Method and system for autonomously carrying out an action on a parked motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for autonomously carrying out an action on a parked motor vehicle (20) while the driver (50) is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle (20), comprising at least the following steps: - detecting an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20); - generating a trigger signal based on the detected event and sending the trigger signal to a mobile communication unit (30) located remotely from the motor vehicle (20) to which the driver (50) has access; - generating and reproducing at least one action command on the mobile communication unit (30) on the basis of the trigger signal, wherein the generated action command is assigned to an action to be carried out on the parked motor vehicle (20), which action activates at least one function of the motor vehicle (20) which is necessary to put the motor vehicle (20) from its parked state into proper driving operation; - selection of the action command by the vehicle driver (50) and sending of the action command to the parked motor vehicle (20); - Evaluate the received action command and - Carrying out the action on the motor vehicle (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for autonomously performing an action on a parked motor vehicle while the driver is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to an associated system for autonomously performing such an action.

[0002] In certain situations, e.g. when delivering goods, drivers may park and leave their vehicles for short periods of time or for extended periods. However, the vehicle is not parked in an authorized parking space, but is often parked in areas that are not intended or authorized for this purpose. This can particularly result in the parked vehicle blocking other road users (e.g. double parking, using property driveways as a parking space, blocking emergency routes, etc.). In addition to annoying other road users or other people, such a blockage can lead to dangerous situations, especially if an entire lane or the path for emergency vehicles is blocked.

[0003] Modern vehicles are also often equipped with one or more cameras that provide images of the vehicle's surroundings. Alarm and anti-theft systems, for example, often offer remote monitoring of the vehicle and its surroundings, albeit limited. Furthermore, modern vehicles are often equipped with communications technology and connected to their drivers' personal communication devices. This can be used, in particular, to remotely activate the air conditioning or to lock and unlock the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, modern vehicles are often capable of performing limited parts of the driving task autonomously. At the time of this application, these include, in particular, automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, etc., but the range of driving tasks that can be performed will expand over time.

[0005] US 2017 / 0 287 331 A1, for example, discloses a system for controlling an autonomous vehicle in which a so-called host vehicle detects the movement of another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian and takes it into account in its movement. This detection takes place, for example, via a camera, a radar unit, etc., which is installed on the host vehicle or remotely from it. In particular, the movement of another vehicle into the lane of the host vehicle is detected, and a control unit then adjusts the movement of the host vehicle by clearing the way to avoid a collision. This applies in particular to approaching emergency vehicles. Furthermore, the system can take into account that the host vehicle is looking for a parking space and parks automatically as soon as another vehicle has left a parking space.

[0006] The existing technology can now also be used, in particular, to move autonomously driving vehicles without a driver from a first parking position to a second parking position in order to clear the way for emergency vehicles in an emergency. For this purpose, the emergency vehicles or an operations center typically send messages to the vehicles, allowing them to move autonomously away from a blocking parking position if necessary. This can therefore also be done when a driver is not in or near the vehicle.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2021 207 596 A1 discloses a method and system in which it is first determined that clear access areas are required for an imminent rescue operation. A rescue vehicle or an operations center then sends a so-called evacuation request message to various motor vehicles, which allows a motor vehicle to move autonomously if it would block the path of the rescue vehicle. This evacuation request message includes, in particular, a location of the access area required for the rescue operation and information about the dimensions of the required access area. Upon receipt of this evacuation request message, the motor vehicle moves autonomously, thus clearing the required access area.Autonomous vehicles can thus perform driverless driving maneuvers such as parking in and out or re-parking, thereby freeing up an open space that can be used for a rescue operation that would otherwise be blocked by the parking position of the autonomous vehicles.

[0008] Since such a system allows extensive vehicle movements, it can be reserved for authorized emergency vehicles.

[0009] DE 10 2015 013 318 A1 describes a similar system, in which a request message for the autonomous movement of a motor vehicle is sent to a communication unit of the motor vehicle. This message contains, among other things, an authorization for the requesting person. Only authorized third parties are permitted to repark an autonomous vehicle. Again, the reparking is triggered by an emergency vehicle or an operations center.

[0010] DE 10 2021 129 854 A1 also addresses the fact that, under certain circumstances, not all authorities and organizations are permitted to access autonomous vehicles and allow them to perform any actions. Therefore, an interface is provided for communication between the authority and the autonomous vehicle. This interface is a certified authority that can only perform authorized actions on the autonomous vehicle. For example, the certified authority could be a fire department vehicle. The interface is designed to verify the authorization of authorized actions using the certificate. Authorized actions include, among other things, reparking the autonomous vehicle, which in the example mentioned is thus triggered by the fire department vehicle.

[0011] DE 10 2014 224 454 A1 further discloses a method for operating an autonomous vehicle, in which the vehicle exchanges information about free parking spaces by means of communication with other vehicles and / or with a central device. The method provides, for example, that the vehicle performs an autonomous parking move if the vehicle was previously parked in a parking space and this parking space is to be released due to a request. Such a request would arise if free parking spaces are to be created for special vehicles such as emergency vehicles. The request can then be received directly from the special vehicle via a radio interface, for example, or transmitted to the parked vehicle via a central device.The plan is for the vehicle to be connected to a mobile device belonging to the driver, which determines the driver's location and transmits it to the vehicle. The vehicle will then only be reparked autonomously, for example, if the driver is within a specified distance from the vehicle. Furthermore, the request to release a parking space could, for example, be an official order transmitted directly to the autonomous vehicle by a special vehicle or a central facility. However, the reparking process is again triggered when a special vehicle detects the autonomous vehicle on its way to an emergency and requests it to repark. The autonomous vehicle itself will only repark if it determines that an alternative parking space has become available that is closer to a specific location assigned to the driver.This makes it possible to optimize the parking space closer to the driver’s desired location.

[0012] Known systems therefore require standardized request messages and commands to repark a motor vehicle when requested by an emergency vehicle. This is the only way to address and move all types of vehicles autonomously. However, this may not be the case, especially in the initial phase of autonomous driving. This can result in an emergency only removing those vehicles that participate in the system and can be reparked using standardized commands. Furthermore, the parked vehicle may also be blocking a space in another way, and a private or commercial individual may want to initiate reparking of the vehicle. In this case, no authorized authority is involved that could transmit standardized commands to the vehicle.

[0013] Despite the extensive state of the art presented, there is still room for improvement in this area. The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method and a system for autonomously performing an action on a parked motor vehicle when the driver is located away from the motor vehicle, wherein the method and system, in particular, do not require commands that are standardized for multiple vehicle types.

[0014] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, wherein claim 10 specifies a corresponding system. Further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent subclaims.

[0015] It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0016] The invention provides a method for autonomously carrying out an action on a parked motor vehicle, which action is carried out while the driver is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle. In the following, the term “motor vehicle” can also be referred to by the synonymous term “vehicle”. For this purpose, the driver preferably carries a personal mobile communications unit, which is in particular a mobile phone. This allows the driver to also carry out other functions which involve communication with his vehicle and / or other components. A function for carrying out the method according to the invention can, for example, be activated by the driver on the mobile communications unit (hereinafter also: mobile phone) if he so wishes.Or the procedure is carried out automatically if necessary if the distance between the vehicle and the driver, i.e. between the vehicle and the mobile communication unit, exceeds a defined minimum distance. It is preferably provided that the procedure is not carried out, i.e. for example the vehicle is not moved autonomously, if the driver is in the vehicle or nearby. This is because the driver can then move the vehicle himself. This minimum distance can also be selected by the driver or is specified by the system. The distance between the vehicle and the driver (mobile communication unit) is determined by the positions of the two units, whereby these positions are determined, for example, using GPS positioning, GSM network positioning or other available technologies.

[0017] The method according to the invention initially provides for the detection of a specific event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle by a control and communication device of the motor vehicle. This detection of an event can occur in various ways, which are explained in more detail below. These are specific types of events that require the parked vehicle to be driven away. For example, this could be the approach of an emergency vehicle (special vehicle), with the vehicle being in the path of the emergency vehicle. Whether the vehicle is in the path of travel depends on the current parking position A and the planned route of the emergency vehicle.This route can, for example, be estimated by the vehicle's control and communications system based on the approach of the special vehicle, or the route can be transmitted to the control and communications system from the special vehicle or a central operations center. Other detection methods are also possible. Thus, additional information from other sources may be incorporated into the detection of a specific event. If the route is not blocked, this is not detected as an event that generates a trigger signal. Only if the route is blocked is this preferably the case.

[0018] However, the procedure is not limited to the approach of special vehicles. If, for example, a parked vehicle blocks a driveway, a reserved parking space, or otherwise obstructs the passage of another vehicle, this may also require the vehicle to be reparked. In this case, the detected event is a request to repark by a person in the vicinity of the parked vehicle, which can manifest itself in various ways.

[0019] After detecting the event, the motor vehicle's control and communication system generates a trigger signal based on the detected event and sends the trigger signal to a mobile communication unit located remotely from the vehicle, which the driver has access to. The process is thus triggered by the vehicle based on an event occurring on the vehicle, and communication is established with a mobile communication unit of the remote driver. For example, the driver sees on their mobile phone that a specific event has occurred in their vehicle and can thus initiate further steps.

[0020] The method further provides for the generation and reproduction of at least one action command on this mobile communication unit based on the trigger signal. The generated action command is assigned to an action to be performed on the parked motor vehicle, which activates at least one function of the motor vehicle necessary to transfer the motor vehicle from its parked state to proper driving operation. At least one action is thus reproduced to the driver as a command, which they can have carried out on the vehicle in their absence. This reproduction can be acoustic or visual, for example. Preferably, it is reproduced visually on a display of the mobile communication unit.

[0021] Furthermore, it is an action that is required for the parked vehicle to drive away without the actual driver being present. It is not about avoiding another vehicle while driving and, for example, allowing a special vehicle to pass. It is also not about simply opening a door or trunk, but about starting or autonomously moving the vehicle. Starting is necessary if another person at the location of the vehicle is to drive the vehicle away. Autonomous movement would be necessary if the vehicle is to be reparked completely autonomously. Preferably, the driver can choose which action they would like to have carried out. Therefore, the driver selects the action command on the mobile communications unit, which transmits the selected action command to the control and communications device of the parked motor vehicle.

[0022] There, the received action command is evaluated, and the action assigned to the evaluated action command is executed on the vehicle. This activates the function selected by the driver, which consequently moves the vehicle from its parked state to normal driving operation so that it can be reparked.

[0023] The generated action command includes, for example, opening and starting the parked vehicle. Starting here means starting a drive such as a combustion engine and / or electric motor. A second person at the location of the vehicle can then drive the vehicle away and repark it. The second person should fulfill specified validation measures for this. The generated action command can also include the autonomous movement of the parked vehicle from its parking position A to an alternative parking position A'. This procedure is selected, for example, if an approaching special vehicle has been detected, but there is no person on site who could repark the vehicle. Furthermore, a teleoperator of the system can be instructed via the system to repark the vehicle remotely. This teleoperator then receives access to one of several vehicles in the system if necessary, i.e.of the vehicle fleet. The vehicle is started for the teleoperator, who is given access to the vehicle's controls. For example, image data of the vehicle's surroundings is also transmitted to the teleoperator to enable collision-free re-parking. This, too, is commissioned and authorized by the mobile communications unit. The teleoperator is not a person on-site at the vehicle, but rather a remote person who is given access to the vehicle's controls to maneuver it based on image data of the vehicle's surroundings. When the vehicle is re-parked autonomously, however, this occurs without human intervention.

[0024] The method according to the invention has the advantage that it does not require the use of standardized commands that can be recognized and implemented by all vehicle types; instead, the individual system to which the respective motor vehicle is assigned can be used. The respective vehicle is connected to a mobile communications unit of the driver, whose action commands it recognizes and accepts. The mobile communications unit is authorized to send such commands, and the motor vehicle is designed to implement these commands. Under certain circumstances, it is provided that the vehicle only accepts commands from a directly assigned mobile communications unit, which increases the security of the system. Directly assigned means that the mobile communications unit is provided with a special, individual code that is recognized by the vehicle.The vehicle therefore does not need to be designed to implement commands from various sources (e.g., emergency vehicles, fire engines, private individuals, etc.); it simply receives commands from one or more mobile communication units, which may already be designed to communicate with the vehicle for other purposes. This allows any private or commercial individual to initiate a reparking of the vehicle if necessary, without the involvement of an authorized authority. This significantly increases the flexibility of the invention compared to known solutions. The method according to the invention can, for example, be implemented as an additional function in an existing system.

[0025] In addition, the driver performs a check, further preventing misuse of the system. The action command is triggered by the driver, and there is no automatic takeover of control of the vehicle by another person. If the driver does not trigger the action command, it is not transmitted to the vehicle.

[0026] A wide variety of events on the vehicle can trigger a signal when the respective event occurs and is detected. For example, the control and communication device detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle when detection devices on the motor vehicle itself detect an approaching special vehicle and transmit this information to the control and communication device. In this case, the vehicle itself has suitable detection devices for detecting relevant events. Or external detection devices in the vicinity of the motor vehicle detect an approaching special vehicle and transmit this information to the control and communication device. In this case, the vehicle does not need to have its own detection devices; instead, detection devices on buildings, traffic signs, etc. provide the necessary information and transmit it to the vehicle.It may also happen that detection devices of other vehicles in the vicinity of the motor vehicle detect an approaching special vehicle and transmit this information to the control and communication system. In this case, the other vehicles may have more suitable detection devices or they may detect an approaching special vehicle earlier than the parked motor vehicle itself. These special vehicles include, for example, emergency vehicles belonging to the fire department, emergency medical services, or other institutions for which the path must be cleared if the vehicle blocks the planned route of the emergency vehicle. Whether this is the case is determined based on the current parking position A and the planned route of the emergency vehicle.The planned route can be estimated, for example, from the approach of the emergency vehicle and / or transmitted by the emergency vehicle or an operations center to the vehicle's control and communication system, which then determines a possible blockage. Preferably, only this event is detected, triggering a signal.

[0027] These variants of detection means can be used individually and / or combined with each other. In all cases, in one embodiment, the detection means use image data recorded by at least one camera and / or audio data recorded by at least one microphone for detection. A special vehicle can be visually recognized based on image data, and / or audio data can include, for example, a siren sound, which can be used to identify a special vehicle.

[0028] However, the vehicle not only reacts to approaching special vehicles; in one embodiment, the control and communication device also detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle by the motor vehicle's detection means, including at least one camera, detecting at least one defined gesture performed by a person in the vicinity of the parked motor vehicle. This gesture can, for example, be an arm and / or hand movement defined to indicate an emergency. It can also be a specific sequence of movements. Preferably, it is a common gesture that may also be generally known, since it only triggers the trigger signal but not the action command.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a detection means such as a camera is further used to capture an image of an ID card that a person at the vehicle's location holds up to the camera. This image can be used as a gesture to detect an event that triggers a signal, or the image can be used by the driver remotely on the mobile communications unit to authorize a person. Authorization can also be automated by reading an authorization feature from the ID card image. This authorization is also optionally displayed to the driver.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control and communication device detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle by means of detection means of the motor vehicle detecting the actuation of an actuation device on the outside of the motor vehicle. Many conceivable actuation mechanisms are possible here, such as external switches, buttons, touchpads or even keyboards, etc., which may be located under a cover. However, the actuation of other components that are already present for other purposes is also possible. For example, exterior mirrors can be folded down, handles can be operated, windshield wipers can be folded down, etc. This actuation preferably follows a specific pattern to rule out accidental actuations. For example, repeated actuation of a handle serves as a signal, or folding and unfolding a mirror can be used.

[0031] Together with the trigger signal, images of the surroundings of the parked vehicle are preferably transmitted to the communication unit located remotely from the vehicle, where they are displayed on a display of the mobile communication unit. The images of the vehicle's location can then be used by the driver to better assess the situation at the vehicle and decide on an appropriate action command. For example, if a communication technology is used for remote vehicle monitoring, available images of the vehicle's surroundings are transmitted to a driver's personal mobile communication device, where they are evaluated by the driver.

[0032] If the driver does not decide on an action command within a certain period of time, a central processing unit of the system optionally takes over. The trigger signal is then optionally sent again to a central processing unit if the driver does not select an action command on the mobile communication unit within a defined period of time. The central processing unit then carries out the steps of the communication unit in this case, i.e., it sends the action command if necessary. Under certain circumstances and depending on the system design, a further trigger signal may not be required.

[0033] Modern vehicles are often already equipped with one or more cameras that provide images of the vehicle's surroundings. Furthermore, modern vehicles are often equipped with communication technology and connected to the driver's personal communication devices, such as their mobile phone (e.g., for remote activation of the air conditioning or for locking and unlocking the vehicle). Furthermore, modern vehicles are often capable of performing limited parts of the driving task autonomously (e.g., automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, etc.). Alarm / theft protection systems often provide (limited) monitoring of the vehicle and its surroundings. The proposed method and system utilizes existing measures for a new procedure that does not require standardized commands for all vehicle types addressed.The system preferably sends live images from the vehicle's cameras to the driver's personal mobile communication unit when the procedure is triggered by one of the trigger conditions. Based on the live images, the driver can then choose from a series of possible options displayed on the communication unit.

[0034] In this way, the driver can initiate appropriate vehicle actions using various technologies and devices without being present near the vehicle itself. If the driver does not initiate an action within a certain time, the live images from the vehicle's cameras are optionally sent to a remote operator. The remote operator can then choose from the above options and initiate the appropriate action instead of the driver.

[0035] The invention further includes a motor vehicle which is connected to a mobile communication unit and is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0036] The invention therefore also encompasses a system for autonomously performing an action on a parked motor vehicle while the driver is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle. The system comprises several parked motor vehicles, each with a control and communication device, and several mobile communication units, each assigned to a driver who has access to the respective communication unit. To carry out the method according to the invention, the control and communication units and the mobile communication units are designed to perform at least the following method steps: - Detection of an event in the area of ​​a parked motor vehicle by a control and communication device of the motor vehicle; - Generation of a trigger signal by the control and communication device of the motor vehicle based on the detected event and sending the trigger signal to a mobile communication unit located remotely from the motor vehicle, to which the respective driver has access; - generating and reproducing at least one action command on this communication unit based on the trigger signal, wherein the generated action command is associated with an action to be carried out on the parked motor vehicle, which action activates at least one function of the motor vehicle which is necessary to transfer the motor vehicle from its parked state into proper driving operation; - Selection of the action command by the driver on the mobile communication unit and transmission of the action command from the communication unit to the control and communication device of the parked motor vehicle; - Evaluating the received action command on the control and communication device of the parked motor vehicle; and - Carrying out the action on the motor vehicle which is assigned to the evaluated action command, wherein at least one function is activated on the motor vehicle which is necessary to move the motor vehicle from its parked state into proper driving operation.

[0037] The embodiments of the method according to the invention also apply analogously to the associated system, which is particularly designed to implement the method. The system is preferably operated by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle and, in addition to the method according to the invention, includes further functions that can be performed by a mobile communications unit.

[0038] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and the following description of the figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the situation in the environment of a parked vehicle in communication with a mobile communication unit, and Fig. 2 a flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the situation in the surroundings of a parked motor vehicle 20, which is in communication with a mobile communication unit 30 of a driver 50 of the motor vehicle 20. In the following, the term "motor vehicle 20" can also be referred to by the synonymous term "vehicle 20", which means the same thing. The mobile communication unit 30 of the driver 50 is, in particular, a personal mobile phone of the driver 50 with a display 31. The vehicle 20 is parked at the side of the road in a first parking position A, with other vehicles 25 in the road. They are either also parked or are in motion. A second parking position A' is free. The driver 50 of the vehicle 20 is located away from the vehicle 20 inside a house, which in Fig. 1 is indicated schematically. The distance between the driver 50 and his vehicle 20 is above a minimum distance of, for example, 200 m. However, this minimum distance can also be selected differently. Furthermore, the method according to the invention is activated as a function on the mobile communication unit 31, ie, the driver 50 is ready to have his vehicle 20 reparked in his absence.

[0040] The vehicle 20 has detection means 22 with which events in the surroundings of the vehicle 20 or on the vehicle 20 can be detected. The other vehicles, of which vehicle 25 is designated as an example, also have detection means 24. Additional detection means 23 are permanently installed in the surroundings of the vehicle 20 and are located, for example, on lights, traffic signs, house walls, etc.

[0041] The vehicle 20 also has a control and communication device 21, which is Fig. 1 is also only shown schematically. The same applies to the detection means 22 of the vehicle 20, which are designed to recognize a specific event in the surroundings of the vehicle 20 or on the vehicle 20. This comprises at least one camera, which captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20, which in turn can be transmitted to the mobile communication unit 30 of the vehicle driver 50. Preferably, several cameras are provided. These images are shown on the display 31, so that the vehicle driver 50 preferably sees a live image of the surroundings of his vehicle 20 on the display of his mobile phone 30. The camera is optionally supplemented by at least one microphone, which captures noises in the surroundings of the vehicle 20.

[0042] Optionally, this data is also transmitted to a teleoperator 71 if necessary. The system 10 preferably comprises a central processing unit 70 and one or more teleoperators 71. The central processing unit 70 is preferably in communication with the vehicle 20 and / or the mobile communication unit 30, or in communication with all vehicles and mobile communication units of the system. The same applies to the teleoperator 71.

[0043] For example, a special vehicle 40 in the form of a fire engine is approaching vehicle 20. The approach is detected optically by detection means 22 and / or acoustically via the sound of an approaching siren. Alternatively, the approach can be detected by external detection means 24 of the other vehicle 25, wherein this other vehicle 25 is in communicative connection with vehicle 20 and transmits the relevant information to it. In a further embodiment, the approach is detected by local detection means 23 and the information is transmitted to vehicle 20. If the approach of special vehicle 40 is thus detected and vehicle 20 is in the path of special vehicle 40, i.e., if it would block its path, vehicle 20 should be reparked if possible.

[0044] The planned route of the special vehicle 40 can be determined in various ways and compared with the parking position A of the vehicle 20. The planned route can, for example, be estimated by the control and communication device 21 from the approach of the special vehicle 40 and / or the route is transmitted from the special vehicle 40 or a central deployment location to the control and communication device 21. If the vehicle 20 blocks this route, this is evaluated as an event on the vehicle 20, which triggers an autonomous action on the vehicle 20.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the detection means 22 of the vehicle 20 detects a second person 60 in the vicinity of the vehicle 20. This can also be done via local detection means 23 or detection means 24 of another vehicle 25, which report the presence of the second person 60 to the first vehicle 20. If the second person 60 performs a validation measure, for example a defined gesture, this is recognized by the respective detection means 22, 23 or 24 as an event that triggers an autonomous action. The gesture is, for example, a generally known gesture that is captured by a camera. For example, the hand can be rotated in the air or the rotation of a steering wheel can be imitated. Furthermore, a microphone can be used to receive and evaluate specific wording from the second person 60. For this purpose, a generally known command or password can be used, for example.Alternatively or additionally, the second person 60 can also hold an ID card from an authority in front of the camera for validation and / or authorization.

[0046] In another embodiment, the second person 60 actuates an external actuating device on the vehicle 20 as a validation measure to make themselves noticeable. This can be, for example, a lever, a switch, a button, or a keypad. Optionally, this actuating device is hidden behind a cover when not needed. For example, a keypad can be provided on the back of the fuel cap. Alternatively, a device is actuated that is already present on the vehicle 20 for another purpose. For example, a handle is actuated several times or a windshield wiper is folded back and forth according to a specific pattern. Also available, for example, are folding exterior mirrors or other components of the vehicle 20 that can be moved according to a specific pattern. As an event, a specific actuation that deviates from a random actuation is preferably detected.If such an actuation is detected, this event triggers an autonomous action, i.e. a trigger signal is generated.

[0047] If an autonomous action is triggered by a second person 60, it can be provided that this second person 60 reparks the vehicle 20 themselves or that the vehicle 20 is reparked autonomously without a driver. If, on the other hand, the autonomous action is triggered automatically, for example when the special vehicle 40 approaches, the vehicle 20 should be reparked autonomously without a driver. In the cases mentioned, a teleoperator 711 can, for example, be commissioned to control the vehicle 20 from a distance and to repark it. In all cases, the control and communication device 21 generates a trigger signal, which is transmitted to the mobile communication unit 30. This communication path is in the Fig. 1 is schematically designated by reference numeral 11. The communication path between the central processing unit 70 and the vehicle 20 is designated by reference numeral 12, while communication between the processing unit 70 / teleoperator 71 and the mobile communication unit 30 is designated by reference numeral 13.

[0048] Again Fig. 1, the mobile communication unit 30 further receives live images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20 for display on its display 31. From the received trigger signal, the mobile communication unit 30 generates at least one action command. This generated action command is assigned to an action to be performed on the parked motor vehicle 20, which activates at least one function of the motor vehicle 20 that is necessary to switch the motor vehicle 20 from its parked state to proper driving operation. This can, for example, include opening and starting the vehicle 20 so that a second person 60 can drive the vehicle 20 to an alternative parking position A'. Additionally or alternatively, it can include the vehicle 20 being reparked autonomously without the assistance of a person. This can also be done by a teleoperator 71, which autonomously controls the vehicle 20 from a distance.For each of these actions, an action command is generated, which is displayed to the vehicle driver 50 on the mobile communication unit 30 for selection.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, the display of the various action commands on the mobile communication unit 30 of the vehicle driver 50. There is a start button 32, with which the vehicle driver 50 can initiate communication with the vehicle 20, which in particular includes the transmission of live image data. Furthermore, an open and start button 33 is provided, upon actuation of which the vehicle 20 is opened and started remotely. The second person 60 can then repark the vehicle 20. An autonomous button 34 initiates the autonomous reparking of the vehicle 20 entirely without human intervention. A teleoperator 71 can be instructed to repark the vehicle remotely via the teleoperator button 35. For this purpose, the vehicle 20 must also be started, and images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20 must preferably be transmitted to the teleoperator 71 in order to be able to maneuver the vehicle 20 without collision.Finally, an emergency button 36 is provided with which an emergency or theft message can be sent.

[0050] The vehicle driver 50 can decide on the various actions and presses the corresponding button, i.e., they select an action command. Optionally, additional action commands can be given. The selected action command is transmitted to the vehicle 20 or the teleoperator 71 at the central processing unit 70 is informed. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding message is sent to an appropriate organization via the emergency button 36.

[0051] The control and communication device 21 of the vehicle 20 receives this action command and converts it accordingly into an autonomous action. This includes at least starting the vehicle 20 in order to be able to transfer it from its parked state into normal driving operation. A second person 60 present, a remote teleoperator 71, or an autonomous movement of the vehicle 20 then occurs, preferably to a free parking position A'. This is preferably located in the immediate vicinity of the original parking position A. If no such free parking position A' is available, the search radius is enlarged, for example. The maximum possible search radius can be specified by the vehicle driver 50. The new parking position A' is communicated to the vehicle driver 50 so that he can find his reparked vehicle 20.Alternatively, the vehicle 20 may be moved only temporarily away from the parking position A before being moved back there.

[0052] If, for example, vehicle 20 blocks a driveway or the path of another vehicle, vehicle 20 will also be re-parked or temporarily moved out of the way. If vehicle 20 blocks a reserved parking space that is not assigned to it, it could also be moved to another parking space that is also not assigned to it.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows the flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0054] After the method has started, a check is performed in step S01 to determine whether the function of the method is activated and whether the vehicle driver 50 or their mobile communication unit 30 is at a minimum distance from the vehicle 20. If this is not the case, the method is not executed; instead, a further check is performed to determine whether the function is activated and whether the vehicle driver 50 is possibly moving away and the distance is increasing. If, however, the function of the method according to the invention is activated and the minimum distance is exceeded, an event in the area of ​​the parked vehicle 20 is initially detected by a control and communication device 21 of the vehicle 20 in step S02.If an event is detected, in step S03 a trigger signal is generated by the control and communication device 21 of the vehicle 20 based on the detected event and the trigger signal is sent to a mobile communication unit 30 located remotely from the vehicle 20, to which the vehicle driver 50 has access.

[0055] Subsequently, in step S04, at least one action command is generated by the mobile communication unit 30 based on the trigger signal. The generated action command is assigned to an action to be performed on the parked motor vehicle 20, which activates at least one function of the motor vehicle 20 necessary to transfer the motor vehicle 20 from its parked state to proper driving operation. Alternatively, the action command can also be generated by another component of the system 10. In step S05, this action command is played back on the mobile communication unit 30.

[0056] In step S06, a check is carried out to determine how long the driver needs to select an action command. If this occurs within a certain period of time and the driver selects an action command in step S07, this is transmitted from the mobile communication unit 30 to the control and communication device 21 of the vehicle 20 in step S08. However, if the driver does not select an action command on the mobile communication unit 30 within a certain period of time in step S06, the central processing unit 70 takes over in step S11 and sends an action command to the parked vehicle 20 in step S08. The action command is selected by a teleoperator 71 of the processing unit 70.

[0057] The received action command is evaluated in step S09 at the control and communication device 21 of the parked vehicle 20; and in step S10, the action associated with the evaluated action command is carried out on the vehicle 20, wherein at least one function is activated on the vehicle 20 that is necessary to transfer the vehicle 20 from its parked state to proper driving operation. List of reference symbols: 10 systems 11,12,13 Communication channel 20 vehicles 21 Control and communication device 22,23,24 Detection agents 25 motor vehicles 30 Communication unit, mobile 31 ad 32 Start button 33 Open and Start button 34 Autonomous Button 35 Teleoperator button 36 Emergency button 40 special vehicles 50 drivers 60 second person 70 Central processing unit 71 Teleoperator 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 2017 / 0 287 331 A1

[0005] DE 10 2021 207 596 A1

[0007] DE 10 2015 013 318 A1

[0009] DE 10 2021 129 854 A1

[0010] DE 10 2014 224 454 A1

[0011]

Claims

[1] Method for autonomously carrying out an action on a parked motor vehicle (20) while the driver (50) is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle (20), comprising at least the following steps: - detection of an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20) by a control and communication device (21) of the motor vehicle (20); - generating a trigger signal by the control and communication device (21) of the motor vehicle (20) based on the detected event and sending the trigger signal to a mobile communication unit (30) located remotely from the motor vehicle (20) and to which the driver (50) has access; - generating and reproducing at least one action command on the mobile communication unit (30) on the basis of the trigger signal, wherein the generated action command is assigned to an action to be carried out on the parked motor vehicle (20), which action activates at least one function of the motor vehicle (20) which is necessary to put the motor vehicle (20) from its parked state into proper driving operation; - selection of the action command by the vehicle driver (50) on the mobile communication unit (30) and transmission of the action command from the mobile communication unit (30) to the control and communication device (21) of the parked motor vehicle (20); - evaluating the received action command on the control and communication device (21) of the parked motor vehicle (20); and - Carrying out the action on the motor vehicle (20) which is assigned to the evaluated action command, wherein at least one function is activated on the motor vehicle (20) which is necessary to put the motor vehicle (20) from its parked state into proper driving operation. [2] Method according to claim 1, where the control and communication device (21) detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20) by - detection means (22) of the motor vehicle (20) detect an approaching special vehicle (40) and transmit this information to the control and communication device (21); and / or - external detection means (23) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (20) detect an approaching special vehicle (40) and transmit this information to the control and communication device (21); and / or - Detection means (24) of other vehicles (25) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (20) detect an approaching special vehicle (40) and transmit this information to the control and communication device (21). [3] Method according to claim 2, where the detection means (22; 23; 24) use image data recorded by at least one camera for the detection and / or that the detection means (22; 23; 24) use sound data recorded by at least one microphone for the detection. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the control and communication device (21) detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20) by detection means (22) of the motor vehicle (20) with at least one camera detecting a defined gesture performed by a person in the vicinity of the parked motor vehicle (20). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control and communication device (21) detects an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20) by detection means (22) of the motor vehicle (20) detecting the actuation of an actuating device on the outside of the motor vehicle. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the generated action command includes starting or opening and starting the parked motor vehicle (20). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the generated action command includes the autonomous movement of the parked motor vehicle (20) from its parking position (A) to an alternative parking position (A'). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, where together with the trigger signal, images from the surroundings of the parked motor vehicle (20) are transmitted to the mobile communication unit (30) located remotely from the motor vehicle (20), which are displayed on a display (31) of the mobile communication unit (30). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the trigger signal is sent to a central processing unit (70) if the vehicle driver (50) does not select an action command on the mobile communication unit (30) within a defined period of time, and the central processing unit (70) carries out the steps of the mobile communication unit (21) in this case. [10] System (10) for autonomously carrying out an action on a parked motor vehicle (20) while the driver (50) is at least a minimum distance away from the motor vehicle (20), in particular designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims, having a plurality of parked motor vehicles (20), each having a control and communication device (21), and a plurality of mobile communication units (30), each of which is assigned to a driver (50) who has access to the respective mobile communication unit (30); wherein the control and communication units (21) and the mobile communication units (30) are at least designed to carry out the following method steps: - detection of an event in the area of ​​the parked motor vehicle (20) by the control and communication device (21) of the motor vehicle (20); - generating a trigger signal by the control and communication device (21) of the motor vehicle (20) based on the detected event and sending the trigger signal to a mobile communication unit (30) located remotely from the motor vehicle (20) and to which the respective driver (50) has access; - generating and reproducing at least one action command on said mobile communication unit (30) based on the trigger signal, wherein the generated action command is associated with an action to be carried out on the parked motor vehicle (20), which action activates at least one function of the motor vehicle (20) which is necessary to transfer the motor vehicle (20) from its parked state into proper driving operation; - selection of the action command by the vehicle driver (50) on this mobile communication unit (30) and transmission of the action command from the mobile communication unit (30) to the control and communication device (21) of the parked motor vehicle (20); - evaluating the received action command on the control and communication device (21) of the parked motor vehicle (20); and - Carrying out the action on the motor vehicle (20) which is assigned to the evaluated action command, wherein at least one function is activated on the motor vehicle (20) which is necessary to put the motor vehicle (20) from its parked state into proper driving operation.

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