Method and device for assisting a vehicle driver

Abstract

Method (10) for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle (20), comprising the following features: - a first selection of a race track (11) made by the driver is processed, - a driving profile recorded by a pilot (12) on the race track (11) is retrieved (14) and - the driver is provided with support (15, 16) that depends on the driving profile and is characterized by the following features: - a second pilot selection (12) made by the vehicle driver is processed, - the support (15, 16) includes a display (15) of an ideal line corresponding to the driving profile on a head-up display of the motor vehicle (20), force feedback (16) to a control element of the motor vehicle (20) and partial automation of the motor vehicle (20) with a degree of automation that can be reduced by the driver as required. - the display (15) includes an optimal braking point as well as an optimal steering point of the motor vehicle (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assisting a vehicle driver. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding storage medium. State of the art

[0002] In computer science and cognitive science, so-called assistance systems are known to support users in specific situations or during certain actions. Such support is typically based on an analysis of the current situation and, if necessary, a prediction of the future situation. The required interaction should adapt to the user's natural workflow, and the output should be concise to avoid overwhelming them.

[0003] DE 10 2010 003 985 A1 discloses the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] DE 10 2009 020 997 A1 teaches how to save the ideal racing line on a track. For comparison with the user's own racing line, the ideal line of a race car driver is also displayed.

[0005] DE 197 49 582 A1 relates to a method and a device for saving fuel in motor vehicles, comprising sensors for recording vehicle condition data and means for recording the vehicle environment, wherein the device has a central unit by means of which a consumption-optimized driving profile can be created depending on the recorded vehicle environment and the recorded vehicle condition data and can be implemented in the form of a set of control signals for actuators.

[0006] For the state of the art, reference is also made to the publications DE 10 2013 019 201 A1, DE 10 2004 030 997 A1, DE 10 2011 106 358 A1 and DE 10 2006 016 185 A1, from which features of the subject matter of the application are also known. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The invention provides a method for assisting a vehicle driver, a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding storage medium according to the independent claims.

[0008] One advantage of this solution lies in the inventive combination of performance, driving pleasure, and efficiency. The motorsport enthusiast is thus made intimately familiar with the potential of their vehicle and gradually introduced to sporty driving on a racetrack.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is described in more detail below. Fig. Figure 1 shows the flowchart of a method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a device according to the invention in the shape of a sports car. Embodiments of the invention

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the simplified procedure (10) for assisting the driver of a vehicle in Fig. The motor vehicle (20) shown in Figure 2 is equipped with a machine assistance system comprising a machine-readable storage medium containing a computer program. This computer program is configured to execute the steps of the method (10) according to the invention, which are described below by way of example.

[0012] Initially, the assistance system is in a so-called "race taxi" mode, in which the driver essentially drives autonomously at maximum possible performance on selected racetracks, for example, on a circuit. The driver selects the racetrack (11) - in the present scenario, for example, the one in Fig. 2 Nürburgring shown - as well as the desired driver (12). In particular, one should think of well-known racing drivers who have developed a driving profile suitable for the respective motor vehicle (20) on the selected race track (11).

[0013] Based on the selection made by the driver, the stored driving profile is now retrieved, and the driver receives information on the ideal racing line as well as optimal braking and turn-in points. If necessary, the driver can reduce the level of automation and intensity until they have fully taken over the driving task posed by the race track (11) and the vehicle (20).

[0014] By displaying (15) said ideal line on a head-up display of the vehicle (20) and by providing intuitive force feedback (16) to its controls, the driver receives support (15, 16) from the assistance system as needed, even with a reduced level of automation.

[0015] It goes without saying that the assistance system can also autonomously guide the driver through traffic jams and rush hour traffic if necessary, without leaving the scope of the invention.

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