DE102022106942A1 - Method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles (1, 2, 3), each of the vehicles (1) involved comprising at least the following components: - a communication interface (4); - a human-machine interface (5) ;- an infotainment system (9) with a processor (10), the method comprising at least the following steps in the order mentioned:a. by a user (14) using a human-machine interface (5,15), defining a tour (16) which is to be traveled with a group of vehicles (1,2,3);b. upon a command from a user (14), transmitting an invitation (17) to the communication interface (4) of at least one other vehicle (2,3) to take part in the specified tour (16);c. in response to the received invitation (17) by means of a human-machine interface (5,15) of one of the other drivers (12,13) of the other vehicle (2,3), displaying the invitation (17) and a request (18) to confirm for the driver (12,13) of the other vehicle (2,3); andd. upon confirmation by the relevant additional driver (12, 13) via his human-machine interface (5, 15), by means of the respective communication interface (4) transmitting the acceptance of the invitation (17) to at least the inviting vehicle (1) The method proposed here makes it possible to coordinate a group of vehicles driving together on a tour.

Description

• - eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle;
• - eine Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle;
• - ein Infotainmentsystem mit einem Prozessor,

wobei das Verfahren zumindest die folgenden Schritte in der genannten Reihenfolge umfasst:

1. a. von einem Nutzer mittels einer Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle, Festlegen einer Tour, welche mit einer Gruppe von Fahrzeugen befahren werden soll;
2. b. auf einen Befehl eines Nutzers hin, Übermitteln von einer Einladung an die Kommunikationsschnittstelle zumindest eines anderen Fahrzeugs an der festgelegten Tour teilzunehmen;
3. c. auf die empfangene Einladung hin mittels einer Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle eines der weiteren Fahrer des anderen Fahrzeugs, Anzeigen der Einladung und einer Aufforderung zum Bestätigen für den Fahrer des anderen Fahrzeugs; und
4. d. auf ein Bestätigen durch den betreffenden weiteren Fahrer über die seinerseitige Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle, mittels der jeweiligen Kommunikationsschnittstelle Übermitteln der Annahme der Einladung an zumindest das einladende Fahrzeug. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Fahrzeug.

The invention relates to a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles, each of the vehicles involved comprising at least the following components:

• - a communication interface;
• - a human-machine interface;
• - an infotainment system with a processor,

wherein the method comprises at least the following steps in the stated order:

1. a. by a user using a human-machine interface, defining a tour to be traveled with a group of vehicles;
2. b. upon a command from a user, transmitting an invitation to the communication interface of at least one other vehicle to participate in the specified tour;
3. c. in response to the received invitation by means of a human-machine interface of one of the other drivers of the other vehicle, displaying the invitation and a request for confirmation to the driver of the other vehicle; and
4. d. upon confirmation by the relevant additional driver via his human-machine interface, by means of the respective communication interface, transmitting the acceptance of the invitation to at least the inviting vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle.

Enthusiastic vehicle owners and amateur drivers like to meet at official events to talk about their vehicles and go on a tour together as part of this event. The disadvantage here is that such official events take place relatively rarely and the group of people affected can rarely share their enthusiasm with like-minded people.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features according to the invention result from the independent claims, to which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically sensible manner, for which the explanations from the following description and features from the figures, which include additional embodiments of the invention, can also be consulted.

• - eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle zum Kommunizieren mit einem der anderen Fahrzeug;
• - eine Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle zum Aufnehmen von Befehlen und zum Wiedergeben von Daten;
• - ein Infotainmentsystem mit einem Prozessor, welches eingerichtet ist, einen Fahrer des Fahrzeugs mit Daten über dieses Fahrzeug zu versorgen, sowie solche Daten über dieses Fahrzeug und/oder über die Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle eingegebene Befehle zu verarbeiten und an die Kommunikationsschnittstelle weiterzugeben,

wobei das Verfahren zumindest die folgenden Schritte in der genannten Reihenfolge umfasst:

1. a. von einem Nutzer mittels einer Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle, Festlegen einer Tour, welche mit einer Gruppe von Fahrzeugen befahren werden soll;
2. b. auf einen Befehl eines Nutzers hin mittels der Kommunikationsschnittstelle eines der Fahrzeuge, Übermitteln von einer Einladung an die Kommunikationsschnittstelle zumindest eines anderen Fahrzeugs an der festgelegten Tour teilzunehmen;
3. c. auf die empfangene Einladung hin mittels einer Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle eines der weiteren Fahrer des anderen Fahrzeugs, Anzeigen der Einladung und einer Aufforderung zum Bestätigen für den Fahrer des anderen Fahrzeugs; und
4. d. auf ein Bestätigen durch den betreffenden weiteren Fahrer über die seinerseitige Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle, mittels der jeweiligen Kommunikationsschnittstelle Übermitteln der Annahme der Einladung an zumindest das einladende Fahrzeug.

The invention relates to a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles, each of the vehicles involved comprising at least the following components:

• - a communication interface for communicating with one of the other vehicles;
• - a human-machine interface for receiving commands and replaying data;
• - an infotainment system with a processor which is set up to provide a driver of the vehicle with data about this vehicle, as well as to process such data about this vehicle and/or commands entered via the human-machine interface and pass it on to the communication interface,

wherein the method comprises at least the following steps in the stated order:

1. a. by a user using a human-machine interface, defining a tour to be traveled with a group of vehicles;
2. b. upon a command from a user using the communication interface of one of the vehicles, transmitting an invitation to the communication interface of at least one other vehicle to take part in the specified tour;
3. c. in response to the received invitation by means of a human-machine interface of one of the other drivers of the other vehicle, displaying the invitation and a request for confirmation to the driver of the other vehicle; and
4. d. upon confirmation by the relevant additional driver via his human-machine interface, by means of the respective communication interface, transmitting the acceptance of the invitation to at least the inviting vehicle.

Ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, only serve to clearly distinguish them and do not reflect the order or ranking of the designated components. An ordinal number greater than one does not mean that another such component must necessarily be present.

The method proposed here enables the coordination of a plurality of vehicles, with the initiative coming from one of the vehicles or a user or driver. This makes spontaneous events possible, although the level of organization required to carry out a joint trip is low. It should be noted that official events can of course also be coordinated using this procedure.

In order to carry out this method, the vehicle that wants to take part in this coordinated event has a communication interface, for example a mobile phone antenna. Using this communication interface, a communication channel can be set up via a communication network (for example the mobile phone network) or directly between the vehicles. Furthermore, the vehicles each include a human-machine interface, for example a display in the cockpit, as well as control elements, for example in the form of a touchscreen, but preferably also for voice control and/or gesture control. Furthermore, the vehicles each include an infotainment system with a processor, for example integrated into an on-board computer of a vehicle and comprising a navigation system or communicatively connected to a navigation system. It should be noted that the infotainment system and its processor do not necessarily have to be located in the motor vehicle, at least some of it is outsourced to a so-called cloud, for example.

In one embodiment, the infotainment system makes use of the processing power of a coupled mobile device, for example a smartphone. In one embodiment, at least part of the human-machine interface is formed by a component of such a coupled mobile terminal. The data that can be processed by an infotainment system are, for example, data relating to the chassis and/or a driving state, such as acceleration values, changeable chassis settings (for example damper stiffness on the struts), engine characteristics (for example the current speed), pedal positions of the so-called accelerator pedal, as well as the current speed of the vehicle. Other data includes, for example, geolocation, i.e. the coordinates commonly referred to as GPS data [Global Positioning System], but also data about the operating status of an air conditioning system and/or a (preferably engine-related) sound system in the vehicle. Furthermore, data relevant to driving safety can also be processed, such as data to support a driver assistance system regarding road guidance, coefficients of friction relating to the surface being traveled on, tire pressure and traffic regulations such as speed limits.

In step a. A tour is first defined using a human-machine interface. The (then first) human-machine interface is, for example, that of the vehicle or an external one, for example a mobile terminal, in which case a relationship is then preferably known between the user (for example as the driver of the vehicle in question) and the mobile terminal, for example the mobile Terminal is assigned to the vehicle in question via a platform. Alternatively or additionally, the one used here is a second human-machine interface, which is then an external, possibly uncoupled, mobile terminal of the user. The user, who is not necessarily a participating driver but, for example, an organizer or a trainer, defines a tour that is to be driven by a group of vehicles. Such a tour is, for example, freely adjustable, a round ring for racing vehicles or an existing suggestion from other users or on a platform which is provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

In step b. In response to a command from the user, for example via a button (for example labeled -Send-), an invitation is transmitted via the communication interfaces of the inviting vehicle to other vehicles potentially interested in taking part in the tour. The transmission takes place, for example, in a separate standard, in the form of an SMS service, an email service and/or similar. The invitation is preferably carried out in a data format such that it can be presented directly on a human-machine interface of another driver in an intuitive and appealing form, for example by displaying a map with the route and, if necessary, further information, as well as a button for Accepting the invitation.

In step c. The already anticipated display of the invitation now takes place on the human-machine interface, this human-machine interface preferably being an external mobile device, provided that the invited driver is not currently in his vehicle. The invitation to an external mobile device is made available directly via the communication interface of his vehicle or via a platform in which both the vehicle and the mobile device in question are registered. Viewing the invitation includes before provides details about the tour and a request to confirm. This request is preferably presented to the invited driver using a button, for example on a touchscreen.

In one embodiment, the vehicle that receives the invitation must be in an actively used state, i.e. currently being driven by its driver. In another embodiment, the invited vehicle must be in a standby mode in order to communicate directly with the external mobile device or to give a release to the platform in which the vehicle and the relevant mobile device are registered.

In step d. Upon confirmation of the invitation, acceptance of the invitation is transmitted to the inviting vehicle. Preferably, the tour is already stored in the navigation system in the invited vehicle and in the inviting vehicle and can be called up by a driver or is displayed to the driver at the appropriate time via the human-machine interface in the vehicle.

It should be noted that in one embodiment, this tour does not have to be traveled at the same time, but rather, for example, an appointment is only for driving and, for example, also for exchanging information afterwards, for example in conventional form via human communication or in the form of exchanging measured values, such as for example engine data, acceleration data or similar.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that the invitation includes, in addition to information about the tour, a time and a place to meet,
wherein the invitation is preferably only displayed if the tour fits into a free time gap in a calendar of the driver of the invited vehicle.

In this embodiment, a meeting between the vehicles of the group is planned, so that a time and a place are necessarily included as information in the invitation. It is therefore provided that an invited driver only accepts the invitation if he is available at the specific place at the specific time.

In an advantageous embodiment, the invitation is not even displayed if there is no corresponding free time gap available in the calendar of the driver to be invited. In an advantageous embodiment, the inviting user is then sent a message that the invited driver is not available for the suggested time and location.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that upon confirmation of the invitation in step d. Upon acceptance, an appointment will be coordinated.

In this embodiment, too, the aim of the invitation is a joint meeting, although a time and, if necessary, a place still have to be agreed upon. It should be noted that the invitation can certainly include a time and place, as described above, although it is still unclear whether a different time and, if necessary, a different place should be specified. For example, it is determined (manually and/or computer-aided) that there is an appointment collision for the invited driver at the suggested time, and the invited driver is given the opportunity or the request to suggest a suitable appointment, which in turn is in the form of a return invitation is transmitted to the inviting user. For example, due to time constraints and/or local circumstances, it may be advantageous to change the location of the meeting and also coordinate this as part of the appointment coordination.

In an advantageous embodiment, such an appointment coordination is not possible when the vehicle is currently in operation and/or there is a short duration between a current time and the time for the meeting or a previous appointment with a known location, so that due to a connection with the navigation system calculated time to reach the meeting point, another time is automatically suggested.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that at least one coupled vehicle can be selected by means of the human-machine interface of one of the drivers of one of the vehicles in order to set up a communication channel for human communication.

It is proposed here that a communication channel for human communication can be set up between the vehicles, for example text messages and/or voice, whereby the human-machine interface, which is installed in the vehicle or coupled to the vehicle, can be used to set up the communication channel.

In an alternative embodiment, the communication channel is carried out at least for one driver from an external mobile terminal or its technical device for this purpose to another vehicle or also an external mobile terminal of another driver, this communication preferably via a coupling between this external one mobile device and the respective vehicle or its infotainment system can be set up.

The setup is preferably simple, for example by displaying a list of the participating vehicles or drivers or by displaying the vehicles on a navigation map of a navigation system of the vehicle, whereby the driver in question or the representation of the vehicle on the navigation map can be selected by clicking, gesture or voice command , so that as a result the communication channel is established.

In an advantageous embodiment, such a communication channel for human communication is automatically set up as soon as the tour is noticed or as soon as the participating vehicles are on the way to an agreed location, for example in order to vote if there are delays or if certain things still need to be done must be considered and/or organized before the tour begins.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that changes to the tour can be suggested and/or carried out by vehicles participating in the tour before and/or while driving on the tour using the respective human-machine interface.

In some cases it is desirable that changes can be made to the tour spontaneously or that changes can be made in advance of the tour, for example because one of the drivers has an interest in driving a certain route and/or visiting a certain place, for example a viewpoint, a tourist destination, a gas station and/or workshop or a place to take a break, such as a restaurant or cafe. Such a change can be entered, for example, by clicking on the navigation map of a navigation system on the human-machine interface and then displayed to the other participants in the tour immediately or in response to a further release request on the human-machine interface. The other drivers will preferably be visually and/or acoustically informed of this possible change and can accept or reject this change by means of a request similar to the aforementioned invitation. Alternatively, for example if the driver suggesting the change is the organizer, leader and/or an administrator, a change to the tour is automatically entered without any additional request and is readily adopted in the navigation systems of the participating vehicles. The other drivers will then, for example, not be informed of the change or only discreetly.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that the infotainment systems of at least two of the vehicles participating in the tour are coupled to one another, with at least a selection of data from at least one of the other vehicles being displayable on the human-machine interface of the respective vehicle ,
Preferably, settings from another participating vehicle can be adopted for your own vehicle.

It is proposed here that the infotainment systems of vehicles taking part in the tour are coupled to one another in such a way that at least a selection of data, for example acceleration values and/or chassis configuration data, is transmitted from one vehicle to the other vehicle and can be displayed there.

In one embodiment, such data relating to a configuration of the vehicle is displayed instead of the current configuration of the vehicle to which this data is transmitted and the driver is given the opportunity to adopt this configuration for his vehicle, for example the music currently being played, the driving mode, display mode and/or the chassis settings. In another embodiment, this data is only displayed in parallel with your own, for example current speed, geolocation and/or acceleration values. In one embodiment, entertainment data can also be transmitted, for example a playlist with songs that one of the drivers has selected and thus makes available (or forces) to the other drivers.

In one embodiment, a participating driver can adopt the vehicle settings of another driver or his vehicle for his vehicle, simply by selecting the other driver from a displayed list or the representation on a navigation map and then selecting the option (for example (by means of an appropriately labeled button). In one embodiment, a participating driver can view the performance statistics of another driver. For example, the average speed, the average energy consumption, the average (transverse and/or longitudinal) acceleration. The data is displayed, for example, on a corresponding display of a human-machine interface and allows, for example, a (direct) comparison with one's own values, for example in real time, in which case the respective time offset is then preferably compensated, for example based on the geolocation data. In one embodiment, a recommendation for driving behavior is issued for a respective route segment of the currently traveled tour based on how drivers who previously traveled on the tour or the relevant route segment traveled on this route segment. Such a recommendation includes, for example, braking points, acceleration points and a suitable transmission gear. For example, for a change to the specified tour, a voting system is set up, whereby the one that receives the most votes is adopted from a list of proposed changes or a suggestion is rejected if no one agrees or too few agree. In one embodiment, data about the tour is transmitted to other people who did not want or could not take part in the tour or are otherwise interested. Such data includes, for example, a live stream from at least one camera of at least one participating vehicle, driving statistics of at least one of the vehicles, and/or a communication channel for human communication with at least one of the participating drivers. For example, the data is transmitted to a mobile device. For example, a correspondingly modified invitation was sent not to participate, but only to participate. In one embodiment, the driving statistics of all participating drivers are shared with each other (computer-aided), including, for example, the average speed, the average energy consumption, the average (lateral and/or longitudinal) acceleration.

• - Geolokation eines Fahrzeugs;
• - Fahrzeug-Typ eines Fahrzeugs;
• - Profil eines Fahrers eines Fahrzeugs; und
• - Freundschaft zwischen den Fahrern.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that an invitation is transmitted to another vehicle depending on at least one of the following conditions:

• - Geolocation of a vehicle;
• - vehicle type of a vehicle;
• - Profile of a driver of a vehicle; and
• - Friendship between drivers.

It is proposed here that a condition exists so that an invitation is transmitted to another vehicle, which is based on the user's specifications, which is not a direct selection from a contact list or represents a subgroup of drivers from the contact list, but above all also should include drivers unknown to the user. In one embodiment, for example, the geolocation of the other vehicle is relevant, so that the vehicle, for example currently driving, is close to the tour and the location, for example is already on a section of the defined tour.

In one embodiment, the vehicle type of the vehicle is relevant, for example whether it is (for example) a sports car and/or an off-road vehicle and/or whether it is a vehicle of a specific manufacturer and/or year of construction.

In one embodiment, a profile of a driver that he has stored on a platform is relevant, for example whether he is a driver of a certain age group, of a certain gender, with a certain inclination (for example enthusiasm for racing or sightseeing tours). Depending on this profile or the interests of such a driver, it is determined on a computer basis whether he or she will receive an invitation, provided that there is a match with the user's wishes and information.

In a further embodiment, a friendship between the drivers is a condition, i.e. a relationship stored on the platform between the drivers who, for example, like to meet often or like to share their enthusiasm for driving on a tour with their vehicles and have already expressed this in advance by means of for example a (confirmed) friend invitation.

In one embodiment, the result is composed of a subset of several of the conditions mentioned and/or further conditions (preferably computer-aided) and leads to an invitation (for example automatically without further query to the inviting user).

In one embodiment, the invitation is initially only prepared and the user is free to reject individual suggestions from vehicles or drivers or to manually add additional drivers to the invitation. Such an invitation does not have to be sent out to all vehicles at the same time, but is, for example can also be changed at a later date, for example adding a vehicle or deleting a vehicle from the invitation and thus withdrawing the invitation.

• - Startzeitpunkt;
• - Anfahrtsroute; und
• - Vorbereitungsinformationen.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that a driver who wants to take part in a tour with a specific place and time receives reminder information from his vehicle using the infotainment system to set off,
wherein the reminder information includes at least one of the following information:

• - start time;
• - Arrival route; and
• - Preparation information.

It is proposed here that a vehicle that wants to take part in a tour receives reminder information at a specific time and a specific location, for example in the form of an alarm clock signal, a push message or setting up a communication channel with one of the other participating vehicles, whereby This reminder information is given in advance or ad-hoc before setting off.

In one embodiment, the infotainment system or its navigation system has calculated an approach route and then calculated a starting time (possibly with a safety time surcharge). Alternatively, only a route or a starting time is calculated. This reminder information thus allows the invited driver to estimate without major measures when he has to leave or to follow when he should leave in order to be on site in time (and if necessary appropriately prepared) in order to take part in this tour in good time.

The (purely optional) preparation information includes, for example, whether the tank is filled, whether a repair or maintenance needs to be carried out, whether an oil change and/or whether a tire change still needs to be carried out, but also whether the vehicle still needs to be cleaned. The preparation information may therefore also influence the arrival route and/or the start time.

It should be noted that the reminder information does not concern the tour itself, but rather the journey to the tour or the specific location where you would like to meet or where you would like to travel on this tour (for example alone). Above all, but not exclusively, if the participating driver wants to travel on this tour alone, for example, an expected capacity utilization of the route sections of the tour at a certain time of day, weather conditions, time-dependent speed limits and much other information, but also your own connection dates, are required to set a starting time usable.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the method that a participating vehicle is shown the current geolocation of at least one of the other vehicles participating in the tour via its human-machine interface.

It is suggested here that the current geolocation of a vehicle participating in the tour is displayed (not necessarily at the same time) via its human-machine interface. The driver thus receives (whether taking part in the tour at the same time or before or after this tour) via the human-machine interface in his vehicle the current location at which the other participating vehicle is located. For example, such another participating vehicle is represented on a navigation map of the navigation system. This makes it possible, for example, for a participating vehicle that is too far behind due to a breakdown or other circumstances to be able to recognize this situation in a timely manner and respond to it so that they can continue to drive together on the tour or help the other vehicle. This also makes it possible to travel on a tour with a real time delay and be experienced at the same time, in that the geolocation is displayed synchronized with a time delay corresponding to the respective time when the tour began. For example, in a race, the driving driver finds out whether he is faster or slower than the driver who previously drove on the tour. This is then preferably displayed to the currently driving driver by means of representation of the geolocation on the respective human-machine interface, preferably represented as a hologram on an overhead display (for example in the field of vision, preferably on the windshield).

In one embodiment, the sharing of the current geolocation begins before the start of a tour that is driven together and at the same time, so that delays in the journey to the meeting point can also be recognized by the other drivers.

• - einen Antriebsstrang und Vortriebsräder zum Vortrieb des Fahrzeugs;
• - eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle zum Kommunizieren mit einem der anderen Fahrzeug;
• - eine Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle zum Aufnehmen von Befehlen und zum Wiedergeben von Daten;
• - ein Infotainmentsystem mit einem Prozessor, welches eingerichtet ist, einen Fahrer des Fahrzeugs mit Daten über dieses Fahrzeug zu versorgen, sowie solche Daten über dieses Fahrzeug und/oder über die Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle eingegebene Befehle zu verarbeiten und an die Kommunikationsschnittstelle weiterzugeben,

wobei mittels des Infotainmentsystems, der Kommunikationsschnittstelle und der Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle das Verfahren nach einer Ausführungsform gemäß der obigen Beschreibung ausführbar ist,
wobei bevorzugt weiterhin eine Antenne für eine Geolokation umfasst ist.According to a further aspect, a vehicle is proposed having at least the following components:

• - a drive train and propulsion wheels for propelling the vehicle;
• - a communication interface for communicating with one of the other vehicles;
• - a human-machine interface for receiving commands and replaying data;
• - an infotainment system with a processor which is set up to provide a driver of the vehicle with data about this vehicle, as well as to process such data about this vehicle and/or commands entered via the human-machine interface and pass it on to the communication interface,

wherein the method according to an embodiment according to the above description can be carried out by means of the infotainment system, the communication interface and the human-machine interface,
preferably further comprising an antenna for geolocation.

The vehicle proposed here is equipped with a drive train and propulsion wheels so that it can move independently. Such a vehicle is preferably a passenger car, particularly preferably a sporty vehicle. To carry out the method described above in one of the embodiments mentioned, the vehicle further comprises a communication interface, for example for using mobile communications, a human-machine interface, for example a display and buttons in the cockpit of the vehicle, for example with a touchscreen, and an infotainment system with a processor, with the infotainment system and the processor preferably being integrated in an on-board computer.

In one embodiment, the data that can be processed by the infotainment system is conventional data that has already been read out and relates to the drive train, the driver's comfort, data from a navigation system and/or entertainment data, such as played or playable music.

In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle includes an antenna for geolocation of the vehicle, for example for the Global Positioning System [GPS], Galileo, triangulation via a wireless local network or mobile radio and/or similar.

In the vehicle proposed here, a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles to drive together, preferably at the same time, on a defined tour can be carried out particularly easily, so that the enthusiasm about driving a tour and / or using the vehicle can be achieved without major hurdles and easy to share with other enthusiasts.

• - in dem Kraftfahrzeug, bevorzugt als Infotainmentsystem mit einem Prozessor, angeordnet ist; und/oder
• - zur Kommunikation mit einer Cloud oder einem Backend, auf welchem bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist.

According to a further aspect, a computer program is proposed, comprising
a computer program code, wherein the computer program code is executable on at least one computer in such a way that the at least one computer is caused to execute the method according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein at least one unit of the computer:

• - Is arranged in the motor vehicle, preferably as an infotainment system with a processor; and or
• - Is set up for communication with a cloud or a backend, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided.

The method described here is computer-implemented according to this embodiment. The computer-implemented method is stored as computer program code, the computer program code, when executed on a computer, causing the computer to execute the method according to an embodiment as described above.

The computer-implemented method is implemented, for example, by a computer program, the computer program comprising the computer program code, the computer program code, when executed on a computer, causing the computer to carry out the method according to an embodiment as described above. Computer program code refers to one or more instructions or commands that cause a computer or the processor to carry out a series of operations, which represent, for example, an algorithm and/or other processing methods.

The computer program can preferably be executed partially or completely on a server or a server unit of a cloud system, a mobile device (for example a smartphone) and/or on at least one unit of the computer. The term server or server unit refers here to a computer that provides data and/or operational services for one or more other computer-based devices or computers and thus forms the cloud system. The at least one unit of the computer in the motor vehicle (for example as the on-board computer) is, for example, conventional and includes a memory unit and a processor. Alternatively, the at least one unit of the computer is set up for communication with a motor vehicle, for example as part of a server and/or a cloud, with the server and/or the cloud being arranged, for example, on site at a manufacturer of the vehicle.

The terms cloud system or computer are used here synonymously with the devices known from the prior art. A computer therefore includes one or more general purpose processors (CPU) or microprocessors, RISC processors, GPU and/or DSP. For example, the computer has additional elements such as memory interfaces or communication interfaces. Optionally or additionally, the terms refer to such a device which is able to execute a provided or integrated program, preferably with a standardized programming language (for example C++, JavaScript or Python) and/or to control data storage devices and/or other devices such as input interfaces and output interfaces and/or access it. The term computer also refers to a plurality of processors or a plurality of (sub)computers which are interconnected and/or connected and/or otherwise communicatively connected and may share one or more other resources, such as memory. A (data) memory is, for example, a hard drive (HDD) or a (non-volatile) solid-state memory, for example a ROM memory or flash memory [flash EEPROM]. The storage often comprises a plurality of individual physical units or is distributed across a multitude of separate devices so that it is accessed via data communication, for example package data service. The latter is a decentralized solution, whereby memory and processors from a large number of separate computers are used instead of a (single) central server or in addition to a central server.

• - in dem Kraftfahrzeug, bevorzugt als Infotainmentsystem mit einem Prozessor, angeordnet ist; und/oder
• - zur Kommunikation mit einer Cloud oder einem Backend, auf welchem bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist.

According to a further aspect, a computer program product is proposed on which
a computer program code is stored, the computer program code being executable on at least one computer in such a way that the at least one computer is caused to carry out at least one of the methods according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein at least one unit of the computer:

• - Is arranged in the motor vehicle, preferably as an infotainment system with a processor; and or
• - Is set up for communication with a cloud or a backend, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided.

As a computer program product, having the computer program code described above, a medium such as RAM, ROM, an SD card, a memory card, a flash memory card or a disc, or stored and downloadable on a server, is for example. As soon as the computer program is made readable via a readout unit, for example a drive and/or an installation, the computer program code contained therein and the method contained therein can be executed by a computer or in communication with a plurality of server units, for example according to the description above.

• 1: ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Koordinieren von einer Mehrzahl von Fahrzeugen;
• 2: eine graphische Darstellung erzeugt von einem Infotainmentsystem mit einer festgelegten Tour;
• 3: eine Gruppe von drei Fahrzeugen während einer Tour; und
• 4: eine zweite Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle mit einem Nutzer.

The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the associated drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, although it should be noted that the drawings are not true to size and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is presented in

• 1 : a flowchart of a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles;
• 2 : a graphical representation generated by an infotainment system with a specified tour;
• 3 : a group of three vehicles during a tour; and
• 4 : a second human-machine interface with a user.

In 1 a flowchart of a method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles 1,2,3 is shown. In the following description, reference is made to the description of the 2 and 3 taken. The interactions of the user 14 and/or the drivers 11, 12, 13 usually take place on a human-machine interface 5 within the vehicle 1, 2, 3 or on another human-machine interface 15, if the user 14 or one the driver 11,12,13 is not inside his vehicle 1,2,3.

In step a. a tour 16 is first defined by a user 14 using a human-machine interface 5,15, the tour 16 being designed in such a way that it is to be traveled by a group of vehicles 1,2,3. One Such a tour 16 is, for example, freely adjustable, a round ring for racing vehicles or an existing suggestion from other users 14 or on a platform which is provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the vehicle 1.

In step b. In response to a command from the user 14, for example via a button (for example labeled -Send-), an invitation 17 is transmitted via the communication interface 4 of the inviting vehicle 1 to other vehicles 2,3 that are potentially interested in taking part in the tour 16. The invitation 17 is designed in such a data format that it can be presented directly on a human-machine interface 5,15 of another driver 12,13 in an intuitive and appealing form, for example by displaying a map with the route of the tour 16 and, if necessary, further information, as well as a button (for example on a touchscreen 35) for accepting the invitation 17.

In step c. The said display of the invitation 17 now takes place on the human-machine interface 5,15, this human-machine interface 15 being an external mobile terminal, provided that one of the invited drivers 12,13 is not currently in his vehicle 2, 3 is located. The invitation 17 to an external mobile device is made available directly via the communication interface 4 of its vehicle 2, 3 or via a platform in which both the vehicle 2, 3 and the mobile device in question are registered, for example by means of a data connection using a cellular connection. Displaying the invitation 17 preferably includes details about the tour 16 and the request 18 to confirm is prepared by a button (for example on a touchscreen 35).

In step d. upon confirmation of the invitation 17, the acceptance of the invitation 17 is transmitted to the inviting vehicle 1, with the tour 16 already being stored in the navigation system in at least one of the invited vehicles 2, 3 and in the inviting vehicle 1 and by a driver 12, 13 can be accessed or displayed by the driver 12,13 at the appropriate time 19 via the human-machine interface 5 in the vehicle 2,3.

In 2 is an infotainment system 9 with a defined tour 16 or its graphical representation on a (first) human-machine interface 5, preferably installed in a cockpit of a vehicle, shown in a schematic view, wherein the infotainment system 9 includes a processor 10 or with a Processor 10 (not shown here) is communicatively connected. The processor 10 is set up to carry out at least part of the method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles 1, 2, 3, for example executed as with reference to 1 described. The infotainment system 9 is encompassed by a first vehicle 1, the infotainment system 9 here comprising, for example, a touchscreen 35, which is divided into two areas in this exemplary embodiment. In the left area of the touchscreen 35 as shown, in addition to three buttons 36, 37, 38 of the infotainment system 9, a map of a navigation system is shown, with the planned tour 16 clearly marked on this map for a person to see. In this exemplary embodiment, the tour 16 is a circular tour, with a change 25 or a suggestion for a change 25 already being displayed on the tour 16, which is shown here on the left in a dashed double line. Here, for example, a change 25 to the course of the tour 16 has been suggested or set up by another invited vehicle 2 or its driver 12. For example, there is a viewpoint and/or a cafe worth seeing on this section.

Here, below the section of tour 16 with change 25, a third vehicle 3 is shown on the map. In addition, the approach route 29 or a path 27 of the third vehicle 3 is displayed on the map, so it is clear to the third vehicle 3 and/or the other vehicles 1, 2 where this driver 13 is located (and possibly also the other drivers 11 , 12, 13) and how long this driver 13 still needs, for example, to get to an agreed location 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the first vehicle 1 is already briefly at the agreed location 20 - shown here offset from the agreed location 20 for a better overview (compare 4 ). As shown, to the right of the agreed location 20, a second vehicle 2 is shown, which is also on the way to the agreed location 20. For example, the tour 16 is shown here on a first human-machine interface 5 of the first vehicle 1.

In the right area of the touchscreen 35, as shown, the current time 19 is shown on the far right from top to bottom, including the signal strength of a communication channel 24, here the mobile phone reception, and finally a symbol for an invitation 17 to the proposed tour 16, here shown as an envelope icon. In this exemplary embodiment, a common starting time 28, which is displayed on the left, has been agreed upon. Thus, a time 19 and a location 20 were included as information in the invitation 17 because the (here purely optional) three vehicles 1,2,3 want to meet and want to ride Tour 16 together and at the same time. To the left of the symbol of the invitation 17, a calendar 22 is shown, which is connected, for example, to an appointment organization program and thus enables computer-aided appointment coordination 23 between the group of drivers 11, 12, 13. For the day shown, the times for the upcoming appointments are displayed on the left of the calendar 22. If, for example, the group of vehicles 1, 2, 3 cannot all be at the agreed location 20 at the starting time 28 (for example due to traffic jams), it is possible, for example, to agree on a different starting time 28 by means of a further invitation 17. In this exemplary embodiment, the calendar 22 of the first driver 11 of the first vehicle 1 has a time gap 21 in his current daily routine, so that a further starting time 28 can be agreed there, which is then preferably done by the other drivers 11 by means of a request 18 on the touchscreen 35 ,12,13 must be confirmed. In one embodiment, a changed appointment coordination 23 is automatically triggered due to a predicted delay of a driver 12, with the other drivers 11, 13 only being discreetly informed if this does not result in an appointment collision.

Alternatively, the first driver 11 can start the tour 16 alone, with the remaining drivers 12, 13 being able to view data 6, 7, 8 of the first driver 11 with their vehicles 2, 3 or their human-machine interfaces 5, 15 (compare in addition 3 ). These data 6,7,8, for example data 6 about the speed, data 7 about the engine and/or data 8 about the chassis, are shown here below the times.

In 3 a group of three vehicles 1,2,3 is shown during a tour 16 on a section of road in a perspective top view. As shown on the right, another vehicle 39 is shown, which is not part of the group and therefore represents a non-invited vehicle 39, i.e. another road user who, for example, has not received an invitation 17 to drive on the tour 16 or has not accepted this invitation 17. The other three vehicles 1, 2, 3 are traveling with their drivers 11, 12, 13 (not explicitly shown) on the section of the tour 16 shown, and are each connected to one another by means of a communication interface 4 via at least one communication channel 24 that has been set up. Using the communication channel 24, an exchange of data 6,7,8 from the individual vehicles 1,2,3 can be represented. For example, the second driver 12 and the third driver 13 are informed about the speed of the first vehicle 1 in the upcoming curve, and they can accelerate or decelerate if necessary in order to achieve the same or better performance. In addition, human communication can be represented by means of such communication channels 24, for example by means of direct or (via an intermediate station) indirect communication with one another.

Here, pars-pro-toto, the second vehicle 2 is additionally designated with a drive machine 40 and propulsion wheels 32, 33, with both the drive machine 40 and the propulsion wheels 32, 33 being encompassed by a drive train 31. The antennas 34 of the vehicles 1, 2, 3 are also set up for geolocation of the individual vehicles 1, 2, 3, for example by means of a satellite 41 (system). Due to the exact geolocation known in real time, the positions of the vehicles 1, 2, 3 can be displayed for the drivers 11, 12, 13 on a first human-machine interface 5, for example the touchscreen 35 of the infotainment system 9.

In 4 a second human-machine interface 15 is shown with a user 14 (or his hand). There will be reference to the method in the following description 1 taken. Furthermore, without excluding generality, reference is made to the description there and the exemplary embodiment in 2 including the associated description. In this exemplary embodiment, the second human-machine interface 15 is designed as an external mobile terminal (here a smartphone). After a request 18 to confirm an invitation 17 to take part in a tour 16, the user 14 shown here receives preparation information 30 by means of the second human-machine interface 15. The invitation 17 is sent to an external mobile device directly via the communication interface 4 of his vehicle 2.3 or made available via a platform in which both the vehicle 2.3 and the mobile device in question are registered. The preparation information 30 is shown as an example at the top right of the touchscreen 35 of the human-machine interface 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the user 14, who is connected to his vehicle 2 via the second human-machine interface 15, should go to his vehicle 2 at 8:25 a.m., so that the user 14 or the second driver 12 at 8:48 a.m is at a gas station to refuel and check the tire pressure before the driver 12 has to get back on route 27 at 9:02 a.m. in order to be at the agreed place 20 on time at the agreed time 19.

The preparation information 30 is contained, for example, in a reminder information 26, which is provided by the second human Machine interface 15 and / or the first human-machine interface 5, which is arranged in his vehicle 2, can be accessed or viewed or automatically requests retrieval or viewing at a suitable time, for example by means of a so-called push message or an alarm clock ringing . In addition, the position of the first driver 11 or his vehicle 1 is already visible to the user 14 shown here, and the approach route 29 of the first vehicle 1 is also visible to the user 14 here. As shown, next to the symbol of the reminder information 26, a communication symbol 42 is shown, with which direct communication with the first driver 11 and / or other drivers 13 who also want to drive on the tour 16 is enabled or offered.

Below the symbols of the reminder information 26 and the communication, a large number of data 6,7,8 of the first vehicle 1 are shown. Thus, the data 6 about the speed, the data 7 about the engine and/or the data 8 about the chassis of the first vehicle 1 can be viewed by the user 14 or the second driver 12 and, if necessary, can be adopted for his vehicle 2.

The method proposed here makes it possible to coordinate driving together on a tour in a group of vehicles.

Claims (10)

Method for coordinating a plurality of vehicles (1,2,3), each of the vehicles involved (1) comprising at least the following components: - a communication interface (4) for communicating with one of the other vehicles (2,3); - a human-machine interface (5) for receiving commands and reproducing data (6,7,8); - an infotainment system (9) with a processor (10), which is set up to supply a driver (11) of the vehicle (1) with data (6,7,8) about this vehicle (1), as well as such data (6 ,7,8) to process commands entered via this vehicle (1) and/or via the human-machine interface (5) and pass them on to the communication interface (4), the method comprising at least the following steps in the order mentioned: a. by a user (14) using a human-machine interface (5,15), defining a tour (16) which is to be traveled with a group of vehicles (1,2,3); b. upon a command from a user (14) by means of the communication interface (4) of one of the vehicles (1), transmitting an invitation (17) to the communication interface (4) of at least one other vehicle (2,3) on the specified tour (16 ) to participate; c. in response to the received invitation (17) by means of a human-machine interface (5,15) of one of the other drivers (12,13) of the other vehicle (2,3), displaying the invitation (17) and a request (18) to confirm for the driver (12,13) of the other vehicle (2,3); and d. upon confirmation by the relevant additional driver (12, 13) via his human-machine interface (5, 15), by means of the respective communication interface (4) transmitting the acceptance of the invitation (17) to at least the inviting vehicle (1) . Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the invitation (17) includes, in addition to information about the tour (16), a time (19) and a place (20) for the meeting, the invitation (17) preferably only being displayed when the tour (16) is in one Free time gap (21) in a calendar (22) of the driver (12,13) of the invited vehicle (2,3) fits. Procedure according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 , whereby the invitation (17) is confirmed in step d. With the acceptance an appointment (23) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by means of the human-machine interface (5,15) one of the drivers (11,12,13) of one of the vehicles (1,2,3) has at least one coupled vehicle (3,2,1 ) can be selected to set up a communication channel (24) for human communication. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein vehicles (1, 2, 3) participating in the tour (16) make changes (25) to the tour (16) before and/or while driving on the tour (16) by means of the respective Human-machine interface (5,15) can be proposed and/or carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the infotainment systems (9) of at least two of the vehicles (1, 2, 3) taking part in the tour (16) are coupled to one another, with at least a selection of data (6, 7, 8) of at least one of the other vehicles (1, 2 ,3) can be displayed on the human-machine interface (5) of the respective vehicle (1), wherein settings from another participating vehicle (2) can preferably be adopted for your own vehicle (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an invitation (17) is transmitted to another vehicle (2,3) depending on at least one of the following conditions: - geolocation of a vehicle (2,3); - Vehicle type of a vehicle (2); - Profile of a driver of a vehicle (3); and - friendship between the drivers (11,12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a driver (11,12,13), who wants to take part in a tour (16) with a specific location (20) and time (19), receives reminder information from his vehicle (1,2,3) using the infotainment system (9) 26) to set off on the path (27), wherein the reminder information (26) comprises at least one of the following information: - Start time (28); - Access route (29); and - Preparation information (30). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current geolocation of at least one of the other vehicles (2, 3) participating in the tour (16) is displayed to a participating vehicle (1) via its human-machine interface (5). Vehicle (1), having at least the following components: - a drive train (31) and propulsion wheels (32,33) for propelling the vehicle (1); -a communication interface (4) for communicating with one of the other vehicles (2,3); - a human-machine interface (5) for receiving commands and reproducing data (6,7,8); - an infotainment system (9) with a processor (10), which is set up to supply a driver (11) of the vehicle (1) with data (6,7,8) about this vehicle (1), as well as such data (6 ,7,8) to process commands entered via this vehicle (1) and/or via the human-machine interface (5) and pass them on to the communication interface (4), wherein by means of the infotainment system (9), the communication interface (4) and the human-machine interface (5) the method according to one of the preceding claims can be carried out, preferably further comprising an antenna (34) for geolocation.

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