Method for activating a function in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for discretely activating a function in a vehicle (1). According to the invention, it is provided that - the function is activated depending on a control sequence individually programmed in the vehicle (1) by means of a user interface, wherein - by means of the control sequence, it is specified that the function is activated depending on a detected instantaneous position of the vehicle (1) and / or depending on a time and / or depending on the actuation of a specified control element which is not normally related to the function and - immediately upon activation of the function, discrete acoustic and / or visual and / or haptic feedback is given to an authenticated driver of the vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for discretely activating a function in a vehicle.

[0002] US 2003 / 0152088 A1 discloses a system and method for managing user preferences in a vehicle. The system includes an electronic control unit with a microcontroller and a memory. The electronic control unit controls auxiliary devices of the vehicle. A data controller communicates with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit to receive the user preference data and thus control the auxiliary devices. A keyless receiver communicates with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit to receive a control signal from a key fob. A PDA with a processor, memory, and transceiver for electrical communication can be used to transmit the user preference data to the data controller.The user preference data is transferred to the memory of the electronic control unit, which executes an algorithm to control the accessories according to the user preference data.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of specifying a method for discretely activating a vehicle function in a vehicle.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] A method for discretely activating a function in a vehicle provides according to the invention that - the function is activated depending on a control sequence individually programmed in the vehicle by means of a user interface, whereby - the control sequence specifies that the function is activated depending on a detected current position of the vehicle and / or depending on a time of day and / or depending on the actuation of a specified control element which is not normally functionally related to the function, and - immediately upon activation of the function, a discreet acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic feedback is given to an authenticated driver of the vehicle.

[0007] By applying the method, it is possible to increase safety in the vehicle, since such a control sequence can be programmed in such a way that the driver of the vehicle can be provided with a safe and discreet communication option in a critical situation.

[0008] The method can be implemented in different vehicle types and models, whereby a respective control sequence can be programmed in the respective vehicle using step-by-step instructions.

[0009] By means of the procedure, the driver of the vehicle in particular has the possibility to carry out an action to activate the function without attracting attention.

[0010] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0011] The following shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a process flow for activating a function in a vehicle.

[0012] The single figure shows a procedure for activating a function in a vehicle 1.

[0013] In general, it is known that a driver or another occupant of a vehicle 1 in an extreme emergency situation, for example in the event of a kidnapping, often has no possibility to discreetly make an emergency call and / or send another notification requesting help and / or to discreetly activate a specific function, in particular of the vehicle 1, without running the risk of this being noticed by a potential perpetrator.

[0014] In order to be able to make such an emergency call and / or another notification unnoticed and / or to activate another specific function in the vehicle 1, a method described below is provided.

[0015] The procedure begins with Start S and ends with End E, with decisions to be made being marked with a J for Yes and an N for No.

[0016] In particular, the method provides that a control unit of the vehicle 1 (not shown in detail) is configured to discreetly activate a function of the vehicle 1 based on a predetermined control sequence. The method enables a user, in particular a driver of the vehicle 1, to define an individual control sequence associated with a function in order to realize a safe and unobtrusive activation of the function, particularly in a critical situation. The aim of the method is to offer the driver of the vehicle 1 an additional level of safety by enabling the required function to be controlled, in particular activated, without external perception.

[0017] For this purpose, programmable control sequences are used, through which the driver of vehicle 1 can specify specific action sequences to control or activate certain functions in vehicle 1. These control sequences comprise a series of inputs via various control elements of vehicle 1. The driver can set commands via a steering wheel and / or a ventilation control and / or an infotainment system and / or a dashboard control and / or a window regulator and / or an electronic parking brake so that a function is activated and / or controlled. Individually specifying these control sequences offers the driver of vehicle 1 the opportunity to integrate their individual preferences and safety needs directly into the behavior of vehicle 1, thus ensuring a comparatively high level of adaptation and personal safety.

[0018] Using the control sequences, warning systems can be activated that react in an emergency situation according to the specified control sequences. Using the programmable control sequences, the driver of vehicle 1 can, for example, activate warning functions that send an immediate notification to an emergency service, such as the police and / or fire department and / or another security service. Communication takes place via an on-board communication system, such as an automatic emergency call system, which is connected to an external network to transmit the current position of vehicle 1 and an emergency status.

[0019] In addition, a warning system of the vehicle 1 can be configured such that, when activated by means of the control sequence, it automatically records vehicle data and transmits these data together with the notification to an emergency service.

[0020] Alternatively, or in addition to the automatic notification of the emergency services by the activated warning system, it can also be configured so that in an emergency situation, the warning system notifies a specified private contact, for example, an emergency contact, or multiple private contacts, in particular specified emergency contacts. The contact(s) are identified using an application program that is stored on both the driver's mobile device and the respective mobile device of the contact(s).

[0021] When the warning system is activated by a specific control sequence, a notification is automatically sent to the specified contact via vehicle 1. Such a notification may, in particular, contain information about the current position of vehicle 1, the type of emergency, and any specific instructions that the driver has previously specified by programming the control sequence accordingly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the application program is configured to track the current position, i.e., a current location, of the vehicle 1 in real time. Additionally, the application program can include a function so that the respective contact can communicate directly with the driver and / or with the vehicle 1, for example, via a hands-free device and / or via the infotainment system of the vehicle 1.

[0023] Another possibility is the integration of automated response protocols tailored to a specific type of triggered alarm. For example, in the event of an accident involving vehicle 1, the control unit of vehicle 1 can automatically notify the nearest emergency services, or in the event of theft, vehicle 1 can be located, ensuring that vehicle 1 can be tracked. Such extended functions can increase the safety of the driver of vehicle 1 and enhance the effectiveness of the process in a wide variety of emergency situations.

[0024] The method executed by the control unit of vehicle 1 offers, in addition to basic emergency communication, a wide range of further application possibilities through the programmable control sequences.

[0025] For example, a control sequence can be programmed such that a garage door opens as soon as vehicle 1 is within a predetermined distance of the garage. A glove compartment in vehicle 1 or another hidden compartment in vehicle 1 can also be unlocked using a programmed control sequence without activating a conventional unlocking element. Such functions, which can be activated by a corresponding control sequence, can increase comfort and functionality in vehicle 1 and enable integration of vehicle 1 and the home environment.

[0026] The method can also be integrated into an application program stored in a mobile terminal, allowing, for example, the driver of vehicle 1 to open vehicle doors or activate a security system even if the driver is not in the immediate vicinity of vehicle 1. Such a function can be particularly useful if the driver of vehicle 1 wishes to allow persons access to vehicle 1 without requiring his or her presence.

[0027] A user interface for programming the control sequences is designed to enable intuitive and user-friendly interaction between the control unit and the driver of vehicle 1. Using a display unit of the navigation system or the infotainment system as a user interface, the driver of vehicle 1 can program and manage their individual control sequences. The user interface displays instructions that help the driver program a desired control sequence step by step. The instructions range from a selection of specific functions to the definition of a sequence of inputs.

[0028] Furthermore, the user interface is designed to provide the driver of vehicle 1 with unambiguous feedback regarding the status of programmed functions. This feedback is provided to the driver of vehicle 1 visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically. In particular, visual feedback is provided to the driver when a command has been successfully sent and / or an action related to a control sequence has been performed. Warnings regarding errors and / or problems with the control unit for executing the method are also provided visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically.

[0029] Customizable settings allow the driver to modify the appearance and behavior of the user interface according to personal preferences, such as color schemes and / or adjusting text size and / or configuring notification sounds.

[0030] For enhanced user interaction, the user interface can also integrate voice control functions, allowing commands to be entered verbally and feedback to be received from the control unit without the driver having to take their hands off the steering wheel. This can increase safety during driving by minimizing driver distraction and promoting seamless interaction. Furthermore, the user interface can be synchronized with mobile devices, allowing authorized users to access the control unit even when they are not in vehicle 1. This flexibility allows for continuous and location-independent control and adjustment of the functions of vehicle 1.

[0031] The control unit is signal-linked to feedback mechanisms available on the vehicle, which can be used to provide discrete feedback to the driver regarding the activation of a function of the vehicle 1. A central aspect of these feedback mechanisms is the ability to communicate via different sensory channels to ensure the discretion of the corresponding feedback. For example, the control unit can trigger a relatively mild vibration in the steering wheel to alert the driver that an action initiated by the control sequence is taking place or has been successful. This is particularly useful in situations where the output of acoustic and / or visual signals would be inappropriate or disruptive.

[0032] Alternatively, or in addition to vibration, subtle visual signals can also be displayed on a dashboard and / or the display unit of the navigation system or infotainment system. For example, discreet symbols and / or relatively subtle color changes are displayed to confirm to the driver of vehicle 1 that their inputs have been recognized and implemented.

[0033] For example, the driver of vehicle 1 can select settings via the user interface that determine which type of feedback is preferred for which control sequence. For example, they can configure whether and how strongly the steering wheel should vibrate and / or which visual cues should be used.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit can also emit acoustic signals designed to be perceived only by the driver, such as special tones via headrest speakers. These discreet acoustic signals provide an alternative feedback option that can be beneficial in certain environments and / or situations.

[0035] A detailed exemplary embodiment of the method is described below. The driver of vehicle 1 intends to transport a particularly valuable object with his vehicle 1 and wants to safely stow this object in the glove compartment. Before starting a journey, the driver programs a special control sequence that locks the glove compartment and that can only be unlocked by a specific, predefined input sequence. This control sequence can, for example, consist of a combination of actuations of various control elements in vehicle 1, such as pressing a light switch three times, followed by a long press on a specific area of ​​the display unit of the navigation system or the infotainment system.

[0036] After the valuable item has been safely placed in the glove compartment, the driver activates the control sequence. The control unit confirms successful activation with discreet feedback, for example, a relatively brief vibration in the steering wheel or a visual signal on the dashboard. The glove compartment now remains securely locked, even if the driver leaves the vehicle.

[0037] While vehicle 1 is driving, the control unit continuously monitors the status of the glove compartment. If an unauthorized access attempt is detected, the control unit automatically sends a warning message to the driver's mobile device, in particular a smartphone, or even notifies a security service if programmed to do so via the control sequence.

[0038] After the driver has reached their destination and intends to remove the valuable item from the glove compartment of vehicle 1, the driver re-enters the special control sequence, whereupon the glove compartment is automatically unlocked. The control unit then sends a discreet feedback signal to the driver to inform them that the glove compartment has been successfully unlocked.

[0039] According to the Fig.In the method sequence shown in Figure 1, in a first method step S1, a control sequence is programmed by a driver of vehicle 1 using the user interface. In a second method step S2, it is determined whether the control sequence is valid. If it is determined that the control sequence is invalid, the method jumps to the first method step S2. If, however, it is determined that the control sequence is valid, in a third method step S3, a function assigned to the control sequence is activated, for example, as described above, the glove compartment is locked.

[0040] A fourth method step S4 then determines whether the function has been activated. If it is determined that the function is not activated, a fifth method step S5 initiates troubleshooting within the control unit. The method then jumps to either the first method step S1 or the third method step S3. If it is determined that the function is activated as intended, the method is terminated. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle E End Y Yes N No S Start S1 to S5 process step QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2003 / 0152088 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for discretely activating a function in a vehicle (1), characterized by , that - the function is activated as a function of a control sequence individually programmed in the vehicle (1) by means of a user interface, wherein - by means of the control sequence it is specified that the function is activated depending on a detected current position of the vehicle (1) and / or depending on a time of day and / or depending on an actuation of a predetermined control element which is not normally operatively connected with the function, and - immediately upon activation of the function, a discrete acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic feedback is issued to an authenticated driver of the vehicle (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the function is activated by means of a predetermined operation of a steering wheel and / or a ventilation control and / or an infotainment system and / or a dashboard control and / or a window regulator and / or an electronic parking brake. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that as a function a warning system for automatically sending a notification to an emergency service is activated by means of a control sequence, wherein a current position of the vehicle (1) and an emergency status are transmitted with the notification to the emergency service. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the warning system of the vehicle (1) is configured such that one or more contacts of a driver of the vehicle (1) are automatically informed. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat the warning system is connected in terms of data technology to an application program stored on a mobile terminal of the driver of the vehicle (1) and to an application program stored on a respective mobile terminal of at least one contact, so that a notification is automatically sent to a selected respective contact.

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