Method and device for operating a vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a vehicle, wherein, upon arrival at a drivable infrastructure (503), the vehicle registers with an infrastructure management server (401) for the drivable infrastructure (503) via a communication network for a journey on the infrastructure (503) (101), wherein, after registration, the vehicle receives data relevant for a journey on the infrastructure (503) from the infrastructure management server (401) via the communication network (103), based on which the vehicle travels on the infrastructure (503) from a starting position (505) to a destination position (507) (105), wherein, during the journey on the infrastructure (503), the following actions are performed: automatic stopping at a counter, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the counter, automatic departure from the counter after completion of a service.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for operating a vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for operating an infrastructure management server, an infrastructure management server and an infrastructure system and a computer program.Prior ArtThe laid-open specification US 2014 / 0048104 A1 discloses a method for autonomous driving of a vehicle in a car wash facility. A sensor system of the car wash system detects a position and an orientation of the vehicle and sends them to the vehicle. Based thereon, the vehicle then automatically enters the car wash facility.The published patent application DE 103 22 765 A1 shows an automated speed shop.The laid-open specification DE 10 2012 016 039 A1 shows autonomous operation of a motor vehicle in a wash line.Disclosure of the InventionThe object underlying the invention can be seen in providing an improved method and an improved device for operating a vehicle.The object on which the invention is based can also be seen in providing a method for operating an infrastructure management server, an infrastructure management server, an infrastructure system, and a computer program.These objects are achieved by means of the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims.According to one aspect, a method for operating a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle, after arriving at a drivable infrastructure, logs on to an infrastructure management server for the drivable infrastructure via a communication network for a journey on the infrastructure, wherein, after the logging on, the vehicle receives data relevant to a journey on the infrastructure via the communication network from the infrastructure management server, on the basis of which data the vehicle travels on the infrastructure from a starting position to a destination position.According to a further aspect, a method for operating an infrastructure management server for a drivable infrastructure is provided, wherein, after registration of a vehicle on the infrastructure management server, the infrastructure management server determines data relevant for a journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure and transmits them to the vehicle via a communication network, such that the vehicle can travel from a starting position to a target position on the basis of the data on the infrastructure.According to one aspect, an apparatus for operating a vehicle is provided, comprising a communication interface which is designed to log in the vehicle, after arrival at a drivable infrastructure, to an infrastructure management server for the drivable infrastructure via a communication network for a journey on the infrastructure and, after logging in via the communication network, to receive data relevant to a journey on the infrastructure from the infrastructure management server, and a control device which is designed to drive the vehicle on the infrastructure from a starting position to a target position on the basis of the data received.According to yet another aspect, an infrastructure management server for a drivable infrastructure is provided, comprising a communication interface which is designed to log in a vehicle to the infrastructure management server via a communication network after arrival at the drivable infrastructure, and a processor which is designed to ascertain data relevant to a journey on the infrastructure after the log-in, wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit the ascertained data to the vehicle via the communication network, such that the vehicle can travel from a starting position to a target position on the basis of the data on the infrastructure.According to yet another aspect, an infrastructure system is provided, which comprises a drivable infrastructure and the infrastructure management server according to the invention.According to a further aspect, a computer program is provided which comprises program codes for carrying out the method for operating a vehicle and / or the method for operating an infrastructure management server when the computer program is executed on a computer.The invention thus comprises in particular the idea that a vehicle logs on via a communication network after arrival at a drivable infrastructure in order to signal to the latter that it wishes to drive on the infrastructure from a starting position to a target position. The infrastructure management server is thus advantageously provided with the knowledge that a vehicle wishes to drive on the drivable infrastructure. The infrastructure management server is thus advantageously enabled to coordinate this journey and to take measures necessary for this purpose. Such an application via a communication network is not provided in the laid-open specification US 2014 / 0048104 A1 mentioned in the introduction to the description. There, a driver moves to the car wash facility and must initiate automatic driving through the car wash facility manually. Since an application is not provided in the cited laid-open specification, the car wash system cannot take any preparatory measures either. The invention overcomes this disadvantage insofar as it provides that the vehicle logs on to the infrastructure management server after arrival at the drivable infrastructure. This can thus advantageously take preparatory measures. In particular, the infrastructure management server can take measures which still go beyond the actual journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure. Such measures can comprise services, for example. Such services can comprise, for example, a cash dispensing, an food dispensing or the preparation of a specific washing program for the vehicle. This depends on which infrastructure is involved. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid or at least reduce waiting times at the infrastructure. A journey on the infrastructure from the starting position to the target position can thus advantageously be carried out more efficiently. All in all, an efficient concept is advantageously provided, based on which the vehicle can travel on the infrastructure from the start position to the target position.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the data include at least one element selected from the following group of data: map data of a digital map of the infrastructure, remote control data for remote control of the vehicle, navigation data for autonomous navigation on the infrastructure, trajectory data of a setpoint trajectory to be traveled by the vehicle on the infrastructure.This means in particular that a digital map of the infrastructure is provided to the vehicle. Based on the corresponding map data, the vehicle can then advantageously travel on the infrastructure, in particular travel from the starting position to the target position.Remote control data in the sense of the present invention can comprise, for example, control commands for the vehicle, i.e., in particular for the control device, that the vehicle is to travel on the infrastructure in accordance with the control commands. The vehicle is thus guided remotely by means of the control commands.Navigation data refers in particular to data that enables the vehicle to navigate autonomously on the infrastructure. Navigation data can therefore comprise, for example, information about obstacles on the infrastructure. Navigation data include, for example, positions of markings, based on which the vehicle can navigate autonomously on the infrastructure. The markings are analogous to light towers or light beams.According to one embodiment, it is provided that the infrastructure is a vehicle wash facility, a bank site or a restaurant site. A service in connection with a vehicle washing facility is in particular a washing of the vehicle. A service in connection with a bank site is, in particular, a cash dispenser or a cash deposit. A service in connection with a restaurant site is, in particular, an eating preparation and an eating output.At the starting position, according to one embodiment, provision is made for the service corresponding to the infrastructure to be logged on, in particular logged on to the infrastructure management server. Correspondingly, measures relating to the services can then already be carried out or at least prepared. The vehicle then travels from the starting position according to one specific embodiment to at least one further predetermined position on the infrastructure, at which the corresponding service is carried out in particular. Such a predetermined position is, for example, a position of a switch at which food or money is dispensed. Such a predetermined position is, for example, the washer for washing the vehicle in the case of a car washer. Then, in particular according to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle travels from this predetermined position to the target position. The starting position is, for example, an entry into the infrastructure. The target position is, for example, an exit of the infrastructure. According to another embodiment, a plurality of predetermined positions are provided between the starting and target positions, which the vehicle travels successively during its travel from the starting position to the target position.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle drives autonomously on the infrastructure. This means in particular that the vehicle travels independently or automatically on the infrastructure. This is in contrast to the embodiment in which the vehicle is remotely controlled. The remote control has the advantage, in particular, that the vehicle itself does not have to have any knowledge about the infrastructure, in particular knowledge about the topography of the infrastructure, in order to be able to drive autonomously on the infrastructure. The knowledge is provided in the infrastructure management server in this embodiment.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the travel of the vehicle on the infrastructure is a parkless travel, so that the vehicle does not park on the infrastructure. This means in particular that the vehicle is not parked. This is thus in contrast to an automatic parking process in connection with parking spaces. In such an automatic parking process, it is provided, for example, that the vehicle parks and unparks autonomously or automatically in the parking space into a parking position. Providing a parkless trip in particular brings about the technical advantage that a trip of the vehicle on the infrastructure can be carried out efficiently. In particular, the vehicle itself does not have to have a parking assistant that autonomously parks and unparks the vehicle into a parking position.In another specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle drives autonomously to the infrastructure, in particular to the starting position. This means in particular that a driver no longer has to intervene in the vehicle guidance in order for the vehicle to drive him to the infrastructure, in particular to the starting position.Autonomous in the sense of the present invention means in particular that the vehicle navigates or drives independently, i.e. without a driver intervention. The vehicle thus drives independently on the infrastructure without a driver having to control the vehicle for this purpose. The driver himself no longer has to be in the vehicle, but this can be self-evident. This means in particular that the control device can autonomously guide the vehicle, or autonomously guides it.Guiding in the sense of the present invention comprises in particular a transverse and / or a longitudinal guiding of the vehicle.According to one embodiment, the communication network comprises a W-Lan network or a mobile radio network.In another embodiment, the communication via the communication network is encrypted.According to another specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle, after traveling on the infrastructure, log off from the infrastructure management server via the communication network. This has the particular technical advantage that the infrastructure management server acquires knowledge that the journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure has ended and therefore no longer has to coordinate a journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure. Capacities reserved for this trip can now be used elsewhere by the infrastructure management server. This enables efficient operation of the infrastructure management server.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that during travel on the infrastructure the following actions are carried out: automatic stopping at a switch, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the switch, automatic continuing of the switch after a service has ended.The actions mentioned above can be initiated, for example, by means of the infrastructure management server. For example, by the infrastructure management server sending corresponding commands to the vehicle via the communication network. This means, for example, that a driver of the vehicle can remain in the vehicle and is driven by his vehicle via the infrastructure. At a switch, it no longer has to stop and no longer open the vehicle window, for example in order to be able to take services and accept objects such as money or food. This is performed automatically for the driver. The driver can thus devote to other actions. For example, it can rest, so that it is more stable on the infrastructure after the trip. This can advantageously increase a traffic capacity of the driver, which can ultimately increase vehicle safety.In particular, the driver saves time since he no longer has to perform the above-mentioned actions themselves.In one specific embodiment, it is provided that vehicle settings necessary for carrying out the power are automatically initiated, for example, the infrastructure management server initiates the initiation of these settings. For example, the vehicle settings include: disengaging a gear (colloquially "gear off").In particular, therefore, an embodiment is provided that the windows are automatically closed before entering a vehicle wash facility, for example by corresponding commands being sent from the infrastructure management server to the vehicle. This advantageously prevents a washing liquid, for example water or a soap solution, from being able to penetrate through open windows into the vehicle during the washing of the vehicle.According to another specific embodiment, it is provided that a responsibility for vehicle guidance is given back to a driver of the vehicle after driving on the infrastructure. This in particular brings about the technical advantage that vehicle systems which are necessary for autonomous travel of the vehicle, for example the control device or guide device, are relieved of this task or function. Thus, efficient operation of such vehicle systems is effected.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that at least a part of the trip, in particular the entire trip, is monitored and / or documented by means of a monitoring system. This has the particular technical advantage that it is possible to understand how this has been explained in detail even after the trip. This is expedient and advantageous, for example, for possible proof purposes, for example if damage has occurred on the vehicle during the journey on the infrastructure. In particular, the monitoring has the advantage that it is possible to react adequately to possible problems which can occur during the journey. Such a problem may be, for example, the sudden occurrence of an obstacle.In another specific embodiment, it is provided that data on the vehicle are monitored and / or documented during the trip. Monitoring and documentation in connection with the in-vehicle data have advantages analogous to those in connection with monitoring and documentation by means of the monitoring system. Here too, it is thus advantageously possible to track in the following how the trip has expired in detail. The in-vehicle data is stored internally in a memory in the vehicle, for example, and is read out after traveling, for example.In one embodiment, it is provided that the data corresponding to the recorded trip (partial trip or entire trip) and / or the in-vehicle data are stored on the infrastructure management server.According to another specific embodiment, it is provided that a route to be traveled for the trip is secured. For example, the route is secured in such a way that people or persons or other living beings can no longer cross the route and can maintain a sufficient safety distance from the route. This increases safety for these living beings. In particular, a safety device against further vehicles is also provided, so that here, for example, a collision risk can be reduced or avoided. Securing the route comprises, for example, carrying out shut-off measures. Blocking measures are, for example, that corresponding light signal systems and / or barriers are controlled in such a way that persons or further vehicles are signaled that they are not allowed to enter or enter the area of the route.In one specific embodiment, it is provided that the device for operating a vehicle is designed to carry out or implement the method for operating a vehicle.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the infrastructure management server is designed to carry out or implement the method for operating an infrastructure management server.According to one specific embodiment, a monitoring system includes one or more video cameras and / or one or more radar sensors and / or one or more lidar sensors and / or one or more ultrasonic sensors and / or one or more light barriers.According to one embodiment, logging on the vehicle to the infrastructure management server comprises sending at least one of the following information: vehicle type, desired service, vehicle measure (for example a height, so that damage to the roof can be avoided if the height of the vehicle does not match the infrastructure), vehicle options with respect to a drivable route, for example a minimally drivable curve radius or a turning circle, payment type.Functionalities of the device or of the infrastructure management server or of the infrastructure system are obtained analogously from the corresponding functionalities of the methods and vice versa. This therefore means in particular that corresponding device features result from the method features and vice versa.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments. Shown here are: FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a method for operating a vehicle. FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating an infrastructure management server for a drivable infrastructure, FIG. 3 shows a device for operating a vehicle. FIG. 4 shows an infrastructure management server for a drivable infrastructure, and FIG. 5 shows an infrastructure system.FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a method for operating a vehicle.According to a step 101, the vehicle, after arriving at a drivable infrastructure, registers with an infrastructure management server for the drivable infrastructure via a communication network for a trip on the infrastructure. Logging on thus includes in particular the transmission of the information that the vehicle wishes to drive on the infrastructure, in particular wishes to drive from a starting position to a target position. In a step 103, it is provided that after registration, the vehicle receives data from the infrastructure management server via the communication network, these data being relevant for a journey on the infrastructure. This means in particular that the vehicle can travel on the infrastructure on the basis of these data. That is to say that according to a step 105, provision is made for the vehicle to travel on the infrastructure from a starting position to a target position, in particular to travel autonomously or remotely, on the basis of these data.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle autonomously drives a part of the route on the infrastructure and a part is remotely controlled.FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating an infrastructure management server.In a step 201, it is provided that after registration of a vehicle on the infrastructure management server, the infrastructure management server determines data relevant for a journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure. In a step 203, this data is sent from the infrastructure management server to the vehicle via a communication network. This is thus advantageously enabled to travel from a starting position to a target position based on the data on the infrastructure.FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 301 for operating a vehicle (not shown).The device 301 comprises a communication interface 303 which is designed to log the vehicle, after arrival at a drivable infrastructure, to an infrastructure management server for the drivable infrastructure via a communication network for a journey on the infrastructure. The communication interface 303 is furthermore designed to receive data relevant for a journey on the infrastructure from the infrastructure management server after registration via the communication network.The apparatus 301 further comprises a control device 305 which is designed to drive or control the vehicle on the infrastructure from a starting position to a target position, in particular to drive or control it autonomously or remotely, based on the received data.FIG. 4 shows an infrastructure management server 401 for a drivable infrastructure.The infrastructure management server 401 comprises a communication interface 403 which is designed to log in a vehicle to the infrastructure management server 401 via a communication network after arrival at the drivable infrastructure.The infrastructure management server 401 furthermore comprises a processor 405 which is designed to ascertain data relevant for a journey on the infrastructure after the registration. The communication interface 403 is configured to transmit the ascertained data to the vehicle via the communication network, so that the vehicle can travel from a starting position to a target position on the basis of the data on the infrastructure.FIG. 5 shows an infrastructure system 501.Infrastructure system 501 includes the infrastructure management server 401 of FIG. 4. Further, infrastructure system 501 includes a drivable infrastructure 503. The drivable infrastructure 503 comprises a starting position 505 and a destination position 507. A route from the starting position 505 to the target position 507 is shown by way of example and is provided with the reference sign 509. This route 509 will be followed by the vehicle traveling on the infrastructure 503. This is done, for example, by being remotely controlled by the infrastructure management server 401. This is in particular done by driving autonomously along the route 509, the data and information necessary for this having been made available to the vehicle by means of the infrastructure management server 401.The invention therefore comprises, for example and inter alia, the idea that an autonomously driving vehicle, in particular a vehicle which can drive autonomously in a parking space and can drive in and / or unpark there, in particular from a starting position to a parking position and from there back to the starting position, drives autonomously during a service. In contrast to an automatic parking process, also referred to as automatic value parking in English, it is provided in particular that the vehicle does not park but rather drives. The driver can remain in the vehicle, for example. Thus, for example, in the case of an eating order, for example in the context of a quick food, what is known as a fast food, it is provided that he can place the order, accept it and also pay it. In the case of a bank, it is provided that the driver can pick up or deposit the money or can do further banking stores while he is still seated in the vehicle. In a vehicle washing facility, for example a wash line, it is provided, for example, that the driver exits in order to pay for and / or remains in the vehicle.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that a service is logged on, in particular logged on by the driver or by means of the driver. This is for example already in the front, that is to say before the vehicle arrives at the infrastructure.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the driver outputs the responsibility to the vehicle after the log-in of the service, as described above. That is to say, in particular, that the vehicle according to one specific embodiment travels autonomously or automatically from its current position to the drivable infrastructure, in particular to the starting position, or is navigated or remote-controlled.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the driver drives to the starting position. In particular, it is provided that the vehicle autonomously drives to the starting position.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that after arrival at the infrastructure, in particular after arrival at the starting position, the vehicle logs on to the infrastructure management server. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the vehicle establishes a communication connection with the infrastructure management server. Within the scope of so-called Valet Parking, such an infrastructure management server is also referred to as a parking garage management server or as a parking garage management system.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle travels from the starting position to the target position after registration with the infrastructure management server. Specifically, the vehicle autonomously travels from the start position to the target position. Specifically, the vehicle is remotely controlled to travel from the starting to the target position.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the infrastructure management server coordinates this trip and, for this purpose, transmits action points in particular and / or controls additional action points in particular. For example, such an action point is a stop at a switch, a continuation at the switch after the service has ended.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the infrastructure management server requests and / or controls additional actions.Additional actions are, for example, window opening, window closing.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the travel from the start position to the target position is carried out as a function of the additional actions or additional action points, as described above.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that at the end of the trip, i.e., at the target position, the vehicle, i.e., in particular the device for operating the vehicle, returns the responsibility to the driver of the vehicle.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that after the trip, i.e., at the target position, the vehicle continues to drive automatically. This means in particular that the vehicle moves away automatically and autonomously from the drivable infrastructure.According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle log off to the infrastructure management server after the trip.According to one specific embodiment, the trip, i.e., in particular the entire process, is monitored and / or documented by means of a monitoring system.According to one specific embodiment, additionally or instead of data on the vehicle are also monitored and / or documented.According to one specific embodiment, a route to be followed or a route to be followed from the starting position to the target position is secured, so that this is, in particular, empty of humans.

Claims

Method for operating a vehicle, wherein the vehicle logs on (101) via a communication network for a journey on the infrastructure (503) after arrival at a drivable infrastructure (503) at an infrastructure management server (401) for the drivable infrastructure (503), wherein after the logging on the vehicle receives (103) via the communication network data relevant to a journey on the infrastructure (503) from the infrastructure management server (401), based on which the vehicle travels (105) on the infrastructure (503) from a starting position (505) to a destination position (507), wherein during the journey on the infrastructure (503) the following actions are carried out: automatic stopping at a switch, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the switch, automatic continuing of the switch after termination of a service.Method according to claim 1, wherein the data comprise at least one element selected from the following group of data: map data of a digital map of the infrastructure (503), remote control data for remote control of the vehicle, navigation data for autonomous navigation on the infrastructure (503) and trajectory data of a target trajectory to be traveled by the vehicle on the infrastructure (503).The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the infrastructure is a car wash, a bench site, or a restaurant site.The method of any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle's trip on the infrastructure (503) is a parkless trip such that the vehicle is not parked on the infrastructure (503).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle drives autonomously to the infrastructure (503), in particular to the starting position (505).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle, after the trip on the infrastructure (503), logs off from the infrastructure management server (401) via the communication network.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a responsibility for a vehicle guidance after the journey on the infrastructure (503) is given back to a driver of the vehicle.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the journey, in particular the entire journey, is monitored and / or documented by means of a monitoring system.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein data on-board the vehicle are monitored and / or documented during the journey.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a route (509) to be traveled for the journey is secured.Method for operating an infrastructure management server (401) for a drivable infrastructure (503), wherein after registration of a vehicle on the infrastructure management server (401), the infrastructure management server (401) ascertains (201) data relevant to a journey of the vehicle on the infrastructure (503) and transmits (203) to the vehicle via a communication network, such that the vehicle can travel from a starting position (505) to a target position (507) on the basis of the data on the infrastructure (503), wherein the following actions are carried out during the journey on the infrastructure (503): automatic stopping at a switch, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the switch, automatic continuing of the switch after termination of a service.Device (301) for operating a vehicle, comprising a communication interface (303) which is designed to log in the vehicle for a journey on the infrastructure (503) via a communication network after arrival at a drivable infrastructure (503) at an infrastructure management server (401) for the drivable infrastructure (503) and to receive relevant data from the infrastructure management server (401) for a journey on the infrastructure (503) after logging in via the communication network, and a control device (305) which is designed to drive the vehicle on the infrastructure (503) from a starting position (505) to a target position (507) on the basis of the received data, wherein the following actions are carried out during the journey on the infrastructure (503): automatic stopping at a switch, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the switch, Automatic Forwarding from Switch After Service Termination.Infrastructure management server (401) for a drivable infrastructure (503), comprising a communication interface (403) which is designed to log in a vehicle to the infrastructure management server (401) via a communication network after arrival at the drivable infrastructure (503), and a processor (405) which is designed to ascertain data relevant to a journey on the infrastructure (503) after the logging in, wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit the ascertained data to the vehicle via the communication network, such that the vehicle can travel from a starting position (505) to a target position (507) on the basis of the data on the infrastructure (503), wherein the following actions are carried out during the journey on the infrastructure (503): automatic stopping at a switch, automatic opening of a vehicle window at the switch, Automatic Forwarding from Switch After Service Termination.An infrastructure system (501) comprising a drivable infrastructure (503) and the infrastructure management server (401) of claim 13.A computer program comprising program code for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 when the computer program is executed on a computer.

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