Method for controlling a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle (1), in which, when it is determined by means of a detection device (4) that a person (2) is located within a defined distance from the motor vehicle (1), a position of the person (2) is determined several times in succession and eyes (7) of the motor vehicle (1) are displayed by outputting at least one light signal by means of an output device (5), wherein the at least one light signal is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person (2), as a result of which the displayed eyes (7) are directed towards the person (2) when the person (2) is in different positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle.DE 10 2018 221 986 A1 discloses an entertainment system for a motor vehicle. The entertainment system is configured to check, in response to a detected predefined interaction of a user with the motor vehicle for a charging process of a battery of the motor vehicle, whether a predefined calendar-based and / or event counter-based condition is fulfilled. Furthermore, the entertainment system is configured to automatically actuate an output device for outputting a predefined greeting message assigned to the condition to the user when the condition is fulfilled.Furthermore, EP 3 561 644 A1 discloses a user interface system in a vehicle for establishing an emotional binding between a person and the vehicle. The user interface system includes a sensor configured to acquire real-time physiological data of a person, a multimedia interface configured to output media, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to cause the user interface system to acquire real-time physiological data of the person through the sensor, generate a multimedia effect based on the real-time physiological data, and output the multimedia effect to the person through a multimedia interface of the device.Furthermore, DE 10 2013 202 072 A1 discloses a method for carrying out a welcoming scenario by a motor vehicle. The method comprises continuously detecting the distance of the driver from the vehicle and executing a first light function of the vehicle if it is detected that the driver is at a first distance from the vehicle. The method further includes performing mechanical movement of a portion of the vehicle when the driver is detected to be at a second distance from the vehicle.The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which enables a particularly high level of safety for persons in road traffic.This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures. Features, advantages and possible configurations which are set forth in the context of the description for one of the subject matters of the independent claims are to be regarded at least analogously as features, advantages and possible configurations of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims and of each possible combination of the subject matters of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. In the method, if it is determined by means of a detection device that a person is within a defined distance from the motor vehicle, a position of the person is determined several times in succession. In other words, in the method, it is determined by means of the detection device whether a person is at all within the defined distance from the motor vehicle and, if it has been determined that the person is within the predefined distance from the motor vehicle, the position of the person is monitored by this position being detected a plurality of times, in particular at regular intervals. The position of the person can thus be tracked by means of the detection device.In the method, it is furthermore provided that eyes of the motor vehicle are displayed by outputting at least one light signal by means of an output device. In other words, in the method, the output device of the motor vehicle is used to provide the at least one light signal which gives a viewer the impression that the motor vehicle has eyes. In particular, the output device is arranged on an outer side of the motor vehicle and is configured to emit the light signal into the environment of the motor vehicle. In the method, it is furthermore provided that the at least one light signal is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person, whereby the displayed eyes are directed at the person at different positions of the person. In other words, the at least one light signal is adapted by means of the output device as a function of the position of the person in such a way that the illustrated eyes of the motor vehicle follow the person. The person is thus provided with the impression that the motor vehicle with the illustrated eyes follows a movement of the person and has thus perceived the person. The person can thus be informed particularly easily via the eyes of the motor vehicle represented by the at least one light signal that the person and its position have been detected by means of the detection device and the motor vehicle, in particular a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle, is controlled as a function of the detected position of the person. The person is thus secured back by following with the depicted eyes of the motor vehicle to the effect that the motor vehicle has detected the person. The person can thus move in a close range of the motor vehicle to a smooth degree and does not have to fear that the motor vehicle, in particular the detection device of the motor vehicle, has not detected the person and thus the motor vehicle could thus damage the person. For example, the person may wait on a zebra strip while the motor vehicle approaches the zebra strip and remains stationary in front of the zebra strip. Because the eyes tracking the person are displayed by means of the at least one light signal, the person can particularly easily recognize that the motor vehicle has both perceived and recognized the person and that the motor vehicle is informed about a change in position and thus about a movement of the person, since the displayed eyes follow the position of the person. The person can thus traverse the zebra strip quite normally and does not have to fear that the motor vehicle could not have perceived it and could therefore start moving while the person is arranged on the zebra strip directly in front of the motor vehicle.In a possible development of the invention, it is provided that the light signal is adapted in its output position and / or output direction in such a way that the illustrated eyes of the motor vehicle follow a movement of the person. The output position of the light signal is to be understood as the position of that light source of the output device by means of which the at least one light signal is provided. In particular, the output device of the motor vehicle can comprise a multiplicity of light sources, which are each designed to provide the light signal. Depending on how the ascertained position of the person is, the at least one light signal can be provided by different light sources in order to ensure for the respectively ascertained position of the person that the person can perceive the light signal by radiating the light signal into eyes of the person. The output direction of the light signal is to be understood as an alignment of a light cone emitted by the output device when providing the light signal. This light cone can be aligned in different spatial directions starting from the output position or starting from the light source providing the at least one light signal. In this case, the output direction of the light signal is adjusted in particular as a function of the position of the person in such a way that the person is located within the light cone, in particular the head of the person is located within the light cone, as a result of which the person can perceive the light signal particularly well. By suggesting to the person that the motor vehicle with the eyes shown follows the movement of the person, the person can be informed particularly easily and intuitively that the respective current position of the person is known or respective position changes of the person have been detected by means of the detection device of the motor vehicle.In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the light signal is adapted in its output position and / or output direction in such a way that at least one of the illustrated eyes of the motor vehicle is forced towards the person. By virtue of the illustrated twin core of the motor vehicle to the person, a bond can be established between the motor vehicle and the person. In particular, due to the compulsive effect, the person can build trust about the motor vehicle and thus particularly smoothes a road or a zebra strip without fear that the motor vehicle could not have perceived the person and possibly drives towards the person or drives the person. Furthermore, the individual can be suggested by the twiner that the motor vehicle of the individual is friendlyly agreed, whereby an anxiety of the individual that the motor vehicle could start or drive over the individual can be reduced.In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one light signal is provided by means of at least one light-emitting diode. In particular, the output device can comprise a multiplicity of light-emitting diodes, which can jointly output a light signal or which can provide a plurality of light signals. The more light-emitting diodes the output device comprises, the more detailed the eyes of the motor vehicle can be displayed. Alternatively or additionally, the output device can comprise at least one video projector, which can also be referred to as a beamer and by means of which the eyes can be projected onto an outer skin of the motor vehicle. A light emitting diode is a semiconductor component that emits light when electric current flows in the forward direction. Light-emitting diodes require only a particularly low amount of electrical energy for providing the at least one light signal. In addition, light-emitting diodes have a particularly low heat development and thus a particularly low risk of fire when the light signal is emitted. In addition, light-emitting diodes have a particularly long service life. In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a smile mouth of the motor vehicle is additionally displayed by means of a display device. This display device can be part of the output device or can be designed differently from the output device. In particular, the display device can comprise a plate with a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which is also referred to as an LED panel, or a screen device, which is also referred to as a display. By presenting a smile mouth of the motor vehicle, the person is suggested the impression that the motor vehicle is pleasantly well-agreed to the person and thus wishes to protect the person. The person can thus move in the vicinity of the motor vehicle without fear. Since a risk for overturned actions or sudden movements of the person is thus particularly low on account of the person being startled or the person being feared that the motor vehicle could start them, a risk of injury for the person is in turn particularly low. In addition, this effect may contribute to an attractiveness of the car marker in that pedestrians can count on each other about the experience and thereby intensify advertising.In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in the method, one of the actions of the motor vehicle mentioned below is additionally triggered: flashing, horning, a window movement, an audio output, a color change of the light signal, which represents the at least one eye of the motor vehicle, a projection of a movie or an animation onto a background in a surroundings of the motor vehicle, a movement of the motor vehicle, a shaking of the motor vehicle, an output of a further light signal and turning of wheels of the motor vehicle, in particular by means of a steering device of the motor vehicle. For the flashing of the motor vehicle, a direction indicator of the motor vehicle can be activated. A horn of the motor vehicle can be activated for horning. During the window movement, a window pane of the motor vehicle can be lowered or raised and a window of the motor vehicle can thereby be opened or closed. The audio output can be output in particular by means of a loudspeaker of the motor vehicle. For example, the audio output can be in text form. This means that, for example, a word or a sentence can be output via the loudspeaker of the motor vehicle as audio output. By means of a projection device of the motor vehicle, the movie and / or the animation can be projected onto the underlying surface in the environment of the motor vehicle. The underlying surface is in particular the roadway on which the motor vehicle is located. In this case, the projection or animation is projected onto the roadway in particular into a region which is not covered upward by the motor vehicle, as a result of which the movie or animation is particularly well perceptible to the person. For example, to implement the movement of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle may roll forward or rearward a small distance, such as a few centimeters. The shaking of the motor vehicle can be initiated, for example, by means of an actuator of the motor vehicle. During the shaking, the motor vehicle can be shaken or vibrated at least in regions. The further light signal can be output in the interior of the motor vehicle or on an outer side of the motor vehicle, in particular in the region of the outer skin of the motor vehicle. For example, the further light signal can be output by means of an interior component of the motor vehicle or by means of an exterior component of the motor vehicle. The wheels of the motor vehicle can be pivoted about the vehicle vertical axis by means of the steering device and thus can be rotated alternately to the left and to the right. The described actions of the motor vehicle can serve to suggest to the person that the motor vehicle is deerating, that the person is within the defined distance and thus in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, and that the motor vehicle wishes to communicate with the person, for example via audio, video, projection, light, movement, etc.In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the person is identified and the light signal and / or the further action is output and / or adapted as a function of a specification of the person stored in the motor vehicle. This means that the light signal and / or the further action are output in a manner coordinated with the person. This can ensure that the person feels individually addressed and thus establishes an emotional binding to the motor vehicle. For example, on the basis of camera images recorded by means of a camera device of the motor vehicle, it can be determined by means of an image recognition device when the person who has been detected within the defined distance from the motor vehicle is involved. In particular, the person can adapt the specification stored in the motor vehicle according to their preferences.In this context, it may furthermore be provided that an output point of the at least one light signal with respect to the motor vehicle-and thus on or in the motor vehicle-and / or a representation of the at least one light signal are selected and / or adapted as a function of the specification. In other words, the person can set, via the specification, in which region of the motor vehicle the light signal is to be output or how the light signal output by the motor vehicle has to look. The person can thus individualize the eyes of the motor vehicle represented by means of the at least one light signal particularly well by the specification, as a result of which a particularly large emotional connection can be established between the person and the motor vehicle.In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the person is identified using at least one camera device of the motor vehicle and / or on the basis of a key carried by the person. In this case, the camera device can be oriented with its detection range into the surroundings of the motor vehicle or into an interior of the motor vehicle. The camera device is configured to record images in which the person is imaged. By means of the image recognition device, it is possible to determine, on the basis of the recorded images, the person who is involved and the person is thus identified. Alternatively or additionally, the person can be identified on the basis of an individual identifier of a key which the person carries. For this purpose, the motor vehicle can comprise an identification device which is configured to receive the individual identifier of the key from the key. On the basis of the individual identifier of the key, which is within the predefined distance from the motor vehicle, the identification device can in turn determine, in particular via an assignment rule, which the person is involved. As a result of the fact that the person can be identified particularly reliably on the basis of the key or on the basis of the images recorded by means of the camera device, the at least one light signal output by the motor vehicle or the at least one further action triggered by the motor vehicle can be matched particularly well to the person, in particular via the specifications stored in the motor vehicle for the identified person. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the person is identified using other available identification options.The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having a detection device which is configured to determine that a person is within a defined distance from the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the detection device is configured to ascertain a position of the person several times in succession. The detection device can comprise a camera device and / or a radar and / or a LIDAR and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, the motor vehicle comprises at least one light source which is configured to output at least one light signal which represents eyes of the motor vehicle. This at least one light source can in particular comprise at least one light emitting diode. The motor vehicle further comprises a control device which is configured to control that the at least one light signal is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person, whereby the illustrated eyes are directed at the person at different positions of the person. The motor vehicle is thus configured to carry out the method as has already been described in connection with the method according to the invention for controlling a motor vehicle.Further features of the invention can be derived from the following description of the figures and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.The drawing shows in: FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first traffic situation; and FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a second traffic situation.Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.FIGS. 1 and 2 show different traffic situations in respective side views, wherein a motor vehicle 1, in the present case a motor vehicle, is involved in each of the situations, which is standing in the present case, and a person 2 is involved, which is located within a defined distance from the motor vehicle 1. In the traffic situation shown in FIG. 1, the motor vehicle 1 stops in front of a zebra strip 3 which is crossed by the person 2. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a detection device 4, which is schematically marked with a box in FIG. 1 and is configured to detect the person 2. The detection device 4 is furthermore configured to determine that the person 2 is within the predefined distance from the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, the detection device 4 is configured to determine the position of the person 2, in particular several times in succession. The motor vehicle 1 further comprises an output device 5 which comprises at least one light source 6. The at least one light source 6 is configured to provide at least one light signal and to emit this light signal into the environment of the motor vehicle 1. For providing the at least one light signal, the at least one light source 6 can comprise at least one light emitting diode. The output device 5 is configured to display respective eyes 7 of the motor vehicle 1 by means of the at least one light signal. In other words, by outputting the at least one light signal, the impression is given to the person 2 that the motor vehicle 1 has eyes 7.In order to convey to the person 2 that the motor vehicle 1 has perceived the person 2 and also knows respective positions of the person 2, it is provided that the at least one light signal output by the output device 5 is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person 2, whereby the illustrated eyes 7 are each aligned with the person 2 at different positions of the person 2. In other words, the at least one light signal is adapted by means of the output device 5 in such a way that the person 2 is given the impression that the motor vehicle 1 would follow the movement of the person 2 with his eyes 7. For this purpose, the at least one light signal can be adapted in its output position and / or output direction depending on a respective change in position of the person 2. Alternatively or additionally, the light signal can be adapted in its output position and / or output direction in such a way that the person 2 is given the impression that at least one of the illustrated eyes 7 of the motor vehicle 1 is twinned to the person 2.During the output of the at least one light signal, a smile mouth of the motor vehicle 1 can additionally be displayed by means of a display device of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 thus comprises interactive LED eyes which view the person 2 or observe the person 2 on the zebra strip 3 or when crossing the zebra strip and blink them. By means of an LED panel of the motor vehicle 1 as a display device, a smile of the motor vehicle 1 can be displayed in particular in the front region of the motor vehicle 1.In the traffic situation shown in FIG. 2, the person 2 approaches the motor vehicle 1 more than the predefined defined distance from the motor vehicle 1. By means of the motor vehicle 1, the person 2 is identified using at least one camera device 8, which is schematically identified with a box in the present case and / or on the basis of a key carried along by the person 2. The camera device 8 can be part of the detection device 4. Furthermore, in the traffic situation shown in FIG. 2, a film 10 is projected onto a ground in the environment of the motor vehicle 1 by means of a projection device 9, which is likewise schematically marked with a box. FIG. 2 thus shows how friends of the motor vehicle 1 are presented for the person 2 when identifying the person 2, in particular identifying the person 2 as owner of the motor vehicle 1. Alternatively or additionally to the projection of the film 10, as an action of the motor vehicle 1, a flashing and / or a horn and / or a window movement and / or an audio output and / or a color change of the light signal, which represents the at least one eye 7 of the motor vehicle 1, and / or a movement of the motor vehicle 1 and / or a shaking of the motor vehicle 1 and / or an output of a further light signal by means of the motor vehicle 1 can be triggered. The at least one light signal representing the eyes 7 and / or the actions mentioned can be output and / or adapted depending on a specification of the person 2 stored in the motor vehicle 1 and thus individually for the person 2. It is thus possible for the person 2 to play friends of the motor vehicle 1 via the recognition of the person 2 by, for example, flashing and / or listening quietly and / or moving the window up or down and / or turning wheels back and forth to the left and right and / or making the person 2 with names and / or changing the color of the displayed eyes 7 briefly and / or moving himself and / or projecting a film 10 with dance figures or the like onto the ground, wherein the motor vehicle 1 can select the reactions even after preference of the person 2. For example, the motor vehicle 1 can output the information "I enjoy that Du is again about, Michael" acoustically and / or optically for the person 2.The invention described is based on the recognition that vehicles are only considered to be utility items in daily life. In rare cases, an owner builds a binding or relationship to his vehicle because of some peculiarity. However, it can be seen in movies that human or animal characteristics can cause emotions that improve binding to the vehicle or establish confidence.In the described method, a detection of the owner of the motor vehicle 1 can be used as a trigger for an action of the motor vehicle 1. if the owner of the motor vehicle 1 is in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1 and thus within the defined distance from the motor vehicle 1, then a projection or a visualization of static images and / or moving images can be started, for example on a ground or in a light bar of the motor vehicle 1. Alternatively or additionally underlighted plastic, emblems, screens, beamers or lighting elements in the motor vehicle 1 or on the outside of the motor vehicle 1. The moving images can also be relevant for passengers, for example during autonomous driving of the motor vehicle 1. a pedestrian crosses a road on which the motor vehicle 1 is holding, The displayed eyes 7 of the motor vehicle 1 can then be used in a light bar to signal that the motor vehicle 1 recognizes the pedestrian by eye contact and allows it to pass safely. The motor vehicle 1 can blink passers-by alternatively or additionally. This gives confidence in the technique. The vehicle outer skin can be used to wake emotions in the person 2, to establish a relationship with the motor vehicle 1 or to wake trust.In the method, the identification of the owner can be used to start a reaction of the motor vehicle 1. If it is determined that the owner of the motor vehicle 1 is located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1, in particular within the defined distance from the motor vehicle 1, the motor vehicle 1 can move to and fro either by extra actuators, which can easily shake the motor vehicle 1, or by electric motors, which initiate a movement to and fro in the range of millimeters, which represents shaking in front of the friends of the motor vehicle 1. At the same time, a projection or visualization of static images and / or moving images can be started, in particular on a ground or in a light bar of the motor vehicle 1. Projections onto the ground or acoustics can provide the passport with further confidence signals, such as "They can safely cross the road". The owner of the motor vehicle 1 can select a mode with which the motor vehicle 1 can show the reactions. Preferences such as domestic animals or humans used in the images may be dictated by the mode. Furthermore, the selected mode can specify where the displayed images or light signals are intended to appear, such as light bar, projection onto the ground or emblem.In order to show friends, the motor vehicle can be moved to and fro approximately 1 millimeter in order to show shaking, or shaken in all directions by means of extra electric motors, or wheels of the motor vehicle can be rotated to and fro by means of a steering device of the motor vehicle 1, with no risk of the environment. Acoustic indications or information can be output via loudspeakers of the motor vehicle 1. For visual limitations, the above-mentioned emotions can be awakened and trust with respect to the motor vehicle 1 can be generated.Overall, the invention shows how a visualization of a buddy mode can take place by the motor vehicle 1 responding with a corresponding visual response to owners and passersby. The aim is to promote emotional or psychological binding or relationship between the person 2 and the motor vehicle 1.List of reference characters1 Motor vehicle 2 person 3 zebra strip 4 detection device 5 output device 6 light source 7 eyes 8 camera device 9 projection device 10 filmReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2018 221 986 A1

[0002] EP 3 561 644 A1

[0003] DE 10 2013 202 072 A1

[0004]

Claims

Method for controlling a motor vehicle (1), in which, if it is determined by means of a detection device (4) that a person (2) is within a defined distance from the motor vehicle (1), a position of the person (2) is determined a plurality of times in succession and eyes (7) of the motor vehicle (1) are displayed by outputting at least one light signal by means of an output device (5), wherein the at least one light signal is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person (2), as a result of which the displayed eyes (7) are directed at the person (2) at different positions of the person (2).Method according to claim 1, wherein the light signal is adjusted in its output position and / or output direction such that the illustrated eyes (7) of the motor vehicle (1) follow a movement of the person (2).Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light signal is adapted in its output position and / or output direction such that at least one of the illustrated eyes (7) of the motor vehicle (1) is forced towards the person (2).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light signal is provided by means of at least one light-emitting diode.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a smile mouth of the motor vehicle (1) is additionally displayed by means of a display device.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following actions of the motor vehicle (1) is additionally triggered: - flashing - horn - window movement - audio output - colour change of the light signal which represents the at least one eye (7) of the motor vehicle (1) - projecting a film (10) or an animation onto a background in a surroundings of the motor vehicle (1) - movement of the motor vehicle (1) - shaking of the motor vehicle (1) - output of a further light signal - turning of wheels of the motor vehicle.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the person (2) is identified and the light signal and / or the further action is output and / or adapted as a function of a specification of the person (2) stored in the motor vehicle (1).Method according to Claim 7, wherein an output point of the at least one light signal with respect to the motor vehicle (1) and / or a representation of the at least one light signal is selected and / or adapted as a function of the specification.Method according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the person (2) is identified using at least one camera device (8) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or on the basis of a key carried along by the person (2).Motor vehicle (1), having - a detection device (4) which is configured to determine that a person (2) is within a defined distance from the motor vehicle (1) and to determine a position of the person (2) several times in succession, - a light source which is configured to output at least one light signal which represents eyes (7) of the motor vehicle (1), and - a control device which is configured to control that the at least one light signal is adapted as a function of a change in the position of the person (2), as a result of which the represented eyes (7) are directed onto the person (2) at different positions of the person (2).

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