SE523970C2 - Multifunctional vehicles for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-function unit 1 for vehicle, and to a vehicle provided with same, which multi-function unit 1 incorporates a display screen 2 and at least one mechanical knob 4,6 which at least partly overlaps the display screen 2 and which when subjected to rotation causes a change in a software-controlled representation 30,32,56,58,84,86,88,90,92,94,96,98 of the function of the knob 4,6 on the display screen 2. The multi-function unit 1 preferably further incorporates at least one roller wheel 8 which when subjected to rotation causes a change in a software-controlled representation 34,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,60,62,64,66,68,70,78,80 of the function of the roller wheel 8 on the display screen 2, and at least one means 18,20,22,24 for switching on and off a device which is represented on the display screen 2. The multi­function unit 1 preferably further incorporates at least one system selector button 10,12,14,16 by which the function of the aforesaid at least one knob 4,6, the function of the aforesaid at least one roller wheel 8 and the function of the aforesaid at least one means 18,20,22,24 respectively can be changed. Preferably at least one of the aforesaid at least knob 4,6 and/or the aforesaid at least one roller wheel 8 may be provided with tactile feedback by the knob 4,6 and/or the roller wheel 8 being arranged stepwise with resistance between steps.

Description

20 25 30 523 970 -. -. n. ... nu Brief description of the invention The problem that multifunction devices manufactured by different manufacturers have different interfaces and that the control buttons are located in different places and have different functionality without recognition being obtained in use, is solved according to the invention by arranging a multifunction device for vehicles. , comprising a monitor and at least one, but preferably two, knobs.

The problem that multifunction devices with control buttons are not designed for stepwise control of functions but rather for control of functions having two positions is solved according to the invention by arranging a multifunction device for vehicles, which multifunction device comprises a monitor and at least one, but preferably two knobs.

Because the multifunction device comprises the features of claim 1, the advantage is achieved of providing a multifunction device reminiscent of traditionally designed mechanical climate, light panel and radio systems which creates a recognition of the user by conformity with conventional patterns which provides security in the use of the relatively complicated interface. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that the multifunction device is trained for step-by-step control of functions. In addition, the advantage is achieved that, because the knob - the knobs are mechanical and at least partially overlap the screen and that when it or they when it or they are subjected to a rotation causes a change in a software-controlled representation of the knob's function on the screen, proximity between inputs and feedback, which lowers the cognitive load on the driver because you get a high stimulus-response compatibility compared to separate input and output devices, Lex input buttons that do not overlap the screen. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that levels can be set faster with knobs and scroll wheels than with separate up and down buttons.

Brief list of inventories The invention will be further elucidated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 15 20 25 30 n en, _. _. ~ ~ _ ~ n - 523 970 -. - .. '0 ...

Figure 1 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system included therein activated, and where the CD side of the stereo system is selected.

Figure 2 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system included therein activated, and where the radio side of the stereo system is selected.

Figure 3 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system included therein activated, and where the sound focus side of the stereo system is selected.

Figure 4 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system included therein activated, and where the sound reproduction side of the stereo system is selected.

Figure 5 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the climate system included therein activated.

Figure 6 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the included navigation system activated, and where the main side of the navigation system is selected.

Figure 7 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the navigation system included therein activated, and where the input side of the navigation system is selected.

Figure 8 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the light system included therein activated.

Description of Preferred Embodiments 10 23 20 25 30 523 970 o Q. - a. a. -. .a un. The present invention relates to a multifunction device 1 comprising at least one monitor 2 and a knob 4,6. The multifunction device 1 according to the preferred embodiment which will be described in more detail below comprises a monitor 2, two knobs 4,6, a scroll wheel 8, four system selection buttons 10,12, 14, 16 and four function selection buttons l8,20,22,24. The same reference numerals will be used throughout for the same features in the various figures.

The multifunction device 1 according to the invention achieves the advantage of providing a multifunction device 1 reminiscent of traditionally designed mechanical climate, light panel and radio systems which creates a recognition of the user by conformity with established patterns which provides security in the use of the relatively complicated interface. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that the multifunction device 1 is trained for stepwise control of functions. In addition, the advantage is achieved that, by the knob - knobs 4,6 being mechanical and at least partially overlapping the display 2 and that when it or they when it or they are subjected to a twist produces a change in a software controlled representation 30,32,56, 58,84,86,88,90,92,94,96,98 of the knob function on the monitor 2, proximity between input and feedback is obtained, which lowers the cognitive load on the driver because you get a high stimulus-response compatibility compared to separate in and outlets, such as input buttons that do not overlap the monitor. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that levels can be set faster with knobs 4.6 and scroll wheels 8 than with separate up and down buttons.

Figure 1 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the included stereo system 36 activated, and where the CD side of the stereo system is selected.

The multifunction device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one monitor 2. In order to obtain a simple construction, a monitor 2 is preferred, but two or more monitors can also be used. At the top of the screen 2 there is preferably a strip 26 with status symbols 28 which are always visible regardless of which of the systems included in the multifunction device is currently activated. In list 26, e.g. information that by law must always be made available, such as that the auxiliary heater for the cab is switched on is displayed. Also other functions 10 15 20 25 30 - -. s a. 525 970 u o q o - a- .ru- which the driver may want information about without going into the respective system can be shown on this list 26, e.g. mute for stereo volume or voice guidance for the navigation system. The colors shown on the screen 2 are preferably chosen so that they provide good contrast without illuminating too much, the information on the screen 2 being visible in all lighting conditions without disturbing the driver during dark driving. Preferably, each system included in the multifunction device has its own color scheme so that the driver recognizes which system is activated even without having to focus the gaze directly on the screen 2. The graphics on the screen 2 are designed in such a way as to facilitate understanding of the functions of each control. , i.e. knob 4.6, scroll wheel 8, and function selection buttons l8,20,22,24. Each system can be provided with its own color to facilitate recognition of which system is currently displayed on the monitor 2.

The multifunction device 1 comprises, at least one, but preferably two at least partially overlapping, mechanical knobs 4,6 overlapping, which when the first and the second knob 4,6 are subjected to a rotation, respectively, effect a change in a software-controlled representation 30,32 of the first and the function of the second knob on the screen 2. The knobs 4,6 are connected to different devices depending on which system is activated at the moment and thus have different meanings in different systems. The knob 4,6 can in addition to its rotary function also be provided with a push function or pull function, ie that at least one mechanical knob 4,6 can be arranged to bring about a change in a software-controlled representation 30,32, for example graphics, of the knob's function on the screen. 2 when the mechanical knob 4,6 is subjected to a movement directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement and that said movement directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is directed substantially in the direction of and from the monitor 2, respectively. To facilitate maneuvering of the knobs 4,6, their diarnetes are so large that they are easy to grip, e.g. about 40 mm. Preferably, the knobs 4.6 overlap the screen 2 by about 40% of the respective knob 4.6 diameter, but the overlap can also be larger or smaller. The essential thing is that the knobs 4,6 overlap the monitor 2 because this gives a mental model that the system represented on the monitor 2 is mechanical. The graphic that shows what happens when you turn the knob 4,6 is designed in a way that should make it easier for the user to understand what happens when you turn the knob 4,6, ie. how the knobs 4.6 work. When, for example, the volume of the stereo changes, this is represented by an arcuate 10 15 20 25 30 ø - o Q o. 523 970 ø-aa u scale 30 directly above the knob 4. By integrating knob 4,6, monitor 2 and software-controlled representations 30 , 32 is available with a device according to the invention. The graphics on the image scanners 2 preferably connect to the respective knobs 4,6, scroll wheel 8 and members 18,20,22,24.

The multifunction device 1 may further comprise at least one scroll wheel 8 which, when subjected to a rotation, causes a change in a software-controlled representation 34 of the function of the scroll wheel 8 on the image scanners 2. The movements of the scroll wheel 8 preferably take place in discrete steps. The scroll wheel 8 can also be provided with a pressure function, ie. that at least one scroll wheel 8 may be arranged to effect a change in a software controlled representation 34 of the function of the scroll wheel on the monitor 2 when the scroll wheel 8 is subjected to a movement directed substantially in the plane of rotation of the scroll wheel 8, preferably in the direction of the monitor 2, and in addition it is necessary, even at least one scroll wheel 8 at least partially overlap the screen 2.

The multifunction device 1 according to the invention has at least one system selection button 10,12,14,16 with which one chooses between the systems included in the multifunction device 1. If the multifunction device 1 according to the invention comprises e.g. four systems 36,38,40,42, you can have anything between one and four system selection keys0,12,14,16. If you have a system selection button 10, this can be arranged in such a way that you scroll between the included systems 36,38,40,42 by activating them in turn when the system selection button 10 is pressed.

Preferably. if you have the same number of system selection buttons 10,12,14,16 as the included system 36,38,40,42, in this case four system selection buttons 10,12,14,16 as you have integrated a system for stereo 36 in the multifunction device 1, Climate control 38 , navigation 40 and light 42, where each of the system selection buttons 10,12,14,16 activates the respective system 36,38,40,42 associated with the respective system selection button 10,12,14,16 to gain quick and direct access to any of the systems 36,38,40,42 that one wishes to reach without first having to scroll past a number of other systems and to reduce the menu depth. This provides a basic menu structure, which provides quick access to all functions for devices that need to be set while traveling. Preferably, all functions are represented on one side of the respective system to enable quick adjustment and thus shorten the time when the driver does not devote all his attention to the road and the surrounding traffic. The system selection buttons 10, 20, 14, 16 may be optionally located on the multifunction device 1, but are preferably located above the monitor 2 but below the top edge of the multifunction device 1 in order to be able to support the hand against the top edge of the multifunction device 1, or towards the upper edge of e.g. a dashboard if the multifunction device 1 is integrated in it, when selecting system 36,38,40,42 if the condition of the road causes the vehicle to be subjected to violent movements while driving without the monitor 2 being obscured too much by the driver's hand whereby the driver gets a quick acknowledgment of that the correct system 36,38,40,42 is selected when the system selection button 10,12,14,16 is pressed because this activated system 36,38,40,42 is represented on the screen 2. By means of the system selection button 10 and the system selection buttons 10,12,14 16, the function of the above-mentioned at least one knob 4,6, the function of the above-mentioned at least one roller wheel 8 and the function of the at least one member 18,20,22,24 mentioned below can be changed as will be described in more detail below.

The multifunction device 1 may further comprise at least one means 18, 20, 22, 24 for switching on and off a device which is represented on the screen 2. If the means is a button, this button can be called a function selection button. The function selection buttons 18,20,22,24 are programmable and are connected to different devices depending on which system 36,38,40,42 is currently activated and thus have different meanings in different systems 36,38,40,42.

The function selection button 18,20,22,24 can activate or deactivate the device every other time the button is pressed. The function selection buttons 18,20,22,24 can be optionally located on the multifunction device 1, but are preferably placed in a row from the top and down along one side of the screen 2 and preferably on the knob opposite the side of the screen 2 so that the screen 2 is not obscured by the driver's hand when the driver presses a function selection button 18,20,22,24 whereby the driver receives a quick acknowledgment that the correct device has been activated or deactivated since this activated or deactivated device is represented on the screen 2, preferably in direct connection to the respective function selection button 18,20,22,24, in the form that the symbol on the screen 2 is lit when the device is activated and switched off when the device is deactivated.

The multifunction device 1 will be described in an exemplary manner in more detail below. The systems that will be described are stereo 36, air conditioning system 38, navigation system 40 and lighting system 42. 10 15 20 25 30 523 970 a. ». .- a- ».

Figure 1 shows, as mentioned above, schematically a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the included stereo system 36 activated, and where the CD side of the stereo system is selected. The stereo system 36 in this embodiment comprises four sides. The function selection buttons 18,20,22,24, in which this embodiment is four in number, are programmed in such a way that by pressing the respective function selection button 18,20,22,24, each side can be reached when the stereo system 36 is activated. Thus, when a function selection button 18,20,22,24 is pressed, the page displayed before the function selection button 18,20,22,24 is deactivated. The left knob 4 is used on all sides included by the stereo system 36 to control the volume of the stereo system. The scroll wheel 8 is used on the CD side to select a track from a list 44 of tracks. The selection is made so that a marker 46 can be moved up and down for the list 44 by rolling on the scroll wheel 8, after which the actual selection of the piece of music 48 takes place by pressing the scroll wheel 8.

There is also a page (not shown) called the tuning page where it is possible to set preferences regarding such things as sound, channel selection and playback mode.

Figure 2 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system 36 included therein activated, and where the radio side of the stereo system is selected. The scroll wheel 8 is used on the radio side to select the radio channel from a list 50 of radio channels. The selection is made so that a marker 52 can be moved up and down for the list 50 by scrolling on the scroll wheel 8, after which the actual selection of radio channel 54 takes place by pressing the scroll wheel 8.

Figure 3 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a tethered embodiment of the invention with the stereo system 36 included therein activated, and where the sound focus side of the stereo system is selected. The scroll wheel 8 regulates balance front-rear in the passenger compartment or cab. The right-hand knob 6 is used to adjust the balance left-right. With these two controls 8,6 fl a cursor 56 representing lj is focused on the monitor 2.

Figure 4 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the stereo system 36 included therein activated, and where the stereo system 10 15 25 25 523 970 aan. . audio playback page is selected. The right knob 6 is used to select frequency bands 58 to be adjusted for level 60, and the scroll wheel 8 is used to adjust level 60.

Figure 5 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the included climate system 38 activated. The climate system 38 is designed to mimic a traditional mechanical climate system. The left knob 4 is used to adjust the kt strength, which is set to automatic mode if the knob 4 is pressed. The scroll wheel 8 regulates the air distribution by scrolling the scroll wheel 8 fl moves the cursor 62 on the screen between the different positions 64,66,68,70 for air emissions and when you press the scroll wheel 8 the selected air emissions are activated or deactivated depending on whether the previous were de-activated and activated respectively. The right knob 6 regulates the temperature in the same way as the kt strength. The function buttons l8,20,22,24 are programmed in this system to control air conditioning on-off, extra heating off-on, recirculation off-on and respective economy mode off-on.

Figure 6 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the navigation system 40 included therein activated, and where the main side of the navigation system is selected. The navigation system 40 in this embodiment comprises three sides. The function selection buttons l8,20,22,24, which in this embodiment are four in number, are programmed in such a way that by pressing the respective function selection button, for two "of the buttons the main page and the map page can be reached, and for two of the buttons voice guidance can be switched on. When the function of the function selection key connected to one of the two pages is pressed, the page displayed before the function selection key is pressed is deactivated. on each side, also on the input side, when the navigation system 40 is activated.

The main page provides a schematic and clear picture of how the current route is entered.

The left knob 4 controls a cursor 72 which runs left-right over the truck 74 and the road symbols 76. Depending on the position of the cursor on the screen 2, different options are obtained in a list 78 in which one can move up and down by means of the scroll wheel 8. By scrolling the scroll wheel 8 fl, a cursor 80 in the list is moved, after which the selected item is selected by pressing the scroll wheel 8.

If a target symbol 82 is selected, a list of options to change targets and delete targets is obtained. Om 10 15 20 25 30 523 970 -; . . .- -... 10 a road symbol 76 is highlighted the option add target is obtained. If the truck symbol 74 is highlighted, the settings option is obtained. As soon as the scroll wheel 8 is pressed, the navigation system jumps to the input side. There is also a map page (not shown) where it is possible to get electronic maps whereupon the vehicle's position is shown by the vehicle being equipped with a position determining device such as a GPS receiver. On the map side, the left knob 4 is used to move the map left-right and the scroll wheel 8 to move the map up and down.

Right knob 6 is used to enlarge and reduce the map image.

Figure 7 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the navigation system 40 included therein activated, and where the input side of the navigation system is selected. The left knob 4 controls a list 84 consisting of letters which are marked by moving a cursor 86 in the list 84 by turning the knob 4 and selecting a marked letter by pressing the knob 4. By marking and selecting a number of letters in succession, parts or whole words can be written on the screen 2. The letters that are no longer selectable according to a database of places, countries, addresses and other names appearing on maps such as large road crossings are not available to select on the left corner 4 linked list, which means that the entry takes place faster.

Figure 8 schematically shows a view of a multifunction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the light system 42 included therein activated. The left knob 4 regulates on-off lighting, parking lights and interior lighting. The right knob 6 controls which lamps are to be lit by turning the knob fl on the screen 2 between the different positions 90,92,94,96,98 for each lamp and when you press the knob 6 the respective the selected lamp is switched off depending on whether it was previously switched off or on. The function buttons l8,20,22,24 are programmed in this system to control audio signals which in many countries may not be activated at night in urban areas, such as e.g. backvamming sound off-on and extra loud si gnalhom on-off.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned at least one knob 4,6 and the above-mentioned at least one roller wheel 8 can be provided with tactile feedback in that the knob 4,6 and the roller wheel 8 are arranged stepped by 523 970 - n. . -f u n a. .q ~. »a 11 resistance between the steps. The design of push functions in buttons 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, scroll wheel 8 and knob 4, 6 can also be arranged to provide good tactile feedback which confirms to the driver that a push of a button has been successful. This tactile feedback can be amplified with audible feedback in the form of click sound.

The various controls are preferably arranged to be distinguishable in the dark by means of diode lights. Voice control of the multifunction device is also possible.

It is possible to arrange fl er, fewer and - or other systems, e.g. reversing camera, travel data, security and logistics systems, in the multifunction device than those described here.

It is also possible to use buttons instead of scroll wheels, e.g. an up button, a down button and a selection button, which buttons replace the functionality of the scroll wheel.

Claims (1)

A patent. A multifunction device for vehicles, which multifunction device (1) comprises a display (2), characterized in that the multifunction device (1) further comprises at least one, at least partially the monitor (2) overlapping, mechanical knob (4,6) which when subjected to a rotation produces a change in a software controlled representation (30,32,56,58,84,86,88,90,92 94,96,98) of the function of the knob (4,6) on the display (2), which gives a mental model that the system represented on the display (2) is mechanical .. Multifunction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the multifunction device (1) comprises two, at least partially overlapping the screen (2) mechanical knobs (4,6) which when the first and the second knob (4,6) are subjected to a rotation, respectively, bring about a change in a software-controlled representation (30,32 , 56,58,84,86,88,90,92,94,96,98) of the function of the first and second knobs (4,6) on the monitor (2). functional device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one mechanical knob (4,6) is arranged to effect a change in a software-controlled representation (30,32,56,58,84,86,88,90,92,94 , 96,98) of the function of the knob (4,6) on the screen (2) when the mechanical knob (4,6) is subjected to a movement directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement. . Multifunction device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the movement directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is directed substantially in the direction of the display (2). . Multifunction device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the movement directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is directed substantially in the direction from the display (2) -. Multifunction device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the multifunction device (1) further comprises at least one scroll wheel (8) which, when subjected to a rotation, produces a change in a software-controlled representation (34,44,46,48,50, 52,54,56,60,62,64,66,68,70,78,80) of the function of the scroll wheel (8) on the monitor (2). 10 15 20 25 30 10. ll. 12. 13. ø n o - p »~ a o | now . . Multifunction device according to Claim 6, characterized in that at least one scroll wheel (8) at least partially overlaps the screen (8). Multifunction device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one scroll wheel (8) is arranged to effect a change in a software-controlled representation (34,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,60,62,64, 66,68,70,78,80) of the function of the scroll wheel (8) on the screen (2) when the scroll wheel (8) is subjected to a movement directed substantially in the plane of rotation of the scroll wheel (8). Multifunction device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the movement directed substantially in the plane of rotation of the roller wheel (8) is directed substantially in the direction of the screen (2). Multifunction device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the multifunction device (1) further comprises at least one means (1, 8, 20, 22, 24) for connecting and disconnecting a device which is represented on the display screen (2). Multifunction device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the multifunction device (1) further comprises at least one system selection button (10, 12, 14, 16) with which the function of the above-mentioned at least one knob (4, 6), the above-mentioned at least the function of one of the roller wheels (8) and the function of the above-mentioned at least one member (18,20,22,24) can be changed. Multi-function device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the above-mentioned at least one knob (4,6) and the above-mentioned at least one roller wheel (8) is provided with tactile feedback in that the knob (4,6) respectively, the roller wheel (8) is arranged stepped with resistance between the steps. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a multifunction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.