Control of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile device (115) comprising: means for detecting voice instructions; a wireless interface (135) for communicating with a motor vehicle (105, 110); and a processing device (125). In this case, the processing device (125) is designed to determine a vehicle function associated with the voice command; determining a plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110), on each of which at least one vehicle function can be controlled; automatically selecting one of the motor vehicles (105, 110); and controlling the determined vehicle function on the selected motor vehicle (105, 110). The invention also relates to a control device for a motor vehicle, to a motor vehicle, to a system and to a method for controlling a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the control of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to the control of a vehicle function of a motor vehicle by a mobile device. Background Art

[0002] The motor vehicle comprises a control device which is designed to communicate with a mobile device. The mobile device can be used, for example, by the driver of the motor vehicle when the driver is not in the motor vehicle. With the mobile device, a person can control predetermined vehicle functions from outside the vehicle. The mobile device can also be used as a digital key for the motor vehicle, so that control of vehicle functions is only possible if the mobile device and the motor vehicle have authenticated each other by means of an encrypted method. For example, the driver can open the trunk lid when approaching the motor vehicle, so that the driver can easily store the objects he is carrying in the trunk.

[0003] Some mobile devices allow vehicle functions to be controlled based on received voice commands. If the mobile device is designed for controlling different motor vehicles, for example when digital keys for multiple motor vehicles are stored, it may not be clear at first which motor vehicle the voice command relates to. Selecting a motor vehicle on the touch screen of the mobile device is often undesirable for reasons of ergonomics. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved technique for voice-guided control of vehicle functions of one of a plurality of motor vehicles. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims again specify preferred embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a mobile device comprises: a device for detecting a voice command; a wireless interface for communicating with a motor vehicle; and a processing device. The processing device is designed to: determine a vehicle function assigned to the voice command; determine a plurality of motor vehicles, each of which can control at least one vehicle function; automatically select one of the motor vehicles; and control the determined vehicle function on the selected motor vehicle.

[0006] The mobile device can improve the voice-guided remote control of a motor vehicle by automatically selecting the motor vehicle to which the voice command is most likely directed from a plurality of motor vehicles. Information available locally on the mobile device can preferably be used to select the motor vehicle. However, it is also possible to transmit information about motor vehicles in the communication range to the mobile device and evaluate it there. In this case, multiple determinations can be carried out or multiple pieces of information can be linked to one another in order to automatically make the selection.

[0007] The mobile device may include a personal device of a person that is assigned to a motor vehicle. The personal device may include, in particular, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a laptop or a tablet computer. In order to utilize the mobile device or the functions described therein, the person may be authenticated relative to the mobile device. Here, the person may, for example, enter a secret or present a biometric feature for scanning. An encryption key may be stored on the mobile device, which encryption key may be checked in a predetermined encryption exchange method with the motor vehicle. Here, the motor vehicle may be authenticated relative to the mobile device and / or the mobile device may be authenticated relative to the motor vehicle. If the authentication is successful, the person may be allowed to use the motor vehicle or the mobile device may be allowed to control vehicle functions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the processing device is designed to: determine that there is only a communication connection to one motor vehicle; and select the motor vehicle. The communication connection can include, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE or ultra wide band (UWB). Wireless communication connections generally have a limited range. Motor vehicles that can potentially be controlled by the mobile device but are outside the range of the wireless interface used can be excluded from the selection. Motor vehicles that are within the communication range but to which a wireless communication connection must first be established can also be excluded from the selection.

[0009] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle that has been selected can continue to be selected. For example, within a predetermined time after a first vehicle function of one of the motor vehicles is controlled, another vehicle function to be controlled can involve the motor vehicle.

[0010] In another embodiment, the processing device is designed to determine a situation in which a voice command is detected. In this case, the motor vehicle can be selected with respect to previous control in the motor vehicle under comparable circumstances.

[0011] For example, it can be determined that when using the mobile device, one of the motor vehicles is used in a predetermined usage pattern. This usage pattern can include, for example, driving in cycles from home to work and back. If it is determined that the request for a vehicle function matches such a cycle, the assigned motor vehicle can be selected.

[0012] For example, the control situation of the motor vehicle can be determined by means of a Bayesian filter. Alternatively, machine learning techniques can be used to determine common situations. The situation in which the current voice command is detected can then be compared with the known situation in order to select a motor vehicle if necessary.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the previous control relates to a vehicle function that is comparable to the determined vehicle function. For example, vehicle functions that relate to the opening or closing of different doors or lids on the same motor vehicle can be considered comparable. This prevents completely different vehicle functions from being mistakenly considered as part of a usage rhythm or cycle.

[0014] In another embodiment, the processing device is designed to determine the distance between the mobile device and the plurality of motor vehicles. The motor vehicle which is at the shortest distance from the mobile device can then be selected. The distance determination is preferably performed using a wireless interface. For example, the approximate distance can be determined based on the signal strength or the signal-to-noise ratio. If the wireless interface uses Bluetooth LE, the distance can be determined using a technique called Channel Sounding.

[0015] In another embodiment, it can be considered which section of the motor vehicle is furthest from the mobile device, on which the vehicle function is active. The processing device can be designed to determine the distance between the mobile device and sections of a plurality of motor vehicles, on which the vehicle function is active, wherein the motor vehicle with the shortest distance can be selected.

[0016] If, for example, two motor vehicles controllable by a mobile device are parked anti-parallel, with the mobile device being located in front of one motor vehicle and behind the other motor vehicle, and the vehicle function involves opening the tailgate, the motor vehicle whose tailgate is closer to the mobile device can be selected.

[0017] In another embodiment, the processing device is designed to receive information about the distance between the mobile device and the motor vehicle from the motor vehicle. The distance can be determined on the motor vehicle side with more accuracy or with other sensors than on the mobile device side. In addition, the distance can be determined on both sides in this way. The motor vehicle can be designed to determine the relative position of the mobile device in addition to the distance.

[0018] Further preferably, the processing device is designed to select a motor vehicle which is designed to carry out the determined vehicle function.

[0019] If the vehicle function is, for example, the opening of a roof, but only one of the two considered motor vehicles has a controllable roof, this motor vehicle can be selected. In particular, if the vehicle function is parameterized or includes further details about the desired operating method, it can be easily determined whether the motor vehicle can control the desired vehicle function in principle.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the processing device is designed to select a motor vehicle which is able to directly execute the determined vehicle function.

[0021] If the vehicle function, for example, involves the opening of a door that is already open on one of the motor vehicles, this motor vehicle cannot be selected. Instead, another motor vehicle whose doors are still closed may be a possible candidate for the designated motor vehicle.

[0022] The mobile device can advantageously cooperate with a control device which is on board the motor vehicle to be controlled.

[0023] In another variant of the present invention, the mobile device may not uniquely determine which motor vehicle the voice command is directed to or which motor vehicle the speaker is referring to. In this case, the correct motor vehicle can be selected by one or more of the motor vehicles.

[0024] The processing device of the mobile device can be designed to: select a plurality of motor vehicles; and transmit the request for a vehicle function to the plurality of motor vehicles. In this case, a message can also be transmitted that the request has been transmitted to more than one single motor vehicle. The motor vehicle evaluating the request can then determine whether the voice command is or is not directed to the motor vehicle.

[0025] In another embodiment, the request may include the geographic location of the mobile device. The receiving motor vehicle may then determine the distance to the mobile device based on its own geographic location. If the distance is below a predetermined threshold, the motor vehicle may be determined as a possible recipient of the voice command.

[0026] The notification transmitted to the motor vehicle can include a description of another motor vehicle to which the request has been sent. On the receiving motor vehicle (on board), an improved estimate can then be made of which of these motor vehicles is the most likely recipient of the voice command. In one embodiment, a communication can take place between the motor vehicles that have received the request. Based on the locally available information in each case, a vote can then be taken as to which of these motor vehicles is the likely recipient of the voice command.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device for a motor vehicle is designed to: receive a request for executing a vehicle function; receive a prompt that the request has been transmitted to more than one single motor vehicle; determine the distance between surrounding motor vehicles and the mobile device; and execute the vehicle function if the distance is below a predetermined threshold value.

[0028] The distance can be determined based on the received signal of the wireless interface, for example with respect to the signal strength or SNR. Alternatively, the control device can also use a sensor or detection system on the motor vehicle (on-board) to determine the distance to the mobile device. The sensor can include a camera or a lidar sensor, for example. For this purpose, the control device can be connected to a corresponding sensor or scanning system of the motor vehicle via an interface.

[0029] The request may include the geographic location of the mobile device; wherein the distance may be determined based on the geographic location of the vehicle. The location may be related to a positioning system of the vehicle, which may include, for example, a GNSS receiver.

[0030] In another embodiment, the control device is designed to determine the position of the mobile device relative to the motor vehicle and to provide the position to the mobile device. For example, the position of the mobile device relative to the motor vehicle can be determined in polar coordinates, wherein distances and azimuths can be detected. In another embodiment, one or more zones are defined in the area of ​​the motor vehicle, and the control device is designed to determine whether the mobile device is located in one of the zones or in which of the zones the mobile device is located.

[0031] The control unit may be designed to receive a request for a vehicle function to be executed and to provide a response regarding the feasibility of the vehicle function.

[0032] The answer can relate not only to the general eligibility of the motor vehicle for carrying out the desired vehicle function, but also to the possibility of directly carrying out the determined vehicle function. In another embodiment, the authorization of the mobile device or the digital key used for carrying out the desired vehicle function can be checked. If the desired vehicle function is not to be carried out by the mobile device inquiring, the mobile device can support the selection of a motor vehicle from a plurality of motor vehicles based on this information.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle comprises a control device as described herein. The motor vehicle preferably comprises a car, a truck or a bus.

[0034] A system includes a mobile device as described herein and a motor vehicle as described herein. Optionally, the system includes a plurality of motor vehicles of the type described herein. In addition, the system may include one or more motor vehicles that are designed in a conventional manner to wirelessly control predetermined vehicle functions.

[0035] A method for controlling a motor vehicle comprises the following steps: detecting a voice command; determining a vehicle function assigned to the voice command; determining a plurality of motor vehicles on which the vehicle function can be controlled; automatically selecting one of the motor vehicles; and controlling the vehicle function on the selected motor vehicle.

[0036] The method can be implemented partially or completely with the aid of a mobile device described herein and / or a control device described herein. The mobile device or the control device may include a processing device, which is implemented in particular electronically and may include, for example, a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The method may be in the form of a computer program product with program code modules. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the mobile device or device, and vice versa. In a corresponding manner, features or advantages may also be transferred between the mobile device and the control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will now be described more precisely with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A system is shown; and

[0039] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown having a first motor vehicle 105 , a second motor vehicle 110 and a mobile device 115 . Mobile device 115 is assigned to a person 120 , who has authorization to use mobile device 115 and motor vehicles 105 , 110 .

[0041] In order to use one of the motor vehicles 105, 110 or to control vehicle functions, a digital key assigned to the respective motor vehicle 105, 110 can be stored in the mobile device 115, the presence and validity of which can be checked before control or use. The digital key can in particular include a digital car key in accordance with the known Car Connectivity Consortium specifications. The authentication of the mobile device 115 with respect to the motor vehicles 105 and 110 or the identity verification of the person 120 with respect to the mobile device 115 to enable access to the digital key is assumed to be known and will not be discussed further here.

[0042] Person 120 can use mobile device 115 to control a predetermined vehicle function of one of motor vehicles 105, 110. For this purpose, an application can be run on mobile device 115, which application can be operated, for example, via a touch screen of mobile device 115. In the present case, it is assumed that the application or mobile device 115 can be operated by person 120 in a voice-controlled manner. For this purpose, person 120 can issue a voice command to mobile device 115, which voice command includes a prompt for a vehicle function. Mobile device 115 is designed to select a motor vehicle from among motor vehicles 105, 110 known to it, to which the voice command most likely relates.

[0043] The mobile device 115 includes a processing device 125 , a microphone 130 , and a wireless interface 135 .

[0044] A control device 140 can be arranged on each of the motor vehicles 105 and 110 (onboard). The control device 140 comprises a processing device 145, an interface 150 and a wireless interface 155. The interface 150 is designed to be connected to another device on the motor vehicle 105 and 110 (onboard), which can control a predetermined vehicle function. Usually, the interface 150 is connected to the data bus of the corresponding motor vehicle 105 and 110, through which a plurality of controllers can be reached. The wireless interface 155 is designed to communicate with the wireless interface 135 of the mobile device 115. For example, wireless communication is performed based on Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE or UWB.

[0045] One of control devices 140 may be designed to emit information that provides mobile device 115 with information about the selection of motor vehicle 105 , 110 to which the received voice command of person 120 may relate.

[0046] For example, the control device 140 can determine the distance or location of the mobile device 115 with respect to the corresponding motor vehicle 105, 110. For this purpose, the control device 140 can access the vehicle's own equipment by means of the interface 150, and the vehicle's own equipment can determine the position of the mobile device 115. Such equipment can include, for example, an environment detection system or an external camera. In addition, the control device 140 can determine which vehicle functions of the motor vehicle 105, 110 are available for control by the mobile device 115 via the interface 150. In addition, the state of the controllable vehicle function or the state of the device that can be controlled by means of the vehicle function can be determined. If the vehicle function, for example, involves the electric seat adjustment of the seat on the motor vehicle 105, 110 (onboard), the adjustment position of the seat can be determined and provided to the outside as the current state. In general or specifically, the controllable vehicle function can be determined via the interface 150 by the control device 140 and another device on the motor vehicle 105, 110 (onboard) The dialogue is determined.

[0047] Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary method 200 for controlling motor vehicles 105 , 110 is shown. The method steps shown in the left area are usually performed on the mobile device 115 side; the method steps shown in the right area are assigned to one of motor vehicles 105 , 110 .

[0048] In step 205, the voice command of person 120 can be detected on the mobile device 115 side. Person 120 can, for example, speak a predetermined password, based on which the verbal description of the desired vehicle function is based. The voice command can include parameters or arguments for the expressed vehicle function.

[0049] In step 210, the vehicle function assigned to the voice command can be determined. In addition, an argument or parameter of the vehicle function can be determined. If the vehicle function is, for example, a locking function of motor vehicle 105, 110, then the argument can be whether the lock should be opened or closed. The parameter can include a value to which the vehicle function is to be controlled. If the vehicle function is, for example, an adjustment of the seat position in the longitudinal direction, the parameter can describe the longitudinal position, for example, in centimeters.

[0050] In step 215 , it can be determined that mobile device 115 is designed or equipped for controlling a plurality of motor vehicles 105 , 110 . It can also be determined which motor vehicles can be controlled. Motor vehicles are usually equipped with a digital key, which is required to access vehicle functions.

[0051] Then, information may be collected that provides information about which of multiple motor vehicles 105 , 110 the detected voice command is intended to relate to. One of motor vehicles 105 , 110 may then be selected based on one of the information or a logical association of the information.

[0052] In step 220, it can be determined to which of the motor vehicles 105, 110 a wireless communication connection has been established. A motor vehicle 105, 110 to which a connection has not been established cannot be determined as a target of the voice command. If a plurality of motor vehicles 105, 110 are in wireless communication connection with the mobile device 115, both can be pre-registered as candidates for selection. If no motor vehicle 105, 110 is wirelessly connected, the selection of a motor vehicle 105, 110 can be supported based on other information.

[0053] In step 225, the distance between mobile device 115 and motor vehicle 105, 110 can be determined. The distance is preferably determined using wireless interface 135. Known methods for distance measurement using radio waves can be used in this regard.

[0054] In step 230, a query can be sent to motor vehicle 105, 110. Motor vehicle 105, 110 can determine a response in step 235 and transmit the response back to mobile device 115. Optionally, motor vehicle 105, 110 checks in which section of motor vehicle 105, 110 the vehicle function will be effective or available to the user. A note about the determined section can be attached to the response.

[0055] In a first example, the query relates to a description of a controllable vehicle function or an indication as to whether a predetermined vehicle function can be controlled or is permitted in motor vehicle 105 , 110 .

[0056] In the second example, the query concerns the location of mobile device 115 relative to motor vehicle 105 , 110 . Motor vehicle 105 , 110 may determine the location of mobile device 115 using wireless interface 155 or another detection system or sensor on board motor vehicle 105 , 110 .

[0057] In step 240, a reply from motor vehicle 105, 110 or control unit 140 can be received via mobile device 115. The received information can be evaluated in order to select one of motor vehicles 105, 110 as the target of the voice command. For example, the voice command can most likely relate to the motor vehicle 105, 110 that is at the shortest distance from mobile device 115.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the section to which the vehicle function relates can be determined in step 245 on motor vehicle 105, 110. Distances to the respective sections can be formed for different motor vehicles 105, 110. The motor vehicle 105, 110 having the smallest such distance can be determined as the most likely target of the voice command.

[0059] In step 250, one of the motor vehicles 105, 110 can be selected based on the collected information. In this step, a pattern recognition can also be performed to associate the situation in which the voice command was detected in step 205 with other situations in which the function was performed in the past on one of the motor vehicles 105, 110. Such situations can include, for example, the day of the week, the time, the geographical location, the identity of the person 120, the existing weather or the planned travel destination.

[0060] In step 255, a request for executing the determined vehicle function can be transmitted to the selected motor vehicle 105, 110. If the mobile device 115 cannot determine with sufficient reliability exactly one motor vehicle 105, 110 that is a possible recipient of the voice command, the request can be sent to multiple motor vehicles 105, 110. The request cannot be transmitted to the following motor vehicle 105, 110, which is not considered as a recipient based on one of the mentioned determinations. The request can be accompanied by a reminder that the request has been sent to multiple motor vehicles 105, 110. Optionally, a reminder can be attached to the following motor vehicle in the other motor vehicles 105, 110 to which the request has been sent. In addition, locally available data can be attached to the request. In particular, the geographical location of the mobile device 115 can belong to the data, which geographical location can be determined, for example, by means of a GNSS receiver. Other data can be attached, which include a reminder of the distance between the mobile device 115 and the motor vehicle 105, 110.

[0061] In step 260, the receiving motor vehicle 105, 110 can determine whether it is the only recipient of the request. If this is not the case, it can be determined whether the receiving motor vehicle 105, 110 is the intended recipient of the voice command with sufficient probability. For this purpose, the distance between the motor vehicles 105, 110 can be determined. If this distance is below a predetermined threshold value, for example approximately 10 m or approximately 5 m, it can be considered relevant.

[0062] The distance may be determined based on the signal strength, SNR, of a message received by mobile device 115 , a scan of the environment of motor vehicle 105 , 110 using an onboard own scanning system and / or based on the distance between the received geographic location and own geographic location.

[0063] If motor vehicle 105, 110 is the only recipient of the request or has been identified as relevant in step 260, vehicle functions in motor vehicle 105, 110 can be controlled in step 265. For the actual control, it may be necessary to implement a cryptographic method based on a key stored on mobile device 115.

[0064] Reference numerals list

[0065] 100 systems

[0066] 105 First Motor Vehicle

[0067] 110 Second Motor Vehicle

[0068] 115 Mobile devices

[0069] 120 people

[0070] 125 Processing device

[0071] 130 Microphones

[0072] 135 Wireless Interface

[0073] 140 control equipment

[0074] 145 Processing device

[0075] 150 interfaces

[0076] 155 Wireless Interface

[0077] 200 Methods

[0078] 205 Detecting Voice Commands

[0079] 210 Determine vehicle function

[0080] 215 Determine the number of vehicles under consideration

[0081] 220 Determine the coupled motor vehicle

[0082] 225 Determine distance

[0083] 230Send Inquiry

[0084] 235 Confirm the answer

[0085] 240 Receive reply

[0086] 245 Determine the distance to the segment involved

[0087] 250 Select Motor Vehicle

[0088] 255 Send request

[0089] 260 Determine relevance

[0090] 265 control function

Claims

1. A mobile device (115), comprising: means (130) for detecting voice commands; a wireless interface (135) for communicating with a motor vehicle (105, 110); as well as A processing device (125) is configured to: determining a vehicle function assigned to the voice command; determining a plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110), each of which can control at least one vehicle function; automatically selecting one of the motor vehicles (105, 110); and The determined vehicle function is controlled on the selected motor vehicle (105, 110).

2. The mobile device (115) according to claim 1, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to: determine that a communication connection exists only to one motor vehicle (105, 110); and to select the motor vehicle (105, 110).

3. The mobile device (115) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to determine a situation in which the voice command was detected and to select the motor vehicle (105, 110) with respect to previous control of the motor vehicle (105, 110) under comparable circumstances.

4. The mobile device (115) according to claim 3, wherein: The previous control relates to a vehicle function that is comparable to the determined vehicle function.

5. The mobile device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to: determine the distance between the mobile device (115) and the plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110); and select the motor vehicle (105, 110) having the shortest distance from the mobile device (115).

6. The mobile device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to determine the distance between the mobile device (115) and sections of a plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110) on which the vehicle functions are respectively effective, and to select the motor vehicle (105, 110) having the shortest distance.

7. The mobile device (115) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to receive information from a motor vehicle (105, 110) about the distance between the mobile device (115) and the motor vehicle (105, 110).

8. The mobile device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to select a motor vehicle (105, 110) that is designed to perform a determined vehicle function.

9. The mobile device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to select a motor vehicle (105, 110) which is able to directly execute the determined vehicle function.

10. The mobile device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (125) is designed to: select a plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110); and transmit a request for the vehicle function to the plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110); wherein a notification is additionally transmitted that the request has been transmitted to more than one single motor vehicle (105, 110).

11. The mobile device (115) according to claim 10, wherein: The notification includes a description of another motor vehicle (105, 110) to which the request was sent.

12. A control device (140) for a motor vehicle (105, 110), wherein: The control device is designed to: receive a request for executing a vehicle function; receive a notification that the request has been transmitted to more than one single motor vehicle (105, 110); determine the distance between surrounding motor vehicles (105, 110) and the mobile device (115); and execute the vehicle function if the distance is below a predetermined threshold value.

13. The control device (140) according to claim 12, wherein: The request includes a geographic location of the mobile device (115); and the distance is determined based on the geographic location of the motor vehicle.

14. The control device (140) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The control device (140) is designed to receive a request for a vehicle function to be executed and to provide a response regarding the feasibility of the vehicle function.

15. A motor vehicle (105, 110) comprising a control device according to one of claims 12 to 14.

16. A system (100), comprising: A mobile device (115) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; And a motor vehicle (105, 110) according to claim 15.

17. A method (200) for controlling a motor vehicle (105, 110), wherein: The method (200) comprises the following steps: detecting (205) a voice command; determining ( 210 ) a vehicle function assigned to the voice command; determining (215) a plurality of motor vehicles (105, 110) on which the vehicle function can be controlled; automatically selecting (250) one of the motor vehicles (105, 110); and The vehicle function is controlled (265) on the selected motor vehicle (105, 110).

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