DE102017206111A1 - OPERATING DEVICE, METHOD AND VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an operating device for controlling a device function, such as a vehicle, which performs the device function only when a first and at least a second input signal for the same device function done.

Description

The invention is based on an operating device, a method for operating the operating device and a vehicle, in which the operating device can be integrated.

Device functions of a vehicle, such as, for example, opening a window or setting a temperature of an air conditioning system, are activated or controlled by mechanical switches and / or haptic input into an interface in the prior art.

In the future, cars with decorative elements, for example, made of textiles or plastic, which contain touch-sensitive elements. These serve as sensors to activate or control certain functions of the vehicle by haptic input signals.

These touch-sensitive surfaces can be distributed over the entire vehicle interior.

The document EP 3 040 843 A1 describes a system with which a haptically detectable surface is dynamically changeable in response to a command input. This serves to display a status of, for example, an infotainment system.

The document WO 2016/028473 A1 describes a multitouch interface for a vehicle in which a command for a function can be given by making certain left and right hand gestures.

The document US 9,358,887 B2 describes a control system in a vehicle that responds to inputs to a first and a second touch-sensitive element on the steering wheel of a vehicle.

Other conventional solutions require some effort to open, for example, a door latch, or the controls are mounted in places where they are not accessible, for example, of children and / or infants, such as the steering wheel.

The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for the operation of at least one device function, which can be easily integrated into a vehicle and reliably operated while driving. In addition, it is the object of the invention to provide a method for operating the operating device and a vehicle in which the operating device is provided.

The object with regard to the operating device is achieved according to the features of patent claim 1, which with regard to the method according to the features of patent claim 9 and with respect to the vehicle according to the features of claim 11.

Particularly advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an operating device is provided for controlling at least one device function, in particular in a vehicle. The operating device may be connected to at least one sensor, by which at least one input signal of an operator can be detected. Advantageously, the operating device may comprise a computing unit with the aid of which processing of the at least one input signal detected by the sensor and outputting of a control signal may take place. Advantageously, the operating device can output the control signal as a function of the input signals detected by the at least one sensor as soon as at least two input signals for the same device function have been made by the operator.

This has the advantage that no output of a control signal occurs when an input signal is inadvertently made by the operator. For example, when the operator touches a touch-sensitive element, but does not want to output an input signal.

The inputting of the first and the second input signal can take place simultaneously or promptly in succession, within a specific time window, so that the arithmetic unit recognizes that the operator wishes to control the device function. The time window can be five seconds, or advantageously two seconds or more advantageously one second.

Advantageously, the operating device is connected in addition to the sensor with at least one further sensor. With the further sensor can then be detected, for example, the second input signal.

The at least one sensor and / or the further sensor may be provided, for example, as a haptic sensor, for example as a switch and / or as a touch-sensitive sensor having, for example, a capacitive surface.

Furthermore, the sensor and / or the further sensor may be provided as an acoustic sensor, advantageously as a microphone.

The sensor and / or the further sensor may alternatively also be designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a camera.

Advantageously, the operating device is connected to a plurality of sensors, preferably a combination of said sensors. This has the advantage that input signals can be received in different ways. The input signal can then be formed, for example, haptically and / or acoustically and / or optically.

In this case, a haptic input signal may be a touch of a touch-sensitive sensor by the operator, for example a touch sensor and / or an actuation of a switch.

Furthermore, an optical input signal can be made, for example, by the operator making a gesture, which can be detected by the optical sensor, for example the camera. In other words, "Gesture Control" can be used for the controller. Another possibility for an optical input signal is the detection of an eye movement of the operator by the camera, for example a viewing angle or a viewing direction.

An acoustic input signal may be, for example, a voice command that the operator issues. This can be evaluated by means of speech recognition, for example, "opening the right front window", ie a so-called voice command.

Advantageously, a combination of the listed input signals is possible. This allows various sensors to detect the first and second input signals. This has the advantage that the operator is not limited to an input signal. If the input signal is via voice input, it can be avoided, for example, that the operator has to look at a dashboard. As a result, the traffic safety can be increased because the operator, for example a driver of a vehicle, can concentrate fully on driving and the road.

If the sensor is designed, for example, as a haptic sensor, which is provided, for example, on the steering wheel, a first input signal can thereby be made. The second input signal may be the voice command or a voice input that can be detected by the additional acoustic sensor. The operator, for example, the driver of the vehicle, so can touch the touch-sensitive sensor on the steering wheel, and at the same time issue the voice command. In the arithmetic unit of the operating device, the input signals can then be detected. It can be detected whether the input signals meet the criteria for the output of a control signal, namely the input of a first input signal and a second input signal for a device function, preferably within the time window. If the prerequisites are met, the arithmetic unit can output the control signal to a device. Advantageously, this then performs the function desired by the operator. If the condition is not met, the output of the control signal is aborted or there is no output of the control signal.

Advantageously, the operator device may provide the operator with feedback on receipt of the input signal or the input signals. For example, whether a control signal is output or not. The feedback can be done optically and / or haptically and / or acoustically. For example, an optical feedback may be a flashing of a light, or a fade on a display, for example on a dashboard. An acoustic feedback may be, for example, a voice output, or a beep. A haptic feedback can be, for example, a vibration. Also possible is a combination of signals for the feedback. Advantageously, the operator can then gain knowledge of whether the device function is being executed or whether the output of the control signal has been aborted. In other words, the operator can be given feedback.

At least one of the sensors provided in the sensor unit can be designed as a touch-sensitive sensor. In this case, the sensor may have a touch-sensitive layer, which may advantageously detect a haptic input of the operator. The layer may, for example, be designed as a capacitive layer and / or react to a contact resistance and / or to a pressure. Advantageously, the sensor may have a cover layer and a light element. The cover layer is preferably at least partially transparent so that the light of the light element is visible through the transparent locations. The light element may be designed as a light guide and / or as a light-emitting diode (LED) and / or as a luminescent foil. The layers can then preferably be arranged so that the outer layer is the cover layer, preferably partially transparent, including then the light element, that this can illuminate the cover layer from behind in the transparent areas. Under the light layer, the touch-sensitive layer can then be arranged, so that the sensor can respond to haptic inputs. Preferably, a vibration element is also provided, which may be arranged under the touch-sensitive layer in order to give the operator haptic feedback about the input made.

Advantageously, the sensor is deformable and / or mounted on a flexible substrate. This has the advantage that the sensor can be mounted almost everywhere, in particular in the interior of the vehicle, for example on an armrest of a vehicle. In addition, a vibration unit may be provided with the aid of which haptic feedback can be sent to the operator, for example the driver of the vehicle.

The sensor may additionally be designed such that it is only illuminated, for example from the rear, by way of example by activating the light element when a hand approaches the operator. This can be detected, for example, by a further sensor, in particular by an infrared sensor. It is also possible to slightly illuminate the touch-sensitive sensor in the dark, for example, in after-functioning. In order to detect the brightness prevailing in the vehicle, at least one further sensor, in particular an optical sensor, can be provided. It is possible to use the same sensor that activates the exterior lighting of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the at least one, in particular optical, sensor can detect who or which operator or person outputs the, in particular first, input signal and / or from where, for example from which seat in the vehicle the input signal is output, and accordingly execute the device function or refuse. For example, it is possible for a camera to recognize that the driver is giving the input signal from the driver's seat by means of gesture control. The device function can then be executed. For example, if a child were to make the gesture from the rear seat, the device function could be denied. It is also possible that the necessary sensor technology can be integrated directly in the driver's seat or in all seats of the vehicle, for example acoustic or optical sensors, which then recognize that the driver is making the input signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating device is integrated in an armrest of a vehicle door. The first sensor is a touch-sensitive touch sensor that can be used to operate device functions, such as opening the door. In order to avoid inadvertently performing these functions, another touch-sensitive touch sensor is provided on the side of the armrest, which must be touched simultaneously to output a first and a second input signal. By the lateral position of the second sensor can be avoided that the sensors are activated simultaneously, for example by placing the arm inadvertently. The second sensor may be provided, for example, as a contact element, which is mounted in recessed form in the armrest. Thus, it can also be ruled out that the touch element is accidentally activated. To activate a finger is then placed in the recess. At the same time, the second touch element is touched to input the first and second input signals.

In another preferred embodiment, a device function is executed only when a touch-sensitive touch sensor is touched and at the same time a defined gesture is executed by the operator, which is detected by a camera with image recognition. For example, touching the touch sensor and extending a finger may mean that a window should be opened. The touch sensor then detects the first input signal, which is sensed by the touch. The gesture, the extension of the finger, is detected as a second input signal from the camera. Also possible are other signals, such as extending two or more fingers for different functions.

It is also conceivable that the first input signal is provided as a touch of a touch sensor or touch screen by the operator. As a second input signal, a gesture can then be provided on the touch sensor. Possible, for example, a swipe. The movement pattern of the gesture for the second input signal may be previously defined so that different movement patterns may activate different device functions, such as opening one or more or all windows of the vehicle.

In a further possibility, a first input signal also takes place by touching a sensor by the operator. A second input signal is detected by a microphone through speech recognition. For example, the sensor may be touched and "open right window" pronounced by the operator. It is also possible that, for example, a symbol (icon) for the right window on a touch-sensitive sensor, such as a touch interface, is touched and additionally "open window" or "open" is said. In this case, the specification of which output signal is to be sent can be effected by both input signals, for example by touching the symbol for the right window and pronouncing "open right window", as well as by one of the two input signals, while the other only a general signal For example, an open window icon is touched and voice output specifies which window to open, such as "right front".

The operating device may for example be designed so that it is provided in a housing which is mounted, for example, in the interior of a vehicle. In this case, the surface of the housing may have a touch-sensitive sensor, with the aid of which the operator can give the first input signal. Another sensor may be mounted in the housing, for example laterally on the housing, spaced from the first touch-sensitive sensor and / or recessed, so that it is not possible to activate it by mistake. If the operator now touches the first touch-sensitive sensor and the second simultaneously, the input signals can be detected by the arithmetic unit, and the control signal for the device function can be output.

According to the invention, a method for operating the operating device is further provided. Advantageously, the method is applicable in a vehicle. In this case, the first input signal which the sensor detects can be output by the operator. Subsequently or simultaneously, the second input signal can then be output by the operator. This can be detected by the sensor or the additional sensor. The arithmetic unit of the operating device can then check whether the first and the second input signal for the device function have taken place. With a correct detection of at least two input signals for the same device function by the sensor or by the sensor and the further sensor, a control signal can be output to the device. The desired function is then executed. If only one input signal is detected by the sensor, or two input signals for different device functions are detected, the process can be aborted by the computing unit of the operating device. This is the case when, for example, the operator touches the touch-sensitive sensor for the right-hand window but pronounces "open left-hand window".

Advantageously, the method can be switched on. For example, it can be used as a child safety device or as a safety mode and can be switched on or off as required.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the method can also be used for an operation of another function, which is not provided in particular in a vehicle. For example, it may be possible to control applications of a smartphone by entering at least two input signals. Also possible are entertainment system controls such as radios or televisions, or other devices that can be appropriately equipped with an operating device according to any of the above aspects.

Furthermore, it is possible to use the method in order, for example, to overwrite automated functions in the vehicle. For example, it is conceivable that at least one input signal is made twice. Thus, for example, a door locking device can be deactivated, or an outside window can be opened, although a sensor in the vehicle has detected air pollution and closes the window.

According to the invention, a vehicle is further provided, into which at least one operating device can be integrated in accordance with one or more of the aforementioned aspects. For example, the operating device may be provided in a vehicle door. It is also possible that the operating device or an additional operating device is integrated in the armrest. For example, it can be a touch-sensitive Sensor, which is operable with one hand, and detects a first input signal. In addition, the operating device may have a spaced second sensor which is spaced so as not to operate both sensors simultaneously, for example when an arm is placed on the tray.

The vehicle may be an aircraft or a waterborne vehicle or a land vehicle. The land-based vehicle may be a motor vehicle or a rail vehicle or a bicycle. Particularly preferably, the vehicle is a truck or a passenger car or a motorcycle. The vehicle may further be configured as a non-autonomous or semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle.

• 1 in einer schematischen Darstellung ein Verfahren zur Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung,
• 2a und 2b jeweils schematisch den Aufbau eines Touchsensors in einer jeweiligen Ausführungsform,
• 3 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung eine Bedienvorrichtung mit zwei Touchelementen in einer bevorzugten Ausführung in einer Fahrzeugtür,
• 4 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung eine Bedienvorrichtung mit zwei Touchelementen in einer weiteren, bevorzugten Ausführung in einer Fahrzeugtür,
• 5 und 6 jeweils in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die Bedienvorrichtung mit einem Touchelement und einer Kamera in einer Fahrzeugtür,
• 7 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die Bedienvorrichtung mit einem Touchelement und einem Mikrofon zur Aufzeichnung von Spracheingaben in einer Fahrzeugtür und
• 8 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die Bedienvorrichtung in einer Fahrzeugtür mit nur einem Touchelement, das verschiedene Eingaben erfassen kann.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

• 1 in a schematic representation, a method for operating the operating device,
• 2a and 2 B each schematically the structure of a touch sensor in a respective embodiment,
• 3 3 is a perspective view of an operating device with two touch elements in a preferred embodiment in a vehicle door;
• 4 in a perspective view of an operating device with two touch elements in a further preferred embodiment in a vehicle door,
• 5 and 6 each in a perspective view of the operating device with a touch element and a camera in a vehicle door,
• 7 in a perspective view of the operating device with a touch panel and a microphone for recording voice input in a vehicle door and
• 8th in a perspective view of the operating device in a vehicle door with only one touch element that can detect various inputs.

In 1 are schematic input signals 1 . 2 for a device function. The input signals 1 . 2 done by an operator 4 , They are from at least one sensor 6 or two sensors 6 . 8th detected. The input signals 1 . 2 be haptic and / or acoustic and / or visual. With a haptic input signal 1 . 2 can the sensor 6 . 8th that's the input 1 . 2 detected, for example, be a touch element or a switch. For an acoustic input signal 1 . 2 can the sensor 6 . 8th be advantageously designed as a microphone. Finally with an optical input signal 1 . 2 is the sensor 6 . 8th with advantage a camera.

Through the sensor 6 or the sensors 6 . 8th there is a transmission of the input signals 1 . 2 to an operating device 10 , There, the input signals 1 . 2 be evaluated in a computing unit, for example, whether two input signals 1 . 2 for the same device function. If that is the case, can a control signal 12 for a device function 14 generated to the device function 14 perform. Will not be two input signals 1 . 2 made for the same device function, so the operating device 10 a cancellation signal 16 to generate. This can happen if, for example, a haptic sensor in a vehicle 18 accidentally touched. In this case, the first input signal takes place 1 , However, the second input signal remains 2 from, for example, within a predetermined time interval following the first input signal 1 , so in the operating device 10 recognized that the operator 4 did not want to make any input, and accordingly an abort signal 16 generated. By a feedback signal 20 can the operating device 10 the operator 4 Give feedback whether the device function is executed or an abort signal is generated. The feedback can be made, for example, optically by a signal light, or acoustically by a sound or a voice output or haptically by vibration.

In 2a a touch sensor according to a first embodiment is shown. This one has a cover layer 22 , a layered light element 24 and a touch-sensitive layer 26 , The cover layer 22 can be designed at least partially transparent, so that the light from the light element 24 can radiate through. For example, buttons can be illuminated. The light element 24 For example, it may be an optical fiber or a light-emitting diode (LED) or a luminescent film. The touch-sensitive layer 26 is for example designed capacitive. Alternatively, it may respond to a contact resistance, for example by pressure. Advantageously, the touch sensor can be applied to a flexible substrate and / or be deformable. In addition, a vibration element may be provided to give the operator a haptic feedback. 2 B shows another one Embodiment of a touch sensor in which the touch-sensitive layer 26 For example, designed as a touch screen behind which a light guide 24 is installed.

3 shows a preferred embodiment of an operating device, which in a vehicle door 30 is integrated. As sensors are two haptic sensors in the form of touch-sensitive surfaces 32 . 34 or touch elements provided. Here is the first touch-sensitive surface 32 at the top of an armrest 36 arranged. The second touch-sensitive surface 34 is spaced from the first touch-sensitive surface 32 on the side of the armrest 36 arranged. This has the advantage that accidental activation of both touch-sensitive surfaces can be practically excluded. For example, the operator touches a button on the first touch element 32 for a particular action with a finger of his hand as the first input signal and additionally touches a second finger and / or the thumb of the hand, the second touch element 34 as a second input signal. Thereby, the input signals can be detected and the desired action performed.

4 shows an alternative operating device on the armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 , The armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 are shown schematically as a dashed line. The second touch element 34 However, here is not laterally spaced, but recessed relative to the touch panel 32 , This may also cause accidental activation of both touch elements 32 . 34 be avoided. To operate the operating device, the operator can place a finger in the recess with one hand as the first input signal and at the same time as a second input signal with the same hand, the touch element 34 serve. Thus, it is possible to make both input signals. Nevertheless, the touch elements are arranged so that they are not accidentally activated.

5 shows the operating device in which a touch element 32 also in the armrest 36 the vehicle door 30 is integrated. The armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 is shown schematically as a dashed line. A second sensor is as a camera 38 designed, which is an input signal in the form of a gesture 40 an operator can capture. Thus, for example, the touch element can be touched with the little finger, thus inputting the first input signal and at the same time pointing and middle fingers are stretched out to produce a specific input signal, for example the opening of both front windows. The touch element 32 then captures the first input signal, the touch, and the camera 38 another input signal, the gesture 40 , If both input signals are detected correctly, the desired function can be performed.

Analogous to 5 also shows 6 the operating device with a touch element 32 in the armrest 36 the vehicle door 30 is integrated. The armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 is shown schematically as a dashed line. Here takes the camera 38 another gesture 40 on. Thus, for example, the touch element can be touched with the little finger, thus the first input signal can be entered and, for example, only the index finger can be extended, which is detected by the camera as a second input signal. This allows another, specific function to be performed, such as opening only the right front window.

7 shows the operating device 5 integrated into the armrest 36 the vehicle door 30 with the touch element 32 , about which a gesture 40 an operator can be detected as a first input signal. The armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 are shown schematically as a dashed line. The second input signal is made by voice input 42 via a microphone 44 by the operator. This can advantageously be avoided that the operator while driving on the armrest 36 has to look to see where he is pushing by the second input signal through voice input 42 he follows. This increases traffic safety, allowing the operator to focus on the road.

Also 8th describes the operating device on the armrest 36 the vehicle door 30 with the touch element 32 , The armrest 36 in the vehicle door 30 is shown schematically as a dashed line. This now recognizes different input signals. For example, it may be touched to generate the first input signal. In addition, over a defined wiping motion 46 the second input signal is generated to advantageously perform the desired device function.

Disclosed is an operating device for controlling a device function, such as a vehicle, which performs the device function only when a first and at least a second input signal for the same device function done.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

input signal 1, 2 operator 4 sensor 6, 8 operating device 10 control signal 12 device 14 abort signal 16 vehicle 18 Feedback signal 20 topcoat 22 light element 24 touch-sensitive layer 26 vehicle door 30 touch element 32, 34 armrest 36 camera 38 gesture 40 voice input 42 microphone 44 swipe 46

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

• EP 3040843 A1 [0005]
• WO 2016/028473 A1 [0006]
• US 9358887 B2 [0007]

Claims (13)

Operating device for controlling at least one device function, in particular in a vehicle (18), with at least one sensor (6, 8), by which at least one input signal (1, 2) of an operator (4) can be detected, and with a computing unit, which is connected to the at least one sensor (6, 8), characterized in that the arithmetic unit detects the input signal (1, 2) for the device function via the at least one sensor (6, 8), and the arithmetic unit in the presence of at least one second Input signal (2) for the device function outputs a control signal (12) to a device (14). Operating device after the Claim 1 , wherein for detecting the second input signal (2), the sensor (6) or another sensor (8) is provided. Operating device after the Claim 1 or 2 wherein for outputting the control signal (12), the second input signal (2) takes place simultaneously and / or within a certain period of time after the first input signal (1). Operating device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the sensor (6) and / or the further sensor (8) is one of the following sensors (6, 8): - touch-sensitive sensor and / or - acoustic sensor and / or - optical sensor. Operating device according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , wherein during and / or after the input of the first input signal (1) and / or the second input signal (2) an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic feedback (20) to the operator (4) is provided. Control device after Claim 4 or 5 wherein the touch-sensitive sensor (6, 8) is configured to have a touch-sensitive layer (26) and / or a light element (24). Operating device according to one of Claims 4 to 6 in which the touch-sensitive sensor (6, 8) is deformable and / or can be applied to a flexible substrate. Operating device according to one of Claims 2 to 7 , which is provided in a housing, wherein the sensor (6) is provided as a touch-sensitive sensor on a surface of the housing and wherein the further sensor (8) is provided as a touch-sensitive sensor which is spaced from the sensor (6) and / or via a Well accessible. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (6, 8) detects which operator gives the first input signal (1), or from where it is given. Method for controlling a device function, in particular in a vehicle (18), having an operating device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Outputting a first input signal (1) by an operator (4), Detecting the first input signal (1) by the sensor (6), Outputting a second input signal (2) by the operator (4), Detecting the second input signal (2) by the sensor (6) or the further sensor (8), Checking the first and second input signals (1, 2) in the arithmetic unit of the operating device (10), Sending a control signal (12) by the arithmetic unit if two input signals (1, 2) have been made for the same device function, - Not sending (16) of the control signal, if two input signals (1, 2) for different device functions have been carried out and / or no second input signal (2) has occurred. Method for controlling a device function after Claim 10 in which a feedback message (20) is sent to the operator (4) depending on whether the control signal (12) is being transmitted or whether the control signal is not being transmitted (16). Vehicle with the operating device according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , Vehicle after the Claim 12 wherein operating device is configured such that the sensor (6) in an armrest (36) of a vehicle door (30) is provided and wherein the further sensor (8) spaced from the armrest (36) is provided.

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