Control device and method for controlling operation of motor vehicle

Abstract

A control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle is provided. The control device is designed to detect at least one automation function requested by the motor vehicle during operation of the motor vehicle and to assign a supply element from a supply quota to the detected automation function. The control device is designed to execute the required automation function within the range of the assigned supply elements and to automatically adjust the execution of the automation function if the assigned supply elements are depleted by executing the automation function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle having the control device, and / or a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided, which includes instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided, which includes instructions that, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method. Background Art

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, especially cars, driver assistance systems are increasingly installed. A driver assistance system ((A)DAS) is an electronic device, especially an electromechanical device, in a motor vehicle that assists the driver in specific driving situations. Here, safety aspects and improving driving comfort are often the focus. Driver assistance systems can have automation and self-learning functions. The self-learning function may affect the performance of the vehicle or the system. The impact may strongly affect the vehicle performance.

[0003] WO 2009 / 120369 A2 relates to a system that includes an electric motor for driving an electric vehicle, a battery for supplying power to the electric motor, a preheating system for preheating the battery, a battery temperature comparator for comparing the battery temperature with a preheating target temperature and providing a battery low-temperature signal when the battery temperature is lower than a specific temperature, a control circuit for determining the remaining time before a planned drive device start time and providing a preheating enable signal within a target time interval before the planned drive device start time, and another control circuit for operating the preheating system in response to the battery low-temperature signal and the preheating enable signal.

[0004] DE 102016206800 A1 relates to a method for adjusting the energy supply of a vehicle drive system, in which a value of at least one first energy utilization characteristic variable representing a first energy utilization process in the vehicle is determined and a value of at least one parameter representing at least one boundary condition of energy utilization in the vehicle during the first energy utilization process is determined. A mathematical relationship between at least one or more values of the at least one energy utilization characteristic variable and the corresponding values of the parameters of the at least one boundary condition for energy utilization is determined, and then a profile data record containing data records and / or learning data based on the at least one determined mathematical relationship is provided. At least one adjustment information for adjusting the energy supply of the drive system of the vehicle for a second energy utilization process and / or at least one adjustment information for adjusting the energy supply of the drive system of a second vehicle for an energy utilization process is determined and provided based on the provided profile data record.

[0005] DE 102016205153 A1 relates to a method for generating control data for driving a vehicle for rule-based driver assistance, in particular by means of a driver assistance system. According to the invention, the method comprises the following working steps: detecting the value of at least one setting parameter for driving the vehicle and / or the value of a physical parameter that at least partly characterizes the physical functions of a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver; detecting the value of at least one input parameter that at least partly characterizes the driving scenario; determining at least one boundary condition for adjusting the at least one setting parameter according to the at least one input parameter based on the detected values; and outputting control data for driving the vehicle, the control data regularly taking into account the at least one boundary condition. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and / or a method that are each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0007] This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims and the subclaims respectively have optional expansions of the disclosure content.

[0008] Therefore, this object is solved by a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle. The control device is designed to detect at least one automation function required by the motor vehicle and to allocate supply elements from a supply quota to the detected automation function. The control device is designed to execute the required automation function within the allocated supply elements and, if the allocated supply elements are exhausted by the execution of the automation function, to automatically adjust the execution of the automation function.

[0009] The control device or the control unit can be part of or constitute a driver assistance system. The control device can be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit can be an intelligent processor control unit, which can communicate with other modules, for example, through a central gateway (CGW) and, if necessary, can form a vehicle in-vehicle network through a field bus (such as a CAN bus, a LIN bus, a MOST bus, a FlexRay) and / or automotive Ethernet (for example, together with a telematics controller and / or an environmental sensing device).

[0010] It is conceivable that the control device controls functions important for the driving performance of the motor vehicle, such as steering, engine control, power transmission, and / or braking systems. In addition, a driver assistance system (such as a parking assistance system, an adaptive cruise control system (ACC), a lane keeping assistance system, a lane change assistance system, a traffic sign recognition system, a light signal recognition system, a start assistance system, a night vision assistance system, and / or an intersection assistance system) can also be controlled by the control device.

[0011] In the context of the present disclosure, an automated function can include a process, a subsystem, or a system of a motor vehicle that automatically performs a specific task without manual input. A control device can allocate resources to the automated function for execution (of the function). The automated function can be executed within the availability of the resources. The resources can be continuously expanded.

[0012] In the context of the present disclosure, a supply factor can include the amount of resources supplied for the execution of an automated function. The supply factor can be predetermined manually or automatically. The supply factor can be determined based on user requirements and / or user behavior. The supply factor can include the amount of energy for the execution of an automated function.

[0013] In the context of the present disclosure, a supply quota can include the total amount of available resources (supply factors) in the system (motor vehicle) for the execution of an automated function. The supply quota can be divided into multiple supply factors for multiple automated functions according to an allocation scheme. The supply quota can be divided into multiple supply factors.

[0014] The above-described device offers a series of advantages here. In addition, the maximum impact of a single automated function can be restricted to reduce the impact on other automated functions. Thereby, the self-learning behavior and / or automation can continue to execute and will not be prohibited due to the maximum impact of a single automated function. In addition, the impact of the automated function on the system can be restricted as follows, such that system access to the function is at least temporarily prohibited when the supply factor is exhausted. Thus, other automated functions are not restricted or prevented from execution.

[0015] Possible extensions of the above-described device are elaborated in detail below.

[0016] It can be stipulated that the automatic adjustment of the automated function includes stopping the execution of the automated function. The execution of the automated function can be stopped / prohibited until a supply factor can be allocated from the supply quota.

[0017] It can be stipulated that the automatic adjustment of the automated function includes executing an automated function with a restricted function scope. The function scope can relate to specific functions and performances of the automated function, the subsystem, or the system. The function scope describes the possibilities and limitations of execution. The possibilities can be restricted. Thus, it can be ensured that the resource consumption does not exceed the desired range. The parameters of the automated function that have no influence on the supply factor can be changed / adjusted.

[0018] It can be stipulated that the allocated supply factor includes a fixedly predetermined supply factor. For the execution of the automated function, a supply factor can be predetermined that determines the scope of execution. The predetermined supply factor can be determined in the case of using empirical values. In addition, the predetermined supply factor can be selected / predetermined based on system-determined limitations.

[0019] It can be stipulated that the allocated supply elements include supply elements adjustable according to control variables. The control variables can consider the requirements of the subsystem or system and / or external influences that cause regulation. Therefore, the allocated supply elements can be adjusted to ensure the continued execution of the automation function. The regulation can include the expansion of the supply elements. Continuous expansion can be stipulated.

[0020] It can be stipulated that the control variables include the temporal usage of the automation function. The available amount of the supply elements can be expanded based on a time function. Therefore, the supply elements can be expanded regarding the duration of the execution of the automation function, which can include allocating more resources for execution. The automation function can be executed for a longer time and / or within a larger functional scope.

[0021] It can be stipulated that the control variable includes the mileage traveled. The mileage traveled includes the mileage traveled by the vehicle. The supply elements can be expanded as the mileage traveled increases, so that the automation function can be executed.

[0022] It can be stipulated that the control variable includes the driving cycle of the vehicle. The driving cycle can relate to the driving pattern of the vehicle. These patterns can relate to distance, speed, acceleration, braking, and / or other factors affecting driving performance. The driving cycle can include empirical values based on which the supply elements can be expanded.

[0023] It can be stipulated that the execution of an automation function with a limited functional scope includes transferring a part of the functional scope. The functional scope of the automation function can be transferred to other automation functions and / or other control devices with available supply elements, so that the transferred functional scope continues to be executed or can be executed.

[0024] It can be stipulated that the execution of an automation function with a limited functional scope includes reducing the functional value output. By reducing the functional value output, the consumption of the supply elements can thus be reduced.

[0025] It can be stipulated that the execution of an automation function with a limited functional scope includes shutting down functional components. By shutting down the functional components, the consumption of the supply elements by the automation function can be reduced. The functional components can be classified and / or shut down after evaluation. It can be stipulated that the functional parameters that do not affect the supply elements continue to be executed.

[0026] It can be stipulated that the execution of an automation function with a limited functional scope includes providing and transferring a certain amount of supply elements allocated to other automation functions. Therefore, the supply elements of other automation functions can be allocated, which allows the automation function to continue to be executed.

[0027] It may be stipulated that the automated function includes heating and / or cooling of the high-voltage energy storage. The supply element may include the energy consumption (amount of energy) for heating and / or cooling the high-voltage energy storage. Thus, it can be ensured that the energy consumption for heating and / or cooling the high-voltage energy storage is maintained within a predetermined range so as to meet the user's predetermined and / or permitted parameters when necessary.

[0028] In other words, the above description can be summarized into a possible more specific design solution of the present disclosure described below, but the following description should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0029] The automated function and / or the self-learning function may affect the performance of the system and / or the vehicle. This effect may become extreme.

[0030] To limit the maximum effect of the function, a limiting function may be required that does not prohibit the self-learning behavior itself or the automation. This may relate to the effect of the function on the entire system or to the learning behavior of the function itself.

[0031] Here, the user behavior of the vehicle can be analyzed and the functions of the vehicle can be adjusted based on the user behavior and a user profile can be automatically provided within the scope of the function.

[0032] The user behavior may include charging behavior. Based on the charging behavior, the heating strategy of the energy storage can be adjusted. This may have an impact on the energy consumption. The impact on the energy consumption can be manifested differently based on the actual user behavior (for which it is automated) and thus is not limited and / or restricted to a maximum value by each behavior or usage gap. The user behavior may also include driving behavior, air-conditioning usage, etc.

[0033] An influencing supply element (budget) can be allocated to the automated function (automatic (driving) function). The influence may include the amount of energy. The budget can be fixed or continue to increase with respect to a control variable (such as time, mileage) or decrease by being higher than the average consumption (for example, the budget increases when the consumption is below the permit and the budget decreases when the consumption is above the permit). The automated function can intervene in the system (vehicle) within the budget. When the budget is exhausted, the function intervention can be prohibited immediately.

[0034] In addition, the implementation can also include allocating the budget scale among different automated functions.

[0035] It can be stipulated that the learning function heats the high-voltage energy storage device according to current, historical, and predicted customer behavior in order to achieve maximum comfort during vehicle use. According to the learned behavior patterns, this may lead to an increase in energy consumption. In order not to exceed the desired range of energy consumption (which may be important for the customer or for vehicle approval), but still be able to provide the function as optimally as possible, the energy used for this purpose can be budgeted. This budget can be increased with respect to time, mileage, and / or vehicle driving cycles. Different degradation levels of the consumed budget can be generated here. The functions can be transferred to other mechanisms, reducing the output or turning off the range. Once sufficient budget is provided again, they are released / turned on again.

[0036] Furthermore, a motor vehicle having the above-mentioned control unit or control device is provided.

[0037] The motor vehicle can be a passenger car, especially an automobile, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. It is also conceivable to use the teachings of the present disclosure for other machines other than motor vehicles, and the operating hours of the machines can be considered in the above-mentioned manner here. The applicant reserves the right to file a divisional application for it.

[0038] The motor vehicle can be automated. The motor vehicle can be designed to at least partially and / or at least temporarily take over longitudinal guidance and / or lateral guidance by means of the control device when the motor vehicle is driving autonomously.

[0039] The autonomous driving can be carried out in such a way that the motor vehicle (basically) drives autonomously. The autonomous driving can be controlled at least partially and / or temporarily by the control device.

[0040] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with an autonomy level of 0, that is, even if there are auxiliary systems (such as ABS or ESP), the driver takes over the dynamic driving tasks.

[0041] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with an autonomy level of 1, that is, having certain driver assistance systems, such as an adaptive cruise control system (ACC), which assist the driver in operating the vehicle.

[0042] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with an autonomy level of 2, that is, partially self-driving in such a way that the driver assistance systems take over functions such as automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral guidance, general longitudinal guidance, acceleration, and / or braking.

[0043] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with an autonomy level of 3, that is, conditionally automated in such a way that the driver does not have to continuously monitor the vehicle systems. The vehicle independently performs functions such as triggering the indicator light, changing lanes, and / or keeping in the lane. The driver can engage in other work, but the system will prompt them to take over driving within the warning time when needed.

[0044] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with a driving automation level of 4, i.e., highly automated such that the driving of the vehicle is continuously taken over by the vehicle system. If the system is unable to handle the driving task, the driver can be requested to take over the driving.

[0045] The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with a driving automation level of 5, i.e., fully automated such that no driver is required to perform the driving task. Except for setting the goal and starting the system, no human intervention is needed. The motor vehicle can be without a steering wheel and pedals.

[0046] The above description of the control device similarly applies to the motor vehicle, and vice versa.

[0047] Furthermore, a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle is provided. The method can have a plurality of method steps. In the first method step, at least one automation function required by the motor vehicle can be detected. In the next step, supply elements can be allocated from the supply quota to the detected automation function. In the next step, the required automation function can be executed within the scope of the allocated supply elements. If the allocated supply elements are exhausted by executing the automation function, the execution of the automation function can be adjusted.

[0048] The control method can be a computer-implemented method, i.e., one, several, or all steps of the method can be at least partially executed by a computer or a data processing device (optionally the control device).

[0049] The above description of the control device and the motor vehicle similarly applies to the method, and vice versa.

[0050] Furthermore, a computer program is provided, which includes instructions that cause a computer to at least partially execute or implement the above method when the program is executed by the computer.

[0051] The program code of the computer program can exist in any code form, especially in a code form suitable for controlling a motor vehicle.

[0052] The above description of the control device, the motor vehicle, and the method similarly applies to the computer program, and vice versa.

[0053] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, especially a computer-readable storage medium, is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that cause a computer to at least partially execute or implement the above method when the instructions are executed by the computer.

[0054] That is to say, a computer-readable medium including the computer program defined above can be provided. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an SDD card (or an SSD drive / SSD hard disk).

[0055] A computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium to be provided to a motor vehicle, and it can also be obtained from the outside via the Internet or other means.

[0056] The above descriptions of the method, control device, computer program, and motor vehicle similarly apply to the computer-readable medium, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0057] The following refers to Figure 1 and 2 to illustrate an alternative embodiment. The drawings are as follows:

[0058] Figure 1 Schematically shows a motor vehicle having a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle according to the present invention; and

[0059] Figure 2 Schematically shows a flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0060] In Figure 1 only schematically shown, the motor vehicle 1 has a control device 2 and a high-voltage energy storage 3.

[0061] The control device 2 is designed to execute the method for controlling the operation of the motor vehicle 1, which will also be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2 The flowchart showing this method is as follows. Figure 2 Shows the flowchart of this method.

[0062] This method mainly includes three method steps S1 - S3.

[0063] In the first method step S1, at least one automated function required by the motor vehicle 1 is detected by means of the control device 2.

[0064] As described above, the automated function can represent a system of the motor vehicle that automatically performs specific tasks without manual input. In the current case, this involves the heating and / or cooling control of the high-voltage energy storage 3.

[0065] In the second method step S2, the supply element is allocated from the supply quota to the detected automated function by means of the control device 2. The supply element currently describes the energy consumption required or maximally specified for the automated function (i.e., currently involving the heating and / or cooling control of the high-voltage energy storage 3 of the motor vehicle 1). The allocated supply element can include a fixedly predetermined supply element here. Alternatively, a supply element adjustable according to a control variable can be specified. The control variable can include the temporal use of the automated function, the mileage traveled, and / or the driving cycle of the motor vehicle 1. The adjustable supply element can be expanded in terms of its quantity based on the control variable.

[0066] In the third method step S3, the required automation function is carried out by means of the control device 2 within the scope of the allocated supply element, i.e., within the specified energy consumption range. If the allocated supply element is exhausted by carrying out the automation function, the execution of the automation function is automatically adjusted by the control device 2.

[0067] The automatic adjustment of the automation function in the third method step S3 may include stopping the execution of the automation function or alternatively carrying out an automation function with a restricted function scope.

[0068] Carrying out an automation function with a restricted function scope may include transferring the function scope, reducing the function value output, switching off function components and / or providing and transmitting a certain amount of the supply element allocated to other automation functions.

[0069] List of reference signs

[0070] 1 vehicle

[0071] 2 control device

[0072] 3 high-voltage energy storage

[0073] S1 - S3 method steps

Claims

1. A control device (2) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (1), the control device (2) being designed to: detect at least one automated function required by the motor vehicle (1), and allocate supply elements from a supply quota to the detected automated function, It is characterized in that the control device (2) being designed to: execute the required automated function within the allocated supply elements, and automatically adjust the execution of the automated function if the allocated supply elements are exhausted by the execution of the automated function.

2. The control device (2) according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The automatic adjustment of the automated function includes stopping the execution of the automated function; or executing an automated function with a restricted function range.

3. The control device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The allocated supply elements include fixedly predetermined supply elements and / or supply elements adjustable according to a control variable.

4. The control device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control variable includes the temporal use of the automated function, the mileage traveled, and / or the driving cycle of the vehicle (100); and the adjustable supply elements can be enlarged in terms of their quantity based on the control variable.

5. The control device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that Executing an automated function with a restricted function range includes: - transferring a part of the function range; - reducing the function value output; - shutting down functional components; and / or - providing and transferring a certain quantity of supply elements allocated to other automated functions.

6. The control device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The automated function includes heating and / or cooling of a high-voltage energy storage device (3), and the supply elements include the energy consumption for heating and / or cooling the high-voltage energy storage device (3).

7. A motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, The motor vehicle (1) includes the control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (1), the method comprising: detecting (S1) at least one automated function required by the motor vehicle (1); and and allocating (S2) supply elements from a supply quota to the detected automated function, characterized in that the method comprises: executing (S3) the required automated function within the allocated supply elements, and automatically adjusting the execution of the automated function if the allocated supply elements are exhausted by the execution (S3) of the automated function.

9. A computer program, characterized in that, The computer program includes instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to claim 8.

10. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable medium includes instructions which, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to claim 8.

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