DE102022133379A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING USER INPUT - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for detecting user inputs in an input device is described, the input device having an input surface (1) on which a graphical user interface (4) is displayed, and a detection device (3). In the method, a hand (7) of a user is detected by means of the detection device (3) and a position (8) of the hand (7) in a detection area (10) is determined, the detection area (10) being a three-dimensional spatial area assigned to the input surface (1). It is determined whether the user's hand (7) is located in an activation area (6), the activation area (6) being a part of the detection area (10) which is arranged at a distance (11) from the input surface (1), and it is determined whether the user's hand (7) is located in a control area (5), the control area (5) being a part of the detection area (10) which is arranged between the input surface (1) and the activation area (6). If it is determined that the user's hand (7) is in the activation area (6), a representation of the user interface (4) on the input surface (1) is adjusted, and if it is determined that the user's hand (7) is in the control area (5), a function of the user interface (4) is controlled.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a system for detecting user inputs in an input device, in particular in a vehicle. In particular, user inputs in a vehicle can be detected without contact.

Modern vehicles usually have at least one control unit installed, which the driver of the vehicle or other passengers can use to control various functions. These can be various vehicle or comfort functions, such as settings for the navigation system, the air conditioning, seat settings, lighting settings and the like. Various functions of an infotainment system can also be operated, such as playing music, making phone calls and the like.

Conventional control units can be controlled using corresponding control buttons. Modern systems usually have at least one display, which can be located centrally in the dashboard, for example. The individual functions, menus and the like can be shown here. These displays are often touch-sensitive, i.e. they are designed as touchscreens so that the desired function can be controlled by touching the screen. For this purpose, the control elements are designed in such a way that they can be reached and operated with a finger. A function can be called up when the corresponding area of the touch-sensitive screen is touched. Other control options can also be provided, such as holding and dragging a control element, swiping gestures and the like.

However, such control units require a touch-sensitive display and are therefore limited in their design. Modern vehicles often have multiple displays and increasingly larger displays. However, space is limited and the shape of the displays is usually essentially flat and rectangular and they cannot be distributed arbitrarily in a vehicle. They must be accessible to a user with their hand in order to be able to control a function by touch. Other surfaces in the vehicle without a display are not available for user input.

In vehicles, it is also known to control certain functions contactlessly using gestures without reference to a display. To do this, a user performs certain predefined gestures in free space, for example in an area of the vehicle cabin above the center console or in front of the dashboard. Gestures in free space can be used to control functions of the infotainment system, for example, or other vehicle functions such as opening and closing a sunroof. While these gestures can be learned, they are performed in free space and a user does not receive immediate feedback, for example where or how exactly a certain gesture should be performed so that it successfully and reliably controls the desired function. Users are therefore often unsure and it can be difficult to perform the gestures correctly until they are recognized by the system.

In general, appropriate feedback is very helpful for usability. In particular, with touchless interaction, one problem is giving the user useful, supportive feedback. The user often feels lost, does not know how to interact and what the system actually recognizes.

The present invention is based on the object of improving the detection of user inputs in an input device, in particular in a vehicle. In particular, contactless detection of user inputs is to be improved.

This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for detecting user inputs in an input device, wherein the input device has an input surface on which a graphical user interface is displayed, and a detection device. In the method, a user's hand is detected by means of the detection device and a position of the hand in a detection area is determined, wherein the detection area is a three-dimensional spatial area which is assigned to the input surface. It is determined whether the user's hand is in an activation area, wherein the activation area is a part of the detection area which is arranged at a distance from the input surface, and it is determined whether the user's hand is in a control area, wherein the control area is a part of the detection area which is arranged between the input surface and the activation area. If it is determined that the user's hand is in the activation area, a representation of the user interface on the input surface is adapted, and if If it is determined that the user's hand is in the control area, a function of the user interface is controlled.

The aforementioned method according to the first aspect is therefore based in particular on the fact that user inputs are recorded without contact. The position of the hand is determined in a three-dimensional spatial area that is assigned to the input surface, for example a spatial area that is located in front of the input surface. A detection area is divided into two areas. An activation area is arranged at a distance from the input surface. If the hand is in this area, no control takes place, but only the graphic representation of the user interface is adjusted. The method therefore gives the user early feedback about an interaction with the user interface.

If the hand is then in the control area, which is arranged between the activation area and the input surface, i.e. closer to the input surface, control takes place. The user does not have to touch the input surface for this, but it is sufficient if the hand is in the control area to control a corresponding function. A special touch-sensitive display is therefore not necessary, which allows a flexible design of the input surface. The possibility of contactless interaction means that areas can also be provided as input surfaces which are not suitable for operation that would require touching corresponding sensors. It goes without saying, however, that the user can still touch the input surface with his hand. However, this has no influence on the control within the meaning of the invention. Such an input surface can be located in a vehicle in particular.

The term "user interface" or "graphical user interface" used here refers in particular to a graphical representation of control elements which are linked to a specific function and allow a user to control the function. The user interface ("user interface" - "UI" or "graphical user interface" - GUI) can contain "control elements" ("UI elements") such as input areas, buttons, symbols, buttons, icons, sliders, toolbars, selection menus and the like which a user can operate, in particular in the sense of the present invention, without touching them. The (graphical) user interface can also be referred to as a (graphical) user interface.

The term "input surface" used here refers in particular to any surface, especially in a vehicle, on which the user interface can be graphically displayed. It can be a display or a projection surface as described in more detail below. The input surface can have any design. It can be flat, level and rectangular, or it can have any shape. In particular, however, a point on the input surface can be described with two-dimensional coordinates.

The term "detection device" used here refers in particular to a device that can detect objects in three-dimensional space without contact and determine their position. In particular, the detection device can detect and localize a user's hand. For example, optical methods can be used to detect a user's hand in space. The detection device can consist of one part or several parts, which can depend on which detection area is to be covered. For example, one camera can be provided, or several cameras.

The term "three-dimensional spatial area" used here refers in particular to an area that can be described by three-dimensional coordinates. A position in the three-dimensional spatial area has unique three-dimensional coordinates. The coordinate system can be chosen arbitrarily. For example, a coordinate system of the detection device can be selected, or a coordinate system relating to the input surface. In particular, there is a relationship between the detection area and the input surface in order to be able to assign the position of the hand to corresponding locations on the input surface.

The term “vehicle” as used herein refers in particular to a passenger car, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid and battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as vehicles such as sedans, vans, buses, trucks, delivery vans and the like.

The term "function" used here refers in particular to technical features that can be present in a vehicle, for example in the interior, in order to be controlled by a corresponding control system. In particular, these can be functions of the vehicle and/or an infotainment system, such as lighting, audio output (e.g. volume), air conditioning, telephone, etc.

The terms "comprises,""includes,""has,""includes,""has,""with," or any other variation thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such method or apparatus.

Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exists).

As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined to mean "one or more". The terms "another" and "another" and any other variation thereof are defined to mean "at least one other".

The term “plurality” as used here should be understood to mean “two or more”.

The term "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and respective modifications thereof) is to be understood in the sense of the invention that the corresponding device is already in a design or setting in which it can perform the function or that it is at least adjustable - i.e. configurable - so that it can perform the function after the corresponding setting. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by setting parameters of a process sequence or switches or the like to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

Preferred embodiments of the method are described below, which can be combined with each other as well as with the other aspects of the invention described, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

In some embodiments, the control area has a base area which contains at least the input surface and the control area extends from the base area to a cover area, wherein a distance between the base area and the cover area of the control area corresponds to the distance between the input surface and the activation area. The base area can also correspond substantially to the input surface. The base area and cover area can be the same size. For example, the control area can be cuboid-shaped with the input surface as the base area. The control area thus directly adjoins the input surface and occupies the space in front of the input surface, in particular over the entire area of the input surface. The distance can be selected according to requirements, for example about 2 cm to about 5 cm, such as about 3 cm. In other words, the control area is the area in the immediate vicinity of the input surface. So if a user moves his hand close to the input surface (or touches it), i.e. into the control area, a function can be controlled. If the hand remains outside the control area, in other words, further away than the distance (or the “depth” of the control area), no control or “release” of the user interface occurs.

In some embodiments, the activation area borders the control area, the activation area having a base area that contains at least the top surface of the control area. The base area of the activation area can correspond to the top surface of the control area. The activation area can be cuboid-shaped, for example. The activation area thus forms an area that is further away from the input surface than the control area. If a user approaches the input surface with his hand, his hand will typically first enter the activation area and only then the control area. If the hand is in the activation area, this can be used, for example, to "wake up" the user interface, which can be visually displayed. The user thus receives early feedback before the actual execution of the control if his hand is in the activation area. This can facilitate the subsequent control, since the user can see that his hand has been properly detected, which can facilitate navigation. This can be helpful, especially since the user moves his hand freely in the space in front of the input surface.

In some embodiments, a distance between the base surface and the top surface of the activation region is greater than the distance between the input surface and the activation area. The activation area is therefore larger than the control area. This means that feedback can be given to the user in a larger area, while the actual control or operation of the user interface takes place in a smaller area close to the input surface. Depending on the application, the dimensions can be adjusted accordingly. The activation area can, for example, have a depth of 10 cm or more.

In some embodiments, a position of a pointer on the input surface is further determined, the position of the pointer being determined by projecting the position of the hand onto the input surface when the position of the hand is detected in the detection area. The projection can in particular be an orthogonal projection, the position of the hand in three-dimensional space being mapped onto two-dimensional coordinates of the input surface. In addition to a distance of the hand from the input surface, which can be determined as described above, in particular with the aid of the activation area and the control area, a pointer can be determined. This indicates in particular a location on the input surface, which is determined from the position of the hand. Thus, by moving the pointer by moving the hand accordingly, a function on the graphical user interface can be selected.

As mentioned, the position of the pointer can be determined by an orthogonal projection of the position of the hand from three-dimensional space onto the two-dimensional input surface. The position of the hand can be defined by a point on the hand that is closest to the input surface, as explained below. This can also be a fingertip that points in the direction of the input surface. Instead of an orthogonal projection, it can also be provided to determine a pointing direction of a finger, for example an outstretched index finger, and to determine the position of the pointer on the input surface by extending it in the pointing direction.

In some embodiments, the function of the user interface is controlled depending on the position of the pointer when the position of the hand is detected in the control area. The pointer reflects the position of the hand from the three-dimensional space on the input surface, i.e. on the graphical user interface. The pointer can be moved as soon as the hand is in the detection area. When the hand is in the control area, a function can be selected depending on the location of the pointer.

In some embodiments, the representation of the user interface indicates the position of the pointer when the position of the hand is detected in the detection area. The representation can show the pointer itself, e.g. as a point on the input surface. However, it can also be provided to display the pointer in another way, for example by highlighting an area in which the pointer is located, such as a button which is located in the area of the pointer. This serves to give the user appropriate feedback as to where the pointer is located on the input surface in order to simplify operation. In other words, the area in which the pointer is located becomes the focus for the user, so that the activation area can also be referred to as the “focus area”.

In some embodiments, the position of the user's hand is determined as a position of a point on the user's hand that is closest to the input surface. In order to allow a clear determination of the position of the user's hand, a point on the hand is advantageously selected that represents the position of the hand. In principle, any point on the hand can be selected as the position of the hand, such as a center of the hand. However, it is advantageous to use the point on the hand that is closest to the input surface for the position determination. This makes it easier to calculate the position of the hand. In addition, the frontmost point of the hand can be considered particularly relevant from the user's perspective for the input on the input surface.

In some embodiments, detecting the user's hand includes determining whether at least one finger of the hand is pointing in the direction of the input surface. In principle, the position of the hand can be arbitrary and the position of the hand can be determined in the detection area as described above. For a more precise determination, however, it can be determined whether the user is extending a finger in the direction of the input surface, for example the index finger. A user can use this hand position intuitively for operation. It can then be provided to control a function only when the user makes a pointing movement, for example by extending his index finger. If the user does not make a pointing movement, the control of a function can be suppressed, since in such a case the user may not intend to control a function. Determining the hand position can therefore improve the accuracy of the operation. In addition, the position of a fingertip can be determined with greater accuracy. This position can then be the decisive position. tion of the hand, especially if the tip of the outstretched finger is the point on the hand closest to the input surface, as described above.

In some embodiments, the function of the user interface is activated when it is determined that the hand enters the control area and deactivated when the hand leaves the control area. For example, a control surface of the graphical user interface can be pressed when the user enters the control area with his hand (or his fingertip), i.e. comes very close to the input surface (or touches it). As long as the hand is in the control area, the control surface can then be held, for example. It can then be released when the user withdraws his hand, i.e. when the hand (or the fingertip) leaves the control area. The entry and exit of the hand into the control area can thus be advantageously used for interaction with the user interface. Further possibilities for how different events that can be triggered by the position of the hand, more precisely the distance of the hand from the input surface, can be explained below.

In some embodiments, at least one transition event is further determined. A transition event can be determined when the hand passes from one of the areas to another, i.e. leaves one area and enters another. This can be the case in particular when it is determined that: the hand enters the control area, the hand leaves the control area, the hand enters the activation area, the hand leaves the activation area, the hand leaves the detection area, or the hand enters the detection area. Together with the position on the input surface, i.e. the pointer position as explained above, complete control of the user interface can be implemented in this way.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for data processing, comprising at least one processor which is configured to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the invention. The system also has at least one display device which is configured to display a graphical user interface on an input surface, and a detection device which is configured to detect a hand of a user in a three-dimensional spatial area and to determine a position of the hand in the three-dimensional spatial area.

In some embodiments of the system, the display device comprises a projection device which is set up to project a representation of the graphical user interface onto a surface. This allows the user interface to be freely displayed on any surface onto which the user interface can be projected. For example, areas of the dashboard of a vehicle can be used to display the user interface without having to be equipped with a display or the like. Other areas, such as the center console or the A-pillar of a vehicle, can also be used flexibly to display the user interface. A projector can be located in the roof liner, e.g. in the area of the interior mirror, and project the user interface onto any surface, which can then be used as an input surface for contactless control as described above. It goes without saying that the display device can also be designed as a display, which, however, does not have to be touch-sensitive in the sense of the invention.

In some embodiments of the system, the detection device comprises at least one image detection device, in particular a camera. The position of a user's hand in three-dimensional space can be determined in a simple manner using a camera. One camera or several cameras can be provided. The camera can be an infrared camera. The at least one camera is advantageously a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera). By using such a 3D sensor device, the position of the hand in three-dimensional space and its movement can be detected directly. 2D sensors can also be combined to detect the position of the hand in three-dimensional space.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program with instructions which, when executed on a system according to the second aspect, cause the system to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

The computer program can in particular be stored on a non-volatile data carrier. This is preferably a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program as such is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can be present as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and can be accessed via a data connection, for example the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. In addition, the computer program can have a plurality of interacting individual program modules.

The system according to the second aspect can accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system can also be set up to access an external computer program, for example on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication connection, in particular to exchange data with it that are used during the execution of the method or computer program or represent outputs of the computer program.

The features and advantages explained with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

• 1 schematisch eine Eingabeeinrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform mit einer Eingabeoberfläche, einer Anzeigeeinrichtung und einer Erfassungseinrichtung;
• 2 schematisch eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Erfassungsbereichs vor einer Eingabeoberfläche;
• 3 schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines Erfassungsbereichs vor einer Eingabeoberfläche (Hand im Fokusbereich);
• 4 schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines Erfassungsbereichs vor einer Eingabeoberfläche (Hand im Steuerbereich); und
• 5 schematisch ein Steuerelement mit einem Zeiger in unterschiedlichen Positionen.

It shows:

• 1 schematically an input device according to an embodiment with an input surface, a display device and a detection device;
• 2 schematically a three-dimensional view of a detection area in front of an input surface;
• 3 schematically a side view of a detection area in front of an input surface (hand in the focus area);
• 4 schematically a side view of a detection area in front of an input surface (hand in the control area); and
• 5 schematic of a control element with a pointer in different positions.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

In 1 an input device for detecting a user input is illustrated. A graphical user interface (GUI) is shown on an input surface 1. This can be projected onto the input surface 1 by means of a projector 2. Alternatively, the input surface 1 can also be formed by a screen, such as a conventional display, which does not have to be a touch-sensitive display. Thus, any surface can be used to detect approach, for example any surface in a vehicle. As explained below, user inputs are detected without contact, and the user can receive appropriate feedback from the system in order to simplify the operation of the user interface. For this purpose, a detection device 3 is provided as a sensor, which detects a user's hand and determines its position in three-dimensional space. The detection device 3 can, for example, be a 3D sensor, such as a time-of-flight camera, or can comprise optical 2D sensors. The system enables the user to touch the input surface 1 (or possibly a screen) if he or she wishes to do so. In this way, a similar experience to conventional touchscreens can be achieved, but with certain differences in behavior. However, control is basically possible without touching.

The detection device 3 forms a hand recognition system that detects a person's hand in real time in a suitable field of view (the detection area) with a suitable level of detail. This means that the detection device 3 can be able to detect fingertip positions in a defined 3D world coordinate system (which may or may not coincide with the sensor coordinate system). In addition, it can be provided that a classification is made as to whether or not an extended (pointing) finger is present, i.e. whether a detected hand is currently making a pointing gesture. A control unit ("controller"; not shown) can also be provided that calibrates the system. In particular, the controller knows the physical position and size of the input surface 1 (in world coordinates) so that it can geometrically relate the detection data of a hand (e.g. finger positions) to the surface positions. The controller receives the inputs from the detection system and converts them into suitable inputs for the GUI application.

As explained below, particularly with reference to 2 , 3 and 4 will be explained, the system allows the user to control a pointer 9 which represents a logical position on the input surface 1 or the user interface 4. The pointer 9 may have a visual appearance, but does not have to. It may be represented as a point, for example, or it may be invisible per se. In addition, the pointer 9 can be logically activated or deactivated at any time. The pointer 9 is deactivated when the hand is not in the vicinity of the input surface 1, ie outside the detection range 10, is not in a pointing posture (so that no pointing finger can be detected) or for other reasons that are not currently detected by hand recognition.

It is advantageous if the user is provided to control the pointer 9 with a hand 7 that is in a pointing position, i.e. with an extended index finger 8 that is located near the input surface 1. In addition, the user can trigger a control (analogous to a mouse click) that is determined by the distance of the hand from the input surface 1. The various distance ranges in front of the input surface 1 are explained below.

The position of the index finger 8, as detected by the detection device 3, determines the position of the pointer 9 on the input surface 1. There are several variants of how an assignment can be realized. In particular, it should be noted that the finger position is a position in three-dimensional space (detection area 10), while the pointer position is a value in two-dimensional space (input surface 1 or screen).

A simple and effective variant of the assignment is an orthogonal projection of the position of the hand 7 (i.e. the tip of the index finger 8) onto the input surface 1. The detection device 3 detects a pointing finger 8 and the position of its tip. The position of the pointer 9 can then simply be the orthogonal projection of the position of the fingertip onto the input surface 1. If no pointing finger is detected, the pointer can be deactivated. A further simplified variant of this solution can consist in simply detecting the position of a handtip, i.e. the frontmost point of the hand in a certain forward direction, and interpreting this as the finger pointing position. If the forward direction is suitably selected (e.g. orthogonal to the screen or input surface 1), then this detected position is actually the index finger position when the user points at the screen. In this way, no classification of the finger or pointing position is required.

It can also be provided that the detection device 3 recognizes a pointing finger 8 including its pointing direction. In this case, an index finger beam is determined that begins at the lower end of the finger and runs along the finger direction. The pointer position 9 is then the intersection point of the index beam with the input surface 1. However, this requires that an index finger is reasonably straight and a pointing direction can be assigned. If this is not the case, the recognition system would reject the input and the pointer would be deactivated.

The 3D finger position not only determines the pointer position, but also (when interpreted in a temporal context) a control or a trigger that leads to the control of a function. For this purpose, the detection area 10 in front of the input surface 1 can be divided into two three-dimensional spatial areas, which are referred to here as the control area 5 and the activation area 6. In the simplest case, these areas are, as in 2 shown, cuboid-shaped boxes. The control area 5 can also be referred to as a "trigger box" and the activation area 6 as a "focus box". However, these areas can also take on other shapes depending on the shape of the input interface 1. The sizes given are only examples and can vary depending on the circumstances or the application, for example depending on the position and size of the input interface 1, content of the GUI, etc.

The base area of the control area 5 corresponds to the input surface 1. The depth of the control area 5 can be chosen appropriately, for example about 2 to 3 cm. The activation area 6 is another area that is located "in front of" or "above" the control area 5 and whose depth can also be chosen appropriately, for example about 10 cm. Now the hand 7 has a certain approximation state with respect to the input surface 1 and thus the GUI at any time, which can be expressed by the presence or absence of the hand 7 in the detection area 10 or, more precisely, the activation area 6 and the control area 5. This can be one of three defined states, as explained below, and is determined by the position of the index finger 8 (if a pointing hand is detected).

If, as in 3 shown, the position of the index finger 8 is in the activation area 6 (the “focus box”), this state can be called “focus”. If, as in 4 shown, the position of the index finger 8 is in the control area 5 (the "trigger box"), this state can be referred to as a "trigger". The "idle" state can be a situation in which the position of the index finger 8 is not in any of the fields, i.e. outside the detection area 10. This is especially true if no hand or index finger is detected at all. It is useful to apply a filter to avoid flickering between the states at times when the detected finger position is close to the box boundaries. A hysteresis, for example, is a suitable filter.

At any time (or frame), the hand input relevant to the system is fully described by the current pointer position (x and y coordinates) and the current approach state (z coordinate). This data, a pair of pointer position and approach state, can be referred to as the control state. Note that the information within the control state is conceptually the same as the (relevant) information about the detected hand, but is fully expressed in screen coordinates (or logical, non-geometric information) and no longer depends on the geometric setup and calibration of the system (position of the sensor, etc.). Therefore, the control state is a self-sufficient input to a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides full information about a pointing device, similar to a mouse or touch input.

Particularly relevant for control are the moments in which the state of the approach changes, i.e. when the position of the hand leaves one of the areas and/or enters one of the areas. The (temporal) detection of the hand position can be based on frames, so that a state change of the approach occurs when the control state determined in frame n+1 results in a different state in the approach than the previous frame n. Therefore, the following transition events can be defined, which correspond to state changes and can be relevant for controlling the functions of the user interface.

The transition event "TriggerStateEnterEvent" is triggered when the state changes to "trigger". The transition event "TriggerStateLeaveEvent" is triggered when the state "trigger" changes to any other state. These two transition events can be used to select functions, similar to a mouse click or touching a touchscreen. In this way, drag-and-drop functionality can also be implemented. As long as the hand (or the tip of the index finger 8) remains in the control area 5, an object of the user interface is held and then released when the hand 7 leaves the control area 5.

In addition, the following events can be defined. The transition event "FocusStateEnterEvent" is triggered when the state changes to "Focus". The transition event "FocusStateLeaveEvent" is triggered when the state changes from "Focus" to any other state. The transition event "IdleStateEnterEvent" is triggered when the state changes to "Idle". The transition event "IdleStateLeaveEvent" is triggered when the state changes from "Idle" to any other state. These events enable the implementation of additional functions. For example, the presentation of the user interface can react to the fact that the user is not near the input surface 1 with the controlling hand, but approaches the input surface 1 by entering the activation area 6 with his hand. The user thus receives feedback that the system has successfully responded to his hand 7 and he can continue operating the system.

In general, adequate feedback is very helpful for usability. In particular, with non-contact interaction, one problem is giving the user useful, supportive feedback. The user often feels lost, does not know how to interact and what the system actually recognizes. The system described here can provide direct feedback through spatial information about the finger position, so that the user understands what the system recognizes in order to react and adjust the finger position and movement. Different states for user interface controls ("UI elements") are described, which, depending on user interaction, return real-time information and thus feedback to the user. The system shows what it recognizes and which UI elements can be operated.

When interacting with UL elements in a 3D space, the system must react sensitively to changes in the user's finger position. More feedback gives the user more security. The combination of horizontal and vertical movement of the finger together with the depth data (distance from the screen or input surface) leads to complex state changes, as described above.

Such feedback is particularly beneficial in a situation where a user is sitting in a vehicle and wants to interact with virtually displayed objects on a dashboard. As soon as they lift their finger to select an element of the user interface, clickable elements can appear larger and be easily highlighted. If they then move their finger over one of these elements, it can be additionally highlighted by a "hover effect". If they now click on the element, it can visually appear like a real button for clicking down. Over time, the user learns to interact better and better so that their "click" is recognized by the system. In addition to visual feedback, acoustic feedback can also be provided, for example various clicking noises.

5 shows a schematic of a control element 13, which is shown in the form of a round button and is thus visible to a user as part of the user interface 4. For operation or control, however, it is advantageous if a user does not have to hit the control element exactly with the pointer 9. For this purpose, the visible area of the control element 13 is surrounded by an area 14. For the sake of simplicity, this is square along the x and y coordinates. On the left, a situation is shown in which the pointer 9 is outside the control element 13 and in particular also outside the area 14. The control element 13 is not addressed. However, if the pointer 9 is within the area 14, as on the right in 5 shown, the control element 13 is addressed. The pointer 9 is considered to be "on the control element 13" if its position is at least in the area 14.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a wide variety of variations thereon exist. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide one skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the subject matter set forth in the appended claims, as well as their legal equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

Input interface

2

projector

3

Detection device (camera)

4

user interface

5

Tax area

6

Activation area

7

hand

8th

Hand position / index finger

9

pointer

10

Detection range

11

Depth of the control area

12

Depth of the activation area

13

Control (visible)

14

active area of the control

Claims (15)

Method for detecting user inputs in an input device, the input device having an input surface (1) on which a graphical user interface (4) is displayed and a detection device (3), the method comprising: - detecting a hand (7) of a user by means of the detection device (3) and determining a position of the hand in a detection area (10), the detection area (10) being a three-dimensional spatial area which is assigned to the input surface (1); - determining whether the hand (7) of the user is located in an activation area (6), the activation area (6) being a part of the detection area (10) which is arranged at a distance (11) from the input surface (1); and - determining whether the hand (7) of the user is located in a control area (5), the control area (5) being a part of the detection area (10) which is arranged between the input surface (1) and the activation area (6); wherein, if it is determined that the user's hand (7) is in the activation area (6), a representation of the user interface (4) on the input surface (1) is adjusted, and, if it is determined that the user's hand (7) is in the control area (5), a function of the user interface (4) is controlled. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the control region (5) has a base area which contains at least the input surface (1) and the control region (5) extends from the base area to a cover surface, wherein a distance (11) between the base area and the cover surface of the control region (5) corresponds to the distance (11) between the input surface (1) and the activation region (6). Procedure according to Claim 2 , wherein the activation region (6) adjoins the control region (5), wherein the activation region (6) has a base area which contains at least the cover surface of the control region (5). Procedure according to Claim 3 , wherein a distance (12) between the base surface and the top surface of the activation region (6) is greater than the distance (11) between the input surface (1) and the activation region (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - determining a position of a pointer (9) on the Input surface (1), wherein the position of the pointer (9) is determined by projecting the position of the hand (7) onto the input surface (1) when the position of the hand (7) is detected in the detection area (10). Procedure according to Claim 5 , wherein the function of the user interface is controlled depending on the position of the pointer (9) when the position of the hand (7) in the control area (5) is detected. Procedure according to Claim 5 or 6 , wherein the representation of the user interface indicates the position of the pointer (9) when the position of the hand is detected in the detection area (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the hand (7) of the user is determined to be a position of a point of the hand (7) of the user which is closest to the input surface (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein detecting the hand (7) of the user comprises determining whether at least one finger (8) of the hand (7) points in the direction of the input surface (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the function of the user interface (4) is activated when it is determined that the hand (7) enters the control area (5) and is deactivated when the hand (7) leaves the control area (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - determining a transition event when it is determined that: - the hand enters the control area (5); - the hand leaves the control area (5); - the hand enters the activation area (6); - the hand leaves the activation area (6); - the hand leaves the detection area (10); or - the hand enters the detection area (10). A data processing system comprising at least one processor configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims, as well as at least one display device (2) configured to display a graphical user interface (4) on an input surface (1), and a detection device (3) configured to detect a hand (7) of a user in a three-dimensional spatial area and to determine a position of the hand in the three-dimensional spatial area. System according to Claim 12 , wherein the display device comprises a projection device (2) which is configured to project a representation of the graphical user interface (4) onto a surface (1). System according to Claim 12 or 13 , wherein the detection device (3) comprises at least one camera. A computer program containing instructions which, when executed on a system, execute one of the Claims 12 until 14 cause the procedure to be initiated in accordance with one of the Claims 1 until 11 to execute.

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