Method and device for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device (100) for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the method comprises detecting an approach of a user terminal device (20) to a motor vehicle (10), detecting a first user input from a user (2) at a user terminal device (20), performing a safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle (10) in response to the first user input, detecting a second user input from a user (3) at a user terminal device (30) and stopping the execution of the safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle (10) in response to the second user input.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a safety-relevant function and in particular a flap of a motor vehicle.

[0002] For example, a system for data exchange between at least one vehicle and at least one mobile device is known from the publication DE 10 2014 203 060 A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and an improved device for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] An inventive method for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle comprises the steps of detecting an approach of a user terminal device to a motor vehicle, detecting a first user input from a user at a user terminal device, performing a safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle in response to the first user input, detecting a second user input from a user at a user terminal device and stopping the execution of the safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle in response to the second user input.

[0006] The method according to the invention is particularly useful for starting and, if necessary, interrupting or stopping a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle, especially before the safety-relevant function is completed, for example in the event of an emergency, because, for example, a safety-relevant emergency is threatened by the execution of the function or has already occurred.

[0007] A motor vehicle is typically designed to perform one or more safety-relevant functions that can be controlled by a user device or user input, particularly when the user device is nearby or within range. Such safety-relevant functions of the motor vehicle that can be controlled by the user device include, in particular, movements of moving parts of the motor vehicle, such as opening and / or closing a cover, as will be explained later.In particular, the safety-relevant function is a function of the motor vehicle in which a person, especially someone in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, which itself may be stationary, particularly during the execution of the safety-relevant function, may be harmed, for example because a crushing or compression may be caused by a moving part of the motor vehicle.

[0008] A user terminal device which is designed to control or perform these safety-relevant functions is a device or apparatus which is designed to receive user inputs and / or user commands and to communicate with a motor vehicle, in particular to provide these user inputs to the motor vehicle.

[0009] In particular, the at least one user terminal device is a portable or mobile device different from the motor vehicle, which may be designed as a so-called smart device, i.e., a device with at least one processor, such as a smartphone, a phablet or a tablet, a smart watch, smart glasses and / or a wearable, which also provides other functions, such as making phone calls, surfing the internet or providing messaging services, for example through apps or programs.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the user terminal device can also be designed as a proprietary device, such as a physical key, a fob and / or a radio remote control, which is designed to perform, or at least effect or support, only the steps described here in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0011] In particular, the user terminal device is designed to perform one or more functions, and especially safety-relevant functions, with regard to one or more motor vehicles, such as locking and / or unlocking one or more flaps and especially also actively opening and / or closing one or more flaps.

[0012] Such functions or interactions with the motor vehicle, especially those that allow access to or control of the vehicle's exhaust flaps, can also be referred to as safe and / or secured functions and are supported or implemented in the user device by a secure module. Such a secure module can contain both hardware components, for example, a secure processor and / or a secure memory area, and software components, for example, one or more apps or programs, that interact together.

[0013] For this purpose, at least one user device is typically paired with at least one motor vehicle, such that one or more user devices are known to the motor vehicle, registered with it, and / or, in particular, authorized to perform or initiate the functions described above and also other functions on the motor vehicle. Specifically, the user device(s) have a digital access key for this purpose, which is stored and / or processed, for example, and in particular exclusively, in the secure module.

[0014] The user who makes one or more user inputs on the user terminal device, whereupon one or more such functions are carried out, is, for example, the owner, possessor, keeper, authorized person and / or a driver or passenger of the motor vehicle and also of the user terminal device(s) and is in particular regularly and / or permanently authenticated to carry out or effect these functions through the user terminal device(s).

[0015] According to the invention, the approach of at least one user terminal device to the motor vehicle is initially detected.

[0016] Approaching means moving closer to, and in particular entering, a predefined distance from the motor vehicle, such as approaching to within 50 m, 25 m, 15 m, 10 m, or 5 m of the vehicle. Specifically, approaching includes entering the range of one or more wireless transmitters / receivers, such as one or more Bluetooth transmitters, that are mounted on and / or enclosed by the motor vehicle.

[0017] The approach of at least one user terminal device to the motor vehicle can also be achieved in particular via triangulation and / or time-of-flight measurements between one or more transmitters / receivers of the motor vehicle and one or more transmitters / receivers of the user terminal device.

[0018] In particular, one or more transmitters / receivers of the vehicle and one or more transmitters / receivers of the user's terminal device communicate regularly or periodically and exchange data and / or information, especially via one or more wireless communication protocols. The wireless communication protocol may be, in particular, one or more of the following: Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), UWB, NFC, RFID, and / or WLAN.

[0019] Furthermore, in particular, the motor vehicle and / or the user terminal device regularly or periodically records whether and to what extent the user terminal device and the motor vehicle have approached each other.

[0020] In particular, the process is triggered or begins when the user device approaches the motor vehicle.

[0021] In a further step, an initial user input from a user on a user device is recorded.

[0022] In particular, user input is recorded in response to the detection of a user device approaching the motor vehicle, or the user input occurs after the approach.

[0023] User input includes, in particular, interaction with the user's device and can, for example, include voice input, gesture input and / or touch input, as will be explained later.

[0024] This user input serves in particular to trigger one or more safety-relevant functions, or indicates a user's intention to initiate at least one safety-relevant function. Specifically, a safety-relevant function of the vehicle will not be started or executed if the user approaches the vehicle but does not make any input.

[0025] In particular, user input includes the type and / or extent of a desired or intended execution of the safety-relevant function. For example, user input includes a wish to open the driver's door, open the rear left side window, open all side windows, and / or close the tailgate, as will be explained later.

[0026] The fact that a user input has been recorded, and possibly also its type and / or scope, can then be provided to the motor vehicle, in particular via a wireless communication protocol, as described above.

[0027] The user device whose approach is detected can differ from the user device on which the first and / or second user input is recorded. In particular, the approach of a first user device, especially one assigned to the user, can be detected, and user input can be recorded on a second user device, different from the first, but especially one assigned to the same user as the first.

[0028] In particular, both the first user device, whose approach is detected, and the second user device, on which the first user input is detected, are coupled to the motor vehicle, registered on it and / or, in particular, authorized to perform or initiate the aforementioned safety-relevant functions and other functions on the motor vehicle.

[0029] In a further step, in response to the previously recorded initial user input, at least one safety-relevant function of the vehicle is executed. Specifically, such a safety-relevant function is performed and / or activated.

[0030] The actuation can be effected in particular by one or more actuating devices of the motor vehicle, such as a motor, in particular an actuator, and / or an actuator, which can be controlled by a control device.

[0031] In a further step, a second user input from a user on a user device is recorded.

[0032] Thus, a further, second user input will now be received from a user, particularly after the start of the execution and especially before the end of the execution of the security-relevant function.

[0033] This can occur in particular because one or more users of the motor vehicle recognize a dangerous situation that is threatened or has already occurred due to the performance of the safety-relevant function, such as a crushing or compression of one or more limbs of a person, especially a child, and / or an object, such as a piece of luggage.

[0034] This function is intended to be enabled in addition to an existing crush protection system, in particular to prevent such crushing from occurring in the first place through the attention of one or more users.

[0035] The user providing the first input can be the same user as the user providing the second input. Alternatively or additionally, they can also be two different users.

[0036] The first user input may be of the same type as the second user input. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second user inputs may differ from each other, particularly in content and / or their nature, as will be described later.

[0037] Similarly, the user device on which the first user input is provided or captured can be the same user device as the user device on which the second user input is provided or captured. Alternatively or additionally, it can also involve two or more different user devices, as will be described later.

[0038] In a further step, the previously started or begun execution of the safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle is stopped in response to the second user input.

[0039] In particular, the actuation process or the reaching of a second rest position is not properly completed at the time the second user input is detected and / or the actuation is stopped, but rather is aborted by or in response to the second user input, not continued, and / or not completed, and the execution of the safety-relevant function is, in particular, prematurely aborted and / or stopped. This can also occur, in particular, through one or more actuation devices and / or through a control device, as described above.

[0040] The method according to the invention makes it possible to start and, if necessary, interrupt or stop a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle, particularly before the safety-relevant function is completed, for example, in the event of an emergency, such as when a limb is threatened or has already been crushed by the safety-relevant function. This enables a particularly safe execution of a safety-relevant function.

[0041] According to further training, the safety-relevant function includes the operation of a flap of the motor vehicle.

[0042] According to this training, a flap of the motor vehicle is controlled, which is initially activated in response to the first user input and stopped in response to the second user input.

[0043] A flap can encompass any opening of the motor vehicle that closes off part of the interior and, when activated, at least partially releases it.

[0044] For example, a flap is a door, such as a driver's door, a passenger door, one or more rear doors and / or a tailgate or hatch.

[0045] Again, for example, the flap is a rear and / or front trunk lid.

[0046] For example, a flap could also be a fuel filler cap and / or a cover for a charging port. Another example would be a flap, such as a side window, particularly in one or more of the doors described above, and / or a rear window, particularly in a tailgate.

[0047] An actuation may in particular include a movement of at least one flap, in particular an opening and / or closing, in particular a complete opening and / or closing and / or an opening up to a predetermined maximum opening angle, so that a driver and / or passenger can enter the motor vehicle.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the actuation can also include an opening by only a fraction of the maximum opening angle, in particular a minimum opening angle, in particular such that the flap can then be opened manually by hand, in particular without actuating a handle and / or lever.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the operation can include locking and / or unlocking, in particular exclusively locking and / or unlocking, after which the flap can then be opened manually by operating a handle or lever.

[0050] In particular, the flap was stationary and / or did not move before being actuated. Specifically, the actuation moves the flap from a rest position, especially a first one, such as a closed and / or locked position, in particular to reach a second rest position, such as an open and / or unlocked position.

[0051] This advanced training enables the safest possible control of a valve that can cause bruising and / or compression in humans.

[0052] According to a training course, the first user input differs from the second user input.

[0053] In particular, according to this training, the first user input differs from the second user input in terms of its nature, input medium and / or input technology.

[0054] For example, the first user input is an input that does not require manual operation by a user on the user device, whereas the second user input is an input that does require manual operation by a user on the user device, or vice versa.

[0055] In particular, the second user input does not include any types of the first user input, and vice versa. Further concrete examples illustrating the distinction between the types of user input will be explained later.

[0056] This training enables the user to start and stop the execution of the safety-relevant function on two different devices. Specifically, it allows the user to start the safety-relevant function on a first device, which is more convenient to operate and is, for example, located in a user's pocket, and to stop it on a second device, which is easier, faster, and / or more reliable to operate and is, for example, within easy reach of the user.

[0057] According to a training course, the first user input includes gesture input and / or voice input.

[0058] The first user input is in particular exclusively a gesture input, in particular exclusively a voice input, or includes both types of user input, i.e., a gesture input and a voice input.

[0059] In particular, the initial user input does not include any manual operation by a user, such as pressing a button, key and / or touch input on a touchscreen with the user's hand and / or finger.

[0060] Gesture input is user input based on the movement of one or more body parts, particularly limbs, such as an arm and / or hand. This gesture input can be detected and evaluated by one or more sensors in the user's device, such as an accelerometer and / or an image sensor.

[0061] For example, the user device is a smartwatch and / or a wearable, and the gesture input is a raising or moving of a hand or arm, in particular one on which the smartwatch or wearable is worn, furthermore in particular to a predefined point, in a predefined path and / or over a predefined height, which is detected by an accelerometer.

[0062] For example, the user device is again smart glasses, and the gesture input is a movement of a hand or arm, especially within the field of vision of the smart glasses, furthermore especially to a predefined point, in a predefined path and / or over a predefined height, which is detected by an image sensor.

[0063] For example, the user device is a smartphone, a phablet or a tablet, and gesture input involves lifting or moving the user device, especially to a predefined point, along a predefined path and / or above a predefined height, which is detected by an accelerometer.

[0064] This user gesture may, in particular, be a predefined or user-defined gesture that indicates the user's wish to perform a security-relevant function, in particular to operate a flap and especially to open and / or close a flap, or includes a corresponding request, but it does not have to.

[0065] In particular, the gesture input itself, taking into account the approach, can be used to conclude that a user desires and that a safety-relevant function, and in particular the opening and / or closing of the vehicle's hatch, is performed.

[0066] Voice input is user input based on spoken language. This voice input can be captured and, in particular, analyzed by one or more recording devices, such as a microphone, on the user's device.

[0067] In particular, voice input includes a predetermined activation word, such as "Hey Siri" or "OK ​​Google," and optionally a voice command. This voice command may also include, but does not have to include, an indication of the user's wish to perform a security-relevant function, in particular to operate a flap, especially to open and / or close it.

[0068] In particular, it can be concluded solely from the voice input itself and / or the activation word, taking into account the proximity, that a user desires the execution of a safety-relevant function, and in particular the opening and / or closing of the vehicle's hatch, and that this is carried out.

[0069] In particular, voice input and gesture input can also be combined. For example, one of the two input types, especially gesture input, can capture or express the basic execution of a safety-relevant function, such as the actuation of a flap, while the other of the two input types, especially voice input, can capture or express the manner or extent of the safety-relevant function, such as the actuation of the flap or flaps.

[0070] For example, a gesture input is recorded, especially first, indicating that a flap should be opened, such as raising an arm, and a voice input is recorded, especially afterwards, indicating that the tailgate and all side windows should be opened, and subsequently this specific user request is implemented.

[0071] This training enables particularly convenient execution of a safety-relevant function, especially the opening and / or closing of one or more flaps. Specifically, it eliminates the need for manual interaction, such as pressing a button on the user device, and allows for the safe execution or initiation of safety-relevant functions, such as the operation of the flap(s), using simple gesture and / or voice input.

[0072] This training is particularly suitable for smartwatches, smart glasses, and / or wearables as user devices. It is especially appropriate for devices that have no touchscreen or only a small one.

[0073] According to a training course, the second user input includes touch input.

[0074] In particular, the second user input method consists exclusively of touch input and specifically excludes voice input and / or gesture input. Alternatively, touch input can be combined with another input method, especially voice input.

[0075] Touch input is user input that requires physical interaction, such as manually operating the user device. This touch input can be made by a hand, an arm, or other body parts that touch a part of the user device.

[0076] In particular, the second user input includes touching a touchscreen of the user's device, for example, content visually displayed on it, such as a button and / or a key.

[0077] In particular, the content that is activated by touch to stop the execution of the safety-relevant function, such as the operation of the flap, is larger than 25%, 50% or 75% of the touchscreen and may, for example, be highlighted in color and / or text.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the second user input may also include the activation of one or more physical buttons or keys. In particular, a dedicated button may be provided that receives or records this second user input, especially exclusively, at least during the execution of the safety-relevant function, such as the actuation of the flap in order to stop or abort it.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, one or more buttons, in particular any of all available buttons on the user terminal device, can be pressed, at least during the execution of the safety-relevant function, in order to stop the execution of the safety-relevant function.

[0080] In addition, previously described content can be displayed on the touchscreen, which, in addition to one, several, any and / or all buttons, can also be used to stop the execution of the safety-relevant function.

[0081] This advanced training enables a particularly reliable stopping of the action. In particular, it eliminates the need for potentially error-prone voice and / or gesture input, and instead allows for a reliable stopping of movement through manual activation.

[0082] This training is particularly suitable for smartwatches, smartphones, phablets and / or tablets as user devices. It is especially appropriate for devices that have at least one touchscreen, particularly a large one.

[0083] According to a training course, the user terminal on which the first user input is recorded is a first user terminal, and the user terminal on which the second user input is recorded is a second user terminal, which is different from the first user terminal.

[0084] The first user input is thus received by a device that is configured differently from the device that receives the second user input.

[0085] For example, these are two different devices that may be from the same manufacturer and / or type, but are at least two different, i.e., separately designed, user devices.

[0086] In particular, the first user device can be assigned to a first user or linked to an account of a first user, and the second user device can be assigned to a second user or linked to an account of a second user.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the first user device and the second user device can be assigned to a single, identical user or linked to an account of a single, identical user.

[0088] In particular, the first user device may be equipped with rights to perform a safety-relevant function, such as operating a flap of the motor vehicle, while the second user device may not.

[0089] In particular, the second user device cannot be paired with the motor vehicle, registered with it and / or especially authorized to perform or initiate the safety-relevant functions described above, such as the operation of a flap, and also other functions on the motor vehicle.

[0090] In particular, however, it can also involve two different types of devices, for example, the first user device is a smartwatch, smart glasses and / or a wearable, and the second user device is a smartphone, a phablet and / or a tablet.

[0091] In particular, the first user device does not have a touchscreen, and the second user device does have a touchscreen.

[0092] In particular, the first user device is equipped to capture gesture input and / or voice input, and the second user device is not equipped to capture gesture input and / or voice input.

[0093] It could also be, for example, the same types of devices, but from two different manufacturers or with two different operating systems.

[0094] What has been said here regarding the first and second user terminal devices also applies analogously to the case where a further user terminal device, referred to here as the third user terminal device, is involved, whose approach is detected, and which may be configured differently from the user terminal device referred to here as the first user terminal device. In particular, the assignment using ordinal numbers is arbitrary and serves only for conceptual differentiation.

[0095] This training enables the use of various user devices, particularly for stopping operation, including those that are not trained and / or authorized to do so. In particular, this allows a passerby or uninvolved person to stop the operation if they recognize a danger, unlike the user of the first device.

[0096] According to a training course, detecting an approach includes detecting the first user device and the second user device.

[0097] Thus, in an initial step of the process, not only the first user device but also the second user device or its approach is recorded.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, the second user device is detected at the time when the first user input has been recorded and / or the execution of a security-relevant function has been started, or detected afterwards or triggered by it.

[0099] In particular, a second and especially further, in particular all, user devices in the vicinity or within range of the vehicle can be detected both at or at the time of detection of the first user device or an authorized user device, and at or at the time of detection of the first user input and / or the execution of the safety-relevant function.

[0100] This further training makes it possible to detect the second user device and a possible stop to the execution of the safety-relevant function, such as the actuation process of the flap, particularly early and thus enable it.

[0101] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of providing an input prompt in response to the execution of the security-relevant function, whereby the capture of the second user input takes place in response to the provision of the input prompt.

[0102] The input prompt can be provided on the first user device and / or on the second user device and / or on further user devices. In particular, as described above, content can be displayed or provided visually on a touchscreen, which also includes an input prompt for the user of the user device on which the second user input is captured or received.

[0103] In particular, a visualized button or key may be accompanied by a textual prompt indicating that stopping the execution of the safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle is possible through a second user input.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, the input prompt can also be provided in another way, for example by means of a sound and / or speech output that informs a user of the user terminal device on which the second user input is captured or received of the possibility of a second user input.

[0105] In particular, the input prompt can also provide further information, such as the shape, model, manufacturer and / or color of the motor vehicle on which the execution of the safety-relevant function is triggered, as well as the direction and / or distance to the motor vehicle.

[0106] The input prompt can be provided exclusively for the duration of the activation and / or until the execution of the safety-relevant function stops.

[0107] This training will enable users to actively draw attention to a possible interaction and thus a stopping option for one or more users.

[0108] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of detecting several user terminals in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, whereby the input prompt is provided on the several user terminals.

[0109] As previously described, two, three, or more user devices located near the vehicle, particularly those within range, can be detected. These can include multiple user devices assigned to the user, or which are paired with, registered to, and / or specifically authorized to perform or initiate the aforementioned safety-relevant functions on the vehicle, such as operating a flap or other functions (and in particular, exclusively such functions). Alternatively, they can include one or more user devices that are not assigned to the user and / or are not paired with, registered to, or specifically authorized to perform the aforementioned safety-relevant functions on the vehicle, such as operating a flap or other functions.

[0110] The input prompt can then be provided on these multiple detected user devices, as described previously.

[0111] This training makes it possible to involve a particularly large number of user devices, and therefore especially users, in the potential stopping process.

[0112] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of detecting all user terminal devices in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, whereby the input prompt is provided on all detected user terminal devices.

[0113] This means that all user devices in the vicinity of the vehicle, particularly those within range, are detected. This can include multiple user devices assigned to the user, or those connected to, registered with, and / or specifically authorized to perform or initiate the aforementioned safety-relevant functions on the vehicle, such as operating a flap or other functions (and in particular, only those functions). It can also include one or more user devices that are not assigned to the user and / or are not connected to, registered with, or specifically authorized to perform the aforementioned safety-relevant functions on the vehicle, such as operating a flap or other functions.

[0114] The input prompt can then be provided on all these captured user devices, as described above.

[0115] This training makes it possible to involve all users in the vicinity of the vehicle in the stopping process.

[0116] According to another aspect, a device is specified which includes means to carry out or at least effect an embodiment of the previously described method.

[0117] In particular, the device comprises one or more processor units for carrying out the method described above. The device also specifically comprises a memory on which code, particularly non-volatile code, is stored, which, when executed by a processor unit, causes the processor unit to carry out the method described above.

[0118] In particular, the device may include the first user terminal, the second user terminal, further user terminals and / or the motor vehicle, form a system with it and / or interact with it to carry out the procedure described above.

[0119] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0120] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a method and a device for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle.

[0121] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a method and a device 100 for controlling a safety-relevant function, such as the actuation of a flap 11 of a motor vehicle 10.

[0122] The device 100 is designed to cooperate with the motor vehicle 10, a first user terminal device 20 of a first user 2 and a second user terminal device 30 of a second user 3 and to carry out or effect the following steps of the procedure.

[0123] The first user device 20 is shown here as an example smartphone and is assigned to a first user 2, who is also the user or driver of the motor vehicle 10. The first user device is authorized to perform or initiate a safety-relevant function with regard to the motor vehicle 10 and, in particular, to control the flap 11, which is shown here as an example of the tailgate of the motor vehicle 10.

[0124] The second user device 30 differs from the first user device, is also shown as an example smartphone, and is assigned to a second user 3. Unlike the first user device 20, the second user device 30 is not authorized to perform or initiate any safety-relevant function relating to the motor vehicle 10, and in particular, not to control the flap 11.

[0125] The device 100 is designed to detect the approach of the first user terminal device 20 and the second user terminal device 30 to the motor vehicle 10.

[0126] The device 100 is also designed to detect other user terminal devices not shown here in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 10, in particular all of them.

[0127] The device 100 is also designed to capture an initial user input from the first user 2 on the first user terminal device 20.

[0128] The first user input includes a gesture input from the first user 2.

[0129] The device 100 is also designed to perform the safety-relevant function, which is described here by way of example as actuation of the flap 11 of the motor vehicle 10 in response to the first user input, in this case to open it from the closed state shown.

[0130] The device 100 is also designed to provide an input prompt in response to the execution of the safety-relevant function on the first user terminal device 20 and the second user terminal device 30, as well as on other, in particular all, detected user terminal devices.

[0131] The device 100 is also configured to capture a second user input from the second user 3 on the second user terminal 30, which is different from the first user terminal 20, in response to the provided input prompt.

[0132] The second user input includes a touch input from the second user 3.

[0133] The device 100 is also designed to stop the previously started execution of the safety-relevant function, such as the actuation of flap 11 of the motor vehicle 10, in response to the second user input.

[0134] In the scenario shown here as an example, the first user, 2, opened the tailgate with their initial input, but without having a view of it. The second user, 3, is positioned near the tailgate and sees an imminent collision between the tailgate (11) and another object not shown here. Based on the input prompt and their understanding of the situation, the second user, 3, is able to stop the tailgate from opening and thus avert the imminent collision.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, when operating a vehicle function hands-free (e.g., voice, gesture), all digital keys within range of the vehicle can display a button that can be used to stop the vehicle function. The display of the stop button can be requested by the vehicle via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or digital keys belonging to the same account or person (e.g., from a smartphone or smartwatch) can control the display of the stop button independently. For example, the door can be closed by voice control. The user has, for example, a smartwatch and a smartphone. Both devices have a digital key and are near the vehicle. The voice command to close the door is recognized by the smartwatch and sent to the vehicle. As long as the door is closing, the smartwatch displays a stop button that the user can use to stop the closing process at any time.The vehicle also uses a BLE message to request the smartphone to display a stop button.

[0136] Overall, continuous operation of vehicle functions is now possible with hands-free operation. Reference symbol list 2 first user 3 second user 10 motor vehicle 11. 20 first user terminal device 30 second user device 100 Device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2014 203 060 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a safety-related function of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - Detecting the approach of a user terminal device (20) to a motor vehicle (10); - Capturing an initial user input from a user (2) on a user terminal device (20); - Performing a safety-related function of the motor vehicle (10) in response to the first user input; - Capturing a second user input from a user (3) on a user terminal device (30); and - Stopping the execution of the safety-relevant function of the motor vehicle (10) in response to the second user input. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the safety-relevant function comprises actuating a flap (11) of the motor vehicle (10). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user input is different from the second user input. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first user input comprises gesture input and / or voice input. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second user input comprises a touch input. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user terminal device (20) on which the first user input is captured is a first user terminal device (20), and the user terminal device (30) on which the second user input is captured is a second user terminal device (30) which is different from the first user terminal device (20). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the detection of an approach comprises the detection of the first user terminal device (20) and the second user terminal device (30). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Providing an input prompt in response to the execution of the safety-related function; wherein the capture of the second user input occurs in response to the provision of the input prompt. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising: - Detection of multiple user terminals (20, 30) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (10); wherein the provision of the input prompt takes place on the multiple user terminals (20, 30). [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: - Detection of all user terminal devices (20, 30) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (10); wherein the provision of the input prompt is carried out on all detected user terminal devices (20, 30). [11] Device (100) for controlling a safety-relevant function of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the device (100) comprises means for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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