WO2022184439A1

WO2022184439A1 - Interface for a motor vehicle and method for controlling a motor vehicle component

Info

Publication number: WO2022184439A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/053804
Authority: WO
Inventors: Flavien DEBAECKER
Original assignee: Valeo Comfort And Driving Assistance
Priority date: 2021-03-03
Filing date: 2022-02-16
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: FR3120456B1; EP4301618A1; FR3120456A1

Abstract

An interface for controlling a function of a motor vehicle component, comprising: - a control member (20) comprising at least one element (21) for grasping, having a first surface (23) and a second surface (24), which surfaces are configured to be manipulated by a user in opposing directions, the first surface (23) and second surface (24) each having at least one electrically conducting portion intended to be in contact with a digit (5) belonging to a user, - a capacitive touch tile (3), - a set of load cells configured to detect loads applied to the first surface (23) and the second surface (24). The element (21) for grasping is fixed, without the possibility of relative movement, to the capacitive touch tile (3). Contact between a digit (5) and the element for grasping can be detected, and the interface comprises a processing unit configured to determine, on the basis of the loads detected, which of the two opposing directions the user's digit (5) is applying.

Description

Motor vehicle interface and method for controlling a motor vehicle component

The invention relates to an interface for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component. The invention also relates to a method for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component by means of such an interface.

In the automotive field, the control of electrical components, such as the air conditioning or navigation system, was traditionally carried out by means of physical buttons on which repeated or continuous presses make it possible to adjust the functions with which they are associated.

Motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with capacitive touch screens in order to display clear information for the vehicle user. The use of these capacitive touch screens has the advantage of allowing programming of the display of commands which is contextual and according to the different functions to be controlled. In this system, however, certain manipulations on the capacitive touch screen cannot be carried out easily and in complete safety when the driver is driving the vehicle because he must keep his gaze on the road as much as possible. Indeed, with physical buttons the user can grope for the desired button on the front of the vehicle cabin while keeping their gaze on the road. He can also have confirmation that he has indeed operated the desired command by moving the button. Such manipulation is not possible on a capacitive touch screen which is smooth and for which it is therefore not possible to distinguish by hand the different surfaces representing buttons.

There are known interfaces comprising a physical button mounted on a capacitive touch screen in which the displacement of the physical button makes it possible to modify the electrical capacity of the capacitive touch screen at a certain point and thus to control a function of a component of the vehicle.

However, these systems are complex to implement, in particular requiring modifications of the capacitive touch screen. In addition, the physical button generally comprises a complex assembly of mechanical parts to allow both its attachment to the capacitive touch screen and its mobility relative to the latter, thus resulting in a high manufacturing cost, a risk of wear of the mechanical parts as well as a large footprint.

The aim of the invention is in particular to propose an interface for an improved motor vehicle.

To this end, the subject of the invention is an interface for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component, comprising:

- a control member comprising at least one gripping element having the general shape of a rocker switch with first and second surfaces configured to be manipulated by a user in opposing directions, the first and second surfaces of the element grip each having at least one electrically conductive portion intended to be in contact with a finger of a user,
- a capacitive touch screen,
- a set of force sensors configured to detect forces applied to the first and second surfaces,
characterized in that the gripping element is fixed in an immobile manner to the capacitive touch screen, in that the electrically conductive portions each have a terminal end connected in a capacitive manner to the capacitive touch screen so that the contact of a finger with the gripping element can be detected, and in that it further comprises a processing unit configured to determine from the forces detected which of the two opposing directions is applied by the finger of a user.

Thus, the user can trigger a command for a function of a vehicle component, such as an increase or decrease in a target temperature for the air conditioning system, by putting his finger in contact with the first or second surface of the gripping element and by pressing on the latter in one of the two opposing directions, so that the set of force sensors detects a force applied to the gripping element and that the unit processing determines this direction. Provision can be made for the function of a component of the vehicle to be of the on/off type. Thus, for example, pressing in the first direction by the user on the first surface of the gripping element makes it possible to activate this function and pressing in the second direction by the user on the second surface of the gripping element makes it possible to stop this function. No movement of the gripping element is necessary for the command to be triggered, it is the detection of the forces applied to the gripping element and the direction of these which makes it possible to trigger the command. In a particular embodiment, provision can be made for the two opposing directions to correspond to upward and downward directions with reference to the operating arrangement of a motor vehicle.

The contact of a user's finger on the electrically conductive portions of the gripping element is detected by the capacitive pad which is capacitively connected to these electrically conductive portions and makes it possible to locate this contact and therefore to attribute it to a command given.

The fact that the gripping element is fixed immobile relative to the capacitive touch screen makes it possible to limit the number of parts necessary for the manufacture of this element and to facilitate this manufacture. In addition, this also makes it possible to reduce the size of the control member since it is not necessary to provide sufficient space to allow the movement of the gripping element between several positions.

The detection of which of the two opposing directions is applied by the user's finger by the processing unit makes it possible to define a particular command according to the direction chosen. For example, pressing on the gripping element in the first direction can control the modification of a function in a first direction (for example a reduction in the target temperature of the air conditioning system) and pressing on the same gripping element according to the second direction can control the modification of the same function according to a second direction, opposite to the first (for example an increase in the target temperature of the air conditioning system). As indicated above, the direction detection that is applied by the finger also makes it possible to control functions of the on/off type, in the manner of a rocker switch.

According to other optional features of the interface, taken alone or in combination:

- The set of force sensors includes in particular:
- a first force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a first linear direction on the first surface of the gripping element, and
- a second force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a second linear direction, antagonistic to the first linear direction, on the second surface of the gripping element. The processing unit can thus simply determine which of the two force sensors has detected a force in order to determine which of the two directions has been applied by the user's finger.

- The interface further comprises for example at least one vibratory actuator configured to vibrate the gripping element in response to a force applied by the finger of a user on the gripping element. It is thus possible to provide a feeling of haptic feedback to the user who can interpret it as a confirmation that his command has been taken into account.

- The control unit can be glued to the capacitive touch screen. This is a simple and economical way to attach the control unit to the capacitive touch screen. Provision may be made for other fastening means, additional or replacing them, to be used.

- The interface further comprises a display screen arranged below the capacitive touch screen, the display screen being configured to display information associated with pressing the gripping element. For example, the display screen may display information indicating the nature of the function controlled by the gripping element or the various gripping elements. For example, the display screen can display the hazard warning lights or air conditioning pictogram above a gripping element. The use of the interface is thus simpler and more intuitive for the user. Moreover, it can be reprogrammable according to the command context.

- The control member comprises in particular at least one light guide configured to diffuse a light emitted by the display screen. It is thus possible to transmit information to the user depending on the situation. Indeed, the display screen can thus, for example, illuminate the light guide when a gripping element with which it can be associated can be used and not emit light in the opposite situation. The display screen can also illuminate the light guide to confirm that a command has been taken into account.

- The gripping element comprises for example a recess which opens on the one hand at a proximal end of the gripping element and on the other hand at a distal end of the gripping element, the light guide being housed in the recess and being configured to diffuse toward the proximal end a light emitted by the display screen at the distal end. By proximal end is meant the end of the gripping element which is closest to the user and by distal end the end of the gripping element which is facing the capacitive touch screen.

- The control member comprises in particular several gripping elements, each gripping element being electrically isolated from the other gripping elements,
the set of force sensors is configured to detect forces applied to the first and second surfaces of each of the gripping elements,
and the processing unit is configured to determine, from the forces detected by the set of force sensors, which of the gripping elements is manipulated by the finger of a user, as well as which of the two opposing directions is applied by the user's finger. It is thus possible, from the same control member comprising several gripping elements, to control various functions of vehicle members independently of each other.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component by means of an interface as described previously, in which at least one function of the vehicle is controlled when a force applied by the finger of a user in one of the two opposing directions is detected on the gripping element.

According to a particular embodiment of the method, in which in the interface the set of force sensors comprises:
- a first force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a first linear direction on the first surface of the gripping element, and
- a second force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a second linear direction, antagonistic to the first linear direction, on the second surface of the gripping element,
we order:
- the modification of at least one function of a vehicle component in a first direction when a force is detected by the first force sensor, and
- Modification of the same function of a vehicle member in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, when a force is detected by the second force sensor.

Thus, it is easier to use the gripping element, for example to navigate in a list, for example a list of contacts or radio frequencies. Modifications according to a first and second direction are understood to mean modifications which modify a value, a selection or a slider according to a first and a second, opposite direction. For example, in the case of a change in the target temperature of an air conditioning system, a first direction may consist of an increase in the target temperature and a second direction in a decrease in the target temperature. In another example, in the case of navigation in a contact list, a first direction can consist of scrolling down the contact list and a second direction can correspond to scrolling up the contact list . In another embodiment, the modification according to a first direction can correspond to the actuation of a particular function of the vehicle, for example the actuation of the hazard warning lights and the modification according to a second direction can correspond to the stopping of this particular function, for example turning off the hazard warning lights.

Brief description of figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

the is a front view schematic representation of a control interface according to the invention,

the is a schematic representation of a vertical section according to section plane AA of the interface of the , and

the is a schematic representation of a cross-section according to the section plane BB of the interface of the .

The embodiment described with reference to the figures is an example. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to one embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

detailed description

The shows an interface 1 for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component.

This interface 1 is in particular suitable for being housed at the level of the dashboard of the vehicle (not shown).

Such an interface 1 allows the control of at least one function of a motor vehicle component such as the control of the functions of an air conditioning system, an audio system, a telephone system or even a navigation system. This interface 1 can also be used for window lift controls, for positioning exterior mirrors or even for moving motorized seats or for controlling interior lights, central locking, a sunroof, hazard warning lights or dash lights. 'vibe.

Interface 1 allows the user, for example, to scroll through a list, select or validate a selection, or even control an on/off type function. It allows the user, for example, to select a destination postal address or a name in a directory, the settings of the air conditioning system or the selection of a musical track from a list.

The interface 1 notably comprises a control device 20 which rests on a capacitive touch screen 3 which itself rests on a display screen 4.

The capacitive touch screen 3 is shown schematically in Figures 2 and 3. It includes elements not shown in the figures for the sake of simplification. The capacitive touch screen 3 notably comprises at least one capacitive sensor and a front plate arranged on the capacitive sensor (not shown).

The capacitive sensor makes it possible to detect a variation in capacitance at the level of the surface of the front plate. The capacitive sensor can for example detect a contact or a movement of a finger of a user. The capacitive sensor also makes it possible to determine the spatial coordinates of the finger on the surface of the slab 3. The capacitive sensor is for example formed of a network of electrodes extending over all or part of the surface of the slab. The electrodes are for example made of ITO (indium tin oxide) which allows the sensor to be transparent.

The rigidity of the capacitive touch screen 3 is obtained by means of the rigid front plate (or contact plate), such as a plate of glass or plastic. The front plate arranged on the capacitive sensor faces the user once mounted in the passenger compartment. The touch surface of the capacitive touch screen 3 is thus formed by the surface of the front plate, which can be flat or curved. The front plate can be at least partially opaque so as to hide the elements arranged behind.

The display screen 4 can, for example, be a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) screen, an LED screen or an LCD screen. The display screen 4 is configured to display information associated with the manipulation of the interface 1. The display screen 4 is arranged under the capacitive touch screen 3, and more particularly under the capacitive sensor so as to form a touch screen. The display screen 4 is for example fixed by gluing to the back of a support of the capacitive touch screen detecting contact from a user on the front face. The capacitive sensor and the front plate (and therefore the capacitive touch screen) are then at least partially transparent.

According to another example, the display screen 4 is offset from the capacitive touch screen 3, the front plate then being opaque. The display screen 4 can be received in the front panel of the vehicle or can be projected into the motor driver's field of vision, for example on the windshield by a head-up display, also known by the name of HUD (for " Head-Up Display” in English).

The control member 20 comprises at least one gripping element 21 having the general shape of a rocker switch (see FIGS. 1 to 3). In the present example, the control member 20 comprises five gripping elements 21. Provision may be made for the control member 20 to comprise a greater or a smaller number of gripping elements 21. For example, the control 20 can include as many gripping elements 21 as necessary to control different functions in the vehicle.

The gripping elements 21 are, in the present case, all identical to each other. In other embodiments, provision may be made for at least one of the gripping elements 21 to be different from the others, whether by its size or its shape, for example. The gripping elements 21 are all arranged in the same housing 22. They all have the general shape of a rocker switch. In the present case, this shape is elongated and comprises a first 23 and a second 24 surfaces configured to be manipulated by a user in opposing directions. In the present example, these opposing directions are a first direction d1 and a second direction d2 respectively oriented vertically downwards and upwards with reference to the operating arrangement of the motor vehicle.

The first 23 and second 24 surfaces each have at least one electrically conductive portion intended to be in contact with a finger 5 of the user. These electrically conductive portions each have a terminal end capacitively connected to the capacitive touch screen 3 so that the contact of the finger 5 of the user with the gripping element 21 can be detected. For example, provision can be made for the terminal end of the electrically conductive portions to take the form of a flat electrode arranged opposite the capacitive touch screen.

The gripping elements 21 are fixed in a fixed manner to the capacitive touch screen 3. More particularly, the control member 20, comprising the gripping elements 21, is fixed in a fixed manner to the capacitive touch screen 3 via the housing 22. For example, the control member 20 can be fixed to the capacitive touch screen 3 by gluing, the points of glue 6 possibly being located, for example, between the housing 22 and the capacitive touch screen 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) . Thus the gripping element 21 is stationary relative to the touch screen 3 and the first surface 23 and second surface 24 which are configured to be manipulated by a user in opposing directions do not move relative to the touch screen 3. This means fixing is simple and inexpensive to implement. Other fastening means can be provided, provided that they allow the gripping elements 21 to be fixed immobile with respect to the capacitive touch screen 3.

The gripping elements 21 have a recess in their center. This recess opens on the one hand at a proximal end of the gripping element 21, that is to say the end closest to the user, and on the other hand at a distal end of the gripping element 21, that is to say the end facing the capacitive touch screen 3 (see ). Within this cavity is housed a light guide 25 configured to diffuse a light emitted by the display screen 4, more particularly a light emitted by the display screen 4 facing the distal end of the gripping element 21.

The interface 1 comprises a set of force sensors (not shown), for example in the form of strain gauges or pressure sensors, configured to detect forces applied to the first 23 and the second 24 surfaces of the element grip 21. Thus, it is possible to detect when the user's finger 5 presses against one of these

surfaces

23, 24 in the two opposing directions of manipulation d1, d2.

In the present case, the set of force sensors comprises:
- a first force sensor (not shown) configured to detect a force applied in the first direction d1 on the first surface 23 of the gripping element 21, and
- a second force sensor (not shown) configured to detect a force applied in the second direction d2, antagonistic to the first direction d1, on the second surface 24 of the gripping element 21.

The sensors used can be any sensor capable of detecting a force on a gripping element, of the order of the force that a human finger can apply.

As indicated above, in the present case the control member 20 comprises several gripping elements 21. Provision can be made for each gripping element 21 to be electrically isolated from the other gripping elements so that the contact of the finger 5 of the user on one of the gripping elements 21 can be assigned to this particular gripping element 21 and not to one or more other gripping elements 21 of the control member 20. All of the force sensors are configured to detect forces applied to the first 23 and the second 24 surfaces of each of the gripping elements 21.

The interface 1 comprises a processing unit (not shown) configured to determine from the forces detected by the set of force sensors, which of the gripping elements 21 is manipulated by the finger 5 of the user, as well as that of the two opposing directions d1, d2 which is applied by the finger 5 to the gripping element 21. Such processing units are known per se and will not be detailed here.

The interface 1 also comprises at least one vibratory actuator (not shown) configured to make the gripping element 21 vibrate in response to a force applied by the finger 5 of the user on the gripping element 21. A sensation of haptic feedback is thus created and allows the user to have confirmation that his pressing on the gripping element 21 has been taken into account. In the present case, the interface 1 comprises five vibratory actuators, one for each of the gripping elements 21. It can be provided that the interface 1 comprises as many vibratory actuators as there are gripping elements 21.

We now describe an example of a method for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component by means of the interface 1 described above.

The functions controlled by interface 1 can be multiple and can vary depending on the context. In particular, a gripping element 21 can be assigned control of a given function at a given time, then control of another function at another time. For example, a given gripping element 21 can control the path through a list of radio frequencies at a given time and control a modification of the target temperature of the air conditioning system at another time. Provision can be made for the display screen 4 to display elements indicating the function controlled by the various gripping elements 21. Thus, the user easily knows which of the functions of the vehicle are controlled by the different gripping elements 21 of the control unit 20. The fact that the function display is contextual makes it possible to control a large number of functions with a limited number of gripping elements 21.

The function of the vehicle is controlled when a force applied by the finger 5 of the user in one of the two opposing directions d1, d2 is detected on the gripping element 21.

Specifically, we order:

- the modification of the function according to a first direction, for example a reduction in temperature or the switching on of the hazard warning lights, when an effort is detected by the first force sensor, and

- the modification of the same function according to a second direction, opposite to the first, for example an increase in temperature or the extinction of the hazard warning lights, when an effort is detected by the second force sensor.

Provision can be made for the command to be activated only when the force detected by the force sensors exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to reduce the risk of accidental commands.

When controlling in one direction or the other, the user manipulates the same gripping element, which facilitates adjustment of the function.

Provision can be made for the light transmitted by the light guides 25 to provide visual confirmation to the user that the force has indeed been detected on the gripping element, or that this force has exceeded the predetermined threshold. Provision can also be made for the light transmitted by the light guides 25 to give an indication of the availability or not of a command for a function thanks to the gripping element 21 with which it is associated. For example, provision can be made for the display screen 4 to emit no light opposite the light guide 25 when the gripping element 21 with which it is associated does not control any function. Conversely, provision can be made for the display screen 4 to emit light facing the light guide 25 when the gripping element with which it is associated controls a function. Provision can also be made for the wavelength of the light emitted by the display screen to vary according to the state of the function. In particular, for on/off type functions, since the gripping element is stationary, it is not clear whether the function is in the on or off state. Thus, provision can be made for the display screen 4 to emit opposite the light guide 25 no light or a light of a given color, for example red, when the function is in the "off" state and emits a light of a given color, e.g. green, when the function is in the "on" state.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will appear clearly to those skilled in the art.

List of references

1: interface for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component

3: capacitive touch screen

4: display screen

5: user's finger

6: glue dot

20: interface control unit

21: Gripper

22: housing for gripping elements

23: first grip surface

24: second grip surface

25: light guide

Claims

Interface (1) for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component, comprising:
- a control member (20) comprising at least one gripping element (21) having the general shape of a rocker switch with first (23) and second (24) surfaces configured to be manipulated by a user in opposing directions (d1, d2), the first (23) and second (24) surfaces of the gripping element (21) each having at least one electrically conductive portion intended to be in contact with a finger (5) of a user,
- a capacitive touch screen (3),
- a set of force sensors configured to detect forces applied to the first (23) and the second (24) surfaces,
characterized in that the gripping element (21) is fixed immovably to the capacitive touch screen (3), in that the electrically conductive portions each have a terminal end connected in a capacitive manner to the capacitive touch screen (3) so that the contact of a finger (5) with the gripping element can be detected, and in that it further comprises a processing unit configured to determine from the forces detected which of the two antagonistic directions (d1 , d2) which is applied by the finger (5) of a user.
Interface (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the set of force sensors comprises:
- a first force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a first linear direction (d1) on the first surface (23) of the gripping element (21), and
- a second force sensor configured to detect a force applied in a second linear direction (d2), antagonistic to the first linear direction (d1), on the second surface (24) of the gripping element (21).
Interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one vibratory actuator configured to cause the gripping element (21) to vibrate in response to a force applied by the finger (5) of a user on the gripping element (21).
Interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control member (20) is glued to the capacitive touch screen (3).
Interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display screen (4) arranged below the capacitive touch screen (3), the display screen (4) being configured to display information associated with pressing on the gripping element (21).
Interface (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the control member (20) comprises at least one light guide (25) configured to diffuse a light emitted by the display screen (4).
Interface (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the gripping element (21) comprises a recess which opens on the one hand at the level of a proximal end of the gripping element (21) and on the other hand at the at a distal end of the gripping element (21), the light guide (25) being housed in the recess and being configured to diffuse towards the proximal end a light emitted by the display screen ( 4) at the distal end.
Interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control member (20) comprises several gripping elements (21), each gripping element (21) being electrically isolated from the other gripping elements (21) ,
wherein the force sensor assembly is configured to detect forces applied to the first (23) and second (24) surfaces of each of the gripping elements (21),
and in which the processing unit is configured to determine, from the forces detected by the set of force sensors, which of the gripping elements (21) is manipulated by the finger (5) of a user, as well than that of the two opposing directions (d1, d2) which is applied by the finger (5) of the user.
Method for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle component by means of an interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one function of the vehicle is controlled when a force applied by the finger (5) of a user in one of the two opposing directions (d1, d2) is detected on the gripping element (21).
Control method according to the preceding claim, in which, the interface (1) being an interface according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, one controls:
- the modification of at least one function of a vehicle component in a first direction when a force is detected by the first force sensor, and
- Modification of the same function of a vehicle member in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when a force is detected by the second force sensor.