OPERATING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to operating device having a surface to form or deform buttons in response to a user feedback, for performing various operations. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and an operating device for securing functions of the operating device.

BACKGROUND

[002] User interfaces such as touchscreens, mechanical buttons, and the like are increasingly used in applications to operate devices or machines. For example, such user interfaces are used for performing operations in a vehicle. The mechanical buttons consume space (for example, on a dashboard of the vehicle) and hence the operations performed using these buttons are limited. On the other hand, the touchscreens have a limitation that a user is given insufficient feedback about whether his/her input has been detected. Hence, concentration of the user is required to perform the operations. However, the user may not be able to concentrate entirely on the operation, especially while driving. Further, voice-controlled operations are not easy to perform. To overcome the above-mentioned limitations, operating devices which work on haptic feedback are designed. Such operating devices has a surface and a display to perform various operations. The surface is configured to form or deform buttons in response to a user feedback, to perform the various operations. The buttons appear and disappear in response to the user feedback. Operating device of this type is also referred to as “morphing control” and is used generally in vehicles.

[003] Systems implementing the morphing controls provide an interactive way of communicating with users. However, such systems do not secure functions of the operating device. There are several potential problems when the functions of the operating device are not secured. The functions associated with the operating device can be accessed by unauthorized users. For example, the functions include forming/ deforming of the buttons. The buttons may appear in case of theft and the operations of the vehicle are vulnerable. Further, the operating device may be repetitively used by a user (for example, a child). This may cause distraction to a driver of the vehicle. Further, in the systems, the user of the vehicle does not have an option to deliberately hide certain operations selectively. Hence, there is a need for a system that overcomes one or more limitations of the above-described systems.

[004] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

[005] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method of securing functions of an operating device having a surface and a display. The surface is configured to form or deform a plurality of buttons, in response to a user feedback, for performing a plurality of operations. The method comprises receiving an input for selecting a profile from a plurality of profiles from a user, via a user interface. Each profile is associated with the one or more operations from the plurality of operations. Further, the method comprises authenticating the user using one or more biometric identification methods. Thereafter, the method comprises controlling the surface to form or deform at least one button from the plurality of buttons, and the display for displaying content related to the one or more operations, based on the selected profile, upon authenticating, for securing the functions of the operating device. Advantageously, the feature of a surface revealing a formation or deformation of a plurality of operations allows the plurality of operations to be shown to a user only when the user wants to utilise the plurality of buttons, and the deformation of a plurality of operations allows the plurality of operations to be hidden from view of a user when the user is not utilising the plurality of buttons.

[006] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses an operating device for securing functions of an operating device having a surface and a display. The surface is configured to form or deform a plurality of buttons, in response to a user feedback, for performing a plurality of operations. The operating device is configured to receive an input for selecting a profile from a plurality of profiles from a user, via a user interface. Each profile is associated with one or more operations from the plurality of operations. Further, the operating device is configured to authenticate the user using one or more biometric identification methods. Thereafter, the operating device is configured to control the surface to form or deform at least one button from the plurality of buttons, and the display for displaying content related to of the one or more operations, based on the selected profile, upon authenticating, for securing the functions of the operating device. Advantageously, the feature of a surface revealing a formation or deformation of a plurality of operations allows the plurality of operations to be shown to a user only when the user wants to utilise the plurality of buttons. More advantageously, the deformation of a plurality of operations allows the plurality of operations to be hidden from view of a user when the user is not utilising the plurality of buttons.

[007] As used in this summary, in the description below, in the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, the term “operating device” is a device comprising a surface and a display. The surface is configured to form or deform a plurality of buttons, in response to a user feedback, for performing a plurality of operations.

[008] As used in this summary, in the description below, in the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, the term “functions” refers to functions of the operating device. The functions of the operating device may comprise forming or deforming the plurality of buttons, displaying content related to the plurality of operations, and the like.

[009] As used in this summary, in the description below, in the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, the term “operations” may be defined as operations operable using the operating device. For example, when the operating device is associated with the vehicle, the operations may comprise multimedia, navigation, climate control functions, light controls, connectivity functions, and the like.

[0010] As used in this summary, in the description below, in the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, the term “profile” may comprise the one or more operations of which corresponding buttons and display has to be controlled to secure the functions of the operating device.

[0011] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS [0012] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for securing functions of an operating device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2A-2C illustrates an exemplary operating device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps for securing functions of an operating device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4A-4F, 5A, and 5B show exemplary illustrations for securing functions of an operating device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. [0019] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and an operating device for securing functions of the operating device. The operating device has a surface and a display. The surface is altered to form a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons form or deform in response to a user feedback, for performing a plurality of operations. The present disclosure secures the functions of the operating device by providing an option to a user to select various profiles to control the functions of the operating device. Specific functions are secured based on user selection. In order to authenticate the user for receiving the selection, biometric identification methods are used. The surface and the display are controlled based on the profile selected by the user. Hence, the functions of the operating device are secured. Further, the user can control appearance or disappearance of the buttons for certain operations selectively. Hence, user experience is increased.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 for securing functions of an operating device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the exemplary environment 100 may include a vehicle infotainment system, an aircraft cockpit system, or any other user interface systems. The exemplary environment 100 comprises an operating device 101, a user interface 102, a surface 103, a display 104, and a button 105i formed on the surface 103. In an embodiment, the operating device 101 may be an infotainment system of a vehicle configured to interactively communicate with a user 106 associated with the vehicle. The operating device 101 comprises the surface 103 and the display 104. The surface 103 is configured to form or deform a plurality of buttons, in response to a user feedback, for performing a plurality of operations. Further, content related to the plurality of operations may be displayed. The forming or deforming of the plurality of buttons and displaying of the content are functions of the operating device 101. It should be noted that the functions are not limited to above-mentioned functions of the operating device 101. The plurality of operations may be associated with functional devices operable using the user interface systems. For example, the functional devices may be associated with a vehicle and may include navigation system, Air Conditioning (AC) system, and the like. The plurality of operations may comprise navigation, AC control, and the like. The plurality of buttons is also referred as the plurality of buttons 105 in the present description. For example, the user 106 may provide the feedback by approaching a finger close to the surface 103. An operation Oi may comprise multimedia operation. FIG. 1 illustrates a button 105i formed on the surface 103 corresponding to the operation Oi. An appropriate symbol may be displayed on the button 105i for playing the multimedia. More buttons may be formed on the surface 103 corresponding to the multimedia operation. Symbols such as pause, rewind, forward, and the like may be displayed on corresponding buttons. FIG. 1 illustrates the display 104 corresponding to an operation O3. The operation O3 may be AC control. Division marks in form of an arc may be displayed to increase or decrease the AC temperature.

[0023] The operating device 101 of the present disclosure provides a plurality of profiles for selectively controlling the functions of the operating device 101. The operating device 101 is configured to receive an input for selecting a profile from the plurality of profiles, from the user 106. Each profile is associated with the one or more operations. Each profile is received to secure the functions of the operating device 101, to perform the plurality of operations. For example, a first profile may be a child profile. The child profile may comprise limited operations and have restrictions on certain operations. The child profile may restrict operations such as vehicle headlight controls, wiper controls and the like. The operating device 101 may receive the input via the user interface 102. For example, the input may be a voice input, a gesture input, and the like. In an embodiment, the user interface 102 may be associated with a user device associated with the user 106. The user device may be connected to the operating device 101. In another embodiment, the user interface 102 may be an interface on dashboard of the vehicle and associated with the operating device 101. The operating device 101 may authenticate the user 106 using one or more biometric identification methods. Further, the operating device 101 may control the surface 103 to form or deform at least one button from the plurality of buttons 105, and the display 104 for displaying content related to the one or more operations, based on the selected profile, upon authentication. For example, a child may approach his/her finger close to the surface 103 to access phone service. The operating device 101 may control a button from the plurality of buttons 105, corresponding to the phone service and corresponding display to disable morphing of the surface 103. Hence, the functions of the operating device 101 are secured.

[0024] FIG. 2 A illustrates an exemplary operating device 101, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The operating device 101 has a surface 201. In an embodiment, the surface 201 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The surface 201 may be a flexible material that can form into different shapes. As described above, the surface 201 can form into a button 105. The surface 201 may be electronically controlled using actuators (not shown). Also, the operating device 101 may be associated with various types of sensors for example proximity sensors to detect user’s fingers. The surface 201 may have a grain similar to leather, but it can also be completely smooth or have a different surface structure. In an embodiment, nothing is noticeable from the displays or deformations in the form of ridges or depressions. The surface 201 is preferably made of an elastic plastic material. However, elastic composite materials can also be used.

[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates the surface 201 where buttons 202i and 2022 are formed corresponding to an operation of AC control when a finger 204 of a user is brought close to the surface 201. The surface deforms in form of elevation and the buttons 202i and 2022 are protruded. Corresponding display elements 2031, 2032, and 203s are displayed. AC control settings (2034, 203s) are used to control temperature values. In an embodiment, the surface 201 may also have display controls. For example, the transparency and color settings of the surface 201 may also be controlled. FIG. 2C illustrates the surface 201 when the finger 204 further approaches the surface 201. The proximity sensors detect the finger 204 and activates the surface 201. An exemplary fan control setting 203e is illustrated in the FIG. 2C. In the present disclosure, the formation or deformation of the plurality of buttons 105 and the display 104 are controlled, upon authenticating the user 106 selecting the profile. In an embodiment, the surface 201 may be placed on pressure sensors to detect the touch of the finger 204. Further, the surface 201 may be controlled by one or more controllers such as a graphic controller and a body control unit of the vehicle.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps for securing functions of the operating device 101, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method 300 may comprise one or more steps. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0027] The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0028] At step 301, the operating device 101 receives the input for selecting a profile from the plurality of profiles, from the user 106. The operating device 101 may receive the input via the user interface 102. The input may be provided in form of text, voice, touch, and the like. Each profile is associated with the one or more operations from the plurality of operations. In an example, the plurality of operations may be associated with the vehicle associated with the user 106. The plurality of operations may comprise multimedia, navigation, climate control functions, light controls, connectivity functions, and the like. The user 106 may create a plurality of profiles and associate the one or more operations to each profile. For example, the user 106 may create a first child profile. The first child profile may comprise operations such as vehicle light controls AC control, connectivity functions, and multimedia controls. The user 106 may restrict certain operations and allow certain operations. For example, the user 106 may restrict the operations of vehicle light controls and multimedia controls. The user 106 may allow the operations of AC control and connectivity functions. Further, the user 106 may create an anti -theft profile restricting all the plurality of operations. Further, the user 106 may create a second child profile comprising operations such as vehicle light controls, wiper controls, AC control, connectivity functions, multimedia controls, phone services and multimedia. The user 106 may restrict the operations of vehicle light controls, wiper controls, phone services, and multimedia controls. The user 106 may allow the operations of AC control and connectivity functions. Further, the user 106 may create an adult profile allowing all the plurality of operations. The plurality of profiles may be stored in the memory of the operating device 101. Further, the plurality of profiles may be updated by the user 106. In one embodiment, the user interface 102 may display the plurality of profiles when ignition switch of the vehicle is switched to an ON state. The user 106 may select a profile from the plurality of profiles. In an embodiment, the plurality of profiles may be displayed upon a gesture or a voice command provided by the user 106. The user 106 is authenticated when the profile is selected.

[0029] Referring to example of FIG. 4 A, a user application 401 on the user device for securing the functions of the operating device 101 is illustrated. The user application 401 displays the anti-theft profile 402i and the child profile 4022. The plurality of profiles are illustrated as icons. In another example, the plurality of profiles may be displayed as a list. FIG. 4B-4D illustrates creation of the plurality of profiles by the user 106. Referring to example of FIG. 4B, the user interface 102 displays an image of AC control. The user 106 may include the operation of AC control in the anti -theft profile 402i. Referring to example of FIG. 4C, the user interface 102 displays an actual image of the operating device 101 and the plurality of operations. The user 106 may include the operation of AC control in the anti-theft profile 402i. Referring to example of FIG. 4D, a drag and drop menu 403 may be displayed on the user interface 102. The user 106 may select the plurality of operations and add to the anti-theft profile 402i and the child profile 4022. In another example, the user interface 102 may display the plurality of operations as a list.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3 at step 302, the operating device 101 authenticates the user 106 using the one or more biometric identification methods. The one or more biometric identification methods may comprise at least one of, facial recognition, voice recognition, and fingerprint recognition. The user 106 may be authenticated to ensure that the functions of the operating device 101 are secured by a valid user. The operating device 101 may store identification details of the user 106 associated with the one or more biometric identification methods. In an example, the operating device 101 may store voice of the user 106 when pronouncing special characters. In another example, the operating device 101 may store one or more fingerprints of the user 106. In another example, the operating device 101 may store facial details of the user 106. The operating device 101 may compare identification details of the user 106 with pre-stored identification details of the user 106, associated with the one or more biometric identification methods. The operating device 101 may validate the identification details of the user 106 upon the comparison. Referring to example of FIG. 4E, the user interface 102 may display options to store identification details associated with the biometric identification methods 404i, 4042, and 404s. The user 106 may store the identification details corresponding to each biometric identification method 404i, 4042, and 404s by selecting the corresponding options. Referring to example of FIG. 4F, the identification details associated with the facial recognition is validated to authenticate the user 106.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3 at step 303, the operating device 101 controls the surface

103 to form or deform at least one button from the plurality of buttons 105 and the display

104 for displaying content related to the one or more operations. The operating device 101 controls the surface 103 and the display 104 based on the selected profile, upon authenticating the user 106. The operating device 101 may control forming/deforming of the plurality of buttons 105 and the display 104 based on the selected profile, in response to the user feedback. Referring to example of FIG. 5 A, the operating device 101 may include operation of multimedia (shown as button 502). At a first-time instance, a first child may be seated on a front passenger seat. The user 106 (for example, driver of a vehicle) may have selected a first child profile. The first child profile may have restricted the operation of multimedia. The first child may approach his/her finger near the button 502 on the surface 501 of the operating device 101. The operating device 101 may disable forming of buttons and display corresponding to multimedia, since the first child profile restricts the operation of multimedia. Referring to example of FIG. 5B, the operating device 101 may allow operation of AC control (shown as button 503), when the first child may approach his/her finger near the button 503 on the surface 501 of the operating device 101. The operating device 101 may form buttons and display the content corresponding to the AC control, since the first child profile allows the operation of AC control. In the above-stated example, at a second time instance, a second child may be seating on a front passenger seat. The user 106 may have selected a second child profile. The second child profile may restrict the operation of phone service. The second child may approach his/her finger near the surface 501 of the operating device 101. The operating device 101 may disable forming of buttons and display corresponding to the phone service, since the second child profile includes the operation of phone service. In an example, the operating device 101 may disable the forming of the plurality of buttons 105 and the display 104 based on the anti -theft profile, when the authentication process of the user 106 fails multiple times.

[0032] In an embodiment, the functions of the operating device 101 may further comprise controlling one or more parameters of the at least one button based on the selected profile. The one or more parameters comprises at least one of, an intensity of illumination, a sound, and a graphics. For example, the user 106 may disable the sound of the plurality of buttons in the child profile, since the repetitive use of the plurality of buttons by the child may distract the user 106.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure ensures security of the functions of the operating device. Further, the user can control morphing functions of the operating device. Hence, user experience is increased. Also, distraction to the user is reduced.

[001] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

[002] The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[003] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[004] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[005] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

[006] The illustrated operations of FIG. 3 show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above-described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

[007] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[008] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. Referral Numerals: