WO2009033523A2

WO2009033523A2 - Operating system for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2009033523A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/006012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ute Ehrlich; Friedemann Kuhn; Kay Schattenberg; Carmen Solterbeck; Jens Storch
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2007-09-11
Filing date: 2008-07-23
Publication date: 2009-03-19
Also published as: WO2009033523A3; DE102007051017A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating system for a motor vehicle comprising a screen display (3) and at least one manual operating element for selection and/or activation of at least one entry in a current menu level (8) of a menu structure. A main menu column (8) has at least two main menus (9) which may be selected by means of the operating element, provided with a first displayable sub-menu column with at least one further function and/or a first sub-menu with selectable second sub-menus (14) or functions (14) displayable in a second sub menu column. The operating system is designed such that on selection of a main or sub menu column (8) the immediately following sub menu column and/or the immediately following functions are displayed on the screen display (3).

Description

Operating system for a motor vehicle

The present invention relates to an operating system for a motor vehicle with a screen display and at least one manual actuating element according to the preamble of claim 1.

From DE 103 60 656 A1 a generic operating system for a motor vehicle with a screen display with several display areas for displaying entries of a menu structure and several menu levels is known. For selecting or activating at least one displayed entry in a current menu level, a manual actuating element is provided, wherein the operating system further comprises voice control means for a redundant selection and / or activation of at least one entry of the menu structure. In this case, the voice control means evaluate the current menu level and / or an active display area and / or a current position of a cursor on the screen display and determine depending on the result of the evaluation an intention to operate, the voice control means after its activation at least one of the determined operating intent associated voice dialogue for Start selection or activation of at least one entry from the menu structure. The operating system leads to a significant improvement in operating comfort due to the thus made possible intuitive voice control. The present invention is concerned with the problem of specifying an embodiment optimized for ease of operation or clarity for a generic operating system. This object is achieved by the subject of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the general idea of constructing a menu structure of an operating system in such a way that it has main menus arranged side by side in columns, submenus as well as directly selectable functions in the form of corresponding entries. For this purpose, the operating system according to the invention comprises a screen display for displaying entries of the menu structure with a plurality of menu levels, and at least one manually operated actuating element, by means of which at least one entry in a current menu level of the menu structure can be selected or activated. To improve the clarity and to facilitate the operation of the operating system, at least one main menu column with at least two mutually arranged and selectable by means of the operating element main menu is displayed with activated operating system on the screen. The main menu columns are in a first displayable submenu column in each case at least one further, in particular directly selectable function and / or a first submenu with its own, selectable and displayable in a second submenu column second submenus or functions assigned. The main menu columns and the functions arranged in the respective subsequent submenu columns are arranged next to one another in columns, the main menu column preferably being positioned in a left area of the screen display and the associated functions or subsequently arranged submenu columns in the writing direction to the right. In order to facilitate the operation and at the same time to increase the transparency for the user, the operating system is designed such that when selecting a main or sub-menu column at the same time the directly following sub-menu column and / or the directly following functions are displayed on the screen, so that Users of the operating system is given a preview of the currently operated menu level submenus or selectable functions. The user of the operating system according to the invention can thus use the screen display of each time readily recognize which potential options, starting from the currently operated menu level with respect to a further selection of submenus or functions exist. The column-like arrangement of the main or submenus as well as the functions follows the usual writing direction from left to right and is therefore intuitively comprehensible.

Expediently, at least two of the following main menus are provided in the main menu column of the operating system according to the invention: audio / video, navigation and / or telephone. The type of main menus can be set individually depending on the equipment extent of the motor vehicle, with the aid of the operating system according to the invention in principle an operation of different devices is possible. Since these can be controlled in the present case via a common operating element, the usual variety of separate keys or switches in the motor vehicle can be omitted. As a result, not only reduces the assembly costs and leading to significant additional costs parts variety, but it is also possible to use the space previously provided for above button or switch space otherwise meaningful. Advantageously, the operating system is designed such that the respectively selected main and / or sub-menus or the selected functions are optically highlighted. Such an optical highlighting simplifies the recognition of the menu path taken or trodden so far, whereby the visual highlighting takes place, for example, by means of a corresponding visually recognizable deposit or by means of a font rendered brighter in comparison to the surroundings. Additionally or alternatively, a highlighting of the currently operated menu level can be provided by enlarging the selected font size. Regardless of the type of optical highlighting chosen, the orientation of the user in the menu structure of the operating system is markedly improved in this way.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the operating system according to the invention, the actuating means is designed as a translationally adjustable rotary encoder, by means of which by a translational adjustment the Hauptme- nüs and by turning the submenus or the respectively associated functions are selectable. To select the main menu, the rotary encoder is initially adjusted translationally, that is to say linearly displaced, wherein, for example, separate latching steps are provided for the individual main menus, so that a corresponding haptic feedback takes place when selecting the desired main menu. By subsequently rotating the rotary encoder, it is possible to change in the selected main menu in the associated submenu levels or submenus as well as respectively assigned functions. The selection of the desired function or the desired submenu is thus very simple. In addition, it can be provided that the rotary encoder can be actuated orthogonally to its translational adjustment direction, so that confirmation or acknowledgment of a function selected in a specific submenu is effected by a simple depression of the rotary encoder. The individual operations can be clearly distinguished from each other in this way, since the main menus are selectable by a translational adjustment of the encoder, whereas the choice of the submenu or the respectively associated functions by turning the encoder and a subsequent confirmation or acknowledgment of the ultimately desired Function is carried out by actuating the rotary encoder orthogonal to the translational adjustment.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the operating system according to the invention, a voice control means is provided by means of which voice control is possible. It is conceivable here to adapt or restrict the vocabulary of the speech recognition conceptually in accordance with the type of the function to be served. As a result, a significantly increased recognition rate is achieved in speech recognition. It is also conceivable here that the words or commands spoken by the user are repeated on the screen in text form, whereby a verification of the voice input made takes place.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the operating system according to the invention, the complex functions or sub-menus reserved for voice operation are identified by means of an avatar symbol. The actual Voice control is accordingly carried out by executing a voice dialogue with an avatar, thus by communication with the image of a virtual conversation partner.

Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated figure description with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below are to be understood not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in any other combinations or in isolation.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to matching or at least functionally identical components. Showing:

1 shows an inventive operating system with a screen display and a manual actuator,

Fig. 2a, 2b different menu levels in the main menu "Phone",

3 different menu levels in the main menu "Audio / Video",

Fig. 4a, 4b different menu levels in the main menu "Navigation".

According to FIG. 1, an operating system 1 according to the invention has a manually actuatable actuating element 2 and an associated screen display 3. The screen display 3 may be part of a further extending Scheibenwurzeldisplays, with a left-hand drive vehicle to the left of the screen display 3, a display device 4 is arranged over the current operating conditions of the motor vehicle, for example, a speed informed. The display device 4 shows a driver of the motor vehicle in the usual way the switching state of an automatic transmission, a current tank contents, as well as other driving information. The display device 4 is preferably operated via corresponding switches or operating elements on a steering wheel 5, while the operating system 1 is operated via the actuating element 2, which is arranged for example in a center console of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating states that are triggered by the actuating element 2 on the screen display 3 are displayed.

According to FIGS. 1 to 4, the screen display 3 has a plurality of display areas for displaying entries of a menu structure having a plurality of menu levels. At least one of these entries in the menu structure may be selected and / or activated by the manual actuator 2.

According to FIG. 1, the manual actuating element 2 has a rotary encoder 6, wherein a translatory or linear displacement of the rotary encoder 6 along a predetermined direction 7 is possible.

According to the invention, a main menu column 8 that can be displayed on the screen display 3 is provided with at least two main menus 9 that can be selected by means of the actuating element 2 (compare FIGS. 2 to 4). As the main menu 9, for example, a telephone (see Fig. 2a and 2b), an audio / video function (see Fig. 3) and a navigation function (see Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b) may be provided. It is of course also possible to provide further or deviating functions. The main menu column 8 is arranged on the left according to FIGS. 2 to 4 and is identified by an arrow 10 pointing upwards.

Each of the main menus 9 provided in the main menu column 8 has at least one further function 12, 12 ', 12 "and / or a first submenu 12, 12', 12" in a first displayable submenu column 11 with their own, selectable and in a second submenu column 13 displayable second submenus 14, 14 ', 14 "and / or functions 14, 14', 14" assigned. Here, the operating system 1 is designed such that when selecting a main or submenu column 8, 11 or 13 at the same time the directly following submenu column 11, 13 o- 15 and / or the directly following functions 12, 12 ', 12 "or 14, 14 ', 14 "are displayed on the screen display 3.

2a, it can be seen that the main menu "Telephone" is displayed in the main menu column 8, which represents one of the total of three selectable main menus 9. In the first submenu column 11 following to the right, the first submenu 12 "Telephone book" is called up, at the same time the second submenu column 13 associated with this submenu 12 is displayed. 2 b, the function "Jansen, Stephan", that is to say a specific call partner, is selected in the second submenu column 13. For this selected call partner, who represents a second function 14, no further submenu or no further function is assigned in the present case.

The operating system 1 is designed in such a way that the selected menus 9, 12 and 14 or the corresponding selected functions 12 and 14 are optically highlighted, in particular brighter relative to the background, so that the previously selected menu path is clearly recognizable. It is also conceivable that the selected menus 9, 12 and 14 and / or the selected functions 12 and 14 are highlighted visually by increasing the font size, so that the user can easily recognize in which menu level of the operating system 1 he is currently ,

By means of the actuating element 2 shown in FIG. 1, the main menus 9 can be selected by translational adjustment of the rotary encoder 6, while rotation of the rotary encoder 6 effects selection of the submenus 12, 14 or the associated functions 12, 14. Starting the respectively selected function 12, 14 takes place by actuating the rotary encoder 6 orthogonal to the translational adjustment. According to FIG. 3, the main menu 9 "Audio / Video" is selected in the main menu column 8, and the first submenu column 11 "Radio" is selected in the first submenu column 11. In the second submenu column 13, the second submenu 14 '"station list" is selected, whereupon in a third submenu column 15 the respective station can finally be selected.

4 a and 4b, the operating system 1 is located in the main menu 9 "navigation", the first function 12 "" destination input "being selected in the first submenu column 11 according to FIG. selected by pressing the encoder 6 orthogonal to the translational adjustment direction or confirmed, an avatar-based voice dialogue is started, and it can be an input of the desired destination.

For this purpose, according to FIG. 4b, an avatar in the form of a young woman in the area of the first submenu column 11 may be provided. After selecting a particular function 12 "or 14", the operating system 1 will take a certain time, preferably 2 to 3 seconds , waits for the beginning of the speech dialogue, so that experienced users have the opportunity, the already familiar voice commands directly, ie without prior voice dialogue. The vocabulary that has to be recognized by the operating system 1 is limited exclusively to the currently selected function 12 ", 14", whereby an increased recognition rate and thus a particularly reliable speech recognition is ensured. The words spoken by the user of the operating system 1 are preferably repeated in text form on the screen display 3, thereby enabling a verification of the speech input made.

In order to increase the clarity of the operating system 1 and at the same time to facilitate the orientation of the user in the menu structure, in the present case all complex functions or sub-menus reserved for voice operation are identified by an avatar symbol. In a further advantageous embodiment of the operating system according to the invention, a separate rotary encoder 6 'can be provided for operating an air conditioning system and / or an electric seat adjustment.

In order to further increase the ease of use, the rotary encoder 6 'may have a user recognition, and / or be formed touch-sensitive, so that a user-specific adjustment of the scope or the type of operable functions is possible.

Additionally or alternatively, the translationally adjustable rotary encoder 6 may be formed touch-sensitive, so that when approaching or touching the currently set main menu 9 is displayed.

1, push-button switches 17, which can be pressed laterally offset from the rotary encoder 6, are also provided, which are "hard-keys" with respectively assigned functions, such as a return key or the like Of course, such tact switches 17 can also be used to repeat an un-understood speech output or mute or connect or disconnect a telephone connection of a hands-free device located in the motor vehicle.

By the operating system 1 according to the invention with the juxtaposed menu columns 8, 11, 13 and 15 a particularly clear representation of the selected menu path is possible, for the user of the operating system 1 is readily apparent at any time, in which menu level he is currently.

Claims

claims

1. Operating system for a motor vehicle with

a screen display (3) having a plurality of display areas for displaying entries of a menu structure having a plurality of menu levels (8, 11, 13, 15),

at least one manual actuating element (6) for selecting and / or activating at least one entry (9, 12, 14) in a current menu level (8, 11, 13, 15) from the menu structure, characterized

in that a main menu column (8) which can be displayed on the screen display (3) is provided with at least two main menus (9) which can be selected by the actuating element (2), to which in each case at least one further function (12, 12 ') is displayed in a first displayable submenu column (11). , 12 ") and / or a first submenu (12, 12 ', 12") with own, selectable second submenus (14, 14', 14 ") or functions (14, 14) that can be displayed in a second submenu column (13) ', 14 ") are assigned,

- wherein the operating system (1) is designed such that when selecting a main or sub-menu column (8, 11, 13, 15) at the same time the directly following sub-menu column (11, 13, 15) and / or the directly following functions (12, 12 ', 12 ", 14, 14', 14") are displayed on the screen display (3).

2. Operating system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two of the following main menus (9) are provided: audio / video, navigation and / or telephone.

3. Operating system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

- That the operating system (11) is designed such that the selected menus (9, 12, 14) or the selected functions (12, 14) are visually highlighted, and / or

- That the operating system (1) is designed such that the currently operated menu (12, 12 ', 12 ", 14, 14', 14") is highlighted visually by enlarging the font size.

4. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

- that the actuating element (2) has a translationally adjustable rotary encoder (6), by means of which by a translational adjustment of the main menus (9) and by a rotation of the submenus (12, 12 ', 12 ", 14, 14', 14") or the functions (12, 12 ', 12 ", 14, 14', 14") are selectable, and / or

- That starting a selected function (12, 12 ', 12 ", 14, 14', 14") by an actuation of the rotary encoder (6) is orthogonal to the translational adjustment.

5. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operating system (1) comprises a voice control means by means of which a voice control of the operating system (1) is possible.

6. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized the functions (12 ", 14") or sub-menus (12 ", 14") reserved for voice operation are identified by means of an avatar symbol.

7. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that exactly three sub-menu columns (11, 13, 15) are provided, which are arranged side by side.

8. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for the operation of an air conditioner and / or electric seat adjustment, a separate encoder (6 ¹ ) is provided.

9. Operating system according to claim 8, characterized in that at least the air conditioner and / or the electric seat adjustment operating rotary encoder (6 ') has a user recognition, so that a user-specific control of at least the air conditioning and / or electric seat adjustment is possible.

10. Operating system according to claim 1 to 9, characterized in that the translationally adjustable rotary encoder (6) is formed touch-sensitive, so that when approaching / touching the currently selected main menu (9) is displayed.

11. Operating system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one push-button switch (17) is provided which is arranged laterally offset to one of the actuating elements (2) and by means of which a predefinable function is executable.