DE102019105590B3 - Cross-platform messaging in vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an instant messaging method. The method includes providing a chatbot that is configured to represent a user when sending and / or receiving messages; Receiving, by means of the chatbot, of one or more input messages from one or more communication partners and / or sending, by means of the chatbot, of one or more output messages to the one or more communication partners; and processing the one or more input messages. The present disclosure further relates to a system that is configured to carry out the method according to the invention, and to a vehicle that comprises the system.

Description

The disclosure relates to systems and methods for messaging services in vehicles. The disclosure particularly relates to systems and methods for cross-platform messaging services in vehicles using a chatbot that acts as a representative for a vehicle user.

State of the art

Messaging (also instant messaging or chat) generally refers to the prompt sending of mostly text messages between different users or user groups, preferably via wireless networks. For this purpose, special programs (apps) are typically used on mobile devices, whereby the users communicating with each other must use the same app (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, ICQ) in order to be able to connect with each other. At least the apps used must support the same communication platform or the same messaging service (e.g. IRC, XMPP).

Programs or apps that support multiple communication platforms are known in the prior art, so that messages can be received and sent using such programs or apps (also: “client”) independently of a platform used. A user is not dependent on the fact that a coordination according to communication partner and / or messaging platform has to be carried out, or that a certain client has to be used for communication with a certain communication partner, while another client is necessary for communication with another communication partner is.

In the prior art, at least some integration of messaging services in vehicles is known, which is implemented on devices integrated in the vehicle, for example infotainment systems. Manufacturer-specific (e.g. OEM-proprietary) solutions are typically used here. Apps are also known that run on mobile devices, such as smartphones, and can be connected to infotainment systems in the vehicle via appropriate interfaces (e.g. Google Android Car, Apple Car Play). There are also largely manufacturer-independent approaches (e.g. Mirror Link) for connecting different platforms, for example for connecting different mobile devices with infotainment systems from different manufacturers, so that apps developed for mobile devices can be used via the vehicle user interface (HMI) regardless of the manufacturer.

The use of apps on mobile devices is problematic for the user of a vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as “driver”, unless explicitly specified otherwise), and the driver's direct use of the mobile device (e.g. without a hands-free device) due to the impaired attention and distraction banned in most countries. Various apps provide functions to take account of situations in which messages are received, answered or otherwise processed while driving. For example, the driver can select and send roughly standardized text modules (e.g. "I'm on the go.", "Urgent?", "Report me later!") Provided by the respective app with relatively little effort, without having to enter text accordingly becomes necessary. In some cases, the apps can also be configured to send a previously selected standard response (e.g. "In discussion, report me later"). However, direct or manual operation of the app is often still necessary.

In addition, certain services have additional functions in some cases, for example, for analyzing chat messages (e.g. Facebook Messenger) or emails (e.g. Google Smart Reply) in order to enter or enter appropriate information based on the chat history or the email message. Answer suggestions variable, ie not just static. Other functions include functions known from e-mail or calendar programs, for example "out-of-office replies", display of conflicts for suggested appointments, or e-mail autoresponders.

The publication US 2007/0162550 A1 describes an instant messaging system for communication from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, the communication being addressed based at least in part on the proximity of the two vehicles. This is intended to enable communication with other road users who are unknown per se - instead of being generic (e.g. horn or headlight flasher) - so that, for example, a warning signal can be given to a road user or an overtaking can be announced without other road users feel addressed. The system described also allows a number of predefined messages (for example, overtaking request, general warning, keep distance) to be sent, for example by means of additional buttons on the steering wheel.

The publication US 9,947,319 describes a virtual or mobile assistant who, in a first session, provides information about a user Can record and save status. In a second subsequent session, reference can then be made to the stored state by selecting from a large number of predetermined words, phrases or statements. This processing of the state of a user is intended to give the assistant a more social or human component, so that the interaction with the assistant is more like an interaction with a human counterpart. The context of use "vehicle" is not taken into account in the publication.

Known systems usually only support a single, possibly proprietary, communication platform, so that cross-platform (also: "cross-platform") communication is not possible or only possible to a limited extent. In such cases, a user who is set to messaging platform "A" in this manner cannot communicate with a user who is set to messaging platform "B" for the same or different reasons, and vice versa.

In some cases, a user may be able to switch between several apps, but in the context of the application in a vehicle, each operating step for changing the app and / or for operating different (graphic) user interfaces entails a corresponding input effort and a loss of attention on the part of the user . If the user is the driver of the vehicle, it is important to reduce the attention required to operate the communication to a minimum in order to ensure safe driving of the vehicle in traffic.

In addition, simultaneous or coupled communication between partners on different platforms is not possible. This is the case, for example, when a user communicates with a communication partner "X" via a platform "A" and with a communication partner "Y" via a second platform "B". While the user can communicate with both communication partners separately, possibly with increased effort (e.g. changing the app), coupled communication (e.g. group chat with both communication partners "X" and "Y") or communication between the two communication partners is not possible .

Furthermore, in some vehicles there is generally no chat client at all available via which a partner wants to communicate with the driver outside the vehicle, or at best a specific chat client is not available for a specific or desired chat platform.

There is therefore a need for a system that enables communication with different communication partners, regardless of platform and / or cross-platform (ie “cross-platform”), whereby the use of the system, in particular the operation of a user interface of the system, is completely transparent and user-friendly , regardless of the apps or communication platforms used, should be uniform and clear. This has the advantage that different platforms can be used transparently by the driver, in particular that platforms for which no integration with the infotainment system present in the vehicle is offered can also be used. Furthermore, the means and possibilities for interaction (e.g. acoustic, haptic) with the driver available in the vehicle should be used, so that direct operation of the app is not necessary. This maintains or increases the driver's attention to traffic. Furthermore, the means and possibilities for interaction (e.g. acoustic, haptic) with the driver in the vehicle should be used, so that an app (e.g. a chat client) does not have to be available.

For example, a "Hello" message can be implemented by vibrating the steering wheel and a response to this can be implemented by tapping the steering wheel with your finger.

Typically, known systems or apps only handle messages from the driver or responses to incoming messages. Incoming messages are not processed or processed, or only rudimentarily. For example, for the driver of a vehicle, participation in a group chat, via which a large number of participants may send and receive a large amount of messages in a short time, is not possible or is possible only to a very limited extent. Since no processing or processing of incoming messages is carried out, the driver is often overwhelmed with the amount of messages and cannot extract the essential information from the chat without manually reviewing the messages in detail. However, this would require that the driver neglect traffic and dangerous situations could result.

In particular, there should be the possibility that the user can be represented by a proxy (also: “chatbot”) with regard to as many communication scenarios and use cases as possible, who enables the transparency described above. It should be possible for the user to participate in one or more chats based on one or more platforms by means of one or more chatbots, so that no special administration is required arises, for example regarding which platform must or should be used for which chat. The chatbot should have access to different platforms and be able to represent the user on one or more platforms.

There is also a need for a system that processes incoming messages in such a way that only current and relevant information that is relevant to him or her is made available to a user, in particular in a manner that does not or does not significantly impair the attention to traffic. It is desirable that obsolete and irrelevant information is reduced or completely filtered out and that current and relevant information is bundled and made available to the user at the right time. A chatbot could be configured to perform appropriate processing (e.g. reduction, filtering, sorting, prioritization), preferably before a lot of incoming messages are signaled to the user or transmitted to them. Ideally, the user should only receive relevant and current information that is relevant for him or her, and further preferably in the most efficient form and quantity possible.

For example, in group chats it often happens that appointments are made whose results are only known at the end of the conversation, for example when several appointments for a meeting are offered and discussed before the participants finally agree on one of the options discussed. It would not make sense here to convey the entire course of the discussion to a user if most of the content is of no or at best subordinate importance. This has the advantage that the driver's attention to traffic is maintained or further increased. A summary can be textual or graphical. It can take place within one of the given chat client apps in the vehicle or via the vehicle HMI or via other actuators in the vehicle, for example analogous to a Morse code by vibrating the seat, the steering wheel or the like.

There is also a need for a system that takes into account the current state of the driver or the vehicle and the traffic situation. The context of a driving situation can include the condition of the driver (e.g. attentive, tired, relaxed, aggressive, calm, hectic), the driving situation (e.g. city, overland trip, highway, speed, driving style, control systems, assistance systems) and other factors (e.g. location , Time, date, weather). Such a system should preferably output messages in situations in which the driver has to pay little or no attention to traffic, for example when the vehicle is at a standstill in traffic jams, when stop & go traffic, when driving with assistance systems (e.g. stop & go, longitudinal and lateral guidance), or when waiting (at length) at traffic lights or at level crossings, and the like. It is also to be avoided to distract the user in situations in which increased attention is required, for example when driving in heavy traffic, at increased speed on highways, in urban areas, in bad weather conditions or when control systems are involved (e.g. skidding the vehicle in slippery conditions) ). A chatbot should be able to capture and / or evaluate context information or context parameters, so that the communication services realized via the chatbot can be executed in a context-based manner.

The system should also be able to have a positive effect on the condition of the driver, for example soothing when the driver appears excited or aggressive, or encouraging when driver fatigue can be assumed. Communication or failure to do so can have an impact here. This has the advantage that the communication of the driver is controlled in such a way that driving safety is not impaired or improved.

Finally, known systems usually only provide a very limited amount of predefined text modules or answers that often do not fit the communication context and / or subliminally convey to the communication partner that little or no attention is paid to communication (eg "OK", Yes "," No ”as answers). Often, only simple text responses are available, but no other media (e.g. photos, audio / video recordings).

There is therefore a need for a system which, depending on the context, provides individual vocabulary, answer sentences and / or statements that correspond to the other communication behavior of the user, which he or she also uses in other situations (e.g. not in the vehicle). For example, certain informal communication partners (e.g. friends, family) tend to use an informal, relaxed tone, while others (e.g. colleagues, strangers) may require a more formal, polite manner of expression. The system should be able to capture different contexts and adapt the processing accordingly. This has the advantage that the driver is provided with individualizable communication options. A chatbot should therefore be able to take into account an individual user profile that enables individual communication on behalf of the chatbot without the aforementioned disadvantages.

In addition, it can be advantageous in certain situations if the driver's communication can go unnoticed for passengers or other occupants, for example in the case of chauffeur-like or taxi-like applications (for example Uber, Lyft, taxis). Voice input or output, for example of text messages, is often not suitable in such a context, since both incoming and outgoing messages can typically be heard by everyone in the vehicle. Here, the system should have modalities that allow exclusive communication with the driver that is not perceptible to other people in the vehicle. In this regard, a chatbot should provide different operating modes that take into account the different requirements of certain situations and assume communication on a representative basis (and possibly unnoticed by other occupants) and / or enable, restrict or block certain communication functions depending on the context.

The publication US 2009/234638 A1 relates to techniques for using a grammar to identify concepts that are expressed by audio messages and text messages and to respond to the concepts that are expressed by audio messages and text messages. In particular, a server can receive audio and text messages. The server can use the same grammar to identify concepts that are expressed in the audio messages and in the text messages. After the server has identified a concept expressed in either an audio message or a text message, the server can generate and send an audio message or a text message containing a response to one in the audio message or the Text message expressed concept responds.

In the publication US 2012/226763 A1 An electronic assistant processes instant messages that are sent to a user when the user is offline. The electronic assistant can respond to inquiries regarding the user's absence or offline status, receive messages for delivery to the user and, if necessary, intelligently forward messages to the user.

The publication US 2019/005021 A1 Affects Intelligent Agents (IA) to automatically generate responses to content within a communication session (CS). An IA is trained to align responses to a user and the user context within the CS.

epiphany

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and systems for instant messaging for use in a vehicle which avoid one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages and / or enable one or more of the advantages described.

This object of the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are specified in the subclaims.

In a first aspect, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for instant messaging is specified. The method preferably comprises providing a chatbot that is configured to represent a user when sending and / or receiving messages; Receiving, by means of the chatbot, one or more input messages from one or more communication partners; Processing the one or more input messages; and sending, by means of the chatbot, one or more output messages to the one or more communication partners.

In a second aspect according to the previous aspect 1, the chatbot is configured to communicate with the one or more communication partners via a first communication platform.

In a third aspect according to a previous aspect 1 or 2, the chatbot is configured to communicate with the user via a second communication platform.

In a fourth aspect according to the preceding aspects 2 and 3, the first communication platform and the second communication platform are different from one another. The user preferably has only indirect access to the first communication platform via the chatbot.

In a fifth aspect, according to a preceding aspect 1 to 4, the processing further comprises determining one or more context parameters which characterize the context of a use of the instant messaging by the user.

In a sixth aspect according to the preceding aspect 5, the method further comprises determining, based on the one or more context parameters, whether the one or more input messages are to be transmitted to the user; and, if the one or more input messages are transmitted to the user transmit the one or more input messages to the user.

• • eines oder mehrere optisch wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren optisch wahrnehmbaren Signale eines oder mehrere der folgenden umfassen: Signale, die über ein Head-Up Display (HUD) ausgegeben werden; Signale, die über eine zentrale Instrumentenkombi angezeigt werden; und Signale, die über ein zentrales Informationsdisplay (CID) angezeigt werden;
• • eines oder mehrere akustisch wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren akustisch wahrnehmbaren Signale eines oder mehrere der folgenden umfassen: Signale, die über eine Lautsprecheranlage des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden; Signale, die über einen akustischen Signalgeber ausgegeben werden; und
• • eines oder mehrere taktil wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren taktil wahrnehmbaren Signale wenigstens eines der folgenden umfassen: Vibrations- oder Klopfsignale, die über Bedienelemente des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden; Vibrations- oder Klopfsignale, die über einen Sitz des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden.

In a seventh aspect according to the preceding aspect 6, the method further comprises determining, based on the one or more context parameters, whether the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user; and, if the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user, signaling to the user that the one or more input messages have been received. The signaling preferably comprises one or more of the following signals:

• • one or more optically perceptible signals, preferably wherein the one or more optically perceptible signals comprise one or more of the following: signals that are output via a head-up display (HUD); Signals that are displayed via a central instrument cluster; and signals that are displayed on a central information display (CID);
• One or more acoustically perceptible signals, preferably wherein the one or more acoustically perceptible signals comprise one or more of the following: signals that are output via a loudspeaker system of the vehicle; Signals that are emitted by an acoustic signal generator; and
• One or more tactile signals, preferably wherein the one or more tactile signals comprise at least one of the following: vibration or knock signals that are output via control elements of the vehicle; Vibration or knock signals that are output from a seat of the vehicle.

In an eighth aspect according to one of the preceding aspects 1 to 7, the processing further comprises processing the one or more input messages by means of natural language processing; preferably comprising content-neutral reducing a number and / or length of the one or more input messages; and / or removing obsolete and / or parts of the one or more input messages which are irrelevant to the user; wherein a sequence, order, and / or sorting present within the one or more input messages is preferably maintained when reducing and / or removing.

In a ninth aspect according to a previous aspects 1 to 8, the method further comprises generating the one or more output messages of the user based on the one or more input messages and / or the one or more context parameters, wherein the one or more output messages preferably include a response to one or more incoming messages and / or the one or more outgoing messages include at least one of text, emoticon, image, audio data and video data; and preferably wherein the sending, by means of the chatbot, which includes the one or more output messages to the one or more communication partners, automatically sends the one or more output messages of the user without the user having to do anything.

In a tenth aspect according to a preceding aspects 1 to 9, the method further comprises determining, based on the one or more context parameters, whether the one or more output messages of the user should be sent automatically; and, if automatic transmission of the one or more output messages of the user is to take place, automatic transmission of the one or more output messages of the user without the user having to do anything.

In an eleventh aspect according to the preceding aspect 9, the method further comprises generating a plurality of alternative output messages of the user based on the one or more input messages and / or the one or more context parameters; Delivering the plurality of alternative output messages to the user; Receiving an input from the user to select at least one of the plurality of alternative output messages; and sending the selected at least one outgoing message.

In a twelfth aspect according to the preceding aspect 11, receiving an input from the user to select at least one of the several alternative output messages further comprises detecting a tactile input via a sensor in the steering wheel, preferably wherein the sensor is configured to detect vibrations or shocks; or detecting an acoustic input from the user; or a detection of an activation of a control element of the vehicle by the user.

In a thirteenth aspect according to previous aspects 1 to 12, the context parameters include one or more of the following parameters: at least one of a location, a time and a date; one or more weather parameters which characterize a local weather in relation to the vehicle, preferably including at least one of a temperature, a precipitation, an air pressure, an air pressure curve, humidity and visibility; one or more vehicle parameters that characterize a state of a vehicle, preferably including at least one of a speed of the vehicle, a state of driver assistance systems, a state of control systems, a direction of travel of the vehicle, a range of the vehicle, a number of vehicle occupants, a vehicle currently in use Route in a navigation system of the vehicle, a type of a road currently being traveled based on map material available in the navigation system, a degree of user attention available for use of instant messaging, and an expected time of arrival of the vehicle; one or more user parameters that characterize a state of the user of the vehicle, preferably including at least one of a state of mind of the user, a state of attentiveness of the user, a length of time of the user in the vehicle, a response or reaction speed of the user and an activity of the user; and one or more environment parameters that characterize an environment of the vehicle, preferably including a type and number of other road users in the environment of the vehicle, a type of road used and a condition of the road used.

In a fourteenth aspect according to embodiments of the present disclosure, an instant messaging system for use in a vehicle of a user is specified. The system comprises a control unit that is configured to carry out the method disclosed here, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects 1 to 13.

In a fifteenth aspect, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle is specified. The vehicle comprises an instant messaging system according to the present disclosure, in particular according to the preceding aspect 14.

The methods and systems disclosed herein offer one or more of the advantages listed below.

Based on the methods and systems disclosed here, the user of a vehicle or other occupants of the vehicle can participate in instant messaging, the message input and output taking into account the current context of use by means of an intermediate chatbot. The steps necessary for communication, which must be carried out by the user, are partially or completely taken over by the chatbot or at least reduced or minimized. As a result, the user of the vehicle is not unnecessarily distracted from the traffic situation, in particular in certain driving situations. The user's attention to road traffic is generally improved. In certain situations, the user's attention can also be increased through targeted interaction with the system.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “representative” or “represented” encompasses a partially or completely automated operation of the chatbot on behalf of the user, in particular receiving, analyzing, processing and / or responding to incoming messages, preferably without the user having to do anything and / or generating outgoing messages, preferably without user intervention. The chatbot is configured to receive one or more input messages from one or more communication partners and / or to send one or more output messages to the one or more communication partners. The chatbot is preferably further configured to process the one or more input messages.

Based on the methods and systems disclosed here, the chatbot can act across platforms and / or platform-independently, so that the user of a vehicle can communicate with different communication partners and by means of different platforms without requiring increased attention. The possibilities of the user for communication are thereby improved, for example by a wider availability of different platforms via a standardized interface. In addition, communication with a larger number of communication partners is simplified. This also makes it possible that the user of the vehicle, in particular in certain driving situations, is not unnecessarily distracted from the traffic situation by any communication activities (e.g. active and / or passive). The user's attention to road traffic and communication options will be further improved. In particular, the user's attention can be increased in certain situations, for example when there is an increased communication volume or need, through the targeted interaction with the system and in particular the chatbot.

Figure list

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Instant Messaging Systems gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Kommunikation eines Nutzers mit einem oder mehreren Kommunikationspartnern mittels eines Chatbots gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung; und
• 3 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals are used below for the same and equivalent elements.

• 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an instant messaging system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
• 2nd shows a schematic representation of a communication of a user with one or more communication partners by means of a chatbot according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and
• 3rd 10 shows a flow diagram of a method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure

Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numbers are used below for the same and equivalent elements.

If reference is made here to messages or reply messages, these messages not only include text messages (including emoticons), but can also contain other media or media types in a mixed form, for example emojis, images (also animated images, for example animated) GIFs), photos, video, audio and the like and combinations of the above.

The term "vehicle" 80 includes cars, trucks, buses, campers, motorcycles, etc., which serve to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for the transportation of people. vehicles 80 With an electric drive (in particular hybrid or electric vehicles) are driven by an electric motor and include electrical energy storage devices (eg batteries, high-voltage storage devices) that are connected to a charging device of the vehicle 80 can be connected to a charging station and charged. Various charging technologies can be used to charge the electrical storage of such hybrid or electric vehicles.

The vehicle preferably comprises 80 an environmental sensor system that is set up to record the environmental data. The environmental sensor system preferably comprises at least one LiDAR system and / or at least one radar system and / or at least one camera and / or at least one ultrasound system. The environmental sensor system can provide the environmental data (also referred to as “environmental data”) that map an environmental area of the vehicle.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “automated driving” can be understood to mean driving with automated longitudinal or transverse guidance or autonomous driving with automated longitudinal and transverse guidance. Automated driving can be, for example, driving on a motorway for a longer period of time and / or driving for a limited time as part of parking or maneuvering.

The term “automated driving” encompasses automated driving with any degree of automation. Exemplary levels of automation are assisted, semi-automated, highly automated or fully automated driving. These levels of automation were defined by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) (see BASt publication "Research compact", edition 11/2012). In assisted driving, the driver continuously performs longitudinal or lateral guidance, while the system takes on the other function within certain limits.

In semi-automated driving (TAF), the system takes over the longitudinal and lateral guidance for a certain period of time and / or in specific situations, whereby the driver has to monitor the system permanently, as with assisted driving. In highly automated driving (HAF), the system takes over longitudinal and lateral guidance for a certain period of time without the driver having to monitor the system permanently. However, the driver must be able to take control of the vehicle within a predetermined time. With fully automated driving (VAF), the system can automatically handle driving in all situations for a specific application; no driver is required for this application. The four degrees of automation mentioned above correspond to SAE levels 1 to 4 of standard SAE J3016 (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering). For example, highly automated driving (HAF) Level 3 corresponds to the SAE J3016 standard. SAE J3016 also provides SAE level 5 as the highest level of automation, which is not included in the BASt definition. SAE Level 5 corresponds to driverless driving, in which the system can automatically handle all situations like a human driver during the entire journey. In this case, a driver is generally no longer required.

1 shows a schematic representation of an instant messaging system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure for use in a vehicle 80 . The system can essentially be based on a control unit 120 of the vehicle 80 be carried out. The vehicle 80 includes in addition to the control unit 120 further a communication unit 130 for data communication with the vehicle 80 external components (e.g. mobile devices 70 and backend 150 ) is configured, and a user interface 110 .

The user interface 110 includes one or more multimodal user interfaces, in particular user interfaces, for the operation of the vehicle 80 configured (e.g. air conditioning, seat adjustment, infotainment, vehicle settings). The user interface 110 enables multimodal recording of user input 60 (not in 1 shown), for example via a graphical user interface (e.g. touchscreen), via classic vehicle controls 80 (e.g. buttons, switches, iDrive controllers), via voice control and the like. The user interface 110 also enables the multimodal output of information to a user 60 , e.g. via a graphic display element (e.g. touchscreen, head-up display, instrument cluster, central information display or CID), via tactile elements (e.g. vibration of the steering wheel or parts of the seat), via voice output via a loudspeaker system in the vehicle (e.g. infotainment system ) or acoustic signal generator (eg gong, beeper) and the like. The user interface 110 can implement a graphical user interface based on corresponding configuration data, in which display elements and operating elements are displayed that are provided by the user 60 for the operation of the vehicle 80 can be used. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface can contain (further) display and operating elements, for example switches, buttons and displays.

Via the communication unit 130 can the control unit 120 Enter into data communication with external components and services and thus communicate with instant messaging services (e.g. WhatsApp, Slack, Facebook Messenger, Google Chat, ICQ, iMessage) or protocols (e.g. IRC, XMPP). Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 120 via the communication interface 130 with instant messaging apps, for example on a mobile device 70 of a user 60 installed, enter into data communication and thus use instant messaging services, their connection to the control unit 120 are not implemented directly or are otherwise supported. A connection with mobile devices 70 can be done, for example, through proprietary interfaces (e.g. Apple Car Play, Google Android Car, Mirror Link).

The system can continue 100 one to the vehicle 80 external backend component 150 or have infrastructure that provides one or more resources (e.g. servers, services). The backend component 150 can be temporary or permanent with the control unit 120 of the vehicle 80 in data communication 140 stand. Resource-intensive processing steps (for example processing of natural language and / or of image or video data, speech recognition, processing of large amounts of external data) can preferably be sent to the external back-end component 150 outsourced by the control unit 120 in the vehicle 80 could be done only with difficulty or not at all. In this case, any requirements regarding computing power, storage capacity, available bandwidth, connection to external data sources and the like can also be taken into account.

One on the control unit 120 , on one or more backend components 150 or on a mobile device 70 of the user 60 executed software component (eg "chatbot" 66 ) establishes a data connection to one or more instant messaging services. Such a connection can preferably be established directly if a service or a platform (or the underlying protocol) is supported directly by the software component. Such a connection can alternatively or additionally via a by the user 60 with the vehicle 80 connected mobile device 70 respectively. All services, platforms and protocols can then be used by the software component, which are from the mobile device 70 get supported. A connection to the software component, if this is external to the vehicle 80 can be executed by means of the control unit 120 or the mobile device 70 getting produced.

The software component typically takes the place of the user as a participant in an instant messaging service and occurs in the chat on behalf of the user. In preferred embodiments, the software component occurs alternatively or additionally as an independent participant in the chat, for example as a “chatbot” 66 . The software component or the chatbot 66 can also appear simultaneously as a participant of several instant messaging services and make communication transparent to the user, so that the user does not have to pay attention to which service is currently being communicated. In such cases, one or more chatbots 66 for each of the users 60 used communication platform P1 , P2 , ... PX can be used.

The software component or the chatbot 66 still has access to one or more context parameters. The context parameters characterize the context of an application of instant messaging services in a variety of ways. For example, context parameters include general parameters such as location, time and / or date. Based on these parameters, for example, the user can be addressed individually, which can take into account the respective time of day, holidays or weekdays and local conditions. General parameters can typically be found in the control unit anyway 120 Existing data are recorded because the location, time and / or date are recorded or made available by the navigation system and the control unit itself. All parameters, in particular context parameters, can be assigned to the chatbot 66 indirectly (e.g. from the control unit 120 or the mobile device 70 to one or more backend components 150 on which the chatbot 66 running) or immediately (e.g. if the chatbot 66 directly on the control unit 120 is carried out).

Context parameters may further include one or more weather parameters, one related to the vehicle 80 Label local weather, for example based on temperature, precipitation, air pressure, air pressure curve, air humidity and / or visibility. Weather parameters can play a very important role in the context of an application in the vehicle, for example when the weather conditions are bad and the user of the vehicle 80 this should attract increased attention to traffic. A distraction for the user 60 or a reduction in their attention to traffic must be minimized or avoided in such situations. Weather parameters can be at least partially recorded by the control unit itself, which has access to sensor data (for example temperature sensor, rain sensor, camera of the driving safety systems) of the vehicle 80 Has. Other weather parameters can typically be determined via external data sources (e.g. weather services, connected drive).

Furthermore, context parameters can include one or more vehicle parameters that represent a state of the vehicle 80 mark, for example based on the speed of the vehicle, state of driver assistance systems, state of control systems, direction of travel of the vehicle, range of the vehicle, number of vehicle occupants, the route currently used in the vehicle's navigation system, type of road currently used based on map material available in the navigation system and the like more. Vehicle parameters form a very important group of parameters for the context of the application. On the basis of the vehicle parameters, the control unit can determine the level of user attention required for the particular driving situation 60 conclude. For example, when driving at higher speeds on motorways or country roads, it can be assumed that the user 60 of the vehicle 80 should be very focused on traffic. The same applies to situations in which control systems in the vehicle tend to be active (e.g. slippery roads). A distraction for the user 60 or a reduction in their attention to traffic must be minimized or avoided in such situations. In the event that one or more driver assistance systems are active (e.g. when lateral and longitudinal guidance is activated at moderate speed, at Stop & Go), it can be concluded that the user 60 has to pay less attention to traffic. Messages that are received via instant messaging services or have already been received at an earlier point in time can preferably be transmitted in such phases of low user load. Vehicle parameters can typically only be recorded by the control unit itself, which has access to sensor data (for example speed, steering angle, accelerator pedal position, wheel speeds, vehicle configuration) or data from the vehicle's control and driver assistance systems 80 (e.g. stability control, lane keeping assistant, automatic spacer / cruise control, stop & go assistant).

Context parameters may further include one or more user parameters that characterize a state of the user of the vehicle, for example based on the state of mind of the user, the state of attention of the user, the length of time the user is in the vehicle, the response or reaction speed of the user, the activity of the user Users and the like. User parameters form another very important group of parameters for the context of the application. On the basis of the user parameters, it is possible to infer more or less directly a state of the user and his workload. For example, if it is determined that the user 60 for a long time without a break at the wheel of the vehicle 80 is active and already shows signs of fatigue (e.g. prolonged blinking of the eyelids, slower reactions, cautious or overly comfortable driving style), can draw the user's attention 60 may be increased through an interaction with instant messaging services if the user is involved in the conversation with one or more participants or the (vehicle's) chatbot. For example, the control unit 120 initiate a transmission of messages arriving via instant messaging services or received earlier, which require that the user 60 is encouraged to interact. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 120 the user 60 Propose via the instant messaging to temporarily interrupt the journey and take a break. A similar approach can be useful in other cases, such as when it detects that the user 60 is in a more excited or aggressive state. Here an interaction with instant messaging can cause a distraction from stress factors, so that the user 60 calms down. Individual user parameters can be recorded directly by the control unit, for example in the vehicle 80 existing sensors. Often in modern Vehicles 80 a camera is provided that points to the interior, in particular the driver or user 60 is aligned. The control unit 120 can be configured based on signals from the interior camera of a user's head 60 capture. In particular, the position of the head of the user can be determined from the signals of the interior camera 60 , in particular the eyes, direction of view, blinking frequency, etc., are determined. The control unit generates from these signals 120 an assumed or recorded state of the user 60 . The signals from other sensors (eg pulse frequency, blood circulation, temperature, movement pattern) can also be used.

Context parameters can further include one or more environment parameters that characterize an environment of the vehicle, preferably based on the type and number of other road users in the environment of the vehicle, type of road used, state of the road used and the like. Using the environmental parameters, the concrete driving situation can be determined even more precisely. For example, a driving situation with low or medium dynamics which is not critical per se (for example no control or driver assistance systems in use) can attract increased user attention 60 require if there is very heavy traffic and / or there are many other road users in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 80 located or move. In this respect, the values of one group of parameters can also be used to verify the values of another group of parameters, for example if the user 60 appears to be excited despite the fact that driving style is not very dynamic and this can be explained by a very high traffic density. Environment parameters can be recorded or determined in different ways. For example, sensors present in the vehicle (eg camera, park distance control sensors, radar, night vision camera) can provide corresponding signals, based on which other road users can be inferred. Corresponding data can also be obtained from external sources (eg reports or databases on the current traffic density), which are often already stored in the local navigation system and updated on an ongoing basis.

Based on one or more context parameters, it can thus be determined whether a current driving situation for the user's instant messaging activities 60 , for example receiving or sending messages, is suitable.

In a first example, the user is 60 Participant in a chat via which individual messages are received sporadically. Usually every single incoming message would go to the user 60 be signaled and the user 60 would have to manually read and read each incoming message to understand whether a response is necessary. Depending on chance, an incoming message can be received at a time when the user is 60 is currently in a driving situation that requires full attention, for example in heavy traffic on a motorway. A distraction for the user 60 at this point would be unfavorable for the reasons mentioned above. Such a situation is caused by the system 100 or the chatbot 66 recognized based on appropriate context parameters (e.g. location: Autobahn A8 , Speed: 130 km / h, traffic density: high, user condition: tense, restless). Context parameters can be recognized, for example, in a rule-based manner or learned using machine learning. In the present case, the system receives 100 (e.g. one on the control unit 120 executed software component or the chatbot 66 ) the incoming message (s) and saves them. The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can be configured to the user 60 initially not to signal the receipt of the message (s) in order to avoid additional requirements for the user in this demanding situation 60 to put and thereby possibly reduce its attention to traffic. The system determines after a short time 100 or the chatbot 66 that a jam has formed and / or that the user has activated the Stop & Go assistant. Based on the fact that the situation is now very low dynamic and the user 60 due to the active assistance system, the system can only perform a few or no driving tasks 100 or the chatbot 66 recognize that the user 60 now has sufficient free capacity to participate in instant messaging. Therefore the system signals 100 or the chatbot 66 the user 60 now the already received and saved message (s), without significantly or even partially impairing his attention to the traffic situation. The user 60 can then compose a reply message, preferably also using the system 100 or the chatbot 66 as described in detail below.

The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can effect the signaling of the message (s) in various ways, for example by a simple display on a graphical user interface and / or by voice output. In some situations, it may be desirable that only the user 60 even the message (s) are signaled or transmitted (e.g. in the case of chauffeur services or ride hailing or ride sharing apps). The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can therefore preferably be configured, the signaling or transmission via only the user 60 to accomplish accessible elements. The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can be configured, for example, to signal incoming messages about vibrations on the steering wheel. The technology required for this is usually already present in the vehicle and is used, for example, in the course of the lane departure warning or in similar situations. Alternatively, vibration may not be perceptible to other occupants via the driver's seat or parts thereof. The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can also be configured to display (short) messages in a display element that is only visible to the driver, for example in a head-up display that can typically only be viewed from the driver position. Other examples include view-dependent displays. In some embodiments, user interaction may also occur 60 equally go unnoticed, for example by tapping the steering wheel lightly, which can be detected by a corresponding sensor, or by pressing buttons on the steering wheel, which may be assigned differently depending on the respective context, for example with different response messages, which are then sent via the system 100 or the chatbot 66 to one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " and / or groups 69 can be transmitted (cf. 2nd ).

Preferably the system 100 or the chatbot 66 also be configured to automatically generate a response message based on the context parameters and without user intervention 60 to send. Such a message could inform the sender (s) of the received message (s) that these message (s) cannot currently be read and / or answered (eg "I am currently traveling by car, report later", or " I can not answer right now - in urgent cases please call. "). A response can be generated, for example, by selecting and assembling previously specified text modules and / or adding parameters (for example template-based). The generation can alternatively or additionally be carried out or expanded using deep learning, for example using LSTMs (cf. automatic generation of text translations, captions, etc.).

• • „Ich kann gerade nicht sprechen, bin im Auto, es ist viel Verkehr. Ich bin voraussichtlich in 17 Minuten wieder ansprechbar.“
• • „Ich kann mir gerade nur Deinen Text, aber nicht Dein Video dazu anschauen, weil [...]“
• • „Ich bin gerade nicht alleine im Auto. In 35 Minuten bin ich voraussichtlich wieder alleine im Auto und kann erst dann Deine vertrauliche Nachricht lesen.“

The one or more context parameters can identify a corresponding context on the basis of which incoming messages can be processed. For example, an appropriately identified context can be used to explain prevention. Correspondingly generated response messages, which are preferably automatic (ie without user intervention) 60 ) through the system 100 or the chatbot 66 generated and sent may include, for example:

• • “I can't speak right now, I'm in the car, there's a lot of traffic. I expect to be available again in 17 minutes. ”
• • "I can just watch your text, but not your video, because [...]"
• • “I'm not alone in the car right now. In 35 minutes I will probably be alone in the car again and only then can I read your confidential message. "

The system 100 or the chatbot 66 In particular, it can be configured to monitor the one or more context parameters and to recognize changes to the one or more context parameters. Any forecasts that have found their way into (reply) messages can be adjusted or corrected in this way. Based on the detection of changes, the system can 100 or the chatbot 66 For example, generate and / or send new, changed and / or supplementary (reply) messages. In one example, a new or changed reply message may read: “The traffic jam appears to be clearing up. I can probably be contacted again in a few minutes. "

• • wenigstens eines von Ort, Zeit und Datum;
• • einen oder mehrere Wetterparameter, die ein in Bezug auf das Fahrzeug lokales Wetter kennzeichnen, vorzugsweise beinhaltend wenigstens eines von Temperatur, Niederschlag, Luftdruck, Luftdruckverlauf, Luftfeuchte und Sichtweite;
• • einen oder mehrere Fahrzeugparameter, die einen Zustand eines Fahrzeugs kennzeichnen, vorzugsweise beinhaltend wenigstens eines von einer Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs, einem Zustand von Fahrassistenzsystemen, einem Zustand von Regelsystemen, einer Fahrtrichtung des Fahrzeuges, einer Reichweite des Fahrzeugs, einer Anzahl der Fahrzeuginsassen, einer aktuell befahrene Route in einem Navigationssystem des Fahrzeugs, einer Art einer aktuell befahrenen Straße basierend auf im Navigationssystem vorhandenem Kartenmaterial, einer voraussichtlichen Ankunftszeit und einem Verkehrsaufkommen.

One or more contexts can be from the system 100 or the chatbot 66 for example, based on the one or more context parameters. The context parameters can include one or more of the following parameters:

• • at least one of place, time and date;
• One or more weather parameters which characterize a local weather with respect to the vehicle, preferably including at least one of temperature, precipitation, air pressure, air pressure curve, air humidity and visibility;
• One or more vehicle parameters that characterize a state of a vehicle, preferably including at least one of a speed of the vehicle, a state of driver assistance systems, a state of control systems, a direction of travel of the vehicle, a range of the vehicle, a number of vehicle occupants, one currently Route traveled in a navigation system of the vehicle, a type of a road currently being traveled based on map material available in the navigation system, an expected time of arrival and a traffic volume.

2nd shows a schematic representation of a communication of a user 60 with one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " using a chatbot 66 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In a general Use case (not in 2nd a user 60 Communicate directly with one or more communication partners (e.g. group chat) via a communication platform.

According to 2nd processing based on one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " (eg conversation partner, chat partner, messaging partner, e-mail partner), with different communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " or different types of communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " (e.g. family, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues) should only receive certain (contextual) information. For this purpose, a corresponding categorization can be carried out and corresponding parameters can be provided. The chatbot 66 can preferably be configured to individual communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " from a set of one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " or a group 69 to send different messages, the messages differing in particular in the level of detail and / or by (context) information contained therein, namely based on a type of each individual communication partner 68 , 68 ' , 68 " (e.g. family, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues). So a first communication partner 68 based on the fact that it is the "acquaintance" type, receive a less detailed reply or exit message (eg "I can’t speak right now, I am on the way, report later") as a second communication partner 68 ' based on the fact that this is the "family" type. The second communication partner 68 ' could get a more detailed reply or exit message of similar content (eg "I can’t speak right now, I’m in the car to [destination from navigation system] and can be reached again in [preferred travel time according to navigation system] at [preferred phone number]. ").

The configuration parameters can include corresponding parameters and / or rules, based on which a different generation or generation of output messages based on different types of communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " can be done. Such parameters can preferably be based on a message history, from which differently structured or detailed messages (see NLP below) and their relation to different communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " emerge, be recognized and learned using machine learning techniques. Alternatively or additionally, an explicit specification of patterns for output messages by the user 60 be specified.

Preferably the system 100 or the chatbot 66 configured to perform an analysis of the received message (s) to determine semantics of the received message (s). Such an analysis can be carried out, for example, using natural language processing (NLP). This can offer several advantages.

For one, the system can 100 or the chatbot 66 configured to filter out outdated or irrelevant messages. Examples of this include intermediate statuses of conversations at the time of transmission to the user 60 would be out of date. For example, an appointment for a meeting, where a specified time or location has changed in the meantime, would no longer be for the user 60 current. In this case, it would make no sense to the user 60 to inform about an out of date time or an out of date place. A similar procedure can be used with messages that are not sent to the user 60 are directed (eg in a group chat "@ other user: [...]").

On the other hand, the system can 100 or the chatbot 66 be configured to summarize, especially in group chats, a large number of messages, shorten and / or reduce the length of the content-neutral, so that a transmission to the user 60 is as efficient and free of redundancies as possible.

In addition, the system 100 or the chatbot 66 a user communication style using NLP 60 capture and imitate based on it. Through the system 100 or the chatbot 66 generated user output messages 60 can thus correspond to his personal individual style of writing or communication, in particular with regard to the vocabulary used, expressions, idioms, emojis and the like.

The system 100 or the chatbot 66 can be further configured, based on the analysis of the incoming or received message (s), to provide one or more outgoing messages for selection by the user, which can be generated via generic answers (eg "yes", "no", "clear", etc .) go out. In one example, the system 100 or the chatbot 66 be configured, an appointment suggestion in terms of time and place with an appointment calendar of the user 60 and in the event of a collision, generate a nearby alternative date and formulate this in a reply message (e.g. "Meeting tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.?", "Tomorrow I only have time for the meeting from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. O'clock. Can we move? "). If necessary, the system 100 or the chatbot 66 Generate several alternative dates and provide additional answers that take the context into account.

The user 60 can then use one of the system's inputs, for example using controls integrated in the vehicle (e.g. voice commands, iDrive controllers, buttons on the steering wheel, touchscreen) 100 or the chatbot 66 Select and send the generated reply messages. Alternatively, the user can 60 from the chatbot 66 Request further possible answers or cancel the process.

In some cases it can happen that a user 60 no (direct) access to a communication platform PX used by the communication partners (not in 2nd represented) or wants to realize. This can be due, for example, to the fact that the user 60 in a vehicle 80 is located, its communication infrastructure (eg infotainment system, control device or device or unit 120, communication unit 130 ) does not support the PX communication platform and / or in cases where a mobile device 70 of the user 60 does not support the PX communication platform. In such cases, the user would be prevented from participating in communication via the PX communication platform.

In the in 2nd Use case shown is a chatbot 66 provided that the user is configured 60 to represent in its communication, in particular input messages for the user 60 to receive and / or output messages for the user 60 to send. The group participants are preferably also represented here 69 or the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " in the opposite direction, ie towards the user 60 , instead of. Outgoing messages can be responses from the user 60 contain one or more input messages, or initial output messages of the user 60 that are not sent in response to one or more input messages (e.g. to start or initiate communication). Outgoing messages can be sent by the user 60 generated, or, as already described, by the system 100 and / or the chatbot 66 , for example based on context parameters.

In the application shown, the user stands 60 indirectly via the chatbot 66 in communication with at least one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " . On the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 can also collectively as a group 69 Be referenced. A group 69 can a user 60 , possibly represented by a chatbot 66 , and one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " include. A group 69 can individual communication partners in the course of a communication 68 , 68 ' , 68 " join or individual communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " can the group 69 leave. One or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " can also be represented via chatbot (not in 2nd shown), whereby the principles and mechanisms described here can be applied analogously for further chatbots.

The chatbot 66 In some embodiments, may be configured to process input or output messages partially or completely transparently. A transparent processing or transparent mode ( TM or "transparent mode") means that for one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " the chatbot 66 as a the user 60 (the chatbot representing him 66 corresponding image 60 ' appears. The chatbot 66 can therefore be configured to communicate with one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " as a user 60 output so that the use of the chatbot 66 for one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " or for participants in the group 69 is not recognizable (see element " TM " in 2nd ). Preferably in transparent mode TM of the chatbot 66 the image 60 ' by the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " not from any other representation of the user 60 (for example, if the user participates directly 60 in communication). The transparent mode is preferably configured to generate corresponding images in both communication directions, so that, for example, the user too 60 transparent with one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " can communicate without the chatbot 66 as their representative is explicitly perceived or can or must be.

In other embodiments, the chatbot 66 be configured to process incoming or outgoing messages partially or completely regularly. Regular processing or mode ( RM or "regular mode") includes that for one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " the chatbot 66 So such appears without disguising that it is a chatbot 66 acts on behalf of a user 60 is active (see element "RM" in 2nd ). It is preferred for the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " recognizable on behalf of which user 60 the chatbot 66 in regular mode RM is working. In particular embodiments, for each one of the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " be determined how the chatbot 66 configured for the respective communication partner (e.g. TM or RM ).

In the use case shown is the chatbot 66 configured with the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " via a first communication platform P1 to communicate. The first communication platform can be selected from a number of communication platforms provided by the chatbot 66 are supported (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, ICQ, IRC, XMPP, WeChat, Telegram, Signal, Threema). Proprietary protocols and infrastructures as well as open protocols and standards are subsumed under the term “communication platform”. The chatbot 66 can be configured to support a variety of different communication platforms and can be expanded with new protocols or platforms or adapted to changed protocols or platforms.

The chatbot 66 is further configured via a second communication platform P2 with the user 60 to communicate. The communication platforms P1 , P2 can in principle be chosen freely. In particular are from the system 100 no particular restrictions are imposed on what the first and second communication platform P1 , P2 concerns. The chatbot 66 can be used both when both communication platforms P1 and P2 are identical as well if they are different. The user 60 can, for example, a certain second communication platform P2 prefer to work with one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " want to communicate, which via a first, from the second communication platform P2 different, communication platform P1 communicate. It is also possible for a user 60 component used (e.g. control unit 120 , mobile device 70 ) the communication platform P1 not supported, and the user 60 has no way of using the communication platform P1 to use (directly or immediately). In this case, the use of a chatbot 66 particularly advantageous since it is a functionality of a user 60 used component (e.g. control unit 120 , mobile device 70 ) by platforms, protocols and / or standards not supported by this component. All that is required is that the user 60 directly or indirectly (e.g. via a communication platform P2 ) with the chatbot 66 can communicate.

In the use case shown is the chatbot 66 configured via the communication platform P2 with the user 60 and via the communication platform P1 with the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " (or with a group 69 ) to communicate. All communication is preferably provided after the chatbot has been provided or configured 66 for the user 60 and / or the one or more communication partners 68 , 68 ' , 68 " transparent. This means that the chatbot 66 does not appear recognizable as a separate communication participant, but a user 60 corresponding image 60 ' and for every communication partner 68 , 68 ' , 68 " a corresponding image (not in 23 shown; analogous to image 60 ' to understand) for the user 60 generated.

3rd shows a flow diagram of a method 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The instant messaging process 200 of a user 60 starts at step 201 .

In step 202 becomes a chatbot 66 provided that is configured a user 60 to represent when sending and / or receiving messages. Representation preferably includes a partially or completely automated operation of the chatbot on behalf of the user, in particular receiving, analyzing, processing and / or responding to incoming messages, preferably without the user having to do anything and / or generating outgoing messages, preferably without the user doing anything.

In step 204 one or more incoming messages are received. This can be individual chat messages or a series of messages from one or more participants in the chat. Incoming messages, like outgoing messages, can generally contain various media (e.g. emojis, pictures, photos, audio, video; see above). The steps 204 (Receive) and 212 (Send) can be carried out alternatively or in parallel or in succession. That means the system 100 or the chatbot 66 can either receive input messages (without sending output messages) or can generate and send output messages (without receiving input messages), or both essentially in parallel or in succession. This can be combined as desired. In particular, it is also provided that several threads of conversations or chats are held in parallel, so that each thread can be processed separately from the others.

In a preferred embodiment of the method 200 can in one step 206 one or more context parameters are determined, which are the context of a usage of the instant messaging by the user 60 mark. As described above, the context parameters are important for the further handling of the one or more input messages, in particular with regard to signaling (cf. step 208 ) or a transmission of the incoming messages to the user 60 . The type of context parameters determined and suitable sources are described above. It may preferably continue based on the one or the multiple context parameters, it is determined whether the one or more input messages are to be transmitted to the user. The factors discussed above can play a role here. For this purpose, the current context, ie driving situation, state of the user, environmental parameters, environment and the like can be evaluated in order to determine whether the situation allows the user 60 devotes part of his attention to instant messaging. As described above, a variety of factors can be considered. In particular, it can also be ascertained whether instant messaging is paying attention to the user 60 could increase, for example, if the user is tired or stressed. Then, if the one or more input messages can be sent to the user 60 the one or more input messages are to be transmitted to the user 60 be transmitted. As described above, different transmission modalities are available, which can be used depending on preference and / or context.

• • eines oder mehrere optisch wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren optisch wahrnehmbaren Signale eines oder mehrere der folgenden umfassen: Signale, die über ein Head-Up Display (HUD) ausgegeben werden; Signale, die über eine zentrale Instrumentenkombi angezeigt werden; und Signale, die über ein zentrales Informationsdisplay (CID) angezeigt werden;
• • eines oder mehrere akustisch wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren akustisch wahrnehmbaren Signale eines oder mehrere der folgenden umfassen: Signale, die über eine Lautsprecheranlage des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden; Signale, die über einen akustischen Signalgeber ausgegeben werden; und
• • eines oder mehrere taktil wahrnehmbare Signale, vorzugsweise wobei das eine oder die mehreren taktil wahrnehmbaren Signale eines oder mehrere der folgenden umfassen: Vibrations oder Klopfsignale, die über Bedienelemente des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden; Vibrations oder Klopfsignale, die über einen Sitz des Fahrzeugs ausgegeben werden.

In a preferred embodiment of the method 200 can in one step 207 , which is preferably following step 206 is executed, based on the one or more context parameters, it is determined whether the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user. In addition, if the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user, in an optional step 208 to the user 60 be signaled that one or more input messages have been received. The signaling preferably comprises one or more of the following signals:

• • one or more optically perceptible signals, preferably wherein the one or more optically perceptible signals comprise one or more of the following: signals that are output via a head-up display (HUD); Signals that are displayed via a central instrument cluster; and signals that are displayed on a central information display (CID);
• One or more acoustically perceptible signals, preferably wherein the one or more acoustically perceptible signals comprise one or more of the following: signals that are output via a loudspeaker system of the vehicle; Signals that are emitted by an acoustic signal generator; and
• • one or more tactile signals, preferably wherein the one or more tactile signals include one or more of the following: vibration or knock signals that are output via controls of the vehicle; Vibration or knock signals that are output from a seat of the vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method alternatively or additionally comprises processing 205 the one or more incoming messages using natural language processing (NLP). The NLP may preferably include a content-neutral reduction in the number and / or length of the one or more input messages, and / or removal of obsolete and / or for the user 60 irrelevant parts of the one or more incoming messages. A sequence, order, and / or sorting when reducing and / or removing within the one or more input messages is preferably maintained.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises in one step 210 alternatively or additionally, generating one or more output messages from the user 60 based on the one or more input messages and / or based on the one or more context parameters. The one or more output messages preferably include a response to the one or more input messages. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more output messages include at least one of text, emoticon, image, audio data and video data. This preferred embodiment can furthermore (automatically) send ( 212 ) the one or more output messages of the user 60 without their intervention.

The process ends at step 220 .

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that there are a variety of possible variations. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are only examples which are not to be interpreted in any way as a limitation of the scope, the possible applications or the configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to specifically implement the exemplary embodiments, the person skilled in the art being able to make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, in knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, without the To leave the scope of protection, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims (15)

Instant messaging method (200), the method comprising: Providing (202) a chatbot (66) configured to represent a user (60) in sending and / or receiving messages; Receiving (204), via the chatbot (66), one or more input messages from one or more communication partners (68, 68 ', 68 "); and Processing (205) the one or more input messages, the chatbot (66) being configured, with the one or more communication partners (68, 68 ', 68 ") via a first communication platform (P1) of a first instant messaging service and with to communicate to the user (60) via a second communication platform (P2) of a second instant messaging service, and the first communication platform (P1) of the first instant messaging service and the second communication platform (P2) of the second instant messaging service are different from one another. Method (200) according to the previous one Claim 1 , further comprising sending (212), by means of the chat bot (66), one or more outgoing messages to the one or more communication partners (68, 68 ', 68 "). Method (200) according to the previous ones Claims 1 and 2nd , the user (60) only having indirect access to the first communication platform via the chatbot (66). Method (200) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 4th wherein the processing (205) further comprises: determining (206) one or more context parameters that identify the context in which the user (60) uses instant messaging. Method (200) the previous one Claim 4 , further comprising: determining (212), based on the one or more context parameters, whether the one or more input messages are to be transmitted to the user (60) and if the one or more input messages are to be transmitted to the user (60) , Transmitting (212) the one or more input messages to the user (60). Method (200) according to the previous one Claim 5 wherein the processing (205) further comprises: determining (207) based on the one or more context parameters whether the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user and if the one or more input messages are to be signaled to the user , Signaling (208) to the user that the one or more input messages have been received. Method (200) according to the previous one Claim 6 , wherein the signaling comprises one or more of the following signals: one or more optically perceptible signals, the one or more optically perceptible signals comprising one or more of the following: signals which are output via a head-up display (HUD) ; Signals that are displayed via a central instrument cluster; and signals that are displayed on a central information display (CID); one or more acoustically perceptible signals, the one or more acoustically perceptible signals comprising one or more of the following: signals which are output via a loudspeaker system of the vehicle; Signals that are emitted by an acoustic signal generator; and one or more tactile signals, the one or more tactile signals comprising one or more of the following: vibration or knock signals that are output via controls of the vehicle; Vibration or knock signals that are output from a seat of the vehicle. Method (200) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7 wherein the processing (205) further comprises: processing (205n) the one or more input messages using natural language processing (NLP), comprising: reducing the number and / or length of the one or more input messages in a manner that is neutral in terms of content; and / or removing obsolete and / or portions of the one or more input messages that are irrelevant to the user (60); wherein a sequence, order, and / or sort existing within the one or more input messages is maintained when reducing and / or removing. Method (200) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 8th , further comprising: generating (210) the one or more output messages of the user (60) based on the one or more input messages and / or the one or more context parameters, wherein the one or more output messages include a response to one or more received messages and / or the one or more output messages include at least one of text, emoticon, image, audio data and video data, and wherein Sending (212), by means of the chat bot (66), the one or more outgoing messages to the one or more communication partners (68, 68 ', 68 ") automatically sending the one or more outgoing messages of the user (60) without the need for Users (60) includes. Procedure according to Claim 9 , further comprising: determining, based on the one or more context parameters, whether the one or more output messages of the user (60) should be sent automatically; and if automatic transmission of the one or more output messages of the user (60) is to take place, automatic transmission of the one or more output messages of the user without the user having to do anything. Method (200) according to Claim 9 , further comprising: generating a plurality of alternative output messages from the user (60) based on the one or more input messages and / or the one or more context parameters; Communicating the plurality of alternative output messages to the user (60); Receiving input from the user (60) to select at least one of the plurality of alternative output messages; and sending the selected at least one outgoing message. Method (200) according to Claim 11 wherein receiving input from the user (60) to select at least one of the plurality of alternative output messages comprises: sensing tactile input from a sensor in the steering wheel; or detecting an acoustic input from the user; or detecting activation of a control element of the vehicle by the user. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the context parameters include one or more of the following parameters: at least one of location, time and date; one or more weather parameters that characterize a local weather related to the vehicle, including one or more of temperature, precipitation, air pressure, air pressure history, air humidity and visibility; one or more vehicle parameters that characterize a state of a vehicle, including one or more of the speed of the vehicle, state of driver assistance systems, state of control systems, direction of travel of the vehicle, range of the vehicle, number of vehicle occupants, currently traveled route in a navigation system of the vehicle, Type of a road currently being traveled based on map material available in the navigation system, degree of user attention (60) available for use of instant messaging, and an estimated time of arrival of the vehicle (80); one or more user parameters, which characterize a state of the user of the vehicle, including at least one of a state of mind of the user, a state of attentiveness of the user, a length of time of the user in the vehicle, a response or User response speed and user activity; and one or more environmental parameters that characterize an environment of the vehicle, including the type and number of other road users in the environment of the vehicle, the type of road being traveled and the condition of the road being traveled. Instant messaging system (100) for use in a vehicle (80) of a user (60), the system comprising a control unit (120) which is configured to execute the method (200) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 13 . Vehicle (80) comprising an instant messaging system (100) according to the preceding Claim 14 .

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