DE102023113000A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle, motor vehicle, computer program and electronically readable data carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises:
- an interior (2) with a driver's seat (3) for the driver,
- at least one ambient lighting device (4) for generating ambient lighting to increase the well-being of the driver in the interior (2),
- a first determination means (7) for determining a current speed of the motor vehicle (1),
- a second determination means (8) for determining a target speed on a section of road currently travelled by the motor vehicle (1), and
- a control device (6), wherein for the implementation of a driver assistance system, the control device (6), when an indication criterion which evaluates the difference between the current speed and the maximum speed is met, determines as output data setting information (28) for the ambient lighting to support the driver in maintaining the target speed by means of a driver-specific trained function which uses the difference between the current speed and the target speed and/or a variable derived therefrom as input data, and controls the ambient lighting device (4) in accordance with the setting information (28).

Description

• - einen Innenraum mit einem Fahrersitz für den Fahrer,
• - wenigstens eine Ambientebeleuchtungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung einer Ambientebeleuchtung zur Steigerung des Wohlbefindens des Fahrers in dem Innenraum,
• - ein erstes Ermittlungsmittel zur Ermittlung einer aktuellen Geschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeugs,
• - ein zweites Ermittlungsmittel zur Ermittlung einer Sollgeschwindigkeit auf einem aktuell durch das Kraftfahrzeug befahrenen Streckenabschnitt, und
• - eine Steuereinrichtung.

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising:

• - an interior with a driver's seat for the driver,
• - at least one ambient lighting device for generating ambient lighting to increase the driver's well-being in the interior,
• - a first means of determination for determining a current speed of the motor vehicle,
• - a second means of determination for determining a target speed on a section of road currently travelled by the motor vehicle, and
• - a control device.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, a computer program and an electronically readable data carrier.

In motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars (PCs), the driver is usually positioned on a driver's seat in the interior of the motor vehicle when driving the motor vehicle. The use of lighting devices in this interior has already been proposed, with both utility lighting devices that provide utility light and ambient lighting devices that provide ambient light that is beneficial to the driver's well-being in the interior being known. Combinations of utility lighting devices and ambient lighting devices are also known. Utility lighting devices can, for example, be provided to illuminate instruments, displays and the like and/or to provide utility light types, for example a mirror light, a reading light or the like. With regard to ambient lighting devices, the framing of instruments, the emphasis on aesthetically designed interior components or their edges, backlighting effects, indirect light and the like have been proposed. In particular, there are motor vehicles in which a general interior design that also includes ambient lighting is provided. Ambient lighting devices can in particular also be arranged and/or designed in such a way that their ambient light is perceived peripherally by the driver who is concentrating on the apron, in particular the section of road being driven on, i.e. is located in his peripheral field of perception.

Ambient lighting systems are also used in modern motor vehicles for ambient lighting, the ambient light of which can be adjusted by a user in terms of brightness, color or color mix, light sources to be used and the like. LEDs are usually used as light sources for the ambient lighting systems. A driver setting can be selected, for example, via a human-machine interface (MMI) of the motor vehicle and/or an application (app) assigned to the motor vehicle on a mobile device that is connected to the motor vehicle. Design templates can also be offered for selection.

In motor vehicles, driver support systems have also been proposed that inform the driver of local target speeds, such as prescribed maximum speeds, for example on the section of road currently being driven on, and that can provide specific assistance, in particular by comparing them with the current speed of the motor vehicle. Maximum speeds applicable on sections of road can be stored in digital maps of a navigation system, for example, but can also be derived additionally or alternatively via traffic sign recognition. Based on such maximum speeds and/or target speeds derived from them, information can be given to the driver as text, pictograms, acoustically or the like. Such information-based support systems do not protect against accidentally exceeding the maximum speed. During normal driving of the motor vehicle, the driver is constantly tasked with comparing the target and actual speeds (regulating) of the motor vehicle's speed. This process can be stressful and tiring.

Information on maintaining a target speed, especially the maximum speed, can also be further processed in longitudinal driver assistance systems, such as cruise control and/or ACC systems. If changes in the target speed are detected, the speed of the vehicle controlled by the longitudinal driver assistance system can be automatically adjusted. However, longitudinal driver assistance systems are mainly used for cross-country journeys, and are rarely used in urban or local traffic. Ultimately, this applies to all vehicle systems for automatically limiting the driving speed of a vehicle depending on the maximum permitted speed of a section of road.

There are also support systems that use haptic feedback in the accelerator pedal to alert the driver to changes in the target speed and/or excessive deviations from the target speed. In this case, an actuator, such as an electric motor, acts with varying degrees of strength against the direction of movement of the accelerator pedal, so that the driver feels a pressure point (depending on the setting of the support system, even when the accelerator pedal is pressed lightly or only when the accelerator pedal is pressed more firmly). The actuator can also make the accelerator pedal pulsate or knock. This creates a subtle indication for the driver to constantly maintain the target speed.

However, support systems with a haptic accelerator pedal are complex and expensive. They are therefore usually only available as an expensive additional option in the higher vehicle segment. In electric driving mode, they represent an additional consumer via the actuator and have a negative effect on the vehicle's range.

KR 20160076582 A discloses an apparatus and method for changing the cluster color of a vehicle. The cluster color is changed to different colors in accordance with a driver's selection and a vehicle state to easily allow the driver to recognize the vehicle state. The cluster therein corresponds to the instrument panel, wherein in a speed mode the instrument panel is illuminated red when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed and is illuminated green when the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined speed.

DE 10 2015 214 745 A1 relates to a vehicle instrument cluster incorporating a high speed warning indicator, in which a speedometer indicating the speed of the vehicle is associated with lamps, with lamps relating to speeds below a posted speed limit illuminating green and lamps relating to speeds above the posted speed limit illuminating red, so that a driver is given a visual warning as to whether the vehicle is travelling above or below the posted speed limit.

US 2005/0065687 A1 relates to a driver assistance system that calculates a risk potential from the vehicle's driving environment and a preferred speed. The reaction force of an accelerator pedal is determined and controlled based on the risk potential and the reference speed. In addition, a display that shows the road being driven on in the instrument panel can also be adjusted between a light and a dark background color depending on whether the limit is exceeded or not.

The invention is therefore based on the object of enabling improved support for a driver in maintaining a target speed.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a particularly computer-implemented method, a motor vehicle, a computer program and an electronically readable data carrier according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

In a method of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention provides that, in order to implement a driver assistance system, the control device, when an indication criterion that evaluates the difference between the current speed and the maximum speed is met, determines setting information for the ambient lighting as output data to support the driver in maintaining the target speed by means of a driver-specific trained function that uses the difference between the current speed and the target speed and/or a variable derived therefrom as input data, and controls the ambient lighting device in accordance with the setting information.

The driver is supported by the driver assistance system (support system) in particular and preferably by determining the setting information for communicating the difference between the current speed and the target speed to the driver, in particular subconsciously and/or subtly. In this case, the setting information therefore describes in particular only a small variation based on a driver setting of the ambient lighting device.

The present invention proposes to provide a driver assistance system for intuitive, but at the same time subtle or subconscious communication of the relative speed to a target speed, in particular a permitted maximum speed of a road section. Subtle and/or subconscious in this context means that the settings of the ambient lighting device preselected by the driver are not significantly changed and that a kind of request is not made as a surprise or as a further indication to be actively processed, but rather the driver is subtly and/or subconsciously encouraged (“nudged”) to make a speed correction to comply with the target speed. Such a slight adjustment of the ambient lighting system based on the driver's setting can also be understood as "incremental" due to the low or only subconscious noticeability.

Information from the first and second detection means is used. Based on a comparison between a target speed, for example a speed limit/maximum speed, and the current speed of the vehicle, the ambient lighting is adjusted if the indication criterion is met. This communication and/or perception enhancement measure enables effective yet subtle communication of, for example, the actual speed of the vehicle that is (possibly significantly) higher than the maximum permissible speed within the framework of the technical driver assistance system described here.

The changes in the ambient lighting implemented in this way, which are particularly subtle and/or subconsciously perceived, are used with the aim of a so-called "nudge" (subconscious or subtle suggestion) for maintaining (or supporting in maintaining) the target speed. In the context of the present invention, it was recognized that people react differently to color changes, change intensities and the like. The behavior of the driver assistance system, i.e. the connection between influencing data (type/strength/speed/etc. of the change in the ambient lighting) and action sequence data (degree of compliance with the target speed), is complex and therefore cannot be meaningfully mapped in the sense of a pre-programmed function. In other words, subtle changes in the ambient lighting and their effect on the driver are individual, i.e. driver-specific, and in the context of the driver assistance system described here depend on a large number of factors. In other words, the targeted level and type of setting of the ambient lighting is therefore driver-dependent.

In particular, such factors that influence the driver-specific effect of ambient lighting settings, for example with regard to colour, may include the driver's cultural background, the driver's visual ability (in particular the presence of red-green colour blindness), personal preferences, the severity of penalties for exceeding speed limits and/or country-specific official (warning) colours.

For this reason, the use of artificial intelligence, i.e. machine learning, in the form of the trained function is proposed. In particular, an analysis based on artificial intelligence is carried out on the basis of target speeds (especially speed limits) and/or real driving behavior, so that the trained function can ensure suitable driver assistance system behavior at all times by adjusting the ambient lighting settings to suit the driver and the situation.

In this context, it should be noted that at least one part of the control device that is external to the motor vehicle, for example a backend device, can be used to train and provide the trained, driver-specific function and/or to execute the trained, driver-specific function. A part of the control device that is internal to the motor vehicle, for example a control unit, can then communicate with the backend device, for example via a mobile network and/or the Internet. However, it is also possible to provide the control device entirely within the motor vehicle, in particular as at least one control unit.

Generally speaking, a trained function maps cognitive functions that people associate with other human brains. By training based on training data (machine learning), the trained function is able to adapt to new circumstances and detect and extrapolate patterns. In general, parameters of a trained function can be adjusted through training. In particular, supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning and/or active learning can be used. In addition, representation learning (also known as "feature learning") can also be used. The parameters of the trained function can be adjusted in particular iteratively through several training steps.

A trained function can, for example, comprise a neural network, a support vector machine (SVM), a decision tree and/or a Bayesian network and/or the trained function can be based on k-means clustering, Q-learning, genetic algorithms and/or assignment rules. In the context of the present invention, the trained function preferably comprises a neural network, which can in particular be a deep neural network, a convolutional neural network (CNN) or a deep CNN. In addition, the neural network can be an adversarial network, a deep adversarial network and/or a generative adversarial network (GAN).

Preferably, the setting information can be determined comprehensively as a color temperature and/or a color intensity of the light emitted by the ambient lighting device. It has been shown that color-related adjustments, in particular based on a driver setting of the ambient lighting, are most suitable as a means of influencing the driver, specifically for "nudges". However, colors in particular have a highly individualized meaning, especially with regard to cultural background and personal preferences, so that the use of artificial intelligence in the form of the driver-specific trained function is particularly suitable in this regard. The color temperature and/or the color intensity emitted by the at least one light source of the ambient lighting device is therefore changed in order to "nudge" the driver subtly and intuitively and at the same time efficiently towards the correct target speed.

It is also preferred if the ambient lighting device radiates into a peripherally perceptible area for the driver sitting in the driver's seat, who is concentrating on the area in front of the motor vehicle. Preferably, a change therefore occurs in the peripheral field of vision of the motor vehicle driver. Changes, in particular color changes, in the driver's peripheral perception area lead to a subtle and/or subconscious influence, which is used in a targeted manner to support compliance with the target speed due to the use of the driver-specific trained function. The peripheral arrangement can, for example, relate to a decoration, backlighting or the like of panel elements by ambient lighting devices, indirect light, the lighting or backlighting of control elements and display elements located outside the instrument panel and the like. Ambient lighting devices for control elements and/or display elements can, for example, include the background color of a screen, the backlighting of buttons or switches, ambient lighting devices surrounding the respective control element and/or display element and the like. In particular, the entire design-relevant ambient lighting, which can also include several ambient lighting devices, is addressed and adjusted together.

The at least one ambient lighting device can particularly advantageously have a light-emitting diode (LED) and/or at least one light guide as at least one light source. For example, combinations of a red, a green and a blue LED can be used for free color setting. In addition, it can also be provided that one or more ambient lighting devices provide light experiences in several colors as ambient light, so that the setting information can also relate in particular to changes in color combinations and/or can contain color-related partial information.

The aim of the driver assistance system can be, in particular, to communicate to the driver when the maximum speed or a target speed is detected being exceeded. This can support the driver in complying with target speeds, in particular speed limits. In other words, it can be provided that the target speed corresponds to a permissible maximum speed and/or is derived from it and/or that the indication criterion requires that the target speed is exceeded by the current speed. Here, the target speed can be, for example, the maximum speed plus a tolerance value, so that it can be checked in particular whether the maximum speed has been exceeded by more than the tolerance value, which acts as a threshold. It should be noted, however, that it is also conceivable to take additional or alternative action when the speed is below the limit, for example if minimum speeds are to be observed.

Specifically, it can be provided that the second means of determination for determining the maximum speed includes a traffic sign recognition system and/or a navigation system with digital map material in which maximum speeds are assigned to sections of the route. The driver assistance system is then linked to the navigation software and/or the traffic sign recognition. Such means of determination have already been used for other systems, for example. In such a different system, the currently valid maximum speed can be visually displayed to the driver, for example. Various, basically known variants that work using speeds, GPS, radar or the like can be used as the first means of determination.

In general, it can be said that the ambient lighting changed based on the setting information provides incentives to use the target speed. In particular, the changed ambient lighting can lead to the prevention and/or elimination of unintentional deviations from the target speed.

Overall and generally formulated, it can be said that preferably the setting setting information is determined to provide the driver with subconscious information and/or is determined in such a way that the driver is encouraged to maintain the target speed by implementing the setting information for speed correction.

Advantageously and generally speaking, subtle and/or subconscious changes to the ambient lighting settings, as provided for by the invention, also result in improvements in terms of safety, since even subtle changes to the ambient lighting cause increased awareness of speed. Furthermore, safety is increased by making it easier to comply with speed limits and/or minimum speeds. Driving comfort is increased through driver support. At the same time, it is possible to implement the driver assistance system in the motor vehicle without increased part complexity and without increased individual material costs.

For the driver assistance system realized according to the invention, an implementation as a so-called “function on demand” in the sense of a comfort-oriented additional function for more relaxed travel is also possible.

In an expedient development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one driving situation parameter describing the current driving situation and recorded with a recording means is used as further input data for the driver-specific trained function. It has been shown that various aspects of a current driving situation can have an influence on the driver's perception and also the driver's reaction to interior light changes, in particular color changes.

While in a simple case the brightness of the ambient lighting device can be adjusted depending on a driving situation parameter describing the ambient brightness in order to ensure that the changes based on the setting information are perceptible, complicated scenarios are also conceivable in which the trained function includes at least some of the driving situation parameters in determining the correlations and thus the correlation itself. This applies, for example, if colors or color combinations have a different effect in certain driving situations, for example in certain environments (forest, etc.) and/or lighting conditions, or if certain colors or color combinations are interpreted differently by a driver depending on the situation. In other words, the at least one driving situation parameter can already be recorded when the function is trained and used during training.

• - einen Parameter, der ein Längsbeschleunigungsverhalten des Kraftfahrzeugs beschreibt,
• - einen Parameter, der einen aktuell befahrenden Straßentyp und/oder eine aktuell befahrene Fahrspur und/oder ein aktuell befahrenes Land beschreibt,
• - einen Parameter, der die Fahrbahnbeschaffenheit beschreibt,
• - einen Parameter, der die Umgebungshelligkeit beschreibt,
• - einen Parameter, der die Witterungsverhältnisse beschreibt, und
• - einen Parameter, der eine Verkehrssituationsklasse beschreibt.

Specifically, it can be provided that the driving situation parameter is selected from the group comprising

• - a parameter that describes a longitudinal acceleration behaviour of the motor vehicle,
• - a parameter describing a currently travelled road type and/or a currently travelled lane and/or a currently travelled country,
• - a parameter that describes the road surface condition,
• - a parameter that describes the ambient brightness,
• - a parameter that describes the weather conditions, and
• - a parameter that describes a traffic situation class.

The driving situation parameters can be recorded using suitable recording means. For example, the parameter that describes a longitudinal acceleration behavior of the motor vehicle can be determined by deriving the speed of the motor vehicle over time and/or using an accelerometer, for example an inertial platform. Using a position sensor, in particular a GPS sensor, for example in conjunction with a navigation system, the parameter that describes a type of road currently being traveled on and/or a lane currently being traveled on and/or a country currently being traveled through can be determined, whereby such driving situation parameters can also be used when determining the target speed, in particular with regard to speed limits. Using a camera, it is conceivable, for example, to recognize the condition of the road surface, weather conditions and ambient brightness. Camera data is also useful with regard to a traffic situation class, in particular in conjunction with radar data. Other recording means, for example light sensors, rain sensors, vehicle-to-X communication and the like can of course also be used.

In a particularly advantageous development of the present invention, it can be provided that the driver-specific trained function is provided by training in a training phase while the motor vehicle is being driven. Since, as explained above, the relationship between the settings of the ambient lighting and the active speed behavior of the driver depends on driver-specific, in particular unavailable and/or uncontrollable influencing factors, the function that is intended to represent this relationship is expediently during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, the driver is trained in a driver-specific manner. It is conceivable that the training relates to actual differences between the current speed and the target speed, which is preferred, or that the training takes place independently of this by exploring general relationships between ambient lighting settings and speed behavior.

In other words, the training phase basically aims to identify the most direct correlation possible between cause (incremental, specific type of change in ambient lighting) and effect (degree of speed compliance). Due to individual color preferences and peculiarities of drivers, among other things, generalization is not possible. For this reason, the most effective measures, described by the driver-specific trained function, are determined by the driver assistance system in the training phase, at least when the driver assistance system is activated for the first time for this driver. The end of a training phase can be controlled, for example, by a correlation value or reliability value describing the quality of the driver-specific trained function and/or the amount of training data collected.

In particular, it can be specifically provided that test setting information is used for setting the ambient lighting for training, particularly at predetermined time intervals, and associated speed changes brought about by the driver are measured. In other words, various settings of the ambient lighting are adjusted sequentially and at defined time intervals in accordance with the test setting information, particularly subtly, and the driver's reaction to this is measured during driving. This results in training data sets that are used for driver-specific training of the function. For example, these can use measurement data describing the degree to which the target speed is adhered to as training input data and the associated test setting information as training output data. If driving situation parameters are taken into account, these are also recorded and used in training.

In a particularly preferred development of the invention, it can be provided that the test setting information is selected at least partially based on a driver setting for the ambient lighting. If the setting for the ambient lighting is changed based on a driver setting, a subtle change occurs which the driver notices, particularly subconsciously, so that his alertness in particular also increases. He drives more consciously and in particular also brings the actual speed closer to the target speed again. If this is taken into account as a guideline during training, it is particularly efficient to find the small changes in the ambient lighting and the corresponding correlation to the speed behavior, which make it possible to support the driver in maintaining the target speed, particularly through nudges. The driver-specific trained function that is then provided has then also learned that these changes are to be used appropriately based on the driver setting, so that the setting information determined in the support phase of the driver assistance system's activity, which follows the training phase, is still very close to the driver setting, at least in the case of minor deviations. The driver is also not irritated by sudden, strong changes. This also contributes to safety. It should be noted that it can also be generally assumed that if the indication criterion, which is to be understood as an indication condition, is no longer met, the ambient lighting will return to the driver's setting.

It can be expedient to provide that the function is trained for each journey and/or each time there is a change of driver and/or that a driver is recognized by means of identification means in the motor vehicle and the function stored and assigned to the driver and trained for him during driving is used. For example, it is conceivable to carry out a completely new training session for each journey and/or each time there is a change of driver or at least to continue/update the training by training the driver-specific trained function, which is particularly assigned to the driver, again in a training phase. In the latter case, changes in the driver's preferences, characteristics and the like can also be tracked and the driver-specific trained function can be constantly updated. It is particularly advantageous here if the driver - if more than one driver is assigned to the motor vehicle - is recognized by means of identification means, for example cameras, biometric sensors, individual vehicle keys and the like, and the corresponding driver-specific trained function assigned to him can be loaded and used, if necessary after a further training phase as already mentioned above. The driver-specific trained function can, for example, be saved as part of a user profile, which, in addition to a driver setting of the ambient lighting system can also contain further settings and/or information for other vehicle systems in order to allow as much individual adjustment to the respective driver as possible. The identification means can also be designed to evaluate the driver's driving style in order to recognize him or her.

It is also particularly useful if a pre-trained function is provided as a starting point for training the function. For example, it can be a general pre-trained function and/or a function pre-trained for at least one reference driver. Using a pre-trained function allows the duration of the training phase to be significantly reduced. In other words, the identification of targeted causalities can preferably be carried out on the basis of a pre-trained neural network in order to reduce the time required for training to a minimum.

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are usually provided as pre-trained functions, so that in an expedient embodiment of the present invention, the driver-specific trained function can also comprise a convolutional neural network (CNN). While this can particularly advantageously be a ResNet-18, it is also conceivable that the trained function comprises a ResNet-34 and/or a SqueezeNet and/or an AlexNet and/or a VGG network. ResNet-18 has the advantage of providing a good compromise between accuracy and speed.

A preferred development of the invention further provides that the training takes place as part of an activation phase of the driver assistance system, wherein during the training, success information, in particular describing the presence of a correlation, is determined, wherein the trained function is only used to support the driver if the success information meets a success criterion indicating successful training. It can therefore be monitored whether a targeted correlation has been recognized, i.e. whether a positive influence of one or more, in particular subtle, ambient lighting adjustments on compliance with specified target speeds can be demonstrated. If this is the case, i.e. the success information indicates the presence of a correlation, the driver assistance system can remain active and use the driver-specific trained function to support the driver. If a correlation cannot be demonstrated, in particular after several training phases, the driver assistance system can be deactivated, for example, for the duration of the current journey or until another driver is recognized. In this way, it is ensured that ineffective effort is made for drivers who are not accessible to such communication.

In a particularly advantageous, general development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that, in addition to the setting information, at least one parameterization information for at least one further vehicle system is determined as output data, with the control device parameterizing the further vehicle system according to the parameterization information. In other words, the driver can also be supported in maintaining the target speed beyond the setting of the ambient lighting by providing communication and/or perception enhancement and/or other support via other vehicle systems. In particular, it can be provided that the further vehicle system is an engine system and/or a chassis system and/or a steering system of the motor vehicle and/or the parameterization is carried out with a view to a sportier response of the motor vehicle. For example, additional adjustments to the chassis and/or the engine and/or the steering are therefore possible. For example, a tighter setting of the chassis and/or direct steering can further support the driver, in particular in the sense of perception enhancement and/or subtle communication. Such a combination with other vehicle systems increases the robustness and effect of the support.

• - einen Innenraum mit einem Fahrersitz für den Fahrer,
• - wenigstens eine Ambientebeleuchtungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung einer Ambientebeleuchtung zur Steigerung des Wohlbefindens des Fahrers in dem Innenraum,
• - ein erstes Ermittlungsmittel zur Ermittlung einer aktuellen Geschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeugs,
• - ein zweites Ermittlungsmittel zur Ermittlung einer Sollgeschwindigkeit auf einem aktuell durch das Kraftfahrzeug befahrenen Streckenabschnitt, und
• - eine Steuereinrichtung,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, zur Realisierung eines Fahrerassistenzsystems, die Steuereinrichtung ausgebildet ist, bei Erfüllung eines Hinweiskriteriums, das die Differenz zwischen der aktuellen Geschwindigkeit und der Höchstgeschwindigkeit auswertet, mittels einer fahrerspezifisch trainierten Funktion, die die Differenz zwischen der aktuellen Geschwindigkeit und der Sollgeschwindigkeit und/oder eine daraus abgeleitete Größe als Eingangsdaten nutzt, als Ausgangsdaten eine Einstellungsinformation für die Ambientebeleuchtungseinrichtung zur Kommunikation der Differenz zwischen der aktuellen Geschwindigkeit und der Sollgeschwindigkeit an den Fahrer zu ermitteln und die Ambientebeleuchtungseinrichtung gemäß der Einstellungsinformation anzusteuern.In addition to the method, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising:

• - an interior with a driver's seat for the driver,
• - at least one ambient lighting device for generating ambient lighting to increase the driver's well-being in the interior,
• - a first means of determination for determining a current speed of the motor vehicle,
• - a second means of determination for determining a target speed on a section of road currently travelled by the motor vehicle, and
• - a control device,

characterized in that, in order to implement a driver assistance system, the control device is designed, when an indication criterion is fulfilled which evaluates the difference between the current speed and the maximum speed, by means of a driver-specific trained Function that uses the difference between the current speed and the target speed and/or a variable derived therefrom as input data, to determine setting information for the ambient lighting device as output data for communicating the difference between the current speed and the target speed to the driver and to control the ambient lighting device according to the setting information.

The control device can have at least one storage means and at least one processor. The control device can also comprise functional units formed from hardware and/or software in order to be able to carry out steps of the method according to the invention. For example, the control device can have a training unit for training the function, a provision unit for providing the driver-specific trained function, a checking unit for checking whether the indication criterion has been met, a determination unit for determining setting information using the driver-specific trained function and/or a setting unit for setting the ambient lighting device according to the determined setting information. Other functional units are of course also conceivable.

All statements regarding the method according to the invention can be transferred analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention, with which the advantages already mentioned can also be obtained.

A computer program according to the invention has program means which, when the computer program is executed on a control device of a motor vehicle, cause this to carry out a method according to the invention. The computer program can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier according to the invention, which therefore comprises control information stored thereon which comprises a computer program according to the invention and is designed in such a way that when the data carrier is used in a control device of a motor vehicle, this is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

• 1 eine Prinzipskizze eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs,
• 2 eine mögliche Anordnung von Ambientebeleuchtungseinrichtungen im Cockpit eines Kraftfahrzeugs,
• 3 ein möglicher Farbraum mit einer Illustration möglicher Einstellungsänderungen, und
• 4 einen Ablaufplan eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

Further advantages and details of the present invention emerge from the embodiments described below and from the drawings.

• 1 a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention,
• 2 a possible arrangement of ambient lighting devices in the cockpit of a motor vehicle,
• 3 a possible color space with an illustration of possible setting changes, and
• 4 a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. In this case, the motor vehicle 1 is, for example, a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 has an interior 2 in which, among other things, a driver's seat 3 is arranged, from which a driver can drive the motor vehicle 1. Likewise in the interior, in particular radiating light into a peripheral field of vision of the driver in the driver's seat, which is concentrated on the area in front of the motor vehicle 1, a plurality of ambient lighting devices 4 are provided to be integrated into an overall design of the interior. In the present case, these can be controlled by means of a control unit 5 of a control device 6, for example according to a driver setting, which can include a desired color scheme with a color or a color combination. In some embodiments, the control device 6 can also have a backend device external to the motor vehicle.

The motor vehicle 1 also has a first determination means 7 for determining the current speed of the motor vehicle 1. The first determination means 7 makes the determined current speed of the motor vehicle 1 available to the control unit 5. A target speed of the motor vehicle 1 can be determined by means of a second determination means 8. In the present case, the second determination means 8 uses both a traffic sign recognition system 9 and digital map material 10 of a navigation system 11 of the motor vehicle 1. In the digital map material 10, maximum speeds permitted there are assigned to sections of the route. After the traffic sign recognition system 9 also detects traffic signs indicating the maximum permitted speed, the respective information can be checked against each other for plausibility. The maximum permitted speed can already correspond to the target speed; however, it is also possible to add a tolerance value to the maximum permitted speed to determine the target speed in order to allow a certain amount of exceedance. The target speed is also provided to the control unit 5.

Further vehicle systems 12 of the motor vehicle 1 are, for example, a steering system system 13, an engine system 14 and a chassis system 15 are shown. These can also be controlled in principle by means of the control unit 5. Detection means 16, in this case comprising a camera 17, radar sensors 18 and a GPS sensor 19, which is also used by the navigation system 11, enable the provision of driving situation parameters describing the driving situation.

2 shows a schematic view of the cockpit of the motor vehicle 1. Aside from the instrument panel 20, various ambient lighting devices 4 are provided, which are jointly controlled via the control device 6, for example on the sides in trim parts 21, emitting indirect light to provide the background color of a display 22, surrounding a control element 23, for example a button, and the like. In particular, the ambient lighting devices 4 use light-emitting diodes as light sources, which can be controlled to change the color temperature and the color intensity, as well as the brightness, of the emitted light.

Driver settings of the ambient lighting devices 4 can be stored in relation to the respective driver and retrieved at a later time, for example in user profiles managed by the control device 6. The motor vehicle 1 can, compare 1 , identification means 24 to identify a respective driver. The identification means 24 can, for example, comprise a camera aimed at the driver's seat 3, biometric sensors and the like. The identification means 22 can also identify a key used as being associated with a specific driver. If a driver for whom at least one driver setting is stored is identified, the ambient lighting can be automatically returned to this driver setting under the control of the control unit 5.

3 shows, by way of example, the position of a driver setting 25 in a color space 26 of the light visible to humans. The control device 6 is designed to carry out the method according to the invention for implementing a driver assistance system to support the driver in maintaining a target speed, whereby in the event of deviations from the target speed, the driver setting can be deviated from subtly and/or subconsciously by the driver, as shown schematically by the arrows 27 in 3 These small deviations achieve a “nudge”, whereby the deviations are described by setting information 28 provided by a driver-specific trained function.

In this regard, an embodiment is described with regard to the flow chart of the 4 explained.

The method begins in an activation phase in a step S1 with the identification of the current driver, whereby already known drivers are recognized and new user profiles can be created for new drivers. The identification means 24 are used for this purpose.

In a step S2, it is then checked whether the driver-specific trained function, which determines setting information 28 from the current speed, the target speed or the difference between them, as well as at least one vehicle parameter, is already available for the identified driver. The setting information 28 is provided by the driver-specific trained function in such a way that the driver is supported in maintaining the target speed, in particular that a difference is communicated to him, even if subtly and/or subconsciously. In other words, the setting information allows the driver to drive at the target speed, in particular to stop exceeding the target speed, without significantly changing the driver's ambient lighting setting. The automatic implementation of the setting information 28 by the ambient lighting devices 4 therefore represents a "nudge" for the driver.

If such a driver-specific trained function is not available or at least not sufficiently up-to-date, training takes place in a training phase in a step S3. A completely new training can be carried out using machine learning whenever a new driver is identified. However, embodiments in which new training takes place for each new journey or each driver change are also conceivable. However, if parameters for the driver-specific trained function already exist for the driver, it is preferable to continue to use these for a longer period of time and, if necessary, to continue or retrain them in an optional step S4 (shown in dashed lines).

For training in step S3, a pre-trained function is first provided, which can, for example, already be pre-trained for at least one reference driver or a group of reference drivers. In this case, the pre-trained function comprises a convolutional neural network (CNN) as a neural network.

In a sub-step of step S3, test setting information for the ambient lighting devices 4 is then determined and applied, whereupon the driver's reaction with regard to speed behavior, in particular with regard to compliance with the target speed. In this way, training data is generated through tests that assign test setting information, for example the degree to which the target speed is complied with or speed corrections made by the driver. In other words, it is measured how or whether the driver reacts to the "nudge" given by the test setting in accordance with the test setting information. In this way, the training data obtained can be used to determine whether targeted adjustment measures for the ambient lighting can be determined to support the driver in complying with the target speed, i.e. whether a correlation can be found.

The test sequence of the test setting information is selected in such a way that smaller deviations from the driver setting 25 are tested first. In this way, it can be determined how support in maintaining the target speed can still be achieved through minimal adjustment and influence of the driver.

During training, at least one driving situation parameter is already taken into account, which can describe, for example, the ambient brightness, the weather conditions, the traffic situation class and the like.

The training can be terminated after a certain number of training steps or another specified training effort and/or when a certain threshold value is reached for a correlation value or reliability value describing the quality of the driver-specific trained function. In this context, success information is also determined in a step S5, which ultimately describes whether a correlation was successfully determined, thus enabling targeted measures to be determined for adjusting the ambient lighting to support the driver in maintaining the target speed. If the success information indicates that such a correlation could not be found, the method is terminated in step S5 and support cannot be provided.

If the function has been successfully trained specifically for the driver, it is provided in a step S6 at the start of the actual support phase of the driver assistance system. If a driver-specific trained function was already available according to step S2, this is provided accordingly in step S6. If further training has taken place in step S4, it is also possible to determine the success information again and evaluate it in step S5, compare the dashed arrow 29.

During the support phase, a step S7 checks whether an indication criterion is met. In the present exemplary embodiment, in which in particular, possibly unintentional, exceedances of the target speed, which can correspond to the maximum permitted speed or the maximum permitted speed plus a tolerance value, are to be avoided or reduced, the indication criterion therefore checks whether the current speed of the motor vehicle 1, provided by the first determination means 7, exceeds the target speed, provided by the second determination means 8. If this is the case, the driver should receive support in the sense of communication and/or perception-enhancing through subtle changes in the setting of the ambient lighting devices 4 in a step S8. Specifically, the aim is to achieve changes in the ambient lighting that are barely noticeable or only subconsciously noticeable in order to encourage the driver to better adhere to the target speed (“nudge”).

For this purpose, the driver-specific trained function is used to determine, as already described above, setting information 28 for the current situation, which describes a corresponding change in the ambient lighting. This is then used in a step S9 to control the ambient lighting devices 4 accordingly by the control device 6. It should be noted that in embodiments, in addition to the setting information 28, parameterization information for at least one other vehicle system 12 can also be determined in step S8 in order to also output subtle indications of the current exceedance of the target speed, for example by means of a somewhat stiffer chassis, direct steering and/or a sportier engine.

The system then returns to step S7, from which, if the driver reacts accordingly, i.e. improves compliance with the target speed, a return to the driver setting will inevitably result at the latest when the indication criterion in step S7 is no longer met.

Overall, this results in a technical driver assistance system that, taking into account a target speed and real driving behavior, guides the driver through driver-dependent and situation-dependent adjustment of the ambient lighting settings for communication. effectively encourages drivers to adhere to the target speed.

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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• KR 20160076582 A [0009]
• DE 10 2015 214 745 A1 [0010]
• US 2005/0065687 A1 [0011]

Claims (15)

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) having: - an interior (2) with a driver's seat (3) for the driver, - at least one ambient lighting device (4) for generating ambient lighting to increase the driver's well-being in the interior (2), - a first determination means (7) for determining a current speed of the motor vehicle (1), - a second determination means (8) for determining a target speed on a section of road currently traveled by the motor vehicle (1), and - a control device (6), characterized in that, in order to implement a driver assistance system, the control device (6), when an indication criterion is met which evaluates the difference between the current speed and the maximum speed, determines as output data setting information (28) for the ambient lighting to support compliance with the target speed for the driver by means of a driver-specific trained function which uses the difference between the current speed and the target speed and/or a variable derived therefrom as input data, and the ambient lighting device (4) controls the ambient lighting device (4) according to the setting information (28). is heading for. procedure according to claim 1 , characterized in that the setting information (28) is determined comprehensively as a color temperature and/or a color intensity of the light emitted by the ambient lighting device (4) and/or that the ambient lighting device (4) radiates into a peripherally perceptible area for the driver sitting in the driver's seat (3) who is concentrating on the area in front of the motor vehicle (1). procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the target speed corresponds to a permissible maximum speed and/or is derived therefrom and/or that the indication criterion requires that the target speed be exceeded by the current speed. procedure according to claim 3 , characterized in that the second determination means (8) for determining the maximum speed comprises a traffic sign recognition system (9) and/or a navigation system (11) with digital map material (10) in which maximum speeds are assigned to route sections. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting information (28) is determined for subconscious information of the driver and/or is determined in such a way that the driver is encouraged to correct the speed in the direction of maintaining the target speed by implementing the setting information (28) and/or that the setting information (28) for changing the ambient lighting is determined based on a driver setting (25). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one driving situation parameter describing the current driving situation and detected by a detection means (16) is used as further input data of the driver-specific trained function. procedure according to claim 6 , characterized in that the driving situation parameter is selected from the group comprising - a parameter which describes a longitudinal acceleration behavior of the motor vehicle (1), - a parameter which describes a currently traveled road type and/or a currently traveled lane and/or a currently traveled country, - a parameter which describes the condition of the road, - a parameter which describes the ambient brightness, - a parameter which describes the weather conditions, and - a parameter which describes a traffic situation class. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver-specific trained function is provided by training in a training phase during driving of the motor vehicle (1). procedure according to claim 8 , characterized in that test setting information for setting the ambient lighting device (4) is used for training and associated speed changes brought about by the driver are measured. Method according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 , characterized in that training of the function is carried out for each journey and/or with each driver change and/or a driver is recognized by means of identification means (24) in the motor vehicle (1) and the function stored and assigned to the driver and trained for him during driving is used. Method according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that the training takes place within the framework of an activation phase of the driver assistance system, wherein during the training success information, in particular describing the existence of a correlation, is determined, wherein the trained function is only used to assist the driver if the success information fulfills a success criterion indicating successful training. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the setting information (28), at least one parameterization information for at least one further vehicle system (12) is determined as output data, wherein the control device (6) parameters the further vehicle system (12) according to the parameterization information. Motor vehicle (1), comprising: - an interior (2) with a driver's seat (3) for the driver, - at least one ambient lighting device (4) for generating ambient lighting to increase the well-being of the driver in the interior (2), - a first determination means (7) for determining a current speed of the motor vehicle (1), - a second determination means (8) for determining a target speed on a section of road currently traveled by the motor vehicle (1), and - a control device (6), characterized in that, in order to implement a driver assistance system, the control device (6) is designed, when an indication criterion is met, which evaluates the difference between the current speed and the maximum speed, to determine as output data setting information (28) for the ambient lighting device (4) for communicating the difference between the current speed and the target speed to the driver by means of a driver-specific trained function which uses the difference between the current speed and the target speed and/or a variable derived therefrom as input data, and to control the ambient lighting device (4) according to the setting information (28) to control. Computer program which, when executed on a control device (6) of a motor vehicle (1), causes the control device (6) to carry out the steps of a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 carry out. Electronically readable data carrier on which a computer program is stored claim 14 is stored.

Images