Method for a motor vehicle for coordination within a group of motor vehicles comprising at least the motor vehicle, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, data processing device and motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for a motor vehicle for coordination within a group of motor vehicles comprising at least the motor vehicle, the method comprising: detecting membership indicators, wherein each of the membership indicators characterizes a perspective membership of the second motor vehicle to the group; determining an aggregated membership value based on the membership indicators; and outputting a coupling signal for the communication-technical connection of the second motor vehicle to the group, wherein the connection is set up to coordinate an infotainment-, navigation-, and / or comfort-related vehicle function for the motor vehicle and for the second motor vehicle and / or within the group.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for a motor vehicle for coordination within a group of motor vehicles comprising at least the motor vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a computer program and / or computer-readable medium, a data processing device, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] The formation of groups of motor vehicles, in particular the formation of travel groups, is known from the prior art. For example, it is known that motor vehicles, each manually controlled by a driver, travel to a common destination and / or travel a common stage of the journey. However, it has been shown that coordinating several motor vehicles, particularly when taking into account, for example, refueling stops, charging stops, breaks and / or stopping at a so-called "point of interest", can be difficult when driving with several motor vehicles within the group, especially if the driving task also has to be carried out at the same time. The telephone can be used for bilateral agreements on the itinerary so that occupants of two motor vehicles can coordinate with each other.

[0003] In addition, so-called "platooning" is known from the prior art. According to DE 10 2021 119 012 A1, platooning is a technology in which a plurality of vehicles perform autonomous driving while arranged in a platoon at a certain distance. DE 10 2021 119 012 A1 describes a platooning control device, a server, and a method therefor. A leading or preceding vehicle and a following vehicle, which are present in a platooning group, can perform platooning on a road. The leading vehicle and the following vehicle can travel while maintaining a certain distance. During travel, the leading vehicle or the following vehicle can set a distance between the leading vehicle and the following vehicle. DE 11 2014 005 122 T5 discloses a convoy travel control device. US 2023 / 0052717 A1 discloses a dynamic train of autonomous motor vehicles.

[0004] Furthermore, the driving of motor vehicles can also be coordinated differently than with platooning, for example, to form a carpool without the motor vehicles having to travel closely together in a convoy, and so that a common destination can be reached by all participating motor vehicles at essentially the same arrival time. DE 10 2014 200 547 A1 discloses a method for coordinating several manually controlled motor vehicles, at least one of which is traveling toward a specific destination. In at least one computing and evaluation device, at least some of the driving data from at least the participating motor vehicles is compiled, evaluated, and made accessible again to the respective drivers of at least the participating motor vehicles.It is disclosed that, first, a common destination is determined. Depending on this destination and the respective locations or positions of the participating vehicles, vehicle-specific driving data is made available to the respective drivers, which are directed toward coordination such that the common destination can be reached by all participating vehicles at essentially the same arrival time. In this process, the drivers of the vehicles must manually combine the vehicles into a group.

[0005] Against the background of this prior art, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a method suitable for enriching the prior art and improving at least the above-mentioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the object of the disclosure is to enable easier identification of groups of motor vehicles and / or to coordinate further vehicle functions within the group.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a method for a motor vehicle for coordination within a group of motor vehicles comprising at least the motor vehicle, the method comprising: detecting membership indicators, each of the membership indicators characterizing a perspective membership of the second motor vehicle to the group; determining an aggregated membership value based on the membership indicators; and outputting a coupling signal for the communication-technical connection of the second motor vehicle to the group, the connection being set up to coordinate an infotainment-, navigation-, and / or comfort-related vehicle function for the motor vehicle and for the second motor vehicle and / or within the group.

[0008] The method enables coordination within the group. The group initially comprises the motor vehicle, but not the second motor vehicle. The prospective or future membership of the second motor vehicle in the group can be determined. The prospective membership can be determined automatically. This can relieve the driver of the motor vehicle. To determine the prospective membership, the membership indicators are recorded. The membership indicators characterize or indicate and / or signal a prospective membership of the second motor vehicle in the group. The membership indicators can be processed to determine the aggregated membership variable. The membership variable can thus be understood as a variable that summarizes the prospective membership.

[0009] The coordination relates to the vehicle function, to the execution of the vehicle function triggered by the motor vehicle in the second motor vehicle and / or to the joint execution of the vehicle function within the group. For coordination purposes, the coupling signal can be output, whereby the motor vehicle can be functionally and in particular communicatively connected or coupled to the second motor vehicle and can be included in the group. This means that the motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle can then be in the group without the motor vehicles in the group having to travel in a vehicle train. The vehicle function to be coordinated can be infotainment-, navigation- and / or comfort-related. In other words, the method opens up the possibility of, for example, certain vehicle settings, for example for navigation as a navigation-related vehicle function and / or for interior lighting (so-called"Ambi-Light") as an infotainment and / or comfort-related vehicle function communally, i.e., within the group. The infotainment, navigation, and / or comfort-related vehicle function can thus be a primarily non-driving-related vehicle function, i.e., not an automated driving function, for example.

[0010] The procedure enables identification and / or formation of the group and simplified communication between the vehicles in the group. The procedure makes it easier for the driver to focus on the driving task by simplifying coordination with other vehicles, as vehicle functions can be coordinated. The procedure facilitates communication within the group and / or allows certain vehicle settings to be made jointly. The procedure can strengthen the sense of togetherness among the occupants of the group's vehicles and contribute to the enjoyment of the journey.

[0011] Optionally, the membership metric includes a probability and / or a score. A probability and / or a score are examples of a descriptive and effectively processable membership metric. Based on the membership metric, the prospective membership of the second motor vehicle in the group can be effectively specified, thus reliably outputting the coupling signal.

[0012] Optionally, the affiliation indicators include a navigation destination, information describing platooning behavior, an average speed, information describing lane change behavior, information describing braking behavior, image information depicting the second motor vehicle, and / or contact information. Using the navigation destination as the affiliation indicator, an identical and / or similar destination input into the navigation system can be considered.Based on platooning behavior, i.e., driving in a vehicle train, the average speeds of the motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle, lane-changing behavior of the motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle, braking behavior of the motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle, and / or image information depicting the presence of the second motor vehicle, for example, over a period of time in a detection area of an external camera of the motor vehicle, it can be concluded that the second motor vehicle may be part of the group. Alternatively or additionally, contact information can be used.The contact information is information accessible to the motor vehicles from contacts on a mobile phone on board and / or linked to the respective motor vehicle and can also indicate affiliation, for example if the drivers and / or owners of the motor vehicles have saved each other as contacts.

[0013] Optionally, the method comprises: issuing, taking into account the membership size, an input prompt for establishing the connection; and detecting a user input in response to the input prompt; wherein the output of the coupling signal depends on the user input. This makes it possible for the vehicle function to be coordinated with a confirming user input by outputting the coupling signal. For this purpose, the input prompt perceptible to an occupant of the motor vehicle is output in the motor vehicle. Alternatively, coordination of the vehicle function can be prevented with a rejecting and / or missing user input and a failure to output the coupling signal. In other words, the identification of the membership can be carried out via a calculated membership probability and a subsequent confirmation by the individual motor vehicle(s) in the group.

[0014] Optionally, the prompt issuance depends on a threshold condition regarding the membership size. The prompt can be issued if the membership size is greater than a threshold, and otherwise, if the membership size is less than the threshold, the prompt can remain unissued.

[0015] Optionally, the coordination of the vehicle function includes a suggested execution and / or the execution of the vehicle function in the second motor vehicle. Thus, the connection between the motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle can optionally directly influence the execution of the vehicle function, provided the appropriate authorization is granted. The suggested execution can include an output perceptible to an occupant of the second motor vehicle, for example, the output of an input prompt, which the occupant of the second motor vehicle can use to confirm or reject the execution of the vehicle function.

[0016] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a computer program and / or a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprise instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method according to the disclosure and / or steps thereof. Optionally, the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprise instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method steps described as advantageous or optional in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0017] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a data processing device for a motor vehicle is provided. The data processing device is configured to perform the method described above. Optionally, the data processing device is configured to perform a method step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a method feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0018] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a motor vehicle comprising the data processing device described above is provided. Optionally, the data processing device of the motor vehicle and / or the motor vehicle is configured to perform a method step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a method feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0019] In the following, one embodiment is described with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to one aspect of the disclosure; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 50 according to one aspect of the disclosure. Fig. 1 also illustrates a second motor vehicle 60. Fig. 1 is divided into two sections (A) and (B), wherein according to section (A) a connection 75 is established between the motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60 and according to section (B) a connection 75 is established between the motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60.

[0021] The motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60 are each a land vehicle. The motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60 are each a passenger car. Fig. 1 also shows a user of each of the motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60, for example, a driver, i.e., a person who drives the motor vehicle and / or is responsible for driving the respective motor vehicle 50, 60. Schematically, a user 10 is shown in each of the motor vehicles 50, 60, i.e., any passenger of the respective motor vehicle 50, 60. The motor vehicle 60 and the second motor vehicle 60 can each be a manually drivable vehicle and / or optionally be configured to perform automated driving functions.

[0022] Motor vehicle 50 is assigned to a group 70. Group 70 includes motor vehicle 50. In another embodiment, group 70 may include other motor vehicles (not indexed). According to the illustration in section (A), the second motor vehicle 60 is not included in group 70, i.e., is excluded from group 70.

[0023] The motor vehicle 50 has a data processing device 51. The motor vehicle 50 and / or the data processing device 51 is configured to process the data relating to Fig. 2 described procedure 100.

[0024] For this purpose, the data processing device 51 is as shown schematically in Fig. 1 (A), the group 70 is configured to detect membership indicators 80. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 50 has sensors (not shown) for sensing the membership indicators 80 and / or a communication interface (not shown) for receiving the membership indicators 80. Each of the membership indicators 80 characterizes a perspective membership of the second motor vehicle 60 in the group 70. The membership indicators 80 include a navigation destination, which is entered, for example, into a navigation device. The membership indicators 80 include information describing platooning behavior, for example, information received via a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) interface.The membership indicators 80 include an average speed and / or average speeds of the respective motor vehicles 50, 60, wherein similar average speeds indicate prospective membership in a group 70. The membership indicators 80 include information describing lane-changing behavior and / or braking behavior, wherein similar lane-changing behavior and / or braking behavior indicates prospective membership in a group 70. The membership indicators 80 include image information depicting the second motor vehicle 60, which the motor vehicle 50 can capture via an on-board exterior camera. The membership indicators 80 include contact information that can be read from a mobile phone on-board and / or coupled to the motor vehicle 50.

[0025] The data processing device 51 is configured to determine an aggregated membership variable 85 based on the membership indicators 80. For this purpose, the membership indicators 80 are processed jointly to determine the membership variable 85. The membership variable 85 includes a probability and / or a point value. The probability and / or the point value indicate how likely the second motor vehicle 60 should belong to the group 70 and thus be included in the group 70 in the future.

[0026] The data processing device 51 is configured to output an input request 56 for establishing the connection 75, taking into account the membership variable 85. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 50 has an output device (not shown). The output device is configured to output the input request 56 in a visually and / or acoustically perceptible manner for the user 10. For this purpose, the output device is designed, for example, as a display and / or loudspeaker. The input request 56 depends on a threshold condition relating to the membership variable 85.

[0027] The data processing device 51 is configured to capture a user input 57 in response to the input request 56. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 50 has an input device (not shown). The input device is configured to capture the user input 57. For this purpose, the input device is designed, for example, as a touch display, keypad, and / or microphone.

[0028] The data processing device 51 is configured to output a coupling signal 90 for the communication connection 75 of the second motor vehicle 60 to the group 70. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60 each have a communication interface (not shown). The coupling signal 90 can be transmitted directly from the motor vehicle 50 to the second motor vehicle 60 (V2V), indirectly via, for example, an infrastructure element, via a mobile network and / or an external server (backend), wherein the server manages the group 70.

[0029] The coupling signal 90 depends on the user input 57. The user 10 of the motor vehicle 50 can therefore influence the output of the coupling signal 90, in particular initiate or refuse it. Similarly, the user 10 of the second motor vehicle 60 can be informed about the establishment of the connection 75 and optionally accept or refuse the establishment of the connection 75 via an input request and an input. With the establishment of the connection 75, the second motor vehicle 60 is included in the group 70, see section (B) of the Fig. 1. Group 70 includes motor vehicle 50 and the second motor vehicle 60.

[0030] The connection 75 is configured to coordinate an infotainment-, navigation-, and / or comfort-related vehicle function 55, 65 for the motor vehicle 50 and for the second motor vehicle 60 and / or within the group 70. For this purpose, the execution, adaptation, and / or modification of the vehicle function 55, 65 can be enabled within the group 70 and / or in the second motor vehicle 60. The vehicle function 55, 65 can, for example, be executed synchronously and / or with a time delay in the motor vehicles 50, 60. The coordination of the vehicle function 55, 65 comprises a suggested execution and / or execution of the vehicle function 55, 65 in the second motor vehicle 60. The vehicle function 55, 65 can, for example, comprise the setting and / or communication of navigation information.For example, group 70 can be shown rest areas, communication options for mutual consultation, and / or additional sights or, more generally, so-called "points of interest." Furthermore, individual participants in group 70 can adjust the travel destinations or navigation and offer and / or implement them accordingly on the other vehicles 50, 60. Furthermore, vehicle functions 55, 65 can also be used to uniformly play infotainment offerings and / or uniformly adjust interior settings.

[0031] Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 100 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The method 100 according to Fig. 2 is a method 100 for a motor vehicle 50 for coordination within a group 70 of motor vehicles 50, 60 comprising at least the motor vehicle 50. Such a motor vehicle 50 and such a group 70 is described with reference to Fig. 1 described. Fig. 2 is made with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0032] The procedure 100 according to Fig. 2 comprises: detecting 110 membership indicators 80, wherein each of the membership indicators 80 characterizes a perspective membership of the second motor vehicle 60 to the group 70.

[0033] The affiliation indicators 80 include a navigation destination, information describing platooning behavior, an average speed, information describing lane change behavior, information describing braking behavior, image information depicting the second motor vehicle 50, and / or contact information.

[0034] The method 100 comprises: determining 120 an aggregated membership quantity 85 based on the membership indicators 80. The membership quantity 85 comprises a probability and / or a point value.

[0035] The method 100 comprises: issuing 125, taking into account the membership size 85, a prompt 56 for establishing the connection 75. The issuing 125 of the prompt 56 depends on a threshold condition concerning the membership size 85.

[0036] The method 100 comprises: capturing 126 a user input 57 in response to the prompt 56.

[0037] The method 100 comprises: outputting 130 a coupling signal 90 for the communication connection 75 of the second motor vehicle 60 to the group 70, wherein the connection 75 is set up to coordinate an infotainment, navigation, and / or comfort-related vehicle function 55, 65 for the motor vehicle 50 and for the second motor vehicle 60 and / or within the group 70.

[0038] The output 130 of the coupling signal 90 depends on the user input 57.

[0039] The coordination of the vehicle function 55, 65 comprises an execution proposal and / or an execution of the vehicle function 55, 65 in the second motor vehicle 60.

[0040] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the method 100 according to Fig. 2 can also be performed in a different order than that shown. In particular, it is possible for steps of method 100 to be interchanged, shifted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 includes instructions (not shown) which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device 51, cause the data processing device 51 to execute the method 100 and / or the steps of the method 100 according to Fig. 2 to be carried out.

[0042] The instructions can be present as program code in any code or language, in particular in code suitable for controlling and / or monitoring motor vehicles 50. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 can be or include any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card. The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be accessible via the Internet or otherwise. Reference symbol (part of the description) 10 users 50 motor vehicles 51 Data processing device 55 Vehicle function 56 Command Prompt 57 User input 60 second motor vehicle, motor vehicle 61 second data processing device 65 Vehicle function 70 Group 75 Connection 80 Belonging Indicator 85 Membership size 90 coupling signal 100 procedures 110 Recording of affiliation indicators 120 Determining a membership size 125 Displaying a command prompt 126 Capturing user input 130 Outputting a coupling signal 200 Computer program and / or computer-readable medium 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] DE 10 2021 119 012 A1

[0003] DE 11 2014 005 122 T5

[0003] US 2023 / 0052717 A1

[0003] DE 10 2014 200 547 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method (100) for a motor vehicle (50) for coordination within a group (70) of motor vehicles (50, 60) comprising at least the motor vehicle (50), the method (100) comprising: - detecting (110) membership indicators (80), wherein each of the membership indicators (80) characterizes a perspective membership of the second motor vehicle (60) to the group (70); - determining (120) an aggregated membership size (85) based on the membership indicators (80); and - Outputting (130) a coupling signal (90) for the communication connection (75) of the second motor vehicle (60) to the group (70), wherein the connection (75) is set up to coordinate an infotainment, navigation and / or comfort-related vehicle function (55, 65) for the motor vehicle (50) and for the second motor vehicle (60) and / or within the group (70). [2] The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the membership variable (85) comprises a probability and / or a score. [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the membership indicators (80) comprise a navigation destination, information describing platooning behavior, an average speed, information describing lane change behavior, information describing braking behavior, image information depicting the second motor vehicle (50) and / or contact information. [4] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises: - outputting (125), taking into account the membership size (85), a prompt (56) for establishing the connection (75); and - detecting (126) a user input (57) in response to the input request (56); wherein - the output (130) of the coupling signal (90) depends on the user input (57). [5] The method (100) of claim 4, wherein the outputting (125) of the input request (56) depends on a threshold condition relating to the membership variable (85). [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coordination of the vehicle function (55, 65) comprises an execution proposal and / or an execution of the vehicle function (55, 65) in the second motor vehicle (60). [7] Computer program and / or computer-readable medium (200), comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device (51), cause the device (51) to carry out the method (100) and / or the steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Data processing device (51) for a motor vehicle (50), wherein the data processing device (51) is configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [9] Motor vehicle (50) comprising the data processing device (51) according to claim 8.

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