Portable mobile unit and method for determining the category of a road user

Abstract

Portable mobile unit (11) comprising a transmitting module (16) and / or a receiving module (16) for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals, a satellite signal receiver (17) for receiving position signals from a satellite-based positioning system, positioning means (18) for determining a location from the received position signals, and speed determination means (19) for determining a speed from changes in location, wherein the unit (11) further comprises recognition means (23) for recognizing a type of road user transporting the unit (11) based on its movement behavior, and wherein the road user is a vehicle, characterized in that the unit (11) is configured to recognize the type of vehicle based on a signal sent by the vehicle, wherein the signal is not addressed to the unit (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable mobile unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for determining the type of road user according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] The increasingly rapid development of so-called vehicle-to-X communication systems and related technologies offers a multitude of new opportunities to reduce or even completely avoid risks and hazardous situations in road traffic. However, to use such vehicle-to-X communication systems effectively, a sufficiently large number of communication participants is necessary. Current estimates suggest that it will take approximately 15 years from the standard introduction of vehicle-to-X communication systems in new vehicles until an installation rate of nearly 100% is reached. Until then, depending on the specific installation rate, there will be more or less significant gaps and inconsistencies in the availability of vehicle systems based on vehicle-to-X communication.

[0003] In this context, DE 10 2007 030 430 A1 discloses a method for transmitting vehicle-related information to and from a vehicle. Using a so-called Transmission Control Unit, information received from various communication devices, such as mobile networks or WLANs, is evaluated and then transmitted to mobile devices carried in the vehicle. The Transmission Control Unit can include a security module that allows secure communication and data exchange with transmitters located outside the vehicle.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2010 031 254 A1 describes a traffic safety communication system for increasing pedestrian safety. The system comprises a traffic safety communication device integrated into a pedestrian's shoe and a safety risk analysis device in a vehicle. The safety risk analysis device sends a signal that activates the power supply to the traffic safety communication device upon receipt. Once activated, the traffic safety communication device sends a signal from which the safety risk analysis device determines the pedestrian's position, walking speed, and, if applicable, a potentially increased risk (e.g., upon detecting a child).If the safety risk analysis device detects an actual danger to pedestrians from the vehicle, a corresponding warning will be issued to the driver.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2009 015 513 A1 discloses a location signal for emergency services that facilitates the location of a crashed vehicle and accelerates the rescue of the vehicle occupants. The transmission of the location signal is triggered by an event, which can be either the detection of an accident or the receipt of a search signal from a rescue worker. To enable redundant transmission of the location signal, DE 10 2009 015 513 A1 describes not only a module permanently installed in the vehicle for generating and transmitting the location signal, but also mobile units (e.g., radio-enabled ignition key, mobile phone, navigation device) that transmit the location signal accordingly. Furthermore, the location signal can be transmitted simultaneously or with a time delay by multiple emergency call units (mobile or permanently installed in the vehicle) via different communication channels.In addition, rescue workers can request additional information, such as a vehicle-specific rescue guide, from the respective emergency call unit.

[0006] However, the devices and methods known from the prior art are disadvantageous insofar as the opportunities for faster market penetration of vehicle-to-X communication systems offered by mobile communication units, especially mobile phones, are only exploited to a small extent.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing additional possibilities for integrating mobile communication units into vehicle-to-X communication.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the portable mobile unit according to claim 1.

[0009] The invention relates to a portable mobile unit comprising a transmitter module and / or a receiver module for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals, a satellite signal receiver for receiving position signals from a satellite-based positioning system, positioning means for determining a location from the received position signals, and speed determination means for determining a speed from changes in location. The unit according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises recognition means for identifying a type of road user transporting the unit based on its movement behavior.

[0010] This offers the advantage that the unit can be used by different types of road users to send and receive communication signals, while incorrect configuration of the unit with regard to the type of road user transporting the unit is excluded by the road user himself, since the unit automatically recognizes the type of this road user by means of the recognition means.

[0011] According to the invention, the term “type” of road user describes whether the road user is a pedestrian, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a passenger car or a truck.

[0012] The position signals are preferably signals from a satellite-based positioning system, such as GPS, Galileo or GLONASS.

[0013] The transmitting module or the receiving module for transmitting or receiving communication signals, and in particular vehicle-to-X communication signals, preferably transmits or receives using at least one of the following connection types: – WLAN connection, especially according to IEEE 802.11p, – WiFi Direct, – ISM connection (Industrial, Scientific, Medical Band), in particular via a radio-enabled locking device, – Bluetooth connection, – ZigBee connection, – UWB connection (Ultra Wide Band), – WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), – Remote keyless entry connection, – wireless locking device, – Mobile network connection, in particular GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and / or LTE connections and – Infrared connection.

[0014] These connection types offer different advantages, depending on the type, wavelength, and data protocol used. For example, some of the connection types mentioned allow for a comparatively high data transmission rate and a relatively fast connection setup, while others are particularly well-suited for data transmission around line-of-sight obstacles. Combining and simultaneously or in parallel using several of these connection types offers further advantages, as this can also compensate for the disadvantages of individual connection types.

[0015] Advantageously, the velocity determination means are designed as an electronic computing module which executes a software algorithm by which the velocity is determined from the changes in position, i.e., by which the first derivative of position with respect to time is formed.

[0016] As previously described, the detection devices record the movement behavior of the road user transporting the unit and identify the type of road user based on this movement behavior. Preferably, the detection devices record the road user's speed as a measure of its movement behavior, for example, via speed determination devices. A relatively reliable identification of the road user is generally possible based on speed. For example, a pedestrian will typically not move faster than 5 km / h, whereas a bicycle with a cyclist is typically faster than 5 km / h, but not faster than 30 km / h. Trucks can be identified by the fact that they typically travel long distances at speeds in the range of 80 km / h to 100 km / h.Finally, passenger cars and motorcycles generally travel at their respective maximum permitted speeds, resulting in concentrations of speed at 30 km / h, 50 km / h, and above 100 km / h. A distinction between motorcycles and passenger cars can be made, for example, based on longitudinal acceleration, provided the second derivative of position with respect to time is also calculated, since motorcycles typically accelerate faster than passenger cars.

[0017] Preferably, the unit additionally includes acceleration sensors, and the detection means additionally record acceleration as a movement pattern of the road user. This enables a comparatively improved and more reliable detection of the type of road user transporting the unit; in particular, the distinction between motorcycles and passenger cars is simplified and improved. Furthermore, the detection of a pedestrian can be simplified and improved based on a regularly occurring "upward" or "downward" acceleration, since pedestrians periodically cause such accelerations with each step while walking.

[0018] Preferably, the unit is designed in such a way that it can be conveniently carried in a pedestrian's pocket, e.g., a jacket or trouser pocket. This means that the unit's external dimensions are in the range of a few centimeters or millimeters.

[0019] Preferably, the unit is designed in such a way that manipulation of its electronic data structures is prevented or at least significantly hindered. This improves, for example, the unit's suitability for vehicle-to-X communication, as vehicle-to-X communication is a safety-critical application area with comparatively high security requirements, particularly regarding data security, for all communication participants. Thus, for example, vehicles that are not factory-equipped for vehicle-to-X communication can nevertheless be easily enabled for this purpose. Since the unit itself determines the information it transmits, such as the location, speed, and type of road user, it is also unnecessary to maintain an electronic data interface for supplying this information. This promotes a high level of security for the electronic data structures.

[0020] It is advantageous for the unit to transmit communication signals at predetermined intervals, describing the specific location, speed, acceleration, and / or type of road user. This allows the unit to be used in accordance with the relevant standards for vehicle-to-X communication. The interval can be, for example, 0.1 seconds.

[0021] Furthermore, it is provided that the unit uses directional means to determine the direction of travel of the road user transporting the unit, and that the communication signals sent by the unit additionally describe the road user's direction of travel. The directional means preferably determine the direction of travel by means of a specific change in location and an internal compass, or by means of a change in location and an internal digital road map.

[0022] Preferably, the unit is designed to identify the vehicle type based on a signal sent by the vehicle, whereby the signal is not specifically addressed to the unit. Thus, the unit receives information directly from the respective vehicle about its type, allowing the identification process to be confirmed or restarted based on the vehicle's movement. This makes the identification process even more reliable. Naturally, such identification is particularly suitable for passenger cars and trucks, but also for motorcycles. The signal transmitted from the vehicle to the unit can be transmitted, for example, via Near Field Communication, Bluetooth, or a USB connection. The transmitted signal is preferably tamper-proof or securely encrypted. Since the signal is not addressed to the unit, it does not need to directly describe the vehicle type.Instead, the signal can also describe the type of vehicle only indirectly; for example, the unit can recognize that it is in a corresponding vehicle based on received signals from a hands-free system, a wireless audio interface, or a so-called keyless entry system. In the latter case, it is particularly preferred that the unit can send the response signal to the request from the keyless entry system and thus serve as a replacement key in the event of loss of the original vehicle key.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable for the unit to adjust its transmission power depending on the assigned category of road user. The lower the average speed of the respective road user, the lower the transmission power. Since a slow road user moves only slowly, it is sufficient for a comparatively smaller area to receive the communication signals of the road user carrying the unit, as the presence and behavior of the road user are relatively insignificant to a wider area. This also conserves the unit's battery or accumulator, provided it does not already have a power connection to the road user, which is generally not possible, especially with pedestrians.

[0024] It is advantageous for the unit to also include a digital memory containing a digital road map, whereby the recognition mechanisms take into account a location-specific position on the road map when identifying the vehicle type. Based on this position on the road map, the identification of the road user transporting the unit can be further improved. For example, if the road map shows a pedestrian zone, it can be assumed that the road user is a pedestrian. Conversely, if the road map shows a highway, it can be ruled out that the road user is a pedestrian.

[0025] A road map can also be used to resolve unclear locations defined by a unit, for example, when a pedestrian is crossing a highway bridge. In this case, the communication signal describing the location can include additional information indicating that the pedestrian is on a bridge over the highway and not directly on the highway itself. This can prevent false alarms for the communication participants receiving the signal.

[0026] In particular, it is advantageous for the unit to adjust its transmission power depending on its position. For example, the transmission power can be increased near a road, especially a busy one, while it can be further reduced or even completely switched off away from roads and towns, since very few or no communication participants are expected in these areas.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the unit is designed to recognize a road user's own communication capability, whereby the unit does not transmit any communication signals while moving along a common trajectory with the road user with its own communication capability. This avoids the redundant transmission of communication signals and thus the unnecessary occupancy of available communication channel bandwidth. The unit preferably recognizes the road user's own communication capability by receiving and evaluating the signals transmitted by the road user and then comparing them with its own communication signals to be transmitted. If both communication signals indicate a substantially identical location, speed, or direction of travel, the unit can then recognize the other device as the one transmitting the same signal.If essentially the same type of road user is described, it can be assumed that the road user possesses their own communication skills.

[0028] Preferably, the unit is integrated into a mobile phone, both structurally and at the data level. Since mobile phones are widespread and very often possess the necessary hardware, such as receiver and transmitter modules, GPS receivers, memory with locally stored road maps or memory for digital road maps retrievable from a server, accelerometers, and powerful electronic processing units, the unit according to the invention can thus be manufactured relatively easily and cost-effectively. Furthermore, mobile phones are usually carried by their owners while driving, so road users do not need to carry additional devices.

[0029] The invention further relates to a method for determining the type of road user, wherein position signals from a satellite-based positioning system are received by means of a satellite signal receiver, wherein a location is determined from the received position signals by means of positioning means, and wherein a speed is determined from changes in location by means of speed determination means. The method is characterized in that a road user's type is identified based on its movement behavior by means of recognition means. This results in the advantages already described.

[0030] Further preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to figures.

[0031] They show

[0032] Fig. 1 a portable mobile unit according to the invention, structurally and at the data level integrated into a mobile phone and

[0033] Fig. 2 a possible sequence of the method according to the invention in the form of a flowchart.

[0034] Fig. 1a shows mobile phone 11 , into which portable mobile unit according to the invention 11 is integrated. A distinction between mobile phones 11 and unit according to the invention 11 Due to the complete integration of the hardware, this is not possible for a viewer and is therefore represented graphically in Fig. 1a not displayable. Mobile phone 11 exhibits the external technical characteristics typical of the type, such as the casing 12 , keys 13 , 13‘ and 13‘‘ , USB interface 14 as well as touchscreen 15 All the mentioned features serve both the use of mobile phones and mobile phones. 11as well as the use of the unit according to the invention 11 .

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the technical components of a mobile phone that are not visible from the outside. 11 or of the unit according to the invention 11 As shown, the mobile phone includes... 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 combined transmit and receive module 16 , which both receives and sends communication signals. Transmit and receive module 16 This in turn comprises a multitude of different individual modules, including the transmitting and receiving modules. 16 Enables communication via GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, WLAN and Bluetooth. Furthermore, mobile phones include 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 Satellite signal receiver 17 for receiving position signals in the form of GPS signals and location determination devices 18To determine a location from the received GPS signals. From the determined location, speed determination tools are used. 19 a speed at which mobile phones 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 moves. Speed ​​determination devices are used to determine this. 19 The first derivative of place with respect to time. Also included in mobile phone data. 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 is local storage 20 , which, in addition to a digital street map, also includes numerous data and digital applications from mobile phones 11 It contains, in addition to the already described transmitting and receiving module. 16 points mobile phone 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 of communication interface 21which enables communication via Near Field Communication, USB, Bluetooth, and the LS bands at 20 kHz, 125 kHz, and 130 kHz. Although from a communication interface 21 the ability to communicate via Bluetooth with a transmit and receive module 16 Although it has in common with the other, it differs from it in that it is primarily intended for communication with communication counterparts of the road user, which unit 11 transported. For example, a signal sent by a vehicle that describes the vehicle type is transmitted by a communication interface. 21 recorded. Also includes mobile phone 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 Accelerometers 22 , which can detect acceleration in each of the three spatial directions. Finally, mobile phones include 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 Identification device23 , which, based on the specific location, the corresponding position in the digital road map, the specific speed, the recorded acceleration and a signal sent by the vehicle, determines the type of road user, which mobile phone 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 transported, recognized. Since mobile phone 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 mobile phones that have the dimensions of a typical mobile phone 11 or the unit according to the invention 11 They can also be comfortably carried by pedestrians in road traffic.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible sequence of the process according to the invention in the form of a flowchart. In process step 21 First, position signals from a satellite-based positioning system are received. For example, these are the position signals from a GPS satellite system. In the next step...22 The location where each position signal is received is continuously determined from the received position signals. The determined location is displayed in step 23 a position corresponding to the specified location on a digital street map is assigned. The continuously determined location is then used in step 24 The rate at which the position changes is derived over intervals of 1 second with respect to time. In step 25 The specific velocity is derived with respect to time for acceleration, while in step 26 The acceleration is directly detected by acceleration sensors. In process step 23The system checks whether signals are received that describe the type of road user or vehicle in which the portable mobile unit according to the invention is located. From the position on the digital road map, the speed, the acceleration, and the signals transmitted by the vehicle, the system then calculates in step... 27 The type of road user is determined. For example, this is a truck, which is reliably recognized as such. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0037] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0038] DE 102007030430 A1

[0003] DE 102010031254 A1

[0004] DE 102009015513 A1 [0005, 0005] Cited non-patent literature

[0039] IEEE 802.11p

[0013]

Claims

[1] Portable mobile unit ( 11 ), comprising a transmitter module ( 16 ) and / or a receiver module ( 16 ) for sending and / or receiving communication signals, a satellite signal receiver ( 17 ) for receiving position signals from a satellite-based positioning system, positioning device ( 18 ) to determine a location from the received position signals and speed determination means ( 19 ) to determine a velocity from changes in position, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) further means of identification ( 23 ) to recognize a genus of a unit ( 11 ) transporting road user based on their movement behavior. [2] Unit ( 11 ) according to claim 1, characterized by that the unit ( 11) sends communication signals at predetermined intervals that describe the specific location and / or speed and / or type of road user. [3] Unit ( 11 ) according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) is communicatively connected to a vehicle via wired and / or wireless communication, whereby the mobile unit ( 11 ) is trained to use a signal from the vehicle to the unit ( 11 ) to identify the type of vehicle from the transmitted signal. [4] Unit ( 11 ) according to claim 3, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) is designed to identify the type of vehicle based on a signal sent by the vehicle, whereby the signal is specifically not sent to the unit ( 11 ) is addressed. [5] Unit ( 11 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the unit (11 ) a transmission power is set depending on the assigned category. [6] Unit ( 11 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) continue to have a digital storage ( 20 ) comprises a digital street map in which the recognition means ( 23 ) when identifying the species, consider a position on the street map that corresponds to the location. [7] Unit ( 11 ) according to claim 6, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) the transmission power is adjusted depending on the position. [8] Unit ( 11 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) is trained to recognize the individual communication skills of the road user, whereby the unit ( 11) does not send any communication signals while moving along a common trajectory with the road user with its own communication capability. [9] Unit ( 11 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the unit ( 11 ) structurally and at the data level into a mobile phone ( 11 ) is integrated. [10] Method for determining the type of road user, using a satellite signal receiver ( 17 ) Position signals from a satellite-based positioning system are received, using positioning devices ( 18 ) a location is determined from the received position signals, using speed determination methods ( 19 ) a speed is determined from changes in location, characterized by that by means of detection devices ( 23 ) a type of road user based on whose movement behavior it is identified.

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