Device and symbols for operating vehicle functions

Abstract

Device for activating and / or deactivating functions of a vehicle, comprising at least one first control unit (1) for preselecting functions via a selection menu (11) and a second control unit (2) for jointly activating and / or deactivating the preselected functions, and a display unit (10) for displaying the selection menu (11) and / or the preselected function, wherein the functions are at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) provided for use in the vehicle's operation and usable at speeds greater than 10 km / h, wherein a cornering light function (9) can additionally be preselected via the selection menu (11) and the first control unit (1), characterized in that the cornering light function (9) can be preselected via the second control unit (2) together with the at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) provided for use in the vehicle's operation.8) can be activated and / or deactivated by a long actuation process.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for operating functions of a vehicle with at least one operating device.

[0002] German Patent Application DE 198 21 163 A1 describes a driver assistance system and a computer-controlled method for activating or deactivating the driver assistance system. A key feature of the system is the ability to temporarily deactivate an individual driver assistance system depending on the current traffic situation whenever a situation arises that the driver assistance system cannot handle or for which it has not been adapted. This involves detection of application areas for driver assistance systems.

[0003] DE 102 61 799 A1 describes a method and a device in which the controlled deactivation of a driver assistance system during driving is transmitted to the driver via a haptic signal via the steering control means.

[0004] WO 2004 / 005065 A1 describes a programmable control element for switchable functions in a motor vehicle, with which individual functions can be activated from a selection. However, these cannot be activated or deactivated via a single switching command.

[0005] WO 2005 / 093557 A1 describes a display and control device with which functions for a vehicle's parking process can be preselected via a menu and activated upon a switching command. The document describes the application of this system, using a parking process (PDC - Park Distance Control) while driving in reverse gear as an example.

[0006] DE 10 2004 009 308 A1 describes a driver assistance system in which a common operating mode can be set for different driver assistance modules. In a first operating mode, the driver assistance modules intervene in the vehicle's operation in a regulatory manner, while in a second and third operating mode, they merely issue recommendations or warnings. Two different selection mechanisms can be used to switch different subsets of the available driver assistance modules to different operating modes. Different driver assistance systems can be assigned to the selection mechanisms.

[0007] The adjustment device with a multifunctional control switch described in DE 195 03 920 A1 controls functional elements that can be variably selected from a set of functional elements. For example, the control switch can control various predeterminable functional positions of the functional elements for driving through a tunnel. The functional elements can also include a low-beam headlight unit and an interior lighting unit.

[0008] DE 101 53 119 A1 describes a method for changing functional elements in vehicles. The operating states of a large number of functional elements are changed by a central pulse generator. An example of such a function is activating the lights when entering a tunnel.

[0009] DE 10 2004 040 829 A1 proposes an operating device for a motor vehicle in which vehicle settings for specific driving situations can be stored and later recalled and activated. A display unit with an input device or a touchscreen can be used for this purpose.

[0010] DE 100 46 909 A1 describes a method for displaying functions in a vehicle, where these functions include the navigation function. A display can be arranged between display devices in the vehicle's instrument cluster.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a device for operating functions of a vehicle which allows operation without significant distraction from the driving process during driving.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of patent claims 1 and 12. Advantageous developments and refinements are presented in the subclaims.

[0013] In the device according to the invention, a first operating device is provided for preselecting at least two driver assistance functions provided during vehicle operation and usable in a speed range greater than 10 km / h or the corresponding miles per hour from a selection menu displayed on a display device. A second operating device is provided for jointly activating and / or deactivating the preselected driver assistance functions. In addition, a cornering light function can be preselected via the selection menu and the first operating device, wherein the cornering light function can be activated and / or deactivated via the second operating device together with the at least two driver assistance functions provided during vehicle operation by means of a long actuation process.

[0014] The display of the selection menu and the preselectable driver assistance functions, as well as their activation or deactivation, is primarily done via a display panel in the instrument cluster or, to further reduce reading times for the benefit of road safety, via a display panel in a head-up display. This allows the driver, who essentially follows the traffic ahead of the vehicle, to obtain visual information about the system status with minimal changes in viewing angle.

[0015] The driver assistance functions include lane change assistant, lane departure warning, stopping distance reduction and lane keeping assistant, and the cornering light function can also be selected.

[0016] The purpose of the lane change assistant driver assistance system, described in document DE 198 35 601 A1, for example, is to provide the driver with advance warning of a potentially dangerous situation before a lane change is carried out. This assistance system uses sensors to monitor the area to the left and right of the vehicle for any vehicles present. When an intended lane change is made, the driver is given a warning if the sensors detect a traffic situation that is critical for the lane change. This assistance system automatically monitors objects located in the blind spot of an exterior rear-view mirror. The purpose of the lane departure warning driver assistance system, described in document DE 103 11 518 A1, for example, is to warn the driver when the vehicle is leaving its lane or is about to leave its lane.With the help of image sensor systems, the lane in which a vehicle is traveling is determined, and the driver is warned as soon as the vehicle leaves the lane or a tendency to leave the lane is detected. Other driver assistance systems, known in known embodiments as lane monitoring systems or lane departure warning systems (LDW), assist the driver of a vehicle in maintaining lane compliance by monitoring driver activity and / or potential driver distraction from the driving task in the event of the vehicle leaving or impending lane departure.

[0017] The task of the stopping distance reduction driver assistance system, described, for example, in document DE 103 55 219 A1, is to prepare for braking when a driving situation arises that is implausible for the driver assistance system. This situation can arise if the vehicle in front suddenly falls below a preset minimum distance, spontaneously leaves the lane, or even if a stationary obstacle appears. To prepare the driver for braking and to shorten the braking distance, a pre-brake pressure is generated, which pre-fills the brakes with a slight pressure. This serves to overcome the brake's air play, which does not yet trigger any noticeable deceleration.

[0018] The task of the lane keeping assist driver assistance system, described, for example, in document DE 10 2004 039 142 A1, is to automatically guide the vehicle in a lane by applying a driver-independent steering torque to the steering wheel. By evaluating the lane monitoring sensors, the electromechanical steering system automatically keeps the vehicle in the lane.

[0019] The preselection of the set functions that can be activated or deactivated by pressing the second control device is shown via the selection menu on the display device. The set driver assistance function is identified by setting a mark, in this example a check mark. The non-selection or deactivation of individual driver assistance functions is indicated by an unset mark in the selection menu. In the event of a driver assistance function failing, the failure of the function is indicated by a mark on the function, for example by a change in the color of the associated lettering and symbol, or by hiding the function or its symbol. Once the error has been rectified, the lettering and symbol return to their original state, in this example either to white or to their display.

[0020] Several different driver assistance systems can therefore be activated or deactivated with a single operation of the multifunctional control device.

[0021] Functions available during driving include lane change assist, lane departure warning, stopping distance reduction, lane keeping assist, and / or cornering light function. Other driver assistance functions are conceivable. These can be globally preselected via the first control and activated or deactivated via the second control.

[0022] A targeted deactivation of driver assistance systems is useful under certain conditions, for example when the lane information can no longer be clearly identified due to insufficient road markings, particularly in construction areas with yellow road markings.

[0023] In addition to being easy to use, the invention is characterized by the fact that previously activated driver assistance systems can be deactivated with a single actuation. A second actuation reactivates the driver assistance systems that were activated before deactivation. Furthermore, individual driver assistance systems can be pre-adjusted with the first operating device, for example, using an adjustment element on the steering wheel, embodied in one embodiment as a rotary roller, via a selection menu. This allows the driver to select desired or unneeded driver assistance systems.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] The accompanying drawings show Fig. 1 a block diagram of the device according to the invention for a clear illustration of the various activatable functions. Fig. 2 a menu display in a display device for the status of the various driving functions with different activation and their naming.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention, as described for example in Fig. 1, shown schematically as a block diagram, provides that the driver assistance functions are preselected and then activated or deactivated via two operating devices and an evaluation device 7 with a corresponding display device 10. The selection of the switchable or switchable functions 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 is made via the first operating device 1, which is located in the steering wheel or in its immediate vicinity. The activation and / or deactivation of the at least two functions 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 provided during driving of the vehicle is carried out via the second operating device 2, which is arranged on the front side of a turn signal lever or on or near a steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0027] In addition, a selection menu 11 ( Fig. 2), in one embodiment in an instrument cluster, to indicate the activation and / or deactivation of the functions 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 provided during driving. The lettering and symbols of these functions are displayed in different colors. If a system fails, the color of the respective assistance function in the selection menu 11 changes to Fig. 2 from white to gray. After the error is corrected, the color changes back from gray to white, and the function can be reactivated or deactivated. Other markings are conceivable. As soon as at least one assistance function 3, 4, 5, 8, or 9 is activated, the driving assistance status display 6 indicates the "All off" option. This means that the assistance functions are activated or deactivated by operating the second control device 2.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the following functions or functionalities are activated or deactivated jointly by operating the second operating device 2: Lane Change Assistant 3

[0029] One possible driver assistance function that can be deactivated or activated together with other driver assistance functions is, for example, a driver assistance system 3 for warning the driver of impending collisions when changing lanes. The system is activated when an existing turn signal lever (not described in more detail) is operated and warns the driver of collisions with vehicles approaching from behind in an adjacent lane. Approaching vehicles are detected using radar sensors. In one embodiment, the warnings are visually output via LEDs with adjustable brightness that are arranged in the exterior mirrors. In one embodiment, an acoustic driver warning with adjustable volume is output via a buzzer. In another embodiment, a haptic warning can also be output via vibrations in the steering wheel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the warning time can be set in up to three ranges for both the optical and acoustic output. Lane Departure Warning 4

[0031] Another system for a driver assistance function that can be deactivated or activated together with other driver assistance functions is, for example, a lane departure warning system 4, based on an existing image processing system for detecting the unintentional departure of the vehicle from the lane in which it is traveling. In one embodiment, the driver is warned by steering wheel vibrations with adjustable intensity, and the warning time can be set to various increments. Stopping distance reduction 5

[0032] Another system for potentially deactivating or activating a driver assistance function together with other driver assistance functions is, for example, the stopping distance reduction function 5, which utilizes an existing radar system for distance control. Sensors monitor the area in front of the vehicle for early detection of a potentially occurring accident. If a certain accident risk threshold is exceeded, the stopping distance reduction function 5 prepares for emergency braking by sending a signal to build up brake pressure to a control unit for an electronic stability program to lower the trigger threshold of a hydraulic brake assist system, which is described, for example, in document DE 10 2004 028 160 A1. Lane Keeping Assist 8

[0033] One possible driver assistance function that can be deactivated or activated together with other driver assistance functions is, for example, a lane keeping assistant 8 for automatically guiding the vehicle in a lane. By evaluating the lane monitoring sensors, the electromechanical steering automatically keeps the vehicle in the lane. Cornering light function 9

[0034] Another system for a driver assistance function that can be deactivated or activated together with other driver assistance functions is a cornering light function. This involves vehicle headlights with a light source, means associated with the light source for generating a directed light beam, and means for pivoting the beam's beam direction. With the cornering light function, the beam direction of the light beam is pivoted by a specific pivot angle in the direction of the corner being negotiated. Activation and / or deactivation

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, all previously activated driver assistance systems 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 are deactivated by a long actuation process of the second operating device 2.

[0036] By pressing the second control device 2 again for a long time, the driver assistance systems that were switched on before deactivation are reactivated. List of reference symbols 1 First operating device 2 Second control device 3 Lane Change Assistant (SVA - Side View Assist) 4 Lane Departure Warning (LVA - Lane View Assist) 5 Stopping distance reduction (FSA - Front Scan Assist) 6 Driving assistance status display 7 Evaluation device 8 Lane Keeping Assist (LKA - Lane Keeping Assist) 9 Cornering light function (KL - cornering light) 10 Display device 11 Selection menu

Claims

[1] Device for activating and / or deactivating functions of a vehicle, comprising at least a first operating device (1) for preselecting functions via a selection menu (11) and a second operating device (2) for jointly activating and / or deactivating the preselected functions and a display device (10) for displaying the selection menu (11) and / or the preselected function, wherein the functions are at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) provided during driving of the vehicle and usable in a speed range greater than 10 km / h, wherein a cornering light function (9) can additionally be preselected via the selection menu (11) and the first operating device (1), characterized bythat the cornering light function (9) can be activated and / or deactivated via the second operating device (2) together with the at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) provided during vehicle operation by means of a long actuation process. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the display device (10) is arranged substantially in the driver's field of vision, wherein the display device (10) is in particular at least a part of an instrument cluster or a head-up display. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during driving is a stopping distance reduction function (5). [4] Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during driving is a lane departure warning function (4). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during driving is a lane change assistance function (3). [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during driving is a lane keeping assistance function (8). [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that all or several functions (3,4,5,8,9) provided during driving operation can be activated and / or deactivated by actuating the second operating device (2). [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the current status of the functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) can be displayed and / or set on the display device (10) by actuating the second operating device (2) via the selection menu (11). [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized bythat the preselection of the functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) provided during vehicle operation is shown and / or can be set on the display device (10), in particular by setting a marker for the function (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) in the selection menu (11). [10] Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that a non-selection of the functions provided for joint activation and / or deactivation during vehicle operation is shown on the display device (10), in particular by the non-set marking in the selection menu (11). [11] Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the indication of a malfunction of the functions (3,4,5,8,9) provided in a driving operation is shown on the display device (10), in particular by lettering and symbols of different colours. [12] Method for activating and / or deactivating functions of a vehicle, in which functions are preselected via a selection menu (11) of a display device (10) with at least one first operating device (1), the preselected functions are jointly activated and / or deactivated with a second operating device (2), wherein at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) provided during driving of the vehicle and usable in a speed range greater than 10 km / h are activated and / or deactivated via the second operating device (2), wherein in addition a cornering light function (9) is preselected via the selection menu (11) and the first operating device (1), characterized by that the cornering light function (9) is activated and / or deactivated via the second operating device (2) together with the at least two driver assistance functions (3, 4, 5, 8) by a long actuation process. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during vehicle operation is a stopping distance reduction function (5). [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during vehicle operation is a lane departure warning function (4). [15] Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided in a driving operation of the vehicle is a lane change assistance function (3). [16] Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that one of the at least two driver assistance functions provided during vehicle operation is a lane keeping assistance function (8). [17] Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized bythat all or several functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) provided during driving are activated and / or deactivated by actuating the second operating device (2). [18] Method according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized by that the preselection of the functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) is carried out by actuating the second operating device (2) via the selection menu (11) on the display device (10), wherein the display device (10) is in particular at least part of an instrument cluster or a head-up display. [19] Method according to claim 18, characterized by that the preselection of the functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) provided for during vehicle operation is shown on the display device (10) by setting a mark for the corresponding function (3, 4, 5, 8, 9). [20] Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized bythat the non-selection of the function or functions provided for joint activation and / or deactivation during vehicle operation is displayed on the display device (10), in particular by the non-set marking of the function (3, 4, 5, 8, 9). [21] Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by that the indication of a malfunction of the functions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9) provided in a driving operation is shown on the display device (10), in particular by lettering and symbols of different colours.

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