Method and device for estimating mileage of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for estimating the range of a vehicle, wherein the remaining range of the vehicle is determined (210) based on an assignment between at least one digital representation of an environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment, wherein the assignment is updated (224) based on a comparison result, in which the assignment of the vehicle is compared with a plurality of assignments of other vehicles (220).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for estimating mileage of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The range estimation of a vehicle is used to predict the remaining range. For this purpose, the remaining fuel level is taken into account, or in the case of electric or hybrid vehicles, the charge state of the battery is taken into account. The remaining range is determined based on information about the vehicle position and possibly about the route that the vehicle should take, which is calculated by the navigation system. For example, the prediction of the remaining range may deviate from the actually achievable range due to unknown characteristics of a specific route or due to differences between an assumed driving style and the actual driving style or due to other environmental influences. Therefore, improvements in range estimation are desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] This is achieved by the device and method according to the invention.

[0004] The method for estimating the range of a vehicle provides for determining the remaining range of the vehicle based on a mapping between at least one digital representation of an environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment, wherein the mapping is updated based on a comparison result in which the mapping of the vehicle is compared with a plurality of mappings of other vehicles, which are associated with different map properties, for example.

[0005] For mileage estimation, the measured consumption is assigned to specific route properties, such as uphill slope, speed, street grade, number of lanes. Correlations caused by external temperature, secondary consumers, component data such as state of charge (SOC) or state of health (SOH), time, time after the start of driving can also be assigned to the digital representation of the environment. The mapping is a table or a characteristic curve in which specific consumption values ​​can be used to estimate the mileage for each detected environment. In addition to empirical mileage estimation, machine learning methods (such as artificial neural networks) can also be used.

[0006] Each mapping is formed locally during operation of the respective vehicle and is compensated by comparison with other mappings of other vehicles. This allows consumption statistics to be learned locally. The information is compensated and optimized, for example, in distributed computing systems in different vehicles. For example, vehicles of the same vehicle type are compared. The range estimate is improved for all vehicles because the range estimate is based on the consumption values ​​of other vehicles in the same environment, without the vehicle itself having to have carried out measurements in the environment.

[0007] Preferably, a basic mapping relationship is determined based on at least one of the mapping relationships, wherein the basic mapping relationship is preset as a mapping relationship for the vehicle when the method is implemented for the first time on the vehicle. A basic data set is established from the information collection. The basic data set is used as a starting value in a new vehicle.

[0008] Preferably, it is provided that at least one mapping is determined locally with respect to the vehicle, wherein the mapping for determining the comparison result is sent to a transmitter / receiver remote from the vehicle, wherein the comparison result is received, and wherein the mapping is updated locally with respect to the vehicle. Such a distributed solution enables the processing of large amounts of data without requiring a control device with high computing power in each vehicle.

[0009] It is preferably provided that the digital representation of the environment includes the identification of the street segment or the properties of the street segment. Thus, consumption statistics are stored for each street segment. Under similar conditions, for example in terms of external temperature, time or similar traffic conditions, a vehicle driving through a street segment for the first time can therefore use consumption data of vehicles driving through the same street segment in the mileage estimate. This significantly improves the accuracy of the mileage estimate.

[0010] It is preferably provided that the digital representation of the environment includes as attributes information characterizing the number of lanes of the street segment, the upslope or downslope of the street segment or the type of street segment. The type of street segment defines, for example, whether the vehicle is located in a city, on a country road or on a motorway. This information further improves the range estimate, since different driving styles are to be expected depending on the environment.

[0011] It is preferably provided that the digital representation of the environment includes the identification of street segments, wherein deviations of the consumption values ​​of different vehicles from one another are determined based on information about at least one consumption value of two or more vehicles for the same street segment, and wherein information about the deviations is transmitted to at least one of the vehicles. Deviations in the consumption values ​​on the same route represent a measure of different driving characteristics for the individual vehicles or drivers. Transferring the information as feedback to the vehicle provides the potential for changing or adjusting the driving characteristics. Likewise, individualized vehicles and drivers can be compared with a subset of all vehicles of the same type.

[0012] It is preferably provided that the deviations of the consumption values ​​of vehicles of different vehicle types are determined. The different vehicle types are thus comparable. For example, at a speed of 30 km / h, the consumption of vehicle type A is always 20% higher than that of vehicle type B.

[0013] It is preferably provided that deviations in consumption values ​​of vehicles of the same vehicle type or of identical vehicles are determined. Different drivers or driving styles are thus comparable.

[0014] Preferably, starting from the current position of the vehicle, an example route is determined in a plurality of directions for estimating the range, and based on the range estimate, the range display of the vehicle visualizes possible and / or achievable travel destinations and routes thereto.

[0015] Preferably, for estimating the mileage, at least one street segment and a consumption value assigned to the street segment are determined, wherein the consumption value is estimated as a function of an expected, in particular average, speed for the street segment, wherein the speed is determined as a function of the driver's, in particular learned, consumption characteristics of the vehicle, characteristics of the route, in particular speed limits and / or predicted speed controls for autonomous driving. This is a particularly suitable application for mileage estimation.

[0016] The device is provided to include a processor and a memory with instructions, which when executed by the processor determine the remaining range of the vehicle based on a mapping between at least one digital representation of the environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment, wherein the mapping of the vehicle is updated based on the result of at least one comparison in which the mapping is compared with a plurality of mappings of other vehicles. Such a device provides an improved range estimation.

[0017] Preferably, a basic mapping relationship is determined based on at least one of the mapping relationships, wherein the basic mapping relationship can be preset as the mapping relationship of the vehicle when the mileage estimation is carried out for the first time on the vehicle. As a result, particularly good initial values ​​can be used for mileage estimation in new vehicles.

[0018] It is preferably provided that at least one mapping relationship can be determined locally with respect to the vehicle, wherein the device comprises a transmitter which is designed to transmit the mapping relationship for determining the comparison result to a transmitter / receiver remote from the vehicle, wherein the device comprises a receiver which is designed to receive the comparison result, and wherein the mapping relationship is updated locally with respect to the vehicle. The distributed computing structure offers the possibility of using large data volumes which further improve the mileage estimate.

[0019] It is preferably provided that the device comprises a navigation device which uses the street segments to provide a digital representation of the environment, wherein the digital representation of the environment comprises an identification of the street segments or an attribute of the street segments. Thus, an improvement in the prediction of the mileage can also be achieved in vehicles which have not yet travelled on street segments having the identification or the attribute.

[0020] It is preferably provided that the digital representation of the environment includes as attributes information characterizing the number of lanes of the street segment, the upslope or downslope of the street segment or the type of street segment.

[0021] It is preferably provided that the digital representation of the environment includes the identification of street segments, wherein deviations of the consumption values ​​of different vehicles from one another are determined based on information about at least one consumption value of two or more vehicles for the same street segment, and wherein information about the deviation is sent to at least one of the vehicles. As a result, different consumption values ​​on the same street segment are comparable.

[0022] It is preferably provided that deviations of consumption values ​​of vehicles of different vehicle types are determined.

[0023] It is preferably provided that deviations in consumption values ​​of vehicles of the same vehicle type or of identical vehicles are determined so that different driving styles can be compared.

[0024] Preferably, an example route is determined in a plurality of directions starting from the current position of the vehicle for estimating the range, wherein the device comprises a range display which is designed to visualize possible and / or achievable travel destinations and / or routes thereto based on the range estimate of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments are apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for estimating mileage; and

[0027] Figure 2 The steps in a method for estimating mileage are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 A device 100 for estimating the mileage of a vehicle is schematically shown, characterized in that the device 100 includes a processor 102 and a memory 104 with instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the processor 102, the remaining mileage of the vehicle is determined based on a mapping relationship between at least one digital representation of the environment in which the vehicle operates and information about at least one consumption value in the environment.

[0029] The mapping of the vehicle is updated based on the results of at least one comparison in which the mapping is compared with multiple mappings of other vehicles.

[0030] In one aspect, a basic mapping relationship for the device is determined according to at least one of the mapping relationships. In this case, when mileage estimation is performed on a vehicle for the first time, the basic mapping relationship may be preset as the mapping relationship of the vehicle.

[0031] In one aspect, at least one mapping relationship may be determined and / or updated locally with respect to the vehicle. The device, for example, includes a transmitter 106 configured to send a mapping relationship used to determine a comparison result to a transmitter / receiver 108 remote from the vehicle. The device 100, for example, includes a receiver 110 configured to receive a result of the comparison.

[0032] In one aspect, the apparatus includes a navigation device 112 that provides a digital representation of an environment with street segments. The digital representation of the environment includes an identification of the street segments or attributes of the street segments.

[0033] Navigation device 112 includes, for example, a global navigation satellite system GNSS, or other devices for determining the vehicle position and related geographic information. Navigation device 112 includes, for example, a map of the environment, in particular a topographic map, as information about the environment. Information about the environment includes, for example, a division into a plurality of street segments. For example, each street segment is assigned its uphill or downhill slope, a certain number of lanes of the street segment, or the type of street segment, such as rural road, highway, city, driving direction, and average speed of each segment.

[0034] The digital representation of the environment may include said information as attributes.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the digital representation of the environment may include an identification of the street segment, such as a unique identification code.

[0036] In the example, the device 100 comprises an interface 114 for connecting to a vehicle communication network, via which information about the current operating state, in particular the charge state of the vehicle battery, the health state, the current vehicle speed and / or the consumption of auxiliary consumers can be received. A data line 116 connects these elements. The communication takes place, for example, by means of a controller area network protocol. A wireless connection 118 connects the transmitter 106 and the receiver 110 to a remote transmitter / receiver 108. The communication takes place, for example, by means of a long-term evolution network protocol.

[0037] The digital representation of the table is then described in two examples for an electric vehicle by way of example. A plurality of tables can be provided for different vehicle types or vehicles. It can be provided that different tables are used depending on the external temperature or other factors that influence consumption, such as auxiliary consumers, the health state or the charge state of the vehicle battery. One or more characteristic curves that record the information can be used. A vehicle model or an artificial neural network can be used as an alternative to the digital representation of the table. It can provide data using machine learning or model formation methods using parameter estimation, with the help of measurement data collected by the vehicle. In the learning phase, the measurement data can be used by the vehicle to train the artificial neural network or parameterize the model. In the use phase, in this case, mileage estimation is implemented with the help of an artificial neural network or a model.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] In the first example, consumption values ​​for a street cluster are specified for an electric vehicle. A street cluster is a category that contains a plurality of streets with the same properties. The properties are specified by way of example as the number of lanes, i.e. 1 lane, 2 lanes, 3 lanes, ..., uphill in % or downhill in %, and a route segment, i.e. road, motorway, city.

[0040] In this example, different consumption values ​​are assigned to different vehicle speeds. Thus, the first mapping relationship is obtained:

[0041]

[0042] In an example, the first mapping relationship is stored in the memory 104 and updated as described in the subsequent method.

[0043] In order to estimate the mileage, it is first determined in which street cluster the vehicle is located. Subsequently, a consumption value is determined from the first mapping relationship, which is closest to the current vehicle speed. The consumption value is used to determine the remaining battery power after the route section is passed, that is, the remaining charge state. If the destination is known, or which route sections the vehicle still has to pass, the prediction can include these route sections. For this purpose, the device can be configured to use the destination from the navigation system 112. It is also possible to use multiple route sections that are inevitable in the future, such as the route section to the next exit on the highway. In order to estimate the expected speed in the route section ahead, the learned speed preference of the driver and / or the vehicle can be used.

[0044] In order to locally create or locally update the first mapping, the device is designed to measure the consumption value while the vehicle is moving in the route segment. The consumption value is then assigned to a route cluster, the properties of which preferably correspond to the properties of the route segment just traveled. The consumption value is, for example, assigned to an average speed which is closest to the average speed of vehicles traveling on the street segment. In the example, this is done in addition to updating by comparison with other mappings.

[0045] Example 2:

[0046] In an electric vehicle, in the second example, consumption values ​​are specified for a specific street segment. The street segment is uniquely identified by an identification, for example an identification code. The information comes, for example, from a navigation system 112, in which the street segment is assigned to a geographical location. The current vehicle position can therefore be uniquely assigned to the street segment. Further attributes are therefore not required. Knowledge of the number of lanes, uphill or downhill, or type of route segment is implicitly included.

[0047] In this example, different consumption values ​​are assigned to different vehicle speeds. Thus, the first mapping relationship is obtained:

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] In an example, the second mapping relationship is stored in the memory 104 and updated as described in the subsequent method.

[0051] In order to estimate the mileage, it is known in which street segment the vehicle is located, and the consumption value from the second mapping relationship is used, which is closest to the average speed of the vehicle passing. If the destination is known, the consumption values ​​of the street segments are added until the destination is reached. The consumption value is contained in the map data, for example, as an average consumption value, a time-related consumption value, or a driver- or vehicle-specific consumption value for each street segment, which forms the basis for the mileage estimation. It can be set that the average speed to be expected for each street segment is estimated. This can be done, for example, by learning preferences of the consumption characteristics of the driver and / or vehicle. In addition, route characteristics, such as speed limits from map data, can be used. For example, at a speed limit of 80 km / h and at an average speed of 76 km / h for all vehicles, for example, based on the expected speed of 78 km / h, or a speed regulation for unmanned driving prediction is preset. If the driver does not enter a destination, then an example route starting from the current position of the vehicle in multiple directions is used for mileage estimation. In one aspect, it is set according to the mileage estimation that the mileage display of the vehicle visualizes possible and / or reachable driving destinations and routes to there.

[0052] To create or update the second mapping, the device is designed to identify the currently traveled street segment, determine the consumption value and, in identifying the street segment, supplement the second mapping with the consumption value at a speed that is closest to an average vehicle speed traveling in the segment.

[0053] The device 100 is configured to perform the following Figure 2 The method is started, for example, after the device 100 is switched on.

[0054] In step 200, it is checked whether the method is being carried out for the first time on device 100. If the method is being carried out for the first time on device 100, step 201 is carried out. Otherwise, step 202 is carried out.

[0055] In step 201, the basic arrangement of device 100 with remote transmitter / receiver 108 is required. For this purpose, the vehicle type or vehicle identification is preferably transmitted.

[0056] Then step 203 is performed.

[0057] In step 203, a basic mapping relationship is determined for other vehicles based on at least one of the mapping relationships. Preferably, the basic mapping relationships for the same vehicle type are transmitted. If necessary, the vehicle type is determined based on vehicle identification.

[0058] Step 205 is then performed.

[0059] In step 205, the device 100 receives a basic mapping relationship from a remote transmitter / receiver.

[0060] Step 207 is then performed.

[0061] In step 207 , the basic mapping relationship is preset as the mapping relationship of the vehicle.

[0062] Step 202 is then performed.

[0063] In step 202 , the mileage estimate is initialized locally on device 100 . For this purpose, the current position and the current speed of the vehicle are determined.

[0064] Step 204 is then performed.

[0065] In step 204 , the identification of the street segment is learned locally on the device 100 .

[0066] Step 206 is then performed.

[0067] In step 206 , the identification of the street segment is learned locally on the device 100 .

[0068] Step 208 is then performed.

[0069] In step 208, a consumption value for the street segment determined by the identification of the street segment and the determined average vehicle speed is determined locally on device 100. The consumption value that is closest to the current vehicle speed is determined from the mapping for the street segment together with the corresponding identification of the speed.

[0070] Step 210 is then performed.

[0071] In step 210, the remaining range of the vehicle is determined locally on the device 100 based on the consumption values. In addition, consumption values ​​of auxiliary consumers, map states or other variables that are relevant to the range can be taken into account. The prediction of the remaining range can include a plurality of successive route segments. For example, the range is determined for a known destination via a destination input or for the most likely expected street segment.

[0072] Step 212 is then performed.

[0073] In step 212, the remaining mileage is output. The output can be output via a display in the vehicle or via interface 114 to a display device of the vehicle. If no destination has been entered, the mileage can be constructed from the current position of the vehicle at various points in all directions using a so-called mileage polygon. For example, an example route is determined from the current position of the vehicle in a plurality of directions to estimate the mileage. In this case, the mileage display is designed to visualize possible and / or achievable travel destinations and / or routes there, based on the mileage estimate of the vehicle, in particular using a mileage polygon.

[0074] Step 214 is then performed.

[0075] In step 214 , a mapping relationship between at least one digital representation of an environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment is determined.

[0076] For example, when driving through a street segment, the average vehicle speed is used and the actual consumption value is determined for driving through the street segment. The identification is a digital representation of the environment. For example, the actual consumption value is determined by the difference in the charge state immediately before and after driving through the street segment. For this purpose, the respective current charge state of the battery before and after driving through the street segment is determined locally on the device 100 or received via the interface 114.

[0077] Step 216 is then performed.

[0078] In step 216, the consumption values ​​are stored locally on the device 100 in a mapping relationship in the elements, the elements being identified by identification of the street segment and the average vehicle speed. The mapping relationship is determined locally with respect to the vehicle.

[0079] Step 218 is then performed.

[0080] In step 218 , the mapping relationship used by the apparatus 100 to determine the comparison result is sent to the transmitter / receiver 108 with respect to the vehicle being removed.

[0081] Step 220 is then performed.

[0082] In step 220 , a comparison is performed by the remote transmitter / receiver 108 , in which the mapping of the vehicle is compared with a plurality of mappings of other vehicles.

[0083] Based on at least one of the mappings, in the example a new version of a basic mapping is determined, which is provided as the mapping for the vehicle when the method is carried out for the first time on the vehicle.

[0084] Step 222 is then performed.

[0085] In step 222, the comparison result is sent by the remote transmitter / receiver 108 and received locally by the device 100. For example, a new mapping relationship is received for compensation.

[0086] Step 224 is then performed.

[0087] In step 224 , the mapping relationship is updated locally with respect to the vehicle according to the comparison result.

[0088] If the new mapping relationship is different from the mapping relationship of the vehicle, the new mapping relationship is, for example, stored locally as the mapping relationship of the vehicle. Step 200 is then performed.

[0089] In one aspect, it is provided that, based on the information about at least one consumption value of two or more vehicles for the same street segment, deviations of the consumption values ​​of the different vehicles from one another are determined and information about the deviation is sent to at least one of the vehicles.

[0090] Deviations in the consumption values ​​of the vehicles can be determined for different vehicle types, for vehicles of the same vehicle type, or for the same vehicle traveling over the same street segment at different times.

[0091] In this case, the deviation is sent to one or all participating vehicles as feedback.

Claims

1. A method for estimating mileage of a vehicle, characterized in that: The remaining range of the vehicle is determined based on a mapping relationship between at least one digital representation of the environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment, wherein the mapping relationship is updated based on a comparison result, in which the mapping relationship of the vehicle is compared with a plurality of mapping relationships of other vehicles, wherein at least one mapping relationship is determined locally with respect to the vehicle, wherein the mapping relationship used to determine the comparison result is sent to a transmitter / receiver remote from the vehicle, wherein the comparison result is received, and wherein the mapping relationship is updated locally with respect to the vehicle, wherein the digital representation of the environment includes information characterizing the number of lanes of a street segment, an upslope or downslope of the street segment, or a type of street segment as attributes.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that A basic mapping relationship is determined based on at least one of the mapping relationships, wherein the basic mapping relationship is predefined as a mapping relationship for the vehicle when the method is carried out for the first time on the vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The digital representation of the environment comprises an identification of a street segment, wherein based on information about at least one consumption value of two or more vehicles for the same street segment, deviations of consumption values ​​of different vehicles from one another are determined, and wherein information about the deviation is sent to at least one of the vehicles.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Deviations in the consumption values ​​of the vehicle for different vehicle types are determined.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Deviations in consumption values ​​for vehicles of the same vehicle type or for identical vehicles are determined.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Starting from the current position of the vehicle, an example route is determined in a plurality of directions in order to estimate the range, and based on the range estimate, a range display of the vehicle visualizes achievable and / or reachable driving destinations and routes thereto.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that For estimating the mileage, at least one street segment and a consumption value assigned to the street segment are determined, wherein the consumption value is estimated as a function of an expected, average speed for the street segment, wherein the speed is determined as a function of learned preferences of the driver, consumption characteristics of the vehicle, route characteristics, speed limits and / or predicted speed regulation for autonomous driving.

8. A device (100) for estimating the mileage of a vehicle, characterized in that: The device (100) comprises a processor (102) and a memory (104) having instructions, which, when executed by the processor (102), determine the remaining range of the vehicle based on a mapping relationship between at least one digital representation of an environment in which the vehicle is operating and information about at least one consumption value in the environment, wherein the digital representation of the environment includes information characterizing the number of lanes of a street segment, the upslope or downslope of the street segment, or the type of street segment as attributes, wherein the mapping relationship of the vehicle is updated based on the result of at least one comparison, in which the mapping relationship is compared with a plurality of mapping relationships of other vehicles, wherein at least one mapping relationship can be determined locally with respect to the vehicle, wherein the device comprises a transmitter (106) which is configured to transmit the mapping relationship used to determine the comparison result to a transmitter / receiver (108) remote from the vehicle, wherein the device comprises a receiver (110) which is configured to receive the comparison result, and wherein the mapping relationship is updated locally with respect to the vehicle.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that A basic mapping relationship is determined based on at least one of the mapping relationships, wherein the basic mapping relationship can be preset as a mapping relationship of the vehicle when the mileage estimation is performed for the first time on the vehicle.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The apparatus comprises a navigation device (112) for providing a digital representation of an environment using street segments, wherein the digital representation of the environment comprises an identification of the street segment or an attribute of the street segment.

11. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The device is designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

12. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The device is designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

13. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The device is designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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