DE102022101807A1 - Method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle, comprising: a) displaying a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen; b) receiving a touch input by a user on or at the volume scale; andc) driving an audio output unit to output an acoustic signal based on the touch input, wherein the driving of the audio output unit comprises:c1) outputting the acoustic signal with a first volume level if the touch input occurs statically at a first position on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, that differs from a second position corresponding to a currently set volume level and a touch duration of the first position is equal to or less than a threshold; andc2) outputting the audible signal at a time-varying volume level if the touch input is a dynamic drag input on the volume wheel, wherein the volume level is adjusted during the drag input to a current touch position on or at the volume wheel.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for setting an audio output in a vehicle, a storage medium for executing the method, a driver assistance system for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a driver assistance system. The present disclosure relates in particular to an intuitive setting of a volume of a driver assistance system.

State of the art

Parking sensors are often used in vehicles today, which are intended to draw the driver's attention to obstacles by means of acoustic and optical signals when parking. These parking sensors can be electromagnetic sensors or ultrasonic sensors, for example. The output of the acoustic and optical signals can be set individually by a driver. However, the setting is often time-consuming and complicated, since the driver has to make a large number of inputs, for example, in order to make the desired changes in the output of the acoustic and visual signals. However, if the driver makes the adjustment while driving, e.g. before or during a planned parking maneuver, the driver may be distracted and an increased safety risk may arise.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to specify a method for setting an audio output in a vehicle, a storage medium for executing the method, a driver assistance system for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a driver assistance system that enable an intuitive setting of an audio output. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to avoid distracting a driver when adjusting an audio output, so that road safety can be improved.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are specified in the dependent claims.

1. a) Anzeigen einer Lautstärkeskala auf einem berührungsempfindlichen Anzeigebildschirm;
2. b) Empfangen einer Berührungseingabe durch einen Nutzer auf oder an der Lautstärkeskala; und
3. c) Ansteuern einer Audioausgabeeinheit zum Ausgeben eines akustischen Signals basierend auf der Berührungseingabe, wobei das Ansteuern der Audioausgabeeinheit umfasst:
   • c1) Ausgeben des akustischen Signals mit einem ersten Lautstärkepegel, falls die Berührungseingabe statisch an einer dem ersten Lautstärkepegel entsprechenden ersten Position auf der Lautstärkeskala erfolgt, die sich von einer zweiten Position, die einem aktuell eingestellten Lautstärkepegel entspricht, unterscheidet und eine Berührungsdauer der ersten Position gleich oder kleiner als ein Schwellwert ist; und
   • c2) Ausgeben des akustischen Signals mit einem zeitlich variablen Lautstärkepegel, falls die Berührungseingabe eine dynamische Drag-Eingabe auf der Lautstärkeskala ist, wobei der Lautstärkepegel während der Drag-Eingabe einer aktuellen Berührungsposition auf oder an der Lautstärkeskala angepasst wird.

According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The procedure includes:

1. a) displaying a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen;
2. b) receiving a touch input by a user on or at the volume dial; and
3. c) driving an audio output unit to output an acoustic signal based on the touch input, wherein driving the audio output unit comprises:
   • c1) outputting the acoustic signal with a first volume level if the touch input occurs statically at a first position on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which is different from a second position corresponding to a currently set volume level and a touch duration of the first position is equal to or less than a threshold value; and
   • c2) outputting the audible signal at a time-varying volume level if the touch input is a dynamic drag input on the volume bar, where the volume level is adjusted during the drag input to a current touch position on or at the volume bar.

According to the invention, an acoustic signal is output with a specific volume depending on the type and duration of a touch input. In other words, a technical system, namely the audio output unit, is controlled based on the touch input. In this case, the volume corresponds to a volume selected by means of the type of touch input, so that the user can select a desired volume intuitively, in particular without looking at the touch-sensitive display screen. As a result, a driver can be prevented from being distracted when setting an audio output, so that road safety can be improved.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a distinction is made between static and dynamic touch input.

Static touch input refers to a user's touch where the user does not move their finger across the touch-sensitive display screen while, for example, the finger is touching the touch-sensitive display screen for a touch duration. The duration of the touch can correspond to a period of time between a part of the user's body touching the touch-sensitive display screen and the part of the body lifting off the touch-sensitive display screen. The user's body part may be a user's finger, for example.

Dynamic touch input, on the other hand, is user touch where the user dynamically moves their finger across the touch-sensitive display screen as the finger touches the touch-sensitive display screen. Dynamic touch input is referred to as "drag input" for the purposes of this disclosure.

In a first case, the audible signal is output for a static touch input with a first volume level if the static touch input occurs at a first position on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which is different from a second position corresponding to a currently set volume level, and a touch duration of the first position is equal to or less than a threshold value. Such a (short) static touch input can be referred to as a "short touch".

The output of the acoustic signal with the first volume level newly set by the short touch takes place after the touch duration has expired, i.e. after the user no longer touches the touch-sensitive display screen, for example because he has lifted his finger from the touch-sensitive display screen. As long as the touch input or the short touch continues, there is no acoustic signal.

In a second case, the duration of touching the first position can be greater than the threshold value (“long touch”), with the acoustic signal being output at the currently set volume level, i.e. without changing the volume level due to the touch input.

The acoustic signal is output with the currently set volume level after the touch duration has expired, i.e. after the user no longer touches the touch-sensitive display screen, for example because he has lifted his finger from the touch-sensitive display screen. There is no beep as long as the touch input continues.

Thus, for static touch input, the volume level will change to a newly selected volume level if the user performs a short touch, or the volume level will not change to the newly selected volume level if the user performs a long touch. This gives the user the ability to intuitively not make a change in volume level after all by the user making the touch input longer.

Preferably, the threshold representing the boundary between a short touch and a long touch is one second or less. For example, the threshold may be about 800 milliseconds.

In a third case, the user can perform dynamic touch input or drag input on the touch-sensitive display screen. In this case, the acoustic signal is output with a time-varying volume level, with the volume level being adjusted during the drag-input of a current touch position on or at the volume scale. In other words, the volume level is increased or decreased based on the direction of movement of the drag input, giving the user audible feedback on their input. This gives the user the ability to intuitively change the volume level to a desired value, for example by the user dragging their finger across the touch-sensitive display screen.

Preferably, the method further includes displaying a cursor on or at the volume scale. The cursor may indicate or mark a volume level on the volume scale.

A cursor position is preferably changed in step c1) from a cursor position corresponding to the second position to a cursor position corresponding to the first position if the touch duration of the first position is equal to or less than the threshold value (“short touch”). In particular, the cursor position can be changed (only) after the touch input ends to show the newly set volume level.

The cursor position in step c2) preferably follows the drag input. For example, the cursor position may continuously follow movement of a user's finger on the touch-sensitive display screen.

The cursor position preferably remains unchanged in step c3) if the touch duration of the first position is greater than the threshold value (“long touch”). In particular, the cursor position can remain unchanged after the touch input ends to continue to show the currently set volume level.

The acoustic signal is preferably emitted for a corresponding volume level for a predetermined period of time. In particular the acoustic signal can be output once per volume level, such as once after the short touch or long touch. Similarly, a corresponding acoustic signal can be output for each adjustable volume level that is swept over (eg, discretely) during a drag input. In other words, a drag input can sequentially output a variety of audible signals, each with a different volume level.

The predetermined period of time is preferably one second or less, in particular 500 milliseconds or less.

The acoustic signal is preferably a gong sound.

Preferably, the method further includes an output of acoustic signals with the set volume level during a parking process using a parking aid. For example, the acoustic signals can be output as a function of a distance from an obstacle in order to draw the driver's attention to the obstacle and/or to indicate a distance from the obstacle by modulating the acoustic signals.

In some embodiments, a frequency of the output of the audible signals and/or a frequency of the audible signals themselves may indicate the distance to the obstacle. For example, faster tones can indicate closer proximity and a continuous tone can indicate a predefined minimum distance.

Preferably, the audio output unit comprises (or is) at least one loudspeaker. The audio output unit is set up to output the acoustic signal with different adjustable volume levels.

The term "volume level" as used throughout the present disclosure refers to a strength of a sound output by the audio output unit. The different loudness levels may be defined between a minimum value and a maximum value that define the loudness scale in some embodiments. For example, there may be a plurality of discrete volume levels including the minimum and maximum values on the volume scale that are user selectable or adjustable.

The touch-sensitive display screen or touchscreen is preferably provided by an infotainment system and/or a head unit of the vehicle. Typically, the touch-sensitive display screen is installed in or on the vehicle dashboard. The touch-sensitive display screen is a combined input and output device in which a technical system, namely the audio output unit, can be directly controlled by touch.

According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be set up to run on one or more processors and thereby perform the method described in this document for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle.

According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium can comprise a SW program which is set up to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle described in this document.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code for carrying out the method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle is to be executed when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a driver assistance system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The driver assistance system includes one or more processors; and at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the method described herein for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle.

The driver assistance system can implement the aspects of the method described in this document for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle.

In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the driver assistance system is a parking assistant (eg Park Distance Control, PDC, from BMW). The parking assistant can be set up to draw the driver's attention to obstacles by means of acoustic signals when parking. The parking assistant can be set up further as an option to draw the driver's attention to obstacles by means of optical signals when parking.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle includes the driving assistance system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The term vehicle includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

The vehicle, in particular the driver assistance system, preferably includes an environment sensor system that is set up to record environment data. The environmental sensor system preferably includes at least one LiDAR system and/or at least one radar system and/or at least one camera and/or at least one ultrasound system and/or at least one laser scanner. The environmental sensor system can provide the environmental data (also referred to as “environmental data”), which depict an area surrounding the vehicle, for example in order to provide the parking assistant.

character list

• 1 ein Flussdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Einstellen einer Audioausgabe in einem Fahrzeug gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung,
• 2A und 2B einen berührungsempfindlichen Anzeigebildschirm und einen Short Touch gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung,
• 3 einen berührungsempfindlichen Anzeigebildschirm und eine Drag-Eingabe gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung, und
• 4A und 4B einen berührungsempfindlichen Anzeigebildschirm und einen Long Touch gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Show it:

• 1 a flow chart of a method for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 2A and 2 B a touch-sensitive display screen and a short touch according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 3 a touch-sensitive display screen and drag input according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and
• 4A and 4B a touch-sensitive display screen and a long touch, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the Disclosure

Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used below for the same elements and those with the same effect.

1 FIG. 1 schematically shows a flow chart of a method 100 for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 100 may be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (eg, a CPU).

The method includes at block 110 displaying a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen and at block 120 receiving touch input by a user on or at the volume scale. At block 130, the type of touch input is determined. In particular, it can be distinguished whether the touch input is a short touch, a long touch or a drag input. Based on the type of touch input, an audio output unit is controlled to output an acoustic signal

In the case of a short touch, i.e. when the touch duration is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g. 800 milliseconds), the acoustic signal is output in block 140 with a new volume level corresponding to the touch position. The acoustic signal with the new volume level is only output after the touch duration has expired, i.e. after the user no longer touches the touch-sensitive display screen, for example because he has lifted his finger from the touch-sensitive display screen. As long as the touch input or the short touch continues, there is no acoustic signal.

In the case of a long touch, i.e. if the touch duration is greater than the threshold value (e.g. 800 milliseconds), the acoustic signal is output in block 160 with the volume level currently set, i.e. without changing the volume level due to the touch input. The acoustic signal with the currently set volume level is only emitted after the touch duration has expired, i.e. after the user no longer touches the touch-sensitive display screen, for example because he has lifted his finger from the touch-sensitive display screen. As long as the touch input or the long touch continues, no acoustic signal is emitted.

Thus, for static touch input, the volume level will change to a newly selected volume level if the user performs a short touch, or the volume level will not change to the newly selected volume level if the user performs a long touch. This gives the user the opportunity to intuitively change the However, the volume level cannot be performed by the user holding the touch input longer.

In the case of a drag input, the audible signal is output at block 150 at a volume level that varies over time, with the volume level being adjusted to a current touch position on or at the volume scale during the drag input. In other words, the volume level is increased or decreased based on the direction of movement of the drag input, giving the user audible feedback on their input. This gives the user the ability to intuitively change the volume level to a desired value, for example by the user dragging their finger across the touch-sensitive display screen.

Preferably, the audible signal at blocks 140, 150 and 160 is emitted at a corresponding volume level for a predetermined period of time, such as one second or less. In particular, the acoustic signal can be output once per volume level, such as once after the short touch or long touch. Similarly, a corresponding acoustic signal can be output for each adjustable volume level swept over (e.g. discretely) during a drag input. In other words, a drag input can sequentially output a variety of audible signals, each with a different volume level.

In some embodiments, the method 100 may further include outputting acoustic signals at the set volume level during a parking process using a parking aid. For example, the acoustic signals can be output as a function of a distance from an obstacle in order to draw the driver's attention to the obstacle and/or to indicate a distance from the obstacle by modulating the acoustic signals.

2A and 2 B 12 show a touch-sensitive display screen 200 and a short touch 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 is provided by an infotainment system and/or a head unit of a vehicle. Typically, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 is installed in or on the vehicle dashboard.

The touch-sensitive display screen 200 is configured to allow a user to adjust a volume level of an audio output, for example in a change or edit mode. For example, the audio output can take place with the set volume level during a parking process as a function of a distance from an obstacle in order to draw the driver's attention to the obstacle.

To adjust the volume level of the audio output, the touch-sensitive display screen 200 can display a volume scale that includes a plurality of discretely adjustable volume levels between a minimum value and a maximum value. In some embodiments, a cursor 210 is further displayed on the touch-sensitive display screen 200 on or near the volume scale. The cursor 210 can indicate or mark a volume level on the volume scale. In the example of 2A cursor 210 marks a currently set volume level.

In 2A a short touch 10, ie a touch input with a touch duration below a threshold value of, for example, 800 milliseconds, is shown schematically at a first position A on the volume scale. The first position A corresponds to a first volume level. If the first position A differs from a second position B, which corresponds to a currently set volume level, an acoustic signal with the first volume level is output after an end of the touch input, as is schematically illustrated in FIG 2 B is shown.

In some embodiments, after the end of the touch input, a cursor position can also be changed from a cursor position corresponding to the second position B to a cursor position corresponding to the first position A, as is schematically illustrated in 2 B is shown. In particular, the cursor position can be changed after the Short Touch 10 ends to show the newly set volume level instead of the previous volume level.

3 FIG. 3 shows a touch-sensitive display screen 300 and drag input 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In 3 a drag input 20, ie a dynamic touch input, is shown schematically from the second position B to the first position A on the volume scale. The second position B in turn corresponds to the currently set volume level, and the first position A corresponds to the newly set volume level. During the drag input 20, an acoustic signal is emitted with a volume level that varies over time where the volume level is adjusted during the drag input 20 to a current touch position on the volume scale.

In some embodiments, cursor 210 follows drag input 20 . For example, the cursor position may continuously follow movement of a user's finger on touch-sensitive display screen 300 .

4A and 4B 12 show a touch-sensitive display screen 400 and a long touch 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In 4A a long touch 30, ie a touch input with a touch duration above a threshold value of, for example, 800 milliseconds, is shown schematically at a first position A on the volume scale. The first position A corresponds to a first volume level. If the first position A differs from a second position B, which corresponds to a currently set volume level, an acoustic signal with a current volume level is output after an end of the touch input, as is schematically illustrated in FIG 3B is shown. In other words, the volume level corresponding to the first position A is not used, but rather the currently set volume level corresponding to the second position B.

In some embodiments, a cursor position may remain unchanged after touch input ends. In particular, the cursor position can remain unchanged after the end of the long touch 30 in order to continue to display the currently set volume level.

According to the invention, an acoustic signal is output with a specific volume depending on the type and duration of a touch input. In other words, a technical system, namely the audio output unit, is controlled based on the touch input. In this case, the volume corresponds to a volume selected by means of the type of touch input, so that the user can select a desired volume intuitively, in particular without looking at the touch-sensitive display screen. As a result, a driver can be prevented from being distracted when setting an audio output, so that road safety can be improved.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the protective scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a large number of possible variations exist. It is also understood that the exemplary embodiments given are really only examples and should not be construed as limiting in any way the scope, applications or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to concretely implement the exemplary embodiments, whereby the person skilled in the art, knowing the disclosed inventive concept, can make a variety of changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection that is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims (10)

A method (100) for adjusting an audio output in a vehicle, comprising: a) displaying (110) a volume scale on a touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400); b) receiving (120) touch input (10, 20, 30) from a user on or at the volume dial; and c) driving an audio output unit to output an acoustic signal based on the touch input (10, 20, 30), wherein driving the audio output unit comprises: c1) Outputting (140) the acoustic signal with a first volume level if the touch input (10) occurs statically at a first position (A) on the volume scale corresponding to the first volume level, which differs from a second position (B) corresponding to a currently set volume level and a touch duration of the first position (A) is equal to or less than a threshold value; and c2) outputting (150) the acoustic signal with a time-varying volume level if the touch input is a dynamic drag input (20) on the volume scale, wherein the volume level is adjusted during the drag input (20) to a current touch position on or at the volume scale. The method (100) after claim 1 , wherein the actuation of the audio output unit further comprises: c3) outputting (160) the acoustic signal with the current volume level if the touch input (30) occurs statically at the first position (A) on the volume scale and a touch duration of the first position (A) is greater than the threshold value. The method (100) after claim 1 or 2 , where the threshold is 1 second or less, in particular where the threshold is 800 milliseconds. The method (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the touch duration corresponds to a period of time between a touch of the touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400) by a body part of the user and a lifting of the body part from the touch-sensitive display screen (200, 300, 400). The method (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , further comprising displaying a cursor (210) on or at the volume scale, wherein: - a cursor position in step c1) is changed from a cursor position corresponding to the second position (B) to a cursor position corresponding to the first position (A) if the touch duration of the first position (A) is equal to or less than the threshold value; - the cursor position in step c2) follows the drag input (20); - the cursor position in step c3) remains unchanged if the touch duration of the first position (A) is greater than the threshold value. The method (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the acoustic signal for a corresponding volume level is output for a predetermined period of time, in particular wherein the predetermined period of time is one second or less, in particular 500 milliseconds or less. The method (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , further comprising: outputting acoustic signals with the set volume level during a parking process using a parking aid. A storage medium comprising a software program arranged to be executed on one or more processors and thereby performing the method (100) according to any one of Claims 1 until 7 to execute. Driving assistance system for a vehicle, comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to implement the method (100) according to any one of Claims 1 until 7 to execute. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, comprising the driver assistance system claim 9 .

Images