Arrangement and method for configuring a product

Abstract

Arrangement (10) for configuring a product (14), wherein the product (14) is configurable from a plurality of non-variable components (21) and at least one variable component (19), wherein several selection options (26) exist for the variable component (19), comprising: - a display device (13); - a storage device (24) containing configuration information, wherein the configuration information defines an assignment of the components (19, 21) to one another and / or to the product (14); and - a processor device (22) which is designed to control the display device (13) in such a way that the assignment defined by the configuration information can be displayed therewith, characterized in that the control causes such a display that non-variable components (21) are displayed in a first level (32) and several selection options (26) of a variable component (19) are displayed in further levels (33) which are offset from the first level (32), wherein the selection options (26) are offset relative to one another so that they partially overlap, but their content is at least partially visually detectable, wherein the further levels (33) are offset along a depth axis (T) relative to the first level (32), wherein the depth axis (T) runs at an angle to a display surface (12) of the display device (13), wherein a position of the further levels (33) along the depth axis (T) can be varied in accordance with a user input.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for configuring a product. The product can be a vehicle, and in particular a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck. The arrangement and the method can, in principle, be computer-implemented and, for example, be executed by a computer with at least one microprocessor or comprise such a computer.

[0002] It is known that products can be configured from a number of components. The components can be assemblies. Depending on their hierarchy level and / or structural significance or assignment within the product, these can represent higher-level or lower-level assemblies (subassemblies) in relation to other assemblies. Likewise, the components can be parts that are assigned to a specific assembly and / or compose it.

[0003] It is common practice to define so-called parent-child relationships between components. Components located at the same structural level and / or hierarchy level within the product structure can form "parent" elements, and components assigned to these or subordinate to these can be dependent "child" elements.

[0004] If a product is to be configured, for example, for work preparation, for logistics planning in production, or for general simulation purposes, the required components must be assembled (i.e., configured). For this purpose, (digital) configuration information can be stored in advance for specific products and read, for example, from a storage device.

[0005] The configuration information can be information about a component's location within a product structure, for example, within a tree structure. It can also specify a relationship between the component and other components, for example, in the sense of the parent / child relationships explained above. In general, the configuration information can thus be information about the hierarchical position and / or classification of the component within the product. All of this information can define an assignment of the components to one another and / or a component to the product.

[0006] The preferably digital configuration information can be stored, for example, as a table. Assemblies and components are also referred to below as (product) components. It is also known to structure these components according to their relationships to one another and / or to the parent product, and in particular to display them in a structured manner. The latter can be done, for example, using a display device such as a computer monitor.

[0007] A common representation type is a tree structure, in which the various components, starting from the product (e.g., as a so-called root), branch out via edges and nodes according to different hierarchy levels and / or detail lines. Each node can represent an assembly or subassembly of the product and branch out into further assemblies and / or components contained within it. It is also known to represent product structures by displaying the components contained within them according to the above-mentioned parent-child relationships, where "parent" objects or components can be a higher-level assembly and / or the final product, and "child" elements can be (sub-)assemblies or components contained within them.

[0008] Such structures are typically displayed or visualized as two-dimensional representations. For example, components (and / or nodes or “parent” elements) that are on the same structural or hierarchical level can be displayed in a first dimension. In a second dimension, which is different from the first dimension and can be arranged at an angle of, for example, 90° to it, components that are on other hierarchical levels or structural levels can be displayed. These can be, for example, components of a branch and / or “child” elements. In particular, those components that form individual assemblies and / or parts of the product or are included in individual assemblies of the product that are on the same hierarchical level can be displayed or listed in the second dimension.

[0009] In vehicle development, product configurations are created and created for a variety of purposes. In particular, this is necessary to create a digital twin of a vehicle (e.g., in the form of a bill of materials), for example, for simulation purposes (especially crash simulation). However, it may also be necessary to perform assembly planning for the vehicle or logistics planning for an assembly line, e.g., to determine the components and / or tools to be provided along the assembly line.

[0010] Vehicles can vary depending on customer requirements, approval requirements in different countries, or due to different technical specifications (engine and / or transmission used). As explained below, different variants may also exist depending on the time periods considered. In particular, several selection options may exist for individual components of a product family or vehicle type in order to select a specific type or type of this component according to a current variant request. This selection can be made manually, for example, by an operator configuring the vehicle.

[0011] To date, it has been difficult to appropriately handle this variety of variants and provide operators with sufficiently intuitive selection options. This can lead to operators misconfiguring the vehicle, which in turn can result in further disadvantages with regard to the aforementioned simulation and planning processes.

[0012] Further technological background can be found in the following publications: Lee, SU: An Effective Methodology with Automated Product Configuration for Software Product Line Development. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Vol. 2015, Article ID: 435316, pp. 1–11. DOI: 10.1155 / 2015 / 435316; Rabiser, R. et al.: Supporting Multiplicity and Hierarchy in Model-Based Configuration: Experiences and Lessons Learned. In: Model-Driven Engineering Languages and Systems, 17 th International Conference, MODELS 2014, pp. 320-336.

[0013] There is therefore a need to improve the configuration of products and especially vehicles.

[0014] This object is achieved with an arrangement according to the appended claim 1 and a method according to the appended claim 10. Advantageous further developments are specified in the appended dependent claims. It is understood that all of the above remarks and explanations may also apply to the present solution, unless otherwise stated or apparent.

[0015] The invention generally provides for appropriately identifying selection options for variable components, preferably in existing and user-familiar display variants of a product configuration, so that a user can recognize these selection options, easily switch between them, and / or make appropriate selections. This reduces the risk of incorrect product configuration and can generally increase ease of use from the user's perspective.

[0016] In general, the invention proposes differentiating between the representation of non-variable components and variable components. In particular, the selection options of the variable components should be displayed at least partially on different levels than the higher-level product structure and / or the non-variable components. For this purpose, a representation in offset levels is provided, wherein a user can preferably switch between these levels to select the selection options displayed in the respective levels or can vary a position and / or representation of these selection options via corresponding operator inputs. This means that the user can also have the selection options displayed individually or switch between views of them in order to make a suitable selection.

[0017] In detail, the invention proposes an arrangement for configuring a product and in particular a vehicle, with the features of claim 1 and, inter alia, wherein the product is configurable from a plurality of non-variable components (ie assemblies and / or components) and at least one variable component, wherein there are several selection options for the variable component, with: - a display device; - a storage device containing configuration information, wherein the configuration information defines an assignment of the components to each other and / or to the product; and - a processor device which is configured to control the display device in such a way that the assignment defined by the configuration information can be displayed therewith, in such a way that non-variable components are displayed in a first level and at least one selection option of a variable component is displayed in a further level which is offset from the first level.

[0018] Non-variable components can be components that are the same for every product type or product type. In the case of a vehicle, this could be, for example, a windshield and / or a hood. Variable components, on the other hand, can generally be variant-dependent. The reasons for the need for such variants were mentioned above.

[0019] The selection options can each refer to a specific type of variable component currently being considered, which is in principle suitable for use in the product. For example, the variable component can be a vehicle battery, and the selection options can refer to different types of vehicle batteries (i.e., each selection option can refer to a specific type of vehicle battery).

[0020] The display device can be a computer screen. In general, it can be any electronic and / or digitally controllable display device. A computer is understood herein to mean devices with a (digital and / or electronic) microprocessor that are configured to execute program instructions and, in particular, to control a display device based thereon. Examples of computer devices include mobile devices (smartphones), tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, or smart TVs.

[0021] The processor device can be a (preferably digital and / or electronically operable) microprocessor. The processor device can also comprise several such microprocessors. In a conventional manner, the processor device can control the display device by issuing suitable control commands. In particular, the processor device can transmit display contents to the display device or information regarding which display contents should currently be displayed or where they can be found.

[0022] In general, the configuration information can be displayed as a graphic on the display device. The graphic can be operated interactively. In particular, it can be varied according to user input, for example, by selecting or activating nodes within the graphic and / or components. The components can be displayed within the graphic using a symbol and / or text (e.g., an identifying statement or designation). The position of this symbol or text can be selected according to the configuration information, i.e., positioned within the graphic, for example, according to the hierarchy or structure defined thereby.

[0023] The first plane can be formed by a first and second dimension of the type explained in the introduction. It can correspond to a display area of the display device or be positioned parallel to this display area. In general, the display device can define a two-dimensional display field, wherein positions within this field can be defined as pixel coordinates. By specifying corresponding pixel values (e.g. by the processor device), the content to be displayed can be defined. The display area can correspond to a plane of pixels or pixel coordinates. The first plane can also correspond to this pixel plane or be displayed parallel to it.

[0024] It should be noted that the variable component itself does not have to be displayed, or can be displayed simply by displaying the selection options available for it. These selection options can be displayed individually in a specifically assigned level. Any displayed level mentioned herein can be displayed above and / or as a separate window or field. Levels for the selection option can only display one of the selection options, i.e., if there are n numbers of selection options, n further levels can be provided. However, according to the invention, these further levels are offset relative to the first level. This clearly indicates to the operator that there are components that differ from the usual product structure, namely components between which a selection must be made. This reduces the risk of incorrect configuration (e.g.This reduces the likelihood of errors (e.g., by failing to make a suitable selection or making an incorrect selection). Ease of use also increases from a user's perspective. However, it cannot be ruled out that at least one of the selection options is displayed on the same first level as non-variable components. This could, for example, be a top-of-the-line selection option from the operator's perspective.

[0025] In principle, the additional plane can be positioned in the same display area or pixel plane as the first plane, but displayed at a perspective offset from it. Preferably, these planes are offset relative to one another along a depth axis and / or along an axis that runs at an angle to the first plane.

[0026] This creates a particularly intuitive display of the selection options for variable components, making it easier for the operator to make their selection and reducing the risk of incorrect or missing selections. The selection options thus stand out from the usual product structure because, from the operator's perspective, they are positioned further back or further forward. The position information refers to a (perspective and / or subjectively perceived) depth axis of the type mentioned above.

[0027] In summary, the invention provides that the further plane is offset from the first plane along a (virtual) depth axis, wherein the depth axis runs at an angle and in particular orthogonally to a display surface of the display device.

[0028] It is understood that all planes mentioned herein can be virtual planes in the sense of virtual display objects. As mentioned, these can be positioned, for example, as (virtual) fields or windows within a display area of the display device. As is also generally known, however, by means of suitable graphic representations, objects can also be represented (in perspective) in such a way that they are offset relative to one another along depth dimensions, despite a two-dimensional pixel plane. The depth axis used for perspective representations generally forms a third dimension compared to the dimensions mentioned above. In particular, this can be an axis that runs at an angle and in particular orthogonally to a display area (and / or pixel plane) of the display device.

[0029] According to the invention, it is further provided that a position of the further level can be varied along the partial axis in accordance with a user input. In particular, this level can be arranged further forward or further back from the operator's perspective, i.e., it can be shifted along the depth axis. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of selection options are displayed in several corresponding levels (preferably one level per selection option). Using the functionality described, an operator can then, figuratively speaking, bring a selection option that is relevant to him further forward and / or shift a less relevant selection option back in order to make a suitable selection.

[0030] A level at the front position can, if the operator enters a suitable user input (e.g. a zoom request or scroll request in the direction of the depth axis facing the operator as explained below), be automatically repositioned along the depth axis after reaching a maximum front position. In particular, this level can be positioned at the rearmost or furthest back position along the depth axis. Figuratively speaking, this level can change from a front to a back position along the depth axis like a scrolling card index or scrolling register. In general, the (virtual) moveability of levels along the depth axes enables a type of browsing or a quick and intuitive review of the individual selection options by the operator.

[0031] In this context, it can further be provided that the user input for varying a position of the further plane along the depth axis enters a magnification request (or, in other words, a zoom request) and / or a scroll request. In other words, these can be the same user inputs by means of which the user generally indicates a corresponding magnification or scroll request. Scrolling can generally be understood as the shifting of representations within a display area, in particular if these can only be displayed in sections within the display area and the position of the displayed section is to be varied by scrolling.

[0032] Furthermore, in this context, it can be provided that the user input is made using a rotary wheel. In particular, the rotary wheel can be turned or rotated in a conventional manner (e.g., by corresponding manual actuation). The rotary wheel can be integrated into a computer mouse.

[0033] Alternatively, user input can be provided via a touch-sensitive surface. In particular, appropriate user inputs can be provided by pressing and / or predetermined finger movements along the touch-sensitive surface, and in particular, a magnification request can be displayed.

[0034] According to a further development, the components are assemblies and / or parts of the product. For example, a component can be an assembly and / or a part that is comprised of an assembly. Each assembly can in turn be comprised of a higher-level assembly (and consequently be a sub-assembly itself). Assemblies can generally be understood to mean several parts that are combined to form a geometric, structural, spatial and / or functional unit and are in particular connected to one another (preferably mechanically). In particular, it can be a separately handleable unit or a module that comprises several parts and that is, for example, incorporated into the product as a whole as part of a single assembly process.

[0035] As mentioned, the configuration information can generally define a tree structure (of the product or the components it comprises). Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information can define parent-child relationships between the individual components of the product. Finally, according to a further development, it can also be provided that a product configuration can be determined by selecting one of the selection options for the at least one variable component. This selection can be made by suitable user input, for example by activating, clicking, tapping, or the like. In particular, this can be used to determine the component type or type that is actually intended to be provided in the product. It is understood that to fully determine the product configuration, several corresponding selection processes may be required for preferably all variable components.

[0036] The invention further relates to a method for configuring a product having the features of claim 8 and others, wherein the product is configurable from a plurality of non-variable components and at least one variable component, wherein several selection options exist for the variable component, with: - Obtaining configuration information that defines an assignment of the components to each other and / or to the product; and - controlling a display device in such a way that it displays the assignment defined by the configuration information, in such a way that non-variable components are displayed in a first level and at least one selection option of a variable component is displayed in a further level which is offset from the first level.

[0037] All of the above and below statements, explanations, and developments of the arrangement according to the invention can also apply to the method and, in particular, to identical features thereof. In particular, the method can be implemented with any arrangement of the above and following type. In general, the method can include all further features, steps, or measures to provide all of the inventive functionalities, operating states, and / or interactions described herein.

[0038] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the attached schematic figures. Fig. 1 shows an arrangement which carries out a method according to the invention, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 shows an arrangement according to the prior art.

[0039] Firstly, referring to Fig. 2, a solution according to the prior art is explained. Similar or equivalent features that are also present in the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 1 may nevertheless be provided with the same reference symbols across all figures.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the display area of a display device 13. The display device 13 is, for example, the screen of a computer device. The display area 12 is formed by a pixel plane of this display device 13.

[0041] Configuration information for a product 14 not shown separately, such as a vehicle, can be seen. This configuration information is displayed in a tree structure. Rectangular fields are shown, each connected to each other by individual lines or edges. The fields can contain, or be replaced by, symbols and / or text that identify a component 19, 21 and / or the parent product.

[0042] More specifically, a first field contains information about the currently viewed product 14, for example, a currently viewed vehicle type. The subsequent fields each specify assemblies 16 of the product 14.

[0043] It is shown purely by way of example that one of the assemblies 16 comprises several subassemblies 18. The lowest subassembly 18 in turn comprises several individual components 20. All of the assemblies 16, subassemblies 18 and components 20, which each individually form components 19, 21 of the product 14, are in turn represented by means of corresponding fields (e.g., text and / or symbol fields).

[0044] Such a representation has proven problematic when individual assemblies 16, subassemblies 18, which in the context of this disclosure generally form an example of a particular type of assembly 16, and components 20 are variable. In particular, depending on the current vehicle variant, certain types of these assemblies 16, subassemblies 18, or components 20 can be selected. In the representation from Fig. 2 an operator might have to recognize such variability through prior knowledge or experience and can easily overlook it.

[0045] In Fig. 1 shows an arrangement 10 according to the invention. This in turn comprises a display device 13 with a display surface 12, which is analogous to that of Fig. 2, wherein the display area 12 optionally comprises a touch-sensitive surface 11. Furthermore, the arrangement 10 has a processor device 22 with at least one microprocessor (not shown). Also shown is a memory device 24 which contains the configuration information explained in the general part for a currently viewed product 14. The configuration information also indicates if multiple variants (i.e., selection options 26) exist for a specific component 19, 21. Such a component 19, 21 is generally referred to as a variable component 19. By selecting one of the selection options 26 existing for this purpose, an operator determines the component type or the concrete component type that is actually to be provided in the product 14 to be configured. Other components 19, 21 without variants are non-variable components 21.

[0046] In addition to the country- and / or customer-specific requirements or the varying technical specifications explained in the introduction, variable components 19 can also arise because these components 19 are subject to temporal variations. More precisely, a different type of component 19 may be provided depending on the installation period, for example, because individual components 19 are replaced over the service life of the product 14 or are to be replaced in the foreseeable future. Thus, depending on the relevant point in time, an operator can select the component 19 from the total selection options 26 that is likely to be present or has been present in the product 14 at that time.

[0047] In detail, Fig. 1, a tree-like structure is shown in the display area 12, which is generated based on the configuration information. The processor device 22 reads this configuration information from the memory device 24 and generates control commands for the display device 13, on the basis of which, for example, the individual pixels within the pixel plane of the display area 12 are appropriately controlled. The hardware components and processing steps required for this are known in principle.

[0048] First, the product 14 and the assemblies 16 it comprises are shown. A lower assembly 16 is in turn divided into several subassemblies 18, with the lower subassembly 18 comprising several individual components 20. These are each non-variable components 21.

[0049] The upper subassembly 18, on the other hand, is a variable component 19 for which several individual selection options 26 exist. In the example shown, each selection option 26 corresponds to a specific type of subassembly 18 that an operator can select, for example a specific battery type if this subassembly 18 is the vehicle battery (e.g., including the associated connections and / or holding device). However, it can be seen that at least two of the selection options 26 are offset backwards in perspective compared to the frontmost selection option 26. More precisely, from the operator's perspective, these are offset backwards along a (virtual) depth axis T, which is only visualized as an example with a corresponding arrow (not actually displayed).

[0050] In summary, all other components 16, 18, 20 as well as the product (field) 14 are located in a first (virtual) plane 32, which is a two-dimensional plane. This extends within and parallel to the display surface 12 and, from the operator's perspective, is in a frontmost position, although this is not mandatory. The two rear selection options 26, however, are offset backwards relative to this first plane 32 or are arranged in correspondingly offset further (virtual) planes 33. Only one of these offset planes 33 is in Fig. 1 is shown separately as an example for the rearmost of the offset selection options 26.

[0051] The operator thus immediately recognizes that multiple selection options 26 exist for one and the same component 19, 21. They also have the option of obtaining an overview of the corresponding selection options 26, since, according to the invention, the selection options 26 are offset relative to one another in such a way, for example, if the selection options 26 are offset relative to one another in such a way that their content is at least partially visually perceivable. Furthermore, one of the selection options 26 in the frontmost position can correspond to a currently active or selected selection option 26. Thus, an operator can also immediately recognize which of the selection options 26 is currently selected.

[0052] An operator can also specify user inputs via a user input element (not shown separately), such as a computer mouse comprising a rotary wheel 40. These can generally correspond to a (positive or negative) magnification request. In the context of this disclosure, a magnification request is generally understood to mean positive (magnifying the view) and negative (i.e., reducing the view) magnification requests. By specifying a corresponding magnification request, the operator can vary the position of the selection options 26 along the depth axis T. For example, he can thereby shift the selection options 26 forwards or backwards in the same way (i.e., in equal increments), depending on whether the magnification request is positive (forwards) or negative or reducing (backwards).If a positive magnification request would result in a currently frontmost selection option 26 having to be moved even further towards the operator, it can instead be moved back to the rearmost position along the depth axis T (e.g., like a scrolling card index). Likewise, a rearmost selection option 26 can be moved to the frontmost position if the operator specifies a reduction or scrolls backwards.

[0053] Note in general that the depth axis T in Fig. 1 is defined such that a frontmost position has a largest value starting from the origin 0.

[0054] Figuratively speaking, the operator can thus scroll or browse through the selection options 26 and move them forwards and backwards along the depth axis T within the display area 12.

[0055] In summary, with the solution according to the invention, the display area 12 and, in particular, the displayed configuration information are expanded by a third dimension. In the example shown, this dimension corresponds to the depth axis T. Consequently, content can also be displayed in this dimension, which in the example shown is the selection options 26 for the variable component 19. The operator thus recognizes all selection options 26 and can intuitively make selections from them, which reduces the risk of incorrect or unconscious selections of variable components 19 and thus generally increases the quality of the configuration process. List of reference symbols 0 Origin 10 Arrangement 11 touch-sensitive surface 12 display area 13 Display device 14 Product 16 assembly 18 Subassembly 19 variable components 20 components 21 non-variable component 22 Processor setup 24 Storage facility 26 options 32 first level 33 additional (staggered) levels 40 rotary wheel T depth axis

Claims

[1] Arrangement (10) for configuring a product (14), wherein the product (14) is configurable from a plurality of non-variable components (21) and at least one variable component (19), wherein several selection options (26) exist for the variable component (19), comprising: - a display device (13); - a storage device (24) containing configuration information, wherein the configuration information defines an assignment of the components (19, 21) to one another and / or to the product (14); and - a processor device (22) which is designed to control the display device (13) in such a way that the assignment defined by the configuration information can be displayed therewith, characterized by , that the control causes such a display that non-variable components (21) are displayed in a first level (32) and several selection options (26) of a variable component (19) are displayed in further levels (33) which are offset from the first level (32), wherein the selection options (26) are offset relative to one another so that they partially overlap, but their content is at least partially visually detectable, wherein the further levels (33) are offset along a depth axis (T) relative to the first level (32), wherein the depth axis (T) runs at an angle to a display surface (12) of the display device (13), wherein a position of the further levels (33) along the depth axis (T) can be varied in accordance with a user input. [2] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the user input indicates a zoom request and / or a scroll request. [3] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the user input is made by means of a rotary wheel (40). [4] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the user input is made by means of a touch-sensitive surface (11). [5] Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the components are assemblies (16, 18) and / or components (20) of the product (14). [6] Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the configuration information defines a tree structure. [7] Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a product configuration can be determined by selecting one of the selection options (26) of the at least one variable component (19). [8] Method for configuring a product (14), wherein the product (14) is configurable from a plurality of non-variable components (21) and at least one variable component (19), wherein several selection options (26) exist for the variable component (19), comprising: - Obtaining configuration information that defines an assignment of the components (19, 21) to each other and / or to the product (14); and - controlling a display device (13) in such a way that it displays the assignment defined by the configuration information, characterized bythat the control takes place in such a way that non-variable components (21) are displayed in a first level (32) and a plurality of selection options (26) of a variable component (19) are displayed in further levels (33) which are offset from the first level (32), wherein the selection options (26) are offset relative to one another so that they partially overlap but their content is at least partially visually detectable, wherein the further levels (33) are offset along a depth axis (T) relative to the first level (32), wherein the depth axis (T) runs at an angle to a display surface (12) of the display device (13), wherein a position of the further levels (33) along the depth axis (T) is varied in accordance with a user input.

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