DE102020208719A1 - Method for operating a user interface for a motor vehicle and user interface for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an operating interface (1) for a motor vehicle (50), with a control device (4) using a wireless communication interface (3) determining whether an ID transmitter (30) provided for authorizing an operation within a specified authorization area (11) and the ID transmitter (30) is also approaching a gesture detection area (10) of at least one gesture sensor (2) or the ID transmitter (30) is also activated, and if this is detected or it has been determined that the at least one gesture sensor (2) is activated by the control device (4) after a person has entered the gesture detection area (10) of the at least one gesture sensor (2) and a gesture (17 ) is recognized and from the recognized gesture (17) at least one operating signal (20) for at least one function (15) of the motor vehicle (50) is generated and output. The invention also relates to a user interface (1) and a motor vehicle (50) with such a user interface (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a user interface for a motor vehicle and a user interface for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

Modern motor vehicles have contactless operating interfaces at the rear, with which the tailgate can be opened and/or closed. For example, to bring about an opening of the tailgate, an indicated kicking movement can be performed under the tail.

From the U.S. 2007/0205863 A1 a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is known, comprising a flap which opens automatically as a result of an opening command, the opening command taking place without manual actuation of an unlocking/locking mechanism. There is a proximity sensor and a control unit coupled to it, with the control unit being designed in such a way that it detects the presence of a valid means of access authorization within a surrounding area and, upon detection of a valid means of access authorization, depending on the presence of an unlocking signal from the proximity sensor, activates the unlocking/locking mechanism Release of the automatically opening flap activated.

From the U.S. 2016/0137165 A1 a method for detecting a function activation on vehicles is known. Here, signals from a proximity sensor are monitored for a signal change in the form of a characteristic first signal response, which indicates an approach to the proximity sensor. Thereafter, the signals from the proximity sensor are observed for a period of time, with the method being terminated if the signal response of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value within the period of time. After the period of time has elapsed, a signaling device is activated in order to signal to the operator that the actuation time has expired. The signals from the proximity sensor are now monitored for a second period of time, with the method only being continued if the signal from the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value within the second period of time. In this case, the function is actuated on the motor vehicle.

The invention is based on the object of improving a method for operating a user interface for a motor vehicle and a user interface for a motor vehicle, in particular with regard to ease of use.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device having the features of patent claim 9 . Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims.

In particular, a method for operating an operating interface for a motor vehicle is provided, with a control device using a wireless communication interface to determine whether an ID transmitter provided for authorizing operation is within a specified authorization range and the ID transmitter is also present approaches a gesture detection area of at least one gesture sensor or is additionally activated by means of the ID transmitter, and if this is detected or has been detected, the at least one gesture sensor is activated by the control device after a person enters the gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor and one of the a gesture detected by at least one gesture sensor is recognized and at least one operating signal for at least one function of the motor vehicle is generated and output from the recognized gesture.

Furthermore, in particular an operating interface for a motor vehicle is created, comprising at least one gesture sensor, a wireless communication interface set up for communicating with an ID transmitter, and a control device, wherein the control device is set up to use the wireless communication interface to determine whether a operation of the provided ID transmitter is located within a specified authorization area and is also approaching a gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor or the ID transmitter is also activated, and if this is detected or has been detected, after a person has entered the gesture detection area of the to activate at least one gesture sensor the at least one gesture sensor and to recognize a gesture detected by the at least one gesture sensor and from the detected gesture at least one operating signal for at least one To generate and output e function of the motor vehicle.

The method and the device make it possible to simplify the operation of functions of the motor vehicle from the outside. In particular, the method and the user interface make it possible for a person other than the person in possession of the ID transmitter to operate the user interface. For this purpose, the first condition for activating at least one gesture sensor via a wireless com communication interface, which can also be a communication interface of the motor vehicle, determines whether an ID transmitter provided for authorizing operation is within a predetermined authorization range. As a second condition, it is also determined whether the ID transmitter is approaching a gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor or whether activation is taking place by means of the ID transmitter. An approach is determined here, for example, via a change in position of the ID transmitter, it being possible for the positions to be determined by means of the communication interface from the communication with the ID transmitter and/or in some other way. Activation by means of the ID transmitter can include, for example, generating an activation signal in the ID transmitter, for example by performing a gesture intended for activation in the vicinity of the ID transmitter, which gesture is detected by a sensor system of the ID transmitter and in a activation signal is implemented (e.g. tapping on the ID transmitter, stamping your foot or pressing a button, etc.). Only when both conditions are met is the at least one gesture sensor activated when a person enters the gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor. After the at least one gesture sensor has been activated, gestures are detected by the at least one gesture sensor and a signal representing the detected gesture is transmitted to the control device. Based on the signal, the control device recognizes a gesture and generates at least one operating signal for at least one function of the motor vehicle linked to the recognized gesture and outputs the generated at least one operating signal.

One advantage of the disclosed method and the disclosed user interface is that a second person who is not wearing the ID transmitter can trigger a function of the motor vehicle with a gesture in the detection area of the at least one gesture sensor, for example a tailgate of the motor vehicle can be opened without contact. For authorization, only one person with the specified ID transmitter needs to be within the authorization area, provided that the two aforementioned conditions are met. Nevertheless, operating errors can be avoided: In particular, a static position of the ID transmitter within the authorization area does not automatically activate the at least one gesture sensor when a person is present in the gesture detection area.

A typical example scenario in which the user interface can be used to advantage is the following: A couple goes shopping and then moves a few meters away from the rear of the motor vehicle. The following person carries the ID transmitter. The person in front reaches the gesture detection area of a gesture sensor first. Since authorization can be given by the following ID transmitter without the ID transmitter itself having to be within the gesture detection area, the person in front can already trigger a function on the operating interface, for example opening the tailgate.

An ID transmitter is in particular an intelligent vehicle key (e.g. a SmartMobile radio key) or a smartphone that is used for authorization. Communication and/or position determination can take place here, for example, using ultra-wideband technology (UWB), e.g. in accordance with IEEE 802.15.4a, and/or via Bluetooth.

The authorization area includes in particular an area of a few meters, in particular a radius of a few meters, around the at least one gesture sensor. For example, the authorization area can have a radius of 6 meters.

The gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor includes in particular a smaller area than the authorization area and is in particular within the authorization area. For example, the gesture detection area can include a semicircle in front of the at least one gesture sensor with a radius of 1 meter.

A gesture sensor can be a sensor that works capacitively, optically, inductively and/or on the basis of another physical method. In particular, the gesture sensor provides a signal that is representative of a distance and/or a movement of a person within the gesture detection area.

The at least one function of the motor vehicle can include at least one of the following functions: tailgate opening, door opening, unlocking the motor vehicle, opening or closing a fuel filler flap, retracting or extending a trailer hitch, folding or folding up seats or seat backs, light control for access to the motor vehicle, convertible top control Cabriolets, opening or closing a sunroof.

Parts of the user interface, in particular the control device, can be designed individually or combined as a combination of hardware and software, for example as program code on a microcontroller or microprocessor is running. However, it can also be provided that parts are designed individually or combined as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

One specific embodiment provides for the activation of the at least one gesture sensor to be signaled by means of at least one signaling device. As a result, one or more users can be signaled directly that the at least one gesture sensor is ready or enabled for detection and that operation can take place. The at least one signaling device can, for example, comprise at least one optical signaling device, for example one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A current can be applied to these during or after activation, so that they are made to glow. The user interface includes the at least one signaling device, which is controlled accordingly by the control device.

In one embodiment, it is provided that an approach of a person and/or the ID transmitter to the gesture detection area of the at least one gesture sensor is signaled by means of at least one further signaling device. In this way, one or more users can be signaled directly that the person and/or the ID transmitter intended for authorization is approaching. The at least one further signaling device can, for example, comprise at least one optical signaling device, for example one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, a current can be applied step by step to a number of LEDs arranged next to one another, depending on the progress of the approach, so that they are made to light up step by step. The user interface includes the at least one additional signaling device, which is actuated accordingly by the control device. The at least one further signaling device and the at least one signaling device can also be identical.

In one embodiment it is provided that the user interface is at least partially formed in an emblem of a motor vehicle. As a result, an area of the motor vehicle that has already been identified can be used to form the operating interface. In particular, the user interface can be at least partially integrated into an emblem on a rear of the motor vehicle. For example, an emblem module can be provided, in which the operating interface is integrated and which forms or includes the emblem.

In one embodiment it is provided that after the at least one gesture sensor has been activated, at least one display device displays which function or which functions can be operated using the user interface. As a result, the functions that can be triggered can be displayed to a user. The user interface includes the at least one display device, which is controlled accordingly by the control device. In a simple example, the display device includes, for example, backlit pictograms or icons, each of which corresponds to the functions that can be triggered. The backlighting is activated when the at least one gesture sensor has been activated.

In one embodiment, it is provided that a change in position and/or orientation of at least part of the user interface takes place during or after activation of the at least one gesture sensor. As a result, a position and/or an orientation of the gesture sensor can be adapted to a person located in the gesture detection area. For example, a position and/or an orientation of the at least one gesture sensor can be changed in such a way that the at least one signaling device can be detected particularly well. If the operating interface is at least partially formed in an emblem of the motor vehicle, provision can be made, for example, for the emblem to be tilted, as is already known for extending or activating a reversing camera. As a result, an outside of the emblem points upwards after tilting, so that the outside can be seen better. If there is a signaling device or a display device on this outside, for example for displaying the operable functions, this can be better detected by the person standing in front of the operating interface or the at least one gesture sensor within the gesture detection area. For this purpose, the operating interface can have actuators that are controlled accordingly by the control device.

One embodiment provides that at least some of the gestures are in the form of finger gestures and/or swipe gestures. This enables simple and contactless operation at the user interface. In principle, however, other gestures can also be provided, which include, for example, the use of other and/or additional body parts of a person (e.g. swinging the hips, turning the whole body, etc.).

In one specific embodiment it is provided that a function of the motor vehicle to be controlled is or will be defined via a direction of the finger gesture and/or the swipe gesture. As a result, several functions of the motor vehicle can be operated in a way that is easy to learn and execute. In particular, can be provided that a display device, for example one or more LEDs or a backlit display, displays the functions and the directions of the finger gestures and/or swiping gestures associated with triggering the functions.

Further features for the configuration of the user interface result from the description of configurations of the method. In this case, the advantages of the user interface are the same as in the case of the configurations of the method.

Furthermore, a motor vehicle is also created, comprising at least one user interface according to one or more of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Bedienschnittstelle für ein Kraftfahrzeug;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Bedienschnittstelle in einem Emblem am Heck eines Kraftfahrzeugs.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Here show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the user interface for a motor vehicle;
• 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the user interface in an emblem on the rear of a motor vehicle.

In 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the operating interface 1 for a motor vehicle 50 is shown. The operating interface 1 comprises a gesture sensor 2, a wireless communication interface 3 and a control device 4. The gesture sensor 2 can detect gestures of a person within a gesture detection area 10. In principle, the gesture sensor 2 can be designed in any way, for example, it can work according to a capacitive, optical, inductive and/or according to another method, for example by means of UWB. The gesture detection area 10 is, for example, semi-circular with a radius of 1 meter. The wireless communication interface 3 is set up to communicate with an ID transmitter 30, for example via Bluetooth and/or UWB. The wireless communication interface 3 can also be a communication interface of the motor vehicle 50 .

The control device 4 is set up to determine via the wireless communication interface 3 whether an ID transmitter 30 provided for authorizing an operation is located within a predefined authorization area 11 . The authorization area 11 includes, for example, a circular area around the user interface 1 with a radius of 6 to 9 meters.

Furthermore, the control device 4 is set up to determine whether the ID transmitter 30 is also approaching the gesture detection area 10 of the gesture sensor 2 or whether activation is also taking place by means of the ID transmitter 30 .

• - ein zur Autorisierung einer Bedienung vorgesehener ID-Geber 30 befindet sich innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Autorisierungsbereiches 11 UND der ID-Geber 30 nähert sich an den Gestenerfassungsbereich 10 des Gestensensors 2 an (verdeutlicht durch den Richtungspfeil 12) ODER
• - ein zur Autorisierung einer Bedienung vorgesehener ID-Geber 30 befindet sich innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Autorisierungsbereiches 11 UND zusätzlich erfolgt eine Aktivierung mittels des ID-Gebers 30.

There are therefore at least two constellations that are determined by the control device 4:

• - an ID transmitter 30 provided for authorization of an operation is located within a predetermined authorization area 11 AND the ID transmitter 30 approaches the gesture detection area 10 of the gesture sensor 2 (indicated by the directional arrow 12) OR
• - an ID transmitter 30 provided for the authorization of an operation is located within a specified authorization area 11 AND an activation is also carried out by means of the ID transmitter 30.

If one of the two possibilities is or has been determined, the control device 4 checks whether a person is entering or has entered the gesture detection area 10 of the gesture sensor 2 . A position of the person entering does not have to coincide with a position of the ID transmitter 30 . If a person enters detection area 10, control device 4 activates gesture sensor 3. After activation, detected gestures can be recognized and cause a function of motor vehicle 50 to be triggered.

The control device 4 recognizes gestures detected by the gesture sensor 2 and, from a recognized gesture, generates at least one operating signal 20 for at least one function 21 of the motor vehicle 50 linked to the recognized gesture and outputs the at least one operating signal 20 generated. Operating signal 20 can be analog or digital, for example as a data packet that is fed to a device of motor vehicle 50 via a CAN bus (not shown), for example an actuator system of motor vehicle 50 for opening or closing the tailgate or for unlocking or opening a Vehicle door of the motor vehicle 50.

Other functions can be: tailgate opening, door opening, unlocking of the motor vehicle 50, opening or closing a fuel filler flap, retracting or extending a trailer hitch, folding or folding up seats or seat backs, light control for access to the motor vehicle 50, top control of a convertible, opening or closing a sunroof .

The disclosed user interface 1 is particularly advantageous when a position of the ID transmitter 30 does not coincide with a position of a person using the user interface 1 through gestures. A typical example scenario is the following: A couple goes shopping and then moves towards the rear of the motor vehicle 50 at a distance of a few meters. Here, the following person wears the ID transmitter 30. The preceding person reaches the gesture detection area 10 of the gesture sensor 2 first. Since authorization can be provided by the subsequent ID transmitter 30 without the ID transmitter 30 itself having to be within the gesture detection area 10 , the preceding person can already trigger a function on the user interface 1 .

Provision can be made for the user interface 1 to have at least one signaling device 5 , with provision being made for the activation of the gesture sensor 3 to be signaled by means of the at least one signaling device 5 . The control device 4 controls the at least one signaling device 5 for this purpose. The at least signaling device 5 can, for example, comprise optical signaling, for example in the form of illumination using LEDs.

Provision can also be made for an approach of a person and/or the ID transmitter 30 to the gesture detection area 10 to be signaled by means of at least one further signaling device 6 . The at least one further signaling device 6 can also be the at least one signaling device 5 that is used to signal the activation of the gesture sensor 4 . The approach can be signaled, for example, in the form of a progress display by means of LEDs arranged next to one another. The LEDs can also be arranged in an interior, for example on an inside door panel that is visible from the outside.

Provision can be made for the operating interface 1 to be formed at least partially in an emblem 51 of a motor vehicle 50 . At least part of the user interface 1 is then designed in particular as a module, the outside of which forms the emblem. In particular, it can be provided that a reversing camera is also integrated in such a module.

Provision can be made for a display device 7 to indicate after activation of the gesture sensor 2 which function or functions can be operated using the user interface 1 . For example, pictograms or icons representing the individual functions can be displayed on an outside of the operating interface 1, for example in an area in which the emblem 51 of the motor vehicle 50 is formed. After activation, the pictograms or icons will be backlit so that they become visible. The control device 4 correspondingly controls the display device 7, for example one or more LEDs for backlighting the pictograms or icons.

Provision can be made for a change in position and/or orientation of at least part of the user interface 1 to take place during or after activation of the gesture sensor 2 . For this purpose, the operating interface 1 has in particular an actuator (not shown), which is controlled accordingly by the control device 4 during or after activation. As a result of the actuation, the actuator tilts, for example, an emblem in which the operating interface 1 is at least partially integrated, so that an outside of the emblem points upwards at least partially, e.g. at an angle of 45°.

Provision can be made for at least some of the gestures to be in the form of finger gestures and/or swipe gestures. As a result, a simple and easy-to-learn contactless operation of the user interface 1 can take place.

In a further development, it can be provided that a function of motor vehicle 50 to be controlled is or will be defined via a direction of the finger gesture and/or the swipe gesture. For example, the following gestures can be provided to trigger three different functions of motor vehicle 50: swipe from right to left, swipe from left to right and swipe from bottom to top, with the swiping having to be done along the emblem, for example, in particular without the emblem to touch. When these gestures are recognized, the control device 4 generates and outputs a corresponding operating signal 20 so that the corresponding function is started.

In 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the user interface 1 is shown. The user interface 1 is at least partially embodied in an emblem 51 on the rear of a motor vehicle 50 . The user interface 1 is basically like that in the 1 shown embodiment formed, wherein the gesture sensor, the communication interface and the control device are not visible because they are arranged behind an outer side 8 of the user interface 1.

It is provided that the operating interface 1 has a signaling device 5 , it being provided that the activation of the gesture sensor is signaled by means of the signaling device 5 . The control device controls the signaling device 5 on this. The signaling device 5 is ring-shaped and arranged in an outer area of the emblem 51 and includes a large number of LEDs arranged next to one another. If the gesture sensor is activated, the LEDs light up.

Provision is also made for a change in position and/or orientation of at least part of the user interface 1 to take place during or after the activation of the gesture sensor. For this purpose, at least part of the emblem 51 is tilted along a horizontally running axis, so that the outside 8 then at least partially points upwards. For this purpose, the control device 4 ( 1 ) an actuator (not shown) that causes the tilting (and tilting back after the end of the process). An actuator system can also be used here, which is already used to tilt the emblem when extending or activating a reversing camera arranged behind the emblem 51 .

It is also provided that, after the gesture sensor has been activated, a display device 7 displays which function 15 or which functions 15 can be operated using the user interface 1 after activation. The display device 7 includes, for example, backlit pictograms 16 or icons, each of which corresponds to one of the functions 15 that can be triggered. In the embodiment shown, the functions 15 are, for example, the following: unlocking (left), opening the tailgate (top) and folding in the backrest (right).

The individual functions 15 can be triggered or actuated by swipe gestures 17 . For this purpose, a hand must be moved or “wiped” over the emblem 51, in particular without touching the emblem 51 in the process. It is provided here that a function 15 to be triggered is or will be defined via a direction of the swipe gesture 17 .

Provision is made in particular for the active gesture sensor to be signaled by means of the signaling device 5 and the operable functions 15 to be displayed only after the emblem 51 has been tilted. This can prevent any interfering light from being emitted directly to the rear.

The disclosed user interface 1 and the disclosed method for operating the user interface 1 increase convenience when operating functions 15 of the motor vehicle 50 outside of the motor vehicle 50.

Reference List

1

operator interface

2

gesture sensor

3

communication interface

4

control device

5

signaling device

6

further signaling device

7

display device

8th

outside

10

gesture capture area

11

authorization area

12

direction of approach

15

function

16

pictogram

17

swipe gesture

20

operating signal

21

function

30

I D encoder

50

motor vehicle

51

emblem

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 2007/0205863 A1 [0003]
• US 2016/0137165 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for operating an operating interface (1) for a motor vehicle (50), with a control device (4) using a wireless communication interface (3) determining whether an ID transmitter (30) provided for authorizing an operation is within a predetermined authorization range (11) and the ID transmitter (30) is also approaching a gesture detection area (10) of at least one gesture sensor (2) or the ID transmitter (30) is also activated, and if this is detected or has been detected, the at least one gesture sensor (2) is activated by the control device (4) after a person has entered the gesture detection area (10) of the at least one gesture sensor (2) and a gesture (17) detected by the at least one gesture sensor (2) is recognized and at least one operating signal (20) for at least one function (15) of the motor vehicle (50) is generated and output from the recognized gesture (17). n will. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the activation of the at least one gesture sensor (2) is signaled by means of at least one signaling device (5). procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an approach of a person and/or the ID transmitter (30) to the gesture detection area (10) of the at least one gesture sensor (2) is signaled by means of at least one further signaling device (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating interface (1) is formed at least partially in an emblem (51) of a motor vehicle (50). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after activating the at least one gesture sensor (2), at least one display device (7) displays which function (15) or which functions (15) can be operated using the user interface (1). . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during or after activation of the at least one gesture sensor (2) there is a change in position and/or orientation of at least part of the user interface (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the gestures (17) are in the form of finger gestures and/or swipe gestures (17). procedure after claim 7 , characterized in that a function (15) of the motor vehicle (50) to be controlled is defined or will be defined via a direction of the finger gesture and/or the swipe gesture (17). Operating interface (1) for a motor vehicle (50), comprising: at least one gesture sensor (2), a wireless communication interface (3), set up to communicate with an ID transmitter (30), and a control device (4), wherein the control device (4) is set up to determine via the wireless communication interface (3) whether an ID transmitter (30) provided for authorizing an operation is located within a specified authorization area (11) and is also connected to a gesture detection area (10) the at least one gesture sensor (2) approaches or additionally an activation by means of the ID transmitter (30) takes place, and if this is determined or has been determined, after entry of a person in the Gesture detection area (10) of the at least one gesture sensor (2) to activate the at least one gesture sensor (2) and to recognize a gesture (17) detected by the at least one gesture sensor (2) and from the detected gesture (17) to generate at least one operating signal (20 ) for at least one function (15) of the motor vehicle (50) to generate and output. Motor vehicle (50), comprising at least one user interface (1). claim 9 .

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