DE102018200407A1 - Mobile, portable operating device, and method of operating a device using the portable mobile operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile, portable operating device (10) which has a base body formed from a plurality of side surfaces, which has at least one end face (12) and at least three side faces (14), wherein the at least three side faces (14) form a lateral surface of the base body , wherein each two side surfaces (14) are interconnected, preferably in an edge region (20). The mobile, portable operating device (10) also has an operating element designed as a touch-sensitive screen, wherein a screen surface 16 extends over at least three of the side surfaces (14), preferably additionally via at least two edge regions (20). Preferably, the screen surface (16) may extend uninterrupted over the at least three of the side surfaces (14), preferably over all of the side surfaces (14). The invention also relates to a method for operating a device, preferably a motor vehicle (32), by means of the portable, mobile operating device (10).

Description

The invention relates to a mobile, portable operating device which has a base body formed from a plurality of side surfaces, which has at least one end face and at least three side surfaces, wherein the at least three side surfaces form a lateral surface of the base body and wherein each two side surfaces are interconnected. The mobile, portable operating device also has an operating element designed as a touch-sensitive screen.

Serving or operating devices in the motor vehicle with displays have been either completely fixed to the motor vehicle and thus not removable as a display of multimedia interfaces (MMI), or a kind of self-sufficient, loose part, which has on one side a display or controls, such as a remote control behind or a so-called "Rear Seat Entertainment".

In general, loose keypads, such as cell phones or tablet PCs, provided with a display on one side, which is usually designed as a touch-sensitive screen. This can also be used by other devices, whereby the mobile phone or the tablet PC acts as a remote control.

In the fixed-location keypads results in the disadvantage that in a door area, such as a motor vehicle, many buttons consume space and cause costs and weight. Due to the large number of buttons and elements ergonomic compromises must be made, since not all controls can be placed in the optimal gripping space. Even on a touch-sensitive screen, all corresponding user programs ("apps") must be displayed for the operation of different devices. The quickest and most intuitive operation is complicated by many buttons, as well as by many user programs on the same screen, since a user has to find his way first. For devices with only one display on a surface, the entire menu is on a surface and requires menu structures to accomplish a variety of functions. When using such an operating device, you have to press through the menu structure or wipe.

Currently available smartphones also have the disadvantage that many user programs can not be displayed by corresponding icons on the display so that a user must swipe the screen to see other icons and thereby launch other user programs. A smartphone from the prior art can therefore be used only two-handed, or must be on the palm and operated with the thumb. This is not desirable, especially when used in a motor vehicle. The thumb is also not so flexible, so this type of operation is not optimal.

An object of the invention is to improve operability of a plurality of functions.

The stated object is achieved by the operating device according to the invention and the inventive method according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments are given by the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a mobile, portable operating device in which a screen surface of a touch-sensitive screen extends over at least three of the lateral surfaces of a lateral surface, preferably additionally over at least two edge regions. With such a display on different surfaces functions can be operated depending on the area. Because a user has more haptic references than a flat display, it is possible to operate the control device very well and very quickly, as well as very well blind. For example, a function may be activated by turning a side surface once and then pressing it forward on the side surface.

The mobile, portable operating device according to the invention has a main body formed from a plurality of side surfaces, which has at least one end face and at least three side surfaces, wherein the at least three side surfaces form a lateral surface of the main body, and wherein two side surfaces are connected to each other, preferably in an edge region. In this case, a surface of a volume of the base body, which is produced by rotation about a coordinate axis, is referred to as lateral surface. The main body can for example have the shape of a rod or a pyramid or a cube. The mobile portable operating device also has an operating element designed as a touch-sensitive screen. As a control element while a component or a group of components or an element of the operating device is considered, which can be used to trigger operating functions.

A screen surface extends over at least three of the at least three side surfaces of the lateral surface, preferably additionally over at least two edge regions. Preferably, the screen surface extends completely over at least three of the side surfaces.

In other words, the side surfaces form portions of the lateral surfaces. The base body has at least three side surfaces, and of these at least three side surfaces, at least three side surfaces are those over which the screen surface extends. Thus, for example, if the main body has four side surfaces, the screen surface may extend over either three of the side surfaces or over four of the side surfaces. Since the operating element is designed as a touch-sensitive screen, the user interface corresponds to the screen surface.

For example, the user interface or screen surface may extend over at least three of the side surfaces of the lateral surface and, in a cross section of the base body, encase the base body to at least 50 percent, more preferably by more than 50 percent of the cross section.

The screen surface may extend either completely or partially over at least three of the side surfaces. This means that the screen surface, for example, in a cross-section of the base body can encase this, along a longitudinal section of the body, however, extend over only about 20 percent, for example, so that the screen surface may be configured, for example, as an annular band around the base body around.

It results in the above advantages. The operating device according to the invention has a plurality of side surfaces, all of which are operable. The operating device according to the invention is modern, ergonomic and can divide a variety of functions easily operable on the different side surfaces and provide. As a result, the operating device can be made more compact and thereby also lighter because there are fewer useless side surfaces. While in a conventional mobile phone about 60 percent of the area is not available for operation and only as a support of the screen is there, the side surfaces of the control device according to the invention are optimally utilized.

Due to the configuration of the screen surface on a plurality of side surfaces, physical objects such as, for example, an hourglass can also advantageously be simulated. Such a digital hourglass can come close to a real hourglass due to its shape and / or appearance. Another advantage is that, for example, an application program ("app") can display more detailed information. For example, the app may display information on two adjoining side surfaces, for example, a schematic representation of a travel history on one of the side surfaces, for example on a main side surface, and additional information, for example, information about a starting point of the additional surface Travel, a destination and a route length, and for example a time.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, the screen surface can extend without interruption over the at least three of the side surfaces, and thereby preferably can form at least two of the edge regions. As a result, the operating device is even more compact, lighter, and the production is made much simpler. Preferably, the screen surface may additionally extend over at least one end face. The advantages mentioned are thereby reinforced.

The more side surfaces of the lateral surface are formed by the screen surface, the more functions can be provided to the user without complicated menu structures. This results in new applications and operating options, for example, the control device can be used as a remote control for different devices. The operating device can, if it is designed, for example, rod-shaped, are held so that it is easy to turn and so easier different surfaces can be selected with different menus.

The mobile, portable operating device can preferably be configured as a cube or as a ball or as a ball or as a cylinder or rod-shaped, that is, as a rod, or configured as a mobile telephone. In the embodiment as a mobile phone, the operating device may additionally comprise, for example, a radio module, a speaker and a microphone. For example, if the operating device is configured as a cube or as a rod, it can preferably be used as a remote control for different devices, where, for example, the functions for another device or the functions for a different context of the same device can be provided on each of the side surfaces ,

Particularly advantageous is a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, which may have a control device which is adapted to a position signal, the current spatial position of the operating device and / or a change in position of the operating device and / or a spatial position of the operating device and / or describes a location of the operating device, and which may be configured to activate an operating mode of the portable operating device in response to the position signal. In other words, the Operating device, for example, depending on a current spatial position or position of the operating device provide those functions that are useful for a corresponding device in this spatial location. For example, if the operating device is located in a motor vehicle, the position signal can be, for example, a radio signal of the motor vehicle which can describe the motor vehicle as the current location. Depending on this position signal, the operating device can then provide, for example, those functions which may be provided for operating, for example, an infotainment system or a comfort system of the motor vehicle, or, for example, functions for operating a longitudinal and / or lateral control of the motor vehicle. In other words, the operating device can be used, for example, when detecting the motor vehicle as a location as a remote control for the motor vehicle.

For example, a location can be determined from a geographic location, such as GPS signals. A change in position can be detected, for example, by means of an optional gyro sensor of the operating device. The embodiments of this embodiment have the advantage that the user does not have to work through an operating menu in order to select the appropriate functions for the current spatial position or location. The user can therefore, for example, after entering the motor vehicle to pay full attention to the driving of the motor vehicle and does not have to first search and adjust the operating mode for operating the motor vehicle.

In a development, the operating mode can specify which portions of the screen surface are active, in other words, which side surfaces over which the screen surface extends are active or activated. The control device can then be set up to activate and / or deactivate at least one portion of the screen surface forming one of the side surfaces as a function of the position signal. Describing the position signal, for example, a rotation of the body, so those functions can be activated or provided automatically, which are associated with the example, on the side seen from the user side surface. The other portions of the screen surface that lie on other side surfaces can then be deactivated, for example, so that a maloperation is effectively prevented if, for example, the user grips several of the side surfaces with his hand. In this case, light can preferably be emitted through the activated touch-sensitive user interface, that is, emitted. Preferably, touches can only be detected in the activated state and corresponding operating signals that describe such a touch (so-called "touch signals") are generated.

In a further development, which can also be combined with the previous training, the operating mode can be set as follows. The operating mode can describe a) recognition of an input text, wherein the position signal can describe a change in position of the operating device, and wherein the control device can be set up to detect and recognize an operating action for writing an input text with a writing movement in dependence on the position signal. and generate an operation signal that the input text can describe. In other words, the user can use the portable operating device as an electronic pen and write a text in the air, which can then be recognized as input text.

Alternatively or additionally, the operating mode b) can describe a situation-dependent functional assignment of the screen surface, wherein the control device can be configured to recognize a location and / or a spatial context at and / or in which the operating device is located as a function of the position signal and provide at least one group of functions associated with the recognized location or spatial context, depending on the recognized common room or spatial context. The advantages of this embodiment have already been addressed and discussed above. The operating mode for recognizing the input text also enhances the benefits of blind operation.

Preferably, the mobile, portable operating device may comprise a position detection device for detecting the current position and / or the position change and / or the position and / or the location of the operating device, wherein the position detection device may be configured based on the detected position and / or the detected Position change and / or the detected position and / or the detected location to generate the position signal. For this purpose, the portable operating device, for example, have a gyroscope. It is advantageous that no sensors for the different spatial contexts or devices is necessary, for example, no camera of the motor vehicle for filming the operating device, and no additional camera to, for example, a television in the living room. Such a portable operating device can thus be used with a variety of different devices without a corresponding position detection sensors must be installed on the appropriate device.

As a position detection device is a device or a device component for detecting a position and / or position and / or change in position and / or a location to be understood. For this purpose, the position detection device can have, for example, a gyroscope and / or a GPS receiver. A control device is understood to mean a component or a device component for receiving and evaluating signals and for generating control signals. The control device can be designed, for example, as a control chip or control board. The control device may preferably have a processor device, that is to say a component or a device component for electronic data processing. The processor device can preferably have at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor and be configured to execute a program code stored in a data memory, wherein the program code, when executed by the processor device, can cause the control device to perform the functions of the control device.

The above object is achieved by a method for operating a device, preferably a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, using an embodiment of the portable, mobile operating device according to the invention. The method is carried out by a control device, preferably by a control device of the portable, mobile operating device.

First, a detection of an operator action and a determination of one of the side surfaces on which the operator action is detected take place. On the basis of the detected operating action and the determined side surface is a determination of a function to be activated of the device. This is followed by generating a control signal which describes activation of the detected function by the device to be operated. After providing a data communication connection to a communication device of the device to be operated, the control signal is transmitted to the communication device. A communication device is understood to mean a component or a device component for data communication, for example a mobile radio module or, for example, a WLAN or Internet-enabled component or device part. The data communication connection may preferably be a mobile radio connection or an Internet connection, alternatively or additionally for example a WLAN connection or a Bluetooth connection.

It results in the above advantages.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, which can be carried out by means of the portable, mobile operating device, which has a control device, the control device receives the position signal from the position detection device and uses the received position signal to determine the current spatial position of the operating device and / or a change in position of the operating device and / or position and / or location.

Depending on the detected location of the operating device and / or the detected change in position, one or more of the following functions may be performed: a) activating and / or deactivating a portion of the screen surface forming one of the side surfaces; and / or b) detecting an input text; and / or c) determining the location or spatial context in which the operating device is located; and, depending on the recognized location or spatial context, providing at least one control function associated with the recognized common room or spatial context. This results in each case the advantages already mentioned above.

In variant a), the screen may preferably provide one or two of the following functions: enabling pixels, that is, the pixels are lit; and / or detecting touch signals, that is, detecting a touch. In other words, both functions can be controlled independently.

• 1 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung;
• 2 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, und einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 3 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, in der die Bedienvorrichtung als Würfel ausgeformt sein kann;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, in einer Draufsicht auf eine abgewickelte Gesamtoberfläche, und in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 5 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, und einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 6 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, und einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 7 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, und einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, und einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 9 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung;
• 10 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung;
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung, in der die Bedienvorrichtung als Mobiltelefon ausgestaltet sein kann, in einer Draufsicht auf eine abgewickelte Gesamtoberfläche, und in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 12 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung; und
• 13 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described. This shows:

• 1 a schematic, perspective view of an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and an embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, in which the operating device may be formed as a cube;
• 4 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, in a plan view of a developed total surface, and in a perspective view;
• 5 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and a another embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 6 a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and a further embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 7 a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and a further embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 8th a schematic representation of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and a further embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 9 a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention;
• 10 a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention;
• 11 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, in which the operating device can be configured as a mobile phone, in a plan view of a developed total surface, and in a perspective view;
• 12 a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention; and
• 13 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the operating device according to the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of one another, which each further develop the invention independently of one another and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals.

The 1 shows a first embodiment of an exemplary mobile, portable operating device 10 , In the example of 1 can the operating device 10 be designed as a rod and is shown in the hand of a user. You can see in the example of the 1 a first face 12 and two of, for example, four side surfaces 14 , In the example of 1 may be the screen surface 16 the touch-sensitive screen at least over two of the side surfaces 14 and the at least one end face 12 extend.

In the 1 is also shown on the screen surface 16 symbols 18 can be displayed, the different functions of the operating device 10 represent and a corresponding sensory area of the screen surface 16 to mark the triggering of the operating function. A smartphone icon 18 For example, an operation mode or a function for using the operation device 10 as a telephone, or a remote control icon to activate the remote control mode. On the front page 12 (arrow-shaped symbol 18 ), for example, the function for a home menu, so a main menu, are provided. Alternatively or additionally, on the front side 12 For example, a fingerprint sensor may be integrated to read a fingerprint of the user. For example, on each of the side surfaces 14 a set of functions, that is, a group of several functions, each of which may belong to a common context. The 1 shows that, for example, each of the side surfaces 14 can have different menus.

The perspective view of the operating device 10 in the 1 also shows one of the optional edge regions 20 between two side surfaces 14 ,

The 2 shows a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention 10 in a perspective view. In the following, only differences or optional additional features to the embodiment of the 1 explained.

Preferably, the screen surface 16 over all the side surfaces 14 , optionally additionally on the front side 12 , extend. In the example of 2 may be the screen surface 16 while also without interruption on the side surfaces 14 extend and thus over the edge areas 20 ,

On one of the side surfaces 14 for example, a globe symbol 18 to enable Internet access. On another side surface 14 For example, display fields may be arranged to open user programs.

The 2 also shows a control device 22 the operating device 10 , which can be configured for example as a control board. The control device 22 may preferably be a processor device 24 and / or a data memory 26 ,

The operating device 10 the 2 can also be an optional position detection device 28 having a data communication connection (in the 2 shown as a black connecting line) with the control device 22 can be connected. Such a data communication connection may, for example, be a wired data communication connection, for example a cable or a data bus, or a wireless data communication connection.

The control element designed as a touch-sensitive screen with the screen surface 16 For example, it may be an AMOLED screen known to those skilled in the art, such as an active matrix OLED screen. Manufacturing methods for producing such an AMOLED screen are known to those skilled in the art. On the one hand, so-called RGB-side-by-side AMOLED screens (SBS), based on, among others, a fine metal mask (FMM) technology can be used, for example white OLEDs with a color filter (WOLED). For example, the control element designed as a touch-sensitive screen can be designed as a so-called "thin-film transistor display", ie as a display with thin-film transistor control, or have a fine array of light-emitting diodes ("LEDs"), or on another screen technology known to those skilled in the art.

The position detection device 28 For example, it may have a GPS receiver and / or a gyroscope. Suitable components are known to those skilled in the art. As a result, the position detection device 28 a current position of the operating device 10 capture (process step S1 ), which also means the acquisition of a current position or spatial orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection device 28 a change in position of the operating device 10 detect (S1), and generate a position signal based on the detected position and / or the position change (S2). These two method steps are optional functions of the position detection device 28 in some embodiments of the method according to the invention, as described below, by the portable operating device 10 can be performed. Alternatively to the provision of the position signal from the position detection device 28 the operating device 10 Such a position signal may alternatively be received, for example, from a control device of a motor vehicle or from a sensor of another device, that is to say from a sensor which is not part of the operating device 10 belongs.

The configuration as a rod represents a preferred embodiment. An alternative embodiment is in the 3 shown in the operating device 10 exemplified as a cube. In this case, one or more of the side surfaces 14 also as a front page 14 be designated. In the 3 are the individual, visible side surfaces 14 divided into exemplary nine squares to illustrate the cube shape. The division of the respective screen surface 16 is not essential. Alternative shapes may be, for example, a stone form or a pyramidal shape. Alternatively, the operating device 10 For example, as a ball, cylinder, ellipsoid egg, board, pipe segment, ring, wheel, torus (for example in the form of a donut), or formed as a concave-convex rod or configured, or, for example, without edges, round, oval, toroid, or ellipsoidally shaped or configured.

The 4 again shows a perspective view of the operating device 10 , and additionally, for illustrative purposes, a schematic representation of a wound-up overall surface of the main body. The dashed lines of the unfolded surface illustrate the edge regions 20 , The 4 also shows the wound screen surface 16 in a preferred embodiment, ie the example according to which the entire surface of the operating device 10 can be configured as a screen.

In other words, the upper part of the shows 4 a plan view of the developed overall surface of the operating device 10 consisting of the side surfaces 14 , the edge areas 20 and the front ends 12 the operating device 10 , Alternatively, only the side surfaces 14 and the edge areas 20 through the screen surface 16 be formed, so not the faces 12 ,

The inventive method will be described below with reference to the embodiment of 2 explained. In a first process step S3 can the controller 22 detect an operator action, preferably a touch on the touch-sensitive screen surface 16 , Additionally or alternatively, the control device 22 , using the optional position detection device 28 , for example shaking the operating device 10 capture and recognize (S10), as exemplified in the 5 shown. The user can control the operating device 10 for example - like a baton or a magic wand - to swing to the Example to navigate through menus and / or to operate various devices.

The in the 5 shown, exemplary operator action, for example, to change a radio station or to play another song by, for example, describe an infotainment system of a motor vehicle or by a vehicle external radio device. The operating device 10 can be configured as a remote control. In another example, such an operator action can be used, for example, as a remote control of a multimedia interface in a piloted drive in a motor vehicle or for operating a television. In other words, functions by movement of the operating unit, so the operating device 10 , to be triggered.

The 2 also shows the method step S4 the control device 22 in that, for example, it is determined that two side surfaces of the operating device 10 be touched. It can be stated that the exemplary changing of the radio station is to be performed by the function to be activated (S5). In process step S6 generates the control device 22 a control signal that may describe the example of changing the radio station.

With the aid of, for example, a WLAN module, a WLAN connection to a WLAN module of the radio or the infotainment system can be provided by way of example, via which the generated control signal is then transmitted (S8).

It can effectively prevent a misoperation, if, for example, in the rod-shaped configuration of the user, the operating device 10 on several side surfaces 14 touches. To those functions that affect the sensory areas on that portion of the screen surface 16 associated with the user for holding the operating device 10 must touch, not trigger, preferably a spatial position of the operating device 10 , preferably a spatial orientation, decide which of the side surfaces 14 is currently activated and which is not. In addition, for example, software may recognize which fingers and / or portions of a hand the operating device 10 is held (ie not operated), and with which fingers and / or proportions of the hand, the operating device 10 is served.

The 6 shows an embodiment of a rod-shaped control device 10 which can provide, for example, functions for a motor vehicle. A symbol 18 A motor vehicle with an open trunk lid may be located on a sensory area of the screen surface 16 be issued, a user to touch to open the trunk. A lock symbol 18 can stand for a locking of the motor vehicle, and a symbol 18 an open lock can stand, for example, for unlocking the motor vehicle. The operating device 10 For example, a previously explained operating device 10 preferably, each of the side surfaces 14 , preferably also at least one of the end faces 12 , a screen surface 16 may have. The different functions can then preferably by turning and / or pressing, so using a playful interaction of the user with the operating device 10 , activated and triggered.

The position detection device 28 For example, turning the operating device 10 to capture ( S9 ) and generate a corresponding position signal ( S10 ). This position signal may optionally describe, for example, which of the side surfaces 14 can be at the top. The generated position signal can be sent to the control device 22 be transferred in the process step S11 can receive the position signal. Based on the information that the operating device 10 just turned, the control device 22 , for example, by means of an appropriate algorithm or by means of given coordinates to which certain position data can be assigned, determine the current spatial position ( S12 ), alternatively or additionally, a certain change in position.

For example, in this example, the side surface 14 activated with the function to open the boot ( S13 ).

Describes the of the position detection device 28 detected movement of the operating device 10 For example, a writing movement of the user, with which the user with the operating device 10 which he can use as an electronic pen, for example, the word "radio" writes in the air, the control device 22 capture and recognize this text ( S14 ), and the generated control signal may, for example, describe a corresponding command, for example "turning on the radio".

The recognition of the text input can be done for example by means of the exemplary gyroscope or by a position detection device 28 For example, a motor vehicle, which may have, for example, a motor vehicle camera on a headliner and a corresponding image analysis software. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device 10 in this embodiment as a so-called "electronic pencil" be designed. A corresponding sensor is known to those skilled in the art.

One by the position detection device 28 Detected movement, for example, unlocking the operating device 10 effect. Alternative or additional operations by the operating device 10 can be detected and detected, for example, a sliding movement or pushing a finger on the screen surface 16 detecting a fingerprint with a fingerprint sensor, such as shaking twice to activate the device to be operated, entering an activation code, and / or, for example, pressing the front of the device once 12 ,

By determining the location or spatial context of the operating device 10 ( S15 ) can be selected depending on those functions and / or function groups that may be associated with such a spatial context or residence. For these functions then appropriate sensory areas on the screen surface 16 assigned and displayed by the screen icons 18 be marked.

In the example of 7 the user can use the operating device 10 for example, as a remote control for a TV 30 use. The operating device 10 can be one of the embodiments described above. On the side surface 14 on which the user in the 7 just push his thumb ( 3 For example, a function for adjusting a volume may be provided. When the user is in the vehicle, a volume of an infotainment system or a volume function or other function of a device may be operated at a workstation.

The 8th shows the use of an operating device 10 in a motor vehicle 32 For example, in a piloted motor vehicle during a piloted ride. The user may, for example, the operating device 10 how to use a conductor's staff and thereby by, for example, menus displayed on a screen 34 of the motor vehicle 32 can be displayed, navigate.

As already described above, the operating device 10 to change its functions depending on the location and / or situation. For example, close to the motor vehicle 32 she can show a key function. For example, it can be used as a remote control for passenger infotainment ("BFI"), ie for a screen of the motor vehicle 32 on the passenger side. For example, during a piloted ride, it can become a remote control for media. On the screen surface 16 For example, a sensory slider ("slider") can be provided, which can be operated, for example, to change a volume. A movement of the operating device 10 to the left and / or right, for example, can be programmed for a "Skip" function, ie for skipping a song or a menu item. Moving upwards may, for example, control a "liking", that is, giving a positive rating, moving down, for example, a "dislike". According to a further embodiment, in a motor vehicle, for example, a holder 38 , a so-called "docking station", be provided, in which the operating device 10 for example, can be inserted. The in the 9 and 10 shown operating device 10 may be, for example, each one of the embodiments already described above. In the example of 9 can the holder 38 be arranged for example on a center console or, for example, in an armrest of a passenger seat. The 9 shows three different configurations. At one end 12 the operating device 10 For example, a function for starting ("start") and / or switching off ("stop") the motor of the motor vehicle can be provided. The operating device 10 may provide other operating functions, such as turning on or off an electronic stability program ("ESP"), and / or, for example, selecting a drive mode ("Select"). The operating device 10 can be arranged for example in a center console.

The 10 shows a holder 38 , for example, as a docking station in a control panel of the motor vehicle 32 can be arranged. Preferably, it may be provided that an energy storage device (in the 10 not shown) of the operating device 10 For example, a battery can be charged in such a docking station. The possible functions are preferably travel-related, for example the functions "Start / Stop", "ESP on / off" and / or "Drive Select". In other words, in the example of the 10 driving dynamics functions are provided. The 10 shows the top of the operating device 10 in the control panel and again an enlarged section A.

The holder 38 For example, it can be designed for inductive charging of the exemplary battery, ie as a slot or charging shell. For this purpose, for example, be an induction coil installed. Is the operating device located? 10 For example, in a charging cradle of a motor vehicle, preferably motor vehicle-related functions can be provided. Captures the controller 22 for example, via near-field Communication that is the operating device 10 in a charging cradle or in a holder 38 on a bedside table, for example, alarm, radio functions and / or clock functions can be provided. When storing the operating device 10 In a dining table, for example, a time function can be provided.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device, for example, independent of a holder 38 recognize whether it is in a radio network of the apartment or, for example, in a radio network of the motor vehicle. Corresponding sensors are known to the person skilled in the art. Depending on such a network, that is, depending on such a location, the functions may then be provided.

The 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the operating device 10 in which the operating device 10 can be configured and set up as a mobile phone. Similar in the 4 is the three-dimensional body of the operating device 10 shown in perspective, and a plan view of the developed total surface consisting of the side surfaces 14 , the edge areas 20 and the front ends 12 , Alternatively, the operating device 10 be configured as a tablet PC or as another embodiment of a mobile terminal.

Alternatively or additionally, a removal of the operating device 10 by a capacitive effect on one of the side surfaces 14 be detected and recognized. Is by the position detection device 28 detected a movement or a change in position, the control device 22 to conclude that the user is the operating device 10 took in the hand and the screen surface 16 can then be activated.

The 11 shows a further embodiment in which the operating device 10 For example, it can be designed as a flashlight and this example, on the front page 12 may have a light source, such as a light bulb or an LED array (in the 12 Not shown). Alternatively, for example, the front side 12 be configured as a display that can be set, for example, for a lamp function to a maximum brightness.

For example, depending on the location and / or context, an alarm function may be provided, and the alarm time ("06:00") may be on one of the side surfaces 14 are displayed. Additionally or alternatively, the time ("01:28") can be displayed. In the example of 12 can the operating device 10 then become an alarm clock and / or a flashlight when, for example, it is next to the bed. For this purpose, for example, an electrical or electronic contact or a sensor for near-field communication can be detected on a bedside table.

The 13 shows an embodiment in which the screen surface 16 on several side surfaces 14 and can, for example, play a physical object such as an hourglass. Such a digital hourglass can come close by its shape and / or appearance of a real hourglass.

Overall, the embodiments illustrate an operating device 10 , which may also be referred to as an operating unit, the form of which may preferably be designed as a touch display, in other words in which preferably the complete surface and / or all side surfaces 14 can be configured as a touch-sensitive screen.

The operating device 10 may take any possible configuration, for example, be any control panel, such as a remote control and / or a mobile phone and / or a tablet PC, or specific to a motor vehicle, so as a control device 10 in relation to the motor vehicle to be configured.

According to a further embodiment, the operating device 10 preferably be completely provided with a touch display. This features an operating device 10 over several side surfaces 14 and / or faces 12 which are preferably all operable. Per side surface 14 and / or front side 12 Preferably, different types of functions may be provided, that is, each of the surfaces may have functions that belong together. The operating device 10 is intelligent and knows where it is and when which functions can be offered. Is the operating device 10 for example, near the motor vehicle, key functions may appear. Is the operating device 10 For example, in the motor vehicle, the operating device 10 For example, to become a remote control for passenger entertainment.

According to a further embodiment, the operating device 10 preferably comprise the following components: A touch display on each surface, a control device 22 , which may preferably be designed as software or may have a corresponding program code that can detect which signals, for example, by normal holding and / or manipulating the operating device 10 caused and which signals are for operation; at least one gyroscope for detecting movements; at least one device for data transmission and / or data reception; a processor device 24 , which may include, for example, a CPU, and / or a battery.

With such a screen surface 16 Functions can be structured on different surfaces depending on the surface. Because a user has more haptic references than a flat display, so more haptic references than a display on only one side surface 14 , it is possible the operating device 10 and thus blindly operate the device to be operated (for example, once one of the surfaces, for example, one of the side surfaces, rotate and front on the side surface 14 press, can trigger a function).

According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device 10 be like a pen. This allows a user to write letters in the air for text input. In the case of, for example, a movement to the left and / or right and / or up and / or down, it is thus suitable for more input channels than, for example, a conventional mobile telephone or tablet PC.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the operating device 10 be executed in a form factor of a mobile phone. In this case, preferably, everything can be a display, that is, each surface can have a screen surface 16 his. For example, by turning the exemplary mobile phone over on another side surface 14 For example, a menu may appear from a service telephone. By turning around again you can see, for example, on the other side of a control menu of a private phone.

Preferably, according to one embodiment, the complete surface may be that of an OLED screen. The operating device 10 For example, a gyroscope, a Bluetooth module, a data memory, a control device can be used 22 , which may be configured as a processor ("CPU"), and having a battery for power supply.

Claims (10)

Mobile, portable operating device (10), comprising: - one of a plurality of side surfaces (14) formed base body having at least one end face (12) and at least three side surfaces (14), wherein the at least three side surfaces (14) form a lateral surface of the base body , and wherein each two side surfaces (14) are interconnected; - And configured as a touch-sensitive screen control element, characterized in that a screen surface (16) extends over at least three of the side surfaces (14) of the lateral surface. Mobile, portable operating device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the screen surface (16) extends without interruption over the at least three of the side surfaces (14), and thereby preferably forms at least two edge regions (20). Mobile, portable operating device (10) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the screen surface (16) extends over all side surfaces (14) of the lateral surface, preferably additionally via at least one end face (12). Mobile, portable operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured as a cube or a ball or as a ball or as a cylinder or rod-shaped or as a mobile phone. Mobile, portable operating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a control device (22) which is adapted to a position signal, the current spatial position of the operating device (10) and / or a change in position of the operating device (10 ) and / or a position of the operating device (10) and / or a location of the operating device (10), and which is adapted to activate an operating mode of the portable operating device (10) in dependence on the position signal. Mobile, portable operating device (10) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the operating mode specifies which portions of the screen surface (16) are active, wherein the control device (22) is adapted to at least one of the side surfaces (14) forming portion of the screen surface (16) in response to the position signal activate and / or deactivate. Mobile, portable operating device (10) after Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that a) the operating mode describes a recognition of an input text, wherein the position signal describes a change in position of the operating device (10), and wherein the control device (22) is adapted to in dependence on the position signal an operating action for writing an input text to detect and recognize a writing movement, and to generate an operation signal describing the input text; and / or b) the operating mode describes a situation-dependent functional assignment of the screen surface (16), and wherein the control device (22) is set up in dependence on the position signal on a location and / or spatial context, at and / or in which Operating device (10) is located, and to provide depending on the recognized common room or spatial context, at least one group of functions associated with the recognized common room or spatial context. Mobile, portable operating device (10) according to one of Claims 5 to 7 characterized by - a position detection device (28) for detecting the current position (S1) and / or the position change (S2) of the operating device (10) and / or the position of the operating device (10) and / or the location of the operating device (10) wherein the position detection device (28) is adapted to generate the position signal based on the detected position and / or the detected change in position and / or the detected position of the operating device (10) and / or the detected location of the operating device (10). Method for operating a device, preferably a motor vehicle (32), by means of the portable, mobile operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following steps carried out by a control device (22): detecting an operating action (S3), Determining one of the side surfaces (14) at which the operator action is detected (S4), - using the detected operator action and the determined side surface (14): determining a function of the device to be activated (S5), generating a control signal, the Activating the detected function by the device to be operated describes (S6), - providing a data communication connection to a communication device of the device to be operated (S7), and - transmitting the generated control signal to the communication device (S8). Method according to Claim 9 Using the portable, mobile operating device (10) to one of Claims 5 to 8th characterized by the following steps carried out by the control device: - receiving the position signal from the position detection device (28, S11), - using the received position signal: determining the current spatial position of the operating device (10) and / or a change in position of the operating device (10 ) a position of the operating device (10) and / or a location of the operating device (10, S12), - in dependence on the determined position of the operating device (10) and / or the detected change in position: a) activating and / or deactivating one of the Side surfaces (14) forming portion of the screen surface (16, S13); and / or b) detecting an input text (S14); and / or c) determining the location or spatial context in which the operating device (10) is located; and, depending on the recognized location or spatial context, providing at least one control function associated with the recognized common room or spatial context (S15).

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