DE102021119748A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle with a scenting device, motor vehicle with a scenting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) with a scenting device (2) for introducing a scent (6) into an interior (3) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein at least one item of usage information (17) is recorded by means of at least one recording means (18), which describes an operator action currently performed by at least one user (7) relating to the operation of the scenting device (2) and/or a current operating state of the scenting device (2), with at least one piece of recommendation information being provided by a control device (11) depending on the usage information (17). (41) is generated and output to the user (7) by means of an output device (45), the recommendation information (41) containing at least one current and/or future use action to be taken for operating the scenting device (2) according to the preferences of the user (7). describes.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with a scenting device for introducing a scent into an interior of the motor vehicle.

In modern motor vehicles in particular, the focus has long since ceased to be solely on transporting passengers from one place to another as efficiently as possible. In particular, special equipment that is intended to enable passengers to travel as comfortably as possible is becoming increasingly important. For example, scenting devices are often provided in motor vehicles, by means of which the interior of the motor vehicle is scented by introducing a scent.

Out of DE 10 2019 205 586 A1 a scenting device for a motor vehicle is known, wherein a container with a scent has an information carrier that can be read on the vehicle side and on which, for example, scent information relating to the scent is stored. In addition, the information carrier includes information relating to the control of other comfort devices in the motor vehicle, such as a lighting device or an audio and video device, with the scenting and the operation of the comfort devices being coordinated with one another.

Another scenting system for a motor vehicle is out DE 10 2008 013 218 A1 known. This includes a display unit, by means of which the scenting settings of the scenting system can be displayed and adjusted.

A scenting device for the interior of buildings is off EP 3 789 689 A1 known. In this system, information relating to the people in the room is recorded, such as age, gender and/or the like. This information is used to determine an optimal concentration of the fragrance to be applied.

Out of DE 10 2008 011 174 A1 a scenting device with a plurality of scent cartridges is known, with the cartridges used being recognized by means of a decorating device.

The object of the present invention is to implement an improved concept in connection with a scenting device of a motor vehicle, in particular with regard to operation that is as convenient and user-friendly as possible.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that at least one item of usage information is recorded by means of at least one detection means, which describes an operator action currently performed by at least one user relating to the operation of the scenting device and/or a current operating state of the scenting device, wherein At least one item of recommendation information is generated by a control device as a function of the usage information and is output to the user by means of an output device, the recommendation information describing at least one current and/or future usage action for operating the scenting device according to the preferences of the user.

The operator action can, for example, relate to a user-side setting of operating parameters of the scenting device, such as a scenting strength or intensity, ie a quantity of scent to be dispensed, and/or a scent direction, ie which scent is to be dispensed. The fragrance can be a liquid fragrance. The current operating status of the scenting device relates, for example, to the scents with which the scenting device is currently equipped. This aspect will be explained later in detail. Based on the usage information relating to these aspects, the recommendation information is generated by the control device, which can be part of the scenting device or of the motor vehicle. The recommendation information describes an operating or action recommendation that the user can make, so that the current or future operation of the scenting device occurs as closely as possible in accordance with his or her preferences. The usage information represents a kind of basis for this, which is used to draw conclusions about the user's preferences regarding the scenting of the interior.

Expressed in general terms, the method according to the invention enables interaction between the scenting device or the associated control system and the user, with corresponding recommendations for current and/or future operation or maintenance of the scenting device being issued based on the usage information.

In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the scenting device has an introduction means, which is designed as an electromechanical actuator, for introducing the fragrance into the interior and a receiving space for receiving an exchangeable fragrance container for the fragrance has, wherein a quantity of the fragrance to be introduced into the interior space is set via the introduction means based on quantity information specified by the user by means of an operating device. In this case, the quantity information can be the usage information and the operating device can be the detection means.

Alternatively and particularly preferably, it can be provided that the scenting device has several introduction means, each designed as an electromechanical actuator, for introducing the fragrance into the interior and several receiving locations for receiving several exchangeable fragrance containers for one fragrance each, with the quantities and/or the Ratio of the quantities of the fragrance to be introduced into the interior space via the introduction means is or will be set based on quantity information and/or ratio information specified by the user using an operating device. In this case, the quantity information and/or the ratio information can be the usage information and the operating device can be the detection means. What is advantageous with regard to this embodiment is that not only the sheer amount of fragrance to be introduced into the interior and consequently the fragrance strength or intensity, but also an overall fragrance note comprising several individual components relating to one of the fragrances can be adjusted.

The introduction means or each of the introduction means can comprise or be a pump, by means of which the fragrance is introduced in an atomizing manner via a nozzle into a ventilation duct which opens into the interior via ventilation outlets. Thus, via the ventilation duct, preconditioned air can be introduced into the interior from an air conditioning device of the motor vehicle, with the fragrance being sprayed into the air flow. The fragrance container can be a cartridge or a cartridge, for example made of a plastic, which can be inserted into the receiving or plug-in location, forming a detachable latching connection.

The operating device can be a touchscreen, for example, via which the user can set the quantity information and/or the ratio information. The quantity information can be specified by the user using a slider displayed on the touchscreen or by entering numerical values. The ratio information can be specified by the user by specifying the quantity of each of the fragrances separately, which results in the fragrance ratio.

Alternatively, the ratio information can also be specified indirectly by the user. The user can thus select a fragrance mode from a number of predefined fragrance modes, with the respectively associated fragrance ratio being stored on the control device. For example, the themes "Relaxing" and "Energizing" etc. are conceivable as fragrance modes, which can be selected using the corresponding buttons on the touchscreen. If the "Relaxing" fragrance mode is selected, then the ratio information is such that relaxing fragrances such as chamomile and lavender are introduced. If the "Energizing" fragrance mode is selected, then ratio information is such that energizing fragrances such as "Eucalyptus" and "Lemon" are introduced.

With regard to the quantity information and/or ratio information, it is conceivable that this is or will be automatically and situation-specifically specified without being specified by the user. It is also conceivable in this respect that quantity information and/or ratio information specified by the user is automatically changed by the control device in a situation-specific manner. For example, it can be taken into account that human sensitivity to smell depends on circumstances such as the current weather conditions or the like. Information relating to these circumstances can be recorded and evaluated, in particular by sensors or via the Internet, with optimal quantity information and/or ratio information being specified as a function of this, or the information specified by the user being changed accordingly. The automatically specified quantity information and/or ratio information and/or information relating to the automatically made change to this information can also be the usage information.

A piece of information on switching on or off can be provided as usage information, which relates to a current switching on or off of the scenting device and can be specified by means of the detection means designed as the or an operating device. In particular, taking into account further information, for example an associated switch-on or switch-off time, which will be discussed in detail later, the recommendation information can be aimed at switching on the scenting device at a recommended time.

Particularly preferably, the usage information is fragrance information that relates to the designation of a fragrance currently contained in the fragrance container or the fragrance container or the designations of the fragrance currently contained in the fragrance containers of the scenting device, and by means of a reading device, which is the detection means, from an information carrier of the fragrance container is read. So can the fragrance information be evaluated with regard to any preferred classes of fragrance, the recommendation information being aimed at this. If the usage information shows that the fragrances that the user mainly uses mostly belong to a specific fragrance class, then the recommendation information can be specifically aimed at this. If, for example, the fragrances “orange” and “lemon” are mainly used, it can be concluded that users have a preference for the fragrance class “citrus fragrances”. In this case, the recommendation information can be to equip the scenting device in the future with exactly these scents or other scents of this class such as “lime” or “tangerine”.

The information carrier can be a memory chip on which the fragrance information is stored electronically. In this case, the reading device is set up to read out this information. Alternatively, the information carrier can be a printed or embossed code, such as a QR code or bar code, with the reading device being a camera for optically capturing the code. The information carrier can also be a color of the fragrance container, which provides information about the respective fragrance. In this case, too, the reading device is preferably a camera.

• - eine Zeitinformation, die den Zeitpunkt der Erfassung der Nutzungsinformation betrifft und mittels eines Zeitgebers erfasst wird, und/oder
• - eine Personeninformation, die die Identität des Nutzers, der die Nutzungshandlung vornimmt, betrifft und mittels der oder einer Bedienvorrichtung und/oder eines, insbesondere optischen, Sensors des Kraftfahrzeugs erfasst wird,

wobei die Empfehlungsinformation zusätzlich in Abhängigkeit der Ergänzungsinformation generiert wird. Folglich wird nicht nur alleinig die Nutzungsinformation, sondern eine der jeweiligen Nutzungsinformation zugeordnete Zeitinformation und/oder Personeninformation erfasst.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that in addition to the usage information, supplementary information relating to the respective usage information is recorded, the supplementary information

• - Time information relating to the point in time at which the usage information was recorded and recorded by means of a timer, and/or
• - personal information that relates to the identity of the user who is performing the act of use and is recorded by means of the or an operating device and/or a sensor, in particular an optical sensor, of the motor vehicle,

wherein the recommendation information is additionally generated as a function of the supplementary information. Consequently, not only the usage information alone is recorded, but also time information and/or personal information assigned to the respective usage information.

If the supplementary information is the time information, then this relates to the point in time at which the operator action takes place or at which the operating state of the scenting device is present. It is thus conceivable that the recommendation information relates to the setting of a specific fragrance at a specific point in time of the day if the usage information indicates that the user has frequently set this fragrance at the corresponding point in time. The timer is in particular part of the control device.

If the supplementary information is the personal information, then in addition to the usage information when the respective usage action is performed, it is recorded which user performed this action. This is expedient, for example, when the motor vehicle is used by a number of users, with the personal information allowing a user-specific evaluation of the usage information, so that the recommendation information can be output to the user concerned in each case.

• - eine Zündschlossinformation, die ein Ein- und/oder Ausschalten einer Zündung betrifft und mittels eines Zündschlosssensors erfasst wird oder im Rahmen einer Steuerung des Kraftfahrzeugs vorliegt, und/oder
• - eine lonisationsinformation, die den Betriebszustand einer Ionisierungseinrichtung betrifft und mittels einer zur Steuerung der Ionisierungseinrichtung eingerichteten Steuerungseinrichtung generiert wird, mittels der Ionen, die in die Luft des Innenraums eingebracht werden, erzeugt werden, und/oder
• - eine Sitzplatzbelegungsinformation, die einen aktuellen Belegungszustand wenigstens eines Passagierplatzes des Kraftfahrzeugs betrifft und mittels eines Sensors erfasst wird, und/oder
• - eine Aufnahmeplatzbelegungsinformation, die einen aktuellen Belegungszustand des oder eines Aufnahmeplatzes oder einer der Aufnahmeplätze der Beduftungseinrichtung betrifft und mittels des als ein Belegungssensor der Beduftungseinrichtung vorgesehenen Erfassungsmittels erfasst wird,

ist, wobei die Empfehlungsinformation zusätzlich in Abhängigkeit der Zusatzinformation generiert wird.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that at least one piece of additional information relating to the operation of the motor vehicle and/or the scenting device is recorded, the additional information

• - Ignition lock information that relates to switching an ignition on and/or off and is detected by means of an ignition lock sensor or is present as part of a control of the motor vehicle, and/or
• - ionization information which relates to the operating state of an ionization device and is generated by means of a control device set up to control the ionization device, by means of which ions that are introduced into the air in the interior are generated, and/or
• - Seat occupancy information which relates to a current occupancy status of at least one passenger seat in the motor vehicle and is detected by a sensor, and/or
• - an item of accommodation space occupancy information which relates to a current occupancy status of the or one accommodation space or one of the accommodation spaces of the scenting device and is detected by means of the detection means provided as an occupancy sensor of the scenting device,

is, the recommendation information is additionally generated depending on the additional information.

If the additional information is ignition lock information, then the typical time span between switching on the ignition of the motor vehicle and switching on the scenting device can be recorded from this. If the user only switches on the scenting device on their daily commute when a car web has been reached, then the recommendation information can be directed accordingly.

With regard to the ionization information, it can be provided that the motor vehicle includes the ionization device, by means of which negatively charged ions, in particular, are released into the interior. The ionization device is used to refresh or clean the air, since the ions introduced can break down any pollutants in the air. In this context, for example, with the additional use of the usage information, it can be recorded that the user typically puts the ionization device into operation at the same time as setting a specific fragrance, so that the recommendation information can be directed accordingly.

If the additional information is the seat occupancy information, then it can be concluded with the additional use of the usage information that a weak scenting intensity and a subtle scent are often selected in the fully occupied motor vehicle, whereas, if the user is traveling alone, an intensive scenting strength and a concise scent is chosen. The recommendation information can be directed to this. As part of a development, passenger identity information can also be recorded, which describes the identity of the people currently in the motor vehicle, with the recommendation information being additionally generated as a function of the passenger identity information. The seat occupancy information and/or the passenger identity information can be recorded by means of a sensor, for example a camera and/or a pressure sensor arranged in the seat or passenger space.

If the additional information is the accommodation space occupancy information, then a preferred fragrance can be inferred from the fragrance information, wherein, if the accommodation space occupancy information indicates that at least one accommodation space, e.g. longer than a predetermined period of time, is free, a recommendation directed to the recommended fragrance is issued can be, in addition, an online order of this means can be made by means of the output device.

In connection with the additional information, it is conceivable that, in addition to each piece of additional information, supplementary information according to the above description, ie time information and/or personal information, is recorded and used to generate the supplementary information.

The specific examples set out above for the supplementary and additional information are not exhaustive. It is thus conceivable that further additional information is recorded in order to determine the recommendation information, for example relating to user actions or operating states of a lighting device, the air conditioning device and/or an entertainment system of the motor vehicle. In connection with the latter example, information relating to a currently playing music or film title can be recorded.

Several specific examples are also conceivable for the recommendation information, although the options presented below are not exhaustive. The recommendation information is preferably refill information relating to the designation of at least one recommended fragrance. As already explained above, based on the fragrances used, a recommendation can be issued as to which fragrance should be used currently or in the future. In this context, if the slot occupancy information indicates that at least one slot of the scenting device is currently free, and the ignition lock information indicates that the ignition has been actuated several times since the slot is unoccupied, appropriate recommendation information can be issued become.

The recommendation information can be parameter information relating to a recommended setting of an operating parameter of the scenting device. In addition to simply switching the scenting device on or off, the recommended setting of the scent intensity or strength, the scent ratio and/or the scent mode can be used as operating parameters. A corresponding setting of the operating parameter can take place automatically parallel to the output of the recommendation information.

Within the scope of the invention, an output time at which the recommendation information is output can be determined on the basis of the usage information and/or the or a piece of supplementary information and/or the or a piece of additional information. Although in principle it can also be provided that the recommendation information is output at fixed times or after a fixed time period has elapsed, the usage information and possibly the supplementary and/or additional information can be used to determine a particularly useful time for output . This information can be used to record that the user, for example, in the early hours of the morning received the corresponding Emp Missing hardly or never follows, whereas an output in the evening hours after work is often considered and implemented by the user.

Provision is particularly preferably made for multiple pieces of usage information and/or supplementary information and/or additional information to be recorded and stored over a period of time, with the recommendation information being generated on the basis of the usage information recorded over the period of time. In this way, the recommendation information is not generated on the basis of a single piece of usage information, but rather a complex data set with a large number of such pieces of information is created in comparison, so that the recommendation information is based on a significantly broader database. The recommendation information can be determined at regular intervals, for example daily. With regard to the specific point in time, it can be provided that an evaluation condition is checked as part of the acquisition of the usage information, and the evaluation is carried out when this condition is met. The evaluation condition is met, for example, if the last evaluation carried out took place more than one day ago.

In principle, it is conceivable in the method according to the invention for the recommendation information to be determined using a permanently specified algorithm, which can be executed, for example, by means of the control device. In particular, the above-described obvious dependencies between the usage information and the user's preferences can be evaluated by means of the evaluation algorithm and the recommendation information can be generated based on this.

However, the recommendation information is particularly preferably determined by means of artificial intelligence, which can also be carried out by the control device. Specifically, what is known as a deep learning engine can be provided, ie a technical device with a neural network. Compared to fixed algorithms, artificial intelligence offers the advantage that dependencies between the usage information and the user's preferences that are not obvious and therefore cannot be taken into account within the framework of a predefined algorithm, but which still exist, are determined and used to generate the recommendation information. In particular, if a very extensive database comprising a large amount of usage, supplementary and additional information collected over a longer period of time is used to generate the recommendation information, data analysis based on artificial intelligence, for example to implement a so-called data mining process, can be extremely useful be effective.

The artificial intelligence can be trained using suitable training datasets before it is actually used in the motor vehicle. These data records can include usage information recorded over a longer period of time and, in particular, supplementary and additional information, which the artificial intelligence uses to generate recommendation information. These results are compared with actual usage actions, especially during the same period of time, and their consistency is checked, so that a constantly progressing learning process of the artificial intelligence is brought about. It is also conceivable that the artificial intelligence will continue to train during the actual use, using data relating to the specific user. This offers the advantage that the usage information is evaluated specifically for the user or users of the motor vehicle and always delivers better results.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a scenting device for introducing a scent into an interior of the motor vehicle. In such a motor vehicle, the object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention in that at least one item of usage information can be recorded by means of at least one detection means of the motor vehicle connected to a control device of the motor vehicle, with the usage information being an operator action currently performed by at least one user relating to the operation of the scenting device and /or describes a current operating state of the scenting device, wherein the control device is set up to generate recommendation information as a function of the usage information, which can be output to the user by means of an output device of the motor vehicle, the recommendation information being at least one future use action to operate the scenting device according to describes the preferences of the user. All aspects, features and advantages explained in connection with the method according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

• - einen Aufnahmeplatz zur Aufnahme eines austauschbaren Duftmittelbehältnisses für das Duftmittel aufweist, wobei eine Menge des in den Innenraum einzubringenden Duftmittels über das Einbringmittel anhand einer seitens des Nutzers vorgegebenen Mengeninformation, die mittels des als eine Bedienvorrichtung ausgebildeten Erfassungsmittels vorgebbar ist, einstellbar ist, oder
• - mehrere Aufnahmeplätze zur Aufnahme mehrerer austauschbarer Duftmittelbehältnisse für jeweils ein Duftmittel und mehrere Einbringmittel aufweist, wobei die Mengen und/oder das Verhältnis der Mengen des in den Innenraum einzubringenden Duftmittels über die Einbringmittel anhand einer seitens des Nutzers vorgegebenen Mengeninformation und/oder Verhältnisinformation, die mittels des als eine Bedienvorrichtung ausgebildeten Erfassungsmittels vorgebbar ist oder sind, einstellbar ist oder sind.

It can preferably be provided in the motor vehicle according to the invention that the scenting device has at least one introduction means, which is connected to the or another control device and is designed as an electromechanical actuator, for introducing the scent into the interior and

• - a slot to accommodate a replaceable fragrance container for the Has fragrance, wherein a quantity of the fragrance to be introduced into the interior can be adjusted via the introduction means on the basis of quantity information specified by the user, which can be specified by means of the detection means designed as an operating device, or
• - has a plurality of receiving locations for accommodating a plurality of interchangeable fragrance containers, each for one fragrance and a plurality of delivery means, with the quantities and/or the ratio of the quantities of the fragrance to be introduced into the interior space being introduced via the delivery means on the basis of quantity information and/or ratio information specified by the user, which is of the detection means embodied as an operating device can be predetermined or are adjustable.

• - eine Ein- oder Ausschaltinformation, die ein aktuelles Ein- oder Ausschalten der Beduftungseinrichtung betrifft und mittels des als die oder eine Bedienvorrichtung ausgebildeten Erfassungsmittels vorgebbar ist, und/oder
• - die oder eine Mengeninformation und/oder
• - die oder eine Verhältnisinformation und/oder
• - eine Duftmittelinformation, die die Bezeichnung eines aktuellen in dem oder einem Duftmittelbehältnis der Beduftungseinrichtung enthaltenen Duftmittels oder die Bezeichnungen der aktuell in den Duftmittelbehältnissen der Beduftungseinrichtung enthaltenen Duftmittel betrifft und mittels des als eine Leseeinrichtung der Beduftungseinrichtung vorgesehenen Erfassungsmittels von einem Informationsträger des Duftmittelbehältnisses auslesbar ist,

ist.In the motor vehicle according to the invention it can be provided that the usage information

• - a switch-on or switch-off information item that relates to a current switch-on or switch-off of the scenting device and can be specified by means of the detection means designed as the or an operating device, and/or
• - the or quantity information and/or
• - the or a ratio information and/or
• - a piece of fragrance information which relates to the designation of a fragrance currently contained in the fragrance container or a fragrance container of the scenting device or the designations of the fragrance currently contained in the fragrance containers of the scenting device and can be read from an information carrier of the fragrance container by means of the detection means provided as a reading device of the scenting device,

is.

• - eine Zeitinformation, die den Zeitpunkt der Erfassung der Nutzungsinformation betrifft und mittels eines Zeitgebers erfassbar ist, und/oder
• - eine Personeninformation, die die Identität des Nutzers, der die Nutzungshandlung vornimmt, betrifft und mittels der oder einer Bedienvorrichtung und/oder eines, insbesondere optischen, Sensors des Kraftfahrzeugs erfassbar ist,

ist, wobei die Empfehlungsinformation zusätzlich in Abhängigkeit der Ergänzungsinformation generierbar ist.In the motor vehicle according to the invention, it can be provided that, in addition to the usage information, supplementary information relating to the respective usage information can be recorded, the supplementary information

• - Time information relating to the point in time at which the usage information was recorded and which can be recorded by means of a timer, and/or
• - personal information that relates to the identity of the user who is performing the act of use and can be recorded by means of the or an operating device and/or a sensor, in particular an optical sensor, of the motor vehicle,

is, the recommendation information can also be generated as a function of the supplementary information.

• - eine Zündschlossinformation, die ein Ein- und/oder Ausschalten einer Zündung des Kraftfahrzeugs betrifft und die mittels eines Zündschlosssensors erfassbar ist oder im Rahmen einer Steuerung des Kraftfahrzeugs (1) vorliegt, und/oder
• - eine lonisationsinformation, die den Betriebszustand einer Ionisierungseinrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs betrifft und mittels einer zur Steuerung der Ionisierungseinrichtung eingerichteten Steuerungseinrichtung generierbar ist, wobei mittels der Ionisierungseinrichtung Ionen, die in die Luft des Innenraums einbringbar sind, erzeugbar sind, und/oder
• - eine Sitzplatzbelegungsinformation, die einen aktuellen Belegungszustand wenigstens eines Passagierplatzes des Kraftfahrzeugs betrifft und mittels eines Sensors erfassbar ist, und/oder
• - eine Aufnahmeplatzbelegungsinformation, die einen aktuellen Belegungszustand des oder eines Aufnahmeplatzes oder einer der Aufnahmeplätze der Beduftungseinrichtung betrifft und mittels des als ein Belegungssensor der Beduftungseinrichtung vorgesehenen Erfassungsmittels erfassbar ist,

ist, wobei die Empfehlungsinformation zusätzlich in Abhängigkeit der Zusatzinformation generierbar ist.In the motor vehicle according to the invention, at least one item of additional information relating to the operation of the motor vehicle and/or the scenting device can be recorded, the additional information

• - ignition lock information relating to switching on and/or off an ignition of the motor vehicle and which can be detected by means of an ignition lock sensor or is present as part of a control of the motor vehicle (1), and/or
• - ionization information which relates to the operating state of an ionization device of the motor vehicle and can be generated by means of a control device set up to control the ionization device, it being possible for the ionization device to generate ions that can be introduced into the air in the interior, and/or
• - Seat occupancy information that relates to a current occupancy status of at least one passenger seat in the motor vehicle and can be detected by a sensor, and/or
• - an item of accommodation space occupancy information which relates to a current occupancy status of the or one accommodation space or one of the accommodation spaces of the scenting device and can be detected by means of the detection means provided as an occupancy sensor of the scenting device,

is, the recommendation information can also be generated as a function of the additional information.

The output device can be an optical output device, in particular a display or an operating device provided as a touch screen, which is arranged for example in the area of a dashboard or a center console of the motor vehicle, and/or an acoustic output device, in particular a loudspeaker, of the motor vehicle.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs,
• 2 eine Beduftungseinrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs der 1, und
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, das anhand des Kraftfahrzeugs der 1 erläutert wird.

Further advantages and details of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These show schematically:

• 1 an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention,
• 2 a scenting device of the motor vehicle 1 , and
• 3 a flowchart of a method according to the invention, which is based on the motor vehicle 1 is explained.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention with a scenting device 2 for scenting an interior 3 of the motor vehicle 1. 2 shows a perspective, enlarged view of the scenting device 2.

By way of example, the scenting device 2 includes four receiving locations 4, which in the present case have slots for receiving a replaceable scenting agent container 5 in a snap-in manner. The fragrance containers 5 each contain a liquid fragrance 6, with the respective fragrance in the 1 indicated by the shaded areas. If a fragrance container 5 is empty, a user 7 can replace it with a new one. The scenting device 2 comprises four introduction means 8 each assigned to one of the receiving locations 4 , which each comprise an electromechanical actuator such as a pump and by means of which the respective fragrance 6 can be introduced into the interior space 3 . For this purpose, the fragrance 6 is introduced via an atomizer of the introduction agent 8 into a ventilation duct 9 of the motor vehicle 1, which serves to ventilate the interior 3 by means of an air conditioning device 47 of the motor vehicle 1. The ventilation duct 9 opens into ventilation outlets 10 of the motor vehicle 1, in which 1 only one ventilation outlet 10 is shown. In order to control the introduction means 8, these are each connected to a control device 11. This can be a component of the motor vehicle 1 or of the scenting device 2 .

As an alternative to the scenting device 2 having four receptacles 4, it is also conceivable that only one receptacle 4 is provided for receiving an exchangeable fragrance container 5 for the fragrance 6, with the quantity of the fragrance 6 to be introduced into the interior 3 being determined via the introduction means 8 on the basis of a setting specified by the user 7 and detected by means of the operating device 12 can be specified.

The control device 11 is connected to an operating device 12 of the motor vehicle 1, which is, for example, a touchscreen in the area of the dashboard. The user 7 is enabled by the operating device 12 to specify or set the amount of fragrance 6 to be introduced into the interior 3 by means of the scenting device 2 and the quantity ratio of the fragrances 6 to one another. The scenting device can also be switched on and off by means of the operating device 12 .

The following is based on in the 3 illustrated flowchart explains an embodiment of the method according to the invention, specifically in connection with in the 1 shown motor vehicle 1. To carry out the method, the control device 11 is set up, which is connected to the corresponding components involved, with the sake of clarity, these connections in the 1 are not shown.

As part of the first step 13 of the method, usage information 17 is recorded by means of a plurality of detection means 18. The usage information 17 each describes an operator action currently performed by the user 7 relating to the operation of the scenting device 2 and/or a current operating state of the scenting device 2.

Switching on or off information 19 is recorded as usage information 17 , which describes a current switching on or off of the scenting device 2 performed by the user 7 using the operating device 12 . The operating device 12 is the detection means 18 with regard to the switch-on or switch-off information 19.

Quantity information 20 relating to the setting of the quantity of fragrance 6 by the user is recorded as usage information 17 . Ratio information 21 relating to the quantity ratio of the fragrances 6 specified by the user 7 is also recorded as usage information 17 . The operating device 12 serves as a recording means 18 for the quantity information 20 and for the ratio information 21.

Fragrance information 22 is also recorded as usage information 17 , which relates to the designation of the fragrance 6 currently contained in the fragrance containers 5 . To record the fragrance information 22 , the scenting device 2 includes four reading devices 23 , each assigned to one of the receiving locations 4 , by means of which the fragrance information 22 can be read from an information carrier 24 of the fragrance containers 5 . The information carrier can be a printed code, for example a QR or bar code, with the reading device 23, which is the recording means 18 with regard to the information 22, being a camera provided for recording this code. The information carrier 24 can also be a memory chip that can be read out by means of the reading device 23 .

When the usage information 17 is recorded, it is provided that an associated supplementary information item 27 is recorded for each of the items of information 17 . The attribution of each supplement tion information 27 to one of the usage information 17 is in the 3 indicated by the dashed box 28. In concrete terms, the supplementary information 27 is time information 29 which relates to the point in time at which the respective usage information 17 was recorded. A timer, which is part of the control device 11, is provided for detecting the time information 29.

Furthermore, personal information 30 is recorded as supplementary information 27, which describes the identity of the user 7 who is carrying out the user action relating to the usage information 17. The operating device 12 and/or a sensor 31, in this case a camera, can be provided for detection, with the personal information 30 being generated by means of face recognition software which is executed, for example, in the control device 11.

In addition, additional information 32 relating to the operation of the motor vehicle 1 is recorded in the first step 13 . Specifically, ignition lock information 33 is recorded as additional information 32 , which relates to switching on and/or off an ignition 34 of motor vehicle 1 . A control signal which is present in a controller of the motor vehicle 1 and describes the switching on of the ignition 34 is used for the detection. Alternatively, an ignition lock sensor can be provided for this purpose.

Furthermore, ionization information 35 is recorded as additional information 32, which relates to the operating state of an ionization device 36 of motor vehicle 1. This is set up to introduce negatively charged ions into the air of the interior 3 of the motor vehicle 1 and thereby refresh or clean the air. The ionization information 35 is generated by the control device 11, which is also set up to control the ionization device 36. A control device provided specifically for this purpose can be provided for this purpose.

Seat occupancy information 37 that relates to a current occupancy state of at least one passenger seat 38 of motor vehicle 1 is recorded as additional information 32 . It can also be provided that, in addition to the seat occupancy information 37 , passenger identity information is recorded which relates to the identity of the respective passengers, with the sensor 31 or the camera being able to be used for this purpose as well. The seat occupancy information 37 can also be detected by means of a sensor 39 provided in the respective passenger seat 38, which can be a pressure sensor in the seat surface, for example.

A piece of accommodation space occupancy information 25 that describes the current occupancy status of the accommodation spaces 4 is also recorded as additional information 32 . Occupancy sensors 26 are provided for detecting the location occupancy information 25 , which are each assigned to one of the locations 4 and are used to detect whether a fragrance container 5 is currently in the location 4 in question. The occupancy sensor 26 assigned to one of the receiving locations 4 and the reading device 23 are preferably a common component.

In connection with the additional information 32 is in each case, without this in the 3 is explicitly shown, analogous to the usage information 17, each associated time information 29, which is assigned to the respective additional information 32, recorded.

In the second step 14 of the method, the information recorded in the first step 13 is stored on an electronic storage medium 40 which, in the present example, is part of the control device 11 . After saving, either step 13 is run through again, so that further information is recorded and then saved, or the method is continued in the next step 15. For this purpose, an evaluation condition can be checked as part of step 14 , if this is met, the method is continued in the next step 15 . The evaluation condition can be met, for example, if at least a predetermined period of time, which is, for example, one day, has passed since step 15 was last run through.

In step 15, the information 17, 27, 32 stored on the storage medium 40 is used to generate recommendation information 41. The recommendation information 41 relates to a current and/or future action to be taken to operate the scenting device 2 according to the preferences of the user 7. The recommendation information therefore relates to an instruction or recommendation to the user 7 on how to operate or control the scenting device 2 or has to wait, so that the future operation of the scenting device 2 corresponds to his preferences or preferences.

Although the recorded information 17, 27, 32 can be evaluated for this purpose by means of a predefined algorithm, an artificial intelligence 42, which is implemented on the control device 11, is provided in the present case. This has the advantage that, for example based on the concept of what is known as data mining, the data 17, 27, 32 are also not obvious connections with the preferences of the user 7 can be evaluated.

Specifically, refill information 43 is generated as recommendation information 41, which relates to the designation of a recommended fragrance. Furthermore, parameter information 44 is generated as recommendation information 41 which relates to a recommended setting of an operating parameter of the scenting device 2 .

As part of step 15 of the method, the information 17, 27, 32 is also evaluated with regard to an output time at which the recommendation information 41 is output. This evaluation can show that the current time of issue is not appropriate, for example because the last time of issue was only recently or experience has shown that the current time does not result in a corresponding output of the recommendation information 41 leading to a specific action on the part of the user 7 . In this case, the output does not take place immediately, but only at a suitable point in time.

If the evaluation of the information 17 , 27 , 32 in step 15 shows that an output of the recommendation information 41 is currently appropriate, then the recommendation information is output by means of an output device 45 in the last step 16 of the method. The operating device 12 is used as the output device 45, with the recommendation information 41 being displayed on this display. This output is underlined by a loudspeaker 46 of the motor vehicle 1, which also serves as an output device 45. In this case, an advisory tone such as a pling noise or a voice output or the like is output. As part of step 16 of the method, an automatic setting of the operating parameter according to the parameter information 44 takes place parallel to the output at the same time.

After step 16 has been completed, the method is started again in the first step 13 . The information 17, 27, 32 recorded up to now can be deleted or preferably continue to be stored, so that an even broader database is available for future evaluations.

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

• DE 102019205586 A1 [0003]
• DE 102008013218 A1 [0004]
• EP 3789689 A1 [0005]
• DE 102008011174 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) with a scenting device (2) for introducing a scent (6) into an interior (3) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that at least one item of usage information (17) is recorded by means of at least one detection means (18) is recorded, which describes an operator action currently performed by at least one user (7) relating to the operation of the scenting device (2) and/or a current operating state of the scenting device (2), with a control device (11) depending on the usage information (17) at least one item of recommendation information (41) is generated and output to the user (7) by means of an output device (45), the recommendation information (41) containing at least one current and/or future use action to operate the scenting device (2) according to the preferences of the user (7) describes. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the scenting device (2) has at least one introduction means (8), which is designed as an electromechanical actuator, for introducing the fragrance (6) into the interior (3) and - a receiving space (4) for receiving an exchangeable fragrance container ( 5) for the fragrance (6), wherein a quantity of the fragrance (6) to be introduced into the interior (3) via the introduction means (8) based on quantity information (20) specified by the user (7) using an operating device (12) is set, or - has a plurality of receptacles (4) for accommodating a plurality of interchangeable fragrance containers (5) each for a fragrance (6) and a plurality of delivery means (8), the quantities and/or the ratio of the quantities of the in the interior (3) fragrance (6) to be introduced via the introduction means (8) based on quantity information (20) and/or ratio information specified by the user (7) using an operating device (12). tion (21) is or will be set. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the usage information (17) - a switching on or off information (19), which relates to a current switching on or off of the scenting device (2) and specified by means of the as the or an operating device (12) designed detection means (18). and/or - the or a piece of quantity information (20) and/or - the or a piece of ratio information (21) and/or - a piece of fragrance information (22) which describes a fragrance currently in the fragrance container or containers (5) of the scenting device ( 2) contained fragrance (6) or the designations of the fragrance (6) currently contained in the fragrance containers (5) of the scenting device (2) and by means of a reading device (23), which is the detection means (18), from an information carrier (24 ) of the fragrance container (5) is read. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the usage information (17), supplementary information (27) relating to the respective usage information (17) is recorded, the supplementary information (27) - time information (29) indicating the time of the relates to the acquisition of the usage information (17) and is acquired by means of a timer, and/or - personal information (30) which relates to the identity of the user (7) who carries out the usage action and by means of the or an operating device (12) and/or or one, in particular optical, sensor (31) of the motor vehicle (1) is detected, the recommendation information (41) being additionally generated as a function of the supplementary information (27). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one piece of additional information (32) relating to the operation of the motor vehicle (1) and/or the scenting device (2) is recorded, the additional information (32) being ignition lock information (33) relates to switching on and/or off an ignition (34) of the motor vehicle (1) and is detected by means of an ignition lock sensor or is present as part of a control of the motor vehicle, and/or - ionization information (35) which indicates the operating state of an ionization device (36 ) relates and is generated by means of a control device (11) set up to control the ionization device (36), by means of which ions that are introduced into the air of the interior (3) are generated, and/or - seat occupancy information (37) which relates to a current occupancy status of at least one passenger seat (38) of the motor vehicle (1) and by means of a sensor (31, 39) is recorded, and/or - accommodation space occupancy information (25) which relates to a current occupancy status of the or one accommodation space (4) or one of the accommodation spaces (4) of the scenting device (2) and by means of an occupancy sensor (26) of the scenting device (2) provided detection means (18) is detected, wherein the recommendation information (41) is additionally generated as a function of the additional information (32). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Recommendation information (41) - refill information (43) relating to the designation of at least one recommended fragrance (6) and/or - parameter information (44) relating to a recommended setting of an operating parameter of the scenting device (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an output time at which the recommendation information (41) is output based on the usage information (17) and/or the or a piece of supplementary information (27) and/or the or a piece of additional information (32) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of usage information (17) and / or supplementary information (27) and / or additional information (32) is recorded and stored over a period of time, the recommendation information (41) based on the recorded over the period Information (17; 27; 32) is generated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recommendation information (41) is determined by means of artificial intelligence (42). Motor vehicle with a scenting device (2) for introducing a scenting agent (6) into an interior (3) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that at least one item of usage information (17) is transmitted by means of at least one with a control device (11) of the motor vehicle (1) connected detection means (18) of the motor vehicle (1), the usage information (17) describing an operator action currently performed by at least one user (7) relating to the operation of the scenting device (2) and/or a current operating state of the scenting device (2). , wherein the control device (11) is set up to generate a recommendation information (41) as a function of the usage information (17), which can be output to the user (7) by means of an output device (45) of the motor vehicle (1), the recommendation information (41) at least one future use action to operate the scenting device (2) according to d en preferences of the user (7) describes. motor vehicle after claim 10 , characterized in that the scenting device (2) has at least one introducing means (8), which is connected to the or a further control device (11) and is designed as an electromechanical actuator, for introducing the scenting agent (6) into the interior (3) and - has a receiving space (4) for receiving an exchangeable fragrance container (5) for the fragrance (6), with a quantity of the fragrance (6) to be introduced into the interior (3) being determined via the introduction means (8) on the basis of a user (7) predetermined quantity information (20), which can be predetermined by means of the detection means (18) designed as an operating device (12), or - several receiving locations (4) for receiving several exchangeable fragrance containers (5) for one fragrance (6) each and several Introducing means (8), the quantities and/or the ratio of the amounts of the fragrance (6) to be introduced into the interior (3) being dependent on the introductory means (8). nd quantity information (20) and/or ratio information (21) specified by the user (7), which can be specified by means of the detection means (18) designed as an operating device (12), can be set. motor vehicle after claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the usage information - information on switching on or off (19), which relates to a current switching on or off of the scenting device (2) and can be specified by means of the detection means (18) designed as the or an operating device (12), and /or - the quantity information (20) and/or - the ratio information (21) and/or - fragrance information (22) which contains the designation of a fragrance container (5) currently in the fragrance device (2). fragrance (6) or the designations of the fragrance (6) currently contained in the fragrance containers (5) of the scenting device (2) and by means of the detection means (18) provided as a reading device (23) of the scenting device (2) from an information carrier (24 ) of the fragrance container (2) can be read. Motor vehicle according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that in addition to the usage information (17), supplementary information (27) relating to the respective usage information (17) can be recorded, with the supplementary information (27) - time information (29) indicating the time at which the usage information (17) was recorded and can be recorded by means of a timer, and/or - personal information (30) which relates to the identity of the user (7) who is carrying out the act of use and by means of the or an operating device (12) and/or an, in particular optical, Sensor (31) of the motor vehicle (1) can be detected, the recommendation information (41) also being able to be generated as a function of the supplementary information (27). Motor vehicle according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that at least one piece of additional information (32) relating to the operation of the motor vehicle (1) and/or the scenting device (2) can be detected, the additional information (32) being ignition lock information (33) which indicates switching on and/or switching off an ignition (34) of the motor vehicle (1) and can be detected by means of an ignition lock sensor or is present as part of a controller of the motor vehicle, and/or - ionization information (35) which indicates the operating state of an ionization device (36) of the motor vehicle (1) and can be generated by means of a control device (11) set up to control the ionization device (36), ions that can be introduced into the air of the interior (3) being able to be generated by means of the ionization device (36), and/or - seat occupancy information ( 37), which relates to a current occupancy status of at least one passenger seat (38) of the motor vehicle (1) and by means of a Se nsors (31, 39) can be detected, and/or - accommodation space occupancy information (25) which relates to a current occupancy status of the or one accommodation space (4) or one of the accommodation spaces (4) of the scenting device (2) and by means of which as an occupancy sensor ( 26) of the scenting device (2) can be detected by the detection means (18) provided, it being possible for the recommendation information (41) to be additionally generated as a function of the additional information (32). Motor vehicle according to one of Claims 10 until 14 , characterized in that the output device (45) is an optical output device, in particular a display or the operating device (12) provided as a touch screen, and/or an acoustic output device, in particular a loudspeaker (46), of the motor vehicle (1). .

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