DE102006038978A1 - Motor vehicle`s product and/or service configuring method, involves selecting optimal value for variables, and effecting return to finally determined variables with more than one selection possibility in absence of permitted value - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves entering input variables by using a user interface and/or an interface, where derivative variables are linearly determined one after the other from the input variables by using a data processing unit. An optimal value is selected for each derivative variable based on the derivative variables, the input variables and a rule type. Return to finally determined variables with more than one selection possibility is effected in the absence of permitted value.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for automatic configuration of products and / or services using a user interface and / or an input variable is input to an interface, then derived variables by means of at least one data processing unit automatic be determined from these input variables.

Such Procedures have long been, especially in the field of Product configuration of motor vehicles, in many designs known. This method is based on an input mask, in which desired Product parameters can be entered. To enter the product parameters become common known PCs or workstations, the input mask on a Data network, such as the Internet, is available. On a remote Calculator is then carried out a calculation, which step by step after entering a desired parameter the now remaining options provides for selection of subordinate parameters.

A permanent interaction of the user with the input mask is in This procedure is therefore necessary.

This However, action can lead to that the user determines during the configuration desired Parameters do not combine with other, previously desired parameters leaves. The user has thus only at this point the choice, either in the chosen Parameters by undoing to get back to his previous decisions, at which the controversial decision was made or now to dispense with the feature.

improved Procedures already provide in this context, when occurring to query a feature collision which of the colliding features really wanted by the user and thus dissolve the conflict on the spot, without that appropriate regression, which possibly also over would be necessary to implement fully applicable characteristics have to. However, even with this improved method, there is no guarantee that the changed, previously conflicting feature now not with another already selected Feature contradicts. The consequence would be another change, the farther from the product previously selected by the user leads away.

outgoing from this prior art, the invention is the object of Basically, a method for the automatic configuration of products and / or To provide services that do not require continuous interaction requires the user to automatically configure the product that the result of the configuration the wishes of the user as possible largely taken into account.

Is solved this object by the method according to the features of the main claim. Further meaningful designs can the dependent claims be removed.

According to the invention a product configuration of a plurality of variables. It deals on the one hand to input variables, which directly from the user be given while additionally derived variables whose values are based on the previously entered Input variables and / or a set of rules from a data processing unit automatic be determined. Accordingly, become first queried the input variables from the user, allowing the user first in this way all his wishes can pass on to the system. Only after completion of the input become the derived variables based on predefined rules determines and thus the still missing product properties determined. To determine the missing product properties in Form of the derived variables is first a logical sequence of these variables, taking into account their importance formed so that the individual variables form a linear chain. Successively will be for each member of this variable chain determines an optimal value, which of the respective variables is initially assigned provisionally. To an assignment of a value to a variable becomes the next variable jumped further.

As even in the manual configuration according to the cited prior art, can Collisions also occur here, which are to be resolved automatically by the system. This happens because in case of a collision of an optimal Value of a variable is chosen an alternative value that is the optimal Value as close as possible comes. If this value is not selectable, then after that Scheme continues to search for values until a matching and possible close to the optimal value was found alternative value. is even this is not possible so there is a return to the previously defined variables, with the next, as possible close to last selected Value lying alternative value is used. After this change in the previous variable a new forward jump takes place and it tries, according to the scheme mentioned for the following Variable to find a suitable value.

hereby the user is not forced to look for an alternative to search. Rather, it takes over The system is tasked with finding the closest possible value lying alternative value, the procedure described has the advantage has that change as possible in the less important variables is made while the important variables changed as a quasi "last resort" become.

After this for product properties usually only a finite number of alternatives are available It makes sense that each variable has a defined value range is assigned and the variable only values from this defined value space can accept.

With Advantage is in case that for a variable is not allowed Value can be determined, even a return across several variables possible if also for all possible Values of these variables are not allowed Combination can be determined.

For a management the return behavior in the case of an insoluble one Collision, it is advantageous if already on initial calculation a derived variable in case of multiple alternatives a return point is set. As soon as later No value found in the calculation of the derived variables can become simply the closest Return point jumps back and there chose the optimal alternative. As far as this Make the alternatives exhausted can be the return point also deleted again become.

Especially with several alternatively queryable input variables becomes with special advantage a redundancy check hired, tested will determine the extent to which keeping these variables is a plus with information or in terms of simplification can be dispensed redundant variables.

It can also be used in the context of inputting input variables Be the case that already between them a collision occurs. As far as this already in this early Stage of the configuration is the case, the system becomes the user point this out and ask him for a changed input. In a further embodiment of this method, it makes sense for the colliding variables already with the reference to the collision a permissible one Value combination and in connection with the said Indication of an invalid Display combination of values of the input variables via the user interface. One such proposal should at least largely follow the rules of the set of rules governing the determination of derived variables underlie, orient.

So far the input mask a user guide includes, it is beneficial to input during the configuration process to be monitored by the user and in the user interface possible unacceptable Value combinations immediately after the calculation to mark or completely fade out and in this way from the selection by the Exempt users. In this way, recognizable, invalid configurations of be avoided in the first place.

In meaningful continuation of the thought of a guided Variable input, it appears advantageous if the order the determination of the derived variables and / or the query of the Input variables are set as part of a pre-configuration. This can already be done during the programming of an appropriate user interface, but also by a configuration process, which if necessary also repeatable, performed become.

to Exploitation of the configuration, it finally makes sense, too, if the ready calculated configuration on a monitor and / or printer can be issued.

The The invention described above will be described below with reference to a explained in detail in the drawing embodiment.

It demonstrate

1 a plurality of variables with the value spaces assigned to the variables in a schematic representation,

2 the variables according to 1 at a later configuration time,

3 the variables according to 1 after a return, and

4 the variables according to 1 after completion of an automatic configuration.

1 shows a plurality of variables which are arranged in a linear chain one behind the other. Each of the variables represented as a block is assigned a value range, the respective value ranges each containing a finite number of permissible values. The illustration shows the optimum value 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 of each variable at the top of the screen, while alternative values 7 . 8th these optimal values 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 are subordinate.

In the course of a configuration of a product It first becomes the highest ranking variable 1 an optimal value 3 assigned. Subsequently, the linear sequence of the variables is advanced according to, and the next variable is also an optimal value 4 is assigned. In this way, the procedure continues until the second lowest-ranking variable. At this time, the four derived variables are their optimal values, respectively 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 assigned.

In 2 the case is shown by a configuration with the optimal values 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 would not be allowed. The permissibility of the values is continually checked and, in the event of the occurrence of inadmissible values, reacts as follows: After the optimal value 6 the most subordinate variables 2 is not allowed, is now the most subordinate variables 2 the alternative value 7 which is the next optimum value after the optimum value 6 was determined. By doing that only in the most subordinate variables 2 an attempt is made to solve the admissibility problem, ensuring that the more important values in the higher-ranking variables are last changed.

3 shows the reaction of a data processing unit following the method according to the invention, in the event that also the alternative value 7 the most subordinate variables 2 turns out to be inadmissible. In this case, a return to the next, higher-ranking variable, whose value range now an alternative value 8th for the optimum value 5 of this variable is selected.

The turn following step in the process is in 4 shown. After selecting the alternative value 8th the third-ranked variable again becomes the optimal value of the least significant variable 6 checked for admissibility. In the present example, the value combination is in 3 . 4 . 8th . 6 the most optimal permissible combination, the quality of the combination, as already mentioned, being characterized by how far back in the direction of the highest ranking variable. The configuration of a product that is automatically determined in this way can be described as optimal insofar as the necessary deviation from the user specifications only takes place in the area of the subordinate variables.

Consequently became a procedure for automatic configuration of products and / or services described on avoid a continuous interaction of the user with the input interface can and yet a product automatically configured in an optimal way.

1

highest ranking variable

2

most subordinated variable

3

optimal Value of the highest ranking variable

4

optimal Value of the secondary variable

5

optimal Value of the third-order variable

6

optimal Value of the lowest ranking variable

7

Alternatively value the most subordinate variables

8th

Alternatively value the third-rate variable

Claims (12)

Method for the automatic configuration of products and / or services, wherein an input of input variables takes place by means of a user interface and / or an interface, whereupon derived variables are automatically determined from these input variables by means of at least one data processing unit, characterized in that all derived variables are determined linearly successively by selecting an optimal value for each derived variable from the previously determined derived variables, the input variables and / or a set of rules, if necessary failing a permissible value, returning to the last particular variable with more than one choice and ignoring it previously selected values a new optimal value is selected. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that each variable is a defined value space is zugeord net, wherein a variable only values from this Value space can be assigned. Method according to one the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a return over several variables with more as a choice away possible is when for no element of the value space of this variable is a permissible configuration can be determined. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that variables with multiple choices a return point is assigned and in case of a return this only to a return point can be done. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the return point of a variable deleted can be if for no element of the value space of this variable is a permissible configuration can be determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one input variable and / or derived a variable redundancy check. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of an inadmissible combination from values of the input variables via the user interface is a hint. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that a proposal for a permissible value combination initially determined and subsequently with or in connection with an indication of an inadmissible combination from values of the input variables via the user interface is displayed. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the proposal at least largely oriented to the rules of the rules. Method according to one the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the input of the input variables monitored automatically becomes and inadmissible Value combinations are marked or hidden. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the order of determination of derived variables and / or the query of input variables as part of a pre-configuration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculated configuration on a Monitor and / or printer is output.