DE102021206958A1 - Method for supporting a user of a vehicle during a loading process of a loading area of the vehicle, and loading support system and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for supporting a user (3) of a vehicle (1) during a loading process of a loading area (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein
- an object (5) to be positioned on the loading area (2) of the vehicle (1) is detected with a detection unit (6), comprising:
- determining a geometry and/or a type of the detected object (5) with a determination unit (7), and/or
- Providing information regarding the geometry and/or the type of the detected object (5),
- Determining position information for the positioning of the object (5) on the loading area (2) depending on the geometry and/or type of the object (5) with an evaluation unit (8),
- Supporting the user (3) of the vehicle (2) during the loading process of the loading area (2) by providing the determined position information.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a loading assistance system (4) and a vehicle (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for supporting a user of a vehicle during a loading process of a loading area of the vehicle, an object to be positioned on the loading area of the vehicle being detected with a detection unit.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a loading assistance system and a vehicle.

For example, the DE 10 2014 001 031 A1 a method for detecting a change in a sprung vehicle mass of a vehicle, which is correlated with the transport load of the vehicle. A relevant signal can be generated by means of a sensor device arranged in the motor vehicle and sent to a central control unit of the motor vehicle.

For example, the DE 10 2007 015 954 A1 a motor vehicle with fluid spring units for supporting the structure of the vehicle. Fluid pressure sensors and spring deflection sensors can be used to support the structure of the motor vehicle in order to compensate for asymmetries in the load and to stabilize the vehicle against tipping.

One object of the present invention is to make the loading process of a motor vehicle more efficient for a user of the motor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a method, a loading support system and a vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments result from the dependent patent claims.

• - ein auf die Ladefläche des Fahrzeugs zu positionierender Gegenstand mit einer Erfassungseinheit erfasst wird, aufweisend:
• - Bestimmen einer Geometrie und/oder einer Art des erfassten Gegenstands mit einer Bestimmungseinheit, und/oder
• - Bereitstellen einer Information betreffend die Geometrie und/oder die Art des erfassten Gegenstands,
• - Bestimmen einer Positionsinformation für die Positionierung des Gegenstands auf der Ladefläche in Abhängigkeit von der Geometrie und/oder Art des Gegenstands mit einer Auswerteeinheit,
• - Unterstützen des Nutzers des Fahrzeugs bei dem Beladevorgang der Ladefläche durch Bereitstellen der bestimmten Positionsinformation.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for supporting a user of a vehicle during a loading process of a loading area of the vehicle, wherein

• - an object to be positioned on the loading area of the vehicle is detected with a detection unit, comprising:
• - determining a geometry and/or a type of the detected object with a determination unit, and/or
• - Providing information regarding the geometry and/or the type of the detected object,
• - Determination of position information for the positioning of the object on the loading area depending on the geometry and/or type of the object with an evaluation unit,
• - Supporting the user of the vehicle during the loading process of the loading area by providing the determined position information.

The proposed method allows a vehicle loading process to be carried out more efficiently. The determined or generated position information allows the user of the vehicle to be offered or provided improved support for the loading process on the system side. In particular, the proposed method allows a loading process to be carried out faster and more reliably. By supporting the user during the loading process as a function of the position information, a loading of the vehicle that is unsafe or critical to traffic can be prevented. The method is particularly advantageous because a weight distribution of the loads of the vehicle that is dangerous to traffic, especially in the trunk, can be prevented. This results in a roadworthy condition for the vehicle.

In particular, the proposed method is a computer-implemented method.

The user is supported, in particular automatically, by a loading support system, for example. Thus, the user of the vehicle can be supported or assisted by the system during the loading process.

For example, the proposed method can be used to make a loading process in a trunk of a vehicle more efficient since the entire trunk volume of the trunk can be better utilized using the position information. This means that more objects can be loaded into the vehicle. For example, the loading area can be a loading space or a loading area or a trunk of the vehicle.

The vehicle can be, for example, a motor vehicle, a passenger car or a truck.

The object to be positioned can be, for example, a potential load of the vehicle. The object to be positioned can be any object that the user would like to be positioned in the vehicle.

Specifically, the detection unit is an optical detection unit, such as a camera or a stereo camera for stereoscopic three-dimensional detection of objects. The detection unit can be a number of cameras or sensors, for example.

The detected object can be correspondingly evaluated or analyzed with the determination unit or electronic determination unit. For example, the determination unit can be an electronic evaluation unit or an electronic evaluation system. The determination unit can be part of the vehicle, for example, or can be integrated in a vehicle-external server unit. The position information can be determined or generated or generated with the evaluation unit or electronic evaluation unit depending on the geometry and/or type of the object.

In particular, the proposed method can be used to provide or offer the user an automatic loading assistant for loading the loading area. With the help of the generated position information, the user of the vehicle or a customer of a vehicle can be automatically supported when loading the trunk. Likewise, the position information can be used to support the user of the vehicle in securing the load of the object on the loading area. Furthermore, the information relating to the position information can be made available to an information point external to the vehicle, as a result of which it can be determined which objects are being transported by customers in a luggage compartment of a vehicle and how often.

The proposed method is particularly advantageous when it is used in the commercial transport of goods and/or in logistics systems or logistics companies.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that at least one position for the object to be positioned on the loading area is projected with a projection unit depending on the position information, with a light pattern characterizing the geometry being projected on the loading area. In other words, the position information can be used to provide optical or visual information regarding a position at which the object should be positioned. For example, the position information is visual, optical or punctiform position information. In particular, the area or the position on the loading area on which the object is to be positioned is visually highlighted with the aid of the projection unit. Depending on the geometry and/or type of the object, a corresponding contour of the object can be projected or optically displayed on the loading area. For this purpose, the light pattern characterizing or corresponding to the geometry can be projected or optically displayed on the loading area with the aid of the projection unit.

The light pattern can be adapted to the external design or outer contour or to the outlines of the object. At the location of the light pattern shown, the user thus learns where to place or lay down or put the object.

For example, the projection unit can be a projector or a laser or an LED unit or a light element or a projection system or an optical display unit. In particular, the projection unit is an optical projection unit. For example, the projection unit can be communicatively networked with the evaluation unit and/or the determination unit.

For example, the projection unit can be positioned remotely with respect to the loading area. For example, it can be arranged on a surface opposite the loading area, such as a vehicle roof liner or an inside of the vehicle roof of the vehicle. As a result, the position and/or the light pattern can be radiated or projected onto the top of the loading area. In particular, the projection unit is arranged in the vehicle in such a way that the position and/or the light pattern can be projected in any area and/or at any position of the loading area. For example, the projection unit can generate a projection area on the loading area depending on the position information, so that the geometry and/or size and/or shape of a positioning area in which the object is to be positioned is displayed optically. For this purpose, for example, the projection surface can be represented optically as a frame or frame-shaped or full-surface surface. In this case, the projection surface is adapted to the respective geometry and/or shape and/or size of the object.

For example, a three-dimensional optical representation can be displayed on or in the area of the loading area with the aid of the projection unit which allows the user to better perceive the positioning area. For example, using the position information, a corresponding hologram, which corresponds to the geometry of the object, can be projected onto the loading area, so that the user can position the object at this optically marked point.

In particular, with the aid of the projection unit, markings can be optically displayed on the loading area, which optically represent the area for the object to be positioned.

In a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a weight and/or an aggregate state of the object is/are recorded with a recording system. Additionally or alternatively, information regarding the weight and/or the physical state of the object can be provided. The weight and/or the state of aggregation can be taken into account when determining the position information of the object. In other words, in addition to the geometry and/or the type of object, the weight and/or the state of aggregation can also be taken into account for determining or generating the position information. Consequently, more detailed and improved generation of the position information can be performed. In particular, the respective weight and/or the state of aggregation of the object are of importance when several objects are stacked on top of one another on the loading area. It is important that heavy objects are positioned directly on the loading area and lighter objects on the heavier objects. In this way, the available loading area in the vehicle can be used efficiently without adversely affecting driving stability and/or driving behavior of the vehicle.

For example, the information regarding the weight and/or the state of aggregation can be stored in a database or in a data cloud or in a backend so that it can be called up by the determination unit and/or evaluation unit. A detection system can be weight-detecting sensors, for example. In particular, the detection system can be a combination of cameras and sensors. For example, cameras and/or sensors can be used to determine the state of aggregation. For example, the respective weight of the object can be determined or measured with weight sensors or pressure sensors or load cells. In this case, these load cells can be arranged, for example, on an underside of the loading area. Thus, the item positioned on the loading area can be lifted. For example, the weight can also be determined using the evaluation unit based on the geometry and/or the type and/or other available information. For example, predetermined weight measurements for objects can be stored in a database.

In a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the geometry and/or the type of object and a surface and/or a type of loading surface and/or a loading condition of the loading surface, an alignment and/or an orientation for the object to be positioned of the loading area is determined. As a result, a loading capacity of the loading area can be better utilized. With the help of the determined alignment and/or orientation, the user can not only be provided or offered the position on the loading area for the object to be positioned, but also how the user has to position the object. For example, the alignment and/or the orientation can indicate whether the object should be positioned horizontally or vertically. For example, the alignment and/or orientation can be used to indicate or provide the user with the side of the surface of the object on which the object should be positioned on the loading area. This indicates to the user which side or which area of the object is resting on the loading area. With this additional information, the user can position the object more quickly and efficiently on the loading area or trunk. This results in a particularly simple loading process for the user, since he is informed precisely where and how the object is to be positioned.

In particular, the area and/or the type of loading area is, for example, the free space still available for objects to be positioned. It can also be used to express the maximum loading capacity or capacity of the loading area. In other words, the area and/or the type of loading area can be a trunk volume of a trunk of a vehicle, for example. The type of area can also indicate whether it is, for example, a loading area of a passenger car or a loading area of a truck. The loading status is used to indicate how full the loading area is already or what capacity the loading area still has for objects.

For example, the alignment and/or orientation determined can be output to the user acoustically and/or visually during the charging process.

The alignment and/or orientation can be determined, for example, with the determination unit and/or the evaluation unit.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the position information of the object is output acoustically and/or optically and/or haptically on an output unit in the vicinity of the loading area. Additionally or alternatively, the position information of the object can be output on a mobile terminal device of the vehicle user or on data glasses of the vehicle user. Through these possible output options it can be achieved that the user receives the respectively required information for an efficient loading process in an efficient and easily perceptible manner. For example, the output unit can be a speaker system and/or a screen. The loudspeaker system and/or the screen can be arranged in the area of the loading area, in particular in the area of the trunk. In particular, the output unit can be arranged or implemented accordingly depending on the vehicle type.

The respective position information can be output acoustically by the speaker system. It is also conceivable that, in addition to or instead of, the position information is displayed visually or optically on a screen in the area of the loading area. The output unit is arranged in such a way that, in the case of an optical output, the displayed information is in the user's field of vision or field of vision.

In addition to the position information, for example, the orientation and/or alignment for the object to be positioned can be output.

Furthermore, this information can also be output in addition to or instead of on the user's mobile device or on the user's data glasses. For example, the mobile end device can be a smartphone or a tablet or a smartwatch. The data glasses can be VR glasses or smart glasses, for example.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is also provided that the detection unit is used to detect further objects to be positioned on the loading area of the vehicle, with a geometry and/or a type of the further objects being determined with the determination unit, and depending on the respective type and/or geometry of the object and the further objects, a loading sequence for the objects is determined.

With the help of the detection unit, which has several cameras, for example, all the objects to be positioned on the loading area can be detected or determined. In particular, any number of items can be positioned on the loading area. However, the respective loading capacity or loading limit of the loading area must be observed. In order to be able to determine or generate or specify the most efficient and effective loading sequence possible for the objects, the respective geometry and/or type and/or weight and/or physical state of all the objects to be positioned are determined or provided. This is done, for example, using the evaluation unit. Depending on this information, it can be determined by the evaluation unit which objects are positioned first and which objects are then positioned on the loading area. The respective loading sequence of the objects can be made available and output to the user via the output unit and/or the mobile terminal device and/or the data glasses.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that in addition to the loading sequence of the objects, a position of the objects is determined in each case, with an evaluation unit checking whether at least one of the other objects can be stacked on one of the objects, with the object on which the at least one which further objects can be stacked, is marked visually for the user. In particular, the evaluation unit is used to check which objects are compatible with one another. In this case, for example, objects which are of the same weight or have a similar geometry can be stacked on top of one another. By determining stackable objects, the available area of the loading area can be better utilized, since additional objects cannot be positioned directly on the loading area, but on the objects already placed on the loading area. In particular, a trunk, in particular the volume of the trunk, can be better utilized as a result. This means that more items can be positioned on the loading area. The stackable object is presented to the user acoustically and/or visually. Furthermore, using the project tion unit on the object placed directly on the loading area visually shows where and on which object the stackable object is to be positioned or stacked. The outlines or the contour of the stackable object are projected or displayed visually on the side of the object facing away from the loading area.

In a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the geometry and/or the type of object and/or a type of loading area, load securing information for fastening the object positioned on the loading area is generated, in particular the load securing information generated is made available to the user of the vehicle . For example, the generated load securing information is output to the user visually and/or optically after the end of the loading process. The load securing information can be used to provide the user with information on which load securing and/or how many load securing units and/or where on the loading area load securing devices have to be attached. For example, the load securing information can be used to specify how many tension belts or other fastening units or fastening devices are required in order to be able to securely fasten the object positioned on the loading area against slipping or movements when the vehicle is moving. For example, the load securing information can be used to indicate where a lashing strap is to be put on. In this way, the user can be provided with information that can be used to prevent the item or items positioned or positioned on the loading area from slipping or moving on the loading area while the vehicle is moving. Driving safety or driving stability and in particular road safety can thus be increased.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a loading assistance system with a detection unit, a determination unit and an evaluation unit, the loading assistance system being designed to carry out a method according to the previous aspect or a development thereof. In particular, the method described above is carried out or executed with the loading support system just described.

For example, the loading support system can be a camera and projection system.

For example, the loading support system can be integrated in the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the loading support system is integrated in a vehicle-external server or in a data cloud or in a backend.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a loading assistance system according to one of the preceding aspects or a development thereof.

Advantageous exemplary embodiments of one aspect are to be regarded as advantageous exemplary embodiments of the other aspects and vice versa. Advantageous configurations of the method are to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the loading assistance system and of the vehicle.

The invention also includes developments of the loading assistance system according to the invention and of the vehicle according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the loading assistance system according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

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

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs mit einem Beladeunterstützungssystem zum Unterstützen eines Nutzers beim Beladen einer Ladefläche des Fahrzeugs mit einem Gegenstand;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Ladefläche aus 1 und mehrere zu positionierende Gegenstände;
• 3 ein Ausführungsbeispiel für das Vermessen der zu positionierende Gegenstände aus 2;
• 4 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel für das Vermessen der zu positionierende Gegenstände aus 2;
• 5 eine schematische Ausführung einer visuellen Projektion einer Position eines Gegenstands auf der Ladefläche aus 1;
• 6 eine weitere schematische Ausführung einer visuellen Projektion einer Position eines Gegenstands auf der Ladefläche aus 1; und
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung des beendeten Ladevorgangs der Gegenstände aus 2 inklusive einer beispielhaften visuellen Darstellung einer Ladesicherungsinformation.

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

• 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a loading support system for supporting a user when loading a loading area of the vehicle with an object;
• 2 a schematic representation of the loading area 1 and multiple objects to be positioned;
• 3 an embodiment for measuring the objects to be positioned 2 ;
• 4 another embodiment for measuring the objects to be positioned 2 ;
• 5 a schematic embodiment of a visual projection of a position of an object on the loading area 1 ;
• 6 a further schematic embodiment of a visual projection of a position of an object on the loading area 1 ; and
• 7 a schematic representation of the finished loading process of the objects 2 including an exemplary visual representation of load securing information.

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

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

For example, the 1 a schematic side view of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 can be, for example, a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck. The vehicle 1 has a loading area 2, for example. The loading area 2 can be, for example, a loading space, a loading area or a trunk of the vehicle 1 . In particular, the loading area 2 serves to accommodate objects or cargo or a load.

In order to be able to support a user 3 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently, better and in particular automatically during a loading process of the loading area 2 , an electronic loading support system 4 can be deployed or used. With the help of the loading support system 4, the user 3 can be automatically supported or assisted when loading the loading area 2. For example, the loading assistance system 4 can be integrated in the vehicle 1 . Otherwise, the loading assistance system 4 can be designed as a data cloud, backend or vehicle-external server unit.

In order to be able to support the user 3 in the loading process, position information relating to an object 5 to be positioned is provided. For this purpose, the object 5 to be positioned on the loading area 2 can first be detected with a detection unit 6 . For example, the detection unit 6 is a camera or a detection system or a stereo camera for the stereoscopic three-dimensional detection of objects. The detection unit 6 is arranged in particular on a side opposite the loading area 2 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the detection unit 6 would be arranged on a vehicle lining or roof lining of a trunk of the vehicle 1 .

The recorded information regarding the object 5 is provided or transmitted to the loading assistance system 4 and in particular to a determination unit 7 . A geometry and/or a type of the object 5 can be determined or generated with the aid of this, in particular electronic, determination unit 7 . Depending on the geometry and/or type of the object 5, the position information can be generated using an evaluation unit 8 of the loading assistance system 4. This determination information can be used to output or provide the user 3 with information on where and how the object 5 to be positioned or loaded is to be positioned on the loading area 2 .

In addition to the geometry and/or the type of the object 5, a weight and/or a physical state of the object 5 can be detected and in particular determined with the detection unit 6 or with a detection system. Additional information regarding the object 5 to be positioned is thus determined and made available by the system. Consequently, the position information can be obtained better and more efficiently. It is also conceivable that information regarding the weight and/or the physical state of the object 5 is made available to the evaluation unit 8 by an external information center or a database.

For example, the object 5 can be measured by a mobile terminal device 7 of the user 3 . The mobile terminal device 7 can be a smartphone or a tablet, for example. For this purpose, the mobile terminal device 7 can be designed with a number of cameras. The object 5 can be measured or analyzed using an algorithm or an application. Another source of information would be the networking of the loading support system 4 with an external logistics company and/or a transport company. Already known package sizes and/or standardized packages can be made available to the loading support system 4 as information. A complex calculation or determination of the respective information of the object 5 can thus be minimized. For example, using the proposed method In the case of parcel services, the respective parcel properties of an object 5 are made available to the loading support system 4 in advance. Thus, a courier as user 3 could load a transport vehicle as vehicle 1 more efficiently.

For example, the position information can be determined with the aid of the evaluation unit 8 as a function of a geometry and/or the type and/or the weight and/or the state of aggregation of the object 5 .

The position information can be used to provide the user 3 with a position or a position area on the loading area 2, with the object 5 to be positioned for an efficient loading process being positioned on this position or position area. In addition to the position, an alignment and/or an orientation for the object 5 to be positioned can also be provided or output using the position information. In this way, the user 3 not only finds out at which position or location on the loading area 2 he has to position the object 5, but also how he has to position it there. For example, the object 5 can be positioned horizontally or vertically. In other words, the object 5 can be laid flat on its flat side or positioned on end at the respective position. This depends in particular on the respective geometry of the object 5 and the available loading capacity of the loading area 2.

To determine the alignment and/or the orientation of the object 5, the geometry and/or the type of the object 5 and a surface and/or a type of the loading area 2 and/or a loading condition of the loading area 2 can be taken into account. This can be done in particular with the help of the evaluation unit 8 . On the one hand, the available capacity of the loading area 2, in particular of the trunk, is taken into account. For example, the available trunk volume or loading volume of the vehicle 1 can be taken into account. Another criterion is the loading condition of the loading area 2. The free space that is still available must be taken into account here.

The respective position information of the object 5 can be output to the user 3 acoustically and/or optically and/or haptically on an output unit 10 in the vicinity of the loading area 2 . For example, the output unit 10 can be a loudspeaker system and/or a screen of the vehicle 1 . For example, the output unit is integrated in the trunk area of vehicle 1 . Another way of informing the user 3 is to output the position information on the mobile terminal device 9 or on the user's data glasses 11 .

In the following figures, a sequence of a loading process of the loading area 2 is now described, for example.

the 2 shows, for example, the loading area 2. Here, in addition to the object 5, three further objects 12 are positioned on the loading area 2. In addition to the detection and analysis of the object 5 , the other objects 12 can also be detected and evaluated with the aid of the detection unit 6 . A respective geometry and/or type and/or weight and/or state of aggregation of the further objects 12 can also be determined. For example, the respective weight of the objects 5, 12 can be determined by weight-detecting sensors being attached below the loading area 2, ie on the area of the loading area 2 that cannot be seen. In this case, 2 load cells 13 can be arranged here at the corners of the loading area. With these load cells 13, the objects 5, 12 to be positioned on the loading area 2 can be weighed or measured.

In the 3 For example, it is now shown that the objects 5, 12 are measured first. For this purpose, the user 3 can first position the objects 5 , 12 to be positioned one after the other on the loading area 2 . In this process, the objects 5 , 12 can be weighed individually by the load cells 13 and can be measured geometrically by the detection unit 6 at the same time. This process takes place separately for each object 5 to be loaded. The respective weight of the objects 5 , 12 can thus be determined via the load cells 13 . The geometry or the contour of the objects 5, 12 can be measured or transmitted via the detection unit 6 or stereo camera. Furthermore, the respective type of object 5 , 12 can also be provided via the detection unit 6 or by the user 3 providing this information or by calculation using a special algorithm of the loading assistance system 4 . The weight of the respective objects 5, 12 is formed by summing up all the load cells 13.

In the 4 an additional measurement method is shown. In addition, the respective focus or the flat focus of each object 5, 12 ermit be told. In this case, the object 5, 12 can be rotated by the user 3, for example, by 90 degrees in the vertical axis. As a result, the respective center of gravity can be calculated or computed by changing the determined load cells 13 measured values or weights and the determined dimensions.

For example, the available trunk volume or loading space volume of the vehicle 1 can also be determined by the detection unit 6 . With the aid of the evaluation unit 8 or a control device, a load status can be determined using all of the information that has been determined or provided. For example, after each measurement of an object 5, 12, the user 3 can enter a property of the object 5, 12 via an input unit or via his mobile terminal device 9. For example, it can also be specified here as a property that the object 5 is a hard case, a bag or a fragile object. Improved position information can thus be generated by the system.

Another possibility for input by the user 3 is that the user 3 indicates for each object 5, 12 whether the respective object 5, 12 is to be positioned on the loading area 2 in such a way that it is always ready to hand for the user 3. This can be the case as objects 5, 12, for example, in the case of cooling bags or medicine bags. After all objects 5, 12 to be positioned have been recorded, analyzed and measured, a loading sequence or a loading sequence can be determined or defined by the evaluation unit 8. On the one hand, this loading sequence can be determined by the system depending on the respective properties and/or geometries and/or information regarding the objects 5, 12. For this purpose, the user 3 can also specify a higher prioritization or a higher importance for individual objects 5, 12, for example via his mobile terminal device 3. This can be taken into account when determining the loading sequence.

In the 5 the process step is now shown, for example, in which all information regarding the objects 5, 12 is available and the actual loading process can be started. The respective position for the object 5 to be positioned is projected onto the loading area 2 by a projection unit 15 as a function of the position information. The projection unit 15 can be a projector or a laser unit or a light element, for example. For example, the detection unit 6 and the projection unit 15 can function as a camera and projection unit or as a camera and projection system integrated together as one unit. This is arranged in particular on the roof liner or on the loading cover of the trunk or loading area 2 . In this case, the position is projected as a function of the information or properties of the object 5 determined in each case and as a function of the loading sequence. The position is visualized in that a light pattern 16 characterized or corresponding to the geometry is projected or optically displayed on the loading area 2 . The respective projection takes place on an upper side of the loading area 2.

The light pattern 16 can be, for example, the positioning area on which the object 5 is to be positioned. In particular, the contours of the object 5 or of the object on the loading area 2 can be projected with the aid of the projection unit 15, which is mounted, for example, in the roof of the vehicle. The user 3 thus learns in an optical or visual manner where he has to position the object 5 safely for an efficient loading process. In addition, with the aid of the output unit 10 and/or the mobile terminal device 9 and/or the data glasses 11, a corresponding acoustic indication 17 can be output to the user 3 acoustically. Furthermore, the user 3 can be told, for example via the acoustic message 17, if one of the objects 5, 12 to be loaded does not fit on the loading area 2 or there is no longer enough space available. It is also conceivable that the projected position 14 or the light pattern 16 is displayed to the user 3 holographically or three-dimensionally via the data glasses 11 .

In the 6 it is now shown that the object 5 is already positioned at the position 14 . In an analogous manner, the next object 12 following the loading sequence is now projected in an analogous manner and represented visually or virtually. This can be repeated until all items 5, 12 of the loading sequence have been successfully positioned on the loading area 2.

If, for example, the loading area 2 is already fully loaded, then in this case the evaluation unit 8 could determine whether specific objects 5, 12 can be stacked one on top of the other. The objects 5, 12 which can be stacked on top of one another can be determined taking into account the respective property and/or geometry and/or the respective weight. Thus, for example, on one of the Objects 5, 12 are projected onto its surface so that the next object 5, 12 is to be positioned here. Thus, the light pattern 16 for the object 5, 12 to be positioned subsequently is projected onto an object 5, 12 that has already been positioned.

In the 7 the process step is now shown, in which all objects to be loaded 5, 12 are loaded on the loading area 2. Depending on the geometry and/or type of objects 5, 12 and/or type of loading area 2, load securing information for secure attachment or mounting on loading area 2 can now also be generated. This takes place, for example, with the aid of the evaluation unit 8. In this way, for example, a position of a tensioning belt 18 to be attached can be determined. This positioning of the tension belt 18 can be projected onto the respective surfaces of the objects 5, 12 with the aid of the projection unit 15. This can prevent the objects 5, 12 from moving or moving back and forth on the loading area 2 when the vehicle 1 is being driven slide down For example, in addition to a tension belt 18 or tether, information regarding a network to be used over the objects 5, 12 can be provided. This can also be explained to the user 3 by the acoustic indication 17 . For example, in the case of a trunk, the loading area 2 can be expanded by folding down the rear bench or the rear seats of the vehicle 1 . This can be done automatically or by the user 3, for example. The available trunk volume can thus be designed variably and enlarged at any time.

For example, the information regarding the charging process and in particular the objects 5, 12 can be made available to a vehicle system of the vehicle. The respective information can also be output or stored on an infotainment system of the vehicle 1 .

Reference List

1

vehicle

2

truck bed

3

user

4

loading support system

5

object

6

registration unit

7

unit of determination

8th

evaluation unit

9

mobile device

10

output unit

11

data glasses

12

more items

13

load cells

14

position

15

projection unit

16

light pattern

17

acoustic notification

18

tension belt

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 102014001031 A1 [0003]
• DE 102007015954 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for supporting a user (3) of a vehicle (1) during a loading process of a loading area (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein - An object (5) to be positioned on the loading area (2) of the vehicle (1) is detected with a detection unit (6), characterized by - determining a geometry and/or a type of the detected object (5) with a determination unit (7), and/or - Providing information regarding the geometry and/or the type of the detected object (5), - Determining position information for the positioning of the object (5) on the loading area (2) depending on the geometry and/or type of the object (5) with an evaluation unit (8), - Supporting the user (3) of the vehicle (2) during the loading process of the loading area (2) by providing the determined position information. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that a projection unit (15) is used to project at least one position (14) for the object (5) to be positioned on the loading area (2) as a function of the position information, with a light pattern (16) characterizing the geometry appearing the loading area (2) is projected. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - a weight and/or a state of aggregation of the object (5) is detected, or - information regarding the weight and/or the state of aggregation of the object (5) is provided, wherein - the weight and/or the state of aggregation is taken into account when determining the position information of the object (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the geometry and / or the type of object (5) and an area and / or a type of loading area (2) and / or a loading condition of the loading area (2). Alignment and / or an orientation for the object to be positioned (5) on the loading area (2) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the position information of the object (5) on an output unit (10) in the vicinity of the loading area (2) is output acoustically and / or optically and / or haptically, and / or - the Position information of the object (5) on a mobile terminal (9) of the user (3) of the vehicle (1) or on data glasses (11) of the user (3) of the vehicle (3) is output. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (6) detects further objects (12) to be positioned on the loading area (2) of the vehicle (1), with a geometry and/or a type of the further objects in each case (12) is determined with the determination unit (7), and a loading sequence for the objects (5, 12) is determined depending on the respective type and/or geometry of the object (5) and the other objects (12). procedure after claim 6 , characterized in that in addition to the loading sequence of the objects (5, 12), a position of the objects (5, 12) is determined in each case, with an evaluation unit (8) checking whether at least one of the other objects (12) is on a the objects (5, 12) can be stacked, the object (5, 12) on which the at least one of the further objects (12) can be stacked being marked visually for the user (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the geometry and/or the type of object (5) and/or a type of loading area (2) load securing information for fastening the object ( 5) is generated, in particular the generated load securing information is provided to the user (3) of the vehicle (1). Loading support system (4) with a detection unit (6), a determination unit (7) and an evaluation unit (8), wherein the loading support system (4) for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th is trained. Vehicle (1) with a loading support system (4). claim 9 .

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