Method for operating a motor vehicle operating device, corresponding motor vehicle operating device and computer program product
By using environmental detection devices and light-emitting components controlled by variable lighting parameters, the problem of users having difficulty identifying the trigger area of motor vehicle operating devices is solved, achieving accurate and efficient user guidance and operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUDI AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images
Figure CN122211284A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, the operating device comprising an environmental detection device for detecting a user's operational action in a trigger area present in the motor vehicle environment, and at least one light-emitting element for generating a light signal guiding the user in a direction toward the trigger area, wherein the light-emitting element operates to generate the light signal when the presence of a user is detected. The invention also relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle and a computer program product. Background Technology
[0002] As is known from the prior art, for example, document DE 10 2014 116 171 A1. This document describes a device for a motor vehicle having a sensor device including a housing designed to be fastened to a first component of the motor vehicle at a predetermined first mounting position, and at least one sensor element disposed in the housing having a detection area extending toward the ground of the motor vehicle environment in the predetermined first mounting position of the housing.
[0003] The sensor element is designed to generate a sensor signal relating to the presence of an object, particularly a user's body part, in the detection area. An illumination device is also provided, designed to generate illuminated markings by illuminating the portion of the ground detected by the detection area with light. In this configuration, the illumination device is disposed outside the housing of the sensor device. It is also described that the light is branched from the optical path of the vehicle headlights by means of optical elements.
[0004] Furthermore, document DE 10 2014 017 354 B4 discloses a method for operating a taillight system for an automobile. This taillight system firstly has a first taillight assembly disposed in a rear cover and at least one second taillight assembly disposed in a body component adjacent to the rear cover. The taillight system operates according to the swing position of the rear cover. Here, the two taillight assemblies are driven such that the light intensity of both taillight assemblies is between a predetermined minimum and maximum value, both when the rear cover is open and when the rear cover is closed. Specifically, when the rear cover is closed, a first electrical power is supplied to the first taillight assembly, and when the rear cover is open, a second electrical power, greater than the first electrical power, is supplied to the first taillight assembly. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for operating a motor vehicle, which has advantages over known methods, particularly in effectively guiding the user toward the triggering area, thereby reliably detecting the user's operating actions.
[0006] This is achieved using a method of an operating device for operating a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. Here, at least one lighting parameter applied when generating a light signal is selected based on a variable parameter, so that a light signal is generated with a lighting parameter equivalent to a first lighting parameter when the parameter has a first value, and with a lighting parameter equivalent to a second lighting parameter when the parameter has a second value.
[0007] Advantageous designs with suitable improvements to the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments set forth in the specification are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the specification, claims, and drawings may be implemented.
[0008] This method is used to operate a control device in a motor vehicle. The control device or its controller for implementing the method is preferably an integral part of the motor vehicle; however, it can naturally exist separately from the motor vehicle, particularly until the control device or controller is mounted on or within the motor vehicle. The control device is configured and designed to detect an operating action performed by a user in a trigger area and to perform manipulation, such as a drive actuator, based on the detected operating action. Such practice is known in particular from automatically unlockable and / or openable rear covers of motor vehicles, wherein the presence of a user's body part, particularly the user's feet, is detected in the trigger area. If a user's body part is detected in the trigger area, the rear cover is automatically unlocked and / or opened.
[0009] To display the trigger area to the user and guide the user in its direction, the operating device has a light-emitting element. This element generates an illumination signal, at least temporarily, for example, by projecting an illuminated symbol onto the ground where the vehicle is located. This illumination signal is generated in such a way that the projection indicates to the user the location of the trigger area. The user can then perform an operation within the trigger area indicated by the light signal. While this allows the user to know approximately where the trigger area is, the projection on the ground is often difficult to discern or is distorted by the ground, causing the projection to no longer accurately represent the trigger area. Therefore, in some cases, even with a light signal, it is still difficult for the user to quickly and effectively identify the trigger area.
[0010] For this reason, according to the present invention, the presence of a user is first detected, for example, by an environmental detection device. If the presence of a user is detected, that is, for example, the environmental detection device detects a user in the environment of a motor vehicle or in a defined sub-area of the environment, then the light-emitting element is activated to generate an illumination signal. In other words, the light-emitting element is activated to generate a light signal. The operation of the light signal is achieved using illumination parameters. Therefore, different light signals are generated when the illumination parameters have different values, or light signals that are different in terms of illumination parameters. For example, the brightness of the light-emitting element is used as an illumination parameter.
[0011] The lighting parameters are selected based on a variable parameter, which is therefore provided as a function of this variable parameter. The variable parameter should be understood as one that changes at least briefly, causing the lighting parameters to change accordingly, and consequently, the operation of the light-emitting element. Here, the light signal is continuously generated in such a manner that when the variable parameter has a first value, a lighting parameter equivalent to a first lighting parameter is used, and when the variable parameter has a second value, a lighting parameter equivalent to a second lighting parameter is used.
[0012] Therefore, the light-emitting element is continuously operated to generate a light signal and is continuously activated, at least until the presence of a user is detected. However, the operation of the light-emitting element is achieved according to variable parameters, so that the light signal changes at least briefly. If the variable parameter has a first value, then the first lighting parameter is used as the lighting parameter; conversely, if the variable parameter has a second value, then the second lighting parameter is used as the lighting parameter, and the light-emitting element is driven or operated according to the corresponding lighting parameter.
[0013] It should be clearly stated that this practice should not be interpreted as simply turning the light-emitting element on and off based on a variable parameter. Rather, it means continuously operating the light-emitting element to generate a light signal, i.e., continuously generating a light signal or having a persistent light signal. At least one characteristic of the light signal is related to the variable parameter. The characteristic of the light signal is a characteristic that can be perceived by the user, so that the user can identify the value of the variable parameter based on the light signal.
[0014] Specifically, variable parameters can be understood as parameters that change continuously over time or time-dependent parameters. The value of the parameter changes over time, thereby operating the light-emitting element with different lighting parameters at different times to generate light signals, i.e., continuously generating light signals. In this way and method, for example, an animation can be implemented that guides the user towards the trigger area. For example, it is conceivable to drive the light-emitting element to generate light signals at different positions on a motor vehicle, particularly from a first position to a second position. Correspondingly, a flowing light can be implemented that guides the user towards the second position, which is closer to the trigger area than the first position.
[0015] Alternatively, a variable parameter could be, for example, the user's position, which drives the light-emitting element to generate a light signal. This should not be interpreted as the light-emitting element being turned on and off based on the user's position, but rather as the light-emitting element continuously generating a light signal with different characteristics related to the user's position. In this approach, the user can be explicitly signaled in which direction they must move to reach the trigger area. Regardless of the specific method, effective guidance for the user is achieved by selecting lighting parameters based on the variable parameter during the process of finding the detection area.
[0016] An improved configuration of the present invention drives the actuator of an operating device, particularly the actuator of a vehicle locking element for mechanically unlocking and / or mechanically opening a motor vehicle, based on a detected operating action. The operating action is, for example, simply arranging a body part in the detection area. Once the presence of a body part in the detection area is detected, the actuator is driven to perform a specific manipulation. However, more complex operating actions can also be provided, such as detecting a specific posture or the like, particularly a specific sequence of movements performed by the user.
[0017] The manipulation performed by the actuator is, for example, mechanical unlocking and / or mechanical opening of the vehicle locking element. A vehicle locking element can be understood as an element movably arranged on a motor vehicle that locks or closes the vehicle openings to varying degrees in different positions. Vehicle locking elements are provided, for example, as a rear cover, door, or similar form. In any case, the aim is to achieve particularly comfortable operation of the motor vehicle for the user.
[0018] An improved configuration of the present invention checks the availability of the authentication device in order to detect the presence of a user. For example, the operating device checks whether a wireless connection can be established with the authentication device and / or whether the authentication device provides appropriate authentication feedback in response to the authentication request. The authentication device is, for example, a movable component, particularly a car key, which is preferably part of a keyless entry system for a motor vehicle. This approach is extremely convenient for the user.
[0019] An improved setting of the present invention uses a time parameter or the user position determined when using an environmental detection device as a variable parameter. Such an approach has been explored. Therefore, refer to the corresponding description. The environmental detection device is used to detect the environment of a motor vehicle. Environmental data describing the environment of the motor vehicle is generated when the environment is detected by means of the environmental detection device. In order to detect the environment or to provide environmental data, the environmental detection device has one or more environmental detection sensors. For example, one or more of the following sensors are used as one or more environmental detection sensors: radar sensor, sonar sensor, lidar sensor, image sensor or camera and sound sensor or microphone.
[0020] Radar sensors use electromagnetic waves, sonar sensors use sound waves, and lidar sensors use light to detect the environment, particularly to identify obstacles in the environment that, in this case, at least briefly, correspond to a user. Sonar sensors are, for example, designed as ultrasonic sensors and therefore operate on sound waves in the ultrasonic frequency range. Radar, sonar, and lidar sensors are reflective sensors, i.e., active sensors, which send output signals into the environment and receive reflected output signals as input signals. Sound sensors or microphones are used to detect sound waves present in the environment.
[0021] It can be configured that a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle performs assisted driving operations and / or at least partially autonomous driving operations / driving operations, at least briefly, based on environmental data. This means: analyzing and processing environmental data, particularly regarding one or more obstacles present in the motor vehicle's environment. Based on this, assistive instructions are displayed to the motor vehicle user in the case of assisted driving operations, and the device performs driving operations independently in the case of at least partially autonomous driving operations. Assisted driving operations or autonomous driving operations are performed based on obstacle data describing the obstacles present in the motor vehicle's environment. The environmental detection device, within the scope of the method, is preferably used not only for performing driving operations but also for detecting the user's position. This achieves particularly high accuracy in detecting the position.
[0022] In one improved configuration of the present invention, the taillights of a motor vehicle are used as light-emitting elements, and the taillights are driven and controlled according to the operating parameters of the motor vehicle independently of variable parameters during driving. The taillights are arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle and illuminate from the rear, particularly backward. When the motor vehicle is being driven, such as when the motor vehicle is in motion and / or when the motor vehicle is preparing to be driven, the light-emitting elements are driven and controlled for a short period of time independently of variable parameters, for example by activating the motor vehicle's power unit.
[0023] In this case, the driving control of the light-emitting element is achieved based on the vehicle's operating parameters, such as the adjustment of the vehicle's operating components. These operating components include, for example, a light switch, a brake pedal, or similar devices. The taillights, in particular, serve as brake lights and therefore have a corresponding brightness. Since the light-emitting element is already present in the vehicle, no additional light-emitting element is needed to generate a light signal. Accordingly, this additional light-emitting element can be omitted.
[0024] In an improved configuration of the present invention, the light-emitting element has multiple light-emitting segments that can be driven independently of each other, wherein each light-emitting segment is driven according to segment parameters included in the illumination parameters, and the segment parameters are selected according to variable parameters. The light-emitting element not only allows for overall brightness adjustment, but also allows each light-emitting segment to operate independently of the others. For example, each light-emitting segment can be driven independently in terms of brightness and / or color. In this case, the light-emitting segments form a type of display screen on which information can be displayed at a corresponding resolution.
[0025] In any case, the lighting parameters include corresponding segment parameters for each of the light-emitting segments, and each light-emitting segment is driven according to its corresponding segment parameters. Each segment parameter is selected based on variable parameters, as already explained regarding the lighting parameters. In this approach, the user is guided particularly effectively towards the triggering area.
[0026] In an improved configuration of the invention, a light-emitting element extending across at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the width of the vehicle is used as the light-emitting element. Preferably, the light-emitting element is not only located on one side of the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, which receives both the longitudinal and vertical axes of the vehicle and is perpendicular to the transverse axis of the vehicle, but also located on both sides of the longitudinal center plane, particularly symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal center plane. The light-emitting element extends along the transverse axis, with an extension length in the same direction corresponding to at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the width of the vehicle. The application of such a light-emitting element enables accurate guidance to the user because it can display the precise location of the trigger area for the user, for example, along the transverse axis.
[0027] An improved setting of the present invention, particularly, involves determining lighting parameters according to a process specification over time based on variable parameters, thereby providing a lighting signal as an animation. Referring to the preceding description, the lighting parameters are determined over time and according to the process specification. The values of the lighting parameters are stored over time in the process specification. Thus, the lighting signal is generated such that it changes over time. Accordingly, the lighting signal is provided as an animation. Preferably, the lighting parameters are determined not only according to time but also, additionally, taking into account variable parameters, wherein the user's position is preferably used as a variable parameter. This also serves to achieve the advantages already explained.
[0028] An improved configuration of the present invention involves selecting lighting parameters such that the absolute position of the trigger area and / or the relative position of the trigger area relative to the user is displayed to the user by means of a light-emitting element. The absolute and / or relative positions should be understood in particular as positions along the transverse axis of the vehicle. The absolute position describes the location of the trigger area on the vehicle, while the relative position indicates the user's position relative to the trigger area, or vice versa. By displaying the absolute position, the location of the trigger area is directly explained to the user. When using the relative position, the user is shown the direction in which they must move to reach the trigger area. Effective guidance for the user is achieved in this way.
[0029] The present invention also relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, particularly for implementing a method as set forth in the scope of this specification, wherein the operating device has an environmental detection device for detecting an operating action of a user in a trigger area present in the environment of the motor vehicle, and at least one light-emitting element for generating a light signal guiding the user in a direction toward the trigger area, wherein the operating device is configured and designed to operate the light-emitting element to generate the light signal when the presence of a user is detected.
[0030] The operating device is further configured and designed to select at least one lighting parameter to be applied when generating a light signal based on a variable parameter, thereby generating a light signal with a lighting parameter equivalent to a first lighting parameter when the parameter has a first value, and generating a light signal with a lighting parameter equivalent to a second lighting parameter when the parameter has a second value.
[0031] The advantages of this approach or design of the operating device have already been pointed out. Not only the operating device itself, but also the method for operating the operating device can be modified according to the description within the scope of this specification, and reference is made thereto.
[0032] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising commands that cause an operating device according to an embodiment of the specification to perform the described method. See the specification for full details regarding advantages and possible beneficial modifications.
[0033] The features and combinations thereof described in the specification, and especially those described and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, may be used not only in their respective proposed combinations but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention, particularly the scope of the claims. Therefore, embodiments not explicitly shown or illustrated in the specification and / or drawings, but derived from or deduced from the illustrated embodiments, may also be considered to be included in the invention, particularly within the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description
[0034] The invention is illustrated below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The only accompanying drawings show:
[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with operating devices is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 1 is shown. This motor vehicle has a vehicle locking element 2, which in the illustrated embodiment is implemented as a rear cover of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 also has an operating device 3, which includes an environmental detection device 4, wherein an environmental detection sensor 5 is shown here. The environmental detection device 4 detects the operating actions performed by the user of the motor vehicle 1 in a trigger area 6. The operating action can be understood, for example, as a part of the user's body being positioned in or moving into the trigger area 6.
[0037] To facilitate the user's location of the trigger area 6, the operating device 3 has a light-emitting element 7, which is implemented as a taillight in the illustrated embodiment. Here, the operating environment detection device 4 is configured to detect the user's presence. For this purpose, the environment detection device may not only have an environment detection sensor 5, but may also explicitly include a detection device for detecting the user's presence, such as detecting the availability of a verification device, such as a moving part, particularly a key.
[0038] If the presence of a user is detected, then the light-emitting element 7 is activated to generate a light signal. This is achieved based on lighting parameters, and the light signal is generated according to the lighting parameters or their values. The lighting parameters are selected based on variable parameters, which have different values over time. If a first value for the parameter exists, then a light signal is generated with lighting parameters equivalent to the first lighting parameter. Conversely, if the parameter has a second value, then the second lighting parameter is used as the lighting parameter.
[0039] Variable parameters, particularly time parameters, i.e., parameters that change over time, and / or the user's position detected by means of the environmental detection device 4. For example, the luminous element 7 is activated to generate a light signal according to the illustrated pictogram. In particular, the light signal is provided in the form of multiple arrows that indicate the trigger area 6 along the direction of the horizontal axis. The triangular pictogram additionally shows the absolute position of the trigger area 6 on the vehicle 1 along the horizontal axis.
[0040] This approach effectively guides the user towards trigger area 6, allowing the user to perform actions at the trigger area, and these actions are reliably detected.
[0041] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0042] 1 motor vehicle
[0043] 2 Vehicle locking elements
[0044] 3 Operating devices
[0045] 4 Environmental monitoring devices
[0046] 5 Environmental Monitoring Sensors
[0047] 6 trigger areas
[0048] 7. Light-emitting components.
Claims
1. A method for operating a motor vehicle (1) using an operating device (3), the operating device comprising an environmental detection device (4) for detecting an operating action of a user in a trigger area (6) present in the environment of the motor vehicle (1) and at least one light-emitting element (7) for generating a light signal guiding the user toward the trigger area (6), wherein, The light-emitting element (7) is operated to generate a light signal when the presence of a user is detected. The light-emitting element (7) is characterized in that at least one lighting parameter applied when generating a light signal is selected according to a variable parameter, so that a light signal is generated with a lighting parameter equivalent to a first lighting parameter when the parameter has a first value, and a light signal is generated with a lighting parameter equivalent to a second lighting parameter when the parameter has a second value.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator of the operating device (3) is driven by the detected operating action.
3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The time parameter and / or the user location determined when using the environmental detection device (4) are used as variable parameters.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The taillight of the motor vehicle (1) is used as a light-emitting element (7), and the taillight is driven and controlled according to the operating parameters of the motor vehicle (1) without variable parameters during the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1).
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The light-emitting element (7) has multiple light-emitting segments that can be driven independently of each other, wherein the light-emitting segments are driven according to the corresponding segment parameters included in the lighting parameters, and the segment parameters are selected according to variable parameters.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A light-emitting element (7) extending through at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the width of the motor vehicle (1) is used as a light-emitting element (7).
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lighting parameters are determined according to the time and process specifications, and the lighting signals are then provided as lighting signal animations.
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lighting parameters are selected in such a way that the absolute position of the trigger area (6) and / or the relative position of the trigger area (6) to the user are displayed by means of the light-emitting element (7).
9. An operating device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), particularly for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The operating device (3) has an environment detection device (4) for detecting the user's operation in a trigger area (6) in the environment of the motor vehicle (1) and at least one light-emitting element (7) for generating a light signal that guides the user toward the trigger area (6), wherein the operating device (3) is configured and designed to operate the light-emitting element (7) to generate a light signal when the presence of the user is detected, characterized in that the operating device (3) is further configured and designed to select at least one lighting parameter applied when generating a light signal according to a variable parameter, thereby generating a light signal with a lighting parameter equivalent to a first lighting parameter when the parameter has a first value, and generating a light signal with a lighting parameter equivalent to a second lighting parameter when the parameter has a second value.
10. A computer program product comprising a command that causes: The operating device (3) according to claim 9 performs the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8.