EP3241104A1

EP3241104A1 - User interface and method for operating a user interface for a transportation means

Info

Publication number: EP3241104A1
Application number: EP15828737.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Holger Wild; Nils KÖTTER
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2015-01-02
Filing date: 2015-12-18
Publication date: 2017-11-08
Also published as: CN107111417A; WO2016107770A1; US20190152318A1; US10926634B2; EP3040829A1

Abstract

Proposed is a transportation means, a user interface and a method for operating a user interface (1) for a transportation means. The method comprises the steps of: - defining a screen background graphic (11) for a display device (2) of the transportation means, - automatically detecting a situation in which a predefined region (12) of the wallpaper (11) has been covered by an item of foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16), and, in response thereto, - automatically repositioning the wallpaper (11) in relation to the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16) for preventing the region (12) from being covered by the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16).

Description

description

User interface and method for operating a user interface for a

Means

State of the art

The present invention relates to a means of locomotion, a

User interface and a method for operating a user interface for a means of transportation. In particular, the present invention relates to a suitable use of multiple layers (English "layer") on one

Display device of a user interface.

Modern means of locomotion often have graphical user interfaces on which optional content can be displayed. Personalization or customization of the graphic user interfaces is increasingly desired by the users. For example, the home screen in future vehicles represents that area, which the customer can customize according to his own wishes with background images (self-created photos or similar) and layouts (for example, tile-based) in the vehicle. In the background images (English "Wallpaper") are naturally individual areas for the user of higher interest / information content or of higher aesthetic value than other areas. If foreground contents (e.g.

Tiles, whose content is sometimes personalized), obscure the foreground content portions of the wallpaper. For example, in the event that a face is included in the wallpaper, it may be desirable not to obscure the face by the foreground content whenever possible. In the prior art approaches are sometimes proposed, according to which a user can position the foreground content optional. For this purpose, the user performs, for example, a swipe gesture, by means of which he foreground content to another area on the screen or to another area of the Can move wallpapers. Manual scrolling may cause the user to frequently rely on dynamic foreground content

Displacement reactions has to perform, which in particular in the management of the means of transport to a significant restriction of the

Vehicle guidance required attention. It is therefore an object of the present invention to remedy the malady identified above.

Disclosure of the invention

The object identified above is achieved by a method for operating a user interface for a means of transportation

proposed. The user interface comprises a display device, which can be provided for example for permanent introduction or information technology and mechanical integration in a means of transportation. In a first step, a screen background graphic (hereinafter referred to as "wallpaper") is defined. For example, a wallpaper may appear as a backmost layer in a screen content, and may be proportionate to a dynamic one

Operating state-dependent content (for example, tiles, windows, time, folders, files, etc.) are superimposed. In a second step, an automatic recognition of the fact that a predefined area of the wallpaper would be concealed by a foreground content in the future. The predefined area may, for example, be an area of increased interest defined at the factory or by a user, which area preferably should not be obscured by the foreground content. In the context of the present invention is of course both the complete avoidance of occlusion of the predefined area by the foreground content as well as a temporary covering and

subsequent automatic resolution of the occlusion (for example, by moving the foreground content compared to the wallpaper or vice versa) understood. In response to automatic recognition, the wallpaper and foreground content are automatically repositioned relative to one another to avoid obscuring the area by the foreground content. In this way, the predefined area remains visible to the user while the foreground content according to the prior art obscure the area and thus would entail aesthetic or information technology losses.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The wallpaper can independently have a dynamic content in the context of the present invention. In other words, wallpaper has the property of automatically changing its optical content over time. For example, different images may be included in the manner of a slide show (also called a "slide show") which are displayed sequentially (e.g., after a predefined respective display period has elapsed). Alternatively or additionally, however, moving content may also be included in the wallpaper. For example, the wallpaper may be configured as a navigation map, which depends on a movement of the means of locomotion or in the

Response to a zoom interaction changes. If a current position of the means of locomotion is recorded in the map, the current position (also called "cursor") can be predefined as a predefined area in the context of the present invention. In this way it is prevented that the current position and, where appropriate, its nearer surroundings are obscured by foreground contents, which improves the usability of such a route guidance wallpaper

Another way to use dynamic wallpaper can be a

Be an illustration of vehicle operating parameters. For example, a load distribution, energy flow (e.g., between a traction battery and an electric machine or wheels) may be illustrated by a graph. For example, in such a graph

Energy flows and / or power flows are visualized in the manner of a fluid flow. Alternatively or additionally, numerical values relating to a current power, with regard to a current force and / or with regard to a current torque or the like may be added. be represented on corresponding components and in particular on the wheels of the means of locomotion. The integration of such content into the wallpaper eliminates the need to display multiple windows of a foreground content side by side, which can calm the visual appearance of a screen and make it aesthetically pleasing. In addition, a habituation effect of the user on the Wallpaper content can lead to the user finding this content easier, faster and with less cognitive effort. The aforementioned aspects of dynamic content for wallpaper and

In particular, the use of a navigation map as wallpaper individually or in combination with each other can represent independent of the repositioning inventions for which protection can be sought.

The repositioning may include an adaptation of a section of the wallpaper. For example, another section of a graphics file to be displayed may be displayed on the available screen area. Accordingly, when using a map material a previously shown

Cutout of the card to be moved.

In particular, a current position of the means of locomotion in the

Map material to be moved to another position on the screen, where he is not covered by a foreground content, which it also applies to display. Since usually the current position of the means of locomotion is displayed in the center of the map, this may mean that the current position of the means of locomotion is moved to an edge area or to an eccentric position of the screen.

Alternatively or additionally, repositioning (in the context of the present invention, to be understood as "modified relative positioning of the foreground content over the wallpaper") may comprise an adjustment of the foreground content For example, the size of a tile displayed in the foreground of the current screen may be changed and / or Of course, a repositioning may also be provided if the predefined area or foreground content over time, its size and / or position on the Should change screen, as is the case, for example, for the vehicle position in the course of a journey with a fixed map.

Of course, several predefined areas on the wallpaper to avoid occlusion by a

Foreground content predefined or predefined by the user.

Possible areas of interest in the wallpaper are, for example, an actual position and / or a start position and / or a target position and / or a position of a next upcoming maneuver of a route guidance. Other possibilities for predefined areas are animations to illustrate

Operating conditions of the vehicle and aesthetically relevant areas in the wallpaper (e.g., the face of a scanned position).

For example, the predefined area can be predefined automatically by the route guidance in conjunction with the map section used (zoom factor) or be predefined in the software of the delivery state. Alternatively or additionally, the predefined area can be replaced by a

User defined. For this purpose, the user can, for example, define a region in a wallpaper by circling it with a finger, drawing a frame over the area, or the like. Unless the contents contained

Information technology already prepared, the user can also select the area from a list. After defining a wall paper, the user can also be prompted to define the area automatically.

The foreground content may include a tile that is user configurable by a user. For example, the user can use a

Select a topic area that displays information and buttons in the tile. Such a configuration can be made for example via a configuration menu.

According to a second aspect of the present invention is a

Computer program product (eg a data memory) proposed on which Instructions are stored which enable a programmable processor of a user interface to perform the steps of a method according to the first-mentioned aspect of the invention. The

Computer program product can be configured as CD, DVD, Blueray disk, flash memory, hard disk, RAM / ROM, cache, etc.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal sequence representing information that enables a programmable processor of a user interface to perform steps of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. In this way, the information technology provision of the information is provided for the case under protection, that the storage means required for this purpose are outside the scope of the appended claims.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a

User interface for a means of transport, which comprises a display device (e.g.

Dashboard of the means of locomotion), one

Detector for detecting user gestures (e.g.

touch-sensitive surface) and an evaluation unit (e.g., comprising a programmable processor). The display device is set up to display a screen background graphic. The evaluation unit is set up to recognize that a predefined area of the wallpaper would be obscured by a foreground content due to a detected event. The cover can also be recognized only after entry and

to be solved according to the invention by the wallpaper opposite the

Foreground content is automatically repositioned to avoid occlusion of the area. In other words, a relative arrangement is made between the foreground content and the wallpaper, with an automatic shift and / or a resizing of the foreground content and / or the wallpaper taking place. As a result, the predefined area of the wallpaper remains visible despite a (continuous) display of foreground content. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a transportation means (eg, a car, a van, a truck, a motorcycle, an air and / or water vehicle is proposed) having a user interface according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The components of the user interface can be proportionately or completely permanently mechanically and / or information technology integrated into the means of transportation.

For example, the display device can be provided as an instrument cluster and / or as a central information display (CID). The characteristics,

Feature combinations and the advantages resulting therefrom correspond to what is stated in connection with the method according to the invention so that reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: an overview of components of an embodiment of a means of transport according to the invention with an embodiment of an inventive

User interface; a screen view (English "screenshot") of a

Embodiment of a user interface according to the invention, in which a selection menu for defining a wallpapers is shown;

Figure 3 is a screen view of an embodiment of a

inventive user interface with a

dynamic wallpaper in the manner of a map for route guidance; FIG. 4 shows a screen view of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface according to the invention, in which a predefined area has been repositioned in order to prevent occlusion with respect to foreground contents;

Figure 5 is a screen view of an embodiment of a

inventive user interface with respect to Figure 4 modified foreground content;

Figure 6 is a screen view of an embodiment of a

inventive user interface with a

dynamic wallpaper, which illustrates a current load distribution on driven wheels of the means of locomotion; and

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a

Embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a car 10 as a means of transport, in which a

Embodiment of a user interface 1 according to the invention is installed. A screen 2 is provided as a display device and with a

touch-sensitive surface 20 equipped as part of a detection device. Below the screen 2, an infrared LED strip 3 is provided as a further component of the detection device and set up to detect user gestures (3D gestures) freely in space and to convert them into electrical signals. Below the infrared LED strip 3, a further (smaller) screen 2a is provided, via which heating / air conditioning catches can be displayed and operated. A data memory s is provided to hold ready references for user gestures and instructions for carrying out a method according to the invention and for this purpose, as well as the aforementioned components, with regard to information technology with an electronic control unit 4 as the evaluation unit connected. The electronic control unit 4 can output via a speaker 6 notification and warning tones. Likewise, user gestures and

Acoustic underpinned or acknowledged Repositioningiervorgänge invention. Two ambient light strips 7a, 7b are connected in terms of information technology to the electronic control unit 4, which can adapt the emitted light color and intensity to the wishes of the user. A driver's seat 8a and a passenger's seat 8b are provided to receive the user in the form of a driver or a passenger.

FIG. 2 shows a screen view of a selection menu for defining a wallpaper 1 1 of a home screen which is displayed on a screen 2 of a home screen

inventive user interface 1 is displayed. You can choose from (top to bottom) a street map, one with the ambient light

harmonious wallpaper, a wallpaper harmonizing with the car color, a picture freely definable or saved by the user, dynamic displays on characteristics of current settings of the vehicle and an "off" state.

FIG. 3 shows the result of a selection of the top menu item (road map) in FIG. 2, in response to which a three-dimensional and perspective view of the current surroundings of the vehicle position 19 is shown as dynamic

Wallpaper 1 1 is displayed. In this case, the vehicle position 19 and its nearer surroundings are designated as a predefined area 12 which, if possible, should not be obscured by foreground contents in order to visibly display upcoming maneuvers and the immediate vicinity of the means of locomotion on the screen 2.

Figure 4 shows the road map shown in Figure 3 as a dynamic wallpaper 1 1, in which tiles 13, 14, 15, 16 different as foreground contents

Show information about the weather and current music playback. Two tiles 15, 16 are still to be defined in terms of their contents. To the

predefined area 12 and the vehicle position 19 optically best represent, the map detail compared to the representation in Figure 3 is such has been shifted, that the vehicle position 19 and the predefined area 12 are now shown in the right half of the screen 2 and thus to the right of the tiles 13, 14, 15, 16. The two previously empty tiles 15, 16 do not disturb the visibility of the vehicle position 19, however, because after changing the screen view into a display mode, the tiles 15, 16 are no longer displayed and thus allow a clear view of the predefined area 12.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of tiles 13, 14, 17 as

Foreground contents, which have provided for a further shift of the vehicle position 19 and the predefined area 12 to the right on the screen 2.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a dynamic wall paper behind two tiles 13, 18 as foreground contents, with a transparent vehicle model with an intransparently illustrated drive train being shown on the right of the two tiles 13, 18 as a predefined area 12. The actual

Load distribution on the driven wheels is indicated by numerical values for the currently transmitted torque. If the load distribution changes, the numerical values shown change as well. In order to always ensure the optical detectability of the region 12, the tiles were 13, 18 after detecting the

User request for their representation so adapted in terms of their size and position that they are displayed on the left side of the predefined area 12 on the screen 2.

Figure 7 shows steps of an embodiment of an inventive

Method for operating a user interface for a means of transportation. In step 100, a screen background graphic is defined for a means of locomotion display. In step 200, the user is asked to define an area of increased interest within the wallpaper. For this purpose, the user can "wind up" a window, circle an area of the wallpaper with his finger on the screen or select elements from a list

which correspond to areas within the Wall Paper. In response to a corresponding user input, in step 300, the Area predefined in the wallpaper. In other words, in terms of information technology, an image area is defined whose continuous visibility is to be ensured as far as possible and under consideration of predefined priorities between the foreground content and the wallpaper. In step 400, it is automatically detected that the predefined area of the wallpaper is replaced by a

Foreground content, which is to be represented below, would in future be obscured. In response, in step 500, the wallpaper is opposite the

Foreground content automatically repositioned to avoid occlusion of the area by the foreground content. In other words, a relative arrangement is created between the wallpaper and the foreground content, which ensures that the predefined area is not obscured by the foreground content to be displayed.

Although the aspects and advantageous embodiments according to the invention have been described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments explained in conjunction with the attached drawing figures, those skilled in the art will find modifications and combinations of features shown in the drawings

Embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I user interface

2, 2a screen

3 infrared LED strip

4 electronic control unit

5 data memory

6 speakers

7a, 7b Ambient light bar

8a driver's seat

8b passenger seat

10 cars

I I Wallpaper

12 predefined area of increased interest

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 tiles

19 Cursor / vehicle position

20 touch-sensitive surface 100 to 500 process steps

Claims

claims

Method for operating a user interface (1) for a

Means (10) comprising the steps:

Defining (100) a screen background graphic (1 1), hereinafter called "wallpaper (1 1)", for a display device (2) of the

Means of locomotion (10),

automatically detecting (400) that a predefined area (12) of the wallpaper (1 1) would be obscured by a foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and in response thereto

automatic repositioning (500) of the wallpaper (1 1) over the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to prevent occlusion of the area (12) by the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

The method of claim 1, wherein the wallpaper (1 1) has a dynamic content, in particular with moving content.

Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wallpaper (1 1)

a map of a route guidance and / or

an illustration of vehicle operating parameters, in particular a load distribution, and / or

comprises a user-selected, in particular personally stored, graphics.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Repositioning includes an adaptation of a displayed section of the wallpaper (1 1).

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Repositioning an adjustment of the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) comprises.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined area

an element of route guidance and / or

- Includes a face of a scanned person.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step

Predefine (300) the area (12) in the wallpaper (1 1).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps

Selecting a wallpaper (1 1) by a user, and in response to it

Automatically querying (200) a definition of the area (12) from the user.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) comprises a tile, wherein in particular a thematic content is configurable by a user.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size and / or position of the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) automatically changes over time.

1 1. User interface for a means of transportation (10) comprising:

a display device (2),

a detection device (20) for detecting user gestures, and

- An evaluation unit (4), wherein

the display device (2) is set up,

to display a screen background graphic (11), hereafter called "Wallpaper (11)", wherein

- The evaluation unit (4) is set up - recognize that a predefined area (12) of the wallpaper (11) would be obscured by a foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and in response thereto

- The Wallpaper (1 1) opposite the foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to prevent occlusion of the area (12) by the

Foreground content (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to reposition automatically.

12. User interface according to claim 1 1, which is set up, a

Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.

13. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on an evaluation unit (4) of a user interface (1) according to any one of claims 1 1 or 12, cause the evaluation unit (4), the steps of a method according to one of claims 1 to 10 perform.

14. Signal sequence representing instructions, which if you are on a

Evaluation unit (4) of a user interface (1) according to one of

Claims 1 1 or 12 are executed, cause the evaluation unit (4) to perform the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. means of transport comprising a user interface (1) according to any one of claims 13 or 14th