Method and device for controlling coasting operation of motor vehicle taking into account sideway object

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for controlling a coasting operation of a vehicle in the scope of distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle. The device is configured to predict a distance course of the vehicle in a coasting mode starting from a current driving progress of the vehicle and to compare the predicted distance course of the vehicle with a distance of the vehicle and / or a target distance of a speed control. In this case, the predicted distance profile displays a temporal distance and / or a spatial distance of the vehicle from a nearby lane object traveling in front of the vehicle on an adjacent lane as a function of the travel progress. The device is also configured to control the coasting operation as a function of the comparison.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle which is designed to be operated in a coasting mode. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a coasting mode of a motor vehicle and a corresponding device. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle with internal combustion engine can be configured to temporarily decouple the internal combustion engine from the drive train of the vehicle during driving and disconnect as necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle can be configured to be temporarily operated in coasting mode during driving. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present document relates to the technical object of enabling a particularly energy-saving, safe and / or comfortable coasting operation of a vehicle, in particular in connection with distance and / or speed control of the vehicle.

[0004] This task is solved by each independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in particular in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the additional features of the patent claims that are subordinate to the independent patent claims can form a separate invention and an invention that is independent of the combination of all the features of the independent patent claims without the features of the independent patent claims or in combination with only a subset of the features of the independent patent claims, which invention can become the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application or a subsequent application. The same applies to the technical teachings described in the specification, which can form an invention that is independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, a (control) device for controlling a coasting operation of a (motor) vehicle within the scope of a distance and / or speed control of the vehicle is described. During the distance and / or speed control operation, the vehicle can be adjusted, in particular regulated (to a target distance and / or target speed) according to a target distance (determined by the driver) to a preceding vehicle traveling (directly) in front of the vehicle or to an adjacent lane object (in particular an adjacent lane vehicle) traveling in an adjacent lane (i.e. in an adjacent lane) and / or (in free travel) according to a target speed (determined by the driver).

[0006] The vehicle may be traveling in the own lane, and the side lane or adjacent lane may be arranged directly or indirectly next to the own lane. Therefore, there may not be any other lanes arranged between the own lane and the side lane. Alternatively, one or more additional lanes may be arranged between the own lane and the side lane. Here, when overtaking on the right is prohibited, the side lane may be arranged on the left side of the own lane, and / or when overtaking on the left is prohibited, the side lane may be arranged on the right side of the own lane.

[0007] The device can be configured to decouple a drive motor (in particular an internal combustion engine) of the vehicle from the drive train of the vehicle (and, if necessary, deactivate the drive motor) in order to start the coasting operation. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to couple the drive motor to the drive train of the vehicle (and, if necessary, activate the drive motor) in order to end the coasting operation. The vehicle can roll in the coasting operation without the effect of the drive torque and / or the drag torque of the drive motor.

[0008] Therefore, during the coasting operation of the vehicle, no driving and / or drag torque is usually caused by the vehicle's drive motor. If necessary, no braking torque is caused during the coasting operation (by one or more friction brakes of the vehicle). Therefore, active distance and / or speed regulation may not be possible during the coasting operation. However, it can be monitored here that during the coasting operation, the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front (on the own lane) and / or with the object in the adjacent lane (on the adjacent lane) remains within a predetermined tolerance band around the target distance and / or the driving speed of the vehicle remains within a predetermined tolerance band around the target speed. Active distance and / or speed regulation (adjustment to the target distance or target speed) can be performed outside the coasting operation. In this case, in particular, the distance and / or driving speed can be set to the target distance or target speed immediately after the coasting operation ends.

[0009] The device is configured to predict the distance profile of the vehicle in the coasting operation based on the current driving progress of the vehicle (e.g., based on the current time point and / or based on the current position). The predicted distance profile can display the time distance and / or spatial distance of the vehicle from a preceding vehicle (directly) traveling in front of the vehicle or from an object in a lane (directly) traveling in a lane in front of the vehicle as a function of the driving progress (based on the current driving progress). The predicted distance profile can be extended based on the current driving progress to a predetermined prediction level.

[0010] The driving progress may display or correspond to the position of the vehicle along the lane being driven by the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the driving progress may display or correspond to a corresponding point in time when the vehicle is traveling. Thus, the prediction level may correspond to a determined distance and / or time range (e.g., 100 meters or more, or 500 meters or more; or 10 seconds or more, or 20 seconds or more).

[0011] The device can be configured to determine (for the prediction level) the preceding gradient profile of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. This information can be determined based on a digital map of the roadway network on which the vehicle is traveling. The distance profile of the vehicle in the coasting operation can then be predicted in a precise manner based on the preceding gradient profile.

[0012] The device can also be configured to determine status data about the state of the vehicle (e.g., current driving speed) and / or about the state of an object in the adjacent lane traveling in front of the vehicle (e.g., current driving speed). The distance curve of the vehicle in the coasting mode can then be predicted in a particularly accurate manner based on the status data.

[0013] When predicting the distance course of the vehicle, it can be assumed that the vehicle is in coasting mode during the entire prediction level. In addition, assumptions can be made about the behavior of the vehicle ahead and / or the objects in the adjacent lane during the prediction level. For example, it can be assumed that the driving speed of the vehicle ahead and / or the objects in the adjacent lane remains constant during the entire prediction level.

[0014] The device is also configured to compare the predicted distance trend of the vehicle with the target distance of the vehicle's distance and / or speed regulation. In this case, within the scope of the comparison, for example, it can be determined that

[0015] a driving progress segment in which the predicted distance profile remains within a predetermined tolerance band around the target distance; and / or

[0016] Predicted distance trend Driving progress toward (and possibly subsequently undershooting or overshooting) the target distance.

[0017] The coasting operation can then be controlled, in particular started or ended, as a function of the comparison, in particular as a function of the determined driving progress segment and / or as a function of the determined driving progress. This can result in a particularly energy-saving, comfortable and / or safe coasting operation of a vehicle with active distance and / or speed control. During the distance and / or speed control and / or during the coasting operation, a deviation from a target distance and / or target speed can be made at least temporarily and / or within a certain tolerance band. The tolerance band can be, for example, ±5% or less, or ±10% or less of the target distance or target speed.

[0018] The device can be configured to determine, in particular when the vehicle is not being operated in the coasting mode (and in the case of active distance and / or speed control), whether the predicted distance profile of the vehicle will reach the target distance at the preceding driving distance. The coasting mode can (optionally) be started, for example, at the current driving distance of the vehicle, when it is determined, in particular possibly only when it is determined, that the predicted distance profile of the vehicle will reach the target distance. Thus, a particularly energy-saving and / or comfortable entry into the coasting mode can be achieved.

[0019] The device can be configured to determine the driving progress of the intersection located in front, especially when the vehicle is operated in the coasting operation (and, if necessary, in the case of active distance and / or speed control), at which the predicted distance trend of the vehicle will reach the target distance. Then, the exit driving progress can be determined based on the determined driving progress of the intersection located in front. Here, the device can be configured to determine the exit driving progress, which is located before the determined driving progress of the intersection located in front, especially before the determined driving progress of the intersection located in front with a predetermined offset value. The offset value can be, for example, 10 meters or less (for example, between 5 meters and 10 meters), or 2 seconds or less (for example, between 1 second and 2 seconds). Then, the coasting operation can be terminated at the determined exit driving progress (and the distance and / or speed control can be automatically activated). Therefore, it is possible to cause a particularly comfortable and energy-saving exit from the coasting operation (without subsequent acceleration by the drive motor of the vehicle) so as to achieve that the vehicle has a target distance (with the vehicle in front in the own lane or with the adjacent lane object in the adjacent lane) after the coasting operation ends.

[0020] The device can be configured to predict the distance profile of the vehicle to an adjacent lane object traveling in the adjacent lane during the coasting operation, in particular when the vehicle is not being operated in the coasting operation (and during the distance adjustment to the vehicle ahead and / or to the adjacent lane object). In addition, it can be determined whether the predicted distance profile is below the target distance by exactly or by at least a predetermined penetration depth (for example between 5% and 10%). The coasting operation can be started (at the current driving progress) when, in particular possibly only when, it is determined that the predicted distance profile is below the target distance by exactly or by at least a predetermined penetration depth. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly energy-saving and / or comfortable subsequent exit from the coasting operation.

[0021] The device can be configured to predict the distance profile of the vehicle to a lane object traveling in the lane ahead of the vehicle during the coasting operation, in particular when the vehicle is not being operated in the coasting operation (and when the distance control is performed after exiting the coasting operation). A preceding driving schedule can then be determined at which the predicted distance profile of the vehicle will (for the first time) reach the target distance. The coasting operation can then be terminated in a particularly energy-saving and comfortable manner at an exit driving schedule that is associated with the determined preceding driving schedule.

[0022] The device can be configured to repeatedly perform the measures described in this document at a series of consecutive driving schedules (especially time points and / or positions). The device can be configured to predict the distance trend of the vehicle during the coasting operation based on the corresponding current driving schedule. The device can also be configured to compare the corresponding predicted distance trend of the vehicle with the target distance of the distance and / or speed control of the vehicle. In addition, the device can be configured to control, especially start or end the coasting operation at the corresponding current driving schedule based on the comparison. Thus, a continuous energy-saving and / or comfortable coasting operation can be caused during active distance and / or speed control.

[0023] According to a further aspect, a (road) motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle, is described, which comprises a (control) device described in the present document.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method for controlling a coasting operation of a vehicle within the scope of (active) distance and / or speed control of the vehicle is described. In this case, the coasting operation can be embedded in the distance and / or speed control. When the vehicle is not operated in the coasting operation, active distance and / or speed control can be automatically performed. The coasting operation can be limited in such a way that during the coasting operation, a target distance is not exceeded and / or the distance of the vehicle to the vehicle ahead or to an object in the lane next to it is kept within a determined tolerance band and / or the target speed is kept within a determined tolerance band.

[0025] The method includes predicting the distance course of the vehicle in a (pure and / or continuous) coasting operation based on the current driving progress of the vehicle. The predicted distance course can display the time distance and / or spatial distance of the vehicle to an adjacent lane object traveling in front of the vehicle in an adjacent lane (i.e., in an adjacent lane) as a function of the driving progress.

[0026] The method further comprises comparing the predicted distance course of the vehicle with a target distance (determined by the driver) for a distance and / or speed control of the vehicle. The method further comprises controlling, in particular starting or ending, a coasting operation as a function of the comparison.

[0027] According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described. The SW program can be configured to be executed on a processor, for example on a control unit of a vehicle, in order to thereby carry out the method described in this document.

[0028] According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium may include a SW program which is configured to be executed on a processor and thereby to perform the method described in this document.

[0029] It should be noted that the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be used not only alone, but also in combination with other methods, devices and systems described in this document. In addition, any aspects of the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be combined with each other in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with each other in a variety of ways. In addition, the features listed in brackets should be understood as optional features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In addition, the present invention is explained in more detail based on an embodiment. It is shown here:

[0031] Figure 1 : Exemplary components of a vehicle;

[0032] Figure 2a : An exemplary driving condition of a vehicle;

[0033] Figure 2b : An exemplary slope trend of a lane;

[0034] Figure 2c : An exemplary driving situation with lane objects next to it;

[0035] Figure 3a : An exemplary predicted distance profile during a taxiing operation;

[0036] Figure 3b : An exemplary exit driving process for ending the coasting operation; and

[0037] Figure 4 : A flow chart of an exemplary method for controlling a coasting operation of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As explained at the outset, the present document relates to increasing the energy efficiency and / or comfort and / or safety of a coasting operation of a motor vehicle. Against this background, Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle 100 includes one or more environment sensors 102 (e.g., at least one camera, radar sensor, lidar sensor, and / or ultrasonic sensor) that are configured to directly detect environment data (i.e., sensor data) about the surroundings of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes one or more vehicle sensors 106 that are configured to detect state data (i.e., sensor data) about the state of the vehicle 100 (e.g., about the driving speed).

[0039] The (control) device 101 of the vehicle 100 may be configured to operate a drive motor 103 (in particular an internal combustion engine) of the vehicle 100 as a function of the environmental data and / or the status data in order to at least partially automatically guide the vehicle 100 longitudinally. In particular, an automatic distance and / or speed control (in particular ACC, adaptive cruise control) may be effected in this regard, wherein the driving speed of the vehicle 100 is automatically set in order to set the distance of the vehicle 100 from a preceding vehicle traveling directly in front of the vehicle 100 and / or from an object in an adjacent lane to a target distance (which target distance has been determined, for example, by the driver of the vehicle 100) and / or to set the driving speed of the vehicle 100 in free travel (without a preceding vehicle and / or without an object in an adjacent lane) to a target speed (which target speed has been determined, for example, by the driver of the vehicle 100).

[0040] Figure 2a An exemplary driving situation is shown, in which vehicle 100 is traveling behind a vehicle 200 in front on a lane 202. A distance 201 between vehicle 100 and vehicle 200 in front is set to a certain target distance by a device 101 of vehicle 100. In this case, distance 201 may be a spatial distance corresponding to the spatial distance between vehicle 100 and vehicle 200 in front (measured in meters, for example). Alternatively or in addition, distance 201 may be a temporal distance corresponding to the time required for vehicle 100 to reach vehicle 200 in front (assuming that vehicle 200 in front is stationary) at the current driving speed. The temporal distance may, for example, correspond to the quotient of the current driving speed of vehicle 100 and the spatial distance between vehicle 100 and vehicle 200 in front. In a corresponding manner, distances 201 to adjacent lane objects (such as in Figure 2c as exemplarily shown in ).

[0041] The (control) device 101 can be configured to operate the vehicle 100 at least temporarily in a so-called coasting mode during active distance and / or speed control. For this purpose, a clutch 105 of the vehicle 100 can be caused to decouple the drive motor 103 from the drive train of the vehicle 100, in particular from one or more drive wheels of the vehicle 100. In addition, the drive motor 103 can be deactivated and / or disconnected. The vehicle 100 then rolls (without the drag torque and / or drive torque of the drive motor 103) on the roadway 202 on which the vehicle 100 is traveling. The energy consumption of the vehicle 100 can thus be reduced.

[0042] The vehicle 100 may include a position sensor 104, which is configured to detect position data (i.e., sensor data) about the corresponding current position of the vehicle 100. The position data may, for example, include coordinates of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such as GPS coordinates. The device 101 may be configured to determine the spatial course of the lane 202 on which the vehicle 100 is traveling based on the position data and based on a digital map of the lane network on which the vehicle 100 is traveling. If necessary, a driving route through the lane network may be planned based on the navigation system of the vehicle 100. Based on the driving route, it can be identified along which lane 202 the vehicle 100 is traveling from the current time point and / or from the current position. In addition, the spatial course, in particular the slope course, of the lane 202 located in front may be determined based on the digital map.

[0043] Figure 2b An exemplary gradient profile 210 of roadway 202 on which vehicle 100 is traveling is shown. Gradient profile 210 shows a gradient 212 of roadway 202 as a function of a position on roadway 202 and / or as a function of a point in time during the travel.

[0044] Device 101 may be configured to predict a distance profile and / or a speed profile of vehicle 100 in coasting mode based on a gradient profile 210 of lane 202 located ahead. In this case, the distance profile may show the (temporal and / or spatial) distance 201 of vehicle 100 from vehicle 200 ahead (or from an adjacent lane object in an adjacent lane) as a function of position and / or as a function of time. The speed profile may show the driving speed of vehicle 100 as a function of position and / or as a function of time. In this case, it may be assumed that vehicle 100 is operated in coasting mode (without the effect of a drive torque, drag torque and / or braking torque generated by vehicle 100). Furthermore, a certain speed behavior of vehicle 200 ahead and / or adjacent lane objects may be assumed (in order to determine the distance profile); for example, it may be assumed that vehicle 200 ahead and / or adjacent lane objects are traveling at a constant driving speed. The distance trend and / or speed trend may be predicted, for example, for a spatial prediction level of 50 meters or more, or 100 meters or more (starting from the current position of vehicle 100 ) and / or for a temporal prediction level of 5 seconds or more, or 10 seconds or more.

[0045] The activation (also referred to as entering) and / or deactivation (also referred to as exiting) of the coasting operation of the vehicle 100 can then be carried out in a precise and energy-saving manner (when using a distance and / or speed controller) based on the predicted distance profile and / or based on the predicted speed profile. In particular, the device 101 of the vehicle 100 can be configured to predict the distance profile and / or speed profile of the vehicle 100 during the coasting operation (while the distance and / or speed controller is in operation) starting from the current position of the vehicle 100 and / or starting from the current point in time. Then, entry into the coasting operation or exit from the coasting operation can be initiated based on the predicted distance profile and / or speed profile.

[0046] For the driving operation of vehicle 100, it may be necessary to take into account objects, in particular another vehicle, in a lane adjacent to the own lane of vehicle 100. In this case, the adjacent lane may be a lane arranged adjacent to the own lane in which vehicle 100 is traveling. Figure 2c The vehicle 100 is shown traveling in the first lane or own lane 221 of the roadway 202. In addition, Figure 2c An adjacent lane object 250, in particular a vehicle, is shown traveling in a second lane 222 of roadway 202, wherein second lane 222 is arranged directly adjacent to first lane or own lane 221. For example, due to a “no right overtaking” policy, it may be necessary to also take into account adjacent lane object 250 (traveling in adjacent lane 222 ahead of vehicle 100) within the scope of a distance and / or speed control of vehicle 100. In this context, in particular, actual distance 201 between vehicle 100 and adjacent lane object 250 may be taken into account and, if necessary, adjusted within the scope of a distance and / or speed control of vehicle 100, in particular adjusted to a certain target distance.

[0047] (Control) device 101 of vehicle 100 may be configured to take into account adjacent lane objects 250 travelling in adjacent lane 222 ahead of vehicle 100 even when vehicle 100 is coasting.

[0048] Figure 3a and 3b An exemplary predicted distance profile 310 is shown, wherein distance profile 310 displays a distance 301 (in time or space) from a current point in time or from a current position as a function of driving progress 302 (e.g., as a function of time or as a function of a position in a preceding lane 202). Distance 301 may be distance 201 between vehicle 100 and adjacent lane object 250 traveling in adjacent lane 222 ahead of vehicle 100.

[0049] The device 101 can be configured to predict a distance curve 310 before entering into a coasting mode (during operation of the distance and / or speed controller). It can be assumed here that the vehicle 100 is in a coasting mode during the entire prediction level. The predicted distance curve 310 can be compared with a target distance 311 for the distance controller. In particular, it can be determined here whether the predicted distance curve 310 at least partially falls below the target distance 311. For example, a certain penetration depth 312 can be defined, at which it is possible or permissible to fall below the target distance 311. A limit distance 313 can then be determined, at which the penetration depth 312 is reduced relative to the target distance 311. The device 101 can be configured to determine whether the predicted distance curve 310 falls below the limit distance 313 for a certain section of the driving process 302 (i.e. for a certain time section or a certain position section). In Figure 3a This is the case, for example, for the predicted distance curve 310 having the thickest line width, but not for the other two distance curves 310 .

[0050] If it is detected that predicted distance profile 310 is at and / or below limit distance 313, entry into coasting mode may be initiated. On the other hand, if it is detected that predicted distance profile 310 is not at and / or below limit distance 313, entry into coasting mode may be prevented. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly energy-saving and comfortable coasting mode, in particular because subsequent acceleration of vehicle 100 by drive motor 103 (for setting distance 301 between vehicle 100 and adjacent lane object 250 to target distance 311) may be avoided when subsequently exiting coasting mode.

[0051] During the coasting operation, an updated predicted distance curve 310 can be determined repeatedly, in particular periodically, starting from the current time and / or the current position. Figure 3b As shown in the example, a preceding intersection driving course 321 (e.g., a preceding time point and / or a preceding position) can be predicted based on the correspondingly predicted distance curve 310, at which the predicted distance curve 310 intersects the target distance 311 (for the first time). Then, an exit driving course 323 can be determined based on the predicted intersection driving course 321, at which the exit from the coasting mode occurs. The exit driving course 323 can be located before the predicted intersection driving course 321 by a certain offset value 322 (e.g., 10 meters or more or 1 second or more).

[0052] By exiting the coasting mode in a defined manner before reaching target distance 311 , it is possible to brake vehicle 100 in a comfortable and energy-saving manner (e.g., by means of a drag torque of drive motor 103 ) in order to adjust distance 201 , 301 of vehicle 100 to adjacent lane object 250 to target distance 311 and to transition to active regulation of distance 201 , 301 . Figure 3b This is shown by way of example by distance curve 332 .

[0053] Figure 3b The situation in which the predicted distance curve 310 does not intersect the target distance 311 is also shown visually. In this case, the exit from the coasting mode can take place at a driving progress 302 at which the distance curve 310 is relatively close (especially closest) to the target distance 311. However, in this case, a subsequent acceleration of the vehicle 100 is usually required when the distance control is reactivated (see distance curve 331), which leads to increased energy consumption and reduced comfort.

[0054] Thus, an assessment of the situation in which internal combustion engine 103 is switched off and coasting is terminated may be performed, in particular to prevent subsequent acceleration for achieving target distance 311 to adjacent lane object 250. For this purpose, predicted course 310 of time distance 301 to adjacent lane object 250 may be ascertained based on gradient prediction 210 and / or based on one or more vehicle parameters (e.g., the driving speed of vehicle 100 and / or adjacent lane object 250) and / or based on the driving situation.

[0055] A coasting entry can only be initiated from a certain penetration depth 312 of predicted coasting trend 310 (i.e., from sinking below target time distance 311 to adjacent lane object 250). This criterion makes it possible to compensate for unstable driving situations (e.g., when adjacent lane object 250 begins an acceleration process and vehicle 100 must perform a subsequent acceleration by means of drive motor 103 in order to set target time distance 311). In addition, it is thus possible to brake vehicle 100 to target distance 311 when coasting out (without subsequent acceleration to target time distance 311).

[0056] Thus, device 101 may be configured to initiate a coasting operation only from a certain immersion depth 312 of predicted course 310 , ie, from below a target time distance 311 to adjacent lane object 250 .

[0057] Furthermore, device 101 may be configured to determine, for exiting the coasting mode, an intersection point 321 of predicted coasting rolling curve 310 and target time distance 311 to adjacent lane object 250. Coasting may then be exited before target time distance 311 to adjacent lane object 250 is reached (with parameterizable offset value 322). Vehicle 100 may then be braked to target time distance 311 with a relatively slight dynamic overrun (and without the need for pushing out and reacceleration).

[0058] Thus, (by utilizing the coasting mode) an efficient approach to, for example, adjacent lane object 250 which is not allowed to be overtaken can be achieved. This approach can be achieved by decoupling internal combustion engine 103 and / or by evaluating the gradient prediction and the driving resistance resulting therefrom.

[0059] For example, vehicle 100 may be traveling on a highway in center lane 221 and approaching adjacent lane object 250 in left lane 222. The speed profile of vehicle 100 and the resulting distance profile 310 to adjacent lane object 250 may be predicted (e.g. based on mapped slope data). A gliding process of vehicle 100 may then be triggered so that vehicle 100 effectively approaches adjacent lane object 250.

[0060] Figure 4 A flow chart of a (possibly computer-executed) method 400 for controlling a coasting operation of a (motor) vehicle 100 within the scope of distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle 100 is shown, wherein the driving speed of the vehicle 100 is set, in particular regulated, as a function of a target distance 311 to a preceding vehicle 200 and / or to an adjacent lane object 250 and / or (in free travel) as a function of a target speed 411.

[0061] Method 400 includes predicting 401 a distance profile 310 of vehicle 100 in coasting mode, starting from current driving progress 302 of vehicle 100 (in particular starting from a current time and / or starting from a current position of vehicle 100). Distance profile 310 can be predicted here based on a profile 210 of a gradient 212 of lane 202 in which vehicle 100 is traveling. It can be assumed here that vehicle 100 is in coasting mode (and is therefore not driven by drive motor 103 and / or is therefore not causing a drag torque of drive motor 103) throughout predicted distance profile 310. Distance profile 310 can display actual distance 301 of vehicle 100 to adjacent lane object 200 traveling ahead (in adjacent lane 222).

[0062] Method 600 also includes comparing 402 predicted distance profile 310 of vehicle 100 with target distance 311 of a distance control of vehicle 100 . In particular, it may be determined here whether predicted distance profile 310 of vehicle 100 will reach and / or fall below target distance 311 (within a prediction level for predicted distance profile 310 of vehicle 100 ).

[0063] Method 400 also includes controlling 403, in particular starting or ending the coasting operation, based on the comparison. By determining and analyzing the predicted distance trend 310 of the evaluation distance 201, 301 and the adjacent lane object 200 during the execution of the distance and / or speed control, the comfort and energy efficiency and / or safety of the vehicle 100 can be improved. Here, during the coasting operation, it can be achieved that the actual distance 201, 301 and / or the actual driving speed temporarily deviates from the target distance 311 or the target speed. Therefore, the distance and / or speed control can be prohibited during the coasting operation. When exiting from the coasting operation, the distance and / or speed control can then be automatically restored.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the accompanying drawings are only intended to illustrate the principles of the proposed methods, devices and systems by way of example.

Claims

1. A device (101) for controlling a coasting operation of a vehicle (100) within the scope of a distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle (100); wherein the device (101) is configured to: - predicting a distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) in coasting operation based on a current driving progress (302) of the vehicle (100); wherein the predicted distance profile (310) displays a temporal distance and / or a spatial distance (301) of the vehicle (100) from an adjacent lane object (250) traveling ahead of the vehicle (100) in an adjacent lane (222) as a function of the driving progress (302); - comparing the predicted distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) with a target distance (311) for the distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle (100); and - controlling, in particular starting or ending, the coasting operation as a function of the comparison.

2. The device (101) according to claim 1, wherein the device (101) is configured to, when the vehicle (100) is not operated in a coasting operation, - determining whether the predicted distance trend (310) of the vehicle (100) will reach the target distance (311) at the preceding driving progress (302); and - starting the coasting operation at the current driving speed (302) of the vehicle (100) when, in particular only when, it is determined that the predicted distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) will reach the target distance (311).

3. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured, while the vehicle (100) is operated in a coasting operation, - obtaining a driving progress (321) of a preceding intersection, at which the predicted distance trend (310) of the vehicle (100) will reach the target distance (311); - determining an exit driving progress (323) based on the determined driving progress (321) of the preceding intersection; and - Ending the coasting operation at the determined exit travel distance (323).

4. A device (101) according to claim 3, wherein the device (101) is configured to determine an exit driving progress (323), which is located before the determined driving progress of the preceding intersection (321), in particular before the determined driving progress of the preceding intersection (321) by a predetermined offset value (322).

5. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to, during a period in which the vehicle (100) is not operated in a coasting operation, - determining whether the predicted distance trend (310) is below the target distance (311) by exactly or at least a predetermined penetration depth (312); and The coasting operation is started when, in particular only when, it is determined that the predicted distance profile (310) is below the target distance (311) by exactly or at least by the predetermined penetration depth (312).

6. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to repeatedly, at a series of consecutive driving progresses (302): - predicting a distance trend (310) of the vehicle (100) during coasting operation based on the corresponding current driving progress (302); - comparing the respectively predicted distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) with the target distance (311) of the distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle (100); and - Based on the comparison, the coasting operation is controlled, in particular started or ended, at the corresponding current driving progress (302).

7. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to: - determining a preceding gradient profile (210) of a roadway (202) on which the vehicle (100) is traveling; and - predicting the distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) during coasting operation based on the preceding gradient profile (210).

8. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to: - determining state data about the state of the vehicle (100) and / or state data about the state of the adjacent lane object (250) traveling in front of the vehicle (100) in the adjacent lane (222); and - predicting the distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) during coasting operation based on the status data.

9. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The predicted distance progression (310) extends from the current driving progress to a predetermined prediction level; and / or - The driving progress (302) includes: - the position of the vehicle (100) along a lane (202) on which the vehicle (100) is travelling; and / or - a point in time when the vehicle (100) is traveling.

10. The device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to: - decoupling the drive motor (103) of the vehicle (100) from the drive train of the vehicle (100) in order to initiate the coasting operation; and / or - coupling the drive motor (103) to the drive train of the vehicle (100) in order to end the coasting operation.

11. A method (400) for controlling a coasting operation of a vehicle (100) within the scope of a distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle (100); wherein the method (400) comprises: - predicting (401) a distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) in coasting operation based on a current driving progress (302) of the vehicle (100); wherein the predicted distance profile (310) displays the temporal distance and / or spatial distance (301) of the vehicle (100) to an adjacent lane object (250) travelling ahead of the vehicle (100) in an adjacent lane (222) as a function of the driving progress (302); - comparing (402) the predicted distance profile (310) of the vehicle (100) with a target distance (311) for the distance and / or speed regulation of the vehicle (100); and - controlling (403), in particular starting or ending, the coasting operation as a function of the comparison.

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