Control device and method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Apparatus and / or methods are provided that are each suitable for improving upon the prior art. A control device (2) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (1), the control device (2) comprising: - detecting at least one automated function required by said motor vehicle 1, and assigning a provisioning factor based on a provisioning quota to the detected automated function; The control device 2 is configured as follows: The control device 2 - performing the required automated function in the allocated provision factor; and - automating and adjusting execution of the automated function when the execution of the automated function has used up the allocated provision factor; It is composed of:

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle having a control device, and / or a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform at least part of the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform at least part of the method. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, especially in automobiles, driver assistance systems are increasingly used. Driver assistance systems (FAS: English (Advanced) Driver Assistance System, (A)DAS) are electronic, in particular mechatronic, devices in motor vehicles that support the driver in certain driving situations. Here, priority is often given not only to safety aspects but also to increased comfort. Driver assistance systems can be automated and have self-learning functions. The self-learning functions can have an effect on the vehicle or system behavior. This effect can significantly affect the vehicle behavior.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a system including an electric motor connected to drive an electric vehicle, a battery connected to supply power to the motor, a preheating system connected to preheat the battery, a battery temperature comparator for comparing the temperature of the battery with a target temperature to be preheated and providing a battery temperature undershoot signal if the battery temperature is below the predetermined temperature, a control circuit for determining the time remaining before a planned drive start time and providing a preheating permission signal during the target time interval before the planned drive start time, and another control circuit for operating the preheating system in response to the battery temperature undershoot signal and the preheating permission signal.

[0004] Patent Document 2 relates to a method for adjusting the energy supply of a drive system of a vehicle, in which values ​​of at least one first energy usage characteristic quantity representing a first energy usage process in the vehicle and values ​​of at least one parameter representing at least one boundary condition of energy usage in the vehicle during the first energy usage process are identified. A mathematical relationship is identified between at least one or more of the values ​​of the at least one energy usage characteristic quantity and a corresponding value of the parameter of the at least one boundary condition for energy usage, and based on this, a profile data set including a data set and / or learning data based on the at least one identified mathematical relationship is provided. Depending on the provided profile data set, at least one adjustment information for adjusting the energy supply of the drive system of the vehicle for a second energy usage process is determined and provided, and / or adjustment information for adjusting the energy supply of the drive system of a second vehicle for an energy usage process is determined and provided.

[0005] Patent document 3 relates to a method for generating control data for driver assistance based on control for driving (guiding) a vehicle, in particular using a driver assistance system, which method according to the invention comprises the following steps: detecting values ​​of at least one adjustment parameter for driving the vehicle and / or physical parameters that at least partially characterize the physical functions of a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver; detecting values ​​of at least one input parameter that at least partially characterize a driving scenario; detecting at least one boundary condition for adjusting the at least one adjustment parameter depending on the at least one input parameter based on the detected values; and outputting control data for driving the vehicle, taking into account the at least one boundary condition based on rules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 120369 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016206800 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016205153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the context of the prior art, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and / or method, respectively, suitable for improving upon the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The equivalent and dependent claims respectively envisage optional developments of the disclosure.

[0009] According to this, the problem is solved by a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle, the control device being configured to detect at least one automated function requested by the motor vehicle and to assign a provision factor from a provision allocation to the detected automated function, the control device being configured to execute the requested automated function at the assigned provision factor, and to automate and adjust the execution of the automated function if the execution of the automated function has used up the assigned provision factor.

[0010] The control device or control unit may be part of a driving assistance system or may be a driving assistance system. The control device may be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU), which may be a processor-controlled intelligent unit that can communicate with other modules, for example via a Central Gateway (CGW), possibly via field buses such as CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus and FlexRay, and / or via Automotive Ethernet (In-Vehicle Ethernet), together with telematics controls and / or ambient sensors to form the vehicle electrical system.

[0011] It is conceivable that the control device controls functions related to the driving behavior of the motor vehicle, such as steering, engine control, power transmission and / or braking systems, etc. Further driver assistance systems, such as parking assist, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keep assist, lane change assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic light display recognition, start assist, night vision assist and / or intersection assist (turn assist), can be controlled by the control device.

[0012] In the context of this disclosure, an automated function is a process, subsystem, or system of a motor vehicle that performs a predetermined role in an automated manner without requiring manual input. An automated function can be allocated resources by a controller for execution. An automated function can be executed within resource availability. Resources can be scaled incrementally.

[0013] In the context of the present disclosure, a provision factor may include an amount of resources provided for the execution of an automated function. The provision factor may be preset manually or automatically. The provision factor may be determined based on a user request and / or a user action. The provision factor may include an amount of energy for the execution of an automated function.

[0014] In the context of this disclosure, a provisioning budget may include a total amount of resources (provisioning factors) available to execute automated functions in a system (motor vehicle). The provisioning budget can be divided among the automated functions as provisioning factors according to distribution keys. The provisioning budget can be divided into multiple provisioning factors.

[0015] The above-described device then offers a number of advantages. In particular, it is possible to limit the maximum impact of one automation function in order to reduce its impact on another automation function. Thus, self-learning behavior and / or automation can still be performed and is not hindered by the maximum impact of one automation function. In addition, the impact of an automation function on the system can be limited so that functional system access is at least temporarily blocked when a provisioning factor is consumed. Thus, another automation function is not limited in its implementation or inhibited by its execution.

[0016] In the following, possible developments of the above-mentioned device are described in detail.

[0017] The automated adjustment of the automated function can be configured to include adjusting the execution of the automated function. The execution of the automated function can be adjusted / prevented until a provisioning factor can be allocated from the provisioning quota.

[0018] The automated adjustment of an automated function can be configured to include the execution of the automated function within a limited functional range. The functional range can refer to the specific functionality and performance of an automated function of a subsystem or system. It describes its possibilities and execution limitations. The possibilities can be limited, thus ensuring that resource consumption does not exceed a desired range. It is possible to change / adjust parameters of the automated function that do not have an impact on the delivery factors.

[0019] The assigned provision factors can be configured to include fixed provision factors. For the execution of an automated function, provision factors can be set to set a scope of execution. The set provision factors can be identified using experience points. In addition, the set provision factors can be selected / set based on system constraints.

[0020] The allocated provision factor can be configured to include an adaptable provision factor depending on a control amount. The control amount can take into account external influences acting on the subsystem or system, resulting in a demand and / or adaptation. Thus, the allocated provision factor can be adjusted to ensure a different execution of the automated function. The adaptation can include an extension of the provision factor. It is possible to configure a sequential extension.

[0021] The amount of control can be configured to include the temporary use of the automated function. The provision factor can be expanded based on the temporary function in its available amount. Thus, the provision factor can be expanded over the duration of the automated function's execution, which can include an increased allocation of resources for execution. The automated function can be executed for a longer period and / or with a larger functional scope.

[0022] The traveled route section can be configured to include a control variable. The traveled route section includes a route section traveled by the vehicle. The provision factor can be expanded with the traveled route section to be able to perform an automated function.

[0023] A vehicle's driving cycle can be configured to include a control variable. A driving cycle can refer to a pattern in which a vehicle is driven. The pattern can refer to distance, speed, acceleration, braking, and / or other factors that affect vehicle operation. The driving cycle can include an experience value, and the delivery factor can be expanded based on the experience value.

[0024] The execution of an automated function with a limited functional range can be configured to include retrieval of a portion of the range of the automated function, which can be retrieval to other automated functions and / or other control devices with available provision factors so that the retrieval of the range of the automated function can be further executed or can be executed.

[0025] The execution of an automated function with a limited functional range can be configured to include a refinement of the function value output, which can reduce the consumption of the provision factor.

[0026] The execution of an automated function with a limited functional scope can be configured to include the deactivation of functional parts. The deactivation of functional parts can reduce the consumption of the provision factor by the automated function. The functional parts can be classified and / or deactivated according to an evaluation. The function parameters can be configured to be further executed without affecting the provision factor.

[0027] It is possible to configure the execution of an automated function with a limited functional scope to include the provision and transfer of a predetermined amount of the provision factor assigned to another automated function, thus allowing the provision factor to be assigned to another automated function, thereby enabling another execution of the automated function.

[0028] The automated functions can be configured to include heating and / or cooling of the high-voltage battery. The provision factor can include the energy consumption (amount of energy) for heating and / or cooling of the high-voltage battery. Thus, it can be ensured that the energy consumption for heating and / or cooling of the high-voltage battery is maintained within a predetermined range, possibly to meet user requirements and / or tolerance parameters.

[0029] In other words, the above matters can be summarized as follows in other words and with respect to the specific configurations that can be disclosed, and the following description should not be construed as limiting the disclosure.

[0030] Automated and / or self-learning functions can have an impact on system operation and / or the vehicle. The impacts can be extreme.

[0031] To limit the maximum impact of a feature, a limited function that does not prevent self-learning behavior or automation may be necessary. This can refer to the feature's impact on the system as a whole, as well as the feature's own learning behavior.

[0032] User behavior of the vehicle can then be analyzed, vehicle functionality can be adjusted based on user behavior, and user profiles can be provided automatically within the scope of functionality.

[0033] User actions may include charging actions. Battery heating strategies can be adjusted based on charging actions. This has an effect on energy consumption. The impact on energy consumption may vary depending on the actual user actions that are the subject of automation, and therefore cannot be limited to each action, across usage gaps, and / or to a maximum value. User actions may include driving actions (traveling actions), use of air conditioning, etc.

[0034] The automated function (automated driving function) can assign a provision factor (budget) to the influence. The influence can include an amount of energy. The budget can be static or can further increase over a controlled amount (e.g., time, route section) or can decrease due to outstanding consumption (e.g., the budget increases when consumption is low compared to the allowance, and decreases when consumption is high compared to the allowance). The automated function can intervene in the system (vehicle) within the budget. If the budget is consumed, functional intervention can be prevented at certain points.

[0035] Furthermore, implementation may also include distribution of the allocated amount among different automated functions.

[0036] To enable maximum comfort in vehicle use, the learning function can be configured to heat the high-voltage battery depending on the current, past, and predicted customer behavior. This can lead to high energy consumption depending on the learned operating pattern. The energy used for this can be allocated so that the function can be provided as optimally as possible while not exceeding a desired energy consumption range (which may be related to the customer's or vehicle's capacity). This allocation can be spread over time, a journey, and / or a vehicle driving cycle. This can result in different levels of reduction in the consumed allocation. The function can be transferred to other mechanisms, power reduced, or range disabled. These can be allowed / activated again once sufficient allocation is again available.

[0037] There is also provided a motor vehicle having a control unit or control device as described above.

[0038] The motor vehicle may be a private vehicle, in particular a car, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. It is also contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to machines other than motor vehicles, where the operating time of the machine may be considered in the manner described above. The applicant reserves the right to file a divisional application therefor.

[0039] The motor vehicle may be automated and may be configured to at least partially and / or at least temporarily take over longitudinal steering (guiding) and / or lateral steering (guiding) during automated driving of the motor vehicle.

[0040] The automated driving can be such that the movement of the motor vehicle is (almost) autonomous. The automated driving can be at least partially and / or temporarily controlled by a control device.

[0041] A motor vehicle may be at autonomy level 0, ie the driver takes over the dynamic driving task, although support systems (e.g. ABS or ESP) are present.

[0042] The motor vehicle may be an autonomy level 1 motor vehicle, i.e., may be equipped with certain driver assistance systems that support the driver in operating the vehicle, such as, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC).

[0043] The motor vehicle may be an autonomy level 2 motor vehicle, i.e., it may be partially automated such that automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral steering, general longitudinal steering, acceleration and / or braking are taken over by the driver assistance system.

[0044] The motor vehicle may be a Level 3 motor vehicle, i.e., capable of being automated in operation so that the driver does not need to continuously monitor the vehicle's systems. The motor vehicle automatically performs functions such as turning on turn signals, changing lanes, and keeping in lane. The driver is free to undertake other actions but is required to assume control within the system's pre-warning period if necessary.

[0045] The motor vehicle may be an autonomy level 4 motor vehicle, i.e., it may be highly automated such that driving of the vehicle is continuously assumed by the vehicle's systems, requiring the driver to take over driving when the systems are no longer capable of performing the driving role.

[0046] The motor vehicle may be a Level 5 motor vehicle, i.e., it may be fully automated such that no driver is required to fulfill the driver's role. No human intervention is required except for setting objectives and initiating the system. The motor vehicle may do without a steering wheel and pedals.

[0047] The above discussion of control systems applies equally to motor vehicles and vice versa.

[0048] Also provided is a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle. The method may have a plurality of method steps. In a first method step, at least one automated function requested by the motor vehicle may be detected. In another method step, a provision factor from a provision allocation may be assigned to the detected automated function. In another method step, the requested automated function may be executed within the range of the assigned provision factor. If the assigned provision factor is used up by the execution of the automated function, the execution of the automated function may be adjusted.

[0049] The control method may be a computer-implemented method, and one, several or all steps of the method may be performed at least in part by a computer or apparatus for data processing, optionally by a control device.

[0050] The above discussion of the control device and motor vehicle applies equally to the method and vice versa.

[0051] Also provided is a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partly perform or implement the method described above.

[0052] The program code of the computer program may be present in any code, in particular code suitable for controlling a motor vehicle.

[0053] The above discussion of the control device, motor vehicle and method equally applies to the computer program and vice versa.

[0054] Also provided is a computer readable medium, in particular a computer readable storage medium, which contains instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute or perform the method described above.

[0055] That is, it is possible to provide a computer-readable medium containing the computer program defined above. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an SD card or an SSD card (or an SSD drive / SSD hard disk).

[0056] The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium available to the motor vehicle, but may also be obtained externally, for example via the Internet.

[0057] Anything described above in relation to a method, a control device, a computer program product and a motor vehicle applies equally to a computer readable medium and vice versa.

[0058] In the following, an optional embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a motor vehicle having a control device according to the present disclosure for controlling the operation of the motor vehicle; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method according to the present disclosure for controlling operation of a motor vehicle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The motor vehicle 1 , shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 1, comprises a control device 2 and a high-voltage battery 3 .

[0061] The control device 2 is configured to carry out a method for controlling the operation of the motor vehicle 1, which will be described in more detail below with reference also to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the method.

[0062] The method essentially comprises three method steps S1 to S3.

[0063] In a first method step S1, detection of at least one automated function required by the motor vehicle 1 is carried out by means of the control device 2.

[0064] As already mentioned above, an automated function is a system in the motor vehicle that performs a predetermined task automatically without the need for manual input, in this case the control of the heating and / or cooling of the high voltage battery 3.

[0065] In a second method step S2, the control device 2 allocates a provision factor from the provision allocation to the detected automated function. Here, the provision factor represents the required or maximum set energy consumption of the automated function, and thus here the control of heating and / or cooling of the high-voltage battery 3 of the motor vehicle 1. The allocated provision factor may then comprise a fixed provision factor. Alternatively, it is possible to set an adaptable provision factor depending on a controlled variable. The controlled variable may include the temporary use of the automated function, the traveled section and / or the driving cycle of the motor vehicle 1. The adaptable provision factor may be scalable based on the controlled variable.

[0066] In a third method step S3, the execution of the requested automated function is carried out at the allocated provision factor, i.e. at the set energy consumption, using the control device 2. If the allocated provision factor is used up by the execution of the automated function, the execution of the automated function is automatically adjusted by the control device 2.

[0067] The automated adjustment of the automated function of the third method step S3 may include adjusting the execution of the automated function, or alternatively, executing the automated function within a limited functional scope.

[0068] Executing an automated function within a limited functional range may include retrieving a functional range, narrowing down a functional value output, shutting down a functional portion, and / or providing and transmitting a predetermined amount of a provision factor assigned to another automated function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 vehicle 2. Control device 3 High Voltage Battery S1~S3 method steps

Claims

1. A control device (2) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (1), the control device (2) comprising: - to detect at least one automated function required by said motor vehicle (1), and - assigning a provisioning factor from a provisioning quota to said detected automated function; The control device (2) is configured as follows: The control device (2) - to perform the required automation functions within the allocated provisioning factors; and - automating and adjusting the execution of the automated function if the execution of the automated function has used up the allocated provision factor; A control device (2) characterized by being configured as follows.

2. 2. The control device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the automated adjustment of the automated function comprises adjusting the execution of the automated function or executing the automated function in a limited functional range.

3. 3. The control device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the assigned provision factors comprise fixed provision factors and / or adaptive provision factors depending on a control variable.

4. The control device (2) of claim 3, characterized in that the controlled variable includes the temporary use of the automated function, the distance traveled and / or the driving cycle of the vehicle (100), and the adaptable provision factor is scalable based on and for the controlled variable.

5. Execution of said automated functions within a limited functional scope includes: - Extraction of part of the functional range, - Narrowing down function value output, - the stopping of functional parts and / or - Providing and transmitting a predetermined amount of a provision factor assigned to another automated function The control device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises:

6. The control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the automated function comprises heating and / or cooling of a high voltage battery (3), and the provision factor comprises energy consumption for heating and / or cooling of the high voltage battery (3).

7. A motor vehicle (1) comprising a control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (1), the method comprising: - detecting (S1) at least one automated function required by said motor vehicle (1), and - assigning a provisioning factor from a provisioning quota to said detected automated functions (S2); In the method, The method comprises: - performing the requested automated functions within the allocated provisioning factors (S3); and - automating and adjusting the execution of the automated function (S3) if the execution of the automated function has used up the allocated provision factor; A method comprising:

9. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of claim 8.

10. A computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 8.

Images