Method and device for assisting vehicle users in operating a vehicle

Abstract

Procedures to assist vehicle users in operating a vehicle, comprising the following steps: Authentication of at least one vehicle user (S100); Determination of a profile assigned to the authenticated vehicle user (S102) and Setting of vehicle components according to the setting values ​​stored in the specific profile (S104), characterized by the fact that the profile represents an individual setting value for a first vehicle component, effective for each individual vehicle user, and includes a global setting value for a second vehicle component that is effective for multiple vehicle users, where the authentication of the multiple vehicle users in the vehicle takes place at different times and the first vehicle component of each vehicle user is set according to the individual setting value of the respective profiles (S104) and the second vehicle component is set according to the global setting value of the profile of the vehicle user first authenticated in the vehicle (S106) and is retained during subsequent authentication of further vehicle users.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for assisting vehicle users in operating a vehicle.

[0002] US 2014 / 0 310 788 A1 discloses a method in which a user's position in the vehicle is determined and the user is authenticated, a profile associated with the authenticated user and the position in the vehicle is selected, and vehicle components are adjusted according to the settings stored in the profile. Depending on the position in the vehicle, the profiles contain individual settings for each user.

[0003] US 2018 / 0 148 007 A1 discloses a system for individually adjusting vehicle settings based on the preferences of the occupants.

[0004] US 2014 / 0 163 771 A1 discloses a storage medium storing instructions that enable a processor to establish a communication link to portable devices in the vehicle, identify a connected device as a non-driver terminal, and enable it to control infotainment functions. This facilitates the targeted use and control of infotainment functions for non-driver occupants.

[0005] DE 10 2017 112 003 A1 discloses a system module for storing profiles of multiple passengers. These profiles include individual preferences and social preferences. The individual comfort preference specifies the settings the user desires for a single trip, i.e., without other passengers. The social preference describes the range within which the user accommodates the preferences of other passengers for the setting of the same vehicle component, such as an air conditioning system, during a shared trip. The system is configured to determine a compromise value for a setting that maximizes the satisfaction of the group.

[0006] The disadvantage is that when several vehicle users are authenticated one after the other in a vehicle that is to be occupied by several users, a vehicle component is switched several times according to the group settings determined from the social preferences.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved method and an improved device for assisting vehicle users in operating a vehicle.

[0008] With regard to the method, this object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1 and with regard to the device by the features specified in claim 9.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] In the method according to the invention, the profile comprises an individual setting value of a first vehicle component, which is effective for a single vehicle user, and a global setting value for a second vehicle component, which is effective for multiple vehicle users. The authentication of the multiple vehicle users in the vehicle is staggered in time, the first vehicle component of each vehicle user is set according to the individual setting value of the respective profiles, and the second vehicle component is set according to the global setting value of the profile of the vehicle user first authenticated in the vehicle and is retained during subsequent authentication of further vehicle users. The individual setting value, which is effective for a single vehicle user, is to be understood as a setting value for a seat-related vehicle component.A setting for this seat-related vehicle component affects only a single vehicle user. This means that a setting for a seat, air vent, steering wheel, mirror, etc., is only effective for one seat, i.e., for the vehicle user present at that seat. In contrast, the global setting, which is effective for multiple vehicle users, refers to a vehicle component whose setting affects several or all users present in the vehicle. For example, the setting for the volume or station setting of the entertainment system, a color of the interior lighting, or a temperature value for the vehicle heater ultimately affects the entire vehicle cabin.If multiple vehicle users enter a vehicle, the users are authenticated at different times, with the order depending, for example, on the order in which they enter the vehicle, the order in which authentication data is entered, or the order in which mobile devices are automatically connected. After successful authentication, a vehicle component such as the vehicle seat is adjusted for each vehicle user according to the individual setting value(s). A vehicle component such as the interior lighting or ambient lighting is adjusted according to the global setting value of the profile of the first authenticated vehicle user and is retained for additional vehicle users upon authentication. The method advantageously avoids uncoordinated switching of vehicle components when multiple vehicle users are authenticated.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the setting of the second vehicle component can be selectively preselected according to the global setting value of the profile of the vehicle user who was first authenticated in the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle users can determine which profile is used for setting the second vehicle component.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle user profiles are permanently saved upon termination of driving. Termination of driving, for example, means termination of the ignition cycle in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, and shutdown of the vehicle electrical system into a standby state in electrically powered vehicles. Each vehicle user has access to their profile with their most recently configured settings for each new journey. Saving the profile once during an ignition cycle advantageously reduces the load on a vehicle bus system, a system for mobile data transmission, and a computing and storage device for managing the profiles.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the settings associated with a profile can be called up from any seat in the vehicle following authentication, wherein the profile or the changeable settings are output adapted to the technical equipment of the seat. In other words, each vehicle user can call up their profile from any seat. The profile is stored either wholly or partially in the vehicle itself, on a server connected to the vehicle, or on a mobile device. Calling up is understood to mean displaying the stored profile, wherein the settings comprising the profile are applied to corresponding vehicle components. The display takes place on a central device installed in the vehicle, assigned to the respective seat, or on a mobile device carried by a user, such as a smartphone.The displayed profile can be changed by the respective vehicle user, whereby each change to the profile in the authenticated state results in a setting of a vehicle component. If the profile is displayed and changed on a display assigned to the seat, the settings are made to the vehicle components associated with the seat according to the individual setting values. With an input device such as a central display or a mobile device, the vehicle user's position in the vehicle is determined via a seat recognition device. At the specific seat, settings are then made to the vehicle components associated with the seat according to the individual setting values. The seat recognition devices are designed, for example, as a camera, a seat occupancy mat, or a radio tracking device.For example, a vehicle user is authenticated using an identifier stored on their mobile device and transmitted to the vehicle, a profile assigned to the vehicle user is determined, a camera determines the seat occupied, and a seat adjustment is made according to the specific profile. Depending on the seat, a vehicle user's profile comprising the setting values ​​is then displayed. For example, if the vehicle user is sitting in the driver's seat, the profile will display a setting value for the steering wheel adjustment and the exterior mirrors, among other things. If the same vehicle user is sitting in the passenger seat, these setting values ​​are not displayed in their profile. Advantageously, only setting values ​​that are also applicable to the vehicle components assigned to the seat are displayed.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, authentication is performed by manual login, recognition via biometric data, and / or a mobile device carried on board. During manual login, the vehicle user enters a password into an input device. Alternatively, or in addition to this, authentication is performed via biometric data such as a fingerprint or iris pattern to increase security. Another alternative or additional option is authentication via a mobile device carried by the vehicle user.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a change to the vehicle user's individual setting is saved only in the profile of the vehicle user in question. A change to a seat setting is saved only in the profile of the changing vehicle user. The profile can, for example, include a setting for a vehicle component such as a seat in general, i.e., the setting values ​​determined for a driver's seat are transferred to the front passenger seat or a rear seat. Additionally or alternatively, the profile includes individual setting values ​​for each user, each valid for each of the seats, i.e., setting values ​​for the driver's seat, front passenger seat, etc.Advantageously, these individual setting values ​​can only be changed by the authenticated user himself; specific setting values ​​for each seat enable more precise adjustment and better differentiation between different seat types and seat-specific equipment in the vehicle.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a changed global setting value of the profile of the first authenticated vehicle user is stored only in the profile of the changing vehicle user. The global setting value that affects multiple vehicle users is also stored only in the profile of the changing vehicle user. This advantageously ensures that a user's global setting value is not inadvertently overwritten.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the global setting value or the modified global setting value of the profile of the first authenticated vehicle user is transferred to the profiles of other authenticated vehicle users and stored in all profiles of the authenticated vehicle user. Advantageously, the setting value that affects all vehicle users, such as a setting value for the ambient lighting, is made available to all vehicle users for further use. In other words, the global setting values ​​for a vehicle cabin are transferred as a last-mode setting to the profiles of all vehicle users and saved when driving is terminated.

[0018] The device according to the invention comprises a device for authenticating a vehicle user, a further device for determining the profile assigned to the authenticated vehicle user and means for setting vehicle components according to the setting values ​​stored in the profile, wherein the profile comprises an individual setting value of a first vehicle component that is effective for an individual vehicle user and a global setting value for a second vehicle component that is effective for several vehicle users,wherein the authentication of the multiple vehicle users in the vehicle is carried out with a time delay, and wherein, in the case of multiple vehicle users authenticated in the vehicle, the means for setting the vehicle components sets the first vehicle component of each vehicle user according to the individual setting value of the respective profiles and sets the second vehicle component according to the global setting value of the profile of the first authenticated user and maintains this setting value upon subsequent authentication of further vehicle users.

[0019] The authentication device includes, for example, a camera, a reader for determining biometric data, an input device for transmitting a password, or a mobile device for determining user data. To determine a vehicle user's authorization, the authentication device includes means for comparing the determined user data with data stored in a memory. Another device is, for example, a computing unit that determines the profile assigned to the authenticated user. The means for adjusting vehicle components include, for example, actuators for seat adjustment or control units for controlling lighting or entertainment systems.

[0020] The present invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a user profile for carrying out the method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic vehicle with multiple vehicle users and Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Before describing in detail the embodiments of the present invention, a structure used in all the embodiments of the present invention explained below will be described.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a structure of a user profile 3 for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0024] The user profile 3 contains global data 5 for setting a vehicle component whose function affects the entire vehicle cabin. Adjusting this setting is therefore effective for multiple vehicle users. For example, settings of the entertainment system 7 regarding volume, station selection, etc., or the color of ambient lighting 9 are effective for all vehicle users.

[0025] The user profile 3 further includes individual data 11, each of which has settings that are only effective for a single vehicle user. For example, a vehicle user's seat settings 13 are only effective for the seat occupied by that user. A distinction must be made between seat-dependent settings 13 and seat-independent settings 19. The seat-dependent settings 13 depend on the specific technical design of a seat, e.g., the driver's seat is constructed differently than the rear seats, and different systems are effective for the driver than on the front passenger seat.

[0026] In this example, the seat-dependent setting values ​​13 include setting values ​​15 for the driver's seat, setting values ​​16 for the front passenger seat, and setting values ​​17, 18 for the rear left and right rear seats. The individual setting values ​​15 associated with the driver's seat include settings for the steering wheel, the exterior and interior mirrors, the driving programs, and the assistance systems, in addition to the driver's seat. The individual setting values ​​16, 17, 18 for the front passenger or rear seats include settings for the seats themselves as well as, for example, for technically different reading lights or display devices.

[0027] The seat-independent settings 19 contain data that are unique to each user, but can be used in the same way at every seat due to the identical technical design of a vehicle component. If each seat has a screen, settings such as favorites lists 21 can be used equally at every seat, so that preferred websites, phone numbers, and playlists are displayed.

[0028] In Fig. 2 shows a schematic vehicle 22 with four seating positions 23, 25, 27, 29, with vehicle users 31, 33 located on the seats 23, 29, whose profiles 3a, 3b are analogous to the Fig. 1 described profiles 3 are constructed. In the present example, the profiles 3a, 3b of the vehicle users 31, 33 are stored on a central server 35 and are transmitted to the vehicle after the vehicle users 31, 33 have been authenticated.

[0029] An application of profiles 3a, 3b to corresponding vehicle components is based on the Fig. 2 and the Fig. The procedure shown in Figure 3 is described.

[0030] In step S100, the vehicle users 31, 33 who are entering the vehicle 22 or are already sitting in the vehicle 22 are authenticated. Authentication includes the step of identification and verification of authorization. For example, a determined password is compared with data in a database. If the password matches the data in the database, it is determined which functions the user assigned to the password is authorized for. If the user is authorized to use their profile in the vehicle 22, their profile is determined and transferred to the vehicle in step S102. In the present example, the profiles 3a, 3b of the vehicle users 31, 33 are transferred from the server 35 to the vehicle.

[0031] The individual setting values ​​stored in the profile 3a, 3b are applied to corresponding vehicle components in S104, ie, for example, the driver's seat 23 and the rear seat 29 are adjusted.

[0032] In step S106, it is checked which vehicle user was authenticated first. For example, if it is determined that vehicle user 33 was authenticated first, then global settings stored in their profile that are effective for multiple vehicle users are applied to the associated vehicle components.

[0033] As an alternative to step S106, it can be determined that, regardless of the order of authentication, the global setting values ​​stored in the profile of the vehicle user 31 authenticated as a driver have priority and are applied.

[0034] If only one of the vehicle users 31 changes their individual settings in step 108, these are adopted into their profile and applied to the corresponding vehicle component. If one of the vehicle users 31 changes a global setting, this is adopted and applied in their profile 3a as well as in the profile 3b of the other vehicle user 33.

[0035] When the driving operation is terminated, the profiles 3a and 3b are transmitted to the server 35 in step S110 and stored permanently.

Claims

[1] A method for assisting vehicle users in operating a vehicle, comprising the following steps: Authentication of at least one vehicle user (S100); Determination of a profile assigned to the authenticated vehicle user (S102) and Adjustment of vehicle components according to the setting values ​​stored in the specific profile (S104), characterized by , that the profile contains an individual setting value of a first vehicle component that is effective for a single vehicle user and a global setting value for a second vehicle component that is effective for several vehicle users, wherein the authentication of the plurality of vehicle users in the vehicle is carried out with a time delay and the first vehicle component of each vehicle user is set according to the individual setting value of the respective profiles (S104) and the second vehicle component is set according to the global setting value of the profile of the vehicle user first authenticated in the vehicle (S106) and is retained during subsequent authentication of further vehicle users. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the setting of the second vehicle component can be optionally preselected according to the global setting value of the profile of the vehicle user who was first authenticated in the vehicle. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the profiles of the vehicle users are permanently stored when the vehicle is no longer in use. [4] Method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the settings associated with a profile can be accessed from any seat after authentication, with the adjustable settings of the profile being output in a manner adapted to the technical equipment of the seat. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that authentication is carried out by manual login, recognition via biometric data and / or a mobile device carried on board. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the profile includes individual settings specific to each seat. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the global setting value of the first authenticated vehicle user is only saved in his profile. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the global setting value or the changed global setting value of the first authenticated vehicle user is transferred to the profiles of other authenticated vehicle users and saved in all profiles of the authenticated vehicle users. [9] Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8, with - a device for authenticating at least one vehicle user (31, 33) - a further device (35) for determining the profile (3) assigned to the authenticated vehicle user and - means for adjusting vehicle components according to the setting values ​​stored in the profile (3), characterized by , that the profile contains an individual setting value (5) of a first vehicle component that is effective for a single vehicle user and a global setting value (11) for a second vehicle component that is effective for several vehicle users, wherein the authentication of the multiple vehicle users in the vehicle is carried out with a time delay and the first vehicle component of each vehicle user is set according to the individual setting value (5) of the respective profiles and the second vehicle component is set according to the global setting value (11) of the profile of the first authenticated vehicle user (31, 33) and is maintained during subsequent authentication of further vehicle users.

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