Abstract:
An operating and display device is provided for a vehicle having a display unit and having a rotary knob for selecting a function and/or for selecting a menu within a hierarchical menu structure shown using the display unit. The rotary knob forming an operating unit is movable in both directions of its rotational axis, and pressing of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a first hierarchy direction and pulling of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a second, opposing hierarchy direction of the menu.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102009034913.8, filed Jul. 28, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention is in the field of operating and display devices for vehicles for selecting functions of any type. The construction and the configuration of devices of this type have a strong influence on the operating friendliness of a vehicle and thus also on the safety while driving a vehicle. Because the operating comfort enjoys a high importance for potential vehicle buyers and can be decisive for the purchase, the significance of optimum operating and display devices is continuously increasing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An operating configuration for motor vehicles having an operating element situated on a steering wheel rim of a steering wheel is known from DE 10 2006 043 473 A1, the operating element being used to activate a vehicle function and being actuatable in at least two actuation directions or actuation levels. The operating element can be designed for actuation by pressing, pulling, turning, tilting, and/or sliding. To activate a vehicle function, an actuation of the operating element in at least two different actuation directions or actuation levels is required; unintentional activation of a vehicle function by inadvertent actuation of the operating element is thus to be avoided. However, this results in a relatively complex and cumbersome actuation and complicates the selection and/or activation of functions. The configuration of pressing, pulling, turning, tilting, or sliding elements on the steering wheel rim of a steering wheel proposed in German Published Application DE 10 2006 043 473 A1 is additionally disadvantageous, because an actuation of these elements can cause an unintended steering deflection. 
     A multifunctional operating and display device having an operating element for selecting individual functions by menu selection on a display screen and a button or enter function of the operating element for confirming the selected menu or selected menu item is known from German Published Application DE 198 36 000 A1. The operating element is guided so it is displaceable. The current position data of the operating element are detected and converted in a computer into a corresponding menu position of a cursor. The selected menu item can then be selected or confirmed by the button function of the operating element. In this case, however, from a specific hierarchy level of the menu, it is only possible to navigate back to the next higher menu plane or menu item by selecting a separate menu item—namely the item provided for jumping back or jumping out of the current menu level (“back button”). This requires displacement of the operating element or the cursor and selection of the menu item provided for the back navigation. For example, if the user has inadvertently selected a menu level, back navigation is comparatively complex. 
     With this background, the invention is based on at least one object of specifying an operating and display device for a vehicle, which allows simple and intuitive navigation between various menu levels to select and deselect functions. In addition, other objects, desirable features, and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the operating and display device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a display unit and a rotary knob for selecting a function and/or for choosing a menu within a hierarchical menu structure shown using the display unit, the rotary knob forming an operating unit movable in both directions of its rotational axis, and pressing the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a first hierarchy direction and pulling of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a second, opposing hierarchy direction of the menu. 
     The embodiments of the invention provide simple and intuitive operability for selecting and deselecting functions and navigating between the menu levels of a hierarchical menu structure. In particular the possibility of pulling the rotary knob to jump up (navigate upward) into a higher-order menu level connects an intuitive movement of the user to the associated navigation movement within the menu structure. In addition, the selection of a separate menu point or operating element, which was required up to this point for the back navigation into a higher-order menu level according to the prior art cited at the beginning, is avoided. A significant increase of the operating comfort is thus implemented and the driving safety is increased. 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, pulling of the operating unit which exceeds a predefined period of time causes the navigation into the uppermost menu level. This has the advantage that it is not necessary to pull multiple times via a plurality of menu levels in order to reach the hierarchically highest menu level. Rather, direct navigation into the uppermost menu level can be achieved via a simple and intuitive operating action. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, pressing the operating unit in the hierarchically lowermost menu level causes the selection of desired functions. This property of the operating and display device according to an embodiment of the invention causes a further intuitive simplification during the selection of functions in a menu. Via the selection of menu items which have a specific structure, the vehicle driver reaches specific branches and, via them, a desired function. If navigation to the desired function has been performed, it can be selected by pressing the operating unit. Pressing is thus a purpose-dependent differing input function for two different operating actions. 
     According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary knob is rotatable in catch steps. This has the advantage that a haptically perceptible possibility is given for the vehicle driver of metering the navigation within a menu level and obtaining a haptically perceptible feedback. A cursory view on the display unit is already sufficient to perform the operation as needed. During the actual movement of the rotary knob, the vehicle driver can already concentrate completely on the traffic again and navigate on the basis of the catch steps. 
     According to a further expedient embodiment of the invention, the movement of the operating unit in the direction of its rotational axis occurs in catch steps. These catch steps give the user haptic feedback of whether the navigation into a lower-order menu level or the selection of a menu item or a function has occurred. A vehicle driver is thus saved a visual check by a look at the display device, which is otherwise required. 
     According to a particularly expedient design of the invention, the rotary knob comprises a subunit, which is movable relative to the main body of the rotary knob. According to this design, for example, a concentric second rotary knob can be implemented, i.e., a higher-order rotary knob, which comprises a subunit, which in turn forms a (second) rotary knob, for example. Thus, for example, the hierarchical structure of the menu can be transferred to the construction of the operating unit and a particularly intuitively operable display and operating device can be implemented. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  shows a first device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a variant of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a menu structure; and 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment variant of the display of a menu level of a device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  shows an operating device in the form of a rotary knob  1  for selecting functions or menus within a hierarchical menu structure. The rotary knob  1  comprises a main body  2  and a subunit  3 , which each have the form of two cylinders  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  placed concentrically one on top of another. The bases  8 ,  9  of the cylinders  4 ,  5  have different diameters  10 ,  11 . The bases  12 ,  13  of the cylinders  6 ,  7  also have different diameters  14 ,  15 . Furthermore, the heights  16 ,  17  of the cylinders  4 ,  5  and the heights  18 ,  19  of the cylinders  6 ,  7  are different. The upper cylinders  4 ,  6  of the main body  2  and the subunit  3  each have larger diameters  10 ,  14  of the bases  8 ,  12  than the diameters  11 ,  15  of the bases  9 ,  13  of the particular lower cylinder. The upper cylinder  6  of the main body  2  has a lesser height  18  than the lower cylinder  7  of the main body  2 . The upper cylinders  4 ,  6  are used as the button  20  of the subunit  3  and as the button  21  of the main body  2 , respectively, during the actuation by a user. The lateral surfaces  22 ,  23  of the cylindrical buttons  20 ,  21  have a roughened surface structure  24 ,  25 . These surface structures  24 ,  25  prevent the finger of the operator from slipping off and result in improved gripping capability. 
     The main body  2  of the rotary knob  1  can be pressed in the pressing direction  30 . In addition, the main body  2  can be pulled in a second pulling direction  31 , opposite to the pressing direction  30 . Furthermore, the main body  2  is rotatable around its rotational axis  32  in the rotational direction  33  and in a further rotational direction  34 , opposite to the rotational direction  33 . 
     The subunit  3  of the rotary knob  1  can be pressed in the pressing direction  40  relative to the main body  2 . In addition, the subunit can be pulled in a second pulling direction  41 , opposite to the pressing direction  40 . Furthermore, the subunit  3  is rotatable around a rotational axis  42  in the rotational direction  43  and in a further rotational direction  44 , opposite to the rotational direction  43 . 
     The variant of a device according to the invention shown in  FIG. 2  is essentially constructed like the device shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition to the variant shown in  FIG. 1 , the main body  2  and the subunit  3  of the rotary knob  1  is implemented as rotatable in catch steps  50 ,  51 . Moreover, the movement of the main body  2  in the direction of the rotational axis  32  occurs in catch steps  52 . Moreover, the movement of the subunit  3  in the direction of the rotational axis  42  occurs in catch steps  53 . 
     The device shown in  FIG. 2  has a further possibility for operation. If the main body  2  or the subunit  3  is pulled in the pulling direction  55  for a predefined period of time  54 , direct navigation into the uppermost level of the hierarchical menu structure occurs. 
     The operating and display device will be explained in greater detail on the basis of the exemplary menu structure shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  shows a schematic construction of a hierarchically structured menu  60 . The menu  60  has four levels  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 . Navigation can be performed between these levels and within these levels using the rotary knob  1  shown in  FIG. 1 . After the display device is turned on or after the vehicle is started, the navigation starts in the uppermost menu level  61 , for example. By pressing the operating element, the user navigates in the (downward) hierarchy direction  65  into the next lower level  62 . Turning the operating element causes navigation between branches  66  and  67  in the level  62 . A further press of the operating element confirms the selection of one of the selected branches  66  or  67 . 
     For example, if the branch  66  is selected, the operating and display device jumps into the area  68  in the level  63 . Navigation can occur between the function  69 ,  70  and the branch  71  in this area  68 . By pulling the operating element, back navigation occurs in the (upper) hierarchy direction  72  back to the level  62 . 
     If the branch  71  is selected by pressing the operating unit, the operating and display device jumps into the level  64 . In this level  64 , navigation can be performed between the functions  73  and  74 . These functions  73  and  74  may also each be activated by pressing the operating unit. 
     The embodiment variant of a display unit  80  shown in  FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary view of a menu  81  in the level  63  in the area  68  of the menu structure shown in  FIG. 3 . The menu  81  is shown on a rectangular surface  82 . On the one hand, information  83  with respect to the current level and the current area is displayed on this surface. Furthermore, the functions  84 ,  85  and the branch  86  are shown as selectable, rectangular surfaces. The functions  84  and  85  correspond to the functions  69  and  70  in  FIG. 3 . The branch  86  corresponds to the branch  71  in  FIG. 3 . By turning the rotary knob  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , navigation can be performed between the functions  84 ,  85  and the branch  86 . The white frame  87  identifies the currently selected element in the navigation and jumps between the elements when the rotary knob is turned. If an element is identified by the white frame  87 , it can be selected by pressing the rotary knob. This causes, depending on whether it is one of the functions  84 ,  85  or the branch  86 , an activation of the function  84 ,  85  or a jump from the branch  86  into the next lower-lying menu level  64 . Pulling of the rotary knob in this display causes a jump into a higher-order menu level  62  in the menu structure ( FIG. 3 ). 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.