WO2013029777A1

WO2013029777A1 - Method and apparatus for providing a user interface

Info

Publication number: WO2013029777A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/003607
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Neitzel; Henry SCHINDEL
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft; F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2011-09-03
Filing date: 2012-08-28
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Also published as: EP2751652A1; WO2013029777A8; DE102011112443A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus (2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7) for providing a user interface in a vehicle (1). In the method according to the invention, objects (11) stored using data technology are each associated with at least one attribute described by a sortable character string, a plurality of objects (11) are sorted in a list (10) on the basis of the character string associated with the attribute, and at least one subset of the objects (11) sorted in the list (10) is displayed. A search input is captured and the graphical representation of the list (10) is changed. The method according to the invention is characterized in that a selection field (12) is displayed for the search input, which selection field comprises discrete input possibilities which at least partially cover the displayed subset of the objects (11) sorted in the list (10), one of the discrete input possibilities is selected by actuating an operating element (13A; 4B) once, and the displayed subset of the list (10) is changed on the basis of the selected input possibility.

Description

description

Method and device for providing a user interface

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing a user interface. In the method according to the invention is data technology

stored objects are assigned at least one attribute, which is described by a sortable string, several objects are sorted in a list depending on the string associated with the attribute and at least a subset of the objects sorted in the list is displayed. A search input is detected and the graphical representation of the list is changed.

For a user interface .in particular a vehicle arise very specific requirements. The information required for the operation takes place in the

Vehicle among others by the driver. The information should thus be displayed in the vehicle so that the information recording by the driver does not lead to a

Distraction while driving leads. The information presented should therefore be intuitively and quickly detectable by the driver, so that he only has to take his eyes off the driving experience for a very short time for the information recording. Furthermore, the operation performed by the user should be executable as soon as possible.

The representation of information in a vehicle is in many cases in that a subset of a total information is displayed on the display area in the vehicle and the user can change the subset. The total information may, for example, relate to a list with a plurality of list entries. Because of the limited size of the display area in the vehicle, however, only a subset of the list entries of the overall list can be displayed. Through an operation, the user can scroll (scroll) to bring other list entries to display. In which

Operation, the user can perform, for example, a control movement of a certain length. Further, the user can operate, for example, a control for a certain period of operation. The magnitude of the change in displayed information, d. H. In this case, the number of positions by which the list entries that are displayed change depends on the length of the operating movement or the duration of the operation.

Does the total information a very large amount of data such. As a very long list with many list entries, there is the problem that the operation for scrolling to very distant list entries a high degree of time and

CONFIRMATION COPY Demanded attention from the user. However, as explained above, this is disadvantageous for use in a vehicle.

The overall information is typically structured in such a way that data technology

stored objects are associated with one or more attributes described by a sortable string. This allows the objects to be sorted into lists, making it easier for the user to find them. In particular, sorts by alphabetic, numeric or alphanumeric strings are common.

WO 2010/049581 A1 describes a method for searching a list entry fixed in written language in a list. A search entry is made in a different font fixation than the list entries, so that the written characters of the search input and the list entries must be assigned in a kind of transliterations. Ambiguous mappings can be disambiguated via a virtual keyboard on a touchscreen. As examples, conversions from the Latin alphabet to Asian alphabets or character systems, e.g. Indian, Chinese or Japanese character sets. The virtual keyboard includes only the characters that can be assigned to the beginning characters of the current list entries. After selecting a character in the virtual keyboard, the search amount is restricted and the keyboard is adapted to the character set, which now according to the transliteration occurs next in the list entries.

US 2005/0246324 A1 describes a data search system in which search results are determined from a database and are grouped and arranged on the basis of metadata assigned to the respective search results. For example, metafiles can include the location of a search entry in a file or in a file

String include, e.g. to an entered letter only those

Search results are considered where an input character matches the first character of a string.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for providing a user interface of the type mentioned at the outset, with which the search for a data-technically stored object can be carried out as simply and intuitively as possible.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of

Claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 9 solved. Advantageous training and further developments emerge from the dependent claims. The inventive method is characterized in that a selection field is displayed for the search input, which includes discrete input options that cover the displayed subset of the sorted objects in the list at least partially. In addition, one of the discrete input options is selected by a single actuation, in particular a single touch or press, of an operating element and the displayed subset of the list is changed in dependence on the selected input option. This has the advantage that the displayed selection field can optimally utilize the space of the display area. However, at least part of the information content of the objects in the list is no longer legible. For example, the selection box will be displayed across the list. The selection field is only superimposed on the situation during a search, so that the covering of the objects in the displayed list does not hinder the information recording of the user, in particular the driver of the vehicle. On the contrary, a focus of the user on the selection of a discrete input option is supported.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the selection field is displayed in such a way that all input options are visible. This allows the user to see the entire search function at a glance. In particular, there are no hidden input options that would have to be searched for and displayed in a separate operator action.

The selection of one of the discrete input options by a single actuation, in particular touching or pressing, a control element can be done in various ways. For example, the input options can be displayed at positions on the display surface, which are associated with mechanical controls on the edge of the display surface (so-called soft keys). Advantageously, however, it is provided in one embodiment that the list and the selection box on a

touch-sensitive display area are displayed and the input options are displayed as operable buttons. This operation is particularly intuitive and easy to carry out when the user is the driver of the vehicle, because he has to look at the information recording and the search input not two positions, but only one position.

Advantageously, the selection field is automatically hidden again after the search input. This further reduces the interaction effort on the part of the user. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that a sorted alphabet and / or a number sequence is displayed in the selection field in which the availability of the individual alphabet characters is visualized as a selectable input option. The display of a string well known to the user helps the user to quickly and easily capture the selection box. In contrast to the display of a conventional keyboard, for example a so-called QWERTY keyboard, a sorting of the input possibilities according to the sorting of the objects allows an intuitive finding of the input possibility to be selected. Unavailable characters or numbers can be visualized in a contrast to the selectable characters or numbers, for example, by rendering them greyed out or semitransparent. On the one hand, this allows the user to quickly orientate themselves because the character string is not changed by unavailable characters, but on the other hand, the availability or non-availability is nevertheless visualized. For the purposes of the invention, alphabets encompass not only the Latin alphabet, but possibly also other sortable fonts. It may also include umlauts or special characters.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention orientation means are displayed, which visualize the section of the displayed subset of the list. It is e.g. a scroll bar is displayed at the right edge of the list so that the user can see to what extent the subset of displayed objects in the list has been changed. For example, he can perform the search input via the selection fiddle for a rough approximation to the search target, and then use the scroll bar for another operator action to fine-tune the search.

The user has the opportunity to change the list displayed by the method described so far very quickly and accurately. He can now, after the displayed subset of the list has been changed in the described manner, a displayed object by touching the touch-sensitive display area or by means of a Drehdrückstellers select. The touch selection has the advantage that the user still has his finger close to the display area after the previous operation. If, however, the objects are displayed so small, for example, that he can not select them safely enough in the given driving situation via the display surface, then he can select the object sought in a manner known per se by turning the rotary control actuator and trigger the associated function by pressing it ,

The data-technically stored objects are in particular media files, which are automatically reproduced by the selection. For example, they are music titles or other audio contributions such as radio plays. Typical attributes are title, artist and the genre of the media file.

The device according to the invention for providing a user interface comprises an interface to a data memory for storing objects, each of which is assigned at least one attribute described by a sortable character string,. an input unit for detecting a search input and a display area for displaying lists. The device further comprises a control unit which is connected to the data memory, the input unit and the display area and by means of which a plurality of objects in a list is sortable in dependence on the character string associated with the attribute. The inventive device for providing a

User interface is characterized in that the display area by means of

Control unit is controlled such that for the search input a selection field is displayed, which includes discrete input options that cover the displayed subset of the sorted objects in the list at least partially. It is further by

in that by means of the input unit one of the discrete input possibilities by a single actuation, in particular touching or pressing, one

Operating element is selected and by means of the control unit, the display area is controllable such that, depending on the selected input option, the displayed subset of the list is changeable. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. It therefore also has the advantages of the method according to the invention.

According to the invention is further a vehicle with such a device for

Providing a user cut skins equipped.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a cockpit of a vehicle with a vehicle

Device for providing a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows schematically the basic structure of a device for

Providing a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 3A-3E show display contents generated according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a cockpit of a vehicle 1, which is equipped with a device for providing a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention. A belonging to the device touch screen 2 is located in the upper part of the center console, so that he can be well viewed by the driver and passenger and possibly operated. To the right of the touchscreen 2, several push-button switches 4B are optionally arranged, which are related to those displayed on the touchscreen 2 next to them

Display contents can be used as so-called soft keys. Further, next to the touch screen 2 optionally a rotary control actuator 4A is arranged, can be performed on the operator actions, in particular with reference to the display contents on the touch screen 2.

In the figure 2 is a schematic structure of a device for providing a

User interface shown in a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The device comprises a touch screen 2 for displaying

Display contents that can be selected and operated by touching the touch-sensitive surface 3. In particular, a list 10 with sorted objects 11, a selection field 12 and a scroll bar 14 belonging to the list 10 can be displayed on the touchscreen 2, as will be described in more detail in connection with the inventive method with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E ,

The touchscreen 2 is connected to a control unit 5, which can receive and evaluate signals generated via the pushbutton switch 4B and the rotary pushbutton 4A, so that control of the display contents on the touchscreen 2 is also possible.

The control unit 5 is further connected to a media playback system 6 in which a large number of music files, e.g. a few thousand pieces of music are stored in a data memory 7. The music files are assigned as data-technically stored objects 1 1 each have multiple attributes. The attributes include, among other things, the title, the artist and the genre, which is described by an alphanumeric string that make the objects 1 1 lexically sortable. The objects 1 1 can thus be searched and sorted via the alphanumeric character string associated with the attributes.

The method according to the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E. For the implementation of the method, the previously described inventive device for providing a user interface can be used, which is optionally referred to here.

In FIG. 3A, an introductory page for playing music titles of FIG

Media playback system 6 shown on the touch screen 2. The entry page includes according to a known type an information field 8A, which contains information about the

Playback system 6 and possibly on the reproduced music title includes. The

The home page further comprises buttons 8B for manipulating the reproduced music, e.g. a stop button and a forward button, and other buttons 8C - 8F for operating the media playback system 6, which can be operated by touching the corresponding location of the touch-sensitive surface 3 of the touch screen 2. Via the selection button 8F, the user can display the music files as data-technically stored objects 1 1 in lists 10.

If the user touches the selection button 8F with his finger 15, then the entry page changes to a different representation, as shown in FIG. 3B. The user now the attributes associated with the data technically stored objects 1 1 are displayed as list-like buttons, via which the user can start the selection of a particular song.

The user selects according to the figure 3B by touching with his finger 15, the button 8G and gets the music titles as objects 1 1 in a list alphabetically sorted by the list 10, as shown in Figure 3C. Immediately after the selection, a subset of the music titles appearing at the beginning of the sorted list 10, i. In order to facilitate the user's orientation in the list 10, a scroll bar 14 is displayed on the right edge of the touch screen 2.

Alternatively, the user could have selected the selection of the buttons 8F, 8G by a pushbutton switch 4B arranged next to the touchscreen 2 via a softkey function.

In addition, the user is displayed a search button 9. The user starts the search input by e.g. on the search button 9 taps. In an alternative

Embodiment, the user interface is designed multimodal and can process voice input at this stage. In this case, the user could start the search input by the voice input "search ...".

Now the user has the opportunity to quickly find the desired piece of music with the method according to the invention. This is the user for further search input Selection box 12 is displayed (see Figure 3D), which includes discrete input options as operable buttons 13A and inoperable input options as disabled buttons 13B. The input options are in this case the

Initial letters according to the present sorting of the objects 1 1 in the list 10.

None of the titles of the pieces of music begin with the initial letter Q, W or Y, so that the buttons 13B representing these letters are deactivated and grayed out. For the remaining letters there is at least one title each with a corresponding initial letter. The buttons 13A representing these letters are highlighted and operable.

The buttons 13A, 13B are visibly displayed for all letters, even those that do not occur as an initial letter in the current sorting, so that the user can visually capture them quickly. They cover the displayed list 10 of the sorted objects 1 1 almost completely. In this way, the further selection in the previous field of view of the user and taking advantage of the almost complete display area can be continued. Due to the almost complete cover, only a narrow margin can be seen on all sides behind it, so that the user understands the relationship of his actions better. In particular, he sees that the previously displayed list 10 is still displayed in the background.

The user can now select a new initial letter by touching one of the selectable buttons 13A once. He chooses e.g. the letter "R" via the corresponding button 13A, whereupon the displayed subset of the music titles changed so that the first beginning with "R" music titles are displayed in the list 10. The scroll bar 14 is thereby automatically according to the changed subset, i. system down moves and the selection box 12 automatically hidden again, as shown in Figure 3E.

After the displayed subset of the list 10 has been changed, the user can now select a displayed object 1 1 by touching the touch-sensitive surface 3 of the touch screen 2. If the desired music title is not yet displayed, then this is at least much closer by the search input in the sorting. In this case, the user can find the desired object in the list in a known manner, for example by moving the roller bar 14 or by turning the Drehdrückstellers 4A. The selection can be made by touching the displayed object 11 or - in the case of operation by means of the Drehdrückstellers - by pressing the Drehdrückstellers 4A (not shown). Selecting will automatically play the song. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

vehicle

touchscreen

touch-sensitive surface A rotary pushbutton

B pushbutton

control unit

Media player

data storage

A information field

B - 8G buttons

Search button

0 list

1 objects

2 selection box

3A, 13B buttons

4 scroll bars

5 fingers of the user

Claims

claims

A method for providing a user interface (1), wherein

- Data technically stored objects (1 1) each at least one attribute

is assigned, which is described by a sortable string,

- several objects (1 1) depending on the attribute assigned to the attribute

String to be sorted in a list (10),

at least a subset of the objects (1 1) sorted in the list (10) is displayed,

- a search input is detected and

the graphical representation of the list (10) is changed,

characterized in that

- for the search input a selection box (12) is displayed, which discrete

Includes input options that at least partially cover the displayed subset of the objects (1 1) sorted in the list (10),

- One of the discrete input options by a single operation of a control element (13A, 4B) is selected and

- depending on the selected input option the displayed

Subset of the list (10) is changed.

2. The method according to claim 1,

characterized,

that the selection field (12) is displayed in such a way that all input options are visible.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

- the list (10) and the selection box (12) on a touch-sensitive

Display area (2) are displayed and

- The input options as operable buttons (13A) are displayed.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the selection field (12) is automatically hidden again after the search input.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that in the selection field (12) a sorted alphabet and / or a number sequence is displayed, in which the availability of the individual alphabet characters is visualized as a selectable input option.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that orientation means are visualized which visualize the section of the displayed subset of the list.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that after the displayed subset of the list (10) has been changed, a displayed object (1 1) is selected by touching the touch-sensitive display surface (2, 3) or by means of a rotary trigger actuator (4A).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the data-technically stored objects (12) are media files which are automatically reproduced by the selection.

9. Device (2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7) for providing a user interface (1),

full

an interface to a data memory (7) for storing objects (1 1), to each of which at least one attribute described by a sortable string is assigned,

an input unit (3; 4B) for detecting a search input,

a display area (2) for displaying lists (10),

- A control unit (5), which with the data memory (7), the input unit (3;

4B) and the display surface (2) is connected and by means of which a plurality of objects (1 1) in dependence on the string associated with the attribute in a list (10) is sortable,

characterized in that

- The display surface (2) by means of the control unit (5) is controllable such that for the search input a selection field (12) can be displayed, which is discrete Includes input options that at least partially cover the displayed subset of the objects (11) sorted in the list (10),

- One of the discrete input options by a single operation of a control element (13A, 4B) is selectable by means of the input unit (3; 4B) and

- By means of the control unit (5) the display surface (2) is controllable such that in dependence on the selected input possibility, the displayed subset of the list (10) is variable.

10. vehicle (1) with a device (2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7) for providing a

User interface according to claim 9.