DE102016210637A1 - System and method for outputting information in a vehicle and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for outputting information in a vehicle and a vehicle. In this case, at least one first output unit is provided, which is set up to output information such that the output information can be perceived by the driver of the vehicle and by at least one other occupant of the vehicle. Furthermore, at least one second output unit is provided, which is set up to output information such that the output information can only be perceived by the driver of the vehicle. An input unit is configured to input a control command by the driver, and a control unit is configured to control the at least one first output unit and the at least one second output unit, so that information in dependence on the input control command by the at least one first output unit or by at least a second output unit is output.

Description

The invention relates to a system and method for outputting information in a vehicle and to a corresponding vehicle.

In modern vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, the reproduction of information, for example in connection with vehicle control, navigation, entertainment and telecommunications plays a major role. For this purpose, vehicles usually have one or more devices for reproducing the relevant content. Examples include speakers of the vehicle audio system or a display in the middle area of the dashboard.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for outputting information in a vehicle as well as a corresponding vehicle, which extends the possibilities of reproducing information in a vehicle.

The object is solved by the system and method for outputting information as well as a vehicle according to the independent claims.

An inventive system for outputting information in a vehicle comprises at least one first output unit which is set up to output information in such a way that the output information can be perceived by the driver of the vehicle and by at least one other occupant of the vehicle, at least one second one Output unit which is arranged to output information such that the output information can be perceived only by the driver of the vehicle, an input unit which is adapted to input a control command by the driver, and a control unit which controls the at least one first output unit and the at least one second output unit is set up so that information is output by the at least one first output unit or by the at least one second output unit depending on the input control command.

In a method according to the invention for outputting information in a vehicle, information is output by a first output unit or a second output unit in dependence on a control command input by the driver of the vehicle, the information output by the first output unit being provided by the driver of the vehicle and at least one other Inmates of the vehicle can be perceived and issued by the second output unit information can be perceived only by the driver of the vehicle.

An inventive vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, has a system according to the invention for the output of information.

One aspect of the invention is based on the approach, by means of a control command that can be input by the driver of a vehicle, between a public mode in which information in the vehicle is output in such a way that it can be perceived by the driver and by at least one other occupant, and to switch to a private mode in which information is output in the vehicle such that it can only be perceived by the driver. For this purpose, at least one first output unit for outputting information to the driver as well as at least one further occupant as well as at least one second output unit for outputting information exclusively to the driver is provided in the vehicle. Depending on the control command entered by the driver, a control unit is caused to output the information to be output via the at least one first output unit or via the at least one second output unit.

As a result, the driver can freely decide whether information to be output is to be perceptible only to him or to other occupants of the vehicle. For example, switching to the private output mode may be desirable if the driver wishes to make a confidential telephone conversation whose content is to be hidden from the other occupants of the vehicle, or receives a text message that may have sensitive content. After completion of the telephone call or reading the text message, the driver can switch back to the public output mode, so that subsequently issued information is again perceptible to the driver and other occupants.

The same applies to the output of information, for example, in connection with the interaction of the driver with functions of the vehicle or during navigation.

If the driver uses the navigation aid, for example, information, in particular navigation information, about the second output unit is output exclusively to the driver after selection of the private output mode. This ensures that further occupants of the vehicle do not perceive that the driver is navigating the vehicle based on navigation information of a navigation aid. In the case of, in particular discrete, voice input for controlling the Vehicle or components of the vehicle by the driver, it may happen that the voice input is not clearly recognized, so it must be specified via a so-called disambiguation list. After the private output mode has been selected by the driver, the disambiguation list is then output to the driver exclusively via the second output unit, so that other vehicle occupants can not take notice of it.

As a result, the other occupants of the vehicle on the one hand not disturbed by the output of information that may not be of interest to them, on the other hand, it is possible for the driver of the vehicle, certain to be issued, especially sensitive or confidential content before the other inmates to hide the vehicle.

Overall, the invention extends the possibilities of reproducing information in a vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first output unit has at least one first loudspeaker, which is set up for the acoustic output of information to the driver and to the at least one further occupant of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first output unit has a first display unit, which is set up for the visual output of information to the driver and to the at least one further occupant of the vehicle. The at least one first loudspeaker can be set up in particular as part of the audio system of the vehicle, and in the vehicle interior, for example at the left and right end of the dashboard and / or the A and / or B and / or C and / or D pillars , and / or the vehicle doors. The first display unit is preferably part of a multimedia system, in particular audio system. Further preferably, the first display unit on a multi-functional display, which is preferably arranged in the central region of the dashboard and is adapted to display both communication information, such as incoming and / or outgoing telephone calls, as well as various, the operation of the vehicle information, such as navigation information , Thereby, the information output from the first output unit can be reliably detected by all occupants of the vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one second output unit has at least one second loudspeaker, which is set up for the acoustic output of information only to the driver. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second output unit has a second display unit which can only be viewed by the driver, in particular a head-up display. The at least one second loudspeaker can be arranged in particular in the vicinity of the driver or the driver's seat, for example in the A and / or B pillar on the driver's side and / or in the driver's door, and / or in a headrest of the driver's seat. Preferably, the at least one second speaker is at head height of the driver. Alternatively or additionally, the head-up display can be set up such that the information projected onto the windshield of the vehicle can only be obtained from the area of a so-called eyebox, i. an area around the driver's head, can be perceived. Thus, the perception of information that is intended for perception only by the driver, reliably avoided by other occupants.

Furthermore, the at least one second loudspeaker is preferably designed to generate a directed, in particular virtual, sound field, which can only be perceived by the driver. Preferably, an audio signal processor, in particular as part of the control unit, is provided for this purpose, processing the information to be output, in particular audio signals, in such a way that it can be outputted in directed fashion by the at least one second loudspeaker. This information can be particularly reliable only perceived by the driver.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit is set up to convert visual information, in particular text information, into acoustic information and to output this information to the driver only through the at least one second loudspeaker. As a result, an incoming text message, for example an e-mail or an SMS, can be safely output without further inmates taking note of the content of the text message.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit is set up to adjust the volume of the acoustic information output at the second loudspeaker so that the output acoustic information can only be perceived by the driver. In particular, the volume of the acoustic information output by the at least one second loudspeaker can be chosen to be smaller than the volume of the acoustic information output by the at least one first loudspeaker. This is particularly preferred if the at least one second loudspeaker is arranged in the vicinity of the driver's head, so that the output information is clearly perceptible to the driver despite the reduced volume. At the same time, the information output by the at least one second loudspeaker is thereby particularly reliably concealed from further inmates.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one second loudspeaker is arranged in or on a headrest of a driver's seat of the vehicle. The at least one second loudspeaker is preferably located in the vicinity of at least one ear of the driver, so that the volume of the information output via the at least one second loudspeaker can be greatly reduced. As a result, information, in particular confidential information, can be perceived particularly reliably by the driver, with the reproduction remaining hidden from other occupants of the vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to convert acoustic information, in particular spoken information, into visual information and to output this information by the second display unit, in particular the head-up display, which can only be viewed by the driver. As a result, for example, acoustic navigation information and / or incoming voice messages can be converted and discretely displayed on the second display unit without further occupants taking note of it.

In a further preferred embodiment, the input unit is arranged in the vehicle and / or designed such that the input of the control command by the driver remains hidden from the other occupants of the vehicle. In this case, in particular, a hidden or inconspicuously arranged switch or button or a button on the steering wheel and / or be provided in or on the driver's door, so that the driver does not have to perform a sweeping movement to enter the control command. Particularly preferably, the input unit is arranged on the steering wheel and / or in or on the driver's door such that the driver only has to move a finger in his natural sitting and driving position in order to switch between the output of information about the first output unit and the output of information to change over the second output unit. This allows the driver to be particularly discreet, i. unnoticed by other inmates of the vehicle, choose between the public and the private edition of information

In a further preferred embodiment, the input unit for inputting the control command is formed by the head of the driver and has a switch arranged in or on the headrest, which can be actuated by the head of the driver. Alternatively or additionally, the input unit has a light barrier arranged in or on the headrest and / or a camera, which is designed to detect a position and / or gesture of the driver's head. As a result, it is possible for the driver to switch between the public and the private output mode with a nodding and / or tilting of the head without this being perceived by other occupants of the vehicle.

Alternatively or additionally, the input unit has a microphone in or on the headrest, the control command being used as voice input, in particular discretely, i. not audible to other occupants of the vehicle, can be spoken into the microphone. In this case, the microphone can also be set up to record voice inputs which relate to the control of the vehicle or of functions of the vehicle. The arrangement in or on the headrest is particularly advantageous if the driver also wants to discretely perform the control of the vehicle or functions of the vehicle. For example, the driver may thereby start unnoticed by other occupants of the vehicle, a navigation aid in the private output mode, i. Enter the destination and / or other parameters, and dispense the navigation information discreetly, if he does not bother the other passengers and / or hide his lack of location.

Other features, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the figures. At least partially schematically show:

1 an embodiment of a system for outputting information;

2 a first example of an arrangement of an input unit and a second output unit; and

3 A second example of an arrangement of an input unit and a second output unit.

1 shows an embodiment of a system 1 for outputting information in a vehicle having a first output unit 2 and a second output unit 3 , The first output unit 2 is configured so that the information output can be perceived by both the driver and any other occupants of the vehicle. In contrast, the second output unit 3 configured so that the information output can only be perceived by the driver.

Depending on one of the driver via an input unit 5 entered control command 4 controls a control unit 6 whether the system 1 in operated in a public or private output mode, in which the information about the first output unit 2 or via the second output unit 3 be issued.

Preferably, control unit 6 configured to allow the input of a control command 4 during operation of the system 1 in the public output mode, switching the system 1 into private mode and vice versa.

In the illustrated example, the first output unit 2 a first speaker 7 and a first display unit 8th on. About the first speaker 7 and the first display unit 8th Information can not be issued person-specifically, ie to all occupants of the vehicle. The output of information about the first output unit 2 is therefore also called a public (output) mode.

The first speaker 7 may be part of an audio system of the vehicle, for example. In addition to the reproduction of audio signals, the speakers of such an audio system are also adapted to output communication information, such as incoming calls and / or voice messages and / or navigation information. Since the audio system is usually provided for the entertainment of all occupants of the vehicle, the communication information can be perceived accordingly by all occupants.

The first display unit 8th can be designed as embedded in a central region of a dashboard, multi-functional display. For example, information relating to the audio system and / or the operation of the vehicle is displayed on such a display. The first display unit 8th may also represent communication information or navigation information, such as incoming text messages such as SMS and / or e-mail or a road map and / or navigation instructions. Due to the central arrangement of the first display unit 8th in the vehicle, the information output is perceivable by all occupants of the vehicle.

The second output unit 3 has a second speaker in the example shown 9 and a second display unit 10 on. About the second speaker 9 and the second display unit 10 For example, information can be output in a person-specific manner, in particular only to the driver of the vehicle. The output of information about the second output unit 3 is therefore also called a private (output) mode.

The second speaker 9 is preferably in the headrest 11 a driver's seat 12 of the vehicle, as indicated schematically in the figure. This will be from the second speaker 9 information given out exclusively in the driver's seat 12 perceived sitting driver. The driver is thereby with his head or his ears so close to the second speaker 9 in that the volume of the information output via the second loudspeaker can be greatly reduced without the driver having any difficulty in perceiving the information output. At the same time this avoids that further occupants of the vehicle can hear the information output.

The second display unit 10 is arranged or arranged so that output information can be perceived only by the driver of the vehicle.

The second display unit 10 For example, it may be recessed in the dashboard such that it or the information it issues can only be seen from a driver's perspective. From a passenger seat and / or a seat in the rear of the vehicle, the second display unit 10 accordingly not visible.

Alternatively, the second display unit 10 for example, be designed as a head-up display, which projects the information to be output at a predetermined angle to a windshield of the vehicle. The predetermined angle is chosen such that the reflected light rays on the windshield can only be perceived by the driver.

2 shows a first exemplary arrangement of an input unit and a second output unit 3 , The input unit is a microphone 5 ' trained, which at the headrest 11 of the driver's seat 12 arranged, in particular integrated in this is. The driver 13 is schematically in its natural sitting or driving position in which he is the steering wheel 14 encompasses, represented, in which his head or mouth in the immediate vicinity of the microphone 5 ' located.

Voice input made by the driver is transmitted by the microphone in this sitting or driving position 5 ' recorded and can, for example, from the control unit 6 (please refer 1 ), are processed. This makes it possible to give the control command for changing the output mode, ie from the private mode to the public mode or vice versa, by voice input. In particular, it is also possible to make the voice input discrete, for example, at low volume, ie enter the control command without being noticed by another occupant.

In the example shown, the second output unit 3 a trained as a head-up display second display unit 10 on. In private output mode, information is output by placing it on the windshield 15 be projected. In the 2 exemplified, on the windshield 15 reflected light rays 16 limit the perspective under which the information given is perceptible. In the natural sitting or driving position is the head of the driver 13 within this perspective, ie in the so-called Eyebox, allowing the driver 13 can reliably perceive the information output. Other occupants of the vehicle, however, have a different view of the on the windshield 15 projected information, so that they remain hidden from the other inmates.

3 shows a second exemplary arrangement of the input unit 5 and the second output unit 3 , The input unit 5 here has a microphone 5 ' as well as a switch 5 ' on, which can be actuated by a head movement of the driver, in particular by a contact with his chin.

This allows the control command either by operating the switch 5 ' or by voice input through the microphone 5 ' be entered. The desk 5 ' can also have the functionality of a so-called. Push-to-talk switch (PTT), so that incoming phone calls by pressing the switch 5 ' accepted and via the second output unit 3 audible only to the driver. Answering the phone calls via the switch 5 ' is an alternative to accepting via a visible to other occupants phone button, for example, on the steering wheel or on the dashboard, or via a designed as a touch-sensitive, multi-functional display first display unit. If the driver wants more inmates to join the phone conversation, he can use the switch 5 ' press again to switch to public output mode.

The second output unit 3 In the example shown, there are two on the headrest 11 the driver's seat arranged or in this integrated speakers 9 on. As the description too 1 As can be seen, thereby output in the private output mode information is particularly reliably perceptible only by the driver.

Furthermore, in 3 a signal generator 17 also shown on the headrest 11 is arranged. The signal generator 17 is configured to use the control command to output a signal, in particular acoustic and / or visual, to the driver as to whether the private output mode and / or the public output mode is activated, ie whether information about the first output unit (see FIG 1 ) or the second output unit 3 be issued. The signal generator 17 for this purpose preferably has a light-emitting diode (LED) which lights up, in particular cyclically, when the private output mode or the public output mode is activated. Due to the arrangement on the headrest 11 the driver's seat can be the signaler 17 discrete the signal, ie unnoticed by other occupants, to the driver. It should be noted that the signal transmitter 17 in another embodiment, at a different location in the vehicle, in particular on the dashboard, can be arranged. The signal generator is preferred 17 arranged in such a way that the signal emitted by it can be perceived only by the driver of the vehicle.

Preferably, the control unit (see 1 ) to convert text messages into voice messages. Upon receipt of a text message, the driver can then, for example, the switch 5 ' Press to hear the corresponding voice message only for him via the second speaker 9 issue.

For example, if the driver wishes to make a confidential telephone call, he can press the button 5 '' or a voice input into the microphone 5 ' switch to private output mode. About another, discrete speech input into the microphone 5 ' the phone call can be made. In this case, information on the telephone call, for example, the number dialed or the name of the person called, discretely in the head-up display (see 2 ) are displayed. The following conversation is audible only to the driver on the second speaker 9 instead of.

Preferably, the control unit (see 1 ) to set predetermined information only by the second output unit 3 issue. Specified information is, in particular, confidential information, for example text messages and / or telephone calls of specified senders or callers and / or navigation information to a specific destination or in a specific city. As a result, the driver does not need to switch extra to the private output mode, if such a predetermined information is to be output. In this case, it is preferably possible for the driver to specify the predetermined information, ie to configure the control unit in such a way that contents predetermined by it are exclusively via the second output unit 3 be issued.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

System for the output of information

2

first output unit

3

second output unit

4

command

5

input unit

5 '

microphone

5 ''

switch

6

control unit

7

first speaker

8th

first display unit

9

second speaker

10

second display unit

11

headrest

12

driver's seat

13

driver

14

steering wheel

15

Windshield

16

light rays

17

signaler

Claims (11)

System ( 1 ) for outputting information in a vehicle with - at least a first output unit ( 2 ), which is arranged to output information in such a way that the information output by the driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle and of at least one other occupant of the vehicle, - at least one second output unit ( 3 ), which is set up to output information such that the information output is provided only by the driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle, - an input unit ( 5 ), which are used to enter a control command ( 4 ) by the driver ( 13 ), and - a control unit ( 6 ) which is used to control the at least one first output unit ( 2 ) and the at least one second output unit ( 3 ) is set up, so that information in dependence on the input control command ( 4 ) by the at least one first output unit ( 2 ) or by the at least one second output unit ( 3 ). System ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first output unit ( 2 ) at least one first loudspeaker ( 7 ), which is used to acoustically output information to the driver ( 13 ) and to the at least one further occupant of the vehicle, and / or a first display unit ( 8th ) for the visual output of information to the driver ( 13 ) and is arranged at the at least one further occupant of the vehicle. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second output unit ( 3 ) at least one second loudspeaker ( 9 ), which for the acoustic output of information only to the driver ( 13 ) and / or only by the driver ( 13 ) visible second display unit ( 10 ), in particular a head-up display. System ( 4 ) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit ( 6 ) is adapted to convert visual information, in particular text information, into acoustic information and transmit it through the at least one second loudspeaker ( 9 ) only to the driver ( 13 ). System ( 1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit ( 6 ) is set to adjust the volume of the second speaker ( 9 ) so that the output acoustic information is only from the driver ( 13 ) can be perceived. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one second loudspeaker ( 9 ) in or on a headrest ( 11 ) of a driver's seat ( 12 ) of the vehicle is arranged. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control unit ( 6 ) is adapted to convert acoustic information, in particular spoken information, into visual information and this information can only be obtained by the driver ( 13 ) visible second display unit ( 10 ), in particular the head-up display. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input unit ( 5 ) is arranged in the vehicle such that the input of the control command ( 4 ) by the driver ( 13 ) remains hidden to the other occupants of the vehicle. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input unit ( 5 ) for entering the control command ( 4 ) through the driver's head ( 13 ) and one in or on the headrest ( 11 ) arranged switches ( 5 ), which by the driver's head ( 13 ) and / or one in or on the headrest ( 11 ) arranged light barrier and / or a camera which for detecting a position and / or gesture of the head of the driver ( 13 ) is formed. Method for outputting information in a vehicle, in which, depending on the driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle input control command ( 4 ) Information - by a first output unit ( 2 ), so that the information output by the driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle and of at least one further occupant of the vehicle can be perceived, or by a second output unit ( 3 ) so that the information output is only from the driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle can be perceived. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, with a system ( 1 ) for outputting information according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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