DE102023004967A1 - Method to increase vehicle comfort depending on weather factors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in which at least one measurement variable, which indicates sun glare on a person in an interior (10) of the vehicle, is detected by a sensor device of the vehicle. A temperature to be caused by an air conditioning system of the vehicle in the interior (10) is reduced based on the measured variable. At least one shading device of the vehicle is operated based on the measured variable, thereby reducing the incidence of sunlight into the interior (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

US 8589034 B2 shows a system for calculating a position and a display of a sunshade protection area. Furthermore shows US 10843535 B1 a system comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations that include determining a current state of a vehicle. CA 2971493 A1 shows a sun visor control and sensor system for use in any vehicle or vehicle. CN 114994966 A shows a light blocking screen for a window. US 2021 0094394 A1 shows a computer-implemented method that includes receiving global positioning system data associated with a vehicle.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a vehicle such that the vehicle can be operated in a particularly advantageous manner.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of patent claim 1 and a vehicle with the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with useful developments of the invention are specified in the other patent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a passenger car. In the method, at least one measurement variable that indicates a person's sun glare in an interior of the vehicle is detected by a sensor device of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the method, a temperature that is to be caused in the interior by an air conditioning system of the vehicle is reduced on the basis of the measured variable recorded. In addition, in the method, at least one shading device of the vehicle is operated on the basis of the measured variable, which reduces the incidence of sunlight into the interior and thus the person's sun glare. In the method, the temperature to be caused in the interior is automatically set on the basis of the measured variable recorded, and the shading device is automatically actuated based on the measured variable in such a way that a particularly high level of comfort for the person, who can be the driver or a passenger , can be realized. In other words, the setting of the temperature and the operation of the shading device are comfort features that can help to achieve a particularly high level of comfort for the person in the interior.

In particular, the invention is based on the following considerations: As technology improves, vehicles have sensors that help provide comfort features to people inside the vehicle. Such a sensor can be arranged on a window of the vehicle. In other words, the sensor device can comprise at least one sensor that is arranged on or in a window of the vehicle, for example the measured variable can be detected by the sensor. The measurement indicates, for example, that sunlight is entering the interior. For example, the incidence of sunlight into the interior can be detected by the sensor device, in particular by the sensor. If a person indoors notices sunlight or sun glare on a window such as a window. For example, if a window falls next to the person, the person tends to lower the temperature to adapt to the heat of the sun and to raise a window curtain to limit or reduce the amount of sunlight entering the interior. These blinds can also be useful for reducing glare on a backseat entertainment system tablet. For example, if there is a baby in the back seat, operating the shading device, particularly by raising the blinds, can prevent the sun's glare from waking the baby. For example, the temperature to be achieved in the interior is reduced by a few degrees. For example, preferably the temperature is reduced based on a position of the sun glare relative to the person, for example the position of the sun glare relative to the person can be detected by the sensor device of the vehicle. For example, the temperature is reduced when the sensing device detects that the sun's glare is directed at a window next to the person. For example, operation of the shade device includes moving a retractable electric sunshade of the vehicle from a first position to a second position that is different from the first position. For example, the retractable electric sun protection is raised. For example, in the first position at least one area of the window is uncovered, ie not covered by the sun protection. In addition, in the second position, for example, the area of the window can be covered by the sun protection, thereby reducing the incidence of sunlight into the interior compared to the first position. This is the case with sun protection, for example a shading element of the shading device.

In addition, the vehicle may include, for example, at least one playback device configured to play music in the interior. In this context, for example, the playback device can be operated on the basis of the measured variable recorded. For example, based on the measurement, a sunshine play list is suggested to the person, in particular automatically suggested, to cheer them up. In addition, the method according to the invention can exploit weather forecasts. In this context, for example, at least one parameter that indicates rain in an area surrounding the vehicle can be determined in particular by an electronic computing device of the vehicle. For example, the temperature that is to be created in the interior by the vehicle's air conditioning system can be set using the parameter. So, for example, if the electronic computing device determines based on the parameter that it is raining in the area or will rain in the area around the vehicle, the temperature is increased. In addition, the seat heating, for example, is adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, an ambient light color can be adjusted using the parameter to brighten the mood. In addition, a “rainy day” playlist can be suggested, especially suggested automatically. In addition, a dashcam can be activated as the risk of accidents can increase when it rains. Overall, a particularly high level of comfort and a particularly high level of safety for people in the interior of the vehicle can be achieved. For example, this parameter may indicate precipitation such as rain and/or snow in the area. For example, if the electronic control unit detects precipitation such as snow in the area, the temperature can be adjusted so that the temperature can be increased. In addition, for example, seat heating and/or a seat massage can be activated, in particular based on the parameter. In addition, for example, a heating element for heating a steering wheel of the vehicle can be rotated based on the parameter. In addition, the ambient light can be changed and a suitable playlist can be suggested based on the parameter. This allows a particularly high level of comfort to be achieved.

The invention allows manual effort to physically lift a parasol to be avoided. This is particularly beneficial when the sun shines through a window opposite the person or a seat where the person is currently sitting. In addition, individual temperature settings for the driver and front passenger are possible based on sun glare, i.e. based on the measurement variable. A rear passenger does not need to ask the driver to lower the temperature as the temperature can be adjusted automatically. The rear passenger can see the rear entertainment tablet better, as the reduction in sunlight through e.g. B. Raising the lens hood would improve clarity when the sun hits the screen or due to increased brightness. When a baby sits in the back seat, the sun shade would help the baby sleep better.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle configured to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are to be viewed as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and combinations of features that are mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in any other combination or alone can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

• 1 zeigt in einer schematischen perspektivischen Ansicht einen Ausschnitt aus dem Innenraum eines Fahrzeugs.
• 2 zeigt in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht einen Teil des Innenraums.

The novel features and feature of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles disclosed. In the figures, the left-hand position(s) of a reference number indicates the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to refer to similar features and components. Some embodiments of systems and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter will now be described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the interior of a vehicle.
• 2 shows part of the interior in another perspective view.

In the figures, the same elements or elements with the same function are identified by the same reference numerals.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, example or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the individual forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising" or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a device, apparatus or method that includes a list of components or steps not only includes those components or steps, but also may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent in such device or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device prefixed with "comprises" or "comprises" does not exclude, without further limitation, the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and in which a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be embodied is shown by way of illustration. This embodiment has been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it will be understood that other embodiments may be used and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is therefore not to be understood as limiting.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of part of an interior 10 of a vehicle that is designed as a passenger car. A dashboard 12 and a steering wheel 14 of the vehicle are arranged in the interior 10. In addition, in the interior 10, a person, such as the driver of the vehicle or a passenger, may be present in the interior 10, also referred to as a compartment or a passenger compartment.

Furthermore, in 1 the sun is marked at 16. The sun 16 emits sunlight that can enter the interior 10 from an environment of the vehicle. How out 1 As can be seen, the vehicle has windows 18, 20 and 22, in which in 1 In the examples shown, the window 18 is a windshield of the vehicle. In addition, the windows 20 and 22 are side windows of the vehicle.

A procedure for operating the vehicle is described below. In the method, at least one measurement variable that indicates a person's sun glare in the interior 10 of the vehicle is detected by a sensor device of the vehicle. For example, the sensor device comprises at least one sensor which is arranged in or on the window 18, the measured variable being detected by the sensor. For example, the measured variable recorded by the sensor device indicates sun glare on at least one of the windows 18, 20 and 22, the sun glare on the at least one window 18, 20 and 22 corresponding to the sun glare of the person in the interior 10. For example, by capturing the sun glare on at least the windows 18, 20 and 22, the sun glare of the person in the interior 10 can be determined, in particular detected.

Furthermore, the vehicle has an air conditioning system through which air can be introduced into the interior 10. The air conditioner is configured to cool and heat the air. In other words, the air conditioner can cool and heat the air, thereby cooling and heating the interior 10. As a result, a temperature in the interior 10 can be brought about by the air conditioning system. In the method, the temperature to be caused in the interior 10 by the vehicle's air conditioning system is adjusted, in particular reduced, based on the measured variable recorded. In addition, in the method, at least one shading device of the vehicle is operated based on the measured variable, thereby reducing the incidence of sunlight into the interior. For example, the shading device comprises at least a first shading element and at least one second shading element. The first shadow element is assigned to the window 20, and the second Shadow element is assigned to window 22. The respective shading element can be moved in relation to the windows 18, 20 and 22 between at least one first position and at least one second position. In its first position, the first shading element covers at least a first area of the window 20. In addition, for example, the second shading element in its first position covers at least a second area of the window 22. In its second position, the first shading element overlaps and thus covers the first area of the window 20, so that the incidence of sunlight into the interior 10 can be reduced by moving the first shading element from the first position of the first shading element to the second position of the first shading element. An incidence of sunlight into the interior 10 can be reduced. In a second position, the second shade element overlaps and covers the second area of the window 22 in such a way that sunlight entering the interior 10 can be reduced by moving the second shade element from the first position of the second shade element to the second position of the second shade element.

In the in the 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, the window 18 is designed as a monochromatic window. In this regard, the operation of the shading device includes that a transparency of a first area A1 of the window 18 is reduced compared to the a second area A2 of the window 18, so that the first area A1 has a lower transparency than the second area A2, which is on the first area A1 borders. In 1 the areas A1 and A2 of the windows 18 have the same transparency. For example, if a value of the measured variable detected by the sensor device is greater than a threshold value, the transparency of the first area A1 is reduced, while the transparency of the area A2 remains unchanged. As in 2 shown, the transparency of the first area A1 is lower than the transparency of the second area A2, so that sunlight entering the interior 10 via the window 18 can be reduced. Thus, by reducing the incidence of sunlight into the interior 10 via the window 18 and/or 20 and/or 22, the person's sun glare can be reduced or avoided.

Preferably, the shading device is automatically operated based on the measured variable in such a way that, for example, the respective shading device is automatically moved from the first position to the second position based on the measured variable and/or the transparency of the area A1 is automatically reduced based on the parameter.

For example, if the value of the measured variable is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the respective shading element can be automatically moved from its respective second position to its respective first position and/or the transparency of the area A1 can be automatically increased, in particular in such a way that by increasing the transparency of the first area A1 the transparencies of the areas A1 and A2 are the same. For example, if the transparency of area A1 has been reduced, area A1 may still be transparent, but less transparent than before the transparency of area A1 was reduced. In addition, after the transparency of the area A1 is reduced, the area A1 may be opaque or opaque or opaque to sunlight.

Like from the 1 and 2 As can be seen, with respect to the areas A1 and A2, only the area A1 of the window 18 is tinted to cover or avoid the sun glare. For example, the window 18 is designed as a transparent display windshield. For example, the sensor is an onboard sensor disposed in or on the window 18, which may consist of a transparent display. The built-in sensor can detect the sun glare and can only color or darken the area A1 of the window 18, which can be made of glass, while maintaining visibility on the screen. This can be beneficial for that person and prevent accidents by improving vision when the sun hits the person's eyes directly. Furthermore, this information can be shared with a main unit, in particular depending on which window the sun glare falls into, in which a cooler temperature can be set.

Reference symbol list

10

Interior

12

dashboard

14

steering wheel

16

Sun

18

Window

20

Window

22

Window

A1

First area

A2

Second area

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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.

Cited patent literature

• US 8589034 B2 [0002]
• US 10843535 B1 [0002]
• CA 2971493 A1 [0002]
• CN 114994966 A [0002]
• US 20210094394 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Method for operating a vehicle, wherein: - at least one measurement variable, which indicates a person's sun glare in an interior (10) of the vehicle, is detected by a sensor device of the vehicle; - a temperature that is to be caused in the interior (10) by an air conditioning system of the vehicle is reduced based on the measured variable; and - At least one shading device of the vehicle is operated on the basis of the measured variable, whereby the incidence of sunlight into the interior (10) is reduced. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the vehicle includes at least one playback device configured to play music in the interior (10). Procedure according to Claim 2 , wherein the playback device is operated based on the measured variable detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one parameter is determined which indicates rain in an environment of the vehicle, the temperature to be caused in the interior (10) by the air conditioning of the vehicle being set based on the parameter . Procedure according to Claim 4 in its dependence on Claim 2 or 3 , wherein the playback device is operated based on the parameter. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle has at least one window (18, 20, 22). Procedure according to Claim 6 , wherein the operation of the shading device includes moving at least one shading element with respect to the window (18, 20, 22) such that at least a region of the window is overlapped by the shading element. Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7 , wherein the window (18, 20, 22) is designed as a monochromatic window, and wherein the operation of the shading device includes a transparency of at least a first area (A1) of the window (18, 20, 22) in comparison to at least one second area (A2) of the window (18, 22) is reduced, 20, 22) such that the first area (A1) has a lower transparency than the second area (A2), which adjoins the first area (A1). Procedure according to one of the Claims 6 until 8th , wherein the window (18, 20, 22) is a windshield or a side window or a rear window of the vehicle. A vehicle configured to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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