DE102022200883A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle. On the basis of at least one signal (S) detected on the vehicle side by at least one sensor, at least one technical device of the motor vehicle is actuated on the vehicle side. As a result, a message is generated for at least one person in the motor vehicle or outside the motor vehicle.
The method according to the invention is characterized in that data (D) that is accessible on the vehicle side or obtained as a result of evaluation on the vehicle side, which is location, time, event and/or person-related, is evaluated and, depending on this, the at least one technical device of the motor vehicle is actuated on the vehicle side to generate the message.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a method for operating a motor vehicle is from DE 10 2020 005 845 A1 known. Specifically, this document discloses a method for operating a headlight of a motor vehicle to output a message to at least one road user in the area surrounding the motor vehicle. For the automatic output of a greeting as a message, at least one lighting element of the headlight is controlled in such a way that a light emitted by the lighting element flickers, its brightness is changed and/or the color of the light is changed. The output of the message is prompted by the vehicle detecting at least one road user in the vicinity of the vehicle. The road user is identified based on detected signals of a vehicle-to-vehicle communication or based on detected image signals of at least one camera-based detection unit of the vehicle.

The present invention is based on the object of improving such a method for operating a motor vehicle and making it more comprehensive.

The present problem is solved by a method according to patent claim 1. Advantageous designs or developments of the method can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a method for operating a motor vehicle in which at least one technical device of the motor vehicle is actuated on the vehicle side on the basis of at least one signal detected on the vehicle side by at least one sensor. By actuating the at least one technical device of the motor vehicle, a message is to be generated for at least one person in the motor vehicle or outside of the motor vehicle.

The signal can be detected on the vehicle side by a suitable sensor, such as a wheel sensor, light sensor, rain sensor, acceleration sensor, temperature sensor, camera or the like. The list is not to be considered exhaustive.

The invention now proposes that data accessible on the vehicle side or obtained on the basis of evaluations on the vehicle side, which are location, time, event and/or person-specific, are evaluated and, depending on this, the at least one technical device of the motor vehicle is actuated on the vehicle side to generate the message.

In other words, a context in which the motor vehicle or its occupant is located is derived from the additional evaluation of location, time, event and/or personal information. Depending on this, a context-related message is then generated on the vehicle side.

For example, an algorithm, which is preferably based on artificial intelligence, can be used to evaluate detected signals and the aforementioned context-forming data. It is therefore possible that the vehicle-side generation of a context-related message takes place in a somewhat modified manner, despite the existence of a comparable context. In other words, a similar situation may result in a similar but slightly different response from the motor vehicle.

• • Wie ist die Stimmung oder körperliche Verfassung der Insassen?

A context can be influenced, for example, by the following questions:

• • What is the mood or physical condition of the inmates?

• - Welche und/oder wie viele Personen befinden sich im Fahrzeug?

Here it is conceivable, for example, to collect data with an interior camera (face recognition software, recording of facial expressions, etc.), with sensors on the steering wheel (recording of body temperature, recording of body sweat, etc.), through an interior microphone in the vehicle (recording and evaluation of the tone and/or volume of speech, recording of spoken dialogue, etc.), with which the mood/state of an occupant can be inferred. It is also conceivable to evaluate the driving style (speed of operation of control switches, recorded vehicle acceleration and deceleration, etc.) or to record and evaluate the music heard (which radio program, what type of music and how loud).

• - Which and/or how many people are in the vehicle?

• • Wer befindet sich in der Nähe des Fahrzeugs?

This can be detected, for example, by an interior camera, by people's smartphones, by seat occupancy sensors, etc.

• • Who is near the vehicle?

• • In welchem Fahrzustand befindet sich das Kraftfahrzeug?

This can also be checked, for example, by recording a person's smartphone already registered in the vehicle or by recording their location data.

• • What is the driving status of the motor vehicle?

• • In welcher Fahrsituation befindet sich das Kraftfahrzeug?

Here it is checked whether the vehicle is stationary or whether it is moving. Based on recorded sensor data (e.g. wheel sensor), the speed at which the vehicle is moving, whether it is driving in stop-and-go mode, etc. can be recorded.

• • What driving situation is the motor vehicle in?

• • An welchem Ort oder in welcher Umgebung befindet sich das Kraftfahrzeug?

Here, for example, it can be recorded whether the vehicle is in a multi-storey car park, on a hard shoulder, in a parking lot at a pedestrian traffic light, at a zebra crossing, etc. This can be done, for example, via a traffic sign recognition system in the vehicle and/or via data from a navigation system.

• • At which location or in which environment is the motor vehicle located?

• • Welches Wetter herrscht in der unmittelbaren Umgebung des Kraftfahrzeugs?

This can be determined, for example, using data from the navigation system or using data from an exterior camera of the motor vehicle.

• • What is the weather like in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle?

• • Welche Gesetze und Gebräuche gelten in dem Land, in dem sich das Kraftfahrzeug befindet?

Outside temperature sensors, brightness sensors, rain sensors and also a microphone (detection of thunderstorms) of the motor vehicle can be used for this purpose.

• • What laws and customs apply in the country where the motor vehicle is located?

• • Welches Datum und welche Uhrzeit liegen vor?

Such data can be stored country- and/or region-specifically in a suitable memory device of the motor vehicle.

• • What is the date and time?

• • Zu welchem Ziel fährt das Kraftfahrzeug?

This data can be recorded by the motor vehicle via the vehicle system or via Internet data.

• • What is the destination of the motor vehicle?

The navigation system provides information on this. For example, it can be determined that the motor vehicle is on the way to a football stadium, to a theater, to a hospital, etc.

According to a first development of the method, it is proposed that the message is generated by the movement of at least one technical device in the motor vehicle.

It is conceivable z. B. that the message is generated by the movement of at least one wiper of the motor vehicle. Special movements are conceivable here that do not correspond to the normal wiping movement (chronologically related, complete wiping cycle) of a windshield wiper. For example, it is conceivable that the front headlight wipers are only moved by a few centimeters for a certain period of time (a few seconds) and after a short pause (in the range of seconds) they continue to move a few centimeters again for a few seconds. This can be done until a standard back and forth swipe motion is completed.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for a message to be generated by moving at least one exterior mirror. For example, if the exterior mirror is in a retracted position, it is conceivable that, in order to generate the message, the exterior mirror is first moved into its extended position and then back into its retracted position (starting position). Analogously, a movement of the exterior mirror starting from an extended position is conceivable as the starting position.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that (only when the vehicle is parked!) the front wheels are moved or the vehicle rolls forwards and backwards over a few centimeters. Alternatively or in addition, it is also conceivable that window panes of the motor vehicle are moved in a certain way, for example a complete opening and closing of at least one window pane.

The movement of at least one technical device of the motor vehicle can reinforce the impression that the motor vehicle has “its own soul”.

According to another embodiment of the idea of the invention, it is also possible that the message is additionally or alternatively generated by an acoustic output from at least one acoustic output device of the motor vehicle. For example, it is conceivable that a noise, a sequence of tones or a melody is played through the external and/or internal loudspeakers.

In this way, the message generated can be easily registered or recorded by a recipient.

Yet another further development of the method proposes that the message is alternatively or additionally transmitted by a light signal from at least one Photometric device of the motor vehicle is generated. Any lighting equipment on and in the motor vehicle can be used here. For example, it is conceivable that a notification is given by a light signal from the headlights and/or the rear lights. It is also conceivable for the direction indicators or the interior lighting of the motor vehicle to be actuated. The list is not to be considered exhaustive.

In order to create a feeling of "connection" with the motor vehicle, it is proposed according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention that after the motor vehicle has been parked beforehand (the vehicle is left and locked), removal or approach of the user of the motor vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle is detected on the vehicle side and the message to the user is then generated on the vehicle side. The user of the motor vehicle can be the vehicle driver, for example. A passenger can also be viewed as a user of the motor vehicle by their smartphone after registration on the vehicle side. The type of message generated to the user can be as previously described, ie, for example, using optical or acoustic signals.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be extremely expedient if the mood and/or physical condition of a user of the motor vehicle inside or outside the motor vehicle is detected and the message to the user is generated on the vehicle side as a function of this.

A mood of the user can be captured, for example, by an interior camera and/or by an interior microphone (occupant laughs, cries, sings, etc.). A user's physical condition can be detected, for example, via sensors in the motor vehicle. Temperature sensors, seat occupancy sensors, odor sensors, for example, can be used as sensors. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that a user of a motor vehicle wears a technical device on his body (e.g. smartwatch) with which physical conditions (e.g. pulse, sweat, blood pressure, temperature) are recorded and transmitted via a common short-range radio link in the motor vehicle (e.g. Bluetooth ®).

Another expedient development of the method proposes that when the energy reserve of an energy store in the motor vehicle falls below a specific limit value, the vehicle-side notification to a user of the motor vehicle is generated before, during or after the energy reserve is replenished.

It is conceivable, for example, that the filling level of the tank in a combustion engine or the charge level of a traction battery in an electric motor falls below a certain limit and an acoustic signal is then generated, for example, which is reminiscent of a dog “whining”. At the beginning of a refueling or charging process, it is conceivable that the fuel or current flow that has taken place is acknowledged with an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal can, for example, be reminiscent of a (sounding in German) "oh, yes" or "endlich".

Likewise, it can be expedient for the vehicle-side notification to a user of the motor vehicle to be generated before, during or after the maintenance/maintenance measure is carried out if a specific maintenance/maintenance measure is required for the motor vehicle. The need for maintenance/servicing can be caused, for example, by the worn condition of the wiper blades, the tyres, incorrect tire pressure, low oil level or lack of washer fluid.

As an alternative or in addition to the acoustic signal mentioned, it is conceivable that the message is also generated by an optical signal or in some other way.

For example, the notification can be made by flashing the headlights/rear lights/direction indicators happily, by honking, etc.

According to another advantageous development of the method, after the vehicle has generated a message from the motor vehicle to a receiver, its reaction is recorded and evaluated on the vehicle side. Depending on this, the type of message generated is downgraded, upgraded or retained in priority.

In other words, on the basis of an evaluation algorithm, the vehicle assesses how well a message generated on the vehicle “receives” from the user of the motor vehicle.

It should be pointed out that the recipient of a generated message can be, for example, the user of the motor vehicle. However, the recipient of a generated message can also be another road user (another motor vehicle). This can create a "sense of togetherness" between several motor vehicles or between the occupants of different strength vehicles are created. "Vehicle-to-vehicle" communications are also contextual and are always made in such a way that the occupants and/or affected persons in the surrounding area can register these communications.

Messages generated by the vehicle that are well received are therefore upgraded in their priority and are therefore selected more frequently in comparable situations (contexts). Messages generated by the vehicle, which a recipient hardly registers or which even cause a noticeable aversion or incomprehension on the part of the recipient, are downgraded in their priority and used less or not at all in the future.

The aforementioned procedures require a suitable evaluation algorithm that is stored in the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the algorithm can also be operated centrally on a server by the motor vehicle manufacturer or by a service provider. The algorithm can then advantageously also access the service provider's databases. Experiences from customer feedback can also be collected on the server and linked for further optimization of the system. It is also conceivable that the evaluation algorithm is based on artificial intelligence (AI) procedures. Even if the vehicle user does not explicitly enter their personal data/preferences in the vehicle-side system, it is conceivable that the AI-supported algorithm uses the vehicle user's reactions, certain messages generated by the vehicle and/or certain context data (e.g. how often the vehicle is parked at a certain stadium or at which games the vehicle is near a certain stadium) to deduce the user's preferences and thus the vehicle-side system to get to know its "master". However, such a procedure always presupposes that a vehicle user explicitly declares his consent, which can be revoked at any time, for example by making a corresponding entry in a setup menu of the motor vehicle.

Finally, according to another embodiment of the idea of the invention, it should be mentioned that depending on the recorded location (city, region or country), the vehicle can evaluate which type of messages generated by the vehicle are legally permitted or customary and depending on which the message is generated by the vehicle.

For example, it is conceivable that certain legal regulations or customs are stored in a location-related manner in a memory device of the motor vehicle or in a memory device accessible to the motor vehicle (e.g. in a cloud) and are evaluated before a message is generated in connection with location information from the navigation system.

It should be pointed out once again that it should also be possible to exchange signals or data between several motor vehicles in the process if the motor vehicles involved have suitable technical prerequisites (ideally, the motor vehicles are from the same manufacturer and use the same communication system). According to a further development of the method, the data or signals are made accessible to the motor vehicle at least also by vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the motor vehicle and at least one other motor vehicle (located in the immediate vicinity). As a result, the generation of notifications can be simplified and designed to be more appropriate to the situation.

A highly advantageous embodiment of the idea of the invention proposes that several motor vehicles exchange data with a higher-level processing unit and be coordinated by the processing unit in such a way that messages generated by the motor vehicles roughly coincide in time. For the users of the motor vehicles, which are in the same, close vicinity, the impression of mutual understanding or greeting of the motor vehicles and thus the feeling of the existence of a "vehicle family" can arise. Such coordination can preferably only take place for those motor vehicles whose data (particularly navigation data) indicate that the motor vehicles are in the same, closer vicinity.

In addition to using the data on the location (position data) and the driving route of a vehicle, the inclusion of other data is of great importance for the generation of a contextual message. In other words, the motor vehicle can link and evaluate further data in addition to the pure location coordinates in order to be able to form a suitable context. The motor vehicle or a suitable evaluation algorithm should be able to evaluate, for example, whether the motor vehicle is in a public or private area, in the city center, at a campsite, near a restaurant, a stadium, a cemetery, a theater or the like.

As previously mentioned, the evaluation of personal data can also be helpful in generating an appropriate, contextual communication. However, this always presupposes that this is done with the knowledge and consent of the individual.

The motor vehicle therefore has a corresponding device (for example in a setup of its operating menu) with which a person (for example the user) can set whether and to what extent he would like to allow his personal data to be used or passed on.

• • bevorzugte Musikrichtungen
• • Lieblingskünstler
• • Lieblingsfußballmannschaft
• • Lieblingsrestaurants, etc.

He can enter his likes and dislikes as personal data (similar to what is also possible and customary in social networks). For example, it is conceivable that he enters and releases the following personal data:

• • preferred genres of music
• • Favorite Artist
• • Favorite soccer team
• • Favorite restaurants, etc.

• • Mehrere Kraftfahrzeuge, welche nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren arbeiten und miteinander kommunizieren können, parken vor dem Spiel einer bestimmten Fußballmannschaft auf dem Parkplatz eines Fußballstadions. Vor dem Spiel generieren diese Fahrzeuge Mitteilungen in der oben beschriebenen Art und Weise, um sich untereinander in geeigneter Weise zu „begrüßen“.
• • Nach einem gewonnenen Spiel der Fußballmannschaft eines Benutzers vom Kraftfahrzeug (kraftfahrzeugseitige Information des Sieges wurde kraftfahrzeugseitig beispielsweise aus dem Internet beschafft) und einem erfassten Herannahen des Benutzers generiert das Kraftfahrzeug in der beschriebenen Art und Weise eine Mitteilung, die an ein Jubilieren erinnert.

If the person agrees to the use, evaluation and transfer of such personal data, this will also be communicated to other motor vehicles that are able to communicate with the motor vehicle. If such technical and personnel requirements exist, the following situations or procedures are conceivable, for example:

• • Several motor vehicles, which work according to the method according to the invention and can communicate with one another, are parked in the parking lot of a football stadium before the game of a specific football team. Before the game, these vehicles generate messages in the manner described above to appropriately “greet” each other.
• • After a game won by the soccer team of a user from the motor vehicle (vehicle-side information about the victory was obtained on the motor vehicle side, for example from the Internet) and a detected approach of the user, the motor vehicle generates a message in the manner described, reminiscent of a celebration.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further features and advantages of the invention clear. Identical reference symbols, even in different figures, refer to identical, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are thereby achieved, even if a repeated description or reference thereto does not occur. The figures are not, or at least not always, drawn to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances can be exaggerated in order to be able to emphasize features of an exemplary embodiment more clearly. When the term "and/or" is used in an enumeration of two or more terms or items, it may mean that any one of the enumerated terms or items may be used alone. It can also mean that any combination of two or more of the listed terms or items can be used.

• 1 die Darstellung einer möglichen Ausprägung des Verfahrens,
• 2 die Darstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugs, welches zur Durchführung des Verfahrens hergerichtet ist und
• 3 die Darstellung einer möglichen Koordinierung einer Mehr- oder Vielzahl (Schwarm) von Kraftfahrzeugen durch einen übergeordneten Server.,

Show it, each schematically

• 1 the presentation of a possible form of the procedure,
• 2 the representation of a motor vehicle which is prepared for carrying out the method and
• 3 the presentation of a possible coordination of a plurality or multitude (swarm) of motor vehicles by a higher-level server.,

It will first on the 1 referenced. In the 1 a possible course of the method according to the invention is shown. The beginning of the method is to be numbered with a method step V1. This is followed by a query A as to whether the motor vehicle with which the method is being carried out is in driving operation or whether the motor vehicle is in a parked state.

Driving operation within the meaning of the invention should already be understood to mean a state of the motor vehicle in which the vehicle has been put into the ready-to-drive state. i.e. in the case of combustion engines, that at least the ignition has been switched on. In the case of electric vehicles, driving means that at least the high-voltage network of the vehicle has been electrically connected to the traction battery.

In contrast, the parked state means that the motor vehicle has been left and locked.

• • ortsbezogene Daten (In welchem Land, in welcher Region, in welcher Stadt befindet sich das Kraftfahrzeug?)
• • zeitbezogene Daten (in welcher kalendarischen Zeit und/oder zu welcher Uhrzeit ist das Kraftfahrzeug unterwegs)?
• • eventbezogene Daten (aus dem Navigationssystem: Welches Ziel wird angefahren? aus dem Internet: Findet am Zielort eine bestimmte Veranstaltung, also ein bestimmtes Event statt? Aus gespeicherten Daten: War der Fahrzeugnutzer bereits an dem Ziel, fand damals ein ähnliches Event statt?)
• • „Schwarmbezogene“ Daten, d.h. mehrere oder sogar eine Vielzahl von Kraftfahrzeugen nutzt das gleiche Kommunikationssystem und kommuniziert mit einem übergeordneten Zentralserver. Auf dem Zentralserver laufen Daten von allen Teilnehmern des Kommunikationssystems zusammen, insbesondere basierend auf Navigationsdaten. Es kann hier bspw. folgendes abgefragt werden: Gibt es Fahrzeuge in der direkten Umgebung, die das gleiche Kommunikationssystem nutzen?)
• • personenbezogene Daten (beispielsweise über ein im Kraftfahrzeug registriertes Smartphone: Welche Personen befinden sich im Kraftfahrzeug? Über erfolgte Eingaben der Personen und/oder über das Internet: Welche Vorlieben haben die Personen, beispielsweise in Bezug auf Musik, Restaurants, Kultur, Sport, etc.?)

If the motor vehicle is in driving operation, then in a method step V2a signals S are detected by the motor vehicle on the one hand, ie on the motor vehicle side, with a suitable sensor system of the motor vehicle. The sensor system of the motor vehicle can include a large number of different sensors, as will be explained later. Furthermore, data are evaluated that are accessible on the vehicle side or were obtained on the basis of evaluations on the vehicle side and which are location-, are time, event and/or personal. Such data can therefore include the following data:

• • Location-related data (in which country, in which region, in which city is the motor vehicle located?)
• • Time-related data (in which calendar time and/or at what time is the motor vehicle on the road)?
• • Event-related data (from the navigation system: which destination is being driven to? from the Internet: is a specific event taking place at the destination? From stored data: was the vehicle user already at the destination, did a similar event take place at the time?)
• • "Swarm-related" data, ie several or even a large number of motor vehicles uses the same communication system and communicates with a higher-level central server. Data from all participants in the communication system converge on the central server, in particular based on navigation data. For example, the following can be queried here: Are there vehicles in the immediate vicinity that use the same communication system?)
• • Personal data (e.g. via a smartphone registered in the vehicle: which people are in the vehicle? About entries made by the people and/or via the Internet: What preferences do the people have, for example in relation to music, restaurants, culture, sports, etc.?)

A context K can be derived from this additional data, which is only mentioned by way of example and not conclusively, context-related data D being additionally evaluated in method step V2a on the basis of an intelligent evaluation algorithm of the motor vehicle. The intelligent evaluation algorithm can preferably work on the basis of artificial intelligence.

Similarly, when the vehicle is parked, signals S detected by sensors on the vehicle side are processed and evaluated in a method step V2b. In this case, too, context-related data D accessible to the vehicle are also included in the evaluation.

Depending on the processing and evaluation in method step V2a, method steps V3a and/or V3b take place. In method step V3a, a lighting device of the motor vehicle is controlled or actuated, and a visual message is thereby generated to a person (e.g. other road users) located in the motor vehicle or outside the motor vehicle. The lighting device can, for example, be part of an exterior light or also an interior light of a motor vehicle.

Additionally or alternatively, in method step V3b, an acoustic output device of the motor vehicle can be activated to generate an acoustic message. An acoustic output device can be, for example, a loudspeaker, a signal horn or a sound system in the motor vehicle, which can generate any sounds.

• In einem Verfahrensschritt V3a kann wiederum die Ansteuerung einer lichttechnischen Einrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs zur Generierung einer optischen Mitteilung erfolgen. Im Verfahrensschritt V3b kann die Ansteuerung einer akustischen Ausgabeeinrichtung zur Generierung einer akustischen Mitteilung erfolgen. In einem Verfahrensschritt V3c kann die Ansteuerung einer Komponente eines Kraftfahrzeugs erfolgen, derart, dass die Bewegung einer Fahrzeugkomponente (beispielsweise Scheibenwischer, Außenspiegel, Ausstelldach, Vorderräder, Fensterscheibe) oder gar des ganzen Kraftfahrzeugs (Vor- und Zurückrollen des Kraftfahrzeugs für wenige Zentimeter) erfolgt.

If the motor vehicle is in a parked state, the following method steps can be carried out individually or in combination on the basis of the processing and evaluation in method step V2b:

• In a method step V3a, a lighting device of the motor vehicle can in turn be activated to generate a visual message. In method step V3b, an acoustic output device can be activated to generate an acoustic message. In a method step V3c, a component of a motor vehicle can be activated in such a way that the movement of a vehicle component (e.g. windscreen wipers, exterior mirrors, tilting roof, front wheels, window pane) or even of the entire motor vehicle (rolling the motor vehicle forwards and backwards for a few centimetres) takes place.

When the motor vehicle is being driven, a control of components of the motor vehicle is only possible to a limited extent in a method step V3c (shown in dashed lines). When driving the motor vehicle, it is conceivable, for example, that in method step V3c air conditioning components of the motor vehicle are controlled in a specific way (such as seat heating, seat ventilation and/or seat massage) in order to generate a message to an occupant.

It goes without saying that the evaluation of personal data in method steps V2a or V2b is only possible within the framework in which the respective persons have approved the use or disclosure of such data. Such data can be obtained on the vehicle side, for example by querying the person's social media pages. A release is also conceivable through direct input by the person, for example via a suitable input device in the motor vehicle or via a person's smartphone connected to the motor vehicle.

After the message has been generated by at least one of method steps V3a, V3b and/or V3c, in a method step V4, reactions that could be detected on the vehicle side by a user of the vehicle or by another recipient of the message (e.g. road users) are evaluated.

This can lead to a message generated in method steps V3a to V3c changing its “popularity level” (prioritization) and being generated more frequently, equally often or less frequently in comparable situations in the future.

Incidentally, it should be pointed out at this point that the type of messages generated or their intensity (volume, light brightness, speed of a moving component, duration of the message, etc.) is not always the same, but essentially depends on the evaluation of the context-related data D.

Based on 2 a motor vehicle 1 will now be described which is prepared and suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. The motor vehicle 1 has an exterior lighting system that includes headlights 2 with direction indicators 2a and rear lights 3 with direction indicators 3a. There is also a light design element 2b on the front of the vehicle (eg illuminable brand emblem, light clip, etc.) and a corresponding light design element 3b on the rear of the vehicle, which can also be used to generate visual messages.

Furthermore, an input and output device 4 is present, which can preferably be embodied as a touch-sensitive input and output device (eg as a touchscreen). With the help of the input and output device 4, settings can be made by the user in a menu (e.g. setup) of the motor vehicle, among other things, whether and to what extent personal data is used to form a context K (cf 1 ) may be used by the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 has a comprehensive sensor system 5, which is used to record signals S ( 1 ) is used, which provide, for example, information about the driving condition of the motor vehicle, the surroundings of the vehicle and the like. Wheel, steering angle, acceleration, touch, motor, rain, light and distance sensors as well as cameras are just examples. With the help of such a sensor system 5, the motor vehicle 1 is able to detect a driving operation and its more detailed circumstances such as curves, accelerations, decelerations, environmental conditions, other road users, etc.

Interior lighting 6, which can also have ambient lighting, is used to illuminate the interior and, if necessary, also to generate visual messages to people inside and outside the motor vehicle. Likewise, acoustic output devices 7 are present, which can be designed, for example, in the form of interior loudspeakers, exterior loudspeakers and/or in the form of a sound system. Acoustic messages can be generated with the aid of the acoustic output devices 7 .

There is also an infotainment device 8 which includes at least the functions of navigation, mobile communications, audio/video and air conditioning. In particular, data about the current location of motor vehicle 1 and planned destinations are accessible to motor vehicle 1 via the navigation function.

A GPS device 9 is used to provide position data, which are processed by the navigation function.

With the aid of a communication device 10, the motor vehicle can establish a connection to the Internet and also a short-range radio link (e.g. via Bluetooth®) to mobile terminals (e.g. smartphones) in the motor vehicle 1 or in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle 1. As a result, the motor vehicle 1 has access to data that is used to be able to assign data and signals to a specific context.

Furthermore, a driver assistance device 11 is present, which has various driver assistance systems. Among other things, there is traffic sign recognition, with which traffic signs, such as information about a multi-storey car park or a parking lot, can be recognized.

Windshield wiper motors 12 are used to move the windshield wipers on the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle 1 can also generate messages to people by activating windshield wiper motors 12 .

This also applies to the exterior mirror motors 13, which, when appropriately controlled, move the exterior mirror motors in such a way that messages to people can also be generated.

An interior microphone 14 is provided to receive voice commands from an occupant. In this way, for example, inputs into the input and output device 4 can be replaced and/or supplemented.

All of the aforementioned components of the motor vehicle 1, including the exterior lighting, are connected to one another and to a central control and processing unit 15 in terms of signals (eg via a data bus C, eg CAN bus) and can be controlled by the latter. The central control and computing unit 15 also carries out the essential processing steps in method steps V2a, V2b and V3a to V3c and V4 (cf 1 ).

In addition, a logic unit (not shown) is integrated in the central control and processing unit 15, which carries out evaluation algorithms, preferably with the aid of artificial intelligence, by means of which the evaluation of the context-related data D and also the signals S ( 1 ) is optimized.

A memory device 16 is used to store data that is required for all the components mentioned. The memory device 16 can be designed separately or also integrated in the central control and computing unit 15 .

As indicated by the double arrow, the motor vehicle 1 is designed due to its communication device 10 and due to its GPS device 9 in such a way that it can communicate with the Internet 17 and, for example, download data from a cloud. Signals from satellites 18 for position determination can be received via the GPS device 9 .

Motor vehicle 1 can communicate with other motor vehicles 19 and exchange information via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit (not shown separately), which can be part of communication device 10 .

Finally, it is also possible for the motor vehicle 1 to be able to communicate with smartphones 20 of people inside and/or outside the motor vehicle 1 via a short-range radio device (e.g. Bluetooth® as part of the communication device 10).

A movement of the front wheels of the motor vehicle 1 can be generated as a message via the activation of a steering or power steering motor 21 .

It is clear from the above statements that the motor vehicle 1 is prepared to carry out the method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle, to detect signals and to obtain or make available additional data that is used to form a context. Depending on this, technical equipment of the motor vehicle can be controlled on the vehicle side and messages to people can be generated as a result.

• Ein Fahrzeugbenutzer hat in einem Hotel übernachtet und möchte am nächsten Morgen weiterfahren. Im Navigationssystem (Infotainmenteinrichtung 8) war das entsprechende Hotel als Zwischenziel gespeichert. Das nächste Ziel auf der Reiseroute liegt in der Schweiz.
• Das Fahrzeug steht geparkt vor dem Hotel. Es ist 8 Uhr und es regnet. Die Zeit wird systemseitig erfasst und der Regen durch die fahrzeugeigene Sensorik 5. Des Weiteren wird fahrzeugseitig erkannt, dass sich der Fahrzeugbenutzer seinem Fahrzeug nähert.
• Insbesondere wird dies durch die fahrzeugseitige Erfassung des Smartphones 20 des Benutzers mittels der Kommunikationseinrichtung 10 erfasst.

The following situation should be described as an example for the generation of a context-related message to persons:

• A vehicle user has stayed at a hotel and wants to continue driving the next morning. The corresponding hotel was stored as an intermediate destination in the navigation system (infotainment device 8). The next destination on the itinerary is in Switzerland.
• The vehicle is parked in front of the hotel. It's 8 a.m. and it's raining. The time is recorded by the system and the rain by the vehicle's own sensors 5. Furthermore, the vehicle recognizes that the vehicle user is approaching his vehicle.
• In particular, this is detected by the vehicle-side detection of the user's smartphone 20 by means of the communication device 10 .

In the storage device 16 are for certain contexts K (compare also 1 ) stored preferred messages to be generated. The central control and processing unit 15 then generates a message to be generated that is classified as preferred for the present context. Based on the detected signals of the sensor system 5, the motor vehicle 1 also knows that it has been parked. The motor vehicle 1 uses the headlights 2 and the rear lights 3 to emit light signals with a specific brightness, frequency and duration, drives slowly a few centimeters out of its parking space and emits a few sounds using its acoustic output devices 7 (e.g. external loudspeakers). In the exemplary embodiment, the tones are selected in such a way that they sound like an alphorn (3 seconds long and quiet). Furthermore, the windshield wiper motors 12 are controlled in such a way that the windshield wipers of the motor vehicle 1 move once in a specific manner. It is thus suggested to the vehicle user that his motor vehicle 1 was “looking forward” to him and “welcomes” him.

It is also conceivable that motor vehicle 1 generates specific messages to the vehicle user as a result of specific actions by a vehicle user. For example, it is conceivable that the sensor system 5 also includes touch sensors on the steering wheel and also touch sensors on the outside of the body (eg on the exterior mirror housing or at the transition from the A pillar to the roof). The touch sensors can be designed in such a way that they range between a light touch (meaning "well done" or "how are you"), a light Impact (means something like "but you did that wrong" or a knock (e.g. means "wake up, let's get started"). Depending on the type of touch, which can be evaluated via the central control and processing unit 16, corresponding hardware components of the motor vehicle 1 are controlled in order to generate a suitable message (answer) from the motor vehicle 1 to the vehicle user.

Based on 3 will now be briefly described how a plurality or even a variety (swarm) of motor vehicles 1, which use the same communication system, communicates with a higher-level processing unit (server) 22 of a specific common service provider and is coordinated by this. The motor vehicles 1 exchange data D with the higher-level processing unit 22 via the Internet. The data D can preferably be location-based data from navigation systems of the individual motor vehicles 1 that are in close proximity to one another (for example within visual range of up to 500 m). An algorithm present in the higher-level arithmetic unit 22 now sends such data D or/or signals to the individual motor vehicles 1 that they generate and mutually exchange messages M in a common time window. This can give the users of the motor vehicles 1 the impression that the motor vehicles 1 are greeting or communicating with one another.

Reference List

1

motor vehicle

2

headlight

2a

direction indicator

2 B

Light design element front

3

tail lights

3a

direction indicator

3b

Rear light design element

4

input and output device

5

sensors

6

interior lighting

7

acoustic output devices

8th

infotainment facility

9

GPS setup

10

communication facility

11

driver assistance device

12

wiper motors

13

outside mirror motors

21

Steering motor or power steering motor

14

indoor microphone

15

Central control and processing unit

16

storage facility

17

internet, clouds

18

satellite

19

foreign motor vehicle

20

smartphone

22

higher-level processing unit, server

A

query

C

data bus

D

contextual data

K

context

M

generated message

S

signals

V1

process step

V2a, V2b

process step

V3a-V3c

process step

V4

process step

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 102020005845 A1 [0002]

Claims (12)

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1), wherein at least one technical device of the motor vehicle (1) is actuated on the vehicle side on the basis of at least one signal (S) detected on the vehicle side via at least one sensor (5) in order to thereby generate a message to at least one person located in the motor vehicle (1) or outside the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that data (D) which are accessible on the vehicle side or obtained on the basis of evaluation on the vehicle side and which are location-, time-, event- and/or person-related are evaluated and, depending on this, the at least one technical device of the motor vehicle (1) is actuated on the vehicle side to generate the message. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the message is generated by the movement of at least one technical device of the motor vehicle (1). procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the message is generated by an acoustic output of at least one acoustic output device (7) of the motor vehicle (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the message is generated by a light signal from at least one lighting device of the motor vehicle (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the motor vehicle (1) has been parked beforehand, a removal or approach of a user of the motor vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle (1) is detected on the vehicle side and the message to the user is then generated on the vehicle side. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle detects a mood and/or physical condition of a user of the motor vehicle (1) inside or outside the motor vehicle and the message to the user is generated on the vehicle depending on this. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the energy reserve of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle falls below a specific limit value, the vehicle-side message to a user of the motor vehicle (1) is generated before, during or after the energy reserve is topped up. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that if there is a need for a specific maintenance/repair measure for the motor vehicle (1), the vehicle-side message to a user of the motor vehicle (1) is generated before, during or after the maintenance/repair measure is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after a message generated by the motor vehicle (1) to a recipient on the vehicle side, its reaction is recorded and evaluated on the vehicle side and, depending on this, the type of message generated is downgraded in priority, upgraded or retained. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the detected location, an assessment is made on the vehicle side as to what type of messages are legally permitted or customary and the message is generated on the vehicle side as a function of this. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data (D) or signals are made accessible to the motor vehicle (1) at least also by vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the motor vehicle (1) and at least one other motor vehicle (19). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several motor vehicles (1) exchange data (D) with a higher-level processing unit (22) and are coordinated by the processing unit (22) in such a way that messages (M) generated by the motor vehicles (1) coincide in time in such a way that the users of the motor vehicles (1) have the impression of mutual understanding or greeting of the motor vehicles (1).

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