DE102010038454A1 - Method for controlling display unit of e.g. motorcycle, involves determining and signalizing end of deceleration of driving operation based on external signals, and capturing signal by image acquisition unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves representing application of a display unit of a vehicle during deceleration of a driving operation. An end of the deceleration of the driving operation is determined and signalized based on the external signals, and an image- or video signal is captured by an image acquisition unit i.e. camera. An environmental signal is detected by a sensor of a vehicle, and information is provided by a communication unit. A deceleration and/or the end of the deceleration are determined by the image acquisition unit in which the captured image is evaluated. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle comprising an evaluation unit.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one display unit of a vehicle. Furthermore, a corresponding vehicle is proposed.

A driver of a vehicle (eg, an automobile or a motorcycle) experiences a variety of delays in daily traffic, e.g. For example, traffic signs, traffic lights, railroad crossings, etc. The time until the onward journey usually passes completely unused, in that the driver only waits for the journey to continue.

The object of the invention is to provide a user-friendly and secure way to comfortably bridge waiting times or delays in traffic for the driver.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• – bei dem bei einer Verzögerung des Fahrbetriebs eine Applikation auf der mindestens einer Anzeigeeinheit des Fahrzeugs dargestellt wird;
• – bei dem ein Ende der Verzögerung ermittelt wird und
• – bei dem das Ende der Verzögerung signalisiert wird.

To achieve the object, a method for controlling at least one display unit of a vehicle is specified,

• - When an application is displayed on the at least one display unit of the vehicle at a delay of the driving operation;
• - in which an end of the delay is determined and
• - in which the end of the delay is signaled.

The display unit may in particular a display of a vehicle, for. B. include a (free) programmable display. The display can be a display of a combination instrument, a head-up display, a central information display (for example, approximately in the middle of the dashboard) or another display in the vehicle. For example, on-vehicle information (eg tachometer and tachometer in a combination instrument) can be displayed on the display while driving and during the deceleration the vehicle-usual information (eg animated) can be hidden and instead the application is displayed. In particular, the display unit may comprise a plurality of displays, wherein the application is displayed on the displays. For example, different parts of the application or the same parts of the application can be displayed on the multiple displays.

The delay mentioned here corresponds to an interruption of the driving operation and leads to a waiting time for the driver. The described approach allows the driver to be entertained in the event of a delay in the journey or a waiting time in traffic, in which case he can select different applications for his entertainment or information, taking personal preferences into account in particular. Since the end of the delay is detected and signaled, the driver can use the delay as a break while concentrating on the application. He does not have to constantly check whether z. B. has already switched a traffic light. This increases comfort and helps to relax the driver. In addition, this approach allows efficient use of waiting times in traffic.

The end of the delay is determined in particular automatically. For example, no interaction of the driver is required for this. Rather, the driver can focus on the application and the procedure presented here automatically reminds the driver as soon as the end of the delay is reached or imminent.

A further development is that the end of the delay is determined on the basis of at least one external signal.

• – ein von einer Bilderfassungseinheit, insbesondere Kamera, aufgenommenes Bild- oder Videosignal;
• – ein von einem Sensor des Fahrzeugs detektiertes Umgebungssignal;
• – eine von einer Kommunikationseinheit bereitgestellte Information.

Another development is that the at least one external signal comprises:

• A picture or video signal recorded by an image acquisition unit, in particular a camera;
• An ambient signal detected by a sensor of the vehicle;
• An information provided by a communication unit.

The sensor may be an infrared sensor. The communication unit may be an element that provides traffic information, e.g. As a traffic sign, a traffic facility, a central computer or a (central) computer network. The communication unit may transmit the information via a wireless communication interface, e.g. B. provide a mobile interface, a Bluetooth interface or a wireless interface to the vehicle.

In particular, it is a further development that the delay and / or the end of the delay is determined by means of the image acquisition unit by evaluating the image taken by the image acquisition unit.

By way of example, the image capture unit is at least one camera which takes a picture or a sequence of images. The image is processed by an evaluation to z. B. a traffic sign, a traffic jam, a traffic cop, a traffic obstruction, etc. to recognize and thus to determine the cause of the delay. It is also possible that an expected delay time is determined based z. On past or present (eg centrally accessible) measured values or predetermined values (eg a minimum waiting time at a level crossing that is just closing).

It is also a development that the delay and / or the end of the delay is determined on the basis of the information provided by the communication unit.

The communication unit is preferably an element providing the traffic information, in particular a traffic sign, e.g. B. a traffic light. The communication unit informs the vehicle of its own status via a wireless communication interface and of the status in question for a remaining period of time. Also, this information can be provided centrally from a computer or a computer network. In particular, the vehicle can determine the proximity to a traffic light by means of a position comparison and thus determine where the vehicle is relative to the traffic light. For this purpose, a position information and / or orientation of the communication unit, for. B. traffic light, can be provided together with the above status information. In particular, it is an option that at least one preceding vehicle also provides traffic information as a communication unit, e.g. B. that a traffic jam dissolves and the journey can be continued.

Furthermore, it is a development that the end of the delay is signaled acoustically, visually and or haptically.

In this respect, the driver is notified of the end of the delay. This can also be the signaling of an imminent end of the delay.

Additional training signals the end of the delay by announcing the end of the delay.

For example, it is possible that the end of the delay z. B. by evaluating a transmitted via a wireless communication interface information is determined so that even before reaching the end of the delay, the driver can be informed how long the delay will take. This information can be suitably prepared and visualized or signaled to the driver.

In particular, the end of the delay can be announced optically in the form of different colors, brightnesses or in the form of different execution speeds of the application.

A next development is that the end of the delay is signaled by the fact that the application is hidden.

It should be noted that the application that is hidden, for example, can be stopped, stopped or interrupted. In particular, the application can be stopped or interrupted so that the driver can continue with a further delay. For example, the application or a state of the application can be temporarily stored, and in the case of a further delay, the application is restored to the previously interrupted location and continued.

One embodiment is that the application is hidden when the vehicle continues to travel.

The onward journey can be detected, for example, by a speed of the vehicle being greater than a predefined threshold value. Furthermore, it is possible for the onward journey to be detected if, in the case of an automatic start-stop system, the driver actuates the clutch or takes his foot off the brake in a vehicle with an automatic transmission while driving.

An alternative embodiment is that the delay is detected if the vehicle is traveling slower than a predetermined speed, especially if the vehicle comes to a stop.

Thus, for example, a delay can be detected if the vehicle remains stationary for more than a predetermined period of time and, in particular, a further condition is met (eg a railroad crossing is closed, etc.).

• – einen Schalter oder einen Taster;
• – ein Touchpad;
• – einen Dreh-Drücksteller;
• – ein Lenkrad;
• – mindestens ein Pedal des Fahrzeugs;
• – sonstige Bedienelemente des Fahrzeugs.

A next embodiment is that an interaction with the application takes place on the basis of an input means, the input means in particular comprising at least one of the following components:

• - a switch or a button;
• - a touchpad;
• - a rotary pushbutton;
• A steering wheel;
• - At least one pedal of the vehicle;
• - Other controls of the vehicle.

Thus, the input means present in the vehicle can be used for interaction with the application. In particular, it is possible that mechanically coupled input means for use with the application for the duration of Deceleration (when the vehicle is stationary) decoupled and used exclusively for the application. For example, the steering wheel and pedals of the vehicle may be used for interaction in a simulation. When the end of the deceleration is reached, the previous mechanical coupling is restored and the driving operation can be resumed.

• – eine Nachrichten-Applikation;
• – eine Internet-Applikation;
• – eine Email-Applikation;
• – eine Audio- und/oder Video-Applikation;
• – ein Spiel;
• – eine Musikapplikation;
• – eine Fotoapplikation, insbesondere eine Diashow;
• – eine Applikation betreffend aktuelle oder vorherige Fahrdaten;
• – eine ortsbasierte Applikation.

It is also an embodiment that the application comprises at least:

• A message application;
• - an internet application;
• - an email application;
• An audio and / or video application;
• - a game;
• - a music application;
• A photo application, in particular a slide show;
• An application for current or previous driving data;
• - a location-based application.

A development consists in that a terminal is coupled to the vehicle via a wireless or wired interface and in which a display of the terminal and / or at least one input means of the terminal is used for or from the application.

An additional embodiment is that the application is configurable.

In particular, the application or a plurality of applications can be preconfigured in accordance with a user request. This configuration can, for. B. via a vehicle configurator. Also, additional applications can be loaded in this way, which are then available in the vehicle. Furthermore, the configuration can be done in the vehicle itself.

By means of the configurator, for example, it is possible to specify when (for example in which type of delay: traffic-light stop, traffic jam, etc.) which application (and possibly on which displays) should be displayed. In particular, depending on the situation, an application can be loaded or displayed based on the configuration.

The above object is also achieved by means of a vehicle comprising an evaluation unit, which is set up in such a way that the method described here can be carried out.

• – umfassend eine Auswerteeinheit anhand derer eine Verzögerung des Fahrbetriebs ermittelbar ist und anhand derer ein Ende der Verzögerung des Fahrbetriebs ermittelbar ist,
• – umfassend mindestens eine Anzeigeeinheit, auf der während der Verzögerung eine Applikation darstellbar ist,
• – wobei das Ende der Verzögerung anhand eines externen Signals ermittelbar ist.

Furthermore, the problem is solved by means of a vehicle

• Comprising an evaluation unit on the basis of which a deceleration of the driving operation can be determined and by means of which an end of the deceleration of the driving operation can be determined,
• Comprising at least one display unit on which an application can be displayed during the delay,
• - Wherein the end of the delay can be determined by means of an external signal.

One embodiment is that the external signal can be provided by an image acquisition unit, a sensor or an external communication unit.

The vehicle may be, for example, an automobile, a motorcycle or a bicycle.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 schematically a cockpit of a vehicle with a dashboard comprising an instrument cluster with a (freely programmable) display and a central display and a head-up display;

2 the cockpit of the vehicle based on the representation according to 1 wherein an application is displayed on the programmable display of the instrument cluster during the delay;

3 a schematic block diagram for a possible realization of the solution presented here.

If a vehicle comes to a standstill at the traffic light or falls below a predetermined speed (eg, rolls slowly or is about to stop), then z. B. on a display unit of the vehicle a predetermined, in particular configurable application superimposed.

The display unit of the vehicle may be at least one display (eg a central display in a dashboard, an instrument cluster or a head-up display), on which, in a driving operation of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle. As pointers and / or information regarding the driving operation (eg., The speed of the vehicle, engine speed, navigation information, etc.) are displayed. In this respect, the display unit can be at least one programmable display on which different (single- or multi-colored) contents can be displayed. In particular, on the display analog pointer instruments being represented. For example, the displays of the pointer instruments can be virtually hidden or animated (eg sideways or downwards) folded away and subsequently the application can be displayed.

Furthermore, a plurality of display units may be present in the vehicle, which represent the application (or different parts of the application or multiple applications) when falling below the predetermined speed.

Furthermore, the cause of the stop or the deceleration can be detected by the vehicle. This can be achieved by z. B. by means of at least one camera and an evaluation a red light, a traffic jam or a closed railroad crossing is detected. Accordingly, an end of the delay can be detected (traffic light changes the light, level crossing opens, traffic jam dissolves, etc.) and the application can be terminated automatically or by the driver: For example, the display unit is put back into driving, ie driving-relevant information (eg virtual pointers on the aforementioned display) is displayed. This can happen automatically so that the driver knows he can continue. Alternatively, the end of the interruption may be displayed or announced to the driver on the display unit. In particular, the driver can then automatically stop or interrupt the application and continue the journey.

Preferably, a state of the application is stored before the application is terminated or before the journey is continued. Thus, the driver can continue the application at the next delay.

Preferably, there are a variety of possible applications that the driver or a user can select and / or configure. Thus, it is possible for the driver to better utilize the many short (or even longer) delays (eg downtime) in traffic according to his individual preferences and wishes, and is automatically prompted to continue as soon as the journey can continue. During the interruption (in particular when the vehicle is stationary), the driver can thus concentrate completely on the application, and he does not have to repeatedly check the direction of the cause of the interruption (eg traffic light) to see whether it has already switched over. Also, it does not hinder the subsequent traffic, because he can not miss the opportunity to continue driving through the described automatic detection.

In addition, it should be noted that upcoming delays can be taken into account in order to select the application. For example, possible delays along a navigation route can be added and an application can be selected accordingly. Thus, 15 imminent traffic lights with a statistical average of 20 seconds delay can cause an application to be started which plays a picture data stream of about 5 minutes in length and continues during each interruption of the driving operation.

Furthermore, the possibility can be used that a communication unit that provides traffic information, for. For example, a traffic sign, a traffic light, etc. communicates with the vehicle and transmits information regarding a status (eg, a traffic light status) and / or a time period until the next status change. Such information may also be displayed (eg in the form of an analog or digital display as a countdown) so that the driver knows when the onward journey will be possible. He can then interrupt the application and concentrate again on driving. Alternatively, the application can be automatically interrupted as soon as it is possible to continue or just before the onward journey is possible.

Represents the traffic sign, z. B. the traffic light, no information on a communication channel ready, the status of the traffic sign or the traffic situation (railroad crossing, traffic jam, etc.) can be recorded by means of the camera and detected by means of the evaluation. Also, several cameras can be provided for this purpose. Furthermore, further information, for. As a traffic information channel, are used to classify the current traffic situation and in particular a duration of a delay or interruption. For example, depending on this classification different applications can be displayed or launched (so it is possible that longer interruptions are used to offer the driver time consuming applications).

Also, different information sources (eg information from the traffic sign, image information of a camera, congestion information of a TMC system, position information of the vehicle, etc.) can be used together to start a suitable application depending on the situation and / or the driver over the duration to inform the delay.

For example, the automatic detection or announcement of the end of the interruption (eg via the communication of the traffic sign with the vehicle) can also be used to influence an automatic engine start / stop system. In particular, the engine of the vehicle be restarted via the engine start / stop system as soon as the end of the interruption is imminent (eg the traffic light informs the vehicle that the green phase starts in 5 seconds). Accordingly, it is also possible to display the application as soon as the engine has been switched off via the engine start / stop system. Conversely, the application can be hidden as soon as the engine has been switched on via the engine start / stop system.

Furthermore, upcoming waiting times can be added on a route. For this purpose, it can be determined by means of statistical values, when the vehicle z. B. at which traffic light arrives and how long it is expected to wait there. The total waiting time on the route (or on a route section of predetermined length or given or expected duration) may, for. B. can be used to select a suitable application.

It is also possible not to interrupt the application automatically, but to signal the driver that he should continue. If the driver continues driving, the application is interrupted (for example, by detecting a movement of the vehicle greater than a predetermined speed).

• (a) Eine Nachrichten-Applikation kann z. B. über eine Mobilfunk- oder WLAN-Schnittstelle die neuesten Nachrichten (beispielsweise zunächst nur die Überschriften) laden. Der Fahrer hat die Möglichkeit, für ihn interessante Nachrichten zu kennzeichnen bzw. auszuwählen. Diese werden sofort oder nach einer vorgegebenen Zeitverzögerung geladen und auf der Anzeigeeinheit ausgegeben. So kann der Fahrer die Verzögerungen im Straßenverkehr nutzen, um die neuesten Nachrichten zu lesen. Beispielsweise kann die Nachrichtenseite eine bestehende Internet-Seite oder einen RSS-Feed umfassen.
• (b) Mittels einer Twitter-Applikation kann der Fahrer personalisiert über aktuelle Twitter-Themen informiert werden. Optional kann eine Facebook-Applikation genutzt werden, um z. B. neu eingestellte Bilder von Freunden darzustellen.
• (c) Eine Email-Applikation kann z. B. neu eingetroffene Emails anzeigen.
• Beispielsweise kann die Hintergrundfarbe der Applikation der Farbe der Ampel (falls eine Ampel der Grund für die Verzögerung ist) entsprechen. Entsprechend ist es auch möglich, (ältere) Emails zu lesen, Emails zu sortieren oder Emails zu schreiben.
• (d) Eine andere Applikation ist eine Podcast-Applikation, die einen Datenstrom (Audio und/oder Video) ausgibt, beispielsweise eine Nachrichtensendung. Vorzugsweise ist der Datenstrom zumindest temporär in dem Fahrzeug oder auf einem mit dem Fahrzeug (drahtlos oder über ein Kabel) verbundenen Endgerät gespeichert. Alternativ kann der Datenstrom aus einem Netzwerk, z. B. dem Internet, übertragen und angezeigt werden.
• (e) Unterhaltung/Spiele: Zur Unterhaltung und Verkürzung der Wartezeit kann der Fahrer vorzugsweise zwischen mehreren Spielen wählen. Ein Spiel kann insbesondere ein Headup-Display nutzen, insbesondere kann ein Spielfeld auf mehrere Displays ausgedehnt werden. Beispielsweise kann sich ein Pacman-Spielfeld über mehrere Displays (Display im Kombiinstrument, Armaturenbrett und Headup-Display) erstrecken; der Pacman kann dabei farblich dem Zustand der Ampel entsprechen (ein Wechsel der Pacman-Farbe kann so auf die Möglichkeit der baldigen Weiterfahrt hinweisen). Auch ist es möglich, dass ein Spiel die Zeitdauer der Unterbrechung in der Spielgeschwindigkeit berücksichtigt: So könnte kurz vor einem Umschalten der Ampel auf ”grün” das Spiel schneller ablaufen. Weiterhin kann eine Interaktion mit mehreren Spielern, z. B. in dem eigenen Fahrzeug oder in anderen Fahrzeugen oder über eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle mit Spielern, die nicht in einem Fahrzeug sitzen, erfolgen, um so ein gemeinsames Spielerlebnis mit echten Mitspielern zu erreichen. Insbesondere können längere Pausen, z. B. an einem Bahnübergang oder in einem Stau, genutzt werden, um z. B. mittels einer Kommunikation zwischen Fahrzeugen (z. B. solchen Fahrzeugen, die ebenfalls von der Unterbrechung betroffen sind) Spiele (z. B. Sudoku) oder sonstige Programme (Chat Programme) gemeinsam zu erleben.
• (f) Bei der Applikation kann es sich um eine beliebige Applikation handeln, die z. B. während des Fahrbetriebs auf einem sonstigen Display angezeigt wird: Beispielsweise können der Tacho und der Drehzahlmesser während der Verzögerung ersetzt werden durch eine Applikation, die in dem Fahrzeug verfügbare Musiktitel anzeigt. Beispielsweise kann die Pause dazu genutzt werden, um Musiktitel zu sortieren, zu editieren oder um Wiedergabelisten anzulegen bzw. zu verändern.
• (g) Weiterhin kann es sich bei der Applikation um eine beliebige Applikation einer Benutzergruppe handeln. So kann z. B. eine gemeinsam erstellte oder genutzte Musik-Karte angezeigt werden, die z. B. die Beliebtheit bestimmter Musiktitel innerhalb der Benutzergruppe visualisiert.
• (h) Die Applikation kann eine Bildschirmschoner- oder Fotoalbum-Funktion umfassen: Damit kann der Fahrer während der Wartezeit Bilder eines Fotoalbums betrachten. Insbesondere können die Bilder automatisch als Diashow wiedergegeben werden.
• (i) Auch könnte eine Applikation vorgesehen sein, die dem Fahrer während der Unterbrechung aktuelle Hinweise gibt betreffend die aktuelle Fahrt oder vergangene Fahrten. Somit können z. B. Einsparmöglichkeiten zum Treibstoffverbrauch seit der letzten Unterbrechung visualisiert werden. Auch kann die aktuelle Fahrzeit (in Abschnitten) mit vergangenen Fahrzeiten oder mit in einem Netzwerk hinterlegten Fahrzeiten (z. B. anderer Fahrer) verglichen werden und dem Fahrer sein aktueller Rang betreffend eine beliebig Zielgröße (vorgebbare z. B. Zeit oder Treibstoffverbrauch) dargestellt werden.
• (j) Ferner kann eine Applikation vorgesehen sein, die abhängig von der Position des Fahrzeugs ortsabhängige Informationen bereitstellt. Beispielsweise könnte auf momentan sichtbare (oder in der Nähe liegende) Sehenswürdigkeiten hingewiesen werden und es könnten Informationen betreffend diese Sehenswürdigkeiten bereitgestellt werden. Auch könnte die Applikation mit einem mobilen Endgerät gekoppelt sein, auf dem die Sehenswürdigkeit mit der persönlichen Information des Fahrers verknüpft wird (z. B. wird visualisiert, welche Sehenswürdigkeiten der Fahrer gerade besucht oder besucht hat); eine solche Information könnte weiterhin über einen Facebook-Zugang einer Gruppe von Freunden bereitgestellt werden.

The application can be displayed on the display unit, which includes at least one display. Below are some examples of applications:

• (a) A news application can e.g. B. via a wireless or wireless interface, the latest news (for example, initially only the headings) load. The driver has the opportunity to mark or select interesting messages for him. These are loaded immediately or after a predetermined time delay and output on the display unit. So the driver can use the delays in the traffic to read the latest news. For example, the news page may include an existing Internet page or an RSS feed.
• (b) By means of a Twitter application, the driver can be informed in a personalized way about current Twitter topics. Optionally, a Facebook application can be used to z. B. represent newly set pictures of friends.
• (c) An e-mail application may e.g. B. Show newly arrived emails.
• For example, the background color of the application may correspond to the color of the traffic light (if a traffic light is the cause of the delay). Accordingly, it is also possible to read (older) emails, to sort emails or to write emails.
• (d) Another application is a podcast application that outputs a data stream (audio and / or video), such as a news broadcast. Preferably, the data stream is stored at least temporarily in the vehicle or on a terminal connected to the vehicle (wirelessly or via a cable). Alternatively, the data stream may be from a network, e.g. As the Internet, transmitted and displayed.
• (e) Entertainment / Games: To entertain and shorten the waiting time, the driver may preferably choose between several games. A game can in particular use a head-up display, in particular a playing field can be extended to several displays. For example, a Pacman playing field can extend over several displays (display in the instrument cluster, dashboard and head-up display); the Pacman can correspond in color to the condition of the traffic light (a change of the Pacman color can thus indicate the possibility of a speedy onward journey). It is also possible that a game takes into account the duration of the interruption in the game speed: Thus, just before switching the traffic light to "green", the game could run faster. Furthermore, interaction with multiple players, e.g. B. in your own vehicle or in other vehicles or via a communication interface with players who are not sitting in a vehicle, so as to achieve a common gaming experience with real teammates. In particular, longer breaks, z. B. at a railway crossing or in a traffic jam, are used to z. B. by means of communication between vehicles (eg., Such vehicles, which are also affected by the interruption) games (eg Sudoku) or other programs (chat programs) to experience together.
• (f) The application may be any application, the z. For example, the speedometer and the tachometer during the delay can be replaced by an application that displays available songs in the vehicle. For example, the pause can be used to sort, edit, or create playlists.
• (g) Furthermore, the application can be any application of a user group. So z. B. a jointly created or used music card are displayed, the z. For example, the popularity of certain songs within the user group is visualized.
• (h) The application may include a screensaver or photo album feature: allows the driver to view images of a photo album while waiting. In particular, the images can be played automatically as a slideshow.
• (i) An application could also be provided which provides the driver with current information during the interruption concerning the current journey or past journeys. Thus, z. B. saving options for fuel consumption since the last interruption are visualized. The current travel time (in sections) can also be compared with past travel times or travel times stored in a network (eg, other drivers), and the driver can be presented with his current rank regarding any target variable (predefinable time or fuel consumption, for example) become.
• (j) Furthermore, an application may be provided which provides location-dependent information depending on the position of the vehicle. For example, reference could be made to currently visible (or nearby) landmarks and information regarding these landmarks could be provided. The application could also be coupled with a mobile terminal, which links the sight with the personal information of the driver (for example, visualizes which sights the driver has just visited or visited); such information could still be provided via a Facebook access to a group of friends.

If the interruption or delay is over, the display unit is returned to a driving operation by corresponding information is output on the display unit. During the interruption or delay, the application is displayed on the display unit. The switching between the states driving and interruption can z. B. supported by an imminent end of the interruption or delay by different brightnesses (flashing display), different colors (eg corresponds to the colored background of the application at least temporarily the traffic light color, the driver can the yellow phase early and intuitive together with perceive the application and act accordingly) and / or acoustic messages ("please continue") is indicated. The driver can also receive a haptic feedback (eg via a shaking of the steering wheel and / or the seat).

The interaction of the driver with the application can be done in different ways. For example, input means present in the vehicle (eg a rotary pushbutton, at least one pushbutton or switch, the steering wheel, the pedals, a display designed as a touch screen, etc.) can be used to interact with the application. For this purpose, the state "interruption" is preferably distinguished from the state "driving mode" and the input means are assigned in the state "interruption" in accordance with a specification of the application. If the application is terminated or hidden (either automatically or at the request of the driver), then the driving-relevant information is displayed on the display unit again and the input means receive their relevant for the driving functionality.

For example, a vehicle can also drive autonomously at least temporarily, i. H. (largely) to travel a distance without interaction with a driver or user. Is the possibility of autonomous driving recognized, z. B. when entering a parking garage in which z. B. by means of suitable guidance information, the control of the vehicle can be completely automated, takes place (preferably after confirmation of the mode "autonomous driving" by the driver) a context change in the vehicle instead, the application can be displayed and the input means can be on the state "interruption "Be switched. The driver can focus on the application during the autonomous operation of his vehicle, the input means can be used to interact with the application.

One possible extension is that in the vehicle existing mobile devices z. B. via a wireless or wired interface with the vehicle, and serve as input means and / or display. So z. B. a mobile phone via a Bluetooth interface in the scenario described here are involved.

The applications could be offered to the driver via an appropriate platform. For example, the driver can select an application via this platform and load it into the vehicle (eg via a mobile radio interface). It is also possible that the application offline, z. B. by means of a storage medium (eg., A memory card or a USB storage medium) is loaded into the vehicle. In particular, the applications online z. B. directly through a network of the vehicle manufacturer or a service provider, the Internet or be acquired in the form of a storage medium offline. The storage medium may preferably be connected to the vehicle via a suitable interface.

The application can be displayed on different (more or less) central displays of the vehicle. In particular, it is possible that the application is displayed in an instrument cluster, on the head-up display or a central display. In this case, the application can in particular only claim a part of the display in each case. Also, the application can run on multiple displays simultaneously with the same or different (possibly complementary) contents are displayed.

Another possibility is that the application by means of a configurator by the driver (or any preferably authorized user) can be adjusted. The configurator can z. B. be accessible via the Internet. In particular, it may be a vehicle configurator of the vehicle manufacturer. By means of the configurator, for example, it is possible to specify when (for example in which type of delay: traffic-light stop, traffic jam, etc.) which application (and possibly on which displays) should be displayed. In particular, depending on the situation, an application can be loaded or displayed based on the configuration.

Also, vehicles may communicate with each other and provide, for example, information regarding the vehicle and / or the driver. Also, an evaluation of predetermined criteria by other users can be done: so a driving style or a visual impression could be evaluated and transmitted to the assessed vehicle or the assessed driver. This information could then be provided again to the other vehicles.

The vehicle mentioned here may also be a motorcycle. Especially for the motorcyclist, it is extremely useful to automatically detect the end of an interruption and display it on an instrument cluster (eg, by terminating the application and / or announcing an end of the interruption or explicitly displaying it) on the dashboard the application is running. Otherwise, he would have to constantly raise his head and see if the interruption is over (for example, has switched the traffic light). Another advantage is that the application is executable with little user interaction and therefore the motorcyclist can easily spend the breaks entertaining even with gloves. The display unit may include, for example, the instrument cluster of the motorcycle and / or be executed in a motorcycle helmet, z. B. be recorded in the visor of the motorcycle helmet.

1 schematically shows a cockpit of a vehicle with a dashboard 101 comprising an instrument cluster 102 with a (freely programmable) display 106 and a central display 103 , Furthermore, a headup display 104 indicated. the display 106 shows an example of two round instruments of driving, z. B. a tachometer and a tachometer.

By way of example, a delay or interruption of the driving operation based on a traffic sign, in particular a traffic light 105 , shown. Accordingly, other traffic signs may be the cause of an interruption. It is also possible that a traffic jam, a closed railroad crossing, a roadblock, a sign of a person, etc. are the cause of the interruption.

The traffic lights 105 can transmit information to the vehicle via a (wireless) communication interface (eg a mobile radio interface or a near field communication interface). So it is possible that the traffic light 105 is detected by the vehicle based on this information (also can the position of the traffic light 105 be transmitted and by comparing with the position of the vehicle, an evaluation unit of the vehicle determine whether the traffic light 105 near the vehicle or not) and the information may include a (remaining) duration of a traffic light phase. So the evaluation unit can determine how long z. B. a red phase is still going on. Accordingly, depending on the remaining time duration of the interruption, a corresponding application can be started as soon as the vehicle has fallen below a predetermined speed or as soon as the vehicle is stationary.

Such information may not only from the traffic light exemplified here, but also from different (other) traffic signs or road users or from a central unit (comprising one or more computers, in particular one or more computer network (s), the / with the vehicle is / are coupled eg via a mobile radio interface).

In addition to or instead of providing the information via the wireless communication interface, the vehicle may, for. B. using a camera to determine the cause of the delay. The evaluation unit can acquire and suitably evaluate image data recorded by the (at least one) camera. So z. As the interruption, the end of the interruption as well as an imminent end of the interruption (eg., When switching the traffic light or a corresponding sign of a traffic cop) recognizable.

2 shows the cockpit of the vehicle based on the illustration according to 1 , With reference to the already known reference numerals to the above statements, reference is made.

If the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed (or the vehicle comes to a stop) in front of the traffic light 105 , an application is started. Exemplary shows in this regard in 2 the display 106 a selection of possible applications (including, for example, programs or services) between which the driver can choose. alternative For example, it is possible for a particular application to be started automatically (eg, this may be configured beforehand by the driver or a user) - the selection screen may then be omitted initially, but could optionally be invokable to the driver if he has another application want to activate.

In the 2 Example shown selection application allows the driver during the red phase of the traffic light 105 a selection of different applications, eg. News, email, twitter, facebook, games, audio, video, photos. The driver may request an application by means of a selection means 202 select. A navigation of the selection means 202 via an input means 203 of the vehicle.

For example, the input means comprises 203 a turn-push button 204 and several buttons 205 , The selection tool 202 is via the turn-push button 204 moved by pressing the rotary control 204 The currently selected application can be started or displayed. This launched application then becomes at least partially on at least one of the displays 106 . 104 and 103 displayed.

Furthermore, z. B. in the head-up display 104 a remaining time 201 the red phase are displayed. The remaining time 201 can be visualized in the form of a time display (eg remaining seconds), a decreasing bar, a clock, a decreasing circle segment, etc. Also, a color highlighting z. B. the remaining time, so that the driver intuitively perceives how long the interruption is still going on. For example, the remaining time 201 in the color of the traffic light 105 or change the brightness (for example, the remaining time may be flashing during the last 5 seconds of the interruption).

3 shows a schematic block diagram for a possible implementation of the solution presented here.

The vehicle comprises in particular an evaluation unit 301 for detecting the interruption or delay and for triggering a state change between "driving mode" and "interruption".

A traffic sign 302 delivers the evaluation unit 301 , z. B. via a wireless interface, information regarding z. As the state, the position of the traffic sign and / or the (remaining) time duration of the state (eg, a traffic light phase or a barrier of a railroad crossing or tunnel). The traffic sign 302 stands here by way of example as a communication unit, the z. B. via the wireless interface information regarding the traffic events a vehicle, in particular the evaluation unit 301 of the vehicle.

A camera 303 picks up an environment of the vehicle, e.g. As a traffic sign, a traffic jam, a traffic cop, a railroad crossing, etc. and provides the recording of the evaluation 301 ready. In particular, several cameras can be provided.

Furthermore, different vehicle functions 304 from the evaluation unit 301 be queried and / or controlled. For example, a state of an engine start-stop system can be both interrogated and influenced; Furthermore, a speed and / or a sensor information (eg concerning at least one sensor of a distance control cruise control) can be interrogated.

The information from the traffic sign 302 , the camera 303 as well as the vehicle functions 304 be from the evaluation unit 301 suitable processed or considered.

The evaluation unit 301 uses the available information to determine if a state change should occur and start (see block 305 ) or terminated (see block 306 ) according to a (predetermined) application. It should be noted that starting the application comprises, in particular, fading in an application that has already been started (eg in the background on a computer unit) and that terminating the application comprises hiding the application, regardless of whether the application is stored as a program on the Computer unit is actually terminated or continues to run.

The started or displayed application 305 may have been configured in advance, so that z. B. depending on a remaining duration of the interruption and / or a position of the vehicle and / or a proximity to other interested in a communication drivers an application is selected and started. Thus, a short remaining period of time to start a suitably usable in a short time application, z. For example, individual headlines of the current messages can be displayed. A long time remaining can be used to read the emails. If the vehicle is in a historically interesting environment where the driver is otherwise barely located (which may be noticeable due to past trips), nearby attractions can be automatically displayed and annotated. If the vehicle is stuck in traffic with other vehicles that also have the technology described here, then several vehicles can exchange data via a wireless communication interface, so that z. B. played together and / or communicates (voice data, text, etc.) can be.

The mentioned state change is made by the evaluation unit 301 z. B. animated by the display is animated. In particular, the type of animation and / or the type of change between the states "driving mode" and "interruption" can be visualized depending on whether the remaining duration of the interruption is known or not. If the remaining time is not known, z. B. a hard or abrupt switching of at least one affected display done.

Claims (15)

Method for controlling at least one display unit of a vehicle, - When an application is displayed on the at least one display unit of the vehicle at a delay of the driving operation; - in which an end of the delay is determined and - in which the end of the delay is signaled. Method according to Claim 1, in which the end of the delay is determined on the basis of at least one external signal. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one external signal comprises: A picture or video signal recorded by an image acquisition unit, in particular a camera; An ambient signal detected by a sensor of the vehicle; An information provided by a communication unit. Method according to Claim 3, in which the delay and / or the end of the delay is determined by means of the image acquisition unit by evaluating the image recorded by the image acquisition unit. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, in which the delay and / or the end of the delay is determined on the basis of the information provided by the communication unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the end of the delay is signaled acoustically, optically and or haptically. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the end of the delay is signaled by announcing the end of the delay. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the end of the delay is signaled by the fact that the application is hidden. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the application is hidden when the vehicle continues to travel. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the delay is detected if the vehicle is traveling slower than a predetermined speed, in particular if the vehicle comes to a stop. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which an interaction with the application takes place on the basis of an input means, wherein the input means in particular comprises at least one of the following components: - a switch or a button; - a touchpad; - a rotary pushbutton; A steering wheel; - At least one pedal of the vehicle; - Other controls of the vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the application comprises at least: A message application; - an internet application; - an email application; An audio and / or video application; - a game; - a music application; A photo application, in particular a slide show; An application for current or previous driving data; - a location-based application. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a terminal is coupled via a wireless or wired interface with the vehicle and in which a display of the terminal and / or at least one input means of the terminal is used for or from the application. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the application is configurable. Vehicle having an evaluation unit, which is set up such that the method according to one of the preceding claims is feasible.

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