DE102016220834A1 - Method and arrangement for display-independent display and / or operation in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

For display-overlapping display and / or operation in a vehicle with multiple displays (2, 3, 4, 5), a display icon (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F .3) for an application and / or the content of an application, wherein the icons (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) of several applications are arranged in at least one display-overlapping area of a first part is displayed on a first display and a second part is displayed on a second display. A user input for rotating the displayed parts of the display-overlapping area is detected and the representation of the icons of the applications on the first display and the second display is rotated in accordance with the detected user input.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for display-independent display and / or operation in a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a vehicle configured to carry out such a method or to have such an arrangement.

Background of the invention

In vehicle technology, the number of built-display and operating devices has increased significantly due to new possibilities in display technology and the increase in functions to be operated. Thus, multifunction displays are used for the display of fully digital combination instruments, which are arranged behind the steering wheel. Furthermore, increasingly head-up displays are used to project the image content to be displayed on the windshield or on a separate, mounted in front of it in a suitable manner and thus allow the driver while driving to maintain his head posture or line of sight. In particular, for displays in the infotainment area displays are now arranged in different areas of the dashboard, often in the area of the center console between the driver and front passenger. Likewise, an additional display can also be provided on the other side of the steering wheel.

The operation can be done by means of a multifunction steering wheel, in which various controls such as buttons, paddles, wheels or touch pads can be operated without the hands must be removed from the steering wheel. Frequently, touchscreen displays are also used, which allow the operation of controls shown on the display by means of a touch-sensitive surface. For an interaction here on a graphical user interface or user interface (abbreviated GUI of English "Graphical User Interface") are often displayed controls in the form of icons that can be linked with computer application programs, short applications (English "Apps"). The applications are then started by selecting an icon and operated via the graphical user interface.

The use of multiple displays in a vehicle, for example, in the DE 103 39 050 A1 which discloses a method for controlling display on displays in a vehicle, wherein criteria are evaluated to determine one of several possible display locations for different display information. Display locations may be located in different areas of the instrument cluster, on a center console display, or on a head-up display. In this case, displayed information, symbolized by an image symbol, can also change from one presentation location to another presentation location on the same display.

If image contents are displayed simultaneously on several displays in a vehicle, then the displayed image contents are often either independent of one another or completely or partially redundant. However, it is also known to first display a graphic object on a first display device or in a first display area and then to shift it to a second display device or into a second display area. So revealed the DE 10 2009 036 371 A1 a method for providing a user interface in a vehicle in which a display device provides two display areas, wherein a graphical object can be displayed in a first display area and is displaceable by means of an operating device, in particular a touchscreen, into a second display area. In this case, the first display region can be arranged centrally in the vehicle above the center console, the second display region in the instrument cluster and thus behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. Similarly describes the WO 2010/042101 A1 a vehicle information system with two display modules, in which information from a display surface arranged next to the steering wheel can be transmitted to a display surface arranged behind the steering wheel. Likewise, the US 2013/0038434 A1 a display device in a vehicle, wherein a first part of a display within the steering wheel and a second part is arranged adjacent to the steering wheel. For example, if a symbol illuminates the condition of the vehicle on the first part of the display, further information on this is displayed on the second part of the display. In order to draw the attention of the driver to the second part of the display, an indication symbol is hereby displayed between these two display parts, which can, for example, be illuminated so that it gradually expands from the first partial display towards the second part of the display. The DE10 2013 000 068 A1 Finally, a method for synchronizing two display devices of a motor vehicle, for example a head-up display with a display of an infotainment system in the center console, is disclosed. An optical sensor device detects an operating gesture of a user, determines the predetermined thematic context of a first display content on a first display device and displays a second display content of the given thematic context on a second display device.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a display-independent display and operating concept in a vehicle which, for a large number of applications, enables continuous display and operation over a plurality of displays while at the same time avoiding redundancies.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, and by a corresponding arrangement according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for display-overlapping display and / or operation in a vehicle with a plurality of displays, an image symbol for an application and / or the content of an application is displayed on these displays for several applications, wherein the icons of several applications are arranged in at least one display-overlapping area of which a first part is shown on a first display and a second part on a second display. A user input for rotating the displayed parts of the display-overlapping area is detected and the representation of the icons of the applications on the first display and the second display is rotated in accordance with the detected user input.

This provides a consistent, uninterrupted display and operating concepts that are intuitive for the user and offer a better user experience compared to conventional displays.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an annular representation of the display-overlapping surface in the form of limited by the respective displays circular arcs of two circles with a common center, wherein the rotation of the annular representation then takes place around this center.

Advantageously, an icon is first displayed on a first display and is operable by associated first controls, and shown after the rotation on a second display and is then operable by associated second controls.

Advantageously, one of the representations takes place on a display arranged laterally from the steering wheel and the other of the representations on the instrument cluster (2) and / or a head-up display display.

According to an advantageous development of this embodiment of the invention in this case the side of the steering wheel arranged display is designed as a touchscreen display and allows not only the operation of the application shown thereon, a user input for rotating the contiguous surface.

Furthermore, in this development, with control elements arranged on the steering wheel, in addition to the operation of the application shown on the instrument cluster and / or the head-up display display, a user input for rotating the contiguous surface can also be made.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, parts of two annular representations are displayed next to one another on an instrument cluster and further parts of the annular representations are displayed in each case on displays arranged next to the instrument cluster.

In this refinement, in each case one application and on the displays arranged next to the instrument cluster displays in each case several applications can be displayed on the instrument cluster for the two annular representations.

• - mehrere Displays, auf denen für mehrere Anwendungen jeweils ein Bildsymbol für eine Anwendung und/oder der Inhalt einer Anwendung dargestellt werden, wobei die Bildsymbole mehrerer Anwendungen in mindestens einer displayübergreifenden Fläche angeordnet sind, von der ein erster Teil auf einem ersten Display und ein zweiter Teil auf einem zweiten Display dargestellt wird;
• - Bedienelemente für eine Anwahl und/oder Bedienung der Anwendungen;
• - eine Auswerteeinheit, in der mit den Bedienelementen vorgenommene Nutzereingaben ausgewertet werden;
• - eine Steuereinheit, der von der Auswerteeinheit eine Information über eine Nutzereingabe zur Drehung der dargestellten Teile der displayübergreifenden Fläche zugeführt wird; und
• - eine Bilderzeugungs- und ausgabeeinheit, die von der Steuereinheit so angesteuert wird, dass die Darstellung der Bildsymbole der Anwendungen auf dem ersten Display und dem zweiten Display entsprechend der erfassten Nutzereingabe verdreht wird.

Accordingly, an inventive arrangement for display-overlapping display and / or operation in a vehicle

• a plurality of displays on each of which an icon for an application and / or the content of an application are displayed for a plurality of applications, wherein the icons of several applications are arranged in at least one display-overlapping area, of which a first part on a first display and a second part Part is displayed on a second display;
• - controls for selecting and / or operating the applications;
• - An evaluation, are evaluated in the user input made with the controls;
• a control unit, which is supplied by the evaluation unit with information about a user input for rotating the illustrated parts of the display-overlapping area; and
• - An imaging and output unit, which is controlled by the control unit so that the representation of the icons of the applications on the first display and the second display according to the detected user input is rotated.

Preferably, the inventive method or an inventive arrangement is used in a motor vehicle.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the figures.

list of figures

• 1 schematically shows the continuous display and operation according to the invention via a plurality of displays by means of display-overlapping virtual rings;
• 2 schematically shows how user input twists the display-overlapping virtual rings;
• 3 schematically shows, for one possible embodiment, how to display the collection of applications and swap applications between that collection and a virtual ring;
• 4 schematically shows how icons for one or more recommendations for an application are displayed;
• 5 schematically shows a staggered display for a multi-application or menu level application;
• 6 shows schematically control surfaces on a display arranged next to the steering wheel for the main function of an application displayed on the instrument cluster; and
• 7 schematically shows a block diagram of an inventive arrangement.

Detailed description of the embodiments

For a better understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that the features described may also be combined or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

1 schematically shows an inventive arrangement with a continuous display and operation over multiple displays. Shown is a part of the vehicle interior in the area of the dashboard with a steering wheel 1 as well as several display devices. In addition to a freely programmable instrument cluster 2 in that it is arranged behind the steering wheel and, for example, via control elements of the steering wheel 1 can be operated or changed, is a touchscreen display 3 located to the right of the steering wheel in the area of the center console between the driver and front passenger. In addition, another touchscreen display 4 be provided to the left of the steering wheel. Finally, above the steering wheel in the field of vision of the driver, a display by a head-up display 5, which can also be operated preferably by means of the controls of the steering wheel. In the head-up display, an imaging unit (not shown) generates image contents that are projected onto the windshield, allowing the driver to see the mirrored information and, at the same time, the road ahead. On the displays vehicle-relevant information such as the speed, speed, remaining tank contents, warnings of malfunction but also, for example, image content for a navigation system, assistance system or infotainment device can be played.

In particular, the right of the steering wheel arranged touchscreen display 3 can have a comparatively large screen size and then allows a comprehensive reproduction of information. So can in a screen area 6 For example, a detailed display of the content of an application or even a variety of different applications representing icons are displayed. Similarly, at the bottom, top or side of the screen, a status bar 7 be provided, for example, displayed in the vehicle information on the current setting of the air conditioning or the current volume of the infotainment system and possibly also be operated. According to the invention, icons and / or the contents of multiple applications are each in two display-independent virtual rings 8th . 9 arranged, one of each part on the instrument cluster 2 and another part on the adjacent touchscreen display 3 respectively. 4 is pictured. The cross-display virtual rings 8th . 9 In each case, they act as connecting elements between the displays and as carriers for the individual applications.

The applications rendered in the instrument cluster can be selected or changed by using the cross-display virtual rings 8th . 9 to be twisted. This is schematic in 2 shown. On the touch screens next to the steering wheel 3 . 4 For this purpose, the user can perform a swipe motion on the portion of the ring shown in each case with his finger. For example, the application F.2 from the left next to the steering wheel located touchscreen 4 to relocate to the instrument cluster, the user would be a swipe in a clockwise direction along the ring 8th make. The original touch screen on the left next to the steering wheel would then appear 4 displayed application F.2 now displayed on the instrument cluster, originally below the application app F.2 illustrated application app F.3 the original place of application app F.2 and the application originally shown on the instrument cluster app F.1 now on the touch screen to the left of the steering wheel 4 the original place of application app F.3 taking. In the same way, for example, could be located on the right next to the steering wheel touch screen 6 illustrated application app I.2 the application shown on the instrument cluster app I.1 replace in which by the user on the touch screen 6 a strike movement counterclockwise along the ring 9 would be made.

On the other hand, if the user is referring to the applications displayed on the instrument cluster app F.1 or App I.1 and would like to relocate this to a display located next to it, this can not be done by a swipe on the instrument cluster, as this is behind the steering wheel. In this case, the user initiates twisting of the ring instead by controls located on the steering wheel 10 . 11 , which can be configured for example as operating wheels, rollers or touch pads. So then, for example, a rotary or stroke movement of the left-hand control 10 a twist of the left ring 8th cause. Accordingly, with the right-hand control 11 the right ring 9 twisted or operated. In this way, a particularly intuitive operation is possible because it takes place in spatial proximity of the application currently in the focus of the user.

Although the cross-display virtual rings 8th . 9 due to the spaces between the displays are only partially displayed, regardless of the current position of the virtual ring each of these rings associated applications are shown and are thus directly accessible. Thus, in the exemplary illustration in FIG 2 the left virtual ring 8th the three applications app F.1, App F.2, App F.3 and the right virtual ring 9 the four applications app I.1, App I.2, App I.3, App I.4 assigned. When twisting the rings in each case the order of the individual applications remains on the rings.

The operation of the applications arranged on the rings takes place when these are on the touchscreens 8th . 9 are preferably displayed directly by means of the touch-sensitive surface, and when a representation on the instrument cluster 2 is preferably done with the steering wheel control units 10 . 11 , But it is also possible to provide for the arranged on the rings applications instead or additionally other operating action such as a voice input or a gesture control. Furthermore, a representation of an application of the instrument cluster 2 be shifted to the head-up display 5, for example, to display this even more in the field of vision of the driver or the instrument cluster 2 for other content.

If a variety of applications exist, not all may be placed on the rings. In this case, a menu button 12 be provided during their operation an overview of existing applications on one of the displays, in the present embodiment, preferably on the touch screen display 3 , being represented. Likewise, in addition to the already existing applications, it is also possible to display further applications which are available, for example, in a digital distribution platform for application software, a so-called App Store, and which can be loaded by the latter using an image symbol. For this purpose, it may be advantageous to design the icons differently for applications already present in the vehicle and applications available in an app store, so that the user can readily see whether the application can be accessed directly or not.

3 shows for a possible embodiment, such as the collection of applications after pressing the menu button 12 is pictured. On the touch screen display 3 will now be additional applications app I.5, App I.6, App I.7, App I.8 indicated by icons such as icons or tiles. These can only provide information about the respective applications or even enable the direct operation of basic functions of the respective application, such as the start and stop of the audio playback in a media player or the acceptance or termination of a telephone call. An application from the collection can in this case be exchanged with an application arranged on one of the rings, for example by means of a drag-and-drop gesture on the touch-sensitive display. Preferably, this replacement takes place with the ring partially on the touchscreen display 3 is displayed while the applications on the smaller touchscreen display 4 predefined and not interchangeable. If there are more applications in the collection than with sufficient resolution on the touch screen display 3 can be displayed, so the icons can be moved in the vertical direction and so scrolled through the collection. For the orientation of the user can by a scroll bar 13 which part of the application collection is currently displayed on the touchscreen display 3 is pictured.

Furthermore, for example, an assistance system integrated in the vehicle can support the user on the basis of prior knowledge about the user and / or the current driving situation as needed. In this case, applications can be automatically located on the rings, automatically generated recommendations for the applications can be made available or an automatic execution of functions of the application. Thus, for an application, one or more recommendations may be displayed in a second level of the ring adjacent to the respective applications, as in FIG 4 shown. So for example for the application app I.3 on the touchscreen display 3 next to it an icon 14 for a recommendation PiA I.3 and for the application app I.1 on the instrument cluster 2 next to it icons 15 for several recommendations PiA I.1 shown.

In particular for the right ring, different strategies for occupancy with the different applications can be applied. Thus, for example, an output assignment at the delivery of the vehicle may be provided, which is then adapted by the user as needed. Likewise, however, an assistance system integrated in the vehicle can also make the occupancy based on various types of information, such as the interests of the user, user observation by means of suitable sensors in the vehicle, or the driving situation based on sensors mounted on the outside of the vehicle. In this case, it can be provided that one or more applications are permanently located on the ring by the user and are thus, as it were, pinned to the ring. It can also be provided that applications that are dragged onto the ring by the user from the application collection are pinned on it by default. This can be done by a suitable icon in the respective representation of the application on the ring 16 , for example in the form of a pin, symbolized.

Likewise, especially with the touchscreen display, even selected contents of an application can be permanently located on the display and pinned on it as in 5 by a corresponding icon 16 shown. For example, a map display of a navigation application can be pinned by the driver or co-driver. Furthermore, for an application with multiple application or menu levels, a staggered representation may be made for a total overview of these different application or menu levels, as in FIG 5 also shown. This is done by way of example for an application app I.1 in the instrument cluster 2 due to the limited display surface a staggered representation in the form that the different levels are arranged spatially slightly offset one behind the other in depth. It is advantageous if the instrument cluster is designed in the form of a 3-D display. For one on the touchscreen display 3 illustrated application app I.3 is a much larger display surface available, so here a staggering can be made next to each other in width. The operation is done for those in the instrument cluster 2 illustrated application app I.1 via the right-hand control element of the steering wheel, whereby the individual application or menu levels are passed through in series, for those on the touchscreen display 3 illustrated application app I.3 via the touch-sensitive surface of the display, so that a specific application or menu levels can be selected directly. Accordingly, for a located on the left ring application on the instrument cluster 2 a graduation in depth and for the adjacent touch screen display 4 staggering in reduced width and operation of the application by the left control of the steering wheel done.

According to the above embodiment, an operation of an application shown on the instrument cluster only by means of the controls of the steering wheel, and thus makes sense only for the driver, possible. However, since preferably each application exists only once, it may be desirable to allow the passenger to operate such an application, at least for the main functions of this application. For this purpose, as in 6 shown for these main functions on the touch screen display 3 control surfaces 17 be provided, preferably on the left display edge in the direction of the display of the application on the instrument cluster 2 being represented. Belonging to the touchscreen display 3 shown control surfaces to the on the instrument cluster 2 The application shown can be made visually identifiable to the user in a suitable manner, for example by a common color scheme, which depends on the representations of the applications on the touch screen display 3 differs.

If a representation of content on the head-up display takes place and is operated, for example, with controls of the steering wheel, it may be provided to dim the representation of the rings on the instrument cluster and possibly also the touch screen displays so as to make clear to the driver that Currently, the controls do not serve to operate the located on the rings applications but for the operation of the head-up display.

Likewise, it may be provided to detect which of the two rings the user is currently viewing with an eye-tracking method. This allows for example with each of the two Controls on the steering wheel to turn both rings and operate or even in the representation of two rings to provide only one control on the steering wheel.

7 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement according to the invention. Operator input via the touch screen displays 3 . 4 or the controls of the steering wheel 10 . 11 become an evaluation unit 18 fed. In the evaluation unit 18 The operator inputs are then analyzed to represent an instruction to rotate one of the rings or to operate an application. A corresponding information is a control unit 19 supplied, in addition of not shown sensors of the vehicle signals with information 21 about the current usage behavior of the driver or the current driving situation can be supplied. Depending on the control unit provides 19 that the imaging and output unit 20 adapts the representation of the applications and feeds this adapted representation to the displays.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

steering wheel

2

instrument cluster

3

Touchscreen display

4

Touchscreen display

5

Head-Up Display

6

Screen area for displaying the contents of an application or the icons of several applications

7

status bar

8th

virtual ring of applications

9

virtual ring of applications

10

Control element on the steering wheel

11

Control element on the steering wheel

12

Menu icon

13

Scroll bar

14

Referral icon for an application

15

multiple referral icons for an application

16

Pushpin icon

17

control surfaces

18

Evaluation unit for operator inputs

19

control unit

20

Imaging and output unit

21

Signals with information about usage behavior or driving situation

App I.1 - App I.12

Icons for applications

App F.1 - App F.3

Icons for applications

PiA I.1 - PiA I.4

Icons for application recommendations

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 10339050 A1 [0004]
• DE 102009036371 A1 [0005]
• WO 2010/042101 A1 [0005]
• US 2013/0038434 A1 [0005]
• DE 102013000068 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method for display-overlapping display and / or operation in a vehicle, wherein a plurality of displays (2, 3, 4, 5) are provided on which for several applications in each case one icon (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) for an application and / or the content of an application, wherein the icons (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) of multiple applications arranged in at least one cross-display area are shown, of which a first part on a first display and a second part on a second display; and detecting a user input for rotating the displayed portions of the display-overlapping area and rotating the representation of the icons of the applications on the first display and the second display in accordance with the sensed user input. Method according to Claim 1 , wherein an annular representation (8, 9) of the display-overlapping surface in the form of limited by the respective displays circular arcs of two circles with a common center takes place and the rotation takes place around this center. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a picture icon (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) is first displayed on a first display and can be operated by associated first controls and is displayed after rotation on a second display, and then operable by associated second controls. Method according to Claim 3 , wherein one of the representations on one side of the steering wheel arranged display (3, 4) takes place and the other of the representations on the instrument cluster (2) and / or a head-up display display (5). Method according to Claim 4 , wherein the laterally arranged from the steering wheel display (3, 4) is designed as a touch screen display and in addition to the operation of the application shown thereon also allows user input to rotate the contiguous surface. Method according to Claim 4 or 5 , wherein with the steering wheel (1) arranged controls (10, 11) in addition to the operation of the on the instrument cluster (2) and / or the head-up display display (5) illustrated application also made a user input for rotating the contiguous surface can be. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein parts of two annular representations (8, 9) are displayed next to one another on an instrument cluster (2) and further parts of the annular representations (8, 9) take place on displays (3, 4) arranged next to the instrument cluster , Method according to Claim 7 , wherein on the instrument cluster (2) for the two annular representations (8, 9) in each case an application (App I.1, App F.1) is shown and arranged on the next to the instrument cluster displays each have multiple applications (App I.2 , App I.3, App I.4, App F.2, App F.3). Arrangement for display-independent display and / or operation in a vehicle with - Several displays (2, 3, 4, 5) on which for several applications in each case a picture icon (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) for an application and / or content an application, wherein the icons (App I.1 - App I.12, App F.1 - App F.3) of several applications are arranged in at least one cross-display area, of which a first part on a first display and a second part is displayed on a second display; - Operating elements (3, 4, 10, 11) for a selection and / or operation of the applications; - An evaluation unit (18), are evaluated in the user input made with the controls; - A control unit (19), which is supplied from the evaluation unit (18) information about a user input for rotation of the illustrated parts of the display-overlapping surface; and - An image generating and output unit (20), which is controlled by the control unit (19) so that the representation of the icons of the applications on the first display and the second display is rotated in accordance with the detected user input. Motor vehicle characterized in that it has an arrangement according to Claim 9 or is arranged, a method according to one of Claims 1 to 8th perform.

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