Method for automatically controlling steering indicating device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a steering indication device (1) of an own vehicle (2), in which a computing unit controls the steering indication device (1) as a function of information obtained by processing sensor data and as a function of a comparison of a location of the own vehicle with a digital road map, the computing unit is also able to recognize the approach of the own vehicle (2) to an intersection (3) with a turn-ahead right and to automatically activate the turn indication device (1) when the own vehicle (2) approaches the intersection (3). The method according to the invention is characterized in that, if the computing unit recognizes that the own vehicle (2) is on the preceding right path, the computing unit checks the sensor data for whether the other vehicle (4) can be recognized in the streets (L, R, V), which merge into the intersection (3) on the left, right or in front, from the perspective of the own vehicle (2) in the case of turning preceding right, whereby the other vehicle (4) can be recognized in the street (L, R, V). The computing unit controls the steering indication device (1) in order to proceed in accordance with the type of cornering precedence and the identified other vehicle (4):-if the computing unit does not identify any other vehicle (4) in the respective street (L, R, V), turning on the steering indication device (1),-if the computing unit does not identify any other vehicle (4) in the respective street (L, R, V); or-if the computing unit recognizes at least one other vehicle (4) in the respective street (L, R, V), preventing the turning of the steering indicator (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a turn signal device of an ego vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle for carrying out the method. Background Art

[0002] In road traffic, when a vehicle is driving on a right-of-way road, it is common to use the wrong turn signal. If the vehicle is driving on the corresponding right-of-way road and wishes to continue driving along the right-of-way road, it must turn the turn signal / flash signal to the left or right at the corresponding intersection in order to drive along the right-of-way road. If the turn signal is not used, it actually means that the vehicle will go straight at the intersection.

[0003] Therefore, accidents occur more frequently at corresponding intersections with right-of-way. If the driver of the own vehicle forgets to turn on the turn signal while driving along the road with the right-of-way to the left, the oncoming other vehicle may think that the own vehicle will go straight. In this case, if the driver of the other vehicle intends to go straight, the driver may have already approached. However, since the own vehicle is driving along the road with the right-of-way to the left, a collision between the own vehicle and the other vehicle may occur.

[0004] Therefore, in order to improve the safety of road traffic, it is necessary to specify a method and a device so that when driving along a turning right-of-way road, if the driver forgets to turn on the turn signal, the turn signal can be automatically turned on with the help of the method and the device.

[0005] From DE 10 2004 030 951 A1 it is known to automatically activate the turn signal of a vehicle depending on the navigation route traveled by the vehicle. This means that the turn signal is automatically activated when traveling along a right-of-way road. The corresponding right-of-way rules can be stored in the digital map material, wherein the turn signal is activated when the navigation route follows a right-of-way road.

[0006] A similar method is also known from DE 10 2009 047 436 A1, in which the turn signal of the vehicle can be switched on or off by monitoring the vehicle position and comparing it with digital map material. This makes it possible to switch the turn signal on or off automatically without monitoring whether the vehicle follows the navigation route.

[0007] Furthermore, a control device for controlling a turn signal device of a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2006 020 631 A1. The method for controlling the turn signal device, which is executed by the control device, provides for activating the turn signal device according to a predetermined navigation route and taking into account sensor data generated by a camera and radar system. Taking into account the above-mentioned variables, the turn signal device can be automatically activated, for example, when changing lanes, when entering a highway exit, or when it is recognized that the vehicle is in a turning lane. If the corresponding traffic situation does not allow the corresponding traffic maneuver to be carried out safely, for example because a road user following the vehicle is moving towards the vehicle at a significantly higher speed, the turn signal device may also not be automatically activated.

[0008] In addition, DE 10 2013 225 138 A1 discloses an automatic turn signal assistant device, which proposes a control unit for a vehicle, which automatically turns off a turn signal that is turned on for a specific driving operation after the operation is completed.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 197 22 186 A1 discloses a method for identifying an automatic activation time of a turn signal device based on a route traveled by a vehicle, wherein the route is determined by a navigation system.

[0010] Such a turn signal device controlled by a navigation system is also known from DE 11 2012 001 775 T5. In this case, the turn signal is automatically switched on when the vehicle is located in a turning area stored in a digital road map. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for automatically controlling a turn indication device of a host vehicle, the use of which reduces the risk of accidents in intersection areas with turning right-of-way.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for automatically controlling a turn signal device of a host vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments as well as a vehicle for carrying out the method are derived from the associated claims.

[0013] In a method for automatically controlling a turn indicator device of a host vehicle of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph, the host vehicle uses an environmental sensor system to monitor its surroundings and uses a navigation unit to determine its current location, and a computing unit processes sensor data generated by the environmental sensor system and the location determined by the navigation unit, and then the computing unit controls the turn indicator device based on information obtained from processing the sensor data and based on a comparison result of the location with a digital road map, wherein the computing unit is also capable of recognizing that the host vehicle is approaching an intersection with a turn right, and when approaching the intersection, if the navigation route used by the navigation unit plans a turn at the intersection, the turn indicator device is automatically turned on. According to the present invention, when the computing unit recognizes that the host vehicle is on a right-of-way path, the computing unit checks the sensor data: in the case of a right-of-way turn, if the navigation route of the host vehicle follows the right-of-way turn road to the right, Turning, whether another vehicle can be identified in a street merging into the intersection on the left or in a street ahead opposite to the own vehicle from the perspective of the own vehicle; and / or in the case of a left turn right, if the navigation route of the own vehicle follows the turning right-of-way road to turn left, whether another vehicle can be identified in a street merging into the intersection on the right from the perspective of the own vehicle; and / or in the case of a left turn right, if the navigation route of the own vehicle turns right from the turning right-of-way road, whether another vehicle can be identified in a street merging into the intersection on the right or in the street ahead from the perspective of the own vehicle; accordingly, the computing unit controls the turn indicator device so as to activate the turn indicator device if the computing unit does not recognize any other vehicle in the corresponding street when checking the sensor data, or to prevent activation of the turn indicator device if the computing unit recognizes at least one other vehicle in the corresponding street when checking the sensor data.

[0014] By using the method according to the invention, critical traffic situations that threaten accidents due to incorrectly set turn indicator devices (e.g., turn signals) in intersection areas with turn right of way can be avoided. With the help of a driving assistance system known from the prior art or a corresponding method for automatically controlling a turn indicator device, the turn indicator device of the own vehicle can be automatically turned on to follow the navigation route along the turn right of way road. However, the applicant has recognized that in certain traffic situations, automatically turning on the turn indicator device may lead to accidents. The method according to the invention can avoid this situation from happening.

[0015] There is a possibility that the driver of the own vehicle does not want to follow the navigation route used by the navigation unit, for example because the driver is aware of the local situation and the deviation from the navigation route is a shortcut, or for example because a stopover is to be made outside the navigation route. It is irrelevant whether the navigation route is along the right-of-way road or along the intersection branch opposite the right-of-way road. In either case, the navigation route at the intersection is to the left or right, that is, to the left street or the right street. If a vehicle wants to enter the intersection from the street opposite the right-of-way road, that is, from the left street in the case of a right-of-way road and from the right street in the case of a left-of-way road, and if the own vehicle automatically turns on the turn indicator according to the navigation route, there is a risk of an accident. There may also be a risk of an accident when a vehicle is oncoming towards the own vehicle. This is explained below using the example of a left-of-way road and another vehicle entering the intersection from the right street, and is applicable to other application cases accordingly.

[0016] In the methods known in the prior art for automatically switching on the turn indicator according to the navigation route, the turn indicator will be switched on to indicate a left turn, because the computing unit will assume that the host vehicle will turn left to follow the navigation route. Alternatively, the navigation route may also lead to the street on the right, and the host vehicle will therefore turn on the right turn signal. In both cases, the driver of the other vehicle will be prompted to start the vehicle by switching on the turn indicator of the host vehicle, even when the other vehicle must give way, because if the other vehicle wants to turn right from its perspective, there is no risk of an accident if the host vehicle turns left, or if the host vehicle is about to turn right from its perspective and the other vehicle wants to go straight or turn right from its perspective, there is no risk of an accident. However, if the driver of the host vehicle decides to drive straight through the intersection, there is a risk of an accident with the other vehicle that is approaching or has entered the intersection.

[0017] However, by using the method according to the present invention, the computing unit checks whether the other vehicle can be found on the corresponding street opposite the turning right-of-way road at the intersection, and if it can be found, the automatic activation of the turn indicator device is avoided. At this time, if the driver of the own vehicle goes straight through the intersection and deviates from the navigation route, the possibility of an accident is reduced because the driver of the other vehicle will recognize that the own vehicle is going straight because the turn indicator device of the own vehicle is not activated. Therefore, the driver of the other vehicle will not approach.

[0018] If, on the other hand, there are no other vehicles on the corresponding street, the turn indicator of the own vehicle can be automatically activated without risk.

[0019] The host vehicle can use a variety of environmental sensors as an environmental sensor system. These include monocular or stereo cameras, radar sensors, laser scanners (e.g., LiDAR), ultrasonic sensors, etc. With the help of such systems, the vehicle's surroundings can be extensively monitored. In this way, other road users, such as the aforementioned other vehicles, can be reliably detected.

[0020] The sensor data generated by the surrounding sensors can also be used to check the plausibility of the corresponding traffic situation. For example, a traffic sign indicating that the host vehicle is approaching an intersection with the right of way can be identified in the camera image using a proven image recognition algorithm. If possible, the computing unit can then also read from the traffic sign which street the host vehicle is on at the intersection, i.e. the street with the right of way or the street on which it must give way.

[0021] The navigation unit may be a vehicle-mounted navigation system or a mobile navigation system. The position of the own vehicle may be determined by means of a global navigation satellite system (e.g., GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.). The navigation unit may include a data storage device having the digital road map. The right-of-way rules and the corresponding turn right-of-way roads may be stored in the digital road map.

[0022] An advantageous improvement of the method provides that the control signal output by the computing unit for controlling the turn indicator device is overwritten by manually operating the turn indicator device operating element. The turn indicator device operating element can be, for example, a turn signal lever. In the case where another vehicle is recognized on the corresponding street, according to the above embodiment, the turn indicator device of the own vehicle will not be automatically turned on. However, if the driver of the own vehicle actually wants to turn (for example, driving according to the navigation route), the turn indicator device of the own vehicle can be manually turned on. In this way, it is possible to avoid the situation where the own vehicle is turning but there is no corresponding direction indication. If it is a left-turn right-of-way road and the navigation route is also to the left, the driver of the own vehicle can also turn on the right turn signal if he intends to turn right, so that the other vehicle on the right street can recognize that he can drive the vehicle without risk. The corresponding traffic situation can be applied by analogy to the corresponding mirror / reverse right-of-way situation.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, when the center point of the intersection is crossed, the computing unit controls the turn indicator device in order to:

[0024] - when the computing unit detects that the host vehicle is turning away from the intersection, a non-activated turn indicator is activated; or

[0025] - If the computing unit detects that the host vehicle is driving straight through the intersection, the activated turn signal device is deactivated.

[0026] After crossing the center point of the intersection, it is determined which street the host vehicle is entering. For example, the computing unit can recognize that the vehicle has crossed the center point of the intersection by evaluating the position of the host vehicle (i.e. the vehicle position) determined, for example, by means of the navigation unit. For this purpose, sensor data generated by the environmental sensor system can also be evaluated in addition or as an alternative. For example, the computing unit can also recognize from the camera image whether the center point of the intersection has been crossed. Similarly, the computing unit can recognize turning processes or straight driving. Dynamic driving data, such as steering angle, lateral and / or longitudinal acceleration values, forward speed, etc., can also be used for this purpose. The corresponding data can be transmitted to the computing unit by a driver assistance system (e.g. ESP).

[0027] This further increases the comfort of the driver of the host vehicle, since after the center point of the intersection has been crossed, the turn indicators of the host vehicle can be automatically activated in response to the traffic maneuver actually being performed. If, for example, the automatic activation of the turn indicators is no longer used because other vehicles have been detected on the corresponding street, the turn indicators can still be automatically activated after the center point of the intersection has been crossed.

[0028] If, on the other hand, there are no other vehicles on the corresponding street, the turn signal is automatically activated to follow the navigation route. If the vehicle is driving straight through the intersection, the driving direction is indicated incorrectly. In this case, driving straight ahead can be detected and the incorrectly activated turn signal can be closed again.

[0029] Another advantageous embodiment of the method further provides that the computing unit detects the sight direction of the driver of the host vehicle by means of at least one vehicle interior sensor, the computing unit controls the turn indicator device and simultaneously overwrites the control signal previously output by the computing unit, so as to:

[0030] - if the computing unit detects that the host vehicle is looking towards the left or right street when entering the intersection, a deactivated turn signal is activated; or

[0031] If the computing unit detects that the viewing direction when the host vehicle enters the intersection is pointing straight ahead toward the street ahead from the perspective of the host vehicle, the activated turn indicator is deactivated.

[0032] This also improves the comfort of the driver of the host vehicle. This makes it possible to automatically and regularly switch the turn signal on or off depending on the traffic situation. The driver of the host vehicle no longer has to manually operate the turn signal operating element (e.g., the turn signal lever) to correct the incorrectly indicated driving direction. In this way, the computing unit recognizes the driving trajectory planned by the driver from the line of sight and switches the turn signal on or off accordingly.

[0033] The overriding of the control signal for controlling the turn signal device originally output by the computing unit in accordance with manual actuation of the turn signal device operating element, in accordance with crossing the center point of the intersection and by monitoring the driver's line of sight can be combined with one another in any order and manner. For example, in the case of crossing the center point of the intersection and in accordance with the detected line of sight, manual actuation of the turn signal device operating element can override the automatic control of the turn signal device. Depending on the design, crossing the center point of the intersection or control in accordance with the driver's line of sight can also be used as the primary control option.

[0034] In a vehicle having a turn indicator, an environmental sensor system, a navigation unit and a computing unit, according to the present invention, the turn indicator, the environmental sensor system, the navigation unit and the computing unit are adapted to perform the above method. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a van, a bus, etc. The turn indicator is especially implemented as a turn signal. The turn indicator is mentioned in the singular, but it means a suitable number of turn indicators. For example, the vehicle can have turn signals at the rear of the vehicle, the front of the vehicle and the side (for example, integrated into the exterior rearview mirror). By turning on the turn signal installed on the left half of the vehicle, it can be indicated in advance that the driving direction of the own vehicle is planned to turn left, and accordingly, the turn signal arranged on the right half of the vehicle can be used to indicate a turn to the right.

[0035] To form the environment sensor system, the vehicle can include various monocular cameras, stereo cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and / or laser scanners (e.g. one or more lidars). The navigation unit can be implemented in particular as a navigation system permanently integrated into the vehicle. The computing unit analyzes the sensor data provided by the environment sensor system and evaluates the information transmitted by the navigation unit, such as the planned navigation route and the actual position of the own vehicle, in particular taking into account a comparison with a digital road map. The computing unit then controls the turn indicator device as a function of the mentioned variables.

[0036] Similarly, the other vehicle may be a car, truck, van, bus, or a smaller vehicle such as an electric scooter, bicycle, electric bike, or motorcycle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention for automatically controlling a turn signal device of a host vehicle are also apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] in:

[0039] Figure 1A schematic top view of an intersection with a turning right of way is shown, wherein the host vehicle exhibits a driving behavior in accordance with the rules in two different traffic situations;

[0040] Figure 2 Schematic top views of an intersection with left turn right-of-way are shown in two traffic conditions with increased accident probability;

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic top view of an intersection with right-turn right-of-way in two traffic situations is shown, wherein one traffic situation has an increased probability of an accident;

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of an intersection with right-turn right-of-way in a third, also safe, traffic situation; and

[0043] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 The top view of the intersection 3 in two traffic situations is shown, which are indicated by the letters a) and b). In the figure, the host vehicle 2 is approaching the intersection 3, wherein in situation a) the host vehicle 2 passes through the intersection 3 straight, and in situation b) the host vehicle turns left to drive along the turning right-of-way road.

[0045] The driving behavior in compliance with the rules stipulates that in situation a), the turn indicator device 1 (for example, the turn signal of the own vehicle 2) is not turned on to indicate straight driving. Correspondingly, in driving situation b), the turn indicator device 1 of the own vehicle 2 must be turned on to indicate a left turn. That is, the left turn signal of the own vehicle 2 must be turned on.

[0046] according to Figure 1 , we can see the importance of correctly turning on the turn indicator device 1. Figure 1 b), and the turn indicator 1 of the own vehicle 2 is not turned on, then the other vehicle 4 coming from the front street V toward the own vehicle 2 may mistakenly believe that the own vehicle 2 also wants to go straight through the intersection 3. In this case, the other vehicle 4 may start the vehicle because there is no risk of an accident. However, since the own vehicle 2 turns left, the own vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 4 may collide.

[0047] By means of a driver assistance system or method known in the prior art for controlling the turn signal device 1, the navigation route of the host vehicle 2 can be analyzed and thus the path to be taken by the host vehicle 2 in the area of ​​the intersection 3 with the right of way can be recognized. The turn signal device 1 can be automatically activated accordingly.

[0048] However, the applicant recognizes that there may be traffic situations in which the automatic opening of the turn indicator device 1 may lead to potential accidents. At this time, the method for automatically controlling the turn indicator device 1 according to the present invention can play a role to avoid the occurrence of such accidents.

[0049] The corresponding traffic conditions are explained with reference to the following figures. Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a top view of an intersection 3 with a left turn right of way from the perspective of the own vehicle 2. Figure 2 a) shows the situation where the navigation route NAV of the own vehicle 2 follows the turning priority, while Figure 2 b) shows the situation where the navigation route NAV turns right.

[0050] There is a possibility that the driver of the own vehicle 2 does not want to follow the navigation route NAV, for example because the driver knows other corresponding shortcut routes based on local knowledge, or because a stopover is required outside the navigation route NAV. Therefore, the own vehicle 2 may choose the driving route indicated by the dotted line or the corresponding trajectory TRAE.

[0051] If the other vehicle 4 also wants to enter the intersection 3 from the right street R (from the perspective of the own vehicle 2), an accident may occur. If the turn signal device 1 is automatically turned on according to the navigation route NAV, the turn signal of the own vehicle 2 is turned on. Figure 2 a) flashes to the left, Figure 2 b) flashes to the right. Accordingly, the driver of the other vehicle 4 will think that the own vehicle 2 follows the corresponding navigation route NAV. Figure 2 In a), the two vehicles 2, 4 can turn in front of each other, which enables the two vehicles 2 and 4 to pass the intersection 3 quickly and safely at the same time. Figure 2 In b), the other vehicle 4 can drive away directly because the own vehicle 2 will not intersect the trajectory TRAF of the other vehicle 4.

[0052] In contrast, if the own vehicle 2 follows the actual trajectory TRAE instead of the navigation route NAV, there is a risk of an accident with the other vehicle 4, as shown by the jagged outline.

[0053] On the other hand, the method according to the invention provides that the host vehicle 2 monitors its surroundings by means of an environmental sensor system, thereby detecting the other vehicle 4 on the right street R. In this case, the automatic activation of the turn indicator device 1 is prevented so that the driver of the other vehicle 4 does not approach. Therefore, there is no risk of an accident when the host vehicle 2 follows the TRAE trajectory instead of the navigation route NAV.

[0054] If the driver of the host vehicle 2 still wants to follow the navigation route NAV, the driver can also manually turn on the turn signal, which will override the control command of the computing unit of the host vehicle 2 to prevent the turn indicator device 1 from automatically turning on. The turn signal of the host vehicle 2 can also be automatically turned on when the host vehicle 2 recognizes that it has passed the center point M of the intersection 3. The host vehicle 2 does not have to drive directly through the center point M for this purpose, but only needs to pass the corresponding section of the navigation route NAV that is closest to the center point M. The line of sight of the driver of the host vehicle 2 can also be tracked, so that when the driver looks at the corresponding right street R or looks at the left street L from the perspective of the host vehicle 2, the computing unit of the host vehicle 2 can automatically turn on the turn signal.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In b), when the own vehicle 2 is actually turning left, there is also a risk of an accident if another vehicle (not shown) from the preceding street V wants to enter the intersection 3. Such a potential accident can also be avoided with the aid of the method according to the invention.

[0056] Figure 3 A similar traffic situation is shown for an intersection 3 with a right-of-way turn. Here, the traffic situation indicated by reference numeral a) also shows a situation where the navigation route NAV follows the right-of-way turn, and traffic situation b) shows a situation where the navigation route NAV merges into a street opposite the right-of-way turn. Figure 3 In a), there is another vehicle 4 on the left street L. If the vehicle 2 automatically turns on the right turn signal to follow the navigation route NAV, the other vehicle may enter the intersection 3. However, if the vehicle 2 drives along the trajectory TRAE, there is also a risk of an accident. The method according to the present invention can be applied to Figure 3 a), so that the automatic opening of the turn indicator device 1 can also be prevented here. This can also reduce the possibility of accidents.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In a), when the own vehicle 2 is actually turning left, there is also a risk of an accident if another vehicle from the preceding street V wants to enter the intersection 3 (not shown). Such a potential accident can also be avoided with the aid of the method according to the invention.

[0058] On the other hand, Figure 3 In b), since the other vehicle 4 must give way to the own vehicle 2 under any circumstances, there is no risk of an accident. Figure 3 The traffic situation shown in b) can also be ignored when executing the method according to the invention. Therefore, if another vehicle 4 is detected in the left street L, the left flashing turn signal device 1 can be automatically activated without risk, even if the host vehicle 2 will actually travel along the trajectory TRAE. Accordingly, the computing unit of the host vehicle is adapted to recognize the corresponding traffic situation.

[0059] Figure 4 Another traffic situation is shown in which the automatic activation of the turn signal device 1 does not lead to danger. Here, the host vehicle 2 must give way to the other vehicle 4 before driving along one of the trajectories TRAE. Therefore, there is no risk of an accident due to the automatic activation of the turn signal device 1, because the driver of the host vehicle 2 must first stop and let the other vehicle 4 pass.

[0060] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to the present invention is shown.

[0061] In step 501, the navigation unit starts to guide the navigation of the own vehicle 2. Then, the navigation unit determines the navigation route NAV.

[0062] In step 502, the computing unit of the own vehicle 2 checks whether a turn is planned on the turn right-of-way road. If the corresponding intersection 3 is reached, the surroundings of the own vehicle 2 are monitored in step 503 using the environmental sensor system. Then, in step 504, the computing unit checks whether the other vehicle 4 can be found in the corresponding street opposite the turn right-of-way road. If the other vehicle 4 is not found, the turn indicator device 1 can be automatically activated in step 505. On the other hand, if the corresponding other vehicle 4 is recognized, the automatic activation of the turn indicator device 1 is stopped in step 506.

[0063] The presence of other vehicles in the area of ​​the intersection 3 does not affect the execution of the method according to the invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically controlling a turn signal device (1) of a host vehicle (2), wherein: The host vehicle (2) uses an environmental sensor system to monitor its surroundings and uses a navigation unit to determine its current location. The computing unit processes sensor data generated by the environmental sensor system and the location determined by the navigation unit. The computing unit then controls the turn indicator device (1) based on information obtained from processing the sensor data and based on a comparison result of the location with a digital road map. The computing unit is also capable of recognizing that the host vehicle (2) is approaching an intersection (3) with a right of way to turn, and when approaching the intersection (3), if the navigation route (NAV) used by the navigation unit plans a turn at the intersection (3), the turn indicator device (1) is automatically turned on. It is characterized in that When the computing unit detects that the host vehicle (2) is on the right-of-way path, the computing unit checks the sensor data: - in the case of a right-of-way turn, if the navigation route (NAV) of the host vehicle (2) follows the right-of-way road to turn right, whether another vehicle (4) can be identified in the street (L) merging into the intersection (3) on the left from the perspective of the host vehicle (2) or in the street (V) ahead opposite the host vehicle (2); and / or - in the case of a left turn right of way, if the navigation route (NAV) of the host vehicle (2) follows the right of way road to turn left, whether the other vehicle (4) can be identified in the street (R) merging into the intersection (3) on the right from the perspective of the host vehicle (2); and / or - in the case of a left turn right-of-way, if the navigation route (NAV) of the host vehicle (2) turns right from the turn right-of-way road, whether another vehicle (4) can be identified in the street (R) merging into the intersection (3) on the right or in the street ahead (V) from the perspective of the host vehicle (2); - Based on this, the computing unit controls the turn indicator device (1) so as to: - if the computing unit does not detect any other vehicle (4) in the corresponding street (L, R, V) when checking the sensor data, the turn indicator device (1) is activated; or - if the computing unit detects at least one other vehicle (4) in the respective street (L, R, V) when checking the sensor data, the activation of the turn indicator device (1) is prevented.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A control signal output by the computing unit for controlling the turn signal device (1) is overwritten by manual actuation of a turn signal device operating element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that When the center point (M) of the intersection (3) is crossed, the computing unit controls the turn indicator device (1) so as to: - when the computing unit detects that the host vehicle (2) is turning from the intersection (3), the inactive turn indicator device (1) is activated; or - deactivating the activated turn indicator device (1) when the computing unit detects that the host vehicle (2) is driving straight through the intersection (3).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The computing unit detects the sight direction of the driver of the own vehicle (2) by means of at least one vehicle interior sensor and controls the turn indicator device (1) while overwriting the control signal previously output by the computing unit, so as to: - if the computing unit detects that the sight direction of the host vehicle (2) is directed towards the left street (L) or the right street (R) when entering the intersection (3), the inactive turn indicator device (1) is activated; or - deactivating the activated turn indicator device (1) if the computing unit detects that the viewing direction of the host vehicle (2) when entering the intersection (3) is directed straight ahead toward the street (V) ahead from the perspective of the host vehicle (2).

5. A vehicle having a turn signal device (1), an environmental sensor system, a navigation unit and a computing unit, It is characterized in that The turn indicator device (1), the surroundings sensor system, the navigation unit and the computing unit are adapted to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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