Control of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A method (200) for controlling a motor vehicle (105) comprises steps of detecting (220) an approach of a device (100) designed to unlock (225) the motor vehicle (105) to the motor vehicle (105); determining (240) a system (120) that must be powered up to drive the motor vehicle (105); and powering up (240) the system (120) depending on the approach.

Description

The present invention relates to the control of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to the startup of a system of the motor vehicle.A motor vehicle includes a system that is to be active for driving. To activate the system, it is necessary to start up it. In particular, if the system includes a digital processing device that must process significant amounts of executable code, then the boot-up may take a certain amount of time. The system can also be connected, for example, to a sensor which must first be configured or calibrated before troublefree operation of the system is possible. A plurality of such systems may be provided on board the motor vehicle, which may perform different tasks. Times that the systems each require for start-up may be different and typically range from below one second to more than 10 seconds.In order to save electrical energy, the systems of a motor vehicle are usually put into power-saving modes when the motor vehicle is parked. Booting one of the systems may require another system to be already booted. Thus, the start-up of several systems of the motor vehicle can comprise a complex process. Functions of the motor vehicle may become gradually available. The motor vehicle can or may not be driven until a system required for this purpose has been fully started up. A driver who wishes to start with the motor vehicle in a generous manner may therefore have to wait until the start-up is completed. Under certain circumstances, the motor vehicle is driven without a system required for this being sufficiently operational.An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for bringing a motor vehicle into a state ready for driving. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims represent preferred embodiments.According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a motor vehicle comprises steps of detecting an approach of a device which is configured to unlock the motor vehicle to the motor vehicle; determining a system which has to be started up for driving the motor vehicle; and starting up the system as a function of the approach.It has been recognized that imminent driving of the motor vehicle cannot be detected only when a person arrives at the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is unlocked or opened, but already while a person authorized to drive approaches the motor vehicle. The driving authorisation can be in the form of a digital key which is stored on the device and which the person carries with him. The device may include, for example, a handheld device ("fob") or a personal device of the person. The personal device can in particular comprise a mobile device, for example a smartphone, a smart watch, a smart band, a tablet computer or a laptop computer. In order to use the device for unlocking the motor vehicle, it may be necessary for the person to authenticate himself to the device. This may comprise entering a predetermined secret or presenting a biometric feature.A technique described herein advantageously builds upon a concept known as a digital vehicle key. A specification of the digital car key is published by the car connectivity consortium and is in version 1.1.0 of July 20, 2022 at the time of composing this document.The motor vehicle and the device are preferably configured to unlock the motor vehicle by means of a digital car key method; the approach of the device to the motor vehicle being determined within the scope of the digital car key method.The digital car key method can be described in the aforementioned specification in order to determine an approach of a person or a device ("owner", "friend", "user") to the motor vehicle ("vehicle"). The determination of an approach and the subsequent unlocking of the motor vehicle is described under the keyword "approach unlocked".The system is preferably in a first operating state, and the startup comprises placing the system in a second operating state. Different first operating states are conceivable, which can differ, inter alia, in an energy consumption of the system. The first operating state may include, for example, a switched-off state, a sleep state or a sleep state. The second operating state may comprise an active operating state in which the system is configured to perform a predetermined control function on board the motor vehicle. Driving of the motor vehicle may be possible or permissible only when the system is in the second operating state. The boot may also be referred to as initializing, starting, or booting.In a further preferred embodiment, a system requiring more than a predetermined period of time to power up is determined. Thus, a system that starts up relatively quickly can be controlled in a conventional manner, while a system that requires longer time for start-up can be controlled by means of a technique described herein. If the system is started erroneously on the basis of the approach, an energy consumption caused thereby may be limited.In one embodiment, a plurality of systems are provided on board the motor vehicle and one or more systems requiring longer than the predetermined duration to start up are started up depending on the approach. If one system is dependent on another, the duration required to start up both systems can also be considered.In a preferred embodiment, the approach is determined on the basis of a distance between the device and the motor vehicle. The distance may be determined wirelessly, preferably using a technique known as channel sounding. In this case, a propagation time of a signal between the device and the motor vehicle can be determined and the distance can be determined on the basis of the propagation time. Depending on a technology used for this purpose, in particular a frequency range and a transmission power, accuracy in the centimeter or even millimeter range can be achieved.In a further development, the approach can be determined on the basis of a movement of the device with respect to the motor vehicle. Thus, it is possible to prevent an approach from being determined when the device is not actually moving toward the motor vehicle.In a further embodiment, the approach is determined on the basis of a possible movement path of the device to the motor vehicle. The movement path can be determined, for example, on the basis of a highly accurate map. The highly accurate map can map a surroundings of the motor vehicle with an accuracy of approximately 10 cm or better. The movement path is configured to be used by a person. It is thus possible to determine in an improved manner on which path the device can be approached to the motor vehicle. The map data may also include a path network, and the movement path may be determined based on the path network. In this case, the shortest connection between the device and the motor vehicle on the route network is preferably assumed. A distance of the device from the motor vehicle may be determined along the movement path.In a further preferred embodiment, a point in time at which the system is started up is determined as a function of the distance. It can thus be ensured that the system has been started up when the device arrives at the motor vehicle. Further preferably, the time is determined in such a way that the start-up is started as late as possible. An erroneous start-up can thereby be made less likely.The time at which the device arrives at the motor vehicle can be defined differently. In one specific embodiment, the arrival may be determined if a distance between the device and the motor vehicle falls below a predetermined threshold value. This threshold value may be, for example, approximately 50 cm depending on the dimensions of the motor vehicle. In another embodiment, the arrival may be determined when a vehicle door of the motor vehicle is opened. The arrival can also be determined when the vehicle door is closed again. Preferably, it is also determined here that a person has entered the motor vehicle. The arrival may also be determined when the person performs a predetermined action on board the motor vehicle. This action can comprise, for example, the request for a vehicle movement or the starting of a drive engine. In any case, the time at which the device arrives at the motor vehicle is earlier than a time at which the motor vehicle is to be driven or is being driven.In one embodiment, the system is not started up until an anticipated duration until the device arrives at the motor vehicle exceeds a duration required to start up the system. A positive or negative safety margin can be taken into account. Thus, the time at which the system is started up can be determined in an improved manner such that the system is started up as late as possible, but at the same time is available in good time for driving the motor vehicle.According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for controlling a motor vehicle comprises a device for detecting an approach of a device, which is configured to unlock the motor vehicle, to the motor vehicle; and a processing device. In this case, the processing device is configured to determine a system which has to be started up for driving the motor vehicle; and to start up the system as a function of the approach.The system can comprise, for example, an information system, an interaction device, a rear view camera, a head-up display, a security system or an entertainment system. The system may be configured to assist or interact with a driver of the motor vehicle. The system can also be configured to protect a person on board the motor vehicle or outside from damage during driving of the motor vehicle.The device for detecting an approach of the device can in particular comprise a wireless interface. The wireless interface may further preferably comprise a Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) interface. The interface is preferably configured to determine a distance to a corresponding interface on the part of the device by means of channel sounding. The wireless interface on the device side or on the device side may comprise one or more transceivers that are mounted spaced apart from each other. Between transceivers of the device and the device, a plurality of distances can be determined from which a relative direction and / or a position of the device with respect to the motor vehicle can also be determined.In yet another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle includes an apparatus described herein. The motor vehicle can in particular comprise a motorcycle, a passenger car, a truck or an bus.The processing device is preferably configured to partially or completely execute a method described herein. For this purpose, the processing device can be designed electronically and can comprise, for example, an integrated circuit, a programmable logic module or a programmable microcomputer. The method can be realized in the form of a configuration or as a computer program product having program code means for the processing device. The configuration or the computer program product can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a system; FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method; and FIG. 3 is a timing diagramillustrated.FIG. 1 shows a system 100 comprising a motor vehicle 105 and a device 110. On board the motor vehicle 105, a device 115 and a system 120 are provided, which are connected to one another by means of an interface 125. The device 110 may be associated with a person 130.It is assumed that the person 130 is authorized to use the motor vehicle 105 and, in particular, to drive it. Unlocking of the motor vehicle 105, opening of a vehicle door and / or activating a driving function can be secured by means of a digital vehicle key which is stored on the device 110. A function of the motor vehicle 105 secured by means of the digital vehicle key can be enabled after a predetermined digital car key method has been carried out. This can provide two-sided authentication between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105. The authentication may be performed on the basis of an asymmetric cryptographic method. For this purpose, wireless communication can take place between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105.The device 115 on board the motor vehicle 105 can be configured to control or ensure such a function. In another embodiment, a functionality required for the digital car key on the part of the motor vehicle 105 can also be realized in a separate device.The apparatus 115 comprises a processing device 135, a first wireless interface 140 and a second wireless interface 145. Corresponding first and second wireless interfaces 140, 145 may also be provided on the part of the device 110. The first wireless interface 140 is preferably implemented as a Bluetooth interface, further preferably as a Bluetooth Low Energy interface. The second wireless interface 145 is preferably implemented as an ultra-wideband interface. Both interfaces 140, 145 are preferably configured to determine a distance between device 110 and motor vehicle 105 or device 115 by means of channel sounding. Different characteristics of the interfaces 140, 145 can be utilized in this case. The first wireless interface 140 may have a higher transmission speed and a longer range than the second wireless interface 145. However, an achievable accuracy of the distance determination may be lower than in the case of the second wireless interface 145. An exchange of authentication information between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105 or the device 115 can take place as a function of the device 110 approaching the motor vehicle 105. The approximation may be determined based on the distance.In order to be able to drive the motor vehicle 105 or to ensure legal driving operation of the motor vehicle 105, the system 120 must be ready for operation. To save energy, the system 120 may be placed in an energy-saving operating state when the motor vehicle 105 is not driving and, in particular, when it is parked. An operation to transition the system 120 from this operating state to an operable operating state is referred to herein as start-up. In order to avoid a waiting time of the person 130, an attempt is made to start up the system 120 in good time, so that it is operational when the person 130 drives or attempts to drive the motor vehicle 105. It is proposed to start up the system 120 as a function of a specific approach of the device 110 to the motor vehicle 105. The device 110 is usually located at the person 130 to whom the device 110 is assigned. The person 130 may have authenticated himself to the device 110. If the person 130 approaches the motor vehicle 105 with the device 110, a driving function of the motor vehicle 105 can be made possible. In addition, the motor vehicle 105 is usually unlocked in order to allow the person 130 to get in. It is therefore proposed to also use a technique used to automatically unlock the motor vehicle 105 when approaching, to promptly start up the system 120.In order to prevent an erroneous startup of the system 120, for example, if the person 130 with the device 110 passes only close to the motor vehicle 105, it is preferably attempted to startup the system 120 as late as possible. In order to start the start-up in good time as a function of a time which is required to start up the system 120, a time which is expected to still pass until the person 130 or the device 110 arrives at the motor vehicle 105 can be estimated. For this purpose, in addition to the distance between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105, a movement speed can also be taken into account. In addition, a movement path 150 can be determined on which the person 130 or the device 110 can approach the motor vehicle 105. The movement path 150 may be longer than a direct connection if an obstacle 155 is located in the area of the motor vehicle 105 or the device 110. For example, a speed of movement of the device 110 along the movement path 150 may be determined. Based on a predetermined duration required to power up the system 120 and the speed of movement, a position on the movement path 150 at which the device 110 is located may be determined when the system 120 needs to be powered up in time under the selected assumptions to ensure that the motor vehicle 105 is ready to drive in time.FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 for controlling a motor vehicle 105. In a step 205, it is assumed that motor vehicle 105 is parked. The system 120 is in a predetermined first operating state that is different from an operable second operating state.As part of the approach of the device 110 to the motor vehicle 105 or the device 115, communication by means of the first wireless interfaces 140 may become possible in a step 210. For this purpose, the device 110 must be in a predetermined communication range to the motor vehicle 105, which may be dependent on external factors. Likewise, in a step 215, a connection can be established between the second wireless interfaces 145 if a communication distance required for this is undershot. Typically, the communication distance for the first wireless interface 140 is significantly greater than for the second wireless interface 145. For BLE, communication may be possible from a few 10 meters onwards, for example from about 50 meters onward. Communication by means of UWB can be successful from about 10 meters on. Influences that influence the communication range of one of the interfaces 140, 145 can also influence the communication distance of the other interface 140, 145 in the same way.In a step 220, a distance between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105 or the device 115 can be determined. The distance is preferably determined by means of channel sounding either via the first wireless interface 140 or via the second wireless interface 145. Simultaneous measurements via both interfaces 140, 145 are also possible. Based on the distance, a movement speed, a movement and / or a movement pattern of the device 110 can also be determined. Based on these determinations, it may be decided that the system 120 is to be powered up. The start-up can be controlled in particular if a distance of the device 110 from the motor vehicle 105 falls below a predetermined threshold value. This threshold may be determined with respect to a speed of movement of the device 110.In a step 225, the motor vehicle 105 can be unlocked. For this purpose, authentication information can be exchanged between the motor vehicle 105 and the device 110. If the authentication is successful and corresponding rights with respect to the motor vehicle 105 are assigned to a digital key on the part of the device 110, the motor vehicle 105 can be unlocked. It is assumed that a digital key that authorizes the driving of the motor vehicle 105 also authorizes unlocking.In a step 230, a possible movement path 150 of the person 130 or of the device 110 with respect to the motor vehicle 105 can be determined. A path network around the motor vehicle 105 can be taken from an environment map, and the movement path 150 can be determined on the path network.In a step 235, an anticipated duration until the person 130 or the device 110 arrives at the motor vehicle 105 can be determined. The duration may be determined based on a distance and a speed of travel. The distance may be determined along the motion path 150. In one embodiment, a position along the movement path 150 is determined at which the device 110 is located if the system 120 must be started up at the latest in order to be ready for operation in time for the device 110 to arrive at the motor vehicle 105. The system 120 may be powered up when the device 110 reaches this position.In a step 240, the system 120 may be booted up. It is assumed that a duration required by system 120 to power up is known. Otherwise, an upper limit for this time is preferably known or can be estimated or assumed.FIG. 3 shows an example timing diagram 300. A time is plotted in a horizontal direction.At a time t 0, the motor vehicle 105 is to be driven. At this time, a driver's request to drive off may be detected, a drive engine of motor vehicle 105 may be started (e.g., in the case of an electric drive engine) or may already be started (e.g., in the case of an internal combustion engine). At a preceding time t 1, the person 130 or the device 110 can arrive at the motor vehicle 105. Between the times t 1 and t 0, the person 130 can enter the motor vehicle 105 and make himself ready to drive. For this duration, a value may be predetermined or estimated. In another embodiment, the time t 1 related to the start-up of the system 120 may be set equal to the time t 0, or vice versa.A time 305 shown by way of example is required by the system 120 to start up. Different lengths of time 305 may be required for different systems 120 and possibly also for different first operating states of system 120, as is indicated by the broken lines. It is commonly known or can be estimated how long the time is 305 before the system 120 is booted up. Timing diagram 300 illustrates various reference times that may be used to determine a time at which system 120 start-up is controlled.With respect to a predetermined distance between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105, a time t 2 results at a fastest approach to be assumed by the device 110. In other words, it can be assumed that the person 130 is just reaching the motor vehicle 105 when it begins to run at maximum speed at the time t 2. If the system 120 is started up at this point in time, it is ready for operation in good time, even if the person 130 is moving at a lower speed.Assuming a usual movement speed of the device 110 or the person 130, on the other hand, a time t 3 which is further in front of it can be determined at which the system 120 has to be started up in order to be ready for operation in good time. The speed of the person 130 can be determined as the usual walking speed, which can correspond to about 4 to 7 km / h, preferably about 5 km / h.If it is additionally taken into account that the movement path 150 may not run in a straight line between the device 110 and the motor vehicle 105, a time t 4 for the start-up can be determined. In this case, the usual movement speed or the maximum movement speed of the device 110 or of the person 130 can be assumed. If the movement path 150 is longer than the direct connection, the time t 4 is before the time t 3 or t 2, respectively.A time t 5 which is still further in front of it denotes the establishment of a communication connection between mutually corresponding interfaces 140 or 145. Before such a connection is established, an approach of the device 110 to the motor vehicle 105 cannot be determined by means of the methods described. t 5 thus represents the first possible point in time at which the system 120 can be started.Reference numerals denote reference numerals100 System 105 Motor vehicle 110 Device 115 Device 120 System 125 Interface 130 Person 135 Processing device 140 First wireless interface (BT, BLE) 145 Second wireless interface (UWB) 150 Movement path 155 Obstacle 200 Method 205 Motor vehicle parked 210 BLE contact establish 215 UWB contact establish 220 Distance / movement / pattern determine 225 Vehicle unlock 230 Environment map correlate 235 Anticipated duration until arrival determine 240 System start-up 300 Time diagram 305 Time to start-up t0-t5 Times

Claims

Method (200) for controlling a motor vehicle (105), having the following steps: - detecting (220) an approach of a device (100) which is configured to unlock (225) the motor vehicle (105) to the motor vehicle (105); - determining (240) a system (120) which has to be started up for driving the motor vehicle (105); and - starting up (240) the system (120) as a function of the approach.Method (200) according to Claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle (105) and the device (100) are configured to unlock the motor vehicle (105) by means of a digital car key method (200); and the approach of the device (100) to the motor vehicle (105) is determined (220) within the scope of the digital car key method (200).The method (200) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (120) is in a first operating state and the booting (240) comprises placing the system (120) in a second operating state.The method (200) of any preceding claim, wherein a system (120) requiring more than a predetermined period of time to power up is determined.Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the approach is determined on the basis of a distance between the device (100) and the motor vehicle (105).The method (200) of claim 5, wherein the approach is determined (220) based on a movement of the device (100) relative to the motor vehicle (105).Method (200) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the approach is determined on the basis of a possible movement path (150) of the device (100) to the motor vehicle (105).Method (200) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein a point in time at which the system (120) is started up is determined (235) as a function of the distance.Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (120) is started up if an anticipated duration until the device (100) arrives at the motor vehicle (105) exceeds a duration required for starting up the system (120).Device (115) for controlling a motor vehicle (105), the device (115) comprising: - a device (140, 145) for detecting an approach of a device (100) configured to unlock the motor vehicle (105) to the motor vehicle (105); and - a processing device (135) configured to determine a system (120) that needs to be started up for driving the motor vehicle (105); and to start up the system (120) as a function of the approach.The apparatus (115) of claim 10, wherein the system (120) comprises one of an information system, an interaction device, a backup camera, a head-up display, a security system, and an entertainment system.The apparatus (115) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the device (140, 145) comprises a wireless interface (140, 145).Motor vehicle (105) comprising a device (115) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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