Method for activating a vehicle function, vehicle function system, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for activating a vehicle function for a vehicle (400), comprising: – retrieving (110) a schedule (300), the schedule (300) comprising at least one period and an activable vehicle function, – comparing (120) a current period with the at least one period of the schedule (300), – activating (130) the activable vehicle function if the current period corresponds to the at least one period in the schedule (300). The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle function system (200) and a vehicle (400).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for activating a vehicle function, vehicle function system, vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method, a vehicle functional system and a vehicle.

[0004] Modern vehicles offer a variety of features designed to enhance the driver's experience and comfort. However, navigating this multitude of functions can be challenging.

[0005] The complexity of the vehicle system itself can make it difficult for the user to understand and use all of its functions. Some functions can be complicated and difficult to use, especially if they have various menus and subfunctions.

[0006] Finally, differences between different vehicle models can also cause the user to have difficulty finding their way around. Each vehicle has its own specific features and controls, which may differ from other models.

[0007] Recently, it has also become possible to implement new vehicle functions through a software update. While this offers the user the advantage of accessing even more functions, it can also lead to the user overlooking the new function or not immediately understanding how to use it.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for activating a vehicle function, a vehicle function system, and a vehicle in which the use of vehicle functions is simplified for the user and comfort is increased.

[0009] The above object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a vehicle functional system having the features of claim 6, and a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle functional system according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reciprocal reference is or can always be made.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for activating a vehicle function is provided for a vehicle, comprising:

[0011] - querying a schedule, wherein the schedule comprises at least one time period and one activatable vehicle function, in particular by a vehicle function control,

[0012] - comparing a current period with at least one period of the schedule, in particular by a vehicle function control,

[0013] - Activating the activatable vehicle function if the current period corresponds to at least one period in the schedule, in particular by a vehicle function control.

[0014] The method steps can be performed at least partially simultaneously and / or sequentially, whereby the sequence of the method steps is not limited by the specified order, so that individual steps can be performed in different orders. Furthermore, individual or all steps can be performed repeatedly.

[0015] In other words, it can be provided that certain vehicle functions are activated based on a schedule.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, a vehicle function can in principle be understood as any function that can be provided by the vehicle within the scope of proper use. In particular, the vehicle function can be a function that is not directly related to the movement of the vehicle. The vehicle function can be a comfort function, in particular at least seat heating, a massage function, a lighting function, an individual adjustment of the seating position, or a temperature control function for the vehicle interior, a glove compartment, or a refrigerator compartment. It can also be provided that the vehicle function is designed as a parking aid, in particular as a partially or fully automatic parking aid, as a distance sensor, camera, in particular a reversing camera, cruise control, automatic distance control, automatic distance and speed control, rain sensor, or automatic high beam.

[0017] Further vehicle functions are described in connection with the subclaims. In particular, the vehicle function can be implemented as a subfunction of a higher-level vehicle function. For example, the higher-level vehicle function can be implemented as window wiping, and the vehicle function implemented as a subfunction can be a weather-dependent automatic wiper. Further examples of such combinations would be cruise control / speed and distance control, distance sensor / parking aid, lane departure warning / overtaking assistant, or interior lighting / dynamic or colored interior lighting. This offers the particular advantage that the person can be gradually introduced to more complex vehicle functions.

[0018] In the context of the invention, a vehicle can mean any land, water, or air vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be designed, in particular, as a passenger car or a truck. The motor vehicle's drive can be embodied as an internal combustion engine, electric motor, or hybrid engine. The motor vehicle can be manually controlled or at least partially autonomous.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, a flowchart can be understood as data relating to a future sequence of actions, in particular as a link between points in time and / or time periods and vehicle functions. The flowchart can, for example, provide for a first vehicle function to be activated at a specific point in time and a further vehicle function to be activated at an earlier or later specific point in time.

[0020] In particular, the schedule can include specific data that is linked to a vehicle function. In this sense, the time period and vehicle function can form a tuple.

[0021] A period of time can, for example, be a day with a special event, such as the beginning of spring, a public holiday, a special event (e.g. Earth Day), or a theme day (e.g. Valentine's Day, Halloween). Furthermore, a period of time can also be implemented as a point in time. In other words, the period of time can, in principle, have any desired duration. In particular, the period of time can be adapted to a specific location, particularly a country, and / or a specific user. This can have the advantage that the vehicle functions can be optimally tailored to the driver of the vehicle. For example, public holidays differ depending on the region. It can also be advantageous if the periods of time and vehicle functions are adapted to the living circumstances of the person using the vehicle. A person can be understood as a person using the vehicle. User and person are used interchangeably.Using the vehicle can also mean staying in it. Since the vehicle can also be autonomous, the person does not necessarily have to control its movement.

[0022] Overall, the method according to the invention achieves the advantage that a user can be made aware of vehicle functions in a memorable way. By querying the schedule, the vehicle can retrieve the current vehicle functions that match a time period. By comparing the current time period with the time period(s) in the schedule, the appropriate vehicle function can be selected and ultimately activated. Because no user interaction is required for activation, no effort is required for the user. Through automatic activation according to the schedule, the user can be surprised by each new vehicle function and can thus be made aware by the vehicle of functions that they might not have discovered on their own.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable in a method according to the invention that at least one of the following steps is provided:

[0024] - querying the person's intention as to whether the activated vehicle function should continue to be provided, in particular by a vehicle function control via an input interface of the vehicle,

[0025] - Deactivation of the vehicle function, in particular if the current period does not correspond to at least one period of the schedule, in particular by a vehicle function control,

[0026] - Retrieving a schedule via a data interface of the vehicle, in particular via a vehicle function control.

[0027] Querying the person's intention offers the additional advantage that unwanted vehicle functions, especially those that do not correspond to the person's wishes, can be deactivated again without the person having to search for a way to deactivate the vehicle function themselves via the vehicle control system. This increases user convenience.

[0028] Deactivating a vehicle function offers the advantage of being able to turn off obsolete or unwanted vehicle functions. This is particularly useful when, for example, vehicle functions would otherwise exclude each other (for example, displaying icons in the user interface in spring and summer themes). Retrieving the schedule via a vehicle data interface ensures that an up-to-date schedule is available. This schedule can, for example, include new vehicle functions if the vehicle has been updated with additional vehicle functions. Furthermore, the time periods can also be adjusted, for example, if new dates have been announced (e.g., the start of sporting events).

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the activatable vehicle function to be embodied as a cosmetic vehicle function. In other words, it can be provided that the vehicle function merely affects the output of information. For example, icons can be displayed in a user interface, or the interior lighting can be displayed in a different color, with color gradients, or its dynamics can be adjusted. Furthermore, it can also be provided that acoustic outputs of the vehicle are adjusted, e.g. a confirmation tone for an input in a user interface of the vehicle (e.g., a standard tone is replaced by a Christmas carol, "Hohoho," or other sounds suitable according to the schedule), the sound of the horn, or the turn signal. It can also be provided that the electronic sound of a vehicle is adjusted.An e-sound can be understood as the noise emitted by electric vehicles at low speeds in order to be perceptible. For example, the e-sound can be replaced by sleigh bells. The replacement can be linked to an environmental condition (e.g., certain road types (e.g., play street)) and / or driving condition (only at speeds < 5 km / h). If the activatable vehicle function is limited to cosmetic vehicle functions, this offers the advantage of not overwhelming the user with complex functions that may require user interaction.

[0030] Furthermore, a method according to the invention can advantageously provide for the activatable vehicle function to control a display of the vehicle, in particular at least one interior display or one exterior display. This provides the advantage of alerting the user to options for adjusting the display outputs.An interior display can be implemented at least as a user interface (e.g., snow / Christmas decorations on the user interface icons and / or replacing the vehicle display in the navigation system with a small sleigh and / or replacing or supplementing a home screen image with a Christmas tree, a snowman, or a Christmas tree bauble), in particular as a screen, as interior lighting (e.g., a string of lights can be simulated by individually controlling various LEDs in bright colors or by moving / flashing the LEDs), a reading lamp, a head-up display, or an instrument display. An exterior display can be implemented at least as headlights, indicators, brake lights, position lights, approach lighting (e.g., Christmas logos projected onto the floor when the door is open), or a variable vehicle surface, in particular as an e-ink display.In particular, an E-Ink display mounted on the vehicle's surface offers the advantage of providing an attractive, customizable display over a large area, which is particularly well-adapted to a specific time period within the schedule. For example, during Advent, candles can be displayed, with the display of burning candles and non-burning candles appropriate for the respective Advent season.

[0031] Furthermore, a method according to the invention can advantageously provide for the activatable vehicle function to control a sound generator of the vehicle, in particular at least one loudspeaker or a noise emitter. This provides the advantage that the noises, tones, and other acoustic information that can be emitted by the vehicle can be adapted according to the schedule.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle function system for a vehicle, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, is provided, comprising:

[0033] - a vehicle function controller designed to query a schedule, wherein the schedule comprises at least one time period and an activatable vehicle function, to compare a current time period with the at least one time period of the schedule, and to activate the activatable vehicle function if the current time period corresponds to the at least one time period in the schedule, and

[0034] - at least one vehicle function device which can be arranged on the vehicle and which is designed to provide the vehicle function.

[0035] Thus, a vehicle functional system according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0036] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the vehicle functional device to be embodied as a display of the vehicle, in particular at least an interior display or an exterior display. This provides the advantage of alerting the user to options for adjusting the display outputs. An interior display can be embodied at least as a user interface, in particular as a screen, as interior lighting, a reading lamp, a head-up display, or an instrument display. An exterior display can be embodied at least as a headlight, indicator, brake light, position light, approach lighting, or a variable vehicle surface.

[0037] Furthermore, in a vehicle functional system according to the invention, it is conceivable for the display to be embodied as an E-Ink display on the exterior of the vehicle. The E-Ink display arranged on the vehicle surface offers the advantage of enabling an attractive, customizable display over a large area, which is particularly well adapted to a specific time period of the schedule. For example, lit and unlit candles can be displayed appropriately for the Festival of Lights.

[0038] Furthermore, in a vehicle functional system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the display is designed as an intelligent lighting system, in particular below the windshield of the vehicle. An intelligent lighting system can change at least one of the brightness and the light color, in particular as instructed by an external controller.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising at least one vehicle function system according to the invention and / or designed to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0040] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention and / or a vehicle functional system according to the invention.

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

[0042] Fig. 1: a representation of the method according to the invention, and

[0043] Fig. 2: a flow chart, and

[0044] Fig. 3: An exterior view of the vehicle. In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 according to the invention. The method 100 for activating 130 a vehicle function for a vehicle 400 comprises, as shown:

[0046] - querying 110 a schedule 300 (shown in Fig. 2), wherein the schedule 300 comprises at least one time period and one activatable vehicle function,

[0047] - comparing 120 a current period with at least one period of the schedule 300,

[0048] Activating 130 the activatable vehicle function if the current period corresponds to at least one period in the schedule 300.

[0049] Overall, the method 100 according to the invention achieves the advantage that a user can be made aware of vehicle functions in a memorable manner. By querying 110 the schedule 300, the vehicle 400 can retrieve 160 the current vehicle functions that match a time period. By comparing 120 the current time period with the time period(s) in the schedule 300, the appropriate vehicle function can be selected and ultimately activated 130. Because no user interaction is required for activation 130, no effort is required for the user. Through automatic activation 130 according to the schedule 300, the user can be surprised by the respective new vehicle function and can thus be made aware by the vehicle 400 of functions that they might not have discovered on their own.

[0050] Furthermore, the method 100 may comprise at least one of the following steps:

[0051] - Querying 140 the person's intention as to whether the activated vehicle function should continue to be provided,

[0052] - Deactivation 150 of the vehicle function, in particular if the current period does not match at least one period of the schedule 300,

[0053] - Retrieving 160 a schedule 300 via a data interface of the vehicle 400.

[0054] Querying 140 the person's intention offers the additional advantage that unwanted vehicle functions, in particular those that do not correspond to the person's wishes, can be deactivated 150 again without the person having to search for a way to deactivate the vehicle function themselves via the vehicle control system. This increases user convenience. Deactivating 150 the vehicle function offers the advantage that obsolete or unwanted vehicle functions can be switched off. This is particularly advantageous when, for example, vehicle functions would otherwise exclude each other (for example, the display of icons in the user interface in spring and summer motifs).

[0055] By retrieving 160 the schedule 300 via a data interface of the vehicle 400, it can be ensured that a current schedule 300 is available. This schedule can, for example, include new vehicle functions if the vehicle 400 has been supplemented with additional vehicle functions through updates. Furthermore, the time periods can also be adjusted, for example, if new dates have become known (e.g., the start of sporting events).

[0056] Figure 2 shows a schedule 300. It illustrates that schedule 300 links at least a date and / or a time and a vehicle function. On March 10, 2023, but only during the day between 6:57 a.m. and 6:26 p.m., the vehicle function corresponds to a green interior light. On the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, the E-Ink display is controlled accordingly.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a vehicle function system 200 in connection with a vehicle 400. The vehicle function system 200 is provided for a vehicle 400, in particular for carrying out a method 100 according to one of the preceding claims, and has

[0058] - a vehicle function controller 230, which is designed to query 110 a schedule 300, wherein the schedule 300 comprises at least one time period and an activatable vehicle function, to compare 120 a current time period with the at least one time period of the schedule 300, and to activate 130 the activatable vehicle function if the current time period corresponds to the at least one time period in the schedule 300, and

[0059] - at least one vehicle function device 201 which can be arranged on the vehicle 400 and which is designed to provide the vehicle function.

[0060] Thus, a vehicle function system 200 according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a method 100 according to the invention.

[0061] It can be provided that the vehicle functional device 201 is embodied as a display 210 of the vehicle 400, in particular at least one interior display 211 or one exterior display 212. This provides the advantage of alerting the user to options for adjusting the outputs of the displays 210. An interior display 211 can be embodied at least as a user interface, in particular as a screen, as interior lighting, a reading lamp, a head-up display, or an instrument display. An exterior display 212 can be embodied at least as a headlight, indicator, brake light, position light, approach lighting, or a variable vehicle surface.

[0062] Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows that the activatable vehicle function can control a sound generator 220 of the vehicle 400, in particular at least one loudspeaker 220 or a noise emitter 222. This provides the advantage that the noises, tones, and other acoustic information that can be output by the vehicle 400 can be adapted according to the flow chart 300.

[0063] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] Proceedings

[0066] Queries

[0067] Compare

[0068] Activate

[0069] Queries

[0070] Deactivate

[0071] Retrieve

[0072] Vehicle functional system

[0073] Vehicle functional device

[0074] Advertisement

[0075] Interior display

[0076] Outdoor display

[0077] Sounder

[0078] Noise emitters

[0079] Vehicle function control

[0080] Schedule

[0081] vehicle

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) for activating a vehicle function for a vehicle (400), comprising: - querying (110) a schedule (300), wherein the schedule (300) comprises at least one time period and one activatable vehicle function, - comparing (120) a current period with the at least one period of the schedule (300), - Activating (130) the activatable vehicle function if the current period corresponds to at least one period in the schedule (300).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following steps is further provided: - querying (140) an intention of the person as to whether the activated vehicle function should continue to be provided, - deactivating (150) the vehicle function, in particular if the current period does not correspond to the at least one period of the schedule (300), - Retrieving (160) a schedule (300) via a data interface of the vehicle (400).

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the activatable vehicle function is designed as a cosmetic vehicle function.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the activatable vehicle function controls a display (210) of the vehicle (400), in particular at least one interior display (211) or one exterior display (212).

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the activatable vehicle function controls a sound generator (220) of the vehicle (400), in particular at least one loudspeaker (220) or a noise emitter (222).

6. Vehicle functional system (200) for a vehicle (400), in particular for carrying out a method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a vehicle function controller (230) designed to query (110) a schedule (300), wherein the schedule (300) comprises at least one time period and an activatable vehicle function, to compare (120) a current time period with the at least one time period of the schedule (300), and to activate (130) the activatable vehicle function if the current time period corresponds to the at least one time period in the schedule (300), and - at least one vehicle function device (201) which can be arranged on the vehicle (400) and which is designed to provide the vehicle function.

7. Vehicle functional system (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that the vehicle functional device (201) is designed as a display (210) of the vehicle (400), in particular at least one interior display (211) or one exterior display (212).

8. Vehicle functional system (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the display (210) is designed as an E-Ink display on an outside of the vehicle (400).

9. Vehicle functional system (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the display (210) is designed as an intelligent lighting, in particular below the windscreen of the vehicle (400).

10. Vehicle (400) comprising at least one vehicle functional system (200) according to one of claims 6 to 9 and / or designed to carry out a method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

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