Method and device for operating a motor vehicle, motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (2) in which, depending on the condition values ​​of the motor vehicle (2), an impending rollover of the motor vehicle (2) is detected, wherein, in the event of a detected impending rollover, at least one countermeasure is initiated and / or at least one warning message is issued, wherein, upon detection of an impending rollover, at least one of the current condition values ​​and / or the warning message is sent to a central database and made available there for other motor vehicles, characterized in that additional environmental data, in particular weather data, road surface condition, season and / or time of day, are recorded and sent to the database.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle in which an impending rollover is detected depending on the current state values ​​of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one countermeasure is initiated and / or at least one warning message is issued when an impending rollover is detected.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for operating such a motor vehicle, which has a control unit that detects an impending rollover depending on the current state values ​​of the motor vehicle and, upon detecting an impending rollover, initiates at least one countermeasure and / or issues at least one warning message.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a safety system for a motor vehicle with the rollover protection device described above and a central database. State of the art

[0004] Methods, devices, and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art. Safety systems designed to prevent accidents, and in particular rollovers, are frequently used in vehicles with a relatively high center of gravity, such as vans or trucks. These systems use rotational and acceleration data from the vehicle to detect whether a rollover is imminent. If a rollover is detected, countermeasures are initiated, such as targeted activation of a braking system (ESP control) or intervention in the steering. Simultaneously or alternatively, such rollover protection systems issue a warning to the driver, for example, audibly or visually, so that the driver can take appropriate countermeasures. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The method according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage that when an impending rollover is detected, vehicle status data relating to the occurrence of this rollover situation are also made available to other drivers or for evaluating the hazard level of different routes, so that, on the one hand, the vehicles themselves can be optimized, particularly with regard to the rollover protection function, and, on the other hand, the routes can be improved, for example, at locations where rollover warnings are frequently issued. According to the invention, it is provided that, as per claim 1, when an impending rollover is detected, at least one of the status values ​​and / or the at least one warning message is sent to a central database and made available there for further processing.In particular, along with the vehicle's status value and / or warning message, its position data is transmitted to the database, allowing the status values ​​and / or warning message to be assigned to a location on a virtual map or a global satellite navigation system. This makes it easy to identify routes where rollovers are more likely. The advantageous method thus offers not only the already known safety benefits for the owner's own vehicle, but also, for example, added value for other vehicles and route planners.

[0006] Preferably, the current state values ​​of the vehicle, such as position coordinates, speed, steering angle, and / or distance traveled, are recorded and sent to the central database. The more diverse the data collected and sent to the database, the more accurately it can be determined what led to the threatened, or in the worst case, an actual rollover. This allows for better optimization of the roadway or for warning following vehicles of an increased risk of rollover.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferably envisaged that additional environmental data of the vehicle, in particular weather data, time of day, road surface conditions and / or the season, are recorded and sent to the central database. This also takes into account data that does not result from the driver's driving style and that have an additional influence on the risk of rollover. For example, depending on different road surface conditions, a rollover is sometimes more and sometimes less likely with the same driving behavior.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that vital data of the driver of the motor vehicle are additionally recorded and / or the vehicle type is determined and sent to the central database. For example, the driver is monitored for signs of fatigue by a driver monitoring system during driving. This vital data is stored together with the vehicle status data, so that it can be determined whether a detected impending rollover could have been avoided if the driver had been attentive. This allows, for example, decisions to be made regarding whether a warning message should be issued to the driver in a timely manner or whether a warning message should not be issued to the driver if the driver is attentive. Preferably, alternatively or additionally, the vehicle type is determined so that the transmitted data can be sorted and filtered by vehicle type.

[0009] The aforementioned advantages are also achieved by the method according to the invention with the features of claim 5. In this case, however, the motor vehicle receives information from the central database, which it uses to detect an impending rollover or to prevent it from occurring in the first place. According to the invention, it is provided that, depending on the current position coordinates of the motor vehicle, warning messages and / or status values ​​assigned to these position coordinates, which are stored in a central database and were stored there, in particular by the method described above, are queried in order to detect an impending rollover based on the queried data. The method described here thus uses the status values ​​of motor vehicles stored in the central database that have already been located at the position coordinates where the present motor vehicle is now located.By querying the database, an estimate is made of how the vehicle is likely to behave at these position coordinates or at subsequent position coordinates along its path. Specifically, based on the vehicle's current position coordinates, upcoming position coordinates are determined and used as the basis for the query. This allows for a prediction of the vehicle's behavior in the event of a rollover, taking into account earlier events at these upcoming position coordinates.

[0010] The preferred approach is to compare the queried status values ​​with the current status values ​​to detect an impending rollover and / or to decide whether to initiate countermeasures and / or issue a warning message. For example, if the current status values ​​match those stored in the database, countermeasures can be initiated or warning messages issued early. The data stored in the central database is categorized, in particular, by vehicle type, so that the vehicle type is also taken into account when querying the database.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferably envisaged that additional environmental data of the vehicle, vital data of the driver, and / or the vehicle type are recorded and compared with data stored in the central database in order to decide whether to initiate at least one countermeasure and / or issue a warning message. As described above, the current data can be compared with previously stored data to determine whether the same situation exists as before, so that a warning message can be issued or a countermeasure initiated at an early stage. By taking the vehicle type into account, the data relevant to the vehicle are filtered out from the stored data.

[0012] The device according to the invention, with the features of claim 8, is characterized by the specially designed control unit, which performs at least one of the methods according to the invention. This results in the aforementioned advantages during the operation of the motor vehicle. In particular, the advantage is achieved that the current status data of the motor vehicle is stored in the central database and can be used by other motor vehicles for the early detection of an impending rollover.

[0013] The safety system according to the invention, comprising the features of claim 10, is characterized by at least one motor vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention. The advantages already mentioned arise here. Further features and advantages become apparent from the preceding description and from the claims.

[0014] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The only illustration shown is...

[0015] Figure shows a safety system for operating a motor vehicle in a simplified representation.

[0016] The figure shows a simplified top view of a safety system. 1 for motor vehicles. The system 1 points into a motor vehicle 2 integrated device 3 on, which uses a central database 4 especially wireless communication. The device features 3 for example, a radio device that uses the mobile network to establish a communication link to the central database 4 for data exchange. The device 3 For example, a control unit 8 of the motor vehicle 2 or does such a control unit 8 on.

[0017] During the operation of the motor vehicle 2 monitors the device 3 Vehicle condition data 2, in particular the vehicle speed, steering angle, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration and / or yaw rate of the motor vehicle 2 The device is for this purpose. 3 for example, with a control unit of the motor vehicle 2 connected, which already determines the aforementioned data. Depending on the recorded status values, the device determines 3 the risk of the vehicle rolling over 2 The motor vehicle passes through. 2 a curve, as shown in the figure by an arrow 5 The display shows, in particular, the vehicle's speed, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration. 2 recorded. Knowing the vehicle's speed. 2 The device determines 3 depending on the detected acceleration and / or rotation rate, that the motor vehicle 2is in a critical condition and a rollover is imminent. To prevent this, the device intervenes. 3 into the driving behavior of the motor vehicle 2 one by, in particular, a braking system 6 of the motor vehicle 2 This is generally known and will therefore not be explained in more detail here. The device 3 It also generates a warning message, which is communicated to the driver of the vehicle, for example, audibly or visually. 2 is issued so that the user can also initiate countermeasures.

[0018] In the case where the device 3 A warning message is generated; it is intended that the device 3 The system transmits the recorded status values ​​that led to the warning message being issued via the mobile network to the central database. 4sends, where they are sent along with current position coordinates of the vehicle, corresponding to the state values. 2 , which are guided by a navigation system 7 of the motor vehicle 2 The data will be recorded and stored. The device may transmit data. 3 Furthermore, environmental data relating to the current weather conditions, road surface conditions, time of day and / or season are used to populate the database. 4 to categorize stored status values. In particular, the vehicle class is also transmitted along with the status values, so that the warning message is stored together with the vehicle's position coordinates and vehicle type.

[0019] The database 4The provided data is used, for example, for statistical analyses concerning the safety of roads or lanes. Due to the classified storage of condition values, taking into account the vehicle type, environmental data, and, if applicable, the driver's vital signs, the condition values ​​can be analyzed in the database. 4 evaluate advantageously.

[0020] In addition, the data in the database will be 4 other motor vehicles that are also connected to the safety system 1 to participate, provided. The other motor vehicles 2 , which also participate in the security system 1 to participate are, according to the motor vehicle described herein 2 trained and possess a suitable device 3 up. The device 3 queries depending on the current position coordinates of the vehicle 2 the database 4The data is then retrieved to determine whether warning messages have already been issued for these position coordinates, indicating, for example, that the driver is required to exercise increased caution or that countermeasures to improve safety can or should already be initiated. Specifically, the data is only requested if the position coordinates indicate that the vehicle is located at a specific location. 2 moving towards a point where a rollover scenario is relevant, such as before a curve. The device 3 It then compares the current condition values ​​of the motor vehicle. 2 with those in the database 4The system compares the stored state values ​​of the same vehicle type to these position coordinates to determine whether the current state values ​​have previously triggered a warning message from another vehicle. This simple comparison allows for early prediction of vehicle behavior in a critical situation, enabling faster and more targeted countermeasures.

[0021] Through the communication link with the database 4 You can also get further information from the vehicle or the motor vehicle. 2 Information such as traffic jams, obstructions, or accidents, for example on the current route or in the surrounding area, can be provided. This can also include the length of the traffic jam and the travel time.

[0022] If more than one rollover warning occurs at a specific location or on a specific section of road within a predefined environment (parameters of the procedure), particularly within a predefined time period, these are classified as statistically relevant, and the location or section of road is recorded or reported as a hazard location. Examples include highway exits or highway curves with a tightening radius, which frequently constitute hazard locations. As already mentioned, a following vehicle is then warned, before reaching this location or section of road, that critical situations have occurred there involving other vehicles.

[0023] Advantageously, the device filters / presets target vehicles. 3This ensures that, as already indicated, the status values ​​are only compared with stored status values ​​of comparable vehicle types. The device can also 3 The relevance of a stored warning message can be weighted by only initiating countermeasures and / or issuing a warning message when more than a predefined number of warning messages have been stored at that location. The current weather situation and time of day can also be taken into account.

[0024] The warning message to the driver of the motor vehicle 2 This is preferably done by a warning device of the motor vehicle. 2 Alternatively or additionally, the warning message can also be sent to the driver's mobile device, such as a smartphone or similar. This can be achieved, for example, through a dedicated communication link between the mobile phone and the vehicle. 2 take place.

[0025] The early issuance of a warning message allows the driver to, for example, reduce speed in advance and thus safely avoid a rollover in the critical section of the road. Ideally, the system determines the safe driving speed for passing through the dangerous area based on the stored warning messages. This speed is then displayed to the vehicle. 2 or displayed to the driver as a recommended speed which he should not exceed in order to avoid a rollover and, if necessary, the initiation of automatic countermeasures, such as the activation of a braking system.

[0026] As an early countermeasure that can be initiated depending on the stored warning messages, pre-filling or pre-tensioning the vehicle's brake system is particularly important. 2designed so that a braking force is generated without delayed pressure build-up.

[0027] Does the driver of the motor vehicle 2 If it does not engage in driving operation itself, the device controls / regulates it. 3 the braking system 6 preferably in such a way that it is the motor vehicle 2 The vehicle brakes down to a previously determined safe speed, thus automatically defusing the dangerous situation. Simultaneously with the automated braking, the driver is notified that automatic braking is taking place, so they are neither surprised nor confused by the braking maneuver.

Claims

[1] Methods for operating a motor vehicle ( 2 ), where, depending on the condition values ​​of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) on an impending rollover of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) is detected, whereby in the event of a detected imminent rollover at least one countermeasure is initiated and / or at least one warning message is issued, characterized by that, upon detection of an impending rollover, at least one of the current status values ​​and / or the warning message is sent to a central database and made available there for other motor vehicles. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that as current condition values ​​of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) Position coordinates, driving speed, steering angle and / or distance traveled are recorded. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat additional environmental data, in particular weather data, road surface conditions, season and / or time of day, are recorded and sent to the database. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that additionally vital data of the driver of the motor vehicle and / or a vehicle type of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) are recorded and sent to the database. [5] Methods for operating a motor vehicle ( 2 ), where, depending on the current condition values ​​of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) on an impending rollover of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) is detected, whereby in the event of a detected imminent rollover at least one countermeasure is initiated and / or at least one warning message is issued, characterized bythat, depending on the current position coordinates of the motor vehicle, warning messages and / or status values ​​of other motor vehicles are queried from a central database, which was created in particular by a method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in order to detect the impending rollover depending on the queried status values. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by that the queried state values ​​are compared with the current state values ​​in order to detect the impending rollover. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that current environmental data, vital data of the driver and / or vehicle type of the motor vehicle are compared with the previously stored data from the database in order to decide on initiating the countermeasure and / or issuing the warning message. [8] Device for operating a motor vehicle ( 2 ), which is a control unit ( 8) has, wherein the control unit ( 8 ) depending on the current condition values ​​of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) detects an impending rollover and, upon detecting an impending rollover, initiates at least one countermeasure and / or issues at least one warning message, characterized by that the control unit ( 8 ) is specially designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and / or any one of claims 5 to 8. [9] Security system ( 1 ) for at least one motor vehicle, characterized by a central database ( 4 ) and at least one device associated with a motor vehicle according to claim 8.

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