Description

The present invention relates to an input system, and in particular to an in-vehicle input system.

Over the past years, a large variety of input systems has been proposed that aim at providing an intuitive interaction with a control system to thereby minimize a level of distraction of a user. Such input systems are of particular importance for in-vehicle input systems. Commonly used input systems employed in vehicles are based on rotary controllers or on touch pads which, however, are not intuitive enough or do not have significant physical presence.

Exemplary input systems are known from US 2005/0259088 A1 and EP 2 889 726 A1.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an input system having significant physical presence and at the same time being intuitive enough to reduce a level of distraction of a user.

According to the present invention, this object is attained by means of an input system defined in claim 1 , including: a controller, a display device (e.g., one or multiple display device) operatively coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to display one or more control elements on the display device, and an input device operatively coupled to the controller and configured to select one control element among the one or more control elements displayed on the display device, wherein the input device comprises: a base portion including one or more base-portion magnets, a selection portion including one or more selection-portion magnets movable relative to the one or more base-portion magnets and configured to magnetically interact with the one or more base-portion magnets, and a position sensor operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the position sensor is configured to sense a position of the selection portion relative to the base portion and to generate signals indicative of the position of the selection portion relative to the base portion, wherein the selection portion is configured to transmit the signals indicative of the position of the selection portion relative to the base portion to the controller, wherein the one or more base-portion magnets are configured to generate a magnetic field providing an attractive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets, wherein the attractive force has one or more local maxima at one or more positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device, and wherein the controller is configured to identify one of the one or more control elements displayed on the display device when the selection portion is positioned at a position uniquely assigned to the one control element.

An input system according to the present invention includes an input device with a selection portion physically movable relative to a base portion. In this way, a blind recognition of the selection portion and, hence, a blind access (through muscle memory) to the selection portion of the input device can be provided which in turn reduces a distraction level of a user. Apart from that, the local maxima of the attractive force at one or more positions uniquely assigned to one or more control elements displayed on the display device allows for graphical icon snapping which enables an intuitive selection of control elements displayed on the display device and, hence, blind and fast access to favorite functions. This further contributes to reducing a distraction level of a user, e.g. of a driver while driving.

An input system according to the present invention may be employed where a need exists to access multiple and/or large displays from a stationary position, in particular in vehicles such as cars, trucks, busses, or the like. Such a configured input system may be used in conjunction with a Center Display or a Head-Up Display (HUD), e.g. for controlling a climate function, a navigation function, or an entertainment function in a vehicle.

The controller may include one or more processors operatively coupled to one or more memories such as a read-only memory (ROM) and/or a random-access memory (RAM). The display device may be configured as or may include an LCD, LED, OLED, or MicroLED display and/or may be configured as a HD display.

The position sensor may be configured as or may include a magnetic field sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) configured to detect a magnetic field caused by the one or more selection-portion magnets which is indicative of the position of the selection portion. The position sensor may include an array of position sensors. The position sensor is, however, not limited to a magnetic sensor and may include or may be configured as an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion may include a plurality of the base-portion magnets, wherein the plurality of the base-portion magnets may include one or more first base-portion magnets configured to generate a magnetic field providing an attractive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets at the one or more positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device, and one or more second base-portion magnets configured to generate a magnetic field providing a repulsive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets.

The provision of first base-portion magnets configured to generate an attractive force on the one or more selection portion magnets and of second base-portion magnets configured to generate a repulsive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets can provide a configuration in which the only stable positions of the selection portion with respect to the base portion are those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device. In this way, predetermined functions can be accessed more quickly without increasing a distraction level of a user.

To make sure that the selection portion is stably held at one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device, the base portion may include a plurality of the first base-portion magnets grouped into a plurality of first base-portion magnet groups, wherein at least two of the first base-portion magnet groups are separated from each other by one or more second base-portion magnets. In this configuration, at least one or each first base-portion magnet group may include a plurality of first base-portion magnets. At least one or each first base-portion magnet group may correspond to one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device.

In an input system according to the present invention, the one or more selection-portion magnets and/or the one or more base-portion magnets may be configured as permanent magnets. This may be an option in case a predetermined set of control elements is to be permanently displayed on the display device. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more selection-portion magnets and/or the one or more base-portion magnets may be configured as electromagnets.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the one or more base-portion magnets may be configured as electromagnets controlled by the controller or each of the one or more base-portion magnets may be configured as an electromagnet controlled by the controller. Here, the controller may be configured to control the direction of an electric current flowing through the electromagnet(s) and/or the amount of electric current flowing through the electromagnet(s). In this way, both the polarity of a base-portion magnet and the magnetic flux density generated by means of a base-portion magnet can be easily adapted to the user’s needs and preferences. This allows for example for the adaption of a snapping force associated with a particular control element to user’s preferences. In addition, in this way, the configuration of the input device can be easily adapted to a plurality of control screens including different numbers of control elements and/or differently configured control elements, e.g. control elements with different shapes or sizes to achieve a 1 :1 mapping between the control elements and the configuration of the magnetic field generated by the base-portion magnets.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base portion may include a base plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the one or more base-portion magnets may be mounted on a side of the base plate facing the first surface, e.g. without being in contact with the first surface or even in contact with the first surface. The second surface may be configured as a base-portion sliding surface for the selection portion. This configuration allows for a well-defined positioning of the base-portion magnets with respect to a sliding surface for the selection portion, e.g. by arranging the base-portion magnets with either a north pole or a south pole facing the first surface of the base plate.

The base plate may include or consist of a non-magnetic material. The second surface of the base plate may be configured to have a low coefficient of kinetic/static friction, e.g. in the range between 0.02 to 0.2, optionally between 0.04 to 0.2, further optionally between 0.04 to 0.1 . The base plate may include a plurality of layers, e.g. a first layer providing the first surface and a second layer providing the second surface. The second layer may be made of a material including PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or may consist of PTFE.

The circumference of the base plate may be provided with a stopper portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to the second surface of the base plate. The stopper portion may be configured to limit a movement of the selection portion in a direction parallel to the second surface and, hence, to keep the selection portion on the second surface. In this way, a user does not have to care about unintentionally leaving the base plate while moving the selection portion along the second surface of the base plate. Hence, the distraction level of the user can be reduced in this way.

The selection portion may include a predetermined selection-portion sliding surface on which the selection portion is intended to be sled along the base-portion sliding surface when the selection portion is used as intended. The selection-portion sliding surface can serve as a reference surface for mounting the one or more selection-portion magnets. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one or more selection-portion magnets may be positioned such as to face the selection-portion sliding surface with either a north pole or a south pole. By means of a such arranged selection-portion magnet, an efficient magnetic interaction can be ensured with the one or more base-portion magnets, in particular if one or more of the one or more base-portion magnets are arranged with a north pole or a south pole facing the first surface of the base plate.

In an exemplary configuration, the selection portion may include a plurality of the selection-portion magnets, wherein the plurality of the selection-portion magnets may include a central magnet and a plurality of peripheral magnets surrounding the central magnet in a plane parallel to the selection-portion sliding surface. In this configuration, the central magnet might serve as a holding magnet attracted by one or more of the base-portion magnets when the selection portion is position at one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements displayed on the display device, and the peripheral magnets might serve as stabilizing magnets providing a well-defined magnetic field in a region surrounding the central magnet.

The magnetic field generated by the peripheral magnets can be selectively influenced by means of their magnetic-pole configurations which are determined inter alia by the orientations of their magnetic dipole axes. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the peripheral magnets may have a magnetic-pole configuration different from the magnetic-pole configuration of the central magnet. For example, one or more of the peripheral magnets may have a magnetic dipole axis which is tilted relative to the magnetic-dipole axis of the central magnet.

The controller may be configured to highlight one of the one or more control elements displayed on the display device when the selection portion is positioned at one of the one or more positions uniquely assigned to said control element. In this way, in addition to the haptic feedback provided by the input device, a user can also visually recognize which control element is selected which in turn contributes to an intuitive and quick access to particular functions.

Once a control element is selected by a user, the system can automatically initiate the execution of a particular command assigned to the control element, e.g. after expiry of a particular period of time after the selection by a user. Alternatively, a user can actively initiate the execution of a particular command assigned to a highlighted control element. For this purpose, the selection portion may further include an input element, such as a button, a rotary controller, or a touch pad, for inputting a control command.

Alternatively, or additionally, the selection portion can be equipped with a commonly known rotary controller or a touch pad for inputting said commands or for inputting additional information, e.g. a destination in case of a navigation function. In an exemplary embodiment, the selection portion may include as an input element a mechanical knob. The mechanical knob may be further equipped with a touch pad, e.g. at a center of the mechanical knob.

The input element (e.g. the touch pad) may be equipped with a haptic-feedback element. The haptic-feedback element may include or may be configured as an integrated through voice coil and/or a piezo actuator.

In an exemplary embodiment where no haptic-feedback element is provided, the input element (e.g. the touch pad) may be configured as a depressible button which, when depressed, triggers signal generation. The button may activate a tact switch that generates signals (like buttons of a computer mouse).

As described above, on the one hand, the one or more base-portion magnets have to be configured such as to generate a sufficiently large magnetic force to provide the snapping action required for the haptic feedback. On the other hand, the magnetic force has to be low enough to enable a comfortable movement of the selection portion relative to the base portion. To meet these two requirements, the selection portion may be equipped with one or more force sensors configured to sense force variations exerted by a touch of the selection portion, e.g. by a user while intending to move the selection portion relative to the base portion and to generate signals indicative of the force variations, wherein the selection portion may be configured to transmit the signals indicative of the force variations to the controller. The one or more force sensors may be configured to sense force variations by means of a detection of variations in contact resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more force sensors may be configured as a resistive force-sensing film provided on an outer periphery of the selection portion. The resistive force-sensing film may fully surround (360 degree) the outer periphery of the selection portion.

By means of this configuration, once a user attempts to move the selection portion relative to the base portion and thereby causes a slight force variation (contact resistance variation), the controller may control the current flowing through the electromagnets in order to reduce the attractive/repulsive force between the one or more selection-portion magnets and the one or more base-portion magnets. In this way, the user can easily move the selection portion until it comes to rest again at a position with a local maximum of magnetic force.

The selection portion may include a wireless transmitter configured for wireless signal exchange with the controller. In this way, for example, the signals indicative of a force variation generated by the one or more force sensors may be transmitted to the controller wirelessly. Apart from that, the wireless transmitter may be configured to transmit any input (e.g., touch gestures, device position, force, knob push, and rotational positions of the knob) wirelessly to the controller. Hence, any wiring between the selection portion and the base portion can be omitted, thereby simplifying the overall setup of the input system.

The selection portion may be equipped with a battery, optionally a rechargeable battery, for supplying the selection portion with electric power (similar to a rechargeable computer mouse). In this way, any power supply wiring for supplying the selection portion with electric power can be omitted which in turn contributes to a simple overall setup of the input system.

The present invention will be described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of an exemplary input system, and

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an input device. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of an input system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The input system 10 may include: a controller 12, a display device 14 (e.g., including one or more displays/display panels) operatively coupled to the controller 12, e.g. via display signal lines 16, the controller 12 being configured to display one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 on the display device 14, and an input device 18 operatively coupled to the controller 12 via input device signal lines 20 and configured to select one control element among the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14. The input device 18 may include: a base portion 22 including one or more base-portion magnets 24, a selection portion 26 (shown in greater detail in Figure 3) including one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 movable relative to the one or more base-portion magnets 24 and configured to magnetically interact with the one or more base-portion magnets 24, and a position sensor 30 operatively coupled to the controller 12, wherein the position sensor 30 is configured to sense a position of the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22 and to generate signals indicative of the position of the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22, wherein the selection portion 26 may be configured to transmit the signals indicative of the position of the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22 to the controller 12.

The one or more base-portion magnets 24 are configured to generate a magnetic field providing an attractive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 wherein the attractive force has one or more local maxima at one or more positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14.

The controller 12 may be configured to identify on the basis of the position signals generated by the position sensor 30 one control element among the control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14 when the selection portion 26 is located at a position uniquely assigned to the one control element.

An input system 10 according to the present invention includes an input device 18 with a selection portion 26 physically movable relative to a base portion 22. A such configured selection portion 26 may provide a significant physical presence and may, hence, allow a blind access (through muscle memory) to the selection portion 26 of the input device 18. In this way, a distraction level of a user can be reduced. Apart from that, the local maxima of the attractive force at one or more positions uniquely assigned to one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14 allows for graphical icon snapping which enables an intuitive selection of control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14 and, hence, blind and fast access to favorite functions. This further contributes to reducing a distraction level of a user, e.g. of a driver while driving.

An input system 10 according to the present invention may be employed where a need exists to access multiple and/or large displays from a stationary position, in particular in vehicles such as cars, trucks, busses, or the like. A such configured input system 10 may be used in conjunction with a Center Display or a Head-Up Display (HUD), e.g. for controlling a climate function, a navigation function, or an entertainment function in a vehicle.

The controller 12 may include one or more processors operatively coupled to one or more memories such as a read-only memory (ROM) and/or a random-access memory (RAM).

The display device 14 may be configured as or may include an LCD, LED, OLED, or MicroLED display and/or may be configured as a HD display.

The position sensor 30 may be configured as or may include a magnetic field sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) configured to detect a magnetic field caused by the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 which is indicative of the position of the selection portion 26. The position sensor 30 may include an array of position sensors. Alternatively, or additionally, the position sensor 30 may be configured as or may include an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or the like.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base portion 18 may include a plurality of the base-portion magnets 24, wherein the plurality of the base-portion magnets 24 may include one or more first base-portion magnets 24-1 configured to generate a magnetic field providing an attractive force on one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 at the one or more positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14, and one or more second base-portion magnets 24-2 configured to generate a magnetic field providing a repulsive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3. In Figures 1 and 2, the first base-portion magnets 24-1 are indicated by shaded circles and the second base-portion magnets 24-2 are indicated by circles without shading.

The provision of first base-portion magnets 24-1 configured to generate an attractive force on the one or more selection portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 and of second base-portion magnets 24-2 configured to generate a repulsive force on the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 can provide a configuration in which the only stable positions of the selection portion 26 with respect to the base portion 22 are those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14. In this way, predetermined functions can be accessed more quickly without increasing a distraction level of a user.

To make sure that the selection portion 26 is stably held at one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14, the base portion 22 may include a plurality of the first base-portion magnets 24-1 grouped into a plurality of first base-portion magnet groups 32-1 , ... , 32-10, wherein at least two of the first base-portion magnet groups 32-1 , ... , 32-10 are separated from each other by one or more second base-portion magnets 24-2. In this configuration, the positions of the first base-portion magnet groups 32-1 , ... , 32-10 may correspond to those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14. At least one of the first base-portion magnet groups 32-1 , ... , 32-10 or each first base-portion magnet group 32-1 , ... , 32-10 may include a plurality of the first base-portion magnets 24-1 . In an input system 10 according to the present invention, the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 and/or the one or more base-portion magnets 24 may be configured as permanent magnets. This may be an option in case a predetermined set of control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 is to be permanently displayed on the display device 14. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 and/or the one or more base-portion magnets 28 may be configured as electromagnets.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the one or more base-portion magnets 24 may be configured as electromagnets controlled by the controller 12 or each of the one or more base-portion magnets 24 may be configured as an electromagnet controlled by the controller 12. Here, the controller 12 may be configured to control the direction of an electric current flowing through the electromagnet(s) and/or the amount of electric current flowing through the electromagnet(s). In this way, both the polarity of a base-portion magnet 24 and the magnetic flux density generated by means of a base-portion magnet 24 can be easily adapted to the user’s needs and preferences. This allows for example for the adaption of a snapping force associated with a particular control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10 to user’s preferences. In addition, in this way, the configuration of the input device 18 can be easily adapted to a plurality of control screens including different numbers of control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 and/or differently configured control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10, e.g. control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 with different shapes or sizes to achieve a 1 :1 mapping between the control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 and the configuration of the magnetic field generated by the base portion 22.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base portion 22 may include a base plate 34 having a first surface 34a and a second surface 34b opposite to the first surface 34a. The one or more base-portion magnets 24 may be mounted on a side of the base plate 34 facing the first surface 34a without being in contact with the base plate 34, or may be in contact with the first surface 34a of the base plate 34, as shown in Figure 3. The second surface 34b may be configured as a base-portion sliding surface for the selection portion 26, i.e. as a surface along which the selection portion 26 may be sled when the selection portion 26 is used as intended. This configuration allows for a well-defined positioning of the base-portion magnets 24 with respect to a sliding surface for the selection portion 26, e.g. by arranging the base-portion magnets 24 with either a north pole N or a south pole S facing the first surface 34a of the base plate 34, as indicated in Figure 3.

The base plate 34 may include or consist of a non-magnetic material. The second surface 34b of the base plate 34 may be configured to have a low coefficient of kinetic/static friction, e.g. in the range between 0.02 to 0.2, optionally between 0.04 to 0.2, further optionally between 0.04 to 0.1. The base plate 34 may include a plurality of layers 34-1 , 34-2, e.g. a first layer 34-1 providing the first surface 34a and a second layer 34-2 providing the second surface 34b. The second layer 34-2 may be made of a material including PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or may consist of PTFE.

As exemplarily indicated in Figure 3, the position sensor 30 may mounted on the base plate 34, e.g. may embedded therein. The location of the position sensor 30 is, however, not limited thereto.

As indicated in Figures 1 and 2, the circumference of the base plate 34 may be provided with a stopper portion 34c protruding in a direction orthogonal to the second surface 34b of the base plate 34. The stopper portion 34c limits a movement of the selection portion 26 in a direction parallel to the second surface 34b and, hence, keeps the selection portion 26 on the second surface 34b, i.e. confines the movement range of the selection portion 26 to a region above the base-portion magnets 24. This configuration helps reducing a user’s distraction level.

The selection portion 26 may include a predetermined selection-portion sliding surface 26a on which the selection portion 26 is intended to be sled along the base-portion sliding surface 34b when the selection portion 26 is used as intended. In Figure 3, the selection-portion sliding surface 26a is the lower surface thereof in contact with the second surface 34b of the base plate 34. The selection-portion sliding surface 26a can serve as a reference surface for mounting the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-2 may be positioned such as to face the selection-portion sliding surface 26a with either a north pole N or a south pole S. In this configuration, the magnetic dipole axis of this magnet may be orthogonal to the selection-portion sliding surface 26a and the second surface 34b of the base plate 34 when the selection-portion sliding surface 26a is in contact with the second surface 34b of the base plate 34. By means of a such arranged selection-portion magnet 28-2, an efficient magnetic interaction with the one or more base-portion magnets 24 can be ensured, in particular if one or more of the one or more base-portion magnets 24 are arranged with a north pole N or a south pole S facing the first surface 34a of the base plate 34, e.g., in case the magnetic dipole axes of one or more of the base-portion magnets 24 are orthogonal to the first surface 34a and/or the second surface 34b of the base plate 34.

In an exemplary configuration, the selection portion 26 may include a plurality of the selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3, wherein the plurality of the selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 may include a central magnet 28-2 and a plurality of peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 surrounding the central magnet 28-2 in a plane parallel to the selection-portion sliding surface 26a. In this configuration, the central magnet 28-2 might serve as a holding magnet attracted by one or more of the base-portion magnets 24 when the selection portion 26 is positioned at one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14, e.g., above a first base-portion magnet group 32-1 , ... , 32-10, and the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 might serve as stabilizing magnets providing a well-defined magnetic field in a region surrounding the central magnet 28-2.

In Figure 3, the selection portion 26 is shown to be positioned above one of those positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14. The central magnet 28-2 is positioned with its north pole N facing the base plate 34, wherein on the first surface 34a of the base plate 34, a plurality of first base-portion magnets 24-1 is arranged with the respective south poles S facing the first surface 34a of the base plate 34 and, hence, the north pole N of the central magnet 28-2. In this way, an attractive force is exerted by the first base-portion magnets 24-1 on the central magnet 28-2.

The first base-portion magnets 24-1 shown in Figure 3 define a first base-portion magnet group, e.g. the first base-portion magnet group 32-3 shown in Figure 1 . This first base-portion magnet group 32-3 is separated from adjacent first base-portion magnet groups 32-2 and 32-4 by a plurality of second base-portion magnets 24-2 which are also shown in Figure 3. The second base-portion magnets 24-2 are arranged such that their respective north poles face the first surface 34a of the base plate 34, i.e. they have a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first base-portion magnets 24-1 shown in Figure 3. This leads to a repulsive force on the central magnet 28-2.

The magnetic field generated by the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 is determined by their magnetic-pole configurations which are determined inter alia by the orientations of their magnetic dipole axes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the magnetic dipole axes of the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 are tilted with respect to the magnetic dipole axis of the central magnet 28-2, meaning that the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 have a magnetic-pole configuration different from the magnetic pole configuration of the central magnet 28-2. This may help stabilizing the position of the central magnet 28-2. Therefore, the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 may also be referred to as stabilizing magnets.

In Figure 3, the downwardly oriented arrows between the central magnet 28-2 and the first base-portion magnets 24-1 indicate an attractive force, whereas the upwardly oriented arrows between the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3, on the one hand, and the second base-portion magnets 24-2, on the other hand, indicate a repulsive force. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, by means of the combination of the tilted arrangement of the peripheral magnets 28-1 , 28-3 with the repulsive force caused by the second base-portion magnets 24-2, the position of the central magnet 28-2 can be stabilized. The controller 12 may be configured to highlight one of the one or more control elements 14-1 , 14-10 displayed on the display device 14 when the selection portion 26 is positioned at one of the one or more positions uniquely assigned to said control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10. In this way, in addition to the haptic feedback provided by the input device 18, a user can also visually recognize which control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10 is selected which in turn contributes to an intuitive and quick access to particular functions.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the positions uniquely assigned to the one or more control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 may correspond to the positions of the first base-portion magnet groups 32-1 , ... , 32-10. In Figure 1 , the selection portion 26 is positioned at the position of a first base-portion magnet group 32-3 which causes the control element 14-3 to be highlighted on the display device 14, e.g., by increasing its size relative to the other control elements 14-1 , 14-2, 14-4, ... , 14-10. There are of course many other ways of highlighting such a control element on a screen, such as changing a color, brightness, shape etc.

In Figure 2, the selection portion 26 is positioned at the position of an another first base-portion magnet group 32-2 which causes the corresponding control element 14-2 to be highlighted on the display device 14 by increasing its size relative to the other control elements 14-1 , 14-3, ... , 14-10, while the size of the previously selected control element 14-3 is reset to its original size.

It is noted that Figures 1 and 2 differ only in view of the position of the selection portion 26 and in that different control elements 14-2, 14-3 are highlighted according to the changed position of the selection portion 26.

Once a control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10 is selected by a user, the system can automatically initiate the execution of a particular function assigned to the control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10, e.g. after expiry of a particular period of time after the selection by a user. Alternatively, a user can actively initiate the execution of a particular function assigned to a highlighted control element 14-1 , ... , 14-10. For this purpose, the selection portion 26 may further include an input element 36, such as a button, a rotary controller, or a touch pad, for inputting a control command for initiating the assigned function. Functions assigned to the control elements 14-1 , ... , 14-10 may be, e.g. a telephone function, a navigation function, an entertainment function, or the like.

Alternatively, or additionally, the selection portion 26 can be equipped with a commonly known rotary controller or a touch pad for inputting said commands or for inputting additional information, e.g. a destination in case of a navigation function. In an exemplary embodiment, the selection portion 26 may include as an input element a mechanical knob. The mechanical knob may be further equipped with a touch pad, e.g. at a center of the mechanical knob.

The input element 36 may be equipped with a haptic-feedback element 36a. The haptic-feedback element 36a may include or may be configured as an integrated through voice coil and/or a piezo actuator.

In an exemplary embodiment where no haptic-feedback element is provided, the input element 26 may be configured as a depressible button which, when depressed, triggers signal generation. The button may activate a tact switch that generates signals (like buttons of a computer mouse).

As described above, on the one hand, the one or more base-portion magnets 24 have to be configured such as to generate a sufficiently large magnetic force to provide the snapping action required for the haptic feedback. On the other hand, the magnetic force has to be low enough to enable a comfortable movement of the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22. To meet these two requirements, the selection portion 26 may be equipped with one or more force sensors 38 configured to sense force variations exerted by a user on the selection portion 26 while intending to move the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22 and to generate signals indicative of the force variation, wherein the selection portion 26 may be configured to transmit the signals indicative of the force variations to the controller 12. The one or more force sensors 38 may be configured to sense force variations by means of a detection of variations in contact resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more force sensors 38 may be configured as a resistive force-sensing film provided on an outer periphery of the selection portion 26. The resistive force-sensing film may fully surround (360 degree) the outer periphery of the selection portion 26.

By means of this configuration, once a user attempts to move the selection portion 26 relative to the base portion 22 and thereby causes a slight force variation, the controller 12 may control the current flowing through the electromagnets in order to reduce the attractive/repulsive force between the one or more selection-portion magnets 28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 and the one or more base-portion magnets 24. In this way, the user can easily move the selection portion 26 until it comes to rest again at a position with a local maximum of magnetic force.

The selection portion 26 may include a wireless transmitter 40 configured for wireless signal exchange with the controller 12. In this way, for example the signals indicative of a force variation generated by the one or more force sensors 38 may be transmitted to the controller 12 wirelessly. Apart from that, the wireless transmitter 40 may be configured to transmit any input (e.g., touch gestures, device position, force, knob push, and rotational positions of the knob) wirelessly to the controller 12. Hence, any wiring between the selection portion 26 and the base portion 22 can be omitted, thereby simplifying the overall setup of the input system 10.

As further indicated in Figure 3, the selection portion 26 may be equipped with a battery 42, optionally a rechargeable battery, for supplying the selection portion 26 with electric power (similar to a rechargeable computer mouse). In this way, any power supply wiring for supplying the selection portion 26 with electric power can be omitted which in turn contributes to a simple overall setup of the input system 10. Reference Signs List

10 input system

12 controller

14 display device

14-1 , 14-10 control elements

16 display signal lines

18 input device

20 input device signal lines

22 base portion

24 base-portion magnet

24-1 first base-portion magnet

24-2 second base-portion magnet

26 selection portion

28-1 , 28-2, 28-3 selection-portion magnet

30 position sensor

32-1 , ... , 32-10 first base-portion magnet group

34 base plate

34a first surface

34b second surface

34c stopper portion

34-1 first layer

34-2 second layer

36 input element

38 force sensor

40 wireless transmitter

42 battery