DE102014006049A1 - Method for operating vehicle functions and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating motor vehicle functions by means of a terminal, wherein the terminal with a motor vehicle establishes a communication connection, wherein on the terminal a plurality of operating elements (4, 6, 8, 16, 18, 20, 16 ', 18', 20 ') for the operation of the motor vehicle are displayed or displayed, wherein the operating elements (4, 6, 8, 16, 18, 20, 16', 18 ', 20') are grouped depending on operating scenarios, so that a control element (4, 6 , 8; 16, 18, 20; 16 ', 18', 20 ') is displayed differently on the terminal depending on the scenario.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating motor vehicle functions by means of a terminal and a corresponding computer program product. The terminal establishes a communication connection for operation with the motor vehicle, wherein a plurality of operating elements for operating the motor vehicle are displayed or displayed on the terminal. The invention further relates to a computer program product.

Methods and computer program products of the type mentioned are known in the art. So revealed the DE 199 41 052 A1 a telecommunication terminal, in particular a wireless telecommunication terminal, in which a touch-sensitive display device is provided which implements a concept-dependent operating concept.

Furthermore, it is known that various providers, for example motor vehicle manufacturers, offer virtual representations of a specific motor vehicle on the Internet. These virtual representations can u. a. Make settings that can affect the specific motor vehicle. For example, the charge state of batteries of an electric motor can be displayed via such a virtual representation.

In addition, for certain motor vehicles there are various computer programs for the remote control of the motor vehicle, for example for controlling a multimedia or infotainment system of the motor vehicle to operate that also from the back seat, as is useful for sedans with chauffeur .. Such a function can a local area network between the vehicle and a terminal running the computer program, for example a wireless local area network.

Furthermore, applications are provided which can be operated via control devices not permanently installed in the motor vehicle, for example mobile terminals of a driver of the motor vehicle, for example for locking a motor vehicle or for activating certain functions, for example a parking heater and the like. Such functions may, as appropriate motor vehicles are individually designed differently, may be formed as separate programs. This has the disadvantage for the user that he must independently and possibly often switch between the different programs back and forth, which is uncomfortable for the user.

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages mentioned at least partially and to allow a more comfortable remote control of a motor vehicle by means of user terminals.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and by a computer program product according to the independent claim 10. Further embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a method for operating vehicle functions is described, which is performed using a terminal. Such a terminal may be a user terminal that is independent of the motor vehicle. A possible user terminal may be a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone. Such a mobile phone may be a so-called. Smartphone, which has a touch-sensitive screen over which inputs are vornehmbar.

The terminal establishes a communication connection with the motor vehicle in a step of the method, wherein a plurality of operating elements for operating the motor vehicle are displayed or displayed on the terminal.

The terminal can control the motor vehicle with existing communication link between the motor vehicle and terminal to some extent. The control can be done by pressing the controls on the terminal. The controls may be actuated, for example, by pressing their playback on a display device of the terminal.

According to the invention, it is provided that the operating elements are grouped according to operating scenarios, so that an operating element that is used in several scenarios is represented differently in one scenario, ie is arranged at a different location on the terminal than in another scenario. By such an arrangement, the operation of the motor vehicle can be done particularly intuitively depending on the particular scenario. In corresponding different scenarios, it can be useful, depending on the corresponding scenario, to represent a control element in a different context, which is achieved by context-appropriate arrangement and possibly brings about an arrangement in different places. These locations may be locations on a display of the terminal, but they may also represent various submenus. An operating function that is a main operating function in a scenario is possibly of minor importance in another scenario. This facilitates the operation of the motor vehicle by means of the terminal.

In a first possible further embodiment of the method, the scenarios may define different command chains for operating functions of the motor vehicle. For example, a scenario may be that a motor vehicle is parked and locked automatically after parking. Another scenario could be that after parking on the terminal to automatically switch to a display that allows a completion. Within such chains of command a corresponding grouping of controls is useful because z. For example, certain operations are mutually exclusive or at least very unlikely. Thus, hardly any multimedia system of the motor vehicle is needed after the parking and closing of a motor vehicle. In addition, some scenarios require operation in different order.

A further possible embodiment of the invention can provide that the communication connection between terminal and motor vehicle via a central computer and / or is made directly. The preparation of a corresponding communication connection via a central computer allows the operation of corresponding functions by means of the terminal from a greater distance between the terminal and the motor vehicle, for example, the activation of a heater at a distance that exceeds range of known Nahkommunikationsmitteln. An immediate communication connection between motor vehicle and terminal allows safe and undisturbed communication even during a journey of the motor vehicle. In addition, data traffic is reduced via a central network, such as the Internet.

In one embodiment of the invention can be prioritized depending on the availability between network and local communication, so that, for example, in the possibility of direct communication between the motor vehicle and terminal this is used and not communication via a central computer. This can be done depending on the function. Some applications may require the interposition of a central computer. This applies, for example, to safety-relevant functions.

According to another possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the grouping of the operating elements can be carried out in a framework program. In this way, controls that are provided in different programs, can be displayed in a single interface. This facilitates the operation of the motor vehicle, even if separate programs are necessary for different functions.

In a further possible embodiment of the method according to the invention it can be provided that the grouping is carried out in a common folder. Thus, the controls can be easily made available. The controls can come from different programs.

According to another possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating elements can call independent programs stored on the terminal or the central computer. By establishing a corresponding link between different programs or functions, a high integration for the end user can be achieved even when using different programs.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that an operator control of an operating element calls an assigned program or a corresponding function from an associated program.

In this way, the user is given a uniform user interface and allows operation of certain functions in a few steps.

According to another possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating elements can be arranged by the operator and / or depending on importance and / or frequency of use. In this way, frequently used functions can be arranged so that they are easily accessible. Unimportant controls and functions, or those that do not need to be used regularly, may be less accessible.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the scenarios may be configurable by the user. In this way, the operation of the motor vehicle by means of the terminal can be better individualized.

A first independent aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product having a computer-readable storage medium. Embedded on the storage medium are instructions that, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to be configured to perform a method as previously described. A corresponding Computer program product allows easy operation of a motor vehicle by means of a user terminal.

The invention will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments. Here are shown schematically:

1 a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a second embodiment of the invention;

3 a third embodiment of the invention as well

4 A fourth embodiment of the invention.

A framework program 2 according to 1 has a plurality of controls 4 . 6 . 8th on. The controls 4 . 6 . 8th are within the framework program 2 arranged distributed. The controls 4 . 6 . 8th are to choose the programs 10 . 12 . 14 intended. The programs 10 . 12 . 14 can be independent programs that run independently. Within the framework program 2 are the program 10 . 12 . 14 are immediately executable when selected and do not need to be loaded first.

The programs 10 . 12 . 14 serve to control functions of a motor vehicle. Such functions may include: opening and closing a motor vehicle, activating and deactivating an alarm, operating an entertainment system, configuring a parking heater or awning, climate settings, parking assistants, monitoring functions, and the like.

Since different motor vehicles may be differently equipped, some motor vehicles may not be able to offer certain aggregates or functions, so that no separate function is required for this. As a result, a different selection of programs makes sense for different motor vehicles. Other programs can not be used due to corresponding missing functions in the motor vehicle.

In addition, different users have different needs. Some users just want to install a selection of different programs that they often need, and others want access to all features. This leads in practice to the fact that the different user terminals are assigned with different software equipment. Among other things, it is therefore refrained from combining too great a variety of functions in a single remote control program. In addition, different motor vehicle units are offered by different suppliers who may be responsible for programming a corresponding program. It is therefore easier to keep the programs separate.

To improve operability, the programs according to the invention are in the framework program 2 agreed. The supporting program 2 thus allows entry into the programs 10 . 12 . 14 not only about the operating system, but also about the supporting program 2 , This allows the framework program 2 be designed so that frequently used functions are directly operable. A selection of the functions can be made on the basis of a sorting depending on the frequency of use or the last use. Also a manual configuration of the arrangement of the controls 4 . 6 . 8th may happen.

In the context of the second embodiment according to 2 becomes a folder structure 3 created in which the programs 10 . 12 . 14 are arranged. The customer can thus easily switch from one program to the next.

3 shows a third embodiment of the within a framework program 2 ' not only to various programs, as according to the first embodiment, can be accessed. According to this embodiment, the controls may also be references 16 . 18 . 20 on functions 22 . 24 . 26 the programs 10 . 12 . 14 be. The functions 22 . 24 are part of the program 10 , the function 26 is part of the program 12 ,

4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. These are operating elements 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' in a framework program 2 '' trained on functions 22 . 24 . 26 the programs 10 . 12 refer. The controls 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' are scenarios that point to a chain of different functions in a specific order. So can in reference 16 ' first on function 22 from program 10 and then on function 24 from program 10 to get expelled. reference 18 ' first refers to function 26 from program 12 and then on function 22 from program 10 , reference 20 ' can function first 26 from program 12 and then on function 24 from program 10 refer. Through this chain of different function instructions different scenarios can be realized.

• • Nach einem automatischen Einparken des Fahrzeugs soll das Fahrzeug automatisch verriegelt werden.
• • Nach dem automatischen Einparken des Fahrzeugs soll automatisch auf eine Funktionsseite gewechselt werden, die ein Verriegeln des Fahrzeugs erlaubt.
• • Nach einem Entriegeln des Fahrzeugs soll automatisch auf eine Funktionsseite gewechselt werden, die ein automatisches Ausparken des Fahrzeugs erlaubt.
• • Nach dem Auslösen einer Diebstahlwarnung soll automatisch auf die Funktionsseite gewechselt werden, welche eine Verriegelung des Fahrzeugs erlaubt.
• • Nach einem Entriegeln des Fahrzeugs soll automatisch auf die Bedienmöglichkeiten des Infotainmentsystems gewechselt werden.
• • Nach einem Starten der Standheizung soll automatisch auf die Funktionsseite gewechselt werden, welche eine Entriegelung des Fahrzeugs erlaubt.

Such scenarios can be, for example:

• • After an automatic parking of the vehicle, the vehicle should be locked automatically.
• • After the automatic parking of the vehicle should automatically turn to a functional page be changed, which allows locking the vehicle.
• • After unlocking the vehicle, it is intended to automatically switch to a function page that allows the vehicle to be automatically parked.
• • After triggering an anti-theft alarm, it is intended to switch automatically to the function page, which allows locking the vehicle.
• • After unlocking the vehicle, you should automatically switch to the operating options of the infotainment system.
• • After the auxiliary heater has started, the function side should be changed automatically, which allows the vehicle to be unlocked.

The scenario (s) may be predetermined and the customer may be able to independently activate or deactivate it. It is also possible for customers to specify scenarios themselves.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 2 ', 2' '

framework program

3

folder structure

4, 6, 8

operating element

10, 12, 14

programs

16, 18, 20

reference

16 ', 18', 20 '

reference

22, 24, 26

function

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19941052 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Method for operating motor vehicle functions by means of a terminal, wherein the terminal with a motor vehicle establishes a communication connection, wherein on the terminal a plurality of operating elements ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) are displayed or displayed for operating the motor vehicle, characterized in that the operating elements ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) are grouped according to operating scenarios so that a control element ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) is displayed differently on the terminal depending on the scenario. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the scenarios different command chains ( 22 . 24 . 26 ) for operating functions of the motor vehicle. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication link between the terminal and the motor vehicle via a central computer and / or is made directly. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grouping of the operating elements ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) in a framework program ( 2 . 2 ' . 2 '' ) is made. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grouping is carried out in a common folder. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating elements ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) call independent programs, stored on the terminal or the central computer programs or their functions. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that an operator of an operating element an associated program ( 10 . 12 . 14 ) or a corresponding function ( 22 . 24 . 26 ) from an assigned program ( 10 . 12 . 14 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating elements ( 4 . 6 . 8th ; 16 . 18 . 20 ; 16 ' . 18 ' . 20 ' ) can be arranged by the operator and / or depending on importance and / or frequency of use. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that scenarios are user-configurable. A computer program product having a computer-readable storage medium embedded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing unit to be configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

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