Vehicle model, system and method for signaling vehicle-related information

Abstract

Vehicle model (5), which is a replica of a specified vehicle (10), comprising: - a first communication unit configured to communicate with the specified vehicle (10); - a signaling unit configured to signal, in response to receiving data via the first communication unit, information relating to the vehicle (10) and / or a driver of the vehicle (10), depending on the data; and - a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a voice and / or text message from a user (20), wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit the acquired voice and / or text message to the vehicle (10); and / or - wherein the signaling unit is configured to, in response to receiving a voice and / or text message sent by the vehicle (10) via the communication unit,to signal the received voice and / or text message.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle model, a system comprising the vehicle model and a vehicle, and a method for signaling vehicle-related information.

[0002] To obtain information about a driver and / or vehicle, it is often necessary to contact the driver by mobile phone. This may disturb the driver and poses a safety risk.

[0003] DE 102 37 457 A1 discloses a system and a method for monitoring components in a vehicle with a computer unit and output means, wherein, depending on component parameters, a message can be output to a vehicle occupant via the output means by means of the computer unit.

[0004] German patent DE 102 11 069 A1 discloses a method for providing information to the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises determining the driver's cognitive load, collecting information for the driver, selecting information based on the determined cognitive load, and providing the selected information to the driver.

[0005] WO 01 / 30126 A2 discloses a method to enable direct communication between current drivers of vehicles with visual identification markings.

[0006] DE 10 2007 030 430 A1 discloses a method in which vehicle-relevant information, received via communication means and receiving means for location determination, is evaluated via means for coordinating the interaction and is reproduced within the displays of mobile devices carried in the vehicle by means for wireless radio networking of these mobile devices.

[0007] EP 0744 727 A2 discloses a system for communicating with a vehicle via a mobile phone network.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is to create a device and a system that contribute to the intuitive reproduction of information relating to a vehicle and / or a driver.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is characterized, according to a first aspect, by a vehicle model. The vehicle model comprises a first communication unit configured to communicate with a given vehicle. The vehicle model comprises a signaling unit configured to signal, in response to data received by the first communication unit, information relating to the vehicle and / or a driver of the vehicle, depending on the data received.

[0011] In an inventive method for signaling vehicle-related information, communication is established with a predetermined vehicle by means of a first communication unit provided in a vehicle model, and in response to receiving data received by means of the first communication unit, a signaling unit connected to the communication unit in terms of data and / or signal technology signals information relating to the vehicle and / or a driver of the vehicle, depending on the data.

[0012] The vehicle model is specifically a vehicle model that is not intended for the transport of persons inside the vehicle model. The vehicle model comprises, for example, four wheels, a body, and a chassis.

[0013] The vehicle model corresponds to the vehicle, particularly with regard to its specified characteristics. The vehicle model is, in particular, a very exact replica of the vehicle. Thus, it may have the same external shape or design features on a smaller scale, and / or the same paint color, and / or the same interior color, and / or the same visible equipment features, such as leather upholstery and / or wheel type.

[0014] A vehicle model allows for the intuitive and realistic representation of information concerning the vehicle and / or driver, as it directly links to the vehicle. This information might include the vehicle's location and / or distance, its status (e.g., whether it is stationary or moving), or the driver's stress level. Furthermore, a vehicle model can potentially help prevent accidents by eliminating the need to contact the driver, as the required information is already provided by the model.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to signal, depending on the data, whether the vehicle is moving.

[0016] For example, the signaling unit is designed to generate a signal to turn the wheels of the vehicle model and / or to turn on the headlights of the vehicle model when the vehicle is moving.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to signal a distance of the vehicle to the vehicle model, depending on the data.

[0018] For example, the signaling unit is designed to control a display, such as an LED bar graph, which might be mounted on the vehicle body. The display is controlled, for instance, so that few LEDs are illuminated when the vehicle is very far away and many LEDs are illuminated when the vehicle is very close. Alternatively, the display can be controlled in the opposite way.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to signal a predetermined stress level of the driver, depending on the data.

[0020] For example, the signaling unit is designed to control the interior lighting of the vehicle. The interior lighting is controlled in such a way that, depending on the stress level, the interior of the vehicle is illuminated in a different color, for example, red when stress is very high. This can help to reduce the driver's stress level, for example, because family members can recognize that the driver is stressed and then contact the driver to calm them down.

[0021] The stress level is determined, for example, by the vehicle model depending on the data, or it is determined by the vehicle itself and transmitted via the data.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the vehicle model comprises a first detection unit configured to capture a voice and / or text message from a user, wherein the communication unit is configured to send the captured voice and / or text message to the vehicle.

[0023] The first data acquisition unit includes, for example, a microphone and / or a keyboard and / or on-screen keyboard. This allows messages to be sent to the driver in a very simple way.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle model can be trained to establish a telephone and / or video call with the vehicle.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to signal the received voice and / or text message in response to the receipt of a voice and / or text message sent by the vehicle and received by means of the communication unit.

[0026] The signaling unit includes, for example, a loudspeaker and / or a display. This allows the driver to easily signal messages.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the vehicle model comprises a second communication unit which is configured to send status information relating to the vehicle and / or the driver of the vehicle to a mobile receiving device in response to the receipt of data received by means of the first communication unit, depending on the data.

[0028] This allows, for example, information that may not be intuitively signaled via the vehicle model, and / or additional information to be signaled and / or permanently stored via the mobile receiving device. The mobile receiving device is, for example, a smartphone.

[0029] The second communication unit is designed, for example, to transmit status information via near-field communication (NFC). NFC is a contactless exchange of data via radio technology over short distances of a few centimeters, specifically according to a standard of the NFC Forum.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the vehicle model has a second detection unit which is configured to detect a predefined input command from a user, wherein the first communication unit is configured to send a forward command to the vehicle depending on the input command, which is representative of the fact that the vehicle should drive autonomously to a predefined location.

[0031] The second detection unit includes, for example, pressure, contact, and / or inertial sensors. Using this second unit, it can detect actions such as lifting, tapping, and / or turning the vehicle model over. This allows for a very simple way to determine and send a forward command to the vehicle.

[0032] According to a further aspect, the invention is characterized by a system. The system comprises a vehicle and a vehicle model according to the first aspect or an advantageous embodiment of the first aspect.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing.

[0034] It shows:

[0035] Fig. 1 a system with a vehicle model and a vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a system 1 The system 1 includes a vehicle 10 and a vehicle model 5 .

[0037] The vehicle model 5 includes an initial communication unit that is trained to interact with the vehicle 10 to communicate, for example via a wireless radio connection and / or a mobile network connection. The vehicle 10This includes, for example, a vehicle communication unit.

[0038] The vehicle model 5 It also includes a signaling unit. The signaling unit is designed to signal information, depending on the data received by the first communication unit, in response to that data being sent to the vehicle. 10 and / or a driver of the vehicle 10 This concerns the signaling unit, which is directly or indirectly connected to the communication unit via data and / or signal technology, for example, via an electrical line, a data bus, a data interface, and / or a data processor. The information includes, for example, the vehicle's location and / or distance. 10 and / or a vehicle condition, for example whether the vehicle 10Whether the vehicle is stationary or moving. The information includes, for example, the driver's stress level, which is detected, for instance, by a smartwatch and transmitted to the vehicle. 10 is transferred.

[0039] The signaling unit is designed, for example, to signal, depending on the data, whether the vehicle 10 drives.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the signaling unit is designed to determine the distance of the vehicle, depending on the data. 10 to the vehicle model 5 to signal.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the signaling unit is designed to signal a predetermined stress level of the driver, depending on the data.

[0042] The vehicle model 5For example, it has an initial capture unit that is trained to receive a voice and / or text message from a user. 20 to capture, whereby the communication unit is designed to transmit the captured voice and / or text message to the vehicle 10 to send.

[0043] The signaling unit is alternatively or additionally designed to respond to a signal received from the vehicle. 10 to signal the received voice and / or text message sent by the communication unit.

[0044] The vehicle model 5 For example, it has a second communication unit that is designed to provide status information, depending on the data received by the first communication unit, in response to receiving the data received by the first communication unit. 10and / or the driver of the vehicle 10 concerns sending to a mobile receiving device.

[0045] The vehicle model 5 For example, it has a second acquisition unit that is designed to receive a predefined input command from the user. 20 to detect, whereby the first communication unit is trained to issue a forward command to the vehicle depending on the input command. 10 to send one that is representative of the fact that the vehicle 10 It should drive autonomously to a predetermined location. Reference symbol list 1 system 5 vehicle models 10 vehicles 20 users QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0046] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0047] DE 10237457 A1

[0003] DE 10211069 A1

[0004] WO 01 / 30126 A2

[0005] DE 102007030430 A1

[0006] EP 0744727 A2

[0007]

Claims

[1] Vehicle model ( 5 ) showing – a first communication unit that is trained to communicate with a specific vehicle ( 10 ) to communicate, – a signaling unit designed to, in response to receiving data via the first communication unit, provide information to the vehicle based on the data received ( 10 ) and / or a driver of the vehicle ( 10 ) concerns, to signal. [2] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to claim 1, wherein the signaling unit is configured to signal, depending on the data, whether the vehicle ( 10 ) drives. [3] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signaling unit is configured to determine the distance of the vehicle depending on the data ( 10 ) to the vehicle model ( 5 ) to signal. [4] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling unit is configured to signal a predetermined stress level of the driver depending on the data. [5] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first acquisition unit configured to receive a voice and / or text message from a user ( 20 ) to capture, wherein the communication unit is designed to transmit the captured voice and / or text message to the vehicle ( 10 to send. [6] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling unit is configured to respond to a signal received from the vehicle ( 10 ) sent voice and / or text message, which was received by means of the communication unit, to signal the received voice and / or text message. [7] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second communication unit configured to, in response to receiving data received by means of the first communication unit, provide status information which the vehicle ( 10 ) and / or the driver of the vehicle ( 10 ) concerns sending to a mobile receiving device. [8] Vehicle model ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second detection unit configured to receive a predefined input command from a user ( 20 ) to detect, wherein the first communication unit is designed to issue a forward command to the vehicle depending on the input command ( 10 ) to send, which is representative of the fact that the vehicle ( 10 ) should drive autonomously to a predetermined location. [9] System ( 1) showing a vehicle ( 10 ) and a vehicle model ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 1–8. [10] Method for signaling vehicle-related information, wherein a first, in a vehicle model ( 5 ) intended communication unit with a specified vehicle ( 10 ) is communicated, and by means of a signaling unit connected to the communication unit via data and / or signal technology in response to receiving data received by means of the first communication unit, depending on the data, information that the vehicle ( 10 ) and / or a driver of the vehicle ( 10 ) is signaled.

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