EP3574396A1

EP3574396A1 - Method for operating a human-machine interface, and human-machine interface

Info

Publication number: EP3574396A1
Application number: EP17726898.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sören LEMCKE; Nikolaj Pomytkin; Timo SCHUBERT; Uwe Class
Original assignee: BCS Automotive Interface Solutions GmbH
Current assignee: BCS Automotive Interface Solutions GmbH
Priority date: 2017-01-27
Filing date: 2017-05-23
Publication date: 2019-12-04
Also published as: KR20190111095A; CN110235094A; JP2020506476A; WO2018137787A1; US20210349592A1; DE102017101669A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a human-machine interface (30) for a vehicle, having a vehicle component, a control unit, and a touch-sensitive surface (32), which is provided on the vehicle component, which method has the following steps: a) a touch at any touch point (46) on the touch-sensitive surface (32) is detected, b) a button (48) is then associated with the touch point (46), by means of which button an input is possible, and a function is associated with the button (48). The invention further relates to a human-machine interface (30).

Description

Method for operating a human-machine interface and human-machine interface

The invention relates to a method for operating a human-machine interface for a vehicle and a human-machine interface for a vehicle.

Human-machine interfaces for vehicles with touch-sensitive surfaces are known. Usually, such interfaces are set up by a control unit buttons on the touch-sensitive surfaces. In the context of this invention, a button is understood to mean an area on the touch-sensitive surface which acts as a button or slider. The button can be operated to interact with the human-machine interface. The actuation can be effected by touching, wiping (so-called swiping) or by increasing the pressure on the touch-sensitive surface. When a portion of the touch-sensitive surface is touched (or otherwise actuated), the control unit checks to see if this contact has occurred in the area of one of the buttons. If this is the case, the corresponding button is considered activated. Such buttons are well known from touch displays, such as smartphones or tablets.

Usually, the buttons are arranged at predetermined areas on the touch-sensitive surface and are displayed, for example, in a touch-sensitive display by a corresponding representation on the display itself. To operate such man-machine interfaces increased attention is necessary because the user must meet a only visually displayed button with his finger to trigger a specific function. However, this is for human-machine interfaces in vehicles disadvantageous because the user, mostly the driver, should be distracted from traffic as little as possible.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a human-machine interface for a vehicle and a human-machine interface for a vehicle whose operation requires less attention.

The object is achieved by a method for operating a human-machine interface for a vehicle, comprising a vehicle component, a control unit and a touch-sensitive surface, which is provided on the vehicle component, comprising the following steps: a) a contact at any point of contact of the vehicle touch-sensitive surface is detected, b) the touch point is then assigned a button, by means of which an input is possible, wherein the button is assigned a function.

The control unit is connected to the touch-sensitive surface. The detection of a touch can be done by the control unit or by a controller of the touch-sensitive surface itself. The assignment of the button to the touch point is carried out by the control unit, wherein the button can be operated by touching again, increasing the pressure on the touch-sensitive surface or pushing / swiping. In particular, the method is carried out when the touch-sensitive surface is touched again after a certain time without touching. The invention is based on the principle of the prior art that fixed, predetermined surfaces of the touch-sensitive surface serve as fixed buttons that have to be hit for the user to operate with his finger. In contrast, the basic idea of the invention is that the user can now touch the touch-sensitive surface at any point of contact and then a button is assigned to this point. The buttons are not stationary or their Position is not fixed. Therefore, the user does not need to pay attention to the position of the button, but has access to the entire touch-sensitive surface. Figuratively speaking, the required attention is reduced by not the user's finger searching for the button, but the button searching for the finger.

The button can then be actuated in the usual way, for example by renewed contact, pressure increase (greater pressure of the finger against the surface) or pushing or swiping.

Preferably, a plurality of touches, in particular of a plurality of fingers, are recognized at a plurality of touch points of the touch-sensitive surface, at least two touch points each being assigned a button. The touches occur simultaneously. In this way, ergonomic operation of the human-machine interface with multiple fingers regardless of the size of the hand is possible.

For example, the function (s) are displayed on an output screen spatially separated from the touch-sensitive surface and / or the vehicle component, so that the user can easily read the functions of the buttons at the touch points, ie the buttons under his fingers. In this case, the representation of the functions at several points of contact in the order of the buttons on the touch-sensitive surface can take place in order to simplify the assignment of the functions to the buttons below his fingers to the user.

The output screen is for example a screen in the dashboard and / or the screen of a head-up display, so that the user has to remove his eyes for the operation of the man-machine interface only for a short moment from the road. In order to further reduce the operability and thus the attention required for operation, a haptic and / or optical feedback can occur when the button or one of the buttons is actuated. An optical or visual feedback may be generated, for example, by the output screen or by at least one optical element on the touch-sensitive surface. Haptic feedback can be given eg by a vibration motor, a pressure resistor, similar to pushbuttons, or by an ultrasound source.

In one embodiment of the invention, the position and / or function of the button or buttons is represented by at least one optical element on the touch-sensitive surface. The optical element may be one screen or multiple LEDs. In this way, the operability and thus the attention required for operation is further reduced.

For example, it is recognized with which finger the touch-sensitive surface is touched, and then associated with the point of contact of the corresponding fingers of a hand. This is particularly possible when touching at several points of contact by counting the points of contact and / or an analysis of the distances of the points of contact to each other. In this way, information about the user can be gained and / or other functions can be enabled.

Preferably, the button associated with the point of contact of a predetermined finger, in particular the thumb, always has the same function. As a result, the user knows that by operating the touch-sensitive surface with this particular finger, he always performs the same function, thus further simplifying the use. For example, the user gets used to the fact that the thumb always returns to the main menu.

For example, it is detected whether the fingers of a left or a right hand touch the touch-sensitive surface, with at least one function being assigned depending on whether the touch-sensitive surface is operated by a right or left hand. Detection takes place, for example, on the basis of the position of the thumb, since the operating direction, that is to say the side of the touch-sensitive surface on which the palm lies, is known. The information on which hand the touch-sensitive surface is operated, allows conclusions about the user, which can then be offered to him tailored functions. For example, in a right-hand traffic vehicle, a touch-sensitive surface disposed on a center console is operated by the right-hand driver and the left-handed passenger. Thus, it can be distinguished by the detection of the hand between the driver and passenger, so that the driver other functions than the passenger can be offered.

For example, the function assigned to the button or the functions assigned to the buttons are preselected by the user, in particular by a voice control, a gesture control and / or a mechanical input element spatially separated from the touch-sensitive surface. As a result, the human-machine interface can be adapted by the driver to his wishes. The input element may be, for example, a rotary switch in the center console and / or buttons in the steering wheel.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a human-machine interface for a vehicle, which is in particular adapted to carry out the method according to the invention, with a vehicle component, a control unit and a touch-sensitive surface which is provided on the vehicle component. During operation of the man-machine interface, at least one button is provided on the touch-sensitive surface, the position of which is determined by the control unit such that the position of the button is set to the point of contact when the touch-sensitive surface touches the touch-sensitive surface at any point of contact who was touched.

If no position is assigned to a button, this button is inactive. The buttons are set when the touch-sensitive surface is touched again after a certain time without touching. This reduces the attention required to operate. Preferably, several buttons are provided at several points at the same time several buttons, each one button is arranged at each of the contact points that have been touched. Thus, the human-machine interface can be operated simultaneously with multiple fingers.

For example, the human-machine interface has an output screen that is spatially separated from the touch-sensitive surface and / or the vehicle component, wherein the function of the at least one button is displayed on the output screen. For multiple buttons, the order of the functions on the output screen corresponds to the order of the touch points on the touch-sensitive surface. The output screen may be a screen in the dashboard and / or the screen of a head-up display (HUD). In order to select functions, the at least one button can be operated by renewed contact, increase in pressure and / or shifting of the touch point.

In one embodiment of the invention, the touch-sensitive surface and / or the vehicle component on a mechanical feedback element for haptic feedback, in particular a vibration motor, a pressure resistor and / or an ultrasonic source. The pressure resistor is designed such that it generates a pressure point as in a push button.

In one embodiment variant, at least one optical element is provided on the touch-sensitive surface for representing the position and / or the function of the at least one button in order to further simplify the operation. As an optical element is for example a screen, an LED matrix or LEDs into consideration.

For example, the vehicle component is a steering wheel, a seat, a joystick, a door panel, an armrest, a part of a center console, a part of a dashboard, and / or a part of an overhead panel, thereby the touch-sensitive surface is conveniently accessible to the user, in particular the driver.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cockpit of a vehicle provided with a human-machine interface according to the invention;

1 b a schematic sectional view of a part of the cockpit according to FIG. 1 a in the area of a touch-sensitive surface, FIGS. 2 a to 2 d and 3 a to 3 d an illustration of the method according to the invention in various steps and situations, and FIGS

FIGS. 4a to 4c show a further illustration of various steps in operating the human-machine interface according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a cockpit of a vehicle.

The cockpit conventionally includes various vehicle components 10, such as a steering wheel 12, a driver's seat 14, a passenger's seat 16, door panels 18, armrests 20, a dashboard 22, a center console 24, and overhead panels 26.

In addition, a joystick 28 may be provided in the cockpit.

In addition, the cockpit has a human-machine interface 30 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, comprises a plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces 32, a control unit 34 and a plurality of output screens 36. The control unit 34 is connected to the output screens 36 and the touch-sensitive surfaces 32 in terms of information technology.

As display screens 36, two screens 37.1, 37.2 are provided in the instrument panel 22 in FIG. 1, and a screen of a head-up display 38 (HUD) also serves as an output screen 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the human-machine interface 30 has eleven touch-sensitive surfaces 32 on various vehicle components 10. The vehicle components 10, on which the touch-sensitive surfaces 32 are provided, are then part of the man-machine interface 30.

However, the number of touch-sensitive surfaces 32 is meant to be exemplary only. The human-machine interface 30 may also be implemented only with a touch-sensitive surface 32 on one of the vehicle components 10 or any other number of touch-sensitive surfaces 32.

In the embodiment shown, touch-sensitive surfaces 32 are located on each of the door panels 18 of the driver's door or the passenger's door or on associated armrests 20.

Also, a touch-sensitive surface 32 is disposed on the overhead fairing 26 in the driver's area.

Another touch-sensitive surface 32 is provided on the steering wheel 12, wherein in Figure 1, the touch-sensitive surface 32 is shown on the front of the steering wheel 12. It is also possible and advantageous if the touch-sensitive surface 32 extends to the rear side of the steering wheel 12 or is formed there only.

Furthermore, a touch-sensitive surface 32 in the dashboard 22 and one in the center console 24 is provided.

There are also touch-sensitive surfaces 32 on the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 16 and are used in particular for seat adjustment. By way of illustration, these touch-sensitive surfaces 32 are shown on the tops of the seats 14, 16. However, these may also be located on the sides of the seats 14, 16 at the known positions for adjustment devices for the seats.

The control stick 28 also has at least one touch-sensitive surface 32. For example, the touch-sensitive surface 32 on the joystick 28 is divided into various areas that the points on the joystick 28 are provided, which abut the fingertips of a user.

In FIG. 1 b, a touch-sensitive surface 32 on a vehicle component 10 is shown in section. In the embodiment shown, the touch-sensitive surface 32 is not attached directly to the vehicle component 10, but below the touch-sensitive surface 32 is an optical element 40, in this case another screen provided. However, the optical element 40 may also be an LED matrix or individual LEDs. The screen and the touch-sensitive surface 32 together form a touch-sensitive touch display, as is known, for example, from smartphones or tablets. Of course, it is also conceivable that the sequence of touch-sensitive surface 32 and optical element 40 is reversed and / or additionally a protective layer is provided on the outside.

In addition, a mechanical feedback element 42 is provided between the touch-sensitive surface 32 and the vehicle component 10. In the embodiment shown, this is a vibration motor that can vibrate the touch-sensitive surface 32. However, it is also conceivable that the mechanical feedback element 42 is a pressure resistance, as it is known from push buttons (eg in a keyboard). The pressure resistor may generate a certain pressure point by a mechanical counterforce to provide haptic feedback upon depression of the touch-sensitive surface 32. However, it is also conceivable that the mechanical feedback element 42 is an ultrasound source which emits ultrasonic waves in the direction of a user's finger in order to give haptic feedback when the touch-sensitive surface 32 is actuated. In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, one of the touch-sensitive surfaces 32 (below) and a part of the display of an output screen 36 (top) are shown schematically for explaining the method.

Initially, the touch-sensitive surface 32 is not touched, and also in the output screen 36, no information is output (Fig. 2a).

When a user places his hand 44 on the touch-sensitive surface 32, as shown in FIG. 2 b, he touches the touch-sensitive surface 32 with his fingers at five different points of contact 46 simultaneously.

The user can put his hand anywhere on the touch-sensitive surface 32 or his fingers can touch the touch-sensitive surface 32 at any point, without the process would be disturbed. The touch of the fingers at the points of contact 46 is from the

Control unit 34 is detected, and these touch points 46 is then assigned to each one button 48.1, 48.2, 48.3, 48.4, 48.5 (summarized below by the reference numeral 48). For this purpose, the position (for example the center point) of one of the buttons 48 is set to one of the contact points 46.

However, it is also conceivable that the touch is made by a controller of the touch-sensitive surface 32 and the result is sent to the control unit 34 so that the control unit 34 assigns the buttons 48 or their position. The buttons 48 are thus associated with individual touch points 46 and include the respective touch point 46. In short, mating buttons 48 and touch points 46 are located at the same position on the touch-sensitive surface 32.

The buttons 48 are larger than the contact points 46 executed so that they completely surround the contact points 46. In addition, the buttons 48 may have a round, in particular circular, or a rectangular contour.

In addition, when placing the fingers on the touch-sensitive surface 32, the control unit 34 can recognize which touch point 46 must correspond to which finger of a hand, and correspondingly assigns the respective fingers to the touch points 46 and the associated buttons 48.

The recognition of the fingers takes place, for example, by an analysis of the position of the contact points 46 relative to one another, since this is largely predetermined by the human anatomy.

The buttons 48 are also assigned by the control unit 34 has a function associated with the operation of the corresponding vehicle component 10 or the general infotainment system of the vehicle.

This function is displayed in the output screen 36, for example as a symbol or icon.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the thumb 48.1 is assigned to the button 48.1 in FIG. 2c and the return to the main menu is assigned as a function. This function is symbolized in the output screen 36 by a small house. Similarly, the button 48.2 is assigned the index finger and the "air conditioning" function; the button 48.3 is assigned the middle finger and the "navigation system" function; the button 48.4 is assigned the ring finger and the function "Entertainment" and the button 48.5 is assigned the little finger and the function "Telephony". The user can make a preselection, which functions the individual

Buttons 48 are assigned. Also, the user can preselect whole function groups or function menus.

The pre-selection may be made by voice control, gesture control, and / or a mechanical input element (not shown) physically separate from the touch-sensitive surface. The input element For example, a rotary switch in the center console and / or keys o.Ä. be in the steering wheel.

All of these functions are represented in the output screen 36 by icons. In this case, the sequence of the illustrated functions, that is to say the symbols, corresponds to the sequence of the fingers on the touch-sensitive surface 32.

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2 d, the symbol of the corresponding function can also be represented via the optical element 40 above each finger, so as to even indicate the functions of the buttons 48 on the touch-sensitive surface 32.

In addition, the buttons 48 may be displayed on the optical element 40 itself, for example as a frame or highlighted surface. For reasons of clarity, the representation of the contact points 46 has been dispensed with in FIG. 2d.

The user can now select the desired function by pressing the corresponding button 48.

When the user completely removes his hand from the touch-sensitive surface 32 for a certain, generally short period of time, the buttons 48 are deactivated (Figure 3a).

Thereafter, when the user places his hand 44 back on the touch-sensitive surface 32 (Figure 3b), it will typically be at a different position than before and the points of contact 46 will be at a different position. However, this is not a problem since in this case the positions of the buttons 48 are simply set by the control unit 34 to the new touch points 46 (Figures 3c, d) in the same manner as described above.

It can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3c and 3d that although the buttons 48 are assigned the same functions, the position of the buttons 48 has changed considerably. Figuratively speaking, one could also say that the buttons 48 have searched their assigned finger again, so that the user of the Human Machine Interface 30 no longer has to search for buttons 48 itself. It is quite enough that he touches the touch-sensitive surface 32 at any location with his fingers.

After the user has placed his hand on the touch-sensitive surface 32 and the corresponding buttons 48 have been assigned by the control unit together with functions (FIGS. 2d and 3d, respectively), the user can now select the desired functions. This is shown in FIGS. 4a to 4c, wherein FIG. 4a corresponds to FIG. 2d and the corresponding situation. In the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 4, the user wishes to open the ventilation. To do this, he first has to go to the A / C control menu that is accessible through the "Air conditioning" function, which is associated with the button 48.2 under his index finger, so the user presses the button 48.2, for example For example, the user only briefly raises his index finger and places it again on the touch-sensitive surface 32, so that the button 48 is touched again.

The position of this reoccurrence is then evaluated by the control unit 34 and associated with the button 48.2, so that the control unit 34 considers the button 48.2 to be actuated and performs the corresponding function "air conditioning." In that case, the menu for controlling the air conditioner is changed.

This can be confirmed by lighting up the icon of the climate control in the output screen 36, giving the user visual feedback.

Upon actuation of the button, the mechanical feedback element 42, in this case the vibration motor, is briefly activated so that the user receives a haptic feedback that he has just actuated the button 48.2. However, it is also conceivable that the actuation must be effected by an increase in pressure, ie that the user with his index finger increases the pressure on the touch-sensitive surface 32 in the region of the button 48.2. This increase in pressure can be detected, for example by broadening the contact point 46 in the area of the index finger. However, other ways to detect the pressure increase are possible.

The menu for controlling the air conditioning system to which the user has now switched is shown in FIG. 3b. The functions of buttons 48.2 to 48.5, which were assigned to the index, middle, ring and little fingers, have changed and are now "temperature setting", "fan setting", "rear window heating" and "circulating air", respectively. Accordingly, the icons in the output screen 36 and, if applicable, those on the optical element 40 have also changed.

However, the button 48.1 associated with the thumb still has the same function, namely the return to the main menu, so that this icon has not changed. In this way it can be ensured that the user can always return to the main menu or perform another specific function by pressing the button 48.1 with his thumb. Of course, this can be applied equally to other fingers.

However, in Figure 3b, the user presses button 48.3 using his middle finger to select the fan wheel control to adjust the ventilation.

Again, it receives an optical feedback or feedback via the output screen 36 by the corresponding icon, here the fan icon, briefly lights up. A haptic feedback is again generated by the vibration motor.

The user then gets to the menu according to Figure 3c, with which he can adjust the speed of the fan. For this purpose, the button 48.3 is executed, for example, like a slider, which the user can operate by wiping or moving his middle finger to the left or right, ie by moving the touch point 46. Alternatively or additionally, the buttons 48.2 and 48.4 of the Zeigebzw. Ringfingers be assigned functions that incrementally reduce or increase the speed of the fan. This is with a Minusbzw. Plus icon shown in both the output screen 36 and on the optical element 40.

In addition, the current speed level can be indicated on the output screen 36. Here it is speed level "2".

The user has thus achieved his goal, namely to change the strength of the ventilation of the air conditioning. For this he did not have to grope for a button or hit a particular button with his finger, since the buttons 48 were set by the control unit 34 respectively to the touch points 46 of the fingers of his hand.

A visual check or feedback on his actions has the user completely received by the output screen 36, which is on the dashboard 22 or in the head-up display 38, so he had to look away from the road for a short time only. Thus, he could perform the desired task without much attention loss.

The control unit 34 can also use the positions of the contact points 46 to determine whether a right or a left hand rests on the touch-sensitive surface 32.

This is necessary, for example, in order to always be able to associate the fingers with the function that the user associates with the respective finger. For example, to ensure that the user always returns to the main menu by pressing the button under his thumb.

The information as to whether a left or a right hand is resting on the touch-sensitive surface 32 may also be used to select the functions associated with the buttons 48. For example, in a vehicle built for legal traffic, the touch-sensitive surface 32 is mounted on the center console 24 is the driver operates the touch-sensitive surface 32 with the right hand, the passenger but only with his left hand.

Thus, it can be recognized by the control unit 34 on the basis of the hand 44 used, whether the driver or the front passenger operates the touch-sensitive surface 32.

As a result, the buttons 48 can then be assigned different functions for the driver and front passenger. For example, the passenger can only change the climate zone for the front passenger seat.

In the illustrated embodiment, the human-machine interface 30 is used to operate the general infotainment system of the vehicle together with climate control, navigation system, telephony and other functions. However, it is also conceivable that only those functions can be selected by means of the human-machine interface 30, which are tailored to the corresponding vehicle component 10 on which the touch-sensitive surface 32 is arranged.

For example, by means of a touch-sensitive surface 32 provided on one of the seats 14, 16, only the position of this seat 14, 16 can be adjusted. In this case, the touch-sensitive surface 32 or the human-machine interface 30 replaces the usual seat adjustment buttons.

It is also conceivable that the user starts the operation of the vehicle by means of one of the touch-sensitive surfaces 32 and then switches to a separate from the touch-sensitive surface 32 mechanical input element for further operation or vice versa. It is also conceivable that by operating two switching elements 48 simultaneously and / or by actuation of a switching element 48 and simultaneous actuation or touching the separate input element results in a different menu logic.

Claims

claims

1 . A method of operating a human-machine interface (30) for a vehicle, comprising a vehicle component (10), a control unit (34), and a touch-sensitive surface (32) provided on the vehicle component (10), comprising the steps of:

a) a touch at any point of contact (46) of

touch-sensitive surface (32) is detected

b) the touch point (46) is then assigned a button (48) by means of which an input is possible, the button (48) is assigned a function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of touches, in particular of a plurality of fingers at a plurality of contact points (46) of the touch-sensitive surface (32) are detected, wherein at least a plurality of touch points (46) each having a button (48) is assigned.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the function (s) on an output screen (36) spatially separated from the touch-sensitive surface (32) and / or vehicle component (10) is shown or be.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a haptic and / or optical feedback when pressing the button (48) or one of the buttons (48).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position and / or the function of the button (48) or the buttons (48) by at least one optical element (40) on the touch-sensitive surface (32) is shown.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is detected with which finger the touch-sensitive surface (32) is touched, and then the touch point (46) of the corresponding finger of a hand (44) is assigned.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the button (48) associated with the point of contact (46) of a predetermined finger, in particular of the thumb, always has the same function.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is detected whether the fingers of a left or a right hand (44) touch the touch-sensitive surface (32), wherein at least one function is assigned depending on whether the touch-sensitive surface (32) is operated by a right or left hand (44).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the button (48) associated function or the buttons (48) associated functions is preselected by the user or, in particular by a voice control, a gesture control and / or a spatial from the touch-sensitive surface (32) separate mechanical input element.

10. Human-machine interface for a vehicle, which is set up in particular to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a vehicle component (10), a control unit (34) and a touch-sensitive surface (32) attached to the vehicle component ( 10) is provided, wherein in operation of the man-machine interface (30) on the touch-sensitive surface (32) at least one button (48) is provided whose position is determined by the control unit (34) such that the position of the button (48) is set at touch of the touch-sensitive surface (32) at any touch point (46) from the control unit (34) to the touch point (46) that has been touched.

1 1. Man-machine interface according to claim 10, characterized in that at several points of contact at several points of contact (46) simultaneously a plurality of buttons (48) are provided, each one button (48) is arranged at each one of the contact points (46) were touched.

12. human-machine interface according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the human-machine interface (30) has an output screen (36) spatially separated from the touch-sensitive surface (32) and / or the vehicle component ( 10), wherein the function of the at least one button (48) is shown on the output screen (36).

13. human-machine interface according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the at least one button (48) by renewed contact, pressure increase and / or displacement of the contact point (46) is operable.

14. human-machine interface according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the touch-sensitive surface (32) and / or the vehicle component (10) comprises a mechanical feedback element (42) for haptic feedback, in particular a vibration motor, a pressure resistor and / or an ultrasound source.

A human-machine interface according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that at least one optical element (40) is provided on the touch-sensitive surface (32) to represent the position and / or function of the at least one button (48) are.

16. human-machine interface according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the vehicle component (10) has a steering wheel (12), a seat (14, 16), a joystick (28), a door panel (18), an armrest (20), a part of a center console (24), a part of a dashboard (22) and / or a part of an overhead covering (26).