LOW-ENERGY OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE FUNCTIONS DURING MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0002] As the functions of infotainment systems become increasingly complex and the energy consumption of such systems increases, it is necessary to implement countermeasures to reduce energy consumption. Appropriate measures can, for example, increase the range of electric vehicles and reduce the CO2 emissions of conventional vehicles.

[0003] Currently, infotainment data is collected in a vehicle's head unit and presented visually on an information display. If the vehicle user no longer needs the information display, they can switch it off. In this case, the information display is simply switched to black; it remains activated and all information that is to be displayed, such as a current radio station list when using a digital radio, or a current navigation map when using vehicle navigation, is still calculated and presented visually on the information display. Because the display is switched to black, the vehicle user is unaware of this. This means that when the vehicle user activates the information display again, the current information is immediately visible on the information display.However, this leads to high energy consumption, both in the display, in the head unit processors and in vehicle functions or vehicle systems that provide information to the head unit processors.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a way to reduce electrical energy consumption accordingly in the event that the information display is not required by the user during use of the motor vehicle.

[0005] US 2009 306 890 A1 discloses the control of a character control and storage unit by a CPU according to an operation performed on an operation unit. To prevent navigation display from being performed on a monitoring unit, the CPU controls a switch to an off state during a period in which the CPU is not performing this navigation display and stops the supply of electrical power to a secondary storage unit to stop the operation of this secondary storage unit, thereby reducing the consumption of the secondary storage unit.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to propose a possibility which avoids or at least reduces at least some of the disadvantages known in the prior art.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by means of a method, as well as by means of a device and by means of a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0008] The subject matter of the main claim relates to a method for electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has an information display. The method comprises: deactivating the information display of the motor vehicle; degrading a functionality of at least one vehicle component that uses the information display for a visual display of specific information about the vehicle component; and deactivating a graphics processor unit of the motor vehicle as an energy-saving measure. The graphics processor unit is configured to process the specific information of the vehicle component in such a way that this information can be visually displayed on the information display.And the functionality of the vehicle component is degraded in such a way that the vehicle component continues to determine its specific information in a functional manner and keeps it prepared for graphic processing.

[0009] Process steps can be carried out automatically using a suitable automation device.

[0010] An information display within the meaning of the invention refers to an electronic display device for displaying visual graphic content. The electronic display device preferably has a variety of color options and a reasonable number of pixels so that a vehicle user can clearly read both text information and graphically complex information, such as a navigation map. The electronic display device preferably has a screen diagonal of at least 5 inches.

[0011] Deactivating the information display within the meaning of the invention means turning it off. Preferably, deactivation is performed in such a way that the information display is quickly available again upon subsequent use.

[0012] This can be ensured, for example, by providing a special standby PIN on the display controller, which can be wired accordingly to operate or control the information display with low power consumption. A separate voltage level or electrical line can be provided for this purpose. This allows the information display to be switched off and quickly reactivated.

[0013] A vehicle component within the meaning of the invention refers to a device, a system, and / or software that provides specific information that can be graphically processed and displayed on the information display. The rendering of the specific information, in order to be able to display it appropriately on the information display, takes place in a graphics processing unit (GPU), which is generally not part of the vehicle component itself.

[0014] Specific information of the vehicle component of the motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention means information that, when adequately prepared, can be visually presented on an information display in order to show the vehicle user the information that they expect and / or can expect from a corresponding functionality of this vehicle component. In particular, the specific information is information from the area of ​​vehicle infotainment.

[0015] A graphics processing unit, as defined by the invention, refers to a device configured to render digital information to be displayed so that it can subsequently be presented on the digital information display. Such a device is generally abbreviated to 'GPU', as it represents a specialized form of CPU.

[0016] A prepared storage for graphics processing within the meaning of the invention means that the corresponding specific information is prepared in such a way that it can be used immediately for a graphical representation at any time when required and is stored for this purpose in a computer data memory, also called RAM, whereby only final processing steps have to be carried out by the GPU and possibly by a signal converter.

[0017] The teaching according to the invention achieves the advantage that consumers of electrical energy of the infotainment system of the motor vehicle can be switched off in a targeted manner in order to save electrical energy as long as they are not used by a vehicle user during vehicle use, without having to restart and initialize the infotainment functionalities expected by the vehicle user when needed.

[0018] The subject matter of a subordinate claim relates to a device for electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has an information display. The device comprises: a deactivation means for deactivating the information display of the motor vehicle; a degradation means for degrading a functionality of at least one vehicle component that uses the information display for a visual display of specific information of the vehicle component; and a deactivation means for deactivating a graphics processor unit of the motor vehicle as an energy-saving measure, wherein the graphics processor unit is configured to process the specific information of the vehicle component in such a way that this information can be visually displayed on the information display.And the device is designed to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0019] The teaching according to the invention achieves the advantage that a device can be provided which allows consumers of electrical energy of the infotainment system of the motor vehicle to be switched off in a targeted manner in order to save electrical energy as long as they are not being used by a vehicle user during vehicle use and to ensure that the expected infotainment functions are available and updated immediately when required.

[0020] The subject matter of a further independent claim relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle comprises a vehicle component. The vehicle component is configured to provide specific information. Furthermore, the motor vehicle comprises an information display. The information display is configured to graphically display the specific information of the vehicle component. Furthermore, the motor vehicle comprises a device according to the invention. The motor vehicle is configured to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0021] The teaching according to the invention achieves the advantage that a motor vehicle can be provided which allows consumers of electrical energy of the infotainment system of the motor vehicle to be switched off in a targeted manner in order to save electrical energy as long as they are not being used by a vehicle user during vehicle use and to ensure that the expected infotainment functions are available and updated immediately when required.

[0022] The subject matter of a further independent claim relates to a computer program product for a device and / or a motor vehicle, which can be operated according to a method according to the invention.

[0023] The teaching according to the invention achieves the advantage that the method can be carried out particularly efficiently and automatically.

[0024] The subject matter of a further independent claim relates to a data carrier comprising any computer program product according to the invention.

[0025] The teaching according to the invention achieves the advantage that the method can be distributed or maintained particularly efficiently among the devices, systems and / or motor vehicles executing the method.

[0026] Before embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below, it should first be noted that the invention is not limited to the described components or the described method steps. Furthermore, the terminology used does not represent a limitation, but is merely exemplary. Where the singular is used in the description and the claims, the plural is also included unless the context explicitly excludes this. Any method steps can be carried out automatically unless the context explicitly excludes this. Corresponding method sections can lead to corresponding device properties and vice versa, so that, unless the context explicitly excludes this, a change from a method feature to a device feature is possible and vice versa.

[0027] Further exemplary embodiments of the method according to the invention are explained below.

[0028] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the method comprises that the specific information prepared for graphic processing is provided in such a way that the specific information can be rendered directly for visual representation on the information display when required.

[0029] The provision prepared for graphics processing within the meaning of the invention means that the corresponding specific information is prepared in such a way that it can be transmitted to the GPU for direct rendering at any time when required.

[0030] The rendered data then simply needs to be fed into a graphics pipeline and possibly converted from HDMI to LVDS using a signal converter, for example, for direct display on the information display. Filling the graphics pipeline typically takes only a few microseconds to a few milliseconds.

[0031] The rendering of the specific information can take place within milliseconds.

[0032] When the information display is deactivated, it can therefore be useful to inform rendering applications that no more rendering is taking place on the GPU, which means that filling the pipeline is no longer necessary and the pipeline can be kept empty.

[0033] The signal converter can, for example, be a so-called IF component. If such a signal converter is required, it can also be kept in standby mode when the information display is deactivated, for example, to save further electrical energy.

[0034] This design has the advantage that current information is available as visual information immediately after the information display is switched on or activated again.

[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises monitoring the information display such that the deactivation of the information display is carried out if the monitoring shows that the information display is not being used.

[0036] This eliminates the need to wait for the information display to be deactivated or turned off; instead, the vehicle can independently determine whether the information display is currently not in use and deactivate it automatically. This can be determined, for example, by observing the vehicle user's behavior, such as eye movements. Furthermore, this can also be determined, for example, by the fact that the infotainment system has not currently received a task from the vehicle user.

[0037] This design has the advantage that even more electrical energy can be saved during vehicle use.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle component comprises a navigation device, and the specific information comprises navigation map information.

[0039] This embodiment has the advantage that the invention can be applied particularly to computationally intensive applications of the infotainment system that are frequently used by the vehicle user to save electrical energy.

[0040] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle component comprises a radio transmitter device, and the specific information comprises radio transmitter information.

[0041] This embodiment has the advantage that the invention can be applied particularly to applications of the infotainment system that are used very frequently by the vehicle user and in which visual representations in the information display can easily be dispensed with in order to save electrical energy.

[0042] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises that the degradation of the functionality of the vehicle component comprises limiting an electrical power consumption of the vehicle component as a further energy saving measure.

[0043] This allows us to analyze which functions of a vehicle component are currently being used and to what extent without the information display being switched on. Depending on the results of the analysis, functions not currently in use can then be switched off, for example, or into a low-energy or standby mode, provided this is technically possible and makes sense for the specific application. Conversely, functions that are still in use can be throttled back according to their usage requirements, provided this is technically possible and makes sense for the specific application.

[0044] This design has the advantage of enabling even lower electrical energy consumption of the infotainment system during vehicle use.

[0045] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises that the limitation of the electrical power consumption of the vehicle component has a limitation to at least 50% of the electrical power consumption of a normal operation of the vehicle component.

[0046] This design has the advantage of enabling even lower electrical energy consumption of the infotainment system during vehicle use.

[0047] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises limiting an electrical power consumption of a computer device of the motor vehicle, as a third energy-saving measure, such that a clock frequency of a computer processor unit of the computer device is throttled by at least 50%, preferably by at least 2 / 3.

[0048] The electrical power savings achieved by using a low-power mode of the infotainment system according to the invention or by deactivating the information display mode can be significantly increased. For example, the electrical power consumption of an SoC can be reduced from approximately 14W to approximately 3W. For example, the total current infotainment system consumption can be reduced from approximately 40W to approximately 14W.

[0049] This design has the advantage that the infotainment system can consume even less electrical energy during vehicle use.

[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment, when the information display is switched on again, the method further comprises: canceling any energy-saving measure according to the method; rendering the specific information retained for graphics processing; and visually displaying the rendered specific information on the information display.

[0051] This design has the advantage that the information display is available again as quickly as possible with updated visual information after reactivation.

[0052] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises that each energy-saving measure according to the method is carried out in such a way that it is not perceptible to a user of the motor vehicle.

[0053] This design has the advantage that the acceptance of the energy saving service in the infotainment area by the vehicle user can be significantly increased.

[0054] A further advantage is that the use of this energy saving service by the vehicle user can be significantly increased.

[0055] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises a computer device. The computer device comprises an operating system device, a computer data memory, and a computer processor unit. The operating system device comprises an operating system of the computer device. The computer data memory is configured to store specific information related to the vehicle component, prepared for graphic processing. And the computer processor unit is configured to control the device.

[0056] The computer device within the meaning of the invention can, for example, be a so-called system-on-chip device, also known as an SoC, as is frequently used in embedded systems. An operating system can be pre-installed on an integrated circuit, a so-called IC. This operating system can usually be modified externally via an update and / or reinstall.

[0057] For example, a so-called LGA as a computer device or as part of the computer device can have the SoC and the computer data memory, usually a so-called random access memory, also called 'RAM'.

[0058] Power management on the SoC can be configured using appropriate drivers. This allows the SoC to regulate itself with its own power supply control logic. Such power management can be implemented, for example, using a power microcontroller, a so-called pMiC.

[0059] The SoC can thus be transferred into a low-power mode with the help of an appropriate signal.

[0060] The SoC thus informs the PMiC via software which voltage levels the SoC or computing device still requires. This can be provided, for example, by means of inherent logic in the SoC.

[0061] This embodiment has the advantage that a particularly inexpensive industrial device can be used to technically implement the energy-saving measures according to the invention, also called the energy-saving service according to the invention.

[0062] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the computer device of the device further comprises the graphics processor unit of the motor vehicle.

[0063] Furthermore, additional chips may be present or combined on the computer device as a so-called system-in-package, or SiP.

[0064] This design has the advantage that this particularly inexpensive industrial device, also called an 'embedded system' or 'embedded solution', can also be used for other calculations for the infotainment system, outside of graphics calculations.

[0065] These days, additional components are often installed in vehicles, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi. While Ethernet, for example, must remain active when the information display is deactivated because it is still in use, Wi-Fi may no longer be in use and can therefore also be deactivated to save even more electrical energy.

[0066] This means that when the information display is deactivated, the power consumption of other components can be limited if they are not being used. These components can be put into a type of standby mode so that they are available again as quickly as possible. The common sleep mode may be unsuitable for this if it would take too long for the components to wake up when needed. Furthermore, certain components must remain active, but these can also be put into a low-energy mode, such as Ethernet, because the navigation system continues to run in the background in a slimmed-down mode, i.e. without rendering the navigation data and making it available to the information display. Vehicle positioning, usually via GPS, is still required for this.It is therefore always necessary to check which components can be switched off, which can continue to operate in a degraded mode, for example by reducing their performance, and which components must continue to run at full power.

[0067] Previously, when the information display was deactivated, it was simply switched off and made available again immediately when the vehicle user wanted to reactivate it.

[0068] An example scenario was as follows: The user leaves one city and enters a location in another city as a destination in their navigation system. As soon as they leave the city and are on the highway, they know the route to the destination and switches the information display off accordingly. The vehicle function responsible for processing navigation data continues to receive current GPS coordinates while the information display is switched off, and continues to obtain the latest maps from, for example, a navigation map DVD or an in-vehicle hard drive. This data is then processed and sent to the GPU for rendering. The GPU renders the data accordingly and passes it on to the information display for display, usually via a signal converter. This consumes a similar amount of energy as if the information display were not switched off.

[0069] The present invention focuses on a central area of ​​the infotainment system for the vehicle user. This is usually the information display. If this is not in use, it can be switched off, for example, into standby mode to save energy. However, since information no longer needs to be displayed on the information display, other functions, such as the GPU, can be throttled or switched off entirely. Furthermore, the CPU is generally less stressed, so its performance can also be throttled to save even more electrical energy.However, it should still be guaranteed that a vehicle user is immediately shown the information they can currently expect when activating the information display, without old displays having to be overwritten first, and without the new information having to be determined in order to then render it and then show it on the information display. To this end, for example, a graphics pipeline should be emptied and kept free so that it can be immediately filled with the currently rendered information when needed, so that when the information display is switched on again, the current information can be shown instead of the old information. To this end, those functions that continue to determine the always-up-to-date, specific information and keep it ready for rendering are kept active.These include, in particular, the GPS system, corresponding information media, such as a DVD player or a hard disk (HDD), as well as the required vehicle components, which determine their specific information based on this and make it available in a prepared form for rendering so that it can be accessed immediately when needed.

[0070] The challenge, therefore, is to identify those system components that can be kept without power or in a low-energy or standby mode. While still being able to keep the specific information required at the time the information display is activated, this information can be visually displayed without any significant delay after the information display is switched on again, allowing the vehicle user to directly read the information they currently need.

[0071] The LGA or SoC typically handles the calculation of navigation and display data. The LGA may contain, for example, the CPU, GPU, digital sound processor (also known as DSP), video encoder and decoder, and similar hardware.

[0072] The RAM can also usually be located on the LGA outside the SoC.

[0073] When the information display is deactivated, the CPU speed can be limited from 1.9 GHz by about a third, to approximately 600 MHz in this case. This allows the SoC's power consumption to be throttled from approximately 14 W to approximately 3 W, resulting in significant energy savings.

[0074] Furthermore, the GPU on the LGA can be completely switched off.

[0075] Nevertheless, the invention allows, for example, the navigation data and the tuner station lists of digital radio and / or television stations to be kept updated in the deactivated mode of the information display in order to be able to display them visually as quickly as possible when needed.

[0076] Thus, the present invention provides a usage-dependent consumer activation based on the information display.

[0077] The vehicle and / or its infotainment system can detect how the vehicle user uses the system and react accordingly. Examples include: Is Bluetooth / Wi-Fi active? Is the display on / off? Is the entertainment system active / inactive / muted?

[0078] Unused components are turned off or put into standby mode to save power. For example: Bluetooth / Wi-Fi inactive => turn off the component; the display no longer goes black when "Off," but turns off.

[0079] As a result, a current consumption of approximately 40W for the infotainment system in the deactivated mode of the information display can be reduced to approximately 14W according to the invention.

[0080] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a proposed motor vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0081] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0082] This shows Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a method for electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of a motor vehicle 100. The motor vehicle 100 has an information display 110. The method comprises: deactivating 10 the information display 110 of the motor vehicle 100. Degrading 20 a functionality of at least one vehicle component 120 that uses the information display 110 for a visual display of specific information 121 of the vehicle component 120. And deactivating 30 a graphics processor unit 130 of the motor vehicle 100 as an energy-saving measure. The graphics processor unit 130 is configured to process the specific information 121 of the vehicle component 120 such that this information 121 can be visually displayed on the information display 110.And the degradation 20 of the functionality of the vehicle component 120 takes place in such a way that the vehicle component 120 continues to determine its associated specific information 121 in a functional manner and keeps it prepared for graphic processing.

[0083] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0084] This shows Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a Fig. 1 The device previously used for Fig. 1 What has been said therefore also applies to Fig. 2 away.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows the procedure Fig. 1 wherein the method further comprises limiting 40 the electrical power consumption of a computer device 240 of the motor vehicle 100 as a third energy-saving measure. This is done in such a way that a clock frequency of a computer processor unit 246 of the computer device 240 is throttled by at least 50%, preferably by at least 2 / 3.

[0086] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0087] This shows Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The process previously used for Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 What has been said therefore also applies to Fig. 3 away.

[0088] Fig. 3 shows the procedure Fig. 2 wherein the method, upon reactivation of the information display 110, further comprises: canceling 50 any energy-saving measure according to the method; rendering 60 the specific information 121 retained for graphics processing; and visually displaying 70 the rendered specific information 121 on the information display 110.

[0089] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0090] Fig. 4 shows a device 200 for electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of a motor vehicle 100. The motor vehicle 100 has an information display 110. The device 200 includes: a deactivation means 210 for deactivating 10 the information display 110 of the motor vehicle 100. A degradation means 220 for degrading 20 a functionality of at least one vehicle component 120 that uses the information display 110 for a visual representation of specific information 121 of the vehicle component 120. And a deactivation means 230 for deactivating 30 a graphics processor unit 130 of the motor vehicle 100 as an energy-saving measure. The graphics processor unit 130 is configured to process the specific information 121 of the vehicle component 120 in such a way that this information 121 can be visually displayed on the information display 110.And the device 200 is configured to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0091] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0092] This shows Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a Fig. 4 The device previously used for Fig. 4 What has been said therefore also applies to Fig. 5 away.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows the device of the Fig. 4 wherein the device 200 further comprises a computer device 240. The computer device 240 comprises an operating system device 242, a computer data memory 244, and a computer processor unit 246. The operating system device 242 comprises an operating system of the computer device 240. The computer data memory 244 is configured to store specific information 121 related to the vehicle component 120 and prepared for graphic processing. And the computer processor unit 246 is configured to control the device 200.

[0094] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0095] This shows Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The device previously used for Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 What has been said therefore also applies to Fig. 6 away.

[0096] Fig. 6 shows the device of the Fig. 5 wherein the computer device 240 of the device 200 further comprises the graphics processor unit 130 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0097] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a proposed motor vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0098] This shows Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 100, comprising a vehicle component 120, wherein the vehicle component 120 is configured to provide specific information 121. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 100 has an information display 110, wherein the information display 110 is configured to graphically display the specific information 121 of the vehicle component 120. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 100 has a device 200 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 100 and / or the device 200 according to the invention are configured to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0099] The invention can be summarized as follows:

[0100] The invention focuses on adapting performance and thus energy consumption to the level of use / system utilization of the head unit. Using a so-called "low performance mode," energy consumption is to be adjusted to the current load, specifically to the user situation.

[0101] This is achieved, on the one hand, by completely turning off individual, unnecessary electronic components within the head unit or switching them to a special "reset mode" with particularly low energy consumption, depending on specific user scenarios. Furthermore, the CPU / GPU unit is clocked lower accordingly, limited to a power budget, or entire blocks, such as the GPU, on the computer device, the so-called system-on-a-chip (SoC), are turned off. This creates a "power-saving mode" that adapts and thus reduces overall energy consumption depending on the load.

[0102] The input variables include all functions that can be disabled by the user. One scenario that might initiate low-performance mode could be the user turning off the display.

[0103] The user scenarios are continuously monitored by an "agent." This agent knows the current system load and can control the "low-performance mode" based on the user scenarios.

[0104] Positive effects then arise from the increased range of electric vehicles and the reduced CO2 emissions of conventional vehicles. Bezugszeichenliste

[0105] 10Deactivating the information display of the motor vehicle 20Degrading a functionality of a vehicle component 30Deactivating a graphics processor unit of the motor vehicle 40Limiting the electrical power consumption of a computer device of the motor vehicle 50Cancelling any energy-saving measure according to the method 60Rendering the specific information held for graphics processing 70Visually presenting the rendered specific information on the information display 100Motor vehicle 110Information display 120Vehicle component 121Specific information 130Graphics processor unit 200Device for electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during operation of a motor vehicle 210Deactivation means 220Degradation means 230Deactivation means 240Computer device 242Operating system device 244Computer data memory 246Computer processor unit

Claims

1. Method for an electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during the operation of a motor vehicle (100), wherein the motor vehicle (100) comprises an information display (110) that is configured so as to depict rendered specific information (121), and wherein the method comprises: deactivating (10) the information display (110) of the motor vehicle (100), - downgrading (20) a functionality of at least one vehicle component (120) that uses the information display (110) to visually depict specific information (121) of the vehicle component (120), and - deactivating (30) a graphics processing unit (130) of the motor vehicle (100) as an energy-saving measure, wherein the graphics processing unit (130) is capable of rendering and is configured so as to prepare the specific information (121) of the vehicle component (120) such that this information (121) is able to be depicted visually on the information display (110), wherein the functionality of the vehicle component (120) is downgraded (20) such that the vehicle component (120) continues to functionally determine its associated specific information (121) and retains it in preparation for a graphic processing operation, and wherein the specific information is retained, in preparation for a graphic processing operation, such that the specific information (121) is able to be rendered immediately for the visual depiction on the information display (110) when needed, and wherein downgrading (20) the functionality of the vehicle component (120) comprises limiting an electric power consumption of the vehicle component (120) as a further energy-saving measure.

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the vehicle component (120) comprises a navigation device, and the specific information (121) comprises navigation map information.

3. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the vehicle component (120) comprises a radio transmitter device, and the specific information (121) comprises radio station information.

4. Method according to Claim 1, wherein limiting the electric power consumption of the vehicle component (120) comprises a limitation of at least 50% of the electric power consumption of normal operation of the vehicle component (120).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method furthermore comprises: - limiting (40) an electric power consumption of a computer device (240) of the motor vehicle (100) as a third energy-saving measure, such that a clock frequency of a computer processor unit (246) of the computer device (240) is curtailed by at least 50%, preferably by at least 2 / 3.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method, when the information display (110) is switched on again, furthermore comprises: - cancelling (50) any energy-saving measure according to the method, - rendering (60) the specific information (121) retained for the graphic processing operation, and visually depicting (70) the rendered specific information (121) on the information display (110).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each energy-saving measure according to the method takes place such that it is imperceptible to a user of the motor vehicle (100).

8. Device (200) for an electrical low-energy operation of motor vehicle functions during the operation of a motor vehicle (100), wherein the motor vehicle (100) comprises an information display (110) that is configured so as to depict rendered specific information (121), and wherein the device (200) comprises: - a deactivation means (210) for deactivating (10) the information display (110) of the motor vehicle (100), a downgrading means (220) for downgrading (20) a functionality of at least one vehicle component (120) that uses the information display (110) to visually depict specific information (121) of the vehicle component (120), and - a deactivation means (230) for deactivating (30) a graphics processing unit (130) of the motor vehicle (100) as an energy-saving measure, wherein the graphics processing unit (130) is capable of rendering and configured so as to prepare the specific information (121) of the vehicle component (120) such that this information (121) is able to be depicted visually on the information display (110), wherein - downgrading (20) the functionality of the vehicle component (120) comprises limiting an electric power consumption of the vehicle component (120) as a further energy-saving measure, and wherein the device (200) is configured so as to execute a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Device (200) according to Claim 8, the device (200) furthermore comprising: a computer device (240), comprising: - an operating system device (242), - a computer data memory (244), and - a computer processor unit (246), the operating system device (242) comprises an operating system of the computer device (240), the computer data memory (244) is configured so as to keep stored specific information (121) associated with the vehicle component (120) and prepared for a graphic processing operation, and the computer processor unit (246) is configured so as to control the device (200).

10. Device (200) according to Claim 9, wherein the computer device (240) of the device (200) furthermore comprises the graphics processing unit (130) of the motor vehicle (100).

11. Motor vehicle (100), comprising: - a vehicle component (120), wherein the vehicle component (120) is configured so as to provide specific information (121), - an information display (110), wherein the information display (110) is configured so as to graphically depict the specific information (121) of the vehicle component (120), and - a device (200) according to any one of preceding Claims 8 to 10, and wherein the motor vehicle (100) is configured so as to execute a method according to any one of preceding Claims 1 to 7.

12. Computer program product for a device according to any one of preceding Claims 8 to 10 and / or for a motor vehicle according to Claim 11 that is able to be operated in accordance with a method according to any one of preceding Claims 1 to 7.

13. Data carrier comprising a computer program product according to Claim 12.