METHOD AND PROCESSOR CIRCUIT FOR CONTROLLING A CONFIGURATION STATE OF A VEHICLE DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A CALIBRATION STATE OF THE VEHICLE DEVICE IN QUESTION, AND MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH CAN BE OPERATED ACCORDINGLY

Abstract

A method for controlling a configuration state of at least one vehicle device of a motor vehicle, wherein calibration state data which signal a current calibration state of a self-calibration routine carried out by the calibration device during a driving operation of the motor vehicle are received from a calibration device of the vehicle device in question. A progress value is assigned to the respective current calibration state data in accordance with a predefined evaluation rule and a configuration data set which defines a configuration state of the vehicle device in question is selected from a plurality of predefined configuration data sets depending on the current progress value, and the vehicle device is configured by the selected configuration data set, wherein at least one function parameter is set according to the respective configuration data set for the execution of the least one sub-function.

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. A method for controlling a configuration state of at least one vehicle device of a motor vehicle, comprising: receiving once or repeatedly, by a processor circuit, calibration state data from a calibration device of the vehicle device and/or of an ancillary device used by the vehicle device, wherein the calibration state data signal a current calibration state of a self-calibration routine performed by the calibration device during a driving operation of the motor vehicle; assigning, by the processor circuit, a progress value to the respective current calibration state data in accordance with a predefined evaluation rule; selecting a configuration data set which defines a configuration state of the vehicle device from a plurality of predefined configuration data sets depending on the current progress value; and configuring the vehicle device by the selected configuration data set, wherein at least one function parameter is set according to the respective configuration data set for the execution of least one sub-function.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predefined evaluation rule comprises mapping the current calibration state data onto a predetermined value interval by which the progress of the self-calibration routine is described as a numerical value, and the progress value is thereby assigned to the calibration state data from the value interval.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein it is determined, by a threshold value comparison on the basis of the determined progress value, which of the predefined configuration data sets is to be selected, wherein a different configuration data set of the configuration data sets is assigned in each case to the plurality of different threshold values.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein a parameter value of the at least one function parameter of the sub-function is set by the respective calibration data set in at least one sub-function, wherein a configuration of a feature of the sub-function and/or a safety distance for an adjustment procedure and/or an environment of use for the sub-function is set by the parameter value during an execution of the sub-function.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a parameter value of the at least one function parameter of the sub-function is set by the respective calibration data set in at least one sub-function, wherein a configuration of a feature of the sub-function and/or a safety distance for an adjustment procedure and/or an environment of use for the sub-function is set by the parameter value during an execution of the sub-function.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one vehicle device comprises a headlamp system and the following is configured in the case of at least one of the following sub-functions of the headlamp system by the respective configuration data set: (a) in the case of an adaptive high beam, a distance from an illumination gap to another detected vehicle, (b) in the case of a marker light for traffic objects at the roadside, a minimum object size, (c) in the case of a lighting set-up, a selection of a light pattern projected onto a projection area of a vehicle environment.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one vehicle device comprises a headlamp system and the following is configured in the case of at least one of the following sub-functions of the headlamp system by the respective configuration data set: (a) in the case of an adaptive high beam, a distance from an illumination gap to another detected vehicle, (d) in the case of a marker light for traffic objects at the roadside, a minimum object size, (e) in the case of a lighting set-up, a selection of a light pattern projected onto a projection area of a vehicle environment.

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one vehicle device comprises a control unit for an automated lane guidance (lane assist functionality) and the following is configured in the case of at least one of the following sub-functions of the headlamp system by the respective configuration data set: in the case of an automated lane assist function, a maximum permitted deviation from a center line of a lane, from which a return guidance to the center of the lane takes place.

22. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one vehicle device comprises a control unit for an automated lane guidance (lane assist functionality) and the following is configured in the case of at least one of the following sub-functions of the headlamp system by the respective configuration data set: in the case of an automated lane assist function, a maximum permitted deviation from a center line of a lane, from which a return guidance to the center of the lane takes place.

23. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the calibration state data signal a position indication for a geoposition of at least one traffic object in a vehicle environment, and the progress value is calculated as a function of a difference between the position indication and a target indication.

24. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the calibration state data signal a position indication for a geoposition of at least one traffic object in a vehicle environment, and the progress value is calculated as a function of a difference between the position indication and a target indication.

25. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the calibration state data signal a correction step width that has been used by the self-calibration routine in a previous iteration, and the correction step width or an average step width or a time gradient of a time characteristic of a plurality of previous correction step widths is determined and is converted into the progress value by the evaluation rule.

26. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the calibration state data signal a correction step width that has been used by the self-calibration routine in a previous iteration, and the correction step width or an average step width or a time gradient of a time characteristic of a plurality of previous correction step widths is determined and is converted into the progress value by the evaluation rule.

27. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein feedback relating to the progress value and/or to the configuration data set which is currently being used is output via an output device to a user of the motor vehicle.

28. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein feedback relating to the progress value and/or to the configuration data set which is currently being used is output via an output device to a user of the motor vehicle.

29. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the respective vehicle device with its self-calibration routine and/or the respective ancillary device with its self-calibration routine is installed in the motor vehicle in the uncalibrated or partially calibrated state and, following the installation, the respective self-calibration routine is operated in a driving mode of the motor vehicle in order to finalize the calibration.

30. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the respective vehicle device with its self-calibration routine and/or the respective ancillary device with its self-calibration routine is installed in the motor vehicle in the uncalibrated or partially calibrated state and, following the installation, the respective self-calibration routine is operated in a driving mode of the motor vehicle in order to finalize the calibration.

31. A processor circuit, which is configured to carry out a method as claimed in claim 14.

32. The processor circuit as claimed in claim 31, wherein the processor circuit comprises at least one control unit and/or a central computer for a motor vehicle and/or a backend server for the Internet.

33. A motor vehicle having a processor circuit as claimed in claim 31.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] These and other aspects and advantages will become more apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of one example embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of one example embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a diagram illustrating an example of an enablement of sub-functions depending on a progress value; and

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a diagram illustrating an example of possible sub-functions, as they can be electively enabled or blocked in the motor vehicle shown in FIG. 1 according to the method shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments in each case represent individual features of the invention which are to be considered independently from one another and which each case develop the invention independently from one another. The disclosure is therefore also intended to comprise combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented with more of the features of the invention already described.

[0044] The same reference signs in each case denote functionally identical elements in the figures.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an example of a motor vehicle 10 which can be an automobile, in particular a passenger automobile or truck. A vehicle device 11 which, in the example, can be a headlamp system 12 can be provided in the motor vehicle 10. A control unit 13 can be associated with the vehicle device 11.

[0046] A self-calibration routine 14 can be carried out in the vehicle device 11, for example by the control unit 13. The self-calibration routine 14 can be carried out, for example, during a driving operation of the motor vehicle 10 while the motor vehicle 10 is already being used by a user, i.e. after the motor vehicle 10 has been handed over to a user. The self-calibration routine 14 can be provided, for example, so that an actual installation position 15 of the vehicle device 11 or at least of a component of the vehicle device 11 is determined and is then operated or calibrated according to the identified installation position in order e.g. to compensate for a tilted position. In the example of the headlamp system 12, it is possible to determine, for example, how headlamps 16 are installed in the motor vehicle 10. An installation angle 17, for example, which describes a tilted position of the headlamps 16, for example in relation to a horizontal line 18, can be determined, wherein this is an example provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] When the installation position 15 is determined by the self-calibration routine 14 during the driving operation, a tilted position or a different specific installation position 15 deviating from a target location or target position can be compensated accordingly. The self-calibration routine 14 can be performed iteratively and current calibration state data 19 can be provided which represent or describe the current calibration state or the actual progress of the calibration. The calibration state data 19 can be received, for example, by a processor circuit 20 which can decide, depending on the calibration state data 19, which sub-functions 21 are intended to be enabled or blocked in the vehicle device 11. A sub-function 21 should be a blocked when the self-calibration routine 14 has not yet carried out the self-calibration sufficiently enough or to a sufficiently advanced extent. FIG. 1 shows, for example, that two sub-functions T1, T2 are provided for the vehicle device 11, for example the headlamp system 12. Whereas the sub-function T1 is already available or is activated depending on the current calibration state data 19 so that a user can select it for activation, the sub-function T2 is blocked or barred in the state shown in FIG. 1, i.e. it cannot be activated or selected by the user in the current calibration state of the vehicle device 11. A self-calibration routine 14 can be derived here from the prior art, where self-calibration routines in conjunction with, for example, headlamp systems and/or cameras and/or driver assistance systems are known.

[0048] In particular, however, it is provided instead not to block a sub-function T1, T2, i.e. a sub-function 21, completely, but rather to set at least one function parameter F in the vehicle device 11, i.e., for example, the headlamp system 12, by a respective function data set D, with a respectively suitable value for the sub-function 21 which corresponds to or takes account of the current calibration state or the current progress of the self-calibration routine.

[0049] In other words, a configuration data set D can be selected from a plurality of provided or prepared configuration data sets 26 depending on the respective current calibration state data 19, and at least one function parameter F can therefore be set or configured in the manner described in the vehicle device 11.

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of how the motor vehicle 10 can be operated on the basis of the processor circuit 20. During a production process or manufacturing process 22, the vehicle device 11 can be fitted or installed in the motor vehicle 10 in a process S10, i.e. the headlamp system 12, for example, can be installed in the motor vehicle 10. This results in an installation position 15 which, for example, can be characterized by the installation angle 17.

[0051] The possible sub-functions 21 can further be provided or made available to the vehicle device 11, for example a headlamp system 12, by a data configuration in a process S11, wherein, however, the sub-functions are then still blocked or deactivated.

[0052] In a process S12, an initial calibration can be provided in the factory or by customer service. A handover 23 to a user can then take place. During a driving operation 24 which the user carries out with his motor vehicle 10, the automated calibration can be performed in a process S13 by the self-calibration routine 14. This can be carried out in a plurality of iterations 25. Depending on the resulting calibration state data 19, a function enablement and/or a function adaptation can be performed by the processor circuit 20 in a process S14 by suitable function parameters F, in each case according to the current state of the self-calibration routine 14 or the progress of the self-calibration.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how an enablement and/or a suitable configuration data set D can be selected depending on a calibration quality which can be expressed as a progress value P of the self-calibration routine 14, in each case for at least one sub-function 21. This is described in more detail below on the basis of the example of the headlamp system 12. The progress value P can be specified or defined, for example, in a value interval from zero percent to 100 percent, wherein 0 percent can represent the state without calibration or following the initial calibration from process S12 (see FIG. 2), whereas 100 percent can describe the successful completion of the self-calibration routine 14 in the motor vehicle 10.

[0054] For a plurality of different threshold values 30, a configuration data set 26 can be provided in each case for at least one sub-function 21. For P=0 percent, for example, a simple enablement of the high beam (binary, non-dynamic high beam) and/or a provision of a projection or a light pattern can be provided. For P=25 percent (value purely by way of example), at least one further light pattern can be provided. Additionally or alternatively, a resolution increase can be provided for the light pattern from P=0 percent, and this can be set with a corresponding configuration data set 26. For P=50 percent (value by way of example), a matrix LED headlamp function (LED-Light Emitting Diode), for example, can be enabled and/or can be configured with a configuration data set 26.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, a sign glare control can be configured. For P=75 percent (value by way of example), a gap size for dynamic high beam (distance from the cut-off point to the oncoming vehicle), for example, can be reduced compared with the previous configuration data sets. Additionally or alternatively, an illumination width can be reduced compared with the previous configuration data sets 26. For P=100 percent (value by way of example), the gap size, for example, can be configured to a minimum value. Additionally or alternatively, an illumination width for the sign glare control can be set to a minimum value, since the maximum precision is then available.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of possible function parameters which can be configured by a respective configuration data set. This illustration uses the example of the described headlamp system 12.

[0057] By a lighting set-up 40 or projection 40, a light pattern 41 can be projected by the headlamp system onto a surface under a vehicle. The selection of the light pattern and/or a pixel resolution or pixel size can be configured by a configuration data set. A glare-free high beam 41 as a sub-function can provide that, in the case of a high beam illumination, a cut-off point 42 has a predetermined distance 43 to another vehicle in front or oncoming vehicle 44. This distance 43 can be modified or varied by a configuration data set. A track light 45 can be configured, for example, in relation to a path of the cut-off point 42. Additionally or alternatively, an orientation light 46 can be configured. A marker light 47 can be configured, for example, in relation to an angular resolution or width 48 for a sign glare control of a detected traffic sign 49.

[0058] An alternative approach to function enablement is therefore described within the framework of this concept. A professional installation of the headlamp, projector, rear light by production/customer service is ensured (S10). The data configuration of the control units is further performed (S11). However, the calibration is omitted or is carried out with rough precision (e.g. adjustment, process S12). This saves time in production and customer service. The resulting costs are therefore at least partially eliminated. During driving operation, an automatic calibration takes place (e.g. according to DE 10 2013 105 506 A1). The algorithm successively determines the incorrect setting of the light module or headlamp. Depending on the calibration quality according to the calibration state data 19, resulting e.g. from the variation between the calibration results, the light functions are sequentially enabled or their performance is improved. For example: a headlamp with a matrix LED functionality is exchanged in customer service. The cut-off point of the low beam is set to the prescribed value. A remaining tolerance is then assumed for the coupling of the low-beam and high-beam module. The gap around road users that is to be masked is therefore initially increased. In ongoing driving operation, an automatic calibration determines the headlamp setting with increasing quality. The gap size can be successively reduced depending on this quality parameter. The performance of the adaptive high beam increases.

[0059] An enablement of light functions such as marker light, sign glare control, ground projections, track light, etc. as from a specific calibration quality is similarly conceivable.

[0060] The costs for production and customer service for commissioning the lighting system therefore advantageously fall.

[0061] A calibration quality is expressed with the progress value P. This provides evidence of the quality of the calculated incorrect setting. The variation in the calibration results can be used, for example, when the result approximates the true incorrect setting. The format of the calibration quality can be chosen as required. The calibration algorithm, for example, generates a quality signal in the range from 0% (no calibration is carried out) to 100% (negligible deviance in the result). When the calibration quality exceeds parameterizable threshold values 30, the light functions are progressively enabled or their configuration is adapted.

[0062] The number of enablement/optimization steps is freely selectable. The initial (where appropriate permanent) enablement of light functions is also possible. Specific light functions are not explicitly defined within the framework of this concept. The method is conceivable for all (calibration-relevant) light functions. A blocking of functions according to the calibration quality is also to be provided. To provide information relating to the instantaneous learning status, feedback can be implemented for the customer, e.g. the customer has the facility to query the instantaneous commissioning state via the vehicle settings. This should be communicated attractively and as vehicle intelligence. Assuming that a function is enabled by the customer or customer service (e.g. function on demand), a warning, when necessary a blocking of the function, is possible when the function is not enabled.

[0063] The adaptation of functional characteristics is for example performed depending on the calibration quality, in particular the adaptation of the gap size of the matrix beam or the textural configuration of high-resolution projection systems. A configuration of this type permits early function enablement with increasing optimization, since a (possibly restricted) functional scope can already be provided with the currently available calibration quality according to the progress value.

[0064] The successive enablement and blocking of sub-functions such as sign glare control, matrix LED, etc., depending on a calibration quality (in both directions, increasing vs. decreasing quality)) are preferred possible uses.

[0065] Modification of the functional configuration depending on calibration quality (in both directions (increasing vs. decreasing quality)) is possible by configuration data sets. This includes, for example, adaptation of the gap size of the matrix beam (large gaps with low calibration quality and narrow gaps with high quality) or the textural configuration of high-resolution projection systems (e.g. low-detail or broad textures with low calibration quality and high-detail or narrow textures with high quality).

[0066] An automatic calibration can be evaluated in the driving operation. The algorithm of the self-calibration routine successively determines the incorrect setting of the light module. Depending on the calibration quality which results e.g. from the variation between the calibration results, the light functions are sequentially enabled or their performance is improved.

[0067] On the whole, the examples show how an approach to the function enablement of light functions can be provided depending on calibration quality.

[0068] A description has been provided with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof and examples, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the claims which may include the phrase at least one of A, B and C as an alternative expression that means one or more of A, B and C may be used, contrary to the holding in Superguide v. DIRECTV, 358 F3d 870, 69 USPQ2d 1865 (Fed. Cir. 2004).