Control of a function on board a motor vehicle by means of an electromyographic sensor

Abstract

A control system (100) on board a motor vehicle (105) comprises: an electromyographic sensor (130) attached to a person (110) present in the region of the motor vehicle (105), for sensing stimulation of a muscle for moving the hand (135) of the person (110); and a processing device (125). The processing device (125) is designed to determine a sequence (300) of gestures (305-315) made with the hand (135), the gestures (305-315) comprising the touching of a first finger of the hand (135) with a second finger of the hand (135), and to control a function of the motor vehicle (105) on the basis of the sequence (300).

Description

[0001] CONTROL OF A FUNCTION ON BOARD A MOTOR VEHICLE BY MEANS OF AN ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC SENSOR

[0002] The present invention relates to the control of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to the control of a function of a motor vehicle.

[0003] A motor vehicle includes a number of systems or subsystems that can be controlled by a person on board. For example, an entertainment system may be provided that can display visual or audible information via one or more screens and / or one or more speakers. A communications system may allow interactive data exchange with a remote location. A ventilation system can heat, cool, or supply fresh air to different locations within the interior. Advanced or luxury motor vehicles may have a significant number of functions that can be controlled by a person.

[0004] A motor vehicle not only serves to transport its occupants to a predetermined destination, but should also provide a comfortable space for those on board. A positive experience on board a motor vehicle can be achieved if a person has the opportunity to control the vehicle's functions or use these functions, for example, to work on a task alone or together with another person during their journey.

[0005] Operating or controlling functions on board a motor vehicle can be difficult due to the large number of available elements, the layout of seats within the interior, or the assignment of functions to people. Often, many functions can only be controlled by people in the front row of seats, and some functions are reserved for the driver of the vehicle.

[0006] An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved operating concept on board a motor vehicle. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments. A control system on board a motor vehicle comprises an electromyographic sensor attached to a person in the region of the motor vehicle for detecting stimulation of a muscle for moving the person's hand; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to determine a sequence of gestures performed with the hand; wherein a gesture comprises touching a first finger of the hand with a second finger of the hand; and to control a function of the motor vehicle based on the sequence.

[0007] A finger can be touched at the fingertip or fingerpad to perform a gesture. By forming a gesture with two different fingers of the same hand, the sequence can be easily performed without the use of an assistive device. The function can be controlled with either the left or right hand, leaving the other hand free for another activity. For example, a driver can use the other hand to steer the motor vehicle. The sequence can include one, two, or more individual gestures.

[0008] The sequence can also be given regardless of position or orientation relative to the vehicle. This allows the sequence to be executed universally. By using an electromyographic sensor, the person can use the sequence to control the function even if their hand is hidden or covered.

[0009] The second finger can be the same finger in all gestures. More preferably, the second finger is always the thumb. Initially, four recognizable gestures can be performed with the thumb and first finger. However, combinations are also possible, for example, with the thumb touching two or more of the remaining fingers. This can expand the repertoire of gestures in the sequence.

[0010] A parameter can be assigned to the sequence of gestures; the processing device is configured to control the function depending on the parameter. In a simple embodiment, the parameter has two values. This can correspond to turning a function on or off. In another embodiment, the parameter can assume more than two values. A plurality of discrete values ​​that the parameter can assume can be predetermined. Alternatively, a range within which the value of the parameter lies can be predetermined. The value can be continuously selected within the range.

[0011] Several gestures can be predetermined, each of which is assigned a number; the processing device is configured to control the function depending on the determined number. Preferably, each gesture is assigned a single-digit number or a digit. More preferably, at least ten different gestures are predetermined, to which numbers from 0 to 9 can be assigned. In another embodiment, positive and negative numbers are assigned symmetrically to predetermined gestures, for example -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.

[0012] The processing device can further be configured to control the function depending on its current state. Such control can be referred to as relative. For example, a side window of the motor vehicle can be controlled "further up" or "further down." The amount of control can depend on the sequence.

[0013] In another embodiment, the processing device is configured to control the function absolutely. In this case, the state of the function or of a controlled device may be irrelevant. In the above example, the side window could be moved to a predetermined vertical position depending on the sequence, regardless of the window's previous position.

[0014] The person can be on board the motor vehicle. For example, the person can occupy one of several predetermined seats on board the motor vehicle. However, the person can also be outside the motor vehicle, for example if the motor vehicle is parked and the person has left the motor vehicle or is about to get in. The control system can be standalone or provided as an additional system for controlling the function. If necessary, classic operation of the function is also possible, for example using an assigned control element such as a switch, a lever, a button or a touch-sensitive surface. Alternatively, the function can also be controlled, for example, using menu-based user guidance or a dynamically configurable multifunction input device.

[0015] The electromyographic sensor may comprise an electrode for application to the person's skin. More preferably, at least two electrodes are provided, between which an electrical voltage can be determined. Preferably, a plurality of electrodes is used, which can be applied to a predetermined area of ​​the skin. Voltages, each indicative of stimulation of a muscle, can be determined between pairs of electrodes. An electrode may comprise a surface electrode that can rest loosely on the skin. In another embodiment, the sensor may be embedded in a device or a piece of clothing worn by the person. Operation of the control element can be easy and elegant for the person. Wearing the electromyographic sensor can be very comfortable. The person's skin does not have to be injured.

[0016] A normal stimulation leads to a perceptible movement, known as isotonic stimulation. However, the sensor can also detect muscle activation even if the activation is not accompanied by any movement. A change in activation may be so slight that it can be detected by the sensor, but trigger no or no noticeable movement of any part of the hand. A change in the force exerted against an object or the stimulation of two opposing muscles can also be detected without necessarily involving any movement. In this case, it can be referred to as isometric stimulation.

[0017] When a muscle is stimulated, it contracts and exerts a force on a joint or limb. Different types of contraction can be distinguished. An isometric ("equal measure") contraction or isometric muscle contraction occurs when a muscle only undergoes a change in tension but no change in length. In an isotonic ("equally tensioned") contraction, the muscle shortens without a change in force. This can happen, for example, when a weight or object is lifted a short distance very slowly. An auxotonic ("differently tensioned") contraction involves a change in both force and length. This is the most common type of contraction and accompanies a normal movement.

[0018] Based on a determination of the stimulation, different types of contraction can be distinguished. This allows not only the position or posture of a limb connected to the muscle to be determined, but also its tension. For example, the hand can grasp an object and hold the object with varying degrees of strength without any significant change in posture. Similarly, the hand can be pressed against an object, for example, the surface of an object, with varying degrees of strength. Two sections of the hand can be pressed against each other with varying degrees of strength, for example, two fingers, one of which may encompass the thumb. The person can also stimulate two muscles with different degrees of strength that counteract each other at the same limb or joint. For example, one muscle may comprise a flexor and the other an extensor of a finger of the hand.

[0019] Different types or intensities of stimulation can be considered when determining a posture or gesture. These parameters can be evaluated alone or in combination with, for example, a position, an orientation, or a nearby object. Additional sensor signals, such as those indicating a position, acceleration, or orientation, can also be considered. This allows selection from a wide range of parameters that are characteristic for determining a predetermined action or posture.

[0020] Particularly when many signals are collected, for example when many electrodes are used, when different types or intensities of stimulation or contraction of a muscle are recorded, when signals from another sensor or another scanning device are to be taken into account, or when a sequence of observations is to be evaluated, the recognition of the gesture or posture can be carried out using a learning technique. For example, an artificial neural network (ANN) can be trained to recognize a predetermined gesture or posture based on a large number of such observations. The training can take place outside the vehicle. For training, different test subjects can perform a number of gestures or postures to be recognized while the aforementioned observations are recorded.During training, the ANN can be configured, for example, using back propagation, to recognize a posture or gesture from different people. Training typically requires a large number of measurements, each with associated gestures or postures to be recognized. These must be presented to the ANN very frequently to achieve good recognition results.

[0021] The required recognition performance of the ANN can depend on a controlled function. Thresholds can be selected for a false positive and a correct positive rate. If the first rate is exceeded and the second rate is simultaneously exceeded, training can be terminated, and the ANN can be used for an evaluation on board a motor vehicle as described herein. Optionally, the ANN can also be further trained while it is being used to recognize gestures or postures on board the motor vehicle. This allows the ANN's function to be adapted to a specific person.

[0022] A posture can be determined in particular by an orientation of the hand in space and / or the alignment of one or more fingers on the hand. A muscle can be activated differently in a predetermined hand posture, depending on how the hand is held. For example, if the hand hangs downwards, a different activation can affect a muscle for a finger than if the hand is stretched forwards. The sensor or the processing device is preferably configured to determine the posture of the hand regardless of its orientation in space. A gesture is generally understood to be a transition from one posture to another. A gesture can relate to only one section of the hand, in particular a finger. In this way, several gestures can be evaluated simultaneously. The electromyographic sensor is preferably configured for attachment to a wrist or forearm of the person.Muscles required to move a finger or the entire hand may be located above a wrist, so particularly insightful data about hand posture or movement can be collected in this area.

[0023] The electromyographic sensor may comprise a wristband for attachment to a person's wrist. The wristband may be included in an electronic device, such as a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. The sensor may also be incorporated into another object that the person can place near the hand. For example, the sensor may be provided in a finger ring or a glove. The person may wear the wristband on a left or right wrist. The effect of a gesture may depend on whether it is performed with a left or right hand. The selection of the left or right wrist may be made depending on the person's preference or the person's seating position in the motor vehicle.

[0024] The bracelet can be aesthetically pleasing so that it can be perceived as jewelry by the person or another person. In a further embodiment, the sensor can be integrated into a device worn on a bracelet, for example a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. The bracelet is preferably configured to hold one or more electrodes of the electromyographic sensor on the surface of the person's skin. For this purpose, the bracelet can be elastic or comprise an elastic element. Alternatively, an active device can be provided to press an electrode against the skin, for example a pneumatic or thermal actuator. The bracelet can be aesthetically pleasing and can also serve as jewelry. The bracelet can preferably be worn on a right or left extremity of the person. Several people on board the motor vehicle can each wear one or more electromyographic sensors.

[0025] An acceleration sensor can be attached to the wristband. The processing device can be configured to determine a position, orientation, gesture, or posture of the hand based on acceleration data from the acceleration sensor.

[0026] It should be noted that sensor values ​​from multiple sensors can be combined. For example, the position of the wristband or hand can be determined based on camera data from a camera mounted on the vehicle and additionally based on acceleration data from an acceleration sensor attached to the wristband or hand. This allows for a more accurate determination of a gesture or the circumstances under which the gesture is performed.

[0027] Preferably, two gestures in the sequence are in a predetermined temporal relationship to one another. To recognize the sequence, it can be determined whether the predetermined temporal sequence is adhered to. If, for example, a predetermined gesture follows another gesture with a significantly greater or smaller time delay than predetermined, the combination cannot be accepted or recognized as a sequence. The temporal correlation between elements of the input can support a predetermined tolerance. Furthermore, a dynamic evaluation is possible, so that an input can, for example, be executed quickly or slowly overall. If the speed at which gestures are executed changes during the sequence, however, the recognition may be negative.

[0028] Preferably, the processing device is configured to control a function associated with the sequence. The function can be executed by the motor vehicle or a system or subsystem included in the motor vehicle. Any actuator, device, or facility of the motor vehicle can be used for this purpose. An association between a sequence of gestures and a function can be predetermined or determined by the person.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a detection device is provided for determining a position of the person's hand. The processing device can be configured to additionally determine the sequence depending on the position. Thus, a predetermined sequence given at different locations in the motor vehicle can have different meanings or control different functions. For example, a sequence in the area of ​​a footwell can lead to the activation of lighting, while the same sequence in the area of ​​a ventilation system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, HVAC) can cause a changed diffusion of outflowing air. In a continuation of this idea, a pointing direction of the hand can also be evaluated. The sequence or a gesture of the sequence can be evaluated taking the pointing direction into account.The pointing direction can be evaluated with respect to the person, another person, the motor vehicle or an element on board the motor vehicle to which the person is pointing.

[0030] Similarly, a detection device for determining the person's line of sight can also be provided. The processing device can be configured to additionally determine the sequence depending on the line of sight.

[0031] It should be noted that both the pointing direction and the gaze axis can change during the sequence. A direction that changes during the provision of a sequence can be evaluated in any way. For example, the direction in which the user pointed or looked while the respective element was being captured can apply to each element of the sequence. In another embodiment, a specific direction can apply to several or all elements of the sequence. In particular, the direction can be determined at the beginning or end of the input.

[0032] The processing device can be configured to determine the degree to which a detected sequence of gestures corresponds to a predetermined sequence of gestures. A degree of correspondence can be reported back to the person. The degree of correspondence can indicate a measure of the difference between a predetermined gesture and a gesture performed by the person.

[0033] This makes it easier for the person to learn how to perform the sequence. Conversely, the degree of correspondence can be used to improve the control system's ability to recognize a sequence. Determining the degree of overlap or correspondence can, for example, be used in a game that requires the person's dexterity. The better the person performs a predetermined sequence, the more successfully they can participate in the game. The game can also function between several people on board the vehicle, with several players, for example, attempting to recreate a predetermined sequence or synchronously providing sequences that are then compared with each other.

[0034] The control system may further comprise a display device for providing an indication regarding the sequence. In one embodiment, the determined degree of agreement can be provided in this way. The indication regarding the input can be provided before, during, or after. In one embodiment, the recognized sequence can be shown on the display device. The representation can be in the form of an animated hand. A viewing angle or playback speed can be changeable. Furthermore, an indication can be shown for an input as to which function it is associated with. While a sequence is being provided, already recognized elements can be analyzed, and the display device can show which functions can be controlled by a sequence that begin with the already executed sequence.This allows the person to better navigate through a decision space that can be traversed when breaking down a sequence.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the processing device is configured for machine learning. In particular, the processing device can learn a posture, a gesture, or, for example, a temporal relationship between different postures or gestures. For example, a predetermined sequence can always be slightly modified in the same way by a predetermined user, so that the difference can be learned by the processing device. The learning process can be related to the respective person, so that different people can perform different modifications, which the control system can each recognize without error.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle comprises a control system described herein. The motor vehicle preferably comprises a passenger car, a truck, or a bus. Optionally, the motor vehicle can also comprise a motorcycle. In particular, in this embodiment, it can be taken into account that the person may be wearing a glove, so that their fingers may not touch directly, but rather separated by the glove material.

[0037] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a function of a motor vehicle comprises steps of sensing electromyographic pulses from stimulation of a muscle for moving a person's hand in the region of the motor vehicle; detecting a sequence of gestures performed with the hand, wherein a gesture comprises touching a first finger of the hand with a second finger of the hand; and controlling a function of the motor vehicle based on the sequence.

[0038] The method can be carried out in whole or in part by means of a control system described herein, and in particular a processing device comprising it. For this purpose, the processing device can be implemented electronically and, for example, comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0039] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a control system on board a motor vehicle;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a wristband with an electromyographic sensor;

[0042] Figure 3 exemplary gestures;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a controllable function of a motor vehicle; and

[0044] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method. Figure 1 shows a control system 100 on board a motor vehicle 105. The control system 100 is configured to facilitate or enable the operation of a predetermined element 115 for a person 110 on board the motor vehicle 105. The element 115 is shown here as an example as a ventilation grille and symbolizes a ventilation, heating, or air conditioning system. The person 110 can in particular comprise a driver or a passenger. As a passenger, the person 110 can be located in a first, second, or further row of seats in the motor vehicle 105. The element 115 can serve to control the motor vehicle 105, for example a drive, a lighting system, or a door system, or to perform an additional function, for example a navigation function, air conditioning, heating, or an entertainment system.

[0045] The control system 100 comprises a detection device 120, a processing device 125 and an electromyographic sensor 130 and optionally an acceleration sensor 132, wherein the sensors 130, 132 are mounted in the region of a hand 135 of a person 110 on board the motor vehicle 105.

[0046] The detection device 120 is configured to determine a position of the hand 135 on board the motor vehicle 105. Preferably, an orientation of the hand 135 is also determined, so that an overall pose is present. The detection device 120 can, for example, comprise a camera with which the hand 135 can be detected and positioned. In another embodiment, the detection device 120 can position the electromyographic sensor 130 or an element connected thereto instead of the hand.

[0047] The electromyographic sensor 130 can be attached to a surface of the skin of the person 110. Using the electromyographic sensor 130, stimulation of a muscle that can move or hold the hand 135 can be determined. Even small changes in the state of tension can be resolved. The electromyographic sensor 130 can be configured to determine stimulation of multiple muscles, each of which can control different parts of the hand 135.

[0048] In this case, the sensor 130 is attached to a wristband 140, which the person 110 can wear on a right or left wrist. A person 110 can also wear two wristbands 140 on different wrists, allowing relative or combined postures or gestures to be determined. In the illustration of Figure 1, both persons 110 each wear a wristband 140; the function of the control system 100 is explained by way of example with reference to the person shown on the right.

[0049] The acceleration sensor 132 is configured to determine an acceleration of the hand 135 or a wristband 140 attached thereto. Based on the acceleration, a movement and / or position of the hand 135 or the wristband 140 can be determined.

[0050] The detection device 120 or another detection device can be configured to determine a gaze axis 145 of the person 110. For this purpose, a position and an orientation of the head of the person 110 can be determined. Furthermore, a position of one or both eyes of the person 110 can be determined. The gaze axis 145 follows a gaze of the person 110 and originates from their head.

[0051] A link between a gesture and a vehicle feature or function can be created or modified, preferably with the support of a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, elements of a sequence of gestures can be selected and arranged in a desired order. Furthermore, a feature or function can be selected to which the sequence can be assigned.

[0052] In a corresponding manner, the detection device 120 or another detection device can be configured to determine a pointing direction 150 of the person 110. The person 110 can point with their hand 135 at an element 115 in the motor vehicle 105. In doing so, they typically move the hand 135 away from their body. The pointing direction 150 typically runs through the hand 135 and, in various embodiments, can originate in the region of an elbow joint, a shoulder, or the head of the person 110. In general, the pointing direction 150 runs through an element 115 at which the person 110 is pointing. The processing device 125 is configured to receive information from the detection device 120 and the sensor 130 and optionally to determine the viewing axis 145 and / or the pointing direction 150.Based on this information, the processing device 125 can determine an element 115 near which the hand 135 of the person 110 is located, which element is intersected by the viewing axis 145 and / or the pointing direction 150. Furthermore, the processing device 125 can determine a posture or gesture of the hand 135 based on information from the sensor 130. The processing device 125 can receive corresponding sensor information via a preferably wireless communication device 155.

[0053] The selection of an element 115, the selection of a function of the element 115 and / or the control of this function can be supported by an output device 160 by outputting feedback to the person 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the output device 160 is shown as a panoramic head-up display (BMW Panoramic Vision). In other embodiments, any other elements on board the motor vehicle 105 can be used to output feedback to the person 110. This includes, for example, a lighting element, an acoustic element or a haptic element of the motor vehicle 105. An output device 160 can also be provided on the wristband 140. The output device 160 can be controlled in such a way that the person 110 can interactively control a predetermined function using the control system 100. An output on the output device 160 can in particular be a note orprovide feedback about a selectable or selected, actuatable or actuated element to which a predetermined function is assigned.

[0054] The processing device 125 can control the element 115 of the motor vehicle 105 via an interface 165. Optionally, feedback can be provided via the interface 165, which may, for example, concern a state or an option of the element 115. The feedback can be further processed to operate the element 115 or to inform the person 110.

[0055] Figure 2 shows an exemplary wristband 140 that a person 110 can wear on board the motor vehicle 105. The wristband 140 can be attached to the hand 135, an adjoining wrist, or the forearm of the person 110. The wristband 140 includes the electromyographic sensor 130 and preferably a power supply 205 and a preferably wireless communication device 210. Furthermore, an actuator 215 can be provided. Furthermore, an acceleration sensor 220 can be provided, which is configured to determine an acceleration of the hand 130. Based on the acceleration, a movement or a position of the hand 130 can be derived.

[0056] The energy supply 205 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery, which can be charged, for example, via an on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle 105. In one embodiment, wireless charging can occur, for example, using a charging coil near which the wristband 140 can be held or placed. The communication device 210 is configured to communicate with the communication device 155 of the processing device 125. The communication is preferably bidirectional and can be carried out using conventional methods, such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or ZigBee. The actuator 215 is configured to provide feedback to the person 110. The actuator 215 can, in particular, be haptic, electrical, optical, or acoustic. Electrical feedback can occur, for example, by applying a predetermined, low stimulus current to the skin of the person 110.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an exemplary sequence 300 of example gestures. A first gesture 305 comprises touching the index finger of one hand with the thumb of the same hand. A second gesture 310 comprises touching the middle finger with the thumb. A third gesture 315 comprises touching the ring finger with the thumb.

[0058] Other or further gestures 305-315 can also be predetermined. A gesture 305-315 can comprise two or more fingers of the same hand. A gesture 305-315 preferably comprises touching the ends or tips of the fingers involved. In another embodiment, however, a different constellation of two or more fingers can also be recognized as a gesture 305-315, for example, crossing two fingers, in particular adjacent fingers that do not include the thumb. The sequence 300 can comprise one, two, or more gestures 305-315 that a person 110 can perform. It is possible for a gesture 305-315 to occur multiple times in a sequence 300. The gestures 305-315 can be located at a predetermined time within the sequence 300. For example, a gesture 305-315 may have to be held for a predetermined time to be recognized. The entire sequence 300 can be completed within a predetermined time to enable recognition.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an exemplary controllable function of a motor vehicle 105. In a first representation 405 and a second representation 410, a vertically adjustable side window 415 in a side door 420 of a motor vehicle 105 is shown.

[0060] With reference to the first illustration 405, the side window 415 can be moved to various absolute positions 425, for example, by means of an electrically driven mechanism. Each position 425 can be assigned a gesture 305-315, so that the side window 415 can be moved to the respective position by the person 110 performing the assigned gesture 305-315.

[0061] With reference to the second representation 410, the side window can also be controlled relative to a current position 430. By way of example, two relative positions 435 above and two further positions below the current positions are shown. The side window 415 can be raised or lowered by a predetermined amount by the person 110 performing a corresponding gesture. In the illustrated embodiment, the side window 415 can alternatively be raised or lowered by a greater or smaller amount. Other configurations are also possible.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for controlling a function of the motor vehicle 105. In a step 505, a person 110 in the area of ​​the motor vehicle 105 can be scanned using an electromyographic sensor. Stimulation of muscles that can move a hand 135 of the person 110 can be detected. In a step 510, a function of the motor vehicle 105 to be controlled can be selected. The function can be determined based on the gesture 305-315, a previous gesture 305-315, a present context, a pointing direction 150, a line of sight 145 of the person 110, or another circumstance. The function can directly relate to the motor vehicle 105 or a system mounted on board, or it can relate to a user interface by means of which, for example, a vehicle function can be selected.For example, a hierarchical menu can be presented to person 110, and a first gesture 305 can select an entry, a second gesture 310 can jump back to a higher level of the menu, and a third gesture 310 can cancel navigation in the menu. Other assignments are also possible.

[0063] In a step 515, based on the detected stimulations, a sequence 300 of one or more gestures 305-315 can be recognized, which is performed by the hand 135 of the person 110. Furthermore, it can be determined how the specific function is to be controlled based on the sequence 300. For example, if the gesture 305-315 concerns raising or lowering the side window 415, it can be determined here how the movement of the side window 415 is to be controlled.

[0064] In a first variant 520, relative control occurs. In a step 525, a current state or a current position 430 and an increment can first be determined. The increment assigned to the sequence 300 can indicate a direction and / or a distance from the current state 430, so that a new state or a new position can be determined.

[0065] In a second variant 530, the function is controlled absolutely. A new state to which the function is to be brought—in this case, a new position 425 to which the side window 415 is to be moved—is directly assigned to the detected sequence 300.

[0066] In a step 535, the new state or position can be controlled. In the given example, a drive of the side window 415 can be controlled so that the side window 415 assumes the specified new position 425, 435. For this purpose, the side window 415 in the side door 420 can be raised or lowered accordingly.

[0067] Reference symbol

[0068] 100 Tax system

[0069] 105 Motor vehicle

[0070] 110 people

[0071] 115 elements

[0072] 120 recording device

[0073] 125 processing facility

[0074] 130 electromyographic sensor

[0075] 132 Accelerometer

[0076] 135 Hand

[0077] 140 Bracelet

[0078] 145 Line of sight

[0079] 150 Pointing direction

[0080] 155 Communication device

[0081] 160 Output device

[0082] 165 Interface

[0083] 205 Energy supply

[0084] 210 Communication device

[0085] 215 Actuator

[0086] 220 acceleration sensor

[0087] 300 sequence

[0088] 305 first gesture

[0089] 310 second gesture

[0090] 315 third gesture

[0091] 405 first representation

[0092] 410 second representation

[0093] 415 side window

[0094] 420 side door

[0095] 425 absolute position

[0096] 430 current position

[0097] 435 relative position 500 procedure

[0098] 505 Person pat down

[0099] 510 Select function 515 Detect gesture

[0100] 520 relative control

[0101] 525 determine new state

[0102] 530 absolute control

[0103] 535 control new state

Claims

Claims 1. A control system (100) on board a motor vehicle (105), the control system (100) comprising the following elements: an electromyographic sensor (130) attached to a person (110) in the region of the motor vehicle (105) for detecting stimulation of a muscle for moving the hand (135) of the person (110); a processing device (125) configured to determine a sequence (300) of gestures (305-315) performed with the hand (135); wherein a gesture (305-315) comprises touching a first finger of the hand (135) with a second finger of the hand (135); and to control a function of the motor vehicle (105) based on the sequence (300).

2. Control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second finger is the same finger in all gestures (305-315).

3. Control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sequence (300) of gestures (305-315) is assigned a parameter; wherein the processing device (125) is configured to control the function depending on the parameter.

4. Control system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the parameter can take more than two values.

5. The control system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of gestures (305-315) are predetermined, each of which is assigned a number; wherein the processing device (125) is configured to control the function depending on the determined number.

6. Control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (125) is configured to control the function depending on its current state.

7. Control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (125) is arranged to control the function absolutely.

8. Control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the person (110) is on board the motor vehicle (105).

9. Control system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the person (110) is located outside the motor vehicle (105).

10. Motor vehicle (105) comprising a control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method (500) for controlling a function of a motor vehicle (105), the method (500) comprising the following steps: Sensing (505) electromyographic pulses of a stimulation of a muscle for moving the hand (135) of a person (110) in the area of ​​the motor vehicle (105); Detecting (515) a sequence (300) of gestures (305-315) performed with the hand (135); wherein a gesture (305-315) comprises touching a first finger of the hand (135) with a second finger of the hand (135); and controlling (535) a function of the motor vehicle (105) based on the sequence (300).

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