DE102019132491A1 - Adjusting a rearview mirror on a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for adjusting a rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises an interface for connection to the rearview mirror; an operating element for operation by a driver of the vehicle; and a processing device. In this case, the processing device is set up to determine the presence of a first or second context, and also to adjust the rearview mirror as a function of an actuation of the operating element if the first context is present; and control another device on board the vehicle if the second context is present.

Description

The invention relates to the adjustment of a rearview mirror on a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to an operating concept for the rearview mirror.

A vehicle includes a rearview mirror that is configured to show a driver an area behind him. In particular, a left and a right outside mirror can be provided. Drivers of different sizes or different sitting positions of a driver's seat may make it necessary to readjust the rear-view mirrors in order to ensure that the driver can see a predetermined field of view without having to move his head.

An inside mirror can usually easily be adjusted manually by the driver. An outside mirror can usually be adjusted by a motor; Buttons or switches for the adjustment are generally found in the area of a driver's door. US 6 652 108 B1 shows a rearview mirror for a vehicle, wherein the adjustment position of the rearview mirror can be determined by means of a potentiometer.

The dedicated controls for adjusting the rearview mirror can be costly. An operating element which is arranged in a vehicle door can be exposed to increased dirt or moisture when the window is open, so that a malfunction can be triggered. The routing of signals from a vehicle door to an opposite side of the vehicle can require complex wiring.

One object on which the invention is based consists in specifying an improved operating concept for a rearview mirror on a vehicle. The invention solves the problem by means of the subjects of the independent claims. Subclaims reproduce preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect, a device for adjusting a rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises an interface for connection to the rearview mirror; an operating element for operation by a driver of the vehicle; and a processing device. In this case, the processing device is set up to determine the presence of a first or second context, and also to adjust the rearview mirror as a function of an actuation of the operating element if the first context is present; and control another device on board the vehicle if the second context is present.

The control element can be used to control various functions on board the vehicle, the context determining the function. A context can correspond to a driving state of the vehicle. For example, a context can be selected by the driver, for example by actively selecting it by means of the operating element, by a voice command or in some other way. A context can also be selected automatically when a predetermined condition has occurred. For example, a first context can be selected when the vehicle has been unlocked and a drive motor has not yet started. A second context can be selected when the drive motor has started. In the second context, for example, ventilation or lighting of the vehicle can be controlled by means of the operating element.

According to the invention, the control element can serve several purposes, one of which is to adjust the rearview mirror. A dedicated operating element, in particular in the area of a vehicle door, can be omitted. Costs for the dedicated control element can be saved. A line routing between the operating element and the rearview mirror can be simplified.

The rearview mirror can in particular comprise an outside mirror which is attached outside an interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rearview mirror comprises a combination of a camera and a display device for an image provided by the camera. Adjusting the rearview mirror can include adjusting the camera or selecting a section of the image provided by the camera. The rearview mirror is set up to show a driver of the vehicle who is in a driving position an area lying behind him or to the side behind him. In the driving position, the driver is facing the direction of travel and can see the rearview mirror, preferably without turning his head.

The operating element is preferably attached in the grip area of a driver of the vehicle. The grip area corresponds to all points on the vehicle that the driver can reach with one hand while he is in a driving position. For this purpose, the driver preferably only has to move an upper arm, a forearm and / or a hand. His upper body, lower body and head can preferably remain immobile during the exercise. He does not have to leave a sitting position that is comfortable or advantageous for him. As a result, the driver can simply carry out the adjustment in such a way that a set field of vision applies to his driving position and not to an adjustment position in which the driver has to go in order to operate the operating element.

The device can be set up to control a large number of devices in respectively assigned contexts. Exemplary devices include a navigation system, a mobile phone, an entertainment system, a heating and ventilation system (HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), a lighting system or a windshield wiper. There is no theoretical limit to the number of devices that can be controlled by means of the operating element.

The operating element can be set up to provide a variable actuation resistance, the processing device being set up to control the actuation resistance in the first context. Such a control element can also be called a “force feedback” control element. In a further embodiment, the operating element can be brought into different positions, which can then also be held without actuation or elastically left again. In this way, a user, in particular the driver, can be given intuitive feedback about a controlled process.

The processing device can be set up to determine the presence of a context on the basis of an actuation of the operating element. The context can also be determined in a different way, for example by control using a spoken word or automatically based on a recognized driving situation.

The operating element can be attached to a steering wheel of the vehicle. This allows the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel while adjusting the rearview mirror, so that he can keep the vehicle better under control.

The control element can be attached to a dashboard or to a center console of the vehicle. Here, the operating element can be easily accessible, in particular for a driver. Devices of the vehicle that can be controlled by the operating element can thus be more easily accessible from different places in the vehicle.

The operating element can comprise a touchscreen, the processing device being set up to output an indication of an adjustment of the rearview mirror on the touchscreen if the first context has been determined. The touchscreen can be used to provide immediate feedback about a function that can be controlled by means of the operating element. In this way, incorrect operation can be less likely. In one embodiment, the control element is only displayed after a context has been recognized. In this way, a menu-like navigation can be implemented through various operating options for associated devices on board the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprises a device according to one of the preceding claims. The vehicle can in particular comprise a passenger car, a truck or a bus.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises steps of determining a present context from a selection of at least two contexts; the detection of a driver-controlled actuation of an operating element; and controlling a device on board the vehicle associated with the context. An adjustment device of a rear-view mirror of the vehicle is assigned to a first context, and another device on board the vehicle is assigned to a second context. The method can in particular be carried out in connection with a device described herein. The device can comprise a universal operating device.

The processing device can be designed to carry out a method described herein in whole or in part. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.

• 1 ein Fahrzeug;
• 2 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens; und
• 3 eine Verstellung eines Rückspiegels

illustriert.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a vehicle;
• 2 a flow chart of a method; and
• 3rd an adjustment of a rearview mirror

illustrated.

1 shows a system 100 with a vehicle 105 , which is exemplified as a passenger car. The vehicle 105 comprises at least one rearview mirror 110 in the present case a left exterior mirror 110.1 and a right wing mirror 110.2 are provided. An optional inside mirror is not shown, although the present invention could be applied to it.

A driver 115 is in a predetermined driving position on board the vehicle 105 . The driver 115 is a person who is on a for driving the vehicle 105 predetermined place in the vehicle 105 is located. The driver 115 preferably assumes a driving position in which it usually faces in the direction of travel of the vehicle 105 is aligned and in which he has one in front of the vehicle 105 can optically capture the lying area. One behind the vehicle 105 The driver can see the lying area through the at least one rearview mirror 110 capture optically. Usually one can also be next to the vehicle 105 or in the vehicle 105 lying area using the rearview mirror 110 are recorded. An exemplary cone of vision for the left exterior mirror 110.1 is in 1 indicated with a broken line. The rearview mirror 110 usually has to be in a position of the driver 115 in the interior of the vehicle 105 can be adjusted to be aimed at a desired area for the driver. Riders of different sizes or proportions 115 can have different settings of the rearview mirror 110 require.

The rearview mirror 110 includes an adjustment device 120 to change a swivel angle in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. The adjustment device usually works with an electric motor reduced by a gear.

On board the vehicle 105 is a device 125 attached to the one processing facility 130 includes, which by means of an interface 135 with the rearview mirror 110 connected is. The present is a first interface 135.1 for connection to the left exterior mirror 110.1 and a second interface 135.2 for connection to the right exterior mirror 110.2 intended. The processing facility 130 is also with a control element 140 connected.

The control element 140 is preferably located in a grip area of the driver 115 and can for example comprise a switch, a button, a lever or a similar manually operated element. There are several alternative controls here 140 provided, for example, a steering wheel switch 140.1 , a touch screen 140.2 and a multifunctional element 140.3 include.

The steering wheel switch 140.1 includes a switch or button that is on a steering wheel of the vehicle 105 attached and by the driver 115 can be operated with one hand while holding the steering wheel. The touchscreen 140.2 comprises a touch-sensitive display device. A touch or touch gesture on the display device can be interpreted as a function of a representation output on the display device. For example, a button can be displayed on the display device, the touching of which can lead to the control of an assigned function. The multifunctional element 140.3 preferably comprises a movable element that can be controlled to counteract a driver-controlled movement with a predetermined counterforce. The multifunctional element 140.3 can be controlled to lock in different positions or to strive from one position to another. At the device 125 can have one or more controls 140 be provided, controls included 140 can also be designed differently than indicated.

It is proposed the device 125 to set up on the basis of an actuation of one of the controls 140 different functions or facilities on board the vehicle 105 to control. A selection of which device is to be controlled should be made as a function of a context, and one of the contexts should allow the rearview mirror to be adjusted 110 be assigned. The context can be a function of an actuation of one of the actuation elements 140 be determined or, for example, be determined situationally. For example, a first situation can occur when the driver gets in 115 into the vehicle 105 , and a second situation when getting out of the vehicle 105 be recognized.

2 shows a flow chart of a method 200 , in particular in connection with a system 100 , a vehicle 105 or more preferably a device 125 can be executed.

In a first step 205 becomes an actuation of the actuating element 140 certainly. On the basis of the actuation - or the actuation element used 140.1 - 140.3 - a context is determined. In this case, several contexts are preferably predetermined, one of which can be present. The context can be determined beforehand by actively selecting a person on board the vehicle 105 be determined. For example, a driver of the vehicle 105 select a predetermined context by pressing a control element. In another embodiment, the context can be determined automatically on the basis of an event, for example. Determining the context can be before or after the step 205 respectively.

In one step 210 there is a first context. In one step 215 becomes an actuation of the actuating element 140 certainly. It can be the same or a different actuating element 140 than in the crotch 205 act. In the case of the same actuating elements 140 a distinction can be made between different actuations, for example to differentiate between a pressure on an element and a displacement of the element.

In one step 220 it can be determined whether the context has ended. This can be the case if either the existence of a different context has been determined, or if the previously determined context no longer exists. If the context is no longer available, the procedure can 200 return to the beginning and go through again if necessary.

Otherwise, if the particular context is still present, it can be done in one step 225 the function or device associated with the context can be controlled. In the case of the first context, this is the adjustment of one of the rear-view mirrors 110 , or the control of the assigned adjustment device 120 . After that, the procedure can 200 to the crotch 215 return and go through again.

If the specific context corresponds to a second context, the method after step 205 with the step 230 Continue. In a similar way to the previous steps 210-225 can initially be done in one step 235 an actuation of an actuating element 140 to be determined. Then it can be done in one step 240 it can be determined whether the second context has ended due to the specific actuation. If this is the case, the procedure can 200 to the crotch 205 return and possibly go through again. Otherwise it can be done in one step 245 a function associated with the second context can be controlled.

In a comparable manner, one or more further contexts with respectively assigned functions can be provided, such as by an nth context 250 is indicated. Practically any number of different contexts can be supported.

3rd shows an illustration of an exemplary adjustment of a rearview mirror 110 . In the upper area is a rearview mirror 110 , here in the form of a left exterior mirror 110.1 , shown. In the middle area is an exemplary touchscreen 140.2 shown. In the lower area is an exemplary multifunctional element 140.3 shown.

The left wing mirror 110.1 can be swiveled horizontally, with a horizontal swivel angle (azimuth) being adjusted, or vertically, with a vertical swivel angle (elevation) being adjusted.

The touchscreen 140.2 shows a representation that is assigned to the first context by way of example. For the left outside mirror 110.1 and the right wing mirror 110.2 are four buttons each 305 shown, of which two are assigned to a horizontal pivot and two more to a vertical pivot. Becomes one of the buttons 305 touched, an assigned swivel function of one of the rearview mirrors 140 being controlled. Other buttons can be used in a different context 305 displayed and / or assigned to another function.

The multifunctional element 140.3 includes a flat actuating cylinder as an example 310 , which in the present example can be moved to the left or right, up or down, in order to swivel the rear-view mirror 110 steer in the appropriate direction. To one of the rear-view mirrors 110.1 , 110.2 can be selected by the actuating cylinder 310 can also be rotated to the left or right about its vertical axis. By turning to the left the first context can be determined, by turning to the right the second or a different one. The actuating cylinder 310 can remain in the rotated position without actuation. To end the context, the actuating cylinder 310 be brought into a predetermined neutral position.

The actuations of the control element described and shown here 140 are to be regarded as purely exemplary and can also be implemented differently in another embodiment of the technology presented.

List of reference symbols

100

system

105

vehicle

110

Rearview mirror

110.1

left exterior mirror

110.2

right outside mirror

115

driver

120

Adjusting device

125

contraption

130

Processing facility

135

interface

135.1

first interface

135.2

second interface

140

Control element

140.1

Steering wheel switch

140.2

Touch screen

140.3

Multifunctional element

200

Procedure

205

Determine actuation

210

first context

215

Determine actuation

220

Context end?

225

Adjust the rearview mirror

230

second context

235

Determine actuation

240

Context end?

245

Control function

250

n-th context

305

button

310

Actuating cylinder

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Patent literature cited

• US 6652108 B1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Device (125) for adjusting a rearview mirror (110) of a vehicle (105), comprising: - an interface for connection to the rearview mirror (110); - An operating element (140) for actuation by a driver of the vehicle (105); and - A processing device (130), which is set up to determine the presence of a first (210) or second context (230), and for this purpose, depending on an actuation of the operating element (140) - to adjust the rearview mirror (110) if the first context (210) is present; and - to control another device on board the vehicle (105) if the second context (230) is present. Device (125) after Claim 1 , wherein the operating element (140) is attached in the grip area of a driver (115) of the vehicle (105). Device (125) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the device (125) is set up to control a plurality of devices in respectively assigned contexts (210, 230). Device (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (140) is set up to provide a variable actuation resistance and the processing device (130) is set up to control the actuation resistance in the first context (210). Device (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (130) is set up to determine the presence of a context (210, 230, 250) on the basis of an actuation of the operating element (140). Device (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (140) is attached to a steering wheel of the vehicle (105). Device (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (140) is attached to a dashboard or to a center console of the vehicle (105). Device (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (140) comprises a touchscreen and the processing device (130) is set up to output an indication of an adjustment of the rear-view mirror (110) on the touchscreen if the first context (210 ) was determined. A vehicle (105) comprising an apparatus (125) according to any one of the preceding claims. A method (200) for adjusting a rearview mirror (110) of a vehicle (105), comprising the following steps: - determining (205) a present context (210, 230) from a selection of at least two contexts (210, 230, 250); - Detecting (215, 235) a driver-controlled actuation of an operating element (140); and - Controlling (225, 245) a device on board the vehicle (105) assigned to the context (210, 230); - wherein an adjustment device (120) of a rear-view mirror (110) of the vehicle (105) is assigned to a first context (210), and another device on board the vehicle (105) is assigned to a second context (230).

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