DE102018132223A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle, particularly one that can be operated autonomously, and test device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously operable motor vehicle, which comprises at least one test device which has at least one control unit, one sensor unit and at least one communication unit for transmitting and receiving data, with the steps: a. Possibly. Depositing biometric data and personal data of at least one user of the motor vehicle in a storage means of the control unit and / or storing and assigning an authorization to drive the motor vehicle to at least one of the stored users; b. Capturing biometric data of a user by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit, c. Assigning the biometric data to a user stored in the storage means or determining a user not stored in the storage means; d. Approval of the motor vehicle for use, i. if the registered user is stored in the storage means, andii. if the user is authorized to drive in the storage medium. otherwise the user is blocked from using the motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously operable motor vehicle, and a test device for a motor vehicle.

Modern motor vehicles offer users the option of performing at least some driving activities autonomously. Here, the motor vehicle is operated automatically and autonomously by a control unit of the motor vehicle without the control and driving activity of a user of the motor vehicle.

In addition, motor vehicles are known which can only be put into operation and operated by a user.

In all known motor vehicles, the motor vehicle is put into operation by actuating a mechanical and / or electrical key means, regardless of whether the mechanical and / or electrical key means is used by the owner or owner of the motor vehicle. This enables the use of the motor vehicle by an unauthorized and / or unsuitable user.

One object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is to propose a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously operable motor vehicle, and a test device for such a motor vehicle, by means of which operating the motor vehicle is increased in terms of its traffic safety.

1. a. Ggf. Hinterlegen von biometrischen Daten und Personendaten mindestens eines Nutzers des Kraftfahrzeugs in einem Speichermittel der Steuereinheit und/oder Hinterlegen und Zuordnen einer Berechtigung zum Fahren des Kraftfahrzeugs zu mindestens einem der hinterlegten Nutzer;
2. b. Erfassen von biometrischen Daten eines Nutzers durch mindestens ein Sensormittel der Sensoreinheit;
3. c. Zuordnen der biometrischen Daten einem im Speichermittel hinterlegten Nutzer oder Feststellen eines im Speichermittel nicht hinterlegten Nutzers;
4. d. Freigeben des Kraftfahrzeugs zur Benutzung,
   1. i. wenn der erfasste Nutzer in dem Speichermittel hinterlegt ist, und
   2. ii. wenn für den Nutzer eine Berechtigung zum Fahren im Speichermittel hinterlegt ist
5. e. sonst Sperren des Nutzers zur Benutzung des Kraftfahrzeugs

This object is achieved by a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously operable motor vehicle, which comprises at least one test device which has at least one control unit, one sensor unit and at least one communication unit for transmitting and receiving data, with the steps:

1. a. Possibly. Storing biometric data and personal data of at least one user of the motor vehicle in a storage means of the control unit and / or storing and assigning an authorization to drive the motor vehicle to at least one of the stored users;
2. b. Capturing biometric data of a user by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit;
3. c. Assigning the biometric data to a user stored in the storage means or determining a user not stored in the storage means;
4. d. Release the motor vehicle for use,
   1. i. if the detected user is stored in the storage means, and
   2. ii. if the user has an authorization to drive in the storage medium
5. e. otherwise the user is blocked from using the motor vehicle

At least a certain group of people through which the motor vehicle may be guided can be determined by the method.

By storing biometric data and personal data of at least one user of the motor vehicle and a storage means of the control unit, data can be stored in the storage means, by means of which the user can be recognized by sensor means of the control unit. In addition, the possibility of storing and assigning an authorization to drive the motor vehicle means that at least one of the stored users can not only see whether the user is present in the motor vehicle, but also whether he is authorized to drive the motor vehicle, for example if the autonomously driving motor vehicle transfers to a user who is authorized.

This makes it possible for users of the, in particular autonomously operated, motor vehicle to be refused permission to use the motor vehicle if, for example, the user still or currently does not have a driving license, for example due to their small age or an age or illness-related unsuitability for driving, or currently a driving ban is imposed.

As a result, the operation of the motor vehicle is improved with regard to its traffic safety.

“Where appropriate” means that the step does not have to be absolutely necessary. This can be the case if the biometric data and personal data of the at least one user are already stored and / or an assignment of the authorization to drive the motor vehicle has already been stored;

1. a. Erfassen ob ein Sperrkriterium vorliegt; und
2. b. Sperren des Kraftfahrzeugs zu Benutzung, wenn ein Sperrkriterium vorliegt.

In a further development of the method, it also proves to be advantageous if the method comprises the following steps:

1. a. Detect whether there is a blocking criterion; and
2. b. Locking the motor vehicle for use if a locking criterion is present.

In this case, the motor vehicle can be locked against use if a locking criterion is present.

• a. durch Fernabfrage bei einer Behörde durch das Kommunikationsmittel ein Fehlen einer gültigen Fahrerlaubnis erfasst wird; und/oder
• b. ein Autorisieren durch Scannen einer Fahrerlaubnis, wie Führerschein oder RFID, erfolglos ist.

It proves to be advantageous if the detection of whether a blocking criterion is present comprises checking the existence of a valid driver's license, a blocking criterion being present if

• a. a lack of a valid driver's license is detected by remote communication from an authority through the communication means; and or
• b. authorization by scanning a driver's license, such as a driver's license or RFID, is unsuccessful.

By checking the existence of a valid driver's license, it can be verified, on the one hand, whether the user of the motor vehicle is even authorized to drive a motor vehicle, in particular whether the user is authorized to drive this motor vehicle, for example if the motor vehicle comprises a truck or a tilting vehicle, that requires a special driver's license, the operation of the motor vehicle can be further increased with regard to its traffic safety.

In this case, the presence of a valid driver's license can be ascertained by means of a query from the authorities by the communication means or by scanning a driver's license, such as a driver's license or RFID.

• a. mittels einer Sitzbelegungserkennung der Sensoreinheit ein Freigeben und wieder Besetzen der Sitzeinheit des Nutzers erfasst wird und
• b. der neue Nutzer keine Hinterlegung im Speichermittel, insbesondere keine Berechtigung zum Fahren des Kraftfahrzeugs, umfasst.

In addition, traffic safety can be further increased if the detection of whether a blocking criterion is present includes checking whether a driver exchange is present, a blocking criterion at least being present if

• a. by means of a seat occupancy detection of the sensor unit, a release and reoccupation of the seat unit of the user is recorded and
• b. the new user does not include any storage in the storage means, in particular no authorization to drive the motor vehicle.

In this case, for example in the case of a motor vehicle that is already in operation, a change of driver can be detected and the driver can be authorized.

• a. Ein Atemluftsensor der Sensoreinheit ein Erreichen oder Überschreiten eines im Speichermittel hinterlegten Grenzwerts eines zulässigen Alkoholpegels des Nutzers erfasst,
• b. Ein visuelles Sensormittel der Sensoreinheit eine in dem Speichermittel hinterlegte kritische Körperbewegung, kritische Augentätigkeit, Lid-Frequenz und oder Blickrichtung erfasst;
• c. Ein haptisches Sensormittel der Sensoreinheit ein Erreichen oder Überschreiten eines im Speichermittel hinterlegten Grenzwerts einer Pulsfrequenz des Nutzers umfasst.

In addition, traffic safety for operating a motor vehicle can be further increased if the detection of whether a blocking criterion is present includes a test of the ability to drive, a blocking criterion being present if

• a. A breathing air sensor of the sensor unit detects when the user has reached or exceeded a limit value of an allowable alcohol level stored in the storage medium,
• b. A visual sensor means of the sensor unit detects a critical body movement, critical eye activity, eyelid frequency and or viewing direction stored in the storage means;
• c. A haptic sensor means of the sensor unit comprises reaching or exceeding a limit value of a pulse frequency of the user stored in the storage means.

By detecting, for example, an alcohol level of the user by means of a breathing air sensor of the sensor unit, an alcoholized and no longer roadworthy user can be blocked from active operation of the motor vehicle.

By providing visual and haptic sensor means, body-related data of the user can be recorded, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the state of the user. In such a case, the user is automatically blocked from using the tilting vehicle if it reaches or exceeds critical limit values stored in the storage medium.

In addition, the safety for a user of the tilting vehicle can be increased in a simple manner if, in one method step, an automatic connection is established with an emergency center, if critical body movement, critical eye activity and / or a critical pulse frequency is recorded.

This can automatically call for help if the user of the tilting vehicle suffers a seizure and / or loses consciousness, for example.

In addition, the safety of the user of the tilting vehicle can be further increased if the method comprises a step of automatically taking over the vehicle guidance by the control unit, if a critical body movement, a critical eye activity and / or a critical pulse frequency is detected. This can ensure that the motor vehicle suffers an impact if the user of the motor vehicle fails.

The user of the motor vehicle can be verified in a simple manner if the detection of biometric data of the user by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit, the detection of a fingerprint by a fingerprint sensor of the sensor unit and / or facial recognition of the user by a camera, ultrasound and / or includes radar sensor means of the sensor unit.

In addition, the object can be achieved by a test device for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously operable motor vehicle, by means of which a method can be carried out with at least one of the aforementioned method steps and the at least one control unit, a sensor unit and has at least one communication unit for sending and receiving data.

The control unit can comprise, for example, a storage device in which biometric data and personal data of users of motor vehicles can be stored. The sensor unit can comprise different types of sensor means. For example, the sensor unit can comprise at least one seat occupancy detection, by means of which it can be ascertained whether a user of the motor vehicle has released or occupied the seat unit. The seat occupancy detection can comprise, for example, a weight sensor or a visual sensor, such as a camera, radar or the like, by means of which it is easy to detect the arrangement of a user on the seat unit.

In addition, the sensor unit can comprise at least one breathing air sensor, by means of which at least one alcohol level of the user can be detected.

The breathing air sensor can, for example, be arranged in a helmet. This proves to be particularly advantageous if the motor vehicle comprises a tilting vehicle.

In addition, the sensor unit can comprise a visual sensor means, such as a camera, ultrasound and / or radar, by means of which critical body movement, eye activities, eyelid frequencies and / or viewing directions of the user can be detected.

Furthermore, the sensor unit can comprise at least one haptic sensor means by which at least one pulse frequency of the user can be detected. In one embodiment of the test device, the haptic sensor means is embodied in a glove and / or in a steering wheel / handlebar of the motor vehicle.

Finally, the sensor unit can comprise at least one fingerprint sensor, by means of which a fingerprint of the user can be recorded, for example, by placing a finger on the fingerprint sensor.

The communication unit can comprise, for example, a transmitting device and / or a receiving device. The communication device enables the test facility to establish a connection with an authority and / or with an emergency call center.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the attached patent claims, from the drawing and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the method.

• 1 Ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The drawing shows:

• 1 A schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention. The method is used to operate a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle that can be operated autonomously. The motor vehicle itself comprises a test device which has at least one control unit, one sensor unit and at least one communication unit for sending and receiving data.

In a first step 100 if necessary, biometric data and personal data of a user of the tilting vehicle are stored in a storage means of the control unit. At the same time, an authorization to drive the motor vehicle can optionally be assigned to at least one user stored in the storage means.

The step 100 will be carried out if necessary. In this case, this means that this step does not necessarily have to be carried out, for example when the biometric data and personal data are already stored in the storage means and / or when the assignment of an authorization to drive the motor vehicle is already stored in the storage means.

In one step 100 subsequent step 101 biometric data of a user are recorded by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit.

In a subsequent step 102 the recorded biometric data are assigned to a user stored in the storage means or it is determined that the user is not stored in the storage means.

This is followed by one step 103a the motor vehicle is released for use if the detected user is stored in the storage means and if the user has an authorization to drive in the storage means. If one of the two criteria is not met, then in a parallel step 103b the motor vehicle locked against use.

At the in 1 apparent process there may be between the process step 101 and 102 be provided that in one process step 101.5 a detection of whether a blocking criterion is present is carried out. If a blocking criterion in the step 101.5 is detected, the motor vehicle is immediately blocked against use and thereby immediately to step 103b passed over.

The existence of a blocking criterion can be met, for example, if it is determined that there is no valid driver's license. The checking for the existence of a valid driver's license can be recorded remotely by an authority using a means of communication. In addition or as an alternative to this, a valid driver's license can also be obtained by scanning a driver's license, such as a driver's license or RFID.

In addition, the presence of a blocking criterion can be met if the occupancy of the seat unit of the user is detected by means of a seat occupancy detection of the sensor unit and the new user is not stored in the storage means and / or does not include any authorization to drive the motor vehicle.

In addition, the presence of a blocking criterion can be met if a breathing air sensor of the sensor unit detects when a user has reached or exceeded a limit value of an allowable alcohol level stored in the storage medium. Furthermore, a critical body movement, critical eye activity, eyelid frequency and / or line of sight stored in the storage means can be detected by a visual sensor means of the sensor unit. As a result, critical health conditions of the user can be recorded and the motor vehicle is immediately in step 103b locked against use.

In addition, a state of health of the user of the motor vehicle can be detected by a haptic sensor means of the sensor unit, for example if a pulse frequency exceeds a limit value stored in the storage means.

Will in step 101.5 such a health-critical blocking criterion is recorded and the motor vehicle in the step 103b determined against use, can be done in a subsequent step 104 an automatic connection to an emergency center. Alternatively or in addition, this can be done in one step 105 control of the vehicle is taken over by the control unit. This must not only be done in driving situations that are critical to health, but also, for example, when the user has an increased alcohol level.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawing can be essential both individually and in any combination in the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

Reference symbol list

100-105

Procedural steps

Claims (9)

Method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular one which can be operated autonomously, which comprises at least one test device which has at least one control unit, one sensor unit and at least one communication unit for transmitting and receiving data, with the steps: a. Possibly. Storing biometric data and personal data of at least one user of the motor vehicle in a storage means of the control unit and / or storing and assigning an authorization to drive the motor vehicle to at least one of the stored users; b. Capturing biometric data of a user by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit; c. Assigning the biometric data to a user stored in the storage means or determining a user not stored in the storage means; d. Release the motor vehicle for use, i. if the detected user is stored in the storage means, and ii. if the user has an authorization to drive in the storage medium e. otherwise the user is blocked from using the motor vehicle. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized by the steps: a. Detect whether there is a blocking criterion; and b. Locking the motor vehicle for use if a locking criterion is present. Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the determining whether a blocking criterion is present comprises checking the existence of a valid driver's license, a blocking criterion being present if a. a lack of a valid driver's license is detected by remote communication from an authority through the communication means; and / or b. authorization by scanning a driver's license, such as a driver's license or RFID, is unsuccessful. Procedure according to Claim 2 or 3rd , characterized in that the determining whether a blocking criterion is present comprises checking whether a driver exchange is present, a blocking criterion being present at least if a. by means of a seat occupancy detection of the sensor unit, a release and reoccupation of the seat unit of the user is recorded and b. the new user does not include any storage in the storage means, in particular no authorization to drive the motor vehicle. Procedure according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the determining whether a blocking criterion is present includes checking the ability to drive, a blocking criterion driving license being present if a. A breathing air sensor of the sensor unit detects when the user has reached or exceeded a limit value of an allowable alcohol level stored in the storage means, b. A visual sensor means of the sensor unit detects a critical body movement, critical eye activity, eyelid frequency and or viewing direction stored in the storage means; c. A haptic sensor means of the sensor unit comprises reaching or exceeding a limit value of a pulse frequency of the user stored in the storage means. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized by an automatic connection to an emergency center when detecting a critical body movement, a critical eye activity and / or a critical pulse rate. Procedure according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized by automatic takeover of the vehicle guidance by the control unit upon detection of a critical body movement, a critical eye activity and / or a critical pulse frequency. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection of biometric data of the user by at least one sensor means of the sensor unit, the detection of a fingerprint by a fingerprint sensor of the sensor unit and / or facial recognition of the user by a camera, ultrasound and / or radar sensor means of the sensor unit. Testing device for a, in particular autonomously operable, motor vehicle by means of a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th is executable and has at least one control unit, a sensor unit and at least one communication unit for sending and receiving data.

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