Method and device for displaying congestion information

Abstract

A method for outputting information to a driver of a motor vehicle, in which a geometric position of the motor vehicle is detected and at least one piece of information characterizing a traffic jam with respect to a current or future route of the motor vehicle is detected, and at least one piece of information characterizing the traffic jam is output to the driver of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the information is output into the driver's field of view in which the driver can also observe the road traffic in front of the motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for outputting information to a motor vehicle driver. Modern motor vehicles have various information output units, such as distance displays and navigation systems. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from existing technology, information about traffic congestion or traffic congestion warnings can also be output through navigation systems. However, drivers are often forced to take their eyes off the moving traffic. This can be dangerous, especially in congested situations, as both drivers approaching the congestion and those already in the congestion face a higher risk of collision with the vehicle ahead.

[0003] A method for providing cloud services to vehicles is known from US 2022 / 0177003 A1, in which the local location of the vehicle is taken into account. Traffic conditions along the vehicle's route can be detected.

[0004] A transmission device for data transmission is known from JP 2005 117 398 A. JP 2009 025 173 A describes a device and a navigation device for a vehicle.

[0005] JP 2006 267 079 A describes a navigation device for guiding vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to combine this traffic congestion warning with a higher level of safety for motor vehicle drivers. According to the invention, this is achieved through the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] In the method according to the invention for outputting information, particularly to a driver of a motor vehicle, it is characterized by detecting the geometric and / or geographical location of the motor vehicle and detecting at least one piece of information and / or at least one value representing traffic congestion related to the current or future route of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, it outputs (particularly to the driver of the motor vehicle) at least one piece of information and / or value characterizing the traffic congestion.

[0008] According to the present invention, the information and / or the value is output to the driver's field of vision, in which the driver can also observe the road traffic in front of the vehicle.

[0009] The information and / or the value are preferably output to the driver's field of vision, which is located directly in front of and / or directly in front of the driver in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0010] Therefore, within the scope of this invention, it is proposed to output information about traffic congestion or future traffic congestion to the driver in such a manner that the driver does not need to take their eyes off the road (e.g., to the display of a navigation device). In this way, drivers observing traffic ahead, for example through the windshield, can preferably detect the information output to them regarding current or future traffic.

[0011] In a preferred method, the information is projected onto at least one element of the vehicle. In particular, the information is projected onto the windshield of the vehicle.

[0012] The information preferably includes information sections consisting of numbers, letters, and / or graphic elements such as arrows or bars.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the data characterizing traffic congestion is detected by the data receiving device of the vehicle.

[0014] Preferably, specific information regarding which type of traffic congestion is output to drivers of motor vehicles. Multiple traffic congestion scenarios may occur at a given time, but only one or a few of them are relevant to drivers of motor vehicles.

[0015] Therefore, it is preferable to select the traffic congestion information to display to the driver based on predetermined criteria. For example, traffic conditions can be displayed based on the current location of the vehicle and / or the road.

[0016] It can also display traffic congestion information based on the vehicle's future route. This allows the navigation system to select which type of traffic congestion or information about that type of congestion to show the driver for a route provided.

[0017] Preferably, at least one value characterizing the local and / or time length of the congestion is detected, and preferably the value is taken into account when making a decision on whether to output information about the congestion to the driver.

[0018] For example, traffic congestion might only involve a short distance, in which case no relevant information would be output.

[0019] Drivers can preferably select which traffic congestion events should be displayed or which traffic congestion feature values ​​should be displayed.

[0020] For example, a driver can specify to display only traffic congestion exceeding 200 m in length and / or only traffic congestion causing a time delay exceeding 3 minutes. Preferably, at least one traffic congestion display criterion can be specified (particularly by the vehicle's driver or user), such as traffic congestion length and / or (predicted) delay caused by the traffic congestion, according to which information about the traffic congestion (should) be output. It is also conceivable that the driver can change at least one traffic congestion display criterion, preferably while driving. This change can preferably be made via voice input from the driver.

[0021] Preferably, at least one suggestion is given to the driver, which characterizes a response to traffic congestion. For example, information can be conveyed to the driver to reduce their speed to shorten traffic congestion time. Suggestions can also be given to the driver to avoid traffic congestion.

[0022] Preferably, the data is processed for display on the windshield. Therefore, the data can be processed based on the relevant information in a manner particularly suitable for display on the windshield.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the data is received by a receiving device in the motor vehicle and / or the signal that generates the data is received.

[0024] In another preferred approach, data is provided via the C-V2X method. C-V2X is one of several technical solutions for implementing V2V technology, as opposed to the technical solution called WLANp developed by IEEE using the 802.11p standard.

[0025] The advantage of using the C-V2X method is that it can not only achieve V2V communication, but also communication with ordinary cellular networks. This means that the technical solution covers both V2N and V2V communication types, enabling vehicles to communicate.

[0026] Information (such as traffic congestion ending, danger zones) is preferably transmitted to other road users in an optical and / or digital manner, such as via a projection / display module on the (self) vehicle or via Car2X.

[0027] The (self) vehicle can communicate with at least one other vehicle, at least indirectly and preferably directly (e.g., via Car2Car, C2C, and / or Car2x and / or Car2I communication). The notification system and / or assessment device can transmit and / or transmit the determined environmental data and / or detected objects and / or determined notification variables to at least one other vehicle, at least indirectly (via other road users or infrastructure) and preferably directly.

[0028] In another preferred method, the motor vehicle detects and / or forwards data via a connection module (modem) or communication device. The communication device, particularly the connection module, preferably provides communication between the vehicle and the backend via a (particularly wireless) communication connection, preferably an internet connection. Through this communication connection, particularly the internet connection, the collected group data and traffic congestion information are preferably transmitted back to the vehicle (e.g., data on traffic congestion characteristics).

[0029] In the preferred method, information is output to the driver via a head-up display (HUD).

[0030] The advantage of using a HUD to output information is that the driver can see the information directly in front of them while looking at road traffic. This prevents the driver from being significantly distracted by the road conditions.

[0031] In a preferred method, the information about traffic congestion includes at least one information component and / or the value of at least one attribute characterizing traffic congestion. This attribute is preferably selected from a set of attributes that indicate the start of traffic congestion, the end of traffic congestion, the time period to the end of traffic congestion, the time period to the start of traffic congestion, the distance to the end of traffic congestion, the distance to the start of traffic congestion, the position of motor vehicles within the traffic congestion, the time delay caused by traffic congestion, and indications of detour routes to avoid traffic congestion.

[0032] The information preferably contains at least two such information components, and preferably at least three such information components.

[0033] Preferably, the current speed of the motor vehicle is detected and information about traffic congestion is output based on that speed.

[0034] Preferably, multiple such information sections are output. For example, the expected time delay can be displayed, and information about the driver's location in traffic congestion can be provided.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the information is output on the edge area of ​​the display and / or information output device, so that the driver is preferably not distracted by the information from road traffic events.

[0036] The information and / or information portions are particularly preferably output simultaneously.

[0037] In another preferred method, information output to the driver can be turned off.

[0038] In another preferred method, one or more pieces of information are also output to the driver in an auditory perceptible manner. For example, a voice notification can be used to inform the driver that a traffic jam will occur soon or how long the traffic jam the driver is in will last.

[0039] In this way, the display provides users with information about the upcoming end of traffic congestion and / or the vehicle's location within the congestion, as well as how long the congestion might persist. This information can be output in terms of both time and location. As mentioned earlier, this display can be turned off. This can be done, for example, in the vehicle menu or settings.

[0040] For example, a single display could be shown to the driver. For instance, the vehicle might be x kilometers ahead of traffic congestion in a specific area. Such a display could be: traffic congestion within x kilometers, with a slowdown of approximately 12 minutes.

[0041] In another preferred method, a warning is issued to the driver. This information can be output, for example, if traffic congestion is about to begin or occurs after a curve. Warnings can also be issued to vehicles already in the congestion, such as indicating that the safe distance from the vehicle in front is too small or that the vehicle in front has moved away, so that the lane can be unlocked again.

[0042] Preferably, a warning can be issued via a display once the start or end of a traffic congestion is reached. For example, a traffic congestion symbol can be output. This could include an arrow and the distance in kilometers preceding the start of the congestion.

[0043] Furthermore, the message can be repeated based on time, such as every ten minutes. Additionally, the message can be specified based on the length of the congestion. If the traffic congestion is longer than, for example, half a kilometer, drivers can also be notified of the congestion.

[0044] In another preferred method, symbols (e.g., bars) are used to indicate the length of traffic congestion. Alternatively, bar graphs or stripes can be used to display the length. For example, within the bars, markings can indicate the position of vehicles relative to the traffic congestion. Preferably, this display occurs once a warning is issued.

[0045] Furthermore, the distance to the end of the traffic congestion can also be seen. In another preferred embodiment, the image representation or graphic information disappears when the traffic congestion ends.

[0046] In another preferred method, information is only output to the driver within a limited time interval. In this way, driver distraction can be minimized.

[0047] The finite time interval is preferably greater than 1 second, preferably greater than 2 seconds, and preferably greater than 3 seconds.

[0048] For further optimization, the finite time interval is less than 60 seconds, preferably less than 50 seconds, preferably less than 40 seconds, preferably less than 30 seconds, preferably less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 15 seconds, and especially preferably less than 10 seconds.

[0049] It has been shown that these designated time periods are sufficient to inform drivers of traffic congestion while keeping driver distraction within limits.

[0050] Preferably, a warning message is sent to the user, indicating that traffic congestion is about to begin. This message preferably also includes time information, which is a characteristic of the congestion.

[0051] In another preferred method, at least some of the information is output in graphical form. For example, as mentioned above, this could be a bar displaying the position of vehicles relative to the traffic congestion. Furthermore, information about the end of the traffic congestion could also be output.

[0052] In another preferred method, augmented reality is utilized to output at least one information component. In this way, for example, the traffic congestion environment can be visualized, or the data characteristics of traffic congestion can be better displayed to the user. Furthermore, information about the roads where motor vehicles are located can also be output.

[0053] In another preferred method, the vehicle's geometric position is continuously detected. GPS is preferably used to detect the vehicle's position.

[0054] Preferably, C2C (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) and / or C-V2X (short for cellular V2X) are used to receive and / or determine traffic congestion data or information characteristics. For example, C2C / C-V2X technologies can be used to collect swarm data.

[0055] Each (third-party) vehicle in the (vehicle group) preferably reports its location and / or speed to the backend. The data is analyzed there. The backend preferably identifies and / or determines that multiple vehicles in the (vehicle group) are congested and / or traveling slower than expected at predetermined sections of the road, particularly at locations and / or routes determined via GPS. Delays are then calculated (preferably by the backend), which are preferably output as traffic congestion again in the vehicles.

[0056] Preferably, the backend (or backend server) transmits congestion parameters, characterized by average speed and / or average delay relative to the usual travel time (with respect to the predetermined segment of the travel route) to (self) vehicles and / or vehicles located within a predetermined area or route segment.

[0057] Alternatively, traffic congestion characteristics can be determined and / or received by accessing data from network providers and / or (online) map data collectors (such as Google Maps / Here, Apple Carts, etc.). For example, such data can be requested and / or retrieved from vehicles (based on vehicle location) by such providers.

[0058] In another preferred method, when information is output to the driver, at least one value measured by the vehicle's sensor devices (e.g., distance sensors) is taken into account. Vehicles typically have numerous sensors, such as distance sensors and / or distance sensors, that measure distances to vehicles in front or behind.

[0059] In this preferred method, it is recommended that data and / or measurements from such sensors also be considered. For example, if the vehicle's distance sensor determines that the distance to the vehicle ahead is too small during traffic congestion, a warning message can be issued to the driver. The braking process can also be initiated automatically.

[0060] For example, if a distance meter in a traffic jam shows that the distance to the vehicle in front is very high, a message can be sent to the driver to get a second look at the vehicle ahead.

[0061] In a preferred method, the results from multiple sensors are considered in order to output information. For example, in addition to the distance to the vehicle ahead, the instantaneous speed of the (self) vehicle or the speed of the vehicle ahead (e.g., which can be detected by distance measurement) can also be considered.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an information output device for outputting information to the driver of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a position detection device for determining the geometric and / or geographical location of the motor vehicle (particularly relative to the road on which the motor vehicle travels), and at least one information detection device adapted and intended to detect information about traffic congestion on the current or future route (and / or on or in thereof) of the motor vehicle, and an information output device adapted and intended to output the characteristics of the traffic congestion to the driver of the motor vehicle.

[0063] According to the present invention, the information output device is adapted and intended to output the information to the driver's field of vision, in which the driver can also observe the road traffic ahead of the vehicle.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the information output device is designed as a head-up display (HUD).

[0065] In another preferred embodiment, the device has an evaluation device adapted and designed to output information about traffic congestion based on input information about vehicle location and data features based on vehicle location.

[0066] The motor vehicle preferably has at least one sensor device adapted and designed to detect distance and / or distance to motor vehicles in front and / or behind.

[0067] Motor vehicles can be means of transport, particularly driver-controlled motor vehicles (“driver-only”), semi-autonomous, autonomous (e.g., Level 3, 4, or 5 (standard SAE J3016)), or fully automated motor vehicles. Level 5 automated driving refers to fully automated vehicles. These vehicles can also be used in unmanned logistics transport systems. Vehicles can be driver-controlled or drive autonomously. In addition to road vehicles, these vehicles can also be flying taxis, aircraft, and other personal transportation or other types of transport, such as air, water, or rail transport. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Further advantages and embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0069] In the attached diagram:

[0070] Figure 1 A rough schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0071] Figure 2 Showing a view of the display device; and

[0072] Figure 3 A further view of the display device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 is roughly schematically shown, which has a position detection device 4 adapted and designed to detect the position of the vehicle 1. In particular, the position of the vehicle 1 relative to the road can be detected, for example, detecting the vehicle's position at a specific kilometer on a specific highway.

[0074] The position detection device can be a component of the navigation system 42, or it can be a standalone device.

[0075] Reference numeral 6 indicates an information acquisition device, which is particularly suitable for acquiring information about traffic congestion. However, in addition, the information detection device 6 is also preferably suitable for and designed to detect other characteristic processes related to drivers of motor vehicles, and particularly abnormal information, such as traffic accidents, rogue drivers, or construction sites.

[0076] Reference numeral 8 in the attached figure indicates an optional selection device suitable for and intended to select at least one piece of information from the detected information, particularly information to be output to the driver. Specifically, at least one piece of information related to the driver of the motor vehicle is selected based on predetermined criteria.

[0077] For example, information relevant to the driver can be selected based on the driver's planned route, as the vehicle will arrive at the area of ​​traffic congestion or the vehicle is already in the traffic congestion.

[0078] Furthermore, the selection device 8 can preferably select which of several related traffic congestion events to display to the driver. For example, it can display the traffic congestion that the vehicle will arrive at next. However, it can also output information about further traffic congestion.

[0079] However, you can also choose based on the severity of traffic congestion. This may not show short-term traffic jams.

[0080] Reference numeral 2 in the attached figure indicates an information output device. This is particularly preferably designed as a head-up display. In this way, the driver of the motor vehicle is not significantly distracted by the information output.

[0081] Figure 2 A detailed representation of the information output device 2 is shown. This information output device has multiple information output elements 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, each of which outputs different information to the driver.

[0082] For example, information output element 22 reflects the instantaneous speed of the motor vehicle and information output element 24 reflects the maximum permissible speed.

[0083] Information output element 26 can provide an indication of traffic congestion, and information output element 26a can provide information about the expected time delay due to the traffic congestion. In this case, the queue length and delay are preferably output as increments.

[0084] Information output element 28 indicates an upcoming exit, such as a highway exit, and reference numeral 28a is an information output element indicating when the exit will be reached. Reference numerals 32 and 34 show two other information output elements.

[0085] Figure 3 Another information output device is shown. Here, the information output element 26 is arranged elsewhere and is connected with... Figure 2 As in the illustrated embodiment, an information output element 30 is provided, which displays the queue length as bars. Information output element 30a here displays the position of vehicles within the traffic congestion.

[0086] Each information output element is preferably arranged on the edge area of ​​the information output device so that the driver's field of vision is not or not significantly obstructed by the information display.

[0087] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential features of the invention, provided that they are novel, individually or in combination, compared with the prior art. It should also be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves have also been described in the various figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that certain features described in the figures may be advantageous even without employing further features shown in those figures. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that combinations of several features shown in single or different figures can also produce advantages.

[0088] List of reference numerals

[0089] 1 Motor vehicles

[0090] 2. Information output device

[0091] 4. Position detection device

[0092] 42 Navigation System

[0093] 6. Information Detection Device

[0094] 8 Selection device

[0095] 22, 24, 26 Information output elements

[0096] 26a, 28, 28a Information output elements

[0097] 30, 30a Information output element

Claims

1. A method for outputting information to a driver of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the geometric position of the motor vehicle (1) is detected and at least one piece of information (1) characterizing traffic congestion about the current or future route of the motor vehicle is detected, and at least one piece of information (26) characterizing the traffic congestion is output to the driver of the motor vehicle (1). Its features are, The information (26) is output to the driver’s field of vision, in which the driver can also observe the road traffic in front of the vehicle (1).

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Information is output to the driver via a head-up display (HUD) (6).

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Information (26) regarding traffic congestion includes at least one information portion characterizing at least one attribute of traffic congestion, preferably selected from a set of attributes including the start of congestion, the end of congestion, the time period to the end of congestion, the time period to the start of congestion, the distance to the end of congestion, the time period to the start of congestion, the location of motor vehicles within the congestion, the time delay caused by traffic congestion, and suggestions for detour routes to avoid traffic congestion.

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The information will be delivered to the driver within a limited time frame.

5. The method according to the preceding claims, Its features are, The limited time interval is greater than 1s, preferably greater than 2s, preferably greater than 3s and / or the limited time interval is less than 60s, preferably less than 50s, preferably less than 40s, preferably less than 30s, preferably less than 20s, preferably less than 15s, and especially preferably less than 10s.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Send warning messages to users, indicating that traffic congestion is about to occur.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, At least some of the information is output in graphical form.

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, At least some of the information is output as augmented reality or using augmented reality.

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, When outputting information to the driver, at least one value measured by the vehicle's sensor devices is taken into account.

10. A motor vehicle (1) having an information output device (2) for outputting information to the driver of the motor vehicle, wherein, The motor vehicle (1) has a position detection device (4) for detecting the geometric position of the motor vehicle and at least one information detection device (6) adapted and intended to detect at least one piece of information (26) characterizing traffic congestion related to the current or future route of the motor vehicle (1), and an information output device (2) adapted and intended to output at least one piece of information characterizing the traffic congestion to the driver of the motor vehicle (1). Its features are, The information output device (2) is adapted and intended to output the information (26) to the driver’s field of vision, in which the driver can also observe the road traffic in front of the motor vehicle (1).

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