Patent Abstract:
An I/O device for a vehicle includes at least one touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT, at least one output display unit DI and a control unit CU connecting the I/O display unit DT and the output display unit DI with an information exchange unit IEU. The touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT is located in a readily reachable position for a driver and the output display unit DI is located in a readily discernible position for a driver, and the control unit CU communicates output data DD-I/O related to an interactive I/O communication to the I/O display unit DT, receives touchscreen input data TI from the I/O display unit DT and communicates output data DD-O to the output display unit DI in relation with the input data TI. An I/O method using the above mentioned I/O device for a vehicle is also provided.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates to a method and a device for a human-machine interface in a vehicle. 
     Since touch-based user interfaces are becoming more and more prominent in many electronic consumer devices, consumers expect the intuitive model of a touch-based and gesture-based interface in more and more environments. In the automotive sector, specifically the use of touch interfaces presents some challenges due to the physical constraints of an in-vehicle environment and the special requirements to avoid driver distraction. 
     Interior vehicle designs have for some time separated the display of information from the user input mechanisms. While typical display locations within the vehicle are the instrument cluster or centrally located multi-function displays, the input mechanisms are distributed in readily reachable areas while driving, e.g. at the steering wheel or on the lower center console. Touch-based interfaces traditionally combine the input area directly with the display, however, the ideal position for a display (mainly determined by being close to the driver&#39;s regular road view angle) is not easy to reach. Hence, solutions have been proposed to use two separate displays, one of them being touch-enabled and within easy reach. 
     This invention introduces methods to integrate multi-display and touch-based interfaces in a vehicle-adapted way such that driving security is enhanced and Input/Output (“I/O”)-handling becomes easier. 
     In a first aspect, an I/O device for a vehicle is proposed, comprising at least one touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT, at least one output display unit DI and a control unit CU connecting said I/O display unit DT and said output display unit DI with an information exchange unit IEU. Said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT is located in a readily reachable position for a driver and the output display unit DI is located in a readily discernible position for a driver. Said control unit CU communicates output data DD-I/O related to an interactive I/O communication to said I/O display unit DT, receives input touchscreen data TI from said I/O display unit DT and communicates output data DD-O to said output display unit DI in relation with said input data TI. The invention proposes the use of touch-based user inputs within an in-vehicle dual-display system, wherein one display is also able to receive touch inputs DT, and a second informational display DI. The DT is located in an area being easily accessible in a normal driving position, whereas the DI is located within or close to the viewing angle of the driver observing the road ahead. Information displayed by the output display unit DI can also be displayed by the touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT and can be manipulated, or a process relating to said information can be triggered by tapping onto said display unit DT. The control unit CU coordinates the display of information DD-I/O by the display unit DT and information DD-O by the display unit DI. The input data TI generated by tapping on a touch-sensitive area ST of the display unit DT is communicated to the control unit CU. The input data TI and the data for the output of the DD-O and/or the DD-I/O are communicated by the control unit CU to an information exchange unit IEU, which can be a multimedia and entertainment center, a board computer, a wireless communication unit, such as a cellular phone, a navigation system or a combination thereof. Functions displayed by the DI and the DT and actions triggered by the ST can comprise the control of an audio source or a video source, such as a radio, a CD, a DVD, a multimedia system, such as a volume control, a radio station change, a track change, selecting video output; control of vehicle functions, such as low/high beam lights on/off, activation of turn light, display of temperature, compass, fuel consumption, clock etc.; the control of a navigation system, the control of a cellular phone, SMS or email-system and various other functions. Depending on the displayed information on the DI, the DT can display control elements such that a user can trigger actions by tapping on a touch-sensitive area of the DT associated with said information displayed on the DI and/or with said control element displayed on the DT. The vehicle can be a car, a van, a truck, a motorcycle or a bike. It is also advantageous to integrate said I/O device in a boat, preferably in a motor boat, or in an aeroplane or the like. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT can comprise a touch-sensitive area ST covering a subpart and/or extending beyond the display area of said display unit DT. In general, the touch-sensitive area can cover the whole display region of the display unit DT. Alternatively, the ST can cover a subpart of the DT or can extend beyond the display area of the DT. The thusly extending part can be used as a static touch area associated with predefined functions. The effective touch-sensitive area can be larger than the display area of the DT such that information can be displayed on the DT without being masked by a user&#39;s hand. A subpart of the display area can be exclusively reserved for displaying data and cannot be touched by a user. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, said touch-sensitive area ST of said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT can be a multiple-point-of-contact-sensitive area. A multiple-point-of-contact-sensitive area can sense a multiple-point touch gesture and can interpret a relative movement of two or more fingers as an enhanced user command with a variety of input information. For example a movement of two fingers apart or together can be interpreted as increasing or reducing the magnitude of a command value. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT can be arranged in the center console and/or in the steering wheel of said vehicle. The center console is a typical location for arranging input devices which are operated by a user and are typically reserved for a car stereo system or a navigation system. A driver can touch a touch-sensitive area with one hand by reaching the center console while operating the steering wheel with the other hand. Arranging said display unit DT in the steering wheel further increases driving safety, since both hands of a driver can remain on the steering wheel while tapping on the display unit DT. The display unit DT advantageously can be arranged on or in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the steering wheel such that a driver&#39;s hands can remain on the steering wheel while tapping onto the display unit DT. 
     In general output display unit DI can be arranged anywhere in the vehicle, where it can be watched easily from a driver&#39;s position. According to an advantageous embodiment, said output display unit DI can be arranged in the dashboard, instrument board and/or in a rear-view mirror and/or in a steering wheel of said vehicle. Thus, a driver can visualize the display unit DI and the oncoming traffic simultaneously without oncoming distraction which further enhances driving safety. DI can be arranged anywhere in the dashboard, i.e. even in an area which is not originally designed for arranging a display unit. DI can comprise a flexible display area which can be adapted to curved, rounded and rigidly formed portions of said dashboard. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, said output display unit DI comprises at least one touch-sensitive subarea ST-O for inputting data. A user can input data or can activate a control element by directly touching the display unit DI which can be advantageously employed for rarely used control functions, such as setting a clock, resetting the mileage counter or other basic setting functions. It is also conceivable that the touch sensitive area ST-O can cover the whole display area of said output display unit DI. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, said output display unit DI can be a head-up display (HUD). A head-up display is a transparent display that represents data without requiring users to turn their eyes away from usual viewpoints. Information can be displayed on the display unit DI in a typical driving field of view, such that a driver can monitor traffic and displayed data in parallel without changing the focus of the field of view. 
     In another aspect of said invention a method for interacting with an I/O device for a vehicle is proposed, wherein an I/O device comprises at least one touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT, at least one output display unit DI and a control unit CU connecting said I/O display unit DT and said output display unit DI with an information exchange unit IEU. Preferably, said I/O device complies with an abovementioned embodiment. The I/O method proposes that said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT displays textual or graphical control elements, a driver selects at least one control element by a contact gesture and said output display unit DI displays data in response to said selected control element. The invention proposes a set of touch gestures enabling the touch-based control of user interface elements on both displays DI, DT from one active touch area. The DT may display graphical elements that can be selected using single-point-of-contact gestures, e.g. tapping on an element for selection, or scrolling a list via sliding one finger. The function and behavior of the touch-sensitive area ST of the display unit DT can vary depending on the type of the control function to be manipulated, and the display unit DT can display control elements, identical information or additional information relating to the information displayed on the display unit DT. The combination of both display units DI, DT together with a touch-sensitive input area ST of the display unit DT offers an improved and intuitive control of various vehicle and communication functions with a minimized level of distraction. As a consequence, driving safety and variability of human-machine interaction is increased. The method offers new ways of interaction between user and vehicle such that an increased and variable number of functions can be displayed and controlled. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, said gesture can be a multi-point-of-contact gesture pertaining to one or multiple control elements. A multi-point-of-contact gesture enables inputting data with a sophisticated touch gesture such that a control element is not only selected, but content of information can also be displayed or control processes can be manipulated for selecting, zooming or changing information. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT can display selectable graphical and/or textual elements RDI being also displayed on said output display unit DI. A user can select said control elements RDI for manipulating functions associated with the information displayed on the DI, DT respectively. Duplicating information, spreading representation of information over both display units DI, DT and/or displaying information on the DI and related control elements for manipulating said information or triggering a related action on the display unit DT makes it easier for a user to control the information displayed on at least one of the display units by selecting and manipulating a control element RDI on the DT which is also displayed on the DI. Both display units DI, DT are logically linked via the control unit CU while offering each other optimal visibility of and access to information. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, the types of gesture for selecting graphical and/or textual elements can comprise tapping two or more fingers concurrently within an area pertaining to an element for selecting said element, moving two or more fingers concurrently within the area pertaining to said element for initiating a panning action related to said element, horizontally and/or vertically moving two or more fingers concurrently within an area pertaining to said element for initiating a scrolling action related to said element, moving two fingers apart or together for initiating a zoom-in or a zoom-out action related to said element. A complex two or more finger gesture not only offers the input of data by more than just selecting a control element RDI, but also manipulating its content. Thus access to information, manipulating data and triggering actions associated with said data, such as selecting an audio or a video source, establishing a telephone call, activating low/high beam light, adjusting climate control etc., can be initiated by a single gesture, reducing time and effort for using the I/O device. The aforementioned and other gestures known in the state of the art for inputting data to a touch sensitive display can be used for advantageously selecting elements on said touch screen display DT in a vehicle. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, a type or a set of types of gestures relates to selecting graphical and/or textual elements displayed on said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT and a different type or set of types of gestures relates to selecting graphical and/or textual elements which can be displayed on said output display unit DI. For instance multi-point-of-contact gestures can be interpreted as inputs pertaining to graphical elements on the DI, wherein e.g. tapping with two fingers may select an element, or sliding two fingers may pan the DI&#39;s content. In this way, both display units DI, DT can display different information and a user can choose between accessing or manipulating data displayed either on the DI or the DT by using a predefined type of gesture on the touch-sensitive area ST of the display unit DT. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, a type of gesture for selecting a graphical and/or textual element or using a function related with said element can graphically be displayed as a visual aid on said output display unit DI when a user touches said element on said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT. Thus, inexperienced users of the I/O display can be instructed to use types of gestures for selecting and manipulating the control elements RDI for interacting with said I/O device. In this way, human-machine interaction becomes more easier and new functions and control methods can be implemented without prior instruction of a user. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of said method, an active region of said touch-sensitive area ST can be displayed on said touch-sensitive I/O display unit DT. Thus, a user can visually determine the extent of the touch-sensitive area and can distinguish between plain visual area and touch-sensitive area of DT. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Hereinafter, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings. These schematic drawings are used for illustration only and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  schematically displays a block diagram of an I/O device according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  schematically displays a block diagram of an I/O device according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  schematically displays an I/O device inside a car according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  schematically displays an I/O device inside a car according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  schematically displays an I/O device inside a car according to another embodiment of the invention; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  schematically displays a block diagram of a first embodiment of an I/O device  12 . The I/O device  12  comprises a touch-sensitive display unit DT  14 , comprising a display area and a touch-sensitive area ST  22 . The touch-sensitive area ST  22  extends beyond the display area of DT  14  and is located in a readily reachable position for a driver, e.g. in a center console  24 , an arm rest, a vehicle&#39;s door or a steering wheel  26  of a vehicle  10 . An output display unit DI  16  is located in a typical field of view of the driver, e.g. in an instrument board  28 , in a steering wheel  26  or as a head-up display  32 . Located in an instrument board  28  it can replace conventional instruments, such as a speedometer or a rotation speed indicator, or can be added to or embedded in such instruments. Both display units DT  14  and DI  16  are connected with a control unit  18 . The control unit  18  communicates data DD-I/O to be displayed on the display unit DT  14  and receives input data or data of the selected control elements  34 ,  36  TI from the touch-sensitive area ST  22  of the display unit DT  14 . The control unit  18  further communicates output data DD-O to be displayed to the display unit DI  16 . The control unit  18  is connected with an information exchange unit  20  providing an interface for a board computer, to a multimedia and entertainment system of the vehicle, to a communication system, such as a cellular phone, internet access or similar and/or to a navigation system. The IEU  20  receives and transmits data to said applications and commands the CU  18  to display data according to the user&#39;s preferences or requests by an application. The CU  18  informs the IEU  20  about the input of the user for performing actions related to said input, such as establishing a telephone call, start navigation, switch between different vehicle data to be displayed, activation of wiper or turning on/off light etc. The display unit DI  16  can display graphical and/or textual control elements indicating a status of a related application, such as a selected frequency of a radio channel, volume of a loudspeaker, outer temperature, status of headlights, navigation information etc. The display unit DT  14  can display some or all control elements  34  in a touch-sensitive area ST such that a user can select, activate or manipulate applications related to said control elements  34 . An active region  38  of a selectable control element  34  can be displayed for informing a user of the extent of a touch-sensitive region relating to said control element  34 . Furthermore, static control area elements  34  can be arranged on touch-sensitive subareas of the ST  22 , which are not covered by a display area of the DT  14 . Such area elements  34  can indicate fixed functions, such as an increase (+) or a decrease (−) in an element&#39;s magnitude which can be useful for inputting numbers, controlling volume or brightness etc. While tapping on such areas  36 , a user does not mask display regions of the DT  14 , which can indicate variable functions of said area elements  34 . The display area of the DT  14  can display variable control elements  34 , e.g. control elements for controlling the volume of a radio or for switching between high or low light beam. 
     The display DT  14  is capable of representing graphical elements  34  and is equipped with a touch-sensitive surface ST  22  that can detect a human touch on the surface with one or more fingers. The touch surface  22  may also detect touches by other materials, such as stencils. The second display unit DI  16  is capable of representing graphical elements. Based on the gesture performed on the ST  22 , the input is correlated to an event pertaining to graphical elements on the DT  14 , DI  16 , or both. For selection of or interaction with graphical elements on the DT  14 , single-point-of-contact gestures are used, e.g. tapping to select or sliding to scroll. For selection of or interaction with graphical elements on the DI  16 , multiple-point-of-contact gestures are used. 
     One embodiment specifically defines the following embodiments: 
     In one embodiment, the ST  22  is equal to the DT  14 , i.e. the complete display area of the DT  14  is touch-sensitive. In another embodiment, a part of the DT  14  is touch-sensitive, i.e. the ST  22  is a subarea of the DT  14 . In another embodiment, the ST  22  extends beyond the display area of the DT  14 , i.e. the display area of the DT  14  is completely or partially touch-sensitive, and surrounding surfaces of the DT  14  are touch-sensitive as well. In another embodiment, the DI  16  may also contain a touch-sensitive technology that can be used for the direct selection of graphical control elements  34 . In one embodiment, the DT  14  may display a representation RDI  34  of the graphical elements shown on the DI, wherein two or more point-of-contact gestures are performed within the area displaying the RDI  34  to select or interact with the graphical elements of the DI  16 . In this embodiment, all single-point-of-contact touch actions pertain to the selection of or interaction with graphical elements on the DT  14 . A selection of or interaction with elements on the DI  16  is represented by tapping two or more fingers concurrently within the area pertaining to the RDI  34 ; a panning action is represented by moving two or more fingers concurrently within the area pertaining to the RDI  34 ; a scrolling action is represented by horizontally, respectively vertically, moving two or more fingers concurrently within the area pertaining to the RDI  34 ; a zoom-in/zoom-out action is represented by moving two fingers apart/together within the area pertaining to the RDI  34 . 
     In another embodiment, the graphical elements displayed on the DT  14  and the DI  16  are not directly related, i.e. are not representative of each other. The DT  14  may or may not explicitly mark the active area  38  of the ST  22 . 
     In this embodiment, all single-point-of-contact touch actions pertain to the selection of or the interaction with graphical elements on the DT  14 . A selection of or interaction with elements on the DI  16  is represented by tapping one or two or more fingers within the ST  22 ; a panning action is represented by moving two or more fingers concurrently; a scrolling action is represented by horizontally, respectively vertically, moving two or more fingers concurrently; a zoom-in/zoom-out action is represented by moving two fingers concurrently apart/together. 
     To aid a user in the selection of graphical elements  34  on the DI  16  while performing gestures on the ST  22 , a visual aid, such as a cursor, may be displayed when a multi-touch event is detected for the duration of the contact. For example when the user touches the ST  22  with two fingers to select an element on the DI  16 , a visual token, such as a cursor, appears in the center of the display DT  14  or DI  16 , and moves with the user&#39;s fingers. To select the element under the cursor, the user removes and replaces one of the two fingers from the ST, while the second or remaining finger(s) remain on the ST. The initial placement of the cursor upon detection of a selection gesture may also be context-driven, i.e. above the element being most likely to be relevant for the current user interaction (e.g. first element in a list). 
       FIG. 2  displays a further block diagram of another embodiment of an I/O device  12 , which is based on the structure of the I/O device  12  of  FIG. 1 . In contrast to  FIG. 1 , the I/O device of  FIG. 2  comprises two touch-sensitive output display units DT 1   14   a  and DT 2   14   b , each display unit can comprise a touch-sensitive area ST 1   22   a  and ST 2   22   b . The control unit  18  is connected with either of both display units DT  14   a ,  14   b  for communicating the data DD 1 -I/O, DD 2 -I/O for displaying data and for receiving user input data TI 1 , T 12 . A user can use either the DT 1   14   a  or the DT 2   14   b  for selection or manipulation of control elements, which can depend on an easy access of said display due to a driving or parking situation. For instance the display unit DT 1   14   a  can be located in a steering wheel  26  and the display unit DT 2  can be arranged in a center console  24 . The control unit  18  is connected with an information exchange unit IEU  20  and with two output display units DI 1   16   a  and DI 2   16   b . Both output displays can display output data DD 1 -O, DD 2 -O respectively. The output display unit DI 2   16   b  comprises a touch-sensitive area ST-O  30  and also communicates input data TI-O 2  to the control unit  18 . The touch-sensitive area ST-O  30  can be used for manipulating settings of rarely used functions, such as resetting the daily mileage counter, clock setting, language, unit selection or similar functions. 
       FIG. 3  schematically displays an interior of a vehicle  10  with a steering wheel  26 , a center console  24  and an instrument board  28 . The instrument board  28  comprises multiple analogous instruments, such as a speedometer, a fuel indicator or similar. The speedometer DI 16   a , a clock DI  16   b  and a rotation speed indicator DI  16   c  each comprise an output display unit DI  16  for displaying additional or digital data of the analogous instrument and further information, such as mileage counting, average fuel consumption, outer temperature and similar data. Furthermore, the centrally located output display unit DI  16   a  can also display navigation system data, audio system information and details concerning incoming and outgoing telephone calls. The navigation system, audio system, mobile phone, internet access and further displayed data can be controlled by a touch-sensitive output device DT  14  arranged in a center console  24  of said vehicle  10 . A driver with the right hand can comfortably operate the I/O display unit DT  14  and can monitor the data displayed on the display units DI  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  in the instrument board  28 . 
       FIG. 4  displays a similar embodiment of an I/O device  12  as that of  FIG. 3  of an interior of a vehicle  10 . In contrast to the embodiment  12  of  FIG. 3 , the I/O display unit DT  14  is arranged in the steering wheel  26  such that a driver can touch a touch-sensitive area ST of the display unit DT  14  while leaving at least one hand at the steering wheel  26  thus enhancing driving safety. An output display unit DI  16  is arranged in a centrally located instrument of the instrument board  28 . 
     Finally,  FIG. 5  depicts another embodiment of an I/O device  12  comprising three I/O display units DT  14   a ,  14   b  and  14   c  arranged in a steering wheel  26 . The I/O display units DT  14   a ,  14   b  are peripherally arranged so that they can be touched by a thumb of a hand of a driver and a larger I/O display unit DT  14   a  is arranged in the center of the steering wheel  26  for alphanumerical input and visualization of more detailed data. An output display DI  16  is configured as a head-up display  32  (HUD) and projects the output picture onto a semi-reflective surface of an inner windscreen side such that a driver can simultaneously keep track of the data of the output display unit  16  and the traffic situation ahead. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above examples, but may be varied freely within the scope of the appended claims. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           10  vehicle 
           12  I/O Device ( 12 ) 
           14  touch sensitive I/O display unit DT 
           16  output display unit DI 
           18  control unit CU 
           20  information exchange unit IEU 
           22  touch-sensitive area ST 
           24  center console 
           26  steering wheel 
           28  instrument board 
           30  touch-sensitive subarea ST-O 
           32  head-up display 
           34  graphical and/or textual control elements RDI 
           36  predefined touch sensitive areas 
           38  active region of an element

Technology Classification (CPC): 1