Method for checking an electrical connection between a user device and a charging unit of a motor vehicle, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, data-processing device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

Proposed is a method for checking an electrical connection between a user device and a charging unit of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: detecting an attempt to couple the user device to the charging unit, the detection being performed using a camera system of the motor vehicle, the camera system being configured with an image recognition method for detecting the coupling attempt, and the camera system preferably having at least one vehicle interior camera; checking the electrical connection by means of a checking device that is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection on the basis of a measured electrical variable; and outputting a warning if a coupling attempt is detected by means of the camera system and a faulty electrical connection is detected by means of the checking device.

Description

[0001] Method for testing an electrical connection between a user device and a charging device of a motor vehicle, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, data processing device and motor vehicle

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method for testing an electrical connection between a user device and a charging device of a motor vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a computer program and / or computer-readable medium, a data processing device, and a motor vehicle.

[0003] A familiar problem from everyday life when driving a motor vehicle is that a vehicle occupant can connect an electronic user device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to the vehicle's charging device, but the charging cable is not plugged into the user device correctly. This connection problem is also exacerbated by the increasing wear and tear on the USB ports on user devices, which means that a charging cable is not plugged in properly even when plugged in correctly. In these cases, modern smartphones react with messages about a reduced charging speed. However, these messages can easily be overlooked by the drivers. Another problem that can arise when charging user devices in a vehicle is that the user device is not positioned correctly on an inductive charging surface of a vehicle's charging device.In all of the cases described above, this may result in the user's device not being charged or only being charged at reduced power. If the vehicle occupant does not independently detect that the charging process is not proceeding as intended, they may assume that their device is fully charged when they leave the vehicle, even though this is not the case.

[0004] DE 10 2018 211 954 A1 discloses a storage device for wireless charging smartphones in a car center console, with which a smartphone can be securely stored in the vehicle interior and wirelessly charged. The disclosed storage device is intended to hold the smartphone regardless of its size, so that the smartphone can maintain a predetermined position while driving. Consequently, not only is charging efficiency improved, but the smartphone can also be protected from driving vibrations. DE 10 2021 100670 A1 discloses a system for charging a portable device. The system comprises at least one charging module configured to charge the portable device during use; and a vehicle component installable in an interior of the vehicle, wherein the at least one charging module is installed in or on the vehicle component.According to the disclosure, a position detection unit is used in the vehicle, for example, according to one embodiment, an interior camera, to determine the position of the portable device and, based on the detected position, to move the charging module into a favorable charging position by means of an actuator.

[0005] The disclosure of DE 102018211 954 A1 and DE 10 2021 100670 A1 therefore shows that additional mechanical means are used to ensure that either the user device to be charged is correctly positioned or to move the charging device to a favorable position in order to ensure an efficient charging process.

[0006] Against the background of this prior art, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a method suitable for enriching the prior art and improving at least the above-mentioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the object of the disclosure is to improve the charging reliability of user devices charged in motor vehicles and to provide resource-efficient and secure charging detection.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a method for testing an electrical connection between a user device and a charging device of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting a coupling attempt of the user device to the charging device, wherein the detection is carried out using a camera system of the motor vehicle that is configured with an image recognition method for detecting the coupling attempt; testing the electrical connection using a testing device that is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection based on a measured electrical quantity; and issuing a warning if a coupling attempt is detected using the camera system and a faulty electrical connection is detected using the testing device. According to the disclosure, a testing method is therefore proposed that can also be understood as a monitoring method or charging detection.The electrical connection can be cable-based or inductive. A user device can be understood as any device that can accept electrical power provided by a motor vehicle, for example a smartphone, a tablet, a power bank, a games console, or another chargeable end device. The charging device is generically a device that is configured to electrically charge a user device. For example, the charging device is a cable-based charging device that is configured by means of a voltage-carrying charging socket to electrically charge a user device connected to the charging socket. In another example, the charging device is an inductive charging device that is configured by means of a coil to inductively charge a user device. It is understood that the on-board electrical system or a battery of the motor vehicle serves as the energy source.

[0009] According to the disclosure, a detection step is carried out. In this step, a camera optically detects the attempt by a vehicle occupant to connect the user device to the charging device. A coupling attempt can therefore be understood as the attempt by a vehicle occupant to electrically charge the user device via the charging device. A camera is therefore used to visually check whether a vehicle occupant is attempting or has attempted to charge the user device with the charging device. The camera system is equipped with an image recognition method for detecting the coupling process. For this purpose, the camera system comprises, in particular, an image recording means for capturing digital images and an image processing device for analyzing the captured images. The image processing device can be part of a data processing device of the motor vehicle or part of the camera system.For example, the camera system may include a vehicle interior camera as the image recording means, and the image processing device may be configured with an image recognition method for motion detection, gesture detection, object detection, position detection, or the like. The term "image recognition method" may also be understood synonymously as a computer vision method or image analysis method. Particularly preferably, the camera system includes at least one vehicle interior camera or is configured as such. Accordingly, the method preferably uses at least one interior camera to monitor the vehicle interior.

[0010] In addition, according to the disclosure, a testing step is carried out. This step can take place after the detection step, before the detection step, or simultaneously with the detection step. In the testing step, the electrical connection between the user device and the charging device is tested using a testing device. The test is carried out based on an electrical variable, such as a charging voltage, a charging current, or a charging power, which is determined using the testing device. The testing device is therefore a device designed to determine and evaluate at least one electrical variable. For example, the testing device is designed to evaluate the amplitude and / or frequency of the electrical variable. For this purpose, the testing device has, in particular, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and / or a power meter for detecting an electrical variable.The test device is therefore used to check whether the electrical connection between the user device and the charging device is correctly established. In addition, the test device is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection. According to a preferred embodiment, threshold values ​​for the electrical variables are stored in the test device, which are compared with measured electrical variables. If, in this preferred embodiment, the measured electrical variable is below the corresponding threshold value, a faulty electrical connection exists. The distinction between a faulty and a proper electrical connection can therefore be made in particular using threshold values ​​for the electrical variables. For example, a faulty electrical connection can be concluded from an insufficient charging current or an insufficient transmitted inductive power.

[0011] According to the disclosure, an output step also occurs. The output step occurs after the detection step and / or the testing step or simultaneously with these steps. In the output step, a warning is issued based on the result of the detection step and the testing step. The type of warning is fundamentally arbitrary; for example, a warning can be generated visually, acoustically, or via vibration. The warning can also be understood as a notification. For example, a warning message is displayed on a display of the motor vehicle or an acoustic signal is generated via a loudspeaker. The warning is issued when a pairing attempt is detected with the camera system and a faulty electrical connection is detected with the testing device. To alert the user to the problem, a warning or notification is issued.

[0012] It was recognized that a combination of a camera system and a testing device, which are standard equipment in modern motor vehicles, enables a particularly reliable verification of an electrical connection between a user device and a vehicle charging device. Performing only an electrical test would be less reliable than the proposed solution, because a pairing attempt may fail to establish a conductive connection between the user device and the charging device. Furthermore, the proposed solution does not use any additional mechanical means to ensure an efficient charging process, but instead uses the warning to prompt the vehicle occupant to take action and verify the connection.

[0013] In summary, the disclosure described here relates to a method for detecting the correct charging of additional user devices in a vehicle. The method utilizes at least one camera system and a corresponding image recognition method to monitor, for example, the plugging in of charging cables or the positioning of user devices on an inductive charging surface. By evaluating the captured images, it is determined whether the charging process was completed successfully or not. If problems occur, the user is given warnings or notifications to ensure that the device is charged properly.

[0014] The disclosure thus enables intelligent use of the technology already present in the motor vehicle, in particular the camera system and the charging device. Accordingly, a particularly resource-efficient charging detection system without additional mechanical means is proposed. The disclosure also makes it possible to increase the charging reliability of user devices connected to the motor vehicle's charging device by alerting the vehicle occupant to an incorrect pairing attempt after the pairing attempt has been detected and verified.

[0015] Preferably, detecting the coupling attempt with the camera system comprises the step of: detecting the coupling attempt based on at least one image recognition method from the list of image recognition methods comprising: motion detection in a predetermined area of ​​interest, preferably the area of ​​interest is in the area of ​​an inductive charging surface of the motor vehicle and / or in the area of ​​a charging connection of the motor vehicle; gesture detection of a vehicle occupant; object detection configured at least to detect a user device; object tracking configured at least to spatially track a user device; position detection configured at least to detect the local position in the space of a user device, and location detection configured at least to detect the local location in the space of a user device.A preferred image recognition method is therefore motion detection in an area of ​​interest. This area is also known as the "area of ​​interest." It is particularly preferred that the area of ​​interest be located in the area of ​​an inductive charging surface of the charging device and, additionally or alternatively, in the area of ​​a charging port of the motor vehicle. If movement is detected in the area of ​​interest by the camera system, this can be considered a coupling attempt. This method is characterized by its simple implementation.

[0016] Another preferred image recognition method is proposed for gesture recognition of a vehicle occupant, which can also be considered movement pattern recognition. It is therefore proposed to configure the camera system to recognize gestures or movements that are indicative of a pairing attempt. If a detected movement or gesture of a vehicle occupant corresponds to a movement or gesture that is indicative of a pairing process, a pairing process can be inferred. This method is comparatively less susceptible to interference.

[0017] Another preferred image recognition method proposes object recognition, which is particularly configured to recognize at least one user device. Object recognition by means of a camera is generally known. The objects detected by object recognition are generally arbitrary. It is preferably proposed that the camera system be configured to recognize at least one user device. If, for example, a user device on an inductive charging surface is recognized by object recognition, a pairing attempt can be inferred. Particularly preferably, object recognition is also configured to recognize charging cables. For example, if a charging cable and a user device are recognized, a pairing attempt can be inferred. This embodiment reduces the risk of falsely detected pairing attempts.

[0018] Another preferred image recognition method proposes object tracking, which is configured, in particular, at least for spatially tracking a user device. Object tracking using a camera is generally known. The objects tracked using object tracking are generally arbitrary. It is preferably proposed that the camera system spatially track a user device, i.e., track its movement in space. For example, a user device can be tracked in space, and a pairing attempt can be inferred if the user device is detected near a charging surface or charging socket. This method is comparatively robust against interference.

[0019] As a further preferred image recognition method, position detection is proposed, which is configured to detect at least the local position of a user device. Furthermore, position detection is preferably proposed, which is configured to detect the local location of a user device. Position and location detection using a camera are generally known. It is therefore proposed to detect the position and / or location of a user device in space and to infer a pairing attempt based on the position and / or location of the device in the vehicle. These methods are easy to implement.

[0020] According to the disclosure, it is also proposed that the proposed image recognition methods can also be combined with each other as desired, which is expressed by the wording that the recognition of the coupling attempt is based on at least one image recognition method.

[0021] Preferably, detecting the coupling attempt with the camera system comprises the step of evaluating at least one camera image of the camera system using at least one machine learning algorithm. Particularly preferably, the evaluation is carried out using at least one trained artificial neural network configured to execute an image recognition method. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one trained artificial neural network is configured to execute an image recognition method, as described above. For example, the artificial neural network is a convolutional neural network (CNN) or the like, configured to process the images captured with the camera system.It is proposed to analyze the camera system's images using machine learning models, for example, to identify the insertion of a charging cable into a device or to detect the positioning of devices on an inductive charging surface. The wording at least expresses that multiple machine learning algorithms can be used, each configured differently.

[0022] The method preferably comprises the step of issuing an acoustic warning. Particularly preferably, the acoustic warning is issued via an acoustic output device of the motor vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the acoustic output device is a loudspeaker. Accordingly, it is proposed that, in the event of a failed pairing attempt, the vehicle occupant be acoustically alerted, for example, with a warning tone, of the faulty pairing attempt. It is advantageous that acoustic warnings cannot be overlooked.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably proposed that the method comprises the step of issuing a visual warning. Particularly preferably, the visual warning is issued via a visual display of the motor vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visual display is a screen or display. Accordingly, if a pairing attempt fails, it is proposed that the vehicle occupant be visually informed of the faulty pairing attempt, for example, with a warning on a display. It is advantageous that visual warnings can be issued silently and are thus perceived as less disruptive in certain situations, such as when making a phone call using a hands-free system.

[0024] The method preferably comprises the step of detecting which vehicle occupant attempted to pair the user device with the charging device; and issuing a user-specific warning in the vicinity of the occupant who attempted to pair. The method for detecting the vehicle occupant is fundamentally arbitrary. Particularly preferably, the occupant is detected using the camera system. For this purpose, the camera system can, for example, use the image recognition methods described above, configured for occupant recognition. It is advantageous that the warning is thus issued individually to the user who attempted to pair the device, thus minimizing the disturbance to other vehicle occupants. Accordingly, the method detects, for example with the aid of the interior camera, which user started or attempted to start the charging process in which seat.This allows the warning or notice to be directed specifically to the user in question. The audiovisual output of the notice is provided, for example, via appropriate output devices near the user to ensure that the notice is clearly perceived.

[0025] Preferably, the electrical connection is tested after a predetermined delay period, and the warning is issued when the delay period has elapsed. Accordingly, it is proposed that once a plugging or positioning process of the user device is completed, a short period of time, for example, five seconds, be waited. After the delay period or waiting period has elapsed, a check is then made to determine whether a charging current is flowing or whether a proper connection has been established. If no charging current is detected, if the charging current is too low, or if the connection has not been established properly, the warning is issued.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the electrical connection is tested for a predetermined test period, and the warning is issued when the test period has elapsed. It is therefore proposed to wait for the test period to elapse and to test the electrical connection during the test period. The test period can be in the range of a few seconds. The test period serves the purpose of generating few false warnings and waiting for a steady state.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the electrical connection is tested continuously. It is therefore proposed to continuously monitor the electrical parameter to detect whether the charging process is interrupted while driving. This can occur, for example, if the plug connection has become loose due to vibration and the device is no longer charging. Due to the continuous testing, a warning or notification is issued in such a case to alert the user to the interruption and prompt them to check the charging connection and correct it if necessary.

[0028] The method preferably comprises the step of exchanging data via a data connection between the user device and the motor vehicle. It is therefore proposed that the user device and the motor vehicle are data-technically coupled and exchange data with each other, for example via a cable-based data connection, such as a USB connection, or via a wireless data connection, such as Bluetooth, WLAN or the like. It is understood that the data connection for this purpose is established automatically or has already been established. In addition to the electrical connection, a wireless data connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi) can therefore be established between the vehicle and the device to be charged. A characteristic value, such as a charge level, can then be transmitted to the vehicle via this data connection.

[0029] The method preferably comprises the step of determining at least one characteristic of the user device and / or the motor vehicle and / or a current traffic situation. According to the disclosure, the determination of the characteristic can be a passive determination, for example, receiving the information as data or the like. However, it can also be an active determination, for example, an active determination, a calculation, or a measurement of the characteristic or the like. According to the disclosure, it is also possible to determine and monitor several of the characteristic variables, preferably using threshold values.

[0030] Characteristics of the user device include, for example, the battery charge level of the user device, the charging speed of the user device, or the local position of the user device. Characteristics of the motor vehicle include, for example, driving data of the motor vehicle, such as the current speed or the current local position of the motor vehicle. Characteristics of a current traffic situation include, for example, current traffic data, such as traffic jam data or road closures, or the like.

[0031] In addition, the method preferably includes the step of suppressing the warning depending on the characteristic. It is therefore proposed that the warning be suppressed in certain situations.

[0032] Preferably, the characteristic comprises at least one characteristic from the list of characteristics: a battery charge level of the user device, a charging speed of the user device, a remaining travel time to a destination, a remaining distance to a destination, driving data of the motor vehicle and traffic data.

[0033] The battery charge level is information about the charge level of the end device, for example the current battery charge in percent. For example, the current charge level can be transmitted from a smartphone to the vehicle. The charging speed of the user device is information about the charging speed of the end device, for example information about reduced, normal or high charging speed. The remaining travel time to a destination is, for example, an estimated time to a destination. The remaining distance to a destination is, for example, an estimated distance to a destination. The travel data of the motor vehicle is vehicle data, such as the current speed. Traffic data is information about the current traffic situation, such as traffic jam data or data about closures or the like.

[0034] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the detected battery charge level is above a predetermined threshold. Thus, no warning is issued if, for example, the user device is almost fully charged. For example, the current charge level can be transmitted from a smartphone to the vehicle; if the smartphone is already sufficiently charged, the charging current can be significantly reduced. However, in this example scenario, this does not constitute an error that needs to be communicated to the user.

[0035] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the detected charging speed is above a threshold. Thus, no warning is issued if, for example, a normal or high charging speed is detected by the user device or the motor vehicle.

[0036] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the determined remaining travel time is below a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, no warning is issued if, for example, the remaining travel time is only short and the destination will soon be reached. The information on the remaining travel time can originate from a navigation module of the user device and / or from a navigation module of the motor vehicle. The warning to the user can therefore also be omitted if the vehicle is already very close to the destination (e.g. remaining travel time less than 5 minutes) and an interruption of the charging process is now detected and, in addition, the charge level of the device is higher than a certain threshold (e.g. 80%).

[0037] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the determined remaining distance is below a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, no warning is issued if, for example, the remaining distance is short and the destination will soon be reached. The information regarding the remaining distance can originate from a navigation module of the user device and / or from a navigation module of the motor vehicle.

[0038] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the detected driving data of the motor vehicle are above a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, no warning is issued if, for example, the speed of the motor vehicle is too high and the driver should not be distracted by the warning.

[0039] Preferably, the warning is suppressed if the traffic data requires increased attention from the driver. Accordingly, no warning will be issued if, for example, the driver's full attention is required for the traffic and the driver is not to be distracted by the warning. If, for example, the traffic data indicates a traffic jam or a situation in which a low level of attention is sufficient, the warning can be issued. If the driver of the vehicle needs to correct an incorrect charging process, the notification can be delayed, e.g., if the vehicle is stationary and its speed is zero or the attention required of the driver may be low due to the traffic situation.

[0040] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a computer program and / or a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprise instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method according to the disclosure and / or steps thereof. Optionally, the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method steps described as advantageous or optional in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0041] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a data processing device for a motor vehicle is provided. The data processing device is configured to perform the method described above. Optionally, the data processing device is configured to perform a method step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a method feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0042] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a motor vehicle comprising the data processing device described above is provided. Optionally, the data processing device of the motor vehicle and / or the motor vehicle is configured to perform a method step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a method feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0043] In the following, one embodiment is described with reference to the figures.

[0044] Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to one aspect of the disclosure; and

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium according to one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 50 according to one aspect of the disclosure, with a device 300 for testing an electrical connection between a user device 51 and a charging device 52 of the motor vehicle 50.

[0047] The motor vehicle 50 is a land vehicle. The motor vehicle 50 is a passenger car. The motor vehicle 50 has a vehicle interior 60. The vehicle interior 60 is a cabin of the motor vehicle 50. The vehicle interior 60 is thus configured to accommodate one or more occupants (not shown) in the vehicle interior 60. For this purpose, the vehicle interior 60 has one or more seats. Furthermore, the vehicle interior 60 has a storage area, a storage compartment, and / or a console. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle interior 60 is a trunk of the motor vehicle 50.

[0048] The user device 51 is shown as an example of a smartphone.

[0049] The device 300 has a charging device 52. The charging device 52 is designed with an on-board electrical system 58, which is electrically connected to a charging socket 56 and / or an inductive charging coil 57. The charging socket 56 is designed, for example, as a USB socket, which is indicated by a USB symbol. The charging device 52 can additionally or alternatively also be designed with an inductive charging coil 57, which is indicated by a coil symbol. The charging device 52 is electrically connectable to a user device 51. In the embodiment shown, the user device 51 is electrically connected to the charging socket 56 of the charging device 52 by a charging cable 59. Alternatively, the user device 51 can also be electrically connected to the charging device 52 inductively via the charging coil 57.

[0050] The device 300 also has a camera system 53. The camera system 53 of the motor vehicle 50 is configured to detect 110 an attempt to connect the user device 51 to the charging device 52. The camera system 53 is configured with an image recognition method for detecting the attempt to connect. It is illustrated by way of example using pictograms that the camera system 53 is configured with object recognition as the image recognition method and detects the objects hand 62, user device 51, and charging cable 59 in a region of interest 65. The evaluation of at least one camera image of the camera system 53 is carried out using a machine learning algorithm, namely, for example, an artificial neural network (CNN).Thus, a detection 110 of a coupling attempt of the user device 51 with the charging device 52 takes place, wherein the detection is carried out with a camera system 53 of the motor vehicle 50, which is equipped with an image recognition method for detecting the coupling attempt.

[0051] The device 300 also has a testing device 54 for testing 120 the electrical connection between the user device 51 and the charging device 52. The testing device 54 is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection 63 based on a measured electrical quantity l, UL. UL is, for example, a charging voltage and l L a charging current. The test device 54 checks, for example, whether the charging current l L is less than a threshold value Is for the charging current l L . If the charging current l Lbelow the threshold value Is, a faulty electrical connection 63 is assumed. The faulty electrical connection 63 is illustrated by a lightning symbol. The electrical connection is therefore tested 120 using a testing device 54, which is configured to, based on a measured electrical quantity l L , UL to detect a faulty electrical connection.

[0052] The device 300 also has a data processing device 61 and an output means 64 for outputting 130 a warning 55. The output means 64 is, for example, a loudspeaker or a display. The warning 55 is output when a coupling attempt is detected by the camera system 53 and a faulty electrical connection 63 is detected by the test device 54. Thus, a warning 55 is output 130 when a coupling attempt is detected by the camera system 53 and a faulty electrical connection is detected by the test device 54.

[0053] Figure 2 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 100 according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0054] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the method 100 according to Figure 2 can also be performed in a different order than that shown. In particular, it is possible for steps of the method 100 to be interchanged, shifted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0055] The method according to Figure 2 is a method 100 for testing an electrical connection between a user device 51 and a charging device 52 of a motor vehicle 50. It comprises at least the steps:

[0056] Detecting 110 an attempt to connect the user device 51 to the charging device, wherein the detection is carried out using a camera system 53 of the motor vehicle 50, which is equipped with an image recognition method for detecting the attempt to connect;

[0057] Testing 120 the electrical connection with a testing device 54 which is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection 63 on the basis of a measured electrical quantity l, UL; and

[0058] Outputting 130 a warning 55 if a coupling attempt is detected with the camera system 53 and a faulty electrical connection 63 is detected with the test device 54.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 includes instructions (not shown) which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device 61, cause the device 61 to perform the method 100 and / or the steps of the method 100 according to Figure 2.

[0060] The instructions can be present as program code in any code or language, in particular in code suitable for controlling and / or monitoring motor vehicles 50. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 can be or include any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card. The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be accessible via the Internet or otherwise.

[0061] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0062] 50 motor vehicles

[0063] 51 User Device

[0064] 52 Charging device

[0065] 53 Camera system

[0066] 54 Test facility

[0067] 55 Warning

[0068] 56 Charging port or charging socket

[0069] 57 inductive charging coil

[0070] 58 On-board network

[0071] 59 charging cables

[0072] 60 Vehicle interior

[0073] 61 Data processing device

[0074] 62 hands

[0075] 63 faulty electrical connection

[0076] 64 output media

[0077] 65 Area of ​​Interest

[0078] 100 procedures

[0079] 200 Computer program and / or computer-readable medium

[0080] 300 device

Claims

Claims 1. A method (100) for testing an electrical connection between a user device (51) and a charging device (52) of a motor vehicle (50), comprising the steps: Detecting (110) an attempt to connect the user device (51) to the charging device (52), wherein the detection is carried out using a camera system (53) of the motor vehicle (50) which is equipped with an image recognition method for detecting the coupling attempt, preferably the camera system (53) has at least one vehicle interior camera; Testing (120) the electrical connection with a testing device (54) which is configured to detect a faulty electrical connection on the basis of a measured electrical quantity (l , UL); and Outputting (130) a warning (55) if a coupling attempt is detected with the camera system (53) and a faulty electrical connection is detected with the test device (54).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detecting (110) of the coupling attempt with the camera system (53) comprises the step: Detecting the pairing attempt based on at least one Image recognition method from the list of image recognition methods comprising: motion detection in a predetermined area of ​​interest (65), preferably the area of ​​interest is in the area (65) of an inductive charging surface of the motor vehicle (50) and / or in the area of ​​a charging connection (56) of the motor vehicle; Gesture recognition of a vehicle occupant; Object recognition, which is preferably configured to recognize at least one user device (51); Object tracking, which is preferably configured at least for spatially tracking a user device (51); Position detection, which is at least capable of detecting the local position of a user device (51); and Position detection which is configured at least to detect the local position of a user device (51).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein detecting (110) the coupling attempt with the camera system (53) comprises the step: Evaluating at least one camera image of the camera system (53) with at least one machine learning algorithm, preferably the evaluation is carried out with at least one trained artificial neural network (CNN) which is configured to carry out an image recognition method, in particular the trained artificial neural network is configured to carry out an image recognition method according to claim 2.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the step: Outputting an acoustic warning (55), wherein the output of the acoustic warning is preferably effected via an acoustic output means (64) of the motor vehicle (50), in particular the acoustic output means is a loudspeaker; and / or Issuing a visual warning (55), wherein the visual warning is preferably issued via an optical display means (64) of the motor vehicle (50), in particular the optical display means is a screen or display.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the step: Detecting which vehicle occupant attempted to pair the user device (51) with the charging device (52); and Issuing a user-specific warning (55) in the vicinity of the occupant who has performed the pairing attempt, wherein the occupant is preferably detected with the camera system (53).

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing (120) of the electrical connection is carried out starting from a predetermined delay period, and the warning (55) is issued when the delay period has elapsed; and / or the testing (120) of the electrical connection is carried out for a predetermined testing period, and the warning (55) is issued when the testing period has elapsed; and / or the testing (120) of the electrical connection is carried out continuously.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the step: Exchanging data via a data connection between the user device (51) and the motor vehicle (50); and Determining at least one characteristic of the user device (51) and / or the motor vehicle (50) and / or a current traffic situation; Suppressing the output of the warning depending on the characteristic, in particular at least one characteristic is determined from the list of characteristics comprising: a battery charge level of the user device (51), a charging speed of the user device (51), a remaining travel time to a destination, a remaining distance to a destination, Driving data of the motor vehicle (50), and Traffic data; and in particular, the output is suppressed if: the detected battery charge level is above a predetermined threshold, the detected charging speed is above a threshold, the detected remaining travel time is below a predetermined threshold, the detected remaining distance is below a predetermined threshold, the detected driving data of the motor vehicle are above a predetermined threshold, and / or the traffic data require increased attention from the motor vehicle driver.

8. Computer program and / or computer-readable medium (200) comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device (61), cause the device (61) to carry out the method (100) and / or the steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Data processing device (61) for a motor vehicle (50), wherein the data processing device (61) is configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Motor vehicle (50) comprising the data processing device (61) according to claim 9.

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