Method for actuating a motor vehicle closure device of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle closure device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024701894
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-13
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing motor vehicle locking devices require manual operation, which can result in user inconvenience, especially when the vehicle is dirty, and do not facilitate hands-free operation during filling processes.
A method and system that utilize a user profile with stored trajectories to automatically control the motor vehicle locking device, determining the user's approach based on detected positions and trajectories using an electronic computing device, allowing for hands-free operation by generating a control signal for opening the locking device when a filling process is detected.
Enables comfortable and hands-free access to the motor vehicle locking device during filling processes, improving user convenience and reducing the risk of user contamination, while also considering factors like vehicle type, filling type, and location-specific requirements.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024051583_19092024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR VEHICLE LOCKING DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND
[0002] VEHICLE LOCKING DEVICE
[0003] The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle locking device of a motor vehicle by means of the motor vehicle locking device according to the applicable patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means and to a motor vehicle locking device.
[0004] It is already known from the prior art that motor vehicle closures, for example fuel tank caps or charging caps, can be opened automatically or mechanically, for example to gain access to a filler neck. In particular at petrol stations or charging stations, a corresponding neck can then be inserted into an opening in order to, for example, fill the vehicle with electrical energy or fluid fuel. Corresponding mechanical locking devices are already known for this purpose, which, for example, allow the cap to spring open in order to achieve easy access. However, this always requires the person to operate the fuel tank cap accordingly. For example, in a dirty vehicle, this can result in the person getting dirty fingers.
[0005] DE 102009 058 864 B4 discloses a method for controlling the motor vehicle closure, which has a closure part which is movable by means of a drive device and with which the mouth of a fuel filler neck can be closed, wherein by switching on an activation device a sensor device is activated which has a proximity sensor arranged in the vicinity of the closure part, wherein the activated sensor device emits an opening signal to the drive device for opening the closure part when an approaching person and / or any approaching object falls below a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor and that the activated sensor device emits a closing signal to the drive device for closing the closure part when the person and / or the object moves away from the proximity sensor by more than the predetermined distance.The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a motor vehicle locking device by means of which comfortable access for the person during a filling process can be realized.
[0006] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and a motor vehicle locking device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.
[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the motor vehicle locking device of a motor vehicle by means of the motor vehicle locking device. A user profile is provided for a person, wherein at least one trajectory assigned to the person for a filling process of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle is stored in a user profile, by means of an electronic computing device of the motor vehicle locking device. A first position of the person outside the motor vehicle is detected at a first point in time, and a second position of the person outside the motor vehicle is detected at a second point in time later than the first point in time by means of a detection device of the motor vehicle locking device. The current trajectory of the person is determined as a function of at least the first position and the second position by means of the electronic computing device.The current trajectory is compared with the trajectory assigned to the person by means of the electronic computing device and a control signal for opening the motor vehicle locking device is generated as a function of the comparison by means of the electronic computing device.
[0008] In particular, it is thus provided that trajectories are specified via the user profile, for example, which the user normally uses to move towards the motor vehicle cap or the motor vehicle locking device, in particular during a refueling or loading process. These are stored, for example, both locally, in particular in the motor vehicle, and also on a backend server so that they can also be retrieved by other motor vehicles, for example. A current trajectory is then determined and compared with the stored trajectory. If these trajectories match, for example essentially, it can be assumed that the user will now move towards the motor vehicle locking device again for a filling process.The motor vehicle locking device, for example a motor vehicle locking cover of the motor vehicle locking device, can then be opened accordingly in an automated manner, in particular on the basis of the control signal, so that convenient access for the user is realized.
[0009] This makes it possible, in particular, to implement so-called hands-free operation of the motor vehicle locking device.
[0010] In addition, an access authorization device, for example in the form of a key, in particular in the form of an electronic key, can also be tracked, and thus the movement or trajectory can be determined.
[0011] If the user's trajectory shows that he or she is moving in the direction of the vehicle closure device, it can be recognized that, for example, a future filling process is planned.
[0012] The motor vehicle can be either a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine or a motor vehicle with an electric drive. Furthermore, it can also be a so-called hybrid vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle with the internal combustion engine has, for example, a fuel cap, which in the present exemplary embodiment can then be regarded as a motor vehicle closure device. The energy storage device can then be designed as a tank. If the motor vehicle is designed as an electric motor vehicle, for example, the motor vehicle closure device can also be referred to as a charging lid. The energy storage device can then be designed as an electrical energy storage device, for example as a traction battery.If, for example, the motor vehicle is designed as a hybrid vehicle, the motor vehicle can have a corresponding fuel cap and a corresponding charging cap as well as a corresponding tank and a corresponding electrical energy storage device. In this case, it can also be provided that, for example, the position of the person in relation to the charging cap or fuel cap or their movement in relation to the charging cap or fuel cap is used to determine whether electrical charging or fluid charging is intended. For this purpose, the geolocation of the motor vehicle, a camera analysis of the surroundings or a historical filling history can be used. Furthermore, it can be provided that the fill level of the tank or electrical energy storage device can also be taken into account.If, for example, the vehicle approaches an energy source but is almost full, it can be assumed that no refueling is taking place. This can prevent activation of the vehicle locking device. Furthermore, it can also be checked whether, for example, the electrical energy storage device has been conditioned due to a search for or entry into a charging station, which can be used to infer a future charging process. Preconditioning by the user without a corresponding entry at the charging station can also be taken into account.
[0013] To further encompass cases where, for example, the trajectory cannot be determined or compared, a mechanical opening of the vehicle locking device can also be provided. In particular, this allows convenient access to the vehicle locking device for the user.
[0014] In particular, it can also be provided that, if the motor vehicle is locked, the locking or closing device can also be performed. Furthermore, before the motor vehicle locking device can even be opened, the user or person can be authenticated or verified to determine whether they are even authorized to perform the corresponding filling.
[0015] In particular, it can therefore be considered a particular object of the invention that even when a person approaches the vehicle locking device, the opening of the vehicle locking device is also suppressed, for example, if the detected trajectory during the approach is not a trajectory typically used by the user during a refueling process. Partial trajectories indicating the refueling process can also be used.
[0016] Based on the recorded current trajectory, which describes a charging process in particular, it is also possible to determine the type of charging involved, for example, DC charging or AC charging, as well as charging at a wallbox, as well as the parking configuration at the parking space. Furthermore, correspondingly different country-specific requirements can be taken into account. For example, the exit position of a driver of a vehicle can be considered country-specifically, in particular whether the vehicle is driven on the left or right, and thus whether the driver is sitting on the left or right side.
[0017] In particular, the invention thus utilizes the fact that the vehicle locking device can only be opened accordingly if a trajectory for the filling intention is detected. Charging- or filling-specific properties of the trajectory are utilized. The electronic computing device can, for example, be configured to learn and, for example, be able to continue to reliably detect future filling processes based on the learned trajectories.
[0018] If the user is already in the vicinity of the filling nozzle, the vehicle locking device can be controlled, in particular opened, regardless of the user profile.
[0019] Furthermore, the user profile can access additional information regarding the charging process, particularly historical information. For example, a user-specific charging time and preferred charging locations, such as frequently used gas stations, the home wallbox, or a wallbox at work, can also be taken into account. A profile can be created that takes charging habits into account.
[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the electronic computing device is configured with a machine learning algorithm, and the trajectory and / or the current trajectory are determined using the machine learning algorithm. In particular, this makes it possible to provide an initial user profile that can reliably capture individual movements and thus trajectories of the user and adapt the initial user profile accordingly. This allows highly individualized conclusions to be drawn about the filling process.
[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if a trajectory for removing a charging plug and / or charging cable from a storage facility in the vehicle is also taken into account in the user profile. For example, the user can always position the charging cable or charging plug in the trunk on the rear left side. Thus, a trajectory that follows the driver, for example, from the driver's seat to the trunk and merges with a standstill on the left side and then leads from the rear left side towards the fuel cap, can be regarded as a trajectory that indicates a filling process. Furthermore, specific, individual storage locations in the rear area in the foot area for the charging cable or charging plug can also be used accordingly to evaluate corresponding trajectories.
[0022] The fact that a charging process has taken place can be detected, for example, by the fact that a corresponding charging cable has been plugged into the vehicle's charging socket and that electrical energy is flowing from the charging station to the vehicle. In particular, the associated historical trajectory can then be used, for example, to train the electronic computing device.
[0023] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to generate the control signal only when the person is within a specified area in front of the vehicle locking device. For example, the specified area can be defined as 50 cm or one meter in front of the vehicle locking device. If the trajectory does not lead into this area, it can be assumed that no filling process is planned.
[0024] It has also proven advantageous if, in addition, the control signal is only generated when the motor vehicle is in the vicinity of a charging station / gas station. For this purpose, a position detection device, for example in the form of a global positioning system, can be used to appropriately utilize both public charging stations and private charging stations, for example at the wallbox. Furthermore, gas stations can also be used as corresponding filling stations. Furthermore, based on additional detection devices, for example optical detection devices, both a charging station and a gas station can be identified accordingly, and the control signal is only generated when such a gas station or charging station is present.A further advantageous embodiment provides that the user profile takes into account an individual sequence of steps during the charging process to determine the trajectory. For example, it can be provided that after removing the charging cable, the user always plugs the charging cable into the charging station first and then into the vehicle, or vice versa. This corresponding sequence of steps can then be taken into account to create the individual user profile and thus reliably determine the individual charging process.
[0025] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to take the current position of the motor vehicle into account when generating the control signal. For this purpose, a position detection device, such as a global positioning system, can be used to ensure appropriate use of both public charging stations and private charging stations, such as those at a wallbox.
[0026] A further advantageous embodiment provides that, when comparing the current trajectory with the trajectory specific to a charging process, the person's changes in direction are evaluated. For example, corresponding changes in the trajectory, such as when getting in and out, when removing the charging plug, and when plugging the charging plug into the vehicle or charging station, can be evaluated, allowing reliable conclusions to be drawn about the charging process. In particular, whether the vehicle is near a charging station or a home wallbox can be taken into account.
[0027] The presented method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means that, when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device, cause an electronic computing device to perform a method according to the preceding aspect. A further aspect of the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program product.
[0028] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle locking device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one detection device and an electronic computing device, wherein the motor vehicle locking device is designed to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the motor vehicle locking device.
[0029] The electronic computing device comprises, for example, processors, circuits, in particular integrated circuits, as well as other electronic components in order to be able to carry out corresponding process steps.
[0030] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle locking device. The motor vehicle can be designed as a partially autonomous motor vehicle or as a fully autonomous motor vehicle.
[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the motor vehicle locking device, and the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle locking device and the motor vehicle have material features for this purpose in order to be able to carry out corresponding method steps.
[0032] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.
[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawing. The sole figure shows:
[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a
[0035] Motor vehicle with an embodiment of a motor vehicle locking device.
[0036] In the figure, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 with an embodiment of a motor vehicle locking device 12. The motor vehicle locking device 12 has at least one detection device 14, for example in the form of a camera. Furthermore, the motor vehicle locking device 12 has at least one electronic computing device 16.
[0038] In the presented method for controlling the motor vehicle locking device 12, it is provided that a user profile 18 is provided for a person 20, wherein at least one trajectory 22 assigned to the person 20, which is here shown as a dot-dashed line, for a filling process of an energy storage device 24 of the motor vehicle 10 is stored in the user profile 18 by means of the electronic computing device 16. A first position P1 of the person 20 outside the motor vehicle 10 is detected at a first time t1, and at least one second position P2 of the person 20 outside the motor vehicle 10 is detected at a second time t2, which is later than the first time t1, by means of the detection device 14.A current trajectory 26 of the person 20 is determined as a function of at least the first position P1 and the second position P2 by means of the electronic computing device 16, wherein in the present case the current trajectory is shown in dashed lines.
[0039] The current trajectory 26 is compared with the trajectory 22 assigned to the person 20 by means of the electronic computing device 16, and a control signal 28 for opening the motor vehicle locking device 12, for example a loading lid 30, is generated as a function of the comparison by means of the electronic computing device 16.
[0040] In particular, it can be provided that the electronic computing device 16 has a machine learning algorithm and the trajectory 22 and / or the current trajectory 26 is determined by means of the machine learning algorithm.
[0041] In addition, Fig. 1 shows that in the user profile 18, a trajectory for removing a charging plug 32 and / or one charging cable from a storage device 34, in this case in particular a trunk of the motor vehicle 10, is taken into account. Furthermore, it is provided in particular that in the user profile 18, an individual sequence of steps of the charging process is taken into account for determining the trajectory 22 or the current trajectory 26. Furthermore, it can also be provided that when comparing the current trajectory 22 with the trajectory 26, a change of direction 36 of the person 20 for a filling process is evaluated or taken into account.
[0042] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows that the control signal 28 is additionally generated only when the person 20 is located within a predetermined area 38 in front of the motor vehicle locking device 12. Furthermore, the control signal 28 can additionally be generated only when the motor vehicle 10 is located near a charging station 40 or filling station for fluid fuel. Furthermore, a current position P3 of the motor vehicle 10 can also be taken into account when generating the control signal 28.
[0043] In particular, it can thus be provided that, for example, the trajectory comparison is triggered as soon as the person 20 enters the specified area 38. This can prevent, in particular, so-called false-positive opening processes.
[0044] Furthermore, stops or changes of direction 36 in the current trajectory 26 can also be determined, which serve as an indicator that the user 20 has started a filling process. In particular, the position and duration of these stops and changes of direction 36 can serve as information that a filling process is taking place. For this purpose, machine learning algorithms can be used, in particular, which use this as an input parameter. Furthermore, the charging station 40 can also be detected, for example, on the basis of the detection device 14, whereby this is based, for example, on computer vision technologies. This camera information can then additionally be used to reliably determine a charging process. Furthermore, the environment can also be detected accordingly, for example using ultrasonic sensors, and the charging station 40 can be detected accordingly.
[0045] In particular, it can be considered an additional objective, for example, that the position of a wallbox relative to the motor vehicle 10 or the parking space can also be learned over time, which can be done in particular based on the use of this wallbox. This can be done in particular based on the principles already mentioned.
[0046] Furthermore, additional signals, such as door signals, such as the opening of the driver's door, the opening of the trunk, or the like, can also be used to determine the charging process. Furthermore, so-called geofencing information, such as the current location of the vehicle and whether it is within the geofence of a home wallbox or a gas station, can also be used accordingly. Furthermore, other information from the charging station 40 can also be used, such as the charging type, a terminal position, and a parking configuration.
[0047] List of reference symbols
[0048] 10 motor vehicle
[0049] 12 Motor vehicle locking device
[0050] 14 Recording device
[0051] 16 electronic computing device
[0052] 18 User profile
[0053] 20 people
[0054] 22 T rajectory
[0055] 24 Energy storage device
[0056] 26 current trajectory
[0057] 28 Control signal
[0058] 30 charging lids
[0059] 32 charging cables
[0060] 34 trunk
[0061] 36 Change of direction
[0062] 38 specified area
[0063] 40 charging stations
[0064] P1 first position
[0065] P2 second position
[0066] P3 current position ti first time t2 second time
Claims
Patent claims 1. A method for controlling a motor vehicle locking device (12) of a motor vehicle (10) by means of the motor vehicle locking device (12), comprising the steps: Providing a user profile (18) for a person (20), wherein at least one trajectory (22) assigned to the person (20) for a filling process of an energy storage device (24) of the motor vehicle (10) is stored in the user profile (18), by means of an electronic computing device (16) of the motor vehicle locking device (12); Detecting a first position (P1) of the person (20) outside the motor vehicle (10) at a first time (ti) and detecting a second position (P2) of the person (20) outside the motor vehicle (10) at a second time (t2) later than the first time (ti) by means of a detection device (14) of the motor vehicle locking device (12); Determining a current trajectory (26) of the person (20) as a function of at least the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) by means of the electronic computing device (16); Comparing the current trajectory (26) with the trajectory (22) assigned to the person (20) by means of the electronic computing device (16); and generating a control signal (28) for opening the motor vehicle locking device (12) as a function of the comparison by means of the electronic computing device (16).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic computing device (16) has a machine learning algorithm and the trajectory (22) and / or the current trajectory (26) is determined by means of the machine learning algorithm.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in addition, a trajectory for removing a charging plug and / or a charging cable (32) from a storage device (34) of the motor vehicle (10) is taken into account in the user profile (18).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition the control signal (28) is only generated when the person (20) is located in a predetermined area (38) in front of the motor vehicle locking device (12).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition the control signal (28) is only generated when the motor vehicle (10) is located in the vicinity of a charging station (40).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the user profile (18) an individual sequence of steps of the loading process for determining the trajectory (22) and / or the current trajectory (26) is taken into account.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current position (P3) of the motor vehicle (10) is taken into account when generating the control signal (28).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when comparing the current trajectory (26) with the trajectory (22), specific changes of direction (36) of the person (20) are evaluated for a filling process.
9. Computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device (16) to, when the program code means are electronic computing device (16), to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Motor vehicle locking device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), with at least one detection device (14) and an electronic computing device (16), wherein the motor vehicle locking device (12) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.