Method and system for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, the method having the steps of identifying (S1) whether a switch command for switching on a control device of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function of the pedal is based on a manipulation of the pedal by a driver of the vehicle; and calibrating (S2) the wake-up pedal function if the triggered switch command is identified at least once not to be based on a manipulation of the pedal by a driver of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, and more particularly to the automatic recalibration of the wake-up pedal function for the brake pedal. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2013 204 702 A1 relates to a device for detecting pedal operation of a vehicle pedal during CAN sleep, characterized by a switching device disposed on the pedal, the switching device being supplied with a continuously active voltage and being directly connected to a control device via at least one contact element, the control device having a connection to CAN, wherein the switching device, through pedal operation, causes CAN to be woken up by the control device.

[0003] DE 10 2020 213414 A1 describes a method for adjusting a hydraulic braking device having a master brake cylinder, a linear actuator, a hydraulic pump, and at least one wheel brake, wherein the hydraulic braking device is awakened from a static state by applying force to the master brake cylinder, particularly by actuating the brake pedal.

[0004] DE 11 2021 005 006 T5 describes a vehicle braking system in which the required structure can be further simplified when a wake-up signal is transmitted in response to a pedal input. The vehicle braking system includes: a pedal travel sensor (PTS) that detects whether pressure is applied to the pedal and how high the applied pressure is; and a wake-up recognition circuit connected to the PTS such that current can flow directly in both directions. The wake-up recognition circuit receives a signal from the PTS and wakes up the electronic control unit (ECU), wherein the PTS provides the wake-up recognition circuit with an output signal having at least one preset value.

[0005] DE 10 2022 209 298 A1 describes a sensor assembly for a vehicle having a sensing travel sensor for determining the current position of a movable body and a magnetic sensor for detecting the initial position of the movable body. The sensing travel sensor includes at least one movable coupling device coupled to the movable body, having at least one conductive coupling element, and at least one fixed circuit carrier. At least one excitation structure (and at least one receiving structure) is arranged on the at least one circuit carrier, extending along the movement path of the at least one coupling device between the initial position and a target position. A first evaluation and control unit is configured to evaluate at least one measurement signal induced in the at least one receiving structure and determine the current position of the at least one coupling device and the movable body. The magnetic sensor includes a magnet and a second evaluation and control unit having a magnetic sensor element. The magnet is arranged on the at least one coupling device, and the second evaluation and control unit is arranged on the at least one circuit carrier in the region of the at least one receiving structure, such that in the initial position of the at least one coupling device, the magnetic sensor element of the second evaluation and control unit at least partially overlaps with the magnet.

[0006] Vehicle functions that are awakened or activated when pedals, especially the brake pedal, are known. This allows for intuitive vehicle operation by the driver, since the brake pedal must ultimately be operated by the driver to start the engine. Vehicles can be manufactured without separate buttons for starting and stopping the engine. To implement the wake-up function, ASICs that evaluate magnetic fields using Hall effect sensors are known. If the magnetic field strength increases or decreases beyond a certain value, pedal operation is detected. Because some braking systems already incorporate magnets on the brake pedal, the wake-up pedal function can be easily implemented there.

[0007] However, in the wake-up pedal function, the switching point of this function may shift too far, reaching the switching point even without pedal operation. This should be avoided by design, but can still occur in several individual cases. Possible causes of this erroneous triggering, besides aging of related components (mechanical, magnetic, and "ASIC" effects), include deposits at the pedal stop causing a shift in the pedal's zero position (resulting in continuously easy pedal operation). This shift in the switching point can be addressed by... Figure 1The diagram illustrates this. Initially, state Z0 is the disconnected vehicle, in which the Wake-Up Pedal (WoP) function is still active (and activated). If the driver manipulates the pedal PB, this is recognized by the Wake-Up Pedal (WoP) function, and the vehicle is "connected." In this case, connection means waking up or activating the controls required for driving in state Z1. During this phase, the Wake-Up Pedal (WoP) function is not activated because the vehicle's controls are already activated. After driving, the driver stops the vehicle, and after a certain period, the vehicle "sleeps" (…). Figure 1 In the context of sleep mode (ES), the vehicle's control devices switch from active mode to standby mode. Under normal operating conditions, the wake-up pedal (WoP) function remains in this state (Z2) until the driver next operates the pedal. However, if the WoP function's switch point is moved, causing pedal operation to be (erroneously) recognized even without driver intervention... Figure 1 If the pedal operation is misidentified (fE PB), then an unintentional infinite loop deadlock may occur, such as in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The vehicle's controls are activated by the wake-up pedal (WoP) function; conversely, driver absence results in the controls being deactivated again. This process can be repeated arbitrarily many times. Besides the undesirable frequency of state changes, this also results in higher current consumption, which may deplete the vehicle's battery. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, comprising the following steps:

[0009] Identify whether the switching command for activating vehicle control devices, triggered by the pedal wake-up function, is based on the driver's operation of the pedal; and

[0010] If it is detected that the triggered switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal, then the wake-up pedal function is calibrated.

[0011] The method according to the invention can be implemented using hardware and / or software components.

[0012] The method according to the invention can ensure the wake pedal function or wake pedal (WoP) function throughout the entire service life of the vehicle.

[0013] The method according to the invention basically comprises two main steps: identifying errors manifested as periodic, continuous sleep and wake-up cycles in the vehicle, and eliminating such errors by recalibrating the wake-up pedal function.

[0014] The method according to the invention avoids undesirable frequent changes in the state of the control device and the associated high current consumption due to erroneous wake-up pedal function.

[0015] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the invention, the number of times the following is counted by incrementing a counter value: when a switch command is erroneously triggered by the wake-up pedal function of the pedal to turn on the vehicle's control devices, but the switch command is not based on the vehicle driver's operation of the pedal.

[0016] In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, the wake-up pedal function is automatically calibrated if the counter value reaches a threshold. By setting the threshold, the method according to the invention can be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios and wake-up functions.

[0017] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the calibration of the wake-up pedal function is performed automatically by adapting the switch threshold of the wake-up pedal function. Therefore, despite component aging, the service life of the wake-up pedal function can still be significantly extended.

[0018] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, once multiple triggering switch commands are detected as not based on the driver's operation of the pedal, an error message is output to the display unit of the vehicle's user interface. Therefore, the driver or owner of the vehicle can perform a recalibration of the wake-up pedal function via a workshop connection.

[0019] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the vehicle's control device automatically switches from standby mode to active mode after receiving a switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function.

[0020] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the vehicle's control device automatically returns from an active mode to a standby mode after a preset duration when the pedal is not operated.

[0021] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the time period between a first point in time when the control device is restored to a standby mode and a second point in time when a switch command is triggered by the wake-up pedal function is evaluated, thereby identifying whether the switch command for turning on the control device of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0022] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the invention, the pedal position is evaluated after a switch command is triggered, thereby identifying whether the switch command for activating the vehicle's control equipment triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0023] In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, the wake-up pedal function is provided by monitoring the pedal position of the vehicle's brake pedal. Alternatively, the pedal positions of other pedals located in the vehicle can be monitored.

[0024] The present invention also provides a system for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, the system having an identification unit designed to identify whether a switch command for activating control devices of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal; and a calibration unit designed to calibrate the wake-up pedal function if the identification unit identifies that the switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0025] The present invention also provides a vehicle having a pedal operable by a driver and a system for providing a wake-up pedal function, the system having an identification unit designed to identify whether a switch command for activating control devices of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal; and a calibration unit designed to calibrate the wake-up pedal function if the identification unit identifies that the switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the vehicle is a road vehicle, particularly a passenger car or truck. However, the vehicle can also be other vehicles, such as a forklift, train, or agricultural vehicle.

[0027] Where meaningful, the above-described design and improvement schemes can be combined arbitrarily. Other possible design, improvement, and implementation schemes of the present invention include combinations of features not explicitly mentioned in the preceding or following descriptions of the embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will add individual aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Subsequently, possible embodiments of the method and system according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A diagram is shown to illustrate the technical problem on which the method and system according to the invention are based;

[0030] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a possible implementation of a method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another possible implementation of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram is shown illustrating a possible implementation of a system according to the invention for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The accompanying drawings are intended to further illustrate embodiments of the invention. The drawings depict embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to expound the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and the many advantages described above are derived from the drawings. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown precisely to each other.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, identical, functionally identical, and identically acting elements, features, and components are given the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified.

[0035] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle F, comprising several main steps. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a possible implementation of the method according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] In the first step S1, it is determined whether the switching command for activating the vehicle's control equipment, triggered by the pedal's wake-up pedal function, is actually based on the driver's operation of the pedal. For example, the control equipment is the vehicle's electric motor or the engine control equipment of an internal combustion engine.

[0037] In a possible first embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, in step S1, the time period between a first time point when the vehicle's control equipment is restored to a standby mode and a second time point when a switch command is triggered by the wake-up pedal function is evaluated, thereby identifying whether the switch command for turning on the vehicle's control equipment triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the error is identified in step S1 by considering the timing sequence. If the connection immediately (e.g., within 1 second) follows the disconnection, it is unlikely that the situation was caused by the driver. For example, the timing sequence can be determined by considering time or other mechanisms of the control device.

[0039] In another possible second embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the invention, in step S1, the pedal position is evaluated after triggering the switch command, thereby identifying whether the switch command for turning on the control equipment of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0040] In a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, an error is identified in step S1 by evaluating the pedal position after activation. When the device is activated, the measurement technique for determining the pedal position is also activated with a very short delay. This allows it to be determined whether the pedal is manipulated directly after the wake-up pulse. If not, then the driver is unlikely to have triggered the wake-up.

[0041] The two implementation methods described above for identifying errors in step S1 can also be combined.

[0042] In the second step S2 of the method according to the invention, if at least once in step S1 it is recognized that the triggered switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal, then the wake-up pedal function is calibrated or recalibrated.

[0043] To eliminate the error identified in step S1, the wake-up pedal function or WoP function can be recalibrated in step S2. Therefore, the switching point is adapted to the current situation. In a possible implementation, the switching point is set to an ideal nominal switching point through measurement. However, the switching point can also be changed without measurement by increasing the switching threshold by a defined value.

[0044] In addition to performing automatic recalibration preparation for site selection or additional site selection in step S2, error messages can also be output to the user interface display. The driver can then utilize a specialized factory to recalibrate their vehicle, or the driver can replace the damaged equipment.

[0045] As in accordance with Figure 3 As shown in the flowchart, in a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the invention, the following number of times is counted by incrementing the counter value ZW of counter Z: In step S1, it is identified that a switch command was erroneously triggered by the wake-up pedal function to activate the vehicle's control devices, but the switch command was not based on the driver's operation of the pedal. In step S2, once the counter value ZW of counter Z reaches the counter threshold Z-SW (ZW>=Z-SW), the wake-up pedal function is automatically calibrated. The counter threshold can be set in possible implementations. In another possible embodiment, the rate of change of the counter value ZW per unit time is additionally calculated. This allows the cause of the error identified in step S1 to be deduced.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated implementation, on the one hand, it detects that the current connection may not be caused by the driver, and on the other hand, it counts the frequency at which such erroneous connections are identified sequentially. After a defined number of accepted erroneous connections (e.g., Z-SW=3), the erroneous function is considered identified and countermeasures are initiated in step S2.

[0047] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, in step S2, the wake-up pedal function is automatically calibrated by adapting the switch threshold WoP-SW of the wake-up pedal function (WoP). In step S2, in a possible implementation, once it is repeatedly detected in step S1 that the triggered switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal, an error message is additionally output to the display unit of the vehicle's user interface.

[0048] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the vehicle's control equipment automatically switches from a standby mode to an active mode after receiving a switch command triggered by the calibrated wake-up pedal function. If the pedal is not operated, the vehicle's control equipment automatically returns from the active mode to the standby mode after a preset duration.

[0049] In a possible embodiment of the method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to the present invention, the wake-up pedal function is provided by monitoring the pedal position of the vehicle's brake pedal.

[0050] The present invention also provides a system 1 for providing a wake-up pedal function (WoP) for a vehicle, such as in Figure 4 As schematically illustrated, System 1 has an identification unit 2 designed to identify whether a switch command triggered by the Wake-Up Pedal (WoP) function of the pedal to activate vehicle control devices is actually based on the driver's operation of the pedal. System 1 also includes a calibration unit 3 designed to calibrate the Wake-Up Pedal function if the identification unit 2 identifies that the switch command triggered by the Wake-Up Pedal function is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0051] The present invention also provides a vehicle F having a pedal operable by a driver and a system 1 for providing a wake-up pedal function. The system has an identification unit 2 and a calibration unit 3. The identification unit is designed to identify whether a switch command for activating control equipment of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function is based on the driver's operation of the pedal. The calibration unit is designed to calibrate the wake-up pedal function if the identification unit 2 of the system 1 identifies that the switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

[0052] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways and methods.

Claims

1. A method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, comprising the following steps: Identify (S1) whether the switch command for turning on the control equipment of the vehicle, triggered by the wake-up pedal function of the pedal, is based on the driver's operation of the pedal. and If it is recognized that the triggered switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal in the vehicle, then the wake-up pedal function is calibrated (S2).

2. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The following counts are recorded by incrementing a counter value: when a switch command is detected that the wake-up pedal function of the pedal was erroneously triggered to turn on the vehicle's control devices, but the switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

3. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, If the counter value reaches the threshold, the wake-up pedal function is automatically calibrated.

4. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The calibration of the wake-up pedal function is performed automatically by adapting the on / off threshold of the wake-up pedal function.

5. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, If it is repeatedly detected that the triggered switch command is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal, an error message is output to the display unit of the vehicle's user interface.

6. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The vehicle's control device automatically switches from standby mode to active mode after receiving the switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function.

7. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The vehicle's control device automatically returns from the active mode to the standby mode after a preset duration when the pedal is not operated.

8. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The time interval between the first time point when the control device is restored to the standby mode and the second time point when the switch command is triggered by the wake-up pedal function is evaluated, thereby identifying (S1) whether the switch command for turning on the control device of the vehicle triggered by the wake-up pedal function of the pedal is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

9. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, After the switch command is triggered, the pedal position of the pedal is evaluated to identify (S1) whether the switch command for turning on the control equipment of the vehicle, triggered by the pedal wake-up pedal function, is based on the driver's operation of the pedal.

10. The method for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The wake-up pedal function is provided by monitoring the position of the vehicle's brake pedal.

11. A system (1) for providing a wake-up pedal function for a vehicle, comprising: The identification unit (2) is designed to identify whether a switch command for activating the vehicle's control equipment, triggered by the pedal's wake-up pedal function, is based on the driver's operation of the pedal; and The calibration unit (3) is designed to calibrate the wake-up pedal function if the identification unit (2) identifies that the switch command triggered by the wake-up pedal function is not based on the driver's operation of the pedal in the vehicle.

12. A vehicle having a pedal operable by the driver and a system (1) for providing a wake-up function for the pedal according to claim 11.

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