Method for opening a trunk cover of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for opening a trunk cover (2) of a motor vehicle (1). In this method, a user's (5) touch is detected (101) by means of a detection device (3), wherein the detection device (3) is arranged on or in an emblem (4) of the trunk cover (2). Furthermore, the trunk cover (2) is unlocked (103) and the emblem (4) is illuminated (104) depending on the detected touch. Based on this, the trunk cover (2) is opened automatically (107).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for opening a trunk cover of a motor vehicle, a system, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Car tailgates often feature automated and convenient opening mechanisms. Electronic opening systems typically use an electric motor activated by a switch, remote control, or foot sensor. Modern vehicles frequently employ systems that allow for touchless operation, such as a foot movement under the rear bumper, which automatically opens the tailgate. These systems rely on motion detection or special sensors that identify the driver or another authorized user.

[0003] However, the vehicle often lacks feedback to the user indicating that a switch indicating the opening of the tailgate is about to be pressed. This only becomes apparent to the user once the tailgate is unlocked or even moved.

[0004] DE 10 2014 004 334 A1 relates to a lighting element for a vehicle. The lighting element comprises an outer decorative part, a light source, and a transparent cover assembly arranged between the decorative part and the light source.

[0005] DE 10 2013 110 296 A1 describes a general actuation detection system in which an approach of an operator is detected by a sensor, monitored over time and a function is triggered depending on defined signal changes.

[0006] DE 10 2015 110 368 A1 relates to a system for displaying a function in a motor vehicle with a display having several controllable display elements, a control unit for controlling the display and a start element with which a procedure sequence for controlling the display can be started.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of improving the opening of a trunk cover of a motor vehicle.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figure(s).

[0009] A first aspect concerns a method for opening the trunk cover of a motor vehicle. In a first step, a user's touch is detected by a sensor device, which is located on or in an emblem of the trunk cover. Furthermore, the trunk cover is unlocked depending on the detected touch, the emblem is at least partially illuminated depending on the detected touch, and the trunk cover is partially automated. The position of the emblem relative to the motor vehicle can be changed by the user touching it. In this context, the emblem can be designed such that it can be changed relative to its rest position when it is located on or in the trunk cover by the user touching it. For example, the emblem can be pivotable or...The emblem should be tiltable, rotatable, or at least partially retractable into the trunk cover. This provides the vehicle user with additional haptic feedback. If the user perceives that the emblem's position relative to the trunk cover also changes, they can infer that the touch will be registered. This is further enhanced by illuminating the emblem.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea that the user receives visual feedback confirming that their command to open the trunk cover or tailgate of the vehicle has been recognized and will be executed. The command is recognized by touching, in particular pressing, the emblem, which identifies the vehicle type. For example, a user can identify the manufacturer of the vehicle by the emblem. The vehicle typically has this emblem located in the area of ​​the trunk cover. According to the invention, the existing arrangement of the emblem can be extended accordingly. User input can be detected by the emblem or by a detection device arranged on or in the emblem.Furthermore, illuminating the emblem can provide an efficient way to give the user feedback that their user input has been detected and recognized.

[0011] A second aspect concerns a system comprising means for carrying out the procedure according to the first aspect.

[0012] A third aspect concerns a computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes it to carry out the procedure according to the first aspect.

[0013] A fourth aspect concerns a computer-readable storage medium which includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the procedure according to the first aspect.

[0014] A fifth aspect concerns a motor vehicle comprising means for carrying out the procedure according to the first aspect, a system according to the second aspect, a computer program according to the third aspect, or a computer-readable storage medium according to the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the emblem identifies the manufacturer of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the emblem uniquely identifies the manufacturer. Emblems of motor vehicles essentially serve to identify the vehicle, so that it is clearly recognizable to third parties which company manufactured the vehicle. Since emblems are regularly provided in the rear of motor vehicles for this purpose, only minor adjustments are necessary to implement the method according to the first aspect or a system according to the second aspect. In particular, it is intuitive for a user of the motor vehicle to use the vehicle's emblem to open the trunk cover.By illuminating the emblem, this effect can be enhanced, so that the user can be given particularly effective feedback that the desired action, namely opening the trunk cover, is being carried out.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the emblem faces the user in an operating position in which the trunk cover is locked and user contact is detectable. This allows the user to operate the emblem and open the trunk cover with particular ease. Because the emblem faces the user, the user can comfortably touch the detection device, or more generally the emblem, with a body part such as a finger. Preferably, bending the wrist or elbow is essentially unnecessary, since the emblem is positioned at the level of the user's body part when the user is standing. This allows for a particularly ergonomic and gentle opening of the trunk cover.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the emblem is substantially fully visible to the user in an operating position in which the trunk cover is locked, provided the user is in a vehicle environment where the emblem is within reach of at least one part of the user's body. This increases the likelihood that the user will receive visual feedback upon activation of the sensing device, indicating that their touch has been detected by the sensing device, by the emblem illuminating.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a displacement of the emblem relative to the trunk cover. For this purpose, the sensor may be designed as a gyroscope sensor. This type of sensor is characterized by particularly accurate detection and is also exceptionally durable.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the following additional step: determining whether a detected touch by the detection device originates from a user, based on parameters stored in a lookup table. For example, by training the detection device in cases of ambiguous detection, the probability can be increased that touches not originating from a user are incorrectly detected as user touches. For example, it may happen that a touch from a brush in a car wash is detected by the detection device. However, it would be disadvantageous if the trunk cover were to open, at least partially, based on the detected touch.To counteract this, various parameters can be stored in the lookup table, based on which the detection device can compare the detected measurements with target values. For example, these could be recurring frequencies, often generated by car washes, which affect the vehicle while it is in the wash. Alternatively or additionally, an indicator can be stored in the lookup table that identifies the duration of contact with the detection device, which indicates a disproportionately high probability that the detected contact originated from a user of the vehicle.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the following additional step: adjusting the illumination of at least one of the following vehicle components depending on the detected touch: emblem, taillight, brake light, turn signal, reversing light. For example, if the vehicle emblem is illuminated, the user receives feedback essentially immediately upon touching the emblem, since the user's focus is also on the emblem at that moment. Alternatively or additionally, if the taillight, brake light, turn signal, and / or reversing light are also illuminated, the probability that the user perceives visual feedback about a detected touch can be increased. In this context, the light can be designed to have a predetermined number of pixels.Pixels can be used to communicate predetermined patterns or even information to the user in the form of symbols or letters. These are typically safety symbols or warnings, for example, indicating that the trunk cover will open soon and that a minimum distance should be maintained between the user and the vehicle. Furthermore, at least one lighting element can vary over time. For instance, the taillight could perform a sweeping motion, extending from the emblem to the outer edges of the trunk cover. This involves sequentially activating and deactivating specific pixels of the lighting system to display a certain animation to the user.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the following additional step: outputting a predetermined acoustic signal depending on the detected touch. In this way, the user not only receives visual feedback that their touch has been detected, but also an audible notification. This is particularly useful in brightly lit situations where the illumination of the emblem or another component of the vehicle is not entirely clear to the user. It also provides feedback that is easier for visually impaired users to perceive.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the vehicle may provide a predetermined sequence of feedback to the user. For example, the emblem may illuminate when user contact is detected. If the trunk cover is then opened, the user may be further informed that the trunk cover is being opened by additional illumination of, for example, the taillights and / or by the emission of one or more acoustic signals. This increases user safety, as the user can adjust their position relative to the vehicle based on the feedback, thus reducing the risk of being touched or even injured by the trunk cover during the opening process.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, a user's fingerprint is recognized when the user touches the device. This implementation allows for a selection, based on the recognized fingerprint, as to whether the trunk cover is opened. For example, a lookup table can contain predefined fingerprints, and if one of these fingerprints is recognized, it triggers the opening of the trunk cover. If a fingerprint is detected that is not in the lookup table, the trunk cover can remain closed. Alternatively or additionally, a visual or audible signal can be emitted to alert the surroundings that an unauthorized user has touched the detection device.For example, this can activate the vehicle's alarm system, thereby signaling unauthorized access to the vehicle particularly effectively.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the following additional step: controlling a component of the motor vehicle depending on the user's position. This can be done, in particular, depending on the position of the trunk cover relative to the user. This can reduce the risk of the user being touched or even injured by adjusting the position of the trunk cover. For example, if the vehicle user is located within the opening area of ​​the trunk cover, the trunk cover can be opened only to a predetermined area or position where contact with the user is unlikely. In this context, a further step can also be useful in determining the user's position relative to the vehicle.Based on this, an acoustic signal can be emitted or a component of the vehicle can be illuminated. It can also be configured that the acoustic signal is output depending on the position. For example, the volume can be adjusted.

[0025] For example, the trunk cover can be opened by pressing the illuminated emblem on the tailgate. The user approaches the rear of the vehicle and opens the tailgate by pressing the vehicle's emblem. The vehicle detects the action and interacts with the user by illuminating the emblem and playing an animation in the light strip and the lights in the side panel frame. A sound can also be played, or a spoiler light can be activated.

[0026] Like a theater curtain that "opens," the animation unfolds starting with the emblem, culminating in the opening tailgate. These aspects and implementations allow for a reduction in components and a more holistic user experience with a feature that also saves on manufacturing costs.

[0027] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0028] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0029] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0030] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0031] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0032] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0033] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1. A flowchart of a procedure for opening a trunk cover of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2. a section of a motor vehicle in side view; and Fig. 3. A motor vehicle in rear view.

[0034] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0035] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for opening a trunk cover 2 of a motor vehicle 1. In a first method step 101, a touch by a user 5 of the motor vehicle 1 is detected. This is done using a detection device 3, which is arranged on or in an emblem 4 of the trunk cover 2 of the motor vehicle 1. In this context, a touch can be a press, a stroke, or any other contact with a body part 6 of the user 5. The detection device 3 can also be configured to capture and detect a fingerprint of the user 5. In this regard, the method 100 includes a further step 102 in which it is determined whether a touch detected by the detection device 3 originates from the user 5.In this context, this can be done based on parameters stored in a lookup table. For example, one or more fingerprints of user 5 can be stored in the lookup table, with the capture device 3 comparing the detected fingerprint with the stored fingerprint.

[0037] In a further step 103, the trunk cover 2 is unlocked. This process takes into account, among other things, whether and what has been detected by the detection device 3. Preferably, the trunk cover 2 is only unlocked if contact by the user 5, particularly the user authorized for the vehicle 1, has been detected. Parallel to or sequentially with step 103, the emblem 4 is at least partially illuminated 104 depending on the detected contact. Furthermore, an adjustment 105 of a light, such as that of the emblem 4, a taillight 7, a brake light 8, a turn signal 9, and / or a reversing light 10 of the vehicle 1, can be made depending on the detected contact. In a further step 107, a predetermined acoustic signal can be emitted depending on the detected contact.In this context, for example, user 5 can be notified by a beep or a horn sound that a touch by user 5 has been detected.

[0038] In a further step 107, the trunk cover 2 is opened at least partially automatically. It may be provided that, in a further step 108, at least one component of the motor vehicle 1 is controlled depending on the position of the user 5. Preferably, the control 108 is based on the position of the trunk cover 2. For example, if a sensor of the motor vehicle 1 detects that a body part 6 of the user 5, such as their arm, is located in the opening area of ​​the trunk cover 2, it may be provided that the trunk cover 2 is only partially opened, so that contact with the body part 6 is essentially avoided. In this way, a safety mechanism can be applied to reduce the risk of the user 5 being injured when the trunk cover 2 is opened.It is intended that the trunk cover 2 will open automatically. This can be achieved, for example, by a pre-tensioned spring automatically returning the trunk cover 2 to a starting position after unlocking 103, due to the tension force. In this position, the trunk cover 2 is open, but the spring tension is at least partially reduced compared to the position in which the trunk cover 2 is essentially locked or closed.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a motor vehicle 1 in a side view. Essentially, the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 1 is depicted, with a user 5 of the motor vehicle 1 positioned behind the vehicle. The trunk cover 2 is closed or locked in this illustration. As can be seen, the user 5 places a body part 6, namely the user 5's hand, in the area of ​​the emblem 4 of the motor vehicle 1. This emblem is, as shown, usually located in the area of ​​the trunk cover 2. The emblem 4 identifies a manufacturer of the motor vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the emblem 4 is in an operating position in which the trunk cover 2 is locked, facing the user 5, i.e., the user 5 can directly and immediately touch the emblem 4. Accordingly, the trunk cover 2 is also essentially completely visible to the user 5.Visible because the user 5 is located in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, where the user 5 can touch the emblem 4 with their hand 6. To detect a touch by the user 5, a detection device 3 is arranged on and / or in the emblem 4. This device may extend only over a portion of the emblem 4 or be substantially positioned within the emblem 4 such that a touch of the emblem 4 is detectable by the detection device 3. A touch of the emblem 4 may cause the emblem 4 to be changed in relation to the trunk cover 2 or the vehicle 1. For example, pressing the emblem 4 may allow it to be tilted or rotated horizontally. Alternatively or additionally, the emblem 4 may also be depressible.In this way, applying pressure to the emblem 4 and consequently the detection device 2 can ensure that a touch by the user 5 can be detected.

[0040] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 has a release device 11 by means of which the trunk cover 2 can be unlocked. The motor vehicle 1 also has an opening device 12. This can, for example, be implemented as tension springs which, when the trunk cover 2 is unlocked, are configured to move the substantially closed trunk cover 2 into a substantially open position. For this purpose, the opening device 12 can alternatively or additionally have at least one motor configured to move the position of the trunk cover 2 from a substantially closed operating position to a substantially open operating position.

[0041] A System 20 for running the in Fig. The procedure 100 described in section 1 can, for example, include the detection device 3, the emblem 4, the unlocking device 11, and the opening device 12. It may be provided that the system 20 communicates with or controls other components of the motor vehicle 1.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a motor vehicle 1 in a rear view. The vehicle 1 has an emblem 4 centrally located on or within the trunk cover 2, with the detection device 3 at least partially integrated therein. Furthermore, a lighting device is integrated on or within the emblem 4, which is not shown in this illustration.

[0043] The system 20, arranged on or in the motor vehicle 1, is configured to control lighting devices such as a rear light 7, a brake light or spoiler light 8, a turn signal 9, or a reversing light 10 of the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, the system 20, in particular its detection device 3, can be configured to control an acoustic output device 13. This can serve to alert the user 5 not only visually but also audibly to hazards or information. In addition, the spoiler light 8 can also be configured to communicate information, warnings, instructions, etc., to the user by projecting it onto the rear window 14 of the motor vehicle 1.For example, it can be enabled that the acoustic output device 13 and the spoiler light 8 inform the user that a touch by the user 5 has been detected and that the trunk cover 2 of the motor vehicle 1 is now being opened.

[0044] To enable interaction with the user 5 even when the trunk cover 2 is open, the taillight 7 can be designed in two parts, as shown. The first part of the taillight 7 is essentially located in a side wall frame of the vehicle 1. If the trunk cover 2 is at least partially opened, the user 5 of the vehicle 1 may no longer be able to perceive the brake light 8 or the reversing light 10, or may only be able to perceive it to a limited extent. However, since the taillight 7 remains fixed to the vehicle 1, regardless of the position of the trunk cover 2, feedback can continue to be provided to and perceived by the user 5.

[0045] Preferably, a predetermined feedback pattern can be output during the opening process of the trunk cover 2. For example, when the emblem 4 is touched, the emblem 4 is first illuminated, followed by the turn signal 9 and the taillight 7. Furthermore, an acoustic signal is emitted via the acoustic output device 13, informing the user 5 that the trunk cover 2 is about to open. This pattern can then be repeated in reverse order during the closing process.

[0046] Overall, the examples show how a method for opening a trunk cover of a motor vehicle, a system, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, and a motor vehicle can be provided. Reference symbol list: 1 motor vehicle 2. Boot cover 3. Recording device 4 Emblem 5 users 6 Body part 7 Rear light 8 brake light / spoiler light 9 turn signals 10 Reversing light 11. Unlocking device 12 Opening device 13 acoustic output device 14 Rear window 20 System

Claims

Method (100) for opening a trunk cover (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the steps: - detecting (101) a touch by a user (5) by means of a detection device (3), wherein the detection device (3) is arranged on or in an emblem (4) of the trunk cover (2); - unlocking (103) the trunk cover (2) depending on the detected touch; - at least partially illuminating (104) the emblem (4) depending on the detected touch; and - at least partially automated opening (107) of the trunk cover (2), characterized in that the position of the emblem (4) in relation to the motor vehicle (1) can be changed by touching it by the user (5). Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the emblem (4) identifies a manufacturer of the motor vehicle (1). Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the emblem (4) is facing the user (5) in an operating position in which the trunk cover (2) is locked and a touch by the user (5) is detectable. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emblem (4) is substantially completely visible to the user (5) in an operating position in which the trunk cover (2) is locked, when the user (5) is in an environment of the motor vehicle (1) in which the emblem (4) is touchable with at least one body part (6) of the user (5). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following additional step: adjusting (105) a lighting of at least one of the following components of the motor vehicle (1) depending on the detected touch: emblem (4), tail light (7), brake light (8), turn signal (9), reversing light (10). System (20) comprising means for carrying out the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Motor vehicle (1) comprising means for carrying out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a system (20) according to claim 6, a computer program according to claim 7, or a computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8.

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