Method for activating sensor device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (150) for activating a sensor device (110) which is designed to detect an obstacle in an opening region (106) of a vehicle door (102), a state of the sensor device (110) being changeable between a closed state (Z1), a standby state (Z2) and an active state (Z3), the method comprises the steps of: detecting (S1) at least one early warning signal (126, 132) indicative of the likelihood that the vehicle door is opened; and switching (S2) the sensor device (110) from the closed state (Z1) to the standby state (Z2) at least if the early warning signal (126, 132) or at least one early warning signal (126, 132) indicates an increase in the likelihood that the door is opened.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for activating a sensor device, which sensor device includes at least one sensor for detecting an obstacle in an opening area of a vehicle door. The present invention also relates to a computer program product, a control device, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In automotive engineering, there is a trend towards increasing convenience. For example, the automatic opening of vehicle doors increases convenience. For this purpose, a sensor device is usually provided, which includes at least one sensor, the sensor being arranged and configured to detect an obstacle in the opening area of the vehicle door. For example, the "opening area" is a surface or preferably a space that is at least temporarily occupied by the vehicle door during opening or closing. The sensor device is used to avoid damage to the vehicle door or the obstacle.

[0003] On the other hand, there is also a trend in automotive engineering towards increasing efficiency. Especially in the case of electric vehicles, lower energy consumption is consistent with the desire for a greater range.

[0004] JP 2011 113 366 A discloses a device for detecting an approaching object, which device, in a state where the vehicle has stopped and the ignition is turned off, if an occupant detection device detects a vehicle occupant in the vehicle, continues to detect an object approaching the vehicle based on a captured image from an in-vehicle camera, and if the occupant detection device does not detect a vehicle occupant in the vehicle, terminates the detection of an approaching object.

[0005] US 2020 / 0 148 108 A1 discloses a vehicle departure assistance device with improved safety and energy consumption. This includes a departure restriction section that includes a warning and / or a door opening restriction when a departure action of a vehicle occupant is detected and an obstacle detection section detects an obstacle around the own vehicle.

[0006] However, a sensor device for detecting an obstacle in the opening area usually takes a certain amount of time to make a statement that there is no obstacle. If the sensor device is not activated until the operator actuates a suitable trigger, it will take an embarrassingly long time. This reduces convenience. Therefore, there is a conflict between the goals of convenience and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product, a control device, and / or a vehicle for being able to detect an obstacle in an opening area of a vehicle door in an effective and convenient manner.

[0008] Therefore, a method for activating a sensor device configured to detect obstacles in the opening area of a vehicle door is proposed. The state of the sensor device can be switched between a closed state, a standby state, and an active state. The method includes the following steps: detecting at least one warning signal indicating the probability of the vehicle door opening; and if the warning signal or at least one warning signal indicates an increased probability of the vehicle door opening, converting the sensor device from the closed state to at least the standby state.

[0009] By using a sensor device that can adopt a standby state in addition to the closed state and the active state, and by converting the sensor device to the standby state if the warning signal indicates an increased probability of the vehicle door opening, the proposed method achieves a convenient and effective compromise for detecting obstacles.

[0010] Preferably, the method uses only two warning values, namely, "increased probability of door opening" and "decreased probability of door opening". This makes it easier to simply execute the method.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to sensor fusion. Preferably, instead of providing a separate sensor for generating a warning signal, sensor signals from sensors that can be used for another purpose are used. Thus, costs can be saved twice, namely, the cost of the sensor and the cost of operating the sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the warning signal includes an occupancy signal from a seat occupancy sensor arranged and / or configured to identify whether the seat associated with the vehicle door is occupied, wherein the occupancy of the seat associated with the vehicle door indicates an increased probability of the vehicle door opening. Many sensors can be used as seat occupancy sensors. For example, systems for airbag control, driver health monitoring, or air conditioning control can output occupancy signals and thus can also be used as seat occupancy sensors.

[0013] The "seat associated with the vehicle door" refers to the seat from which the vehicle door is normally used to exit the vehicle. For example, the front passenger seat is associated with the front passenger door.

[0014] Optionally, at least one warning signal can include a speed signal. In this case, a speed below a minimum speed indicates an increased probability of the vehicle door opening. One can only enter and exit the vehicle at a very low speed. Therefore, during medium and high speed driving, the sensor device can be placed in the closed state or the standby state without loss of convenience.

[0015] Optionally, at least one warning signal may include a seat belt fastener signal. In this case, the release of the seat belt fastener associated with the vehicle door indicates an increased probability of the door being opened. Generally, a vehicle occupant first opens the seat belt to gain the freedom of movement required to get out of the vehicle. Therefore, as long as the seat belt fastener is fastened, the sensor device can be placed in the off state without loss of convenience.

[0016] Optionally, the warning signal may include a proximity signal related to an object approaching a door opening switch. The opening switch is a switch arranged inside the passenger compartment, which can be actuated by the vehicle occupant to leave the vehicle. The opening switch is provided with, for example, a proximity sensor for turning on the illumination of the opening switch. Even if the proximity sensor is only used for the purpose of this method, that is, for the purpose of conveniently and effectively converting the sensor device into the standby state, the typical low power consumption of the proximity switch inside the vehicle means that this is more efficient than "in case" converting the sensor device into the active state.

[0017] Optionally, the method may stipulate that the sensor device is only converted into the standby state when a plurality of warning signals each indicate an increased probability of the door being opened. For example, the method may stipulate that in addition to another warning signal, at least the speed signal and / or the seat belt fastener signal must indicate an increased probability of the door being opened before the sensor device is converted into the standby state. Thus, the efficiency can be improved.

[0018] As a development, the method may provide the step of converting the sensor device from the active state or the standby state into the off state if one or more warning signals indicate a decreased probability of the door being opened. The decreased probability is preferably the opposite of the increased probability.

[0019] Furthermore, a computer program product including instructions is proposed, which when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute the above method.

[0020] The computer program product, such as a computer program device, may be provided or supplied, for example, in the form of a storage medium such as a memory card, a USB stick, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or in the form of a file downloadable from a server in a network. This may be carried out, for example, in a wireless communication network by transmitting the corresponding file containing the computer program product or the computer program device.

[0021] Furthermore, a control device for a vehicle is proposed. The control device is configured to execute the above method. Preferably, the control device is configured to activate the sensor device and / or supply power to the sensor device and / or switch the state of the sensor device between the off state, the standby state, and the active state.

[0022] A vehicle is also proposed. The vehicle has the above control device, at least one door, a sensor device and at least one warning sensor device. The sensor device is configured to detect obstacles in the opening area of the door. The state of the sensor device can be switched by the control device between a closed state, a standby state and an active state. The warning sensor device is configured to output a warning signal indicating an increased probability of the door opening. The warning sensor device is preferably also configured to output a warning signal indicating a decreased probability of the door opening.

[0023] Optionally, the sensor device of the vehicle includes at least one ultrasonic sensor, at least one camera and / or at least one short-range radar. The sensor device generally has low power consumption in the standby state.

[0024] A preferred development of the vehicle has a sensor device including at least one transmitter and a plurality of receivers. Each receiver is configured to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitter and reflected by an obstacle in the opening area. Since the transmitted signal generally consumes more energy than the received signal, this sensor device is very effective and thus advantageously supplements the above vehicle.

[0025] The embodiments and features described for the proposed method correspondingly apply to the proposed computer program product, the proposed control device and the proposed vehicle.

[0026] Other possible embodiments of the present invention also include combinations of features or embodiments not explicitly mentioned above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In this case, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention.

[0027] Further advantageous designs and aspects of the present invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described below. The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments based on the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention having a sensor device and a control device configured to activate the sensor device is schematically shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0030] Figure 3 An example of a state diagram of the sensor device is shown.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the same or functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0032] Figure 1 A plan view inside the vehicle 100 is schematically shown. The vehicle 100 has a door 102 which can be opened by an automatic system (not shown). The door 102 is located beside the seat 104 of the vehicle 100. During opening, the door 102 pivots about a hinge, sweeping an opening area 106 outside the vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle 100 is provided with a sensor device 110. The sensor device 110 includes a control device 112, a transceiver 114, and two receivers 116. The transceiver 114 and the receivers 116 are sensors of the sensor device 110. The control device 112 is configured to supply power to the transceiver 114 and the receivers 116. The transceiver 114 and the receivers 116 are arranged such that an obstacle in the opening area 106 can reflect an ultrasonic signal from the transceiver 114 to the transceiver 114 and / or the receivers 116. The control device 112 is configured to determine the position of an obstacle in the opening area 106 based on detection signals from the transceiver 114 and the receivers 116.

[0034] The receiver 116 itself can be the transceiver 114, which, for example, emits with a time offset, or, for example, evaluates echoes on two different channels.

[0035] As Figure 3 shown, the sensor device 110 can adopt three states. They are the off state Z1, the standby state Z2, and the active state Z3. In the off state Z1, the transceiver 114 and the receivers 116 are, for example, disconnected from the power supply. In the off state Z1, the control device 112 is, for example, similarly disconnected from the power supply or in a minimum power consumption state. To switch from the off state Z1 to the standby state Z2, the sensor device Z1, for example, must run an initialization process P1. This can take, for example, at least 0.5 seconds, typically at least 1 second, and usually at least 2 seconds. The sensor device 110 can have more than one standby state: In the standby state Z2, the sensor device 110 can be configured to, for example, receive signals and / or for self-diagnosis. In the standby state Z2, the sensor device 110 is in a state of medium energy consumption. The terms "sleep mode" or "standby mode" are also used for the standby state Z2. Switching from the standby state Z2 to the active state Z3 usually only requires an activation signal P2. For example, this activation signal P2 can last for 0.1 seconds. If the sensor device 110 is in the standby state Z2, it can thus switch to the active state Z3 with little delay and thus very conveniently. In the active state Z3, the sensor device 110 can detect an obstacle in the opening area 106 of the door 102. Usually, to switch from the active state Z3 to the standby state Z2, and / or to switch from the standby state Z2 to the off state Z1, no further process is required.

[0036] If the sensor device 110 is and / or includes a camera, the camera is operably ready, for example, to capture an image in the standby state Z2 and captures at least one image in the active state Z3.

[0037] If the sensor device 110 is and / or includes a short-range radar, the transmitter in the standby state Z2 is operably ready, for example, to transmit a radar signal, and the transmitter transmits at least one signal in the active state Z3.

[0038] It should be mentioned at this point that, in addition to transmitting signals such as ultrasonic signals or radar signals, subsequent signal analysis such as analyzing ultrasonic reflections, analyzing radar reflections, and / or analyzing camera images consumes a relatively large amount of energy.

[0039] The automatic system for opening the vehicle door 102 is configured such that, for example, if the control device 112 determines an obstacle in the opening area 106, the vehicle door 102 does not collide with the obstacle.

[0040] For example, the vehicle 100 is provided with a driver health monitoring system 120. This includes a control device 122 and a sensor 124 for monitoring the driver's health. For example, the control device 122 can be configured to warn the driver of inattentiveness and invite the driver to take a break. As a secondary function, the control device 122 can output an occupancy signal 126, which indicates that the seat 104 is occupied. The occupancy signal 126 is a warning signal. The driver health monitoring system 120 is a warning sensor device.

[0041] The vehicle 100 is provided, for example, with a speed detection device 130, which is a control device and a warning sensor device. This emits a speed signal 132, which is a warning signal. The speed signal 132 indicates the speed v of the vehicle 100.

[0042] The control devices 112, 122, and 130 are connected to the control device 140. The control device 140 is configured to execute a method 150 for activating the sensor device 110.

[0043] The following refers to Figure 2 explain the method 150.

[0044] In a first step S1, the control device 150 detects a plurality of warning signals. For example, the speed signal 132 from the speed detection device 130 is detected by the control device 140. In addition, the occupancy signal 126 from the control device 122 is detected by the control device 140.

[0045] If the speed v is less than the minimum speed or threshold, by definition, this is understood to mean, by definition, that the speed signal 132 indicates an increased probability of the vehicle door being open. The minimum speed is preferably selected to be low, for example 10 km / h or preferably 5 km / h.

[0046] If the occupancy signal 126 from the sensor 124 indicates that the seat 104 is occupied, this is understood as, by definition, an indication of the occupancy of the seat 104 associated with the vehicle door 102, which means an increased probability that the vehicle door 102 will open.

[0047] Therefore, it is preferably to distinguish between a warning value of "increased probability of vehicle door opening" and a warning value of "decreased probability of vehicle door opening". For the proposed method 150 for activating the sensor device 110, this distinction is generally sufficient.

[0048] It should also be emphasized that there are warning signals that can be associated with a single seat 104 and thus generally with a single vehicle door 102, such as an occupancy signal or a seat belt fastener signal. These warning signals are preferably used to achieve a particularly effective activation of the relevant sensor device 110. On the other hand, there are warning signals that can be associated with each seat 104 of the vehicle 100, such as a low vehicle speed. These warning signals are preferably used to achieve a particularly convenient activation of all sensor devices 110. If multiple warning signals are combined, this generally has the advantage of achieving a particularly effective activation of the relevant sensor device 110.

[0049] In the next step S2, if at least one of the warning signals 126, 132 indicates an increased probability of vehicle door opening, the sensor device 110 is switched from the off state Z1 to the standby state Z2. However, preferably, if the occupancy signal 126 and the speed signal 132 each indicate an increased probability of vehicle door opening, the sensor device 110 for the vehicle door 102 is only switched from the off state Z1 to the standby state Z2. This achieves a particularly effective activation of the sensor device 110.

[0050] If in step S2, the sensor device 110 has been switched to the standby state Z2, the method 150 preferably ends.

[0051] If the method 150 has ended, it is preferably repeated after a specified time, for example specified as a parameter, and / or depending on an event.

[0052] If in step S2, the sensor device 110 is not switched to the standby state Z2, then in another step S3, it is checked whether the sensor device 110 can be switched from the standby state Z2 or the detection state Z3 to the off state Z1. Specifically, if at least two warning signals or preferably one of the warning signals indicates a decreased probability of vehicle door opening, the sensor device 110 is switched to the off state Z1.

[0053] For example, if the vehicle 100 accelerates again and thus the speed v becomes greater than the minimum speed, the speed signal indicates a reduced probability of the door being open. Consequently, the sensor device 110 switches to the closed state Z0. This results in the effective activation of the sensor device 110.

[0054] The proposed method 150 can be applied to, for example, the following scenario: The vehicle 100 is equipped with, for example, five passenger seats 104. If all seats 104 are occupied and the speed of the vehicle 100 is below a threshold, then in step S2, for each door 102, the associated control device 110 switches to the standby state Z2 in order to be able to conveniently and effectively execute the method for automatically opening the associated door 102 in response to a relevant expectation.

[0055] The proposed method 150 can be applied to, for example, the following scenario: The vehicle 100 is equipped with, for example, five passenger seats 104 and multiple seats 104 are occupied. Only one occupant wants to leave the vehicle 100. Since, for example, the seat belt fastener signal is used as a warning signal, the desire of the relevant passenger to go out is recognized, and only the sensor device 110 assigned to the relevant door 102 switches to the standby state Z2.

[0056] The proposed method 150 can be applied to, for example, the following scenario: The vehicle 100 is running, but there are no occupants in the vehicle. For example, for each seat 104, the occupancy signal 126 is detected and analyzed by the control device 140. Consequently, all sensor devices 110 switch to the closed state Z3, and the vehicle 100 operates effectively overall.

[0057] The proposed method 150 can be applied to, for example, the following scenario: It is detected that only the driver's seat 104 is occupied. The vehicle 100 is equipped with transceivers 114 in front of the front door 102 on the driver's side of the vehicle 100 and behind the rear door on the driver's side. In order to be able to reliably identify obstacles in the opening area 106, the two transceivers 114 are combined to form the sensor device 110. For example, both transceivers 114 detect an echo signal from an obstacle that reflects the transmitted signal radiated from the front-end transceiver 114. As a result, the position of the obstacle relative to the vehicle 100 or in the opening area 106 can be accurately detected. This mode can be referred to as the "indirect signal mode".

[0058] The proposed method 150 can be applied to, for example, the following scenario: It is detected that only the driver's seat 104 is occupied. As Figure 1As shown, the driver's door 104 and the rear door on the driver's side are each provided with a transceiver 114 and two receivers 116. In order to reliably identify obstacles in the opening area 106 of the driver's door 102, the transceiver 114 of the driver's door 102, the receiver 116 of the driver's door 102, and the foremost receiver 116 of the rear door are combined to form a sensor device 110. This mode can also be referred to as the "indirect signal method".

[0059] In the context of this description, for the purpose of demonstration, a distinction is made between four control devices 112, 122, 130, and 140. This is merely an example.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described based on exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in various ways.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062] 100 Vehicle

[0063] 102 Door

[0064] 104 Seat

[0065] 106 Opening area

[0066] 110 Sensor device

[0067] 112 Control device

[0068] 114 Transceiver

[0069] 116 Receiver

[0070] 120 Driver health monitoring system

[0071] 122 Control device

[0072] 124 Sensor

[0073] 126 Occupancy signal

[0074] 130 Speed detection device

[0075] 132 Speed signal

[0076] 140 Control device

[0077] 150 Method

[0078] S1…3 Steps

[0079] Z1 Closed state

[0080] Z2 Standby state

[0081] Z3 Active state

[0082] P1 Initialization Process

[0083] P2 Activation Signal

[0084] v Velocity

Claims

1. A method (150) for activating a sensor device (110), the sensor device (110) being configured to detect an obstacle in an opening area (106) of a vehicle door (102), wherein, The state of the sensor device (110) can be switched between an off state (Z1), a standby state (Z2), and an active state (Z3), and the method includes: detecting (S1) at least one warning signal (126, 132) that indicates the probability of a door being opened; and if the warning signal (126, 132) or at least one of the warning signals (126, 132) indicates an increased probability of a door being opened, then converting (S2) the sensor device (110) from the off state (Z1) to at least the standby state (Z2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The at least one warning signal includes: an occupancy signal (126) from a seat occupancy sensor (120, 124), the occupancy signal (126) being configured to identify whether a seat (104) associated with the door (102) is occupied, wherein occupancy of the seat (104) associated with the door (102) indicates an increased probability of the door being opened.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one warning signal includes: a speed signal (132), wherein a speed below a minimum speed indicates an increased probability of a door being opened.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one warning signal includes: a seat belt fastener signal, wherein loosening of the seat belt fastener of the seat belt associated with the door (102) indicates an increased probability of a door being opened.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one warning signal includes: a proximity signal related to an object approaching an open switch of the door (102), wherein the object approaching the open switch indicates an increased probability of a door being opened.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor device (110) is only converted to the standby state (Z2) when each of a plurality of warning signals (126, 132) indicates an increased probability of a door being opened.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method (150) provides the following steps: if one or more warning signals (126, 132) indicate a decreased probability of a door being opened, then converting (S3) the sensor device (110) from the active state (Z3) or the standby state (Z2) to the off state (Z1).

8. A computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method (150) according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A control device (140) for a vehicle (100), the control device being configured to perform the method (150) according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A vehicle (100) having: at least one door (102); a control device (140) according to claim 9; a sensor device (110) configured to detect an obstacle in an opening area (106) of the door (102), wherein the state of the sensor device can be switched between an off state (Z1), a standby state (Z2), and an active state (Z3); and at least one warning sensor device (120, 130) configured to output a warning signal (126, 132) indicating an increased probability of a door being opened.

11. The vehicle (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The sensor device (110) includes at least one ultrasonic sensor (114, 116), at least one camera, and / or at least one short-range radar.

12. The vehicle (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sensor device (110) includes at least one transmitter (114) and a plurality of receivers (114, 116), each receiver being configured to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitter (114) and reflected by an obstacle in the open area (106).

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