DE102021204608A1 - Method for operating an assistance system of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (44) for operating an assistance system (8) of a motor vehicle (2) comprising a communication device (24) and a sensor area (20) for detecting a user gesture. A user (30) is detected in an environment (22) of the motor vehicle (2) and a distance (50) of the user (30) from the motor vehicle (2) is determined. A width (56) of the sensor area (20) at the distance (50) is determined, and information (62) relating to the width (56) is output by means of the communication device (24). The invention also relates to an assistance system (8) of a motor vehicle (2) and a computer program product (42).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system in a motor vehicle and an assistance system in a motor vehicle and a computer program product. The assistance system includes a sensor for detecting a user gesture, which has a sensor area, and a communication device.

Motor vehicles, such as passenger cars (cars) usually have a tailgate, by means of which an opening leading to a trunk can be covered. By operating the tailgate, access to the trunk is made possible or denied. The trunk is usually used for transporting items, and with the tailgate open it is thus possible to load or remove items from the trunk.

To increase comfort, the tailgate is usually designed with an electric motor and thus includes an electric motor drive, by means of which a flap body, which is pivotably mounted on a body of the motor vehicle, is adjusted. Thus, manual actuation of the flap body is not required. To further increase comfort, a sensor is provided, by means of which a gesture by a user or another person is detected or at least can be detected. If the gesture corresponds to a specific stored pattern, the drive is activated and the tailgate is opened or closed as a result.

Capacitive sensors, for example, are used as such sensors, by means of which the dielectric constant is determined. If the user is in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, this is changed in comparison to when the user is absent. However, based on the recorded dielectric constant, a movement of the user can only be derived to a comparatively small extent. Consequently, checking for different patterns is only possible to a limited extent or the patterns are comparatively unspecific and do not have any subtleties. It is therefore possible that, for example, a movement of an animal moving in the area of the motor vehicle is incorrectly detected as a gesture, so that the tailgate is opened undesirably.

Ultrasonic sensors or radar sensors are therefore usually used to increase the spatial resolution. Waves are sent out by means of these, which are reflected and/or scattered by the user, if the user is present. These waves are detected by means of the sensor, namely a receiver thereof, and the distance of the user, in particular his extremities, from the motor vehicle is determined on the basis of the propagation time and/or a change in the waveform. It is also possible to detect the position of the user and his extremities, in particular if the sensor has a number of different sensor units or at least receivers that are positioned differently.

In principle, the sensor area (detection area) in such sensors is essentially conical in shape, with only objects located in the sensor area being able to be detected. The apex of the cone is formed by the respective sensor's receiver or the complete sensor. As a result, there is an area in the vicinity of the motor vehicle which is directly adjacent to and borders on it, but which cannot be detected using this sensor. Thus, if the user performs the gesture in this area, it will not be detected. Since the sensor area cannot be directly perceived by the user, he cannot always understand why the tailgate is not actuated, especially since the width of the sensor area increases with increasing distance from the motor vehicle. In other words, intuitive operation for the user is not possible, since closer distances place greater demands on the user's position when performing the gesture, in contrast to the user's belief that the reduced distance makes detection easier for the sensor should be.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable method for operating an assistance system in a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable assistance system in a motor vehicle, as well as a particularly suitable computer program product, with operation advantageously being simplified for a user.

With regard to the method, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1, with regard to the assistance system by the features of claim 9 and with regard to the computer program product by the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

The method is used to operate an assistance system of a motor vehicle. In other words, the assistance system in the intended state is a component part of the motor vehicle and is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. The motor vehicle is in particular land-based and preferably has multiple lanes creates. It is suitably possible here to position the motor vehicle essentially freely, in particular on a corresponding roadway. The motor vehicle expediently has corresponding wheels for this purpose. In summary, it is preferably possible to position the motor vehicle essentially independently of other conditions on land. In other words, the motor vehicle is suitably not rail-guided. The motor vehicle is preferably a passenger car (car) or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck (truck) or bus.

The assistance system includes a sensor that is used to detect a user gesture, which is also referred to as a user gesture. The sensor is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. The sensor has a sensor area, and during operation the gesture can only be detected if it is carried out in the sensor area of the sensor. If the gesture is performed outside the sensor area, it cannot be detected by the sensor. A specific movement of a hand, an arm, a leg or a foot of the user (user) or a combination thereof is used as a gesture. However, it is also possible for the gesture not to be a specific movement, but rather to be carried out by means of some other operating event, with this expediently being contactless. For example, the gesture is a user standing still or staying in a predetermined trigger area, expediently for at least a certain period of time, such as 5 seconds, 3 seconds or 1 second.

The sensor area is in particular directed outwards, so that the gesture in the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected by means of the sensor. In other words, the sensor area is part of the area surrounding the motor vehicle. Alternatively or in combination with this, at least part of an interior area of the motor vehicle is also located in the sensor area, or the sensor area is only arranged inside the motor vehicle.

For example, the sensor area is essentially conical, with the sensor being arranged at the tip of the sensor area. The sensor area is preferably rotationally symmetrical, with the sensor being expediently arranged on the axis of symmetry. In this way, a construction of the sensor is simplified. In particular, the sensor is rigidly attached to other components of the motor vehicle, such as its body. For example, the position of the sensor area with respect to the motor vehicle is fixed. In this way, a construction is further simplified. At least the shape of the sensor area is in particular not rectangular, and the width of the sensor area changes, for example, with an increasing distance from the motor vehicle and becomes larger, for example.

In particular, a sensor is used as a sensor, by means of which waves are emitted during operation, which are scattered and/or reflected by the user, who is also referred to as the user, when the latter executes the gesture. The waves reflected/scattered in this way are at least partially moved in the direction of the sensor and are received there by the sensor. In particular, the sensor has a suitable transmitter for emitting the waves and a suitable receiver for receiving them. For example, the transmitter and the receiver are implemented using a common structural unit or using two components that are spaced apart from one another. In this case, due to the use of waves, the sensor area is in particular conical. For example, the sensor has a number of receivers, so that the spatial resolution of the sensor is improved. In this case, the reception area is not just conical, for example due to the plurality of receivers, but has several conical sections.

For example, a radar sensor is used as the sensor, so the waves are radar waves. Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the sensor so that the waves are ultrasonic waves. A comparatively precise spatial resolution is made possible by means of such a choice of waves. For example, the sensor includes the radar sensor or the ultrasonic sensor, and the sensor suitably has a number of sensor units, with a number of the sensor units being radar sensors and/or ultrasonic sensors, for example. Alternatively or in combination, the sensor or at least one of the sensor units is a capacitive sensor.

When the sensor is in operation, the user's gestures, ie the user gesture, are recorded by means of the sensor and, in particular, compared with one or more stored patterns. If the gesture matches the/one of the patterns, a respectively assigned function of the motor vehicle is preferably executed or at least the executions are initiated. Consequently, the sensor area is the interaction area in which a specific function is carried out based on an interaction of the user with the assistance system.

For example, the actuation of an electromotive adjustment drive is used as a function. The respective electromotive adjustment drive preferably includes an adjustment part which is moved by means of an electric motor along an adjustment is driven away, for example directly or preferably via other components such as a gear, for example a worm gear and / or a spindle. In this case, the direction of rotation of the electric motor is preferably dependent on the respective pattern/gesture and thus also the adjustment direction of the adjustment part. Different gestures/patterns are preferably assigned to different electromotive adjustment drives if several electromotive adjustment drives are present. The electromotive adjustment drive is, for example, an electromotive door adjustment that has a door as the adjustment part. For example, the door is a side door or a tailgate, such as a tailgate. For example, depending on the pattern or at least the gesture, the door is opened or closed. For example, the electromotive adjustment drive is part of the assistance system, or this is separate from this.

The assistance system also includes a communication device, which is also referred to as a communication unit and which is used, for example, to communicate with the (user) user. At least the communication device is used to output information for the user. The communication device is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. It is preferably only possible by means of the communication device to transmit information from the assistance system to the user. As an alternative to this, it is also possible to collect information from the user. In summary, the communication device suitably serves to interact with the user so that the respective information can be presented to him. In other words, the communication device is in particular an interface between the assistance system and the user.

The method provides that first the user is detected in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The sensor is used for this purpose, for example, or the detection takes place by means of a further sensor or another unit. For example, the assistance system or at least the motor vehicle includes a camera as an additional sensor, by means of which the user is recorded optically. Alternatively or in combination with this, an object carried by the user is detected by means of the further sensor. The object carried by the user is a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, or some other wearable. As an alternative to this, the object carried by the user is a key, which is preferably recorded using NFC and/or RFID technology.

The assistance system includes, for example, the corresponding additional sensor, or this is connected to the assistance system in terms of signals, for example via a possible bus system of the motor vehicle. The user is thus detected in the area surrounding the motor vehicle by detecting a corresponding message, in particular via a suitable interface of the assistance system for the bus system.

For example, every person is recorded as a user, or as soon as a person is recorded, a comparison is made with stored parameters so that the person is initially identified as a user. For example, the user is any person who carries any object carried by the user, ie a specific portable object such as the (radio) key. As an alternative to this, certain biometric data are used as parameters.

In this case, the user is in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, ie outside of the motor vehicle. For example, detection always takes place, regardless of where the user is located and/or moving in relation to the motor vehicle. As an alternative to this, detection only takes place if the user approaches the motor vehicle and/or is in a specific position with respect to the motor vehicle, ie in a specific part of the environment.

In a subsequent work step, a distance between the user and the motor vehicle is determined. In particular, the further sensor is used for this purpose, by means of which the user is recorded, or the sensor. For example, if the additional sensor is part of the assistance system, the distance is communicated to the assistance system via the possible bus system, so that it is determined by detecting a message containing the distance. The distance corresponds in particular to the shortest connection between the user and the motor vehicle, or the shortest connection between the user and the sensor or the additional sensor.

Information relating to a width of the sensor area in the distance is then output by means of the communication device. The width of the sensor area is in particular its extent perpendicular to the direction of the distance. The information is output in particular in such a way that it can be perceived by the user, at least in principle. In particular, the information is directed in the direction of the user, so that the user is likely to notice it.

The information is created in particular as a function of the width or at least based on it this. For this purpose, the width of the sensor area in the distance is preferably determined first. For example, the width is determined using a formula, or the corresponding value is determined using a table, in particular a so-called “lookup table”. As an alternative to this, the corresponding information is already assigned to each distance of the specific distance ranges, preferably by means of a corresponding table or a characteristic diagram

If the sensor area does not have a constant width and the width of the sensor area changes with a changing distance, the method informs the user of the width at their position, or at least at their distance from the motor vehicle. Consequently, it is easier for the user to position themselves within the sensor area before performing the gesture. If the latter subsequently performs the gesture, it can thus be reliably detected. Consequently, operation is simplified for the user. The user can also understand if a gesture is not recognized if it is outside the sensor area.

For example, the information is always output when the user is recorded. Particularly preferably, however, the information is only output and the width is preferably determined only when the distance is less than a specific limit value, for example 10 m, 5 m or 3 m. In this case, it can be assumed in particular that the user the motor vehicle or at least part of it, so that they need to know the width of the sensor area.

For example, the width is always determined theoretically, regardless of the current requirements/circumstances and/or an operating state of the sensor. In a particularly preferred manner, however, a current state of the sensor itself or of the environment is also taken into account when determining the width. For example, it is taken into account if one of the possible sensor units is defective, so that the shape of the sensor area is changed. Consequently, the width of the sensor area is also changed compared to a fully functional sensor.

Alternatively or in combination, it is taken into account, in particular when determining the width, whether part of the sensor area is shielded by another object, so that the sensor area is less effective due to the object in the vicinity of the motor vehicle compared to operation when the object is not present , is changed, in particular is reduced. Alternatively or in combination with this, possible sources of danger are also taken into account when determining the width, and these are in particular removed from the sensor area. In other words, the sensor area or at least the width is preferably adjusted in such a way that the source of danger lies outside of it. Consequently, it is possible in principle to detect the gesture in the excluded area, but this is presented to the user by means of the information as not belonging to the sensor area. The information will be adjusted accordingly for this purpose. For example, if the sensor area extends into a busy street, that part of the sensor area is not taken into account when determining the width, thus discouraging the user from exposing themselves to danger in order to perform the gesture. Consequently, the information relates in particular only to the width of the area/part of the sensor area classified as safe.

For example, the information is output haptically. For this purpose, any object/device carried by the user, for example the radio key or the smartphone, is controlled accordingly. In this case, the communication device is in particular a radio transmitter, by means of which the information about the object carried by the user is transmitted. In an alternative, the information is output haptically by means of ultrasonic waves. Alternatively or in combination with this, the information is reproduced acoustically, ie output. A loudspeaker or a horn, for example, is expediently activated for this purpose.

However, the information is particularly preferably output optically. As a result, noise pollution for bystanders is reduced. In this way, a comparatively intuitive acquisition of the information by the user is also made possible. It is also easier to record the content of the information, ie in particular the width of the sensor area at the distance from the user to the motor vehicle. For example, the actual width is output as information, particularly in metric units. As an alternative to this, a specific symbol is output, with the symbol being used in particular to output a quantitative or qualitative measure. In particular, the symbol is adapted in such a way that detection is simplified for the user.

For example, the information is projected onto the floor. For example, the information includes a sequence of characters and/or digits that corresponds in particular to the width of the sensor area. Alternatively, for example, the width is projected as a line onto the ground, suitably between the user and the motor vehicle and preferably directly in front of the user, i.e. in particular in front of his feet. In a further development, the information is projected onto a part of the motor vehicle, in particular its outer skin, in particular the sequence of digits/characters. It is thus possible to output the information independently of the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

The communication device particularly preferably comprises an LED strip which comprises a number of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) which are expediently arranged in a line. The LEDs are, for example, monochromatic or have different colors. The number of activated LEDs of the LED strip is preferably used as information. In other words, depending on the width, a different number of LEDs are controlled so that they light up. In particular, the driven LEDs are each arranged adjacent to one another. Thus, in particular with a small width, only a comparatively small number of LEDs is driven, whereas with a larger width the number of driven LEDs, which are therefore lit, is increased.

For example, the LED bar extends over the full length and/or width of the motor vehicle. For example, the number of LEDs driven is such that the length of the portion of LEDs driven is equal to the width of the sensor area in the gap. Thus, an intuitive estimation of the width is possible for the user. As an alternative to this, the LED bar is shortened and has, for example, only 3 or 5 or 7 LEDs. If the width is comparatively small, for example only a single LED is driven, for example the one in the middle or at one end of the LLED strip. If the distance is greater, the number of LEDs driven is expediently increased. Suitably, the LED bar has a plexiglass screen, by means of which the LEDs are shielded. Robustness is thus increased. In summary, the LEDs of the communication device light up over a length that corresponds to the width of the detection area of the sensor at the distance.

For example, after the information has been output, the method is terminated. The distance between the user and the motor vehicle is also particularly preferably determined, and the information is expediently adjusted if the distance changes. In particular, when the distance changes, the current width of the sensor area is determined in the newly determined distance and the information is output as a function of this. For example, the user's distance is determined continuously or at specific time intervals, for example every second, every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds. In this way, effort is reduced. Due to the adaptation of the information, the user can see how the shape of the sensor area changes with its distance, ie its movement in relation to the motor vehicle. It is also impossible for the user to unintentionally enter the area of the environment that is not part of the sensor area in order to perform the gesture there.

For example, the information is different at different distances. As an alternative to this, first information is output as information as long as the distance is greater than a first distance. In other words, the information is not changed as long as the user is at a greater distance from the motor vehicle than the first distance. The first distance is preferably such that the user usually does not perform the gestures in this distance. The first distance is suitably constant and/or between 5 m and 10 m. The first distance is particularly preferably chosen such that the user is essentially always within the sensor range when he is at the first distance from the motor vehicle. Consequently, in this case, precise knowledge of the actual width of the sensor area at the first distance or beyond is not required for the user. Due to the use of the first information, the user is not overwhelmed due to an increased number of information units, so that acceptance is increased. In this way, the effort involved in creating the information is also reduced.

For example, as soon as the distance is less than the first distance, a respective piece of information is used for each width, so that the information always differs for smaller distances than the first distance. As an alternative to this, only a second piece of information is otherwise output as information. In other words, the second piece of information is always output when the user has approached the motor vehicle by more than the first distance. Consequently, the information is output as to whether the user is in a close range or in a far range, and the information is thus divided into only two categories/levels. Because there are only two stages, the user is not overwhelmed.

For example, the communication device has only two output stages, in particular display stages, one of which is assigned to the first piece of information and the other to the second piece of information. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the communication device is reduced. For example, for the first piece of information, all the LEDs of any LED bar are active and for the second piece of information, only half of them are active fourth and thus controlled. It is also possible, for example, for the LED bar to have only two LEDs. In an alternative, the communication device has an illuminant whose color can be adjusted. For example, a color that differs from the second information is selected as the first information.

In one development, for example, several such levels/categories are provided, so that for distances below the first distance up to a third distance first the second piece of information is displayed and from the third distance up to a fourth distance third piece of information etc. is displayed. If, for example, the user's distance cannot be determined correctly, for example due to objects in the area surrounding the motor vehicle that disrupt the determination of the distance, excessive changing/adjusting of the information that is output is avoided, so that the user's trust in the Assistance system is increased.

For example, the information is only created based on the width. As an alternative to this, a position of the user is also taken into account in the information. Consequently, not only the distance but also the position of the user with respect to the sensor area is determined. For example, it is output whether the user is inside or outside the sensor area. For example, this is the only informational content/content of the information. Alternatively or in combination with this, the direction in which the user has to move in order to get into the sensor area is output. Consequently, it is easier for the user to move into the sensor area to perform the gesture. However, it is at least clear to the user before the gesture is carried out whether it is possible in principle to detect it.

For example, the information relates to the width of the sensor area at a constant height, for example 1 m or 1.5 m above the ground. Alternatively, the height is selected depending on the user. Here, in particular, a size of the user or a specific posture/position of the user is first determined. In particular, it is determined whether the user is seated, for example in a wheelchair. The selected level is expediently the level within which the gesture must be performed so that it corresponds to at least one of the possible patterns. The height can thus preferably be reached by the user for performing the gesture, in particular if the gesture is to be performed with one hand. Due to the choice of the height depending on the user, there is further adaptability to the user, so that acceptance is further increased. In summary, in particular the width of the sensor area is determined at the height that is selected as a function of the user. Alternatively, the corresponding information is read from a table depending on the height.

At least in the assembled state, the assistance system is a component of a motor vehicle that is particularly land-based. The motor vehicle is, for example, a truck (lorry), bus or preferably a passenger car (car). The assistance system includes a communication device, which is used to output information for a user and is suitable for this purpose, in particular provided and set up. For example, the communication device is located at least partially on an outer skin of the motor vehicle or is preferably at least partially perceptible from outside the motor vehicle. The assistance system also includes a sensor with a sensor area. During operation, it is possible to use the sensor to detect a gesture that is performed by a user in the sensor area. However, if the user is not in the sensor area, it is not possible to detect the gesture. The sensor is therefore used to detect the gesture and is suitable, provided and set up for this purpose. The sensor area is in particular a component of the environment of the motor vehicle, so that the environment is monitored by means of the sensor. In other words, the sensor area is preferably directed outwards away from the motor vehicle. The sensor is preferably an ultrasonic sensor or a radar sensor or includes at least one of them. The sensor suitably has a number of different sensor units, one of the sensor units being the ultrasonic sensor, for example, and another sensor unit being the radar sensor. In particular, a fusion of sensor data from different sensor units thus takes place by means of the sensor.

The assistance system is operated according to a method in which a user is detected in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. A distance of the user from the motor vehicle is determined, and information relating to a width of the sensor area in the distance is output using the communication device. For this purpose, the width of the sensor area in the distance is preferably determined first. In other words, it is determined how wide the sensor area is at the distance at which the user is located from the motor vehicle.

The motor vehicle has in particular a control unit which is suitable, in particular provided and set up, to carry out the method. The control unit includes, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or more preferably a computer suitably configured to be programmable. In particular, the control unit includes a storage medium on which a computer program product, which is also referred to as a computer program, is stored, with execution of this computer program product, ie the program, prompting the computer to carry out the method. Further tasks are preferably taken over by means of the control unit. Such a task is, for example, the activation of an electric motor by means of which a door is driven. In other words, the control unit is a component of an electromotive door adjustment, the door being mounted on a body of the motor vehicle so that it can pivot and/or be longitudinally movable, for example. The assistance system preferably includes a further sensor, by means of which the user is recorded. The additional sensor is, for example, a camera or a radio device, by means of which a radio connection is established to an object carried by the user, ie to an object transported by the user, so that the distance is determined on the basis of this object. As an alternative to this, the user is detected by receiving a corresponding message that is provided via a bus system. The assistance system expediently has a suitable interface for this.

The computer program product includes a number of instructions which, when the program (computer program product) is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method for operating an assistance system of a motor vehicle, which includes a communication device and a sensor, which includes a sensor area, for detecting a user gesture. In this case, a user is detected in an area surrounding the motor vehicle, and a distance from the user to the motor vehicle is determined. Information relating to a width of the sensor area at the distance is output by means of the communication device.

The computer is expediently a component part of a control unit or electronics and is formed by means of these, for example. The computer preferably includes or is formed by a microprocessor. The computer program product is, for example, a file or a data carrier that contains an executable program that automatically runs the method when installed on a computer.

The invention also relates to a storage medium on which the computer program product is stored. Such a storage medium is, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD or a Blu-Ray Disc. Alternatively, the storage medium is a USB stick or some other memory which can be rewritten or only written once, for example. Such a memory is, for example, a flash memory, a RAM or a ROM.

In addition, the invention relates to a control unit for carrying out the method, which is therefore suitable, in particular provided and set up, for this purpose. For this purpose, the control unit has, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or, for example, a programmable microprocessor, which functions in particular as a computer. Suitably, the control unit comprises a storage medium on which the computer program described above is stored. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such an assistance system, which preferably has a corresponding control unit.

The developments and advantages explained in connection with the method can also be transferred to the assistance system/the computer program product/the storage medium/the control unit/the motor vehicle and to each other and vice versa.

• 1 schematisch ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem Assistenzsystem, das einen Sensor und eine Kommunikationseinrichtung umfasst,
• 2 schematisch in einer Draufsicht das Kraftfahrzeug,
• 3 ein Verfahren zum Betrieb des Assistenzsystems, und
• 4 gemäß 2 das Kraftfahrzeug mit einem abgewandelten Assistenzsystem.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

• 1 schematically a motor vehicle with an assistance system that includes a sensor and a communication device,
• 2 schematically in a plan view the motor vehicle,
• 3 a method for operating the assistance system, and
• 4 according to 2 the motor vehicle with a modified assistance system.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In 1 is schematically simplified in a side view and in 2 a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car (car) is shown in a plan view. The motor vehicle 2 has four wheels 4, by means of which there is contact with a roadway (not shown). The wheels 4 are connected to a body 6 of the motor vehicle via a chassis (not shown), and some of the wheels 4 are driven by a main drive (not shown). At least two of the wheels 4 are also designed to be steerable and are part of a steering system, so that a direction of travel of the motor vehicle 2 can be set.

The motor vehicle 2 includes an assistance system 8 with an electromotive adjustment drive 10 in the form of an electromotive door adjustment. The electromotive adjustment drive 10 has an adjustment part 12, namely a door, on which a hinge is pivotably mounted on the body 6. The door 12 is a tailgate, and the electromotive door adjustment is thus an electromotive tailgate. The electromotive adjustment drive 10 comprises an electric motor 14, which is operatively connected to the adjustment part 12, ie the door, via a gear (not shown) and a spindle. When the electric motor 14 is energized, the adjustment part 12 is moved along an adjustment path which is at least partially bent due to the hinge. In other words, the door is pivoted with respect to the body 6. Depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor 14, the door is opened or closed.

The assistance system 8 also has a sensor 16 which is located in the vertical direction below the door in the area of a lower bumper of the motor vehicle 2 . The sensor 16 has a plurality of sensor units 18 which are each radar sensors. These each have a transmitter for emitting radar waves and a receiver for detecting radar waves. The sensor 16 includes a sensor area 20 which is defined due to the arrangement of the individual sensor units 18 . Sensor area 20 is directed outwards from motor vehicle 2 into surroundings 22 and is located at the rear of motor vehicle 2 in the longitudinal direction. Sensor area 20 is the area in which an object can be detected by sensor 16 . During operation of the individual sensor units 18 , the sensor area 20 is exposed to the radar waves that impinge on the object when it is in the sensor area 20 . Some of the radar waves hitting the object are at least partially reflected or scattered by the latter in the direction of the sensor units 18 so that they can be received by the sensor 16 . Consequently, the shape of the sensor area 20 has a plurality of cone-shaped sections, with one of the sensor units 18 being located at the apex of each cone. Consequently, the size/shape of the sensor area 20 is not constant and these change as the distance from the motor vehicle 2 increases. Based on the time difference between the transmission of the radar waves and the reception of the radar waves, it is possible to determine the distance of the object from the motor vehicle 2 and also to determine its position with respect to the motor vehicle 2.

If the object is located outside of the sensor area 20 in this respect, it is not possible to detect the object.

The assistance system 8 also includes a communication device 24 which is formed by an LED bar 26 . The LED strip 26 has a number of LEDs 28 (light-emitting diodes) arranged in a line/row, which can be driven individually. The LEDs 28 are shielded on the outside of the motor vehicle 2 with a transparent plexiglass pane, so that moisture is prevented from penetrating the LEDs 28 . However, the LEDs 28 are visible to a user 30 who is located in the area 22 in the longitudinal direction behind the motor vehicle 2 .

The assistance system 8 also has a further sensor 32 which is or at least includes a radio device. Using this, it is possible to establish a radio link to an object 34 carried by the user 30, which is a radio key or a smartphone. Depending on the design of the object 34 carried by the user 30, the radio standard and the type of data transmission are adapted to the radio device and, for example, Bluetooth or RFID technology. In one embodiment, the additional sensor 32 is at least partially part of the inventory of the communication device 24.

The assistance system 8 has a control unit 36 which is connected in terms of signals to the electromotive adjustment drive 10 , the sensor 16 , the communication device 24 and the additional sensor 32 . Here, for example, the sensor 16, the communication device 24 and/or the additional sensor 32 are fully operated by means of the control unit 36 of the electromotive adjustment drive 10, or at least one of these includes an additional control unit that is set as a function of specifications created by the control unit 36 at least is operated.

When the assistance system 8 is operating, a gesture performed by the user 30 is detected by the sensor 16 . For this purpose, the sensor 16 is operated accordingly by means of the control unit 36 . The gesture is performed by the user 30 with his hands, so that at least one of the hands of the user 30, who is also referred to as the user, is detected by the sensor 16 as an object. As an alternative to this, a foot movement by the user 30 is used as a gesture, for example. In summary, the sensor 16 serves to detect the gesture of the user 30, that is to say the user gesture, and is suitable, provided and set up for this purpose. After the user gesture has been detected, the control unit 36 carries out a comparison with a stored pattern. If these correspond to a sufficient extent, the electric motor 14 is activated by means of the control unit 36 so that the adjustment part 12 is adjusted. Here, the door is opened so that the user 30 access to the Kof ferraum of the motor vehicle 2 is granted. In one development, a comparison is made with a plurality of patterns, with the door being opened if one of the patterns matches and the door being closed if another pattern matches.

The control unit 36 includes a computer 38 in the form of a programmable microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 36 includes a storage medium 40 in the form of a memory on which a computer program product 42 is stored. The computer program product 42 comprises a number of instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer 38, cause it to enter an in 3 carry out the method 44 shown for operating the assistance system 8 . In other words, the assistance system 8, which has at least the sensor 16 and the communication device 24, is operated according to the method 44.

In a first work step 46, the user 30 is detected in the surroundings 22 of the motor vehicle 2. This is done by means of the additional sensor 32, by means of which the presence of the object 34 carried by the user 30 is detected. For example, a Bluetooth connection to the object 34 carried by the user 30 is established, or the presence of the object 34 carried by the user 30 and thus also the presence of the user 30 is inferred using RFID D technology . This is done by evaluating the signals detected by the additional sensor 32 and by suitable activation of the additional sensor 32 by the control unit 36.

In a subsequent second work step 48, a distance 50 of the user 30 to the motor vehicle 2 is determined, ie the shortest connection between the user 30 and the motor vehicle 2. This is also done by evaluating the signals detected by the additional sensor 32. For this purpose, for example, a time difference between the transmission of a request by the further transmitter 32 and the receipt of a subsequent one immediately by the object 34 carried by the user 30 is used. A position of the user 30 with respect to the motor vehicle 2 is also determined on the basis of the signals in the second work step 48 .

In a subsequent third work step 52, a width 56 of the sensor region 20 at a distance 50 is determined at a height 54. For this purpose, the width 56 as a function of the height 54 and the distance 50 is read out in a table or a characteristic diagram of the control units 26 which is not shown in any more detail and which is stored in the storage medium 40 . The height 54 is chosen depending on the user 30, namely his size. First of all, the height of his hands and shoulders is determined. The height 54 is chosen between these so that it is midway between the shoulders of the user 30 and their hands when the user's 30 arms are hanging down. In summary, the width 56 of the sensor area 20 at the height 54 is thus determined, with the height 54 being selected as a function of the user 30 .

In a fourth work step 56 it is also determined whether the person 30 is located within the sensor area 20 . This is done by comparing the width 56 determined in the third step 52 with the position of the user 30 determined in the second step 48.

In a subsequent fifth work step 60 , information 62 relating to the width 56 is output by the communication device 24 . In this case, if the distance 50 between the user 30 and the motor vehicle 2 is greater than a first distance 64, first information is output. The first distance 64 is selected in such a way that the width 56 is equal to the width of the motor vehicle 2 when the user 30 is at the first distance 64 from the motor vehicle 2 . All LEDs 28 of the LED bar 26 of the communication device 24 are activated as the first piece of information, so that all LEDs 28 light up, in the example shown 5 pieces. Consequently, the information 62 is output optically.

If the distance 50 is less than the first distance 64 , fewer LEDs 28 of the LED bar 26 are driven, so that a number of driven LEDs 28 of the LED bar 26 that corresponds to the width 46 is used as information 62 . In one specific embodiment, as distance 50 decreases, the number of LEDs 28 decreases successively, so that in the example shown, four areas are formed between first distance 64 and motor vehicle 2 , which have different distances from motor vehicle 2 . A different number of controlled LEDs 28 is assigned to each of the areas. In an alternative to this, if the first information is not output, ie if the distance 50 is smaller than the first distance 64, second information is output as the information 62. In this case only one of the LEDs 28 is driven. Thus, the user 30 can immediately see whether he is at a greater distance than the first distance 64 or less than the first distance 64 from the motor vehicle, i.e. whether he is in a far range of the sensor 16 or in the close range of the sensor 16 .

In a further development, after the fifth work step 60, the second work step 48, the third work step 52, the fourth work step 56 and again the fifth work step 60 are carried out again until a gesture made by the user 30 is detected by the sensor 16, or until the user 30 has moved away from the motor vehicle 2, for example by more than 10 m. In the second to fifth work steps 48, 52, 56, 60, the distance 50 of the user 30 to the motor vehicle 2 and consequently also a change therein is detected . In this case, the width 56 is determined again and the information 62 is adjusted. Thus, when the first distance 64 is undershot, the communication device 24 outputs the second piece of information, or other information, with the LEDs 28 being driven accordingly.

In a further development, the position of the user 30 determined in the second work step 48 is also taken into account in the information 62 , namely via the comparison with the sensor area 20 which was carried out in the fourth work step 56 . If the user 30 is within the sensor area 20, the LEDs 28 are activated for this purpose so that they flash. Consequently, the user 30 can see that he is within the sensor area 20 . Consequently, the position of the user 30 is taken into account in the information 62 .

In another development, if the additional sensor 32 is a component of the communication device 24, the object 34 carried by the user 30 is also controlled by means of this device in such a way that it vibrates. As a result, the information 62 is also presented haptically to the user 30 .

In 4 a modification of the motor vehicle 2 is shown. In this case, only the LED bar 26 has changed and now extends over the entire width of the motor vehicle 2. The LED bar 26 has a large number of LEDs 28 for this purpose. As soon as the distance between user 30 and motor vehicle 2 is greater than first 64, the first piece of information is output, for which purpose all LEDs 28 are activated. If the user 30 approaches the motor vehicle 2 by more than the first distance 64, the width 56 decreases and the number of LEDs 28 driven is reduced. The respective outermost LEDs 28 are successively deactivated. The length of the row formed from the glowing LEDs 28 is always equal to the width 56 of the sensor area 20 at the distance 50 that the user 30 has from the motor vehicle 2 . The width 56 is thus output directly for the user 30 by means of the information 62 .

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference List

2

motor vehicle

4

wheel

6

body

8th

assistance system

10

electromotive adjustment drive

12

adjustment part

14

electric motor

16

sensor

18

sensor unit

20

sensor area

22

vicinity

24

communication facility

26

LED bar

28

LEDs

30

user

32

another sensor

34

object carried by the user

36

control unit

38

computer

40

storage medium

42

computer program product

44

procedure

46

first step

48

second step

50

Distance

52

third step

54

Height

56

Broad

58

fourth step

60

fifth step

62

information

64

first distance

Claims (10)

Method (44) for the operation of a communication device (24) and a sensor area (20) comprising a sensor (16) for detecting a user gesture having assistance system (8) of a motor vehicle (2), in which - a user (30) is detected in an environment (22) of the motor vehicle (2), - A distance (50) of the user (30) to the motor vehicle (2) is determined, and - Information (62) relating to a width (56) of the sensor area (20) at the distance (50) is output by means of the communication device (24). Method (44) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the information (62) is output optically. Method (44) according to claim 2 , characterized in that a number of controlled LEDs (28) of an LED strip (26) of the communication device (24) that corresponds to the width (56) is used as information (62). Process (44) according to any one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that when the distance (50) changes, the information (62) is adjusted. Process (44) according to any one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that a first piece of information is output as information (62) as long as the distance (50) is greater than a first distance (64). Method (44) according to claim 5 , characterized in that otherwise a second piece of information is output as information (62). Process (44) according to any one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that a position of the user (30) is taken into account in the information (62). Process (44) according to any one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the information (62) relates to the width (56) of the sensor area (20) at a height (54), the height (54) being selected as a function of the user (30). Assistance system (8) of a motor vehicle (2), which has a communication device (24) and a sensor area (20) comprising a sensor (16) for detecting a user gesture, and which according to a method (44) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th is operated. Computer program product (42), comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (38), cause it to carry out the method (44) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th to execute.

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