FR2953304A1 - INTERACTIVE ACTIVE POLYMERIC CONTROL DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This interactive control device comprises a control surface (2) actively deformable deformable and manipulable for the development of control commands and means for causing the deformation of the control surface so as to form a guide (Gl) for the fingers (D) of the user according to the nature of the control commands (C4; C5; C6) developed. This device finds applications to interactive control devices for motor vehicles.

Description

B09-1681FR-ODE / MEK

Société par Actions Simplifiée known as: RENAULT s.a.s. Active interactive polymorphic control device Invention of: ALEXANDER Jean-Philippe BRELAUD Olivier LOISEAU Séverine LABREVOIS Philippe Active interactive polymorphic control device

The invention relates to a control device available in motor vehicles for electrically controlling members performing simple functions or relatively more complex functions, for example for the control of multimedia systems. It more particularly relates to remote touch controls such as touch pads, linear tactile surfaces or touch buttons.

Current touch controls dedicated to a multimedia system may include a smooth or raised surface. When using flat surface remote touch surfaces, they remain unsatisfactory in terms of tactile guidance of the fingers of the user and are therefore difficult to use in driving.

The choice to use tactile surfaces deported in relief, whose particular shapes (round, cross, line) indicate the degrees of freedom and interaction with the controlled system, is interesting since such surfaces can guide the fingers forms hollow of the order. The use in driving is found easier.

In addition, this type of control allows the user to feel the finger shape of the command, thus avoiding the driver to look away to the command. However, this type of command requires to choose a particular form, limiting the terms of interaction with the controlled system. For example, if the shape is a horizontal line, the interaction is limited to one degree of freedom. However for multimedia systems, it may be necessary to have two or three degrees of freedom. Moreover, if we move towards a surface of more complete shape, the choice of its design will have the effect of unnecessarily complicating the control for the cases where the interaction requires the use only of a part of the ordered. Finally, unlike a conventional interaction with traditional physical controls such as pushbuttons or rotary knobs, the use of tactile interaction requires the implementation of haptic feedback vibration to give the impression of depression. a button. Without this haptic feedback, the user has a doubt as to the taking into account of his action by the command.

The description proposed in document US2007 / 7339572 partially addresses the problems mentioned above. It indeed describes the use of the technology relating to electroactive polymers to provide tactile feedback to the user by the temporary deformation of any type of control device. However, the tactile effect is produced only in feedback during the validation of an order, which makes the use of the device binding. In view of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the devices according to the state of the art, and in particular to provide an interactive active polymorphic control device, that is to say a device capable of actively deforming to facilitate its use. The subject of the invention is therefore an interactive control device comprising an active and manipulable deformable tactile control surface for developing control commands and means for causing the deformation of the control surface so as to form a guide for the user's fingers according to the nature of the elaborate control orders. The control surface can be deformable temporarily but also permanently. It can therefore be maintained for a period that can be very short (of the order of a few milliseconds) or permanently. Advantageously, the control surface is deformable so as to create guides in the form of hollows or bumps. These guides can improve the control of the interaction by ensuring that in case of vibration or movement of the motor vehicle, the finger will always be located correctly on the control, unlike the case of a conventional flat surface. These guides also improve the understanding of the user on the movements both possible on the command and both interpretable by the command such as the shape of the cross indicating movements of vertical and horizontal navigation of the interface. Preferably, the guide, created for the fingers of the user, has a shape adapted to the current navigation allowed within the interface. The form is also adapted to the diversity of navigation logics present, either within the same system (audio system for example) or within several systems (audio, navigation, telephone, air conditioning, ...). In addition, the proposed solution provides relief commands only useful at each moment of the interaction, which has the effect of improving the way to use the interface. The control interface is then at every moment entirely useful for the current interaction. Thus, by comparison with an equivalent button-type command which requires to have at all times all the useful controls at a given moment of the action, the polymorphic surface makes it possible to have a raised control surface more big. The control surface further comprises means for measuring pressure and comparing the measured pressure with at least one pressure threshold corresponding to a control command.

Advantageously, the control surface comprises means for generating a haptic signal in response to manipulation by a user. According to another characteristic of this device, the surface is able to provide a deformation characteristic of an active or inactive state of a command in coherence with the activation or deactivation of the associated visual interface. The "inactive" state can be decreed as being the state corresponding to the command when it is smooth, flat and without outgrowth, any other state being considered as opposed to "active". It is also possible to declare that the "inactive" state corresponds to a state of the command with reliefs. This configuration is adapted to the design and depends on the point of view of the designer and the implementation of the interaction. The inactive state can even be enhanced by either masking the control under the skin of an object, or the use of transparent materials, or the use of an inactive backlight for the inactive state of the control and active for the opposite state. The surface further comprises one or more layers made from a dielectric elastomer. This method makes it possible to use a unique technology for activation and detection and inexpensive. Preferably, the surface comprises alternating dielectric layers and expandable electrodes. According to a first embodiment, the electrodes are arranged in matrix form. Each zone is thus actuatable independently of the others and allows local detection of the contact. According to a second embodiment, the first layer of dielectric elastomer is a protective layer, the second layer is a sensitive layer that is used in conjunction with the location and detection of action, and the following layers are intended for actuation. The plurality of layers related to the actuation has the advantage of multiplying the forces developed. Whatever the embodiment, the protective layer advantageously comprises a layer for protecting the interface from external aggressions and a dielectric layer for protecting the user from electrical hazards. According to a third embodiment, the device comprises an elastic element for prestressing the layers placed on a reception support. This elastic system may for example be, and without limitation, a spring, a foam, or a pressurized system. According to a fourth embodiment, the surface consists of several linear actuators. Advantageously, the linear actuators are covered with a protective layer.

The linear actuators may be cylindrical or made in the form of a stack of one or more layers of dielectrics and alternately electrodes, commonly called "stack". The use of stacks seems to be one of the best solutions to obtain large deformations locally.

The touch control surface may further comprise at least one surface layer of electroluminescent polymer for patterning by illumination on the surface. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. guiding the finger of a user moving on a touch pad according to the state of the art; FIG. 2 illustrates the guiding of the finger of a user moving on a touch pad according to the invention; FIGS. 3a to 3f illustrate the shape adaptation of the control to the interaction with a view to forming a guide for the fingers of a user; FIG. 4 illustrates the pressure force exerted by the finger of a user over a given period on a tactile control surface in accordance with the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates the local deformation of the tactile control surface under the finger of a user over the same period as that of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 illustrates the deformation of the surface according to the invention to signify the inactive state of a control; FIG. 7 illustrates the deformation of the surface according to the invention to signify the active state of a control; FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a control device according to the invention; FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of a control device according to the invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiment of a control device according to the invention; FIG. 11 represents a sectional view of an element of the third embodiment of FIG. 10.

In Figure 1, there is shown the use of a touchpad Pl according to the state of the art. This pad has a smooth surface 1 that can be manipulated by a user. It delimits a set of contact zones. The block here comprises three areas C1, C2, C3 respectively corresponding to a validation, an upward movement command and a return command. These zones are for example each associated with a contact zone situated on the smooth surface 1 of the touchpad P 1. As indicated above, this type of pad may be difficult to use, in particular when it is intended to be mounted on board. 'a motor vehicle and to be used in driving. There is shown in Figure 2 a touch pad P2 to overcome this disadvantage. As can be seen, this touch pad P2 comprises a control surface 2 incorporating motor means generating a deformation of the surface of the device so as to create a guide for the finger D of a user. This control surface 2 comprises several layers of electroactive polymers capable of creating differences in surface levels comparable to hollows and bumps between the upper part 3 and the lower part 4 of the control surface 2 of the touch pad P2. Thus, thanks to the use of the electroactive polymer layers, it is possible to create guides for the fingers, depending on the type of control, so that the nature of the guides formed depends on the type of control.

The differences in levels between the lower and upper portions 3 and 4 respectively of the touch pad P2 thus cause the creation of delimitations 5 and 6 thus separating the different commands C3, C4 and C5. When the finger D of the user makes a command on the touchpad P2, it is always correctly located on the command concerned, unlike the case shown in Figure 1 where the finger D of the user browses the smooth surface 1 of the first Touchpad Pl. The boundaries 5 and 6 located on the raised surface 2 of the second touchpad P2 constitute barriers for the finger D of the user. So in the case where the user would try to move his finger on the left for example, the absence of guide on the left, ie the meeting between a physical barrier and the finger, is a tactile feedback to indicate to the user. the user that he can not perform this operation. Thus during the presence of vibrations within the vehicle or movements of the vehicle, the finger D is guided on the raised surface 2 of the second touchpad P2. FIGS. 3a to 3f, in which the elements identical to those of FIG. 2 bear the same references, represent the evolution in four steps of the control form of a touch pad P2, traversed by the finger D of a user as a function of the current interactions represented by the corresponding navigation screen E. FIGS. 3a and 3b represent the first step El. In FIG. 3a, the interface proposes, by means of the navigation screen E, a navigation in a first vertical list II. Figure 3b shows the touch control surface 2 corresponding to the navigation proposed in Figure 3a. The touch control surface 2 comprises differences in levels between its upper 3 and lower 4 thus generating a vertical guide G1 comprising a first control C4 validation, a second control C5 direction down and a control C6 direction to the high. Figures 3c and 3d show the second step E2 of using the touch control. In FIG. 3c, on which elements identical to those of FIG. 3a bear the same references, the interface selects an IT element from the first vertical list II. In FIG. 3d, in which the elements identical to those of FIG. 3b bear the same references, the finger D of the user exerts a greater pressure at the center of the guide G1 on the validation control C4.

Figures 3e and 3f show the fourth step E4 of using the touch control. In FIG. 3e, in which the elements identical to those of FIG. 3a bear the same references, the navigation screen E is shown after the selection of an element IT of the first vertical list II. The interface then offers tab navigation I2 and a second vertical list I3. FIG. 3f, on which the elements identical to those of FIG. 3b bear the same references, represents the control surface 2 comprises differences in levels between its upper 3 and lower 4 parts, thus generating a cross-shaped guide G 2 corresponding to the navigation proposed by the interface and allowing the finger D of the user navigation from top to bottom and from left to right. Thus, the user can move the cursor in the vertical list He proposed on the navigation screen E of Figure 3a by moving his finger D vertically in the vertical guide Gl created on the raised surface 2 of the touchpad P2 shown on Figure 3b to choose a proposed item on the vertical list II. The user validates his choice of an item in the vertical list It by performing with his finger D a slightly stronger pressure in the center of the guide G2 through command C4 ("Ok"). A third step, not shown in FIGS. 3a to 3f, concerns the transformation of the surface in coherence with the navigation proposed by the navigation screen E. Indeed, the choice of an IT element of the vertical list modification of the type of navigation proposed and thus a transformation of the command under the finger D of the user, thus moving from a vertical guide Gl during the first step El to a cross-shaped guide G2 corresponding to the tab navigation I2 proposed by the navigation screen E. During a fourth step E4, the finger D of the user is guided by the cross-shaped recess G2 allowing him to slide up and down and from right to left and avoiding thus an inadequate interpretation of the system. FIG. 4 illustrates the graphical representation as a function of time of the pressure force applied to the tactile surface of an active polymorphic control device according to the invention. In this representation, the first curve pl represented in full line corresponds to a very slight pressure exerted by the finger on the control touch surface. This first curve p1 remains almost constant around the minimum stress threshold A. The second curve p2 shown in dotted line corresponds to a greater pressure force exerted over a period of time given by the finger of the user. This curve reaches a maximum above a certain pressure threshold B over a period Ta data called active period. Beyond this active period Ta, the pressure values remain between the minimum threshold A and the maximum threshold B of pressure. FIG. 5 illustrates the graphical representation as a function of time of the local deformation of the tactile surface of an active polymorphic control device according to the invention under the finger of a user. The local deformation represented by the first curve d1 in full line is almost constant in time. It corresponds to a low pressure exerted by the finger of a user on the active surface. The deformation is minimal. We are talking about passive deformation. The second curve d2 corresponds to the local deformation of the touch control surface corresponding to a greater pressure of the finger of a user on the touch control surface. The second curve d2 comprises a maximum during the active period Ta previously described in FIG. 4 corresponding to the exceeding of the maximum threshold B of the pressure exerted. This deformation is said to be active. Outside this active period Ta, the local deformation represented by the second curve d2 is constant and minimal. This type of tactile feedback by deformation of the touch control surface greatly improves the usability and user experience of a system by providing a return on the result of its additional action to visual feedback on the screen. navigation. The second curve d2 illustrates how, by the detection of a force threshold applied to the tactile control surface, a haptic feedback corresponding to a high frequency deformation of the tactile control surface makes it possible, for example, to indicate to the that its action has been taken into account in the case of validation. Other types of vibration can be used, as a longer and double deformation can for example mean that the element is not available. FIG. 6 represents the inactive state of a touch control surface S. The inactive state corresponds to the control when it is smooth flat and without protrusion. FIG. 7, in which the elements identical to those of FIG. 6 bear the same references, represents the active state of a control surface S as opposed to the inactive state of a control surface. The active control surface includes excrescences linked to different types of commands such as the validation command C7 ("Ok"), return C8 or vertical navigation C9. We will now describe, with reference to Figures 8 to 11 various embodiments of a control surface of a touchpad according to the invention. Referring to Figure 8, according to a first embodiment, the interface comprises a touch control surface comprising here a stack of layers, such as 9, arranged in matrix form. Each layer 9 comprises a set of electrodes such as 10 and 12 separated from each other by a dielectric 11. In addition, the layers are each spaced apart from an immediately lower and upper layer. Finally, at each layer, the electrode matrices are connected to an activation or detection bus 12a. Thus, each unit electrode 10 of this matrix can be operated independently. Some layers are dedicated to the detection of others at activation. When applying an electric field, the electrostatic force then exerted between two electrodes such as 10 and 12 activates the surface by clamping the dielectric 11. The presence of a plurality of actuating layers has the advantage to multiply the efforts developed and in particular to ensure detection of the actuation force. In addition, the matrix structure of the electrodes makes it possible to actuate each zone independently of one another and allows local detection of the contact. FIG. 9 represents a second mode of implementation of the surface. In this case, the tactile control surface also comprises a stack of layers arranged in matrix form, each layer comprising an alternation of electrodes and dielectrics. There is shown here a layer C comprising a dielectric 15 surrounded by two electrodes 13 and 14. The layer C is prestressed by an elastic system 16 resting on a receiving stiffness 17. The periphery of the electrodes is constrained by a frame 18. When an electric field is applied, the two electrodes 13 and 14 will attract each other, compressing the dielectric 15. The latter being considered incompressible, the deformation will result in a flattening in the plane P at constant volume. The surface of the layer C will then increase but its periphery being constrained by a frame 18, the displacement will be normal to the plane P, thereby relaxing the elastic system 16 and increasing the deflection of the actuator. The touch control surface is then activated. As before, the plurality of layers dedicated to the actuation makes it possible to multiply the forces developed. Referring to FIG. 10, according to a third embodiment, there is shown a touch control surface S consisting of a plurality of linear actuators 19 covered with a sensitive layer 20 and a protective layer 21. The protective layer 21 may be a thin layer of transparent polymer. It allows the protection of the sensors. Its structure is conditioned to ensure maximum clarity and easy finger movements. These actuators 19 are made in the form of a stack of membranes 22. The stack 22 consists of a succession of layers of dielectrics and alternatively electrodes. The actuators 19 comprise both detection and activation layers.

Referring to Figure 11, there is shown an exemplary structure of the stack 22. I1 comprises a detection layer 23 comprising a dielectric 24 between two electrodes 25 and 26. The stack 22 also comprises an actuating layer 27, comprising a dielectric 28 between two electrodes 29 and 30. A stack preferably comprises a plurality of actuating layers for multiplying the forces developed. The electrodes 29 and 30 are respectively connected to a potential V1 and V2.

When the user wishes to carry out a validation, he exerts an external pressure causing a variation of capacity of the detection layer 23. The detection can be carried out by measuring the variation in capacitance of the detection layer 23, for example by sending an alternating signal in an RC or LC circuit, C being a variable datum. The electrical capacity varies as the inverse of the distance. The electric field measured between the skin and the pixel being very low, the surface protection is here very thin, of the order of a few microns, in order to obtain a correct sensitivity. Another form of detection, called proximity detection, that is to say without contact between the detection layer and the finger of the user, can be achieved by measuring the variation in capacitance between the upper electrodes of two stacks 22 due to the coupling of the parasitic capacitance of the user. Indeed, the disturbance by the user's finger of the electric field between the two electrodes 25 and 26 of the detection layer 23 is analyzed. The activation is performed according to an electrostatic principle. The potential difference between V1 and V2 between the two electrodes 29 and 30 generates a variation in thickness of the dielectric 28 according to the operating mode of the dielectric polymers. The electrostatic attraction between the two electrodes 29 and 30 applied to the two faces of the induced dielectric, under an applied electric field of the order of 150MV / m, compressive forces. Since elastomers are considered incompressible, compression in the thickness causes expansion in the plane.

Finally, in order to limit any disturbances in the detection due to the strong electric field required for activation, an additional electric layer 31 may be added to separate the actuating part from the detection part.

It is not beyond the scope of the invention when the device comprises a first protective layer for protecting the tactile control surface from external aggressions followed by a second dielectric protection layer serving to protect the user against electrical risks. It may further comprise at least one surface layer of electroluminescent polymer. In addition, the device can be used as a touch interface identical to that of the touch screen without requiring the reproduction of the image. The surface is then a kind of reproduction of the touch screen in terms of touch control surface.

It is not beyond the scope of the invention when the device comprises means for generating a haptic signal in response to a manipulation of a user associated with sound information. Finally the device can be used for the controls of seats for example or the controls located behind the steering wheel.

Claims (19)

REVENDICATIONS1. Interactive control device, comprising an active and manipulable deformable tactile control surface (2) for developing control commands, characterized in that it comprises means for causing the deformation of the control surface so as to form a guide (G1) for the fingers (D) of the user according to the nature of the control commands (C4; C5; C6) produced. 2. Interactive control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control surface (2) is temporarily deformable. 3. Interactive control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control surface (2) is permanently deformable. 4. interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control surface (2) is deformable so as to create guides in the form of hollows or bumps. 5. Interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for causing the deformation of the control surface are adapted to form a guide (Gl) corresponding to the navigation allowed in progress within the l 'interface. 6. Interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control surface comprises means for measuring pressure and comparing the measured pressure with at least one pressure threshold corresponding to a control command . 7. Interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control surface comprises means for generating a haptic signal in response to a manipulation of a user. 8. Interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch control surface is able to provide a deformation characteristic of an active or inactive state of a command. An interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch control surface comprises one or more layers made from a dielectric elastomer. 10. Interactive control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the surface comprises alternating dielectric layers (11) and expandable electrodes (10; 12). 11. Interactive control device according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrodes (10; 12) are arranged in matrix form. 12. Interactive control device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a first layer of dielectric elastomer forming a protective layer (21), a second sensitive layer (20) for the location and detection of manipulation and active lower layers actively deformable. 13. Interactive control device according to claim 12, characterized in that the protective layer (21) comprises a first protective layer for protecting the tactile control surface from external aggressions and a second dielectric protection layer for protecting the surface. user against electrical hazards. 14. Interactive control device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a resilient element (16) preloading layers (13; 14) on a support (17). 15. Interactive control device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the touch control surface comprises a plurality of linear actuators (19). 16. Interactive control device according to claim 15, characterized in that the linear actuators (19) are covered with a protective layer (21). 17. Interactive control device according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the linear actuators (19) are cylindrical. 18. Interactive control device according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the linear actuators (19) are in the form of a stack (22) of one or more dielectric layers and alternatively of electrodes. 19. Interactive control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tactile control surface comprises at least one surface layer of electroluminescent polymer.