Method for controlling a motor vehicle, device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for controlling a motor vehicle (105), comprising steps of detecting (205) a signal which indicates that the motor vehicle (105) is in a predetermined situation; determining (230) controllable functions of the motor vehicle (105) for adapting a configuration; and selecting (235) a function depending on the situation, in order to adapt the configuration of the motor vehicle (105) to the situation. The invention further relates to a corresponding control device (110), as well as a motor vehicle (105) comprising such a device.

Description

[0001] -0210 PIF

[0002] 1

[0003] Control of a motor vehicle

[0004] The present invention relates to the control of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to the control of a motor vehicle depending on the situation in which the motor vehicle is located.

[0005] A vehicle's configuration can be controlled by activating an actuator, for example, to open or close a window. In some situations, the configuration should be adjusted to prevent potential damage to the vehicle. For instance, if the vehicle is going through an automatic car wash, all windows and doors should be closed, and the parking brake should be released. The configuration is typically adjusted by the driver of the vehicle to suit the situation.

[0006] However, it can happen that the driver does not adjust the configuration to the situation, or only partially, so that despite preventative measures, damage to the vehicle can occur. The driver may also be unaware of the options the vehicle offers for adjusting its configuration. Vehicles of the same model can be equipped differently, enabling them to perform different functions. Functions can be interconnected, so that an unintended function can be controlled along with an intended one. The driver may be accustomed to a level of vehicle personalization that has not been applied to the vehicle in question. The vehicle's control software may have undergone an unexpected update, resulting in a change to how a function is operated.The aforementioned and other factors can contribute to the vehicle not being optimally adapted to a predetermined situation. -0210 PIF.

[0007] 2

[0008] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for controlling a motor vehicle depending on the situation in which the motor vehicle finds itself. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a motor vehicle comprises steps of acquiring a signal indicating that the motor vehicle is in a predetermined situation; determining controllable functions of the motor vehicle to adapt a configuration; and selecting one of the functions depending on the situation to adapt the configuration of the motor vehicle to the situation.

[0010] Typically, the vehicle is in this situation traveling slowly, for example, at walking speed or at a standstill. Examples of such situations include driving through a car wash, cleaning the vehicle with a pressure washer, driving through a drive-through, such as at a restaurant or bank, or loading the vehicle onto a ferry. The configuration does not usually directly affect the vehicle's longitudinal or lateral steering, but rather involves an auxiliary, comfort, or preventative function that influences how the vehicle is affected by an environmental factor.

[0011] It is proposed to dynamically determine a large number of controllable functions of the vehicle in order to optimally adapt the vehicle's configuration to a specific situation. Dynamic determination allows for the consideration of many influences that affect the controllability of a function or its applicability.

[0012] 3

[0013] a function can be influenced by the predetermined situation. The described technique can thus be used unchanged in differently equipped, differently updated, or individually modified vehicles. Furthermore, the configuration can be dynamically adapted to the situation in an improved manner. As a result, the best possible adaptation of the configuration to the situation can be achieved. It is not necessary for a driver to correctly assess the situation or to become familiar with all possible controllable functions of the vehicle.

[0014] It is preferred that the effect of a controllable function be determined with respect to the situation; wherein a function is selected that has a positive influence on the motor vehicle or an occupant in the given situation. A positive influence regularly exists if the motor vehicle or an occupant is better protected, or if an environmental influence that can be expected in the situation does not adversely affect either the motor vehicle or any of its occupants.

[0015] By dynamically determining the function's effect, the configuration can be better adapted to the situation. In particular, it can be determined whether the configuration can be adapted not only to a generic situation, but also to the specific one at hand. For example, in a car wash, the folding of the side mirrors can be omitted if the car wash is very wide or has no side cleaning drums.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that the function be selected using a trained language model. The language model can, in particular, be a Large Language Model (LLM) or a Small Language Model (SLM). Optionally, the language model can be configured to query additional information of a predetermined type from an external source. This technique is known as als-0210 PIF.

[0017] 4

[0018] The language model is known as Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). It is trained on a large number of general documents, giving it a certain degree of world knowledge. This allows it to answer questions such as which of the available functions for changing the vehicle's configuration will have a positive effect in a given situation. Conversely, the language model can determine which configuration change would be advantageous in a given situation. Based on this, a controllable function of the vehicle can be determined or selected. The language model can be executed locally in the vehicle or by an external entity in various configurations.Optionally, the language model can also be specially trained (finetuned) with regard to the needs of a motor vehicle, so that it can better handle relationships between configuration changes and their effects with regard to one or more predetermined situations.

[0019] In another embodiment, a potentially damaging influence is determined based on the situation, and a function is selected that counteracts or prevents the influence. For example, when driving through a car wash, there is a risk of water penetrating the interior, damaging a function of the vehicle, or temporarily disabling it. The influences that can affect the vehicle in a given situation are preferably determined dynamically. This allows for further improved configuration adaptation to the situation.

[0020] In one scenario, the potentially damaging influence acts on the motor vehicle. For example, wind can slam an open car door shut or overstress it, a convertible top can be overstressed if it is opened or closed in strong winds, penetrating-0210 PIF

[0021] 5

[0022] Water can have a negative impact on electrical systems or freeze at cold temperatures.

[0023] The potentially damaging influence can also affect a vehicle occupant. Examples of such influences include precipitation or wind. In both scenarios, attempts can be made to protect the vehicle or its occupant from the influence. This can be achieved, for example, by closing windows or a convertible top early on when the vehicle is being driven in an area exposed to spray or splashing water.

[0024] In another embodiment, the function includes a support function. This can positively support a function of the motor vehicle. The support function can act on an occupant of the motor vehicle. For example, depending on the situation, an interior light can be switched on, the sound system can be turned down, or a window can be opened or closed. The occupant can be better supported in behaving appropriately for the situation or in performing an activity that is expected in that situation. For example, if the motor vehicle passes through a drive-through, the interior light can be switched on to allow the person to place an order or look for money, and a window can be opened to receive a food order.

[0025] A motor vehicle typically includes at least one control unit. Controllable functions of this control unit can be queried. This query can be dynamic, for example, after determining the predetermined situation of the motor vehicle. Changes to a controllable function, such as those resulting from an automatic update of software running on the control unit, can thus be better accommodated. (Also-0210 PIF)

[0026] 6

[0027] This allows for better consideration of a failure or limitation of a function. Furthermore, this method can detect a control unit or function whose availability has changed since the last run of the procedure.

[0028] Preferably, the area surrounding the vehicle is scanned, and the situation is determined based on the scan. The situation can be determined, in particular, based on a device detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is in the vicinity of a car wash, a drive-through restaurant, or a gas station, it can be determined that the vehicle is in a situation associated with the detected device. In a further embodiment, the device can be scanned to specify the situation more precisely. This also ensures that it is not incorrectly determined that the vehicle is in a situation associated with a device that the vehicle is merely passing, for example.

[0029] The facility can also be determined based on POI data. This involves determining the vehicle's geographic position and then identifying the facility based on map data relating to the predetermined location. Specifically, the map data can include facilities such as ATMs, car washes, gas stations, supermarkets, etc., as landmarks (Points of Interest, POI).

[0030] According to yet another embodiment, the function is selected depending on the person on board the vehicle. The function can also be selected based on a constellation of people on board the vehicle. For example, the control of a predetermined function can be omitted if a small child is on board the vehicle. Eine-0210 PIF

[0031] 7

[0032] A person can be further identified or categorized, for example, based on a biometric characteristic. A person's preference can extend to a controllable function or to the control of a function in a predetermined situation. In this way, the selection of functions can be individually adapted to one or more occupants of the vehicle, depending on the situation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the specific function can be controlled automatically. Optionally, prior approval from a person on board the vehicle can be obtained before the function can be controlled. The person can be notified of a detected situation. The technology described herein is, of course, also suitable for controlling multiple functions individually or in concert to configure the vehicle for a given situation. A list of functions to be controlled can be provided to the person on board, and the person can confirm or reject the list in its entirety or individual entries.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for controlling a motor vehicle comprises an interface for acquiring a signal indicating that the motor vehicle is in a predetermined situation; and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine controllable functions of the motor vehicle for adapting a configuration and to select a function depending on the situation in order to adapt the configuration of the motor vehicle to that situation.

[0035] In a further development, the device can be connected to a sensor to scan the vehicle's surroundings. Based on the scan, it can be determined that the vehicle is in the pre--0210 PIF

[0036] 8

[0037] The situation is as described. Furthermore, the predetermined situation can be characterized more precisely based on the sampling.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle comprises a device described herein. The motor vehicle may in particular be a passenger car or a similar vehicle.

[0039] The processing device is preferably configured to partially or completely execute a method described herein. For this purpose, the processing device may be electronic and may, for example, comprise an integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, or a programmable microcomputer. The method may be implemented as a configuration or as a computer program product with program code means for the processing device. The configuration or the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the device or vice versa.

[0040] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 a system; and

[0042] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a process

[0043] illustrated.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a system 100 with a motor vehicle 105 carrying a device 110 on board. Optionally, the system 100 can include an external location 115. A person 120 can be on board the motor vehicle 105. -0210 PIF

[0045] 9

[0046] The depicted motor vehicle 105 is in a predetermined situation 125, which is exemplified by the fact that the motor vehicle 105 is approaching or driving through a car wash 130. It should be noted that a situation is not necessarily tied to a facility such as the car wash 130 in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 105 and that different predetermined situations can be recognized and handled.

[0047] The device 110 comprises a processing unit 135 connected to an interface 140. Signals from one or more control units 145 of the motor vehicle 105 can be received via the interface 140. A control unit 145 is configured to control a predetermined function of the motor vehicle 105. For this purpose, the control unit 145 can act on an actuator of the motor vehicle 105. Examples of actuators include an electric motor, a pump, a valve, a switch, or a lighting device. A control unit 145 can also be configured to be operated by a person 120 on board the motor vehicle 105. For this purpose, the control unit 145 can have a user interface. Via the user interface, the person 120 can make a setting relating to a technique described herein, receive an output, or make an input.In one embodiment, the person 120 can provide a signal via the user interface indicating that the motor vehicle 105 is in a predetermined situation 125. The interface 140 and the at least one control unit 145 are preferably connected to each other via a data bus. Communication between any two connected devices is possible via the data bus.

[0048] In one embodiment, the processing unit 135 is configured to execute or create a predetermined language model from the field of artificial intelligence. In another embodiment - 0210 PIF

[0049] 10

[0050] Such a language model is formed by the external entity 115, and the processing unit 135 is connected to a wireless interface 150 through which it can communicate with the external entity 115 to use the language model.

[0051] Preferably, the motor vehicle 105 comprises a scanning device 155 configured to scan the environment of the motor vehicle 105. The processing device 135 can be connected directly or, for example, via the interface 140 to the scanning device 155. The scanning device 155 preferably comprises a camera, a radar sensor, a LiDAR sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. Another sensor can also be used as the scanning device 155. Furthermore, it is possible that the processing device 135 is connected to a sensor that scans the state of an element on board the motor vehicle 105. Such a sensor can be connected to one of the control units 145.

[0052] Preferably, the motor vehicle 105 has a positioning device 160 configured to determine the geographic position of the motor vehicle 105. The positioning device 160 can also be connected to the processing unit 135 of the device 110. The positioning device 160 can, for example, include a receiver of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Other methods for determining a position include an inertial system, a hodometer, or a SLAM system.

[0053] It is proposed that, depending on a detected situation 125 in which the motor vehicle 105 is located, the device 110 detects at least one controllable function on board the motor vehicle 105 that is suitable for changing the configuration of the motor vehicle 105 in order to adapt the motor vehicle 105 to the prevailing situation 125.-0210 PIF

[0054] 11

[0055] One procedure for this is now described in more detail with reference to Figure 2, which depicts a flowchart of an exemplary procedure 200. In step 205, a geographical position of the motor vehicle 105 can be determined. Based on map data, a facility 130 can then be identified that lies within the area of ​​the determined geographical position.

[0056] In step 210, the environment of the motor vehicle 105 can be scanned, for example, using the scanning device 155. In one embodiment, the scanning is performed with knowledge of the device 130. In step 215, user input from person 120 on board the motor vehicle 105 can be determined. The user input can contain an indication that the motor vehicle 105 is in a predetermined situation 125.

[0057] Based on the collected information, a current situation 125 in the area of ​​the motor vehicle 105 can be determined in step 220. It should be noted that not all steps 205 to 215 need to be performed to determine a current situation 125 in step 220. Furthermore, different approaches are possible. In one embodiment, based on a detected device 130 in the area of ​​the motor vehicle 105, the surroundings can be scanned more precisely to determine whether a situation 125 associated with the device 130 exists for the motor vehicle 105 or not. In another embodiment, the device 130 can be determined based on the scan in step 210. Optionally, the device 130 can also be scanned more precisely in step 210 to determine a predetermined property of the device 130, for example, its length, width, or height. -0210 PIF

[0058] 12

[0059] An exemplary situation involves driving through a car wash 130, as shown in Figure 1. Based on this specific situation, an advantageous control of the motor vehicle 105 can be derived in step 225. In the example of the car wash 130, it can be determined, for instance, that all windows and doors should be closed if possible, or that protruding elements of the motor vehicle 105 should be folded in or retracted. For example, exterior mirrors or exterior cameras can be retracted or folded in. A convertible top can be closed. It can be checked whether a front and / or rear hatch of the motor vehicle 105 is closed. Furthermore, it can be determined whether a fuel filler or cargo door is completely closed. Based on the scanning, it can be determined whether the motor vehicle 105 is positioned appropriately with respect to the car wash 130.This can include, in particular, positioning the vehicle 105 relative to a conveyor system that transports it through the car wash 130. It can be determined that a front or rear wiper is deactivated. Parking sensors can be deactivated. Power windows can be put into a child safety mode, preventing the windows from being opened. Windows and / or doors can be monitored while the vehicle is passing through the car wash 130 to detect any potential water ingress at an early stage. The area around the vehicle 105 can be scanned, and an overview graphic can be generated based on this scan, which can be provided to the person 120 on board the vehicle 105. Opening a door or window can be prevented. A parking lock or parking brake of the vehicle 105 can be deactivated.It should be noted that the specific, advantageous control cannot necessarily be controlled on the present motor vehicle 105.

[0060] In step 230, functions can be determined that can be controlled on board the motor vehicle 105 to change its configuration. For this purpose, the processing unit 135 can be connected to an or-0210 PIF.

[0061] 13

[0062] The vehicle 105 communicates with several control units 145 and, for example, obtains a list of all controllable functions. This list can be updated regularly during the operation of the vehicle 105.

[0063] In step 235, based on the advantageous control determined in step 225 and the controllable functions determined in step 230, at least one function can be selected which can be controlled in order to configure the motor vehicle 105 favorably in the present situation 125.

[0064] An alternative approach can be based not on situation 220, but on the controllable functions 230. In step 240, with respect to situation 125 determined in step 220, it can be determined which of the controllable functions is helpful for changing the configuration of the motor vehicle 105 with respect to situation 125 determined in step 220. Here too, a selection of one or more functions can take place in step 235.

[0065] In step 245, a selected function can be offered to person 120 for control while on board the vehicle 105. Alternatively, the function can be controlled directly and automatically. Person 120 can also be provided with a list of suggested controls. Furthermore, a detected situation 125 can be displayed to person 120. In dialogue with the device 110, person 120 can decide which functions should be controlled to adjust the configuration of the vehicle 105. It should be noted that, in particular, the dialogue between device 110 and person 120 in step 245 and the selection of function 235 are preferably carried out using a language model. The language model can determine, at a cognitive level comparable to person 120, which function is to be controlled and suggest or control this function in dialogue with person 120. -0210 PIF

[0066] 14

[0067] Reference sign

[0068] 100 System

[0069] 105 motor vehicles

[0070] 110 Device

[0071] 115 external position

[0072] 120 people

[0073] 125 Situation

[0074] 130 facilities, for example car wash

[0075] 135 Processing unit

[0076] 140 interface

[0077] 145 Control unit

[0078] 150 wireless interface

[0079] 155 scanning device

[0080] 160 Positioning device

[0081] 200 procedures

[0082] 205 Determine POIs in the area of ​​your own geographic position 210 Scan the surroundings

[0083] 215 User input

[0084] 220 Determine the situation

[0085] 225 derive advantageous control

[0086] 230 controllable functions

[0087] 235 Select function

[0088] 240 helpful functions

[0089] 245 Feedback, possibly control

Claims

-0210 PIF 15 Claims 1. Procedure (200) for steering a motor vehicle (105), comprising the following steps: Detecting (220) a signal indicating that the motor vehicle (105) is in a predetermined situation; Determining (230) controllable functions of the motor vehicle (105) to adapt a configuration; and Selections (235) of a function depending on the situation in order to adapt the configuration of the motor vehicle (105) to the situation.

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein an effect of a controllable function is determined with respect to the situation; and wherein a function is selected which has a positive influence on the motor vehicle (105) or an occupant (120) in the determined situation.

3. Method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the function is selected by means of a trained language model.

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a potentially harmful influence is determined on the basis of the situation; and wherein a function is selected that counteracts the influence.

5. Method (200) according to claim 4, wherein the influence acts on the motor vehicle (105).

6. Method (200) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the influence acts on an occupant (120) of the motor vehicle (105).-0210 PIF 16 7. Method (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the function comprises a support function.

8. Method (200) according to claim 7, wherein the support function acts on an occupant (120) of the motor vehicle (105).

9. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle (105) comprises at least one control unit; and wherein controllable functions of the at least one control unit are queried.

10. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an environment of the motor vehicle (105) is scanned; and wherein the situation is determined on the basis of the scanning.

11. Method (200) according to claim 10, wherein a predetermined device in the area of ​​the motor vehicle (105) is detected.

12. Method (200) according to claim 11, wherein the device is determined with respect to a geographical position of the motor vehicle (105) and map data with respect to the predetermined device.

13. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the function is selected depending on a person (120) located on board the motor vehicle (105).

14. Device (110) for controlling a motor vehicle (105), wherein the device (110) comprises the following elements: an interface (140) for detecting a signal indicating that the motor vehicle (105) is in a predetermined situation; and-0210 PIF 17 a processing unit (135) designed to determine controllable functions of the motor vehicle (105) for the purpose of adapting a configuration; wherein the processing device (135) is further configured to select a function depending on the situation in order to adapt the configuration of the motor vehicle (105) to the situation.

15. Motor vehicle (105) comprising a device (110) according to claim 14.

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