DE102008021186A1 - Information displaying method for motor vehicle, involves selecting displayed object by user using input device, and executing input operation with selected object such that data of hierarchy plane is displayed on display - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transmitting data from a vehicle device (1) e.g. air conditioning device, to a control device (3), and detecting objects to be displayed from the data, where the objects are assigned to the data of different hierarchy planes. A graphic data is produced by the control device and represented by a display (5) in a motor vehicle, where the data of one of the planes is displayed for the objects. A displayed object is selected by a driver using an input device. An input operation is executed with the selected object such that data of another plane is displayed on a display (6). An independent claim is also included for a device for displaying information in a vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for displaying information in a vehicle, which concern vehicle equipment. Further concerns the invention a device for displaying information in a vehicle with a control device equipped with facilities the vehicle is connected to the exchange of data, at least two separate coupled to the controller displays and a input device coupled to the controller.

Originally the various were provided in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle Facilities operated via separate controls. For example there were rotary switches for adjusting the ventilation as well as the Temperature, switch for setting the different air vents, Switch for operating the lighting devices for the interior of the vehicle, appropriate switches for the lighting and fixtures outside the Vehicle and controls for a radio or CD player. at modern motor vehicles are now so many facilities for setting various vehicle functions, information systems, including driver assistance systems and entertainment systems, provided that it is no longer appropriate separate controls for all vehicle equipment provided. For this reason, the operation of the manifold takes place Vehicle equipment with a uniform operating concept with few controls that in conjunction with the display of a Display device can be operated. In this case, from the display device buttons displayed, which are selected by the control can. The display device can display a display comprising, under a display in general a device for optical signaling of variable information is understood. As a display are usually liquid crystal displays used in different versions.

The Display of the display device can the driver traffic or operational Visualize data of the vehicle. It can also be the driver in navigation or communication with the outside world support. Near the primary field of view the driver is the so-called instrument cluster arranged. Usually it is in the cockpit behind the steering wheel, being visible through an opening of the steering wheel is. It serves in particular the display of the speed, the Tank contents, cooler temperature and other operational Information of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, radio and other audio features. After all can menus for phone, navigation, Telematics services and multimedia applications. The Display also supports the operation of various other Facilities of the vehicle.

In the DE 100 01 988 A1 For example, an instrument cluster for displaying operating and / or traffic-related data is described. In order to be able to better absorb the wide range of information available, the DE 103 03 792 A1 a perspective view of three-dimensional elements proposed.

Furthermore, in a vehicle there are in part further information and communication areas to which separate display devices or display areas are assigned. They often serve to inform both the driver and the passengers. For example, a multifunction display can be provided in the center console or above the center console. A multifunction control with such a display is for example in the DE 199 41 955 A1 described.

are in a vehicle several displays z. B. the instrument cluster and housed in the center console, the displays of the vehicle systems and the user interface often redundant on both displays displayed. However, since the display area available in the vehicle is very limited, it is desirable to have redundant displays to avoid and housed in the vehicle displays so too use that different information content is displayed however, the detection of the information and the user guidance by the display on multiple displays will not deteriorate should.

Furthermore, instead of the separate multifunction control element, a touch-sensitive display, ie a so-called touchscreen, can be used. The use of such a control element in a vehicle is z. B. from the DE 10 2004 031 659 A1 known.

The operation of the various devices of the vehicle and the inclusion of information that can be supplied by these devices, the driver's attention under certain circumstances such that the simultaneous safe driving of the motor vehicle by the driver is not possible or only to a limited extent. Thus, if the driver wants to operate facilities of the vehicle whose information is displayed via the display device, he may do so before the start of a journey or interrupt the trip for the operation. Such impairments to the operation are undesirable. In many cases they cause the driver to operate the vehicle's equipment while driving, although this leads to a distraction can. However, this may affect the safety of driving the vehicle.

It is therefore desirable, the information in the vehicle portrayed so that they are quickly and intuitively recorded by the driver can be, so that capturing the information presented not to distract the driver while driving leads. Furthermore, the operation is so intuitive, simple and be quickly feasible that the driver the facilities of the vehicle whose information is displayed by the display device be able to operate even while driving, even if possibly complex structures can be represented by the display device are. The information presentation and the one with an information representation Connected operation in the vehicle is directly related with safety while driving the vehicle. A special simple, intuitive and quickly gatherable information display and Operation in the vehicle thus makes a contribution to safe driving of the vehicle.

Around the various operating and display options clearly arranged often become hierarchical menu structures used. A menu shows different list entries and any graphics associated with the list entries, graphical Buttons or icons on. When selecting a list entry opens a submenu with further list entries. This structure can be continued over several hierarchy levels become. It can also be a list entry instead of a submenu be associated with a particular display image corresponding to the list entry represents associated information.

at the use of hierarchical menu structures in one Vehicle poses the problem that navigation within of these menu structures and recording the ones displayed by the display Information may lead to a distraction of the driver. It is therefore desirable to control and display concepts to develop for hierarchical menu structures, in which the information is recorded quickly and intuitively by the driver can.

An apparatus and a method for displaying a hierarchically structured selection menu is in DE 101 32 956 A1 described. Furthermore, in the DE 103 60 663 A1 an operating system for a motor vehicle described in which a menu structure is displayed on a display.

It It is the object of the present invention to provide a method of the beginning to provide said type, with which the information shown can be captured easily, quickly and intuitively with which a simple, fast and intuitive operation of the facilities a vehicle is possible.

These The object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of claim 11 solved. Advantageous training and further education emerge from the dependent claims.

At the transferred to the process of the invention the vehicle devices data to a control device. The control device determines from the data to be displayed objects, wherein at least one Number of objects assigned to data of different hierarchy levels are. The controller generates graphics data from a first display be displayed in the vehicle, wherein for the to be displayed Objects each data of a first hierarchical level are displayed. A displayed object is in the method by means of an input device user-selectable. With the selected object Then an input operation is feasible, which causes that data of the object is displayed on a second display, which belong to a second hierarchical level.

at The method according to the invention is the display exploited on the two displays, on the one hand an object in a context of user guidance, at the same time, however, the data of another hierarchy level assigned to an object without the ad on the other To change the display. The information displayed can be detected easily and intuitively by the user, because he himself by the input process, the display of the data of the Object of the second hierarchical level on the second display brought about Has.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention Method becomes an object symbol by means of the input device, which is displayed on the first display and that to an object heard regarding the presentation on the first display moved towards the second display until it is at the edge of the the first display is displayed, whereupon the control device Graphic data generated that cause the second display Data of the object to be displayed, which is to the second hierarchical level belong. The object icon can then be from the first display disappear or be retained on the first display. Furthermore, can the object icon in addition to its second data Hierarchy level also be displayed on the second display.

In the method according to the invention, the user has the option via the input device to carry out an operating procedure which corresponds to the real displacement of an object symbol from egg corresponds to a first display on a second display. This correspondence to real operations that move real objects makes it easy for the user to easily and intuitively capture the changes in the information display on the two displays.

According to one Embodiment of the method according to the invention At least the first display has a touch-sensitive Surface on, d. H. it is a touch screen. The input process in this case is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display. The user can, for example, with his finger, the first display touch at the object symbol that he wants to move, and then your finger along the first display towards the second one Moving displays. The object icon is then shared with the finger moved to the edge of the first display, then disappears there and reappears on the second display together with the associated Data of the second hierarchical level.

at The data of the second hierarchical level may be, for example to handle details and / or properties of the object. The data The second hierarchical level can thus be a context menu of a List entry of the first hierarchical level.

According to one Further development of the method according to the invention is a detail or a feature which is on the second display is displayed by the user selectable by means of the input device. With the selected detail or the selected one Property is then an input operation feasible, the causes data of the detail or the on a third display Property belonging to a third hierarchical level. In this case, three displays are thus provided, on which successive Data of the different hierarchy levels of an object can be displayed. The hierarchy levels can always be more detailed Information about the object included. The first hierarchical level can only contain the information to what an object it is, the second hierarchical level a context menu and the third hierarchical level has certain default settings for the object.

According to one Further development of the method according to the invention determines the control device from the transmitted from the vehicle equipment Data to be visualized running in the vehicle processes and the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects. For the processes, the controller generates a network structure and for the network structure generated they graphic data, which visualize the network structure. The Graphic data is displayed by the first display in the vehicle, wherein an object of the network structure by means of an input device user-selectable and with the selected one Object an input operation is feasible, which causes that data of the object is displayed on a second display, which belong to a second hierarchical level.

The realized in the inventive method Presentation on the basis of network structures shows the user simple way the relations between individual objects and the Associations between these objects so that they are displayed Intuitively capture information at a glance. It will open this way in the vehicle an object-oriented user guidance realized, whereby the processes initiated by the user as a network structure be visualized. The network structure stands out in particular characterized by having multiple processes that may be very different Areas of the vehicle, simultaneously with those involved Objects and their links are displayed.

According to a preferred development of the method according to the invention, by means of the input device a first object symbol, which is displayed on the first display, which belongs to an object and which is linked to a second object symbol via a connection symbol, is shifted with regard to the representation on the first display, wherein the control device generates such graphics data that the linkage of the two object symbols is maintained by the connection symbol. Between the two object symbols, a link is thus visualized in the manner of a rubber band connection. Even when moving an object symbol by means of the input device, the connection between the two object symbols is maintained. In this case, if the first object symbol is moved in the direction of the second display until it is displayed at the edge of the first display, the control device generates graphics data which cause the first object symbol to no longer be displayed on the first display, but instead on the second display Display is displayed, wherein the connection symbol between the first and second object symbol is split so that it is directed on the first display from the second object icon in the direction of the first object icon on the second display and on the second display starting from the first object icon in the direction of the second object icon on the first display. Thus, if the object symbols are displayed on separate displays, the connection between the two object symbols is interrupted, but on both displays, connection symbols remain in the direction of the other object symbol tet are. In this way, the connection between the objects continues to be visualized, although because of the display on the separate displays, a continuous connection can no longer be visualized.

According to one further embodiment of the method according to the invention the data to be displayed is divided into at least two functional groups, where the first functional group refers to operating processes, which are associated with a user's request, and the second functional group on operating processes for the control of vehicle equipment refers. The data is thus in a so-called "me wants "functional group and a" The vehicle is supposed to "functional group divided. Also in this case, the representation on hand of Data of the network structure described above take place, wherein on the first screen the network structure is displayed and on the second display, details about an object of the network structure.

Of Furthermore, the object symbols of the first function group displayed in conjunction with a first color and the object icons of the second function group displayed in conjunction with a second color which differs from the first color. For example The object icons can have a specific background color. Furthermore, two are manual for the two functional groups provided operable controls. Here is the control coded for the first function group with the first color and the control element for the second function group with coded the second color. The controls may be For example, to act colored push-button.

The Device according to the invention is characterized that with the control device from the transmitted from the vehicle equipment Data to be displayed objects can be determined, wherein at least one Number of objects assigned to data of different hierarchy levels is, and graphics data can be generated by the first display be displayed in the vehicle, wherein for the to be displayed Objects each data of a first hierarchical level are displayed and by means of the input device, a displayed object from the user is selectable and with the selected object An input operation is feasible, which causes on the second display data of the object to be displayed belong to a second hierarchical level.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention Device, at least the first display has a touch-sensitive surface on. The input process in this case is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first Displays. Preferably, the second display also has a touch-sensitive Surface on. Finally, the device can a third display for displaying data of a third hierarchical level include.

According to one preferred development of the invention Device are with the controller from the data from the vehicle equipment the visualized running in the vehicle processes and the Objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects for which processes is determinable a network structure can be generated and for the network structure Graphics data can be generated which visualize the network structure. The graphics data can be displayed from the first display in the vehicle, wherein an object of the network structure by means of the input device user-selectable, and with the selected one Object an input operation is feasible, which causes that data of the object is displayed on a second display, which belong to a second hierarchical level.

According to one Another embodiment of the control device to be displayed Data can be subdivided into at least two functional groups, with the graphics data that can be generated by the control device, the object symbols the first function group in conjunction with a first color and the object symbols of the second function group in conjunction display with a second color, different from the first color different. Furthermore, the device according to this Design for the two functional groups two control elements, wherein the control element for the first func onsgruppe with the first color is encoded and the control element for the second function group is coded with the second color.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "object" is understood to mean not only the symbol which is visually displayed by the display device, e.g. On the basis of an icon, but also the information associated with that object, which includes data generated by vehicle devices and transmitted to the controller. The possible actions that can be performed on the object may be associated with different contexts within the vehicle. In a conventional hierarchically organized operating logic, the user would have to navigate in the operating structure in a very complex manner in order to arrive at functions which are in a different context. If such operations are performed by the driver while traveling with the vehicle, this leads to distraction of the driver, whereby the safety is impaired when driving the vehicle. The presentation and operation ting the objects within the network structure simplifies the information acquisition and operation by the driver, so that it is less distracted.

The Invention will now be with reference to exemplary embodiments Explained with reference to the drawings.

1 shows schematically the structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention,

the 2 to 6 illustrate the steps performed in one embodiment of the method according to the invention,

the 7 and 8th illustrate the changes in the displays of the two displays when moving an object symbol to another display,

9 further shows displays on the two displays which are produced by the method according to the invention,

10 shows the arrangement of the second display and controls in the vehicle and

the 11 to 14 illustrate further displays that are generated by the method according to the invention.

1 shows the basic structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the embedding of this device in the environment of the vehicle. The vehicle has a variety of vehicle facilities 1 on which generate information that should be visualized in the vehicle. Furthermore, it should provide information on the operation of the vehicle equipment 1 support, be visualized. To these facilities 1 include the sensors and control devices of the vehicle that detect vehicle conditions. Furthermore, belong to the facilities 1 all facilities designed to assist the driver in driving the vehicle. This includes all driver assistance systems, including a navigation system. Finally, belong to the facilities 1 all information and entertainment systems (infotainment systems).

The vehicle equipment 1 are for example via the vehicle bus 2 with a control device 3 connected. It is also possible that some of the vehicle facilities 1 directly with the control device 3 are connected. The vehicle equipment 1 transmit data to the controller 3 , In particular, these data relate to information that is to be visualized within the vehicle. The control device 3 Determines from the data the processes to be visualized in the vehicle as well as the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects.

Be the controller 3 For example, transmit data from the navigation system, these data include the current position of the vehicle and the geographical position of the target of a currently running navigation process. In this case, the control device assigns to the current position of the vehicle an object which is visualized in the graphic data in such a way that the user recognizes that this object relates to the own vehicle. The control device assigns another object to the geographical position of the destination of the route and links this object to the object for the vehicle of the user. In a schematic representation of the process, these two objects are now visualized in the graphic data by symbols, wherein the connection of the two objects is represented, for example, by means of a connecting line.

In a more detailed representation can be used as a background digital geographical road map and that the Vehicle assigned to the user's icon will be at the appropriate geographical position shown in the digital road map. Likewise, the symbol becomes that of the geographical Position of the destination is assigned, at the appropriate geographical Position shown in the digital road map and Finally, the connection between the symbol for your own vehicle and the symbol for the destination by a Connecting line visualized on the road map the actually advised route of the navigation system represents.

For another process running in the vehicle, of the communication devices of the vehicle of the control device 3 Data is transmitted to a communication connection between two communication partners. In particular, the control device 3 Data is transferred to a currently existing telephone call. The controller determines the involved communication partners from these data and links these with a communication connection. This communication process can be visualized, for example, by two interconnected symbols for the communication partners.

For all or part of the processes running in the vehicle, a network structure is now generated by the control device. For this network structure, graphics data are generated, wel visualize the network structure. The graphics data are sent to a first display 5 on which the graphic data is displayed.

The control device 3 is also with a memory 4 connected. In this store 4 Diverse data may be stored to which the controller 3 for generating the graphic data. For example, in the memory 4 stores the symbols to be displayed for various objects which may be involved in the processes running in the vehicle. Furthermore, in the memory 4 Link tables are stored, which it the control device 3 allow, from the data, which of the vehicle equipment 1 have been transferred to determine the objects involved in the processes and the links between the objects.

The control device 3 is also with a second display 6 and optionally with an even further third display 7 connected. As will be explained later, the control device 3 also graphic data for the display on the second and the third display 6 and 7 generate and to the appropriate displays 6 and 7 transfer.

The first display 5 is housed in the center console of the vehicle, the second display 6 is part of the vehicle's instrument cluster and the third display 7 can it be z. B. act as a so-called head-up display. At least the first display 5 is provided with a touch-sensitive surface, ie it is a touch screen. the display 5 thus additionally represents an input device. In addition, the second display can also be used 6 be designed as a touch screen.

In 2 an example of the display of a network structure is shown. The graphics data for this ad was provided by the controller 3 generated. The network structure in this case contains an object symbol 8th , which visualizes the vehicle itself as well as an object symbol 9 for another object. This additional object belongs to a specific person. To this person are in the store 4 the phone number and the address data are stored. The object icons 8th and 9 are linked by two processes. On the one hand, the user calls such. B. the driver of the vehicle, which on the basis of the object symbol 8th is visualized with the person using the object symbol 9 is visualized. This link is via the connection icon 12 as well as the verb-type instruction 13 visualized. Furthermore, the vehicle is guided by means of the navigation system to the address of the person passing through the object symbol 9 is shown. this process is indicated by the connection symbol 10 and the verb-like statement 11 displayed.

To the individual objects are in the memory 4 Data stored on different hierarchy levels. The data of the first hierarchical level, for example, only an object symbol such. For example, the object icon 8th or the object icon 9 contained, by which the user can quickly and intuitively detect which object the corresponding object icon is associated with an ad on a display. The object icon may either be just a graphical icon. Furthermore, the icon can also be associated with alphanumeric information which is displayed together with the icon. Finally, the object icon may be just alphanumeric information that is displayed on the screen.

at the data of the second hierarchical level is in particular to details and / or properties of the object. Furthermore, can the data of the second hierarchical level is a context menu with several List entries included. Also the details, the characteristics or the context menu are based on graphical icons and, where appropriate, supplementary alphanumeric information a display.

With reference to 3 explains how to an object whose object icon 8th on the first display 5 is displayed, data of the second hierarchical level on the second display 6 be displayed. The starting point is the display on the first display 5 as in 2 shown. The objects become data of the first hierarchy level, namely the object symbols 8th and 9 with the associated connection symbols 10 and 12 and the verbal instructions 11 and 13 displayed. The user now touches z. B. with his finger 14 the first display designed as a touch screen 5 at the position where the object icon 8th is shown. The user then moves his finger 14 on the touch-sensitive surface of the first display 5 in the direction of the second display 6 to the edge of the first display 5 , The user can now his finger 14 from the first display 5 remove and on the second display 6 , which is designed in this case as a touch screen, put back on. The movement of the finger 14 is in the 3 visualized by the arrow B. The movement of the finger 14 thus corresponds to a movement that the user would perform if he were a real object from the first display 5 on the second display 6 would move.

In 4 is shown as the controller 3 the graphics data for the first and second display 5 and 6 changed. The object icon 8th is on the first display 5 no longer shown. Instead, be on the second display 6 Detailed data too the corresponding object, ie the vehicle displayed. At the same time the connection symbols change 10 and 12 , On the second display 6 The facing side becomes the connection icons 10 and 12 split. On the first display 5 become the connection symbols 10-1 and 12-1 displayed which of the object icon 9 about the verb-type instruction 13 in the direction of the detailed representation 15 of the vehicle on the second display 6 is directed. The connection icon 12-1 sits down on the second display 6 through the connection icon 12-2 so on, that again connects to the detail 15 of the vehicle is made. Likewise, the connection icon 10 in the connection symbol 10-1 on the first display 5 and the connection icon 10-2 on the second display 6 split.

Finally, on the second display 6 even more buttons 16-1 to 16-3 displayed, via which the user can get into a third hierarchical level.

The user touches the button 16-1 on the second display 6 and leads his finger 14 up in the direction of arrow C as in 5 shown to the head-up display 7 , will be like in 6 shown on the head-up display 7 a more detailed view of the vehicle shown from the inside. This data belongs to the third hierarchical level of the object which is assigned to the vehicle. Furthermore, the display on the head-up display 7 more buttons 17 contain.

In the in the 7 and 8th In the example shown, a telephone call is displayed in the network structure as the only process. The object icon 8th for the user, ie eg the driver, is via the connection symbol 12 and the verb-like statement 13 with the object icon 9 linked to the driver's telecommunications partner. This process will be like in 7 shown on the first display 5 displayed. The second display 6 initially contains no display.

If the user now, for example, for the telecommunications partner, on the basis of the object icon 9 is displayed, wants to enter a new phone number, he touches the first screen with his finger 5 at the object icon 9 and then moves his finger towards the second display 6 , At the edge of the first display 5 He puts his finger down and touches the second display 6 at a certain position. The control device 3 then generates graphics data for the two displays 5 and 6 by the in the 8th displayed. The position of the object icon 8th for the driver remains unchanged. The object icon 9 for the communication partner is on the first display 5 disappeared, but will be on the second display 6 displayed. As explained above, the connection icon becomes 12 split into the connection symbols 12-1 and 12-2 , so that continues to link the object icons 8th and 9 is visualized. The existing structure that the driver is talking to a specific communication partner is thus retained. On the second display 6 In addition, settings that belong to a second hierarchical level and the object symbol are displayed 9 assigned. The ad contains z. B. the phone number and the mobile number of the communication partner, which the object icon 9 assigned. These settings are in a button 18 shown. They can be changed there by the user.

Related to the 9 and 10 a further example of the method according to the invention is explained:
The data to be displayed, which the control device 3 from the vehicle facilities 1 has received from the controller 3 logically divided into two functional groups. The first function group, the so-called "I want" function group, contains all operating processes that are assigned to a user's request. These are in particular processes that concern the reproduction of audio data ("I want to hear"), processes that affect the navigation system ("I want to drive ..."), processes that affect telecommunications ("I want with .. . "), and processes related to a search (" I am looking for "). The network structure of the processes which are assigned to this function group are displayed in a first color z. B. shown in red. To call processes of this function group is on the steering wheel 27 a special push button switch 25 provided, which is also marked in red in the first color, ie in this case. The second display 6 of the instrument cluster is in this case in the steering wheel 27 accommodated.

The second function group, the so-called "the car should" function group, concerns operating processes for the control of vehicle equipment. The processes relate in particular to certain settings of the vehicle equipment 1 of the vehicle such. B. Light and climate settings and changes to these settings. The network structure and operating processes of this function group are displayed in a second color z. B. shown in blue. To call processes of this function group is in the steering wheel 27 a second pushbutton 26 provided, which is marked with the second color, that is marked in the present case with blue.

In this example, the network structure becomes 19 with the processes 20 and 21 on the second display 6 at the steering wheel 27 shown. As described above, a particular object, wel through the object symbol 24 visualized from the second display 6 in the first display 5 be moved in the center console. The graphics data provided by the controller 3 after moving the object icon 24 are generated in 9 played. At the first display 5 Now, the multimodal editing of the object, which is the object icon 24 is assigned done.

It should be noted that it is possible in principle to define other functional groups. For example, a third functional group may concern the environment of the vehicle. Also in this case, the network structure is displayed for each function group on a display, eg. B. the second display 6 , and editing individual objects of the network structure on another display, eg. B. the first display 5 ,

In the example described above, a correspondence of the key switches 25 and 26 to the display in the second display 6 and possibly also in the first display 5 made via a color coding. Likewise, this correspondence could also be made via a coding on the basis of the shape. The push buttons 25 and 26 could z. B. have a different shape, for. B. triangular and square. The object symbols of the corresponding function groups would in this case be displayed in the appropriate form.

Related to the 11 to 14 a further example of the graphics data generated in the method according to the invention is explained:
In the right area of the 11 to 14 In this case, the network structure of the processes initiated by the driver is displayed in their entirety. On the left side of the display, a window or a so-called pop-up image slides into the network representation. In this window, data of the second hierarchical level of an object selected in the network structure, ie, for example, settings of this object, can be displayed. In order for the user to know which object the window relates to, the object icon is highlighted in the network view for the selected object, e.g. B. color or marked with a different contrast. That in the ads of 11 to 14 The window displayed on the left-hand side can be moved by the user via the input device, ie in the present case via the touchscreen, and can be moved larger and smaller. The window can also be rendered transparent so that the underlying network with the processes remains visible. That in the 11 to 14 The window shown may also be as described above on the second display 6 be displayed when the network structure on the first display 5 is pictured.

1

facilities

2

vehicle bus

3

control device

4

Storage

5

first display

6

second display

7

third display

8th

object icon

9

object icon

10-1, 10-2

connection icon

11

verbartige instructions

12-1, 12-2

connection icon

13

verbartige instructions

14

finger of the user

15

detail view

16-1 until 16-3

buttons

17

button

18

button

19

Network structure

20

process

21

process

22-1, 22-2

connection icons

23-1, 23-2

connection icons

24

object icon

25

Push switch

26

Push switch

27

steering wheel

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10001988 A1 [0004]
• - DE 10303792 A1 [0004]
• - DE 19941955 A1 [0005]
• DE 102004031659 A1 [0007]
• - DE 10132956 A1 [0012]
• DE 10360663 A1 [0012]

Claims (15)

Method for displaying information in a vehicle, the vehicle equipment ( 1 ), in which: - the vehicle equipment ( 1 ) Data to a control device ( 3 ), - the control device ( 3 ) determines objects to be displayed from the data, wherein at least a number of objects are assigned data of different hierarchical levels, the control device ( 3 ) Generates graphic data that is displayed by a first display ( 5 ) are displayed in the vehicle, wherein for the objects to be displayed each data of a first hierarchical level are displayed, and - a displayed object by means of an input device is selectable by the user and with the selected object an input operation is feasible, which causes on a second display ( 6 ) Data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy levels. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the input device, an object symbol ( 8th ) on the first display ( 5 ) is displayed and that belongs to an object, with regard to the display on the first display ( 5 ) in the direction of the second display ( 6 ) is moved until it is at the edge of the first display ( 5 ), whereupon the control device ( 3 ) Generates graphics data that cause the second display ( 6 ) Data of the object belonging to the second hierarchical level. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the first display ( 5 ) has a touch-sensitive surface and that the input operation is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display ( 5 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data of the second hierarchical level Details and / or properties of the object included. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detail or a property which on the second display ( 6 ) is selectable by the user by means of the input device and an input operation is carried out with the selected detail or the selected characteristic which causes a third display ( 7 ) Data of the detail or property belonging to a third hierarchical level is displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device ( 3 ) from the vehicle equipment ( 1 ) data to be visualized running in the vehicle processes and the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects determined, for the processes generates a network structure and generated for the network structure graphics data that visualize the network structure, and - the graphics data of the first display ( 5 ) can be displayed in the vehicle, wherein an object of the network structure can be selected by the user by means of an input device and an input operation is carried out with the selected object, which causes a second display ( 6 ) Data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy levels. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the input device, a first object symbol ( 8th ) on the first display ( 5 ) that belongs to an object and that is displayed with a second object symbol ( 9 ) via a connection symbol ( 10 . 12 ) with regard to the display on the first display ( 5 ), the control device ( 3 ) such graphic data generates that the combination of the two object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) by the connection symbol ( 10 . 12 ) preserved. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first object symbol ( 8th ) in the direction of the second display ( 6 ) is moved until it is at the edge of the first display ( 5 ), whereupon the control device ( 3 ) Generates graphics data that causes the first object symbol ( 8th ) no longer on the first display ( 5 ) but instead appears on the second display ( 6 ), where the connection symbol ( 10 . 12 ) between the first and second object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) is split so that it is on the first display ( 5 ) starting from the second object symbol ( 9 ) in the direction of the first object symbol ( 8th ) on the second display ( 6 ) and on the second display ( 6 ) starting from the first object symbol ( 8th ) in the direction of the second object symbol ( 9 ) on the first display ( 5 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data to be displayed in at least two functional groups are divided, with the first functional group refers to operating processes associated with a user's request are, and the second functional group on control processes refers to vehicle equipment. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) of the first function group are displayed in conjunction with a first color and the object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) of the second functional group are displayed in conjunction with a second color that differs from the first color, and that two manually operable control elements ( 25 . 26 ) are provided, wherein the operating element ( 25 ) is coded for the first function group with the first color and the operating element ( 26 ) is coded for the second function group with the second color. Device for displaying information in a vehicle with - a control device ( 3 ), with facilities ( 1 ) of the vehicle for the exchange of data, - at least two separate with the control device ( 3 ) coupled displays ( 5 . 6 ) and - one with the control device ( 3 ) coupled input device, characterized in that - with the control device ( 3 ) from the vehicle equipment ( 1 wherein at least a number of objects are assigned to data of different hierarchical levels, and graphic data can be generated which is output from the first display (FIG. 5 ) are displayed in the vehicle, wherein for the objects to be displayed each data of a first hierarchical level are displayed, and - by means of the input device, a displayed object is selectable by the user and with the selected object an input operation is feasible, which causes the second display ( 6 ) Data of the object belonging to a second hierarchical level. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that at least the first display ( 5 ) has a touch-sensitive surface and that the input operation is a movement along the touch-sensitive surface of the first display ( 5 ). Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the device has a third display ( 7 ) for displaying data of a third hierarchical level. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that - with the control device ( 3 ) from the vehicle equipment ( 1 ) transmitted data to be visualized running in the vehicle processes and the objects involved in the respective processes and the links between the objects can be determined for the processes a network structure can be generated and for the network structure graphics data can be generated, which visualize the network structure, and - the Graphic data from the first display ( 5 ) are displayable in the vehicle, - wherein an object of the network structure by means of the input device is selectable by the user and with the selected object an input operation is feasible, which causes on a second display ( 6 ) Data of the object belonging to a second hierarchy levels. Apparatus according to claim 11 to 14, characterized in that by the control device ( 3 ) the data to be displayed can be subdivided into at least two functional groups and the data to be displayed by the control device ( 3 ) can be generated graphic data the object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) of the first function group in conjunction with a first color and the object symbols ( 8th . 9 ) of the second function group in conjunction with a second color that differs from the first color, and that the device for the two functional groups two control elements ( 25 . 26 ), wherein the operating element ( 25 ) is coded for the first function group with the first color and the operating element ( 26 ) is coded for the second function group with the second color.