Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/017—Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
  • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
  • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
  • B60K35/21—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays
  • B60K35/22—Display screens
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
  • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
  • B60K2360/143—Touch sensitive instrument input devices
  • B60K2360/1438—Touch screens
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
  • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
  • B60K2360/21—Optical features of instruments using cameras
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
  • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
  • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
  • B60K2360/334—Projection means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
  • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
  • B60K35/26—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using acoustic output

Definitions

• the present invention concerns an input system, and a method associated with such an input system, according to the preambles to the independent claims.
• the invention concerns in particular an input system and method for a vehicle, which system and method facilitate the control of systems and functions on the vehicle.
• a modern goods vehicle there is a plurality of systems or functions that the driver, or a passenger, desires to be able to use from the driver's seat, from the passenger seat or from other locations in and around the vehicle, such as from the bed or outside the vehicle.
• systems or functions include lighting, heating systems, radio, TV and multimedia as well as, for example, the adjustment of the pneumatic suspension for the goods vehicle, for example in connection with the hitching of a trailer.
• buttons and controls are currently fulfilled by arranging buttons and controls in a number of locations in and in connection with the vehicle to enable the systems and the functions to be used even if the user is not sitting in the driver's seat.
• the interior lighting can be controlled from a panel near the bed.
• a remote control for adjusting the pneumatic suspension, which control is accessible at the passenger seat so that it can be taken out when an inspection occurs.
• Such a remote control is often connected by means of a cable.
• US 7,248,151 concerns a virtual keyboard for a vehicle, which keyboard is used in connection with controlling various functions for the vehicle, such as unlocking the vehicle.
• a keyboard is projected, for example, on a side window of the vehicle.
• a detector and a processor are arranged so as to detect gestures and identify the gestures that are performed on the keyboard.
• the detector can, for example, consist of a camera or an infrared detector.
• US 7,050,606 concerns a system for detecting and identifying hand gestures that are particularly suitable for controlling various functions for a vehicle. These functions pertain to, for example, heating, air conditioning, lighting, CD/radio settings, etc.
• US 2011/0286676 describes systems and related methods intended for vehicles in order to detect and identify gestures in three dimensions.
• the step is included of receiving one or a plurality of unprocessed frames of image data from a sensor, processing and combining a plurality of frames in order to identify body parts of the user in the vehicle and calculate the position of the end of the hand of the user, determining whether the hand has performed a dynamic or a static gesture, receiving a command that corresponds to a number of stored gestures, and performing the command.
• Microsoft Kinect is thus a system that is adapted primarily for the game industry, and entails that sensors are arranged in connection with a display, wherein the sensors comprise a camera and a 3D sensor that can, with the help of special software, detect the motions of a user in three dimensions and identify, among other things, the face of the user.
• the Kinect system is thus used in the Xbox game console and elsewhere.
• the sensor for three dimensions consists of an infrared laser projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, which can detect video data in three dimensions under daylight conditions.
• the sensing distance for the 3D sensor can be adjusted, and the software can automatically calibrate the sensor depending upon which game is being played, and upon the physical surroundings of the player, so that furniture and other obstacles can be taken into account.
• the system enables advanced motion recognition and can track the movements of two active players simultaneously, whereupon motion analysis can occur by evaluating motion steps from up to two joints per player.
• the Kinect system sensor outputs a video signal with a frame rate of 30 Hz.
• the video streams with the RGB signal use an 8-bit VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) with a color filter, while the monochrome video streams for 3D effects have a VGA resolution (640 ⁇ 480 pixels) of 11 bits, which offers sensitivity at 2,048 levels.
• the Kinect sensor functions at distances within the range of 1.2 to 3.5 meters when it is used in conjunction with the software for the Xbox, but can be given an expanded range of from 0.7 to 6.0 meters.
• the sensor has a horizontal detection angle of 57° and a vertical of 43°. The sensor can then be pivoted 27° in the horizontal direction.
• buttons and control are arranged in the vehicle, not only in connection with the driver's seat but, for example, by the bed and in the form of remote controls. These buttons and controls often require separate cable runs, which makes their installation complicated and entails high costs. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult for the driver of the vehicle to know where the buttons for a given function are located.
• the object of the present invention is to provide an improved input interface that is both more user-friendly and offers cost savings for the vehicle manufacturer.
• a projector system and a detector system that is adapted so as to detect the body motions of a person are combined by means of the input system according to the invention.
• miniature projectors and camera systems are used that are also used in connection with, among other things, video games, such as Microsoft Kinect, which is used in the Xbox game console (as described above).
• video games such as Microsoft Kinect
• a virtual touch screen is projected onto a desired surface in or outside the goods vehicle and used to input control instructions for systems and functions in the vehicle.
• the system is arranged, for example, in the ceiling of the goods vehicle so that the virtual screen can be projected in any conceivable position.
• the touchscreen can, for example, be projected on the wall next to the bed, on the mattress, on the floor or on walls. If one is outside the vehicle, the virtual touchscreen can be projected on a plate held in the hand or, for example, on the inside of the door or on the step.
• buttons in the goods vehicle for, for example, remote control of the pneumatic suspension, lighting buttons and the control unit for the heating system. It is also possible to define, by oneself, which systems and functions are to be controllable by means of the virtual touchscreen.
• a system is achieved that is both more user-friendly in part because access for controlling the various vehicle systems is improved. It also offers cost savings for the vehicle manufacture because, for example, fewer cable runs are required and fewer buttons and control units are needed.
• Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates the present invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram that illustrates the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
• the present invention concerns an input system 2 for a vehicle, preferably, a goods vehicle, a bus or a motor home, but also for cars.
• the input system comprises a projector system 4 and a detector system 6, which are adapted so as to communicate with a control unit 8.
• the projector system 4 is adapted so as to generate a virtual touchscreen 10 comprising an adjustable input menu adapted so as to input control instructions to control one or a plurality of systems for the vehicle, which projector system 4 is adapted so as to project the virtual touchscreen on a display surface in or at the vehicle.
• the projector system 4 is preferably arranged in the ceiling of the vehicle cab.
• the projector system 4 comprises at least one of an image generator, for example a cathode ray tube (CRT), a digital light processing unit, and an optical projecting unit that includes optical projection lenses for projecting a generated image.
• an image generator for example a cathode ray tube (CRT)
• CRT cathode ray tube
• optical projecting unit that includes optical projection lenses for projecting a generated image.
• the projector system can also consist of a laser device that "draws" the virtual touchscreen.
• the projector system consists of three units that are disposed in various positions in and/or around the vehicle to enable projection in as many locations as possible.
• a system with only one unit is also possible, in which case the unit can, for example, be arranged for projection near the bed.
• the detector system 6 is also preferably arranged in the ceiling of the vehicle cab and can suitably be arranged in connection to the projector system.
• the detector system comprises three units, each of which comprises at least one of an optical data-gathering unit, such as a camera or an infrared detector.
• the detector system preferably also comprises a sound detector adapted so as to detect activation measures and inputting activities in the form of sound, for example from voices or tapping sounds.
• the input system 2 is adapted so as to be in at least two modes, a standby mode and a use mode.
• the input system is of course also in an entirely passive mode when the system is turned off.
• the input system 2 is thus adapted so as to:
• a - detect a first activation measure by means of said detector system 6 and, if such a first activation measure is detected, to
• the system waits for the user to confirm that the touchscreen is to be projected, which the user does by performing a second activation measure.
• the system according to this embodiment is adapted so as to
• the input system is then ready to receive control instructions via the virtual touchscreen that is projected on the selected display surface. This occurs via the steps of:
• control of the systems and functions for the vehicle is indicated by a double arrow from the control unit 8.
• the control unit is preferably connected to the vehicle bus system, and the control signals that it generates are processed by the vehicle in the normal way, and consequently need not be described further here.
• Examples of systems or functions that can suitably be controlled by means of the input system include the lighting, heating system, radio, TV and multimedia as well as, for example, settings of the pneumatic suspension for the goods vehicle, for example in connection with the hitching of a trailer.
• the first and, in applicable cases, second activation measure comprise one or a plurality of a predetermined pattern of motion (a gesture); a finger snap or a tap.
• the first activation measure can, for example, consist of tapping two times to initiate the use mode and then, according to one embodiment, of causing the system to display the virtual touchscreen by identifying the selected display surface by distinctly pointing with one finger, which then constitutes the second activation measure.
• the input menu is displayed on the virtual touchscreen.
• the start menu i.e. the first input menu display
• the start menu can be dependent upon where the virtual touchscreen is projected. If, for example, the touchscreen is to be projected near the bed, a menu for adjusting the lighting and the radio will be displayed.
• the input menu preferably comprises a plurality of input menus arranged in a hierarchical system, wherein activation of a function occurs by means of a specified input activity.
• An input activity consists of, for example, pressing a predefined area on the input menu by keeping the hand/finger in the input area for at least a predetermined time (on the order of parts of a second up to several seconds).
• the system is adapted so as to generate a predetermined acknowledgement that consists of one or a plurality changes of the color or shape of an input area (the button), and the generation of an acoustic signal.
• the present invention further comprises a method in connection with an input system for a vehicle, wherein the input system comprises a projector system and a detector system, which are arranged so as to communicate with a control unit.
• the input system comprises a projector system and a detector system, which are arranged so as to communicate with a control unit.
• the method will now be described briefly with reference to the flow diagram in Figure 2. Reference is also made to relevant parts of the foregoing description of the input system.
• a projector system is thus adapted so as to generate a virtual touchscreen comprising an adjustable input menu adapted for inputting control instructions for controlling one or a plurality of systems for the vehicle, whereupon the projector system is adapted so as to project the virtual touchscreen on a display surface in or at the vehicle.
• the input system is adapted so as to be in at least two modes, a sleep mode and a use mode, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• the method comprises detecting a second activation measure by means of said detector system, and performing step D, and the subsequent steps, only when said second activation measure has been detected.
• This elective step has been identified using broken lines in Figure 2.
• the first and, where applicable, second activation measures comprise, for example, one or a plurality of predetermined patterns of movement (a gesture), a tap.
• various functions can be activated by generating various input activities that comprise touching a predefined input area by keeping a hand/finger in the input area for at least a
• the input menu preferably comprises a plurality of input menus arranged in a hierarchical system, wherein the activation of a function is achieved by means of a specified input activity.
• An input activity is accepted by means of a predetermined acknowledgement that consists of one or a plurality of changes in the color or shape of the input area (the button), and the generation of an acoustic signal.
• the projector system and the detector system must be disposed so that the virtual touchscreen is displayed in such a way that the operator can stand outside the vehicle and adjust, for example, the pneumatic suspension for the rear axle.
• the projection can be adapted so that the touchscreen assumes a desired appearance. For example, consideration can be given to the

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
• Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

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ID=49584416

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

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• 2012
  • 2012-05-14 SE SE1250488A patent/SE537730C2/sv unknown
• 2013
  • 2013-05-08 EP EP13790166.6A patent/EP2850506A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-05-08 RU RU2014150517A patent/RU2014150517A/ru unknown
  • 2013-05-08 CN CN201380025231.1A patent/CN104508598A/zh active Pending
  • 2013-05-08 BR BR112014028380A patent/BR112014028380A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2013-05-08 WO PCT/SE2013/050519 patent/WO2013172768A2/en active Application Filing

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