Means of transport, device and method for preparing to open a door of a means of transport

Abstract

A means of locomotion (10), a device, and a method for preparing the opening of a door (1) of a means of locomotion (10) are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined air movement in the vicinity of the means of locomotion (10) using an environmental sensor and / or a motion sensor, and, in response to this, automatically outputting a signal (500) to prevent inappropriate movement of the door (1) of the means of locomotion (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a means of transport, a device, and a method for preparing the opening of a door of a means of transport. In particular, the present invention relates to the prevention of damage caused by unintentional or unsuitable movements of a door of the means of transport.

[0002] Opening vehicle doors involves a multitude of potential risks to people and property. Approaching vehicles and cyclists can be damaged or injured by the door, while the door itself can be damaged by surrounding objects. Children, in particular, often lack the ability to accurately judge the wind forces acting on doors. If the wind catches the door, depending on its strength, the person's ability and determination may no longer be sufficient to prevent further damage. In such cases, attentive drivers, passengers, adults, or accompanying persons often get out of the vehicle to open the door from the outside. They typically have better information about the air currents around the vehicle. The driver, passenger, or other person opening the door from the outside can thus choose a sufficiently stable position and firmly support the door against unsuitable movements caused by the wind.This manual monitoring is based on human experience and the detection of wind noise, which allows the driver to know that correspondingly problematic wind speeds are to be expected in the vehicle's environment.

[0003] Furthermore, servo doors are known in the prior art, which can open and close doors automatically (motorized). The motors used here must be small and inexpensive to manufacture, so oversizing is not advisable for economic reasons. However, motors that are too small or weak may not be able to provide the necessary force under certain circumstances.

[0004] Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention to avoid / reduce a hazard associated with opening a door. This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1, a device with the features of claim 10, and a means of propulsion with the features of claim 11. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] The method according to the invention serves to prepare for the opening of a vehicle door in view of significant air movements / wind speeds in the vicinity of the vehicle. The vehicle can be a car, van, truck, aircraft, and / or watercraft. The door can be a side door (driver's door, passenger door, left rear door, right rear door, etc.). Depending on the opening direction, the door can also be a tailgate that swings open essentially vertically or horizontally. The door can be a multi-part door, which are common, for example, in the cargo area of ​​vans and trucks. In a first step, a predefined air movement in the vicinity of the vehicle is determined. The air movement can be characterized by an energy or speed of the air / wind. The air movement can thus be set at a predefined threshold value. The threshold value can, for example, represent a wind speed.Optionally, the threshold can take the direction of air movement into account. For example, a threshold for each door of the vehicle can be the same. Alternatively, a door of one type can have a first threshold, while a second door of a second type has a second threshold. The thresholds can also be defined based on the wind direction. Air movement is detected by an environmental sensor and / or a motion sensor of the vehicle, or a sensor located in or on the vehicle. This could be, for example, an acceleration / altitude sensor of the vehicle, a camera, an (external) microphone, or similar. Alternatively or additionally, the respective sensor can be part of a portable user device carried by the user or located in the vehicle.Upon detection of a predefined air movement, a signal is issued to prevent inappropriate movement of the vehicle door. This signal can be directed at a user or occupant of the vehicle. This is particularly helpful for manually opened doors, automatically prompting caution from the occupants. For example, such a signal can be visual (pictogram and / or text), audible (e.g., warning tone and / or voice output), and / or haptic (vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or armrest). Alternatively or additionally, the signal can be issued electronically or via information technology to trigger an automatic response from the vehicle. In other words, the control of a door actuator can be adjusted in response to the signal. For example, a slower opening or...An additional check of the opening process is initiated in response to the signal. The prevention of unsuitable movement according to the invention serves, for example, to prevent damage to the door or, more generally, to prevent collisions. The signal proposed according to the invention can, for example, be output automatically in order to avoid wasting time in responding to the detection of the predefined air movement and to be able to initiate suitable measures as quickly and effectively as possible.

[0006] The environmental sensor can be, for example, a camera that, as an external camera, captures (a portion of) the vehicle's surroundings. For instance, the camera can detect environmental objects, precipitation, vegetation, etc., and infer predefined air movement from their movement. Alternatively or additionally, the camera can also detect the vehicle's own movement (e.g., swaying / rocking). Alternatively or additionally, a microphone can be used, positioned inside and / or outside the vehicle. The microphone can detect wind noise, especially pseudo-sound. Depending on the applied (pseudo-)sound pressure level and / or frequency response, predefined air movements can be determined. A height sensor, for example, can be used as a motion sensor to detect swaying of the vehicle. Such sensors are used, for example, in...This device is used for regulating the headlight range of a vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the motion sensor can include an acceleration sensor. For example, acceleration, roll, pitch, or similar movements of the vehicle can indicate the presence of significant, predefined air movement, triggering the output of the signal proposed according to the invention. The air movement can be determined by observing the movement of an elastic or free body in the vicinity of the vehicle. Based on the determined velocity (image flow analysis, etc.) of the body, the velocity of the air surrounding the vehicle can be inferred. In the case of elastic objects, such as plants, especially trees, flagpoles, etc., the forces acting due to the air movement can be estimated based on the amplitudes, allowing them to be quantified with respect to predefined limits.In particular, tornadoes in the vicinity of the means of transport can be photographed and the resulting images can be evaluated to determine the predefined air movement.

[0007] The vehicle's own movement can usually be ruled out whenever a door opening process is anticipated. At least, the vehicle's expected travel speeds / cruise speeds when the doors are opened are usually not relevant for generating wind noise. Nevertheless, the method according to the invention can be made dependent on the vehicle's speed or travel speed, or triggered by falling below predefined thresholds for these values. Alternatively or additionally, engaging a specific gear, a predefined signal from a wheel speed sensor, or a signal from a satellite-based positioning system (e.g., GPS or similar) can also be used to start the method according to the invention.If, however, an implementation of the inventive method is desired during the movement of the means of transport, the magnitude of this movement can be taken into account when determining the predefined air movement. Either the predefined air movement can be adjusted to account for the movement of the means of transport in order to use it for a (future) door opening process (e.g., while stationary), or the speed of the means of transport can be fully considered when determining the predefined relative air movement for an opening process while in motion. Depending on the situation during the door opening, a suitable signal can thus be issued to prevent inappropriate movement, damage, or collision of the door.

[0008] As stated at the outset, an experienced adult can anticipate the effects of significant air currents in the vicinity of the vehicle and exercise appropriate caution when opening a door. This does not apply to individuals with reduced attention span or less experience in the vehicle. In particular, children or people with sensory impairments (nearsighted or hard-of-hearing individuals) can be automatically detected in the vehicle using sensors, thus triggering the execution of the method according to the invention. For example, portable user devices carried by these individuals can also indicate that they are in the vehicle and that assistance is required to open the door.In other words, portable user devices can be provided with a corresponding note in the vehicle's electrical system, so that the method according to the invention is initiated / started in response to the presence of these portable user devices.

[0009] In response to the signal, the opening of one or all doors can be prevented, delayed, or restricted. For example, a maximum door opening angle can be (initially) set to prevent excessive airflow from catching the door and subjecting it to wind forces. Alternatively or additionally, a warning signal can be issued to an occupant, allowing them to take independent precautions to prevent inappropriate door movement during the impending opening process. In particular, parameters for automatic braking and / or motorized door opening can be adjusted. For example, automatic door opening can be slowed down or prevented altogether if there is a risk that the predefined airflow will exceed the braking or motor forces available. Overloading the motor or...This prevents uncontrolled / inappropriate movement of the door.

[0010] Optionally, an obstacle in the area in front of the door can also be detected automatically using sensors before the necessity of carrying out the method according to the invention is determined. The detection of the obstacle can serve as an indicator of a potential collision hazard, which can then trigger the method according to the invention. In this sense, an obstacle can be understood as an object, a person, a road user, or similar.

[0011] To prevent the inventive method from being executed prematurely or unnecessarily, a first step can be taken to determine whether the means of transport is approaching a target position and / or has already come to a standstill and / or has reached a parking position. For example, the execution of the inventive method can be triggered by wheel speed sensors, a navigation system (target position "reached"), or depending on the selected driving mode (e.g., "P"). This prevents the inventive method from being executed unnecessarily and avoids the unnecessary expenditure of computing power and energy.

[0012] In particular, the signal can be generated depending on the vehicle's occupancy. For example, the position of any occupant can be determined, and a message tailored to that position can be issued. Alternatively or additionally, the (general or personalized) message can be prioritized for the occupied seat position or presented to the occupant in the most effective way possible. Seat occupancy can also be categorized by position (e.g., child, person with a sensory impairment, etc.). For example, upon detecting the presence of a child or person with a sensory impairment, a person in the driver's or front passenger's seat can be prompted to assist with exiting the vehicle or opening the door. This prevents a corresponding notification, which is triggered by the signal, from being missed.is not correctly understood / followed due to sensory or cognitive impairments.

[0013] The detection of predefined air movement cannot simply rely on a direct estimation of the air movement speed. For example, a frequency spectrum can also be analyzed using a microphone, within which characteristic components automatically indicate the presence of a predefined air movement.

[0014] When the vehicle is stationary and movement is detected by wind (e.g., via motion sensors), a signal can be issued based on a signal generated according to the invention. If the determination of the vehicle's position suggests it is traveling on a ferry, a signal can be issued even though the vehicle is not moving autonomously but is nevertheless moving at considerable speed. This prevents inappropriate door movements from occurring on a ferry in strong winds, even if the vehicle's movement suggests significant self-propulsion despite the wheels being stationary and, if applicable, the vehicle being in drive mode P.

[0015] A quantitative estimate of a predefined air movement can also be obtained, for example, by optically evaluating the angle that rain or other precipitation exhibits with respect to the vertical direction. In particular, depending on the droplet size, which is determined, for example, by means of a rain sensor and / or a microphone on the vehicle, an aerodynamic parameter can be determined and used to quantify the underlying air movement velocity.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device is proposed which could also be described as an assistance system for a means of transportation. The device is capable of automatically performing the aforementioned steps of a method according to the invention. It comprises a data input which is configured to receive, for example, a camera signal and / or a microphone signal and / or a signal from a seat occupancy sensor and / or a signal from an antenna or connectivity unit. Using the signals from the connectivity control unit, the device can, for example, identify portable user devices carried by occupants and determine the need to execute the method according to the invention. Furthermore, an evaluation unit (e.g., a programmable processor, a microcontroller, or similar) of an electronic control unit is provided to execute the method steps according to the invention based on the received input variables.Finally, the device has a data output configured to enable the output of a signal according to the invention to prevent inappropriate movement / damage to the door of the means of transport. For this purpose, the data output can be connected, for example, to a loudspeaker and / or a screen and / or a portable user device. The data input is configured to detect a predefined air movement in the vicinity of the means of transport by means of an environmental sensor (e.g., camera, microphone, ultrasonic sensor, rain sensor, etc.) and / or by means of a motion sensor (e.g., elevation sensor, wheel speed sensor, accelerometer, etc.) and, upon response, to cause the data output to transmit the aforementioned signal.In this way, the device according to the invention is set up to realize the features, combinations of features and the advantages of the method according to the invention in such a way as to make them readily apparent, that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a means of transport (a car, van, truck, aircraft, and / or watercraft) is proposed which includes a device according to the second aspect of the invention. The device can be understood as an assistance system for the means of transport, whereby all its components are simultaneously components of the means of transport. This does not preclude the means of transport from being connected to a portable user device or several portable user devices in the passenger compartment of the means of transport via information technology and being equipped for data exchange with them in accordance with the method described above. The means of transport is therefore also capable of implementing the features, combinations of features, and the resulting advantages of the method according to the invention in a corresponding manner. Brief description of the characters

[0018] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a scene in which an embodiment of a means of locomotion according to the invention, together with an embodiment of a device according to the invention, performs an embodiment of a method according to the invention; and Fig. 2 A flowchart illustrating the steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for preparing to open a door of a means of transport.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a scene in which a self-propelled vehicle (SPV) 10 operates a device according to the invention, comprising a data input 8, an evaluation unit 7, and a data output 9, for carrying out a method according to the invention. The device uses a front-facing camera 2 to detect precipitation 5 in the form of rain, the crown of a tree 4, and a tornado 13. The signals thus detected, as well as acceleration signals from an accelerometer 6 and audio signals acquired by means of an external microphone 3, are fed to the data input 8. Based on the optically detected movements and / or acoustically detected noises and vibrations of the SPV 10, a predefined air movement (predefined wind speed, gusts, gale-force winds, etc.) is inferred.Based on the sensor-detected presence of two children 13, 14 in the rear of the vehicle 10, a decision is automatically made that opening a door 1 in the direction of arrow P could cause damage to another vehicle, which is an obstacle 11. Therefore, a visual warning is displayed on a screen 12 of the vehicle 10 via data output 9. This can prompt an occupant (not shown) in the driver's or front passenger's seat to carefully open the door 1 from the outside and warn the children 13, 14 not to open the door themselves.

[0020] Fig.Figure 2 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for preparing to open the door of a means of transport. In step 100, it is determined that the means of transport has approached a target position and that the drive mode "P" is engaged. The means of transport has thus arrived at its target position, whereupon a door opening process usually follows. In step 200, the presence of a person with reduced attention (e.g., a person with sensory impairment, a senior citizen, etc.) in the means of transport is then detected. Due to the fact that in step 300 a predefined air movement in the vicinity of the means of transport has been detected based on the signals from an environmental sensor and a motion sensor, the fundamental risk of damaging the door by opening it too quickly is recognized.Furthermore, in step 400, it is determined that an obstacle in the form of another vehicle is located in front of the door. This information is used in step 500 to issue a signal to prevent inappropriate movement, a collision, and potential damage to the door. Therefore, in step 600, upon receiving the signal, a warning is issued to the occupants of the vehicle, and in step 700, spontaneous opening of the door is additionally prevented by requiring the door handles to be operated multiple times to open the doors from the inside.

[0021] As a result, personal injury in the vicinity of the vehicle and / or damage to the doors of the Ego vehicle are effectively prevented. Reference symbol list 1 door 2 Front camera 3 microphones 4 Tree 5 precipitation 6 Accelerometer 7 Evaluation unit 8 Data input 9 Data output 10 means of transport 11th obstacle 12-inch screen 13, 14 child 100 - 700 process steps P arrow

Claims

[1] Method for preparing to open a door (1) of a means of transport (10) comprising the steps: - Determining (300) a predefined air movement in the vicinity of the means of transport (10) by means of - an environmental sensor and / or - a motion sensor, and in responding to it - automatic output (500) of a signal to prevent inappropriate movement of the door (1) of the means of transport (10). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor - a camera (2) and / or - includes a microphone (3). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the air movement is automatic - based on a detection range of the camera (2) and / or - is determined based on the movement of an environmental object, in particular a plant (4) and / or precipitation (5). [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motion sensor comprises an acceleration sensor (6). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims further encompassing - Identifying (200) a person (13, 14) with reduced attention in the means of transport (10). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising automatic - Preventing (700) the door (1) from being opened and / or - Issuing (600) a warning signal to an occupant and / or - Adjusting a parameter for the motorized opening of the door (1) of the means of transport (10) in response to a reception of the signal. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims further comprising identifying (400) an obstacle (11) in the area in front of the door (1). [8] Method according to any of the foregoing claims further comprising - Determine (100) that the means of transport (10) is approaching a target position and / or is stationary and / or has reached a parking position and / or a predefined driving stage is engaged. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal is generated depending on the occupancy of the means of transport (10). [10] Device comprising - a data input (8), - an evaluation unit (7) and - a data output (9), wherein the evaluation unit (7) is set up, - by means of the data input (8) a predefined air movement in the vicinity of a means of transport (10) by means of - an environmental sensor and / or - of a motion sensor, to determine and respond to it - to output a signal via the data output (9) to prevent inappropriate movement of the door (1) of the means of transport (10). [11] Means of transport comprising a device according to claim 10.

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