Method, computer program and device for adapting the settings of components of a means of transport

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for adapting the settings of a component of a means of transport. The invention also relates to a means of transport in which the method according to the invention or the device according to the invention is used. In a first step (10), a request for adapting the settings is sent to a control device for the component. Then (11) a feedback from the control device about the conditions for adapting the settings is received. Then (12) it is checked whether the conditions for adapting the settings are met. If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, permission for adapting the settings is sent (13) to the control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for adapting the settings of components of a means of transport. The invention also relates to a means of transport in which the method according to the invention or the device according to the invention is used. Background Art

[0002] Many vehicles, such as motor vehicles, offer user-specific settings that can be set by the user and stored for the user, for example in the memory of the vehicle or in an online account. The stored settings can then be called up again at a later point in time, for example when other users change the settings. When switching between the settings sets of different users of the vehicle, it is often necessary to change a very large number of different settings at the same time. Potentially safety-critical settings are also changed during the switch. Therefore, it may be necessary to warn the user or wait for the user's confirmation before activating the changed settings. This may be the case, for example, when activating these settings would distract the operator of the vehicle, for example when adjusting the rearview mirror. Similarly, for reasons of functional safety or product liability, it may be necessary to first stop or ask for explicit confirmation, for example when moving the seat position of the operator of the vehicle. In addition, the following situation may occur: due to the activation of these settings, the previously activated assistance system will be turned off, and the operator does not notice this. Otherwise, the operator may continue to believe that the corresponding system is still active, such as the parking distance sensors or the blind spot assistant.

[0003] Therefore, when switching to another setting set, the operator must be informed which critical settings of the system of the means of transport are thereby changed. Here too, only truly relevant information should be provided to the user. Therefore, the operator should only be informed if truly relevant settings are changed as a result of the switch. Here, it must be taken into account whether a corresponding system containing such potentially dangerous settings is installed in the means of transport at all. In addition, it must be taken into account whether such potentially dangerous settings are actually changed as a result of switching the user's setting set, since the old setting set and the new setting set may contain the same values.

[0004] The identification of information or warnings to be displayed regarding safety-critical settings to be switched is technically very complex, since the identification must take into account a large number of different equipment of the vehicle with different operating modes.

[0005] Therefore, only fixed, always the same warnings are often displayed, such as the possible movement of the vehicle seat. This can lead to misunderstandings by the user if no corresponding equipment is available in the vehicle or the settings are not changed at all during the switchover.

[0006] One possibility for simplifying the identification of the information to be displayed is to combine a large number of functions in a single control unit. For these functions, information about the safety-critical settings to be switched is then directly available in the control unit.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2009 019 957 A1 describes a vehicle having a computer unit which is a central computer unit in which at least two control devices are integrated and which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle and controls or regulates a plurality of different vehicle functions.

[0008] However, depending on the equipment variant, different functions are available in the vehicle. Therefore, either different control devices adapted to these functions must be provided, or a universal control device must be provided which also covers functions that may not be available. In both cases, the control device is very expensive, which is disadvantageous, in particular in the case of repairs.

[0009] Therefore, the user settings are often provided by a single central control device, a so-called Online Connectivity Unit (OCU), which can be equipped with an Internet connection. Functions that can be dangerous by automatically adopting the changed settings without user interaction are implemented in a distributed manner in other control devices in the vehicle. These other control devices communicate with the central control device via a bus system.

[0010] In this regard, EP 1 773 613 B1 describes a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of electrically controllable regulating devices, which are provided for executing one or more vehicle control functions. The regulating devices for executing at least some of the vehicle control functions are controlled by a central vehicle control device, which comprises at least one microcontroller. The microcontroller is equipped with a memory management unit (MMU) for assigning virtual storage areas to software programs, wherein each software program is assigned to a vehicle control function. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved solution for adapting the arrangement of components of a vehicle.

[0012] This object is achieved by a method having the features according to the invention, a computer program having instructions according to the invention, and a device having the features according to the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the description below.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for adapting the configuration of a component of a vehicle comprises the following steps:

[0014] - sending a request to a control device for the component to adapt the settings;

[0015] - receiving feedback from the control device regarding conditions for adapting the settings;

[0016] - checking whether the conditions for adapting the settings are met; and

[0017] If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, a permission for adapting the settings is sent to the control unit.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps for adapting a setting of a component of a means of transport:

[0019] - sending a request to a control device for the component to adapt the settings;

[0020] - receiving feedback from the control device regarding conditions for adapting the settings;

[0021] - checking whether the conditions for adapting the settings are met; and

[0022] - If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, sending a permission for adapting the settings to the control device.

[0023] The term "computer" should be understood broadly here. In particular, computers also include control devices, embedded systems and other processor-based data processing devices.

[0024] The computer program may, for example, be provided for electronic retrieval or may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a device for adapting the arrangement of a component of a means of transport comprises:

[0026] a sending module for sending a request for adapting the settings to a control device for the component and for sending a permission for adapting the settings to the control device if a condition for adapting the settings is met;

[0027] - a receiving module for receiving feedback from the control device regarding conditions for adapting the settings; and

[0028] A checking module for checking whether conditions for adapting the settings are met.

[0029] A central control device for providing settings for other control devices usually does not know what effect will occur if the settings in the control device are changed within the scope of synchronization. Synchronization can, for example, consist in comparing the settings stored in the user's online account for the vehicle with the settings currently activated in the vehicle. After such a comparison, perhaps multiple setting values ​​of the vehicle must then be changed simultaneously. From the perspective of the central control device, in the solution according to the invention, within the scope of switching between setting sets, the central control device first notifies the control device of the component that one or more settings should be changed. Now, the changed settings have not yet become active immediately in the control device of the component. After receiving the updated settings, the control device of the component compares the updated settings with the currently activated settings and reports to the central control device: whether these new settings can be activated immediately; or whether conditions must be met first. The central control device receives this information and checks whether the conditions are met. If necessary, corresponding measures can be taken to meet the conditions. If these settings can now be activated due to the satisfaction of the conditions, the central control device will notify the control device of the component accordingly. The control device of the component can then activate these new settings.

[0030] The solution according to the invention does not require any knowledge of which settings are associated with certain prerequisites. Instead, the central control device automatically receives the necessary information from the participating control devices and can then, for example, generate corresponding warnings. In this way, the adaptation of the settings is significantly facilitated, since the central control device no longer has to take into account a large number of different equipment with different operating modes of the means of transport.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for adapting the configuration of a component of a means of transport comprises the following steps:

[0032] - receiving a request from a central control device to adapt said settings;

[0033] - sending feedback to the central control device regarding the conditions for adapting the settings;

[0034] - receiving permission from the central control device to adapt the settings if the conditions for adapting the settings are met; and

[0035] - adapting said settings in response to receiving said permission.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps for adapting a setting of a component of a means of transport:

[0037] - receiving a request from a central control device to adapt said settings;

[0038] - sending feedback to the central control device regarding the conditions for adapting the settings;

[0039] - receiving permission from the central control device to adapt the settings if the conditions for adapting the settings are met; and

[0040] - adapting said settings in response to receiving said permission.

[0041] The term "computer" should be understood broadly here. In particular, a computer includes control devices, embedded systems and other processor-based data processing devices.

[0042] The computer program may, for example, be provided for electronic retrieval or may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, a device for adapting the arrangement of a component of a means of transport comprises:

[0044] a receiving module for receiving a request for adapting the settings from a central control device and receiving permission for adapting the settings from the central control device if a condition for adapting the settings is met;

[0045] - a sending module for sending feedback about the conditions for adapting the settings to the central control device; and

[0046] - A control module for adapting said settings in response to receiving said permission.

[0047] From the perspective of the control device for the component, the control device in the solution according to the invention first receives a request from the central control device to change one or more settings within the scope of switching between setting sets. The changed settings are not yet immediately active in the control device of the component.

[0048] Instead, the control devices first compare the modified settings with the currently activated settings and report to the central control device whether these new settings can be activated immediately or whether conditions must first be met. The central control device receives this information for checking. Only upon receipt of a corresponding permission sent by the central control device do the control devices of the components activate the new settings.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the condition comprises the need for a user interaction or the presence of a predefined state of the vehicle. The user interaction may consist, for example, in outputting information or a warning to the user or in asking for explicit confirmation. This may be advantageous, for example, if activating the setting would lead to a distraction of the operator of the vehicle or if the operator should be informed that a previously activated assistance system is switched off. Due to the predefined state of the vehicle, it may be necessary to first stop before a setting can be changed, for example when moving the driver's seat position, for reasons of product liability.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined state of the vehicle is a stationary state (Stillstand) of the vehicle, a switched-off ignition, or a speed threshold value of the vehicle being exceeded or fallen below. For reasons of product liability, certain safety-critical settings should or should be permitted only when the vehicle is stationary, such as seat adjustment of the driver's seat. In certain cases, such as for electric steering wheel adjustment, it may even be required that the settings are permitted only when the ignition is switched off. If necessary, the automated speed regulation may only be activated above a predetermined minimum speed, while the congestion assistant may only be activated below a predetermined maximum speed.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present invention, in response to the need for user interaction, interaction with the user is initiated by means of a user interface. For this purpose, the central control device can, for example, send corresponding instructions to the control device of the user interface. In this way, the required user interaction is performed without unnecessary time delay.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the settings of two or more components of the transport are adapted, wherein the adaptation of the settings is permitted only if all conditions are met. This ensures that as complete a change of the settings as possible is made in one process.

[0053] The method according to the invention or the device according to the invention is particularly advantageously used in a means of transport, for example in a motor vehicle. However, the means of transport may also be an aircraft, for example a taxi, a Volocopter (manned drone) or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 A method for adapting the settings of components of a means of transport is schematically shown from the perspective of a central control device;

[0056] Figure 2 A first specific embodiment of a device for adapting the arrangement of components of a vehicle, which is implemented on the side of a central control device, is shown;

[0057] Figure 3 A second specific embodiment of a device for adapting the arrangement of components of a vehicle, which is implemented on the side of a central control device, is shown;

[0058] Figure 4 A method for adapting the settings of a component of a means of transport is schematically shown from the perspective of a control device of the component;

[0059] Figure 5 A first specific embodiment of a device for adapting the arrangement of a component of a vehicle is shown, which device is implemented on the side of a control device for the component;

[0060] Figure 6 A second specific embodiment of a device for adapting the setting of a component of a vehicle is shown, which device is implemented on the side of a control device for the component; and

[0061] Figure 7 A means of transport is schematically shown in which the solution according to the invention is implemented.

[0062] In order to better understand the principle of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below based on the accompanying drawings. It can be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the described features can also be combined or modified without departing from the defined protection scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1A method for adapting the settings of a component of a vehicle is schematically shown from the perspective of a central control device. In a first step 10, a request for adapting the settings is sent to a control device for the component. Then, feedback from the control device regarding the conditions for adapting the settings is received 11. The conditions can be, for example, a need for user interaction or the presence of a predetermined state of the vehicle, such as a stationary state of the vehicle, a switched-off ignition device, or a speed threshold that is exceeded or below the vehicle. Then, it is checked 12 whether the conditions for adapting the settings are met. For this purpose, in response to the need for user interaction, an interaction with the user can first be initiated by means of a user interface. If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, permission for adapting the settings is sent 13 to the control device. If the settings of two or more components of the vehicle are to be adapted, the adaptation of the settings is preferably permitted only if all conditions are met.

[0064] Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a device 20 for adapting the settings of a component of a vehicle implemented on the side of a central control device is shown. The device 20 has a communication interface 21, via which a sending module 22 can send a request for adapting the settings to a control device 62 for the component. In addition, a receiving module 23 can receive feedback from the control device 62 about the conditions for adapting the settings via the communication interface 21. The condition can be, for example, a user interaction requirement or the presence of a predetermined state of the vehicle, such as a stationary state of the vehicle, a turned-off ignition device, or a speed threshold value exceeding or falling below the vehicle. A checking module 24 is set up to check whether the conditions for adapting the settings are met. To this end, in response to the user interaction requirement, the checking module 24 can first initiate an interaction with the user by means of a user interface. If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, the sending module 22 sends a permission for adapting the settings to the control device 62 via the communication interface 21. If the settings of two or more components of the vehicle should be adapted, the sending module 22 preferably sends a permission for adapting the settings only when all conditions are met.

[0065] The sending module 22, the receiving module 23 and the checking module 24 can be controlled by a monitoring module (Kontrollmodule) 25. If necessary, the settings of the sending module 22, the receiving module 23, the checking module 24 or the monitoring module 25 can be changed via the user interface 27. If necessary, the data accumulated in the device 20 can be stored in the memory 26 of the device 20, for example, for later evaluation or for use by components of the device 20. The sending module 22, the receiving module 23, the checking module 24 and the monitoring module 25 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, for example, as an integrated circuit. However, they can of course also be partially or completely combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU or a CPU. Instead of the bidirectional communication interface 21, the input and output ends can also be implemented as separate interfaces. In Figure 2 The device 20 is implemented as an independent component in the embodiment of the present invention. However, the device 20 can also be integrated into the central control device.

[0066] Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a device 30 for adapting the settings of a component of a transport vehicle is shown. The device 30 is implemented on the central control device side and has a processor 32 and a memory 31. For example, the device 30 is the central control device or an embedded system. In the memory 31, the following instructions are stored, which, when executed by the processor 32, cause the device 30 to perform steps according to one of the described methods. Therefore, the instructions stored in the memory 31 embody a program that can be executed by the processor 32, which implements the method according to the invention. The device 30 has an input 33, which is used to receive information, in particular feedback from a control device of the following component, wherein the settings of the component should be adapted. Data generated by the processor 32 are provided via an output 34. In addition, these data can be stored in the memory 31. The input 33 and the output 34 can be combined into a bidirectional interface.

[0067] Processor 32 may include one or more processor units, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or a combination thereof.

[0068] The memories 26, 31 of the described embodiments may have both volatile and non-volatile storage areas and may include a variety of storage devices and storage media, such as a hard disk, optical storage media, or semiconductor memory.

[0069] Figure 4A method for adapting the settings of a component of a vehicle is schematically shown from the perspective of a control device for the component of the vehicle. In a first step 15, a request for adapting the settings is received from a central control device. Feedback about the conditions for adapting the settings is then sent 16 to the central control device. The conditions can be, for example, a need for user interaction or the presence of a predetermined state of the vehicle, such as a stationary state of the vehicle, a switched-off ignition, or a speed threshold being exceeded or fallen below. If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, permission for adapting the settings is received 17 from the central control device. Finally, in response to receiving 17 the permission, the settings of the component are adapted 18.

[0070] Figure 5 A simplified schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a device 40 for adapting the settings of a component of a transport is shown, wherein the device 40 is implemented on the control device side for the component. The device 40 has a communication interface 41, via which a receiving module 42 can receive a request for adapting the settings from a central control device 63. In addition, via the communication interface 41, a sending module 43 can send feedback about the conditions for adapting the settings to the central control device 63. The conditions can be, for example, the need for user interaction or the presence of a predetermined state of the transport, such as a stationary state of the transport, a turned-off ignition device, or a speed threshold value exceeding or falling below the transport. If the conditions for adapting the settings are met, the receiving module 42 receives a permission for adapting the settings from the central control device 63 via the communication interface 41. The control module 44 is set up to adapt the settings of the component in response to receiving the permission.

[0071] The receiving module 42, the sending module 43 and the control module 44 can be controlled by the monitoring module 45. If necessary, the settings of the receiving module 42, the sending module 43, the checking module 44 or the control module 45 can be changed via the user interface 47. If necessary, the data accumulated in the device 40 can be stored in the memory 46 of the device 40, for example, for later evaluation or for use by components of the device 40. The receiving module 42, the sending module 43, the control module 44 and the monitoring module 45 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, for example, as an integrated circuit. However, they can of course also be partially or completely combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU or a CPU. Instead of the bidirectional communication interface 41, the input and output ends can also be implemented as separate interfaces. In Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the device 40 is implemented as an independent component. However, the device 40 can also be integrated into a control device for the components.

[0072] Figure 6A simplified schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a device 50 for adapting the settings of a component of a means of transport is shown. The device 50 is implemented on the control device side for the component and has a processor 52 and a memory 51. For example, the device 50 is a control device or an embedded system. Instructions are stored in the memory 51, which, when executed by the processor 52, cause the device 50 to perform steps according to one of the described methods. Therefore, the instructions stored in the memory 51 embody a program that can be executed by the processor 52, which implements the method according to the invention. The device 50 has an input 53, which is used to receive information sent from a central control device, in particular a request for adapting the settings and the associated permissions. Data generated by the processor 52 are provided via an output 54. In addition, these data can be stored in the memory 51. The input 53 and the output 54 can be combined into a bidirectional interface.

[0073] Processor 52 may include one or more processor units, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The memories 46 , 51 of the described embodiments may have both volatile and non-volatile storage areas and may include a variety of storage devices and storage media, such as a hard disk, optical storage media, or semiconductor memory.

[0075] Figure 7A transport 60 is schematically shown in which the solution according to the present invention is implemented. In this example, the transport 60 is a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a series of configurable components 61, of which two are shown by way of example. The configurable components 61 are, for example, vehicle seats, interior and exterior rearview mirrors, auxiliary systems that can be activated or deactivated, etc. The configurable components 61 are controlled by the associated control device 62, respectively, wherein the control device 62 is also responsible for a plurality of configurable components 61 if necessary. For example, the driver's seat and the co-pilot seat can be controlled by a common control device 62. The control device 62 is respectively assigned a device 40 according to the present invention for adapting the settings of the configurable components 61. Alternatively, the device can also be integrated into the corresponding control device 62. The settings of the configurable components 61 are provided to the control devices 62 for different users by a single central control device 63. The device 20 according to the present invention for adapting the settings of the configurable components 61 is assigned to the central control device 63. Alternatively, the device 20 can also be integrated into the central control device 63. Any user interaction that may be required within the scope of adapting the settings of the adjustable component 61 can be carried out with the aid of a user interface 64. The user interface 64 can be implemented, for example, as an infotainment system of the motor vehicle. A further component of the motor vehicle is a data transmission unit 65, with the aid of which, for example, a connection can be established to a backend that provides an online account of a user of the motor vehicle with a set of settings for the user. A memory 66 is provided for storing data. The data exchange between the various components of the motor vehicle takes place via a network 67.

[0076] Reference numerals list

[0077] 10 Send a request for adapting settings

[0078] 11. Receive feedback on conditions

[0079] 12 Check whether the conditions are met

[0080] 13 Send permission

[0081] 15 Receive request for adaption settings

[0082] 16 Send feedback about conditions

[0083] 17 Receiving Permission

[0084] 18 Adapting the settings

[0085] 20 Equipment

[0086] 21 Communication Interface

[0087] 22 Sending module

[0088] 23. Receiver Module

[0089] 24 Check Module

[0090] 25 Monitoring Module

[0091] 26 Memory

[0092] 27 User Interface

[0093] 30 Equipment

[0094] 31 Memory

[0095] 32 processors

[0096] 33 Input

[0097] 34 Output

[0098] 40 Equipment

[0099] 41 Communication interface

[0100] 42 Receiver Module

[0101] 43 Sending module

[0102] 44 Control Module

[0103] 45 Monitoring module

[0104] 46 Memory

[0105] 47 User Interface

[0106] 50 devices

[0107] 51 Memory

[0108] 52 Processors

[0109] 53 Input

[0110] 54 Output

[0111] 60 Transportation

[0112] 61 configurable components

[0113] 62 Control Equipment

[0114] 63 Central Control Equipment

[0115] 64 User Interface

[0116] 65 Data Transmission Unit

[0117] 66 Memory

[0118] 67 Network

Claims

1. A method for adapting the arrangement of a component (61) of a vehicle (60), the method comprising the following steps: - sending (10) a request for adapting said settings to a control device (62) for said component (61); - receiving (11) feedback from the control device (62) regarding conditions for adapting the settings; - checking (12) whether a condition for adapting the setting is met, wherein corresponding measures can be taken to meet the condition; and - if the conditions for adapting the settings are met, sending (13) permission to adapt the settings to the control device (62), The conditions include, in this case, a requirement for user interaction or the existence of a predetermined state of the means of transport.

2. A method for adapting the arrangement of a component (61) of a vehicle (60), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving (15) a request from a central control device (63) to adapt said settings; - sending (16) feedback to the central control device (63) regarding the conditions for adapting the settings; - receiving (17) permission to adapt the settings from the central control device (63) if the conditions for adapting the settings are met, in, The central control device (63) is capable of taking corresponding measures to meet the conditions; and - adapting (18) said settings in response to receiving (17) said permission, The conditions include, in this case, a requirement for user interaction or the existence of a predetermined state of the means of transport.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The predefined state of the vehicle is a stationary state of the vehicle, a switched-off ignition or a speed threshold value of the vehicle being exceeded or fallen below.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, In response to the user's need for interaction, interaction with the user is initiated via the user interface.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The configuration of two or more components (61) of the vehicle (60) is adapted and the adaptation of the configuration is permitted only if all conditions are met.

6. A computer program product comprising a computer program having instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for adapting the settings of a component (61) of a vehicle (60).

7. A device (20) for adapting the arrangement of a component (61) of a vehicle (60), the device (20) comprising: a sending module (22) for sending (10) a request for adapting the settings to a control device (62) for the component (61) and for sending (13) a permission for adapting the settings to the control device (62) if a condition for adapting the settings is met; - a receiving module (23) for receiving (11) feedback from the control device (62) regarding conditions for adapting the settings; as well as a checking module (24) for checking (12) whether a condition for adapting the setting is met, wherein corresponding measures can be taken to meet the condition, The conditions include, in this case, a requirement for user interaction or the existence of a predetermined state of the means of transport.

8. A device (40) for adapting the arrangement of a component (61) of a vehicle (60), the device (40) comprising: a receiving module (42) for receiving (15) a request for adapting the settings from a central control device (63) and for receiving (17) permission for adapting the settings from the central control device (63) if conditions for adapting the settings are met; a sending module (43) for sending (16) feedback about conditions for adapting the settings to the central control device (63), wherein the central control device (63) is able to take corresponding measures to meet the conditions; and - a control module (44) for adapting (18) said settings in response to receiving (17) said permission, The conditions include, in this case, a requirement for user interaction or the existence of a predetermined state of the means of transport.

9. Means of transport (60), It is characterized in that The vehicle (60) has a device (20) according to claim 7 or 8 or is configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for adapting the arrangement of a component (61) of the vehicle (60).

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