Assistance device for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle comprising an assistance device, and method for operating an assistance device

Abstract

Assistance device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the assistance device (2) has a receiving device (3) which is configured to - to receive air pollution data (4) describing a geographical distribution and intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution, the assistance device (2) being configured to receive a current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), wherein - the assistance device (2) is configured to receive a geographical starting position (21) and a geographical destination position (22), to determine a route (20, 20a, 20b) from the geographical starting position (21) to the geographical destination position (22), and to issue driving instructions for driving the motor vehicle (1) along the route (20) depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the assistance device (2) is configured to determine the route (20) according to a predetermined route determination procedure depending on the air pollution data (4), which determines a route (20) with a minimum accumulated and / or minimum maximum load on the motor vehicle (1) from at least one type of air pollution, and - the assistance device (2) is configured to send a predetermined control signal (9) to the motor vehicle (1) for controlling vehicle components (8) when a predetermined warning criterion (16) is met by the intensity of air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that - the assistance device (2) is configured to receive zone data (11) describing a geographic movement zone (12) and including an access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographic movement zone (12) and to display the geographic movement zone (12) on the display device (5) of the assistance device (2), and - the assistance device (2) is configured to control a vehicle guidance circuit (15) of the motor vehicle (1) when the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1) violates the motor vehicle's (1) access authorization to the geographical movement zone (12) in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assistance device for a vehicle, a vehicle having an assistance device, and a method for operating an assistance device.

[0002] Air can be contaminated with pollutants and / or pathogens that pose a general health threat to humans. These pollutants can include, for example, certain gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, radon, and / or (in higher doses) carbon dioxide. These pollutants can additionally or alternatively include aerosols, which are small, solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, also known as airborne particles. Aerosols can include, for example, particulate matter, soot particles, pathogens, radioactive particles, and / or mineral dust particles.

[0003] Pollutants can enter the vehicle interior via a vehicle's ventilation system and be inhaled by the occupants, which can have a negative impact on the health of the occupants. One way to minimize exposure to pollutants in a vehicle interior is to switch to vehicle interior ventilation if the air outside the vehicle interior is polluted. The ventilation system draws air in from the vehicle interior at an intake point and blows it out at an output point. This can prevent contaminated air from being sucked in. However, the problem with this is that the driver often has to manually initiate the switch to vehicle interior ventilation. Generally, a driver cannot perceive the presence of certain pollutants in the air, or can only perceive them at high concentrations.Automatic systems for switching to vehicle interior ventilation include sensors for detecting pollutants in the air drawn in from outside. These sensors may only detect pollutants above a certain concentration. Therefore, switching to vehicle interior ventilation may not occur until hazardous substances have already been released into the vehicle interior through the ventilation system.

[0004] DE 100 43 797 A1 discloses an integrated traffic monitoring system. The integrated traffic monitoring system has devices for measuring environmental and weather data. It is intended that the traffic monitoring system and / or driver assistance systems in vehicles can intervene in a traffic system to reduce environmental pollution. The interventions include issuing information, warnings, and / or recommendations to road users, intervening in the infrastructure, and / or intervening in the vehicle. The traffic monitoring system is configured to minimize environmental pollution by influencing traffic. The described traffic monitoring system is designed to minimize pollutant pollution in the environment and not primarily to protect vehicle occupants.

[0005] DE 10 2007 019 244 A1 discloses a navigation device and a method for graphically displaying sub-areas with traffic restrictions. The traffic restrictions can correlate with pollutant emissions, particularly pollutant emissions from particles and gases. Visualizing the areas allows a driver to avoid the corresponding areas when driving the vehicle. Furthermore, the stored information on traffic restrictions is taken into account during route planning using a navigation device to determine a route.

[0006] DE 103 27 144 B3 discloses a motor vehicle air conditioning system. It is provided that, depending on the operating region, the intake of particles is prevented by adjusting the recirculation circuit. The motor vehicle air conditioning system features an automatic fresh air / recirculation flap control logic for desert and non-desert countries, respectively, to prevent contamination of the vehicle interior due to recirculation mode in desert countries. The motor vehicle air conditioning system is designed to prevent the creation of a negative pressure in the vehicle interior compared to the vehicle's ambient pressure.

[0007] DE 10 2007 026 320 A1 describes a method for operating a navigation system for a motor vehicle in a traffic network and a navigation system. At least one zone of the traffic network is subject to a transit restriction based on the emission class, with at least one emission class being assigned to the motor vehicle. It is intended that the navigation system avoids route guidance into or through the zone if the at least one emission class of the motor vehicle is affected by emission class-dependent transit restrictions in the zone.

[0008] DE 10 2013 223 331 A1 discloses a method for controlling at least one of at least two drive systems of a vehicle that differ in their environmental emissions. The control is performed depending on first data characterizing the emission sensitivity of the vehicle's surroundings and on second data characterizing the emission sensitivity of an area through which a route of the vehicle passes.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution which can prevent the exposure of vehicle occupants to pollutants in the air.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to an assistance device for a motor vehicle. The assistance device has a receiving device configured to receive air pollution data describing a geographical distribution of an air pollution and an intensity of the air pollution of at least one predetermined type of air pollution. The assistance device can, for example, be a device of the motor vehicle that can have a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. The assistance device can, for example, be configured to receive the air pollution data via a mobile radio network. The air pollution data can quantitatively describe the intensity of the air pollution of a specific type depending on a geographical location. The intensity can, for example, be specified as parts per million (PPM) or as a (percentage) proportion of the air.The predetermined type of air pollution can, for example, affect at least a specific category of aerosols or gas components. The air pollution data can thus, for example, describe how the air pollution is distributed locally.

[0011] The assistance device is also configured to receive a current geographical position of the motor vehicle. In other words, the assistance device is configured to receive position data describing the current geographical position of the motor vehicle. The data can be provided, for example, by a positioning system of the motor vehicle.

[0012] It is provided that the assistance device is configured to receive a geographical starting position and a geographical destination position, to determine a route from the geographical starting position to the geographical destination position, and, depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle, to issue driving instructions for guiding the motor vehicle along the route. In other words, it is provided that the assistance device can be configured as a navigation system which is configured to determine the route for reaching a geographical destination position, starting from a geographical starting position, and to issue instructions to the driver which enable the driver to follow the route. It is provided that the assistance device is configured to determine the route according to a predetermined route determination method depending on the air pollution data.

[0013] The predetermined route determination method is now provided to determine a route with a minimum accumulated maximum load and / or a minimum maximum load of the motor vehicle due to at least one type of air pollution. In other words, the determined route, which connects the geographical target position with the geographical starting position, is determined by the assistance device according to the predetermined route determination method. The route determination method is designed such that the air pollution data are taken into account when determining the route. A course of the route can be determined in such a way that the load of the vehicle due to air pollution over the entire route is kept to a minimum. In other words, the route is selected such that an integral of the air pollution along the route remains minimal.It can also be provided that the route is planned in such a way that the maximum exposure to the vehicle from at least one type of air pollution is minimal. In other words, the route is determined in such a way that the highest current exposure value is minimal. This refinement offers the advantage that the driver assistance device can determine a route that reduces the exposure to the vehicle from air pollution.

[0014] The air pollution data can be provided, for example, by a central computer external to the vehicle, which can receive and process the pollution data from multiple measuring stations. It can also be provided that the air pollution data can be provided by the measuring stations themselves or by other vehicles. The air pollution can, in particular, relate to harmful pollutants that do not involve personal aversion, such as allergens. The invention provides the advantage of reducing the exposure of vehicle occupants to at least one predetermined air pollution.

[0015] The assistance device is configured to receive zone data describing a geographical movement zone and including the vehicle's access authorization to the geographical movement zone, and to display the geographical movement zone on the assistance device's display. In other words, the assistance device is configured to receive the zone data indicating the local area in which the vehicle may or may not move, and to display the geographical movement zone to the driver of the vehicle via the display. For example, the geographical movement zone may define a district or a comparable geographical area that the vehicle may not leave due to pandemic restriction procedures.The geographical movement zone can also describe a geographical area that the vehicle is not allowed to enter, for example, due to pandemic restrictions or increased pollution levels. The training offers the advantage of informing the driver about the areas in which they are permitted to stay.

[0016] The assistance device is configured to send a predetermined control signal to the vehicle to control vehicle components when a predetermined warning criterion is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle. In other words, the assistance device is intended to take measures to prevent or minimize exposure of the vehicle occupants to air pollution. For example, it can be provided that the assistance device controls the vehicle components of the vehicle using a predetermined control signal in order to, for example, put the respective vehicle components into an operating mode in which the air pollution is less exposed to the vehicle interior. This can involve, for example, raising the windows.The predetermined warning criterion may, for example, comprise exceeding a predetermined threshold value of the intensity of the at least one predetermined type of air pollution. The predetermined warning criterion may also describe a predetermined gradient of the intensity of the air pollution. In this case, it may be provided, for example, that the predetermined warning criterion is met when the intensity of the predetermined type of air pollution exceeds a predetermined increase with respect to a position or a time.

[0017] The assistance device is configured to control a vehicle guidance circuit of the motor vehicle when the current geographical position of the vehicle is outside or within the geographical movement zone. In other words, the assistance device is intended to intervene in the guidance of the vehicle when the vehicle is outside or within the geographical movement zone. For example, it can be provided that the assistance device intervenes in the vehicle guidance circuit in such a way that the vehicle comes to a stop when a permitted geographical movement zone is left. This offers the advantage that compliance with movement restrictions can be ensured by the assistance device.

[0018] The assistance device can comprise a data processing device or a processor device configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device can comprise program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

[0019] The invention also includes further developments which result in further advantages.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to display the geographical distribution and the intensity of the at least one predetermined type of air pollution on a display device of the assistance device. In other words, the assistance device comprises a display device. The display device can be, for example, a screen on which a map of the surroundings can be displayed. The map can be designed, for example, as a pollution map, wherein the air pollution caused by one or more pollutants can be displayed. The intensity of the pollution can be indicated by a color tone or the transparency of an area within the map. It can be provided that different types of air pollution are identified by different colors in the map.

[0021] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to determine the route while maintaining the vehicle's access authorization to the geographical movement zone. In other words, the assistance device is configured to determine the route in such a way that the specifications determined by the geographical movement zone are met. For example, the assistance device can determine the route between the geographical starting position and the geographical destination position in such a way that it lies within the geographical movement zone or bypasses a geographical movement zone.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to output a predetermined action instruction through an output device of the assistance device if the predetermined warning criterion is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle. In other words, the assistance device is provided to take measures intended to prevent or minimize exposure of the vehicle occupants to air pollution. The assistance device can also output the predetermined action instruction through the output device. The action instruction can, for example, be a visual, acoustic, or haptic signal that describes instructions to be carried out by the driver to minimize the exposure to air pollution.The predetermined warning criterion may, for example, include exceeding a predetermined threshold value for the intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution. Thus, a driver of the vehicle can, for example, initiate timely countermeasures if a sharp increase in pollution is detected.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to transmit the predetermined control signal for controlling vehicle components to a ventilation device of the motor vehicle in order to switch to purely internal air circulation. In other words, the assistance device is configured to switch the ventilation device to internal air circulation when the predetermined warning criterion is met. For example, it can be provided that switching to internal air circulation takes place as soon as a predetermined threshold value with regard to an increase in air pollution is exceeded or the vehicle is located in a geographical area with increased air pollution. This results in the advantage that the exposure of the vehicle occupants to inhaled air is reduced.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to control the ventilation device according to a predetermined CO2 management method that minimizes air pollution along the route while adhering to predetermined boundary conditions with regard to CO2 pollution. In other words, the assistance device is configured to carry out the predetermined CO2 management method. The CO2 management method is provided to control the ventilation device to minimize air pollution while adhering to predetermined boundary conditions with regard to CO2 pollution. For example, it can be provided that the route leads through geographical areas with increased air pollution. In order to minimize pollution of the occupants, it can generally be provided to switch the ventilation device to internal air circulation.However, this increases the CO2 pollution within the passenger cabin due to the exhaled air of the vehicle occupants. Above certain concentrations, this can lead to increased occupant fatigue. The CO2 management process is therefore intended to minimize air pollution from inhaled air while maintaining the boundary conditions regarding CO2 pollution. The boundary conditions can, for example, stipulate that a predetermined CO2 concentration must not be exceeded within the passenger cabin. This achieves a balance between minimizing air pollution in the passenger cabin and adhering to predetermined boundary conditions regarding CO2 concentration.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the assistance device is configured to determine the route such that the overall exposure to at least two types of air pollution is minimized, wherein the types of air pollution are evaluated using a respective weighting factor. In other words, the route is determined by the assistance device such that the exposure to the at least two types of air pollution is minimized while the vehicle is traveling along the route. However, the types of air pollution are evaluated using the respective weighting factors. For example, it can be provided that a higher weighting factor is assigned to a particulate matter pollution than to an ozone pollution. As a result, a lower level of particulate matter pollution is given greater consideration than a lower level of ozone pollution.It can be provided that the respective weighting factors are predefined in the assistance device or can be entered, for example, by the respective driver of the vehicle via an input device. The weighting factors can be set individually, for example, depending on personal health risks.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one predetermined type of air pollution includes air pollution caused by viruses, bacteria, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and / or allergens. In other words, the assistance device considers viruses, bacteria, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and / or allergens as air pollution. This further development of the invention offers the advantage that the assistance device takes several health-hazardous substances into account.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having an assistance device according to one of the preceding claims. The vehicle can be, for example, a passenger car, a truck, or an emergency vehicle. The assistance device can, for example, be permanently installed in the vehicle or arranged in the vehicle by means of a mobile module. The vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an assistance device. It is provided that air pollution data describing a geographical distribution and an intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution are received by a receiving device of the assistance device. The assistance device receives a current geographical position of the motor vehicle. It is provided that the assistance device receives a geographical starting position and a geographical target position. The assistance device determines a route from the geographical starting position to the geographical target position.Depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle, the assistance device issues driving instructions for guiding the motor vehicle along the route. The assistance device determines the route according to a predetermined route determination method based on the air pollution data. The route is determined such that the route has a minimum accumulated and / or minimum peak exposure to the motor vehicle due to at least one type of air pollution.

[0029] The assistance device receives zone data that describe a geographical movement zone and includes an access authorization of the motor vehicle into the geographical movement zone, and displays the geographical movement zone on the display device of the assistance device.

[0030] The assistance device sends a predetermined control signal to the motor vehicle for controlling vehicle components when a predetermined warning criterion is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle.

[0031] The assistance device activates a vehicle guidance circuit of the motor vehicle if the current geographical position of the motor vehicle violates the motor vehicle's access authorization to the geographical movement zone in order to bring the motor vehicle to a stop.

[0032] The invention also includes further developments of the vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the assistance device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0033] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle having an assistance device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the map in which air pollution is entered; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the map in which a movement zone is entered; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the map in which a determined route is entered; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the map showing two possible routes; and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for operating an assistance device.

[0035] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0036] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 having an assistance device 2. The assistance device 2 can be configured, for example, as a so-called infotainment device. The assistance device 2 can be provided to protect vehicle occupants of the motor vehicle 1 from being endangered and / or harmed by various types of air pollution. In order to be able to receive information about an intensity and a geographical distribution of predetermined types of air pollution, the assistance device 2 can have a receiving device 3 that can be configured to receive air pollution data 4. The receiving device 3 can be, for example, a receiving device that can be configured to receive air pollution data 4 via a mobile radio network. The air pollution data 4 can, for example, be provided by a central computer external to the vehicle.The air pollution data 4 can contain information that represents the geographical distribution and intensity of the predetermined types of air pollution. The type of air pollution can be, for example, harmful gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, or radon. However, it can also include aerosols such as particulate matter, dust, or pathogens. The intensity can be described, for example, for gases by a proportion of the breathing air, and for aerosols in the form of parts per million PPM. In order to enable the vehicle occupants to display the geographical distribution and intensity of the at least one predetermined type of air pollution, the assistance device 2 can have a display device 5. This can be, for example, an LCD screen or OLED screen, which can be arranged on a vehicle center console.However, the assistance device 2 can also be configured as a movable module and thus retrofitted to existing vehicles. The display device 5 can be designed to display maps 17 indicating the intensities of air pollution. Precise embodiments of the display are described in the following. Fig. 2 to 5. In order to prevent harm to the occupants, it can also be provided that the assistance device 2 has an output device 6, which can be designed to output predetermined instructions 7. The output device 6 can be, for example, a screen, warning lights or loudspeaker. The instructions 7 can, for example, comprise predetermined light signals, acoustic signals or haptic signals, which are designed to transmit predetermined instructions 7 to the driver or other occupants of the vehicle. The instructions 7 can, for example, instruct the driver to switch ventilation to recirculated air or to open or close a window of the vehicle. The assistance device 2 can also be designed to itself control individual vehicle components 8 of the motor vehicle 1.This control can be performed, for example, to switch to interior air, close a window, or close a convertible top. The vehicle components 8 can be controlled using predetermined control signals 9. These can be transmitted, for example, via an internal vehicle network such as the CAN bus or an Ethernet network by the assistance device 2 to the respective vehicle components 8. This can, for example, provide for controlling a ventilation device 10 to switch to interior air.

[0038] It can be provided that the assistance device 2 can also receive zone data 11 which describe geographical movement zones 12. Geographical movement zones 12 can, for example, describe geographical areas in which the driver is permitted to stay. However, the movement zones 12 can also identify geographical areas which the driver is not permitted to enter. The zone data 11 can also be provided by a central computer external to the vehicle. It can be provided that the assistance device 2 has an input device which is intended to record predetermined user inputs 14. Using the predetermined user inputs 14, a driver of the vehicle can, for example, select the types of air pollution which are to be reduced. The input device 13 can, for example, have buttons or be configured as a touch-sensitive surface of the display device 5.In order to prevent leaving or entering one of the geographical movement zones 12, the assistance device 2 can be configured to control a vehicle guidance circuit 15 by means of a control signal 9 in order to intervene in the vehicle guidance. This intervention can, for example, enable the vehicle to reduce its speed and / or come to a stop. The output of the predetermined action instructions 7 or the output of the control signals 9 for controlling the vehicle components 8 can occur depending on the fulfillment of a predetermined warning criterion 16. The warning criterion 16 can, for example, comprise an exceedance of a predetermined threshold value by at least one of the predetermined types of air pollution.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a possible representation of the air pollution on a map 17, which can be displayed on the display device 5 of the assistance device 2. The map 17 can be a road map 17, which can be overlaid with the distributions and intensities of the pollution types. The air pollution can be displayed as pollution areas 18, whereby a type of air pollution can be represented, for example, by a color of the pollution area 18. An intensity of the pollution can be represented by different transparency values ​​of the pollution areas 18. In addition to the distribution of the pollution areas 18, a current geographical vehicle position 19 can be displayed on the map 17. This can be determined, for example, by GPS signals by the assistance device 2.It can be provided that only those pollution areas 18 are displayed that are assigned to a predetermined type of air pollution selected by the driver of the vehicle. This allows the driver to limit the display of pollution areas 18 to the type of pollution that is relevant to him.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the map 17, in which, in addition to the pollution areas 18 and the current geographical position of the vehicle, a movement zone 12 is entered. The movement zone 12 can, for example, be a municipal boundary or the boundary of a district or another geographical zone which the vehicle is not permitted to leave. Because the zone data 11, which comprise the movement zones 12, are transmitted from a central location, the driver can learn from the assistance device 2 in which area he is permitted to stay. For example, it can be provided that, in order to contain a pandemic, the predetermined movement zone 12 may not be left. However, a movement zone 12 can also describe a zone which the driver or the vehicle is not permitted to enter. These can, for example, be areas which are closed due to high levels of air pollution.This could, for example, be the environment of chemical factories in the event of an accident.

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a map 17 with a route 20, 20a, 20b determined by the assistance device 2, which route connects a geographical starting position 21 with a geographical destination position 22. The geographical starting position 21 can be, for example, the current geographical position of the vehicle. The route 20, 20a, 20b can be determined by the assistance device 2 using a predetermined route determination method depending on the air pollution data 4. The exact course of the route 20, 20a, 20b can be determined in such a way that an accumulated load on the vehicle when traveling from the geographical starting position 21 to the geographical destination position 22 is minimal. It can also be provided that the route 20, 20a, 20b is selected in such a way that the current air pollution values ​​are minimal.In addition, it may be provided that the route 20, 20a, 20b is determined taking into account the movement zone 12.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows two possible routes 20a, 20b. It can be provided that the routes 20a, 20b can have different courses, whereby the exact course of the routes 20a, 20b can depend on the selected types of air pollution to be avoided or predetermined weighting factors. For example, it can be provided that the driver wishes to avoid a certain type of air pollution, for example, higher levels of particulate matter. Other types of air pollution, such as ozone, may play a lesser role for the driver. For this purpose, the driver has the option of specifying respective weighting factors using the input device 13 and the predetermined user inputs 14.If the weighting factors for one of the load types are set to a low value, avoiding the associated load type has a lower value than avoiding a load type to which a higher weighting value is assigned. It can also be provided that if one of the load types has a low priority for the driver and the driver has assigned a low value to the load type, air pollution is not taken into account when determining the route. For example, it can be provided that the shown route 20b is determined by the assistance device 2 to avoid the load area 18a. The second determined route 20a can be determined by the assistance device 2 in the event that avoiding the type of air pollution shown in the load area 18a does not have a high priority or should not be taken into account at all.Because the air pollution varies along the route 20, 20a, 20b, it can be provided that the assistance device 2 controls the ventilation system 10 according to a predetermined CO2 management method, for example to deactivate the intake of ambient air in the area of ​​high air pollution and instead switch to recirculated air. However, this gives rise to the problem that when the interior air is used over a longer period of time, the CO2 content in the air breathed in the vehicle interior can increase. This can impair the occupants' ability to concentrate. For this reason, it may be necessary to find a compromise that, on the one hand, allows the vehicle occupants to be exposed to the lowest possible pollution while, on the other hand, taking certain specifications regarding CO2 pollution into account.For example, it may be provided that the CO2 management process determines a minimization of the pollution caused by sucked-in air, although boundary conditions must be met, which, for example, stipulate that a predetermined CO2 value must not be exceeded.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a sequence of a method for operating an assistance device 2. It can be provided that, in a first step S1 of the method, air pollution data 4 is received by the assistance device 2 of the vehicle using the receiving device 3. The air pollution data 4 can, for example, describe the geographical distribution and intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution.

[0044] In a second step S2, the assistance device 2 can receive and / or determine a current geographical position of the motor vehicle 1. This can be done, for example, using GPS data.

[0045] In a third step S3, it can be provided that the assistance device 2 receives a geographical starting position 21 and a geographical target position 22, a route 20, 20a, 20b from the geographical starting position 21 to the geographical target position 22 is determined, and, depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle 1, driving instructions for driving the motor vehicle 1 along the route 20, 20a, 20b are issued, wherein the assistance device 2 determines the route 20, 20a, 20b according to a predetermined route determination method depending on the air pollution data 4, which determines a route 20, 20a, 20b with a minimum accumulated and / or minimum maximum pollution of the motor vehicle 1 by the at least one type of air pollution.

[0046] The idea is to provide an assistance device 2 to protect against diseases and pollutants and to contain diseases and pollutants for vehicle users.

[0047] The idea may include one or more of the following parts: Idea part 1: Driver information by displaying virus load / pollutant load on a map in the vehicle. Idea part 2: Representation of a movement zone in which one may / can / should stay (similar to the radius of movement for COVID-19) Ideas part 3: Route planning taking into account the prescribed radius of movement Ideas part 4: Route planning while minimizing exposure to viruses, pollutants, germs, aerosols, viruses, etc. Idea part 5: Automatic switching to recirculation when needed for additional protection against pollutants, germs, aerosols, viruses, etc. Ideas part 6: Providing recommendations for the driver to ensure additional passenger protection

[0048] Today's vehicles do not provide an overview map of pollutant or virus load, no representation of the radius of movement, no route planning taking the radius of movement into account, no route planning to avoid risk areas, no automatic switching to recirculated air, no proposal of recommendations for action for additional occupant protection.

[0049] Idea part 1: Driver information by displaying the virus load / pollutant load on a map in the vehicle: A vehicle's pollution map, i.e., the pollution caused by pollutants, radioactivity, aerosols, viruses, germs, ozone, pollen, etc., is graphically displayed on an overview map similar to temperatures. This map allows switching between different pollution levels, radioactivity, virus levels, germ levels, ozone levels, pollen levels, etc., depending on the user's needs and preferences.

[0050] The different types can be marked on the map using different colors. A scale can also be drawn.

[0051] The different colors of the pollution areas can visualize different pollution types. Green could visualize pollution from a pollen type, yellow could represent pollution from a virus type. The types to be displayed can be shown or hidden. The map can be scrolled, and you can also search for locations.

[0052] Idea part 2: Representation of a movement zone in which one may / can / should stay (similar to the radius of movement for COVID-19): If a movement zone (radius of movement) is prescribed, this will also be visualized. This movement zone visualizes the area within which movement is permitted. When approaching or leaving this area, a warning can be issued to the driver. Optionally, a warning can be sent to an authority (police, health department, etc.). Optionally, the vehicle's maximum speed can be reduced. Optionally, the vehicle can be immobilized to prevent the driver from continuing.

[0053] The movement zone could be represented by a border on the map, which marks the permitted movement area.

[0054] Ideas part 3: Route planning taking into account the radius of movement: If the user wants to navigate to a destination, the system can include the movement radius in the calculation to calculate a route that runs within the movement radius.

[0055] Idea part 4: Route planning with minimization of exposure to risk substances: The system calculates a route on request that minimizes exposure to risk areas.

[0056] The calculation can also be based on the travel radius. Users can specify whether and which types of pollution should be minimized for route guidance. For example, after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, they may drive through a COVID-19-affected area, but want to avoid a pollen-contaminated area.

[0057] Idea Part 5: Automatic switching to recirculated air when needed for additional protection against pollutants, germs, aerosols, viruses, etc. If the vehicle is located in or enters a highly polluted area, the vehicle can automatically switch to recirculated air to provide additional protection against the pollution. The use of recirculated air can be temporary or permanent.

[0058] Idea Section 6: Providing driver with recommended actions for additional occupant protection. If the vehicle is in or entering a highly congested area, the vehicle can provide the driver with a recommended action. The recommended action could prompt the driver to switch to recirculated air, close a convertible top, close a sunroof, or close windows to provide protection from the exposure.

[0059] The assistance device 2 enables an overview of the load and intensity for different types of load, a marking of the movement zone in which one is permitted to stay, route guidance while adhering to the movement zone, route guidance while minimizing exposure to the risk substance, route guidance while minimizing exposure to the risk substance while adhering to the movement zone and additional health protection.

[0060] The assistance device can display a map with coloring. The assistance device can provide a switching option between exposure types. The exposure / pollen load / particulate matter load is a datum (i.e., a number determined from a measured value or a calculation function by a data provider, e.g., measuring stations) similar to a temperature value. The exposure / pollen load / particulate matter load is plotted on a map.

[0061] Fictional example pollen: 0 micrograms to 5 micrograms = 100% transparency of the color green 6 micrograms to 10 micrograms = 80% transparency of the color green From 50 micrograms = 0% transparency of the color green

[0062] Fictional example of viruses: 0 - 5 7-day incidence = 100% transparency of the color yellow 6 - 15 7-day incidence = 80% transparency of the color yellow From 100 7-day incidence = 0% transparency of the color yellow

[0063] The colors of the individual types are offset against each other and overlaid on the base map, e.g. with 50% transparency

[0064] The radius of movement (e.g., 15 km around the city's outer limits) is usually specified by a higher-level authority (office, government, etc.). The system calculates this and plots it on the map. The radius of movement is transferred from the higher-level authority (office, government, etc.) to the system via an online connection, where it is visualized.

[0065] The system can calculate a route within the movement radius by blocking roads that cross the movement radius when calculating the path to the destination. A safety margin can be used for this purpose.

[0066] Overall, the examples show how systems can be provided to protect against diseases and pollutants and to contain diseases and pollutants for vehicle users.

Claims

[1] Assistance device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the assistance device (2) has a receiving device (3) which is designed to - to receive air pollution data (4) which describe a geographical distribution and an intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution, the assistance device (2) is designed to receive a current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), wherein - the assistance device (2) is configured to receive a geographical starting position (21) and a geographical target position (22), to determine a route (20, 20a, 20b) from the geographical starting position (21) to the geographical target position (22), and, depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), to output driving instructions for driving the motor vehicle (1) along the route (20), wherein the assistance device (2) is configured to determine the route (20) according to a predetermined route determination method depending on the air pollution data (4), which determines a route (20) with a minimum accumulated and / or minimum maximum pollution of the motor vehicle (1) by the at least one type of air pollution, and - the assistance device (2) is designed to transmit a predetermined control signal (9) for controlling vehicle components (8) to the motor vehicle (1) when a predetermined warning criterion (16) is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by , that - the assistance device (2) is configured to receive zone data (11) describing a geographical movement zone (12) and comprising an access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographical movement zone (12) and to display the geographical movement zone (12) on the display device (5) of the assistance device (2), and - the assistance device (2) is designed to control a vehicle guidance circuit (15) of the motor vehicle (1) when the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1) violates the access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographical movement zone (12) in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill. [2] Assistance device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the assistance device (2) is designed to display the geographical distribution and the intensity of the at least one predetermined type of air pollution on a display device (5) of the assistance device (2). [3] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assistance device (2) is designed to determine the route (20) while maintaining the access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographical movement zone (12). [4] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assistance device (2) is designed to output a predetermined action instruction through an output device (6) of the assistance device (2) when the predetermined warning criterion (16) is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1). [5] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assistance device (2) is designed to transmit the predetermined control signal (9) for controlling vehicle components (8) to a ventilation device (10) of the motor vehicle (1) in order to switch to a purely internal air circulation. [6] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the assistance device (2) is designed to control the ventilation device (10) according to a predetermined CO2 management method which minimizes air pollution along the route (20) while observing predetermined boundary conditions with regard to CO2 pollution. [7] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the assistance device (2) is designed to determine the travel distance (20) in such a way that a total load due to at least two of the types of air pollution is minimized, wherein the types of air pollution are evaluated with a respective weighting factor. [8] Assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one predetermined type of air pollution comprises air pollution by viruses, bacteria, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone and / or allergens. [9] Motor vehicle (1) comprising an assistance device (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for operating an assistance device (2), wherein - air pollution data (4) describing a geographical distribution and an intensity of at least one predetermined type of air pollution are received by a receiving device (3) of the assistance device (2), - a current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1) is received by the assistance device (2), wherein the assistance device (2) - a geographical start position (21) and a geographical target position (22) are received, - a route (20) from the geographical starting position (21) to the geographical destination position (22) is determined, and - depending on the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), driving instructions for driving the motor vehicle (1) along the route (20) are issued, wherein the assistance device (2) determines the route (20) according to a predetermined route determination method depending on the air pollution data (4), which determines a route (20) with a minimum accumulated and / or minimum maximum load of the motor vehicle (1) by the at least one type of air pollution, - zone data (11) describing a geographical movement zone (12) and comprising an access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographical movement zone (12) are received and the geographical movement zone (12) is displayed on the display device (5) of the assistance device (2), and - a predetermined control signal (9) for controlling vehicle components (8) is sent to the motor vehicle (1) when a predetermined warning criterion (16) is met by the intensity of the air pollution at the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by , that - a vehicle guidance circuit (15) of the motor vehicle (1) is controlled by the assistance device (2) if the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (1) violates the access authorization of the motor vehicle (1) into the geographical movement zone (12) in order to bring the motor vehicle (1) to a standstill.

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