DE102020200046A1 - Operating element for a means of locomotion, method, computer program with instructions and device for controlling the operating element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating element (1) for a means of locomotion and a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for controlling such an operating element (1). The invention further relates to a means of locomotion in which an operating element (1) according to the invention, a method according to the invention or a device according to the invention is used. The operating element (1) has two or more independently controllable adaptive elements (2), by means of which the shape of a surface (3) of the operating element (1) can be changed. An animation of the surface (3) of the operating element (1) can be brought about by means of a control (4) for activating (11) the adaptive elements (2).

Description

The present invention relates to an operating element for a means of locomotion and a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for controlling such an operating element. The invention further relates to a means of locomotion in which an operating element according to the invention, a method according to the invention or a device according to the invention is used.

In today's motor vehicles, there is an increasing number of functions available that can be operated or selected by a vehicle driver. A classic approach is to provide a separate control element for each function. This means that every function can be operated and felt at any time. However, there is only limited space available for the arrangement of operating elements in a motor vehicle. A high degree of training is also required for the driver of the vehicle until the position of all operating elements is internalized. An interior of a motor vehicle equipped with a large number of operating elements also quickly appears confusing and overloaded, which is undesirable for design reasons.

A first approach to reducing the number of visible control elements is to virtually hide the control elements and only make them visible or tangible when necessary. For example, buttons can be embedded in an elastic surface of a dashboard and only emerge from the surface when a hand approaches by a mechanical displacement of the buttons.

In this context describes DE 10 2012 013 899 A1 an operating element for switching a shift-by-wire gearshift for a motor vehicle. The operating element has an elastically deformable outer wall which is arranged in an opening of a device. An active and an inactive operating position is provided for the control element. In the inactive operating position, the elastically deformable outer wall of the operating element is arranged in the same plane as a surface of the device. In the active operating position, the outer wall protrudes at least partially from the opening of the device.

DE 10 2015 007 822 A1 describes an operating device for a motor vehicle. In this case, the operating device comprises a surface element with an operating surface and a rear side opposite the operating surface. Furthermore, the operating device comprises a movement device for setting a shape of the operating surface as a function of a status signal of the operating device.

Another approach is to replace the classic control elements in vehicles, such as buttons and sliders, with touch-sensitive elements or touchscreens. The multifunctionality of touchscreens allows any number of functions to be covered, but operating a touchscreen requires averting one's eyes. Classic operating elements, on the other hand, can usually be felt, which enables blind operation. The averted view represents a safety risk, especially when operated by a vehicle driver.

In this context describes DE 10 2014 118 012 A1 an operating device for a motor vehicle, with a first touch-sensitive operating area and at least one second touch-sensitive operating area. A delimitation element can be positioned between the two operating areas, by means of which the two operating areas can be separated from one another.

WO 2018/108416 A1 also describes an operating device for selecting at least one gear stage of a vehicle. The operating device has at least one sensor with at least one touch-sensitive area and a deformable surface which is designed to form at least one haptic operating element in a deformed state together with the sensor. The haptic operating element is designed to provide a selection signal for selecting the gear stage in response to touching the touch-sensitive area.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved solutions for the design of an operating element for a means of locomotion and for its control.

This object is achieved by an operating element with the features of claim 1, by a method with the features of claim 7, by a computer program with instructions according to claim 8, by a device with the features of claim 9 and by a means of locomotion according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an operating element for a means of locomotion has two or more adaptive elements that can be controlled independently of one another and by means of which a shape of a surface of the operating element can be changed. An animation of the surface of the operating element can preferably be brought about by means of a control for controlling the adaptive elements.

• - Bestimmen einer auszuführenden Animation einer Oberfläche des Bedienelements; und
• - Ansteuern von adaptiven Elementen des Bedienelements, durch die eine Form der Oberfläche des Bedienelements veränderbar ist, entsprechend der auszuführenden Animation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a control element for a means of locomotion comprises the steps:

• - Determining an animation to be carried out of a surface of the operating element; and
• Control of adaptive elements of the operating element, by means of which a shape of the surface of the operating element can be changed, according to the animation to be carried out.

• - Bestimmen einer auszuführenden Animation einer Oberfläche des Bedienelements; und
• - Ansteuern von adaptiven Elementen des Bedienelements, durch die eine Form der Oberfläche des Bedienelements veränderbar ist, entsprechend der auszuführenden Animation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the following steps for controlling an operating element for a means of transport:

• - Determining an animation to be carried out of a surface of the operating element; and
• Control of adaptive elements of the operating element, by means of which a shape of the surface of the operating element can be changed, according to the animation to be carried out.

The term computer is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes control devices, microcontrollers and other processor-based data processing devices.

The computer program can, for example, be provided for electronic retrieval or can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

• - ein Bestimmungsmodul zum Bestimmen einer auszuführenden Animation einer Oberfläche des Bedienelements; und
• - ein Steuerungsmodul zum Ansteuern von adaptiven Elementen des Bedienelements, durch die eine Form der Oberfläche des Bedienelements veränderbar ist, entsprechend der auszuführenden Animation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a device for controlling an operating element for a means of locomotion has:

• - A determination module for determining an animation to be carried out of a surface of the operating element; and
• - A control module for controlling adaptive elements of the operating element, by means of which a shape of the surface of the operating element can be changed, according to the animation to be executed.

In the solution according to the invention, through the use of adaptive surfaces, which can be designed variably by means of several independently controllable adaptive elements, the advantages of classic operating elements, i.e. the tactility, are combined with a multifunctionality that users of touch screens are used to. By actively changing the shape of the user interfaces, the control elements can be adapted to the context and the situation. For example, depending on the menu, a corresponding number of buttons or interaction surfaces such as sliders or rotary controls can be formed. In addition, the adaptive elements can also be used to provide haptic feedback, for example by specifically changing the surface of the operating element in response to an operating action by the user. Another possibility is to use the surfaces as a haptic display, whereby information is not only displayed, but also tangible. Surface animations can also be implemented over a large area, for example on the dashboard of a motor vehicle, in order to make entire areas come alive. The operating elements are preferably covered with fabric or another flexible material. In this way, they can be seamlessly integrated into a surrounding surface.

According to one aspect of the invention, the adaptive elements are pneumatic elements, artificial muscles or shape memory actuators. Pneumatic elements are already known for use in virtual reality. A large number of pneumatic elements in a glove can simulate the feeling of actually touching objects in virtual space. Suitable pneumatic elements are therefore already available on the market. Shape memory actuators are also already available so that existing experience with such elements can be used. Artificial muscles are currently being developed and tested, so it can be assumed that they will represent an interesting alternative for use as adaptive elements in the future.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least one adaptive element is set up to detect a pressure exerted on the adaptive element. Pneumatic elements in particular offer the potential not only to be specifically controlled, but also to be read out. For example, special valves can be used, e.g. piezo valves, which can already measure the pressure to control the element. Pressure changes caused by the user can thus be read out and identified as input. The elements thus also serve as input sensors, so that additional sensors can be omitted.

According to one aspect of the invention, the operating element has lighting for the adaptive elements. This makes it possible to visually highlight the current functionality of the control element. For example, pneumatic elements can be designed to be transparent. This is easy to integrate lighting or backlighting.

According to one aspect of the invention, the operating element has at least one touch sensor. For example, a capacitive touch sensor can be arranged between or below the adaptive elements. This enables the control element to be designed as a touch-sensitive control element, regardless of the technology used for the adaptive elements.

An operating element according to the invention, a method according to the invention or a device according to the invention is particularly advantageously used in a means of locomotion. The means of locomotion can in particular be a motor vehicle, e.g. a passenger car, a utility vehicle or a bus. Control elements can be arranged, for example, in the steering wheel, in the center console, in the door panels, in the headliner, in the backrests, etc. In addition, the means of locomotion can also be an aircraft or a rail vehicle. In principle, it can be used in all vehicles or products in which user interfaces are required.

• 1 zeigt schematisch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement für ein Fortbewegungsmittel;
• 2 zeigt schematisch ein Verfahren zur Steuerung des Bedienelements aus 1;
• 3 zeigt schematisch eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Steuerung des Bedienelements aus 1;
• 4 zeigt schematisch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Steuerung des Bedienelements aus 1;
• 5 stellt schematisch einen Innenraum eines Fortbewegungsmittels dar, in dem ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement verwendet wird;
• 6 zeigt eine Kreisanimation durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement;
• 7 zeigt eine Animation eines vertikalen Durchlaufs durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement;
• 8 zeigt eine Animation eines horizontalen Durchlaufs durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement;
• 9 zeigt eine Animation eines Atmens durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement;
• 10 zeigt eine Animation eines diskreten Durchlaufs durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement; und
• 11 zeigt eine Animation eines kontinuierlichen Durchlaufs durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Bedienelement.

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

• 1 shows schematically an operating element according to the invention for a means of locomotion;
• 2 shows schematically a method for controlling the operating element from 1 ;
• 3 shows schematically a first embodiment of a device for controlling the operating element from 1 ;
• 4th shows schematically a second embodiment of a device for controlling the operating element 1 ;
• 5 shows schematically an interior space of a means of locomotion in which an operating element according to the invention is used;
• 6th shows a circle animation by an operating element according to the invention;
• 7th shows an animation of a vertical passage through an operating element according to the invention;
• 8th shows an animation of a horizontal passage through an operating element according to the invention;
• 9 shows an animation of breathing by an operating element according to the invention;
• 10 shows an animation of a discrete pass through an operating element according to the invention; and
• 11 shows an animation of a continuous passage through an operating element according to the invention.

For a better understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It goes without saying that the invention is not restricted to these embodiments and that the features described can also be combined or modified without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1 shows schematically an operating element according to the invention 1 for a means of transportation. A cross section through the control element is shown 1 . The control element has several adaptive elements that can be controlled independently of one another 2 on, through which a shape of a surface 3 of the control element 1 is changeable. In the example shown, these are the adaptive elements 2 about pneumatic elements that can be individually inflated to a greater or lesser extent. Alternatively, artificial muscles or shape memory actuators can also be used. You can see five pneumatic elements arranged side by side, which are part of a two-dimensional matrix of pneumatic elements. Two of the pneumatic elements are in a fully inflated state, one in a partially inflated state, resulting in a corresponding deformation of the surface 3 of the control element 1 results. By means of a control 4th can use the adaptive elements 2 can be controlled in a targeted manner. In particular, the controller 4th by means of the adaptive elements 2 an animation of the surface 3 of the control element 1 cause. In addition, the control element 1 a lighting 5 for the adaptive elements 2 on. In the example shown, the lighting includes 5 for each adaptive element 2 a separate light source 7th . Of course, you can also use only a selection of the adaptive elements 2 Light sources 7th be provided. Likewise, several adaptive elements 2 a common light source 7th use. Between the adaptive elements 2 are touch sensors 6th arranged, e.g. capacitive touch sensors 6th . With them, a pressure exerted by the user can be recorded. Alternatively, at least one adaptive element can also be used 2 be set up one on the adaptive element 2 the pressure exerted.

2 shows schematically a method from a method for controlling the operating element 1 . In a first step, an animation to be carried out of a surface of the operating element is determined 10. The animation to be carried out can, for example, depend on what the current functionality of the control element is, ie which function is to be operated. Alternatively, the animation can also be used to convey warnings or notifications, for example in connection with driving instructions. The animation can also depend on whether an operating action by a user was detected, for example by a touch sensor on the operating element. According to the animation to be performed, adaptive elements of the control element, by means of which a shape of the surface of the control element can be changed, are controlled 11. In addition to changing the shape of the adaptive elements to bring about a corresponding change in the shape of the surface, lighting of the adaptive elements can also be controlled become. As a result, the current functionality of the control element or the animation can also be highlighted optically.

3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 20th to control the control element 1 out 1 . The device 20th has an entrance 21 , via which, for example, data on a current functionality of the control element, on warnings or notifications that are to be conveyed, or on operator actions of a user can be received. The operating actions can be performed, for example, by a touch sensor on the operating element 1 are recorded. A determination module 22nd determines an animation to be executed for a surface of the control element on the basis of the received data 1 . A control module 23 controls adaptive elements of the control element 1 , through which a shape of the surface of the control element 1 can be changed, then according to the animation to be executed.

The control module 23 directly control the adaptive elements or a control of the operating element 1 transmit corresponding control commands. In both cases, the control commands can be sent via an output 26th the device are output. In addition to changing the shape of the adaptive elements to bring about a corresponding change in the shape of the surface, the control module 23 lighting of the adaptive elements can also be controlled.

In 4th is the device 20th outside the control element 1 arranged. Alternatively, however, it can also be part of the control element 1 be.

The determination module 22nd and the control module 23 can from a control unit 24 being controlled. Via a user interface 27 If necessary, settings of the determination module can be made 22nd , the control module 23 or the control unit 24 be changed. The one in the device 20th Accruing data can be stored in a memory if required 25th be stored, for example for a later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 20th . The determination module 22nd , the control module 23 as well as the control unit 24 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, for example as integrated circuits. Of course, they can also be partially or completely combined or implemented as software that runs on a suitable processor, for example on a GPU or a CPU. The entrance 21 and the exit 26th can be implemented as separate interfaces or as a combined bidirectional interface.

4th shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device 30th to control the control element 1 . The device 30th assigns a processor 32 and a memory 31 on. The device is, for example 30th to a computer or a control device. In the storage room 31 instructions are stored that the device 30th when executed by the processor 32 cause the steps to be carried out in accordance with one of the methods described. The ones in memory 31 Stored instructions are thus embodied by the processor 32 executable program which implements the method according to the invention. The device 30th has an entrance 33 to receive information. From the processor 32 generated data is via an output 34 provided. In addition, they can be in memory 31 be filed. The entrance 33 and the exit 34 can be combined to form a bidirectional interface.

The processor 32 may comprise one or more processor units, for example microprocessors, digital signal processors or combinations thereof.

The memory 25th , 31 of the embodiments described can have both volatile and non-volatile storage areas and include a wide variety of storage devices and storage media, for example hard disks, optical storage media or semiconductor memories.

5 shows schematically an interior space of a means of locomotion 40 represents in the control elements according to the invention 1 be used. In this example it is the means of transportation 40 to a motor vehicle. A first control element 1 is in a dashboard 41 the motor vehicle arranged, for example to operate an infotainment system. Another, considerably smaller control element 1 is in the steering wheel 42 installed. With its help, for example, the operation of a hands-free device or the Control of an audio playback or a cruise control take place. A third control element 1 is in the door 43 arranged on the driver's side. With this control element 1 can for example unlock the door 43 be initiated, possibly by the adaptive elements of the control element 1 a warning can be given if there is a dangerous situation due to the neighboring traffic.

In the following, two embodiments of the invention will be based on 6th to 11 to be discribed.

In a first embodiment, a multifunction button on the steering wheel rim has been replaced by an operating element according to the invention with a large number of pneumatic elements. By means of the pneumatic elements, different states can be displayed and animations can be played. In the example shown, the operating element 19 comprises pneumatic elements. Inflated pneumatic elements are marked with a filled circle.

6th shows a circle animation by an operating element according to the invention 1 . Such an animation is suitable, for example, as feedback for a rotary menu, for example for regulating a volume. Six states of the surface at six successive times t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <t _{6 can be seen} . As can be clearly seen, the inflated pneumatic elements form a ring with a gap, the position of which in the ring changes over time.

7th shows an animation of a vertical passage through an operating element according to the invention 1 . Such an animation is suitable, for example, as feedback for a vertical menu, for example for selecting an entry from a list of entries. Again, six states of the surface can be seen at six successive times t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <t ₆ . As can be clearly seen, the inflated pneumatic elements form a horizontal line that goes from top to bottom over the control element 1 wanders.

8th shows an animation of a horizontal passage through an operating element according to the invention 1 . Such an animation is suitable, for example, as feedback for a horizontal menu, for example for the selection of an application. Alternatively, such an animation can also convey a request to turn. The speed of the animation can indicate a distance to the maneuver. As before, six states of the surface at six successive times t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <t _{6 can be seen} . As can be seen, the inflated pneumatic elements form an arrow that points to the right and from left to right over the control element 1 wanders.

In a second embodiment, a region of the steering wheel rim was provided with a large number of pneumatic elements. By means of the pneumatic elements, different states can be displayed and animations can be played. In this embodiment, the steering wheel represents the control element. In the example shown, the control element comprises 27 pneumatic elements. Inflated or partially inflated pneumatic elements are marked with a filled circle, the size of the circle indicating the degree of inflation.

9 shows an animation of breathing through an operating element according to the invention 1 . Such an animation is suitable, for example, to convey the status of an assistance system. Gentle breathing can indicate that everything is fine, while rapid breathing indicates that braking is required. This animation can also be used as feedback on warnings or notifications. A single impulse can serve as confirmation of a selection, for example. As before, six states of the surface at six successive times t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <t _{6 can be seen} . The pulsating inflation gives the impression of being on the control element 1 to breathe.

10 shows an animation of a discrete pass through an operating element according to the invention 1 . Such an animation is suitable for supporting turning scenarios. The speed of the animation can indicate the distance to the maneuver. Again, six states of the surface can be seen at six successive times t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <t ₆ . The animation is similar to the horizontal pass 8th , however, the inflated pneumatic elements form a vertical line that goes from left to right over the control element 1 wanders.

11 shows an animation of a continuous passage through an operating element according to the invention 1 . The process is analogous to the animation 10 , however, the pneumatic elements are controlled more gently.

List of reference symbols

1

Control element

2

Adaptive element

3

surface

4th

control

5

lighting

6th

Touch sensor

7th

Light source

10

Determine an animation to be performed

11

Control of adaptive elements according to the animation

20th

contraption

21

Entrance

22nd

Determination module

23

Control module

24

Control unit

25th

Storage

26th

Exit

27

User interface

30th

contraption

31

Storage

32

processor

33

Entrance

34

Exit

40

Means of transportation

41

Dashboard

42

steering wheel

43

door

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102012013899 A1 [0004]
• DE 102015007822 A1 [0005]
• DE 102014118012 A1 [0007]
• WO 2018/108416 A1 [0008]

Claims (10)

Control element (1) for a means of locomotion (40), the control element (1) having two or more independently controllable adaptive elements (2) through which the shape of a surface (3) of the control element (1) can be changed. Control element (1) according to Claim 1 , with a controller (4) for controlling (11) the adaptive elements (2), the controller (4) being set up to bring about an animation of the surface (3) of the operating element (1) by means of the adaptive elements (2). Control element (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , the adaptive elements (2) being pneumatic elements, artificial muscles or shape memory actuators. Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one adaptive element (2) is set up to detect a pressure exerted on the adaptive element (2). Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (1) has lighting (5) for the adaptive elements (2). Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (1) has at least one touch sensor (6). Method for controlling a control element (1) for a means of locomotion (40), comprising the steps: - Determination (10) of an animation to be carried out of a surface (3) of the operating element (1); and - Control (11) of adaptive elements (2) of the operating element (2), by means of which a shape of the surface (3) of the operating element (1) can be changed, according to the animation to be executed. Computer program with instructions which, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to Claim 7 to control a control element (1) for a means of locomotion (40). Device (20) for controlling an operating element (1) for a means of locomotion (40), with: - A determination module (22) for determining (10) an animation to be executed of a surface (3) of the operating element (1); and - A control module (23) for controlling (11) adaptive elements (2) of the operating element (2), by means of which a shape of the surface (3) of the operating element (1) can be changed, according to the animation to be executed. Means of transport (40) with an operating element (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th .

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