Method for navigating a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for navigating a vehicle (1) in a road network, wherein an edge node network (100) is arranged on the road network, comprising a plurality of fixed edge nodes (101) and a plurality of mobile edge nodes (102), wherein the vehicle (1) is implemented to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or the mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100), the method comprising the following steps: 1) suggesting at least one route (R) on the road network to a user of the vehicle (1), 2) associating at least one route (R) with at least one current or predicted information (I) about the fixed edge nodes (101) and the mobile edge nodes (102) in the edge node network (100) along the at least one route (R).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for navigating a vehicle and a navigation system. Background Art

[0002] In addition to being used to provide the mobile terminal with its own computing resources, mobile edge computing can also provide additional external computing resources located in the mobile terminal environment through so-called edge nodes. If the mobile terminal is located in a vehicle, for example, and moves along a route, when the mobile terminal leaves the coverage area (Einzugsbereich) of the first edge node and enters the coverage area of ​​the second edge node, a "handover" from one edge node to another edge node must be performed. Here, interference in the communication channel or a lack of available edge nodes along the route may cause the connection to the edge node to be interrupted, thereby suddenly losing additional computing resources. Based on a map that estimates network coverage or quality of service, the availability of mobile edge computing can be predicted. Therefore, areas where the expansion of computing resources is limited or unavailable are known in advance. However, the known maps for estimating network coverage and quality of service are purely static maps. Therefore, although it is known that mobile edge computing may be a critical range, no positive improvements have been achieved. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method for navigating a vehicle. In particular, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for navigating a vehicle which allows advantageous, customer-friendly navigation, wherein a fast and efficient service for transferring computing power is provided. Furthermore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved navigation system in which service interruptions during the travel of the vehicle along the planned route can be reduced, in particular prevented in advance.

[0004] The above-mentioned technical problem is solved by the method according to the invention for navigating a vehicle and by the navigation system according to the invention. The invention also provides preferred developments.

[0005] Features disclosed in relation to the various aspects of the invention can be combined with one another in such a way that with respect to the present disclosure reference can always be made to one another with respect to the various aspects of the invention.

[0006] The present invention provides a method for navigating a vehicle in a road network, wherein an edge node network is provided on the road network, and the edge node network may include a plurality of fixed edge nodes and a plurality of mobile edge nodes, wherein the vehicle is implemented to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or the mobile edge nodes of the edge node network, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0007] 1) suggesting at least one route on the road network to a user of the vehicle,

[0008] 2) Associating at least one route with at least one current or predicted information about fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network along the at least one route.

[0009] The edge node in the sense of the present invention can be understood as a computing node of an edge node network, which has a processor, which has computing power, although the computing power is limited compared to the base station of the mobile operator, and the computing node also has a communication unit for exchanging data with other edge nodes of the edge node network. In other words, the edge node can be a computer, which can serve as a portal for communicating with other edge nodes of the edge node network, with the purpose of exchanging data and / or transferring computing power and / or sharing computing resources and / or sharing computing results. In the framework of the edge node network, the edge node can also be referred to as a gateway node or a border node (Kantenknote). Through the communication unit, the edge node can receive data from a terminal device, such as a vehicle according to the present invention, and the edge node can process these data using its own computing power on its processor. The edge node can send the processed results back to the terminal device via the communication unit. These data can be sensor data that can be evaluated on the edge node. It is also conceivable that different computing tasks can be performed by the edge node.

[0010] Within the scope of the invention, the vehicle or some systems in the vehicle can send data to the edge nodes of the edge node network, for example when the vehicle's own computing power is not available, insufficient or used for other purposes, and these data are to be processed with the help of additional computing power on the edge node. Here, the edge node is selected from the edge node network located near the vehicle or in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle. Thus, the waiting time for the request to the central cloud can be avoided, and additional computing power can be provided near the vehicle at the edge of the network. In this way, a fast and efficient service for transferring computing power from the vehicle can be provided.

[0011] A mobile edge node in the sense of the present invention may refer to a movable edge node. That is, a mobile edge node in the sense of the present invention may be flexibly placed at a location where computing power is required. It is also conceivable that a mobile edge node in the sense of the present invention may be in motion during the provision of computing power. As a mobile edge node in the sense of the present invention, a vehicle, such as a fleet vehicle, a drone or a mobile base station may be used.

[0012] In the sense of the present invention, a stationary edge node may be understood to be a locally fixed edge node, a base station of a network operator and / or a mobile communications provider.

[0013] It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the computing power transferred for the application is transferred completely or only partially.

[0014] Predicted information refers to predictive information that is presented prospectively at the corresponding edge node when the vehicle enters the coverage area of ​​the corresponding edge node on its route. In other words, the predicted information refers to the information that is calculated in advance when the vehicle is at which point on the route and what information is then presented at the edge node, which is expected to be in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle at that point in time.

[0015] Here, the idea of ​​the present invention is to suggest different routes to the user of the vehicle based on the existing fixed and / or mobile edge nodes of the edge node network, which routes may have different edge node applications. According to the present invention, information about the fixed and / or mobile edge nodes in the edge node network, such as location, utilization, coverage area, computing power, availability in time, available computing capacity, reliability, waiting time, etc., is taken into account when suggesting a route. In addition, statistical data on the utilization of the route at a specific point in time and / or other traffic information can also be included in the calculation. In addition, the available computing power and / or sensor system in the vehicle itself can be taken into account when suggesting a route.

[0016] Thus, the driver can, for example, select a route from the suggested routes that may last longer but has a lower utilization of edge nodes, thereby providing the driver with more services or applications through edge nodes. This is particularly advantageous for autonomous vehicles, which require high computing power to evaluate sensor data and calculate driving actions. For example, for some users, longer travel times are not important if they can drive fully autonomously. Based on the computing power already present in the vehicle, the sensor systems used and the available data (such as their own sensor data and / or sensor data of other vehicles) and information about the available edge nodes along the vehicle route, it can be derived which specific applications can be provided and used on which route, including the degree of automation and / or driver assistance functions. Advantageously, edge node coverage and the utilization of the edge node network as well as the suggested routes can be visualized on a map.

[0017] The required computing power is determined for different automation levels and / or further applications (e.g. level 3 automation (i.e. highly automated driving) + music streaming, or level 4 automation (i.e. fully automated driving)). For example, if the vehicle itself has only a few driver assistance functions, more data must be provided by the edge node. In addition, the own computing power must also be taken into account. On this basis, possible routes are calculated that allow different automation levels and / or applications to be realized.

[0018] According to a particular advantage of the invention, mobile edge nodes in the framework of an edge node network can be taken into account when suggesting routes. The need for mobile edge nodes can be determined by selecting a specific degree of automation and / or application and / or route, and these nodes can be provided in a targeted manner. For example, mobile edge nodes are sent to areas with less edge node coverage and / or greater traffic volume. Conversely, if a user selects a route with a very low degree of automation and therefore selects fewer applications, the user can provide the computing power of his vehicle to other network participants and thereby make himself, at least temporarily, a mobile edge node in the framework of an edge node network.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a method for navigating a vehicle that, in step 1), at least one route is displayed on a map (referred to as a geographical map), which depicts a road network, fixed edge nodes of an edge node network, and mobile edge nodes. With the aid of such a map, fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes of an edge node network can be depicted, which can be important in route selection. Furthermore, the map can be used to determine areas with poor edge node coverage so that these areas can be bypassed as required.

[0020] In addition, for the method for navigating a vehicle, the present invention may provide that, in step 2), at least one current or predicted information about a fixed edge node and a mobile edge node in the edge node network in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle and / or along at least one route is depicted on the map. The coverage area of ​​the vehicle can be determined by the effective range of data transmission that can exchange data between the vehicle and the edge node. Similarly, the corresponding coverage areas of the mobile and / or fixed edge nodes of the edge node network can also be defined. In this way, it can be achieved that the map only displays those fixed and / or mobile edge nodes that may be related to the transfer of computing power during the movement of the vehicle along the route in time and / or location. At the same time, the available storage space of the map can therefore be used only for relevant information. In addition, it is also conceivable that the map can depict fixed and / or mobile edge nodes along the planned route of the vehicle, which are expected to be located in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle on the vehicle route, or conversely, the vehicle is located in the coverage area of ​​these fixed and / or mobile edge nodes on its route. Advantageously, the information related to the mobile edge node can be predictively displayed for a point in time: when the vehicle enters the coverage area of ​​the mobile edge node during its movement. Furthermore, the location of the mobile edge node along the planned route of the vehicle can predictively indicate where the vehicle enters the coverage area of ​​the mobile edge node for locations on the route. In other words, the movement of the vehicle and the mobile edge node along the planned route of the vehicle can be coordinated.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention may provide for the method for navigating a vehicle that, in step 2), at least one route is associated with at least one of the following current or predicted information about fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network:

[0022] -Location,

[0023] - Utilization rate,

[0024] - Coverage area,

[0025] - Computational power,

[0026] - availability in terms of time,

[0027] - available computing capacity,

[0028] -reliability,

[0029] - Waiting time.

[0030] This information already allows knowing in advance those areas in which the transfer of computing resources is only possible to a limited extent or is not possible. This allows corresponding planning when proposing routes.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention may provide for the method for navigating a vehicle that in step 2), at least one route is associated with at least one of the following current or predicted information about a mobile edge node in the edge node network:

[0032] - expected route,

[0033] - Estimated speed.

[0034] In other words, in addition to information that may be equally specific to fixed and / or mobile edge nodes, information that may be important for mobile edge nodes may also be taken into account when suggesting a route. Furthermore, traffic information and / or navigation information may also be important in order to be able to determine the presence and availability of mobile edge nodes and / or to be able to predict the presence and availability of mobile edge nodes based on the route of the vehicle.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention may provide for a method for navigating a vehicle that, in step 1), at least one route is suggested and / or prioritized, on which computing power or a portion of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes of the edge node network for at least one of the following applications:

[0036] -navigation,

[0037] - Streaming,

[0038] - data processing,

[0039] - Gesture recognition,

[0040] - evaluation of sensor data,

[0041] -Sensor data fusion (meaning the fusion of one's own sensor data with the sensor data of other vehicles),

[0042] - calculation of driving actions,

[0043] - Driving assistance features,

[0044] - a driving mode according to one of the possible degrees of automation in the operation of the vehicle,

[0045] -Highly automated and / or autonomous driving.

[0046] As a result, the services within the framework of the edge network can be improved and expanded in an advantageous manner. Customer comfort can thereby be significantly increased.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a method for navigating a vehicle that in step 1), the vehicle's own available computing power and / or available sensor systems are taken into account when proposing at least one route. With knowledge of the vehicle's own available computing power, it is possible to infer the required additional computing power. With knowledge of the vehicle's available sensor systems, it is possible to determine which sensor data can be obtained by the vehicle itself and which sensor data may have to be requested from other vehicles via edge nodes of an edge node network.

[0048] Furthermore, the method within the scope of the present invention may have at least one further step:

[0049] 3) Associating at least one route with at least one application in which computing power or a portion of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes in the edge node network along the at least one route.

[0050] Thus, the advantage of knowing the possible applications and / or automation levels for each route can be achieved. Thus, when selecting a desired route from the suggested routes, the user may prefer a specific route that enables the desired service (application and / or automation level).

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention may provide for a method for navigating a vehicle that, in step 1), a plurality of routes on a road network are suggested to a user of the vehicle, wherein in step 2), each of the plurality of routes is associated with at least one piece of information about a fixed edge node and a mobile edge node in the edge node network along the corresponding route. Thus, the user may weigh different possible routes and / or available services before deciding on a particular route.

[0052] Furthermore, the invention can provide for the method for navigating a vehicle that, in a further step 4), the user of the vehicle is offered the option of selecting one of a plurality of routes depending on at least one desired application. This can increase customer comfort.

[0053] Furthermore, within the framework of the method for navigating a vehicle, it is conceivable that a user can assign a priority to a specific application (eg, autonomous driving), so that a route that can implement this application is automatically preferred.

[0054] In addition, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is solved by a navigation system for navigating a vehicle in a road network, in which an edge node network is provided, which includes a plurality of fixed edge nodes and a plurality of mobile edge nodes, wherein the vehicle is implemented to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes of the edge node network, and the navigation system has a computing unit for suggesting at least one route on the road network to a user of the vehicle, wherein the computing unit is implemented to associate at least one route with at least one current or predicted information about the fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network along at least one route. The same advantages as those already described above in conjunction with the method according to the present invention are achieved by the navigation system according to the present invention. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0055] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a navigation system that the computing unit is designed to transfer its own computing power or part of its own computing power from the vehicle to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes of the edge node network. Thus, the navigation system can make it possible to transfer computing power out of the vehicle, even if this was not previously possible with existing computing units in the vehicle. In this way, not only can an improved navigation system be provided, but also the functions in the vehicle can be significantly expanded by the navigation system according to the invention, even if this was not previously possible with existing computing units and / or sensors of the vehicle.

[0056] In addition, the present invention can provide a communication unit for the navigation system to send data to the edge nodes of the edge node network and / or receive data from the edge nodes of the edge node network. Therefore, the communication unit can be part of the navigation system. It is also conceivable that the navigation system can use the existing communication unit of the vehicle.

[0057] In addition, the present invention can provide a storage unit for the navigation system, in which a map is stored, and the map includes at least one current or predicted information about fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network. With the help of such a storage unit, it can be achieved that the navigation system has information that may be relevant when suggesting routes, for which it is possible to transfer computing power for specific applications. With the help of a map, fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network that are currently and / or expected to be located in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle and / or along the vehicle route can be depicted. In this way, suitable fixed and / or mobile edge nodes can be selected, which can reliably provide computing power during vehicle movement. Here, the information can include the location, utilization, coverage area, computing power, temporal availability, available computing capacity, reliability and / or waiting time of fixed and / or mobile edge nodes. In addition, the map can be used to determine areas where edge nodes have poor coverage so that these areas can be bypassed as needed.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a display unit for the navigation system, on which at least one route is displayed on a map, the map depicting the road network, the fixed edge nodes of the edge node network and the mobile edge nodes, so that at least one route can be visualized.

[0059] Furthermore, in the navigation system within the scope of the present invention, the display unit may be implemented to depict on a map at least one current or predicted information about fixed edge nodes and mobile edge nodes in the edge node network along at least one route. Such information may help the user select an appropriate route.

[0060] Furthermore, in the navigation system within the scope of the present invention, the display unit can be implemented to depict at least one application in which the computing power or a part of the computing power can be transferred from the vehicle to at least one of the fixed edge nodes and / or mobile edge nodes in the edge node network along at least one route. Thus, in addition to the possible routes, the user can also see the possible applications on the corresponding route. In this way, the user can simply and comfortably select a route from the possible routes depending on the desired application.

[0061] The display unit may be a touch display. Advantageously, the route can be selected by the touch function of the display unit. It is also conceivable that an input field for the desired application can be provided on the display unit. With the aid of the input field, the user can determine his preferences, which can be automatically taken into account when suggesting a route.

[0062] Furthermore, within the framework of the navigation system according to the invention, the computing unit can be implemented to register and / or identify the vehicle as a mobile edge node of the edge node network in order to provide its own computing power or part of its own computing power from the vehicle to external network participants of the edge node network. In this way, the vehicle can become an equivalent part of the edge node network. It is also conceivable that the power brought in in this form is compensated by the incentive system.

[0063] Advantageously, the navigation system may be implemented to perform a method which may function as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The following describes further measures for improving the invention in more detail with reference to the drawings using a description of preferred embodiments of the invention. The features mentioned in the description may be key to the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that the drawings are merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In the drawings:

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a navigation system for navigating a vehicle in a road network according to the present invention is shown, in which an edge node network having a plurality of fixed edge nodes and a plurality of mobile edge nodes is arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 A road network is shown, on which an edge node network 100 can be arranged, which has a plurality of fixed edge nodes 101 and a plurality of mobile edge nodes 102. In this road network, a method for navigating a vehicle 1 in the sense of the invention can be performed. To this end, the vehicle 1 can be designed to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes 101 and / or the mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100. In this case, the method according to the invention has the following steps:

[0067] 1) suggesting at least one route R on the road network to the user of vehicle 1,

[0068] 2) Associating at least one route R with at least one current or predicted information I about the fixed edge nodes 101 and the mobile edge nodes 102 along the at least one route R in the edge node network 100 .

[0069] In the sense of the present invention, edge nodes 101, 102 can be understood as computing nodes of an edge node network 100, which also have a computing unit 11 (e.g., a processor for providing computing power) and a communication unit 12, which is used to exchange data with terminal devices (e.g., the vehicle 1 according to the present invention) and / or other edge nodes 101, 102 of the edge node network 100. In principle, the edge nodes 101, 102 can be provided by a computer, for example, a computer with a WLAN connection. It is also conceivable that the fixed edge node 101 can be provided by a base station of a mobile communication provider and / or a network operator.

[0070] The vehicle 1 according to the invention can send data to the edge nodes 101, 102 of the edge node network 100 in order to process the data there, for example when its own computing power is not available or insufficient or is used for other purposes. It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the computing power for at least one desired application is transferred in full or only partially.

[0071] In the scope of the present invention, the edge node network 100 may have a mobile edge node 102 in addition to the fixed edge node 101. The mobile edge node 102 in the scope of the present invention may move. It is contemplated that the mobile edge node 102 in the scope of the present invention may be flexibly located where computing resources are needed, such as in an area where the coverage of the edge nodes 101, 102 is limited.

[0072] It is also conceivable that the mobile edge node 102 within the scope of the present invention can be in motion and that it simultaneously provides computing power to other participants of the edge node network 100. Advantageously, as a mobile edge node 102 in the sense of the present invention, a vehicle, such as a convoy vehicle or a drone, can advantageously appear. The convoy vehicle and / or the drone can be directed in a targeted manner to roads with heavy traffic in order to be able to meet the high demand for computing resources there. It is also conceivable that such a mobile edge node 102 is directed in a targeted manner to areas with poor coverage, in which coverage is not met or is not fully met using the edge nodes 101, 102.

[0073] Advantageously, mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100, such as other vehicles, or other mobile systems, such as drones, are considered when transferring computing power from the vehicle 1. That is, the mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100 are dynamically (i.e., flexibly in time and / or location) included in the allocation of computing resources. The mobile edge nodes 102 can be selected based on their expected route R and / or speed. For example, in Figure 1 , other vehicles are shown as mobile edge nodes 102 . Figure 1A drone is also shown as a possible mobile edge node 102.

[0074] During the movement of the vehicle 1, suitable edge nodes 101, 102 on the route R of the vehicle 1 are selected from the mobile and / or fixed edge nodes 101, 102 of the edge node network 100, so that the vehicle 1 is always located in the coverage area of ​​at least one of these mobile and / or fixed edge nodes 101, 102 during the movement. To this end, the route R of the vehicle 1 can be divided into multiple sections, and suitable edge nodes 101, 102 can be selected from the edge node network 100 for each section, so that additional computing resources can be provided to the vehicle 1 uninterruptedly.

[0075] In the scope of the present invention, the predicted information I refers to the predictive information I that is prospectively presented at the corresponding edge nodes 101, 102 when the vehicle 1 enters the coverage area of ​​the corresponding edge nodes 101, 102 on its route R. In other words, it is predictively predicted when the vehicle 1 is located at which point on the route R and which information I is presented at the edge nodes 101, 102 at that time, which edge nodes are expected to be in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle 1 at that time.

[0076] As per Figure 1 It can be seen that different routes R are suggested to the user of vehicle 1 based on the existing fixed and / or mobile edge nodes 101, 102 of the edge node network 100, and these routes R may have different edge node applications A. According to the present invention, information I about the fixed and / or mobile edge nodes 101, 102 in the edge node network 100, such as location, utilization, coverage area, computing power, temporal availability, available computing capacity, reliability, waiting time, etc., is considered when suggesting route R. In addition, statistics and / or other traffic information about the utilization of route R at certain points in time can also be considered. In addition, the computing power and / or sensor system available in vehicle 1 itself can also be considered when suggesting route R. For example, in the case of vehicle 1, it itself has only a few driving assistance functions, such as more data needs to be provided by edge nodes 101, 102 for specific advanced applications A.

[0077] Advantageously, the driver can select a route R from among the suggested routes R, which may take longer but has a lower utilization of the edge nodes 101, 102, whereby more applications A can be provided to the driver via the edge nodes 101, 102. For example, it may be advantageous for an autonomous vehicle 1 to provide additional computing power of the edge nodes 101, 102 in order to provide high computing power for analyzing sensor data and for calculating driving maneuvers. Thus, for example, the user can tolerate longer travel times if he can drive the vehicle fully autonomously for this purpose.

[0078] For different automation levels and / or additional applications A (e.g., level 3 automation (i.e., highly automated driving) + music streaming, or level 4 automation (i.e., fully automated driving)), the required computing power is determined. Here, the automation level can also be considered as a specific application A.

[0079] If, on the other hand, the user selects a route R with a lower degree of automation and therefore with fewer applications A, the user can make the computing power of his vehicle 1 available to other network participants and thereby at least temporarily become a mobile edge node 102 within the framework of the edge node network 100 .

[0080] Advantageously, the invention may provide that, in step 1), at least one route R is displayed on a map K, which depicts the road network, the fixed edge nodes 101 and the mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100. The map K may in turn be displayed on a display unit 16. For example, the display unit 16 may be provided within the framework of the navigation system S according to the invention and / or the display unit 16 is a display unit 16 in the dashboard 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0081] On the map K, current or predicted information I about fixed edge nodes 101 and mobile edge nodes 102 in the edge node network 100 can advantageously be depicted in the coverage area of ​​the vehicle 1 and / or along at least one route R. The coverage area of ​​the vehicle 1 can be determined by the effective range of data transmission that can exchange data between the vehicle 1 and the edge nodes 101, 102. Similarly, the corresponding coverage areas of the mobile and / or fixed edge nodes 101, 102 of the edge node network 100 can be defined (see Figure 1 In this way, it is possible for the map K to only display those fixed and / or mobile edge nodes that may be relevant in terms of time and / or location for transferring computing power during the movement of the vehicle 1 along the route R. At the same time, the available storage space of the map K can thus only be used for relevant information I.

[0082] Advantageously, current or predicted information I about the edge nodes 101 , 102 may be taken into account when selecting one or more suitable edge nodes 101 , 102 from the edge node network 100 , such as:

[0083] -Location,

[0084] - Utilization rate,

[0085] - Coverage area,

[0086] - Computational power,

[0087] - availability in terms of time,

[0088] - available computing capacity,

[0089] - reliability, and / or

[0090] - Waiting time.

[0091] As already mentioned above, the map K may include at least one of the following current or predicted information I about the mobile edge nodes 102 in the edge node network 100, for example:

[0092] - the expected route R,

[0093] - Estimated speed.

[0094] Advantageously, the method within the scope of the present invention may provide that, in step 1), at least one route R is suggested and / or prioritized, on which computing power or a part of it can be transferred from the vehicle 1 to at least one of the fixed edge nodes 101 and / or the mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100 for at least one of the following applications A:

[0095] -navigation,

[0096] - Streaming,

[0097] - data processing,

[0098] - Gesture recognition,

[0099] - evaluation of sensor data,

[0100] -Sensor data fusion (meaning the fusion of one's own sensor data with the sensor data of other vehicles),

[0101] - calculation of driving actions,

[0102] - Driving assistance features,

[0103] a driving mode according to one of the possible degrees of automation in the operation of the vehicle 1 ,

[0104] -Highly automated and / or autonomous driving.

[0105] As a result, the services when navigating the vehicle 1 can not only be greatly expanded but also improved.

[0106] Further steps may be provided within the scope of the method according to the invention:

[0107] 3) Associating at least one route R with at least one application A, in which computing power or part of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle 1 to at least one of the fixed edge nodes 101 and / or mobile edge nodes 102 along the at least one route R in the edge node network 100.

[0108] Advantageously, in step 1), a plurality of routes R may be suggested on the road network, wherein in step 2), each of the plurality of routes R is associated with at least one information I about a fixed edge node 101 and a mobile edge node 102 in the edge node network 100 along the corresponding route R. Thus, the user may decide between different possible routes R and / or services available on different routes R, so as to be able to obtain the desired service.

[0109] Furthermore, the user of the vehicle 1 may be offered the option of selecting one of a plurality of routes R depending on at least one desired application A. To this end, the user may, for example, operate a display unit 16 which may be designed, for example, as a touch display and may have an input field in order to be able to enter the desired application A.

[0110] Furthermore, within the framework of the method, it is also conceivable that the user can give priority to a specific application A (eg, autonomous driving) so that a route R that can implement this application A is automatically preferred.

[0111] In addition, Figure 1 , a navigation system S according to the invention for navigating a vehicle 1 in a road network is shown with an enlarged illustration of a vehicle 1. The navigation system S according to the invention has a computing unit 11 for suggesting at least one route R, wherein the computing unit 11 is designed to associate the at least one route R with at least one current or predicted information I about a fixed edge node 101 and a mobile edge node 102 in an edge node network 100 along the at least one route R.

[0112] Furthermore, the computing unit 11 may be implemented to transfer its own computing power or a part of its own computing power from the vehicle 1 to at least one of the fixed edge nodes 101 and / or the mobile edge nodes 102 of the edge node network 100 .

[0113] Furthermore, the navigation system S comprises a communication unit 12 for sending data to and / or receiving data from the edge nodes 101 , 102 of the edge node network 100 .

[0114] Furthermore, the navigation system S may have a storage unit 14 in which a map K is stored, which includes at least one current or predicted information I about the fixed edge nodes 101 and the mobile edge nodes 102 in the edge node network 100 .

[0115] Furthermore, the navigation system S has the aforementioned display unit 16, on which at least one route R of the vehicle 1 on the map K is displayed. Furthermore, the display unit 16 can depict on the map K at least one current or predicted information I about the fixed edge nodes 101 and the mobile edge nodes 102 in the edge node network 100 along the at least one route R. Furthermore, in addition to the corresponding route R, the display unit 16 can also depict at least one application A in which the computing power or a portion of the computing power can be transferred from the vehicle 1 to at least one of the fixed edge nodes 101 and / or the mobile edge nodes 102 in the edge node network 100 along the at least one route R of the vehicle 1.

[0116] Furthermore, the computing unit 11 in the framework of the navigation system S according to the present invention can be implemented to register and / or identify the vehicle 1 as a mobile edge node 102 in the edge node network 100 in order to provide its own computing power or part of its own computing power from the vehicle 1 to external network participants of the edge node network 100.

[0117] The foregoing description of the drawings describes the invention only within the scope of examples. Of course, the individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another as long as it is technically reasonable, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0118] Reference numerals list

[0119] 1 Vehicle

[0120] 2. Dashboard

[0121] 10. Equipment

[0122] 11 Computational Unit

[0123] 12 Communication Unit

[0124] 14 Storage Unit

[0125] 16 Display unit

[0126] 100 edge node network

[0127] 101 Fixed edge nodes

[0128] 102 Mobile Edge Node

[0129] 110 Monitoring Unit

[0130] A Application

[0131] I Information

[0132] K Map

[0133] R Route

[0134] S Navigation System

Claims

1. A method for navigating a vehicle (1) in a road network, wherein an edge node network (100) is arranged on the road network, the edge node network comprising a plurality of fixed edge nodes (101) and a plurality of mobile edge nodes (102), in, The mobile edge node (102) is an edge node that is in motion during the provision of computing power. The mobile edge node (102) is a vehicle, a drone or a mobile base station. The fixed edge node (101) is a locally fixed edge node, a base station of a network operator and / or a mobile communication provider, wherein the vehicle (1) is implemented to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or the mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100), The method comprises the following steps: 1) suggesting at least one route (R) on the road network to a user of the vehicle (1), 2) associating at least one route (R) with at least one current or predicted information (I) about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) in an edge node network (100) along the at least one route (R), wherein, in step 1), at least one route (R) is displayed on a map (K), the map depicting the road network, the fixed edge nodes (101) and the mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100), And wherein, in step 2), at least one of the current or predicted information (I) is depicted on the map (K), the current or predicted information (I) relating to at least one application (A) in the coverage area of ​​the fixed edge node (101) and the mobile edge node (102) of the edge node network (100) and the vehicle (1) and / or along at least one route (R).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In step 2), at least one route (R) is associated with at least one of the following current or predicted information (I) about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) in the edge node network (100): -Location, - Utilization rate, - Coverage area, - Computational power, - availability in terms of time, - available computing capacity, -reliability, - Waiting time.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In step 2), at least one route (R) is associated with at least one of the following current or predicted information (I) about a mobile edge node (102) in the edge node network (100): - the expected route R, - Estimated speed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In step 1), at least one route (R) is suggested and / or prioritized, on which computing power or a portion of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle (1) to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100) for at least one of the following applications (A): -navigation, - Streaming, - data processing, - Gesture recognition, - evaluation of sensor data, - Fusion of sensor data, - calculation of driving actions, - Driving assistance features, - a driving mode according to one of the possible degrees of automation in the operation of the vehicle (1), -Highly automated and / or autonomous driving.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In step 1), the vehicle's (1) own available computing power and / or available sensor systems are taken into account when proposing at least one route (R).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises step 3), namely associating at least one route (R) with at least one application (A), in which computing power or a part of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle (1) to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or mobile edge nodes (102) in the edge node network (100) along the at least one route (R).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In step 1), a plurality of routes (R) on a road network are suggested to a user of the vehicle (1), wherein in step 2), each of the plurality of routes (R) is associated with at least one information (I) about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) along the corresponding route (R) in an edge node network (100).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In a further step 4), the user of the vehicle (1) is offered the option of selecting one of a plurality of routes (R) depending on at least one desired application (A).

9. A navigation system (S) for navigating a vehicle (1) in a road network, wherein an edge node network (100) is provided in the road network, the edge node network comprising a plurality of fixed edge nodes (101) and a plurality of mobile edge nodes (102), wherein the vehicle (1) is implemented to transfer computing power to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or the mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100), The navigation system has a computing unit (11) for suggesting at least one route (R) on the road network to a user of the vehicle (1), wherein the computing unit (11) is implemented to associate at least one route (R) with at least one current or predicted information about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) in the edge node network (100) along the at least one route (R), And among them, The navigation system (S) is designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The navigation system (S) according to claim 9, characterized in that The computing unit (11) is implemented to transfer its own computing power or a part of its own computing power from the vehicle (1) to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or the mobile edge nodes (102) of the edge node network (100).

11. The navigation system (S) according to claim 9, characterized in that A communication unit (12) is provided to send data to an edge node (101, 102) of the edge node network (100) and / or to receive data from an edge node (101, 102) of the edge node network (100).

12. A navigation system (S) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that A storage unit (14) is provided, in which a map (K) is stored, the map (K) comprising at least one current or predicted information (I) about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) in the edge node network (100).

13. A navigation system (S) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that A display unit (16) is provided on which at least one route (R) on a map (K) is displayed, the map depicting a road network, fixed edge nodes (101) and mobile edge nodes (102) of an edge node network (100), and / or, the display unit (16) is implemented to depict on the map (K) at least one current or predicted information about a fixed edge node (101) and a mobile edge node (102) along at least one route (R) in the edge node network (100), And / or, the display unit (16) is implemented to depict at least one application (A) in which computing power or a portion of computing power can be transferred from the vehicle (1) to at least one of the fixed edge nodes (101) and / or mobile edge nodes (102) in the edge node network (100) along at least one route (R).

14. A navigation system (S) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The computing unit (11) is implemented to register and / or identify the vehicle (1) as a mobile edge node (102) in the edge node network (100) so as to provide its own computing power or a part of its own computing power from the vehicle (1) to external network participants of the edge node network (100).

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