Procedures for operating a fleet of motor vehicles, motor vehicle and community system

Abstract

A method for operating a fleet (22) of motor vehicles (1), each of which has at least one user (3) assigned, comprising the following steps: - Providing a shared database (21) in which, for at least some of the users (3), identification information is stored on a fixed server facility (20) for the purpose of identifying the user (3) by means of at least one identification means (14) of each motor vehicle (1), and output information associated with this information, which can be output by means of at least one output means (13) of each motor vehicle (1), for access by the motor vehicles (1) of the vehicle fleet (22), - for at least some of the motor vehicles (1) in the fleet which are in a joint operating mode: * Determination of identification data of persons located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1) using at least one identification device (14), * Comparison of the recognition data with the identification information in the Community database (21) using a control unit (18) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or the server facility (20), and * upon identification of one of the users (3) of the community database (21) who is not assigned to the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in community mode, output information is provided by controlling the at least one output device (13) with the control unit (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a fleet of motor vehicles, each of which is assigned at least one user. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle of such a fleet and a community system.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles offer a wide range of personalization options that can not only enhance comfort for the vehicle's user but also improve their well-being through a user-specific, atmospheric driving experience. For example, it is known in the prior art to personalize so-called "coming home" and "leaving home" functions by illuminating the vehicle's surroundings with specific light patterns and / or other light signatures to convey the vehicle's affiliation and value to the user. Further personalized lighting functions have also been proposed in the prior art, such as tracking a user's path, interior lighting options, so-called "puddle lights," and the like.Modern vehicle exterior lights can be used to advantage, particularly with regard to light signatures. For example, in headlights, so-called "digital matrix lighting" can be employed. This technology, using suitable optics such as micromirror arrays and / or LED matrices, allows for the targeted illumination or non-illumination of individual segments within the headlight's beam pattern, or even control over the degree of illumination. For taillights, LED matrices, OLEDs, or other segmented solutions are available that can offer various illumination patterns and thus light signatures on the taillight itself. The targeted integration of projection devices, possibly additional ones, has also been proposed. These devices could project personalized messages onto the ground, for example, in the door area.It has also been suggested that vehicle lights be used to project functional and informational objects onto the ground surrounding the vehicle, for example to project a football field or to output jukebox effects when the vehicle's music system is in operation.

[0003] DE 10 2004 050 600 A1 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle, which has a point light source for generating an illumination field in the area of ​​a vehicle door or the rear opening of the vehicle. The lighting is intended to enable the display of specific information or instructions, for example in the form of logos, which can be represented by specific differences in brightness within the illumination field.

[0004] Prior art has also proposed assigning multiple users to a motor vehicle, each of whom could then be assigned different personalization options stored in user profiles. For example, DE 10 2019 206 644 B3 proposes a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a motor vehicle, which is designed to illuminate the ground within a defined illumination area to display a lighting pattern. An ambient sensor device can detect the illumination area, and by evaluating sensor data from the ambient sensor device, the position and at least one movement of a person located within the illumination area are determined. The lighting pattern is then modified depending on the detected movement and using the position.Display elements can be user-selectable, and personalization is also possible in the sense that different users can have profiles in which the display elements can be saved via operating parameters. This takes place in a control unit of the vehicle.

[0005] WO 2022 / 100968 A1 discloses a method for operating a motor vehicle in which a person located near or approaching the vehicle is detected, and an attempt is made to identify the person. The vehicle issues at least one signal to the person if the person has been identified. Specifically, the vehicle detects the person when the vehicle is parked and attempts to identify the person by checking whether the person is known or acquainted with the vehicle's regular user. If one of these conditions is met, the vehicle issues at least one signal to the person.

[0006] DE 10 2020 006 360 A1 relates to a system and a method for changing the appearance of at least one vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of components and / or functions with modifiable properties, a control unit for changing the properties, and a vehicle communication unit for at least temporary data transmission between the vehicle and an external server. The server further includes a server communication unit for at least temporary data transmission between the server and the vehicle and / or a user terminal. A user platform is provided on the server, which is accessible from the vehicle and / or via the user terminal and on which an appearance can be selected from a plurality of appearances available for the vehicle.The vehicle's control unit adjusts the appearance by coordinating changes to the properties of the majority of components and / or functions.

[0007] DE 10 2016 210 139 A1 discloses a method for setting an identification feature for a vehicle, in which data representative of the identity of at least one person intended to use the vehicle are determined in the vehicle, and the data representative of the identity and / or data derived therefrom are stored as an identification feature for the vehicle in a vehicle interface, in particular for external retrieval. The invention is based on the objective of expanding the usability of output devices of a motor vehicle in an advantageous, in particular community-building manner.

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention provides a method, a motor vehicle, and a community system with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] An inventive method for operating a fleet of motor vehicles, each of which is assigned at least one user, comprises the following steps: - Providing a shared database in which, for at least some of the users, identification information is stored on a fixed server facility for access by the vehicles of the fleet. This information is used to identify the user by means of at least one identification device of each motor vehicle, and the associated output information is stored, which can be output by means of at least one output device of each motor vehicle. - for at least some of the fleet vehicles that are in a shared operating mode: - Determination of identification data of persons located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle using at least one identification device, - Comparison of the recognition data with the identification information in the community database using a control unit of the motor vehicle and / or the server facility, and - if one of the users of the community database is identified that is not assigned to the respective motor vehicle in community operating mode, the output information is displayed by controlling at least one output device with the control unit.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if the shared operating mode is activated by the respective control unit for parked vehicles in the fleet that are in a non-use phase. This makes it possible to use the idle time of vehicles effectively for various functions.

[0011] The invention proposes that motor vehicles can also react to individuals who are not assigned to the vehicle as users, but rather are part of a community defined by the community database. A particularly advantageous development provides that the motor vehicles share a common manufacturer. Then, for example, vehicles of a specific manufacturer, especially of a specific brand, can react to the manufacturer's customers who, for instance, drive a vehicle of that brand themselves. The customer would feel welcome, included, and comfortable within the corresponding manufacturer's community through this personalized response. Furthermore, useful functions would be provided, such as illuminating the sidewalk at night, and the like.All of this is done in a personalized way, so that the vehicles appear intelligent and the high regard within the community, especially the manufacturer community, is clearly expressed.

[0012] To achieve this, a shared online database is provided containing the necessary identification information to recognize and identify the member of the community on all vehicles in the fleet using their recognition devices, as well as the associated output information describing the personalization of the corresponding functionalities as they can be provided by the vehicles' output devices. In cases where the various vehicles have different equipment configurations, the output information can also be provided in an abstract form. The control unit is then configured to derive specific control information suitable for the vehicle issuing the output information from the output data and forward it to at least one output device.

[0013] Using a suitable access device, the vehicles in the fleet have access to the remote, stationary server, which can be located at a manufacturer's or other service provider's site, and may also be distributed or hosted in a cloud. A communication connection to the server can be established, in particular, at least partially via a mobile network and / or at least partially via the internet. Modern vehicles typically have an internet connection, which can be established, for example, via a mobile network and / or WLAN, and which, within the scope of the present invention, can also be used to access the database or the server.In this way, the existing community system is able to download or keep up-to-date parts of the database or even the entire database and / or transmit recognition data to the server facility if a comparison and potential identification by the server facility is required.

[0014] As soon as a vehicle is switched to community operating mode while parked and unused, people in the vicinity of that vehicle are detected by at least one recognition device, and corresponding identification data is recorded. This identification data, or derived comparison data, is compared with the identification information in the community database to determine whether the person is a user of one of the vehicles in the fleet and thus belongs to the community. If so, the control unit can activate at least one output device of the vehicle to display the output information.As already indicated, the output information can be particularly advantageously provided, at least in part, within the context of executing a comfort, safety, and / or information function for the identified user. For example, such comfort, safety, and / or information functions can also be reserved for members of the community according to the community database. This means that, in this case, the recognition of a user of another vehicle in the fleet not only triggers the output information but also initiates at least one comfort, safety, and / or information function for this user not assigned to that vehicle, which can then use at least part of the output information to personalize its execution.

[0015] A comfort and / or safety function can, for example, include illuminating a user's walkway, particularly by using the user's position data contained in the recognition data. Information functions can include, for example, the output of functional information stored on the server as part of the output information. This information can be generated in various ways, for example, as will be discussed in more detail below, by another user assigned to the same vehicle as the user and / or by other sources, such as a user-owned community app that also communicates with the server and may, for example, be installed on the user's mobile phone.Functional information here can include, for example, route guidance or navigation information regarding a walking route to a known destination, such as "You will reach your destination in 5 minutes." Information can also relate to connecting transport, such as "Your train is 10 minutes late." Further comfort and safety features can include, for example, lighting functions that illuminate puddles and / or hazards. Clearly, there are numerous possibilities, in addition to the positive recognition by other vehicles in the fleet, especially those of the same manufacturer, to provide a variety of other benefits for members of the community.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, it may be provided that the identification information is selected from the group comprising - Identification data of a key that has a wireless communication means which communicates with a communication device of the respective motor vehicle in community operating mode as a recognition means, - Feature data that describes an optically recognizable feature of the user, whereby associated recognition data is recorded with a camera as a recognition means, and - Mobile telephony data describing a user's mobile phone which communicates with a communication device of the respective motor vehicle operating in community mode as a means of identification, in particular via Bluetooth.

[0017] Modern vehicles often have keys whose presence, at least within the corresponding vehicle, can be detected wirelessly, provided the key contains a communication device, such as a transponder. Particularly with vehicles from a specific manufacturer, there is nothing preventing the detection of keys from other vehicles in the fleet and the recording of their identification data, which can be used to identify the key holder, i.e., the corresponding user. Vehicles are also frequently equipped with a similar or additional communication device to communicate with mobile devices, especially mobile phones, particularly via Bluetooth.In this regard, it is also advisable, when a mobile phone is detected in the vicinity of one of the vehicles operating in shared mode, to check whether, according to the identification information, this mobile phone is assigned to one of the users. The methods using a key and / or a mobile phone are particularly easy and straightforward to implement, but require that the user actually carries the corresponding devices.

[0018] Therefore, it is advisable, either as an alternative or preferably, to additionally utilize feature data that describes a visually recognizable characteristic of the user. Cameras directed at the surroundings of vehicles operating in shared vehicle mode can detect individuals and, using image processing algorithms, determine whether a person can be identified as a user of a vehicle in the fleet based on the feature data. For example, it is conceivable that a user's face and / or gait could be used as a visually recognizable feature. Using a user's face can also be referred to as Face ID. Such identification methods in vehicles, utilizing visually recognizable features via cameras, have already been proposed, for example, to identify users assigned to a vehicle using an occupant camera.Other applications suggest identifying a user assigned to a motor vehicle based on their gait, for example, to appropriately open a tailgate or a suitable door. Corresponding image processing algorithms and / or general procedures can also be applied to the inventive method to identify users not assigned to the motor vehicle operating in shared mode, whose information is stored in a widely, and in particular globally, accessible database.

[0019] It should also be noted at this point that, within the scope of the invention itself, it is of course not precluded to identify users assigned to the motor vehicle operating in community mode and to utilize the corresponding range of functions provided for such cases. In this case, it would then be proposed to also be able to react to users not assigned to the motor vehicle.

[0020] A particularly advantageous output information can be a light signature emitted by an exterior light of the respective vehicle operating in shared mode. This exterior light could be, for example, a matrix headlight, a taillight, and / or a side light. As explained earlier, matrix headlights, for instance, can generate a so-called digital matrix light, in which segments of the illumination area can be selectively illuminated brightly, darkly, or with a specific intermediate brightness to reproduce certain lighting patterns, including light signatures.In this context, and also with other exterior luminaires specifically designed as projection devices, it is possible for the light signature to be projected onto the ground adjacent to the respective vehicle operating in community mode, particularly in the direction in which the user has been detected. Exterior lighting devices for vehicles have also been proposed that can illuminate the entire immediate vicinity of the vehicle, especially in specific areas. It is also conceivable, of course, to reproduce user-preferred light signatures, for example, with other segmented luminaires such as taillights. With regard to such light signatures, the community described here can also be considered a "light community."When passing another vehicle in the fleet, for example, one from the same manufacturer, a user's individual light signature can be displayed on that vehicle. For instance, the taillights can display a user-specific signature, the ground projection around the vehicle in shared-use mode can be customized, and / or the matrix headlights can illuminate the sidewalk in the user's preferred way. These types of light signatures can also encompass entire lighting displays, such as dynamic sequences and the like.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable, particularly in addition to a light signature, to use acoustic information as output information, which is emitted via an acoustic output device, especially a loudspeaker, of the respective motor vehicle operating in community mode. Such acoustic information could, for example, be a short sequence of sounds, a musical excerpt, a jingle, or the like. Text output is also conceivable in principle, for example, a greeting to the recognized user. For such acoustic outputs, loudspeakers provided in the motor vehicle can be used, especially those that can be used in an electric vehicle to generate engine sounds and the like. Other acoustic output devices can, of course, also be used.

[0022] The output information can conveniently include at least one personalized text component, in particular a personalized greeting. This can, for example, be projected onto the ground adjacent to the respective vehicle operating in shared-use mode. An audio output is also conceivable. Such a greeting could, for example, sound like this: "Hello" <vorname>The text might read something like "!" or similar. This makes the user feel even more personally addressed and like part of the community. Personalized text elements can also refer to a previously mentioned information function and be at least partially generated automatically.

[0023] The output information can be at least partially derived from setting information that describes a setting made on the vehicle being used by the user. This applies particularly to light signatures, since, for example, a user can define specific, preferred, or even self-defined light signatures on their own vehicle for various functionalities, as well as for normal operation. For instance, a specific light signature can be set for a taillight, which can then also be displayed on another vehicle belonging to at least one other user, even if that vehicle is not currently in use. Similarly, with regard to Coming Home / Leaving Home functions, puddle lights, and the like, the settings on the user's own vehicle can be transferred to the functionality described here on other vehicles, especially concerning comfort and / or safety functions.

[0024] Specifically, the settings information can be determined, at least in part, based on user input from the user or another user assigned to the same vehicle. Such user input can be made on the vehicle itself and / or via a mobile device, particularly a mobile phone. The aforementioned community app can be installed and used on the device. If multiple users are assigned to a vehicle, the process can also include the exchange of messages between them. For example, a user could insert a personalized text element into the output information, perhaps using their mobile device, which could then be displayed to another user when they pass a vehicle in the fleet operating in community mode.While it can be a simple greeting message, for example a personalized greeting, which can also be emphasized by symbols such as hearts, it is of course also conceivable that useful information is conveyed in this way, for example a request to bring something specific with you when shopping.

[0025] The operating procedure described here can also open up new business models, particularly since participation in the community described here can be tied to further, possibly financial, requirements, such as a subscription fee or the like. Generally speaking, the output of the output information (and, where applicable, the execution of functions) to the respective vehicle operating in community mode can also depend on release information assigned to the identification information in the community database.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to enable and / or disable users for some and / or all functionalities. For example, access to the community database could be granted based on a financial transaction.

[0027] In addition to the invention itself, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle in a fleet in which each motor vehicle is assigned at least one user, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least one recognition device, at least one output device, an access device, and a control unit. The access device is for accessing a shared database provided by a remote server, in which identification information for at least some of the users is stored. This information serves to identify the user by means of at least one recognition device in each motor vehicle of the fleet, along with associated output information that can be output by means of at least one output device in each motor vehicle of the fleet. Furthermore, the control unit is configured in a shared operating mode of the motor vehicle. - for determining identification data of persons located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle using at least one identification device, - to compare the recognition data with the identification information in the community database, and - upon identification of one of the users of the community database who is not assigned to the motor vehicle, to output the output information by controlling at least one output device.

[0028] All comments regarding the method according to the invention can be applied analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention, so that the advantages already mentioned can also be obtained with it.

[0029] Finally, the invention also relates to a community system comprising a server and a fleet of vehicles, wherein the community system is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. The preceding descriptions naturally continue to apply accordingly to the community system as well.

[0030] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, Fig. 2. A schematic diagram of a situation with a parked motor vehicle in shared operating mode. Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention, and Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of a community system according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. This relates to motor vehicles in a fleet, each of which is assigned at least one user. To enable vehicles in the fleet to respond to users assigned to other vehicles in the fleet, a database containing user profiles is provided on a stationary server located remotely from the vehicles. Each user profile includes identification information that allows the corresponding user to be identified. In this case, the identification information includes identification data of a key for the vehicle to which the user is assigned, feature data describing the user's face and gait (i.e., visually recognizable features), and mobile phone data describing the user's mobile phone.Each of the vehicles in the fleet is equipped with at least one camera focused on the vehicle's surroundings and also has at least one communication device that can communicate wirelessly with keys and mobile phones.

[0032] The identification information is linked to release information and output information. The release information describes whether and to what extent the corresponding user participates in the functionalities of the community provided here. For example, it can also describe the extent to which they participate in at least one convenience function provided by the community system, and / or at least one security function provided by the community system, and / or at least one information function provided by the community system. The community system consists of the vehicles in the fleet and the server infrastructure.

[0033] The output information describes, at least in part, light signatures defined by the user and output by the vehicles in the fleet, as well as potentially other output effects, particularly in exemplary embodiments, also acoustic output information. This information can be at least partially derived from settings of the vehicle to which the user is assigned, and / or entered by the user themselves, and / or provided by another user assigned to the same vehicle. It is also conceivable, particularly when providing information functions, that at least some of the output information is automatically determined, for example, from further background information that could describe, for instance, the user's current destination, a future means of transport, and the like.Users can register with the community in various ways, for example from their assigned vehicle via its human-machine interface, via an application assigned to the vehicle, especially one designed as a community app, and / or otherwise, for example via the internet and / or by requesting through customer service.

[0034] In each vehicle in the fleet, a check is now performed in step S1 to determine whether the conditions for activating a shared operating mode are met. These conditions include, at a minimum, that the vehicle is parked and not currently in use. For example, the vehicle might be parked on a street. Further conditions are conceivable, as activating the shared operating mode might not be practical if the vehicle is located in a place inaccessible to unauthorized persons, such as a private garage.

[0035] If the conditions are met, the shared operating mode is activated and recognition data is recorded using the recognition means in accordance with step S2. The recognition means used include at least one communication device for communicating with mobile phones, in particular via Bluetooth, and / or keys, as well as cameras directed at the vehicle's surroundings. If the recognition data describes at least one person, it is compared in step S3, either by the vehicle, in particular by a control unit located there, or by the server to which it was transmitted, with the identification information in the database (for which the corresponding authorization exists).If a user is identified, the process continues to step S4, and the output information is displayed using the vehicle's corresponding output devices, in this case, the vehicle's exterior lights. Simultaneously, in step S4, if enabled for the user, at least one safety function, at least one comfort function, and / or at least one information function are executed.

[0036] If, in step S3, it is determined that none of the users are present in the detected environment, or if, in step S4, the output or execution for the time step is completed, a check is performed in step S5 to see if the shared operating mode is deactivated, specifically if its conditions are no longer met. This is the case, for example, if a user assigned to the vehicle starts the vehicle. If the shared operating mode remains active, the process returns to step S2; otherwise, it returns to step S1.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the procedure in a situation where a vehicle 1 from the fleet is parked at the edge of a street 2. A user 3, assigned to another vehicle in the fleet, walks along the sidewalk carrying a key 4 for the assigned vehicle and a mobile phone 5. Based on their face, gait, the key 4, the mobile phone 5, and corresponding identification data, user 3 can be easily identified using their identification data stored in the database. This triggers several actions on vehicle 1. First, user-specific light signatures 7, which user 3 has also set on their own vehicle, are displayed on the taillights 6 of vehicle 1. The sidewalk is illuminated for user 3 by a side light 8 and the matrix headlights 9 (see light cone 10).This occurs in the manner preferred by user 3, as described in the output information. Here too, for example as part of an information function, symbols and / or text elements 11 can be projected onto the ground next to the vehicle 1. Acoustic output devices 12 can output acoustic information, for example a user-specific jingle and / or a text message, such as a personalized greeting.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a general schematic diagram of components of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, belonging to the vehicle fleet. In addition to exterior lights used as output means 13, here the rear lights 6, side lights 8 and matrix headlights 9, the motor vehicle comprises cameras 15 directed towards the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1 as detection means 14, as well as at least one communication device 16 for communication with keys 4 and / or mobile phones 5. Access to the shared database of the remote server facility is provided via an access device 17.

[0039] The operation of the motor vehicle 1 with regard to the community system is controlled by a control unit 18, which controls the activation and deactivation of the community operating mode and queries corresponding recognition data from the recognition means 14 in community operating mode.

[0040] The control unit 18 itself and / or the server can be configured to compare with the identification information, whereby in the former case the database or the identification information can be downloaded at least partially by means of the access device 17 and in the latter case identification data can be transmitted to the server by means of the access device 17. In any case, the control unit 18 is configured to control the output means 13 for the output information and also to perform at least one safety function and / or at least one comfort function and / or at least one information function.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a community system 19 according to the present invention. As already mentioned, this system includes the server 20 on which the community database 21 is stored. The motor vehicles 1 of the vehicle fleet 22 are equipped, as indicated by arrows 23, to communicate with the server 20 and thus also to access the community database 21.

[0042] The information in the community database 21 can be provided to a large extent during registration, in particular by the respective motor vehicles 1 to which the respective user 3 is assigned, since, for example, the identification information may already be known to a large extent and / or output information can be taken from the settings of the motor vehicle and / or derived from user inputs there.< / vorname>

Claims

[1] A method for operating a fleet (22) of motor vehicles (1), each of which has at least one user (3) assigned, comprising the following steps: - Providing a shared database (21) in which, for at least some of the users (3), identification information is stored on a fixed server facility (20) for the purpose of identifying the user (3) by means of at least one identification means (14) of each motor vehicle (1), and output information associated with this information, which can be output by means of at least one output means (13) of each motor vehicle (1), for access by the motor vehicles (1) of the vehicle fleet (22), - for at least some of the motor vehicles (1) in the fleet which are in a joint operating mode: * Determination of identification data of persons located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1) using at least one identification device (14), * Comparison of the recognition data with the identification information in the Community database (21) using a control unit (18) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or the server facility (20), and * upon identification of one of the users (3) of the community database (21) who is not assigned to the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in community mode, output information is provided by controlling the at least one output device (13) with the control unit (18). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the community operating mode is activated by the respective control unit (18) for parked motor vehicles (1) of the vehicle fleet (22) that are in a non-use phase, and / or that the output of the output information is carried out at least partially within the framework of a comfort and / or safety and / or information function carried out for the recognized user (3). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the identification information is selected from the group encompassing - Identification data of a key (4) which has a wireless communication means which communicates with a communication device (16) of the respective motor vehicle (1) in community operating mode as a recognition means (14), - Feature data which describe an optically recognizable feature of the user (3), wherein associated recognition data are recorded with a camera (15) as a recognition means (14), - Mobile telephony data describing a user's mobile phone (3) which communicates with a communication device (16) of the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in community mode as a means of recognition (14), in particular by means of Bluetooth. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by, that a user's face (3) and / or the user's gait (3) are used as a visually recognizable feature. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a light signature (7) is used as output information, which is emitted by an external light of the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in community mode as an output means (13). [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the light signature (7) is projected onto the ground adjacent to the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in community mode, in particular in a direction in which the user (3) has been detected and / or that a matrix front headlight (9) and / or a rear light (6) and / or a side light (8) is used as the external light. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the output information is acoustic information which is output via an acoustic output device (12), in particular a loudspeaker, of the respective motor vehicle (1) in community operating mode. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output information includes at least one personalized text component (11), in particular a personalized greeting. [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output information is formed at least partially from setting information made on the motor vehicle (1) used by the user (3). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that the setting information is determined at least partially based on user input from user (3) or another user (3) assigned to the same motor vehicle (1). [11] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output of the output information on the respective motor vehicle (1) operating in Community mode is furthermore dependent on release information assigned to the identification information in the Community database (21). [12] Motor vehicle (1) of a fleet of vehicles (22) in which each motor vehicle (1) is assigned at least one user (3), wherein the motor vehicle (1) has at least one recognition means (14), at least one output means (13), an access device and a control unit (18), wherein - the access device (17) for accessing a shared database (21) provided by a remote server facility (20), in which identification information for at least some of the users (3) is stored, which serves to identify the user (3) by means of at least one identification device (14) of each motor vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (22), and output information associated with this, which can be output by means of at least one output device (13) of each motor vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (22), and - the control unit (18) is configured in a shared operating mode * for determining identification data of persons located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1) using at least one identification device (14), * for comparing the recognition data with the identification information in the Community database (21), and * upon identification of one of the users (3) of the Community database (21) who is not assigned to the motor vehicle (1), to output the output information by controlling at least one output device (13). [13] Community system (19) comprising a server facility (20) and a fleet of vehicles (22) with several motor vehicles (1) and configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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