DE102020208460A1 - Transmission of functional parameters between motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

According to a method for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles (3a, 3b, 3c), a first parameter set (P1) is transmitted in a first data format (F1) from the first motor vehicle (3a) to an external server processing unit (2). The first parameter set (P1) is converted into a neutral data format (FN) by the server processing unit (2) and from the neutral data format (FN) into a second data format (F2) in order to convert a second parameter set (P2) for a second function of a second Motor vehicle (3b, 3c) to generate. The second set of parameters (P2) is transmitted from the server processing unit (2) to the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c).

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles and a computer program product.

Various vehicle functions of motor vehicles, for example comfort functions, multimedia functions or navigation functions, can be set or adjusted in a user-specific manner using function parameters. Depending on the type of function, the corresponding function parameters can be of very different types. In the case of air conditioning systems, heating systems or ventilation systems, for example, a preferred fan speed, a preferred temperature range or the like can be set. In the case of multimedia functions, such as radio functions, preferred radio stations can be saved as presets. Similarly, color or brightness settings for interior lighting or position settings for an adjustable seat can also be user-specifically selected and saved.

It is known to exchange such functional parameters between motor vehicles, so that the user does not have to reset all functional parameters when changing vehicles, for example in the case of a rental vehicle or a car-sharing vehicle. In this regard, the document describes U.S. 2014/0309862 A1 the exchange of user profiles between vehicles using a communication protocol. For example, a rental vehicle agency may store a user profile and load the profile onto the current rental vehicle when the user takes possession of the rental vehicle. The profile can be adjusted based on changes in function parameters by the user.

document US 10,106,172 B2 describes a vehicle sharing system. After a central server identifies a current user, the server retrieves user settings for a vehicle. For example, if the user has saved a specific radio station, the central server can activate this radio station on the vehicle's multimedia system. A stored preferred interior temperature of the vehicle is mentioned as another application.

However, these approaches have the disadvantage that optimal transmission between vehicles of different types or different equipment is not possible, since the individual vehicle functions can be provided in different forms on different vehicles. For example, some motor vehicles are equipped with a receiver for receiving digital radio stations, while others are not. Other functional restrictions may result from non-existent or non-activated software functions in one of the vehicles. Structural differences, for example the number of doors, can also influence the characteristics of functions, for example relating to central locking.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to specify an improved concept for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles, which enables improved compatibility of vehicles of different types or different equipment.

This object is solved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The improved concept is based on the idea of converting a parameter set from a first motor vehicle into a neutral data format on a server processing unit and, based on this, generating a parameter set for a second motor vehicle.

According to the improved concept, a method for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles is specified. A first parameter set for a first function of a first motor vehicle is transmitted in a first predefined data format from the first motor vehicle to an external server computing unit, in particular by means of a computing unit of the first motor vehicle and/or via a communication interface of the first motor vehicle. The first parameter set is converted from the first data format into a predefined neutral data format by means of the server processing unit. The converted first set of parameters is converted by the server processing unit from the neutral data format into a predefined second data format in order to generate a second set of parameters for a second function of a second motor vehicle. The second set of parameters is transmitted from the server processing unit to the second motor vehicle, in particular via a communication interface of the second motor vehicle and, for example, to a processing unit of the second motor vehicle.

The server processing unit is arranged as an external server processing unit externally both to the first and to the second motor vehicle. The communication between the motor vehicles and the server processing unit, i.e. in particular that The parameter sets are transmitted in particular wirelessly. In other words, the server processing unit also has a communication interface, and the transmission between the communication interfaces of the server processing unit and the respective motor vehicle takes place wirelessly.

A parameter set can be understood here and below as a concrete value for each of one or more parameters for the respective function.

The conversion from the first data format into the neutral data format or from the neutral data format into the second data format takes place in particular using appropriate conversion rules that are available to the server processing unit. The conversion rules can include, for example, simple assignment or mapping rules or other scripts.

The first and the second function can correspond to the same or similar basic functions and can have different characteristics or a different range of functions. For example, the first and second functions can each be a function for adjusting an interior light of the vehicle or for providing preset radio stations and so on. However, since the range of functions or the form of the functions is different, the first and the second data format differ from one another. In the simplest case, the first and the data format can, for example, describe or store a different number of parameters if the first and the second function offer a different range of setting options for the user.

The conversion of the first parameter set from the first data format into the neutral data format takes place in particular without loss. The conversion of the converted first parameter set from the neutral data format into the second data format can also be lossless or also lossy, depending on how the manifestations of the first and second functions turn out in relation to one another. For example, if the first parameter set has more parameter values than can be used by the second function, the conversion from the neutral data format to the second data format is lossy. On the other hand, if the second parameter set has more parameter values than can be used by the first function, the conversion from the neutral data format into the second data format can also be lossless.

Thanks to the improved concept and in particular the conversion of the first parameter set in two steps via the neutral data format into the second data format, the functional parameters that are stored in the first parameter set can be transferred flexibly and optimally to the second motor vehicle, regardless of this whether the second function is more extensive or less extensive than the first function. This can prevent functional parameters that can be used by the first function but not by the second function from being transmitted to the second motor vehicle at all. As a result, misinterpretations of these superfluous or undesired functional parameters can be prevented by the second function, or it can be prevented that functional parameters are available to the second motor vehicle, the use of which is not intended according to the second function. Thanks to the improved concept, the transmitted data volume is also reduced to the level required in each case.

On the other hand, if the second function is more extensive than the first function, the complete information available in the form of the first set of parameters can still be transmitted to the second motor vehicle according to the improved concept. As a result, the information stored in the first parameter set can be used to the maximum by the second function.

According to at least one embodiment of the method according to the improved concept, first descriptor information relating to the first data format is transmitted to the server processing unit by means of the first motor vehicle or by means of the second motor vehicle. The first parameter set is converted from the first data format into the neutral data format depending on the first descriptor information.

The first descriptor information is preferably transmitted from the first motor vehicle to the server processing unit. The first descriptor information can be understood as information that allows the server processing unit to interpret the data structure of the first parameter set according to the first data format.

As a result, the conversion rule for converting from the first to the neutral data format can be selected in a targeted manner based on the first descriptor information. As a result, a high level of reliability of the method is achieved.

According to at least one embodiment, a first conversion specification from a multiplicity of predefined converters is calculated by means of the arithmetic unit depending on the first descriptor information animal regulations selected. The first parameter set is converted from the first data format into the neutral data format according to the first conversion rule.

The first multiplicity of predefined conversion rules contains at least two conversion rules, preferably at least three conversion rules. In particular, the first plurality of conversion rules contains a conversion rule for each instance of the first function. All conversion rules of the first number are provided for converting a parameter set into the neutral data format.

According to at least one embodiment, second descriptor information relating to the second data format is transmitted to the server processing unit by means of the first motor vehicle or by means of the second motor vehicle, preferably by means of the second motor vehicle. The converted first parameter set is converted from the neutral data format into the second data format depending on the second descriptor information.

In particular, the arithmetic unit selects a second conversion specification from a second plurality of predefined conversion specifications depending on the second descriptor information, and the converted first parameter set is converted from the neutral data format into the second data format according to the second conversion specification.

The advantages and other statements regarding the first conversion rule and the first descriptor information can be transferred analogously to the second conversion rule and the second descriptor information.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the second function is carried out depending on the second set of parameters by means of a functional unit of the second motor vehicle.

According to at least one embodiment, the first and the second function contain a convenience function, or the first and the second function contain a multimedia function, or the first and the second function contain a navigation function.

The comfort function can be designed as a function for operating or adjusting an air conditioning system, a heating system, a ventilation system, interior lighting, seat adjustments or the like. The multimedia function can be designed as a function for storing or presetting radio stations, as a function for dynamic volume adjustment or the like.

According to at least one embodiment, the first function includes a basic functionality and the second function also includes the basic functionality.

According to at least one embodiment, the first function includes a first additional functionality, wherein the second function does not include the first additional functionality and/or the second function includes a second additional functionality, wherein the first function does not include the second additional functionality.

Because the functions do not contain the corresponding additional functionalities of the respective other function, the first and the second parameter set or the first and the second data format differ from one another. While the conversion into the neutral data format preferably contains the corresponding function parameters that belong to the respective additional functionality, this may not be the case for the conversion from the neutral data format into the second data format. As explained above, this allows a targeted and flexible option for exchanging the function parameters.

According to the improved concept, a device for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles is also specified. The device has a server processing unit that is set up to receive a first parameter set for a first function of a first motor vehicle in a first specified data format from the first motor vehicle and to convert the first parameter set from the first data format into a specified neutral data format. The server processing unit is set up to convert the converted first parameter set from the neutral data format into a predefined second data format in order to generate a second parameter set for a second function of a second motor vehicle and to transmit the second parameter set to the second motor vehicle.

In particular, the server processing unit has a communication interface for receiving the first parameter set and/or for transmitting the second parameter set to the second motor vehicle.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a first communication interface for the first motor vehicle, which is set up to send the first parameter set to transmit the server processing unit and / or the device has a second communication interface for the second motor vehicle, which is set up to receive the second parameter set from the server processing unit.

Further embodiments of the device according to the improved concept follow directly from the various embodiments of the method according to the improved concept and vice versa. In particular, a device according to the improved concept can be set up or programmed to carry out a method according to the improved concept, or the device carries out such a method.

A computer program with instructions is also provided according to the improved concept. If the commands or if the computer program is executed by a device according to the improved concept, in particular by the server processing unit of the device, the commands cause the device to carry out a method according to the improved concept.

According to the improved concept, a computer-readable storage medium is also specified, on which a computer program according to the improved concept is stored.

The computer program and the computer-readable storage medium according to the improved concept can be understood as respective computer program products with the commands.

The invention also includes the combinations of features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach dem verbesserten Konzept sowie ein Flussdiagramm einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens nach dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach dem verbesserten Konzept; und
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach dem verbesserten Konzept.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this show:

• 1 12 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the improved concept;
• 2 FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the improved concept and a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the improved concept;
• 3 a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a device according to the improved concept; and
• 4 a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a device according to the improved concept.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be regarded as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

Elements with the same function are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In 1 an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles 3a, 3b, 3c according to the improved concept is shown schematically.

The device 1 has a server processing unit 2, which can communicate via a communication interface of the server processing unit 2 and respective communication interfaces 4a, 4b, 4c of motor vehicles 3a, 3b, 3c.

The functioning of the device 1 is explained below using exemplary embodiments of the device 1 and a method for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles according to the improved concept with reference to the figures 2 until 4 explained in more detail.

In 2 a block diagram of the device 1 is shown. In a first method step S1, the server processing unit 2 can receive a first parameter set P1 relating to a first function of a first motor vehicle 3a. In a second step S2, a converter module 2a of the server processing unit 2 converts the first parameter set from a first data format in which the first parameter set P1 was received from the first motor vehicle 3a into a neutral data format in order to generate a neutral parameter set PN. Using a further converter module 2b, the server processing unit converts the neutral parameter set PN from the neutral data format FN into a second data format in step S2 and thus generates a second parameter set for a second function of a second motor vehicle 3b. In a step S3, the server processing unit 2 transmits the second parameter set P2 to the second motor vehicle 3b. The second motor vehicle 3b or a functional unit (not shown) of the second motor vehicle 3b performs the second in a step S4 Function based on the second parameter set P2. In various embodiments, the converter modules 2a, 2b can also be replaced by a single converter module.

In the 3 a further exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the improved concept is shown as a block diagram. In the embodiment of 3 For example, the first motor vehicle 3a can be designed as a four-door motor vehicle with two left doors and two right doors, while the second motor vehicle 3b is designed as a two-door motor vehicle with a left and a right door.

The first function and the second function are designed as functions for operating a central locking system. For the first motor vehicle 3a, for example, three different variants can be set by the user for the first function. this is in 3 by three different parameters 0x00, 0x01 and 0x02, each of which can have a value of 0 for "not activated" and a value of 1 for "activated". If the parameter 0x00 is 1, this corresponds, for example, to activated individual door unlocking of the motor vehicle 3a, in which only the driver's door is unlocked or locked when a corresponding input device, for example a key or an internal switching element in the motor vehicle 3a, is actuated. This variant is also provided for the second function of the second motor vehicle 3b. If the parameter 0x02 is equal to 1, then, for example, an unlocking of the entire vehicle is activated according to the first function of the first motor vehicle 3a. In this case, actuation of the input device by the user unlocks or locks all the doors of the first motor vehicle 3a. This variant can also be transferred to the vehicle 3b and the second function and is provided, for example.

If the parameter 0x01 of the first function is equal to 1, a side-selective unlocking of the doors of the first motor vehicle 3a is activated. This means that when the input device is actuated, only the two left doors are unlocked or locked. According to the second function of the second motor vehicle 3b, such a functional variant would be redundant to unlocking the individual doors, since there is only one door on each side of the motor vehicle 3b. Therefore, the use of the parameter 0x01 for the second function is not intended.

The converter module 2a can therefore convert the first parameter set P1 from the first data format F1 to a neutral data format FN by means of a corresponding conversion specification. In the special case of the functions described, the first data format can be the same as the neutral data format, so that the corresponding conversion rule corresponds to an identical mapping or an identity. The converter module 2b can then convert the corresponding neutral parameter set PN from the neutral data format FN into a second data format F2. Values for all three parameters 0x00, 0x01 and 0x02 are provided in the first data format F1 and in the neutral data format FN. In contrast, the second data format F2 only provides values for the parameters 0x00 and 0x02, but not for the parameter 0x01. Accordingly, the conversion rule for converting the neutral parameter set PN into the second parameter set P2 can have the following effect: $$\begin{array}{l}\left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}01\text{and}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{1,}\mathrm{0,}0\right)\to \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{1,}0\right)\\ \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}01\text{and}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{0,}\mathrm{1,}0\right)\to \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{1,}0\right)\\ \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}01\text{and}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{0,}\mathrm{0,}1\right)\to \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{0,}1\right).\end{array}$$

sodass die Variante (0x00, 0x01 und 0x02) = (0, 1, 0) in diesem Fall nicht auftritt. Die Konvertierung von dem neutralen Datenformat FN in das erste Datenformat F1 erfolgt dann gemäß der identischen Abbildung.In the opposite situation, for example, the second parameter set P2 can be converted from the second data format F2 into the neutral data format FN, where the following applies, for example: $$\begin{array}{l}\left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{1,}0\right)\to \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}01\text{and}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{1,}\mathrm{0,}0\right)\\ \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{0,}1\right)\to \left(0\text{x}\mathrm{00,}0\text{x}01\text{and}0\text{x}02\right)=\left(\mathrm{0,}\mathrm{0,}1\right).\end{array}$$

so the variant (0x00, 0x01 and 0x02) = (0, 1, 0) does not occur in this case. The conversion from the neutral data format FN to the first data format F1 then takes place in accordance with the identical mapping.

In 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the improved concept is shown in a block diagram.

Here, the first function and the second function can be, for example, functions for presetting radio stations for the respective multimedia systems in motor vehicles 3a, 3b. In addition, a third motor vehicle 3c is also shown schematically, which has a third function for presetting radio stations of a multimedia system in the third motor vehicle 3c.

The multimedia system of the third motor vehicle 3c can be set up, for example, to receive radio stations corresponding to three different technologies T1, T2, T3. T1, T2 and T3 can stand for FM, DAB and Internet radio, for example. The multimedia system of the second motor vehicle 3b can receive radio stations using technology T1 and technology T2, but not those using technology T3. The multimedia system of the first motor vehicle zeugs 3a can, for example, receive radio stations using T1 technology, but not those using T2 or T3 technology.

A large number of parameters a, b, c, . . . In this case, the third data format F3 can be used, for example, as a neutral data format. For the second function of the second motor vehicle 3b, according to a second data format F2, only a smaller part of the parameters a to z are available, and for the first function of the first motor vehicle 3a, according to the first data format F1, for example, only an even smaller part of the parameters is available, for example only a, available.

Correspondingly, analogously as regards 3 described, the converter modules 2a, 2b of the server processing unit 2 receive the respective parameter sets in the associated data formats F1, F2, F3 from the individual motor vehicles 3a, 3b, 3c and convert them into the neutral data format FN or from the neutral data format FN into the respective required data format Convert F1, F2, F3.

As described, the improved concept makes it possible to share function parameters for performing various functions that can be set user-dependently between different vehicles or to transfer them from one vehicle to another, even if the vehicles are of different types or are designed differently that the corresponding functions are available in different forms.

In various configurations, it can be provided that the conversion only takes place when it is actually necessary, for example when a user requests two different data formats from the server processing unit. This can avoid unnecessary conversions for users with only one vehicle type. The conversion can take place in particular by means of a lazy star conversion.

Reference List

1

contraption

2

server processing unit

2a, 2b

converter modules

3a, 3b, 3c

motor vehicles

4a, 4b, 4c

communication interfaces

P1, P2, PN

parameter sets

F1, F2, F3, FN

data formats

S1, S2, S3, S4

process steps

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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 2014/0309862 A1 [0003]
• US10106172B2 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein - A first set of parameters (P1) for a first function of a first motor vehicle (3a) is transmitted in a first predetermined data format (F1) from the first motor vehicle (3a) to an external server processing unit (2); - the first parameter set (P1) is converted by the server processing unit (2) from the first data format (F1) into a predetermined neutral data format (FN); - the converted first parameter set (PN) is converted by the server processing unit (2) from the neutral data format (FN) into a predetermined second data format (F2) in order to create a second parameter set (P2) for a second function of a second motor vehicle (3b, 3c ) to create; and - the second parameter set (P2) is transmitted from the server processing unit (2) to the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c). procedure after claim 1 , wherein - by means of the first motor vehicle (3a) or by means of the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c), first descriptor information relating to the first data format (F1) is transmitted to the server processing unit (2); and - the first parameter set (P1) is converted from the first data format (F1) into the neutral data format (FN) depending on the first descriptor information. procedure after claim 2 , wherein - by means of the server processing unit (2), a first conversion rule is selected from a first plurality of predetermined conversion rules, depending on the first descriptor information; and - the first parameter set (P1) is converted from the first data format (F1) to the neutral data format (FN) in accordance with the first conversion specification. Procedure according to one of claims 2 or 3 , wherein - second descriptor information relating to the second data format (F2) is transmitted to the server processing unit (2) by means of the first motor vehicle (3a) or by means of the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c); and - the converted first parameter set (P1) is converted from the neutral data format (FN) to the second data format (F2) as a function of the second descriptor information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first function and the second function each contain a convenience function, a multimedia function or a navigation function. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first function includes a basic functionality and the second function includes the basic functionality. procedure after claim 6 , wherein - the first function includes a first additional functionality, which the second function does not include; and/or - the second function contains a second additional functionality which the first function does not contain. Device for transmitting functional parameters between motor vehicles (3a, 3b, 3c), the device (1) having a server processing unit (2) which is set up to - to obtain a first set of parameters (P1) for a first function of a first motor vehicle (3a) in a first predetermined data format (F1) from the first motor vehicle (3a); - To convert the first parameter set (P1) from the first data format (F1) into a predetermined neutral data format (FN); - to convert the converted first parameter set (P1) from the neutral data format (FN) into a predetermined second data format (F2) in order to generate a second parameter set (P2) for a second function of a second motor vehicle (3b, 3c); and - To transmit the second set of parameters (P2) to the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c). device after claim 8 Having the device (1) - a first communication interface (4a) for the first motor vehicle (3a), which is set up to transmit the first parameter set (P1) to the server processing unit (2); and/or - a second communication interface (4b) for the second motor vehicle (3b, 3c), which is set up to receive the second parameter set (P2) from the server processing unit (2). Computer program product with instructions which, when the instructions are executed, by a device (1) according to any one of Claims 8 or 9 cause the device (1) to carry out a method according to one of Claims 1 until 7 to perform.

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