METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM, DEVICE AND USER INTERFACE FOR CONTROLLING DOOR OPENING FUNCTIONALITIES OF DOORS OF A MEANS OF MOTION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions, and a device for controlling the door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation. The invention further relates to a means of transportation in which a method or a device according to the invention is used.

[0002] Vehicle doors are typically equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental opening while driving and unauthorized access. These locking mechanisms can be operated from inside the vehicle using appropriate controls. Alternatively, the doors can be locked with a key, a central locking switch, or a remote key fob.

[0003] Against this background, US 2010 / 0268424 A1 describes a vehicle door locking system with a control unit for selectively unlocking a door. The control unit receives information from an occupant detection system and information about the vehicle's movement status. Based on the received information, a logic unit determines whether an unlocking signal should be sent to a door.

[0004] DE 10 2018 116 723 A1 describes a method for controlling the operation of a locking mechanism in a vehicle door assembly for a motor vehicle. In this method, the area surrounding the motor vehicle is monitored by sensors to check whether opening a door would pose a risk of collision with another road user, e.g., a cyclist. If so, the corresponding door remains locked or is locked.

[0005] The solutions mentioned above prevent individual doors from being opened from the inside.

[0006] US 2017 / 0074000 A1 describes a vehicle unlocking method in which a vehicle access device is detected within a predetermined distance of a vehicle, and the vehicle's geographic location is determined. Additionally, the time of day is detected, and previous door unlocking behavior associated with the vehicle access device is determined. Based on the geographic location, time of day, and previous door unlocking behavior, a vehicle access point is selected for unlocking.

[0007] US 2016 / 0259439 A1 describes a vehicle with an external keypad and a touch panel. The keypad is designed to identify an access code based on user input into the touch panel, where the access code includes a numeric value representing a count of simultaneously pressed touch panel buttons and / or a swipe pattern including pressing, sliding, and releasing the touch panel. The keypad is also designed to transmit the access code to a controller to facilitate access to a vehicle unlocking user interface.

[0008] US 8,332,101 B2 describes a vehicle door locking system with a control unit for selectively unlocking a door. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from an occupant detection system and includes a logic unit for determining whether to send an unlock signal to the door based on the signal. The control unit is also configured to selectively send the unlock signal to the door when the conditions for automatic door unlocking are met.

[0009] Taxi drivers deal with many different types of people, both pleasant and unpleasant. For this reason, taxi drivers sometimes find themselves in situations where they don't want to let a passenger into the vehicle, or at least not into the front passenger seat. It can become particularly problematic for the driver if the passenger has already gotten into the vehicle but, due to their behavior or other factors, is asked to leave again. This can quickly lead to an escalation.

[0010] For infection control reasons, it may also be necessary to prohibit riding in the front passenger seat to minimize the risk of infection for the taxi driver or the passenger. Currently, taxi drivers are addressing this by placing objects on the front passenger seat or posting a note on the passenger-side window directing passengers to board in the rear of the vehicle.

[0011] One object of the invention is to provide improved solutions for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation.

[0012] This problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a computer program with instructions according to claim 9, and by a device having the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation comprises the steps: Capturing an action of a user of the means of transport, wherein the user's action includes input by the user into a user interface, leaving the means of transport or opening a door of the means of transport; evaluating at least the captured action; and selectively controlling the door opening functionalities of the doors depending on a result of the evaluation, wherein at least one door of the means of transport is deactivated.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation: Capturing an action of a user of the means of transport, wherein the user's action includes input by the user into a user interface, leaving the means of transport or opening a door of the means of transport; evaluating at least the captured action; and selectively controlling the door opening functionalities of the doors depending on a result of the evaluation, wherein at least one door of the means of transport is deactivated.

[0015] The term "computer" is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes control units, embedded systems, and other processor-based data processing devices.

[0016] The computer program can, for example, be made available for electronic retrieval or be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a device for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transport comprises: a data acquisition module for recording an action of a user of the means of transport, wherein the user's action includes input by the user into a user interface, leaving the means of transport or opening a door of the means of transport; an evaluation module for evaluating at least the recorded action; and a control module for selectively controlling the door opening functionalities of the doors depending on a result of the evaluation, wherein at least one door of the means of transport is deactivated.

[0018] Unlike using a key fob or a central locking switch, where all doors are locked or unlocked, the solution according to the invention detects and evaluates user actions in order to selectively control the door opening functionalities in response. This control of the door opening functionalities is to be seen as supplementary to the normal locking or unlocking of the vehicle. Since the solution according to the invention can be implemented essentially using software and utilizes existing components of the vehicle, it can be implemented cost-effectively. Furthermore, usage-based billing is possible. The described solution can preferably also be used while the vehicle's engine is running, as long as the user carries the vehicle's key.

[0019] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the user's action involves inputting data into a user interface. This interface allows an occupant of the vehicle, particularly the driver, to easily configure access permissions for each individual door through a personalized selection. For example, it can be very unpleasant or even dangerous for a taxi driver if several heavily intoxicated individuals attempt to board a taxi in darkness or twilight. Such situations can be mitigated by individually controlling access permissions, for instance, by granting entry only to those individuals deemed safe by the taxi driver, or by ensuring that only one door is active from the outset.

[0020] According to the invention, user input locks or unlocks at least one door from being opened from the outside. Preferably, a user interface for the vehicle includes buttons for selectively locking or unlocking the vehicle's doors from being opened from the outside. Using these buttons, the user can selectively activate or deactivate the door opening functionality of each individual door. In particular, the user can deactivate one, several, or all doors so that they can no longer be opened from the outside. For this purpose, individual control of the door control units or door locks is utilized. These are set to an inactive state according to the user input, so that a single door appears locked from the outside. From the inside, however, all doors, including those that are deactivated, can be opened at any time.Preferably, the user interface also includes a button to trigger an alarm function.

[0021] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the user's action includes leaving the means of transport or opening a door of the means of transport. To prevent theft of the means of transport or the theft of items from the means of transport, the door opening functionalities can be selectively controlled when the user leaves the means of transport. This can occur immediately after leaving, which can be detected, for example, using data from occupancy sensors for the seats and door signals. Alternatively, selective control only occurs when, in addition to leaving the means of transport, a predefined situation is detected, such as a refueling stop. A refueling stop can be detected, for example, using navigation data or the opening of the fuel filler flap. In this situation, for example, all doors opposite the fuel filler flap can be deactivated.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the user interface is integrated into the means of transport. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface can be provided by a user device that is coupled to the means of transport. The user interface can be provided, for example, by an infotainment display of the means of transport. Such a display is often already present in means of transport. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface can also be provided by a coupled user device, such as a tablet or smartphone. Such user devices are carried by a large number of users, thus ensuring broad applicability. Selective use of a radio remote control to activate or deactivate doors is also possible. For this purpose, separate buttons or the use of a sequence of buttons can be provided.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, information from at least one external sensor, the time of day, or a user profile is taken into account when controlling the door opening functionalities. For example, information from a rain / light sensor, the current time of day, or the number of users detected by seat occupancy sensors can be considered to configure the individual doors. Preferably, individual user profiles can be created for this purpose.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the states of the door opening functionalities are signaled to the outside. For example, a door handle light can illuminate according to the door's status when an opening request is detected. The lighting can, for example, flash, pulse, or be continuous. For a deactivated door, the door handle light can be red, and for an active door, green. The colors used for the lighting are preferably configurable by the user. Such signaling has the advantage of being intuitively understood. The door handle light can also indicate to the user, upon exiting the vehicle, that the vehicle is not yet locked. Likewise, the user can be welcomed in a desired, preferably configurable, color upon a detected access request.In this context, the status of individual locked doors can also be displayed by an application running on a user device.

[0025] Another way to signal the status of door opening mechanisms to the outside is through the use of projections. Suitable words, symbols, or pictograms can be projected onto the ground or windows for this purpose. For example, if the passenger door is locked, an arrow pointing towards the rear door can appear on the ground, and the passenger door handle can flash red, pulsate, or vibrate. On the rear passenger door, the word "Welcome," preferably in the local language, can be projected onto the ground or side window.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the user is notified of a request to open the vehicle by a person located outside the vehicle. Such a request can be assumed, for example, if a door handle is pulled or pushed. To alert the user to a request to open the vehicle, particularly when the doors are completely deactivated, the user can be informed, for example, visually via an infotainment display or audibly via a signal tone.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, upon detecting acceleration of a key to the means of transport or upon detecting unauthorized access to the means of transport, the doors of the means of transport are locked or the means of transport is deactivated. Potential theft attempts while the user is outside the means of transport can be further hampered by the use of acceleration sensors in the key. If the user notices an impending theft attempt, they can throw the key to the ground or, in the event of a threat from the perpetrator, throw it in the direction of the thief. The accelerations that occur in this way differ significantly from those that occur when the key is simply dropped.In response to characteristic accelerations, possibly combined with frantic attempts to open a door, the doors or the entire vehicle can be deactivated for a certain period. This gives the user time to get to safety. Simultaneously, the vehicle cannot be opened with the key for a defined period and therefore cannot be stolen. Should the perpetrator nevertheless manage to gain access to the vehicle, the user can preferably deactivate and lock it using an application on their device, thus detaining the perpetrator and forcing them to wait for the police to arrive.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the user's position relative to the means of transport is detected, and depending on the detected position, at least one door is locked to prevent opening from the outside. The detection of the user's position outside the means of transport in relation to the means of transport can be achieved, for example, using door or flap signals, such as signals from the tailgate, fuel filler cap, or hood. It is also possible to use the position of a key fob or a paired user device for position detection. The doors furthest from the user can then be deactivated. Deactivated doors can be opened from the outside if the user is carrying the key fob. If the key remains inside the means of transport, the doors can be opened using an application on the user device or by position detection of the user device.

[0029] If the key fob leaves the vehicle's range, the user can be notified audibly and visually, for example via their device, that the vehicle is unlocked. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can then lock automatically. As the user approaches again, the door status can be indicated, for example, by the illuminated door handles. Any attempts to gain unauthorized access to a locked vehicle can be reported to the user or recorded via an application on their device.

[0030] A method or device according to the invention is particularly advantageous when used in a manually controlled or (semi-)autonomous means of transport. The means of transport can be, in particular, a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. Its use is especially advantageous for means of transport used for passenger transport services. In addition to driver-operated ride services, autonomous shared taxis can also benefit from the described solution. In this case, a solution according to the invention is used for passenger safety. If a passenger feels unsafe, they can deactivate the doors. The taxi company operator connects to the vehicle and checks the situation or the potential passengers waiting to board, for example, by means of video surveillance or voice recording.The operator can then reset the deactivation and continue monitoring the situation in the shared taxi. In conjunction with facial recognition, a potential passenger can also be checked against a wanted persons database. If the check yields a positive result, the police can be contacted directly.

[0031] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached claims in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a method for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transport; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a device for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transport; Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a device for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transport; Fig. 4 schematically represents a means of transport in which a solution according to the invention is implemented; Fig. 5 schematically shows a user interface for controlling door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transport; and Fig. 6 schematically shows the user interface from Fig. 5 after an alarm function has been triggered.

[0032] To better understand the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the described features can also be combined or modified without leaving the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0033] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a procedure for controlling the door opening functionalities of a means of transport. In a first step, an action by a user of the means of transport is recorded 10. At least this recorded action is evaluated 11. Depending on the result of the evaluation 11, the door opening functionalities of the doors are then selectively controlled 12. The states of the door opening functionalities of the doors can be signaled externally if required.

[0034] The user's action can, on the one hand, be an input into a user interface. The necessary user interface can be integrated into the means of transport or provided by a user device that is coupled to the means of transport. Preferably, the user interface has buttons for selectively locking or unlocking doors of the means of transport to prevent them from being opened from the outside. Accordingly, the user's input locks or unlocks at least one door to prevent it from being opened from the outside. In the case of a locked door, the user is preferably notified of a request to open the door by a person outside the means of transport.

[0035] Alternatively, the user's action could also be leaving the vehicle. In this case, the user's position relative to the vehicle is preferably also recorded and analyzed. Depending on the recorded position, at least one door is then locked to prevent it from being opened from the outside.

[0036] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 20 for controlling the door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation. The device 20 has an input 21 through which a detection module 22 receives information that enables it to detect an action by a user of the means of transportation. An evaluation module 23 is configured to evaluate at least the detected action. A control module 24 is configured to selectively control the door opening functionalities of the doors depending on the result of the evaluation. For this purpose, the control module 24 can output corresponding control commands S to the doors or a door control unit 42 via an output 27 of the device 20. The device 20 can also be configured to signal the states of the door opening functionalities of the doors to the outside.

[0037] The user's action can, on the one hand, be an input into a user interface 43. The required user interface 43 can be integrated into the means of transport or provided by a user device that is coupled to the means of transport. Preferably, the user interface 43 has buttons for selectively locking or unlocking doors of the means of transport to prevent them from being opened from the outside. Accordingly, the user's input locks or unlocks at least one door to prevent it from being opened from the outside. In the case of a locked door, the user is preferably notified of a request to open the door by a person outside the means of transport.

[0038] Alternatively, the user's action could also be to leave the vehicle. In this case, preferably, the user's position relative to the vehicle is additionally detected and evaluated using a sensor 44. Depending on the detected position, at least one door is then locked to prevent it from being opened from the outside.

[0039] The acquisition module 22, the evaluation module 23, and the control module 24 can be controlled by a control module 25. Settings of the acquisition module 22, the evaluation module 23, the control module 24, or the control module 25 can be changed via a user interface 28. The data generated in the device 20 can be stored in a memory 26 as needed, for example, for later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 20. The acquisition module 22, the evaluation module 23, the decision logic 24, the control module 24, and the control module 25 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, for example, as integrated circuits. Of course, they can also be partially or completely combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU or a CPU.Input 21 and output 27 can be implemented as separate interfaces or as a combined bidirectional interface.

[0040] Fig. 3Figure 30 shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device for controlling the door opening functionalities of doors of a means of transportation. The device 30 comprises a processor 32 and a memory 31. For example, the device 30 is a computer or a control unit. Instructions are stored in the memory 31 which, when executed by the processor 32, cause the device 30 to perform the steps according to one of the described methods. The instructions stored in the memory 31 thus embody a program executable by the processor 32, which implements the method according to the invention. The device 30 has an input 33 for receiving information, for example, information about a detected action of a user of the means of transportation. Data generated by the processor 32 is provided via an output 34. Furthermore, it can be stored in the memory 31.Input 33 and output 34 can be combined into a bidirectional interface.

[0041] The processor 32 can comprise one or more processor units, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The memory elements 26, 31 of the described embodiments can have both volatile and non-volatile memory areas and can include a wide variety of storage devices and storage media, for example hard disks, optical storage media or semiconductor memory.

[0043] Fig. 4Figure 1 schematically represents a means of transport 40 in which a solution according to the invention is implemented. In this example, the means of transport 40 is a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a plurality of doors 41, which are controlled by a door control unit 42. The term "door 41" is to be understood broadly and can include not only the doors 41 for boarding but also the hood, the tailgate, the fuel filler flap, or other lockable elements. A device 20 for controlling the door opening functionalities of the doors 41 is configured to detect and evaluate actions of a user of the means of transport 40 and to output control commands S to the door control unit 42. The device 20 is in Fig. 4It is represented as a standalone component, but can also be integrated into the door control unit 42 or another control unit. User actions can include, for example, input into a user interface 43 or exiting the vehicle 40. Exiting the vehicle 40 can be detected, for example, by means of sensors 44. The sensors 44 can include, in particular, sensors for detecting seat occupancy, sensors for capturing environmental information such as cameras, radar sensors, lidar sensors, or ultrasonic sensors, but also sensors for detecting the signal strength or position of a key fob. An interface 45 enables a user terminal 50 to be paired with the vehicle 40. The user terminal 50 can, in turn, also provide a user interface 43. A connection to a backend 60 can be established by means of a data transmission unit 46, e.g.for transmitting an alarm signal or querying data. A memory 47 is available for storing data. Data exchange between the various components of the motor vehicle takes place via a network 48.

[0044] Fig. 5Figure 43 schematically shows a user interface 43 for controlling the door opening functionalities of a vehicle's doors. The user interface 43 can be displayed, for example, on an infotainment display and can be customized by expanding or reducing its size. Each of the vehicle's doors, including the hood and tailgate, is assigned two buttons 430, which can be used to activate and deactivate the respective locking mechanisms for external opening. Additional information can be taken into account to define basic settings for each door. For example, information from a rain / light sensor, the time of day, or the number of users can be considered to configure the individual doors. Ideally, individual user profiles can be created for this purpose.Two buttons 431 for a central locking system allow all doors to be locked or unlocked. Additionally, a button 432 can be provided for an alarm function, enabling the user to trigger an emergency call. Information fields 433 on each door can visually signal a user's request to unlock the door.

[0045] Fig. 6 schematically shows the user interface Fig. 5 After an alarm function is triggered, the triggered alarm is visualized by an alarm indicator 434. A button 435 is provided to cancel the alarm in order to prevent or correct accidental triggering of the alarm function. Reference symbol list

[0046] 10 Recording a user action 11 Evaluating at least the recorded action 12 Selective control of door opening functionalities 20 Device 21 Input 22 Detection module 23 Evaluation module 24 Control module 25 Monitoring module 26 Memory 27 Output 28 User interface 30 Device 31 Memory 32 Processor 33 Input 34 Output 40 Means of locomotion 41 Door 42 Door control unit 43 User interface 44 Sensors 45 Interface 46 Data transmission unit 47 Memory 48 Network 50 User terminal 60 Backend 430 Button for door activation / deactivation 431 Button for central locking 432 Button for alarm function 433 Information field 434 Alarm indicator 435 Button for cancel control signal

Claims

1. Method for controlling door-opening functionalities of doors (41) of a means of transport (40), comprising the steps of: - detecting (10) an action of a user of the means of transport (40), wherein the action of the user comprises an input by the user into a user interface (43), exiting the means of transport (40), or opening a door (41) of the means of transport (40); - evaluating (11) at least the detected action; and - selectively controlling (12) the door-opening functionalities of the doors (41) depending on a result of the evaluation (11), wherein at least one door (41) of the means of transport (40) is deactivated.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the user interface (43) is integrated into the means of transport (40) or is provided by a user device (50) that is coupled to the means of transport (40).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information from at least one external sensor (44), the time or a user profile is taken into account when controlling the door-opening functionalities.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein states of the door-opening functionalities of the doors (41) are signaled to the outside.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the states of the door-opening functionalities of the doors (41) are signaled to the outside by means of illumination of the door handles.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a request to open, from a person located outside of the means of transport (40), is signaled to the user.

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein a position of the user relative to the means of transport (40) is detected and, depending on the detected position, at least one door is locked to prevent opening from the outside.

8. Method according to claim 1 or 7, wherein, in response to a detected acceleration of a key of the means of transport (40) or in response to a recognized unauthorized access to the means of transport (40), the doors (41) of the means of transport (40) are locked or the means of transport (40) is deactivated.

9. Computer program comprising instructions that, when carried out by means of an apparatus of a means of transport, trigger the apparatus to carry out the steps of a method according to any of claims 1 to 8 in order to control door-opening functionalities of doors (41) of the means of transport (40).

10. Apparatus for controlling door-opening functionalities of doors (41) of a means of transport (40), comprising: - a detection module (22) for detecting (10) an action of a user of the means of transport (40), wherein the action of the user comprises an input by the user into a user interface (43), exiting the means of transport (40), or opening a door (41) of the means of transport (40); - an evaluation module (23) for evaluating (11) at least the detected action; and - a control module (24) for selectively controlling (12) the door-opening functionalities of the doors (41) depending on a result of the evaluation (11), wherein at least one door (41) of the means of transport (40) is deactivated.

11. Means of transport (40), characterized in that the means of transport (40) has an apparatus (20) according to claim 10 or is configured to carry out a method according to any of claims 1 to 8 in order to control door-opening functionalities of doors (41) of the means of transport (40).