface, preferably has an extent parallel to the display surface, in the order of the extent of the base surfaces 43 - 47 lies. In the order of magnitude of the extension of the base areas, an extension of an actuating element lies parallel to the display surface 4 , provided a projection surface along the surface normal to the display surface 4 equal to or less than the sum of the base areas touching in at least one point 43 - 47 the segment volumes 38 - 42 is. In the projection, only the display area is 4 to consider the facing end of the actuator. In one finger, for example, the extension of the finger at the level of the fingernail.

Is the position determination unit a presence of the actuating element in a plurality, in particular not directly adjacent segment volumes 38 - 42 For example, if, for example, a flat hand is held in front of the display surface, it may be interpreted as a gesture associated with a user interface response. Likewise, a traversed trajectory, ie a movement, can be interpreted as a gesture.

Is the body part of a user or another user within the segment volumes 38 - 42 Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the position determination unit is capable of a projection position along a surface normal of the display surface 4 on the display surface 4 to be determined with an accuracy of less than 1 cm. This creates the possibility to move a cursor on the display surface by means of the body part.

The described embodiment of the core detection volume and the segment volumes is merely exemplary. Other preferred embodiments provide that the display area is subdivided into a grid of 3 × 2 to 10 × 6 segments formed by base areas of the segment volumes. Other segmentations are possible. In the described embodiment, both the core detection volume 30 as well as the segment volumes 38 - 42 cuboid shaped. If an operation, ie an approach, to the display surface by means of the body part, preferably an index finger, along a surface normal of the display surface is not possible, it is advantageous to adapt the core detection volume and the segment volumes such that the d-axis of the whd coordinate system according to 2 the preferred operating direction, ie a preferred direction of approach of a finger is adapted by a user. This means that the core detection volume and the segment volumes change into "sheared" volumes that are parallelepiped-shaped.

1

motor vehicle

2

Display- and operating device

3

display device

4

display area

5

control unit

6

storage device

7

upper operating element

8th

lower operating element

9 10

button

11

interface

12

vehicle bus

13-15

vehicle systems

16

vehicle system (Seat heater)

17

Driver seat heated module

18

driver's seat

19

Front seat heating module

20

passenger seat

21 22

transmitter

23

user (Driver)

24

Another User (co-driver)

25-28

sensors

29

Position Determination Entity

30

Nuclear detection volume (Q2)

31

origin of the w-h-d coordinate system

32

w-axis

33

h-axis

34

d-axis

35

width the core detection volume (W)

36

Height of the core detection volume (H)

37

depth the core detection volume (D)

38-42

segment volumes

43-47

Base surfaces of the segment volumes

48-52

spread the segment volumes (w1-w5)

53

depth the segment volumes (D1)

54

depth difference (D2)

55

lower adjacent volume (Q3)

56

upper adjacent volume (Q1)

Claims (9)

Display and operating device ( 2 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a display device designed as a touchscreen ( 3 ), one with the display device ( 3 ) coupled control unit ( 5 ) and a storage device ( 6 ), wherein the memory device ( 6 ) Data by means of which, in cooperation with the control unit ( 5 ) a user interface for operating at least one vehicle system ( 13 - 16 ), a vehicle function and / or a service can be implemented, characterized in that with the control unit ( 5 ) a position determination unit ( 29 ) is coupled to determine a three-dimensional position of an actuating element, in particular a body part, of a user in the room and the user interface is configured to be interactively influenced as a function of the determined position. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that relative to a display surface ( 4 ) of the display device ( 3 ) of a core detection volume ( 30 ), within which a presence of the user's operating element is detected, wherein an interactive reaction of the user interface upon detection of the presence in the core detection volume ( 30 ) and wherein the user interface is designed such that an interactive reaction based solely on the detected presence of the actuating element only upon detection of the actuating element in the core detection volume (FIG. 30 ) takes place. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core detection volume ( 30 ) comprises a parallelepiped-shaped, preferably cuboid, spatial region and a side surface of the parallelepiped-shaped spatial region adjacent to the display surface ( 4 ) is aligned parallel to this and covers it. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination unit ( 29 ) is formed, a position of the actuating element uniquely one of a plurality of segment volumes ( 38 - 42 ) of the core volume ( 30 ), whereby the segment volumes ( 38 - 42 ) Partial volumes of core volume ( 30 ) and one each of the display area ( 4 ), parallel to the display surface ( 4 ) oriented area ( 43 - 47 ), the bases ( 43 - 47 ) the display area ( 4 ) segment. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segment volumes ( 38 - 42 ) parallelepiped-shaped, preferably rectangular, further space regions and most preferably parallelepiped-shaped, preferably cuboidal, are formed, wherein the further space regions each have a side surface which comprises the base of the corresponding segment volume. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core volume ( 42 ) Space points at a greater distance from the display area ( 4 ) than the segment volumes ( 38 - 42 ), wherein the distance along a surface normal or parallel to the surface normal of the display surface ( 4 ) is measured. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination unit ( 29 ) can distinguish the actuator of the user from another actuator of another user and the user interface is configured user-specifically interactive. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position-determining unit ( 29 ), a presence of the actuating element and / or further actuating element in at least one neighboring volume ( 55 . 56 ) to the core detection volume ( 30 ) capture. Display and operating device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element of the user is a body part, preferably a hand, most preferably a finger individually extended.