OPERATOR CONTROL APPARATUS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

• US 20130113726A1
• Filed: 11/26/2010
• Published: 05/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Tovar, Johannes, Bouaziz, Tahar, Sacher, Heike
• Granted Patent: US 9,261,988 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1442 Emulation of input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1446 Touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1442 Emulation of input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1446 Touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0288 Apparatus made of several modules independently mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03547 Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling at least one function of a motor vehicle has a touch-sensitive input panel. The touch-sensitive input panel includes a transparent material.

Claims

1-7. -7. (canceled)

8. An operator control apparatus for operator control of at least one function of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a touch-sensitive input panel comprising a transparent material; and

a base support comprising a material and a surface,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is arranged above the base support such that the material and the surface of the base support can be perceived through the touch-sensitive input panel.

9. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is arranged at a distance from the base support.

10. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 9,

wherein the distance between the touch-sensitive input panel and the base support is at least 3 millimeters.

11. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is fitted on a center console of the motor vehicle.

12. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is fitted on an armrest of the motor vehicle.

13. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is mounted displaceably on at least one rail.

14. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a rotatable ring surrounding the touch-sensitive input panel,

wherein the rotatable ring controls an additional function of the motor vehicle.

15. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a switching element,

wherein the switching element controls an additional function of the motor vehicle.

16. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is provided in a round shape.

17. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the operator control apparatus controls at least one of a navigation appliance, an air conditioning system, and a cruise control system.

18. The operator control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface of the base support is selected from the group consisting of a wood surface, a metal surface, and a leather surface.

19. An operator control apparatus for operator control of at least one function of a motor vehicle having a surface formed from a material, the apparatus comprising:

a touch-sensitive input panel comprising a transparent material,

wherein the touch-sensitive input panel is arranged above the surface of the motor vehicle such that the material forming the surface of the motor vehicle can be perceived through the touch-sensitive input panel.