Method for operating a collision warning system

Abstract

Method for operating a collision warning system (82) in a vehicle (80) designed to warn of objects (16, 18, 20) in a detection range (12, 14, 90) approaching the vehicle (80), wherein the collision warning system (82), which is deactivated, is automatically activated due to an object (16, 18, 20) in the detection range (12, 14, 90), and wherein the collision warning system (82) is automatically activated when the vehicle (80) moves away from an object (16, 18, 20) whose approach was the reason for deactivation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a collision warning system and such a collision warning system that is used in a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Driver assistance systems are increasingly being used in vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, to support the driver in controlling the vehicle. For example, collision warning systems are well-known. These systems warn the driver of impending collisions and, if necessary, prevent them by intervening in the vehicle's operation. Collision warning systems use sensors to detect distances to other objects within their detection range. In particular, they evaluate changing distances between the vehicle and other objects, thus enabling them to warn the driver of potential collisions.

[0003] Collision warning systems are used in motor vehicles, such as in the automotive sector, but also in rail vehicles. Various sensors, for example based on ultrasound, radar, laser scanners, and video, are used in rail vehicles such as shunting locomotives, track maintenance machines, trams, etc., for collision warning. When the vehicle approaches an object, the driver and / or those nearby are warned visually and / or audibly. It should be noted that rail vehicles intentionally approach each other during operation, for example, when coupling. Therefore, operators require that warning systems can be deactivated or switched off.

[0004] A method and a device for collision warning are known from German patent application DE 10 2005 011 241 A1. In this method, objects located in front of the vehicle are detected. A decision to issue a warning is made based on a delay criterion. Different criteria can be defined for an object that could collide with the vehicle, and different warning levels can be set for each of these criteria.

[0005] In some applications, it is necessary to give the driver the option to switch off or deactivate the collision warning system, so that no warning signal is given when approaching an object intentionally.

[0006] The German patent application DE 10 2004 062 496 A1 describes a method for operating a collision avoidance system of a vehicle, which is designed to warn of objects in a detection range that are approaching the vehicle. The collision avoidance system is activated when an imminent rear-end collision with a detected object is recognized.

[0007] The publication DE 101 61 567 A1 describes a motor vehicle with an acoustic and / or optical distance warning system, which includes several distance sensors and at least one optical and / or acoustic alarm device and can be activated automatically.

[0008] German patent application DE 101 61 567 B4 describes a motor vehicle with an acoustic and / or optical warning system. The warning system comprises several distance sensors, an evaluation unit, and at least one optical and / or acoustic alarm device. It also includes means for determining the lane width of the road being traveled. The distance warning system can be automatically deactivated via the evaluation unit. The driver can also manually deactivate the distance warning system by pressing an operating element. If, for example, a narrowing of the road is encountered again after several kilometers, the deactivation signal previously given by the driver is no longer valid, and the warning system can be reactivated.

[0009] The possibility of deactivating the collision warning system raises the question of when and how it can be reliably reactivated. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] Against this background, a method according to claim 1 and a collision warning system with the features of claim 5 are presented. Further details can be found in the dependent claims and the description.

[0011] The described procedure assumes that a vehicle's collision warning system is deactivated, for example, by the driver during an intentional approach to an object. The collision warning system is automatically reactivated only when the vehicle moves away from the object after approaching it. Alternatively or additionally, the system can also reactivate the deactivated collision warning system when a new object approaches the vehicle. Generally, the collision warning system is automatically activated when an object is detected within its detection range.

[0012] A deactivated collision warning system is a collision warning system that is operational and calculating, but is not capable of or configured to issue a warning signal. An activated collision warning system is a collision warning system that is calculating and capable of issuing a warning signal.

[0013] Activating the collision warning system means putting it into a state where it is capable of emitting a warning signal. Deactivating or switching it off means, for example, that the driver puts the collision warning system into a state where it is not configured to emit a warning signal. Deactivating or switching it off can immediately stop any warning signal being emitted. The driver can therefore deactivate the collision warning system if a warning signal is already being emitted, or even if no warning signal is currently being emitted, to prevent a warning signal from being emitted until the collision warning system is reactivated.

[0014] Approaching a vehicle is caused by relative movement between the vehicle and the object. Both the vehicle and / or the object can be moving. Objects can be other vehicles, people, animals, or any other objects.

[0015] The presented method enables reliable activation or reactivation of a collision warning system after a deliberately induced deactivation or shutdown.

[0016] One possible scenario is as follows: As the vehicle approaches an object, the warning system begins to sound. If the approach is intentional, the driver can activate a switch to suppress the warning. Meanwhile, the object detection algorithm continues to run and track the object. If the vehicle moves away from the object again, for example, if a wagon is uncoupled, the warning system is automatically reactivated. If another object appears within the sensors' detection range, such as a track worker carelessly crossing the rails between the approaching vehicles, the warning is immediately reactivated, and in this case, a warning is typically issued instantly.

[0017] The collision warning system used to perform the described procedure typically comprises a series of distance sensors, e.g., based on ultrasound, radar, or laser scanners, which can detect distances to objects. It also typically includes an evaluation unit, usually an electronic processing unit, which evaluates the signals from the sensors. The area to be scanned by the sensors is called the detection range of the collision warning system. The evaluation unit detects objects within the detection range and, in particular, the relative movement of these objects to the vehicle.

[0018] If an object is approaching quickly, this can indicate an impending collision.

[0019] The driver can be provided with a user interface, in particular a graphical user interface, which, for example, displays the detection range and the objects within it. Furthermore, the user interface allows the driver to deactivate or switch off the collision warning system. This can be done generally or for a specific object. If the driver selects an object, the collision warning system is deactivated for that object. Naturally, multiple objects can be selected for which the collision warning system should be deactivated; that is, these objects will not trigger an alarm, even if they approach the vehicle in a manner that would normally trigger a warning. If the collision warning system is deactivated for multiple objects, it may be reactivated for some of these objects under certain conditions.even for just one of these objects, it can be selectively reactivated.

[0020] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a user interface. Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible sequence of the described procedure in a graph. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with a collision warning system. Embodiments of the invention

[0022] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible user interface for a collision warning system, which is designated overall by the reference number 10, specifically at a first time point 10a and at a second time point 10b. The diagram further shows a first detection area 12, which is assigned to user interface 10a, and a second detection area 14, which is assigned to user interface 10b.

[0024] The first detection area 12 is the detection area of ​​the collision warning system at the first time point. The second detection area 14 is the detection area of ​​the collision warning system at the second time point. In the first detection area 12, a series of objects 16, 18, and 20 can be detected, for which graphical symbols 26, 28, and 30 are provided on the user interface, representing these objects 16, 18, and 20. The graphical symbols 26, 28, and 30 are expediently chosen to allow a unique assignment to the corresponding object 16, 18, or 20, respectively.

[0025] The driver can now select an object 16, 18, or 20 on user interface 10a by highlighting the corresponding graphic symbol 26, 28, or 30, respectively. A touchscreen, for example, is suitable for this purpose, allowing the symbols 26, 28, and 30 to be highlighted by touch. In this case, the driver highlights graphic symbol 28, thereby selecting object 18 for which the collision warning system should be deactivated.

[0026] The second detection area 14 shows this at a later time; the vehicle has now approached objects 16, 18, and 20. The collision warning system is deactivated for object 18. Should object 18 approach the vehicle in a way that would normally trigger an alarm according to the collision warning system's specifications, particularly with regard to speed, no alarm will be issued because the collision warning system is deactivated. However, should object 18 move away from the vehicle again, for example, after maneuvering, and / or should a new object enter the detection area and approach the vehicle, and / or should object 18 approach the vehicle at excessive speed, the collision warning system will be automatically activated, and a warning signal will be issued if certain conditions are met.

[0027] This method allows the driver to mark the object they intend to approach beforehand on a monitor, such as a touchscreen, which serves as the user interface. In this case, any unnecessary noise disturbance to the surroundings when approaching the object can be avoided.

[0028] The deactivation can be speed-dependent. For example, if the vehicle approaches an object too quickly, a warning will still be issued or even the vehicle will brake automatically. This is particularly necessary if the driver has accidentally selected the wrong object.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a possible sequence of the procedure in a graph. The abscissa 50 represents time, and the ordinate 52 represents the distance between a rail vehicle equipped with a collision warning system and another rail vehicle. A curve 54 shows the progression of this distance over time, and a threshold 56 is shown, above which the collision warning system issues a warning.

[0030] Curve 54 shows that the two rail vehicles initially approach each other. At the first point in time 58, upon reaching threshold 56, the collision warning system begins to issue a warning. At the second point in time 60, the driver deactivates the collision warning system. The warning system remains deactivated even though threshold 56 has been crossed. At the third point in time 62, the distance between the two vehicles increases again. The collision warning system would issue a warning here if the distance were to decrease again. In this case, however, the distance continues to increase. At the fourth point in time 64, the collision warning system is active again.

[0031] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a highly simplified representation of a vehicle 80 equipped with a collision warning system 82. The vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle. The collision warning system 82 has an evaluation unit 84, to which a series of sensors 86 are assigned, of which only two are shown here. At least one sensor should generally be provided.

[0032] The two sensors 86 detect an area designated as the detection range 90 of the collision warning system 82; that is, objects within this detection range 90 are taken into account. The sensors 86 provide data on objects within the detection range 90, specifically considering the relative motion and relative velocity, and, if applicable, the relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object(s). The evaluation unit 84 analyzes the data acquired by the sensors 86 and, in predetermined cases, issues a visual and / or audible warning signal via a warning device 92.

[0033] The driver has the option of intervening in the operation of the collision warning system 82. For this purpose, it has a user interface, designated by reference numeral 94. This allows the driver to deactivate the collision warning system 82. A touchscreen can be used for this purpose. The collision warning system 82 is designed to reactivate automatically, or to reactivate itself, when certain conditions, as previously described, are met.

[0034] The presented collision warning system can, for example, be combined with a coupling assistant. With a coupling assistant, a sensor, such as a radar sensor, measures the distance to the vehicle being coupled. In this case, it would not be useful to simultaneously warn of this vehicle.

[0035] The described collision warning system can, in principle, be used in all vehicles where collision warnings are to be provided.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a collision warning system (82) in a vehicle (80) designed to warn of objects (16, 18, 20) in a detection range (12, 14, 90) approaching the vehicle (80), wherein the collision warning system (82), which is deactivated, is automatically activated due to an object (16, 18, 20) in the detection range (12, 14, 90), and wherein the collision warning system (82) is automatically activated when the vehicle (80) moves away from an object (16, 18, 20) whose approach was the reason for deactivation. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the collision warning system (82) is automatically activated when a new object (16, 18, 20) approaches the vehicle (80) in the detection range (12, 14, 90). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, which is carried out depending on the speed. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, carried out in a rail vehicle. [5] Collision warning system for a vehicle (80), wherein the collision warning system (82) is designed to warn of objects (16, 18, 20) in a detection area and is configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a user interface (10, 94) for deactivating the collision warning system (82) and an evaluation unit (84) which is configured to automatically activate the deactivated collision warning system (82) depending on an object (16, 18, 20) in the detection area (12, 14, 90). [6] Collision warning system according to claim 5 with a graphical user interface (10) for switching off the collision warning system (82). [7] Collision warning system according to claim 6, wherein the user interface (10, 94) is configured to be deactivated by selecting an object (16, 18, 20) in the detection area (12, 14, 90). [8] Collision warning system according to one of claims 5 to 7, which has a warning device (92).

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