Method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle (1), wherein - when the vehicle detects a car wash (2), the car wash assistance system is automatically activated, either automatically or after user confirmation or after a corresponding message is displayed in the vehicle (1), so that at least the automatic vehicle door opening, the automatic trunk opening and the windshield wiper system of the vehicle (1) are deactivated, - when the vehicle detects that a washing process (1) has ended and / or that the vehicle (1) has exited the car wash (2), the car wash assistance system is automatically deactivated, either automatically or after user confirmation or after displaying a corresponding further notice, - sensor data recorded in each case are transmitted to a central computer unit (3) connected to the vehicle (1) when a driver of the vehicle (1) or of another vehicle of the same fleet connected to the central computer unit (3) manually activates or deactivates the car wash assistance system, - by assigning the respective recorded sensor data to a state “Car wash (2) detected” and to a state “Wash process completed”, the sensor data are mapped in a model and - the model is used to determine whether the car wash assistance system should be activated or can be deactivated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle.

[0002] DE 10 2017 223 109 A1 discloses washing methods for a motor vehicle, a car wash, and a motor vehicle for carrying out the washing method. In the washing method, data relating to a washing process of the motor vehicle are first transmitted to a car wash control unit of a car wash with a car wash portal. The car wash control unit then determines a movement routine for the motor vehicle based on the determined data, wherein the movement routine comprises forward and backward movements of the motor vehicle relative to the car wash for the washing process. The washing process is then carried out by the motor vehicle automatically executing the determined movement routine, and the car wash washes the motor vehicle via the car wash portal in accordance with the movement routine.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 009 552 A1 describes a method for preparing a vehicle for a car wash in a car wash. The method provides that a car wash mode is automatically or manually activated in the vehicle upon entering the car wash, which is deactivated upon exiting the car wash.

[0004] DE 10 2013 209 242 A1 discloses a method for activating and deactivating driver assistance functions of a vehicle. This involves determining a number of indicators that indicate that the vehicle is in a car wash or a car wash tunnel. Depending on the number of indicators determined, the driver assistance functions are deactivated.

[0005] DE 10 2015 011 498 A1 describes a method for executing a driving program in which a parameter of a vehicle-mounted device is preset depending on the situation. A driving program is provided by a control device of a motor vehicle; upon activation, the automatic actuation of an electric parking brake or the automatic engagement of a parking lock is prevented or canceled. The automatic actuation of the electric parking brake or the automatic engagement of the parking lock is prevented or canceled after the driving program has been activated by an operator action of a motor vehicle occupant when the occupant is in front of a car wash.

[0006] DE 10 2023 000 574 A1 describes a method for detecting a car wash. A vehicle's surroundings are detected using a lidar sensor system. For the detection and recognition of surrounding objects, the location and intensity of points in point clouds captured by the lidar sensor system are determined. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the points in the vehicle's surroundings and relative to the vehicle is taken into account, and this data is used to segment and classify the point clouds. A car wash is detected if at least three of the following requirements are met: - an entrance to the car wash is detected by a roller shutter and a roller shutter movement in the point clouds; - static elements and elements characteristic of a car wash are recognized in the point clouds; - a tunnel-like structure with side walls, a floor and a ceiling is recognized in the point clouds; - a lane with a transport device for a vehicle is detected in the point clouds; - Water droplets sprayed by surrounding objects are detected, whereby sprayed water droplets are distinguished from points of static surrounding objects.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a novel method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] A method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle provides according to the invention that - when a car wash is detected on the vehicle, the car wash assistance system is activated automatically or after user confirmation or after a corresponding message is displayed in the vehicle, so that at least one automatic vehicle door opening and one automatic trunk opening and one windscreen wiper system of the vehicle are deactivated, and - when the vehicle detects that a washing process has ended and / or that the vehicle has left the car wash, the car wash assistance system is deactivated automatically or after user confirmation or after a corresponding further message is displayed.

[0011] By applying the method, in particular by detecting the car wash and automatically activating the car wash assistance system, the risk of damage to the vehicle can be significantly reduced, in particular by deactivating the vehicle door opening.

[0012] In addition, the car wash assistance system is automatically deactivated, meaning that, for example, folded-in exterior mirrors are automatically unfolded again when the car wash detects that the wash cycle is complete or the vehicle is leaving the car wash. This ensures that the driver has full access to the exterior mirrors when starting a journey. This can contribute to accident-free driving after a stop and car wash.

[0013] By means of the method, a perception of digital luxury in relation to the vehicle can be increased, whereby the method implemented in the vehicle can also increase the intelligence of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, whenever a driver of the vehicle or another vehicle in the same fleet that is connected to the central computer unit manually activates or deactivates the car wash assistance system, the recorded sensor data is transmitted to a central computer unit connected to the vehicle's data network. These sensor data transmitted to the central computer unit indicate that the vehicle is in a car wash or that the vehicle intends to leave or has already left the car wash.

[0015] By assigning the sensor data recorded in each case to a state “car wash detected” and a state “washing process completed”, the sensor data can be mapped in a model in a further embodiment of the method, which makes it possible to determine relatively quickly whether the car wash assistance system should be activated or can be deactivated.

[0016] In one embodiment, the approach of the vehicle to a car wash and / or entry into a car wash is or will be detected at least based on a detected current position of the vehicle and / or based on map information on locations with a car wash and / or based on precipitation and / or lighting conditions and / or relative humidity and / or based on image and / or text data. This makes it relatively possible to determine whether the vehicle is in the vicinity of a car wash and intends to enter it. In particular, the opening hours of the car wash are also taken into account for this purpose.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a vehicle wash cycle is detected based on detected precipitation and / or wind and / or acoustic signals and / or wheel speeds and / or spring travel when the vehicle's front wheel is suspended on one side as sensor data recorded on the vehicle. This makes it possible to relatively reliably detect whether the vehicle is in a car wash and activate the car wash assistance system accordingly.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method, the sensor data recorded on the vehicle from each sensor are weighted, and based on the weighted sensor data, a weighted confidence is determined for detecting the car wash operation for activation. Based on this confidence, the probability that the vehicle is in a car wash is determined.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the car wash assistance system is activated when the determined weighted confidence exceeds a predetermined threshold, i.e., the car wash assistance system is activated when there is a comparatively high probability, for example, a probability of at least 95 percent, that the vehicle is in a car wash.

[0020] In a further embodiment, a subset of the sensor data collected on the vehicle is used to generate a further weighted confidence for detecting the termination of car wash operation. This makes it possible to determine whether the vehicle's washing process has ended and whether the vehicle intends to leave the car wash.

[0021] In one embodiment, the car wash assistance system is deactivated if the determined additional weighted confidence exceeds a predefined additional threshold. Here, too, a probability value is determined that indicates that the vehicle is most likely just leaving or has left the car wash.

[0022] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0023] The following shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle intending to enter a car wash.

[0024] The single figure depicts a vehicle 1 intending to enter a car wash 2. Vehicle 1 and other vehicles not shown belong to a vehicle fleet, for example, of a vehicle manufacturer. Vehicle 1 and the other vehicles in the fleet are connected for data purposes to a central computer unit 3.

[0025] The vehicle 1 includes, for example, vehicle doors 1.1, which are designed as so-called comfort doors and are coupled to a door opening system (not shown in detail). The vehicle doors 1.1 are opened and closed automatically by means of the door opening system. Automatic opening requires an opening impulse from outside the vehicle 1, for example, a touch or a relatively light pull on the door handle 1.2.

[0026] If the vehicle 1 drives into the car wash 2, there is a risk that the opening impulse can be triggered, for example by means of washing brushes 2.1, so that a vehicle door 1.1 or several vehicle doors 1.1 open automatically and thus water can penetrate into a passenger compartment and / or damage to the vehicle 1 and / or the car wash 2 results.

[0027] In general, a car wash assistance system (not shown in detail) is known, which a driver of vehicle 1 can manually activate before or immediately after entering car wash 2. When the car wash assistance system is activated, damage, in particular to vehicle 1, is to be prevented during a car wash of vehicle 1. When the car wash assistance system is activated, an automatic vehicle door opening and trunk opening, as well as a windshield wiper system of the vehicle, are deactivated.

[0028] In addition, the activated car wash assistance system can instruct the driver of vehicle 1 to, for example, deactivate active distance control, deactivate a hold function of vehicle 1, deactivate a rearview camera, lock vehicle 1 and retract door handles 1.2, close all vehicle windows 1.3, fold in exterior mirrors (not shown in detail), deactivate heating and ventilation, and move away from vehicle 1, so that it can be largely ruled out that a trunk lid 1.4 or a vehicle door 1.1 will open unintentionally. If the car wash 2 has a towing device, the driver of vehicle 1 is additionally instructed to engage neutral in the transmission and to lock vehicle 1 from the inside.

[0029] In the following, a method for operating the car wash assistance system of the vehicle 1, in particular for automatic activation and automatic deactivation, is described in order in particular to increase safety and comfort for the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0030] The method provides that sensor data recorded on the vehicle side as well as external data and information available to the vehicle 1 are evaluated before the vehicle 1 enters the car wash 2, whereby a current position of the vehicle 1, map information on car washes 2, precipitation, lighting conditions, relative humidity as well as image and text data in an environment of the vehicle 1 are taken into account.

[0031] In particular, before or during vehicle 1's entry into car wash 2, a comparison is made between a recorded current position of vehicle 1 and a direction of travel based on information from a map service containing available car washes 2 and car wash tunnels. In the following, car wash 2 also refers to a car wash tunnel.

[0032] In addition, a comparison of the current time with the opening time of a car wash 2 located in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 1 is carried out via an internet service and / or the map service.

[0033] Entry into the car wash 2 is determined based on a change in lighting conditions, i.e., a change from daylight to darker and / or artificial light. The existing lighting conditions are determined, in particular, based on signals detected by a light sensor of vehicle 1.

[0034] An abrupt change from wetness, especially when it rains, to dryness, since car washes 2 are usually covered, is also determined using signals from a rain sensor and / or the light sensor.

[0035] In addition, the relative humidity in the immediate vicinity of vehicle 1 is determined based on detected signals, for example from a vehicle-side humidity sensor.

[0036] In addition, based on signals detected, for example, by an external camera and / or an ultrasound-based sensor of the vehicle 1, a garage-like structure in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 is detected. In particular, walls are detected and a width between the walls is determined.

[0037] Furthermore, the car wash 2 can be recognized on the basis of detected signals from the external camera by means of image recognition and a comparison of the detected signals, in particular image data, with image data stored in an image database and / or a use of artificial intelligence models for image recognition.

[0038] A lettering S “car wash” and / or a similar term, in particular in all languages, can also be recognized at an entrance to the car wash 2 or a sign pointing to the car wash 2 in the vicinity of the car wash 2. In particular, the recorded signals are also compared with image data stored in a database and an automatic translation is carried out.

[0039] A typical idle time and a comparatively slow driving speed in a car wash 2 are recorded, with data being marked, i.e. labeled, by a manual activation of the car wash assistance system using vehicle 1 and the other vehicles in the vehicle fleet.

[0040] Based on sensor data evaluated by vehicle 1 and the other vehicles, for example, using an artificial intelligence application program, locations where the car wash assistance system was manually activated in vehicle 1 and / or other vehicles are determined. Locations for which car washes 2 were detected using this method are also determined by evaluating the data.

[0041] In a next step of the method, sensor data recorded on the vehicle side relating to the start of a washing process of the vehicle 1, in particular wind, rain, acoustic signals of an operation of the washing system 2 as well as a behavior of wheel speeds and spring travel when the front wheel 1.5 of the vehicle 1 is suspended on one side in the washing system 2, are determined and evaluated.

[0042] Acoustic signals recorded by at least one external microphone are evaluated so that switched-on washing brushes 2.1, switched-on water nozzles and a switched-on hair dryer, i.e. a blower, are detected in the washing system 2.

[0043] If the vehicle 1 is dried using a fan, the generated wind can be detected based on signals detected by at least one wind sensor of the vehicle 1. Based on the signals detected by the at least one wind sensor, a wind direction and a wind speed of the fan are evaluated, which is then identified as such. In particular, it is detected that the wind is generated by a fan, since the fan changes its direction relative to the vehicle 1 at a predetermined time, and this change follows a predetermined temporal pattern.

[0044] The washing process, i.e. the washing of the vehicle 1, is detected based on signals detected by a rain sensor and / or a light sensor of the vehicle 1.

[0045] If the car wash 2 has a towing device and at least one front vehicle wheel 1.5 of the vehicle 1 is hooked in, it is detected, for example on the basis of the wheel speeds, that the front wheel or two vehicle wheels 1.5 on one side of the vehicle 1 are stationary, while the remaining vehicle wheels 1.5 are rotating at a wheel speed below a limit value.

[0046] It can also be detected on the basis of signals recorded by a force sensor and / or on the basis of spring travel recorded by a vehicle wheel 1.5 or by two vehicle wheels 1.5 that the vehicle wheel 1.5 or the vehicle wheels 1.5 is or are compressed.

[0047] A comparatively slow travel of the vehicle 1 with the drive unit switched off is also detected via the wheel speeds of the non-attached vehicle wheels 1.5.

[0048] After recording and evaluating the sensor data recorded on the vehicle side, the external data and information available to vehicle 1, the sensor data are weighted and a weighted confidence for detecting the operation of the car wash 2 is formed.

[0049] For this purpose, an algorithm is used which detects a car wash 2 or determines a confidence for detection by means of a weighted combination of the sensor data. For this purpose, the sensor data is mapped to confidences in the range 0 and 1, where 0 represents the lowest confidence and 1 the highest confidence. If, for example, an external camera of vehicle 1 detects the word S “car wash”, a value from this sensor, i.e. from the external camera, is set to 1, otherwise to 0. If the spring travel of a front vehicle wheel 1.5 is 10 cm in normal condition and 2 cm when hooked into the towing device of the car wash 2, a value range, for example 10 cm to 2 cm, can be mapped linearly to a value range 0 to 1, whereby the confidence for a car wash 2 is highest at 2 cm of spring travel.If a sensor datum has fixed values, for example, a change in rain detection, where heavy rain represents level 4 and no rain represents level 0, a reduction in the rain level when vehicle 1 enters car wash 2 by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 can be mapped to 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1. The sensor data of a respective sensor mapped to the value range 0 and 1 are weighted. If a sum of all weighted sensor data is greater than a predetermined threshold, in particular greater than a confidence threshold, a car wash 2 in which vehicle 1 is located is detected.

[0050] In one embodiment, the sensor data recorded on the vehicle side of vehicle 1 and the other vehicles in the fleet can be recorded and transmitted to the central computer unit 3 whenever a driver of the respective vehicle 1 in the fleet manually activates or deactivates the car wash assistance system. Thus, the sensor data is input data, and the activated or deactivated car wash assistance system is a feature, in particular a so-called label. Using supervised learning methods, an assignment of the sensor data to a result such as "car wash 2 detected" or "washing process completed" can be learned and mapped into a model.

[0051] In the event that the weighted confidence exceeds the specified threshold, the car wash assistance system is activated automatically or after user confirmation or after display of a message in a display area, for example an instrument panel, in vehicle 1.

[0052] To automatically deactivate the car wash assistance system, the car wash assistance system must be activated.

[0053] If the car wash assistance system is activated and sensor data is recorded by a light sensor, based on which a change in the lighting conditions, in particular from darker and / or artificial light to daylight, is detected, exiting of the car wash 2 is deduced. In addition, exiting of the car wash 2 and / or ending of the operation of the car wash, in particular an end of the washing process, is detected based on a detected reduction in the relative humidity when exiting the car wash 2, exiting the garage-like accommodation, based on an evaluation of washing times and idle times, an acoustic detection of the end of operation of components of the car wash 2, such as the washing brushes 2.1, the blower, etc., and based on a detected release of the attached front vehicle wheel 1.5.

[0054] Here, too, an algorithm is used to link, map, and weight the sensor data. If the end of operation of car wash 2 is detected with a confidence that exceeds a predefined additional threshold, the car wash assistance system is deactivated automatically, or after user confirmation or after the display of a further indication in a display area, for example, the instrument panel, in vehicle 1.

[0055] It may also be advantageous to automatically dry the brakes after the car wash assistance system has ended in order to remove liquids and, in particular, detergent residues.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a car wash assistance system of a vehicle (1), wherein - when a car wash (2) is detected on the vehicle, the car wash assistance system is activated automatically or after user confirmation or after a corresponding message is displayed in the vehicle (1), so that at least one automatic vehicle door opening and one automatic trunk opening and one windscreen wiper system of the vehicle (1) are deactivated, - when the vehicle detects that a washing process of the vehicle (1) has ended and / or that the vehicle (1) has left the car wash (2), the car wash assistance system is deactivated automatically or after user confirmation or after a corresponding further message is displayed, - each recorded sensor data is transmitted to a central computer unit (3) connected to the vehicle (1) by data technology, when a driver of the vehicle (1) or of another vehicle of the same vehicle fleet connected to the central computer unit (3) by data technology manually activates or deactivates the car wash assistance system, - the sensor data are mapped in a model based on an assignment of the respectively recorded sensor data to a state “car wash (2) detected” and to a state “washing process completed” and - the model is used to determine whether the car wash assistance system should be activated or can be deactivated. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat an approach of the vehicle (1) to the car wash (2) and / or driving into the car wash (2) is or will be detected at least on the basis of a detected current position of the vehicle (1) and / or on the basis of map information on locations with a car wash (2) and / or on the basis of precipitation and / or lighting conditions and / or relative air humidity and / or on the basis of image and / or text data. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the washing process of the vehicle (1) is detected as sensor data recorded on the vehicle side on the basis of recorded precipitation and / or recorded wind and / or recorded acoustic signals and / or recorded wheel speeds and / or recorded spring travel when the front wheel of the vehicle (1) is suspended on one side. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized bythat the sensor data of a respective sensor recorded on the vehicle side are weighted and, on the basis of the respective weighted sensor data, a weighted confidence for detecting the operation of the car wash (2) for activation is determined. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the car wash assistance system is activated when the determined weighted confidence exceeds a specified threshold. [6] Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that a subset of the sensor data of the respective sensor recorded on the vehicle side is used to form a further weighted confidence for detecting the termination of the operation of the car wash (2). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the car wash assistance system is deactivated if the determined further weighted confidence exceeds a predetermined further threshold value.

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