EP3551491A1

EP3551491A1 - Operating device for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, and a method for determining the location of an operator of such an operating element

Info

Publication number: EP3551491A1
Application number: EP17794955.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Werner Riegel; Mirko MORGENTHUM-NEURODE
Original assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Current assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Priority date: 2016-12-09
Filing date: 2017-11-08
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Also published as: US20190315230A1; DE102016224635A1; CN110049892A; WO2018103984A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, the operating device comprising an operating element (3a) for operating the infotainment system (2), a sensor device (6) for determining at least one finger position (10, 11, 12) of an operator on the operating element (3a), and an evaluation device (7) for identifying the location of the operator using the at least one finger position (10, 11, 12) of the operator determined by the sensor device (6), wherein the evaluation device (7) is designed to activate a predefined function of the infotainment system (2) if the location of the operator meets a predefined criterion. The invention also relates to a method for identifying the location of the operator of an operating element for an infotainment system.

Description

Bedieneinrichtunq for Infotainmentsvstem a motor vehicle, a method for determining the location of an operator of such a control element

The present invention relates to an operating device for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, a method for determining the location of an operator of such a control element and a motor vehicle.

Well-known infotainment systems are now equipped with a variety of functions and menu accessible sub-functions that distract the driver while driving and distract his attention from driving. A variety of these functions required the driver while driving either not at all or are accessible only over confusing menus and distract the driver so unnecessarily.

From EP 1 961 618 a person-specific operating interface is known, wherein certain functions in a vehicle are selectively activated for the driver or the front passenger. The same operation of an operating element, eg the printing of a button, can thus be used to activate a certain function, if this action is performed by the driver, and another function, if the action is performed by the front passenger. The system can also operate a dual-view touch-screen display for a front passenger's view and a driver's view. In the system known from the prior art, a high-frequency electrical signal is fed into the body of the driver and the passenger for the distinction between driver and front passenger via electrically conductive plates in the front vehicle seats. If one of the two then touches a button of the user interface, the respective high-frequency signal belonging to the person can be recognized in the button and thus the person can be identified. A disadvantage of this system is that the operator must sit firmly in their vehicle seat to touch the electrical conductive plate. In addition, each button must be equipped with electrical contacts in order to be able to pick up the high-frequency signal from the operator. Operating elements for operating, for example, infotainment systems in a motor vehicle are known, for example, from DE 10 201 1 108 214 A1 or DE 10 2007 035 564 A1.

DE 10 2013 000 083 A1 discloses a method for operating a user interface in a motor vehicle, in which the location of the operator is determined by camera arrangement.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved operating device for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle. Another object is to provide a method by which the location of the operator of an operating element of an infotainment system can be determined.

These objects are achieved by an operating device and the method according to the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

The operating device according to the invention for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle has an operating element for operating the infotainment system, a sensor device for detecting at least one finger position of an operator on the operating element and an evaluation device for determining the whereabouts of the operator based on the at least one finger position of the operator determined by the sensor device. The evaluation device is set up in this case to activate a predetermined function of the infotainment system if the location of the operator fulfills a predetermined criterion.

In addition, the term "determination of a finger position" is to be understood in relation to the sensor device such that the presence of a finger on or in the immediate vicinity of the operating element is detected by means of the sensor device. that the exact position of the detected finger is determined at or in the immediate vicinity of the operating element. In one embodiment, the sensor device is set up to recognize the fingerprints of the operator.

The control element for an infotainment system is, apart from function keys, which are integrated in the steering wheel, in known vehicles in the center console of the vehicle, which is located between the driver and front passenger. Thus, in left-hand drive vehicles, the driver operates the control element for the infotainment system with the right hand and the passenger with the left hand. In the case of right-hand drive vehicles, the reverse is true.

The control element is expediently an actuator which can be rotated about an axis. In particular, the operating element can be designed as a rotary push-button. The control element can additionally be equipped on its end face with a touchpad. About this touchpad, it is possible for the user to make operations on the infotainment system via movements of his finger.

In one embodiment, the sensor device of the operating device has a sensor surface which is arranged at least in sections along the circumference of the operating element. In particular, the sensor surface is annular or circular arc-shaped.

In one embodiment, the sensor surface is divided into at least two sections. In this case, a first section of the sensor surface is expediently assigned to the driver of the motor vehicle and a second section of the sensor surface is assigned to the front passenger of the motor vehicle. Between the first and second sections, in a further embodiment at least a third section is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In the illustration, by means of a dial, with 12 o'clock pointing in the direction of travel, the first section is in the range between 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock, the second section in the range between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock. The third section is between 9am and 3am.

The operator basically uses the thumb of her hand when operating the operating element or the adjusting element. When touching the control panel ment the driver touches the control element with his right thumb on a side of the operating element facing him (the driver), whereas the front passenger touches the operating element on a side of the operating element facing him (the passenger). With further fingers, in particular index finger and middle finger, the operator touches the control element on this (the thumb) opposite points. Thus, only the driver touches the control element with his thumb in the first portion of the sensor surface. The driver does not touch the second section of the sensor surface. In the same way, only the passenger touches the second section with his thumb.

In one embodiment, there is a comparison device for comparing fingerprints and a memory device for storing fingerprints. The sensor device is set up to recognize the fingerprint of the operator. The comparison device is set up to compare the fingerprint of the operator recognized by the sensor device with a fingerprint of an authorized person stored in the memory device. Thus, it can be ensured that the operating device for the infotainment system can be controlled exclusively by an authorized person. It is also possible that only predetermined functions of the infotainment system can be selected or displayed taking into account the detected fingerprint.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining the location of an operator of an operating device for an infotainment system in a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the positions of the fingers of the operator on the control element are determined by means of the sensor device and determined on the basis of the determined finger positions of the whereabouts of the operator by means of an evaluation device.

As already explained above, the driver and front passenger operate the operating element of an operating device for an infotainment system in a motor vehicle with different hands. In a left-hand drive vehicle, the driver operates the control with the right hand, the passenger with the left hand. In a legal steered vehicle according to the driver with the left hand and the passenger with the right hand. Thus, the points of contact of the driver's fingers on the operating element differ from the points of contact of the passenger's fingers with the operating element. As a result, a clear statement is possible, whether the driver or the passenger operates the operating element.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sensor device has a sensor surface which is subdivided into at least two sections. A first section of the sensor surface is assigned to a driver of the motor vehicle and a second section of the sensor surface to a front passenger of the motor vehicle. As an operator of the operating element, the driver is determined when a finger touch is detected on the first section of the sensor surface, and the front passenger is determined as the operator when a finger touch is detected on the second section of the sensor surface.

As an operator, the driver is determined in a further embodiment, when a finger touch is determined on the first portion and a third portion of the sensor surface, wherein the third portion between the first and the second portion is arranged. As an operator, the front passenger is determined when a finger touch is detected at the second portion and the third portion of the sensor surface.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it:

1 is a schematic representation of the interior of a motor vehicle with an infotainment system,

2 is a block diagram of an operating device which may be installed in one embodiment in a motor vehicle according to the invention,

3 schematic representations of an operating element of an operating device in use by the driver,

4 shows schematic representations of an operating element of an operating device in use by the front passenger, 5 shows the method steps according to the invention for determining the operator.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the interior 1 of a motor vehicle. In the interior 1 are in a left-hand drive vehicle, the driver's seat 4 on the left side and the seat of the passenger 5 on the right side. In a right-hand drive vehicle, vice versa. It should be noted that the invention can be used in right- as well as left-hand drive vehicles. Between the driver 4 and front passenger 5, the center console 1 a is arranged, in which the infotainment system 2 and an operating device 3 for operating the infotainment system is integrated. The operating device 3 is usually an axially rotatable operating element 3a, which may also be designed as a rotary push-button element. By means of this operating element 3a, various functions can be selected on the infotainment system 2, e.g. Navigation system, radio etc.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an operating device according to the invention. The operating device 3 has an operating element 3a with a sensor unit 6. The sensor unit 6 can be a capacitive sensor or a proximity sensor. Basically, any sensor is suitable, which can detect the presence of a finger. The sensor unit 6 is set up to recognize the touch of the operating element 3a with one or more fingers of the operator (not shown). Further, the sensor unit 6 is arranged to determine the positions of the finger or fingers at which the operating device 6 is touched by the operating device or to determine the position or positions on the operating device, in the immediate vicinity of the one or more fingers the operator. The sensor unit 6 is connected to an evaluation unit 7. The evaluation unit 7 determines based on the transmitted from the sensor unit 6 positions finger positions, whether it is the operator to the driver or the passenger. The evaluation unit 7 transmits corresponding information to the infotainment system, which activates or deactivates predetermined functions depending on the location of the operator. This makes it possible, for example, to Certain functions of the infotainment system can be operated while driving only by the passenger.

The operating device 3 also has a comparison device 8, which is connected to the sensor unit 6. This comparison device 8 is designed to compare a fingerprint detected by the sensor unit 6 with a stored fingerprint in a memory 9 of an authorized operator. A corresponding information is sent to the evaluation unit 7. The evaluation unit 7 transmits corresponding information to the infotainment system, which activates or deactivates predetermined functions depending on the location of the operator and whether it is an authorized operator. Thus it is possible that certain functions of the infotainment system, e.g. in the infotainment system stored contact list, by an unauthorized operator can not be activated.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show schematic representations of an operating element 3a of an operating device when used by an operator in a left-hand drive vehicle. The operating element 3a has a sensor surface 10, which is arranged at least in sections along the circumference of the operating element 3a. The left-hand illustration in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 shows an operating element 3 a, in which the sensor surface 10 is subdivided into two sections 13, 14. The dividing line of the two sections 13, 14 runs here by way of example along the vehicle axis. The sensor surface 10 extends here in relation to the representation in a dial (12 o'clock and 6 o'clock along the vehicle axis and 12 o'clock in the direction of travel, left representation in Fig. 3, 4) in the range of 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock (second portion 14) and from 6 am to 9 pm (first section 13).

The right-hand illustration in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 shows an operating element 3a, in which the sensor surface 10 is subdivided into three sections 13, 14, 15 and runs essentially along the entire circumference of the operating element 3a. The dividing line of the first section 13 and of the second section 14 extends, for example, along the vehicle axis, the dividing line of the third section 15 to the first and second sections 13, 14 extends, for example, perpendicular to the vehicle axis. The course of the Of course, respective dividing lines can also be done in a different manner, if based on an illustration in a dial (12 o'clock and 6 o'clock along the vehicle axis, left depiction in Fig. 3), the first section 11 at least in the range between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock, the second section 12 lies at least in the range between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock and the third section 15 lies at least in the range of 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock.

The operating element 3a is e.g. about an axially rotatable actuator, which may be additionally designed as a rotary trigger. An operator usually operates such an actuator with two or three fingers, namely the thumb and the index finger or with the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Reference numeral 11 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 denotes the thumb of the operator and reference numeral 12 denotes the index and middle fingers of the operator. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 exemplify the case of the three-finger operation.

Due to the anatomy of the driver's right hand, the thumb 11 touches the operating element 3a in the range of 8 o'clock (Fig. 3). The index finger and the middle finger touch the actuator in the range of 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock. Usually, ring fingers and small fingers are not used when actuating the adjusting element 3a. Depending on the size of the hand, it may come to touch in the range 4 clock to 5 clock. The driver as an operator thus touches the operating element 3a in the sections 11 and 14 (left-hand illustration in FIG. 3) or in the sections 11 and 15 (right-hand illustration in FIG. 3).

The passenger touches the operating element 3a in the region of 4 o'clock in the second section 14 due to the anatomy of the left hand with the thumb. With the index finger and the middle finger 12, the front passenger touches the operating element 3a in the range 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock in the first section 10 (FIG. left view in FIG. 4) or in the third section 15 (right view in FIG. 4).

It should be noted that, depending on the positioning of the operating element on the center console, the touches of the fingers by the operator vary slightly can. The above-mentioned finger positions relative to a dial are therefore not to be understood as exact positions. They give a clue in which area of a dial the touches take place.

5 shows the method sequence of determining the location of the operator according to the invention. In a first step 100, the sensor unit detects and determines the position of the finger touches on the operating element. The determined finger positions are transmitted to an evaluation device in which the operator is identified as driver or front passenger in a second step 101 on the basis of the determined finger positions on the operating element. In a further step 103, the location of the operator is transmitted to the infotainment system, which allows or blocks predetermined functions depending on the operator.

In an optional method step 102, the evaluation unit can transmit a fingerprint stored in a memory to an authorized person. This fingerprint is compared with a fingerprint detected by the sensor unit in step 100. The result 102a of the comparison of the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit with a stored fingerprint is transmitted to the infotainment system together with the information about the location of the operator in a third step 103. The infotainment system unlocks predetermined functions for the operator based on the transmitted information or blocks predetermined functions.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

1 interior car

101 console

2 infotainment system

3 control device

3a control element

4 drivers

5 passenger

6 sensor device

7 evaluation device

8 comparison device

9 memory

10 sensor surface

1 1 finger 1

12 fingers 2

13 first section

14 second section

15 third section

100 first step: finger position detection

101 second step: evaluation position operator

102 step feed stored fingerprint

102a transmission comparison result detected fingerprint with stored fingerprint

103 third step: transmission position operator to infotainment system

Claims

claims

1 . Operating device for an infotainment system of a motor vehicle having an operating element (3a) for operating the infotainment system (2), a sensor device (6) for determining at least one finger position (10, 11, 12) of an operator on the operating element (3a) and an evaluation device ( 7) for determining the location of the operator on the basis of the sensor device (6) determined at least one finger position (10, 1 1, 12) of the operator, wherein the evaluation device (7) is arranged to activate a predetermined function of the infotainment system (2) if the location of the operator meets a predetermined criterion.

2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (3a) is a rotatable about an axis control element.

3. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (6) has a sensor surface (10), which at least in sections along the circumference of the operating element (3a) is arranged.

4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor surface (10) of the sensor device (6) of the operating element (3a) in at least two sections (13, 14, 15) is divided.

5. Operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that a first portion (13) of the sensor surface (10) is associated with a driver of the motor vehicle and a second portion (14) of the sensor surface (10) a passenger of the motor vehicle.

6. Operating device according to claim 5, characterized in that between the first (13) and second portion (14) on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle at least a third portion (15) is arranged.

7. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comparison device (8) for comparing fingerprints and a memory device (9) for spoking fingerprints is provided, wherein the sensor device (6) is adapted to detect the fingerprint of the operator and the comparison device (8) is set up for comparing the detected fingerprint of the operator with a stored in the memory device (9) fingerprint of an authorized person.

8. A method for determining the location of an operator of an operating element (3a) for an infotainment system (2) in a motor vehicle by means of a sensor device (6), characterized in that in a first step (100) by means of the sensor device (6) the positions ( 1 1, 12, 13) of the operator's fingers on the operating element (3a) are determined and determined in a second step (101) on the basis of the determined finger positions (1 1, 12, 13) of the whereabouts of the operator by means of an evaluation device (7) becomes.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor device (6) has a sensor surface (10) which is divided into at least two sections (13, 14, 15), wherein a first portion (13) of the sensor surface (10). a driver of the motor vehicle and a second portion (14) of the sensor surface (10) is assigned to a passenger of the motor vehicle and is determined as the operator of the driver when at the first portion (13) of the sensor surface (10) a finger touch is detected and as an operator the passenger is determined when at the second portion (14) of the sensor surface (10) a finger touch is determined.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the operator is determined as the driver, when at the first portion (13) and a third portion (15) of the sensor surface (10) a finger touch is determined and that is determined as an operator of the passenger when a finger touch is detected on the second portion (14) and a third portion (15) of the sensor surface (10), the third portion (15) being disposed between the first (13) and second portions (14).

1 1. Motor vehicle with an operating device for an infotainment system according to one of the preceding claims 1-7 for carrying out a method according to one of claims 8-10.