DE102021114134A1 - Method for determining a route for a motor vehicle that is adapted to charging requirements and user needs - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for determining a route for a motor vehicle (40), which includes a battery (42) and is at least partially driven by an electric motor (41), is described. The method comprises the following steps: optionally receiving a destination input (11); receiving a request to locate (12) a charging station capable of electrically charging the battery; Determining a number of routes, optionally for reaching the destination, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the routes (13); detecting occupants currently in the motor vehicle by means of a sensor (14); detecting at least one characteristic of at least one detected occupant identifying their activity preferences (15); determining at least one preferred activity of the at least one sensed occupant based on the sensed at least one characteristic (16); determining a number of features of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined number of routes, the features characterizing a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity (17); evaluating the determined characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one of the detected occupants (18); and outputting a number of routes with charging stations, the surroundings of which are suitable for carrying out at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one of the registered occupants (19).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for determining a route for a motor vehicle which is at least partially driven by an electric motor. The invention also relates to a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle, a computer-implemented method, a computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier and a data carrier signal.

Fully or partially electrically powered motor vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but suffer from the time it takes to recharge the battery on a regular basis. This can lead to undesired waiting times, as a result of which the comfort for the respective user can be reduced. Another challenge is to find suitable charging stations along a planned route that meet the requirements of the motor vehicle and/or the user.

In the document EP 3 498 520 A1 a method is described in which a route with charging stations is recommended to a user of an electric vehicle, the charging stations being selected in such a way that they are located at at least one point of interest (POI) which is tailored to the respective user of the motor vehicle.

In the document WO 2014/075889 A2 describes a method, a device and a computer program for initiating a charging process of an electric vehicle. Predefined charging preferences from user profiles are used, for example to take relevant points of interest (POIs) into account.

Against the background described, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous method for determining a route for a motor vehicle which is at least partially driven by an electric motor, and a corresponding driver assistance device which, in particular, meets the needs to a greater extent and taking into account preferences of occupants in the vehicle when selecting the route and the charging stations.

This object is achieved by a method for determining a route for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, a driver assistance device according to claim 7, a motor vehicle according to claim 8, a computer-implemented method according to claim 9, a computer program product according to claim 10, a computer-readable data carrier Claim 11 and solved by a data carrier signal according to claim 12. The dependent claims contain further advantageous developments of the invention.

The method according to the invention for determining a route or a travel route for a motor vehicle relates to a motor vehicle which includes a battery and is at least partially driven by an electric motor. The method includes the following steps: In a possible first step, a destination input can be received. In this context, a destination can be entered, for example by a user. In a further step, a request is received to search for a charging station designed for electrically charging the battery. A corresponding request can be entered, for example by a user. However, receiving the request does not necessarily have to be based on a user input. A request can also be received in the form of a signal from a device for monitoring the state of charge of the battery or another device on the vehicle.

The first two steps can also be performed in a different order or simultaneously. The need to drive to a charging station can also be detected by a suitable vehicle-side device, for example by a device for monitoring the state of charge of the battery, the user then advantageously using a suitable human-machine interface (HMI - Human Machine Interface). attention can be drawn to this need. In this case, the step of inputting a travel destination by a user is omitted. The steps described below can also be carried out in a different order from the order mentioned.

In a further step, a number of routes, preferably for reaching the destination, are determined, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the at least one route. In a further step, occupants currently in the motor vehicle, in particular their number, are detected by means of a sensor. Furthermore, at least one feature of at least one, preferably each, detected occupant is detected, which characterizes their preferences in relation to activities, for example physical activities.

At least one preferred activity of the at least one, preferably each, detected occupant is determined based on the detected at least one feature. In the context of the present invention, activity is understood not only as physical activity den, but also any other conceivable activity, such as visiting a shop, a restaurant, in particular a certain type of restaurant, a cultural institution, generally a POI, staying in nature or a certain landscape, especially a beautiful landscape, or a visit to a place designed for people with disabilities.

Furthermore, a number of features of the area surrounding the individual charging stations are determined along the determined number of routes, ie along the determined at least one route. The features characterize a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity. In a subsequent step, the determined features of the environment of the individual charging stations are evaluated with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities, in particular physical activities, at least one, preferably each, of the detected occupants. Subsequently, a number of routes with charging stations, the surroundings of which are suitable for carrying out at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one, preferably each, of the registered occupants are output. This can preferably be done via a human-machine interface (HMI-Human Machine Interface).

The method according to the invention has the advantage that, independently of defined user profiles, specific features and properties of the occupants currently in the motor vehicle can be taken into account when selecting a suitable route and one or more suitable charging stations. In particular, the needs and preferences of a number of occupants in the motor vehicle can be taken into account. In this way, an appropriate compromise can be found between the possibly different preferences of all the occupants in the motor vehicle with regard to one or more suitable activities during the charging process. For example, it can be taken into account whether there are children or elderly people in the motor vehicle, whether bicycles or pets, such as dogs in particular, or golf equipment or other sports equipment are being carried, etc. In this way, the time required for charging can be achieved is not perceived as lost time, but can be used in a pleasant way by the occupants, thereby improving the comfort for the users.

If a plurality of occupants currently in the motor vehicle is detected and a plurality of preferred activities of the various occupants that deviate from one another have been determined, the occupants and/or the activities can be classified and/or weighted in relation to specified characteristics. For example, it can be classified according to whether the occupants are children or adults. In the case of children, further classifications can be made based on the age, estimated age where appropriate, of the children. Here, the presence of child seats, possibly the type of child seats, booster seats or the like can be detected. In this case, existing child seats and their occupancy can be detected by means of suitable sensors.

With regard to adult occupants, a classification may also be made with respect to their approximate age. Another option is to classify the degree of mobility. A weighting can be carried out using predefined criteria or criteria defined by the user. The weighting can be used to select one or more preferred activities of a plurality of occupants. A prioritization can therefore be carried out on the basis of the weighting. For example, in the case of the presence of children, suitable activities with a higher weight can be considered for them. Likewise, if there is at least one person with restricted mobility, this person or their preferred activity can be weighted with a higher weight.

In a preferred variant, occupants currently in the motor vehicle, in particular their number, are detected by means of sensors for detecting seat movement and/or by detecting the use of seat belts and/or by detecting mobile devices carried along. In this context, for example, phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. that are carried along can be detected and recorded via machine-to-machine communication. As an alternative to this, the occupants currently in the motor vehicle can be entered via an HMI. The variants mentioned have the advantage that when selecting the route, the preferred activities of a plurality of occupants can be taken into account and balanced out.

In a further variant, preferred activities of the individual occupants can be determined from user inputs and/or user profiles and/or recorded features and/or recorded parameters. In this context, for example, data from mobile devices carried along can be recorded. For example, data from sports apps or from smartwatches or mobile phones can be evaluated with regard to the preferred activities of the respective occupant.

A feature of an occupant or a feature assigned to it can be recorded, for example, whether child safety devices are activated, whether child seats are detected, whether pets are being carried, for example dogs are in the motor vehicle, and whether sports equipment, items of equipment, for example bicycles or the like, be carried along. Preferred activities of individual occupants can be derived from these or other features mentioned by way of example. These variants have the advantage that, in addition to generally preferred activities, activities can be taken into account in a special way, which can actually be carried out during the upcoming trip while the battery is being charged. In the case of bicycles carried along, for example, a driving tour is possible.

Weather data or weather information for the area surrounding the individual charging stations is preferably determined and taken into account when determining the suitability of the area for carrying out at least one of the preferred activities determined. In addition or as an alternative to this, weather data can also be determined at the current location of the motor vehicle and taken into account when determining the suitability of the surroundings of individual charging stations for carrying out at least one of the preferred activities determined. Weather data can generally be detected directly and/or determined from the Internet and/or cloud data. The activation of windshield wipers of the motor vehicle can also be detected and evaluated in this context.

As features of the environment of the individual charging stations, the presence of an indoor playground and/or an outdoor playground and/or a viewpoint and/or a hiking trail and/or a cycle path and/or a golf course and/or a swimming pool and/or a Beaches and/or a point of interest can be determined. In this context, the present invention has the advantage that, in contrast to commonly proposed points of interest, features of the environment of the individual charging stations can be taken into account in relation to the preferred activities of individual or all current occupants of the motor vehicle. This significantly increases user comfort.

The driver assistance device according to the invention for a motor vehicle relates to a motor vehicle which includes a battery and is at least partially driven by an electric motor. The driver assistance device includes a device for receiving user inputs, for example a destination input and/or a request to search for a charging station designed for electrically charging the battery. The driver assistance device also includes a device for determining a number of routes for reaching a destination, the routes being characterized in that at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery is located along the routes.

In addition, the driver assistance device includes a device for detecting occupants currently in the motor vehicle, in particular their number. This can be a sensor for seat occupancy and/or a sensor for detecting seat belt usage. The driver assistance device also includes a device for detecting at least one feature of the at least one occupant, which characterizes their preferred activities, in particular physical activities. This device can be designed as a machine-to-machine communication device and/or as a human-machine interface (HMI). The device can therefore be designed to read out mobile devices carried along and/or to record corresponding user inputs.

The assistance device also includes an evaluation device that is designed to determine at least one preferred activity of the at least one occupant based on the detected at least one feature, to determine a number of features of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined routes, the features of the suitability of the Mark environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity, and for evaluating the determined characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations in relation to the suitability of the environment for exercising at least one of the determined preferred activities of the at least one occupant.

In addition, the driver assistance device includes a device for outputting signals to a user. The device for outputting signals is preferably designed to output a number of routes with charging stations whose surroundings are suitable for carrying out at least one of the determined preferred activities of the at least one occupant. The driver assistance device according to the invention has the features and advantages already mentioned above in connection with the method according to the invention. The driver assistance device is preferably designed to carry out a method according to the invention as described above.

The motor vehicle according to the invention includes a battery and is at least partially driven by an electric motor. It includes a previously described driver assistance device according to the invention. In addition or as an alternative to this, the motor vehicle is designed to carry out a method according to the invention as described above. The motor vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The motor vehicle can be designed as a passenger car, truck, bus or minibus.

The computer-implemented method according to the invention comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to the invention as described above. The computer program product according to the invention comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out a method according to the invention as described above. The computer program product described above is stored on the computer-readable data carrier. The data carrier signal according to the invention transmits the computer program product according to the invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

The figures are not necessarily detailed or to scale and may be enlarged or reduced in order to provide a better overview. Therefore, the functional details disclosed herein are not to be taken as limiting, but merely as a basis for providing guidance for one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various ways.

As used herein, the term "and/or" when used in a series of two or more items means that each of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, when describing a composition containing components A, B and/or C, composition A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

• 1 shows schematically a first example of a method according to the invention in the form of a flow chart.
• 2 shows schematically a second example of a method according to the invention in the form of a flowchart.
• 3 shows schematically a driver assistance device according to the invention.
• 4 shows schematically a motor vehicle according to the invention.

1 shows schematically a first example of a method according to the invention in the form of a flow chart. The method starts with a user input 1, which includes a request to find a suitable charging station. In a first step 2, the request is received by a device of the motor vehicle designed for this purpose and a method for acquiring data is started. In a next step 3, available data is recorded by means of sensors, in particular seat occupancy, activation of windshield wipers, mobile devices carried along, items of equipment carried along and/or sports equipment. Subsequently, in a third step 4, access to data on mobile devices carried along is established and evaluated, with, for example, preferred activities of individual occupants and/or the current need of individual occupants for specific activities being determined.

In a fourth step 5, weather data are recorded along an intended route. In this connection or already in connection with the user input 1, a user can enter a destination and a request to find a suitable route. After entering a destination or receiving a corresponding user input, one or more suitable routes can be determined. In a fifth step 6, matches between the recorded data and data on possible charging stations, in particular the area around the charging stations and attractions on the at least one route, are determined and evaluated. In step 7, at least one particularly suitable charging station is selected and in step 8 corresponding information about possible routes and charging stations classified as particularly suitable, as well as the activities or attractions possible there, are output, preferably via an HMI.

In the 2 a further variant of the method according to the invention is explained using a flowchart. In step 11, a destination input is received, for example by a user entering a destination. In step 12, receive a request to locate a charging station capable of electrically charging the battery. In step 13, a number of routes to reach the destination are determined, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the route. In step 14, the occupants currently in the motor vehicle are detected by a sensor. At least one occupant, preferably all occupants, is thus detected. In step 15, at least one feature of the at least one, preferably each, detected occupant is detected, which characterizes their preferences in relation to activities. In step 16, at least one preferred activity of the at least one, preferably each, detected occupant is determined based on the detected at least one feature. In step 17, a number of features of the area surrounding the individual charging stations are determined along the number of routes determined, with the features characterizing a suitability of the area for carrying out the at least one preferred activity that was determined. The steps mentioned can also be carried out in a different order or partially simultaneously.

In step 18, the determined features of the environment of the individual charging stations are evaluated with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one, preferably each, of the detected occupants. In step 19, a number of routes with charging stations, the surroundings of which are suitable for carrying out at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one, preferably each, of the registered occupants are output.

the 3 shows schematically a driver assistance device according to the invention for a motor vehicle, which is at least partially driven by an electric motor. Driver assistance device 30 includes a device for receiving user inputs 31, a device for determining a number of routes for reaching a destination 32, a device for detecting occupants 33 currently in the motor vehicle, a device for detecting at least one feature of the at least one occupant 34 identifying their preferred activities. The device 34 can be part of the devices 31 and/or 33. For example, the features can be entered by a user and/or can be determined from data recorded by the device 33 . The device 33 can in particular comprise a camera.

The driver assistance device 30 also includes an evaluation device 35, which is designed to determine at least one preferred activity of the at least one occupant based on the detected at least one feature, to determine a number of features of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined routes, wherein the features identify a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity and for evaluating the determined features of the environment of the individual charging stations with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities of the at least one occupant. Furthermore, driver assistance device 30 includes a device for outputting signals, preferably information, to a user 36.

the 4 shows schematically a motor vehicle 40 according to the invention, for example a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. Motor vehicle 40 is at least partially driven by an electric motor 41 and includes a battery 42. Motor vehicle 40 also includes a previously described driver assistance device 30 and/or is designed to implement a method according to the invention that has already been described above, for example a method based on FIG 1 and/or 2 described procedure.

The present invention enables charging stations and charging options to be determined which, in addition to the requirements of the vehicle, also meet the requirements of the occupants in the motor vehicle, with a selection of charging stations being able to be determined which make the charging time for the occupants a useful time. Various data sources can be evaluated in order to determine which of the possible charging stations best meets the needs of the users and/or occupants of the motor vehicle. A large number of users can be adequately taken into account, especially children and their needs. For example, if there are children in the motor vehicle, which can be detected by the presence of child seats, corresponding seat occupancy, the activation of child safety devices, etc., depending on the size and / or age of the children and / or the weather, suitable indoor or Outdoor playgrounds, skater parks, etc. in the vicinity of a charging station should be taken into account when selecting a suitable charging station.

If it has been determined that, for example, there are very active athletes in the motor vehicle, which can be determined, for example, from data from sports apps and/or smartwatches, charging stations with surroundings in which there are cycle paths, jogging paths, hiking trails, etc. can be selected . If, for example, it has been detected that there is golf equipment in the Motor vehicle is located, for example, a charging station can be selected near a golf course. The present invention makes it possible to reconcile both the requirements for charging the battery of the motor vehicle and the preferences and needs of the vehicle occupants when planning the route and to output or suggest to a user corresponding routes that increase driving comfort.

Reference List

1

user input

2

Request received, start collecting data

3

Collect data using sensors

4

Establish access to data on mobile devices carried and evaluate data

5

Acquisition of weather data along a determined route

6

data evaluation

7

Select charging station

8th

Providing information to users

11

Destination input received

12

receiving a request to locate a charging station capable of electrically charging the battery

13

Determining a number of routes to reach the destination, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the route

14

Detection of occupants currently located in the motor vehicle by means of a sensor

15

detecting at least one characteristic of the/each detected occupant that characterizes their preferences with respect to activities

16

determine at least one preferred activity of the at least one sensed occupant based on the sensed at least one characteristic

17

Determining a number of characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined number of routes, the characteristics characterizing a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity

18

Evaluating the determined characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities of the detected occupants

19

Return a number of routes

30

driver assistance device

31

Device for receiving user input

32

Device for determining a number of routes to reach a destination

33

Device for detecting occupants currently in the motor vehicle

34

Device for detecting at least one characteristic of the at least one occupant

35

evaluation device

36

Device for outputting signals/information

40

motor vehicle

41

electric motor

42

battery

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

• EP 3498520 A1 [0003]
• WO 2014/075889 A2 [0004]

Claims (12)

Method for determining a route for a motor vehicle (40), which includes a battery (42) and is at least partially driven by an electric motor (41), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving a request to search for a charging station designed for electrically charging the battery (12), - determining a number of routes, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the routes (13), - detecting occupants currently in the motor vehicle by means of a sensor (14), - detecting at least one characteristic of at least one detected occupant, which characterizes their preferences in relation to activities (15), - determining at least one preferred activity of the at least one detected occupant based on the detected at least one feature (16), - determining a number of characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined number of routes, the characteristics characterizing a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity (17), - Evaluation of the determined characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations with regard to the suitability of the environment for performing at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one of the detected occupants (18), - Outputting a number of routes with charging stations whose surroundings are suitable for exercising at least one of the determined preferred activities of at least one of the registered occupants (19). procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that if a plurality of occupants currently in the motor vehicle is detected and a plurality of mutually different preferred activities of the various occupants has been determined, the occupants and/or the activities are classified and/or weighted in relation to specified characteristics. procedure after claim 1 or claim 2 , characterized in that currently located in the motor vehicle occupants are detected by means of sensors for detecting the seat occupancy and / or by detecting a use of seat belts and / or by detecting carried mobile devices. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that preferred activities of the individual occupants are determined from user inputs and/or user profiles and/or detected characteristics. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that weather data are determined at the current location of the motor vehicle and/or the area surrounding the individual charging stations and are taken into account when determining the suitability of the area for carrying out at least one of the preferred activities determined. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the features of the environment of the individual charging stations are the presence of an indoor playground and/or an outdoor playground and/or a vantage point and/or a hiking trail and/or a cycle path and/or a golf course and/or a swimming pool and/or a beach and/or a place of interest is determined. Driver assistance device (30) for a motor vehicle (40), which includes a battery (42) and is at least partially driven by an electric motor (41), comprising: a device for receiving user inputs (31), a device for determining a number of routes, with at least one charging station designed for electrically charging the battery being located along the routes, a device for detecting occupants (33) currently located in the motor vehicle , a device for detecting at least one feature of the at least one occupant (34) which characterizes their preferred activities, an evaluation device (35) which is designed to determine at least one preferred activity of the at least one occupant based on the recorded at least one feature a number of characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations along the determined routes, the characteristics characterizing a suitability of the environment for carrying out the determined at least one preferred activity, and evaluating the determined characteristics of the environment of the individual charging stations with regard to the suitability d he environment for exercising at least one of the determined preferred activities of the at least one occupant, and a device for outputting signals to a user (36). Motor vehicle (40), which includes a battery (42) and is at least partially driven by an electric motor (41), characterized in that it has a driver assistance device (30). claim 7 includes and / or is designed to a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 6 to execute. A computer-implemented method, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 6 to execute. Computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 6 to execute. Computer-readable data carrier on which the computer program product claim 10 is saved. Data carrier signal, which the computer program product according to claim 10 transmits.

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