Driver sensing system, driver assistance device, storage medium, server device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

Driver sensing method performed by a driver assistance device (12) during the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the motor vehicle (10) has several motor vehicle systems (14, 16), and wherein at least one of the motor vehicle systems (14) is configured for longitudinal control and at least one further of the motor vehicle systems (16) is configured for lateral control; wherein the driver assistance device (12): - identifies a driver of the motor vehicle (10) (S1), - determines a currently set driving mode (S11), - establishes a basic map based on a driver profile assigned to the identified driver, in which at least one parameter of each motor vehicle system (14, 16) is adjustable in the determined driving mode (S2), - receives vehicle-related driving data from a sensor device of the motor vehicle (10) during the operation of the motor vehicle (10) in the driving mode (S4), which describe the values ​​of the parameters of the motor vehicle systems (14, 16),- provides a driver-specific driver sensing model (28) that describes the received driving data and the basic map for the detected driving mode (S6), and - assigns the identified driver to one of several driver qualification levels based on the provided driver sensing model (28) (S7), and assigns the driver qualification level to the detected driving mode, - selects at least one alternative map from a variety of predetermined alternative maps for the vehicle systems (14, 16) (S3), within which the respective parameter can be set, wherein the at least one alternative map differs from the basic map, - selects an alternative map assigned to the driver qualification level (S8) and proposes this to the driver, and - activates (S9) and / or installs (S10) the selected alternative map for the vehicle systems (14, 16),wherein- the driver assistance device (12) only activates and / or installs the selected alternative map if a predefined activation criterion is met, which specifies the existence of an active selection of the selected alternative map by the user.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating multiple vehicle systems of a motor vehicle. The method can also be referred to as a method for personalizing multiple vehicle system settings of the motor vehicle.

[0002] Nowadays, manually selected settings are assigned to a predefined driving profile via key recognition and storage of function selections in a driver profile. Activation is then performed manually in a human-machine interface (HMI) or via key recognition and confirmation by the driver in the HMI.

[0003] Over-the-air (OTA) functions are purely systemic in nature, i.e., exclusively updates to existing software packages (for example, navigation software) or via the vehicle data available in the backend and remote access to certain vehicle functions (for example, locking the door, a function to electronically map a steering ratio via a steering wheel angle, or for example, an accelerator pedal ratio).

[0004] A disadvantage is that only functions available in the vehicle can be selected or deselected. So-called "Functions on Demand" can only be offered as technical extensions to the vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2009 039 774 A1 describes a method for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular for switching on and off and / or adjusting driving functions and / or performance characteristics, wherein at least one driver-specific evaluation value describing the driver's driving skills is determined, wherein, depending on the evaluation value, at least one performance characteristic available to the driver and / or at least one driving function of a system of the motor vehicle is activated or deactivated and / or at least one threshold value for automatic driver intervention, in particular by a safety system, is adjusted.

[0006] US 2013 / 0189649 A1 describes an assessment of driver quality for driver training.

[0007] From EP 0 984 260 A2 a method for analyzing and influencing the driving behavior of motor vehicles is known.

[0008] One of the problems underlying the invention is to specify a configuration of motor vehicle systems.

[0009] The problem is solved by the inventive method and the inventive devices according to the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given by the sub-claims.

[0010] The inventive method and devices are based on the idea of ​​generating, i.e., providing, an evaluation value for a configuration by means of a complex driver characterization. Furthermore, the "profiles" are assigned to a driving mode, optionally different driving modes. For this purpose, a basic map is first defined within which parameters for at least two vehicle systems can be set, the basic map being defined by the driver-specific driver profile. The defined basic map can therefore differ from driver to driver. The basic map describes the limits of a parameter's value within which the vehicle system parameter can be set to perform a function of the vehicle system. The basic map is thus driving mode-specific and driver-specific.

[0011] Based on the driving-specific basic map and vehicle-related driving data, which describe the current values ​​of the vehicle system parameters during the journey, the driving behavior of the identified driver is determined, and based on this driving behavior, the driver's qualification level is determined. In other words, the driver's driving skills are determined, or a driver level is assigned to which the driver's driving skills can be categorized.

[0012] Based on the determined driver qualification level, at least one alternative map for the parameter values, referred to below as the "alternative map," can optionally be selected. This map can then be suggested, activated, and / or installed in the vehicle for that specific driver. The alternative map (for example, steering ratio and / or power delivery) personalizes the driving mode (for example, "Racing," "Performance Country Road") or creates a new driving mode.

[0013] In other words, the driver's driving skills are characterized by a combination of driver recognition and an assignment of driving dynamics events. Preferably, driver-dependent reactions can also be taken into account, as well as, for example, route characteristics, road conditions and / or seasonal differences.

[0014] The characteristic maps of relevant components stored in the vehicle—that is, the vehicle systems, longitudinal and / or lateral control—can preferably be divided into tiered subzones, allowing the user's driving maneuvers to be assigned to corresponding levels. This assignment enables conclusions to be drawn about the driver's expertise level in a specific characteristic, such as braking, lateral acceleration, or steering speed. A driving dynamics event is understood to include, for example, cornering, acceleration, steering speed, or braking behavior.

[0015] A driver-dependent reaction can be, for example, the utilization of the basic driving characteristics. Seasonal differences can occur, for instance, in road conditions; in winter, the road might be slippery, which is why the driver won't take a curve as fast. Differences in road characteristics can be seen, for example, in the different driving styles of a city street versus a country road. Thus, driving behavior in the city differs in summer compared to winter in the countryside.

[0016] In other words, the driver's skill level, or expertise level, is determined for each maneuver. The driving mode is then adjusted based on this skill level.

[0017] The advantage is that, compared to predefined maps – that is, compared to one or more basic maps – various options for individualized vehicle and driver development are now possible. Based on the development of individual driving skills, training courses can be provided that are tailored to the user's driving level. Furthermore, based on the development of individual driving skills, route suggestions can be made that match the driver's personal driving style, for example, a route with many winding country roads.

[0018] In contrast to the prior art, the method according to the invention is a concrete method for the complex characterization of a user, i.e. a driver, in order to generate, i.e. provide, this evaluation value of the user, among other things.

[0019] The “profiles” conceived from this idea are assigned to different driving modes (for example, the driving modes “Racing”, “performance country road”) beyond the state of the art cited first, and are preferably created and personalized at the driver’s request.

[0020] In comparison to the prior art methods, the method according to the invention also takes into account the possibility of considering different characteristic maps of an installed function depending on the driving mode (for example, steering ratio, power delivery).

[0021] In contrast to the prior art method, the aim here is not to regulate or override the user, but to enable a neutral evaluation in comparison to the existing vehicle characteristics.

[0022] Furthermore, the desired recording and transmission of driver characteristics to a preferably external processing unit enables a personalized and / or mode-dependent suggestion to the driver to temporarily or permanently adapt and / or change the characteristics of a motor vehicle "on demand".

[0023] The method according to the invention differs significantly from the prior art mentioned above in second place, since it is not primarily concerned with improving the temporary reaction time or reducing eye distraction or lap times, but rather with the degree of utilization of physical characteristic maps stored in the motor vehicle.

[0024] A further distinguishing feature as a basis of the method according to the invention is the use of physical vehicle maps to determine the respective driver level, which are available in the vehicle or an external database in a specially processed data format. The results of the sensor data (without driver observation) are compared with these stored maps, in which several levels are predefined per map.

[0025] Furthermore, the inventive method is able to offer the driver the next higher level of a function “on demand” as soon as the maximum characteristic of a map has been detected by means of a certain number of events (for example, braking performance and / or drive power, maximum speed (“Vmax”)).

[0026] The driver sensing method according to the invention, which is performed by a driver assistance system during the operation of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has several vehicle systems, can also be referred to as a method for personalizing several vehicle system settings. A driver assistance system is understood to be a device, a device component, or a group of devices that is configured to control various driver assistance functions in a motor vehicle. The driver assistance system is configured to receive signals, evaluate them, and generate signals, preferably control signals. Accordingly, for receiving the signals, the driver assistance system can preferably be equipped with a receiver module and / or with a connection for a cable for data transmission. Correspondingly, the driver assistance system can preferably include a transmitter module for sending signals.

[0027] The motor vehicle has at least one motor vehicle system for longitudinal acceleration of the motor vehicle, as well as at least one motor vehicle system for lateral control of the motor vehicle.

[0028] The driver assistance system identifies a driver of the motor vehicle, for example via a vehicle key, facial recognition or by the fact that the driver has logged into the on-board system.

[0029] The driver assistance system detects a currently set driving mode, for example a race mode or a comfort mode, which the driver has selected and in which the driver is driving during the procedure.

[0030] Based on a driver profile assigned to the identified driver, the driver assistance system defines a basic map in which at least one parameter of each vehicle system is adjustable in the detected driving mode, i.e., in which at least one parameter is enabled. The predefined basic map thus describes the parameter limits within which the vehicle system parameter can be adjusted to perform a function of the vehicle system in the detected driving mode. The parameter could, for example, be a braking characteristic, a steering ratio, or an enabled power output. The assignment of the driver profile can optionally be performed by the driver assistance system, or the assignment can already be stored within the driver assistance system.

[0031] During operation of the vehicle in this driving mode, the driver assistance system receives vehicle-related driving data from a sensor device of the vehicle. This vehicle-related driving data describes the values ​​of the parameters of the vehicle systems, for example, steering angle and / or acceleration. "Vehicle-related" here means that the driving data is not environmental data describing, for example, the weather or other characteristics of the vehicle's surroundings, but rather that the driving data describes technical values ​​of the vehicle during the journey.

[0032] A sensor device is understood to be a device, group of devices, or device component that has at least one sensor for capturing these values. Optionally, the driver assistance system can also receive signals that describe a driver-dependent reaction. Such a driver-dependent reaction can, for example, describe a response to a driving situation, such as steering, accelerating, or braking by the driver. The driver-dependent reaction can, for example, be described by existing personal data, such as "driver accelerates hesitantly."

[0033] Since the received driving data describes how the driver operates the at least two vehicle systems, the driving data is driver-specific. Based on this driving data, the driver assistance system can derive the utilization of the basic map, whereby the utilization of the basic map describes the driver's driving behavior. In other words, the driver assistance system can determine the driving behavior of the identified driver based on the received driving data, and optionally also based on data about the driver-dependent reaction.

[0034] The driver assistance system provides a driver-specific driver sensing model for the detected driving mode, which describes the basic map and the received driving data. This driver-specific driver sensing model represents the driving data within the basic map, i.e., the driver's driving behavior.

[0035] The driver assistance system assigns the identified driver to one of several driver qualification levels based on the provided driver sensing model and then assigns this level to the detected driving mode. The first step is achieved by the driver assistance system recognizing the driver's specific use of the basic map based on the driver sensing model, as mentioned above. For example, the driver can be assigned to the driver qualification level "Beginner," "Expert," or "Very Sporty Driver." The driving mode is also personalized.

[0036] The aforementioned advantages result.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driver assistance system for the vehicle systems can detect at least one alternative map within which the respective parameter can be adjusted and / or enabled within different limits. This at least one alternative map thus differs from the basic map. Preferably, the driver assistance system can select the at least one alternative map from a plurality of predetermined alternative maps. The selection can then depend, for example, on who the driver is or which alternative maps are feasible and / or available in the vehicle.

[0038] The driver assistance system can then select at least one alternative map assigned to the driver's qualification level. Optionally, the driver assistance system can suggest the alternative map assigned to the driver's qualification level to the driver, for example, via a corresponding display on a screen in the vehicle. In other words, the driver assistance system can, for example, use the driver sensing model to determine which alternative map is appropriate for the driver.

[0039] In other words, the driver is either given the option to select and use a specific alternative map by granting the appropriate permission, and / or the appropriate alternative map is installed immediately. In other words, this implementation proposes and / or installs a map—the selected alternative map—for a "Function on Demand."

[0040] The driver assistance system can preferably only activate and / or install the selected alternative map if a predefined activation criterion is met, which requires the user to have actively selected the chosen alternative map. In other words, the selected alternative map can only be activated and / or installed if the user has confirmed the alternative map, i.e., given their consent, and / or paid for it, for example, by entering information. This allows the driver to decide once again whether or not they want the alternative map as an "upgrade."

[0041] This embodiment of the method according to the invention can then also be referred to as a method for operating multiple motor vehicle systems.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driver assistance system can additionally receive environmental data during driving operation. This data describes a characteristic of the route on which the vehicle is located during driving and / or a characteristic of the vehicle's surroundings on the route. Environmental data includes, for example, weather data, data on the condition of the road and / or the type of road, such as a country road or a highway. Based on the received environmental data, the driver assistance system can derive a route characteristic in order to then determine the driving behavior of the identified driver in relation to this derived route characteristic. The driving behavior is thus also route-specific. For example, the driver's skill level can be determined specifically for a country road in winter, or for example, for winding roads.

[0043] The provided driver sensing model can then additionally describe the received environmental data. This implementation gives the driver sensing model a higher resolution, and driver qualification can be determined much more precisely for different road characteristics. This even more precise determination of driver qualification also allows the corresponding alternative map(s) to be selected situation-specifically; that is, the vehicle systems can be configured with very high precision for specific situations.

[0044] The received environmental data can preferably describe: road conditions; the time of year at which the driver assistance system collects the environmental data (i.e., seasonal variations); and / or the vehicle's position data. This environmental data has proven particularly advantageous for a highly precise, personalized, and situation-specific configuration of the vehicle's systems.

[0045] Based on the provided driver sensing model, the driver assistance system can preferably determine the driver's preferred route characteristics, determine a route that includes a section of the route with these characteristics, generate a route signal describing the determined route, and transmit the generated route signal to a navigation device in the vehicle and / or to a display device in the vehicle. A navigation device is understood to be a device, device component, or device group for route guidance, which may preferably be configured as a navigation device or navigation system. The driver then only needs to enter, for example, the destination and / or a preferred arrival time.The route characteristics can be determined by the driver assistance system based on the driver sensing model and / or based on the driver's qualifications, preferably also according to a selected alternative map.

[0046] The navigation system can thus guide the driver along a route that is particularly well-suited to their driving skill level and, optionally, matches the selected alternative driving characteristics. The vehicle's systems can then be operated most effectively on the route with the determined road characteristics.

[0047] The invention also includes a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle. The driver assistance device can comprise a data processing device or a processor unit configured to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The driver assistance device can, for example, be designed as a computer program, a control chip, a motor vehicle control unit, or a driver assistance system. The processor unit 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 unit can comprise program code configured to execute the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor unit. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor unit.

[0048] The problem posed above is solved by a storage medium containing program code configured to cause the driver assistance system to execute an embodiment of the method described above when executed by a processor, preferably a processor in a mobile device. The storage medium can be, for example, a memory card, a memory chip, or another type of data storage device. A processor is understood to be a device or device component for electronic data processing. The processor can, for example, include at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor. The advantages already mentioned result from this approach.

[0049] The problem stated above is solved by a mobile, portable device, for example a smartphone, laptop, or tablet PC, with an embodiment of the storage medium according to the invention, and / or with an embodiment of the driver assistance device according to the invention. The advantages described above result.

[0050] The problem stated above is solved by a server device for operation on the internet, for example a data server, a backend and / or a data cloud, wherein the server device comprises an embodiment of the storage medium according to the invention, and / or an embodiment of the driver assistance device according to the invention. In other words, the problem is solved by a data processing device comprising a processor that is adapted or configured to perform the steps of one of the embodiments of the method.

[0051] The problem is also solved by a motor vehicle that has an embodiment of the driver assistance device according to the invention. 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.

[0052] The invention also includes further developments of the driver assistance device, the storage medium, the server device, and the motor vehicle 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 driver assistance device, the storage medium, the server device, and the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0053] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0054] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method and device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an exemplary implementation of an analysis of a driver qualification level; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the server device according to the invention.

[0055] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0056] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0057] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment in which a motor vehicle 10, for example a passenger car, has a driver assistance device 12. In the Fig. Figure 1 also shows a motor vehicle system 14 for longitudinal control of the motor vehicle 10, for example a braking and / or acceleration system, as well as a motor vehicle system 16 for lateral control, for example a steering system.

[0058] Motor vehicle 10 of the example of the Fig. 1 can also optionally include a navigation device 18, which can be designed, for example, as a navigation unit or a navigation system. Optionally, the navigation device 18 can be part of the driver assistance device 12.

[0059] The driver assistance system 12 communicates with the vehicle systems 14, 16 and the navigation system 18 via data communication links 20. These links can be either wired or wireless. Accordingly, the data communication links 20 can be configured as a data bus, Bluetooth connection, or Wi-Fi connection. The driver assistance system 12 can also communicate with an external server device 22 via a preferably wireless data communication link 20, wherein the data communication link 20 to the server device 22 can preferably be a mobile communication connection.

[0060] The driver assistance device 12 can, for example, be designed as a driver assistance system and preferably include a processor device 24 and / or a data storage device 26.

[0061] In the example of the Fig. For example, the driver of vehicle 10 can enter the vehicle 10, and the driver assistance system 12 in S1 can identify the driver of vehicle 10, for example, simply by recognizing the driver via their vehicle key. Optionally, a driver profile with current settings can be recognized from the vehicle key. In this exemplary way, the driver assistance system 12 can assign the driving profile to the identified driver. The driver profile can already describe a basic characteristic map for the vehicle systems 14, 16 for one or more driving modes. This can form the basis for the driver-specific driver sensing model. In this example, the basic characteristic map (S2) can therefore be determined by reading the driver profile.

[0062] In addition, the driver assistance system 12 determines the current driving mode for driver sensing (S11), for example the driving mode “sporty”.

[0063] Via the data communication connection 20 with the server device 22, further available alternative characteristic maps for the vehicle systems 14, 16 can preferably be determined by the driver assistance device 12 (S3). Alternatively, the alternative characteristic map(s) can already be stored in the data memory 26 of the driver assistance device 12.

[0064] During operation of the vehicle 10, for example when driving on a winding, alpine country road, the driver can switch to a sport mode. For example, the basic map for the vehicle system 14 might specify an accelerator pedal ratio of, say, 30 percent for the current driving mode, and an alternative map might specify an accelerator pedal ratio of 50 percent.

[0065] The driver assistance system 12 can, for example, detect high lateral acceleration as driving data by obtaining the corresponding driving data from a corresponding sensor device (in the Fig. (1 not shown) receives (S4). Based on the received driving data, the driver assistance device 12 creates a digital driver sensing model, which describes the determined driving behavior, the basic map, and preferably also the at least one detected alternative map (S6), and can thus derive the driving behavior of the identified driver (S5).

[0066] Such a driver sensing model 28 shows, schematically, the Fig. 3. Using such a driver sensing model 28, the driver assistance system 12 classifies the driver into one of several driving levels or driver qualification levels (S7). In the Fig. Figure 3 shows an onion model 31 of several characteristic maps with driver level or driver qualification levels B - D, which, divided into subzones, represents the steering behavior (vertical) and longitudinal acceleration (horizontal) of different driver qualification levels, for example, driver qualification levels B (e.g., a "Basic Level", in which comfort braking is useful), C (e.g., a "Level X"), D (e.g., a "Level XX") and E (e.g., a "Level XXX", for example, a level of sporty drivers who, for example, only brake shortly before the vehicle 10 skids). The characteristic curve A shows the characteristic map currently installed in the vehicle 10 and physically usable. The points plotted in the driver sensing model 28 of the characteristic maps represent the acquired sensor data 32, whereby, for the sake of clarity, the Fig. 3 Only two of the exemplary sensor data 32 are marked with reference symbols. The onion model 31 of the driver sensing model 28 is divided into sub-zones, the outermost boundary preferably representing what is technically feasible. The sub-zones can, for example, be staggered in 20 percent increments.

[0067] In other words, the outermost solid line A represents the currently installed and physically usable characteristic map in the motor vehicle 10, preferably partially independent of the driving mode.

[0068] The dashed line represents an upgrade that allows the customer to improve / expand the vehicle's features by unlocking them.

[0069] Based on the analysis of driver level S7 of the Fig. 3. Driver sensing takes place, meaning that the driver assistance system 12 can determine in which sub-zone - that is, in which segment - the driver is moving.

[0070] In one example of the Fig. 3. In different driving modes, the user can also configure the vehicle 10 differently, so that different characteristics are emphasized. In contrast to the driving mode selection known from the state of the art, the driver's personal profile can also store the respective personal settings of the available components. For example, driver A uses an additional performance package in Race mode for more powerful acceleration, which has been activated for him personally (dashed line), while driver B is satisfied with the conventional performance level within the "standard map" for his personal Race mode (solid line).

[0071] Ideally, the driving level analysis can then be used to compile an individual tuning package for the driver, which includes, for example, additional functions that can be unlocked online, for example via an access code (S9) ( Fig. 1) Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the alternative map selected by the driver assistance device 12 as the alternative map assigned to the driver qualification level (S8) is automatically downloaded and / or installed (S10). For example, the basic map may be configured for a "relaxed driving style" with respect to a steering ratio, while an alternative map may be configured and available for the characteristics of a "small go-kart". The driver assistance device 12 can, in the example of the Fig. Select one of the following (S8), which enables a different damper setting, for example, a damper setting for sporty driving, which allows for a firmer damper setting. If the alternative map is then installed, the vehicle will roll less on the winding mountain road.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the driver assistance device 12 can receive environmental data during driving (S12), for example the property "curvy country road", the time indication "winter" and current position data of the vehicle 10. Based on this environmental data, the driver assistance device 12 can derive a route characteristic (S13) and then use this to determine the driving behavior of the identified driver (S5) and / or additionally map the environmental data in the driver sensing model.

[0073] With the option to provide the driver with skill-specific routes, determining the route characteristics can lead to the driver assistance system 12, for example, determining a route (S14) via winding country roads instead of a motorway when navigation is requested from A to B. To determine route S14, the driver assistance system 12 can, for example, perform a database query on the server device 22. The driver assistance system 12 then generates a route signal (S15) indicating that the journey from A to B follows the winding country road and transmits this route signal to the navigation device 18 (S16).

[0074] The Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. The server device 22 can, for example, be a third-party backend or cloud. The driver can select, for example, via an HMI 34, which driving mode and / or which driver is to be analyzed. An installed driver profile can be assigned to the driver via a database 36, which can be stored, for example, in the vehicle key, in the driver assistance system 12, or in an on-board computer of the vehicle 10. The database 36, as well as the sensor data 32 from a database 33 containing personalized sensor data 32 for processing, which can also be referred to as measurement data, can be stored in the internal privacy settings 38 of the HMI 34, in addition to the user's driving mode setting 40.

[0075] In the Fig. Figure 2 illustrates four sensors as examples: 42 (for example, for receiving GPS data), 44 (for example, speed), 46 (for example, steering angle), and 48. Arrow D illustrates the data transmission of the sensor data 32.

[0076] In the driver assistance device 12, which may, for example, have a computing module and / or an evaluation unit, the analysis of the driving level S7 then takes place, i.e. the classification of the driver into a driving qualification level.

[0077] The driver assistance system 12 can optionally receive external information 50 (S13), such as weather data, from the server device 22 via the data communication link 20. Based on this, the driver assistance system 12 can derive the route characteristics (S13), which can also be referred to as the route characteristics.

[0078] Further processing and personalization S17 can take place within the vehicle 10, in the server device 22, or both within the vehicle 10 and with the involvement of the server device 22 (S17). Ideally, the result can be stored in the database 36, thereby updating the driver profile.

[0079] The Fig. Figure 2 also shows a data field 52 or data fields 52, which can be subdivided into characteristic map levels A, B, C, D, E. Furthermore, the Fig. 2 a database 54 with, for example, installed maps, for example, maps for the drive and / or the tires.

[0080] The Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary server device 22, which can be configured, for example, as a data server, and which can include an embodiment of the driver assistance device 12, and / or a storage medium 56, for example, a hard drive or a memory chip. If the data server includes a storage medium 56, it can contain program code for carrying out the procedure.

[0081] Overall, the examples show how a driver sensitization procedure can be provided for drivers with sporting ambitions. - The driver of motor vehicle 10 is offered the opportunity to have their driving skills characterized. This is done via driver recognition (S1) and an assignment of driving dynamics events, preferably via a combination of driver recognition (S1) and an assignment of driving dynamics events and / or driver-dependent reactions. In addition, optional factors such as route characteristics, road conditions and / or seasonal differences can be taken into account. - In the vehicle, 10 stored characteristic maps of relevant components can, for example, be divided into staggered sub-zones, which allow the user's driving maneuvers to be assigned to corresponding levels. - This classification allows conclusions to be drawn about the driver's level of expertise in a specific characteristic (e.g. braking, lateral acceleration, steering speed, etc.).

[0082] The advantage is that, compared to the stored characteristic maps, various options for individualized vehicle and driver development are now possible. Examples of these options are: - Development of individual driving skills, - Training courses tailored to the user's driving level, - Route suggestions tailored to the user's personal driving style (for example, winding country roads).

[0083] A preferred technical implementation may include ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3): 1) Function selection: Selection of the desired driving modes that should form the basis for driver sensing Selection of "driver sensing" by the user, in conjunction with the detected or selected driver profile. 2) Creating / segmenting data fields from the installed characteristic fields: Data fields from chassis or drive modules are already installed in segmented form with the software, or can be transferred from the backend to the vehicle via over-the-air ("OTA") functions. 3) Sensor data: Sensor data are acquired in the context of function selection and transmitted to an evaluation unit, preferably the driver assistance system 12. 4) External information: External information such as weather and route characteristics is used from the backend to better assign the conditions of the recorded parameters and data fields. 5) Evaluation unit / Computing module The collected internal and external data are now analyzed in an evaluation unit. The personalized sensor data are assigned to the data fields according to their respective levels ( Fig. 3). 6) A) Further processing The data package, consisting of installed vehicle maps and driver characteristics, is preferably transferred from the vehicle (10) to a backend environment or another cloud environment for analysis. Alternatively, this analysis can also be performed in the vehicle's computer, and only the evaluation results exported.

[0084] Evaluation points: • Degree of utilization of the given physical framework of the maps installed in the vehicle = Skill Level, and / or • Preferred route characteristics of the user, and / or • User's preferred driving mode, and / or • Checking the availability of additional unlockable maps (for example, brake characteristics, steering ratio, power increase) and / or supplementary modules (for example, ceramic brakes, cornering lights, dampers) B) Personalization

[0085] Based on the analysis results, the selectable driving modes can be expanded as needed. Users will then find their preferred settings for a specific route and / or a personalized driving mode in the human-machine interface (HMI). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102009039774 A1

[0005] US 2013 / 0189649 A1

[0006] EP 0984260 A2

[0007]

Claims

[1] Driver sensing method performed by a driver assistance device (12) during the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the motor vehicle (10) has several motor vehicle systems (14, 16), and wherein at least one of the motor vehicle systems (14) is configured for longitudinal control and at least one further of the motor vehicle systems (16) is configured for lateral control; wherein the driver assistance device (12): - identified a driver of the motor vehicle (10) (S1), - detects a currently set driving mode (S11), - defines a basic map based on a driver profile assigned to the identified driver, in which at least one parameter of each motor vehicle system (14, 16) is adjustable in the determined driving mode (S2), - during the operation of the motor vehicle (10) in the driving mode receives motor vehicle-related driving data from a sensor device of the motor vehicle (10) (S4), which describe the values ​​of the parameters of the motor vehicle systems (14, 16), - provides a driver-specific driver sensing model (28) that describes the received driving data and the basic map (S6) for the detected driving mode, and - classifies the identified driver into one of several driver qualification levels (S7) using the provided driver sensing model (28), and assigns the driver qualification level to the identified driving mode. [2] Driver sensing method according to claim 1, wherein the driver assistance device (12): - for the motor vehicle systems (14, 16) determines at least one alternative map (S3) within which the respective parameter can be set, - selects an alternative map assigned to the driver qualification level (S8); and - the selected alternative map for the vehicle systems (14, 16) is activated (S9) and / or installed (S10); preferably wherein the driver assistance device (12) activates and / or installs the selected alternative map only if a predefined activation criterion is met, which specifies the existence of an active selection of the selected alternative map by the user. [3] Driver sensing method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the driver assistance device (12): - receives environmental data (S12) during driving operation, which describes a property of a route on which the motor vehicle (10) is located during driving operation, and / or a property of the environment of the motor vehicle (10) on the route, and - derives a route characteristic from the received environmental data (S13), whereby the provided driver sensing model (28) additionally describes the received environmental data. [4] Driver sensing method according to claim 3, wherein the received environmental data describe: a road condition; a season at which the driver assistance device (12) collects the environmental data; and / or position data of the motor vehicle (10). [5] Driver sensing method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the driver assistance device (12): - using the provided driver sensing model (28), a preferred route characteristic of the driver was determined (S13), - a travel route determined (S14) which includes a section of the route with the determined route characteristics, - generates a travel route signal (S15) that describes the determined travel route, and - transmits the generated route signal to a navigation device (18) of the motor vehicle (10) (S16), and / or to a display device of the motor vehicle (10) (S16). [6] Driver assistance device (12) configured to perform a driver sensing procedure according to any of the preceding claims. [7] Storage medium (56) with a program code configured to perform a driver sensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 when executed by a processor device, preferably a processor device of a mobile terminal. [8] Server device (22) for operation on the Internet, comprising a storage medium (56) according to claim 7 and / or a driver assistance device (12) according to claim 6. [9] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a driver assistance device (12) according to claim 6.

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