Title

Vehicle Computer and Vehicle, Method, Computer Program and Computer Program Product

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle computer, in particular, a vehicle process computer having a real-time operating system, as well as a vehicle comprising the vehicle computer, a method for operating the vehicle computer, a computer program and a computer program product.

Prior art

A conventional vehicle may comprise a computer or a plurality of computers for controlling a function of the vehicle, for example, for controlling the engine and/or for assisting the driver, for example, for navigation. In such case, the computer provides the respective function.

Since the computers are designed, for example, for controlling the engine, they lack flexibility in conventional vehicles and their function is limited.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved vehicle computer and a corresponding method, computer program and computer program product.

Disclosure of the Invention

An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, comprising an interface for inputting and outputting signals, a memory for storing commands, a processor connected to the interface and the memory for processing the signals by means of the stored commands, wherein the vehicle computer is designed in such a way that the signals may be processed in real time, and the vehicle computer provides a plurality of modules for assisting a driver of a vehicle. The vehicle computer may be designed as a process computer. As a result, the flexibility and functionality of the vehicle computer may be increased. In addition, the operation of the vehicle may be simplified. In addition, the comfort and safety may be improved.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises a coordination module for coordinating the plurality of modules. As a result, the structure of the vehicle computer may be simplified. In addition, the flexibility and functionality of the vehicle computer may be further enhanced.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises a temperature regulating module for regulating a vehicle interior temperature (interior temperature) subject to the time or the position of the vehicle. For example, this may enable, in the case of a summer compensation, for example, the interior temperature to be adjusted to the temperature at the travel destination (arrival destination temperature) already before or upon arrival at the travel destination. As a result, it may be possible to reduce or even prevent influences on health, such as hypothermia and drafts and symptoms of illness in vehicle occupants. In addition, the interior temperature may, for example, be set by remote access to a departure point temperature prior to departure from a point of departure or starting point of the trip.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises a communication module for linking the vehicle computer to a network. In this way, a communication with external systems, such as emergency systems, service systems and traffic guidance systems, and/or remote access may be enabled. Thus, it is possible, for example, to transmit operating messages, fault messages, accident reports or maintenance messages.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises a search assist module for assisting in a search for an available position depending on the position of the vehicle. As a result, it may be possible, at the travel destination, for example, to display, navigate to or stop at an available parking space. In addition, this may improve vehicle navigation, thus, the driving time or travel time may be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, comprising carbon dioxide emissions and traffic noise.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises a find assist module for assisting in a search for the vehicle. As a result, locating of the vehicle, for example, in the event of forgetting the parking space, of hijacking or theft of the vehicle, may be simplified and accelerated.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, wherein the plurality of modules for supporting the driver consists of a request assist module for assisting in a sending of a request signal. As a result, it is possible following a traffic accident of the vehicle, to transmit an accident report with accident data, comprising the location of the accident (site of accident) to the competent emergency personnel and/or rescuers. This may shorten the response time and response time of the emergency personnel and rescuers. This may also optimize the reporting of the traffic accident.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle computer, further comprising an operating interface for operating the vehicle computer, being connected to the interface and designed as a rearview mirror, for example, an interior rearview mirror. This may enhance the clarity and, therefore, the operability and safety. When installed in an older vehicle (retrofitting), this may prevent damage to the vehicle, for example, in the area of the dashboard.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, for example, a ground vehicle, aircraft or watercraft, which comprises the vehicle computer. The vehicle may be designed, for example, as a passenger vehicle, truck, bus or tour bus or an airplane.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system that comprises the vehicle computer.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method for operating a vehicle computer, comprising an interface for inputting and outputting signals, a memory for storing commands, a processor connected to the interface and the memory for processing the signals by means of the stored commands, comprising providing a plurality of modules for assisting a driver of a vehicle with the aid of the vehicle computer, and processing of the signals in real time with the aid of the vehicle computer.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein providing the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises the provision of a coordination module for coordinating the plurality of modules.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein providing the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises providing a temperature regulating module for regulating a vehicle interior temperature subject to the time or a position of the vehicle.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein providing the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises providing a communication module for linking the vehicle computer to a network.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein providing of the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises providing a search assist module for assisting in the search for an available position depending on the position of the vehicle.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein the provision of the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises providing a find assist module for assisting in a search for the vehicle.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, wherein providing the plurality of modules for assisting the driver comprises providing a request assist module for assisting in a sending of a request signal.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding method, further comprising providing an operating interface for operating the vehicle computer, being connected to the interface, and designed as a rearview mirror, for example, an interior rearview mirror.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program, stored on a data medium or in a memory of a computer and comprising commands readable by a processor of the computer intended for executing one of the corresponding methods when the commands are executed by the processor.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising the computer program.

The object achieved is described with reference to a claimed device. The functional features of the device may be embodied by corresponding concrete computer-implemented modules, for example, microprocessor modules. The device, the method and the system may also be integrated as embedded systems. The features mentioned, advantages and/or alternative embodiments may also be applied to the other claimed subject matters and vice versa. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed figure description, exemplary embodiments, understood to be non- limiting, are described with their features and additional advantages with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle comprising a vehicle computer according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an assist system according to this embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the vehicle computer and/or of the assist system according to this embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 10 comprising a vehicle computer 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The vehicle 10 comprises the vehicle computer 100. The vehicle computer 100 comprises a processor 1 10, a memory 120, and an interface 140. The processor 1 10 is controlled by commands 130 and processes signals. The processor 1 10 may be designed, for example, as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The memory 120 stores data, for example, the commands 130, the signals and additional data. The memory 120 may be designed as a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The interface 140 receives signals, which are processed by the processor 1 10, and outputs signals that have been calculated by the processor 1 10. The interface 140 may be designed as a wired interface or as a wireless interface. The interface may be designed as an interface for a data bus, for example, a field bus such as a CAN (controller area network) bus (ISO 1 1898) or a SCAN bus. The vehicle computer 100 is designed in such a way that the signals may be processed in real time. In addition, the vehicle computer 100 may also comprise a real-time operating system. The vehicle computer 100 may be designed as a process computer. The vehicle computer 100 may serve as an integration platform. The vehicle computer 100 may provide a plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting a driver of a vehicle 100. The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 is described with reference to Figure 2. The vehicle computer 100 may provide a method 30 for assisting the driver. The method 30 is described with reference to Figure 3. The vehicle computer 100 may be designed for installation in a new vehicle as a build-in module or build- in printed circuit board or for installation in an older vehicle as a retrofit part or replacement part.

The vehicle 10 may also comprise an air conditioning unit 200 having an air outlet 200 for emitting incoming air and for tempering an interior of the vehicle 10. The air conditioning unit 200 may, for example, be designed as a climate control. The air conditioning unit 200 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 is able to transmit control signals to the air conditioning unit 200.

The vehicle 10 may further comprise an operating interface 300 for operating the vehicle computer 100. The operating interface 300 may comprise control elements, for example, control knobs, manual regulators or operating sliders. The operating interface 300 may comprise a display element, for example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED), illuminated display or liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch-sensitive display (touch screen). The operating interface 300 may comprise an electroacoustic control element, such as a loudspeaker or a microphone, so that the operation may be message- controlled or voice-controlled, for example. The operating interface 300 may, for example, be mounted on the steering wheel, in the dashboard and on the interior rearview mirror. The operating interface 300 may be designed as an operating rearview mirror. The operating rearview mirror may comprise a movable, for example, retractable, slidable, rotatable, foldable or pivotable operating interface 300. The operating interface 300 may be designed for installation as an assembly part in a new vehicle or as a retrofit part or replacement part in an older vehicle. The operating interface 300 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 and the operating interface 300 may exchange signals.

The vehicle 10 may further comprise a sensor or a plurality of sensors 400,... 600 for detecting signals in and/or on the vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 may, for example, comprise an incoming air temperature sensor 400 for detecting signals as a function of a temperature of the incoming air. The incoming air temperature sensor 400 may be disposed in the area of the air outlet in such a way that it is able to detect the temperature of the incoming air. The incoming air temperature sensor 400 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 is able to receive signals from the incoming air temperature sensor 400. The vehicle 10 may, for example, comprise an exterior temperature sensor 500 for detecting signals as a function of a temperature outside the vehicle 10. The exterior temperature sensor 500 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 is able to receive signals from the exterior temperature sensor 500.

The vehicle 10 may, for example, comprise an interior temperature sensor 600 for detecting signals as a function of a temperature of the interior. The interior temperature sensor 600 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 is able to receive signals from the interior temperature sensor 600.

The vehicle 10 may further comprise a communication device 700 for receiving and/or sending signals. The communication device 700 may comprise an antenna 710 for receiving and/or sending signals. The communication device 700 may, for example, be designed for communicating with a mobile telecommunications system such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or a satellite, such as communications satellite. The navigation device 700 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle 100 and the navigation device 700 are able to exchange signals.

The vehicle 10 may further comprise a navigation device 800 for positioning and/or route calculation. The navigation device 800 may comprise an antenna 810 for receiving and/or sending signals. The navigation device 800 may comprise sensors for detecting signals as a function of the position of the vehicle 100, for example, wheel sensors or magnetic field sensors. The navigation device 800 may be designed as an autonomous navigation device or satellite device, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) or Galileo, or radio- supported navigation device. The navigation device 800 may be connected to the interface 140, so that the vehicle computer 100 and the navigation device 800 are able to exchange signals.

The vehicle 10 may further comprise a recording device 900, for example, a camera for recording data, such as image data and/or acoustic data. For example, the recording device 900 may be designed in such a way that it records data cyclically until an event, such as an accident, occurs. Alternatively, the recording device 900 may be designed in such a way that it records the data when the event occurs.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an assist system 20 according to this embodiment of the invention. The assist system 20 comprises a plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting a driver of the vehicle 10. The modules 21 26 of the plurality of modules 21 26, communicate with one another, for example, by means of interfaces, such as software interfaces or gateways. The plurality of modules 21 26 may be implemented, for example, with the aid of the vehicle computer 100. In this case, the plurality of modules 12,... 26 may be designed in the software and/or hardware.

The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting the driver comprises a coordination module 21 for coordinating the plurality of modules 21 26. The coordination module 21 monitors and controls the remaining modules 22,... 26 and their interplay.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coordination module 21 is designed as a vehicle temperature compensation start destination assistant manager (Fahrzeug- TemperaturKompsensationsStartZielAssitentsManger, FTKSZAM).

The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting the driver comprises a temperature regulator module 22 for regulating a vehicle interior temperature subject to the time and a position of the vehicle.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature regulator module 22 is designed as a temperature compensation start destination assistant (Temperatur- KompensationsStartZielassistant, TKSZA). Prior to departure, the position of the vehicle is determined or the starting location of the trip is inputted. The final trip destination (destination address) and the desired interior temperature are also inputted. From the position or the starting location and the final destination, the TKSZA is able to determine a distance between the starting location and the final destination, a corresponding travel time and/or an estimated time of arrival (ETA). The TKSZA monitors cyclically the exterior temperature, the incoming air temperature, the interior temperature and the current position of the vehicle 10, for example, via the navigation device 800 or a satellite, and evaluates these. During a time interval prior to arrival at the final destination, the TKSZA is able to adjust or raise the interior temperature, for example, within +/- 2 Kelvin, to the arrival destination temperature. The duration of the time interval may last, for example, 15 minutes up to 45 minutes such as 30 minutes. Upon arrival, the TKSZA may be switched off automatically. The TKSZA is able to cyclically monitor and evaluate the interior temperature, in order, for example to prevent the vehicle 10 from heating up when it is parked. The plurality of modules 21 26 for assisting the driver comprises a communication module

23 for linking the vehicle computer to a network.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication module 23 is designed as a maintenance alert dial-in manager (WartungsAlarmEinwahlManager, WAEM). The WAEM is able to supply an alert function, fault function, maintenance function and/or state function to a mobile telephone or smartphone, for example, via text message (short message service, SMS), multimedia message (multimedia messaging service, MMS) or email. The aggregates of the vehicle 10, such as, starter, battery, compressor, such as chiller, alternator, engine, water pump may be monitored. The aggregates preferably have individual addresses for this purpose, and are connected to the vehicle computer 100 via a bus, such as a CAN bus or SCAN bus. If a fault occurs in one of the aggregates, the WAEM detects the fault and transmits a text message or multimedia message to a stored number and/or an email to a stored email address. The WAEM may enable remote access to the vehicle 10 with the aid of a computer, such as a notebook computer or smartphone. The remote access may be carried out, for example, by means of a virtual private network (VPN), such as OpenVPN. For this purpose, a connection is established first, followed by a transmission of a request, then a processing of the transmitted request for determining a response, and a transmission of the response and finally a disconnection. In this way, it is possible to remotely query and check the state of the vehicle 10 and its aggregates. For example, it is possible to determine fluid levels, such as the transmission oil level, motor oil level, coolant level or fuel level. The interior temperature may be determined and/or the desired interior temperature may be set. If a trip is imminent, the starting location and the final destination of the trip may be inputted remotely. The WAEM may allow remote access to the bus.

The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting the driver comprises a search assist module

24 for assisting in a search for an available position depending on the position of the vehicle.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the search assist module 24 is designed as a parking space search assistant (ParkplatzSuchAssistent, PPSA). Prior to departure, the position of the vehicle is determined or the starting location of the trip is inputted. The destination address is also inputted. The PPSA is able to determine and/or navigate to an available parking space or all available parking spaces at the destination address. For this purpose, the PPSA is able, from the destination address indicated, to first determine whether the destination address is associated with an individual parking space, for example, a visitor parking space or a private or company-owned parking facility (private destination address, private address), or whether the destination address is not associated with any individual parking space (public destination address), so that, in order to park the vehicle 10 at the destination address, it is necessary to navigate to a parking space in public space, for example, on the marginal strip, hard shoulder or median strip. To determine this, the PPSA may access map material, comprising information on parking spaces. Alternatively or in addition, the PPSA may, for example, via the WAEM, access a data source, such as a database or a server, supplying information on addresses. The data source may, for example, be a publically accessible data source on the Internet or a data source of the assist system. If the PPSA has determined that the destination address is a private destination address, it may output or display and/or announce the possibility of parking as "all right" or "ok", and the navigation to the destination address may be calculated and implemented. If the PPSA has determined that the destination is a public destination address, it may also initially calculate and implement the calculation to the destination address. For this purpose, the PPSA may determine a distance between the starting location and the destination address, a corresponding travel time and/or an estimated time of arrival. In addition, the PPSA may update the calculation cyclically. Prior to arrival at the destination address, the PPSA may determine and navigate to a nearest available parking space. For this purpose, the PPSA may determine a distance between destination address and the available parking space, a corresponding travel time, an estimated time of arrival to the available parking space and/or an estimated time of arrival to the destination location. To determine this, the PPSA is able to access current parking space information, comprising currently available parking spaces. For this purpose, the PPSA is able to access via the WAEM, for example, a data source, such as a data base or a server, which provides the parking space information. The data source may, for example, be a publically accessible data source on the Internet which, for example, is provided and updated by a parking facility at the destination location, or a data source of the assist system. To update the data source, the parking spaces may, for example, be monitored with sensors, such as magnetic-field sensors and/or ultrasound sensors and/or a camera, which are installed at or in the parking facility or on satellites, which have instantaneous visual contact with the parking spaces. In the case of a plurality of available parking spaces, the PPSA is able to select one available parking space.

The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting the driver comprises a find assist module 25 for assisting in a search for the vehicle.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the find assist module 25 is designed as a vehicle search assistant (FahrzeugSuchAssistent, FSA) or passenger-car-search assistant (PKW-SuchAssistent, PSA). The FSA is able to provide a vehicle position function, for example, via test message, multimedia message, email or remote access. For this purpose, the FSA is able to read or determine by positioning and to automatically transmit or provide by remote access the position of the vehicle with the aid of the WAEM, for example, via text message, multimedia message or email.

The plurality of modules 21 ,... 26 for assisting the driver comprises a request assist module 26 for assisting in the sending of a request signal.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the request assist module 26 is designed as an accident site reporting assistant (Unfallstelle-MeldeAssistent, UMA). The UMA is able to provide an accident reporting function, for example, via test message, multimedia message or email. For this purpose, the UMA is able to read, or determine by positioning, the position of the vehicle as an accident site, and to automatically transmit an accident report, for example, with the aid the WAEM, via text message, multimedia message or email to the emergency services and/or rescue services. The emergency services and/or rescue services are able to determine emergency personnel or rescuers in the vicinity of the accident site, which may be identified and alerted. Moreover, they are also able to transmit or relay the accident report to the emergency personnel and rescuers. The accident report may comprise additional accident data, image data and/or acoustic data of the accident. The accident data may have been recorded with the recording device 900 of the vehicle 10 prior to, during and/or after the accident.

Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 30 for operating the vehicle computer 100 and/or the assist system 20 according to this embodiment of the invention.

The method 30 starts with step 31 .

The method 30 comprises step 32. In step 32 (input), the signals are received as input signals, for example, via the interface 140. These input signals may, for example, be provided by the sensors 400,... 600, the air conditioning unit 200, the communication device 700 or the navigation device 800, and/or may originate from a person, such as the driver, via the operating interface 300.

The method 30 comprises step 33. In step 33 (processing), the input signals are processed with the aid of the vehicle computer 100, the support system 20 or the method 30 according to the desired function, and output signals are generated. During processing, additional signals, such as earlier signals and status signals may be taken into account. The method 30 comprises step 34. In step 34 (output), the output signals are outputted, for example, via the interface 140. These output signals may be transmitted to the air conditioning unit 200, the communication device 700 or the navigation device 800, and/or may be transmitted to the person via the operating interface 300.

The method 30 comprises step 35. In step 35, it is checked whether the desired function is completed. If the desired function is not yet completed, 35.1 branches according to the method to step 32, and step 32 is executed again. If the desired function is completed, the method 30 ends with step 36.