Vehicle emergency system

Abstract

Method for operating a vehicle emergency system (20) comprising the steps of: Detecting (S10) an emergency state of a motor vehicle (10) based on at least one state signal of the motor vehicle (10); Retrieving or synthesizing (S20) at least one audio speech file in response to detecting an emergency condition of the motor vehicle (10); Reproducing the audio voice file (S40) in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the environment of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the environment of the motor vehicle (10) about the emergency state of the motor vehicle (10); Detection of persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (S44); Determining a distance between the persons and the motor vehicle (S45); and Adjusting a volume of the played audio voice file (S46) depending on the distance between the people and the motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle emergency system, a vehicle emergency system and a motor vehicle with such a vehicle emergency system.

[0002] Electronic emergency call systems are already installed in a large number of modern motor vehicles and will be mandatory for all newly registered vehicles in the European Union starting March 31, 2018. Such eCall (emergency call) systems are designed to ensure that, in the event of an accident involving a suitably equipped motor vehicle, an emergency call is automatically triggered to an emergency call center reachable via the Europe-wide emergency number 112.

[0003] According to the European eCall Regulation (Regulation EU 2015 / 758), it is still mandatory that at least a minimum data set be transmitted to the emergency call center, containing at least the time of the accident, coordinates of the accident location, the direction of travel, a vehicle ID, and an indicator indicating whether the emergency call was triggered automatically or manually. Additional information can optionally be transmitted to the emergency call center. Furthermore, the option to trigger an eCall manually is mandatory.

[0004] Car manufacturers have implemented the eCall regulation in different ways, although individual systems may differ, for example, with regard to the additional data provided voluntarily.

[0005] DE 10 2015 215 294 A1 discloses that, in addition to a data and / or radio connection between the motor vehicle and the emergency call center, a connection is established between the motor vehicle and a memory independent of the emergency call center. Vehicle-specific data is stored on this memory, and accident-specific data from the vehicle involved in the accident can also be stored there. The emergency call center also receives contact information from the motor vehicle in order to retrieve additional information from the memory.

[0006] DE 10 2016 111 787 A1 discloses that, in response to the detection of an accident situation, biometric data of at least one driver or passenger of the motor vehicle is collected and subsequently transmitted via an RF connection. The biometric data includes, for example, the heart rate and respiratory rate of the driver or passengers.

[0007] DE 10 2016 117 217 A1 discloses that a connection to an emergency call center is not necessarily established directly by the vehicle. Instead, this connection is established via a personal communication device, such as a mobile phone, which is prompted to do so by a message transmitted by the vehicle.

[0008] DE 10 2011 086 520 A1 discloses that an instruction issued by a vehicle in response to the detection of a dangerous situation and a state of the vehicle and determined on the basis of the dangerous situation and the state of the vehicle instructs a recipient not to approach the vehicle.

[0009] DE 10 2012 212 612 A1 discloses a method for determining a location of a user relative to a vehicle, wherein the user is in particular a user of a mobile terminal carried by the user.

[0010] DE 20 2005 005 572 U1 discloses a device for use in traffic accidents with an electronic control device and software for menu-guided selection and / or direct selection of information stored in the data memory about instructions for first aid and their transmission by the output unit.

[0011] DE 10 2005 025 545 A1 discloses a signaling device for a vehicle for signaling to following road traffic to issue a warning about an identified critical traffic situation and / or an emergency in a specific national language and / or in a specific warning symbol.

[0012] The requirements specified in the eCall regulation, and variously implemented by manufacturers, are undoubtedly suitable for improving accident assistance. However, all previously known emergency procedures are based on notifying the nearest and most appropriate emergency response center. Therefore, especially in rural or sparsely populated areas, it can take a long time for emergency services to actually arrive at the scene of the accident.

[0013] This is disadvantageous because the effectiveness of immediate life-saving measures declines rapidly with time after the accident. For example, the chances of successful resuscitation are approximately 75% after three minutes, but only approximately 5% after ten minutes.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of providing a vehicle emergency system and a method for operating a vehicle emergency system, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and are intended to enable assistance to be provided as quickly as possible in the event of an accident.

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Preferred developments are the subject matter of the subclaims.

[0016] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle emergency system, wherein the method according to the invention comprises at least the method steps described below. The method according to the invention begins with the detection of an emergency state of a motor vehicle based on at least one state signal of the motor vehicle. The state signal is preferably at least one sensor signal, for example from an acceleration and / or position sensor. The detection of an emergency state occurs, for example, by comparison with a predetermined limit value for this state signal. Likewise preferably, the state signal originates from a control unit and indicates, for example, that at least one airbag in the vehicle has been deployed. In this case, the detection of an emergency state is identical to the detection or receipt of the state signal.In other words, the status signal is suitable for detecting an emergency condition of the vehicle.

[0017] In the method according to the invention, an audio voice file is retrieved in response to the detected emergency state of the vehicle, preferably from a storage element or synthesized by means of a speech synthesizer. Alternatively, the audio voice file is preferably retrieved via a data connection, for example, a mobile phone connection. However, this requires the provision of an appropriate infrastructure. The retrieved audio voice file is then played back in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the environment of the motor vehicle, in particular at an appropriate volume.

[0018] According to the invention, the audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle about the emergency state of the motor vehicle. In other words, the content of the audio voice file is suitable for signaling persons in the vicinity that the vehicle is in an emergency state. An emergency state is understood to mean, in particular, an accident. In principle, however, other emergency states are also conceivable, such as the presence of a child or animal in a vehicle parked in the sun. For example, the audio voice file can contain content such as "Immediate assistance required!", "Accident - Please assist!", or "Accident - First responders required!".

[0019] The method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible, in the event of an accident or other emergency involving a motor vehicle, to acoustically inform people in the vicinity of the vehicle about the accident or emergency and thus summon them. Consequently, emergency responders or first responders can be called to the scene of the accident, who can carry out important emergency rescue measures. The method according to the invention can also be used, in particular, to inform people who are outside the visual radius of the accident or emergency site.

[0020] In contrast to the use of the horn or vehicle indicators, the method according to the invention prevents the alerted persons from misinterpreting the situation. While the horn and indicators can also be interpreted as signals from an alarm system or as a function of a "car finder," the method according to the invention involves specifically addressing the persons that there is an emergency / accident involving the vehicle. Furthermore, indicators and horn are generally not designed to be accident-proof, so relying on these unreliable elements in an emergency is disadvantageous.

[0021] The method according to the invention further includes detecting people in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. Various sensors can be used for this purpose, for example, distance sensors, image recognition, and / or thermal imaging infrared sensors. Furthermore, a distance between the people and the motor vehicle is determined. According to the invention, the volume and preferably the content of the reproduced audio voice file are then adjusted depending on the determined distance between the people and the motor vehicle.

[0022] For example, the volume of the audio voice file playback can be lowered the closer people get to the vehicle. This way, their ability to concentrate is not impaired and communication with the passengers is possible if necessary. The content of the audio voice file is preferably adapted by playing another audio voice file, for example instead of or alternating with the audio voice file initially played. The content is particularly preferably adapted as soon as the distance between people and the vehicle falls below a predetermined value. In this case, for example, the playback of an audio voice file designed to call people is stopped and replaced by an audio voice file containing information about or instructions for first aid measures.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the audio voice file is played back via at least one loudspeaker of an infotainment system of the motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the audio voice file is played back via at least one emergency loudspeaker with increased crash safety. While playback via the emergency loudspeaker ensures increased reliability, playback using the infotainment system offers the option of effectively increasing the playback volume. The volume of the infotainment system is particularly preferably set high enough that it can be heard as far away as possible, even with the vehicle windows closed. The volume is therefore set high enough that it exceeds the passengers' pain threshold, while damage to their hearing should be avoided.

[0024] In a likewise preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the determination comprises at least one further status signal relating to the motor vehicle or a passenger. The further status signal is preferably determined only in response to the detection of an emergency condition. Alternatively, the further status signal is a signal normally detected during ongoing operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, based on the at least one further status signal, at least one further audio voice file is retrieved or synthesized as described above.

[0025] An additional status signal relating to the vehicle is, for example, the type of fuel used, in particular petrol or diesel. If, for example, the additional status signal determines that the vehicle is a diesel vehicle, an additional audio voice file can be output informing those in the vicinity that it is a diesel vehicle and that there is no fire hazard. Such additional status information is stored in a memory element of the vehicle if necessary. An additional status signal relating to an electric vehicle is, for example, the temperature of a battery system, from which the information that there is no fire hazard can also be derived. Such status information is preferably transmitted from a temperature sensor to the vehicle's emergency system. An audio voice file with this content would, for example, be "Diesel vehicle - No fire hazard!" or "No fire hazard!".

[0026] A further status signal relating to a passenger is, for example, the number of passengers in the vehicle. Such a status signal is preferably output by at least one pressure sensor in a vehicle seat. The audio voice file then contains, for example, the number of people requiring assistance. Such a further status signal also preferably contains the information that a child is on board the vehicle. The audio voice file then preferably contains the information that a child requires assistance from people in the vicinity: "Accident! Child on board! Helper needed!"

[0027] Furthermore, the method according to the invention preferably comprises determining position data of the motor vehicle, in particular in response to the detection of an emergency situation. According to this embodiment, the audio file or the at least one further audio voice file is retrieved or synthesized in a language corresponding to the position data. Thus, persons in the surrounding area are advantageously addressed in a language they understand. Particularly preferably, this embodiment involves retrieving the audio voice file via a network or synthesizing the audio voice file using a speech synthesizer.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the playback of the audio voice file is stopped in response to a user input made via a user interface of the motor vehicle. Thus, a passenger who is able to help themselves in the emergency situation can stop the playback of the audio voice file. This is particularly advantageous given the preferably high volume of the audio voice file playback via the loudspeakers of the infotainment system. Furthermore, a person who has joined the conversation can also stop the playback of the audio voice file if calling additional people is unnecessary. This is particularly advantageous given the preferably high volume of the audio voice file playback via the loudspeakers of the infotainment system.

[0029] The method steps of the method according to the invention can be implemented by electrical or electronic components or parts (hardware), by firmware (ASIC) or by executing a suitable program (software).

[0030] The method according to the invention is preferably realized or implemented using a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software. For example, individual components for performing individual method steps are designed as separate integrated circuits or arranged on a common integrated circuit.

[0031] Furthermore, components configured to carry out individual method steps are preferably arranged on a printed (flexible) circuit carrier (PCB), a tape carrier package (TCP), or another suitable substrate.

[0032] The individual method steps of the method according to the invention are further preferably designed as one or more processes that run on one or more processors in one or more electronic computing devices and are generated when one or more computer programs are executed.

[0033] The electronic computing devices are preferably designed to cooperate with other components, for example one or more sensors or cameras, in order to implement the functionalities described herein.

[0034] The computer programs are preferably stored in a volatile memory, for example a RAM element, or in a non-volatile storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory or the like.

[0035] It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the functionalities of several computers (data processing devices) may be combined or combined in a single device or that the functionality of a particular data processing device may be distributed among a plurality of devices in order to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention without deviating from the method according to the invention.

[0036] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle emergency system configured to carry out the method according to the invention. The vehicle emergency system is designed either as an integral component of a motor vehicle or as an isolated, independent unit. The components of the vehicle emergency system described below can thus be part of the vehicle and / or part of such a vehicle emergency system designed as an isolated, independent unit. The vehicle emergency system itself is preferably designed to be particularly accident-proof. Likewise preferably, an isolated, independent vehicle emergency system comprises all the components necessary for its function. In addition, components of the vehicle can also be used redundantly for the functions of the vehicle emergency system.

[0037] The vehicle emergency system according to the invention has at least one sensor element configured to detect a status signal of a motor vehicle. A sensor element is preferably a component specifically incorporated in the vehicle emergency system. The vehicle emergency system according to the invention further comprises at least one storage element containing at least one audio speech file stored thereon, for example, as a digital audio file. Such a storage element is preferably contained in the vehicle emergency system itself and contains at least one basic audio speech file, for example, in English. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle emergency system has at least one speech synthesizer configured for automatic speech generation. This may include a text memory in which the contents of the audio speech files can be stored in a variety of languages with minimal memory requirements.The function of a speech synthesizer is preferably realized with the help of the computing power of components of the vehicle.

[0038] The vehicle emergency system according to the invention further comprises at least one loudspeaker configured to reproduce speech. A playback element is also preferably connected between the memory element and / or the speech synthesizer and the loudspeaker. The playback element preferably comprises a digital-to-analog converter and / or an amplifier. The loudspeaker is preferably an accident-proof emergency loudspeaker, which is, for example, specifically assigned to the vehicle emergency system. Alternatively or additionally, the loudspeaker is one or more loudspeakers of an infotainment system of the vehicle.

[0039] The vehicle according to the invention further comprises a control unit configured, optionally in combination with the aforementioned components, to carry out the method according to the invention. The control unit is configured, in particular, to detect an emergency state of the motor vehicle based on at least one status signal from the motor vehicle. The status signal is transmitted to the control unit of the vehicle emergency system by a sensor element of the vehicle emergency system, by a sensor of the vehicle, or by a vehicle control unit. The detection of an emergency state preferably comprises the comparison of an incoming status signal with a predetermined limit value. Alternatively, the detection of the status signal is identical to the detection of the emergency state.

[0040] The control unit is also configured to retrieve at least one audio voice file from the at least one memory element in response to the detection of an emergency state. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to generate at least one audio voice file in response to the detection of an emergency state using the speech synthesizer. This preferably initially comprises retrieving a content of the audio voice file from a text memory. The control unit is further configured to play back at least one audio voice file in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the environment of the motor vehicle. The audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the environment of the motor vehicle about the emergency state of the motor vehicle.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a vehicle emergency system according to the invention, as described above. As already described above, the vehicle emergency system, according to one embodiment, is designed as an integral component of a vehicle. The aforementioned components of the vehicle emergency system are thus components of the vehicle itself, which are designed exclusively for the vehicle emergency system or implement other functions of the vehicle.

[0042] Preferably, the vehicle has at least one sensor configured to detect a status signal of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle has at least one control unit configured to detect an emergency state of the vehicle, for example, an airbag control unit. This control unit is then either itself part of the vehicle emergency system or transmits a status signal to the vehicle emergency system that directly indicates the presence of an emergency state.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle preferably has at least one memory with at least one audio speech file or at least one speech synthesizer for synthesizing at least one audio speech file. The speech synthesizer preferably comprises a text memory. Likewise, the vehicle preferably has at least one playback element for generating analog, preferably acoustic, signals from a digital audio speech file. The playback element preferably has a digital-to-analog converter and / or an amplifier. The playback element is preferably connected to the memory element and / or the speech synthesizer. Furthermore, the vehicle preferably has at least one loudspeaker of an infotainment system connected to the playback element. Likewise, the vehicle preferably has at least one emergency loudspeaker with increased accident safety connected to the playback element.

[0044] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a vehicle emergency system according to the invention as described above, cause the vehicle emergency system according to the invention to carry out the method according to the invention as described above. A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a vehicle emergency system according to the invention as described above, cause the system to carry out the method according to the invention as described above. The storage medium is preferably a volatile memory, for example a RAM element, or a non-volatile memory, such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or the like.

[0045] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of an infotainment system, in particular the loudspeaker of an infotainment system, of a motor vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention, in particular for playing back an audio voice file in the event of or in response to the detection of an emergency state of the motor vehicle, wherein the audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle about the emergency state of the motor vehicle.

[0046] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features recited in the subclaims. The various embodiments of the invention recited in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in individual cases.

[0047] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the vehicle and vehicle emergency system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart according to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. In a first step S10 of the method, an emergency state of a motor vehicle is detected based on a status signal of the motor vehicle.

[0049] The status signal comes, for example, from a sensor element of the vehicle emergency system or from a sensor or control unit of the motor vehicle.

[0050] In response to the detection of a status signal, in a second step S20 of the method according to the invention, an audio voice file is retrieved from a storage element or synthesized using a speech synthesizer. This audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle about the motor vehicle's emergency status.

[0051] In a third step of the method S30 according to the invention, a query is made as to whether the motor vehicle has available speakers of an infotainment system and whether the motor vehicle has a crash-proof emergency loudspeaker. The check preferably concerns the presence of such loudspeakers in the motor vehicle and particularly preferably also their functionality.

[0052] In a fourth step of the method S40, the retrieved or synthesized audio voice file is played back on at least one of the detected loudspeakers. In other words, if the query in step S30 revealed that the motor vehicle has at least one functional emergency loudspeaker, playback in step S41 occurs via the at least one emergency loudspeaker.

[0053] If the query in step S30 reveals that the motor vehicle has at least one functional speaker of an infotainment system, playback occurs in step S42 via the at least one speaker of the infotainment system. Playback occurs at least according to one, preferably both, of steps S41 and S42. Likewise, steps S41 and S42 preferably occur alternately.

[0054] According to the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a query is made in step S50 as to whether an input has been made via a user interface of the motor vehicle and / or the vehicle emergency system, or whether a person has been detected in the vicinity of the motor vehicle whose distance is less than a predetermined threshold. If one of these aforementioned queries yields a positive result, playback of the audio voice file is stopped in a sixth step S60 of the method according to the invention. If both queries yield a negative result, playback is continued according to at least one of steps S41 and S42.

[0055] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart according to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this flowchart, a first step S10 of the method also determines whether the motor vehicle is in an emergency state based on at least one status signal from the motor vehicle.

[0056] If an emergency condition of the motor vehicle is detected in step S10, a further status signal relating to the motor vehicle is determined in a step S11. This further status signal can, for example, relate to the type of fuel or the temperature of a battery system of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, a further status signal relating to a passenger of the motor vehicle is determined in a step S12. The status signal relating to a passenger of the motor vehicle relates, for example, to whether a passenger is a child or whether a passenger is unconscious.

[0057] In a next step S20, an audio voice file is retrieved or synthesized, as previously described in response to the detection of an emergency state of the motor vehicle in step S10. This audio voice file is again designed to inform persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle about the emergency state of the motor vehicle.

[0058] Additionally, in step S23, in response to the determination of a further status signal relating to the vehicle in step S11 or a further status signal relating to a passenger of the motor vehicle in step S12, a further audio voice file is retrieved or synthesized in step S23. The content of the further audio voice file depends on the further status signal determined in step S11 or step S12. The further audio voice file can, for example, contain information that there is no fire hazard from the motor vehicle, that a child is present in the motor vehicle, and / or that a passenger of the motor vehicle is unconscious.

[0059] In a fourth step of method S40, the audio speech file retrieved or synthesized in step S20 is played back on at least one loudspeaker. Alternatively or alternately, in step S43, the further audio speech file retrieved or synthesized in step S23 is played back on at least one loudspeaker. In other words, only step S43 can be performed.

[0060] In a next step S44, it is determined whether persons are detected in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. If this is not the case, playback of the audio voice file continues in step S40, or playback of the additional audio voice file continues in step S43.

[0061] If, however, a person is detected in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, a determination is made in the next step S45 as to whether the distance between the person and the vehicle is below a predetermined threshold. If this is not the case, playback of the audio voice file is continued in step S40 or the playback of the additional audio voice file is continued in step S43, and the person detection in step S44 and the distance determination in step S45 are repeated.

[0062] If, however, it is determined that the distance between the person and the motor vehicle is less than a predetermined limit, the volume and, if applicable, the content of the (further) audio file being played back is adjusted in step S46. For example, the volume decreases the closer a person gets to the motor vehicle. Alternatively, instead of a message calling for first responders, a message with first aid information is played as soon as a person is close enough to the motor vehicle. If only the audio voice file was played back beforehand in step S40, the adjustment of the content of the audio voice file can consist solely of switching to the further audio voice file.

[0063] Also according to the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a query is made in a step S50 as to whether an input has been made via a user interface of the motor vehicle and / or the vehicle emergency system.

[0064] If this query yields a positive result, playback of the audio speech file is stopped in a sixth step S60 of the method according to the invention. If this query yields a negative result, playback of the adapted audio speech file is continued in step S46 or playback of the audio speech files is continued according to steps S40 and S43.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle and vehicle emergency system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] The vehicle 10 according to the invention has at least one vehicle control unit 11. The vehicle control unit 11 can be one of several vehicle control units 11. For example, the vehicle control unit 11 is designed to monitor or control the vehicle operating state and includes, for example, a powertrain control device, a braking system control device, an anti-lock brake control device, a restraint control device, or an electronic stability control device, including, for example, a traction control device, a yaw stability control device, and a rollover stability control device. All of these vehicle control units 11 can output a status signal of the vehicle 10.

[0067] The vehicle 10 according to the invention further includes one or more vehicle sensors 12, such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, airbag deployment sensors, vehicle impact sensors, instrument panel impact sensors, seat / passenger impact sensors, rollover sensors, temperature sensors, and fuel flow cutoff switches. All of these vehicle sensors 12 can provide a status signal of the vehicle 10.

[0068] The motor vehicle 10 further includes a vehicle user interface 13 through which a passenger or a person assisting can make an input. This input can, for example, be used to stop the playback of an audio voice file.

[0069] The motor vehicle 10 according to the invention further comprises a vehicle emergency system 20 according to the invention, which is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the vehicle emergency system 20 has, in particular, a control unit 21. This control unit is designed to receive signals, in particular a status signal or a user input, from the aforementioned components of the vehicle 10. The control unit 21 is further designed to receive a status signal of the motor vehicle 10 from a sensor element 22 of the vehicle emergency system 20. The control unit 21 is further designed to detect an emergency status of the motor vehicle 10 depending on at least one received status signal.

[0070] The vehicle emergency system 20 further comprises a storage element 23 in which at least one audio voice file is stored. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle emergency system 20 comprises a speech synthesizer 24 configured to synthesize at least one audio voice file. For this purpose, the speech synthesizer 24 may optionally comprise a text memory 241. If an emergency state of the motor vehicle 10 is detected, the control unit 21 controls at least one of the storage element 23 and the speech synthesizer 24 such that they output an audio voice file to a playback element 25.

[0071] The playback element 25 comprises at least one digital-to-analog converter and, optionally, an amplifier. An audio signal output by the playback element 25 is fed either to an emergency loudspeaker 26 of the vehicle emergency system 10 or to an infotainment system 14 of the motor vehicle 10. According to the present embodiment, the infotainment system 14 has two loudspeakers 141, 142.

[0072] Finally, the audio file is output through at least one of the loudspeakers 26, 141, 142 in a form, in particular at a volume, suitable for informing persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 10 about the emergency state of the motor vehicle 10. This allows first responders to be called to the motor vehicle 10 who are out of sight or who might not have recognized the emergency state of the motor vehicle 10. This advantageously allows a passenger of the motor vehicle 10 to receive assistance more quickly.

[0073] The preferred embodiments of the invention described above generally include multiple circuits or other electrical devices. Such circuits and other electrical devices may be combined and / or separated in any manner based on the particular type of electrical implementation desired.

[0074] Such a circuit or other electrical device may include any number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable memory variants), and software that cooperate to perform an operation(s) disclosed herein. Additionally, one or more of the processors, circuits, and / or electrical devices may be configured to execute a computer program.

[0075] All references to such circuits and other electrical devices and the functionality provided by them should not be construed as limited to what is explicitly illustrated and described herein. Although specific designations are assigned to the various circuits or other electrical devices described herein, these designations should not be construed as limiting the scope of operation of the circuits and / or other electrical devices. List of reference symbols 10 vehicles 11 Vehicle control unit 12 vehicle sensor 13 Vehicle user interface 14 Infotainment system 141 speakers of the infotainment system 142 speakers of the infotainment system 20 Vehicle emergency system 21 Control unit 22 Sensor element 23 storage element 24 speech synthesizers 241 Text memory of the speech synthesizer 25 Playback element 26 emergency loudspeakers

Claims

[1] Method for operating a vehicle emergency system (20) comprising the steps of: Detecting (S10) an emergency state of a motor vehicle (10) based on at least one state signal of the motor vehicle (10); Retrieving or synthesizing (S20) at least one audio speech file in response to detecting an emergency condition of the motor vehicle (10); Reproducing the audio voice file (S40) in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the environment of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the environment of the motor vehicle (10) about the emergency state of the motor vehicle (10); Detection of persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (S44); Determining a distance between the persons and the motor vehicle (S45); and Adjusting a volume of the played audio voice file (S46) depending on the distance between the people and the motor vehicle. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the audio voice file is reproduced via at least one loudspeaker (141, 142) of an infotainment system (14) of the motor vehicle (10) and / or via at least one emergency loudspeaker (26) with increased accident safety. [3] The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Determining at least one further status signal (S11, S12) relating to the motor vehicle (10) or a passenger; Retrieving or synthesizing (S23) at least one further audio speech file in dependence on the at least one further status signal; and Reproducing the at least one further audio voice file (S43) in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the environment of the motor vehicle (10). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that at least one additional audio file contains instructions for first aid measures. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining position data of the motor vehicle (S12); and Retrieving or synthesizing the audio speech file (S20) or the at least one further audio speech file (S23) in a language corresponding to the position data. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Adapting the content of the played audio voice file (S46) depending on the distance between the people and the motor vehicle. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Stopping the playback (S60) of the audio voice file in response to a user input by means of a user interface (S50) of the vehicle emergency system (20) and / or the motor vehicle (10). [8] Vehicle emergency system (20), comprising at least one sensor element (12, 22) configured to detect a status signal of a motor vehicle; at least one storage element (23) with at least one audio speech file stored thereon and / or at least one speech synthesizer (24) configured for automatic speech generation; at least one loudspeaker (26, 141, 142) arranged to reproduce speech; Distance sensors for detecting a distance between the motor vehicle (10) and persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (10); and at least one control unit (11, 21) which is arranged to: to detect an emergency state of the motor vehicle (10) based on at least one state signal of the motor vehicle (10), to retrieve at least one audio speech file from the at least one storage element (23) in response to the detection of an emergency condition or to generate it by means of the speech synthesizer (24), to reproduce the at least one audio voice file via the at least one loudspeaker (26, 141, 142) in a form that is acoustically perceptible in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the audio voice file is designed to inform persons in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (10) about its emergency state, to detect persons in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (S44) by means of at least one distance sensor and to determine a distance between the persons and the motor vehicle (S45); and to adjust the volume of the reproduced audio voice file (S46) depending on the distance between the persons and the motor vehicle. [9] Motor vehicle (10) comprising the vehicle emergency system (20) according to claim 8. [10] A computer program product comprising instructions, the execution of which causes the vehicle emergency system (20) according to claim 8 to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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