Method for setting a state of an operating function of a vehicle and / or an object depending on an orientation of the vehicle to the object, as well as a communication system

Abstract

Method for setting a state of an operating function of a vehicle (1) and / or an operating function of an object (9) arranged externally to the vehicle (1), in which at least one ultra-wideband signal in a frequency range of an ultra-wideband communication channel (12) is transmitted between at least one ultra-wideband communication unit (8) of the vehicle (1) and a further ultra-wideband communication unit (11) arranged externally to the vehicle (1), characterized in that at least one ultra-wideband signal is transmitted between the at least one stationary ultra-wideband communication unit (11) arranged externally to the vehicle (1) and the ultra-wideband communication unit (8) of the vehicle (1), and depending on the at least one ultra-wideband signal, an evaluation unit (13) determines the orientation of the vehicle (1) to the object (9) arranged externally to the vehicle (1), whereby, depending on this determined orientation, the state of the operating function of the vehicle (1) and / or the operating function of the object (9) is set, wherein as a state of the operating function of the object (9) is set to an opening of a movable gate (16) of the object (9) when the vehicle (1) is positioned in a first orientation defined for this purpose in front of the gate (16) and as a state of the operating function of the object (9) a closed position of the movable gate (16) of the object (9) is set when the vehicle (1) is positioned in a second orientation in front of the gate (16) that differs from the defined first orientation.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting a state of an operating function of a vehicle and / or an operating function of an object arranged externally to the vehicle. In the method, at least one signal is transmitted in a frequency range of an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication channel between at least one ultra-wideband communication unit (UWB) of the motor vehicle and another ultra-wideband communication unit (UWB) arranged externally to the motor vehicle. Another aspect of the invention relates to a communication system.

[0002] DE 10 2015 208 625 A1 discloses a control device for assisting the driving of a vehicle. Based on UWB technology, communication is established between an external transceiver and the vehicle. Based on this signal communication, the distance and position of the vehicle relative to the external transceiver are to be determined.

[0003] A UWB-based positioning system for vehicles in the garage is known from CN 207249102 U.

[0004] From DE 10 2012 212 260 A1 a method and a device for controlling a driver assistance system is known.

[0005] Furthermore, a detection device and a system for detecting vehicle components are known from US 2012 / 0182122 A1.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2011 082 545 A1 discloses a method and a device for controlling or monitoring the opening movement of a body component.

[0007] A localization device for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2015 208 621 A1. This device uses UWB technology to exchange signals between a motor vehicle and a movable external object, which is the portable vehicle key. The localization device can determine the location of this movable external object and thus the distance and direction to the vehicle. This makes it possible to determine where the key is located outside the vehicle or whether it is located inside the vehicle. It is also possible to localize other dynamically moving objects external to the vehicle, such as road users, in this regard. It is also possible to enable the relative localization of a vehicle to a stationary object.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 200 159 A1 discloses a vehicle system for detecting the three-dimensional position of a wireless device. It can also be provided that a portable and thus dynamically movable vehicle key is detected based on signals in the UWB frequency range.

[0009] The configurations mentioned in the prior art only allow for the localization of external objects relative to a vehicle. This only allows a certain degree of information about the object's position relative to the vehicle, but no more than that, and only to a limited extent. This also prevents the prior art from enabling more precise adjustment of operating functions based on this information from the UWB signals.

[0010] Fundamentally, UWB technology is advantageous in that it enables very broadband radio transmission. This is particularly advantageous in that very low radiated power allows short distances to be covered. Furthermore, UWB technology enables very high transmission reliability compared to other transmission methods. A UWB signal is relatively difficult to detect and locate because the spectral power density is kept below the thermal noise. This also makes it very difficult to ensure a high level of security against eavesdropping or the unwanted extension of such signals. Last but not least, UWB technology enables extremely precise positioning. In contrast to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for example, positioning with UWB technology is not based on measuring signal strengths, but on a time-of-flight method.The time of light travel between an object and several receivers is measured. With a bandwidth of at least 20 percent of the center frequency, or at least 500 MHz, UWB technology also utilizes very wide frequency ranges, particularly between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a communication system in which or with which setting of a state of an operating function on the basis of UWB signals is improved.

[0012] This object is achieved by a method and a communication system according to the independent claims.

[0013] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting a state of an operating function of a vehicle and / or for setting a state of an operating function of an object arranged externally to the vehicle. In the method, at least one signal is transmitted in a frequency range of an ultra-wideband communication channel (UWB communication channel) between at least one ultra-wideband communication unit of the vehicle and another ultra-wideband communication unit arranged externally to the vehicle. This at least one signal is transmitted between the at least one ultra-wideband communication unit, which is particularly advantageous in this context and arranged stationary and external to the vehicle, and the ultra-wideband communication unit of the vehicle.In this regard, an orientation of the vehicle relative to the object located externally of the vehicle is very advantageously determined by an electronic evaluation unit based on this at least one UWB signal. Depending on this determined orientation, the state of the vehicle's operating function and / or the object's operating function is adjusted. This method essentially creates a UWB node formed by the ultra-wideband communication unit, namely a stationary UWB node of this type. This advantageously creates a reference UWB node that does not move and is not intended to move.This configuration then provides a particularly advantageous basis for exchanging such UWB signals through communication with the vehicle's ultra-wideband communication unit and evaluating them to the effect that not only a general and therefore less precise localization of the vehicle is possible, but also, more specifically, the orientation of the vehicle relative to the object located externally to the vehicle can be determined. This enables a greater degree of precision in the orientation of the vehicle in the environment, and in particular relative to the object located externally to the vehicle.As a result of such more precise information of the vehicle, it is then possible to decide much more precisely whether the operating function of the vehicle and / or an operating function of the object is to be set in its state, in particular whether it is to be activated or deactivated, in particular whether it is to be transferred from a possibly predetermined basic state, which represents the active state, to a deactivated state.

[0014] It is provided that one state of the object's operating function is set to be the opening of a movable gate of the object when the vehicle is positioned in front of the gate in a first orientation defined for this purpose. This makes it possible for the vehicle to not want to drive into the object, which could be a garage or parking garage or the like, if the vehicle is positioned in front of the object, for example, in the front direction and thus with its front side facing the gate of the object. In this context, due to this specific orientation of the vehicle, namely with its front side facing the gate, it can be recognized that there is no desire to drive into the object and thus the state of the operating function, namely opening the gate, is deactivated, so that the gate remains closed in this case.On the other hand, it can be provided that, in a second orientation of the vehicle in front of the gate, which differs from the first orientation, for example, when the vehicle's rear is facing the gate of the object, a desire for the vehicle to enter the object and thus, in particular, to park therein is desired. With such an orientation or specific orientation of the vehicle relative to the gate of the object, determined depending on the at least one UWB signal, the state of the object's operating function can be maintained. This means that, in this case, the opening of the gate, which is advantageously set as the basic state of the operating function, is carried out.

[0015] In principle, this exemplary definition of the different orientations can also be carried out inversely, so that a desire to enter the object, in particular a garage or a parking garage, is recognized when the vehicle is positioned with its front facing the gate.

[0016] In principle, it is also advantageous for specific orientations of a vehicle relative to an object to be specified or defined by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by simply entering data into an electronic evaluation unit in the vehicle. In addition to this, or instead of this, it can also be learned by the communication system in a training scenario.

[0017] It is intended that one of the operating conditions of the facility is to set the movable gate to remain closed if the vehicle is positioned in front of the gate in a second orientation that differs from the defined first orientation. Examples of such second orientations have already been mentioned above.

[0018] Compared to mere localization, this information about the vehicle's orientation not only makes it possible to determine whether the vehicle is close to or farther away from the object, but also to specify the vehicle's orientation more precisely. In this context, it can be made even more precise: even if, for example, a vehicle is relatively close to the object in terms of its position and location, it is still not necessary to change the state of the operating function, since the information about the vehicle's orientation makes it possible to recognize that such an adjustment of the state of the operating function is not necessary. This could not be achieved with mere localization information.For example, in this context, the orientation can also be used to detect and decide whether specific components of the vehicle, with regard to the vehicle's operating function and / or the object's operating function, would interfere with the execution of the operating function. In particular, unwanted collisions between the object and the vehicle can thus be avoided if the operating functions of the vehicle and / or the object are adjusted, in particular activated, with regard to their status.

[0019] For example, at least subcomponents of the object and / or the vehicle can move in this context, thus enabling an active operating function to be performed, or in this respect, an active state of the operating function to be present. Especially when such subcomponents of the object and / or the vehicle can move, for example, pivot, the now more precise information about the vehicle's orientation can also be used to make an improved decision as to whether a collision of this subcomponent of the vehicle with the object and / or a collision of the subcomponent of the object with the vehicle would occur.Since the orientation of the vehicle then advantageously allows for the location of a particular subcomponent of the vehicle, and thus a decision can be made as to whether actively performing the object's operational function would be disruptive in this regard, more precise action scenarios can be determined. The same applies in addition to or instead of a movement of a subcomponent of the object with regard to the orientation of the vehicle, in particular a subcomponent of the vehicle, which must be taken into account for this purpose.

[0020] In general, the setting of a state of an operating function can be improved and made more precise using the above-mentioned procedure, and the accuracy of the decision as to whether or not to set a state of an operating function can be increased. This also significantly reduces incorrect settings.

[0021] It is precisely this more precise information on the orientation of the vehicle to the object that is made possible by UWB technology, i.e. by UBW signals and their evaluation.

[0022] Advantageously, the operating function is deactivated instead of being set. This allows high safety requirements to be met. With the proposed procedure, this deactivation is no longer carried out in such a way that deactivation actually occurs even when it is not necessary in order to meet safety requirements due to the imprecise information available, as is only possible with prevailing localizations. Rather, the proposed procedure also allows for a certain safety buffer to be reduced for the probability, since the information on the vehicle's orientation can significantly reduce the number of cases in which a comprehensive and precautionary deactivation is carried out for safety reasons in order to avoid safety-critical situations, in particular a collision.

[0023] Preferably, it is provided that an orientation of at least one specific subcomponent of the vehicle is determined as an orientation of the vehicle. In particular, an orientation of a movable flap of the vehicle in the closed state of the flap relative to the external object is determined. The movable flap is an example of a subcomponent of the vehicle. In this context, it is known how the flap is arranged on the vehicle and / or where it is arranged on the vehicle, and in particular it is also known what the movement behavior, in particular the pivoting behavior of the flap is. For such an embodiment in particular, it can be decided in a significantly improved and more precise manner whether a state of the operating function of the vehicle, in particular here of the movable flap, is set.In particular, it is intended that a more precise decision can be made as to whether, based on the current orientation of the vehicle relative to the external object, safe opening of the vehicle's movable tailgate is possible. In this context, safe opening is defined, in particular, as opening without collision with the object.

[0024] Preferably, it is provided that depending on this orientation of the movable flap to the external object, a potential collision between the movable flap and the external object is assessed and, depending thereon, the state of the operating function of the flap is set.

[0025] In particular, the opening of this movable flap is deactivated when a potential collision is assessed or detected. Based on information about the flap's location on the vehicle, the direction and / or the extent to which it would be pivoted, and the flap's orientation relative to the object, a more precise decision can be made as to whether or not the flap's opening, particularly its automatic opening, should be enabled.

[0026] This also generally allows for the required state of the flap's operating function, which in this case is pivoting the flap, to be set. A required state can be a state that satisfies safety aspects and / or a state that satisfies other regulations.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the orientation of the vehicle is determined in only two spatial directions. In particular, this can be a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction of the vehicle. These are therefore in particular those directions that are horizontally oriented. These spatial directions can refer to the entire vehicle as such. However, it can also be provided that in this regard, two spatial directions of a subcomponent of the vehicle are used and taken into account. In particular, specific orientations of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction can thus be determined, in particular relative to the object. This then makes it possible to determine the orientation of the vehicle, in particular of a subcomponent of the vehicle, relative to the object.

[0028] It can also be provided that, if an incorrect alignment of the vehicle is detected, which prevents proper operation of the vehicle and / or the object and / or any future operation of the vehicle and / or the object can only be carried out to a limited extent, a warning is set as the state of the vehicle's operating function and / or as the state of the object's operating function. This advantageously informs a user.

[0029] For example, if the vehicle is parked facing the wrong way, which is either illegal or unwanted, the user can receive a warning. This can also help avoid fines. It is also possible to issue a warning if the vehicle is parked or parked on the wrong side of the road.

[0030] A movable flap of a vehicle could be, for example, a tailgate or a vehicle door. A movable flap of an object could be, for example, a gate, such as a garage door or the like. An object is advantageously a stationary object. This could be, for example, a garage or a parking garage. However, it could also be a parking zone on the side of the road or in a parking area.

[0031] In particular, the fixed arrangement of the UWB communication unit external to the vehicle allows for the creation of a reference node, by means of which the orientation of the vehicle moving relative to it can be determined with particular accuracy and precision. Because the position of this fixed, vehicle-external UWB communication unit within this fundamental environmental area is known, the orientation to the object can be determined with particular precision by evaluating the UWB signals exchanged between the ultra-wideband communication units (UWB communication units).

[0032] Advantageously, at least two stationary UWB communication units located externally to the vehicle can be provided. Additionally or instead of this, the vehicle can be provided with at least two ultra-wideband communication units. This can further improve the precision of determining the vehicle's orientation.

[0033] In particular, this makes it possible to determine with even greater precision the alignment of subcomponents of the vehicle, in particular movable subcomponents of the vehicle, to the external object.

[0034] Orientation information can therefore be measured, in particular via a so-called time-off-flight measurement between the ultra-broadband communication units of the vehicle and the unit arranged externally, particularly by external and static or stationary UWB nodes or ultra-wideband communication units, for example in a garage or in a parking garage, which represent objects, and the orientation information can then be determined from this.

[0035] In particular, as in the advantageous embodiment already mentioned above, a warning can be issued. This can be an acoustic signal, for example, a simple warning tone. However, a voice signal can also be issued as an acoustic signal.

[0036] In addition, it may also be possible, for example, to illuminate a path to the vehicle, particularly taking into account the orientation of the vehicle.

[0037] An ultra-wideband communication unit can also be, for example, an RSAD (Relay Station Attack Defense) unit, for example a Kessy (Keyless Access) RSAD communication unit designed for UWB time-of-flight measurement.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic communication system comprising at least one ultra-broadband communication unit of a vehicle and a further ultra-broadband communication unit arranged externally to the vehicle and fixedly located in the surroundings of the vehicle. The communication system is designed to carry out a method according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In particular, this method is carried out with the communication system. In particular, the further ultra-broadband communication unit arranged externally to the vehicle and fixedly located is arranged relative to the object external to the vehicle.

[0039] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the communication system. In particular, units of the communication system are designed to carry out at least some of the method steps, in particular all of the method steps.

[0040] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle in a specific orientation to an object; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the vehicle in a Fig. 1 different orientation to an external object; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a vehicle in an orientation relative to an external object; and Fig. 4 is a schematic representation in which the vehicle has a Fig. 3 different orientation to the one in Fig. 3 shown object.

[0042] The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0043] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0044] In Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is, in particular, a motor vehicle. It can be a passenger car or a truck. The vehicle 1 has a longitudinal direction 2 and a transverse direction 3 oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The two spatial directions are oriented perpendicular to one another and formed in a horizontal plane. The vehicle 1 has a front region 4 and a rear region 5. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 advantageously and by way of example has at least one subcomponent 6. The subcomponent 6 here is a movable flap—in particular, it is a tailgate 6. The tailgate 6 is movable about a pivot axis 7 oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The vehicle 1 also has at least one ultra-broadband communication unit 8 internally.This ultra-wideband communication unit 8 is designed to transmit and receive ultra-wideband signals (UWB signals). Fig. 1 also shows a schematic representation of an object 9 that is external to and separate from the vehicle 1. The object 9 is arranged in a fixed location in the surrounding area. In this case, the object 9 is a parking area for the vehicle 1. The object 9 can be, for example, a garage or a parking garage. In particular, in the example shown, the object 9 is formed with a roof 10. The roof 10 can also be arranged at an angle, for example.

[0045] In addition, Fig. 1 shows a further ultra-wideband communication unit 11. This further ultra-wideband communication unit 11 is arranged externally to the vehicle 1. This further ultra-wideband communication unit 11 is arranged in a fixed location and thus immobile in the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 1. In particular, it is Fig. 1 is arranged on the object 9 itself. It can also be provided that the vehicle 1 has at least two internal ultra-wideband communication units 8 and / or that at least two separate ultra-wideband communication units 11 are arranged externally to the vehicle 1, in particular on the object 9 itself. The ultra-wideband communication units 8 and 11 can transmit ultra-wideband signals via an ultra-wideband communication channel 12.

[0046] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 has already entered the object 9 and is located, for example, in a parking area. At least one signal, in particular at least one UWB signal, is transmitted between the ultra-wideband communication units 8 and 11. Depending on the at least one UWB signal, an alignment or orientation of the vehicle 1 relative to the external object 9 is determined. In particular, an electronic evaluation unit 13 is provided for this purpose. In Fig. 1, this electronic evaluation unit 13 is located in the vehicle 1. However, it can also be located externally to the vehicle 1. Depending on this determination of the orientation of the vehicle 1, a state of an operating function of the vehicle 1 is set. Setting can generally be maintaining the already set state or changing the state.

[0047] In the present exemplary embodiment, it is recognized that the vehicle 1 is arranged in a first orientation in which its rear area 5 is facing the rear end 14 of a parking zone of the object 9. Due to the design of the object 9 and the orientation of the vehicle 1, a state of the operating function of the vehicle 1 is deactivated in the present example. In the present example, the operating function is the operating function of the movable flap 6. The operating function is moving the flap 6. Since in the present exemplary embodiment, due to the specifically recognized orientation of the vehicle 1, it is also recognized that opening the flap 6 would result in a collision with the object 9, in particular the roof or ceiling 10, the opening of the flap 6 is deactivated due to these specifically recognized orientations.Thus, the active operating state of this operating function of the subcomponent, namely the flap 6, which is generally set as the default state, is deactivated. With this orientation of the vehicle 1, the opening of the flap 6 is thus prevented.

[0048] In particular, with regard to the orientation of the vehicle 1, the orientation of the longitudinal direction 2 and / or the transverse direction 3 is evaluated. In addition or instead of this, however, it is also possible to determine, based on information from the ultra-wideband communication unit 8, in particular its position and location in the vehicle 1, which is defined and / or stored, whether the vehicle 1 is oriented with the rear area 5 facing the rear end of the parking zone 15 or not, in particular by evaluating the at least one UWB signal.

[0049] In particular, an orientation of a movable flap of the vehicle, here the flap 6 in the closed state of the flap 6, relative to the external object 9 is also determined. Depending on this orientation of this flap 6 relative to the external object 9, a potential collision between the flap 6 and the object 9 in the event of a possible movement of the flap 6 is assessed, and the operating state of the flap 6 is adjusted accordingly.

[0050] In Fig. 2 is in a corresponding schematic example as in Fig. 1 shows the state in which the vehicle 1 is arranged in the opposite direction to the object 9. This means that the front area 4 of the vehicle 1 faces a rear end of the parking zone 15. With this specific second orientation of the vehicle 1, it is also recognized that the opening of the flap 6 is possible without any problems and without causing a collision with the object 9. Therefore, with this specific second orientation of the vehicle 1 to the object 9, a state of the operating function of the flap 6 is set that relates to the opening of the flap 6.

[0051] In Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment. In this embodiment, a vehicle 1 is adjacent to the object 9 and not, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, positioned in the object 9. The object 9 can again be a parking area, in particular a garage or a parking garage. The object 9 has a sub-element or a sub-component. This sub-component is in particular a movable gate 16. It is in Fig. 3 shown in the closed state. As in Fig. 3, the vehicle 1 is in a specific first orientation relative to the object 9. This is such that the front area 4 is facing the object 9, in particular the gate 16. In this specific orientation, it is recognized that, for example, the vehicle 1 does not intend to enter the object 9. Therefore, a state of the operating function of the gate 16 is set, which relates to the gate 16 remaining closed. In particular, such a functionality is predetermined or stored by a user in a communication system 17.

[0052] In Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of vehicle 1 in front of object 9. However, here a Fig. 3 shows a different second orientation of the vehicle 1 relative to this object 9, in particular the gate 16. Here, the rear area 5 is facing this gate 16. This indicates that this second orientation creates a situation in which there is a desire to enter the object 9. Therefore, with this orientation, which is determined by evaluating the at least one UWB signal, a state of the operating function of the gate 16 is set such that the gate 16 is opened.

[0053] In all of the exemplary embodiments explained, it can also be provided, in addition to or instead of this, that a warning is issued depending on the orientation of the vehicle 1 to an external object 9 determined via the at least one UWB signal if there is an incorrect orientation in order to carry out a specific action. If an incorrect orientation of the vehicle 1 is detected, which in particular prevents proper operation of the vehicle, in particular of a subcomponent thereof, and / or proper operation of the object, in particular of a subcomponent thereof, and / or any future operation of the vehicle 1 and / or of the object 9 can only take place to a maximum of a limited extent, the output of a warning is set as the state of the operating function of the vehicle 1 and / or as the state of the operating function of the object 9.This warning information may include that an operational function cannot be performed and / or the orientation of the vehicle 1 may result in a penalty, such as a fine, being expected. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 Longitudinal direction 3 Transverse direction 4 Front area 5 Rear area 6 subcomponents 7 Swivel axis 8 Ultra-wideband communication unit 9 Object 10 Roof 11 Ultra-wideband communication unit 12 Ultra-wideband communication channel 13 electronic evaluation unit 14 rear end 15 parking zone 16 goals 17 Communication system

Claims

[1] Method for setting a state of an operating function of a vehicle (1) and / or an operating function of an object (9) arranged externally to the vehicle (1), in which at least one ultra-wideband signal is transmitted in a frequency range of an ultra-wideband communication channel (12) between at least one ultra-wideband communication unit (8) of the vehicle (1) and a further ultra-wideband communication unit (11) arranged externally to the vehicle (1), characterized by , that the at least one ultra-wideband signal is transmitted between the at least one ultra-wideband communication unit (11) arranged stationary and external to the vehicle (1) and the ultra-wideband communication unit (8) of the vehicle (1), and depending on the at least one ultra-wideband signal, an orientation of the vehicle (1) to the object (9) arranged external to the vehicle (1) is determined by an evaluation unit (13), wherein the state of the operating function of the vehicle (1) and / or the operating function of the object (9) is set depending on this determined orientation, wherein as a state of the operating function of the object (9), an opening of a movable gate (16) of the object (9) is set when the vehicle (1) is positioned in front of the gate (16) in a first orientation defined for this purpose, and as a state of the operating function of the object (9), the movable gate (16) of the object (9) is set to remain closed when the vehicle (1) is positioned in front of the gate (16) in a second orientation different from the defined first orientation. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that deactivation of the operating function is carried out as a setting of the operating function. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that an orientation of a movable flap (6) of the vehicle (1), in particular in the closed state of the flap (6), relative to the external object (9) is determined as an orientation of the vehicle (1). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized bythat depending on the orientation of the movable flap (6) to the external object (9), a potential collision between the flap (6) and the object (9) is assessed and the state of the operating function of the flap (6) is set depending thereon. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the opening of the flap (6) is deactivated when a potential collision is assessed. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the orientation of the vehicle (1) is determined only in relation to a maximum of two spatial directions, in particular the longitudinal direction (2) and the transverse direction (3). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat when an incorrect alignment of the vehicle (1) is detected, in which a proper operation of the vehicle (1) and / or the object (9) is prevented and / or a future operation of the vehicle (1) and / or the object (9) can only be carried out to a maximum extent, an output of a warning is set as the state of the operating function of the vehicle (1) and / or as the state of the operating function of the object (9). [8] Communication system (17) comprising at least one ultra-broadband communication unit (8) of a vehicle (1) and a further ultra-broadband communication unit (11) arranged externally to the vehicle (1) and in a fixed location, wherein the communication system (17) is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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