Method for monitoring a vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a vehicle (10), in particular motor vehicle, wherein the distance (12) covered by the vehicle (10) is monitored, wherein the covered distance (12) can be displayed in a first format (18) in a display region (14) of a display device (16), wherein it is signalled if at least one predetermined covered distance (20) is reached. In a method in which the driver of the vehicle (10) can recognize and associate an indication as such, it is provided that the at least one predetermined covered distance (20) is signalled in a second format (22).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for monitoring a vehicle and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for monitoring a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the distance traveled by the vehicle is monitored, wherein the distance traveled can be displayed in a display area of ​​a display device in a first format, wherein a signal is given when at least a predetermined distance traveled is reached.

[0004] In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a display device, with an evaluation device and with a device for monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle, wherein the data of the device for monitoring the distance traveled can be transmitted to the evaluation unit.

[0005] State-of-the-art systems ensure that the distance traveled by a vehicle is monitored and recorded. In particular, the total mileage of passenger cars (PCs) and trucks (HGVs), as well as resettable counters for individual or accumulated trips within a specific period, are standard in modern vehicles. For certain events, it may be desirable to have a signaling function so that the vehicle driver has the opportunity to perceive these events and take action if necessary.

[0006] US 3,925,754, for example, shows a warning system in which the driver of a car is warned by means of a lamp when the mileage reaches a predetermined value.

[0007] DE 30 30 057 C2 also shows a warning system by which the driver of a vehicle is warned by means of a warning signal when a predetermined distance has been reached.

[0008] The methods and systems known from the prior art have the disadvantage that the warning is often not recognized as such. The driver of the vehicle cannot directly recognize that a warning is being issued regarding a distance reached, but is merely alerted by a warning light that the vehicle's condition may have changed.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for monitoring a vehicle and a vehicle in which the driver of the vehicle can recognize and assign an indication as such.

[0010] The above-mentioned object is achieved in the method according to the invention by the features of the characterising part of patent claim 1 in that the signalling of the predetermined distance travelled takes place in a second format.

[0011] The distance traveled by the vehicle can be monitored, for example, using a speedometer, as is common practice in the state of the art. In particular, the total accumulated distance traveled by the vehicle is monitored, recorded, and stored. However, it is also conceivable that distances could be monitored and stored additionally or alternatively for individual trips or a specific number of trips.

[0012] The display area of ​​the display device can be a display in the center or cockpit area, for example, in the vehicle's instrument cluster. Alternatively or additionally, the display area of ​​the display device can be designed as a head-up display. A head-up display is a display area that allows the driver to maintain their head position or line of sight because the information is projected into their field of vision, for example, onto the vehicle's windshield.

[0013] Signaling can be implemented in various ways. Examples include acoustic signals or visual notifications using signal lamps. Preferably, the signaling is provided visually in the display area of ​​the indicator. Particularly preferred is the signaling in the same area of ​​the indicator where the distance traveled is displayed.

[0014] The distance traveled is displayed in a first format. It would be conceivable for only the numerical value to be shown in one section of the display. This can be continuously updated so that the driver of the vehicle is informed of the current mileage in real time. The second format can be different from the first format in order to draw the driver's attention, at least briefly, to the event. It would be conceivable for the second format to be shown in addition to the first format in the display area of ​​the display device. It would also be conceivable for the second format to be shown instead of the first format.

[0015] The resulting advantage is that the driver of the vehicle is made aware of the actual event without it initially being unclear why a warning or signal is being given in the first place.

[0016] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0017] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least a predetermined distance traveled is determined depending on a recommended mileage of wear parts. The wear parts can be any type of vehicle element. These include, for example, brake pads, brake discs, tires, windshield wipers, etc. Manufacturers can provide information about the service life of the corresponding wear part under normal use. The predicted mileage of such a wear part can then be stored as a predetermined distance traveled, so that the driver of the vehicle can be alerted when the potential maximum mileage of the wear part has been reached.In addition to or instead of the mileage, the signal may also include information about the corresponding wear part, so that the driver of the vehicle is immediately informed why a signal is being given.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that at least a predetermined distance traveled is determined as a function of a recommended mileage for carrying out an inspection. A signal does not necessarily have to be given only when a wearing part has reached its potential maximum mileage. In order to keep an eye on regularly prescribed inspections, a further embodiment can provide for the signal to be given when an inspection is due. In this way, the driver of the vehicle is reminded to adhere to the inspection intervals in order to thereby ensure the safety of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, a further embodiment of the method according to the invention can provide for at least a predetermined distance traveled to be determined for a mileage value of a power of ten that has been reached.Drivers often enjoy noticing that their vehicle has reached a certain "round" mileage. A signal may therefore be given when values ​​such as 100, 1,000, 10,000, and / or 100,000 km have been reached. This also gives the driver a sense of the vehicle's remaining performance and residual value.

[0019] It's also conceivable that multiples of powers of ten could also be highlighted. For example, a signal could also be displayed at 50, 500, 5,000, 50,000, and / or 500,000 km. Accordingly, other multiples of these "round" values ​​could also be signaled.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the signal is given every ten kilometers driven. In this way, the driver of the vehicle can be given a sense of the distance traveled. When driving, for example on the motorway, there is often no connection to the distance traveled and the time required. If, for example, a signal is given repeatedly, a rhythm is created which subtly informs the driver of the vehicle how long they have been on the road. It would also be conceivable for other signaling to be given for certain intervals, for example in a third format. In this case, it can be provided that, in addition to the 10 km interval, a 100 km interval is also provided. In this way, the driver of the vehicle can continue to be given a sense of time for the distance traveled, similar to the striking of a clock bell.

[0021] The above-mentioned signaling types, for example, for powers of ten, for every ten kilometers driven, or multiples thereof, can be factory-set or activated or adjusted by the vehicle driver. These events are then continuously signaled without the need to reset a counter or re-enter the value of the predetermined distance traveled.

[0022] To make the signaling clear for the vehicle driver, a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the signaling of the predetermined distance occurs when a first warning distance is reached. The first warning distance is shorter than the predetermined distance reached. In this way, the vehicle driver receives an indication that the predetermined distance has been reached before the predetermined distance is reached, so that they do not miss this event.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in a further preferred embodiment of the method, the signaling of the predetermined distance continues until a second warning distance is reached. The second warning distance is longer than the predetermined distance reached. In this way, the driver of the vehicle continues to be signaled that the predetermined distance traveled for a specific event has been reached, even after the predetermined distance has been reached. Even if the driver of the vehicle misses this event, they are still notified that the predetermined distance traveled has been reached.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second format is different from the first format, in particular larger and / or brighter. In this way, the immediate difference is clearly shown to the driver of the vehicle, so that the risk of the driver of the vehicle missing reaching the predetermined distance traveled is minimized. A larger display in the second format means that this display is easier to perceive. The sudden increase in size also creates a signaling effect, so that the driver of the vehicle can be warned more easily by this display. A brighter display than, for example, the display surrounding the mileage in the display area of ​​the display device means that the driver of the vehicle notices the second format as soon as it is activated.Brighter can mean a brighter color of the RGB (red, green, blue) spectrum, but it is also conceivable that the second format has a stronger luminosity than the first format.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second format at least partially covers other content displayed in the display area. Due to the overlap, at least the second format is displayed in a second layer. The foreground layer is thus perceived better and more easily than content located behind this layer. This allows the driver of the vehicle to quickly recognize that the predetermined distance has been reached.

[0026] The above-mentioned task is also solved by a vehicle, in particular

[0027] A motor vehicle comprising a display device, an evaluation device, and a device for monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle, wherein the data from the device for monitoring the distance traveled can be transmitted to the evaluation unit. The vehicle is configured to carry out a method according to the invention. The above statements regarding the method according to the invention also apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0028] The evaluation device can, for example, also be part of the display device. However, the evaluation device can also be designed independently and be operatively connected to other components of the vehicle, in particular the display device and the device for monitoring the distance traveled.

[0029] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0030] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle showing a distance travelled in the display area of ​​a display device,

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the vehicle according to Figure 1 in the

[0033] Implementation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention,

[0034] Figure 3 is a further schematic representation of the vehicle according to Figure 1 in the

[0035] Implementation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention and

[0036] Figure 4 is a further schematic representation of the vehicle according to Figure 1 in the

[0037] Implementation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the interior of a vehicle 10 in which a method for monitoring the vehicle 10 is being carried out. The method involves monitoring the distance 12 traveled by the vehicle 10. The distance 12 traveled is displayed in a first format 18 in a display area 14 of a display device 16. The display area 14 is a display in the area of ​​the center console of the vehicle 10. However, other display options are also conceivable, such as head-up displays or displays in the instrument cluster of the vehicle 10.

[0039] Figure 2 shows that the driver of the vehicle 10 or the occupants of the vehicle 10 are signaled when a predetermined distance 20 has been reached. In the present exemplary embodiment, mileage readings are highlighted for round values, particularly for powers of ten. Provision is made for the predetermined distance 20 to be displayed in a second format 22 in the display area 14 of the display device 16. The second format 22 is different in this case from the first format 18. The mileage reading is displayed significantly larger and brighter in the second format 22 than the current mileage previously displayed in the first format 18.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment based on the exemplary embodiment in Figure 2. The predetermined distance 20 traveled is still 1,000 km. However, the driver is alerted before reaching the predetermined distance 20 that he will soon reach this predetermined distance 20. For this purpose, a first warning distance 24 is provided which is shorter than the predetermined distance 20 traveled. The driver is signaled in the second format 22 when the first warning distance 24 has been reached. In this way, the driver of the vehicle 10 is alerted as soon as the first warning distance 24 is reached that a predetermined distance 20 will soon be reached. The driver of the vehicle 10 is thus alerted in advance of reaching the predetermined distance 20 so that he does not miss the event.The first warning distance 24 can also be dynamically increased or decreased depending on the speed.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment based on the exemplary embodiments according to Figures 2 and 3. The predetermined distance 20 traveled remains at 1,000 km. However, even after reaching the predetermined distance 20, the driver is still alerted that they have already exceeded this predetermined distance 20. For this purpose, a second warning distance 26 is provided which is longer than the predetermined distance 20 traveled. Until the second warning distance 26 is reached, the mileage is displayed in the second format 22. In this way, the driver of the vehicle 10 is alerted that they have already reached the predetermined distance 20 even after reaching the predetermined distance 20. The driver of the vehicle 10 is thus also subsequently alerted to the reaching of the predetermined distance 20 in order to give them the opportunity to perceive the corresponding event.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiments, the second format 22 is displayed larger and brighter than the first format 18. Additionally, the second format 22 is positioned prominently such that it covers other displayed content 28 in the display area 14 of the display device 16. By covering the displayed content 28, the driver's attention is more clearly drawn to the mileage, so that they do not miss it when the predetermined traveled distance 20 is reached.

[0043] In addition to the first predetermined distance traveled 20, it is advisable to define further predetermined distances at which the driver of the vehicle 10 is informed that such a distance has been reached. At least one predetermined distance traveled 20 can be defined depending on a recommended mileage of wear parts. The wear parts can be any type of element of the vehicle 10. This includes, for example, brake pads, brake discs, tires, windshield wipers, etc. Manufacturers can provide information about the service life of the corresponding wear part under normal use. The predicted mileage of such a wear part can then be stored as a predetermined distance traveled 20 so that the driver of the vehicle can be alerted when the potentially maximum mileage of the wear part has been reached.

[0044] In addition, a predetermined traveled distance 20 can also be determined based on a recommended mileage for performing an inspection. A signal need not necessarily be given only when a wear part has reached its potential maximum mileage. To keep track of regularly required inspections, a further embodiment can provide for a signal to be given when an inspection is due. In this way, the driver of the vehicle 10 is reminded to adhere to the inspection intervals, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

[0045] For some forms of vehicle use, such as leased or rental vehicles, maximum mileages are often contractually specified for the leasing or rental period. These mileages can also be used as a predetermined distance traveled, so that the driver of the vehicle does not lose track of the permitted mileage. To carry out the method, an evaluation device 30 is provided in the vehicle 10, which is part of the display device 16. In addition, a device 32 for monitoring the distance traveled is provided, wherein the evaluation device 30 receives data from the device 32 for monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle 10. The evaluation device 30 acts as an interface between the device 32 and the display device 16.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] Vehicle traveled distance

[0048] Display area

[0049] Display device first format predetermined distance traveled second format first warning distance second warning distance displayed contents

[0050] Evaluation device

[0051] Device for monitoring the distance traveled

Claims

Patent claims Method for monitoring a vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the distance (12) traveled by the vehicle (10) is monitored, wherein the distance traveled (12) can be displayed in a display area (14) of a display device (16) in a first format (18), wherein a signal is given when at least one predetermined distance traveled (20) is reached, characterized in that the signaling of the at least one predetermined distance traveled (20) takes place in a second format (22). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one predetermined distance traveled (20) is determined as a function of a recommended mileage of wearing parts. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one predetermined distance traveled (20) is determined as a function of a recommended mileage for carrying out an inspection.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one predetermined distance traveled (20) is defined for a kilometer value reached as a power of ten. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the signaling occurs every ten kilometers driven. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the signaling of the predetermined distance (20) occurs when a first warning distance (24) is reached. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the signaling of the predetermined distance (20) occurs until a second warning distance (26) is reached. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second format (22) is different from the first format (18), in particular larger and / or brighter. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second format (22) at least partially covers further content (28) shown in the display area (14). Vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, with a display device (16), with an evaluation device (30) and with a device (32) for monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle, wherein the data of the device (32) for monitoring the distance traveled can be transmitted to the evaluation unit (30), characterized in that the vehicle (10) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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