DE102015220652A1 - A method of designing a user interface interface for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A user interface, a means of locomotion and a method for designing a user interface (1) for a means of transportation are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a changed state of the user interface (1) and in response thereto applying a signal to a fluid pad (7) for quasi-stationary fixation of a shape of the fluid pad (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for designing a user interface for a means of transportation as well as a correspondingly designed user interface. In particular, the present invention relates to the most flexible possible design of a user interface as a function of currently operating functions.

The variety of functions in modern means of transport, in particular street-legal vehicles, is currently increasing rapidly. All multimedia and navigation functions can currently be controlled in selected BMW AG vehicles via a so-called iDrive Controller. Occasionally, joystick-type input elements (eg in the center console) are also used. But also the variety of switches in door, seat and roof control panels is increasing more and more. Moreover, the control panels are not always adapted to the particular information or input rules to be entered, so that intuitive operation is not always possible.

DE 10 2011 116 275 discloses an operating device for vehicles, which has a three-dimensional, by hand forces plastically deformable body. In addition, a sensor surface is provided for the detection of finger actuation movements.

DE 10 2009 052 928 A1 discloses an operability and a method for driving the operating unit, which has a touchpad with a three-dimensional contouring.

It is an object of the present invention to make better use of the technical possibilities for adapting an operating unit to information to be entered.

The above-identified object is achieved according to the invention by a method for designing a user interface for a means of transportation. The design relates in particular to the design of the user interface, whereby the haptic experience of the user favors and an intuitive recording or input option for issued or entered information is provided. In a first step, a changed state of the user interface is detected. The changed state may, for example, include the recognition of a predetermined input scenario (eg a predefined gesture and / or a certain number of applied fingers). Alternatively or additionally, the changed state can relate to an information output by the user interface (eg a menu item or generally a display state). In response to the detection of the altered state, a signal is applied to a fluid pad of the user interface for (quasi-stationary) fixation of a shape of the fluid pad. In the context of the present invention, a "quasi-stationary" fixation of the mold is understood to mean a change in shape which differs from a vibration or a click-feel due to its longer duration of time. In other words, the strength of the fluid cushion or its viscosity is increased in order to preserve a current shape of the fluid cushion at least for a predefined period of time and / or until the occurrence of a further event. In the context of the present invention, a "fluid cushion" is understood to mean an arrangement in which a quantity of fluid, at least in the direction of an input surface, is plastically deformable for contact by a user. Thus, for example, a context-specific shape of the user interface or input surface is made possible, while the skilled person further applications and advantages are apparent and are illustrated by the following description.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a user interface for a means of transportation is proposed which comprises a fluid cushion and an evaluation unit (eg a microcontroller, an electronic control unit or the like). The evaluation unit is set up to recognize a changed state of the user interface and, in response thereto, to apply a signal for fixing a shape of the fluid cushion to the fluid cushion. Depending on the type of fluid used as a filling for the fluid pad, the fixation signal may include an electric field and / or a magnetic field.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Preferably, the user interface may be arranged to be arranged in an interior surface of a means of locomotion. For example, an input option provided by switches in a previous vehicle model can be replaced by the user interface according to the invention. Examples of corresponding input fields are the keys of a multifunction steering wheel, the input means for operating a central information display in the center console, a roof control panel above the center console, a door panel for operating the central locking and / or window regulators and a switch module for a seat, by means of which in particular the position of individual elements of the seating can be changed. The user interface according to the invention can in particular be set up and designed for permanent integration in the means of transportation. For this purpose, a plug enable information technology and energy integration of the user interface in the electrical system of the means of transport.

• • US 8553005 B2 (User interface system (Tactus))
• • WO 2006123317 A2 (Dielectric electroactive polymer)
• • Ferrofluid (z.B. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrofluid )
• • Formgedächtnislegierungen (z.B. http://www.michael-giesecke.de/theorie/dokumente/02_information3d/essay/02_werkstoff_ge daechtnis.htm )

The technology used for the viscosity change of the fluid within the fluid pad is basically not limited to any particular mechanism of action. For example, a dielectric polymer may also be used to facilitate the change in strength of the fluid pad in response to the application of an electrical and / or magnetic field. Examples of fluids known in the art and devices for fixing them can be found in the following disclosures:

• • US 8553005 B2 (User interface system (Tactus))
• • WO 2006123317 A2 (Dielectric electroactive polymer)
• • ferrofluid (eg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrofluid )
• • shape memory alloys (eg http://www.michael-giesecke.de/theorie/dokumente/02_information3d/essay/02_werkstoff_ge daechtnis.htm )

In particular, the fluid cushion can have different fluids with different properties, so that the respective (in particular closed) volumes react to a respective, technologically corresponding influencing variable (for example field) or signal. Of superimposed volumes, an upper in this way, for example, make a surface shape in principle, while an underlying volume allows elastic or resilient storage of this surface.

The changed state can be defined for example by a predefined operating state, which is characterized by a predefined gesture (eg a circular path, a rotation, a tilt, a linear path and corresponding recesses in the fluid cushion). When the predefined gesture is detected, the altered state may be fixed to help re-execute the gesture at least when the user re-enters a previously created recess to re-execute the gesture. For example, it may alternatively be provided that the mold is not fixed or released again as soon as the user attaches to the fluid cushion after lifting his finger from the fluid cushion at a position not corresponding to the previously executed gesture.

Alternatively or additionally, the changed state can be characterized by a changed output content of the user interface (eg a function represented by a specific screen menu). In this way, context-specific input surfaces can be formed, by means of which a blind operation of the user interface according to the invention with respect to the functionality currently provided for the operation is supported. For example, when displaying a menu or a list structure on a corresponding screen, the fluid pad may be made rather soft, thereby a formation of a circular trench, an arcuate trench or a linear trench is supported. In contrast, when viewing a navigation map or similar. the fluid pads are fixed to aid in pulling and zooming within the card.

If a shape memory fluid is used, regardless of a current shape of the fluid pad, a predefined standard shape can also be formed by applying a predefined signal to assist in the input of information associated with, for example, a frequently occurring menu item.

The user interface according to the invention can comprise, for example, an optical sensor which is set up to visually resolve a gesture of a user on the fluid cushion and to provide corresponding signals to an evaluation unit. For example, an indoor camera may be directed to the fluid pad and visually resolve the user's gestures on the fluid pad. Alternatively or additionally, an elastic or deformable sensor surface (eg, electrostatically and / or capacitively) may be provided on a surface of the fluid pad to dissolve the position of the input means. Optionally, such a user interface may be configured to generate a haptic detectable confirmation signal by briefly fixing a current shape and / or pulsing the fluid pad (eg by applying an electrical and / or magnetic field), whereby a click or haptic feedback of a Button is imitated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation is proposed in which a user interface according to the invention is incorporated. The means of transportation may be for example a car, a van, a truck, a motorcycle, an aircraft and / or watercraft. In this way, the features, feature combinations and the resulting advantages of the aforementioned aspects of the invention are realized in a corresponding manner, Therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. Show it:

1 a schematic view of components of an inventively designed embodiment of a means of transport;

2 a schematic view of components and their information technology linkage of an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention;

3 the execution of a first gesture of a user in connection with an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention;

4 the execution of a second gesture of a user in connection with an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention; and

5 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for designing a user interface.

1 shows a car 10 as embodied according to the invention locomotion means in the steering wheel 2 a user interface according to the invention is integrated with a fluid pad. Likewise, in the center console 3 an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention 1 integrated with a fluid cushion. It is also on the cheek of a seat 4 the driver's seat an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention 1 integrated. Also in the passenger door is a user interface according to the invention 1 in a door control panel 5 integrated. Finally, the roof control panel also points 6 a user interface according to the invention 1 on.

2 shows an embodiment of a user interface according to the invention 1 which is a fluid pillow 7 in which an electrorheological fluid is introduced. Via an electronic control unit 8th the evaluation unit can be the electrodes 9a . 9b located on opposite ends of the fluid pad 6 nestle, electromagnetic fields E are applied, in response to which the fluid pad 7 hardens or increases its viscosity. In this way, the user will be in the fluid pad 7 fixed embossed forms. There is also an interior camera 11 as an example of a detection unit to the electronic control unit 8th connected by means of which the user made inputs on the fluid pad 7 resolved and the electronic control unit 8th can be reported. Finally, there is a screen 15 provided as a visualization device on which a list 16 is displayed as output content. Because of the list 16 the electromagnetic field E is switched off and at least the surface of the fluid cushion 7 plastically deformable.

3 shows a fluid pad 7 into which the hand 14 of a user has embossed a circular trench structure by the hand 14 with the half-open fingers has performed along a double arrow P oriented rotational movement. In this way, a structure has formed, which recalls the well-known from BMW vehicles Ergo-Commander or iDrive controller. By applying an electric field to the fluid pad 7 This structure can be fixed until another menu item (eg a navigation with a map display) is called up.

4 shows the operation of a fluid pad 7 only by a forefinger of the hand 14 the user, which an arcuate trench structure 13 along an arrow P2 into the surface of the fluid pad 7 has impressed. Becomes the arched trench structure 13 fixed by applying an electromagnetic signal or memorizing an electromagnetic field, it is easier for the user to perform the previously performed movement in the reverse direction again to the input z. B. to undo or in the same direction (arrow P2) to execute again to enhance the effect intended by the gesture or to navigate to further positions in a corresponding screen presentation.

5 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method of designing a user interface for a means of transportation according to the present invention. FIG. In step 100 an altered state of the user interface is detected by an optical camera of the user interface due to a trench structure impressed by means of a user's finger. In response, it will be in step 200 a signal is applied to a fluid pad of the user interface for quasi-stationary fixation of a shape of the fluid pad by which magnetorheological fluid in the fluid pad is stiffened. The structure preserved in this way allows guidance of the user's finger in a re-execution of the gesture in identical or in the opposite direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

User interface

2

steering wheel

3

center console

4

Cheek of the seat

5

door panel

6

roof panel

7

fluid cushion

8th

electronic control unit

9a, 9b

 electrodes

10

car

11

Interior camera

12

circular trench structure

13

circular-arc trench structure

14

Hand of the user

15

screen

16

list

100, 200

steps

e

electromagnetic field

P

double arrow

P2

arrow

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011116275 [0003]
• DE 102009052928 A1 [0004]
• US 8553005 B2 [0010]
• WO 2006123317 A2 [0010]

Cited non-patent literature

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrofluid [0010]
• http://www.michael-giesecke.de/theorie/dokumente/02_information3d/essay/02_werkstoff_ge daechtnis.htm [0010]

Claims (10)

Method for designing a user interface ( 1 ) for a means of transportation ( 10 ) comprising the steps of: - detecting ( 100 ) of a changed state of the user interface ( 1 ) and in response to this - Create ( 200 ) of a signal to a fluid pad ( 7 ) for fixing a mold ( 12 . 13 ) of the fluid pad ( 7 ). User interface ( 1 ) - a fluid pad ( 7 ), and - an evaluation unit ( 8th ), where - the evaluation unit ( 8th ), a changed state of the user interface ( 1 ) and in response to it - a signal for fixing a shape ( 12 . 13 ) of the fluid pad ( 7 ) to the fluid pad ( 7 ). User interface according to claim 2, which is set up, - in an interior surface of a means of transportation ( 10 ), in particular - on a steering wheel ( 2 ) and / or - in a center console ( 3 ) and / or - in a roof control panel ( 6 ) and / or - in a door control panel ( 5 ) and / or - in a seat module ( 4 ) and in terms of information technology and energy in a vehicle electrical system of the means of transport ( 10 ) to be involved. Method according to claim 1 or user interface according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein - the fluid cushion ( 7 ) has a magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid and / or dielectric polymer and / or - the signal is an electric field (E) and / or a magnetic field in the fluid pad ( 7 ) generated. Method according to claim 1 or 4 or user interface according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the changed state is defined by a predefined operating state, in particular by a predefined gesture and / or a predefined number in contact with the user interface ( 1 ) standing finger is predefined. Method according to Claim 1, 4 or 5 or user interface according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 5, the changed state being characterized by a changed content of output ( 16 ) of the user interface ( 1 ), in particular a modified display of a visualization device ( 15 ). Method according to claim 1 or 4 to 6 or user interface according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein the mold ( 12 . 13 ) a modified output content ( 16 ) has associated shape. Method according to claim 1 or 4 to 7 or user interface according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, wherein the mold ( 12 . 13 ) one by one hand ( 14 ) of the user into the fluid pad ( 7 ) is impressed form. Method according to claim 1 or 4 to 8 or user interface according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, wherein the user interface further comprises an optical sensor ( 11 ), which is arranged, a gesture of a user on the fluid pad ( 7 ) optically resolve and corresponding signals of an evaluation unit ( 8th ). Means of transport comprising a user interface ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9.

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