DE102007014531A1 - Information displaying method for e.g. motor vehicle, involves producing image data to display information, utilizing image data to discriminate information of categories, and reproducing image data on displays of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for displaying information in a vehicle, in which states of vehicle equipment and / or environment information are detected and transmitted as information units to a control device (3), which information units are assigned to a first category when they relate to the present and related to a second category, when referring to the future, image data is generated for display of the information units in which information units of the first category are distinguishably represented by information units of the second category, and the image data is read from a display device (6 to 8) in the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding device for displaying information in a vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for displaying information in a vehicle in which conditions of vehicle equipment and / or Environment information captured and as information units a control device are transmitted. Further concerns the present invention is a device for displaying information in a vehicle with sensors for detecting conditions vehicle equipment and / or an interface for receiving of environmental information. The sensors and / or the interface are coupled to a controller that controls the states the vehicle equipment and / or the environmental information as Information units are transmitted.

In modern motor vehicles are the vehicle occupants, in particular the driver a lot of information about various display devices displayed. This results the problem that in particular the driver presented the To quickly capture and evaluate information. It is especially for The driver important to decide if he is due a displayed vehicle condition or displayed environment information must take immediate action or whether from the information presented changes regarding his driving behavior. It is particularly important that the driver when detecting and interpreting the information as little as possible from the lead the vehicle is deflected.

From the DE 36 19 824 C2 is a device for displaying the currently valid or safe to the ambient conditions maximum speed for road vehicles is known, which detects and evaluates by means of an electronic image sensor the road ahead and valid for these traffic information signs. Furthermore, from the DE 10 2006 008 703 A1 a driving support system for a vehicle is known in which vehicle images are displayed in the vehicle.

It the object of the present invention is a method and a Device of the type mentioned above, through which the Information in the vehicle can be displayed to a vehicle occupant From this quickly and intuitively clearly differentiable action recommendation can derive.

According to the invention this object by a method having the features of the claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 12 solved. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims.

at the method according to the invention become states covered by vehicle equipment and / or environmental information and transmitted as information units to a control device. The Information units are assigned to a first category, when referring to the present, and a second category assigned when referring to the future. Subsequently become image data for the display of the information units in which information units of the first category are distinguishable represented by information units of the second category. The Image data is then output from a display device reproduced in the vehicle.

Of the Invention is based on the knowledge that the totality of all Facts displayed in the vehicle via a display in Form of system displays or system warnings content in statements in terms of the present and statements regarding the future are categorizable. Depending on the category of information this will visualized differently. That way the viewer can intuitively and quickly grasp whether those related to the present Information requires immediate response. equally the viewer can quickly recognize when there is information refers to the future and therefore may influence the has future driving style.

The Conditions of the vehicle equipment and / or the environmental information can be detected by vehicle sensors and / or by external Facilities are transferred. At the vehicle sensors may be level sensors for containers the vehicle, temperature sensors and / or tire pressure sensors act. Measured values of these sensors are assigned to the first category, if they exceed or fall below a threshold. falls For example, the tire pressure below a certain threshold an immediate reaction from the driver is required. Further The vehicle sensors can detect whether the vehicle equipment work properly or if they are broken are. If certain devices are defective, it is determined whether an immediate reaction of the driver is required, for example the safety of the vehicle is impaired. In this Case, the information is assigned to the first category. Is not immediate response may be required, the information of the second Category assigned to the driver z. B. to point out that the facility in question will be repaired in the near future should or should be a working fluid of the vehicle should be refilled.

The environment information includes, in particular, environmental conditions such as weather information, road condition information, and / or traffic information. This information These are usually related to the future and are therefore assigned to the second category. If, for example, an ice alert, a high traffic density or a severe weather warning is displayed, the driver can adjust his driving style accordingly.

The Image data preferably gives a three-dimensional modeled environment again, in which the representation of the information units is embedded. For example, the information units of the second Category as a semi-transparent overlay of the modeled Environment or as a graphical appearance of areas of the modeled Be presented environment. Under graphical appearance becomes an adjustment the texture, color, shading, or rendering of the understood graphic representation. Information units of the first Category can z. B. as a surface shell model, especially as a partially animated colored surface shell model being represented. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is modeled in the Surrounding the front part of your own vehicle shown. hereby the viewer can visualize in the vehicle more easily in the Orient the surroundings of the vehicle.

The Representation of the three-dimensional modeled environment of the vehicle corresponds abstracted and schematic of the real environment, in the vehicle is moving. Abstracted and schematic means in this regard, that if the vehicle is in an inner city Environment is located on the display a built-up area is shown, which roughly corresponds to the real environment. To create this environment, are in a memory geographic Environment data stored, to which the inventive Process accesses. The buildings and streets However, when creating the image data are not modeled in detail, but preferred only by white bodies that are in shape and relation to the environment correspond approximately to the real buildings, shown. The same applies to overland, Motorway or all other types of rides: On the display device the real driving environment or landscape is shown only schematically.

Of the Detail shown on the display shows the modeled environment in a light bird's eye view. The Driver offers itself in this way a forward-looking excerpt the distance ahead from a point of view higher lies as the driver's seat position.

The modeled environment is preferably displayed without texture and the coloring and color effect of this representation corresponds to such as the effect of an architectural model made of white material.

The Information units in this case become one of reality corresponding striking coloring of individual objects visualized. For example, the system statement "Caution, red light" visualized by the fact that in the modeled environment a corresponding the current real driving situation placed on the road Traffic light is shown essentially in white, its topmost lamp shows a bright red light. Similarly, the System statement "Caution, lane becomes single lane" by be visualized that on the roadway in the modeled environment analogous to the real driving situation, the corresponding traffic sign is displayed, again strikingly and in color. The information units are thus in the white schematic-modeled figure clearly recognizable as relevant information so that they are the driver can capture quickly and intuitively.

The Road network is replicated exactly in the modeled environment. Crossroads, roundabouts and junctions are displayed, as well they actually exist in the real driving situation. For this purpose, the inventive method on a digital road map and / or the data from ambient cameras access. When creating the image data, the roads become initially, like everything in the modeled environment, shown in white. The information units concern notes of navigation and Route guidance, for example, a colored arrow the corresponding streets, in which the to busy road highlighted as relevant information in color becomes. The important points for orientation, such. As a church or other landmarks, can also be highlighted in color. You can also regarding their modeling more elaborate than the rest Objects are visualized.

According to one another preferred embodiment of the invention The information units are subdivided into further subcategories. The subcategories include information units for driving and Route situation, information units about the condition of the vehicle and infotainment features. For displaying the image data Preferably, a plurality of display devices are provided, the image data in this case, depending on the subcategory reproduced on one or more of these display devices.

The subdivision of the subcategories allows the quick learning of the logical structure of the displays and the retrieval of functions by the driver or another vehicle sat. The subdivision can be selected identically for each model type and vehicle equipment, so that identical functions can be found in different vehicles while retaining the same logical content structure. Novel functions can thus be subdivided into the logical subdivision into the subcategories so that the possible display contents are freely scalable. In this way, additional functions can be inexpensively added.

The first subcategory, which information units for driving and Contains route situation, contains u. a. Navigation instructions, Driving recommendations and route information. The information units to the state of the vehicle of the second subcategory include u. a. Information on the level of operating fluids, tire pressure and instructions, if certain vehicle equipment, as light sources of the lighting equipment, are defective. The Infotainment functions of the third subcategory include multimedia and communication features, game features, and optionally other available entertainment features. The image data to the different subcategories contain distinguishable from each other graphical representations of the information. Furthermore, they are content Prioritized, the information units to the driving and track situation the highest priority, the information units the next higher priority is given to the condition of the vehicle and the infotainment features the lowest priority due.

Of Further is determined depending on the subcategory, on which display device or on which display devices the image data should be reproduced. For example, for the driver may be provided with a so-called head-up display, a display in the instrument cluster, a display in the center console and a display in front of the passenger seat. Furthermore, display devices be provided for the font passengers. Information of the third subcategory, d. H. Infotainment functions are preferred displayed on display devices associated with passengers, Information units of the first two subcategories are preferred displayed on display devices associated with the driver are.

The Inventive device for displaying Information in a vehicle includes sensors for detecting States of vehicle equipment and / or an interface to receive environmental information. Furthermore, the device comprises a control device coupled to the sensors and / or the interface, the states of the vehicle equipment and / or the Transmit environment information as information units become. The control device of the invention Device comprises a categorization unit for assigning the Information units of a first category when they are on refer to the present, and to associate the information units a second category when referring to the future. Furthermore, the control device comprises an image data generation unit for generating image data for displaying the information units, where information items of the first category are distinguishable from Information units of the second category are shown. After all the device according to the invention has a display device for reproducing the image data in the vehicle.

at The vehicle sensors are in particular level sensors for containers of the vehicle, temperature sensors and / or tire pressure sensors. Furthermore, the sensors Detect operating conditions of other vehicle equipment and in particular, determine if a device is defective.

The Image data generation unit of the invention Device is preferred for generating image data of a three-dimensional formed modeled environment in which the representation of the Information units is embedded.

According to one another preferred embodiment of the invention Device is the information units in other subcategories divided, with the subcategories information units for Driving and route situation, information units to the state of Vehicle and infotainment features include. Furthermore are preferably provides a plurality of display devices, which the image data depending on the subcategory.

The Invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment Explained with reference to the drawings.

1 shows schematically the structure of an embodiment of the device according to the invention,

2 shows a display generated by means of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which shows a three-dimensionally modulated environment,

3 shows the in 2 shown display, which is superimposed on a schematic ice warning,

4 shows the in 2 shown display superimposed on an example of a snow warning,

5 shows the in 2 shown display superimposed on another example of a snow warning,

6 shows the in 2 display overlaid with a warning for both snowfall and ice slipper,

7 shows a display for a tire pressure warning generated by an embodiment of the method according to the invention,

8th shows a further display generated by an embodiment of the method according to the invention for a route guidance,

9 shows a further display generated by an embodiment of the method according to the invention for visualizing a speed limit,

10 shows an example of the arrangement of the display devices according to an example of the device according to the invention and

11 shows another example of the arrangement of the display devices according to an example of the device according to the invention.

The device comprises sensors 1 for detecting states of various devices of the vehicle. The sensors 1 can detect the level of various containers for operating fluids of the vehicle, such. As the levels of the containers for fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and wiper water. Furthermore, the sensors can 1 detect the functionality of the light sources used in the vehicle, in particular for the headlights and lighting devices of the vehicle. Furthermore, the sensors can 1 detect the air pressure in the tires of the vehicle, the temperature of the cooling water and the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the device comprises an interface 2 over which environmental information can be received. Via this interface, for example, traffic information can be received via the Traffic Message Channel (TMC). Furthermore, data may be retrieved over a cellular data connection or via another data connection to the Internet. About the interface 2 In particular, the device receives geographic traffic and weather information.

The from the vehicle sensors 1 collected data and those over the interface 2 received data is transmitted as information units to a control device 3 transfer. The control device 3 includes a categorization unit 4 , This unit 4 first divides the information units into two main categories: in the first main category all information units which concern the present fall, in the second main category all information units concerning the future fall. To make this division, the control device 3 with a memory 9 is stored in which is stored for a variety of possible situations, whether they should be assigned to the current category or category of the future. In particular, such information units of the present category are assigned, which requires an immediate reaction of the driver or a vehicle occupant. These information units include warning messages, which indicate a safety-critical condition of the vehicle. This can be done for various vehicle sensors in the store 9 Thresholds are stored in the under or exceeding a safety-critical state is detected, which leads to an information unit of the present category. To the current category z. As information units, which indicate a low fuel level, which makes an immediate startup of a gas station required. Furthermore, a warning message is added to a too low tire pressure of the present category, if a further drive at this tire pressure is no longer possible or directly a gas station must be approached to increase the tire pressure. Likewise, an information unit is assigned to a too high cooling water temperature or too low an engine oil level of the present category.

Information units, which are assigned to the category of the future are in particular traffic reports and weather messages, which inform the driver that he must adapt his driving style in a certain distance range or which lead to it. may cause the driver to change his route guidance.

After the information units have been assigned to the two main categories, the categorizer divides 4 the information units still in other subcategories. The first subcategory concerns the driving and route situation, the second subcategory the state of the vehicle and the third subcategory of infotainment functions. The information units are combined with the determined categories of the categorization unit 4 to an image data generation unit 5 transfer.

The image data generation unit 5 generates image data for a display of the information units. First, depending on the type of information unit to be displayed, a three-dimensional one modeled environment, which is related to the information unit to be displayed generated. To generate this image data, the image generation unit uses 5 back to digital geographic data stored in memory 9 are stored. In 2 an example of a three-dimensional modeled environment is shown showing a particular road section and the surroundings of that road section.

The Type of graphic representation of the information unit to be displayed depends on the main category of the information unit. There are different graphical representations for the two main categories used, which allow the viewer, very quickly and intuitively recognize if the presented information unit concerns the present or the future. In this way, in particular the driver of the vehicle immediately recognize if an immediate reaction is required.

Related to the 3 to 6 First, visualizations of weather information of the future category are explained:
The 3 shows an ice alert for the in 2 shown section of the route. The ice alert is called a semi-transparent overlay of the in 2 shown street section shown. It can be seen that the visual appearance of the ice warning overlay differs significantly from the rest of the environment in terms of texture, color, shading, and rendering.

In 4 is an example of the display of a snow warning shown in which the in 2 a semi-transparent two-dimensional representation for snow is superimposed.

In 5 Another possible display for a snow warning is shown. In this case, semi-transparent two-dimensional snowflakes are superimposed on the three-dimensional modeled environment.

A combination of the in the 3 and 5 shown overlays is in 6 which indicates both snowfall and ice slipperiness on the road surface.

In 7 the visualization of a unit of information of the present category is shown:
The sensor for detecting the tire pressure has detected too low a tire pressure in the front right tire. The categorizer 4 has assigned the information category to the present category, since the safety of the vehicle is impaired by this state of the right front tire. In this case, the image data generation unit generates 5 a visualization of the information unit, which differs significantly in terms of the graphic representation of the visualizations described above for information units of the future category. A three-dimensional modeled environment of the vehicle is generated by accessing data stored in the memory 9 are stored. Further, a surface shell model is produced for the tire whose air pressure is critical. The tire shown in this way is additionally provided with a signal color, e.g. B. red, and shown in a black and white representation of the transparent vehicle, as shown in 7 is recognizable. At the in 7 As shown, the driver can immediately and intuitively recognize that there is a warning message of the present-day category, ie, that immediate action is required. Furthermore, he immediately recognizes which vehicle part concerns the warning message.

In 8th is shown another example of an information unit of the future category. In this case, the three-dimensional modeled environment is abstracted and shown schematically. Buildings and streets are not modeled in detail, but only by white bodies that correspond in shape and relation to the environment in approximately the real buildings represented. For better orientation, certain landmarks, such. B. the in 8th illustrated church, highlighted by the graphically modeled church is displayed in color or in hatching. The route information is superimposed on the three-dimensionally modeled environment and preferably in color. Furthermore, the front part of the own vehicle is graphically displayed for easy orientation. The front part of the vehicle can, for. B. also be reproduced as a three-dimensional surface shell model exactly the vehicle in which the information is displayed. As a result, the information visualization is adapted to human cognition.

Another example of information visualization is in 9 shown. In this case, during the route guidance, a traffic sign in the three-dimensionally modeled environment is displayed significantly larger than would normally be in relation to the surroundings. The position of the traffic sign can be detected either by means of a camera mounted on the vehicle or from the memory 9 stored digital road data are read out.

The of the image generation unit 5 generated image data are sent to one or more display devices 6 . 7 and 8th transmitted to one or more vehicle occupants. In the 10 and 11 possible arrangements of the display devices are shown. On the one hand, the display is in the instrument cluster of the vehicle direction 6 provided, which provides information to the driver. In the center console is a display device 7 provided which provides information to both the driver and the passenger. Finally, a so-called. Head-up display 8th be provided, which projects the driver information in the windshield.

The control device 3 determined on the basis of the category in particular the subcategory on which display device or on which display devices the image data to be displayed. Information units of the first subcategory to the driving and track situation are z. B. only in the display device 6 of the instrument cluster and in the head-up display 8th presented to the driver. Information units of the second subcategory to the state of the vehicle may, for. B. both in the display device 6 of the instrument cluster as well as in the display device 7 in the center console. Information units of the third subcategory to infotainment functions can be used exclusively on the display device 7 be displayed in the center console or display devices that are provided in front of the front passenger seat or for the font passengers are displayed.

1

sensors

2

interface

3

control device

4

categorization unit

5

Image data generating unit

6

display device

7

display device

8th

display device

9

Storage

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 3619824 C2 [0003]
• DE 102006008703 A1 [0003]

Claims (16)

Method for displaying information in a vehicle, in which - states of vehicle devices and / or surroundings information are recorded and transmitted as information units to a control device ( 3 ), the information units are assigned to a first category when they relate to the present and are assigned to a second category when they relate to the future, image data is generated for a display of the information units in which information units of the first category distinguishable by information units of the second category, and - the image data from a display device ( 6 to 8th ) are reproduced in the vehicle. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the states of the vehicle devices and / or the environment information by means of vehicle sensors ( 1 ) and / or transmitted by external bodies. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the vehicle sensors ( 1 ) Level sensors for containers of the vehicle, temperature sensors and / or tire pressure sensors comprise and that measured values of these sensors ( 1 ) are assigned to the first category if they exceed or fall below a threshold. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the environmental information environmental conditions including weather information, road condition information and / or traffic information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image data is a three-dimensional Render modeled environment into which the representation of the Information units is embedded. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that the information units of the second category as a semi-transparent overlay the modeled environment are shown. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information units of the second Category as a graphic impression of areas of the modeled Environment are shown. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information units of the first Category shown as surface shell model become. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that in the modeled environment of front part of the own vehicle is displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information units in further Subcategories are subdivided, with the subcategories Information Units to the driving and track situation, information units to the state of the vehicle and infotainment features. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that a plurality of display devices ( 6 to 8th ) and that the image data is dependent on the subcategory on one or more of these display devices ( 6 to 8th ). Device for displaying information in a vehicle comprising: - sensors ( 1 ) for detecting states of vehicle devices and / or an interface ( 2 ) for receiving environmental information, - one with the sensors ( 1 ) and / or the interface ( 2 ) coupled control device ( 3 ), which transmits the states of the vehicle devices and / or the environment information as information units and which comprises: - a categorization unit ( 4 ) for associating the information items of a first category when they relate to the present and for assigning the information items of a second category when referring to the future, and an image data generation unit ( 5 ) for generating image data for displaying the information units, wherein information units of the first category are distinguishably represented by information units of the second category, and - a display device ( 6 to 8th ) for reproducing the image data in the vehicle. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the vehicle sensors ( 1 ) Vehicle level sensors, temperature sensors and / or tire pressure sensors. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the image data generation unit ( 5 ) for generating image data of a three-dimensional modeled environment in which the representation of the information units is embedded. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the information units are subdivided into further subcategories, wherein the subcategories comprise information units for the driving and route situation, information units for the state of the vehicle and infotainment functions. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that in that a plurality of display devices are provided which store the image data depending on the subcategory.