Method for developing vehicle functions and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for developing a vehicle function, which is executed by means of a hardware (1) of a motor vehicle (2). The method has the following method steps: - identifying a vehicle function to be developed, - creating a design of the vehicle function, - executing a first approval check of the design of the vehicle function, - releasing the design of the vehicle function when a first approval criterion is met, - transmitting the design of the vehicle function, - executing a second approval check of the design of the vehicle function, - releasing the design of the vehicle function if a second approval criterion is met, - transmitting the released design of the vehicle function to the motor vehicle (2), and - implementing the vehicle function in the motor vehicle (2). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for developing a vehicle function, which is executed by means of the hardware of a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle which is designed to execute the motor vehicle-side method steps of the method. Background Art

[0002] It's no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in many areas of technology. The importance of AI in the automotive industry is also growing. AI is used in product development and manufacturing, as well as in finished products.

[0003] Artificial intelligence, also known in expert circles as "artificial intelligence" (German: artifizielle Intelligenz), is a subfield of computer science that deals with the automation and machine learning of intelligent behavior. For example, AI involves mapping human behavior to machines with the goal of solving problems independently without human intervention.

[0004] In so-called autonomous vehicles, AI takes on driving functions such as steering, acceleration, or braking. Thus, the vehicle can be guided to its destination using AI based on navigation data, calendar entries, or the like. Furthermore, AI can take on other vehicle functions such as flashing lights, lighting, windshield wiping, ventilation, seatbelt tightening, and so on. Autonomous vehicles are known, for example, from WO 2019 / 241307 A2.

[0005] DE 10 201 6 009 655 A1 discloses a method for operating a motor vehicle using AI. The motor vehicle has a static neural network and a learning neural network, which correspond to each other in the vehicle's operational state. During operation of the motor vehicle, the decisions of the two neural networks are compared. Based on predefined limiting criteria, such as safety or ethical standards, the decision found to be better is used. IN 2018 110 25 275 A describes taking ethical requirements into account when operating a technical system, such as a cutting device.

[0006] Known systems for operating motor vehicles using AI have the disadvantage that decisions about modifying vehicle functions are made independently and only within predefined rules or limits. In extreme cases, this high degree of AI independence can lead to unforeseen interactions between vehicle components and resulting interference. Furthermore, uncontrolled AI intervention in the vehicle's driving behavior, particularly if the limits (or boundaries) are too wide, can lead to changes in the vehicle's license-related status, potentially causing the vehicle to lose its license. Excessively narrow limits often result in the AI ​​failing to realize its potential, with only minor, often barely noticeable, changes to vehicle functions. Furthermore, known systems obscure the type of intervention being performed by the vehicle's operators and designers. Consequently, potential erroneous development of self-learning systems is often detected only after a significant delay. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the technical problem of eliminating or at least partially eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages in motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention is directed to providing a method for developing a vehicle function to be executed by means of motor vehicle hardware, as well as a motor vehicle, which method and motor vehicle reduce the risk of implementing a faulty vehicle function and / or simplify the development of the vehicle function in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the claims. Therefore, the object is achieved by a method for developing vehicle functions and by a motor vehicle. Further features and details of the invention can be found in the description and the drawings. Features and details described in conjunction with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in conjunction with the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, respectively, so that the disclosures of the various inventive aspects always refer to or can refer to one another.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the technical problem is solved by a method for developing a vehicle function that is executed by means of the hardware of a motor vehicle. The method comprises the following steps:

[0010] - identifying a vehicle function to be developed by means of a development device of the motor vehicle, wherein the development device has artificial intelligence,

[0011] - creating a concept (or draft, scheme) of the vehicle function by means of the development device,

[0012] - performing a first authorization check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined first authorization criteria by means of the development device,

[0013] - releasing (or in other words issuing, unlocking, handing over) the design of the vehicle function for transmission by means of the development device when the first authorization criterion is met,

[0014] - transmitting the configuration of the vehicle function to a checking device remote from the motor vehicle by means of a first data transmission device of the motor vehicle,

[0015] - performing a second permissibility check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined second permissibility criteria by means of the checking device,

[0016] - releasing the design of the vehicle function for transmission by means of the inspection device when a second authorization criterion is met,

[0017] - transmitting the configuration of the released vehicle function to the motor vehicle by means of a second data transmission device, and

[0018] The vehicle function is implemented in the motor vehicle by means of the development device.

[0019] A development device for a motor vehicle uses its artificial intelligence to identify vehicle functions to be developed for the motor vehicle. To this end, the operating status of the motor vehicle is preferably analyzed in an analysis method. Sensor data from sensors of the motor vehicle is preferably evaluated to detect the operating status. As a result of the analysis, one or more vehicle functions to be developed are preferably identified. Within the scope of the present invention, the development of a vehicle function is understood to include, for example, the creation and improvement of existing vehicle functions.

[0020] A vehicle function is a technical function that can be implemented using the vehicle's hardware, such as targeted illumination of the area in front of the vehicle's front side using the vehicle's lighting. A variety of lighting aspects can be considered, such as illuminating curves, avoiding glare for other road users, avoiding reflections caused by puddles, fog, or precipitation, and highlighting specific signs or hazards due to targeted lighting. Thus, according to the present invention, a development device can, for example, determine that a driver frequently violates speed limits and, based on this, identify a vehicle function that highlights corresponding traffic signs using lighting. Similarly, the development device can identify the advantages of illuminating curves using additional lighting devices, such as fog lights, high beams, lasers, and the like. The development of a vehicle function can also include utilizing the vehicle's hardware in new ways and methods, such as selectively controlling only one or a subset of the front fog lights. It is not important whether the corresponding hardware is designed or configured for this application.

[0021] The development device then creates a configuration for the vehicle function. The configuration for the vehicle function preferably includes all operating parameters of the motor vehicle that are relevant for executing the vehicle function. Preferably, the development device simulates the operation of the hardware that implements the vehicle function.

[0022] Furthermore, the development device performs a first approval check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined first approval criteria. For this purpose, the development device has an artificial intelligence. The first approval criteria can relate to, for example, law, industrial property rights (for example, patents), regulations (for example, manufacturer specifications or development guidelines), provisions (for example, official approval regulations), functional safety requirements, aspects requiring documentation, approval-related regulations, ethical principles, and the like.

[0023] When the development device comes to the result in the scope of the first approval check that the design of the vehicle function complies with the first approval criteria, the development device releases the design. The design of the vehicle function is forwarded to a checking device remote from the motor vehicle by means of first data transmission means. In this context, it is preferred to transmit such a document of the vehicle function from which the vehicle function can be explicitly reproduced, in particular according to the defined driving situations of the motor vehicle. The design of the vehicle function is preferably received by second data transmission means and provided to the checking device by the second data transmission means. The checking device can be provided, for example, in a development center or service center or workshop of the motor vehicle manufacturer.

[0024] The checking device receives the design of the vehicle function and performs a second approval check according to predefined second approval criteria. It is preferred here that the checking device has an artificial intelligence. The second approval criteria can relate to, for example, law, industrial property rights (for example, patents), regulations (for example, manufacturer specifications or development guidelines), provisions (for example, official approval regulations), functional safety requirements, aspects requiring documentation, approval-related regulations, ethical principles, and the like.

[0025] When the checking device comes to the result in the scope of the second approval check that the design of the vehicle function complies with the second approval criteria, the checking device releases the design. The released design of the vehicle function is forwarded to the motor vehicle by means of second data transmission means.

[0026] The motor vehicle, preferably the first data transmission means, receives the released design of the vehicle function and preferably forwards it to the development device. The development device implements the vehicle function in the motor vehicle such that the vehicle function is available for use and can be implemented for the operation of the motor vehicle.

[0027] The method according to the present invention for developing vehicle functions to be implemented using motor vehicle hardware offers the following advantages over conventional methods for operating a motor vehicle: Vehicle functions that meet particularly high requirements for operational safety and reduce the risk of liability for developers or motor vehicle manufacturers can be developed using simple and cost-effective methods. Conventional methods for operating a motor vehicle using artificial intelligence cover only the "system design" aspect of the "V-model" according to VDI 2206 (German Engineers Association Standard 2206). However, the method according to the present invention allows for both "system design" according to the "V-model" and "system integration," thereby enabling product improvements that meet the requirements of overall product development.

[0028] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, a method can provide for using a checking device with an artificial intelligence different from that of the development device. The artificial intelligence preferably has different algorithms, so that the solution paths run differently given the same problem setting. This has the advantage of providing different means for reaching the result from the starting point in a simple and cost-effective manner. This allows for better verification of the results of the first permission check using the second permission check.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is preferred to use a second authorization criterion within the scope of the second authorization check, which corresponds completely, substantially, or at least partially to the first authorization criterion. Preferably, the same authorization criterion is used in both authorization checks. This is particularly advantageous when the determination device and the checking device have different artificial intelligences. This has the advantage of ensuring improved verification of the results of the first authorization check by means of the second authorization check using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0030] According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the method according to the present invention, a second authorization criterion is used within the scope of the second authorization check, which is different from the first authorization criterion. Within the scope of the present invention, different authorization criteria are understood to mean, for example, different parameters and / or different representations of the same parameter. Preferably, the second authorization criterion is stricter than the first authorization criterion. Preferably, the second authorization criterion is more comprehensive than the first authorization criterion. This has the advantage of reducing the risk of conflicting vehicle functions being implemented using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, if the second permissibility check indicates that the second permissibility criterion is not met, the design of the vehicle function is modified by means of a testing device in accordance with the predefined second permissibility criterion so that the modified design of the vehicle function meets the second permissibility criterion. To this end, the testing device is constructed and arranged to modify the design of the vehicle function and to check its implementation in a motor vehicle, preferably within the scope of a simulation. Preferably, the modified vehicle function is sent to the development device for implementation only if it meets the problem set (the vehicle function to be developed was identified based on the problem set) or if the problem based on the problem set has actually been solved. This has the advantage of ensuring the continuous improvement or expansion of the vehicle function using simple means and in a cost-effective manner. Vehicle functions that were initially considered impermissible are no longer automatically rejected, but can instead be implemented at least in a modified form if certain prerequisites are met.

[0032] Preferably, the checking device authorizes release during the second authorization check only after confirmation by a control person. According to the present invention, a draft for confirmation is preferably performed only if the checking device determines that the second authorization criterion is met during the design of the vehicle function. Furthermore, preferably, the checking device provides the operator with documentation of the design of the vehicle function. Preferably, the checking device provides the control person with a preliminary assessment of the design of the vehicle function. This assessment preferably includes qualitative and / or quantitative statements regarding the relationship between the design of the vehicle function and the first and / or second approval criteria. According to the present invention, final approval of the design of the vehicle function is preferably granted by the control person. Within the scope of the present invention, a control person is understood to be a natural person, such as a development engineer at a vehicle manufacturer or a tester at a licensing authority, or a legal person, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a licensing authority, which legal person may also be represented by artificial intelligence. Preferably, release is performed only after confirmation by representatives of the vehicle manufacturer and the licensing authority. This has the advantage of reducing the risk of liability in the event of malfunction of the vehicle (with respect to the developed vehicle function) using simple and cost-effective means.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method may provide for a development device and / or a testing device to perform a hardware analysis of the vehicle hardware based on the design of a vehicle function and, based thereon, develop hardware modifications to improve the implementation of the vehicle function. The hardware analysis preferably determines how well the vehicle function can be implemented using the existing hardware and whether possible hardware modifications could improve the implementation of the vehicle function. Other factors, such as manufacturing costs, number of component variants, additional usage, assembly effort, operational reliability, service life, complexity, etc., are preferably considered in this context to enable overall improvements for the vehicle manufacturer. For example, in the case of a vehicle function that additionally illuminates a curve using high-beam headlights, the hardware analysis may reveal that the control of the high-beam headlights must be modified to enable selective actuation of the left and right high-beam headlights. The hardware analysis may also reveal that the high-beam headlights are only partially actuated; for example, in the case of LED headlights, only a specific portion of the LEDs can be activated by the control device. This may require hardware modifications to the high-beam headlights. This has the advantage of improving vehicle development using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the released configuration of a vehicle function is transmitted to multiple motor vehicles using a second data transmission device. The motor vehicles preferably have the same hardware, or at least comparable hardware. This refers in particular to the hardware required to implement the vehicle function. The vehicles can, for example, have the same type designation. This has the advantage of improving the development of vehicle functions using simple means and in a cost-effective manner. It is sufficient to create a new vehicle function using a motor vehicle, which can then be implemented by multiple motor vehicles. Thus, even motor vehicles that have not yet identified a vehicle function can implement it. Furthermore, it is sufficient for only some of the motor vehicles of a given type to have a development device and, if necessary, additional sensors for this purpose, thereby saving manufacturing costs for the remaining motor vehicles that do not have a development device and / or fewer sensors.

[0035] According to the present invention, the identification of the vehicle function to be developed is preferably performed by taking into account operating parameters of the vehicle and / or ambient parameters of the vehicle's surroundings and / or environmental parameters in the vehicle's environment. Examples of vehicle operating parameters include engine / wheel speed, speed, acceleration, deceleration, yaw rate, roll rate, pitch rate, steering angle, tire pressure, cooling water temperature, low beam angle, etc. Examples of ambient parameters include road conditions, road direction, inclination, gradient, obstacles, other road users, etc. Examples of environmental parameters include temperature, humidity, cloud cover, fog, sun position, ambient pressure, precipitation intensity, precipitation type, stagnant precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, etc. This has the advantage that vehicle functions that are specifically coordinated with the operation of the vehicle can be developed using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the technical problem is solved by a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a development device with artificial intelligence for developing vehicle functions of the motor vehicle and a first data transmission device for transmitting data to an external receiving unit. According to the present invention, the motor vehicle is designed to perform the motor vehicle-side method steps of the method according to the present invention.

[0037] The vehicle-side method steps are understood to be method steps that are performed using the vehicle's hardware, such as the development device and the first data transmission device. Therefore, according to the invention, the vehicle is designed to perform at least the following method steps:

[0038] - identifying a vehicle function to be developed by means of the development device,

[0039] - creating a design of the vehicle function by means of the development device,

[0040] - performing a first authorization check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined first authorization criteria by means of the development device,

[0041] - Release vehicle functional designs for transmission via development devices, provided that permissible criteria are met;

[0042] - transmitting the configuration of the vehicle function to the checking device by means of the first data transmission device, and

[0043] The vehicle function is implemented in the motor vehicle by means of the development device.

[0044] Furthermore, the motor vehicle is designed to receive the released configuration of the vehicle function from the second data transmission device, preferably by means of the first data transmission device. The external receiving unit can be designed as a second data transmission device, for example, and be coupled to the checking device in a data communication manner.

[0045] The motor vehicle according to the present invention exhibits all the advantages already described for the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. Consequently, the motor vehicle according to the present invention has the advantage over conventional motor vehicles that vehicle functions that meet particularly high requirements for operational safety and reduce the liability risk for developers or vehicle manufacturers can be developed using simple means and in a cost-effective manner. Conventional methods for operating motor vehicles using artificial intelligence only cover the area of ​​"system design" according to the "V-model" of VDI 2206. However, the method according to the present invention allows not only "system design" according to the "V-model" but also "system integration," thereby enabling product improvements that meet the requirements of overall product development. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The method according to the invention for developing a vehicle function to be executed by means of the hardware of a motor vehicle and the motor vehicle according to the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 shows the V-model according to VDI 2208,

[0048] Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in a flow chart, and

[0049] Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention is shown in a side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Components with the same function and mode of action are Figures 1 to 3 The same reference numerals are respectively provided in the figures.

[0051] exist Figure 1 The V-model according to VDI 2208 is schematically shown in FIG. Starting from the requirements (corresponding to the identification of vehicle functions), a system design (also known as a system concept) is created, which is transformed into a product, such as an implemented vehicle function, within the scope of system integration in an iterative method.

[0052] Figure 2A preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in a flow chart. In a first method step 100, the vehicle function to be developed is identified using artificial intelligence in a development device 3 of motor vehicle 2. This preferably occurs while motor vehicle 2 is in operation. In a second method step 200, the design of the vehicle function is created using development device 3. In a third method step 300, development device 3 performs a first approval check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined first approval criteria. In this case, for example, this could be a check for violations of laws, regulations, or patents. If a violation of the first approval criteria is detected, the design of the vehicle function is modified, preferably in an additional method step, using development device 3. If the first approval criteria are met, development device 3 releases the design of the vehicle function in a fourth method step 400. In a fifth method step 500, the design of the vehicle function is forwarded to a checking device 4 located remote from motor vehicle 2 using first data transmission device 5 of motor vehicle 2. The forwarded design of the vehicle function preferably includes all data required for approval.

[0053] In a sixth method step 600, the checking device 4 performs a second authorization check on the design of the vehicle function according to a predefined second authorization criterion. This is preferably performed with the aid of the artificial intelligence of the checking device 4 and / or by a control personnel. In a seventh method step 700, if the second authorization criterion is met, the design of the vehicle function is released for transmission with the aid of the checking device 4. In an eighth method step 800, the released design of the vehicle function is transmitted to the motor vehicle 2 with the aid of the second data transmission device 6. In a ninth method step 900, the vehicle function is implemented in the motor vehicle 2 with the aid of the development device 3. The method steps from the first method step 100 to the fifth method step 500 and the ninth method step 900 are also referred to as vehicle-side method steps K. The method steps from the sixth method step 600 to the eighth method step 800 are also referred to as external method steps E.

[0054] exist Figure 3 Schematically depicting a preferred embodiment of a motor vehicle 2 according to the present invention in a side view, the motor vehicle 2 comprises a plurality of hardware components 1, such as a development device 3, a first data transmission device 5, a low-beam headlamp 7 for generating low-beam light in a road area in front of the motor vehicle 2, a sensor 8 for detecting the position-dependent light intensity in the road area, and a front fog light 9 for enhanced illumination of a road section arranged in front of the motor vehicle.

[0055] List of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1 Hardware

[0057] 2 Motor vehicles

[0058] 3 Development equipment

[0059] 4 Inspection device

[0060] 5 first data transmission device

[0061] 6 second data transmission device

[0062] 7 low beam

[0063] 8 sensor

[0064] 9 front fog lamp

[0065] 100 first method step

[0066] 200 second method step

[0067] 300 third method step

[0068] 400 fourth method step

[0069] 500 fifth method step

[0070] 600 sixth method step

[0071] 700 seventh method step

[0072] 800 eighth method step

[0073] 900 ninth method step

[0074] K motor vehicle-side method step

[0075] E external method step

Claims

1. A method for developing vehicle functions in order to create new or improve existing vehicle functions, the vehicle functions being implemented by means of hardware (1) of a motor vehicle (2), the method comprising the following method steps: - identifying a vehicle function to be developed by means of a development device (3) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein: The development device (3) has artificial intelligence, - creating a design of the vehicle function by means of the development device (3), - performing a first authorization check of the design of the vehicle function according to predefined first authorization criteria by means of the development device (3), - releasing the design of the vehicle function for transmission by means of the development device (3) when a first authorization criterion is met, - transmitting the configuration of the vehicle function to a checking device (4) remote from the motor vehicle (2) by means of a first data transmission device of the motor vehicle, - performing a second authorization check of the design of the vehicle function according to a predefined second authorization standard by means of the inspection device (4), wherein a second authorization standard is used within the scope of the second authorization check, the second authorization standard being different from the first authorization standard, - releasing the configuration of the vehicle function for transmission by means of the checking device (4) when a second authorization criterion is met, - transmitting the configuration of the released vehicle function to the motor vehicle (2) by means of a second data transmission device (6), and - implementing the vehicle function in the motor vehicle (2) by means of the development device (3).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that An inspection device (4) having an artificial intelligence different from that of the development device (3) is used.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Within the scope of the second authorization check, a second authorization criterion is used, which corresponds completely, substantially or at least partially to the first authorization criterion.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that If the second authorization check shows that the second authorization criterion is not met, the configuration of the vehicle function is modified according to the predefined second authorization criterion by means of the checking device so that the modified configuration of the vehicle function meets the second authorization criterion.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that During the second authorization check, the checking device (4) authorizes the release only after confirmation by the control personnel.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The development device (3) and / or the testing device (4) performs a hardware analysis of the hardware (1) of the motor vehicle (2) based on the design of the vehicle function and thereby develops modifications to the hardware (1) for improving the implementation of the vehicle function.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The configuration of the released vehicle function is transmitted to a plurality of motor vehicles (2) by means of a second data transmission device (6).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The vehicle function to be developed is identified taking into account operating parameters of the motor vehicle (2) and / or parameters of the surroundings of the motor vehicle (2) and / or environmental parameters in the environment of the motor vehicle (2).

9. A motor vehicle (2) comprising a development device (3) with artificial intelligence for developing vehicle functions of the motor vehicle (2) and a first data transmission device (5) for transmitting data to an external receiving unit, characterized in that The motor vehicle is designed to carry out the motor vehicle-side method steps of the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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