Selection device for driver assistance function of vehicle with operating element adapted to multi-function steering wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a selection device for a driver assistance function of a vehicle, comprising a multifunctional steering wheel having an operating element, and a controller, the invention relates to a control device for controlling a display associated with an operating element and for activating and / or deactivating a driver assistance function of a vehicle associated with the operating element as a result of an actuation of the operating element, the controller is configured to display a first display associated with a first driver assistance function in a first configuration variant of the vehicle comprising the first driver assistance function and to activate and / or deactivate the first driver assistance function when the operating element is operated, and displaying a second display associated with the second driver assistance function in a second configuration variant of the vehicle comprising the first and second driver assistance functions and activating and / or deactivating the second driver assistance function when the operating element is operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a selection device for a driver assistance function of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle having such a selection device. Finally, the invention relates to a method for operating a selection device for a driver assistance function of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] From the prior art, various driver assistance systems or driver assistance functions are known, which can assist the driver when driving a vehicle. For example, driver assistance functions are known, which display the currently permitted maximum speed to the driver. For this purpose, for example, traffic signs can be detected with the aid of a camera of the vehicle. This function can also be extended by speed control or longitudinal control. For example, if the driver chooses to adopt a speed limit when speed control is activated, the driver assistance system automatically adjusts the speed to the sign or the currently permitted maximum speed.

[0003] In addition, so-called speed limiters are known from the prior art. With the help of this driver assistance function, the speed limit can be set by the driver, so as not to exceed the maximum permissible speed, for example. In addition, it is known to use the identified change in the maximum permissible speed of the speed limiter as the new speed limit.

[0004] Furthermore, speed control with distance control is known from the prior art. This function may also be referred to as adaptive speed control or adaptive cruise control (ACC). This function may also automatically determine the distance or safety distance to the road user driving ahead and may adjust the speed of the vehicle accordingly. Furthermore, the driver may predetermine a target speed or setpoint speed which is not to be exceeded by the vehicle.

[0005] In order to meet future requirements, such as Euro NCAP requirements, a speed limiter must be present in the vehicle and can be activated with simple operation. The activation of the speed limiter usually occurs by correspondingly operating the operating elements on the multifunction steering wheel. Requirements regarding speed limits can also be met with higher-level driver assistance functions. This can be, for example, a variant of an adaptive cruise control. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for how a plurality of driver assistance functions in a vehicle can be operated or selected more easily for a user.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a selection device, a vehicle and a method having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] The selection device for the driver assistance function of the vehicle according to the present invention comprises a multifunction steering wheel with an operating element, wherein the display assigned to the operating element and the driver assistance function assigned to the operating element on the multifunction steering wheel are adjustable. In addition, the selection device comprises a controller for controlling the display assigned to the operating element and for activating and / or deactivating the driver assistance function of the vehicle assigned to the operating element due to the operation of the operating element. Here, the controller is configured to display a first display assigned to the first driver assistance function in a first configuration variant of the vehicle including the first driver assistance function and to activate and / or deactivate the first driver assistance function in the operation of the operating element. In addition, the controller is configured to display a second display assigned to the second driver assistance function in a second configuration variant of the vehicle including the first driver assistance function and the second driver assistance function, and to activate and / or deactivate the second driver assistance function in the operation of the operating element.

[0009] The selection device can be used to set up the control of various driver assistance functions in the vehicle. The selection device includes a multifunction steering wheel with operating elements. The operating elements can be keys, buttons, rotary-press regulators, touch-sensitive surfaces, touch screens, etc. However, in principle, it is provided that the multifunction steering wheel has a plurality of operating elements. The operating elements can be occupied dynamically. This means that a variable display is assigned to the operating element. The display can be arranged directly on the operating element, for example. It can also be provided that the display on the multifunction steering wheel is arranged next to the operating element or in the immediate vicinity of the operating element. The display can be a symbol, text, graphic, etc.

[0010] The occupation of the operating element can be controlled by means of the controller. This means in particular that the display associated with the operating element can be adjusted or changed by means of the controller. For example, a plurality of displays can be predefined and one of these displays can be selected by means of the controller. Furthermore, a driver assistance function can be selected by means of the controller, which is activated and / or deactivated by the operation of the operating element.

[0011] According to the invention, it is now provided that in a first equipment variant of the vehicle, which comprises only the first driver assistance function, a first display object assigned to the first driver assistance function is displayed on the multifunction steering wheel by means of a control as a display. Furthermore, in this first equipment variant, a functional link is selected by means of the control, so that only the first driver assistance function can be activated and / or deactivated when the operating element is operated by the driver.

[0012] In a second configuration variant of the vehicle, which includes both the first driver assistance function and the second driver assistance function, only the second display object assigned to the second driver assistance function is displayed on the multifunction steering wheel or the operating element. It is also provided that only the second driver assistance function can be activated and / or deactivated when the operating element is operated. In the second configuration variant, in particular in the basic setting, the first display object is not displayed on the multifunction steering wheel or the operating element. In this way, it is possible to prevent too many operating possibilities on the multifunction steering wheel. Therefore, the operation can be simplified for the driver.

[0013] Preferably, the first driver assistance function is a speed limiter and the second driver assistance function is an adaptive cruise control. It is therefore preferably provided that the vehicle according to the first equipment variant only includes a speed limiter or a so-called speed limiter. In this case, the letters "LIM" can be displayed as a first display on the multifunction steering wheel or the operating element. If the vehicle also includes adaptive speed regulation as a second equipment variant in addition to the speed limiter, the symbols "AGG" can be displayed as a second display on the multifunction steering wheel or the operating element. Therefore, if according to the first equipment variant of the vehicle, AGG is not present in the vehicle, the LIM button for activating the speed limiter can be displayed on the multifunction steering wheel. If according to the second equipment variant, AGG is present in the vehicle, the ACC symbol can be displayed on the multifunction steering wheel in the basic state, but the LIM symbol is no longer displayed. In the second equipment variant, an assisted steering function or an automated lateral guidance can also be provided optionally or directly.

[0014] According to the second configuration variant of the vehicle, it is particularly provided that the adaptive speed control is configured so that a target speed or a set speed can be predetermined by the driver during the adaptive speed control. The set speed can correspond to a speed limit for the vehicle operation. In addition, the set speed can correspond to a target speed adjusted by an adaptive speed regulator for the adaptive speed control. The target speed can be controlled by the driver, for example, by operating the gas pedal. In general, regulatory requirements, in particular Euro NCAP requirements, can be met. Regardless of the configuration variant, the corresponding driver assistance function can be provided on the multifunction steering wheel by the selection device according to the present invention, and can be easily operated by the user or driver.

[0015] In another embodiment, the selection device is configured to detect information about exceeding the maximum speed allowed, and display the first display according to the detection and activate the first driver assistance function in the operation of the operating element. As explained at the beginning, the maximum speed allowed for the lane section currently traveling can be identified according to the traffic signs detected by the camera. For example, if it is determined that the driver often drives faster than the limit allowed on the lane section, a prompt about an activatable speed limiter can be displayed in principle. This is not only applicable to the first configuration variant in which only the speed limiter exists, but also to the second configuration variant in which the speed limit can be realized by adaptive speed regulation. The display can be output on any display device of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the setting for the speed limiter can be activated so that the speed limit function is visible on the multi-function steering wheel. In this way, the driver can be assisted in a reliable manner when the speed limit is activated. This is particularly suitable for the second configuration variant, in which the function of the speed limiter is not directly visible to the driver or user. In this configuration, the speed behavior of the driver can be observed as described above.

[0016] In another embodiment, the selection device has an input device, by means of which the display and / or the function assigned to the operating element can be adjusted. According to a second configuration variant, the driver can, for example, directly activate ACC via the operating element on the steering wheel, but no longer activate the speed limiter. In this case, a setting menu can be provided to the driver, with the help of which the speed limiter can also be activated directly via the operating element on the multifunction steering wheel. If this setting is set or selected by the driver, both ACC and LIM can be displayed on the multifunction steering wheel, and both functions are operable for the driver. In principle, the user can select from different displays and functions linked thereto by operating the input device. The input device can be arranged on the multifunction steering wheel, but can also be arranged separately therefrom.

[0017] In another embodiment, the selection device is configured to detect a change from a first equipment variant to a second equipment variant, and to display a second display when a change is detected, and to activate and / or deactivate a second auxiliary function when the operating element is operated. In principle, the equipment variant of the vehicle can be obtained from the factory or from the time of purchase of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is manufactured or before the vehicle is delivered, corresponding information can be stored in the controller, which describes the equipment variant installed on the vehicle. However, it can also be provided that the driver or customer purchases the second equipment variant after sales and / or in a so-called over-the-air update. If this is the case, this can advantageously be detected by means of a controller or a selection device, and the display assigned to the operating element and the function linked to the operating element can be adjusted accordingly. This also applies in the same way to the change from the second equipment variant to the first equipment variant.

[0018] The vehicle according to the invention comprises a selection device according to the invention. The vehicle is in particular designed as a passenger car. Furthermore, the vehicle can have a corresponding driver assistance system, by means of which a driver assistance function can be performed.

[0019] The method according to the present invention is used to operate a selection device for a driver assistance function of a vehicle. The method includes providing a multifunction steering wheel with an operating element, wherein the display assigned to the operating element and the driver assistance function assigned to the operating element are adjustable. In addition, the method also includes controlling the display assigned to the operating element and activating and / or deactivating the driver assistance function of the vehicle assigned to the operating element due to the operation of the operating element. In addition, it is provided that in a first configuration variant of the vehicle having a first driver assistance function, a first display assigned to the first driver assistance function is displayed and the first driver assistance function is activated and / or deactivated during the operation of the operating element. In a second configuration variant of the vehicle including the first and second driver assistance functions, a second display assigned to the second driver assistance function is displayed, and the second driver assistance function is activated and / or deactivated when the operating element is operated.

[0020] The specific embodiments and advantages mentioned with reference to the selection device according to the invention apply correspondingly to the vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.

[0021] Further features of the invention are derived from the claims, the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings can be used not only in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or individually without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this context, the single drawing shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a selection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The single FIGURE shows a schematic top view of a vehicle 1 which in the present case is designed as a passenger car. The vehicle 1 comprises a selection device 2 which is used to select various driver assistance functions of the vehicle 1 .

[0024] It is currently assumed that the vehicle 1 can be equipped according to a first equipment variant or a second equipment variant. In the first equipment variant, the vehicle 1 includes a speed limiter as a first driver assistance function. In the speed limiter, which can also be referred to as a speed limiter or limiter, the speed limit can be set by the driver in order, for example, not to exceed the maximum permissible speed when driving the vehicle 1.

[0025] In a second configuration variant, in addition to the first driver assistance function, the vehicle 1 also has an adaptive cruise control or ACC as a second driver assistance function. In this second driver assistance function, a maximum permissible speed or a set speed can also be predefined. In addition, this second driver assistance function can automatically set a distance or a safety distance to a road user traveling ahead and, for this purpose, adjust the speed to below the set speed.

[0026] The selection device 2 comprises an electronic control unit 3 and a multifunction steering wheel 4. The multifunction steering wheel 4 comprises operating elements 5 which can be operated by the driver of the vehicle 1. It is usually provided that the multifunction steering wheel 4 has a plurality of operating elements 5. The operating elements 5 can be dynamically occupied. This means that the display objects assigned to the operating elements 5 can be adjusted by means of the control unit 3. The control unit 3 can also be used to set which driver assistance function is activated when the operating element 5 is actuated. This is schematically and intuitively shown by arrows 6.

[0027] The possibility of hiding the operating element 5 or dynamically adjusting the display of the operating element 5 can simplify the operating concept. For example, if ACC is not present in the vehicle 1 according to the first equipment variant, a display assigned to the first driver assistance function or the speed limiter is displayed on the multifunction steering wheel 4 or the operating element 5. For example, a "LIM" symbol can be displayed for this purpose on the multifunction steering wheel 4 or the operating element 5. In addition, the control by means of the control unit 3 can be set so that the first driver assistance function or the speed limiter is activated when the operating element 5 is operated.

[0028] However, if the vehicle 1 is equipped according to the second equipment variant and adaptive speed control (ACC) is also present in addition to the speed limiter, then in the basic state the symbol "ACC" is displayed on the multifunction steering wheel 4 or the operating element 5, but the symbol "LIM" is no longer displayed. When operating the operating element 5, the driver can activate ACC, but no longer activate the speed limiter or the speed limiter.

[0029] It can also be provided that in a second configuration variant, in which the limiter function or the first driver assistance function can no longer be operated directly on the multifunction steering wheel 4, a setting menu is displayed to the driver. The driver can then set the display assigned to the operating element 5 and the driver assistance function to be activated when the operating element 5 is operated by means of the input device 7. For example, the driver can select occupation by displaying "LIM" and "ACC" on the multifunction steering wheel 4 or the operating element 5. In this case, the driver can also operate both driver assistance functions by operating the operating element 5.

[0030] In the second configuration variant, in which only adaptive speed regulation or ACC can be activated on the multifunction steering wheel 4 or the operating element 5, the speed limiter can no longer be directly activated for the driver. Since the speed limiter is not directly visible to the driver in this configuration, the speed behavior of the driver can be observed. For this purpose, information from the detection device 8 of the selection device 2 can be used. This information can, for example, indicate whether the driver often drives faster than the speed limit allowed on the lane section. In this case, a prompt for the activatable speed limiter can be displayed to the driver. Alternatively, it can be provided that the setting for the speed limiter is automatically activated, so that the text "LIM" is visible on the multifunction steering wheel 4 and the limiter is activated when the operating element 5 is operated.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that information about a change in the first equipment variant, for example a change from the first equipment variant to the second equipment variant or from the second equipment variant to the first equipment variant, is detected by means of the selection device 2. If such a change is detected, the display object assigned to the operating element 5 and the driver assistance function assigned to the operating element 5 can be automatically changed by means of the control unit 2.

Claims

1. A device (2) for selecting a driver assistance function of a vehicle (1), comprising: a multifunction steering wheel (4) having an operating element (5), wherein a display object on the multifunction steering wheel (4) assigned to the operating element (5) and a driver assistance function assigned to the operating element (5) are adjustable, and a controller for controlling a display object assigned to the operating element (5) and for activating and / or deactivating the driver assistance function of the vehicle (1) assigned to the operating element (5) as a result of an operation of the operating element (5), It is characterized in that The controller is configured to: - in a first equipment variant of the vehicle (1) comprising a first driver assistance function, displaying a first indicator object assigned to the first driver assistance function and activating and / or deactivating the first driver assistance function when the operating element (5) is operated, and In a second equipment variant of the vehicle (1), which comprises the first driver assistance function and the second driver assistance function, a second indicator object assigned to the second driver assistance function is displayed and the second driver assistance function is activated and / or deactivated when the operating element (5) is operated.

2. The selection device (2) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first driver assistance function is a speed limiter and the second driver assistance function is an adaptive speed control.

3. The selection device (2) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The selection device is configured to detect information about an exceeding of a permissible maximum speed and, as a function of the detection, to display the first indicator and, when the operating element (5) is actuated, to activate the first driver assistance function.

4. The selection device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The selection device has an input device (7), by means of which the display object and / or the function assigned to the operating element (5) can be set.

5. Selection device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The selection device (2) is configured to detect a change from the first equipment variant to the second equipment variant and, upon detection of the change, to display the second display object and to activate and / or deactivate the second driver assistance function upon actuation of the operating element (5).

6. A vehicle (1), in particular a passenger car, comprising a selection device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. A method for operating a selection device for a driver assistance function of a vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: - providing a multifunction steering wheel (4) having an operating element (5), wherein a display object assigned to the operating element (5) and a driver assistance function assigned to the operating element (5) are adjustable, and - controlling the display object assigned to the operating element (5) and activating and / or deactivating the driver assistance function of the vehicle (1) assigned to the operating element (5) as a result of the operation of the operating element (5), It is characterized in that - in a first equipment variant of the vehicle (1) comprising a first driver assistance function, displaying a first indicator object assigned to the first driver assistance function and activating and / or deactivating the first driver assistance function when the operating element (5) is operated, and In a second equipment variant of the vehicle (1), which comprises the first driver assistance function and the second driver assistance function, a second indicator object assigned to the second driver assistance function is displayed and the second driver assistance function is activated and / or deactivated when the operating element (5) is operated.

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