EP2185899A1

EP2185899A1 - Navigation system for a complex, menu-controlled, multifunctional vehicle system

Info

Publication number: EP2185899A1
Application number: EP08803060A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Rieth; Ulrich STÄHLIN; Sighard SCHRÄBLER; Marc Menzel; Andreas Schirling; Robert Baier; Robert Gee
Original assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Current assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Priority date: 2007-09-04
Filing date: 2008-08-15
Publication date: 2010-05-19
Also published as: CN101796376A; KR20100059941A; DE102008037882A1; JP2010538884A; WO2009030590A1

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a navigation system is provided for a complex, menu-controlled vehicle multifunctional vehicle system, having a navigation unit and a human-machine interface, which are disposed separately from each other in different locations. A bidirectionally configured communication connection exists between both units.

Description

Navigation system for a complex menu-driven multi-function vehicle system

Field of the invention

The invention relates to navigation technology for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a navigation system for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system, a vehicle having such a navigation system, the use of such a navigation system in a vehicle, a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle, a program element and a computer-readable medium.

Technological background

Conventionally, in the vehicle functional components such. B.

On-board computer, air conditioning, radio, navigation system, etc., installed as separate components to be operated in the vehicle. Each individual component has its own control panel, so that the driver must turn to the control component or feel the controls while driving to the

Single components to use. The driver is thus often vom

Traffic is distracted.

Furthermore, selected controls for individual components, such. B. the call acceptance of a mobile phone, the volume control and the

Program selection button a radio, spatially separated from the individual components within reach of the driver, especially in the vicinity of the steering wheel or the steering wheel itself, be arranged. However, this is often only useful when original equipment of the vehicle. In addition, the effort is relatively large. Furthermore, individual components can be combined to form a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system. Here, the operation is concentrated in a user interface of the vehicle multifunction system. In the field of conventional radio slot is z. B. built such a multi-function system that combines the functions on-board computer, air conditioning, radio and navigation device in itself. The display of the multi-function system can be designed as a sensitive input screen (touch-screen display) to allow input of menu items by touching the display. Alternatively, controls can be placed directly adjacent to the display.

The increasing complexity of such menu-driven vehicle multi-function systems requires a direct user attention to the user interface for operation and thus involves the risk of distraction from driving.

Normally, in navigation devices, both the actual navigation (map, map matching, routing, etc.) and the human-machine interface (which for the representation, ie the graphical and acoustic output of

Information, the user-side inputs, etc., is responsible) combined in one device.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved navigation system which enables safe operation.

It is a navigation system for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system, a vehicle, a use, a method Program element and a computer readable medium according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The described embodiments equally relate to the navigation system, the vehicle, the use, the method, the program element and the computer-readable medium.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a navigation system for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system is specified, wherein the navigation system has a navigation unit, a human-machine interface (HMI) and a communication connection. The communication link is configured to provide bidirectional communication between the man-machine interface and the navigation unit, wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link.

The two units (MMS and navigation unit) are housed in separate units. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are designed to be arranged at separate positions in the vehicle. Due to this resolved design, it is thus possible to develop the vehicle navigation and the MMS separately from each other and to install in the vehicle. In particular, it is possible in this way to install both devices at different locations in the vehicle.

For example, the man-machine interface is installed in the field of view of the driver and the navigation part (navigation unit) in the glove compartment of the vehicle. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation unit is designed for mobile communication with the man-machine interface via the communication link. Both units can therefore be connected by cable or by radio. Only the necessary data is exchanged via this connection.

The wireless transmission between the MMS and the navigation unit (and vice versa) takes place for example via WLAN (eg 802.1 Ip), Bluetooth, ZigBee or WiMax.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation system is designed to transmit information from the navigation unit to the man-machine interface for controlling data located in the human-machine interface.

For example, the MMS has its own computing unit and its own data memory. Thus, processing of the information to be displayed can take place within the MMS. How this information is to be processed or displayed can be controlled and controlled, for example, by the navigation unit.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation unit is a module of a driver assistance system. If "navigation unit" is mentioned below, a simple navigation module (see reference numeral 120 of FIG. 1) or else a complex system (see reference numeral 130 of FIG. 1) is understood to mean both a navigation module and corresponding arithmetic units and sensor, optionally in combination with a driver assistance system (see reference numeral 125 of FIG. 1). According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the man-machine interface is designed for partial integration in a windshield of the vehicle or in front of a speed indicator of the vehicle. In this case, for example, the graphic information is displayed on the windshield. The acoustic output can be made by speakers arranged elsewhere. The input of control commands is carried out by voice control or via a mechanical input device, which is arranged for example on the center console of the vehicle or in a mobile device (PDA, mobile phone, etc.) is integrated.

In this way, it is possible for the driver to pick up the graphic information without being too distracted from the traffic.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the navigation system further comprises a sensor device for determining a

Head position of the driver or the passenger relative to a display unit of the man-machine interface.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation system has a computing unit for distorting information to be displayed on the display unit. The distortion occurs in the way that the information to be displayed with the perceived by the driver or passenger environment of the vehicle from the perspective of the driver or passenger realistically or correctly superimposed. The distortion takes place on the basis of the head position determined by the transmitting device. Also, the distortion can be adjusted manually by the user by operating a corresponding adjustment device. In this way, the user can manually overlay the displayed information with the perceived by him environment of the vehicle realistically. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the navigation system has a laser projector for projecting the data to be displayed on a windshield of the vehicle. In this case, the windscreen can have a laser display on which the incident laser beam is visualized even better than on a normal windshield.

Also, as an alternative to laser projector and laser display, a head-up display may be provided, in which a graphic is projected from a monitor via a mirror arrangement on the windshield.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation system has a mobile navigation unit for providing map material to the navigation unit (permanently installed in the vehicle).

As already stated, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, these mobile navigation units can also be used to control the installed navigation unit.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mobile navigation unit is designed to transmit a selected part of the map material stored in the mobile navigation unit.

In this way, the data traffic can be minimized since only the currently required part of the digital map is transmitted to the navigation unit (which is installed in the vehicle). Here, it can be provided that the transmitted map section has a definable size, which is based, for example, on the average vehicle speed, so that the vehicle is within the map section for at least one minute (or at least over another user-selectable period of time). According to another embodiment of the invention, the navigation system is adapted to use a screen of the mobile navigation unit to display such data that is not displayed by the MMS. In other words, the screen of the mobile navigation unit can be used as a supplement to the MMS of the vehicle.

For example, a software is installed on the mobile navigation unit that is not available to the permanently installed navigation unit or MMS. Thus, therefore, the mobile navigation unit can complement the fixed navigation unit and the MMS.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is specified with a navigation system described above.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the navigation system in the vehicle is designed so that the MMS and the

Navigation unit are arranged at separate locations in the vehicle.

In this way it can be achieved that the data stored and processed in the navigation unit are protected against damage to a great extent, whereas the MMS meets less stringent security requirements. It is thus possible to differentiate between safety-critical and less safety-critical data, components, etc., which are then accommodated either in the navigation unit or in the MMS.

In this way, costs can be saved in the production, since the less safety-critical components must be manufactured with less effort.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the use of a navigation system described above in a vehicle is specified. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle is provided, in which a bidirectional communication connection between a man-machine interface and a navigation unit for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system is provided. Furthermore, there is a control of located in the man-machine interface data via the communication link, wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units that are designed to communicate with each other via the communication link.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a program element which, when executed on a processor, instructs the processor to perform the steps described above.

For example, the computer program element may be part of a software that is stored on a processor of the vehicle management. Likewise, the computer program element can be used in an electronic brake assistant. The processor can also be the subject of the invention. Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention comprises a

Computer program element which already uses the invention from the beginning, as well as a computer program element which causes an existing program for use of the invention by means of an update.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program element which, when executed on a processor, instructs the processor to perform the steps described above. The term "digital maps" should also be understood to mean maps for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) without navigation.

The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, such as a car, bus or truck, or even a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, such as a helicopter or airplane.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the context of the present invention GPS is representative of all global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such. GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (Russia), Compass (China), IRNSS (India), ...

In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a schematic representation of a sensor for detecting a relative position of the head of the driver according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements.

1 shows a schematic representation of components of a navigation system 100 for installation in a vehicle. The navigation system 100 has a navigation unit 130, a man-machine interface 140, which is connected to the navigation unit 130 via the communication link 150, as well as a sensor 201 and a mobile navigation unit 160.

The data to be transmitted by the navigation system 100, which is transmitted to the communication unit 122 by the control unit 140, which is embodied, for example, in the form of a CPU, can be transmitted via a

Encryption device 121 are encrypted. Likewise, the received data transmitted from the communication unit 122 to the control unit 140 may be decrypted by the encryption unit 121. The communication unit 122 has an antenna 123 for data transmission.

In principle, the navigation unit 130 can communicate wirelessly with the MMS 140 via this antenna 123 and the communication device 122. For this purpose, the MMS 140 also has a corresponding antenna 141.

Also, a separate wireless communication link may be used for communication between the MMS 140 and the navigation unit 130, in which case the navigation unit 130 may have an additional communication unit (not shown in FIG. 1). The MMS 140 has an input unit 126, an acoustic output unit 127 and a graphic output unit 128, for example in the form of a monitor.

The communication link 150 between the MMS and the navigation unit 130 may be either wired or wireless. Also, both a wireless and a wired connection can be provided side by side.

Various settings of the navigation unit 130 and the MMS can be made via the input unit 126.

Target guidance information can be output via the optical output unit (for example in the form of a monitor) 128. In addition, the route guidance information may also be output via the acoustic output unit 127. The output via the acoustic output unit 127 has the advantage that the driver is less distracted from the current traffic situation.

In a memory element 124, which is connected to the control unit 140 or integrated in the control unit 140, the digital map data (eg as

Navigation map data) in the form of data records. For example, additional information about traffic restrictions, infrastructure facilities and the like are also stored in the memory element 124 and assigned to the data records.

Furthermore, a driver assistance unit 125 is provided, which is supplied with the digital map data or other information (for example, sensor or measurement information). To determine the current vehicle position, the navigation unit has a navigation module 120 with a satellite navigation receiver 106, which is designed to receive positioning signals from, for example, Galileo satellites or GPS satellites. Of course, the satellite navigation receiver can also be designed for other satellite navigation systems.

The satellite navigation receiver 106 is connected to the control unit 140. Also, the navigation module 120 is connected to the control unit 140. Furthermore, there is a direct connection between the navigation module 120 and the satellite navigation receiver 106. Thus, the GPS signals can be transmitted directly to the CPU 140.

Since the positioning signals are not always receivable, for example, in the inner-city area, the sensor system 119 of the navigation system 100 also has a direction sensor 107, for performing a dead-reckoning navigation

Wegstreckensensor 108, a steering wheel angle sensor 109, a spring travel sensor 102, an ESP sensor 103 and possibly an optical detector 104, for example in the form of a camera on. A beam sensor 105 (radar or lidar sensor) may also be provided. Furthermore, the sensor 119 has a speedometer 101.

The signals of the GPS receiver 106 and the remaining sensors are processed in the control unit 140. The vehicle position determined from these signals is matched via map matching by means of road maps. The route guidance information thus obtained is transmitted to the MMS 140 and, for example, on

Monitor 128 (which can also be designed as a laser display or head-up display) output. Also, the processing or part of the processing of the signals can be made directly in the MMS 140. If, for example, an improved evaluation or presentation software is available, this can be applied to the MMS be installed or installed together with a new (replacement) MMS. In this way, a quick and inexpensive retrofitting is possible.

Furthermore, the system 100 has a sensor 201, for example in the form of a camera or a laser scanner. The sensor 201 is capable of detecting the relative head position of the driver or the passenger relative to the windshield. The sensor unit 201 is connected via the data line 202 to the navigation unit 130 or its arithmetic unit 140. This connection can be wired or wireless.

Furthermore, a mobile navigation unit 160 is provided with an antenna 161, which can communicate with the navigation unit 130 via the wireless communication link 162. The mobile communication unit 160 can also be connected to the permanently installed navigation unit 130 via a data cable.

The navigation system described above is a complex menu-driven vehicle multi-function system having a plurality of functional components.

Due to the separate arrangement and distribution of the human-machine interface 140 and the navigation unit 130, it is possible to connect navigation software, which belongs to a permanently installed driver assistance system, with a transportable human-machine interface. The navigation software remains unchanged, whereas the human-machine interface can be improved in short cycles and thus can be more and more realistic in the presentation. Thus, it is possible to enable a high safety standard in the navigation software, which is necessary for driver assistance systems, without sacrificing a current graphical representation. For example, the MMS has a small screen 128 mounted in front of the fulcrum of the speedometer needle of the vehicle's speedometer. Overall, it is possible to perform the MMS much slimmer than an integrated solution. Especially with regard to a possible impairment of sight and safety in case of an accident, this can be an advantage.

Instead of a navigation device 120, a map software may also be used. In this case, route guidance via the man-machine interface is not possible. However, current traffic signs, speed limits, etc. can be displayed. In this case, the route guidance could also be taken over by the mobile navigation device 160.

By separating navigation and MMS, it is possible to develop both parts according to different security criteria. For example, the MMS may be implemented with a lower security standard, whereas the

Navigation unit 130 meets a high safety standard. In addition, both units can be independently replaced, maintained or renewed.

Also, the display device 128 of the MMS in the form of a

Windscreen laser displays be executed. Here, the real environment of the vehicle, which is perceived by the driver, for example, superimposed with the representation of a road map. In this way, the driver can capture important information when he just looks through the windscreen. For example, an extra dedicated sensor 201 determines the driver's head position relative to the display 128. In this way, the system can see how the information to be presented to the driver (for example, in the form of a vector graphic) must be distorted so that graphics and reality overlap as well as possible , In order not to obscure the reality and to keep the energy requirement low, the graphics is preferably not a bitmap image, but a vector graphic as it can be projected with a laser or a biaxial deflection unit. Thus, the projector and the sensor can be retrofitted. Also, the integration of the projector in a mobile device is possible. For example, the projector can be integrated into a mobile phone, which is then positioned at a suitable location in the vehicle. For positioning, for example, a correspondingly adjusted holding device can be provided.

The displayed on the display device 128 (windshield)

Information may include so-called comfort information, such as the way to be taken, cross street, possibly street names, house numbers, gas stations, mailboxes, restaurants, attractions, the selected radio channel u. ä.

Also, safety-relevant information can be superimposed. So z. For example, the laser display may be combined with a location system such that a pedestrian, obstacle or oncoming vehicle is marked on a collision course in the field of view after it has been detected by a suitable sensor 119.

Also, the important for the operation of the vehicle information, such as speed, gear, engine speed, tank, temperature, time and warning lights can be displayed if necessary. Here is only to pay attention to a placement that does not bother the driver.

The laser display (or the laser) can be set manually for congruent superimposition of reality and imaging. A head sensor is not required in this case. If the position is not detected in the direction of the eyes, the driver manually adjusts the display so that it is out of one average head position achieves a good coverage of map and reality.

Fig. 2 shows a head sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. The sensor 201 is designed, for example, in the form of a CCD or CMOS head sensor. For example, an antenna 203 is provided for communication with the computing unit 140. Also, a data line may be provided.

In FIG. 2, the head of the driver is designated by reference numeral 205 and the image area of the image detected by the detector 201 is symbolized by the dashed lines 204, 206.

The sensor 201 is composed of, for example, a simple stereoscopic infrared digital camera and basically detects the head position of the driver or passenger and the distance to the head. It can help a marker (marker), which is executed for example as a red dot that sticks to the forehead.

With the help of the detected head position and possibly an additional manual adjustment (adjustment) of the position of the projector relative to the windshield remains the

Map that is projected, over a wide head movement range congruent with reality.

In another embodiment, the head sensor 201 is designed as a laser scanner (in the form of, for example, an "off position" laser scanner.) Hello Mr. Stählin: What is meant by this? An infrared laser system invisibly scans the interior of the vehicle for the driver and determines from a time difference and direction the head position of the driver. Advantageously, the driver is less distracted from the path ahead of him. Furthermore, can be saved by the illustrated solution conventional gauges. If required, many different pieces of information can be displayed in such a way that the display is not overloaded with displays, which could overwhelm the driver's attention.

Furthermore, the driver can display and arrange additional functions, and adjust these displays and the arrangement as needed. Certain displays may be the same for all drivers (for example, important information such as speed, distance, warning lights). Other settings and displays can be defined as "Style" depending on the driver.

Thanks to its simple design, this universal indicating instrument can also be integrated into a mobile terminal and can therefore be retrofitted even for older vehicles. In particular, both the driver and the passenger can each get their own display, which includes, for example, different information. This is particularly interesting for driving schools.

In today's vehicles, there are two solutions to navigation: on the one hand there are mobile navigation devices that can be brought into the vehicle, but can not access resources available in the vehicle (except electricity). Also, other navigation devices may be integrated into the vehicle.

Thus, they are easily adaptable to the vehicle and can access all existing information (sensors, etc.) and input / output options. However, these fixed, integrated navigation devices are quickly becoming obsolete. According to a further aspect of the invention, the navigation system additionally comprises a mobile navigation device 160.

3 shows a vehicle with a navigation system described above including a mobile navigation device 160 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the vehicle 301, an integrated navigation 130 is installed, which, however, has no maps or insufficient or outdated map material. If a mobile navigation device 160 is now connected, the map data is transferred from the mobile navigation device 160 into the integrated navigation 130. The transmission takes place via a radio interface or wired.

In this case, only the sections of the map are transmitted that are relevant to the current driving situation, z. So cover the next ten minutes, as well as the planned route. This data is still stored in the integrated navigation device when the connection to the mobile device is aborted. This ensures that data is still available even if no mobile navigation device is connected.

For this it is important that the data from the mobile navigation device be converted into the data format of the integrated device. There are three methods for this:

The complete conversion of the data takes place in the mobile device 160.

This represents a flexible variant.

The mobile device converts the data into a raw format and the integrated device 130 converts this raw format to the internally used format. The complete conversion takes place in the integrated device 130, 140. For this, it is necessary that the conversion routines can also be subsequently updated to allow adaptation to new generations of mobile devices.

Functions that are not included in the integrated navigation software are additionally displayed by the mobile device (eg as a second screen or split-screen). The mobile device can also be used to display the menu, whereas the integrated navigation only displays the navigation instructions. Thus arise depending on the used mobile device different additional functions and thus differentiation possibilities for the respective manufacturers of the systems.

If multiple mobile devices are used, eg. As a mobile navigation device and a smartphone with navigation software, it is selected based on predetermined criteria, which map data are loaded into the integrated navigation unit. Such criteria may, for. B. the timeliness of the map data, accuracy, compatibility, etc. be. When presenting additional functions on the mobile devices, either the user can decide which function is displayed on which device, or one of the systems (preferably the integrated one) decides this. This selection of functions is stored, for example (especially if the user has selected it), so that it is available again the next time it is used. The storage of the configuration can be differentiated according to

mobile system (ie separate for each system A, B, C ...),

Combination of systems (ie for each combination A + B, B + C, A + C, ...), general additional function independent of the system. This is to be understood that z. For example, a special function is not used on either A or B or C, or any other special function is always used or a combination of functions is selected.

By buffering the data of the mobile device and the completely existing navigation software in the integrated system, navigation is possible even if there is currently no connection to a mobile device. The use of the mobile device screen for additional information enlarges the actual navigation area on the integrated navigation screen.

4 shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In step 401, a bidirectional communication link is provided between a man-machine interface and a navigation system for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system. Furthermore, a communication link between the installed navigation unit and a mobile navigation unit is established. In step 402, a map data is transferred from the mobile device to the installed navigation unit. In step 403, the map data is buffered in the installed navigation unit. In step 404, the mobile device screen is used to display additional information or functions not covered by the integrated software. In addition, additional information can be stored. In step 405, the control of the data located in the MMS takes place via the corresponding communication connection.

In addition, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It is further to be noted that features or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above embodiments, also in Combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above can be used. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

claims

A navigation system (100) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multi-function system, the navigation system comprising: a navigation unit (130); a human-machine interface (140); a communication link (150) for providing bidirectional communication between the human-machine interface and the navigation unit; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link.

2. Navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface (140) and the navigation unit

(130) are designed for arrangement at separate positions in the vehicle.

3. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation unit for mobile communication with the human

Machine interface via the communication link (150) is executed.

4. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, designed to transmit information from the navigation unit (130) to the man-machine interface (140) for driving in the man-machine interface (140) located data.

5. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation unit (130) is a module of a driver assistance system.

A navigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the man-machine interface (140) is adapted for integration in a windshield of the vehicle or in front of a speed indicator of the vehicle.

A navigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor device (201) for determining a head position of the driver or the passenger relative to a display unit of the human-machine interface (140).

8. The navigation system of claim 7, further comprising: a computing unit for distorting information to be displayed on the display unit so that the information to be displayed is correctly overlaid with the driver's or passenger's perceived surroundings of the vehicle as seen by the driver or passenger; wherein the distortion is based on the head position determined by the sensor device.

The navigation system of claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a laser projector for projecting the data to be displayed onto a windshield of the vehicle.

The navigation system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a mobile navigation unit (160) for providing map material to the navigation unit (130).

11. Navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the mobile navigation unit (160) is adapted to transmit a selected portion of the map material stored in the mobile navigation unit (160).

12. Navigation system according to claim 10 or 11, designed to use a screen of the mobile

Navigation unit (160) for displaying data that is not displayed by the human-machine interface (140).

13. vehicle with a navigation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the man-machine interface (140) and the navigation unit (130) are arranged at separate locations in the vehicle.

15. Use of a navigation system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 in a vehicle.

16. A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

Providing a bidirectional communication link (150) between a human-machine interface (140) and a navigation unit

(130) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multi-function system; Control of located in the man-machine interface (140)

Data via the communication link; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units for communicating with each other via the

Communication connection are executed.

17. A program element that, when executed on a processor (101), directs the processor (101) to perform the following steps:

Providing a bidirectional communication link (150) between a human-machine interface (140) and a navigation system (130) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system;

Activation of data in the human-machine interface (140) via the communication link; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link.

A computer readable medium having stored thereon a program element which, when executed on a processor (101), instructs the processor (101) to perform the steps of: providing a bidirectional communication link (150) to a human machine Interface (140) and a navigation unit (130) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system;