Cleaning assistance system and cleaning assistance procedure for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning assistance system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising: - a seat adjustment module (110) configured to adjust two or more vehicle seats (12, 14); and - a user interface module (120) configured to receive an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning, - wherein the seat adjustment module (110) is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats (12, 14) based on a cleaning progress upon receipt of the initial user input in order to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the respective vehicle seat (12, 14).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning assistance system for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a cleaning assistance system, a cleaning assistance method for a vehicle, and a storage medium for executing the cleaning assistance method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to automated assistance for a user in vehicle cleaning. State of the art

[0002] In certain applications, vehicle interiors require regular cleaning. For example, chauffeur services may require vehicle interiors to be cleaned at least once a day. This is time-consuming, so it's particularly beneficial for commercial applications to make cleaning as easy as possible for the user. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cleaning assistance system for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a cleaning assistance system, a cleaning assistance method for a vehicle and a storage medium for carrying out the cleaning assistance method, which can assist a user in cleaning the vehicle.

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0005] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning assistance system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The cleaning assistance system comprises a seat adjustment module configured to adjust two or more vehicle seats; and a user interface module configured to receive an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning. The seat adjustment module is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats based on a cleaning progress upon receipt of the initial user input in order to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the respective vehicle seat.

[0006] According to the invention, (e.g., electrically) adjustable vehicle seats are automatically moved to the correct position to allow the user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the respective vehicle seat. The vehicle seats are adjusted sequentially based on the cleaning progress, allowing the user to gradually clean all footwells, for example. This can assist the user in cleaning the vehicle, which improves user comfort.

[0007] Preferably, the vehicle interior cleaning is a footwell cleaning. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vehicle interior cleaning may additionally or alternatively relate to other areas of the vehicle interior, such as vehicle seats, vehicle windows, vehicle doors, a trunk, and combinations thereof.

[0008] Preferably, the two or more vehicle seats are selected from the group comprising or consisting of a driver's seat, a passenger seat and at least one rear seat.

[0009] Preferably, the two or more vehicle seats comprise or are electrically adjustable vehicle seats. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two or more vehicle seats may additionally or alternatively comprise or be pneumatically and / or hydraulically adjustable vehicle seats.

[0010] Preferably, the two or more vehicle seats are linearly movable, in particular substantially along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The seat adjustment module can be configured to move the two or more vehicle seats based on the cleaning progress in order to enable the user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of a corresponding vehicle seat.

[0011] Preferably, a backrest of at least one of the two or more vehicle seats is adjustable, in particular tiltable or adjustable in its inclination. The seat adjustment module can be configured to adjust the backrest of the at least one vehicle seat based on the cleaning progress in order to enable the user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of a corresponding vehicle seat.

[0012] Preferably, a seat surface of at least one of the two or more vehicle seats is adjustable, in particular movable (e.g., substantially along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle). The seat adjustment module can be configured to adjust the seat surface of the at least one vehicle seat based on the cleaning progress in order to enable the user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of a corresponding vehicle seat.

[0013] The user interface module can comprise at least one input device and optionally at least one output device. The user interface module can, for example, be a central information output and information input device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. The user interface module is preferably permanently installed in the vehicle.

[0014] The at least one input device may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g., push button and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements. The at least one input device may be configured to receive at least the initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning.

[0015] The at least one output device may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display device may comprise a projection device configured to project information directly into the user's field of vision, in particular onto a windshield.

[0016] Preferably, the user interface module comprises, or is, a touchscreen providing the at least one input device and optionally the at least one output device.

[0017] Preferably, the seat adjustment module is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats based on the cleaning progress in such a way that an area accessible to the user for vehicle interior cleaning is maximized, for example for footwell cleaning.

[0018] The area accessible to the user can be in front of and / or behind and / or next to the respective vehicle seat. For example, the area accessible to the user can be an area behind the vehicle seat or an area in front of the vehicle seat.

[0019] In some embodiments, the area accessible to the user may be an area (e.g., a footwell) behind the vehicle seat. For example, a driver's seat or front passenger seat may be moved all the way forward to allow the user to clean the area behind the driver's seat or front passenger seat. The area behind the driver's seat or front passenger seat may, for example, be a footwell for rear passengers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the area accessible to the user may be an area (e.g., a footwell) in front of the vehicle seat. For example, a driver's seat or front passenger seat may be moved all the way back to allow the user to clean the area in front of the driver's seat or front passenger seat. The area in front of the driver's seat or front passenger seat may, for example, be a footwell for the driver or front passenger.

[0021] Preferably, the vehicle includes a door opening mechanism for automatically opening and / or closing vehicle openings. The door opening mechanism can move doors (e.g., a driver's door, passenger door, and / or rear door) and / or flaps (e.g., a tailgate) of the vehicle, e.g., electrically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically, to open or close the corresponding vehicle opening.

[0022] Preferably, the vehicle openings are selected from the group comprising or consisting of a driver-side entry and exit, a passenger-side entry and exit, a rear or rear entry and exit, a rear opening (e.g. trunk opening) and a front opening.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system is further configured to automatically open vehicle openings sequentially based on the cleaning progress, enabling a user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the respective vehicle seat. For this purpose, the cleaning assistance system may comprise a control module configured to instruct and / or control the door opening mechanism accordingly.

[0024] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system is configured to automatically open the vehicle openings sequentially clockwise or counterclockwise based on the cleaning progress. For example, a driver's door, a passenger door, a first rear door, a tailgate, and a second rear door can be opened sequentially clockwise.

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system is further configured to automatically close vehicle openings sequentially based on the cleaning progress when the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat is completed.

[0026] For this purpose, the cleaning assistance system may comprise the control module, which is configured to instruct and / or control the door opening mechanism accordingly.

[0027] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system is configured to detect, based on a user input and / or user behavior, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat has been completed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the user input can be provided on the user interface module. For example, the user can indicate the completion of the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat using a touchscreen input or voice input.

[0029] The user behavior can include or be the closing of a vehicle opening or corresponding door or lid. For example, the cleaning assistance system can be configured to detect, based on the user closing a vehicle opening, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the corresponding vehicle seat has been completed. In a further example, the cleaning assistance system can be configured to detect user behavior based on detection data from an interior and / or exterior sensor system. For example, image data from at least one camera can be analyzed using suitable software to detect the completion of the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the corresponding vehicle seat.

[0030] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system is further configured to sequentially return the two or more vehicle seats to a starting position based on the cleaning progress when the vehicle interior cleaning is completely completed. In particular, the two or more vehicle seats can be returned to a usable state, e.g., according to a predefined user setting.

[0031] Preferably, the user interface module is configured for user interaction with respect to vehicle interior cleaning. In some embodiments, the user interface module may be configured to provide the user with feedback and / or instructions regarding vehicle interior cleaning. For example, the user may be motivated through a playful approach (e.g., record times for quick cleaning), by offering praise, etc.

[0032] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle comprises the cleaning assistance system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, vans, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for the transport of people.

[0034] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning assistance method for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The cleaning assistance method comprises receiving, by a user interface module, an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning; adjusting, by a seat adjustment module, a first vehicle seat of two or more vehicle seats to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the first vehicle seat; determining a cleaning progress; and adjusting, by the seat adjustment module, a second vehicle seat of the two or more vehicle seats, when the cleaning progress indicates that the vehicle interior cleaning in the region of the first vehicle seat is complete, to enable the user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the second vehicle seat.

[0035] The vehicle cleaning assistance method may implement the aspects of the vehicle cleaning assistance system described in this document.

[0036] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the cleaning assistance method for a vehicle described in this document.

[0037] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the cleaning assistance method for a vehicle described in this document.

[0038] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to perform the cleaning assistance method for a vehicle when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0039] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning assistance system for a vehicle is provided. The cleaning assistance system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the cleaning assistance method for a vehicle described in this document.

[0040] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process). Short description of the drawings

[0041] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle with a cleaning assistance system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 schematically shows an iterative vehicle interior cleaning according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a cleaning assistance method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0042] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 with a cleaning assistance system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] The cleaning assistance system 100 comprises a seat adjustment module 110 configured to adjust two or more vehicle seats 12, 14; and a user interface module 120 configured to receive an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning, wherein the seat adjustment module 110 is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 based on a cleaning progress upon receipt of the initial user input in order to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the respective vehicle seat 12, 14.

[0045] Vehicle interior cleaning may include, but is not limited to, footwell cleaning and may additionally or alternatively include other areas of the vehicle interior, such as vehicle seats, vehicle windows, vehicle doors, a trunk, and combinations thereof.

[0046] The two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 may include a driver's seat and a passenger seat, and optionally at least one rear seat, such as a rear bench seat.

[0047] The two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 can be electrically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically adjustable vehicle seats. In some embodiments, the two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 are linearly movable, in particular substantially along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. Additionally or alternatively, a backrest of at least one of the two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 can be adjustable, in particular tiltable. Additionally or alternatively, a seat surface of at least one of the two or more vehicle seats 12, 13 can be adjustable, in particular movable.

[0048] Typically, the seat adjustment module 110 is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats 12, 14 based on the cleaning progress in such a way that a user-accessible area for cleaning the vehicle interior is maximized. The user-accessible area can be in front of and / or behind and / or next to the respective vehicle seat. For example, the user-accessible area can be an area behind the vehicle seat or an area in front of the vehicle seat. For example, a driver's seat or front passenger seat can be moved all the way forward to allow the user to clean the area behind the driver's seat or front passenger seat. The area behind the driver's seat or front passenger seat can be, for example, a footwell for rear passengers. In another example, a driver's seat or front passenger seat can be moved all the way back to allow the user to clean the area in front of the driver's seat or front passenger seat.The area in front of the driver's seat or front passenger seat can, for example, be a footwell for the driver or front passenger.

[0049] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a door opening mechanism for automatically opening and / or closing vehicle openings. The door opening mechanism may move doors (e.g., a driver's door, passenger door, and / or rear door) and / or hatches (e.g., a tailgate) of the vehicle, e.g., electrically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically, to open or close the corresponding vehicle opening.

[0050] The cleaning assistance system 100 can be configured to automatically open the vehicle openings sequentially, e.g., clockwise, based on the cleaning progress, to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the respective vehicle seat. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning assistance system 100 can be configured to automatically close the vehicle openings sequentially based on the cleaning progress when the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat is completed.

[0051] Preferably, the cleaning assistance system 100 is configured to detect, based on a user input and / or user behavior, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat has been completed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the user input can be provided at the user interface module 120. For example, the user can indicate the completion of the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat using a touch input on a touchscreen or a voice input.

[0053] The user behavior can include or be the closing of a vehicle opening or corresponding door or lid. For example, the cleaning assistance system 100 can be configured to detect, based on the user closing a vehicle opening, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the corresponding vehicle seat has been completed. In a further example, the cleaning assistance system 100 can be configured to detect the user behavior based on detection data from an interior and / or exterior sensor system. For example, image data from at least one camera can be analyzed using suitable software to detect the completion of the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the corresponding vehicle seat.

[0054] In some embodiments, user interface module 120 is configured for user interaction related to vehicle interior cleaning. In some embodiments, user interface module 120 may be configured to provide the user with feedback and / or instructions related to vehicle interior cleaning. For example, user motivation may be achieved through a playful approach (e.g., record times for quick cleaning), by offering praise, etc.

[0055] Fig. 2 schematically shows an iterative vehicle interior cleaning according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] In step (a), a user input is provided to start the vehicle interior cleaning or the corresponding workflow. Workflow parameters, such as predefined or predicted times for cleaning certain areas, can be determined in some embodiments based on whether floor mats are removed or not. This can be indicated, for example, by a user input.

[0057] In step (b), a starting position is shown in which all doors and tailgates are closed and the vehicle seats are in their initial positions. The initial positions can be positions before the start of the workflow and / or correspond to user specifications.

[0058] In step (c), the driver's door is opened and the driver's seat moves backward. Optionally, the passenger seat can move forward (not shown). The footwell in front of the driver's seat is then cleaned by the user. After cleaning, the driver's door can be closed manually by the driver or automatically by the vehicle. Optionally, accompanying instructions can be displayed via the user interface module, such as "Clean driver's footwell" and / or "Please close door after cleaning is complete."

[0059] In step (d), the left rear door is opened and the driver's seat moves forward. Optionally, the passenger seat can move forward (not shown). The footwell behind the driver's seat is then cleaned by the user. After cleaning, the left rear door can be closed manually by the driver or automatically by the vehicle. Optionally, accompanying instructions can be displayed via the user interface module, such as "clean left rear footwell" and / or "please close door after cleaning is complete."

[0060] In step (e), the tailgate is opened. Optionally, the driver's seat can be returned to its original position. The trunk is then cleaned by the user. After cleaning, the tailgate can be closed manually by the driver or automatically by the vehicle. Optionally, accompanying instructions can be displayed via the user interface module, such as "Clean trunk" and / or "Please close tailgate after cleaning is complete."

[0061] In step (f), the right rear door is opened and the passenger seat moves forward, if this has not already happened in step (c) or (d). The user then cleans the footwell behind the passenger seat. After cleaning, the right rear door can be closed manually by the driver or automatically by the vehicle. Optionally, accompanying instructions can be displayed via the user interface module, such as "clean right rear footwell" and / or "please close door after cleaning is complete."

[0062] In step (g), the passenger door is opened and the passenger seat moves backward. The footwell in front of the passenger seat is then cleaned by the user. After cleaning, the passenger door can be closed manually by the driver or automatically by the vehicle. Optionally, accompanying instructions can be displayed via the user interface module, such as "Clean passenger footwell" and / or "Please close door after cleaning is complete."

[0063] In step (h) the passenger seat returns to its original position.

[0064] In step (i), the user interface module informs the user that the workflow has ended.

[0065] Fig.Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a cleaning assistance method 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cleaning assistance method 300 may be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0066] The cleaning assistance method 300 comprises, in block 310, receiving, by a user interface module, an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning; in block 320, adjusting, by a seat adjustment module, a first vehicle seat of two or more vehicle seats to enable a user to perform vehicle interior cleaning in the region of the first vehicle seat; in block 330, determining a cleaning progress; and in block 340, adjusting, by the seat adjustment module, a second vehicle seat of the two or more vehicle seats, if the cleaning progress indicates that the vehicle interior cleaning in the region of the first vehicle seat is complete, to enable the user to perform vehicle interior cleaning in the region of the second vehicle seat.

[0067] According to the invention, (e.g., electrically) adjustable vehicle seats are automatically moved to the correct position to allow the user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the respective vehicle seat. The vehicle seats are adjusted sequentially based on the cleaning progress, allowing the user to gradually clean all footwells, for example. This can assist the user in cleaning the vehicle, which improves user comfort.

[0068] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that numerous variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

[1] Cleaning assistance system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising: - a seat adjustment module (110) configured to adjust two or more vehicle seats (12, 14); and - a user interface module (120) configured to receive an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning, - wherein the seat adjustment module (110) is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats (12, 14) based on a cleaning progress upon receipt of the initial user input in order to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the region of the respective vehicle seat (12, 14). [2] Cleaning assistance system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the seat adjustment module (110) is configured to sequentially adjust the two or more vehicle seats (12, 14) based on the cleaning progress in such a way that an area accessible to the user for vehicle interior cleaning is maximized, in particular for footwell cleaning. [3] Cleaning assistance system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning assistance system (100) is further configured to automatically open vehicle openings sequentially based on the cleaning progress in order to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the respective vehicle seat (12, 14). [4] The cleaning assistance system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning assistance system (100) is configured to automatically open the vehicle openings sequentially clockwise or counterclockwise based on the cleaning progress. [5] Cleaning assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning assistance system (100) is further configured to automatically close vehicle openings sequentially based on the cleaning progress when the vehicle interior cleaning in the region of the respective vehicle seat (12, 14) is completed. [6] Cleaning assistance system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning assistance system (100) is configured to recognize, based on a user input and / or a user behavior, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the respective vehicle seat (12, 14) has been completed, in particular wherein the cleaning assistance system (100) is configured to recognize, based on a closing of a vehicle opening by the user, that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the corresponding vehicle seat (12, 14) has been completed. [7] Cleaning assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user interface module (120) is configured for user interaction with respect to the vehicle interior cleaning, in particular wherein the user interface module (120) is configured to provide the user with feedback and / or instructions with respect to the vehicle interior cleaning. [8] Vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the cleaning assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Cleaning assistance method (300) for a vehicle (10), comprising: - receiving (310), by a user interface module (120), an initial user input for vehicle interior cleaning; - adjusting (320), by a seat adjustment module (110), a first vehicle seat (12) of two or more vehicle seats (12, 14) to enable a user to clean the vehicle interior in the area of the first vehicle seat (12); - determining (330) a cleaning progress; and - Adjusting (340), by the seat adjustment module (110), a second vehicle seat (14) of the two or more vehicle seats (12, 14) when the cleaning progress indicates that the vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the first vehicle seat (14) is completed, in order to enable the user to perform vehicle interior cleaning in the area of the second vehicle seat (14). [10] A storage medium comprising a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the cleaning assistance method (300) according to claim 9.

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