Equipment and systems for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device located in a motor vehicle, and motor vehicles equipped with such equipment.

Abstract

To improve the operational comfort of a motor vehicle (1), a device (13) is proposed for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device located in the motor vehicle (1) and operatively connected to at least one emphasis device. The device has a control device (20) operatively connected to the emphasis device at least temporarily. The control device is configured to selectively activate the emphasis device based on an emphasis signal output by a computing device (30), change or not change the emphasis device during operation, or deactivate the emphasis device. The emphasis signal represents emphasis attention information and the emphasis device itself cannot be recognized by the viewer when it is deactivated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device located in a motor vehicle, a system equipped therewith, and a motor vehicle equipped therewith. Background Technology

[0002] Emphasis devices for optically highlighting storage areas located within the interior space of a motor vehicle are well known. Such emphasis devices include an illumination device that illuminates intermittently when the interior lights are on, and continues to operate until the interior lights are turned off. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an alternative to a known emphasis device.

[0004] According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device located in a motor vehicle and operatively connected to at least one emphasis device, the apparatus having a control device operatively connected at least temporarily to the emphasis device. The control device itself is configured to selectively activate the emphasis device based on an emphasis signal output from a computing device, alter or not alter the emphasis device during operation, or deactivate the emphasis device, the emphasis signal representing emphasis attention information. If the emphasis device is deactivated, it is substantially invisible to the viewer. Conversely, if the emphasis device is activated, the viewer can see the emphasis device at the desired location and / or time. Activation is based on emphasis attention information, which is based on the user's known or expected behavior and / or usage context. Furthermore, the emphasis attention information may include data representing the user's input in the correspondingly constructed motor vehicle, the user's current behavior, the current context of media playback and / or driving mode, the current location data of the motor vehicle, the user's gaze movement over a period of time, and the urgency of the location the user is looking at or the storage need when necessary. Furthermore, the information of concern may include data on the number and location of users and their direction of movement; information on objects carried by users and their characteristics (especially their size, weight, format, surface properties such as friction (slip risk), particularly sensitivity to pressure, sensitivity to contamination, temperature requirements (especially for objects to be stored in the shade, not in areas exposed to sunlight or near heating systems)); the source of the information, especially from calendars and / or applications; and the user's known habits, such as whether they carry a tool bag, especially on their way to work. Finally, the information of concern may include data representing information relating to the user and / or potential companions, such as information relating to their height, proportions, age, health condition, and / or physical limitations.

[0005] The invention is characterized by the realization of context-dependent emphasis on the storage device. Therefore, it is necessary to identify, based on contextual knowledge, whether a storage need exists and where it exists, and in particular, which characteristics of the storage (especially size, shape, necessity of securing it, and / or sensitivity to contamination) are required, and to select a suitable storage location accordingly. Consequently, greater optical calmness is achieved advantageously within the vehicle's interior space when the emphasis device is not in operation. Conversely, when the emphasis device is in operation, it advantageously receives more attention from the viewer, allowing the viewer to more quickly and easily identify the storage location relevant to them. This is particularly beneficial for those using the vehicle for the first time, especially in cases of car rental, carpooling, or car-sharing services.

[0006] It should be noted that the device according to the invention can also be connected to a locking device (especially a lock) located at the storage device and / or to a drive device. When emphasizing the operation of the device, it can be specified that the locking device and / or drive device are also put into operation simultaneously or with a slight time delay, so as not only to optically emphasize the storage device, but also to release its use, especially to open it, so as to further increase the comfort associated with the device according to the invention.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the emphasizing device has at least one light-emitting device for emitting light, at least one actuating device for changing the surface shape of the storage device, and / or at least one sound output device for outputting at least one sound. This solves the user's visual perception, auditory perception, or acoustic perception, allowing the device according to the invention to be used advantageously at any time of day or night.

[0008] If the light-emitting device is at least partially constructed as a light guide, light-emitting diode, liquid crystal display, or projection device, the actuating device is constructed as a transmission device, vibration device, hydraulic adjustment device, or pneumatic adjustment device, and the sound output device is constructed as a loudspeaker, then a particularly simple structure of the device according to the invention is advantageously achieved. It should be noted that the aforementioned light-emitting device, actuating device, and sound output device can all be covered by means of a concealing device, making them substantially indistinguishable when the device is not in operation, but identifiable when the device is in operation.

[0009] If the computing device is operatively connected to a sensor device (preferably a camera) and / or an external data source (preferably a mobile communication device), and the sensor device itself is configured to detect the approach, movement, and / or departure of at least one body part of the user and / or the object to be transported, the reliability of the device according to the invention is advantageously further improved. In other words, if the computing device (whose input variables are detected by sensors, particularly based on the viewing direction, the user's head position, or the position of another body part) outputs corresponding information, the emphasis device can be put into operation, altered or not altered during operation, or the emphasis device can be stopped. The sensor device may be located inside the vehicle or on the outside of the vehicle.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the device according to the invention may be equipped with a voice input device through which relevant data for device operation, especially information of particular concern, can be input in a simple manner, so as to selectively activate the emphasis device, change or not change the emphasis device during operation, or deactivate it.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has a storage device operatively connected to a computing device and / or a control device, wherein current and / or past emphasis information is stored. Thus, particularly personalized emphasis information can be used advantageously across different vehicles.

[0012] The control device is configured to control the stressing device in terms of its operating time, operating duration, position, intensity, and / or effective distance. This advantageously achieves a high degree of versatility for the device according to the invention.

[0013] The aforementioned task also includes a system for temporarily and preemptively highlighting at least one storage device located in a motor vehicle, the system comprising at least one device of the aforementioned type and a first telecommunications device connected to it at least temporarily, the first telecommunications device configured to output highlighting information to the device. Thus, a user can transmit desired highlighting information, particularly via a second telecommunications device (especially a smartphone), to the device according to the invention, in order to highlight a specific storage device or all storage devices located in the motor vehicle to which he / she intends to use, according to his / her wishes. The highlighting information can be manually entered or automatically read or input by the user or a third party. Needless to say, communication between the first and second telecommunications devices can also be configured to be bidirectional.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, a second telecommunication device is located in an object that can be transported by a user, particularly in a luggage compartment, and the first and second telecommunication devices are configured to interact with each other. In other words, the object to be transported can communicate with the previously disclosed device via emphasis information, thereby enabling automatic matching between the object to be transported by motor vehicle and possible storage locations for it. This advantageously provides the possibility that a specific storage possibility for the object to be transported can be automatically displayed to the user of the correspondingly equipped motor vehicle via the emphasis device. Needless to say, other telecommunication devices can also be connected to the first telecommunication device as needed. Therefore, telecommunication devices, especially those located in a computer center, can be connected to the first and / or second telecommunication devices to transmit current and / or stored emphasis information to the control device.

[0015] Finally, the aforementioned task is accomplished by a motor vehicle having at least one storage device operatively connected to the emphasizing device, the motor vehicle having at least one device and / or system of the aforementioned type. The aforementioned advantages apply accordingly.

[0016] Advantageously, the motor vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that at least one storage device is located in the interior space of the vehicle and is configured as a side rack, center console, armrest, footrest, cup holder, mobile phone holder, coat hook, bag, drawer, tensioning device, refrigerator, luggage rack, or a band configured to at least partially surround at least one window area. However, it goes without saying that storage spaces not mentioned herein, particularly those located in the trunk or in the front area of ​​the motor vehicle, may also be equipped with the device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following detailed, non-infringing, and especially non-limiting description of one embodiment of the invention is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not shown to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The only accompanying drawing shows a portion of the motor vehicle 1 in a side view, particularly a portion of its interior space 5.

[0019] An internal space 5 is provided with a series of storage devices 10, which in the embodiment shown herein are configured as a cup holder 10-1, a center console 10-2, a front side shelf 10-3, a rear side shelf 10-4, a coat hook 10-5, a tension strap 10-6, a rear armrest 10-7, and a mobile phone holder 10-8 located thereon.

[0020] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 is equipped with a device 13 for temporarily and pre-positioning the storage devices 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, and 10-8. This device has a series of positioning devices 15. These positioning devices 15 are themselves unidentifiable in the stopped operating state.

[0021] Specifically, an emphasis device 15-1, which is a light-emitting device in the form of a light guide, is provided around the outer edge of the cup holder 10-1.

[0022] An emphasis device 15-2 is provided on the center console 10-2, which includes, on the one hand, a light-emitting device that surrounds its outer edge or outer edge and is configured as a light guide, and on the other hand, an actuation device (not shown further herein) that can geometrically change the surface of the outer edge or outer edge.

[0023] An emphasis device 15-3, which is constructed as a light guide, is provided in the upper section of the front side frame 10-3. An emphasis device 15-4, which is also constructed as a light guide, is provided in the upper section of the rear side frame 10-4.

[0024] The coat hook 10-5 fixed to the B-pillar of the motor vehicle 1 has an emphasis device 15-5 configured as a light guide on the circumferential side.

[0025] The tension band 10-6 located in the rear area of ​​motor vehicle 1 is configured as a surface luminescent device.

[0026] The armrest 10-7 located at the rear seat has two emphasizing devices 15: one is a flat emphasizing device 15-7 with an actuator (not shown) and made of textile material, which is configured to accommodate an arm (not shown); and the other is a light guide emphasizing device 15-8 located substantially in the middle of the emphasizing device 15-7, which extends substantially along the outer edge of the phone holder 10-8.

[0027] Finally, an emphasis device 15-9, which is a light guide, is provided on the edge of each of the glass (windshield, front side glass, rear side glass, and rear window glass) located on the motor vehicle 1, for clarity, without the reference numerals in the attached drawings.

[0028] Each of the emphasis devices 15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, and 15-9 is functionally connected to the symbolically indicated control device 20, as shown by arrows 25 representing the functional connection. The functional connection 25 can be made in any suitable manner, such as wired or wireless, especially via Bluetooth. The control device 20 is configured to control one, more, or all of the emphasis devices 15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, and 15-9, that is, to change or maintain their on / off time, operating time, operating duration, position, surface design, intensity, or effective distance, for example, in terms of time or location.

[0029] For this purpose, the control device 20 is operatively connected to the computing device 30 (such as a microchip), which in turn is operatively connected to the sensor device 35. The sensor device 35 is configured to detect the approach, movement, and / or departure of a vehicle occupant's body parts (e.g., his hand or his face) or the object to be transported 40 located outside the vehicle 1, and output a signal representing an emphasis of attention to the computing device 30.

[0030] Finally, an optional first telecommunications device 45 is provided, which is operatively connected to the computing device 30. Information transmitted by the second telecommunications device 50 can be received by the first telecommunications device 45 and used to control the emphasis device 15. According to the embodiment shown here, the second telecommunications device 50 can be configured as a telecommunications device that can be operated by a user smartphone (not shown), in the object to be transported 40, or on any other suitable object, or constructed in any other suitable manner. Therefore, it is also conceivable that the second telecommunications device 50 is installed in different types of institutions, such as the computer center of a car rental company.

[0031] However, it should be noted that if the signals transmitted by the second telecommunications device 50 have the characteristic that they are directly converted into control signals by the control device 20, then the first telecommunications device 45 can also be directly connected to the control device 20.

[0032] Finally, the device 10 of the embodiment shown here has a storage device 55, which is operatively connected to the control device 20. The storage device 55 stores data for controlling the emphasis device 15, such as historical information about the user's actual desired control of the emphasis device 15.

[0033] The following is an exemplary, non-limiting use case:

[0034] After the flight, the user (not shown) arrives at the airport where he wishes to pick up a rental vehicle (see reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings). Rental vehicle 1 has emphasis devices 15 or 15-1 to 15-9 shown in the drawings. These emphasis devices are not operational when rental vehicle 1 is parked and therefore do not attract the attention of viewers of rental vehicle 1 and its interior space 5.

[0035] The user carries a mobile phone and a suitcase (see reference numeral 40), each equipped with a second communication device 50. Upon approval from the lessor of the rental vehicle, the second communication device communicates with a first communication device 45, which is part of a device 13 used for temporary and pre-emphasis via the emphasis device 15 shown above. On the way to the rental vehicle 1, the user purchases a beverage. Information representing the size and shape of the cup is also sent from the beverage seller to the first communication device 45. This information, along with information about the sole authorized person carrying a single piece of luggage 40 of a specific size and weight (previously determined by the airline and transmitted to the user's mobile phone via the second communication device 50) and the mobile phone's movement toward the rental vehicle 1, is stored in the storage device 55 of the device 13.

[0036] Based on location data and assisted by motion sensors located on rental vehicle 1 (which are in turn part of sensor device 35 of device 13), when the distance between the user and rental vehicle 1 is below the minimum distance, the driver's door of the rental vehicle opens first, the highlighting device 15-1 of the cup holder 10-1 located in the vehicle's interior space 5 and the highlighting device of the mobile phone holder (not shown in the attached drawing) located next to the cup holder 10-1 are illuminated, and the trunk lid (not shown in the attached drawing) is opened. The user places his beverage cup into the cup holder 10-1, and the corresponding highlighting device 15-1 is turned off. On the other hand, if the user carries a mobile phone and does not place it on the mobile phone holder, in this case, the highlighting device of the mobile phone holder remains illuminated.

[0037] The user now moves his luggage 40 to the rear of the vehicle and places it in the trunk at the position indicated by the illuminated emphasis device located in the trunk. This position is chosen based on the size and weight of the luggage 40 to ensure maximum comfort for the user when placing it in the trunk. To secure the luggage 40 now in the trunk, a tension band with an emphasis device illuminates, which the user secures to the corresponding compartment. The compartment itself also has an emphasis device, but it only illuminates when the user lifts the tension band. When the tension band is securely held in the corresponding compartment, both the tension band's emphasis device and the compartment's emphasis device cease operation. Conversely, if the tension band is not securely held in the compartment, the color of both emphasis devices changes from a signal color to a warning color, and a warning sound is emitted.

[0038] After securely loading luggage 40 into the trunk, the user moves to the front of the vehicle and sits in the driver's seat. If the user places their phone on the illuminated phone holder, the indicator light located there will turn off.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 1 sedan

[0041] 5. Interior Space

[0042] 10 Storage devices

[0043] 10-1 cup holder

[0044] 10-2 Center Console

[0045] 10-3 Front Side Frame

[0046] 10-4 Rear Side Frame

[0047] 10-5 coat hooks

[0048] 10-6 tension bands

[0049] 10-7 Rear armrest

[0050] 10-8 phone holder

[0051] Emphasis device at the edge of window area 10-9

[0052] 13. Equipment for temporary and pre-emphasis

[0053] 15. Emphasis on device

[0054] 15-1 Cup Holder Emphasis Device

[0055] 15-2 Emphasis device on the center console

[0056] 15-3 Emphasis device for front side frame

[0057] 15-4 Rear Side Frame Reinforcement Device

[0058] 15-5 Reinforcing device for coat hooks

[0059] 15-6 tensioning band reinforcement device

[0060] 15-7 Rear armrest reinforcement device

[0061] 15-8 mobile phone holder reinforcement device

[0062] Emphasis device at the edge of window area 15-9

[0063] 20 control devices

[0064] 25 Functional Connection

[0065] 30 computing devices

[0066] 35 sensor devices

[0067] 40 objects

[0068] 45 First Telecommunications Equipment

[0069] 50 Second Telecommunications Equipment

[0070] 55 storage devices

[0071] x, y, z coordinates according to the vehicle's own coordinate system as defined in ISO 4130-1978

Claims

1. A device (13) for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device (10; 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) located in a motor vehicle (1) and operatively connected to at least one emphasizing device (15; 15-1, 15-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9), the device having at least temporarily operatively connected to said emphasizing device (15; 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9). The control device (20) is configured to selectively activate the emphasis devices (15; 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) based on emphasis signals output by the computing device (30), and to change or not change the emphasis devices during operation, or to deactivate the emphasis devices, wherein the emphasis signals represent emphasis information and the emphasis devices (15; 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) are not recognizable to the viewer in their deactivated state. The emphasis information includes historical information about the user's actual desired control over the emphasis device, and The computing device (30) is operatively connected to the sensor device (35), which is configured to detect the approach, movement, and / or departure of the object to be transported. The control device (20) is configured to control the emphasis device (15; 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) in terms of the operation time, operation duration, position, color, pattern, intensity and / or effective distance of the emphasis device. The emphasis device (15; 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) has: at least one light-emitting device for emitting light, at least one actuating device for changing the surface shape of the storage device (10; 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9), and / or at least one sound output device for emitting at least one sound, and the light-emitting device, the actuating device and the sound output device are respectively covered by a concealing device such that they are substantially indistinguishable when the emphasis device is not in operation, but are identifiable when the emphasis device is in operation.

2. The device (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting device is at least partially configured as a light guide, a light-emitting diode, a liquid crystal display, or a projection device; the actuating device is configured as a transmission device, a vibration device, a hydraulic adjustment device, or a pneumatic adjustment device; and the sound output device is configured as a loudspeaker.

3. The device (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a storage device (55) operatively connected to a computing device (30) and / or a control device (20), in which current and / or past emphasis information is stored.

4. A system for temporarily and pre-emphasizing at least one storage device (10; 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9) located in a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, The system includes at least one device (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a first telecommunications device (45) capable of operating at least temporarily with the device, the first telecommunications device being configured to output emphasis information to the device (13).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second telecommunications device (50) is located in an object (40) that can be transported by the user, and the second telecommunications device is configured to be connected to the first telecommunications device (45).

6. A motor vehicle (1) having at least one storage device (10; 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, 15-8, 15-9) operatively connected to a balancing device (15; 15-1, 15-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9), characterized in that, The motor vehicle includes at least one device (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and / or a system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one storage device (10; 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9) is located in the interior space of the vehicle (5) and is configured as a side rack, center console, armrest, footrest, cup holder, mobile phone holder, coat hook, bag, drawer, tensioning device or a band that at least partially surrounds at least one window area.

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