Method for operating a driving dynamics system device of a motor vehicle during a journey, control device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a driving dynamics system device (22) of a motor vehicle (10) during a journey with the motor vehicle (10), wherein a control device (12) during the journey: - provides driving style data describing a driving style of the driver of the motor vehicle (10) (S1), and determines a driver type of the driver based on the provided driving style data (S2), - determines a road category of a driving surface on which the motor vehicle (10) is traveling (S4), - determines a current driving context based on the identified driver type and road category (S5), - in a preselection from a plurality of predetermined driving stages, each of which describes a driving stage-specific set of settings for at least two motor vehicle systems (24) of the motor vehicle (10), selects at least one driving stage which is assigned to the defined driving context (S8), - provides driver monitoring data describing a current state of the driver (S9) and determines a current emotion of the driver based on the provided driver monitoring data (S10), - based on the detected emotion, selects one of the preselected gear levels as the gear level to be activated, whereby the gear level to be activated is assigned to the detected emotion (S11), - generates (S12) a switching signal which describes a change from a current gear to the gear to be activated with the respective associated settings of the at least two motor vehicle systems (24), and transmits the generated switching signal to the driving dynamics system device (22) for configuring the at least two motor vehicle systems (24) (S13), - after the configuration of the at least two motor vehicle systems (24), provides further driver monitoring data (S9), - determines (S15) whether the driver behaviour described on the basis of the further driver monitoring data provided satisfies a predefined acceptance criterion, which specifies that the detected emotion or a reaction of the driver described by the further driving monitor data provided, which is an operation of the motor vehicle (10), is a predefined positive emotion or reaction, and - if the driving behaviour does not meet the specified acceptance criterion: assign a different driving level to the emotion determined on the basis of the first driver monitoring data (S16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a driving dynamics system device of a motor vehicle while driving the motor vehicle.

[0002] A driving dynamics system device is a device, device component, or device group configured to set, i.e., activate, different driving modes. Each driving mode defines driving mode-specific settings, i.e., driving mode-specific configurations, for a set of at least two motor vehicle systems. In each driving mode, the at least two motor vehicle systems, preferably a set of motor vehicle systems, can be centrally adjusted via the driving dynamics system device.Motor vehicle systems include a steering system in which the steering torque can be variably adjusted; a dynamic steering system in which the steering ratio can be variably adjusted; an accelerator pedal and / or motor system in which a variable characteristic curve can be specified; a headlight system in which, for example, a variable swivel behavior of the cornering light can be set; and / or an automatic transmission in which a shift program can be set for each gear position. Other possible motor vehicle systems are a system for adjusting a sports differential with variable transverse distribution, a shock absorber system in which the damping characteristic can be variably adjusted, a system for controlling interior lighting and / or music output to adjust the ambience in the interior, and a variable trigger program.

[0003] Different driving profiles (e.g., "Comfort," "Off-Road," "Efficiency") are available in vehicles. These systems adjust their behavior to the respective mode, thus creating a corresponding overall vehicle characteristic. These different profiles are activated manually by the driver, for example, via a button or touch control on the center display.

[0004] To activate a preferred driving profile, the driver must manually switch between them, which involves an increased mental workload, as the driver must, for example, search for the button on a touchscreen display to set the driving profile. This is further increased by the fact that the system requires an understanding of the driving profile characteristics in order to select the optionally experienced driving profile based on the vehicle-driver-environment situation.

[0005] DE 10 2019 200 597 A1 describes a method for adapting a driving mode of a vehicle to the emotional state of the driver.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 001 342 A1 a vehicle driver assistance system is known which has one or more processors which are configured to execute a general driver model learning program which is configured to create a general driver model to be applied to a plurality of vehicle drivers based on driving data of the plurality of drivers, and an individual driver model learning program which is configured to create an individual driver model which is unique to a specific vehicle driver based on driving data of the specific driver, and which includes an onboard controller which is provided in a vehicle which is operated by the specific driver.

[0007] DE 10 2016 204 901 A1 describes a method for the situational adaptation of driver parameters of a driving profile for a motor vehicle.

[0008] DE 10 2019 003 557 A1 relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in which at least one control parameter for controlling automated, in particular highly automated or autonomous, driving operation is adapted to a driver's confidence level determined by a driver assistance system. The confidence level is determined based on at least one physiological parameter of the driver recorded during automated driving operation. According to the invention, cortical brain activity and / or electrical skin conduction resistance of the driver are / will be recorded as the physiological parameter.

[0009] DE 10 2019 118 184 A1 discloses a method for user-specific adaptation of one or more parameters of a vehicle. The user-specific adaptation relates to one or more users of the vehicle. The method comprises determining, for each of the one or more users, a first cognitive model that is configured to map one or more personality and / or state characteristics for a respective user; determining, for each of the one or more users, a state of the respective user based on the first cognitive model; determining, for each of the one or more users, a respective deviation of the determined respective state from a normal state based on the first cognitive model;Determine, based on the first cognitive model and based on the one or more deviations determined, whether an adjustment of the one or more parameters of the vehicle should be made individually for the one or more users; and, if an adjustment should be made: determine the one or more parameters to be adjusted based on the first cognitive model and based on the one or more deviations determined; and adjust the one or more parameters based on the first cognitive model.;

[0010] DE 10 2019 202 230 A1 describes a method for personalizing a motor vehicle, wherein the method is carried out by a personalization device. This device provides a plurality of user profiles, receives a login signal describing information identifying the user, uses the received login signal to determine the user's identity and / or group affiliation, and determines a reason for use, which is why the user intends to use the motor vehicle. Based on the determined identity and / or group affiliation and the determined reason for use, the personalization device selects a user profile associated with the determined reason for use from the plurality of provided user profiles.The personalization device generates at least one control signal that describes a configuration for a motor vehicle system described by the selected user profile and transmits this control signal to the respective motor vehicle system.

[0011] One object underlying the invention is to specify a configuration of the motor vehicle to the personal needs of the driver.

[0012] The stated object is achieved by the method and devices according to the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are provided by the dependent claims.

[0013] The invention is based on the idea of ​​performing a context analysis during the journey, in which the road category of the current driving surface of the motor vehicle is determined and driving behavior is analyzed, in combination with an emotional analysis of the driver. This analysis allows the driver to select a gear from a plurality of gears based on the situation and driver, and to switch to this selected gear. The factors are weighted, taking into account not only the environment but also driver-specific characteristics, such as their driving style and current emotions. The gear selected based on this analysis then configures at least two motor vehicle systems.For example, a sporty driver can select and activate a dynamic program as a driving profile or gear, provided that this sporty dynamic program is appropriate to the situation, i.e. the vehicle is currently traveling on a road where sporty driving is possible. In contrast to determining the gear based on road conditions, the gear is selected based on the road category and the driver's emotions. For example, a dynamic driving program can be particularly useful on a motorway if the driver is a "sporty type." This dynamic program can then be adapted to the conditions and options of a "federal highway" or "country road" when leaving the motorway, for example.

[0014] This switching, based on context analysis and emotion analysis, creates the basis for continuous re-evaluation, allowing the driving profile to change during the journey and always be optimally adapted to the situation and driver. This principle is combined with a learning algorithm that examines the driver's reaction to the newly selected gear and adjusts the analysis and selection process as needed.

[0015] In other words, a comprehensive analysis automatically activates the profile that best suits the individual driver's experience. The workload—the effort required by the driver to switch between driving profiles, as well as the effort required to familiarize themselves with the technical conditions—is reduced, and the experience of the driving profiles is continuously optimized in all vehicle-driver-environment situations. The learning algorithm, which, in addition to automatic profile switching, enables profile activation to be tailored to the driver's current mood based on the driver's preferences and emotions, ensures that the analysis and selection process selects the driving mode with increasing precision over time.

[0016] The advantage is that the automatic and intelligent switching enables an optimal driving experience. This optimal driving experience allows the driver to fully experience the range of vehicle characteristics without requiring any understanding of the system. Manual operation by the driver is thus obsolete, making a significant contribution to reducing distraction and, consequently, mental workload.

[0017] The method according to the invention for operating the vehicle dynamics system of the motor vehicle is carried out by a control device while the motor vehicle is moving. A control device is understood to be a device, a device component, or a device group configured to receive and evaluate signals and generate control signals. The control device can be configured, for example, as a control unit of the motor vehicle, as a computer program, or as a network of several control units interconnected for data fusion.

[0018] The control device provides driving style data, whereby the driving style data describes a driving style of the driver of the motor vehicle. The driving style data can describe the driver's current and / or long-term driving behavior. For example, the driving style data can describe the driver's steering behavior, i.e. the steering movements they make while driving. Alternatively or additionally, the driving style data can describe the driver's acceleration and braking behavior, i.e. the corresponding longitudinal control set by the driver. In addition, driving style data can optionally describe the states of the individual vehicle functions and vehicle systems of the motor vehicle, as set by the driver during manual operation. The driving style data can therefore describe, for example, how the driver grips the steering wheel, how they accelerate and / or brake, whether they brake abruptly or gently, and which assistance systems they use.Based on the provided driving style data, the control unit determines the driver's driving style. For example, the driver could be a sporty driver, a leisurely driver, or more of a family person.

[0019] The control unit determines the road category of the surface on which the motor vehicle is currently traveling. In other words, the control unit determines what type of road the motor vehicle is on, i.e. whether the motor vehicle is currently traveling on a country road, a motorway slip road, or in a city. It is not the condition of the road that is taken into account, but rather the road category, which dictates, for example, what is and is not possible on this road in terms of speed or lane width. For example, a sport mode may make more sense on a motorway than on a road that is not classified as a trunk road, such as a road within a built-up area.

[0020] The control device can receive the driving style data, for example, from the vehicle's sensor system, and information about the road category, for example, from a navigation device. Accordingly, the motor vehicle can preferably comprise a sensor device, i.e., a device, a device group, or a device component that is configured and designed to capture the driving style data using at least one sensor. To capture the driving style data, the sensor device comprises a common sensor system for capturing, for example, braking and steering behavior.

[0021] The control system determines the current driving context based on the identified driver type and road category. For example, the combination of a sporty driver and a highway as the driving surface could result in the driving context "sporty or dynamic long-distance journey." A more leisurely driver, currently traveling in the city, could, for example, create the driving context "leisurely short-distance journey."

[0022] In a pre-selection from a plurality of predetermined driving modes, for example, from the available driving modes Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road, the control unit selects at least one driving mode, preferably at least two driving modes, that are assigned to the specified driving context. For example, the driving context "sporty long-distance travel" can be assigned the driving modes "Dynamic" and "Auto." For example, the driving context "cautious city driving" can be assigned the driving modes "Comfort" and "Efficiency" (i.e., an energy-saving driving mode).

[0023] Each of the gears describes a gear-specific set of settings for at least two of the vehicle's systems. For example, the "Dynamic" gear can be assigned transmission settings so that the vehicle accelerates very quickly and shifts up late. The "Dynamic" gear can therefore be a sport mode, while an "Auto" mode can be a balanced mode with, for example, system settings that experience shows most drivers like. A "Comfort" mode can, for example, be assigned dimmed interior lighting, optional quiet music, and settings for the lowest possible noise level for a cozy interior ambience, as well as safety-conscious transmission settings.For example, a sporty driver on a road that cannot be assigned to a category of highway or road within a town can be assigned a driving position in which the damping is particularly adapted to possible unevenness.

[0024] The control device provides driver monitoring data that describes the driver's current state. Based on the provided driver monitoring data, the control device determines the driver's current emotion. The control device can receive the driver monitoring data, for example, via capacitive sensors and / or pressure sensors in the steering wheel, for example sweat sensors in the steering wheel. Alternatively or additionally, camera images from a driver observation camera can be evaluated to determine facial expressions and / or body movements of the driver, and / or posture of the driver, and / or eye movements. The driver monitoring data can optionally describe a characteristic of the driver's voice, for which purpose, for example, microphones of the sensor device can record the driver's speech.Additionally or alternatively, the driver monitoring data may, for example, describe vital data of the driver, for example data on a heart rate and / or skin conductivity and / or other physiological parameters that can be detected by the sensor system of the motor vehicle or that can be received from a mobile device, for example from a wearable or a smartphone.

[0025] Ideally, one or more driving levels can be selected first based on the driver type for pre-selection, and this selection can then be refined again depending on the identified road category.

[0026] Based on the detected emotions, the control unit selects one of the preselected gear levels to be activated, with the gear level to be activated being assigned to the detected emotion. For example, if the preselected gear levels "Comfort" and "Dynamic" are selected, but the control unit concludes the emotion "Stress" based on, for example, hectic eye movement and a high sweat rate, the gear level to be activated can be "Comfort." If the detected emotion is, for example, "good mood" or "fun," the control unit can select the "Dynamic" gear level to be activated instead.

[0027] The control device generates a switching signal that describes a change from a current gear to the gear to be activated with the respective associated settings of the at least two motor vehicle systems, and transmits the generated switching signal to the driving dynamics system device of the motor vehicle, which then configures the at least two motor vehicle systems accordingly.

[0028] This results in the aforementioned advantages. The pre-selection results in a weighting, so that the driver type and road category are given greater weight than the driver's emotions when it comes to the final selection of the gear to be activated. For example, if the pre-selection comprises two gears, in which an initial selection is made based on the driver type and then based on the road category, this weighting is even more strongly favored by the specified driver type.

[0029] After configuring the at least two motor vehicle systems, the control device provides additional driver monitoring data and, based on this additional driver monitoring data, determines whether the described driving behavior meets a predefined acceptance criterion, which specifies that the detected emotion or a driver reaction described by the provided additional driving monitor data is a predefined positive emotion or reaction. If the driving behavior does not meet the predefined acceptance criterion, the control device assigns a different driving level to the emotion detected based on the first driver monitoring data.

[0030] For example, if the control device detects, after setting the gear, that the driver is smiling and relaxed, and, for example, via the microphones and a speech analysis, determines that the driver is speaking positively about the driving experience in the selected gear, this can be evaluated as a positive emotion. However, if the control device detects, for example, that after setting the driving situation to be activated, the driver becomes restless, exhibits hectic eye movements despite being on a deserted country road, and, for example, their heart rate increases, the control device according to this embodiment can, for example, determine that the driver is stressed, and in this example, "stress" cannot be identified as a positive emotion.

[0031] For example, if the driver doesn't feel comfortable in the "Dynamic" gear setting on a remote country road, the control unit can change the gear to, for example, "Comfort" if the specified acceptance criteria are not met. A re-evaluation can then preferably take place, and the control unit can determine, for example, that the driver is now more satisfied. The control unit can thus "learn" how the driver reacts to its selection and adapt if necessary. This allows for fine-tuning of the gear selection, particularly with a new vehicle, where the control unit has not yet "gotten to know" the driver, or if the driver is perhaps between two classic driver types. The gear selection thus becomes increasingly precise and driver-specific.For example, if the driver has just bought the vehicle or is selling his vehicle, the “intelligence” of the control system, i.e. the dynamics of gear shifting, can develop along with the driver.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can additionally provide driving situation data that describe a current driving situation, wherein the driving situation data describe an event of a motor vehicle-independent influence on the driving behavior of the motor vehicle and / or the driver.

[0033] Such an event of an influence independent of the motor vehicle can preferably be: an incoming telephone call; an impending traffic situation in which the motor vehicle is driving onto a carriageway of a road; a kick-down situation; a downshift to a lower gear that has already taken place or is currently taking place by the driver, i.e. a manual intervention by the driver; if a predefined value of a still available fuel reserve is undershot, i.e. if a current state of charge falls below a threshold value or the tank level falls below a threshold value; or, when driving on an unpaved road; or an overtaking maneuver initiated by the driver.

[0034] In this preferred embodiment, the control device can check whether the current driving situation meets a predefined prioritization criterion, which describes a predefined requirement for activating a prioritization gear stage associated with the event. The control device can then generate a second switching signal and transmit it to the vehicle dynamics system device, which describes a change to the prioritization gear stage.

[0035] Checking the specified prioritization criterion therefore checks for situations in which a certain driving mode is prioritized over context and emotion analysis. For example, if the tank is almost empty, an "efficiency" mode can be activated without taking driving style and environmental data into account, so that the vehicle drives as economically as possible and thus increases the probability that the driver will still reach a gas station. Preferably, switching to the prioritized driving mode only takes as long as necessary—for example, only as long as the tank is empty. Preferably, a continuous re-evaluation can be performed, meaning that it can be checked at regular intervals, for example, when the road category changes, whether such a priority situation still exists.Such priority factors as, for example, the level of the tank, an incoming telephone call or one of the other predefined priority situations therefore take precedence.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the driving situation data can also be, for example, a property and / or an event in the current surroundings of the motor vehicle, for example, weather data, data about traffic flow and / or a traffic jam, and / or, for example, a current road layout. In one of these variants, the driving situation data can also be referred to as environmental data. To capture such environmental data, the sensor device can comprise a communications module for receiving traffic information and / or a common sensor system, preferably sensors for radio-based and / or optical distance measurement, for example, a radar and / or a lidar. Other suitable sensors include cameras.

[0037] Further optional environmental data can be environmental data describing the current traffic volume in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the environmental data can also, for example, determine the number of motor vehicles in a given area around the ego vehicle. The control unit thus determines the current traffic volume in the area based on the provided environmental data and selects the gear to be activated from the preselected gears, additionally depending on the detected traffic volume. Here, too, the gear selection is even more precise and much more situation-specific.

[0038] If, for example, a sensor fails and secondary factors such as traffic volume cannot be recorded, the evaluation is based solely on the primary factors, i.e., driver type, road category, and emotion. The special cases for the optional priority situations remain.

[0039] A first of the at least two motor vehicle systems can preferably be a system for controlling the drive of the motor vehicle, and a further motor vehicle system can preferably be a system for controlling a steering system, interior lighting, or a system relating to the ambience in the motor vehicle. Preferably, the respective gear position can specify settings for at least three motor vehicle systems.

[0040] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can have 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 have 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 have 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.

[0041] The motor 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. The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an embodiment of the control device according to the invention.

[0042] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the control device according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the control device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the devices according to the invention and the method according to the invention. Fig. 1 a motor vehicle 10, for example a passenger car.

[0048] The control device 12 can be designed, for example, as a control unit or, for example, as a control chip. The control device 12 of the example of the Fig. 1 can preferably have a data memory 14 and a processor device 16, for example, one or more microchips or one or more microprocessors. Data communication between the control device 12 and a sensor device 18 can take place via, for example, wireless or wired data communication connections 20.

[0049] The Fig. 1 schematically shows the sensor device 18, which can preferably comprise a plurality of sensors for acquiring the driving style data and the environmental data. Furthermore, the sensor device 18 comprises at least one sensor for acquiring the driver monitoring data. Optional driving situation data can be provided, for example, by the on-board computer and can include sensors or practices known to those skilled in the art, for example, for detecting an incoming telephone call, a fuel level, or a battery charge level. The environmental data, which can optionally describe the condition of the driving surface, can be acquired, for example, via the motor vehicle's cameras and an image analysis, or, for example, by retrieving current warning messages about poor road conditions or, for example, a wet road surface.Environmental data for determining traffic volume can be, for example, data from a server external to the vehicle, describing a traffic jam, or data collected from other vehicles via near-field communication. Alternatively, sensors for radio-based and / or optical distance measurement, such as radar and / or lidar, can be used to determine traffic volume.

[0050] For reasons of clarity, the individual sensors are shown in the Fig. 1 not shown. The sensor system can, for example, comprise capacitive sensors or pressure sensors arranged in the steering wheel to monitor steering behavior. A driver observation camera in the interior of the motor vehicle can, for example, be directed at the face and / or body to record facial expressions or posture. Optionally, the sensor device 18 can have one or more microphones through which speech can be recorded, and, for example, speech recognition software and / or voice analysis software can then analyze the voice and / or speech.

[0051] In method step S1, the control device 12 provides the driving style data that describe the driver's driving style. For example, based on the steering behavior, the control device 12 can determine (S2) that the driver is a sporty type.

[0052] To provide the environmental data (S3), the control device 12 can, for example, receive corresponding data from the respective sensors, such as camera data filming the road or map data describing the road category. The control device can thus, for example, determine in S4 that the motor vehicle is on a highway. The travel context can be defined, for example, as "dynamic long-distance travel" (S5).

[0053] Preferably, the following input data, either alone or in any combination, can be used for this context analysis: current and / or long-term driving behavior; whether and which other passengers are in the motor vehicle 10; operating action(s) performed in the vehicle interior, for example, the setting of the interior lighting and music; states of the individual vehicle functions and systems (for example, charge level, fuel level, activated driver assistance systems, system error states, component functions); a dangerous situation (country road, motorway entrance, city, construction site); the traffic volume (clear road, traffic jam, slow-moving traffic); and / or route data ahead (road conditions, friction coefficients). To optionally determine the current traffic volume (S7), the control device can also optionally listen to and evaluate traffic radio.

[0054] In a preselection S8, for example, the driving modes “Dynamic” and “Auto” can be selected during dynamic motorway driving.

[0055] The driver's emotional mood is reflected in the driver monitoring data after pre-selection. The driver monitoring data provided in S9 can, for example, allow the emotion "enthusiasm" to be analyzed in the evaluation S10. The driver monitoring data can, for example, describe a heart rate, skin conductivity, facial expressions, eye movements, or a characteristic of the driver's voice. Suitable sensors are known to those skilled in the art. If the control device 12 detects "overwhelm" instead of "enthusiasm," for example, the "Auto" drive mode can be selected instead of the "Dynamic" profile (S11).

[0056] Depending on the emotion, the control device 12 generates a switching signal in S12, which in the example describes either “Dynamic driving position” or “Auto driving position” (S12), and transmits the generated switching signal to the driving dynamics system device 22, which in the example of the Fig. 1 can be a component of the control device 12 (S13). Alternatively, the vehicle dynamics system device 22 can be a component structurally separate from the control device 12 and communicate with the control device 12 via a data communication connection 20.

[0057] The respective settings for at least two, preferably more than two, motor vehicle systems 24 can then be stored for each gear in the driving dynamics system device 22, and the driving dynamics system device 22 can control the motor vehicle systems 24, for example a transmission and interior lighting, in accordance with the switching signal from the control device 12 (S14).

[0058] The learning process of the control device 12 for "getting to know" the driver is particularly advantageous, for example, when the driver has just purchased the motor vehicle or a classification into a driver type is not yet clear. For example, after switching to the "Dynamic" gear on the motorway, it can be determined (S15) that the driver is obviously not happy with the gear selection, i.e., the predefined acceptance criterion is not met. In the example, the "Auto" gear can then be activated instead of the "Dynamic" gear, and a further check can be carried out (S15) to determine whether the driver now appears more satisfied. If this is the case, the "Auto" gear can be assigned to the driver's emotion before switching to "Dynamic" (S16).Optionally, the learning algorithm can provide for the driver's manual selection of a different driving mode to be taken into account in a given situation, preferably depending on whether this manual selection is frequently repeated at the same location. This can be determined, for example, using geofencing.

[0059] With the optional upstream check for prioritized driving situations, it can be determined, for example, when the driving situation data (S17) are provided that the tank fill level falls below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined prioritization criterion can, for example, be stored in the data memory 14, and the check S18 can show that the predetermined prioritization criterion is met. The control device 12 can generate a second switching signal (S12) and transmit it to the vehicle dynamics system device 22 (S13), which can, for example, describe a change to the prioritization driving stage "energy-saving" ("efficiency"). The motor vehicle 10 then drives in an energy-saving manner, preferably until, for example, the motor vehicle enters an acceleration lane on a motorway or until the tank is refilled.

[0060] The Fig. 2 shows an example of a logic of an initial data input as a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0061] The optional check S18 to determine whether a predefined prioritization criterion is met (column S18) can be divided into the possibility that no priority situation exists (26) or that the predefined prioritization criterion is met (28, 30, 32). A first priority situation 28 can be, for example, that the tank is empty, a second an "off-road" situation 30, or an alternative priority situation 32, in which, for example, a telephone call may be received while driving. Each of these priority situations 28, 30, 32 can select a different gear mode 34 to be activated, for example, an energy-saving gear mode, an "all-road" gear mode 36, or an alternative gear mode 38 (column 40 as the column for the result of the driving profile).

[0062] If no priority situation exists, i.e., the specified prioritization criterion is not met (26), or the optional verification process S18 does not take place, the driver type can preferably be determined first (column S2). Possible driver types include, for example, the sporty type (40), the "undefined" type (44), i.e., a type that cannot be assigned to any of the usual categories, for example, if the control device 12 has not yet met the driver; or the "efficient" type (46), i.e., a driver type that prefers to drive in an energy-saving manner.

[0063] The types 42, 44, and 46 can preferably be assigned a driving level directly without determining the road category (column S4) and without optional evaluation of secondary factors 48. For example, the "comfortable" type 42 can be assigned a driving level "Comfort" 50, the "undefined" type the driving level "Auto" (52), and the "efficient" type the driving level "Efficiency" (34).

[0064] The further selection is then made based on the identified emotion. Examples of this have already been mentioned above.

[0065] The assessment of secondary factors may preferably include determining traffic volume (S7). The secondary factors 48 are preceded by the primary factors 54, which include determining driver type S2 and determining road category S4.

[0066] When determining the road category S4, for example, the motorway category (56), the country road category (58), or the city category (60) can be determined.

[0067] For example, the driver's current emotion can be determined using the vehicle's sensors (S10). The different emotions 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 76, 82 can influence the gear selection differently. For example, depending on whether the emotion is "happy" (62) or "normal" (64), the gears "Dynamic" (84) or "Auto" (52) can be shortlisted, or only the "Auto" (52) gear.

[0068] Optionally, a road condition can also be determined (S4) and considered (S6). Possible optional road conditions can be "good" or "bad," "good (straight)" or "good (curvy)" or "bad."

[0069] Possible optional traffic volumes can be: "free" (72) or "slow / traffic jam" (74) or, for the road category "city" (60) and the optional road condition "good", and the traffic volume "free" (78) or "slow / traffic jam" (80). For an optional poor road condition for city streets - or only for city streets - the driving level "car" (52) can be directly assigned, for example. The driving level "car" (52) can be assigned to different combinations of primary and secondary factors, as shown in the example in the Fig. 2. However, a "Dynamic" gear level (84) can be assigned, for example, to a clear highway if the driver type is a sporty type; and optionally, if the road conditions are also good. "Dynamic" can also be assigned as gear level 84, for example, to a winding country road for the sporty driver type, optionally only in good road conditions or on clear and good city roads.

[0070] Ideally, in the example of Fig. 2, the learning function with steps S9, S15, and S16 is activated. For example, the system can switch from "Dynamic" to "Comfort" if the driver is dissatisfied with the "Dynamic" suggestion, which can be inferred, for example, by the driver's restless gestures or a typical facial expression expressing dissatisfaction.

[0071] Overall, the examples show how automatic driving profile switching can be provided based on an empathic and optionally learning and predictive algorithm.

[0072] In another embodiment, in order to reduce the workload and consistently optimize the experience of the driving profiles in all vehicle-driver-environment situations, the profile that best suits the individual driver's experience can be automatically activated using a comprehensive analysis. Preferably, a learning algorithm based on the driver's preferences and emotions can enable, in addition to automatic profile switching, profile activation to be tailored to the driver's current mood.

[0073] In another exemplary technical implementation, to determine the optimal driving profile, the driver's driving style can first be classified and assigned to one or more suitable driving profiles (e.g., drive select) (S2, S8). Since the driving mode must always be tailored to the respective environment and driving situation, various data on the road category (e.g., country road / highway / city), traffic volume, and optionally the road condition are then included (S4, S8). For this purpose, both measured variables from the vehicle 10 and backend data can be accessed.

[0074] Preferred incoming data for analysis are: - current and long-term driving aging, and / or - other passengers in the vehicle, and / or - operating actions performed in the vehicle interior, and / or - the emotional mood of the driver, and / or - States of the individual vehicle functions and systems (e.g. charge level, fuel level, activated driver assistance systems, error states of systems, functions and components), and / or - the driving situation (country road, motorway entrance, city, construction site), and / or - the traffic volume (clear road, traffic jam, slow traffic), and / or - ahead route data (road conditions, friction values).

[0075] The ideal driving mode determined from this data can preferably be overridden by so-called priority factors. These priority factors can include various events: - Incoming phone call, and / or - Merging into fast-moving traffic (e.g. motorway entrance), and / or - Kick down, and / or - Manual downshifting, and / or - Fuel reserve, and / or - Unpaved road, and / or - Overtaking maneuver, after which the mode with the most suitable configuration for the situation can be selected accordingly (S18).

[0076] To further accommodate the user's personal preferences, driver overrides can be processed in a learning algorithm. For example, if the driver repeatedly selects a different mode than the one selected by the function in a certain situation, the algorithm can directly select the user's preference in the future in similar situations and / or at the same locations (e.g., via geofencing).

[0077] In a further step, the user's emotional reaction to a driving profile change can be classified and used to adapt the algorithm more precisely to the driver's personal taste.

[0078] The driver's emotions can be detected by analyzing physiological parameters. The following physiological parameters are preferably analyzed: - Heart rate, and / or - Skin conductivity, and / or - facial expressions, and / or - Eye movement, and / or - Agree

[0079] The driving modes are switched depending on a context analysis (driving behavior and environmental data) and emotion analysis (e.g. facial expressions and / or speech).

[0080] The advantage is that the automatic and intelligent switching to an optimal driving profile allows the driver to fully experience the vehicle's characteristic range without requiring any understanding of the system. Manual operation by the driver is thus obsolete, making a significant contribution to reducing visual distraction and, consequently, mental workload.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a vehicle dynamics system device (22) of a motor vehicle (10) during a journey with the motor vehicle (10), wherein a control device (12) during the journey: - provides driving style data that describes a driving style of the driver of the motor vehicle (10) (S1), and determines a driver type of the driver based on the driving style data provided (S2), - determines a road category of a driving surface on which the motor vehicle (10) is driving (S4), - establishes a current driving context based on the identified driver type and road category (S5), - in a preselection from a plurality of predetermined driving steps, each describing a driving step-specific set of settings for at least two vehicle systems (24) of the vehicle (10), selects at least one driving step that is assigned to the specified driving context (S8), - provides driver monitoring data that describes the driver's current state (S9), and uses the provided driver monitoring data to determine the driver's current emotion (S10), - selects one of the pre-selected driving modes as the driving mode to be activated based on the detected emotion, whereby the driving mode to be activated is assigned to the detected emotion (S11), - generates a switching signal (S12) that describes a change from a current driving stage to the driving stage to be activated with the respective associated settings of the at least two vehicle systems (24), and transmits the generated switching signal to the vehicle dynamics system device (22) for configuring the at least two vehicle systems (24) (S13), - after the configuration of at least two vehicle systems (24) provides further driver monitoring data (S9), - determines (S15) whether the driver behavior described on the basis of the provided additional driver monitoring data meets a predefined acceptance criterion, which specifies that the detected emotion or a reaction of the driver described by the provided additional driver monitoring data, which is an operation of the motor vehicle (10), is a predefined positive emotion or reaction, and - if the driving behavior does not meet the specified acceptance criterion: assigns a different driving level to the emotion determined on the basis of the initial driver monitoring data (S16). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the control device (12): - provides driving situation data that describe a current driving situation, wherein the driving situation data describe an event of a motor vehicle-independent influence on the driving behavior of the motor vehicle (10) and / or the driver (S17), - checks whether the current driving situation meets a predefined prioritization criterion, which describes a predefined requirement for activating a prioritization driving level assigned to the event (S18), and - generates a second switching signal (S12) and transmits it to the vehicle dynamics system unit (22) (S13), which describes a change to the prioritization driving stage. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the event of a motor vehicle-independent influence on the driving behavior of the motor vehicle (10) and / or the driver is: an incoming telephone call; an impending traffic situation in which the motor vehicle (10) enters a roadway via a ramp; a kick-down situation; a manual downshift performed by the user; when a predetermined value of a remaining fuel reserve is undershot; when driving on an unpaved road; or an overtaking maneuver. [4] Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the control device (12): - determines the current traffic volume in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (10) based on the provided driving situation data (S7), and - selects the driving mode to be activated from the pre-selected driving modes in addition depending on the detected traffic volume (S11). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first of the at least two motor vehicle systems (24) is a drive control system of the motor vehicle (10), and wherein a further motor vehicle system (24) is a system for controlling a steering system, an interior lighting system, or a system relating to the ambience in the motor vehicle (10); preferably wherein the respective driving mode specifies settings of at least three motor vehicle systems (24). [6] Control device (12) configured to perform a procedure according to any of the preceding claims. [7] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a control device (12) according to claim 6.

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