Method and device for the automated driving of a vehicle

Abstract

Methods for automated driving of a vehicle, wherein Automated driving provides for multiple levels of automation and uses information from GPS and maps or radio-based information to infer the complexity of an upcoming traffic situation and adjusts the level of automation of the automated vehicle guidance accordingly. characterized by the fact that The automated driving of a vehicle in urban areas is deactivated if an upcoming traffic situation involves a complex scenario, and the deactivation of the automated driving of a vehicle is omitted if a radio signal provides information about the complex scenario.

Description

[0001] Driver assistance systems that support the driver in operating a vehicle (e.g., ACC, LDW, automatic headlights, etc.) have been implemented in production vehicles for several years. The responsibility for vehicle operation remains with the driver, who must be attentive at all times in order to take over control of the vehicle if necessary.

[0002] Automated driving, meaning the vehicle drives autonomously and the driver can devote their attention to other tasks, is not yet widespread. With current technology, automated driving would be particularly feasible on highways and similar roads, as these are less complex driving situations that can be easily detected by environmental sensors.

[0003] The prior art is known in document DE 10 2020 001 581A1. It discloses a driver assistance system and a method for driver assistance for automated driving. The system comprises a human-machine interface (HMI), a device for recording the current driving situation, and a device for checking the possibility of automated vehicle control.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 198 21 163 A1 discloses a driver assistance system and a method for its operation. A current traffic situation is recorded by means of a detection device and compared with stored environmental parameters to activate and deactivate the driver assistance system.

[0005] German patent application DE10 2009 019 702 A1 describes a method and a device for requesting a handover to the driver during a semi-automatic or automatic driving task. For this purpose, at least one visualization is displayed on a screen, while the previously presented content disappears.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and device for the automated driving of a vehicle.

[0007] The invention provides a method for the automated driving of a vehicle. A plurality of automation levels are provided for the automated driving. The automation levels indicate the extent to which the driver may devote their attention to other activities.

[0008] Based on information from GPS and maps, or radio-based information such as traffic signs, guidance systems, or other road users, the complexity of an upcoming traffic situation is assessed. The level of automation of the automated driving system is adjusted accordingly, or the automated driving system is deactivated in complex traffic scenarios.

[0009] In a particular embodiment of the invention, a first level of automation is automated driving of a vehicle with no or low requirements for the attention of a driver, and a second level of automation is automated driving of a vehicle with increased requirements for the attention of a driver relative to the first level of automation.

[0010] A first level of automation is, for example, the automated driving of a vehicle without any requirements for the driver's attention; a second level of automation is, for example, the automated driving of a vehicle with requirements for the driver's attention.

[0011] A level of automation can, for example, allow or prohibit a driver from performing one or more of the following activities during an automated drive. -The driver may only remove his hands from the steering wheel for a specified period of time or completely. - the driver may use communication devices (radio, internet, mobile phone, etc.) with restrictions. - the driver may look in a direction other than the direction of travel when driving forward.

[0012] Automated vehicle control can thus be used for traffic jam assistance, particularly in urban areas. This has not been possible to date because the complex scenarios encountered in urban environments cannot be reliably detected by currently available environmental sensors, such as lidar, radar, or camera systems. In these situations, the invention adapts the level of automation to the surrounding environment.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, releasing the steering wheel during automated vehicle operation is permitted only in less complex traffic scenarios, e.g., on highways or road sections without intersections. If the driver releases the steering wheel in a complex traffic situation, e.g., at an intersection, particularly one with traffic lights, automated vehicle operation is deactivated.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the driver is only permitted to release the steering wheel in urban areas if the driver is attentive. Determining a driver's attention is prior art and can be carried out, for example, with an interior camera that records the driver's position or direction of gaze. Attention can also be determined via the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedal, steering movement, turn signal activation, or similar means. An indication of an inattentive driver is, for example, using a mobile phone or similar device, or looking in the wrong direction. In a preferred embodiment, releasing the steering wheel in a more complex traffic situation is permitted for an attentive driver than for an inattentive driver, without the automated driving system deactivating or reducing the level of automation.

[0015] According to the invention, the automated driving of a vehicle in urban areas is deactivated when an upcoming traffic situation comprises a complex scenario, in particular an intersection with traffic lights, and The deactivation of automated driving in the previously described complex scenario is omitted if a radio signal (c2x) provides information about the complex scenario, particularly regarding traffic light timing. A c2x signal includes signals from, for example, traffic signs, guidance systems, or other road users.

Claims

[1] Method for automated driving of a vehicle, wherein Automated driving provides for multiple levels of automation and uses information from GPS and maps or radio-based information to infer the complexity of an upcoming traffic situation and adjusts the level of automation of the automated vehicle guidance accordingly. characterized by , that The automated driving of a vehicle in urban areas is deactivated if an upcoming traffic situation involves a complex scenario, and the deactivation of the automated driving of a vehicle is omitted if a radio signal provides information about the complex scenario. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that a degree of automation indicates the extent to which the driver is allowed to devote his attention to other activities. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by, that letting go of the steering wheel during automated driving by the driver is only permitted in less complex traffic scenarios, e.g. on highways or road sections without intersections. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that letting go of the steering wheel during automated driving of a vehicle in urban areas is only permitted if the driver is attentive. [5] Control unit for a vehicle with a storage unit on which a method according to claim 1 is stored