Method for operating a speed control system, computing device, speed control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a speed control system of a vehicle, wherein the speed control system comprises a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode having a plurality of progressive levels. The method includes activating a progressive mode of operation of the speed regulation system. The method also includes monitoring driver attention during operation of the speed regulation system in the progressive mode of operation. The method further includes operating the speed regulation system in accordance with the driver's attention, where the speed regulation system operates in a standard mode of operation if the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as inattention, or proceeding in a progressive mode of operation if the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as being focused. The method also includes detecting a brake pedal actuation or a drive pedal actuation during continuation of the speed regulation system in the progressive mode of operation. Finally, the method includes decreasing or increasing the progressive level in accordance with a brake pedal manipulation or a drive pedal manipulation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a speed regulation system of a vehicle, wherein the speed regulation system comprises a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with a plurality of progressive levels. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computing device of a vehicle for carrying out such a method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a speed regulation system for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Most of the vehicles allowed today have a speed regulation system. Here, it is usually a device that automatically regulates the rotational speed of the engine so that the vehicle maintains a speed preset by the driver. However, there are also a number of variants and additional functions here. Examples are the automatic regulation of the distance to the vehicle in front, the traffic light assistant and the lane change assistant. The term "speed regulation system" is used synonymously in this document for such and similar driving assistance systems.

[0003] The focus in the development of such speed regulation systems is on individualization or taking into account individualized customer expectations and driving behavior. Especially in the automatic regulation of the distance to the vehicle in front, the individualized feeling of safety and the individualized behavior pattern of the driver are becoming increasingly important.

[0004] The document DE 10 2021 123 233 A1, for example, discloses a device for controlling a speed regulation system of a vehicle. Here, the device is designed to detect that the brakes of the vehicle are manually operated while the speed regulation system is active. The device is also designed to determine whether the manual operation of the brakes should be interpreted as a shutdown request for deactivating the speed regulation system. Furthermore, the device is designed to deactivate or continue the speed regulation system depending on the determination.

[0005] Furthermore, the document DE 102006015491 A1 discloses a method for automatically braking a vehicle, wherein the environment of the vehicle is monitored sensorically and an automatic braking regulation is carried out when a dangerous situation is recognized. In order to avoid a relative acceleration of the vehicle when the driver operates the foot brake pedal during the regulation, the setpoint value is maintained here if the driver operates the foot brake pedal and the regulation continues until the driver reduces his braking desire. Preferably, the interruption of the braking regulation only takes place if the driver operates the foot brake pedal for more than a preset minimum duration.

[0006] Furthermore, the document DE 102014208 185 A1 describes an ACC system and a method for regulating the driving speed of a vehicle, which remains active by the driver also when a manipulation of the brakes of the vehicle is recognized, if a critical approach of the vehicle to another object located in front is recognized by an approach recognition unit of the ACC system.

[0007] Finally, the document US 2011 027 6246 A1 also describes a device for controlling the driving behavior of a vehicle, which controls the speed of the vehicle depending on a preset vehicle distance or a preset vehicle speed, depending on the detected state of vehicles driving in front. When the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal of the vehicle is manipulated and there is a vehicle in front of the vehicle, the set distance between the vehicles is updated here. When the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal of the vehicle is manipulated and there is no vehicle in front of the vehicle, the set vehicle speed is updated. SUMMARY

[0008] It is the task of the present application to provide a solution as to how a speed regulation system can be further improved.

[0009] This task is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the application are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the present application relates to a method for operating a speed regulation system of a vehicle, wherein the speed regulation system comprises a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode having a plurality of progressive levels. The method comprises activating the progressive operating mode of the speed regulation system. Furthermore, the method comprises monitoring the driver's attention during the operation of the speed regulation system in the progressive operating mode. The method further comprises the speed regulation system operating in dependence on the driver's attention, wherein the speed regulation system operates in the standard operating mode if the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as inattentive, or continues to operate in the progressive operating mode if the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as attentive. Furthermore, the method comprises detecting a brake pedal manipulation or a travel pedal manipulation during the continued operation of the speed regulation system in the progressive operating mode. Finally, the method comprises reducing or increasing the progressive level in dependence on the brake pedal manipulation or the travel pedal manipulation.

[0011] For example, the method can be executed by means of a computing device. For example, the computing device can be configured here as at least one electronic controller of the vehicle, which comprises one or more programmable processors. It is conceivable that the computing device receives image data, for example from an interior space camera of the vehicle, by means of which the driver's attention can be monitored (for example on the basis of the driver's gaze direction). It is further conceivable that the computing device receives environmental data from environmental sensors of the vehicle and / or map data, by means of which travel situations can be detected. It is also finally conceivable that the computing device receives signals from brake pedal or travel pedal sensors and thus can detect a brake pedal manipulation or a travel pedal manipulation during the operation of the speed regulation system in the progressive operating mode. Furthermore, the computing device can have a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. In order to execute the respective method steps, the computer program can be implemented on the computing device.

[0012] It is conceivable in principle that the method is also used in combination with other driving assistance systems, which comprise a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with a plurality of progressive levels. Here, the individualized adaptability of the speed regulation system should be achieved by means of the method according to the application. In the development and design of speed regulation systems, a comparatively conservative driving style is usually assumed without taking into account different driving types and driving styles. However, especially in predetermined driving situations, a regulation designed according to the wishes of the driver can be advantageous. This can be achieved with the different progressive levels of the progressive operating mode.

[0013] Here, the driver can first activate the progressive operating mode of the speed regulation system. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a key, voice or gesture control. It is also conceivable, however, that the progressive operating mode is already activated at the start of the vehicle, if the driver desires this.

[0014] During the activation of the progressive operating mode, the driving attention can be monitored. This can be achieved, for example, by means of interior space cameras and the recognition of the visual direction of the driver. Here, additional hardware is usually not required, since modern vehicles must still be able to monitor the driving attention as the degree of automation increases.

[0015] The speed regulation system can only be operated in the progressive operating mode when the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as being attentive. When the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as being inattentive, the speed regulation system is operated in the standard operating mode again. In other words, as soon as the driver is inattentive, the speed regulation system switches from the progressive operating mode to the standard operating mode. It is also conceivable that the progressive operating mode cannot be activated at all when the driver is inattentive. Since the speed regulation system can only be operated in the progressive operating mode with the corresponding attentiveness of the driver, it can be ensured that the driver actively participates in the driving event. Thus, on the one hand, the wishes of the driver for a progressive driving style can be met and, on the other hand, the safety can additionally be increased.

[0016] If the driver is attentive and the speed regulation system therefore continues to be operated in the progressive operating mode, a brake pedal manipulation or a driving pedal manipulation can be detected or monitored during this time. In order to now be able to implement a regulation designed according to the driver and his wishes, the progressive level can be reduced or increased depending on the brake pedal manipulation or the driving pedal manipulation.

[0017] If the speed regulation system is operated in the progressive operating mode and the driver is also attentive, the progressive level can be increased, for example, by tapping the travel pedal. A higher progressive level can result in a (depending on the embodiment) changed regulation of the speed regulation system. In the simplest case, during follow-up travel, for example, the distance to a vehicle traveling in front can be reduced or increased.

[0018] A possible design of the method provides that a predetermined driving situation is additionally detected, and the speed regulation system continues to be operated in the progressive operating mode, such that the changed regulation of the speed regulation system relative to the standard mode is only implemented during the predetermined driving situation. As has already been shown, a regulation designed according to the wishes of the driver can be advantageous in particular in the predetermined driving situation. The predetermined driving situation can be, for example, a merging process, a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle, follow-up travel, a crossroads in front of the vehicle, etc.

[0019] Here, the predetermined driving situation can be detected, for example, by means of an environmental sensor system of the vehicle. It is also conceivable, however, that the predetermined driving situation is detected by means of the current position and a map. It is further conceivable that the predetermined driving situation is determined by means of an external system, and the vehicle is informed by means of Car2X communication. The latter is conceivable in particular in the case of a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle or a crossroads in front of the vehicle.

[0020] In a further possible design of the method, it is provided that the predetermined driving situation describes a follow-up travel with a merging process with a further traffic participant, and the progressive level reduces or increases the distance to a vehicle traveling in front as a result of a reduction or increase of the brake pedal manipulation or the travel pedal manipulation, in order to be able to implement a merging process in front of the vehicle or to be able to implement a merging process behind the vehicle. A merging process usually requires a higher level of attention and a certain coordination between the merging vehicle and the vehicle driver. It can therefore be advantageous according to the situation and wishes of the driver if, in such a predetermined driving situation, the regulation of the speed regulation system is designed in a cooperative manner or in a progressive manner. It is noted here that the progressive design does not exclude cooperative behavior.

[0021] A higher progressive level achieved by manipulating / tapping the travel pedal can mean, for example, a reduction of the distance to a vehicle traveling in front. It can thereby be possible to increase the distance behind the vehicle, thus providing sufficient space for a merging vehicle behind the vehicle for a merging process. In other words, the progressive design can also represent cooperative behavior.

[0022] In a further possible design of the method it is provided that the predetermined driving situation describes a pedestrian crossing ahead of the vehicle and that the progressive level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle ahead of the pedestrian crossing as a result of a reduction or increase of the brake pedal actuation or the accelerator pedal actuation. Just when the driver shows a higher attention, the predetermined driving situation can be better perceived by the driver than by the driver assistance system or the vehicle itself. The predicted behavior during the predetermined driving situation can therefore also allow a progressive driving behavior.

[0023] If the standard operating mode of the driver assistance system or the speed regulation system is designed, for example, such that a braking at a pedestrian crossing located ahead of the vehicle or at least a reduction of the vehicle speed is always carried out, the operation in the progressive operating mode and the corresponding progressive level can better meet the expectations of the driver. As long as the driver shows the required attention for this.

[0024] It can be advantageous here that the speed regulation system has a progressive level associated with the accelerator pedal actuation and that the negative acceleration of the vehicle ahead of the pedestrian crossing is stopped on the basis of the accelerator pedal actuation. An explicit progressive level can also be selected, for example, with a click on the accelerator pedal, with the aid of which the negative acceleration of the vehicle ahead of the pedestrian crossing is stopped, although this explicit progressive level does not correspond to the next higher progressive level. In other words, a preferred progressive level can be selected by means of the accelerator pedal actuation. It is conceivable that this implementation is also used for other predetermined driving situations, i.e. for example a junction situation or the like.

[0025] In a further possible design of the method, as already described above, the predetermined driving situation describes a following driving and the progressive level decreases or increases the distance to a vehicle driving ahead as a result of a reduction or increase of the brake pedal actuation or the accelerator pedal actuation. This represents a very simple variant for realizing different progressive levels and allows the driver to individually adapt the speed regulation system for one of the most common application situations of the speed regulation system, namely following driving.

[0026] In a further possible design of the method it is provided that the predetermined driving situation describes a junction located ahead of the vehicle and that the progressive level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle ahead of the junction as a result of a reduction or increase of the brake pedal actuation or the accelerator pedal actuation. It also applies here that if the driver shows a higher attention, the predetermined driving situation, i.e. the junction ahead of the vehicle, can be better perceived by the driver than by the driver assistance system or the vehicle itself. The predicted behavior during the predetermined driving situation can therefore also allow a progressive driving behavior. On the one hand the expectations of the driver for a progressive driving style can be met, on the other hand also the safety can be increased, since the driver shows a higher attention.

[0027] In a further possible design of the method it is provided that the predetermined driving situation describes a roundabout traffic in front of the vehicle and that the progression level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle in front of the roundabout traffic due to a decrease or increase of the brake pedal manipulation or the accelerator pedal manipulation. It also applies here that the predetermined driving situation, i.e. a crossroad in front of the vehicle, can be better perceived by the driver compared to the driver assistance system or the vehicle itself if the driver shows a higher attention. The predicted behavior during the predetermined driving situation can thus allow a progression driving behavior. It also applies for a roundabout traffic in front of the vehicle that on the one hand the driver's expectations of a progression driving style can be met and on the other hand the safety can be increased because the driver shows a higher attention.

[0028] It can generally be advantageous that the progression level is stored such that the progression mode is implemented according to the last set progression level when the driver activates the progression mode. It is also conceivable here that the method is implemented for a plurality of predetermined driving situations. It can be advantageous in this case that the progression level can be selected or also stored differently for each predetermined driving situation. Thus, the driver assistance system or the speed regulation system can meet the driver's expectations as far as possible. In other words, the driver assistance system or the speed regulation system can operate according to the best progression level, which also corresponds to the driver's own driving behavior, if necessary.

[0029] A further aspect of the application relates to a computing device for a vehicle, which computing device is designed to execute the method for operating a speed regulation system of the vehicle and advantageous design solutions thereof. The computing device can be configured here as at least one electronic controller of the vehicle, which electronic controller comprises one or a plurality of programmable processors. As described above, it is conceivable that the computing device receives image data, for example from an interior space camera of the vehicle, by means of which the driver's attention can be monitored, for example on the basis of the driver's gaze direction. It is further conceivable that the computing device receives environmental data from environmental sensors of the vehicle and / or from map data, by means of which the driving situation can be detected. It is finally also conceivable that the computing device receives signals from a brake pedal or accelerator pedal sensor and thus can detect a brake pedal manipulation or an accelerator pedal manipulation during the continued operation of the speed regulation system in the progression mode. Furthermore, the computing device can have a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. In order to execute the respective method steps, the computer program can be executed on the computing device.

[0030] A further aspect of the present application relates to a speed regulation system for a vehicle, wherein the speed regulation system comprises a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with a plurality of progressive levels and is designed to monitor a driver's attention in the progressive operating mode during operation of the speed regulation system. The speed regulation system is further designed to switch to the standard operating mode in the event that the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as inattentive or to remain in the progressive operating mode in the event that the monitoring of the driver's attention characterizes the driver as attentive, depending on the driver's attention. Finally, the speed regulation system is further designed to detect a brake pedal manipulation or a travel pedal manipulation during the speed regulation system's remaining in the progressive operating mode and to reduce or increase the progressive level depending on the brake pedal manipulation or the travel pedal manipulation.

[0031] A further aspect of the present application relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method for operating a speed regulation system of a vehicle and advantageous design solutions thereof.

[0032] The present application also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method for operating a speed regulation system of a vehicle and advantageous design solutions thereof.

[0033] Finally, the present application also relates to a vehicle comprising a speed regulation system. The vehicle can in particular be configured as a passenger car.

[0034] The preferred embodiments introduced with respect to the method according to the present application and their advantages apply correspondingly to the computing device according to the present application and the speed regulation system according to the present application. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments introduced with respect to the method according to the present application and their advantages also apply to the computer-readable storage medium according to the present application, the computer program according to the present application and the vehicle according to the present application.

[0035] Further features of the present application result from the claims, the figures and the figure description. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown only in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The present application is now explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic view of a vehicle comprising a speed regulation system is shown; and

[0038] Figure 2A visual diagram of the method in the flowchart is shown, wherein, additionally, a predetermined driving condition is detected by means of environmental sensors.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, elements that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of vehicle 1 is shown, which includes a speed regulation system 2. The speed regulation system 2 includes a computing device 3. The speed regulation system 2 can operate in a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with multiple progressive levels.

[0041] The computing device 3 can be configured, for example, as at least one electronic controller of the vehicle 1. The electronic controller may include one or more programmable processors. The computing device 3 can receive image data from the interior space camera 4 of the vehicle 1. With the aid of the image data, driver attention can be monitored, for example, based on the driver's visual orientation in the vehicle 1.

[0042] The computing device 3 can receive environmental data from the environmental sensor 7 of the vehicle 1. The driving conditions can be detected using this environmental data. Driving conditions may include, for example, an intersection, roundabout, or pedestrian crossing located in front of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the driving conditions may include following traffic with or without a merging process.

[0043] The computing device 3 can receive signals from the brake pedal sensor 5 or the drive pedal sensor 6, and thus detect brake pedal operation or drive pedal operation. The computing device 3 may have a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored.

[0044] The speed regulation system 2 for vehicle 1 is designed to monitor driver attention during operation in a progressive operating mode. Furthermore, the speed regulation system 2 is also designed to switch to a standard operating mode if the monitoring of driver attention indicates inattention, or to remain in the progressive operating mode if the monitoring of driver attention indicates attentiveness. Finally, the speed regulation system 2 is also designed to detect brake pedal operation or drive pedal operation while the speed regulation system 2 is in the progressive operating mode, and to decrease or increase the progressive level accordingly.

[0045] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrates a visual representation of method 8, in which, additionally, predetermined driving conditions are detected using environmental sensors. List of reference numerals 1 vehicle 2. Speed ​​Regulation System 3. Computing device 4. Interior space cameras 5. Brake pedal sensor 6. Drive pedal sensor 7 Environmental Sensors 8 methods

Claims

1. A method (8) for a speed regulation system (2) for operating a vehicle (1), wherein, The speed regulation system (2) includes a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with multiple progressive levels, and the method includes the following steps: - Activate the progressive operation mode of the speed regulation system (2), - Monitor driver attention during operation of the speed regulation system (2) in the progressive operating mode. - The speed regulation system (2) operates according to the driver's attention level, wherein the speed regulation system (2) ■ If monitoring of the driver's attention indicates that the driver is inattentive, the standard operating mode shall be operated, or ■ If monitoring of the driver's attention indicates that the driver is attentive, the system will continue to operate in the progressive operating mode. - During the continued operation of the speed regulation system (2) in the progressive operating mode, brake pedal operation or drive pedal operation is detected, and - Decrease or increase the progressive level based on the operation of the brake pedal or the operation of the drive pedal.

2. The method (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Additionally, a predetermined driving condition is detected, and the speed regulation system (2) continues to operate in the progressive operating mode, such that the adjustment of the speed regulation system (2) relative to the standard mode is implemented only during the predetermined driving condition.

3. The method (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The predetermined driving condition describes following a merging process with other traffic participants, wherein the progressive level decreases or increases the distance to the vehicle (1) ahead due to a decrease or increase in the operation of the brake pedal or the driving pedal, so as to enable a merging process in front of the vehicle (1) or to enable a merging process behind the vehicle (1).

4. The method (8) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The predetermined driving condition describes a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle (1), and wherein the progressive level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle (1) in front of the pedestrian crossing due to the decrease or increase of the brake pedal operation or the drive pedal operation.

5. The method (8) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The speed regulation system (2) has progressive levels associated with the operation of the driving pedal and stops the negative acceleration of the vehicle (1) in front of the pedestrian crossing based on the operation of the driving pedal.

6. The method (8) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The predetermined driving condition describes following, and wherein the progressive level decreases or increases the distance to the vehicle (1) ahead due to the decrease or increase of the brake pedal operation or the drive pedal operation.

7. The method (8) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The predetermined driving condition describes an intersection in front of the vehicle (1), and wherein the progressive level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle (1) in front of the intersection due to the decrease or increase of the brake pedal operation or the drive pedal operation.

8. The method (8) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The predetermined driving condition describes the circular traffic in front of the vehicle (1), and wherein the progressive level increases or decreases the negative acceleration of the vehicle (1) in front of the circular traffic due to the decrease or increase of the brake pedal operation or the drive pedal operation.

9. A computing device (3) for a vehicle (1), the computing device being designed to perform the method (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A speed regulation system (2) for a vehicle (1), wherein, The speed regulation system (2) includes a standard operating mode and a progressive operating mode with multiple progressive levels and is designed for: - Monitor driver attention during operation of the speed regulation system (2) in the progressive operating mode. - Based on the driver's attention ■ If monitoring of the driver's attention indicates that the driver is inattentive, switch to the standard operating mode, or ■ If monitoring of the driver's attention indicates that the driver is attentive, maintain the progressive operating mode. - During the period when the speed regulation system (2) is maintained in the progressive operating mode, brake pedal operation or drive pedal operation is detected, and - Decrease or increase the progressive level based on the operation of the brake pedal or the operation of the drive pedal.

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