DE102013210056A1 - User interface for a vehicle and vehicle with such a user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a user interface for vehicles, in particular for electrically powered vehicles. The user interface comprises: - a switching element (4) which can be actuated by a user of the vehicle (2) in order to set a function of the vehicle (2), - a vehicle information input for recording operating information of the vehicle (2), - at least one first and a second signal transmitter (6, 7, 10), each of which can output a signal perceivable by the user, and - a control device (5) which controls the first and second signal transmitter (6, 7, 10) in accordance with the recorded operating information ,

Description

The present invention relates to a user interface for a vehicle, in particular for an electrically driven vehicle, and a vehicle having such a user interface.

Many vehicles are started or stopped with a start-stop button. By briefly pressing the button, the drive can be started or stopped again. An electrical impulse awakens the drive to life. On vehicles with a conventional combustion engine, an audible feedback can be heard from the starting and running noise of the engine.

Previous start-stop buttons ( WO 2008/083783 A1 . US 2012/0199461 A1 ) give either no direct status feedback about the drive or vehicle condition or only a visual feedback ( EP 2 001 715 B1 ).

For electrically driven vehicles, but especially for battery-electric vehicles (BEV), or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) status feedback on the drive or vehicle state is extremely important. For battery electric vehicles start, operation and stop the drive silently.

As user interfaces for electronic controls, a variety of devices are known, such as mechanical devices such as knobs, sliders or buttons. In electronic devices, graphical user interfaces (GUI) are mostly used, which can be designed as a screen in conjunction with mechanical keys or as so-called touch screens with a touch-sensitive screen surface.

The output or the display of parameter values in motor vehicles is often with analog or digital display devices such. As temperature displays, Tachonadeln, LEDs, monitors, etc. From the DE 10 2005 060 605 A1 is a graphical control and display device for motor vehicles with a touch-sensitive surface known.

The invention has for its object to provide a user interface for vehicles, especially for electrically powered vehicles, with which the user an intuitive feedback on the condition of the vehicle can be given and the user has the ability to control at least one specific vehicle function.

The object is achieved by a user interface for vehicles having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the respective subclaims.

• – ein Schaltelement bzw. eine Schalteinrichtung, welche von einem Benutzer des Fahrzeuges betätigt werden kann, um eine Funktion des Fahrzeuges einzustellen,
• – einen Fahrzeuginformationseingang zum Erfassen von Betriebsinformationen des Fahrzeuges,
• – zumindest einen ersten und einen zweiten Signalgeber, die jeweils ein vom Benutzer wahrnehmbares Signal ausgeben können, und
• – eine Steuereinrichtung, welche den ersten und zweiten Signalgeber nach Maßgabe der erfassten Betriebsinformationen ansteuert.

A user interface according to the invention for vehicles, in particular for electrically driven vehicles, comprises:

• A switching element or a switching device which can be actuated by a user of the vehicle in order to set a function of the vehicle,
• A vehicle information input for detecting operating information of the vehicle,
• - At least a first and a second signal generator, each of which can output a user perceptible signal, and
• - A control device which controls the first and second signal generator in accordance with the detected operating information.

With the switching device, the user of the vehicle can set a specific function of the vehicle. The user interface has at least one first and one second signal transmitter, each of which can output a signal perceptible by the user, wherein the signal transmitters are controlled by the control device in accordance with the acquired operating information. As a result, the user can be transmitted intuitive, multisensoric and result-oriented feedback on the current state of the vehicle, in particular the current energy, drive and driving condition.

Since the signals output by the signalers are output in accordance with the detected operating information, the user receives a multimodal or multisensory (appealing to several human senses) impression of the state of the vehicle and can therefore intuitively perceive the vehicle condition and adjust its behavior accordingly. This user interface is particularly suitable for electrically driven vehicles, such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHIV), which provide no feedback on engine noise when the vehicle is started. There is also no tactile feedback due to vibrations caused by the start of an engine. The signal generators are preferably controlled in dependence on the operating information such that they make the respective operating state detectable or perceptible to the user of the vehicle.

The signal transmitters can be designed to output a visual, a haptic and / or an audio signal. Preferably, one of the two signal transmitters is for outputting a signal formed the type of visual signal, haptic signal and / or audio signal, and the other signal generator for outputting a different type of signal.

Preferably, at least one of the signal transmitters is designed to output a haptic signal. The haptic feedback can be retrieved in a dedicated location by the user as needed and is not permanently perceptible or visible, such as visual feedback, which may be disturbing.

In a development, the user interface can also have at least three signal transmitters, wherein a signal generator for outputting a visual signal, a signal generator for outputting a haptic signal and a signal generator for outputting an audio signal are formed.

A trained for outputting a haptic signal transducer has, for example, a vibration device which generates vibrations and applies to the user interface. The vibrations can be generated in accordance with the acquired operating information with a specific rhythm, amplitude and / or frequency. The rhythm, the amplitude and / or frequency can be varied according to the operating information and can also be varied in combination. For example. For example, haptic feedback in frequency may be varied depending on the amount of energy flow detected, for example, by the position of an accelerator pedal during travel. Visual feedback can be varied in color, rhythm, and brightness depending on the vehicle's energy or operating condition (energy level of an energy store before driving, on-the-fly, or hand-over).

The switching device may include an actuator body to be touched by a user to operate the switching device. The switching device is preferably coupled to one of the two signal transmitters and in particular to the two signal transmitters. If the signal generator is a signal generator for outputting a haptic signal, then the haptic signal is transmitted to the actuating body, so that the user feels the haptic signal when touching the actuating body. The user receives direct feedback at the point where the input takes place.

The actuating body is preferably formed from an opaque material, and at least one of the signal transmitters is a visual signal transmitter, which is coupled to the actuating body in such a way that it appears in accordance with the signal emitted by the visual signal generator. The visual signal transmitter is preferably a color-changeable light source, which is either arranged on the side facing away from a contact side of the actuator body or disposed on the edge region of the actuator body such that the light is coupled into the actuator body and the light similar to a light guide between the surfaces of the Actuator is passed. In place of or in combination with a color change, a change in brightness is possible.

The actuating body made of an opaque material may have a rough surface and / or consist of a material, in particular a plastic material, which is similarly opacified, such that the light is emitted diffusely. Alternatively, the actuator body may be formed of an opaque material also of a clear transparent material. In a clearly transparent design of the actuator body, the light source may also be a screen for displaying images and text. This pictorial representation of the signal generator are then recognizable. It can z. B. detailed information about the energy level or the range of the vehicle can be displayed.

An actuating body can be formed for example from a screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen.

When using an actuating body made of a material with a rough surface and / or from a frosted glass similar clouded material, as a light source, a projector can be used, wherein the actuator body acts as a screen.

The user interface may have a proximity sensor which is connected to the control device in such a way that at least one of the two signal transmitters is actuated in accordance with a proximity signal detected by the proximity sensor. For example, if a user moves their hand close to the user interface, then the corresponding signalers can be activated. This is particularly useful with a signal generator for outputting a haptic signal, since the haptic signal is mainly detected when the user touches the user interface. The proximity sensor may also serve to activate a visual signaling device so that, for example, the intensity of the emitted light is increased when bringing a hand to the user interface to signal the user that the user interface is active and a touch of the user interface to a function of the vehicle can be adjusted.

Such a proximity sensor can also be designed as a sensor for controlling the corresponding function and thus constitute a component of the switching device. However, the switching device can also be represented by a touch-sensitive surface of the user interface, which is formed in particular from a convexly curved or planar operating body. It is also possible to design the user interface, in particular its actuating body, with a printing function, so that the function of the vehicle is adjusted by mechanically actuating or moving the actuating body. For example, the drive can be started or stopped by pressing the operating body and by turning the operating body different driving modes (Sport, Comfort, Sport +, etc.) can be set.

The signals emitted by the signal transmitters are preferably in a specific relationship to a specific state of the vehicle (= meaning context). For example, the stored energy can be represented by a certain brightness or a certain color. Other states of the vehicle that can be represented accordingly are the speed of the vehicle, a recuperation state, a sail condition, or the state of the energy storage (eg, red for hot and green for normal). "Sailing" is a driving condition in which the vehicle rolls due to its inertia without being actively driven or decelerated. Error messages on the vehicle can be underlaid by appropriate signals, in particular visual signals. In particular, the signals are specifically designed as a function of the switch-on and switch-off state of the vehicle. A user who uses the vehicle repeatedly recognizes intuitively the state of the vehicle based on these signals and can thus adapt his behavior accordingly. This is particularly advantageous for electrically powered vehicles.

The user interface transmits a multi-user response to the user. A corresponding staging promotes a positive user experience. The term "user experience" describes the entirety of the experiences a user makes about the interaction with a product or system. By addressing multiple human senses, a more intense perception is promoted.

Further, knowing the vehicle condition provides the driver with confidence that he can achieve his goals (eg, a positive state of charge of the energy storage is indicated by the brightness of the user interface, and the user recognizes that the objectives can be achieved without That means you can counteract the "Range Anxiety" and the psychological need for security ("Security: Everything is predictable") is met.

The user interface according to the invention addresses the following human sense:
Visual: Visual perception describes the process of recording and processing visual stimuli. Visual perception is usually the first sense involved in an experience with a product.

Haptic-tactile: The tactile-tactile perception describes the process of actively feeling the size, contour, surface structure, weight, vibration, etc. of an object through the integration of all skin senses and depth sensitivity. The fingertips and the lips of the human are equipped with the most sensitive sensory receptors.

Auditory: The auditory perception describes the process of hearing and in which form the sound is perceived by humans. Decisive factors for whether something is rated as positive or negative are factors such as timbre, speed and pitch.

By purposefully combining the signals, these senses can be addressed appropriately in order to convey a status feedback to the users and, moreover, to generate as positive a user experience as possible.

The invention will now be described by way of example in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. In the figures show:

1 a user interface for a vehicle schematically in a block diagram,

2 the linking of different signals with a meaning context,

3a - 3b an integrated dashboard user interface in a schematic overall view, front view, side view and in a partially cutaway view, and

4a - 4i the use of such a user interface in a vehicle.

In the 1 . 3a to 3d schematically is a user interface according to the invention 1 in a vehicle 2 shown. The vehicle is Preferably, an electrically powered vehicle, such as a battery-electric vehicle (BFV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHIV). However, the user interface can also be provided in any other vehicle, in particular a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

The user interface has an actuator body 3 on, the part of a switching device 4 is. In this embodiment, the actuator body 3 a push button of the switching device 4 so that by a pressure on the actuator body 3 an electrical control signal (eg start / stop) is triggered.

The switching device 4 is with a control device 5 connected.

The switching device 4 has a vibration device 6 and a light source 7 on. The vibration device 6 is on the actuator body 3 coupled such that of the vibration device 6 generated vibrations on the actuator body 3 are transferable. The vibration device 6 represents a first signal generator, which generates vibrations as a signal.

In an alternative embodiment, the vibrator is in direct contact with the finger contacting the user interface. For this purpose, a specially developed for skin contact vibration motor is used.

The light source 7 is a variable in color and / or brightness light source. It includes, for example, at least one red, green and blue light emitting diode (LED), so that light in the entire RGB color space with the light source 7 can be generated. The brightness can be adjusted, for example, in over a hundred steps. The light source 7 represents a second signal generator whose signal is generated in the form of light.

The actuator body 3 is formed of an opaque material. In the present embodiment, the actuating body 3 from a hemisphere made of acrylic glass with a diameter of about 5-15 cm. In the switching device 4 is the light source 7 in the area behind the opaque actuator body 3 arranged so that from the light source 7 radiated light through the actuator body 3 can step outside.

The surface of the actuator body 3 is roughened, leaving the light from the actuator body 3 is emitted diffusely.

The vibration device 6 and the light source 7 are with the control device 5 connected.

The switching device 4 has a proximity sensor 8th on, with which it can be detected whether a body is near the actuator body 3 located.

The proximity sensor 8th , the light source 7 and the vibration device 6 are with the control device 5 over one or more data lines 11 connected. The data line 11 is realized for example by means of a data bus, in particular a CAN bus. Furthermore, a switching element 9 with the control device 5 connected, when operating the actuator body 3 a corresponding electrical signal triggers.

The control device 5 is also with a speaker 10 connected. The speaker 10 can be part of the user interface 1 or separately from the user interface 1 be educated. In particular, it can be expedient to use a loudspeaker of an audio system already present in the vehicle as loudspeaker.

The control device 5 the user interface 1 is via a data line 12 with a central vehicle control device 13 connected. The central vehicle control device is with all the important components of the vehicle, in particular a motor 14 and batteries 15 connected. At the central vehicle control device 13 All operating information is in digital form, such as the speed of the motor, the electrical power consumed by the motor, or that of the motor 14 conducted electric current, the state of charge of the batteries, the temperature of the batteries. Depending on the drive form can still further operating information to the central vehicle control device 13 be kept. When using an internal combustion engine, the parameters describing the operation of an internal combustion engine, such as, for example, rotational speed, fuel consumption, temperature, boost pressure, etc., are to be stored at the central vehicle control device.

The control device 5 the user interface 1 can from the central vehicle control device 13 query the desired operating information. The control device 5 uses this operating information to the signal generator (vibration device 6 , Light source 7 , Speaker 10 ) accordingly.

2 shows schematically some examples of meaning contexts between those of the signalers 6 . 7 . 10 output signals and the operating information.

For example, with the light source, the state of the battery may be multi-dimensional be reproduced. The brightness indicates, for example, the state of charge of the battery, where light indicates that the battery is full and dark indicates that the battery is dead. This assignment can also be formed vice versa. With the color, the temperature of the battery can be reproduced, where red means hot and blue means cold. The light signals of the light source 7 can also pulsate, with a high frequency representing high energy consumption and low frequency low energy consumption. Here, therefore, a three-dimensional meaning context is generated solely with the light signal.

The characteristics of the signals (eg brightness, color, frequency / rhythm) can be varied steplessly. A gradual transition is also possible.

With the vibration device 6 For example, oscillations can be changed in their intensity or amplitude and / or in their frequency and / or in their rhythm. Thus, a multidimensional, in particular three-dimensional meaning context can be generated with the vibrations. With this meaning context, the effect of the light signal can be amplified, for example, by the magnitude of the vibration proportional to the state of charge of the batteries, the frequency of the vibration proportional to the temperature of the batteries and the rhythm of the vibrations proportional to the energy flow or energy consumption.

Rhythm in terms of the signals means that the signals are output in a pulse-like manner, whereby a fast rhythm means many short pulses and a slow rhythm means few, but usually longer pulses.

Naturally, another context of meaning can be created with the vibrations, which is independent of the meaning context of the light signal. It may be useful, for example, to reproduce the current driving state (speed, acceleration, sailing, recuperation) with the light signal and to represent the battery state with the vibrations. This is particularly useful when the user interface is provided for switching on and off of the vehicle, since the user should be aware of the state of charge of the battery both when switching on and off, and he should be aware of this by touching the actuator body 3 can feel.

In addition, via the speaker 10 Audio signals or acoustic signals are delivered, which can be varied in several dimensions (intensity, frequency, rhythm, etc.). Such an audio signal is preferably combinable in conjunction with systems that can detect the danger of the driving situation. Such systems are, for example, radar systems with which the distance to a preceding vehicle can be detected, traffic data information systems with which the traffic density can be detected, or the road condition descriptive systems, with which, for example, a slippery snow track can be seen. Depending on the corresponding danger value, an acoustic signal is output. When determining the danger value, it is particularly expedient to take into account the current driving speed.

The control device 5 may be configured such that due to an approach to the user interface 1 , which by means of the proximity sensor 8th is captured, the user interface 1 is activated. This means that with a signal of the proximity sensor 8th , indicating that a body is near the user interface 1 located, the vibration device 6 is activated, so that when touching the actuator body 3 this vibrates according to the desired meaning context.

Alternatively, visual feedback may be coupled to the energy state of the energy store, i. h., That frequency, rhythm and brightness of the light depending on the energy or operating condition of the vehicle (energy levels before driving, while driving and possibly. When prompted or at "hand approach") are displayed.

Alternatively, the vibration device 6 be operated permanently. This is particularly useful when the vibrations are so strong that they can be transmitted to a larger area of the vehicle and the user can feel them without him the actuator body 3 immediately touched.

In an alternative embodiment, a touch-sensitive screen (not shown) is used as the actuating body. This screen can generate a light signal due to the different colors. It is expedient to use a color screen, which has a high luminosity, so that a passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 can be illuminated to a considerable part of the light screen. The light screen is preferably connected to a vibration device 6 coupled, with which it can be set in vibration. With such an actuator body, the meaning contexts explained above can be transmitted by means of the light signal and the vibration signal as well as specific functions entered on the vehicle or by specific touches of specific locations of the touch-sensitive screen light be set. This light screen can basically be operated in two operating modes. In the first mode, the light screen is used to illuminate the passenger compartment with a particular color, preferably a certain brightness and / or rhythm. In a second mode of operation, the light screen is used to display certain images on the screen, which may include pictograms, texts, or the like, to convey information coded thereon to the user. The display on the screen can be activated, for example by means of a proximity sensor by the approach of the hand, which is then interpreted as "Please see more detailed information".

The 4a to 4i show a typical usage of the user interface 1 , A user 16 first gets into the vehicle 2 one ( 4a ). When approaching the hand to the user interface 1 or their actuator body 3 becomes the user interface 1 activated, that is, it is vibrated and emits a light signal ( 4b ). This gives the user the impression as if the vehicle were awakening. Alternatively, the user interface can already emit light signals when entering, opening the vehicle with a key (also remote control) or approaching the vehicle in order to greet the driver and draw attention to himself. Vibrations are then generated after operating the user interface. The emission of light signals when entering or approaching the driver to his vehicle is a very pleasant welcome scenario, especially in the dark.

With the light signals, the driver can be informed before starting the vehicle (eg red recharge and blue everything ok), whether enough energy for the ride is available or whether a recharge is required.

By exerting a pressure on the actuator body 3 generates the user interface 1 an electrical signal that starts the vehicle ( 4c ). When placing the hand on the actuator body 3 the user feels 16 the battery condition of the vehicle due to the vibrations ( 4d ). The vibrations are preferably generated after starting the vehicle and indicate to the user that the vehicle is in operation. During driving, the different driving conditions are represented by light signals ( 4e ). Such driving conditions are, for example, the acceleration (high energy consumption), the sailing (no or low energy consumption) and a recuperation phase (energy recovery).

By increasing the speed, stronger vibrations can be generated so that the user can "feel" the high speed ( 4f ).

To turn off the vehicle is again the actuator body 3 pressed ( 4g ), bringing back through the user interface 1 an electrical signal is generated which disables the operation of the vehicle.

After exiting, the light signals may continue to be generated for a predetermined amount of time to remind the driver that the vehicle needs to be charged or to indicate that there is still enough energy left for the next trip ( 4h ).

In addition, light signals may be generated during a charging process to indicate to the user how far the energy storage has already been charged ( 4i ). The vehicle then lights up inside, which is visible from the outside.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

User interface

2

vehicle

3

operating body

4

switching device

5

control device

6

vibrator

7

light source

8th

Proximity sensor

9

switching element

10

speaker

11

data line

12

data line

13

central vehicle control device

14

engine

15

battery

16

user

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

• WO 2008/083783 A1 [0003]
• US 2012/0199461 A1 [0003]
• EP 2001715 B1 [0003]
• DE 102005060605 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

User interface for vehicles, in particular for electrically driven vehicles, comprising - a switching device ( 4 ), which by a user of the vehicle ( 2 ) can be operated to a function of the vehicle ( 2 ), - a vehicle information input for detecting operating information of the vehicle ( 2 ), - at least a first and a second signal generator ( 6 . 7 . 10 ), each of which can output a signal perceptible by the user, and - a control device ( 5 ), which the first and second signal generator ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) in accordance with the recorded operating information. User interface according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the signal transmitters ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) are adapted to output a visual, a haptic and / or an audio signal. User interface according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the two signal transmitters ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) is designed to output a signal of the type visual, haptic and / or audio signal, and the other signal generator ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) is configured to output a different type of signal. User interface according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the two signal transmitters ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) is designed to output a haptic signal, wherein the signal generator ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) a vibration device ( 6 ), which in particular is designed to generate vibrations with a rhythm, amplitude and / or frequency determined in accordance with the acquired operating information. User interface according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the switching device ( 4 ) an actuating body ( 3 ), for actuating the switching device ( 4 ) is to be touched by a user, wherein the switching device ( 4 ) at least to one of the two signal transmitters ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) is coupled. User interface according to 5, characterized in that the actuating body ( 3 ) is formed of an opaque material, and at least one of the signal generator ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) a visual signal generator ( 7 ), which in such a way to the actuating body ( 3 ) is coupled in accordance with that of the visual signal transmitter ( 7 ) signal appears. User interface according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the user interface ( 1 ) a proximity sensor ( 8th ) connected to the control device ( 5 ), so that at least one of the two signal transmitters ( 6 . 7 . 10 ) in accordance with one of the proximity sensor ( 8th ) actuates detected proximity signal. User interface according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the user interface ( 1 ) has a touch-sensitive surface. User interface according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the detected operating information includes information on the state of the drive, the power supply, the driving condition, the speed, and / or the energy flow. Vehicle, in particular electrically driven vehicle, characterized by a user interface ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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