DE102014214072A1 - A user interface and method for graphically defining drive ready periods of an electrically propelled vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A user interface and a method for defining travel readiness periods and / or load periods of an electrically drivable means of transport are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: displaying a matrix (4) having - a first dimension (T) representing days, in particular weekdays, and - a second dimension (Z) representing times of day, - representing a field (6) representing a loading and / or driving ready period for the means of locomotion in the matrix, - receiving a first user input, and in response thereto - defining and / or adjusting the field (6).

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a user interface for a means of locomotion as well as a method for graphically defining drive-ready periods of an electrically powered vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a reduction of the required number of user interactions in defining drive ready periods.

The electrification of passenger transport is currently progressing rapidly. One form of this is so-called plug-in electric vehicles, which can be supplied with electrical energy by external devices. For the energetically and economically favorable definition of charging periods, different operating methods have been proposed in the prior art.

DE 10 2009 051 076 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for determining a start of a charging process of an electric vehicle in which the driver is automatically presented with a recharge screen just before leaving the parked vehicle. On this the driver is asked to enter when he needs his vehicle recharged.

EP 2 541 725 A1 discloses a charge monitoring system for a variety of electrically powered forklifts. In this case, a common charging schedule for the plurality of forklift trucks is maintained in a charging station.

DE 10 2009 038 431 A1 discloses a method for operating a plug-in vehicle in which a user sets an anticipated or scheduled departure time and automatically controls a charge on the energy store in response to the scheduled estimated departure time. Also, an air conditioning system of the vehicle or a heating system of the vehicle are controlled depending on the intended reuse time to ensure the departure time a desired interior temperature. Also, input of the intended reuse timing via a mobile phone or a computer is proposed.

Based on the above-mentioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention to be able to make the entry of driving readiness periods more ergonomic.

Disclosure of the invention

The above object is achieved by a method for defining driving readiness periods of an electrically driven means of locomotion with the features of claim 1 and a user interface with the features of claim 12. The method begins by displaying a matrix having a first dimension representing days (eg, weekdays) and a second dimension representing times of day (eg, from 0 to 24 o'clock). In the matrix, a field is displayed, which represents a loading and / or driving ready period for the means of transportation. Within the scope of the present invention, "loading period" is understood as meaning a period of time which the user assigns to the means of locomotion for producing a predefined state of charge. In other words, the predefined state of charge should be established towards the end of the charging period. What charging states the means of transport assumes in the context of this charging period, however, is not significant for the user and can be determined automatically, for example, based on tariffs of an energy supplier. In the context of the present invention, a "travel readiness period" for the means of transportation is understood as meaning a period during which the user wishes to have the means of transportation with a predefined minimum SOC available. In addition, further properties of the means of transport can be predefined, which relate, for example, to air conditioning. Depending on how the driving-ready period is defined by the user, the duration of the driving-ready period may also say something about how long the user intends to use the means of locomotion and automatically adjusts the state of charge of an electrical energy store of the vehicle. If a period of time defined by the user has been exceeded, the previous strategy that the vehicle provides again for battery discharges into the network, etc. can be used. This is a further advantage over a departure time point at which the battery remains fully charged and energy stored in it can no longer be provided to support the supply network. In particular, if, for example, the vehicle is not used for a planned trip at the weekend due to flexible planning, the stored energy can be used flexibly in this period without further interaction by the user. Since no "end" is defined. It remains unused until the next discharge by one drive, unless a next timer is activated. In other words, the battery of the means of locomotion outside the driving ready periods for Mesh integration in the form of a "swarm" buffer.

If the user interface receives a user input, a new field can be defined in response thereto and / or a field already displayed in the matrix can be adapted. The present invention enables a quick and intuitive detection and adjustment of the driving-ready periods for an electrically driven means of transportation.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The user input may preferably take place with regard to a field already represented in the matrix. In other words, with the first input, the user selects at least one field previously represented in the matrix and modifies this field, for example, by means of a drag-and-drop gesture. Such an operating step is understood to be particularly intuitive due to today's smartphones and tablets common user interfaces.

The field can be illustrated in the matrix essentially in the form of a bar. In addition, individual information or other bar elements can be arranged on the field. These may, for example, characterize a predefined SOC and / or a predefined temperature for the interior of the means of locomotion. A bar-shaped representation of the field allows a simple visual to be detected reproduction of the time extent of the driving readiness period.

Preferably, a wireless communication device may be used to send the data representing the fields to the means of transportation after defining and / or adjusting the field. In other words, a graphical user interface of a wireless communication device (eg, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like) is used to represent the matrix and to define the drive ready periods for the transportation means according to the invention. Subsequently, an upload can take place via a wireless communication connection and in particular the Internet to the means of locomotion, which automatically defines suitable loading processes on the basis of the data. In this way, a spatially and temporally flexible definition of the driving readiness periods is provided.

Preferably, the field can be copied and / or moved by a second user input. For example, the field may be moved to a different time of day and / or to another day. In this case, an independent driving readiness period can be defined, which can then be processed independently of the original driving readiness period. Alternatively or additionally, a copy of a field, which is also referred to as "ghost copy" in English, can also be generated, which is also changed when the original field is edited. For example, even if one field of a ghost copy family (original field and all ghost copies of the source field) is changed, any other field in the family can be changed accordingly. Optionally, the user may be asked to choose between changing the selected field or all family members. Advantageously, for example, the drive ready vehicles for the morning drive to work (Monday to Friday) can be created as a Ghost Copy family and then a copy of the Ghost Copy family are moved into the evening hours to prepare for the everyday drive home from work , Finally, i.A. cover the same distances and expect the same climate preferences of the user. For the definition of driving time periods for a subsequent week, the Ghost Copy family created in this way can then simply be moved to a time of day in the following week in order to adapt the travel readiness periods, for example, to a late shift operation. In order to be able to define deviating climate settings for the shift shift week, the large number of fields in the following week can then be decoupled from the fields of the previous week (eg by clicking on a checkbox or similar).

Preferably, after a first user input with respect to a displayed field (first user input), a button for a daily, weekly (also multiple, even or odd weekly), monthly or annual repetition of the field can be displayed. Now, the button can be pressed by another user input to activate or deactivate a corresponding repetition. This allows a comprehensive adaptation of the driving readiness periods by a minimum of user interaction. Preferably, an illustrated field may have so-called "handles", which stimulate and facilitate an interaction for changing the shape of the field. For example, the handle may be moved by a user's finger to another location within the matrix, thereby shifting the edge of the field marked by the handle to the new position. The size of the field can be easily and intuitively changed in this way. For example, handles at one edge of the field may allow for 1D modification (in terms of length or width of the field), while handles located at the corners of the field may provide a 2D Modification of the field (in terms of length and width of the field) to stimulate and allow. In this way, the driving ready and / or charging period represented by the field with identical characteristics is extended to other days and / or times of the day. In this way a "daily repetition" can be set even more comfortable and faster.

The user input may be, for example, by means of a touch-sensitive surface (eg on a screen of a means of locomotion or of a smartphone / tablet) and / or an objective operating element (eg a button, a slider, a turn / push button or the like). ) and / or detected by means of a 3D gesture recognition for the detection and interpretation of gestures executed by the user in the room. In this way, the user interface can be operated according to the preferences of the user.

One possible user input for modifying the properties of a field is to execute a longpress gesture in response to which a context menu associated with the field is displayed for editing properties of the field. For example, the context menu may include buttons and other controls (eg, sliders, sliders, etc.) by means of which a start time, a date, an end time, an SOC to be reached, a desired interior temperature, or the like. can be defined. Furthermore, buttons for daily, weekly, monthly or yearly repetition of the field can be contained in the context menu.

Preferably, the method of the invention may further comprise selecting a field, receiving a third user input relating to the field, and presenting a context menu for editing properties of the field. In this case, the third user input can be made, for example, with respect to a button displayed in response to the selection of the field. Alternatively or additionally, an approach to an input unit of the means of locomotion can be recognized and used to represent a button which receives the third user input relating to the field. The context menu may, similar to the above, provide buttons for a target SOC, for a desired utility tariff, for a fast-charge mode, for a soft-load mode, or for a digit entry facility.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a user interface for a means of transportation is proposed which comprises a display unit, an input unit and an evaluation unit. The user interface can, for example, on a mobile phone, a tablet, or similar. be furnished. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface can be permanently installed in a vehicle which, for example, is electrically drivable. In this case, display unit and input unit can be designed as a central information display with touch-sensitive surface. The evaluation unit can be provided as a separate control unit and alternatively or additionally by distributed control units. According to the first aspect of the invention, the display unit is arranged to display a matrix having a first dimension representing days and a second dimension representing times of day. In addition, it may represent in the matrix a field representing a loading and / or driving ready period for the means of transportation. The input unit is configured to accept a user input in response to which the display unit redefines and / or adjusts the field.

In this way, the user interface according to the invention is set up to realize the features, combinations of features and the resulting advantages thereof in accordance with the method according to the invention, for which reason reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer program product (eg, a data memory) is proposed on which instructions are stored which enable a programmable processor (user interface) to perform the steps of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The computer program product can be designed as a CD, DVD, BlueRay disc, flash memory, hard disk, RAM / ROM, cash, etc.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal sequence representative of instructions that enable a programmable processor (eg, a user interface according to the second aspect of the invention) to perform the steps of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. In this way, the information technology provision of the instructions is provided for the case under protection, that the storage means required for this purpose are outside the scope of the appended claims.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation is proposed, which is designed, for example, as a car, van, truck, watercraft and / or aircraft. The means of transport has an externally chargeable electrochemical Energy storage and alternatively or additionally a heating / air conditioning. By a user interface according to the second-mentioned aspect of the invention, the means of locomotion is set up to prepare ergonomically modified and / or newly defined driving readiness periods.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

1 a schematic overview of components of an embodiment of a means of transport according to the invention with an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention;

2 a sketch of an embodiment of an inventively designed matrix;

3 to 6 Representation of operating steps for moving and repeating a field;

7 / 8th alternative embodiments of the matrix for adapting a field;

9 to 11 a schematic representation of a merger of several fields;

12 a schematic representation of a long press gesture with respect to a field;

13 / 14 a schematic representation of holders for modifying the shape of a field;

15 to 17 Representations of an operation for displaying or configuring properties of a field;

18 a schematic parallel representation of several fields;

19 an alternative representation of multiple fields with additional information;

20 an alternative representation with a deactivated field; and

21 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows an electrically driven car 10 as a means of transport, which via a charging plug 20b and a charging cable 20a with a charging infrastructure 20 connected is. About the charging infrastructure 20 can the car 10 to be inventively definable with a respective predefined state of charge and electrical energy for producing a predefined air conditioning state are kept ready to drive. The car 10 has a user interface 5 with a screen 1 and an electronic control unit 2 on. The electronic control unit 2 is both with the screen 1 as well as with a traction battery 3 Information technology connected. About a smartphone 30 As a wireless communication device, a user can according to the invention defined driving readiness periods to the car 10 send.

2 shows a first embodiment of a matrix 4 in whose first dimension T weekdays from Monday to Sunday and in their second dimension Z times of day from 0 to 24 o'clock are plotted. A time of day indicator 8th and a daily indicator 7 highlight the current time. A field 6 defines by its upper edge the beginning and by its lower edge the end of a predefined for Wednesday driving readiness period.

3 shows a user interaction by hand 9 a user in which the user creates a field 6 the matrix 4 for modification.

4 shows a shift of defined for the weekdays Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 18 clock drive readiness period along an arrow P at an earlier time.

5 shows a matrix 4 with a field 6 , whose left and right edges have a respective handle 11 have, by means of which the field 6 along the arrows P1, P2 can also define an identical driving standby period for adjacent days of the week.

6 shows a shift of a field 6 along an arrow P at an earlier time of day.

7 shows a matrix 4 in which a field 6 a first button 12 and a second button 13 assigned. The buttons 12 and 13 For example, in response to an approach to a user interface by the user's hand and / or a touching gesture with respect to the field 6 and / or the matrix 4 are displayed. By pressing the first button 12 the user can do the field 6 Clear. By pressing the second button 13 The user can generate a copy of the displayed field, which can then be moved to another day or to another time.

8th shows an alternative way to modify a driving time standby. This will be a third button 14 which is used to enable a shift action with respect to the field 6 is first to select. Then the user can move the field to another day of the week and / or to another time of the day. This can be done by contacting a user interface surface in the area of the field 6 and alternatively or additionally by contact with the surface in the area of the third button 14 respectively. The latter has the advantage that a masking of the field 6 is not done by the user's hand, allowing an even more precise repositioning of the field 6 can be done.

9 shows a user interaction for merging two previously separate fields 6a . 6b , Both fields 6a . 6b are with touches 11 shown at its left and right edges. A shift of the field 6a facing handle 11 in the direction of arrow P connects the second field 6b with the field 6a like this in 11 is shown. This will be a single field 6 which gives a minimum width corresponding to a rasterization for the first dimension T representing days, as associated with FIG 10 is shown.

12 shows the illustration of a so-called long-press gesture, in which the hand 9 of the user for a predefined period of time on a field 6 lingers to one with the field 6 call associated function. For feedback to the user about the executed long press gesture is a clock icon 15 shown, which fills in color until the end of the predefined period of time continuously in a clockwise direction.

13 and 14 show two views of a field 6 in a matrix 4 which through four handles 11 in the direction of a respective arrow P can be changed in shape. 13 shows a field 6 which defines a loading period starting at 15:00 for Wednesday. 14 shows the result of an enlargement of the field 6 in the direction of both arrows P, causing the field 6 according to 14 defines a loading period starting at 12:00 for Wednesday and Thursday. To illustrate a variant, the field 6 to 14 additional handles 11a at the corners, by means of which the field 6 at the same time in two dimensions T, Z can be changed in its size.

15 shows a selection of a field 6 by a tip gesture by hand 9 of a user. By a subsequent lingering of the hand 9 in an approximation area of the user interface, the in 16 illustrated representation generated.

16 shows a first embodiment of a context menu generated in response to the approach to the user interface 16 within which an activity state for the field (ride is automatically established), a target state of charge (SOC 100 percent), a target temperature and a weekly repetition of the field 6 are displayed.

17 shows an embodiment of a context menu 17 for example in 15 shown field 6 , A reduced representation of the matrix 4 illustrates the position of the associated field 6 in the loading schedule. About a button 18 a loading period is illustrated and customizable. A button 19 (Toggle) can the field 6 be deactivated. slider 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 allow an assignment of the field 6 for a charging and / or air-conditioning-related driving readiness or the allocation of a target state of charge or the definition of an interior temperature or the definition of a maximum charging current. Via a checkbox 25 can be the preparation of driving readiness across the field 6 be made repeatedly. About the buttons 26 The days of the week (Monday to Sunday) can be defined, at which the readiness for traveling via the context menu 17 assigned field 6 to be produced. A back button 27 allows you to close the context menu 17 with or without accepting any changes made after a confirmation prompt.

18 shows an alternative embodiment of the matrix 4 in which three different types of fields 6a . 6b . 6c . 6d . 6e are illustrated. Three first fields 6a . 6b . 6c are defined for the weekdays Monday, Wednesday and Friday 19:00 and assigned only to the production of a predefined air conditioning status. In other words, no special state of charge is required by the user for the marked period. Another field 6d is defined for Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to produce a charge state of 80 percent. Another field 6e is defined for the journeys to work from Monday to Friday from 6:00 o'clock, for which a loading state of 100 per cent and additionally a selected interior temperature are predefined.

19 shows one with 18 related representation in which additional information fields 28 to the fields 6a . 6b . 6c . 6d . 6e are shown, which indicate to the user time points at which the charging plug should be plugged into the means of transport to a timely completion of each of the fields 6a . 6b . 6c . 6d . 6e allow defined loading period. While an earlier connection of the vehicle with the charging infrastructure allows a flexible and sometimes more cost-effective charging, a connection made after the times shown can not guarantee a production of the desired settings (state of charge / air conditioning).

20 shows in conjunction with 18 presented matrix in the event that the field 6e has been deactivated. To illustrate the inactive state are the marginal lines of the field 6e dashed executed and optionally contained settings hidden for clarity. An interaction with the field 6e however, as previously stated, may translate, change shape, and / or call one with the field 6e associated context menus.

21 shows steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for defining driving readiness periods and / or loading periods of an electrically drivable means of locomotion. In step 100 A matrix with a first dimension representing days and a second dimension representing times of day is displayed. In step 200 In addition, a field representing a loading period for the means of transportation in the matrix is shown. In step 300 a first user input is received and in response thereto in step 400 an additional button for a daily, weekly or annual repetition of the field shown. In step 500 an input regarding the button is received and in step 600 set up a daily repeat for the field. In other words, in step 600 defined at least one additional field or adjusted the previously displayed field with respect to the repetition function.

Although the aspects and advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments explained in connection with the accompanying drawings, modifications and combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments are possible for the skilled person, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection the appended claims are defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

screen

2

electronic control unit

3

traction battery

4

matrix

5

User interface

6

field

7

weekday indicator

8th

Time Indicator

9

Hand of the user

10

electrically driven car

11, 11a

anfasser

12, 13, 14

button

15

LongPress Indicator

16, 17

Context Menu

18

button

19

Toggle

20

charging infrastructure

20a

charge cable

20b

charging plug

21, 22, 23, 24

slider

25

checkbox

26

buttons

27

Back button

28

indicator field

30

Smartphone

100 to 600

steps

P

arrow

T

first dimension (weekdays)

Z

second dimension (time of day)

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

• DE 102009051076 A1 [0003]
• EP 2541725 A1 [0004]
• DE 102009038431 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Method for defining travel readiness periods and / or load periods of an electrically drivable means of locomotion ( 10 ) comprising the steps: - displaying ( 100 ) of a matrix ( 4 ) with - a first dimension (T) representing days, in particular weekdays, and - a second dimension (Z) representing times of the day, - representing ( 200 ) of a field ( 6 ) representing a loading and / or driving time period for the means of transportation ( 10 ) in the matrix, - receive ( 300 ) of a first user input, and in response thereto - defining ( 600 ) and / or adjusting the field ( 6 ). Method according to claim 1, wherein the first user input with respect to one already in the matrix ( 4 ) field ( 6 ) he follows. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the field ( 6 ) substantially bar-shaped in the matrix ( 4 ) is highlighted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fields ( 6 ) representing data from a wireless communication device ( 30 ) to the means of transportation ( 10 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - receiving a second user input with regard to the displayed field ( 6 ), and in response to it - moving or copying the field ( 6 ) to a different time of day and / or another day. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field ( 6 ) defines a driving ready state - in the form of a predefined state of charge and / or - in the form of a predefined air conditioning state. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - selecting ( 300 ) of a field ( 6 ), - Represent ( 400 ) of a button ( 25 ) for a daily, weekly or annual repetition, - receiving ( 500 ) an input regarding the button ( 25 ) and in response - set up ( 600 ) a daily or weekly or annual repetition for the field ( 6 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - presenting a handle ( 11 ) for 1D or 2D modification of the field ( 6 ).  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user input is detected by means of a touch-sensitive surface and / or an objective operating element and / or a 3D gesture recognition. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - receiving a long-press gesture with respect to a field ( 6 ) and in response to it - presenting a context menu ( 16 . 17 ) for editing properties of the field ( 6 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - selecting a field ( 6 ) and / or an approach to an input unit ( 1 ) of the means of locomotion ( 10 ), - receiving a third user input regarding the field ( 6 ), and - presenting a context menu ( 16 . 17 ) for editing properties of the field ( 6 ). User interface for defining travel readiness periods of an electrically drivable means of locomotion ( 10 ), comprising - a display unit ( 1 ), - an input unit ( 1 ), and - an evaluation unit ( 2 ), wherein the display unit ( 1 ), - a matrix ( 4 ) with - a first dimension (T) representing days, and - a second dimension (Z) representing times of day to indicate, - a field ( 6 ) representing a loading and / or driving time period for the means of transportation ( 10 ) in the matrix ( 4 ), the input unit ( 1 ) is adapted to receive a first user input, and the display unit ( 1 ), in response to this - the field ( 6 ) to define and / or adapt.  User interface according to claim 12, which is arranged to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11. Computer program product comprising instructions or signal sequence representing instructions which, when run on a programmable processor ( 8th ) a user interface ( 5 ) according to one of claims 12 or 13, the processor ( 8th ) to perform the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Means of transport, in particular passenger cars, vans, trucks, watercraft and / or aircraft, comprising a user interface ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13.

Images