Method and vehicle for automatically controlling a steering indicator device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a turn signal device (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein a computing unit controls the turn signal device (1) based on information obtained by processing sensor data and based on a comparison result of the position of the vehicle (2) and a digital road map. The computing unit is also capable of recognizing that the vehicle (2) is approaching an intersection (3) with a right of way to turn and automatically activates the turn signal device (1) when approaching the intersection (3). The method according to the invention is characterized in that, when a computing unit recognizes that the own vehicle (2) is on a right-of-way path, the computing unit checks sensor data to determine whether, in the case of a right-of-way turn, another vehicle (4) can be recognized in a street (L, R, V) merging into an intersection (3) on the left, right, or in front from the perspective of the own vehicle (2), and accordingly controls a turn indicator device (1) so as to perform, depending on the type of right-of-way turn and the recognized other vehicle (4), either: - if the computing unit does not recognize any other vehicle (4) in the corresponding street (L, R, V), the turn indicator device (1) is activated; or - if the computing unit recognizes at least one other vehicle (4) in the corresponding street (L, R, V), the turn indicator device (1) is prevented from being activated.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In road traffic, vehicles often misuse their turn signals when traveling on a road with the right of way. If a vehicle is on the road with the right of way and wishes to continue along it, it must signal left or right at the intersection to proceed along the road with the right of way. Failure to use the turn signal effectively means the vehicle will proceed straight through the intersection.

[0003] Therefore, accidents are more likely to occur at intersections with right-of-way. If the driver of your vehicle forgets to use their turn signal while traveling along a road with the right-of-way to turn left, oncoming vehicles may assume they are going straight ahead. In this case, if the driver of the other vehicle intends to go straight ahead, they may already be approaching. However, since your vehicle is traveling along the road with the right-of-way to turn left, a collision between your vehicle and the other vehicle is possible.

[0004] Therefore, in order to improve road traffic safety, it is necessary to specify a method and 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 by means of the method and device.

[0005] DE 10 2004 030 951 A1 discloses automatically activating a vehicle's turn signal based on the navigation route the vehicle is traveling. This means that the turn signal is automatically activated when traveling along a right-of-way curve. 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 curve.

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

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2006 020 631 A1 discloses a control device for controlling a turn signal system in a motor vehicle. The method for controlling the turn signal system, executed by the control device, provides for activating the turn signal system based on a predetermined navigation route while also taking into account sensor data generated by a camera and radar system. Taking these parameters into account, the turn signal system can be automatically activated, for example, when changing lanes, entering a highway exit, or when the vehicle is detected in a curve. Automatic activation of the turn signal system may also be deactivated if the traffic situation does not allow for a safe maneuver, for example, because a road user behind the vehicle is moving toward the vehicle at a significantly higher speed.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 225 138 A1 discloses an automatic turn signal assistant device, which proposes a control unit for a vehicle that automatically turns off a turn signal that was activated for a specific driving maneuver after the end of the specific driving maneuver.

[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 activated 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] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for automatically controlling a turn signal system of a host vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments, as well as a vehicle for carrying out the method, result from the associated claims.

[0013] In a method for automatically controlling a turn indicator device of a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, the 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 vehicle is approaching an intersection with a right of way to turn, and when approaching the intersection, if the navigation route used by the navigation unit plans a turning operation at the intersection, the turn indicator device is automatically turned on, according to the present invention, when the computing unit recognizes that the vehicle is on a right of way path, the computing unit checks the sensor data: in the case of a right turn right of way, if the navigation route of the vehicle follows the right of way to turn right, When turning, whether another vehicle is recognizable in a street merging into the intersection on the left or in a street ahead opposite the own vehicle from the perspective of the own vehicle; and / or when having the right of way to turn left, if the navigation route of the own vehicle follows the right-of-way road to turn left, whether another vehicle is recognizable in a street merging into the intersection on the right from the perspective of the own vehicle; and / or when having the right of way to turn left, if the navigation route of the own vehicle turns right from the right-of-way road, whether another vehicle is recognizable in a street merging into the intersection on the right or in a 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 detect 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 detects at least one other vehicle in the corresponding street when checking the sensor data.

[0014] By using the method according to the present invention, critical traffic situations, where accidents could occur due to incorrectly set turn indicators (e.g., turn signals) at intersections with right-of-way, can be avoided. Using a driver assistance system known from the prior art or a corresponding method for automatically controlling a turn indicator, the turn indicator of the host vehicle can be automatically activated to follow the navigation route along the right-of-way road. However, the applicant has recognized that in certain traffic situations, automatically activating the turn indicator can lead to accidents. The method according to the present invention can prevent this from occurring.

[0015] There's a possibility that the driver of the host vehicle may not want to follow the navigation route used by the navigation unit, for example, because the driver is aware of local conditions and deviates from the navigation route by taking a shortcut, or because they need to make a stop outside the navigation route. It doesn't matter whether the navigation route follows the right-of-way road or the intersection branch opposite the right-of-way road. In either case, the navigation route at the intersection leads left or right, that is, onto the left or right side of the street. If a vehicle attempts to enter the intersection from the street opposite the right-of-way road—from the left side in the case of a right-of-way road, or from the right side in the case of a left-of-way road—and the host vehicle automatically activates the turn signal based on the navigation route, there's a risk of an accident. There's also the risk of an accident if there's an oncoming vehicle. This is explained below using the example of a left-of-way road with another vehicle entering the intersection from the right side of the street, but applies accordingly to other scenarios.

[0016] In methods known in the prior art for automatically activating a turn signal based on a navigation route, the turn signal is activated to indicate a left turn, as the computing unit assumes that the host vehicle will turn left to follow the navigation route. Alternatively, the navigation route may lead to a street on the right, and the host vehicle may activate its right turn signal. In both cases, activating the host vehicle's turn signal encourages the driver of the other vehicle to move, even when the other vehicle must yield. This is because if the other vehicle, from its perspective, intends to turn right, there is no risk of an accident if the host vehicle turns left. Alternatively, if the host vehicle, from its perspective, intends to turn right and the other vehicle, from its perspective, intends to proceed straight ahead or turn right, there is no risk of an accident. However, if the host vehicle's driver decides to proceed straight through the intersection, there is a risk of an accident with the other vehicle approaching or already entering the intersection.

[0017] However, using the method according to the present invention, the computing unit checks whether the other vehicle is visible on the corresponding street opposite the right-of-way road at the intersection. If so, the automatic activation of the turn signal device is avoided. In this case, if the driver of the host vehicle proceeds straight through the intersection and deviates from the navigation route, the likelihood of an accident is reduced because the driver of the other vehicle will recognize that the host vehicle is proceeding straight, as the turn signal device is not activated. Consequently, 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 signal system of the own vehicle can be automatically activated without risk.

[0019] A vehicle can use a variety of environmental sensors as its environmental sensor system. These include monocular or stereo cameras, radar sensors, laser scanners (e.g., LiDAR), ultrasonic sensors, and more. These systems enable comprehensive monitoring of the vehicle's surroundings. This allows for reliable detection of other road users, such as the aforementioned vehicles.

[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 proven image recognition algorithm can identify a traffic sign in the camera image indicating that the vehicle has reached an intersection with the right of way. The computing unit can then, if possible, determine from the traffic sign which street the vehicle is on at the intersection: the street with the right of way or the street where the vehicle must yield.

[0021] The navigation unit can be an in-vehicle navigation system or a mobile navigation system. The vehicle's location can be determined using a global navigation satellite system (e.g., GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.). The navigation unit can include a data storage device containing the digital road map. Right-of-way rules and corresponding turn right-of-way roads can be stored in the digital road map.

[0022] An advantageous refinement of the method provides that the control signal output by the computing unit for controlling the turn signal device is overwritten by manual operation of the turn signal device operating element. The turn signal device operating element can be, for example, a turn signal lever. According to the above embodiment, if another vehicle is detected on the corresponding street, the turn signal device of the host vehicle will not be automatically activated. However, if the driver of the host vehicle actually intends to turn (for example, to follow a navigation route), the turn signal device of the host vehicle can be manually activated. This avoids the situation where the host vehicle is turning but there is no corresponding direction indication. If the road is a left-turn right-of-way and the navigation route also leads to the left, the driver of the host vehicle can also activate the right turn signal if he intends to turn right. This allows the other vehicle on the right street to recognize that he can drive without risk. The corresponding traffic situation can be applied analogously 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 an intersection, switching on an inactive turn signal device; or

[0025] - If the computing unit detects that the host vehicle is traveling straight through an intersection, the active turn signal system is deactivated.

[0026] After crossing the center point of the intersection, it is determined which street the host vehicle is traveling into. 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), which is determined, for example, by means of a navigation unit. For this purpose, sensor data generated by an 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-ahead 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 improves driver comfort for the host vehicle, as the turn indicators in the host vehicle can be automatically activated after the center point of the intersection has been crossed, depending on the actual traffic maneuver being performed. For example, if the automatic activation of the turn indicators is no longer required due to the recognition of other vehicles on the corresponding street, the turn indicators can still be automatically activated after the center point of the intersection has been crossed.

[0028] Conversely, if there are no other vehicles on the corresponding street, the turn signal indicator automatically activates to follow the navigation route. If the vehicle is driving straight through the intersection, the driving direction is indicated incorrectly. In this case, the vehicle can detect the straight-ahead direction and deactivate the incorrectly activated turn signal indicator.

[0029] Another advantageous embodiment of the method further provides that the computing unit detects the viewing direction of the driver of the host vehicle by means of at least one vehicle interior sensor, and the computing unit controls the turn signal device while overwriting the control signal previously output by the computing unit, in order to:

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

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

[0032] This also improves the driver's comfort. This allows the turn signal system to be automatically and regularly activated or deactivated depending on the traffic situation. The driver of the host vehicle no longer needs to manually operate the turn signal system operating element (e.g., the turn signal stalk) to correct an incorrectly indicated driving direction. The computing unit then identifies the driver's planned driving trajectory from their line of sight and activates or deactivates the turn signal system accordingly.

[0033] The override of the control signal initially output by the computing unit for controlling the turn signal system based on manual actuation of the turn signal system operating element, based on crossing the center point of the intersection, and by monitoring the driver's gaze direction can be combined in any order and manner. For example, if the center point of the intersection is crossed and based on the detected gaze direction, manual actuation of the turn signal system operating element can override the automatic control of the turn signal system. Depending on the design, control based on crossing the center point of the intersection or based on the driver's gaze direction can also be used as the primary control option.

[0034] In a vehicle having a turn signal device, an environmental sensor system, a navigation unit and a computing unit, according to the present invention, the turn signal device, the environmental sensor system, the navigation unit and the computing unit are adapted to perform the above-mentioned method. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a van, a bus, etc. The turn signal device is implemented in particular as a turn signal. The turn signal device is mentioned in the singular, but it means an appropriate number of turn signal elements. For example, the vehicle can have turn signals at the rear of the vehicle, at the front of the vehicle, and on 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 vehicle's driving direction is planned to turn left, and correspondingly, a turn signal arranged on the right half of the vehicle can be used to indicate a turn right.

[0035] To form the surroundings 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, in particular, be implemented as a navigation system permanently integrated into the vehicle. The computing unit analyzes the sensor data provided by the surroundings sensor system and evaluates the information transmitted by the navigation unit, such as the planned navigation route and the actual position of the host vehicle, in particular taking into account a comparison with a digital road map. The computing unit then controls the turn signal system based on the aforementioned variables.

[0036] Similarly, the other party's vehicle may be a car, truck, van, bus, or a small 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 accompanying drawings.

[0038] in:

[0039] Figure 1A schematic top view of an intersection with right-of-way for turning is shown, wherein the host vehicle demonstrates rule-compliant driving behavior 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 situations 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 the method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 The figure shows a top view of an intersection 3 in two traffic situations, designated by the letters a) and b). In the figure, a host vehicle 2 is approaching the intersection 3. In situation a), the host vehicle 2 is traveling straight through the intersection 3, while in situation b), the host vehicle is turning left to travel along the right-of-way road.

[0045] Complying with the regulations dictates that, in situation a), the turn signal device 1 (e.g., the turn signal of the host vehicle 2) should not be activated to indicate driving straight ahead. Accordingly, in driving situation b), the turn signal device 1 of the host vehicle 2 must be activated to indicate a left turn. In other words, the left turn signal of the host vehicle 2 must be activated.

[0046] according to Figure 1 , we can see the importance of correctly opening the turn signal device 1. Figure 1 In the driving situation shown in b), if the turn indicator 1 of the host vehicle 2 is not activated, an oncoming vehicle 4 on the street V ahead may mistakenly believe that the host vehicle 2 also intends to proceed straight through the intersection 3. In this case, the oncoming vehicle 4 may proceed, as there is no risk of an accident. However, since the host vehicle 2 turns left, the two vehicles may collide.

[0047] With the aid of a driver assistance system or method known in the prior art for controlling a turn signal system 1, the navigation route of the host vehicle 2 can be analyzed and the path that the host vehicle 2 will take in the area of an intersection 3 with a right of way can be identified. The turn signal system 1 can then be automatically activated accordingly.

[0048] Yet applicant recognizes, such traffic situation may occur, wherein this automatic opening of turn indicator device 1 can cause potential accident.At this moment, the method for automatically controlling turn indicator device 1 according to the present invention just can play a role, to avoid the generation of such accident.

[0049] The corresponding traffic conditions are explained with reference to the following figures. Figure 2 1 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 case where the navigation route NAV of the own vehicle 2 follows the turning right of way, while Figure 2 b) shows a situation where the navigation route NAV turns right.

[0050] There is a possibility that the driver of host vehicle 2 does not want to follow navigation route NAV, for example because the driver knows a corresponding alternative shortcut route based on local knowledge or because the driver needs to make a stop outside of navigation route NAV. Therefore, host 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 host vehicle 2 will not intersect with 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 present invention provides that host vehicle 2 monitors its surroundings with the aid of an environmental sensor system and thereby detects another vehicle 4 on the right-hand side of street R. In this case, automatic activation of turn signal device 1 is prevented to prevent the driver of other vehicle 4 from approaching. Therefore, there is no risk of an accident when host vehicle 2 follows the TRAE trajectory instead of the navigation route NAV.

[0054] If the driver of host vehicle 2 still wishes to follow navigation route NAV, they can manually activate the turn signal. This overrides the control command of the computing unit of host vehicle 2, preventing the automatic activation of turn signal device 1. Host vehicle 2 can also automatically activate its turn signal when it recognizes that it has passed the center point M of intersection 3. Host vehicle 2 does not need to drive directly past center point M to do this; instead, it only needs to pass the corresponding section of navigation route NAV closest to center point M. The driver's gaze direction of host vehicle 2 can also be tracked, allowing the computing unit of host vehicle 2 to automatically activate the turn signal when the driver is looking toward the corresponding right-hand street R or toward the left-hand street L from the perspective of host vehicle 2.

[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. This potential accident can also be avoided with 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 In the traffic situation shown in a), the automatic opening of the turn indicator device 1 can also be prevented. 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 attempts to enter the intersection 3 (not shown). This potential accident can also be avoided with 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 present invention. Thus, if another vehicle 4 is detected in the left-hand street L, the flashing left turn signal 1 can be automatically activated without risk, even if the host vehicle 2 would actually be traveling 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 pose a risk. Here, the host vehicle 2 must give way to the other vehicle 4 before traveling 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 the 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 host vehicle 2 checks whether a turn is planned on the right-of-way road. If the corresponding intersection 3 is reached, the surroundings of host vehicle 2 are monitored using the environmental sensor system in step 503. Then, in step 504, the computing unit checks whether an oncoming vehicle 4 is visible on the corresponding street opposite the right-of-way road. If no oncoming vehicle 4 is detected, the turn signal system 1 can be automatically activated in step 505. Conversely, if the corresponding oncoming vehicle 4 is detected, the automatic activation of the turn signal system 1 is deactivated 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 vehicle (2), wherein: The vehicle (2) monitors its surroundings using an environmental sensor system and determines its current location using a navigation unit. A 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 vehicle (2) is approaching an intersection (3) with a right of way to turn, and when approaching the intersection (3), if a navigation route (NAV) used by the navigation unit plans a turn operation at the intersection (3), the turn indicator device (1) is automatically turned on. It is characterized in that When the computing unit recognizes 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 or in the street (V) ahead opposite the host vehicle (2) 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) 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 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 (V) ahead from the perspective of the host vehicle (2); - Based on this, the computing unit controls the turn signal 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 signal device (1) is activated; or If the computing unit detects at least one other vehicle (4) in the corresponding street (L, R, V) when checking the sensor data, activation of the turn signal 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 signal device (1) so as to: - when the computing unit recognizes that the host vehicle (2) is turning from the intersection (3), the inactive turn signal device (1) is activated; or - deactivating the activated turn signal device (1) when the computing unit recognizes that the host vehicle (2) is traveling 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 viewing direction of the driver of the own vehicle (2) by means of at least one vehicle interior sensor, and controls the turn signal device (1) while overwriting a control signal previously output by the computing unit, so as to: - if the computing unit detects that the viewing 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 signal device (1) is activated; or - 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) located ahead from the perspective of the host vehicle (2), the activated turn signal device (1) is deactivated.

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 signal 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.

Images