A scheme for data processing for at least partially automated guidance of a motor vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for determining the processing resource requirements for processing data used in at least partially automated driving of a motor vehicle. For example, the method involves matching the available processing resources for performing the data processing with the determined processing resource requirements. This invention also relates to an apparatus, a calculator system, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for determining the required processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a calculator system, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the parking environment can be monitored by infrastructure sensors (e.g., cameras or lidar sensors).

[0003] Sensors typically transmit their sensor data to a central computer system via one or more cables, where the central computer system analyzes and evaluates the sensor data.

[0004] For example, the calculator system itself can perform planning functions, such as those for at least partially automating the control of motor vehicles within a parking environment.

[0005] A calculator system typically consists of a static component and a combined system whose dimensions are determined once before the parking lot is put into operation.

[0006] Such calculator systems typically have to perform multiple parallel calculations.

[0007] This usually means that a calculator system needs high computing power and a large amount of memory.

[0008] This can result in high costs, especially due to the additional special hardware in the calculator system.

[0009] Furthermore, high latency may occur due to the cable connection between the sensor and the computer system for transmitting sensor data.

[0010] Furthermore, current consumption can be increased. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The objective upon which this invention is based should be considered as providing a solution for efficiently determining the required processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0012] This task is solved by means of the corresponding subject matter of the independent claims. The advantageous configuration of the invention is the content of the various dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for determining the requirements for processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles, the method comprising the steps of:

[0014] - Receive parameter signals, the parameter signals representing at least one parameter affecting processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0015] - Receive a processing resource signal, the processing resource signal representing available processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0016] - Determine the required processing resources for processing the data used to guide motor vehicles with at least partial automation, based on at least one parameter and the available processing resources.

[0017] If the available processing resources for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles are insufficient, a demand signal is output, representing the demand sought and / or the difference between the demand sought and the available processing resources, so that the available processing resources can be adapted based on the demand sought and / or the difference.

[0018] According to the second aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus being configured to perform all the steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0019] According to a third aspect, a calculator system is provided, the calculator system comprising a calculator assembly having a plurality of networked calculators and a device according to a second aspect, the calculator assembly being particularly part of a cloud infrastructure.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, for example by a device according to a second aspect, the instructions instruct the computer to implement the method according to a first aspect.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is provided on which a computer program according to a fourth aspect is stored.

[0022] This invention is based on and includes the following understanding: the above tasks can be solved by, within the scope of data processing for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles, examining whether the available processing resources are sufficient or insufficient for data processing. For this examination, parameters that may influence the available processing resources are used in particular.

[0023] If there is a demand due to insufficient available processing resources, a corresponding demand signal is output, which represents the demand sought and / or the difference between the demand sought and the available processing resources, so that the available processing resources can be adapted based on the demand sought and / or the difference.

[0024] That is, especially based on the demand sought and / or based on differences, dynamically expand, i.e. dynamically adapt to available processing resources.

[0025] This ensures, in a favorable manner, that there are always sufficient processing resources available for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0026] That is, this gives rise to the following technical advantage in particular: data used for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles can be processed efficiently.

[0027] The solution described here also has the advantage of being able to effectively respond to different situations that may arise within the scope of at least partially automated guidance of motor vehicles.

[0028] Furthermore, this brings about the following technical advantage: only the processing resources that are actually needed must be provided precisely.

[0029] For example, if the demand exceeds the available processing resources, the available processing resources are increased according to one implementation method.

[0030] For example, if the demand is less than the available processing resources, then according to one implementation method, the available processing resources are reduced.

[0031] Therefore, available processing resources can be used more effectively in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0032] The requirement for processing resources is determined based on at least one parameter that affects the processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles. Furthermore, this method offers the particular advantage of efficiently determining the requirement for processing resources.

[0033] The phrase “at least one parameter” includes, in particular, the phrase “one or more parameters”.

[0034] When there are multiple parameters, these parameters may be the same or different.

[0035] According to one embodiment, at least one parameter is selected from the following group of parameters: the size of the infrastructure, the number of motor vehicles that should and / or are being guided at least partially automatically within the infrastructure, the number of motor vehicles currently being guided at least partially automatically within the infrastructure, the number of other traffic participants currently located within the infrastructure besides the motor vehicles being guided at least partially automatically, environmental parameters of the infrastructure, especially weather data, light data, field of view data, the processing resources of the motor vehicles themselves, the processing resources of the infrastructure itself, especially the performance parameters of the environmental sensors of the infrastructure, the processing resources of the calculator and / or the combined processing resources of the calculator, the current security requirements related to the safe guidance of motor vehicles at least partially automatically, and the current security requirements related to the secure processing of data, wherein the current security requirements specifically describe the number of redundant processing steps (computations) when using the data.

[0036] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: particularly suitable parameters can be used.

[0037] That is, the number of redundant processing steps specifically indicates how many steps in the method, and in particular which, should be performed redundantly.

[0038] The dimensions of infrastructure include, for example, the area of ​​the infrastructure.

[0039] The dimensions of the infrastructure may include, for example, a description of whether a specific area of ​​the infrastructure, such as a parking garage floor, is currently or will not be used at least partially for automating the guidance of motor vehicles. If the infrastructure includes, for example, a parking garage, the description may include that a specific parking garage floor is currently not in use.

[0040] For example, the vehicle's own processing resources can be provided by its own calculator and / or controller.

[0041] For example, infrastructure environmental sensors provide the infrastructure's own processing resources.

[0042] For example, the performance parameters of environmental sensors in infrastructure can indicate which computing power and general processing resources are available for these sensors to process data.

[0043] In “processing resources of calculators and / or calculator combinations”, a calculator or calculator combination refers to a calculator or calculator combination that processes data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0044] Calculators or calculator combinations, for example, refer to calculators or calculator combinations that are part of a calculator system according to a third party.

[0045] According to one implementation, the demand retrieval includes the retrieval of demand time, wherein the demand time indicates how long the retrieved demand is needed, and the demand signal additionally represents the retrieved demand time.

[0046] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: efficient planning is possible in providing available processing resources.

[0047] According to one implementation, the demand retrieval includes the retrieval of functional requirements for processing resources for predetermined functions that should be implemented to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles, wherein the demand signal additionally represents the retrieved functional requirements.

[0048] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: sufficient processing resources can be provided for predetermined functions.

[0049] For example, the predetermined function is one of the following: path planning for guiding motor vehicles at least partially automatically, analysis of the motor vehicle environment based on environmental data from one or more environmental sensors, and / or remote control of one or more motor vehicles.

[0050] If “function” is singular, it should always be interpreted as plural, and vice versa.

[0051] According to one implementation, the available processing resources are adapted to respond to the output of the demand signal based on the demand and / or differences.

[0052] This results in the following technical advantages: effectively adapting to available processing resources.

[0053] In the context of the instruction manual, adaptation includes improvements and / or reductions.

[0054] Depending on the specific processing resources available, processing resources may be increased or decreased, for example.

[0055] For example, one processing resource can be increased and another processing resource can be reduced.

[0056] For example, if the available bandwidth is insufficient, the bandwidth can be increased. For example, if memory is not required in accordance with the reserved memory, the reserved memory can be at least partially released, i.e., reduced. For example, when the number of processors is insufficient to perform data processing within, for example, a predetermined minimum time, the number of processors can be increased. Processors can, for example, be combined into units, each implementing a predetermined function for at least partially automating the guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0057] These units can, for example, work in parallel.

[0058] Predetermined functions include, for example, path planning, analysis of environmental data, or generation of remote control commands for remote control of motor vehicles.

[0059] In particular, an arrangement consisting of one or more computers constitutes a unit in the sense of the specification, wherein each of the one or more computers includes one or more processors.

[0060] In the context of this manual, a computer includes one or more processors.

[0061] A calculator in the sense of an instruction manual can also be called a computer. The terms "calculator" and "computer" are used synonymously.

[0062] Reduction and / or increase of memory space includes, for example, the reservation (increase) of memory space or the release (decrease) of reserved memory space.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the data includes one or more elements from the following data groups: sensor data of environmental sensors, weather data, navigation data, location data, control data for controlling the lateral and / or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle, traffic data, result data of calculations performed to guide the motor vehicle at least partially automatically, and diagnostic data of the motor vehicle's sensors.

[0064] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: processing of particularly suitable data.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the device according to the second aspect is combined with the calculator of the calculator system according to the fourth aspect.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the device according to the second aspect is not included in the calculator system according to the third aspect.

[0067] For example, the setup, according to the second aspect, includes the infrastructure.

[0068] Calculators are, for example, part of cloud infrastructure.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the device according to the second aspect is a calculator in a networked calculator system according to the third aspect.

[0070] Data used for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles is suitable for use in at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0071] This means that the data is suitable for use in situations where motor vehicles are guided at least partially automatically.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the data includes one or more elements from the following data groups: sensor data of environmental sensors, weather data, navigation data, location data, control data for controlling the lateral and / or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle, traffic data, result data for calculations performed on the motor vehicle to guide it at least partially automatically, and diagnostic data of the motor vehicle's sensors.

[0073] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: the use of particularly suitable data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0074] Sensor data, for example, represents the surrounding environment of a motor vehicle.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the environmental sensor is one of the following environmental sensors: radar sensor, lidar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, magnetic field sensor, infrared sensor, and video sensor.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the environmental sensor is an environmental sensor for a motor vehicle.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the environmental sensor is an environmental sensor for infrastructure in which motor vehicles should be guided at least partially automatically and / or guided at least partially automatically.

[0078] Infrastructure such as parking lots is included.

[0079] For example, at least partially automated guidance includes at least partially automated parking and / or parking exit of motor vehicles.

[0080] In one implementation, the sensor for the motor vehicle is an environmental sensor.

[0081] According to one embodiment, a plurality of environmental sensors are provided, which may be the same or different.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the sensor of the motor vehicle is one of the following sensors: an environmental sensor, an airbag sensor, a tire pressure sensor, and an oil temperature sensor.

[0083] For example, weather data represents the weather in a motor vehicle environment.

[0084] Navigation data, for example, represents the intended route for a motor vehicle.

[0085] Location data, for example, represents the instantaneous location of a motor vehicle.

[0086] Location data, for example, represents the instantaneous location of one or more other vehicles in a motor vehicle environment.

[0087] Control data represents, for example, control commands for a motor vehicle control device configured to at least partially automate the lateral and / or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the control commands.

[0088] According to one implementation, processing resources include computing power, memory capacity, data transfer speed, and / or bandwidth available for use for data transfer via a communication network. For example, a calculator can communicate with the computer via a communication network.

[0089] If the number of motor vehicles is singular, it should always be interpreted as plural, and vice versa.

[0090] According to one implementation, the method of the first aspect is a computer-implemented method.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the method of the first aspect is implemented or executed by means of the device of the second aspect.

[0092] The characteristics of the method can be derived from the characteristics of the device, and vice versa.

[0093] This in particular means that the technical functions of the device are derived from the corresponding technical functions of the method, and vice versa.

[0094] The phrase "at least partially automated booting" includes one or more of the following: assisted booting, partially automated booting, highly automated booting, and fully automated booting.

[0095] "Assisted guidance" means that the driver of a motor vehicle continuously performs either lateral or longitudinal guidance of the vehicle. This is in contrast to the automatic execution of another driving task (i.e., the control of longitudinal or lateral guidance of the vehicle). In other words, when the vehicle is being assisted in guidance, it is automatically controlled to either laterally or longitudinally.

[0096] "Partially automated guidance" means that the longitudinal and lateral guidance of a vehicle is automatically controlled under specific conditions (e.g., driving on a highway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings) and / or for a certain period of time. The driver does not need to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance. However, the driver must continuously monitor the automatic control of longitudinal and lateral guidance so that manual intervention can be made if necessary. The driver must be prepared to take full control of the vehicle's guidance at any time.

[0097] "Highly automated guidance" means that, under specific conditions (e.g., driving on a highway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings), the longitudinal and lateral guidance of a motor vehicle is automatically controlled for a certain period of time. The driver does not need to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance. The driver does not need to continuously monitor the automatic control of longitudinal and lateral guidance to intervene manually when necessary. When needed, a takeover request is automatically sent to the driver to take over control of longitudinal and lateral guidance, especially with sufficient time margin. That is, the driver must be potentially able to take over control of longitudinal and lateral guidance. The limits of automatic control over lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically identified. In highly automated guidance, the state of least risk cannot be automatically reached under all initial conditions.

[0098] "Fully automated guidance" means that, under specific conditions (e.g., driving on a highway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving within a lane defined by lane markings), the longitudinal and lateral guidance of a motor vehicle is automatically controlled. The driver does not need to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance. The driver does not need to monitor the automatic control of longitudinal and lateral guidance to intervene manually when necessary. Before the automatic control of lateral and longitudinal guidance ends, an automatic attempt is made to allow the driver to take over the driving task (control of the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal guidance), especially with sufficient time leeway. If the driver does not take over the driving task, the system automatically returns to the state of least risk. The limits of the automatic control of lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically identified. The system automatically returns to the state of least risk in all situations.

[0099] In one implementation, the demand includes future demand for the necessary processing resources.

[0100] This, for example, means determining what the demand for processing resources will be at a predetermined time in the future.

[0101] For example, this can be performed based on the predicted parameters.

[0102] For example, according to one implementation, the necessary time (required time) is determined in response to the desired demand. This in particular means specifying the necessary time, within which the required computing power or necessary computing power must be provided.

[0103] In particular, continuous adaptation of computation and adaptation is carried out.

[0104] In order to adapt the available processing resources to the requested needs and / or to adapt based on differences, in one implementation, the calculator federation architecture is modified.

[0105] In one implementation, the execution of one or more steps is deferred to a calculator federation, which is part of a cloud infrastructure.

[0106] This results in the following technical advantages: these steps can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, calculator combinations can be utilized efficiently. Additionally, this can exempt existing calculators in the infrastructure from these calculations. Attached Figure Description

[0107] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail in the following description.

[0108] The attached diagram shows:

[0109] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining the required processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles is provided.

[0110] Figure 2 Show the device,

[0111] Figure 3 This shows a machine-readable storage medium.

[0112] Figure 4 The calculator system is shown.

[0113] Figure 5 Showing infrastructure,

[0114] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating another method for determining the requirements for processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0115] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 5 Partial view of the attached drawings, and

[0116] Figures 8 to 10 Each of the following diagrams illustrates a calculator combination.

[0117] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals may be used for the same features. Detailed Implementation

[0118] Figure 1 A flowchart is shown for a method for determining the requirements for processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles, the method comprising the following steps:

[0119] - Receive 101 parameter signals, the parameter signals representing at least one parameter affecting processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0120] - Receive 103 processing resource signal, the processing resource signal representing available processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0121] - Determine the processing resource requirements for 105 pairs of data necessary to process for at least partially automated guidance of motor vehicles, based on at least one parameter and based on available processing resources.

[0122] - If the available processing resources for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles are insufficient, output 107 demand signals, which represent the demand sought and / or the difference between the demand sought and the available processing resources, so that the available processing resources can be adapted based on the demand sought and / or the difference.

[0123] In one implementation, a demand signal is output only when the available processing resources for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle are insufficient. This means that if the available processing resources are sufficient to process the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle, no demand signal is output.

[0124] In one implementation, a demand signal is also output when available processing resources are sufficient to process the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0125] Figure 2 Device 201 is shown.

[0126] Device 201 is configured to perform all the steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0127] Device 201 includes an input terminal 203, which is configured to receive parameter signals and process resource signals.

[0128] Device 201 also includes processor 205, which is configured to determine the demand for necessary processing resources.

[0129] The device 201 also includes an output 207 configured to output a demand signal if the available processing resources for processing data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles are insufficient, so that the available processing resources can be adapted based on the demand and / or discrepancies.

[0130] In one implementation, a demand signal is output only if the available processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles are insufficient.

[0131] This means that if there are sufficient processing resources available to process the data used to guide motor vehicles at least partially automatically, the output of demand signals is not considered.

[0132] In one implementation, a demand signal is always output regardless. This specifically means outputting a demand signal regardless of whether available processing resources are sufficient or insufficient.

[0133] Adapt available processing resources based on the output demand signals, that is, especially based on the demand sought and / or based on the differences.

[0134] In one implementation, the difference is determined, for example, by means of a processor.

[0135] Figure 3 Machine-readable storage medium 301 is shown.

[0136] Computer program 303 is stored on machine-readable storage medium 301.

[0137] Computer program 303 includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, instruct the computer to implement the method according to the first aspect.

[0138] Figure 4 The calculator system 401 is shown.

[0139] The calculator system 401 includes the calculator assembly 403.

[0140] The Calculator Union 403 includes multiple networked Calculators 405.

[0141] Calculator system 401 also includes according to Figure 2 Equipment 201.

[0142] Device 201 is connected to calculator 403 via communication network 407.

[0143] In one embodiment not shown, device 201 may be configured as part of calculator assembly 403.

[0144] For example, a calculator in calculator 405 is configured to implement all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0145] Figure 5 Infrastructure 501 is shown.

[0146] Infrastructure 501 includes, for example, parking lots or parking facilities.

[0147] Infrastructure 501 is monitored by means of multiple environmental sensors 503.

[0148] An exemplary illustration shows a motor vehicle 505 and a person 507, guided at least partially automatically, located within infrastructure 501.

[0149] Multiple environmental sensors 503 sense their respective environments and send the environmental data corresponding to each sensed to a computer federation 509, which is part of a cloud infrastructure 511.

[0150] The Calculator Union 509 includes multiple networked Calculators 513.

[0151] The environmental data from the environmental sensor 503 is analyzed by the calculator 513, which is combined with the calculator 509.

[0152] In addition, the calculator 513 can, for example, perform path planning for the motor vehicle 505 in order to plan a path that guides the motor vehicle 505 around the person 507.

[0153] Then, the corresponding route plan can be transmitted to the remote control device 515, which is part of the infrastructure 501.

[0154] The remote control device 515 can remotely control the motor vehicle 505 based on path planning.

[0155] This means, for example, that one or more or all of the data processing steps for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles are moved to a computer federation, which is part of a cloud infrastructure.

[0156] This, for example, means that infrastructure 501 itself no longer needs to maintain one or more of its own calculators, which would then be responsible for these data processing steps.

[0157] Obviously, for example, the infrastructure 501 itself may include one or more self-contained calculators, which may perform processing steps similar to calculators in conjunction with 509.

[0158] In addition, the settings are based on Figure 2 The device 201 receives a processing resource signal from the calculator assembly 509, the processing resource signal representing the processing resources available by means of the calculator assembly 509. That is, the processing resource signal represents the available processing resources of the calculator assembly 509.

[0159] In addition, device 201 is connected to multiple environmental sensors 503.

[0160] For example, device 201 also receives environmental data from environmental sensor 503. Based on this environmental data, device 201 can, for example, determine the number of traffic participants within infrastructure 501.

[0161] That is, environmental data is one of the parameters described above and / or below.

[0162] In addition, for example, the environmental sensors 503 may be configured to calculate the number of traffic participants they sense based on their own environmental data and transmit the number to the device 201.

[0163] Therefore, device 201 can then determine, for example, whether the available processing resources of calculator 509 are sufficient to perform route planning for motor vehicle 505 in a sufficiently short time, despite the possibility of a large number of other or other traffic participants.

[0164] If the available processing resources are insufficient, the device requests more processing resources from the calculator union by outputting a corresponding demand signal to the calculator union 509.

[0165] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown for another method for determining the requirements for processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0166] In step 601, as described above and / or below, parameter signals and processing resource signals are received.

[0167] In addition, step 601 includes determining the required processing resources based on parameters and available processing resources.

[0168] In step 603, it is verified whether the available processing resources must or should be adapted.

[0169] This means that if the demand is less than or equal to the available processing resources, it is determined in step 603 that it is not necessary to perform an adaptation of the available processing resources, or, in an embodiment not shown, the available processing resources should be adapted, i.e. reduced, in order to save or utilize these available processing resources in an advantageous manner.

[0170] Then, the method begins again at step 601.

[0171] However, if the demand exceeds the available processing resources, then it is determined that the available processing resources must be adapted.

[0172] Then, in step 605, adaptation to available processing resources is set.

[0173] Next, the method continues again in step 601.

[0174] This means that the scheme described here is designed to calculate the necessary computing power (the requirement for the necessary processing resources).

[0175] For example, the requirements include future needs for the necessary processing resources.

[0176] This, for example, means determining what the processing resource requirements will be for a predetermined period of time in the future.

[0177] For example, this can be performed based on the predicted parameters.

[0178] For example, according to one implementation, the necessary time (required time) is determined in response to the desired demand. This in particular means specifying the necessary time, within which the required computing power or necessary computing power must be provided.

[0179] In particular, continuous adaptation of computation and adaptation is carried out.

[0180] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 5 A partial view of the attached diagram.

[0181] It should be noted here that the number of calculators 513 in calculator union 509 can be variable.

[0182] This means that, although in Figure 5 Neutralization Figure 7 Only three calculators, 513, are shown in the image.

[0183] In embodiments not shown, more or fewer calculators may be provided.

[0184] The number of calculators in a calculator federation can vary or be adapted based on the desired requirements and / or differences.

[0185] Figure 8 The calculator is shown as a combination of 801.

[0186] The calculator assembly 801 includes a first calculator 803, a second calculator 805, and a third calculator 807.

[0187] These three calculators constitute a first arrangement 815 of calculators for processing data for predetermined functions that should be implemented to guide motor vehicles at least partially automatically.

[0188] For example, these three calculators are used for analyzing or evaluating environmental data.

[0189] Furthermore, the calculator assembly 801 includes a fourth calculator 809, a fifth calculator 811, and a sixth calculator 813, which together constitute a second arrangement 817 of the plurality of calculators.

[0190] For example, the calculator in the second arrangement 817 processes data for an additional predetermined function that should be implemented to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle.

[0191] For example, the calculator in the second arrangement 817 undertakes path planning for motor vehicles that are at least partially guided automatically, wherein such path planning is performed, for example, based on the analysis or evaluation of the calculator in the first arrangement 815.

[0192] The number of calculators in the first arrangement 815 and the second arrangement 817 can also vary here, especially depending on the requirements or differences to be obtained.

[0193] Figure 9 Another calculator, Union 901, is shown.

[0194] The calculator is combined with 901 in part with the following: Figure 8 The calculator is equivalent to the 801.

[0195] Additionally, the calculator assembly 901 also includes a seventh calculator 901, which, for example, processes data for another predetermined function.

[0196] This means that within a computer union based on the scheme described here, different computers can process data for different predetermined functions.

[0197] Figure 10 The calculator is also shown as a combination of 1001.

[0198] The calculator assembly 1001 includes a first arrangement 1003 of three calculators 1005 that process data for a first predetermined function.

[0199] The calculator assembly 1001 includes a second arrangement 1007 of two calculators 1005 that process data for a second predetermined function.

[0200] The calculator assembly 1001 includes a third arrangement 1009 consisting of four calculators 1005 that process data for a third predetermined function.

[0201] The calculator assembly 1001 also includes a fourth arrangement 1011 consisting of two calculators 1005 that process data for a fourth predetermined function.

[0202] In addition, the calculator assembly 1001 also includes additional calculators 1113, 1115, 1117 and 1119, which can process data used to at least partially automate the guidance of motor vehicles.

[0203] For example, a determination of whether "it is necessary to adapt to available processing resources" is made based on the computation time, which represents the time required by the calculator to perform calculations and / or partial calculations. If the computation time exceeds, for example, a predetermined computation time threshold, the number of calculators is increased.

[0204] For example, a determination of "whether it is necessary to adapt to available processing resources" may be performed based on the calculator's security requirements. Security requirements may include, for example, a description of "the maximum allowable downtime for the calculator".

[0205] Here, calculations for scalability (i.e., whether adaptation is necessary) can be performed on the calculator union itself and / or on external systems and / or to ensure performance / functionality in multiple systems, such as multiple calculator unions.

[0206] In general, the algorithm / function is pre-defined on the calculator. This means that it's not about changing the algorithm / function, but about requesting / obtaining the necessary (but especially no more) computing power for that algorithm / function, so that it can be optimized for cost and performance based on the current framework conditions.

[0207] The above arrangement, consisting of multiple calculators, can, for example, implement predetermined functions individually, especially in parallel.

[0208] Furthermore, according to one implementation, the demand is retrieved based on one or more parameters.

[0209] For example, such parameters describe current safety requirements related to "safety" (current safety requirements related to the safe, at least partially automated, guidance of motor vehicles). Current safety requirements include, for example, the amount of redundant computation, the range of results from redundant computation (e.g., considering the question of "how to handle different results. In cases of different results, additional computations must be performed, e.g., recalculations must be repeated), the pre-given safe distance between motor vehicles, ...), which may have an impact on the required computational power.

[0210] For example, such parameters describe current security requirements related to "security" (current security requirements related to the secure handling of environmental data) (e.g., "anti-hacking security", new defense mechanisms, ...).

[0211] The aforementioned security requirements have a particular impact on the demand for processing resources, enabling the efficient execution of demand requests while taking into account one or more security requirements.

[0212] That is, if, for example, more redundant computations must be performed (i.e., processing steps in the case of using data), then, for example, the demand will increase.

Claims

1. A method for determining the requirements for processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of a motor vehicle (505), the method comprising the steps of: - Receive (101) parameter signals, the parameter signals representing at least one parameter affecting processing resources used to process data for at least partially automating the guidance of the motor vehicle (505). - Receive (103) a processing resource signal, the processing resource signal representing available processing resources for processing data used to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle (505). -Based on the at least one parameter and the available processing resources, determine (105) the processing resource requirements necessary for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle (505). If the available processing resources for processing the data used to at least partially automate the guidance of the motor vehicle (505) are insufficient, a demand signal (107) is output, representing the difference between the requested demand and the available processing resources, so that the available processing resources can be adapted, i.e., expanded, based on the difference. The determination of "whether it is necessary to adapt to the available processing resources" is performed based on the computation time, which represents the time required by the available processing resources to perform computation and / or partial computation. If the computation time exceeds a predetermined computation time threshold, the available processing resources are increased.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one parameter is an element selected from the following parameter group: the size of the infrastructure (501), the number of motor vehicles (505) that should be guided and / or are being guided at least partially automatically within the infrastructure (501), the number of motor vehicles (505) currently guided at least partially automatically within the infrastructure (501), the number of other traffic participants currently located within the infrastructure (501) besides the motor vehicles (505) that are guided at least partially automatically, the environmental parameters of the infrastructure (501), the processing resources of the motor vehicle itself, the processing resources of the infrastructure itself, the processing resources of the calculator and / or the combined processing resources of the calculator, the current security requirements related to the safe guidance of motor vehicles (505) at least partially automatically, and the current security requirements related to the safe processing of the data.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The determination of the demand includes the determination of the demand time, wherein the demand time indicates how long the demand needs to last, and the demand signal additionally represents the demand time.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The demand for the demand includes the demand for the functional requirements of the processing resources for a predetermined function that should be implemented to guide the motor vehicle (505) at least partially automatically, wherein the demand signal additionally represents the demanded functional requirements.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In response to the output of the demand signal, the available processing resources are adapted based on the demand sought and / or the difference.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The data includes one or more elements from the following data groups: sensor data of the environmental sensor (503), weather data, navigation data, location data, control data for controlling the lateral and / or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle (505), traffic data, result data of calculations performed for at least partially automated guidance of the motor vehicle (505), and diagnostic data of the sensors of the motor vehicle (505).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The execution of one or more steps is transferred to a computer federation, which is part of a cloud infrastructure.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The surrounding environmental parameters are weather data, light data, and field of view data.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The processing resources of the infrastructure itself are the performance parameters of the environmental sensors (503) of the infrastructure (501).

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The current security requirements specify the number of redundant processing steps when using the data.

11. An apparatus (201) for determining the demand for processing resources for processing data for at least partially automating the guidance of a motor vehicle (505), said apparatus being configured to implement all steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A calculator system (401) comprising a calculator assembly having a plurality of networked calculators (405) and a device (201) according to claim 11.

13. The calculator system (401) of claim 12, wherein the calculator is incorporated as part of a cloud infrastructure.

14. A computer program product (303) comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, arrange the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A machine-readable storage medium (301) on which the computer program product (303) according to claim 14 is stored.

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