DE102007040289A1 - Operating manual preparing method for motor vehicle, involves defining and accessing explanation module, such that module is not selected based on component characteristics, and only variants are accessed by characteristics dataset - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves defining a characteristics dataset (1), which completely describes an individual motor vehicle and includes component characteristics and attribute characteristics of components of the vehicle. Characteristics variants of an explanation module are produced for the components, and the variants are assigned to the attribute characteristics. The module is defined and accessed based on the attribute characteristics, such that the module is not selected based on the component characteristics, and only the variants assigned to the vehicle are accessed by the dataset. An independent claim is also included for a system for preparing an operating manual of an individual motor vehicle.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a system for creating a an instruction manual adapted to an individual motor vehicle, wherein the individual motor vehicle is a variant of all possible Motor vehicle of a motor vehicle universe is.

at The manufacture of motor vehicles are nowadays a variety of modules in different variants of a motor vehicle built-in. In this case, individual modules are not only within a vehicle model series, but sometimes even in motor vehicles different model series of a motor vehicle manufacturer or even installed in vehicles of different manufacturers. Overall, a number of variants of the motor vehicles of a model series strongly increased. Each motor vehicle is thus today according to the individual Needs of the user. This in particular represents with regard to the creation of a user manual, with the a user about the individual assemblies and their functions and skills is informed, a big problem represents.

So far become individual models or a series of models, respectively include a variety of different variants of motor vehicles, Manuals created, all sorts of different Include assemblies and their functionality. A disadvantage such a manual is that it is very extensive becomes. There is also the disadvantage for the user that it is often difficult for him to find out which assembly and which functionality are individual Motor vehicle provides him. A high dissatisfaction occurs when the user has certain functionalities, which are described for assemblies in his vehicle are not installed, can not perform. This then happens if he is studying part of the manual that comes with a Assembly corresponds, which is not installed in his vehicle. In such cases, misoperation often occurs of the motor vehicle, which in some cases even to Damage to the actually installed module can lead.

To counter this problem is, for example, in the DE 199 49 495 A1 A method for the production of written documents for a product produced in series and on the assembly line, whereby a product book is produced directly on the assembly line during the production process, whereby the essential technical features of the product are included in the product book. or the operation of the product relevant notes in the product are noted and the characteristic of the respective product specimen, individual Ausfütsurlichkeiten in the product specifically associated with this product copy and tailored to this product copy product book included. Although this method makes it possible to create a product-related, ie vehicle-specific, product manual. However, the production of an appealing, high-quality product manual, which is produced individually on a production line on the assembly line, economically difficult to realize. Moreover, it is difficult to convey information about printed text and printed images, especially when the user is reluctant to read longer passages of text.

Recent considerations led to a product book or a manual in electronic form to save. From the DE 100 06 351 A1 a device for retrieving information on the function and operation of various devices of a motor vehicle is described, wherein the motor vehicle is equipped with at least one vehicle bus to which various components of the vehicle electronics are connected. The device comprises an information base in which information for the function and operation of various devices of the motor vehicle are stored, a microcomputer connected to the information base, input means for retrieving information from the information base and output means for reproducing the retrieved information. For the described device is carried out that the microcomputer is connected to the vehicle bus and programmed so that the information requirement of the user is determined by evaluating the data supplied by the individual components of the vehicle electronics to the vehicle bus data and automatically retrieved information from the information base and reproduced become. Although this system is capable of informing the user in malfunctioning situations, it is not adequately resolved to create the information base which is quasi an operating manual adapted to the individual motor vehicle. Particularly in the situations described there, in which individual components already indicate a malfunction or an incorrect operation, an information exchange which is particularly easy for the user to be detected is necessary. This should therefore be optimally adapted both to the vehicle and to the needs of the user.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the technical problem of a method and to create a system with which improved creation a manual adapted to an individual motor vehicle is possible with the improved information transfer to the user is possible.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a system having the features of claim 14 solved. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

It will be a method of creating an individual on a motor vehicle suggested custom operating instructions, the individual Motor vehicle a variant of all possible motor vehicles a vehicle population, the method comprising the steps comprising: generating explanatory modules for individual assemblies, in any variant of the motor vehicle the vehicle population are used; Assign assembly identifiers the modules identify the explanatory modules; Storing the explanation modules with their associated module identifiers; Determining a license plate record, the individual motor vehicle completely describes and the module identifiers of the license plate record and summarize to the user manual, being to the solution the task is provided that at least for some modules several variants of the explanatory module which are assigned to different attribute identifiers, wherein the tag data record in addition to the module identifier also Includes attribute identifiers and identifying and retrieving the explanatory modules taking account of the attribute identifiers, provided a clear selection of the explanatory module on the basis of Module identifier is not possible, with only the variant variant which can be assigned to the vehicle by means of the identification data is. Such a procedure can be combined with a system for creating a customized to an individual motor vehicle Run manual, the individual motor vehicle a Variant of all possible motor vehicles of a motor vehicle universe is, comprising at least one memory, in the explanation modules for individual assemblies and a label dataset that fully describes the individual motor vehicle and the module identifiers installed in the individual motor vehicle Assemblies comprises, are stored, the explanatory modules in each case an assembly identifier is assigned to the module which explains the explanation module, and the system further comprises a compilation unit for retrieving the Explanatory modules from the at least one memory on the basis of Assembly IDs of the ID record and to summarize the retrieved explanatory modules to the operating instructions. at the system is provided for at least some assemblies several variants of the explanatory modules are stored, which are assigned to different attribute identifiers, where the tag record is next to the card tags also includes the attribute identifiers that together the motor vehicle completely characterize, and the assembly unit is formed, the explanatory modules under consideration of the attribute identifiers, if a unique selection the explanation modules based on the module identifier not is possible, whereby only the manifestation variant which can be assigned to the vehicle by means of the identification data is. By the provision of several variants of the It becomes explanatory modules for an assembly possible, this better suited to the needs of the user and adapt the way the information is conveyed. For example can have different versions, d. H. different Expression variants, the explanatory modules for different languages are created. However, also within In one language, it can be advantageous to have different explanatory modules to have, because in different sales markets different Terms in the same language for the same object or the same thing can be used. For example, English spoken in a number of states, however, there are in the individual states terminology that only in these and not to be used in the others. To irritate the user For example, it is therefore advantageous to have different ones Variants not only for the languages, but also for the individual states. So There are a number of attributes that have a different expression of Meaningful subdivision of explanatory modules. Overall will be improved manual through a more reliable Information detection achieved so that operating errors minimized become. The provision of different explanatory modules for an assembly or feature offers the advantage that the explanatory modules themselves remain small and compact. An amount of data to be exchanged is kept low. The scope the operating instructions remain limited. This will become memory resources saved.

Especially Preferably, the manual is in a vehicle related Memory stored. Especially when saving the user manual in a vehicle-mounted memory, which is built into the vehicle Memory or a vehicle associated or attached Removable storage media, a DVD, a CD, a memory card, a Memory Stick, etc., is the use of different variants generated explanatory modules of tremendous advantage to this vehicle-related memory in terms of its storage capacity to keep small.

A significantly improved visualization of the modules described is obtained when using three-dimensional graphics for explanation. Therefore, it is intended that to create In the explanation modules, 3D design data is used to insert 3D graphics into the explanation modules. These three-dimensional design data are created anyway in the design process of the motor vehicle and can be used for the manual further.

There a monomodal information exchange, d. H. an information transfer, which uses only one way of conveying information, of a human User is detected worse than if several different Output media used is in a preferred embodiment provided that the explanatory modules formed multimedia are or will be.

One System in a motor vehicle will therefore comprise output means, the different modal output units, in particular a display device and an audio system. To display 3D graphics, For example, the display device will preferably be 3D-enabled Be designed graphics card. The audio system will work out preferably to act on the audio system, which is also for outputting acoustic information, such as an infotainment system of Motor vehicle is used.

Especially preferred are the explanatory modules for a interactive operation designed so that they interact with a vehicle information system explanations dependent of collected user input. The vehicle therefore includes Input means for detecting user inputs and output means for outputting the explanations dependent User input. The input means may be, for example Switch, push button, rotary pushbutton, touch fields or with the display device as a touch screen integrated position sensitive Touch sensors, non-contact measuring three-dimensional Position determination units that detect movements of a body part can, eye tracking devices (Eyetracker), language acquisition and / or voice recognition units or other sensors comprising capture human reactions and operations.

Especially Preferably, the explanatory modules are implemented as software, for example, executed on a computer unit of the motor vehicle can be. The same computer unit can be used to implement the assembly unit, by means of which the explanation modules are retrieved from the at least one memory and to the user manual be joined together. The individual explanatory modules can kept in a central database of the vehicle manufacturer become. The computer unit is preferably part of a multifunction display and operating system, as for example for a vehicle navigation and / or operation of an audio and / or multimedia system used becomes. Because of such a display and control system in the Usually also information is conveyed, becomes such a system also referred to as vehicle information system. A vehicle can further vehicle information systems in the form of display, etc. include.

at In another embodiment, the explanatory modules all possible assemblies or at least a variety of assemblies included in the corresponding model of which the individual Motor vehicle is a variant to be installed, in a storage unit summarized. This offers the advantage that for many Variants of the vehicle model made identical storage units and can be used. For example, you can CDs or DVDs are used as storage units referred to as vehicle-related Memory to be assigned to the vehicles. Alternatively you can the explanation modules in flash memory or the like of the motor vehicle are stored during manufacture. This offers in addition, the advantage that a user should, over Activation codes Functionalities of individual modules be extended after manufacture, its user manual can update independently. Therefore, it is preferred a part of the process carried out in the motor vehicle itself.

Around a link of the explanatory modules to a Manuals include the explanation modules preferably interfaces through which they communicate with other explanatory modules be linked or linked.

at According to a preferred development of the invention, the explanatory modules their interfaces have other explanatory modules functionality ready. Over this it is possible that assemblies, which are part of superordinate assemblies, their explanatory information provide the parent assembly, so that these are based on the information of the subordinate assembly can fall back. For example, a 3D graphic the child assembly used to be in a graphical Display of the higher-level module also included become.

In order to further improve the adaptation to the individual motor vehicle, it is provided that at least some explanation modules comprise appearance variants which are assigned to the attribute identifiers, wherein a phenomenon of the output of the explanation module depends on the corresponding attribute identifier (s) of the explanation module Identification record is. This means that the appearance of the explanation module is also dependent on one or more attribute identifiers. However, this is to be distinguished from variants of the explanatory modules. Different versions of the explanatory module can each be created in several versions. Such an explanation module includes all information for the different appearance variants. The expression variants of an explanatory module, however, do not include all the information, but are different in terms of their information content, even if they have the same assembly and thus the same explanatory content. Apparent variants have no or only a small difference in information regarding the explanations of the explanatory module. Unmodified sounds or colors can be integrated into an explanatory module without requiring much memory.

When different phenomena come, for example, a colored Representation of individual characteristics, for example adapted to the Color of the interior and / or paint of the individual Motor vehicle, different background music designs, depending from a sales market for which the motor vehicle is intended is, differently formed symbols, depending on the Language and / or the area for which the motor vehicle is provided, different textual representations, depending of the area of use and / or the color of the interior and / or the exterior painting, etc. This ensures that the components shown in the instruction manual are identical look to those who actually installed in the vehicle are. An adaptation of the background music, for example, to the different tastes of different ethnic groups be made in different markets are home.

The Features of the system and the invention inventive method have accordingly the same advantages.

following the invention is based on a preferred embodiment explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Hereby show:

1 a schematic view of a tag data record;

2 a schematic flow diagram of a method for generating an adapted to an individual vehicle user manual; and

3a - 3b different views of a display device in a motor vehicle to explain an information transfer by an individual to a vehicle user manual.

In 1 schematically is a data structure of a tag data record 1 shown. The data structure shown is only one of many possible data structures in order to store the identification data in a meaningful way. The identification record 1 is constructed as a tree-like structure of objects. The identification record 1 has a top data object MyAuto 3 , My car 3 characterizes an individual motor vehicle. The object MyAuto 3 are assigned attributes, a vehicle identification number VIN 5 , a date of manufacture 7 and a user language 9 , Further, the object MyAuto 3 subordinate further objects, a car model 11 , a car paint 13 , a use region 15 and features 17 , The car model 11 is by several attributes, a model name 19 , a model code 21 and a short identification 23 defined in more detail. Also the usage region 15 has attributes, a country 25 and a market 27 , on. The characteristics 17 represent different assemblies of the vehicle and include assembly identifiers, typically in the form of a part number (PR number) 29 are designed, and a mounting date 31 , Different versions of an assembly can be differentiated on the basis of the assembly date due to further developments of the same. Except for the module identifiers (part numbers 29 ) represent all other objects and attributes attribute identifiers, since they do not characterize assemblies, but only characteristics of the modules and / or other features. The identification record 1 describes the vehicle completely. Based on this information, it is possible to create an individual operating manual adapted to the vehicle. This procedure should be based on 2 be explained.

First, 3D design data is obtained from the design drawings for the different features or assemblies 41 , These are used to explain modules 43 to create. The explanation modules are generated as software modules which can be executed on a vehicle computer and preferably enable multimodal three-dimensional interactive information transmission. For a feature or a module, different variants of the explanatory module are generated here. This makes it possible to generate the explanatory module in different languages, for different markets, and so on. Likewise, however, also different explanatory modules for different temporally successive versions or different versions of the same Baugrup pe produced by different manufacturers. As a result, the possibility is also given of producing different variants of the same module, which can be identified via the same module identifier. Moreover, the explanatory modules are preferably generated to include different appearance variants. By means of this it is possible to design the information output in such a way that it optimally enables representations and outputs adapted to the visual, acoustic and possibly haptic characteristics of the real vehicle. The sounds produced by the individual explanatory modules should, for example, correspond to those which occur in the corresponding characteristic in the motor vehicle when using the corresponding modules. Likewise, an assembly should appear in the color in which it is fitted to the interior of the vehicle. The colourfulness can easily be set in the explanatory modules designed as software modules by means of a parameter. The colored representation thus represents only one appearance parameter, which is determined by attribute identifiers of the identification data set when assembling the operating instructions, as explained below.

The different expression variants, for example for different languages, cover a large part different language information, making it to compile the individual operating instructions is more advantageous, different to create pronounced explanatory modules.

In order to be able to put together a concrete individualized customized operating manual, one needs an identification data record which can be derived, for example, from the production process of the individual motor vehicle 45 , From this tagging record, the individual attribute tags and assembly tags are extracted 47 , In an iterative procedure, explanatory modules are now retrieved 49 and integrated into a manual 51 , In a query 53 Checks whether there are any additional features or assemblies for which an explanation module has not yet been retrieved. If there are, the next module identifier is searched 55 and retrieved an associated explanation module again 49 in which both the module identifier and the corresponding attribute identifiers are evaluated in order to find an associated explanation module. If no further features are present, the compilation of the individually adapted operating instructions has ended 57 ,

The Explanatory modules may be in one or more central databases and / or vehicle-mounted storage units, For example, DVD, be stored. The compilation of the operating instructions can in the motor vehicle or in the production of the motor vehicle done on a computer of the manufacturer. In a compilation in the motor vehicle can on explanatory modules in a vehicle-related memory as well as over the Internet to be accessed on off-board databases.

Based on 3 It should be explained how an information exchange with such a three-dimensional interactive vehicle-adapted user manual takes place. In 3 is a picture of a display and control device 61 of the motor vehicle shown schematically. Around a display area 63 , which is designed as a touch screen, is a variety of controls 65 arranged. One of these controls 65 is designed to activate the operating instructions. On the display surface 63 a section of an interior view of the motor vehicle is shown. At a lower edge 67 Two virtual controls are formed, over which an interior view 69 or an outside view 71 can be selected. The current selection is a highlighting (here hatching) of the corresponding virtual control element, here the control element for the interior view 69 , marked. Furthermore, four arrow-like trained further virtual controls 73 - 81 shown with which the user can "move" in the view. A zoom-in control 85 ensures when actuated that a centrally shown section of the interior view is enlarged. Via a zoom-out control 87 can be achieved that the illustrated area of the interior is increased and all objects therein are displayed reduced in size. Individual assemblies, such as a shift lever 91 , a storage compartment 95 and a glove box 97 are corresponding tripping controls 103 . 105 and 107 assigned. About an operation of these tripping controls 103 - 107 An explanation module can be selected which explains the corresponding module. To "present" the explanations is an avatar 109 intended. For example, the trigger control 105 actuated, a three-dimensional view of the storage compartment is shown enlarged. This is in 3b shown.

The operating element 69 , about that in a main view, as in 3a was displayed, the interior could be selected, now a return to the main view can be triggered. The avatar 109 gives explanations on the use of the storage compartment, which moves like a human gesture and output via an audio system (not shown) voice information. Overall, the explanation can be out as a video sequence forms, for example, a cutout in 3b is shown. However, interaction with the operating instructions can not only be achieved by haptic actuation of operating elements. Rather, other sensors can be used, in particular a speech recognition. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the user of the operating instructions or the avatar, who gives explanations, can give a name. This can be set by the user himself and is then stored in the operating instructions. If this name is pronounced, the speech recognition interprets this as a response to the manual. A speech recognition can be used, for example, to answer questions such as "Susi, how does ...?" or prompts "Susi, please explain ...!" will be interpreted as Activation Commands for the interactive manual if "Susi" is selected and set as the name of the avatar. Overall, a more pleasant operation for the user is thereby achieved.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 19949495 A1 [0004]
• - DE 10006351 A1 [0005]

Claims (26)

A method of creating a user manual adapted to an individual motor vehicle, wherein the individual motor vehicle is a variant of all possible automobiles of a motor vehicle unit, comprising the steps of generating individual module explanatory modules used in any variant of a motor vehicle of the automotive universe; Assigning assembly identifiers that identify the assemblies to the explanatory modules; Storing the explanation modules with their associated module identifiers; Determining a license plate data record which completely describes the individual motor vehicle and comprises the module identifications of the modules installed in the individual motor vehicle; Determining and retrieving the explanatory modules on the basis of the module identifiers of the license plate data set and summarizing the operating instructions, characterized in that at least some modules variant variants of the explanation module are generated, which are assigned to different attribute identifiers, the license plate data set also comprises the attribute identifiers in addition to the module identifiers and determining and retrieving the explanatory modules taking into account the attribute identifiers, if a clear selection of the explanation module based on the module identifier is not possible, with only the expression variant is retrieved, which can be assigned to the vehicle by the identification data. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the instruction manual is in a vehicle-related memory is filed. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that to create the explanatory modules 3D design drawings used to be in the explanatory modules with 3D graphics insert. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the explanatory modules be trained multimedia. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the explanatory modules be designed as software modules on a computer unit the vehicle information system, in particular a multi-function display and Operating system, are executable. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the explanatory modules be designed for interactive operation, so that they in conjunction with a vehicle information system explanations depending on recorded user input. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the explanatory modules are created in appearance variants that attribute identifiers being an appearance of the output of the explanation module depending on the corresponding attribute identifier (s) of the Identification record is. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the phenomena with respect to the colored representation of individual features, a background music, distinguished symbols and / or a displayed text. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the explanatory modules be generated with interfaces, over which they interact with others Explanation modules are linked. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the explanatory modules be trained to others over their interfaces Explanation modules provide functionality. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the license plate data is in a vehicle-related Memory can be stored and retrieved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the explanatory modules in a central database are stored or are and from this be retrieved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the explanatory modules in a vehicle-related memory are stored or are and off this will be retrieved. System for creating a user manual adapted to an individual motor vehicle, wherein the individual motor vehicle is a variant of all possible motor vehicles of a motor vehicle body, comprising at least one memory, in the explanation modules for individual assemblies, which are used in any variant of a motor vehicle of the automotive universe, and a license plate which completely describes the individual motor vehicle and comprises the module identifications of the modules installed in the individual motor vehicle, wherein the explanatory modules are each assigned an assembly identifier which identifies the module which explains the explanation module, an assembly unit for retrieving the explanatory modules from the at least one memory based on the module identifiers of the license plate data set and summarizing the retrieved explanatory modules to the manual, characterized in that at least for several modules at least a plurality of variants of the explanatory module are stored, the assigned to different attribute identifiers, wherein the license plate data set in addition to the module identifiers and the attribute identifiers fully characterized and the assembly unit is adapted to retrieve the explanation modules taking into account the attribute identifiers, unless a clear selection of the explanatory module based on the module identifier is not possible, with only the Expression variant is retrieved, which can be assigned to the vehicle by the identification data. System according to claim 14, characterized by a Vehicle-related memory in which the operating line is stored becomes. System according to claim 14 or 15, characterized that the explanatory modules comprise 3D graphics. System according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the explanatory modules are designed multimedia. System according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the explanatory modules are designed interactively. System according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized by input means for detecting user inputs and output means for outputting the explanations in dependence from the collected user input. System according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the output means different modal output units, in particular a display device and an audio system. System according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the assembly unit means implemented a computer unit of the individual motor vehicle is. System according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the explanatory modules Interfaces include those with other explanatory modules are linked. System according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the explanatory modules Include appearance variants associated with attribute identifiers where is an appearance of the output of the explanation module depending on the corresponding attribute identifier (s) of the Identification record is. System according to one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the phenomena with respect to the colored representation of individual features, a background music, distinguished symbols and / or a displayed text. System according to one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the explanatory modules on their interfaces have other explanatory modules functionality provide. System according to one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that the explanatory modules include computer-executable control code.