DE102021204194A1 - Method and operating device for controlling a vehicle function using a steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for querying a binary control command from a user of a vehicle and a control device (1) for steering a vehicle, the control device (1) comprising a haptic operating device (10) for controlling at least one second vehicle function, the operating device (10) at least one gesture of a user is translated into a control command for the at least one second vehicle function, characterized in that the control device (10) can be assigned a control command that is only temporarily connected to this control device (10) by a computer device, depending on the situation, with this control command being a is a binary control command which can be given or denied by the user when using a gesture on the operating device.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle function by operating a steering device of a vehicle by a user of the vehicle and an operating device for a vehicle for controlling at least one vehicle function comprising a steering device. The user can in particular be the driver of the vehicle.

In this case, a haptic operating device is provided in particular on the steering wheel, which can be assigned a specific function depending on the situation, which can be confirmed or rejected by a gesture by the user.

Steering wheels are known from the prior art which have a large number of functions, switches and buttons. The steering wheels currently known from the prior art are always similar to one another, which has been observed for decades.

The steering wheels are slowly evolving and are equipped with more and more functions that have to be accommodated in small spaces. Because of the costly further developments, steering wheels are often used for several models and vehicle generations. Any features that a user finds unpleasant are the same for all brands.

A disadvantage has been found that all the different functions that are in the same position can be difficult to separate from each other and difficult to operate while driving. Some switch modules are already designed as touch-sensitive modules, but the location on the steering wheel can disadvantageously trigger some unintended commands by accidentally touching the switches.

Despite the attempt to arrange as many controls as possible on a steering wheel, it is still necessary to control some functions of a motor vehicle for the driver to remove at least one hand from the steering wheel in order to reach a control, for example in the center console or the door. As a rule, the driver's gaze must go in the direction of the control element, at least for a short time, and is thus further distracted from the driving field ahead than would be necessary with a corresponding function assignment on the steering wheel.

From the U.S. 9,092,093 B2 a steering wheel is known which is suitable and intended for gesture recognition on its surface. This features a circumferential thumb slot and light-based proximity sensors. It is described that an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle can be activated by a simultaneous double-tap gesture in which one finger of one hand executes a tapping movement on a surface area of the steering wheel.

In the U.S. 8,537,133 B2 describes a touch-sensitive surface for a steering wheel, which can simulate an input surface for a computer keyboard and can be sent as such (when the car is stationary). It is also described that tactile zones around the index finger and thumb can be used as controlling input surface areas, for example to control the direction indicator by double-clicking with an index finger. A conventional grasping of the steering wheel can be used for initialization.

In the U.S. 2016/0291862 A1 describes a vehicle control system having a touch-sensitive panel with touch sensors connected to a steering wheel and arranged face down and capable of tracking simultaneous touches by multiple individually identified fingers. It can be determined whether the touch is a sliding movement or a non-sliding movement.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art and to provide a steering wheel with an operating device and a method for controlling a vehicle function by means of an operating device arranged on a steering wheel, which is both reliable and user-friendly in use and offers space-saving (or space-saving) integration of input interfaces in the steering wheel.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

A control device according to the invention for steering a vehicle comprises a haptic operating device for controlling at least one second vehicle function. The steering of the vehicle by the control device is also considered below as the first control function of the control device. The control device for steering a vehicle is also referred to below as a steering wheel, although the present invention is not limited to a steering wheel. Rather, it is conceivable to also arrange the operating device on any other control device for steering the vehicle, for example a joystick. Control device and steering wheel should therefore be understood as synonymous within the scope of this invention, with the control device nevertheless preferably being a steering wheel.

It is essential that the operating device is arranged on a control device of the vehicle, which is in contact with at least one hand of a user of the vehicle, in particular the vehicle driver of the vehicle, for as long as possible while driving.

The operating device is a haptic operating device, which translates at least one gesture of the user into a control command for at least one vehicle function. In the context of this invention, a touch-sensitive operating device is to be understood as a haptic operating device. The introduction of sensitive user interfaces and/or so-called touch user interfaces in this area can improve the user's perception of quality and technology in the vehicle interior. Furthermore, this also advantageously simplifies and improves the user experience.

According to the invention, it is provided that the operating device is assigned a control command that is only temporarily connected to this operating device by a computer device, depending on the situation. This control command is preferably a binary control command which can be accepted or rejected by the user when using a gesture on the operating device.

The operating device is therefore preferably part of a human-machine interface (HMI) in which at least a selection of operating tasks is reduced to a binary user input. The user can thus give his input for the transmission of a control command to the machine, preferably with a simple yes/no operation.

The operating device is preferably arranged at least in sections, preferably completely in an area of the control device which is easily visible to the user and can be reached without releasing a hand from the control device. The operating device is preferably located at least in sections on a steering wheel rim or a steering wheel spoke. This configuration makes it possible to use the ergonomically best operating surfaces for a user, namely in particular those that are easily accessible and can be seen without having to take your eyes off the traffic environment (for a long time), for example the roadway, depending on the situation for a specific control command to use. By using the best ergonomic surfaces, driver distraction is minimized and driving comfort and user experience are optimized.

The man-machine interface, preferably the operating device, preferably has a display device that can be visually perceived by the user and by means of which the user is preferably informed of an input request on the operating device. This display device can be a display, for example, on which the control command currently assigned to the operating device is displayed. In particular, however, it is preferred that the operating device itself has a possibly additional display device that can be visually perceived by the user.

The display device preferably comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED) and/or one or more displays.

A display device of an operating device as described above could, for example, use light signals to indicate to the user that he is currently expected to make an input on the operating device. Such a signal can also be used to inform the user that the control command currently connected to the operating device is displayed on a display, which is preferably not arranged on the control device but at a distance from the operating device.

More preferably, the operating device has at least two, preferably exactly two, different types of display devices. Preferably, these different indicators emit light of different colors. A first color is particularly preferably assigned to a first section of the operating device, to which a first control command is assigned, and a second color is assigned to a second section of the operating device, to which a second control command is assigned. For example, the control command “yes” and a display device that emits green could be assigned to the first section of the operating device, whereas the control command “no” and a display device that emits red color could be assigned to the second section of the operating device. It is thus possible to use the operating device to show the user directly which control command is assigned to which area of the operating device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the operating device has a multiplicity of sensors which can detect a gesture by the user.

In a further advantageous embodiment, sensors of the operating device are part of a multi-finger user interface and preferably a two-finger user interface for controlling the vehicle function. In a preferred embodiment, this can be operated with one hand, in another preferably with two fingers of different hands.

For example, two sensors can be arranged adjacent to one another, one of the sensors being assigned to the “yes” control command and another to the “no” control command. Conceivable and advantageous in this regard are two sensors arranged one above the other on one side of a steering wheel, which can be easily reached with the thumb of one hand of the user, for example, without having to take his hand off the steering wheel. A preferred embodiment is a toggle switch.

An arrangement of two sensors next to one another would also be conceivable. In a further preferred embodiment, two sensors are arranged on opposite sections with respect to the steering wheel axis, for example on spokes. One sensor in each case is preferably arranged in such a way that the user can easily reach it with the thumb of one hand without having to remove the associated hand from the steering wheel. In particular, it is preferable for one sensor to be arranged in a left-hand area of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position and one sensor in a right-hand area of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a straight-ahead position. Preferably on a left and a right spoke of the steering wheel. In one of the arrangements described above, for example, a left or lower sensor could be assigned to the "no" control command and a right or upper sensor to the "yes" control command. This offers the advantage that the operating interface provides two operating areas arranged in different areas and in particular on sides of the steering wheel. The local separation of the control surfaces or the sensors for controlling a vehicle function offers a particularly high degree of operational safety.

In a further preferred embodiment, the operating device has a front sensor and a rear sensor with respect to the steering wheel. In this regard, it would be conceivable, for example, for the rear sensor to be assigned the control command “no” and the front sensor to be assigned the control command “yes”. In this embodiment, too, the high operating safety can be guaranteed by the spatial separation of the sensors.

The operating device preferably has no switches that can be actuated physically and/or mechanically. It is proposed here to create an actuating device which does not use any other physical or mechanical switches.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the operating device has a guide device for haptic guidance, in particular a longitudinal guide, of a finger of the user operating the operating device. This offers the advantage that operation while driving, ie without looking at the operating device, is made easier.

The guide device preferably forms a surface shape and/or a Surface structure, which can be felt or haptically detected with the finger and can guide the finger through this.

The guide device and/or the operating device can preferably extend in a linear or curved manner. The guide device and/or the operating device preferably has a slider surface design (“slider shape”). The guide device and/or the operating device preferably has a concave and/or convex (partial) structure transverse to its longitudinal direction, which can be haptically detected by a user in the course of a swiping movement and used to orient the finger on the operating device. It is also conceivable that the surface of the operating device has at least one and preferably several haptically perceptible finger rest surfaces.

The rear operating device preferably has more than two, preferably more than three, preferably more than five and particularly preferably exactly five sensors and/or sensor fields for detecting different user gestures or user inputs. The operating device preferably has fewer than ten, preferably fewer than seven, sensors and/or sensor fields.

The operating device preferably includes an elongated sensor surface along which contact with the user can be detected as a function of time. For example, such a sensor surface could be a so-called "slider surface" on which the contact with, for example, a finger of the user is recorded in a time-resolved manner and the direction of the movement over the slider surface can be determined from this. The design of the sensor surface as a slider surface is, among other things therefore particularly preferred because incorrect operation is almost impossible due to the use of a gesture to enter the control command. This applies in particular when the gesture associated with the respective control command runs in the opposite direction to the other gesture.

More preferably, such a sensor surface, preferably a slider surface, has display devices as described above. For example, an area of the sensor surface assigned to a first control command could have lamps of a first color, whereas an area of the sensor surface assigned to a second control command has lamps of a second color. As described above, for example, a green light-emitting display device could be arranged in an area to which the “yes” control command is assigned, and the area assigned to the “no” control command could have a red light-emitting display device. In order to avoid confusion in the case of red-green blindness, for example, any other conceivable color coding is of course also possible.

In particular, an embodiment is therefore preferred in which the display devices have illuminants of different colors both in the first area of the sensor surface and in which the display devices have illuminants of different (preferably basic) colors in the second area of the sensor surface, so that one for each of the areas User clearly recognizable color can be mixed, which differs from the other area assigned (mixed) color.

In particular, in the configuration as a sensor surface, in particular as a slider surface, it is preferred that the display device also gives an indication of the gesture expected by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the operating device has a multiplicity of display devices which emit light in a time sequence relative to one another, preferably along a longitudinal extension of a sensor surface. This chronological sequence of different light signals creates the effect of an animation, which can, for example, additionally support the above-mentioned color coding. It is conceivable and particularly preferred, for example, for a sequence of light signals from left to right along a (horizontal) slider surface to be assigned to the "yes" control command and a sequence of light signals from right to left along a slider surface to be assigned to the "no" control command. It would also be conceivable and easily understandable for the user to assign the control command “yes” to a sequence of light signals from bottom to top along a (vertical) slider surface and the control command “no” to a sequence of light signals from top to bottom along such a slider surface. Such an amination, also referred to as "running" lighting, can inform the user of the necessary operator action, such as swiping along the sensor or slider surface, or prompt them to do so.

In particular, it is preferred that such a sequence of light signals additionally has a color coding. In particular, it is preferred that an animation of the display device assigned to the “no” control command is displayed in red at least in sections and/or at times and an animation of the display device assigned to the “yes” control command is displayed in green at least in sections and/or at times. This embodiment can prevent erroneous inputs particularly efficiently since the meaning of the gesture indicated by the display device is indicated by two different pieces of information, for example the color and running direction of the animation.

The operating device is preferably configured in such a way that the control of the vehicle function is only triggered if a user input occurs within a predetermined time interval, preferably ≦60 s, preferably ≦30 s, more preferably ≦20 s, particularly preferably ≦10 s. After this time interval has elapsed, another vehicle function, preferably the third, is preferably assigned to the operating device.

The control device preferably has at least two operating devices and in particular at least two one- or two-finger operating devices for controlling various vehicle functions. An operating device (preferably two-finger operator cuts) is preferably provided for the right hand of the user and a further multi-finger operator interface (preferably two-finger operator cuts) is provided for the left hand.

The operating device and/or the two-finger operator interface preferably has at least one feedback device which is suitable and intended for providing a feedback signal from an output device for output to the user after at least one operating device has been actuated. The output device can be, for example, at least one light-emitting diode (LED), by means of which an optical feedback signal can be output. In addition or as an alternative to this, acoustic and/or haptic feedback signals would also be conceivable and preferred for some applications.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is sensitive to the intensity of the pressurization. In this embodiment, different control commands can be assigned to different pressure intensities. For example, it is conceivable to assign a first control command to a low pressure application (“press”) and a second control command to a stronger pressure application (“strongpress”). This embodiment can be implemented in a particularly space-saving manner.

A different, third function is preferably assigned to the operating device at least temporarily. This third function is preferably assigned to the operating device during regular operation of the vehicle. A volume control, for example, would be conceivable as a third function. An operating device for controlling the volume of an audio system arranged in the vehicle and/or a mobile radio hands-free device are often arranged in vehicles on the steering wheel, for example on a steering wheel spoke. It is therefore in an area that is very easily accessible and can be reached without the user having to remove a hand from the steering wheel or having to take their eyes off the road. As described above, the space used for this on the steering wheel represents an ergonomically particularly advantageous actuating surface. However, while driving, for example, the volume is regulated comparatively rarely. This particularly advantageous actuating surface is therefore mostly unused during a journey. Since the volume control is comparatively uncritical for traffic safety, it makes sense to switch off its function temporarily and to use this operating device at least temporarily for another control function.

For this purpose, a display element representing the third function is preferably switched off at least while the operating device is being used to control the second vehicle function. For example, with the previously described standard assignment of the operating device for volume control, the lighting or backlighting for corresponding symbols such as "+", "-" or a loudspeaker symbol could be switched off. The same applies to other symbols that refer to the third vehicle function.

The operating device is preferably set up, suitable and/or intended to carry out the method described below and all method steps described in connection with the method individually or in combination with one another or individual method steps using it. Conversely, the method and in particular the steering wheel described in this context can be equipped individually or in combination with all the features described in the context of the control device with the haptic operating device. In particular, the control device described above can be used with the haptic operating device to carry out the method described below.

In a method according to the invention, a binary control command is queried by a user of a vehicle by a control device for steering a vehicle. As explained above, the steering of the vehicle should preferably be understood as the first vehicle function. However, in order to enable a user of the vehicle to also control other functions via the control device for steering a vehicle, a haptic operating device arranged on the control device is assigned a further vehicle function.

For this purpose, a second control function to be queried is determined by a computer device. A haptic operating device arranged on the control device is then assigned this second vehicle function for a predetermined time interval. The time limit for assigning this second vehicle function to the operating device has the advantage that a large number of control commands for various vehicle functions can be queried via this operating device in a chronological sequence. The method according to the invention therefore includes the step of assigning another vehicle function to the haptic operating device arranged on the control device.

Also essential for the method according to the invention is the step of detecting at least one gesture of a user by at least one sensor of the operating device and translating this gesture into a binary control command for the at least one second vehicle function. This makes it possible to determine whether a user of the vehicle gives the command to issue the control command with which the operating device is assigned in the respective time interval, or refuses it. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the queried control command is preferably not sent and the operating device is assigned a different function.

A control command in the form of a yes/no decision is to be understood as a binary control command within the scope of this invention. In order to make the input as easy as possible for the user, it is therefore necessary to ensure that the requested decision is already specified in such a way that the user can make the conversion with a single yes/no decision can send the necessary control command to make this decision.

As a result, the user only spends a very short time entering the gesture to trigger the control command. Since the haptic operating device is on the control device for steering a vehicle (e.g. the steering wheel), the user does not have to remove his hand from the control device in order to give the gesture to trigger the desired control command the user averts their gaze from the rest of the traffic situation, since the steering wheel is in the field of vision and the prompt to enter a gesture can be perceived at least in the peripheral field of vision. It is therefore not necessary to move the gaze or a hand to a remote control element, which, for example located in the center console or the door.

The temporary reassignment of the operating device with the second control command is preferably displayed to the user by a display device of the operating device. This display device is preferably integrated into the operating device and more preferably arranged in the sensor or in its immediate vicinity. As a result, the user can see that he is being prompted for an input without having to let his eyes wander or take his hand off the steering wheel. When the display device is arranged in the sensor or in its immediate vicinity, it is also immediately apparent where the gesture is to be input.

The user's gesture is preferably detected by a number of sensors on the operating device. For example, two or more sensors can determine a gesture together. In particular, it is preferred that a plurality of sensors are arranged along a path and determine the movement of a user's finger along this path. In this way, for example, the direction of movement along this path can be detected. Depending on this direction, a binary control command can be assigned to the gesture. In this respect, it would be conceivable, for example, for a gesture from right to left or from top to bottom to be assigned the decision “no” and a gesture from left to right or from bottom to top to be assigned the decision “yes”.

The proposed method offers the advantage that it can be operated in a user-friendly manner and, due to the time-limited assignment of a vehicle function to the operating device, a large number of different commands can be carried out in the area that is particularly easy for the user to see and reach. Safe and reliable operation is also guaranteed with the variant shown above, in which the gestures for both conceivable control commands (or "yes" or "no") are triggered by opposite gestures.

In particular, this can be achieved by a further preferred variant of the method, in which a display device switches on light sources in brief succession along a path on a sensor surface, this path corresponding to a path of a gesture to be detected. In the above example, in which the decision “no” is assigned to a gesture from right to left or from top to bottom, for example, a lamp could light up briefly, followed by the lamp that is adjacent in this direction lighting up for a short time, and so on the expected one indicate a gesture visually.

If necessary, an animation as described above can also be further emphasized in color, for example by visually indicating the gesture for "no" by an animation of red lamps and the gesture for "yes" by an opposite animation of green lamps. In addition, this idea can advantageously improve the design and the user experience around the steering wheel of the car.

The operating device preferably has the external shape in the manner of a slide control (or “slider shape”). The external shape of a slide control is characterized in particular by the fact that its surface design offers a user's finger orientation along a (preferably linear) linear operating surface or sensor surface, along which individual sensors are arranged. The operating device preferably extends essentially in a longitudinal direction as the main extension direction. A slider-like configuration (or configuration corresponding to the shape or contour of a slider) offers the advantage that a user can easily select a sensor field even without looking at the operating device, simply by using a finger or fingers to touch the outer configuration of the operating device.

This operating device or this two-finger user interface offers the advantage of reducing the number of switches on the steering wheel and is also intuitive or easily grasped by the user due to its shapes, functions and technologies.

In order for the user to be able to recognize the input request particularly easily, it is preferred that at least part of the operating device with a display device is arranged in a front area of the steering wheel. A front area of the steering wheel is understood to mean in particular an area of the steering wheel facing the user during operation of the steering wheel, in particular when the user is in a (sitting) position in front of the steering wheel, in particular a surface area. This is preferably the area of the steering wheel which faces away from the windscreen of the vehicle.

However, it is also conceivable that part of the operating device is arranged in a rear area of the steering wheel. A rear area of the steering wheel is understood to mean in particular an area of the steering wheel facing away from the user during operation of the steering wheel, in particular when the user is in a (sitting) position in front of the steering wheel, in particular a surface area. This is preferably the area of the steering wheel which faces the windscreen of the vehicle.

Preferably, a front part of the operating device is operated by a thumb of the user's hand and a rear part of the operating device is operated by a different finger, preferably an index finger and/or a middle finger, of the user's hand. The rear operating device can preferably be operated by the driver from behind—seen from the user of the vehicle.

In a preferred method, the front-side operating device and the rear-side operating device are or can be operated by the user with one hand while the user grips and/or holds the steering wheel at least in sections (in particular on the steering wheel rim) with this hand. This offers the advantage of comfortable and safe operation while driving.

The user is preferably supported by at least one light-emitting diode and preferably by a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are integrated and/or arranged in a control panel (the front-side operating device), which preferably highlights the action which is (currently) selected and/or activated .

The chronological assignment of an operating device to a specific vehicle function can be predetermined and stored in a storage device (of the vehicle and/or the operating device). Alternatively or in addition to this, this temporal assignment can be changed or defined by the user.

The main advantages of the proposed embodiments are the improvements in the user's gestures and the simplification of the design of the steering wheel. Also, the proposed design or the proposed arrangement of the input options for the user eliminates the complicated and numerous switching interfaces and together combined in one simple item of hard and soft operator interface. The newly proposed operation or user interface advantageously stimulates the user's interest in the product itself and the associated user experience.

In a preferred method, a feedback device provides a feedback signal for output to the user in response to a user input. This offers the advantage that the user receives feedback about the user input he has made or about his actuation of a sensor and its detection (by the operating device).

The feedback signal can be an acoustic, optical, haptic and/or tactile signal, which is preferably output by an output device (to the user).

The feedback signal is preferably an optical signal which is and/or can be output to the user with at least one LED (arranged on the steering wheel and/or on the operating device). This advantageously gives the user visual feedback.

However, haptic feedback is also conceivable, for example in the form of an output vibration signal. As a result, perception is also possible at locations that are directly related to a control panel and/or a region of the operating device and that are not directly visible to the user.

Control in relation to a vehicle function includes in particular activation, deactivation and/or operation of a vehicle function (for example displaying and/or outputting information), changing a function setting in relation to a vehicle function and/or a specification and/or or changing a data entry for a vehicle function.

A vehicle function can be a function of a vehicle component of the vehicle. The vehicle component is preferably selected from a group which includes a system for guiding the vehicle, a direction indicator system, a navigation system, a damping system for the chassis and/or vehicle, a vehicle air conditioning system, an entertainment system, an infotainment system, a vehicle window opening system, a comfort system to increase the comfort of an occupant's ride, a vehicle door and/or window latch system, a vehicle closure system, a roof removal mechanism, a sunroof mechanism, a vehicle security system (e.g., a braking system), and/or a windshield wiper mechanism, and combinations thereof.

A function group can in particular be one of the vehicle functions mentioned above and/or a combination of different vehicle functions mentioned above or a selection of sub-functions from a vehicle function.

The present invention is also aimed at a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an operating device for a vehicle as described above, according to an embodiment. The vehicle can in particular be a (motorized) road vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle or a truck. In addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can preferably also be an air taxi, an airplane and another means of transportation or another type of vehicle, for example an air vehicle, water vehicle or rail vehicle. In particular, the steering wheel can also be a steering wheel for steering the vehicle.

A vehicle can be a motor vehicle which, in particular, is a motor vehicle controlled by the driver himself (“driver only”), a semi-autonomous, autonomous (e.g. autonomy level 3 or 4 or 5 (of the SAE J3016 standard)) or self-driving motor vehicle is. Autonomy Level 5 designates fully automated vehicles. The vehicle can also be a driverless transport system. The vehicle can be controlled by a driver or drive autonomously.

The present invention of the method for controlling a vehicle function and the operating device for a vehicle for controlling at least one vehicle function have been described in connection with a steering wheel. However, the present invention is also applicable (instead of a steering wheel) to other input devices of a vehicle for a user, in particular to input devices for controlling a main vehicle function (such as vehicle guidance and/or a vehicle function which requires the user's attention to its operation over a longer period of time required), by means of which further vehicle functions can be controlled at least temporarily, transferrable. The applicant reserves the right to also claim a method and an operating device aimed at this.

The present invention is also aimed at a computer program or computer program product, comprising program means, in particular a program code, which represents or encodes at least individual (preferably several and particularly preferably all) method steps of the method according to the invention and preferably one of the preferred embodiments described and for execution by a processor device is trained.

The present invention is also aimed at a data memory on which at least one embodiment of the computer program according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the computer program is stored.

• Darin zeigen:
  • 1a eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
  • 1b eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
  • 2a die Vorderansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads gemäß 1a während einer Nutzereingabe;
  • 2b die Vorderansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads gemäß 1b während einer Nutzereingabe;
  • 3a die Vorderansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform während einer Nutzereingabe;
  • 3b eine Rückansicht des Lenkrads gemäß 3a während einer Nutzereingabe;
  • 4a eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform während der Anzeige einer dritten Fahrzeugfunktion;
  • 4b eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt während einer Eingabeaufforderung;
  • 4c eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt während einer Eingabeaufforderung;
  • 5a eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform während der Anzeige einer dritten Fahrzeugfunktion; und
  • 5b eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform während einer Eingabeaufforderung.

Further advantages and embodiments result from the attached drawings:

• Show in it:
  • 1a a front view of a steering wheel according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;
  • 1b a front view of a steering wheel according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment;
  • 2a the front view of the steering wheel according to the invention 1a during user input;
  • 2 B the front view of the steering wheel according to the invention 1b during user input;
  • 3a the front view of the steering wheel according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment during a user input;
  • 3b a rear view of the steering wheel according to FIG 3a during user input;
  • 4a a schematic representation of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment while displaying a third vehicle function;
  • 4b a schematic representation of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment at a first time during an input request;
  • 4c a schematic representation of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment at a second point in time during an input request;
  • 5a a schematic representation of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment during the display of a third vehicle function; and
  • 5b a schematic representation of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment during an input request.

1a shows a front view of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. Reference number 2 designates a steering wheel rim, which is non-rotatably connected to a steering wheel center part via a steering wheel spoke 4 . In particular, the front and rear of the steering wheel shown in the front view is that side which is almost constantly at least in the peripheral field of vision of the user, for example the driver. Thus, this side of the steering wheel represents on which control elements can be viewed and/or read particularly easily and without having to look away from the rest of the traffic for a long time.

The user can preferably rotate the steering wheel and in particular the steering wheel rim 1 about an axis of rotation that extends through the steering wheel center part. The turning movement can be used to adjust the impact of at least one group of vehicle tires with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, preferably via the steering wheel center part.

Reference number 10 designates an operating device, which is arranged on one of the two steering wheel spokes 4 here. In the example shown, the operating device is designed as an essentially round element. This consists of at least two components, one of which is a sensor and the other a display device. Both the sensor and the display device are not marked with a reference number in this figure. On a possibility of their arrangement is particularly in connection with the description of 5a and 5b received.

2a shows the front view of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention 1a during user input. As in 2a shown, this can be 1a shown operating device 10 are operated by the user with his right hand, in particular while the right hand grips or holds the steering wheel. For example, the thumb 22 can be used to make a user input in the form of a gesture on the operating device. The gesture is detected by a sensor 12 . The operating device converts this signal into a binary control signal and forwards this to a corresponding functional device or a control device.

1b shows a front view of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment from the point of view of a (in the driver's seated position of the) user, in particular the driver. Some elements of the steering wheel are analogous to that in 1a shown steering wheel formed. However, there is a significant difference in the design of the operating device 10. In the example shown, it is elongated and comprises several (in 1b unmarked) sensors that are arranged in a horizontal line (when the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position) next to one another.

The operating device 10 is the same as in the embodiment according to FIG 1a arranged on a spoke 4 of the steering wheel, also on the (in the straight-ahead position of the steering wheel) right spoke 4 of the steering wheel.

2 B shows the front view of the steering wheel according to the invention 1b during user input. As in this one 2 B shown, the user can reach the operating device 12 with a thumb 22 of his right hand without having to remove his hand from the steering wheel. As a result, he can actuate or operate the operating device particularly easily and quickly, in particular while his right hand continues to grip the steering wheel rim 2 . In the representation shown, the operating device 10 is designed as an elongate element. This operating device 10 comprises a plurality of sensors 12 which, in the embodiment shown, are arranged next to one another along a horizontal line (in the straight-ahead position of the steering wheel) or along a path. The user can sequentially contact different sensors by sliding his thumb 22 along this path. Depending on the order in which the individual sensors are contacted, the operating device 10 can determine a direction along which the gesture was performed. The control command associated with this gesture can then be output.

3a shows the front view of the steering wheel according to a further preferred embodiment during a user input and 3b a rear view of the same steering wheel, also during user input. In the embodiment shown in these figures, a display device 11 of the operating device is arranged on the front side of the steering wheel so that the user can easily see it, preferably on a spoke 4 as shown 1b designed as a sensor field in the form of an elongated slider surface - is arranged on a rear surface of the steering wheel. There it is easy for a few fingers to reach, for example the middle finger 20, without having to remove your hand from the steering wheel rim 2 in the process.

In this embodiment, the display device 11 is also elongated and has a large number of light sources, for example LEDs. On the one hand, these show the user on the front of the steering wheel that an input via the rear sensor or

Slider area 12 is expected. In addition, however, it is also possible in the configuration as such, likewise elongate in the form of a display device 11 with a plurality of LEDs, to give an indication of the expected gesture.

As in the following also in connection with the 4b and 4c is described, it is preferred that the light sources only light up briefly one after the other, specifically in a sequence that corresponds to a possible gesture. In the embodiment shown, it is particularly conceivable that the light sources light up in sequence from left to right along sensor 12 or slider surface 12 and thus provide an indication of a gesture that also involves swiping a finger 20 from right to left over the Sensor surface 12 includes.

Even if the user cannot see the sensor surface directly in the illustrated ergonomically favorable (rear) position of the steering wheel 1, it can be easily reached and felt. The expected gesture can easily be performed and detected by the sensor 12 . It is not necessary to release one hand from the steering wheel. By indicating a possible gesture on the front of the steering wheel 1, the gesture is immediately apparent to the user and can also be easily imitated on the back of the steering wheel.

4a shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an operating device 10 in a first state, in which it is occupied with a third function assigned by default to this operating device 10 . In the present example, this third function is a volume control. However, it would also be conceivable that an operating device 10, which is assigned a different function by default, could be used as the operating device 10 within the meaning of this invention. Operating devices that are used comparatively seldom are particularly suitable. For example, an operating device is particularly suitable which, when assigned as standard, is assigned to a vehicle function which is selected from a group which includes temperature control, setpoint speed control (such as a cruise control), frequency search for radio devices, forward and reverse in pieces of music, window raising and - lowering, setting the interval for the wiper function, seat adjustment and the direction indicator. In particular, of course, operating devices are particularly suitable which, with standard assignment, are assigned a vehicle function that cannot be assigned to critical vehicle functions.

in the in 4a In the example shown, the third function assigned by default to the operating device 10 is represented by symbols 14 (notes and “+” and “-” symbols in combination with a triangle). These symbols 14 can show the assignment of this operating device 10 to the user, for example, by being backlit. The third function assigned by default can be controlled, for example, by sliding a finger along the (in this case horizontal) longitudinal extent of the operating device 10 , which is detected by the sensor 12 .

The display devices 11 of the operating device 10, which are only indicated as broken circles, are not active as long as this operating device 10, for example, continues to be assigned the third function assigned by default.

If such an operating device 10 is temporarily assigned a second function that differs from the third function assigned by default, at least one of the display devices 11 is activated. This is marked with the reference number 13 . The display of the symbols for the third vehicle function is switched off, for example by switching off the backlighting in the example described above. The conspicuous temporary lighting of the at least one active display device 13 informs the user that the assignment of this operating device 10 has been reassigned and that an input is expected from him.

The sensor 12 or slider 12 is still active and can detect a gesture by the user. However, the second function is now assigned to this gesture and a corresponding control command is generated and issued by the operating device 10 .

In 4c is the in 4b shown operating device 10 shown at a different time. Furthermore, operating device 10 is as per 4b described assigned to the second vehicle function. Accordingly, the sensor 12 or slider 12 continues to be active and can detect a gesture by the user. The second function is also assigned to this gesture and after a gesture has been detected, the corresponding control command is generated and issued by the operating device 10 .

Unlike in 4b shown is in 4c however, another of the display devices 11 is switched to be active, namely the middle one of the (in this case five) display devices 11, identified by the reference number 13 in this figure. The representation according to FIG 4c corresponds to the state at a time just before or just after that state as it is in 4b is shown. The momentary switching on of different display devices 11 that follow one another along a path gives the user the impression of a running animation. In the event that the in 4c state represented the state at a time shortly after the in 4b corresponds to the state shown, the light sequence appears to the user to run from left to right. For the opposite case that the in 4c state represented at a time just prior to in 4b corresponds to the state shown, the light sequence appears to the user to run from right to left. Such a sequence of lights indicates to the user that a gesture is also expected of him, which follows this path at least in sections.

It is conceivable and preferred in some embodiments that each of the display devices 11 can emit light of different colors. This makes it possible to add a color code to each of the running animations described above. It would be conceivable, for example, that the running animation is displayed in green from left to right, whereas the running animation is displayed in red from right to left. As a result, the meaning of a gesture can also be conveyed to the user in terms of color. For example, the left gesture, shown in red, could be associated with the meaning "no" or "reject," while the right gesture, shown in green, could be associated with the meaning "yes" or "agree."

5a shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an operating device 10 in a first state, in which it is assigned a third function assigned by default to this operating device 10 . In the present example, as well as the above in 4a Control device 10 shown, the control device 10 assigned by default as a third function volume control. As above regarding 4a described this assignment is advantageous, but not mandatory.

in the in 5a In the embodiment shown, the operating device 10 is designed as a control pad with a number of sensors 12 . A sensor surface 12 is arranged centrally, and a further sensor surface 12 extends in a ring around it. The symbols 14 already described above are displayed on the outer ring-shaped sensor surface (for example by backlighting). Additional symbols 14 can expand the functionality of the operating device 10, for example by allowing pieces of music to be jumped back or forth (indicated by the symbols 14 “I◄” and “►I”).

In 5b a situation is shown in which 5a shown operating device 10 is decoupled from the second vehicle function and you instead temporarily another, namely the second function is assigned. For this purpose, the at least one display device 11 is activated. At the same time, the display for operating the third vehicle function is switched off, for example by switching off the backlighting.

The lighting up of the at least one actively switched display device 11 alerts the user to the successful assignment of another function to the operating device 10 and at the same time prompts him to make an entry.

In the ring-shaped and circular configuration of the sensors 12 shown, for example, the inner, circular sensor 12 could be assigned the meaning “yes” or “agree”, while the other, outer ring-shaped sensor 12 was assigned the meaning “no” or “reject”. . This could be supported by a corresponding color coding of the display device 11, for example by colored backlighting of the respective areas.

For this purpose, the display device could also be divided into an inner and an outer ring in order to indicate to the user the meaning assigned to the respectively adjacent sensor in a color-coded manner.

If necessary, certain sectors of a sensor 12 could also have certain functions be assigned. In the embodiment described above, in which in the third function assigned by default, four different sectors of the ring-shaped sensor 12 are assigned to different functions (indicated by the symbols 14 “+”, “-” (each in combination with a triangle), “I◄ “ and “►I”), sectors could also be combined to form a common sensor area, which together encode binary information. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the sectors to which the symbols 14 “+” and “►I” are assigned by default could mean together “yes” or “agree” and the sectors to which the symbols 14 “-” and “I◄” are assigned by default is "no" or "reject". This meaning could be identified for the user via a corresponding color coding of the adjacent sectors of the display device 11 .

Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least sections of the ring-shaped sensor 12 also define a path and the course of a finger of the user along this path is detected in order to be able to derive the user's request therefrom. In this regard, it would be conceivable to assign the meaning “yes” or “agree” to a clockwise movement of a finger along this path and to assign the meaning “no” or “reject” to the opposite movement. The meaning assigned to one of these directions could indicate the expected gesture and/or (by color coding) the meaning of the respective direction, analogous to the running animation described above for a straight-line path.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features which can be advantageous in and of themselves. The person skilled in the art recognizes immediately that a specific feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

reference list

1

steering wheel, control device

2

steering wheel rim

4

steering wheel spoke

10

operating device

11

Display device / LED

12

Sensor / sensor field, slider area

13

activated display device / LED

14

function icons

15

Control Pad / Control Ring

20

middle finger

22

Thumb

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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

• US9092093B2 [0007]
• US 8537133 B2 [0008]
• US 2016/0291862 A1 [0009]

Claims (10)

Control device (1) for steering a vehicle, wherein the control device (1) comprises a haptic operating device (10) for controlling at least one second vehicle function, wherein the operating device (10) translates at least one gesture of a user into a control command for the at least one second vehicle function , characterized in that the operating device (10) can be assigned by a computer device, depending on the situation, a control command that is only temporarily connected to this operating device (10), this control command being a binary control command which is transmitted by the user when a gesture is applied to the operating device (10) can be given or denied. control device claim 1 , characterized in that the operating device (10) is arranged at least in sections in a region of the control device (1) which the user can reach without releasing a hand from the control device (1), preferably at least in sections on a steering wheel rim (2) or a steering wheel spoke (4). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (10) has a display device (11) that is visible to the user, the display device (11) preferably comprising at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first display device (11) which emits a first color is assigned to a first section of the operating device (10), to which a first control command is assigned, and a second section of the operating device (10 ), to which a second control command is assigned, a second display device (11) which emits a second color is assigned. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (10) has a multiplicity of sensors (12) which are set up to detect a gesture by the user, the operating device (10) preferably having an elongated sensor surface (12) has, along which the contact with the user can be detected as a function of time. control device claim 5 , characterized in that the operating device (10) has a plurality of display devices (11) which emit light relative to one another in a chronological sequence, preferably along a longitudinal extent of a sensor surface (12). Method for querying a binary control command from a user of a vehicle using a control device (1) for steering a vehicle, comprising the steps: - determining a second control function to be queried by a computer device, - assignment of a haptic operating device (10) arranged on the control device (1) to this second vehicle function for a predetermined time interval, - detecting at least one gesture of a user by at least one sensor (12) of the operating device (10), - Translating this gesture into a binary control command for the at least one second vehicle function, - Assigning another vehicle function to the haptic operating device (10) arranged on the control device (1). procedure after claim 7 , characterized in that the temporary reassignment of the operating device (10) with the second control command is displayed to the user by a display device (11) of the operating device. procedure after claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that a display device (11) switches on light sources in brief succession along a path on a sensor surface (12), this path corresponding to a path of a gesture to be detected. Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a control device (1) for steering this vehicle according to one of Claims 1 - 6 .

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