Lane change assist with ensuring an activated turn signal

Abstract

Lane change assistance system (12) for a motor vehicle (1) which is configured to automatically control the vehicle (1) in response to a lane change request by the driver as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance from an exit lane (10) to another lane (11), wherein a direction indicator control element (4) is provided in the vehicle cockpit for activating a direction indicator (7) visible from outside the vehicle, the direction indicator control element (4) - a first position switchable by the driver, which corresponds to a non-activated direction indicator, and - has a second position selectable by the driver, which is assigned to an activated direction indicator, and the lane change assist system (12) is installed, - to detect the switching of the direction indicator control element (4) from the first position to the second position and the remaining of the direction indicator control element (4) in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first duration threshold (T1) and in this case to initiate an automated lane change maneuver, - to detect the departure from the second position of the direction indicator control element (4) during the automated lane change maneuver, and - in response to this finding, to ensure that the direction indicator (7) remains activated despite leaving the second position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lane change assistance system for a motor vehicle, which automatically controls the vehicle from one lane to another in response to a lane change request from the driver, within the framework of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance. It is preferably provided that, in addition to lateral guidance, longitudinal guidance is also performed automatically by the system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding lane change assistance method.

[0002] In known lane change assistance systems with an automated lane change function, the driver typically signals a lane change request through a conscious action. The vehicle then follows a trajectory planned by the system into the adjacent lane with automatic lateral guidance and generally also automatic longitudinal guidance. In such lane change assistance systems, a driver's lane change request is typically signaled by activating a control element, such as a turn signal lever to trigger a turn signal visible from outside the vehicle.

[0003] A turn signal lever generally has a rest position corresponding to the inactive turn signal. To activate the turn signal, the driver tilts the lever from this rest position in one of two possible directions, depending on the selected direction of travel. Two different positions are provided for each direction to activate the turn signal: a latching position, in which the turn signal is permanently activated without the driver having to hold the lever, and – before the latching position – a momentary flashing position, in which the turn signal is activated and returns to the rest position when the lever is released.

[0004] Possible driver actions to signal a lane change intention to the lane change assist system include, according to one variant, switching the turn signal lever to the latching position when using the turn signal lever, or, according to a second variant, holding the turn signal lever continuously in the momentary flashing position. In the second variant, it may be stipulated that the driver must hold the turn signal lever in the momentary flashing position for a duration greater than or equal to a predefined time threshold for the lane change assist system to trigger and execute the automatic lane change.

[0005] If the turn signal is controlled solely by the turn signal lever, the lever must either be locked in the latching position (first option) or, in the second option, the driver must hold it in the momentary turn signal position throughout the entire lane change maneuver to ensure the turn signal is activated. With the latching lever, this can lead to false positive lane change detections, for example, at unrecognized intersections or due to other map errors. In these cases, the system incorrectly registers a lane change request from the driver when the driver has not actually initiated one. With the momentary turn signal lever, the driver must hold it for as long as possible to activate the signal, which may be perceived as inconvenient.

[0006] As explained above, in the second variant it is preferably provided that the driver must hold the indicator lever in the momentary indicator position for a period of time greater than or equal to a specified time threshold in order for the lane change assist system to trigger the automatic lane change.

[0007] Conflicting requirements are placed on the duration threshold: From a comfort perspective, the duration threshold should be as low as possible (e.g., 0.5 s) so that the lane change can be initiated with the shortest possible operating action. From a user safety perspective, the duration threshold should be set as high as possible so that, on the one hand, a lane change cannot be unintentionally triggered by briefly activating the turn signal lever, and on the other hand, the turn signal remains active for as long as possible when the lever is held in the momentary flashing position, thus signaling the lane change maneuver to following traffic for as long as possible during the process.

[0008] From German patent application DE 10 2015 203 208 A1, a lane change assistance system is known that automatically controls the vehicle, upon the driver's request to change lanes, as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance, from an exit lane to an adjacent lane. A control element in the vehicle cockpit, which the driver can continuously operate through a sustained action, is provided, in particular a turn signal lever designed as a steering column stalk. To continuously activate the control element, the driver must perform an action for the duration of the activation, for example, pushing a turn signal lever against a counterforce. Furthermore, environmental sensors are provided to acquire information about the surroundings, at least of the adjacent lane.The lane change assist system is designed to detect an initial activation of the control element, indicating a driver's intention to change lanes and activating the lane change assist function. When the lane change assist function is activated, the system uses environmental information regarding traffic, at least in the adjacent lane, to decide whether to initiate a lane change maneuver. If the decision is not positive, the system repeatedly reassesses whether to initiate a lane change maneuver until a positive decision is reached. During this decision-making process, the system continuously monitors whether the control element is still being activated.The continuous monitoring to ensure the control is still being operated continues at least until a positive decision to initiate the lane change maneuver is made, or alternatively, even until the lane change maneuver has actually been initiated. If, during this continuous monitoring, it is determined that the control is no longer being operated, the lane change assist function is preferably deactivated before the lane change maneuver is initiated. If, finally, a positive decision to initiate the lane change maneuver is made and the control is still being operated, the system automatically initiates the lane change maneuver. After the lane change maneuver has been initiated, the vehicle is automatically steered into the adjacent lane with at least automatic lateral guidance.

[0009] German patent application DE 102 10 723 A1 discloses a lane change assistance system with automatic lateral guidance, which, upon a command from the driver, automatically controls the vehicle's change to an adjacent lane and features a turn signal lever that can be moved in opposite directions from a neutral position. A sensor is assigned to the turn signal lever for each direction of movement, providing a multi-valued output signal corresponding to the lever's activation, which determines the dynamics of the lane change maneuver. Once the lane change maneuver has been initiated, the driver must continuously activate the turn signal lever during the first half of the maneuver (i.e., until the vehicle crosses the boundary into the adjacent lane); otherwise, the lane change is aborted.

[0010] German patent application DE 103 55 807 A1 discloses a control system for a motor vehicle turn signal with video-based lane detection, whereby the turn signal is automatically deactivated after a lane change.

[0011] The German patent application DE 10 2014 203 854 A1 refers to modern control systems for turn signals that allow for the temporary activation of the turn signal for lane changes. To activate this temporary signal, the driver only needs to move the turn signal lever far enough so that it does not lock into the normal flashing position. After a predetermined period, usually a few seconds, the turn signal is then automatically deactivated.

[0012] The task is to provide a lane change assistance system and a corresponding lane change assistance procedure that allows a long activity of the turn signal during the lane change maneuver, so that the traffic behind is informed about the lane change maneuver for a long time during the lane change process.

[0013] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a dependent claim, without the features of the independent claim itself or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent claim, can constitute a separate invention independent of the combination of all features of the independent claim, which can be the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can constitute an invention independent of the features of the independent claims.

[0014] A first aspect of the application concerns a lane change assistance system for a motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car), which is designed to automatically control the vehicle, upon the driver's request to change lanes, within the framework of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance, from one lane to another. The other lane is preferably an immediately adjacent lane. However, it would also be conceivable that the other lane is not an immediately adjacent lane, but rather that the lane change occurs across several lanes. The vehicle cockpit contains a turn signal control element for activating a turn signal visible from outside the vehicle.A direction indicator is a lighting device on a motor vehicle that informs road users of changes in direction and is usually implemented as a flashing light.

[0015] The direction indicator control has a first position switchable by the driver, which corresponds to a non-activated direction indicator (for example, a flashing light off), and a second position switchable by the driver, which corresponds to an activated direction indicator (for example, a flashing flashing light).

[0016] The turn signal control element is preferably a turn signal lever. The turn signal lever has, for example, as described above, an adjustable rest position for a deactivated turn signal. The turn signal lever also has a selectable detent position in which the turn signal is permanently activated without the driver having to hold the lever. Furthermore, a momentary flashing position is adjustable, in which the turn signal is activated and returns to the rest position when the turn signal lever is released. In this case, for example, the rest position corresponds to the first position and the momentary flashing position corresponds to the second position.

[0017] The lane change assist system is designed to detect when the turn signal control switches from the first to the second position and, based on this, to initiate an automated lane change maneuver. Specifically, the lane change assist system is configured to detect when the turn signal control has switched from the first to the second position and remains in this second position for a period of time greater than or equal to a predefined threshold (e.g., 1 second or 1.5 seconds), and in this case, to initiate an automated lane change maneuver.

[0018] Furthermore, the lane change assist system is designed to detect when the direction indicator control element leaves the second position during the automated lane change maneuver, especially when moving to the first position.

[0019] In response to this detection, the lane change assist system then ensures that the turn signal remains activated even after leaving the second position. It is conceivable that the turn signal might be deactivated for a brief period between leaving the second position and the lane change assist system's action to keep it in an activated state.

[0020] For example, it is possible that, throughout the entire remaining lane change after leaving the second position, the turn signal indicator is controlled by the assistance system in such a way that it appears flashing to other road users, even if the driver returned the indicator lever to the neutral position long before the lane change was completed. However, it is also possible that the system does not indicate that the indicator remains in an activated state for the entire remaining duration of the lane change, but only for a predetermined period after leaving the second position.

[0021] By ensuring that the turn signal remains activated even after leaving the second position, the lane change assist system allows the lane change to be signaled to traffic for a longer period of time by the activated turn signal, in such a way that this does not require any additional action from the driver.

[0022] Preferably, the turn signal is generally controlled independently of the lane change assist system, with the turn signal's state being determined by the position of the turn signal control element. However, during automated lane change maneuvers, the lane change assist system intervenes in the turn signal control when the second position of the turn signal control element is exited, causing the turn signal to remain activated despite leaving the second position.

[0023] It is advantageous if the lane change assist system is configured to activate the turn signal for a predetermined duration after detecting that the turn signal control has moved out of the second position, in particular for a predetermined duration of n turn signal cycles (e.g., n = 5 turn signal cycles). In this case, the lane change assist system, for example, sets an activation signal corresponding to an activated turn signal, with the duration of the signal corresponding to the predetermined duration.

[0024] After reaching the target position in the other lane to complete the lane change maneuver, the turn signal indicator that was kept activated via the lane change assist system is automatically deactivated if it is still activated via the lane change assist system at that time, for example because a predetermined time period for the activated turn signal indicator has not yet expired.

[0025] Preferably, the lane change assist system is configured to check during the lane change maneuver whether the turn signal control remains in the second position until the lane change maneuver has met a specific criterion regarding its progress, in particular until a reference point of the vehicle (e.g., the front left wheel during a left lane change or the front right wheel during a right lane change) has reached or crossed a specific boundary (especially the lane boundary between the exit lane and the adjacent lane). For example, it is checked whether the turn signal lever remains in the momentary flashing position until the front left wheel (or right wheel) has crossed the lane boundary.

[0026] The lane change maneuver is aborted (and the vehicle preferably returns automatically to the original lane) if it is determined that the turn signal control will not remain in the second position until the lane change maneuver has met the specified criterion. For example, the lane change maneuver is aborted and the vehicle returns to the original lane if the respective front wheel has crossed the lane boundary between the two lanes.

[0027] When the lane change assist system detects that the second position is being left, it ensures that the turn signal remains activated, provided that the criterion regarding the progress of the maneuver is met (since the lane change maneuver would otherwise be aborted anyway).

[0028] If the lane change maneuver is aborted and the vehicle returns to the original lane, the lane change assist system can automatically activate the turn signal in the direction of the original lane.

[0029] A second aspect of the registration concerns a lane change assist system, which is designed to detect when the turn signal lever has switched from the first to the second position and remains in this second position for a period of time greater than or equal to a predefined threshold, and to initiate an automated lane change maneuver accordingly. For example, if the driver holds the turn signal lever in the momentary position for a period of time greater than or equal to the predefined threshold (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the lane change assist system will initiate the automatic lane change.

[0030] The lane change assist system is designed to check during the lane change maneuver whether the turn signal control remains in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a second duration threshold.

[0031] The lane change maneuver is aborted if it is detected that the turn signal control does not remain in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a second time threshold. Upon aborting the lane change maneuver, the vehicle preferably returns automatically to the original lane.

[0032] For example, after initiating a lane change, the driver must activate the turn signal lever for a minimum time corresponding to the second time threshold. If the driver releases the turn signal lever before reaching the minimum time, the lane change assist system automatically steers the vehicle back into the original lane.

[0033] The second aspect of the registration ensures that the turn signal remains active for a longer period during the lane change maneuver, thus informing following traffic of the lane change. If the turn signal control unit leaves the second position too soon after the lane change has begun, the maneuver will be aborted anyway.

[0034] The first duration threshold can be kept as small as possible (for example, with a duration threshold of 0.5 s) so that the automated lane change can be initiated with the shortest possible action in the case of a one-touch turn signal operation. By ensuring that the turn signal control is activated during the maneuver after reaching the first duration threshold until the second duration threshold (e.g., 1 s) is reached, it is ensured that the lane change is not unintentionally continued and that the turn signal remains illuminated for a sufficient duration during the lane change maneuver. The first duration threshold is preferably in the range of 0.25 s to 2 s, and the second duration threshold is preferably in the range of 0.5 s to 3 s.

[0035] Preferably, the sum of the first time-duration threshold and the second time-duration threshold is such that the vehicle flashes at least n times after the control element is activated (for example, with n = 3).

[0036] Regarding the second aspect of the application, one alternative might stipulate that the additional time period begins upon reaching the first time period threshold, meaning that counting only starts from the point where the first time period is reached. A second alternative might stipulate that the additional time period begins from the start of the lane change maneuver. This results in a time difference between the first and second alternatives if there is a time lag between reaching the first time period threshold and the start of the lane change maneuver.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the application according to the invention, which are not explicitly described here, correspond to the advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the application according to the invention described above.

[0038] A third aspect of the application concerns a lane-change assistance procedure for a motor vehicle, corresponding to the first aspect of the application. In this procedure, the vehicle is automatically controlled from one lane to another in response to a lane-change request from the driver, as part of an automated lane-change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance. According to the procedure, the system detects when the turn signal control switches from the first position to the second position and remains in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first time threshold. In this case, an automated lane-change maneuver is initiated. During the automated lane-change maneuver, the system checks whether the turn signal control has left the second position (in particular, whether it has moved back to the first position).If this is the case, the direction indicator will remain activated even after leaving the second position.

[0039] The foregoing statements regarding the lane change assistance system according to the first aspect of the application also apply accordingly to the method according to the third aspect of the application.

[0040] A fourth aspect of the application concerns a lane-change assistance procedure for a motor vehicle corresponding to the second aspect of the application.

[0041] The procedure detects that the turn signal control has switched from the first position to the second position and remains in this second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first time threshold. In response, an automated lane change maneuver is initiated, and during the maneuver, it is checked whether the turn signal control remains in the second position for a further duration greater than or equal to a second time threshold. If it is determined that the turn signal control does not remain in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a second time threshold, the lane change maneuver is aborted.

[0042] The first and third aspects of the application, as well as the second and fourth aspects, are described below using two exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an exemplary passenger car with an embodiment of the lane change assist system according to the first or second aspect of the application; Fig. 2. An exemplary functioning of the lane change assistance system according to the first aspect of the application or an exemplary lane change assistance procedure according to the third aspect of the application; and Fig. 3 an exemplary functioning of the lane change assistance system according to the second aspect of the application or an exemplary lane change assistance procedure according to the fourth aspect of the application.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a passenger car 1 moving in the direction of the arrow on an exit lane 10 with an embodiment of a lane change assistance system 12 according to the first or second aspect of the application.

[0044] The vehicle comprises a steering wheel 3 for manually steering the vehicle 1 and a turn signal lever 4, which is integrated in particular into the steering column. The turn signal lever 4 can be in the neutral position, in one of the two momentary turn signal positions for a lane change left or right, or in one of the two locked continuous turn signal positions left or right.

[0045] An electronic control unit 2 is used to detect the position of the turn signal lever 4. Depending on the detected position of the turn signal lever 4, a turn signal control unit 3 is activated, which controls the turn signals 7 of the vehicle appropriately according to the position of the turn signal lever 4 (in Fig. (1 only the rear turn signals are shown).

[0046] Furthermore, an electromechanical steering system with a steering actuator 5 in the form of an electric motor is provided, which is controlled via an electronic steering control unit 6.

[0047] Furthermore, an environmental sensor system (not shown) with one or more sensors is provided to capture environmental information regarding traffic, at least on a secondary lane 11. One or more appropriately oriented radar systems, as well as appropriately oriented ultrasound or camera-based sensors, can be used for this purpose. The sensor signals are evaluated in an environmental analysis module (not shown). Here, for example, the positions of objects on the secondary lane 11 and their respective speeds are determined. In the lane change assist system 12, or in a separate upstream trajectory planning module, suitable clearances on the secondary lane 11 and appropriate trajectories for a lane change maneuver are determined based on the environmental information obtained in the environmental analysis module.For example, consideration is given to whether a vehicle 10 is next to the own vehicle 1 on the adjacent lane 11, whether a faster vehicle 10 is behind the own vehicle 1 on the adjacent lane 11, or whether a slower vehicle is in front of the own vehicle 1 on the adjacent lane 11.

[0048] Furthermore, a front camera (not shown) is present, the image from which is analyzed in a camera evaluation system. Using the image from the front camera, the current lane 10 can be measured and the adjacent lane 11 can be detected and measured in the camera evaluation system. This lane information is then provided to the lane change assist system 12.

[0049] The lane change assistant 12 also receives a signal from the control electronics 2, which indicates the position of the turn signal lever 4.

[0050] In the case of a lane change assist system 12 according to the first aspect of the application, a further preferably provided intervention of the lane change assist system 12 on the turn signal control 3 is shown in dashed lines, by means of which the lane change assist system can keep the respective turn signal 7 activated when the turn signal lever 4 leaves the momentary turn signal position.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary functioning of the lane change assistance system 12 according to the first aspect of the application or a lane change assistance procedure according to the third aspect of the application in a simplified manner.

[0052] In query 100, it is checked whether the turn signal lever 4 is held in the momentary flashing position for a duration Δt ≥ T1 (e.g., T1 = 1 s). If this is the case, in step 110 the lane change maneuver is started according to the direction of actuation of the turn signal lever 4, provided that the target lane 11 can be reached safely based on the information from the environmental analysis. The lane change maneuver is carried out successively via the corresponding control of the steering control unit. Furthermore, longitudinal guidance is preferably also carried out automatically during the lane change maneuver by controlling the drive and, if necessary, the service brake.

[0053] If, before the lane change maneuver is completed, it is determined that the indicator lever 4 is no longer in the one-touch position according to query 130, query 140 checks whether the front wheel (left or right, depending on the direction of the lane change) has crossed the lane boundary between the starting lane 10 and the target lane 11. If this is not the case, the lane change is aborted and the vehicle automatically returns to the starting lane 10 (see step 150).

[0054] If, when exiting the one-touch turn signal position, the wheel has already crossed the lane boundary, the lane change maneuver continues (see step 170) and the lane change assist system 12 flashes again (see step 160), i.e., the lane keeping assist system 12 intervenes via the in Fig. 1 The dashed connection shown in the diagram is connected to the turn signal control 3 in such a way that the respective turn signal 7 remains activated despite leaving the momentary turn signal position.

[0055] The after-flashing can remain active until the lane change maneuver is complete. Alternatively, it can be set to continue flashing for a predetermined duration (whereby the after-flashing automatically stops upon reaching the target position if the predetermined duration has not yet been reached).

[0056] In Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary functioning of the lane change assistance system 12 according to the second aspect of the application or a lane change assistance procedure according to the fourth aspect of the application, presented in a simplified manner.

[0057] In query 100, it is checked whether the turn signal lever 4 is held in the momentary flashing position for a duration Δt ≥ T1 (e.g., T1 = 0.5 s). If this is the case, in step 110 the lane change maneuver is started according to the direction of actuation of the turn signal lever 4, provided that the target lane 11 can be reached safely based on the information from the environmental analysis. The lane change maneuver is carried out successively via the corresponding control of the steering control unit. Furthermore, longitudinal guidance is preferably also carried out automatically during the lane change maneuver by controlling the drive and, if necessary, the service brake.

[0058] If, before the lane change maneuver is completed, it is determined that the indicator lever 4 is no longer in the momentary indicator position according to query 130, query 140 checks whether, after the lane change has started (i.e., after reaching the time duration T1), the driver has held the indicator lever 4 in the momentary indicator position for a predetermined minimum duration T2.

[0059] If this is not the case, the lane change is aborted and the vehicle automatically returns to the starting lane 10 (see step 150).

[0060] If, when leaving the momentary turn signal position, the driver has held the turn signal lever 4 for the minimum duration T2 (calculated from the start of the lane change or reaching the minimum duration T1), the lane change maneuver will continue (see step 170) until the lane change maneuver is completed (see step 180).

Claims

[1] Lane change assistance system (12) for a motor vehicle (1) which is configured to automatically control the vehicle (1) in response to a lane change request by the driver as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance from an exit lane (10) to another lane (11), wherein a direction indicator control element (4) is provided in the vehicle cockpit for activating a direction indicator (7) visible from outside the vehicle, the direction indicator control element (4) - a first position switchable by the driver, which corresponds to a non-activated direction indicator, and - has a second position selectable by the driver, which is assigned to an activated direction indicator, and the lane change assist system (12) is installed, - to detect the switching of the direction indicator control element (4) from the first position to the second position and the remaining of the direction indicator control element (4) in the second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first duration threshold (T1) and in this case to initiate an automated lane change maneuver, - to detect the departure from the second position of the direction indicator control element (4) during the automated lane change maneuver, and - in response to this finding, to ensure that the direction indicator (7) remains activated despite leaving the second position. [2] Lane change assist system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lane change assist system (12) is configured, - to check during the lane change maneuver whether the direction indicator control element (4) remains in the second position until the previous lane change maneuver fulfills a certain criterion with regard to the progress of the maneuver, in particular a reference point of the vehicle has reached or exceeded a certain limit, - to abort the lane change maneuver if it is determined that the direction indicator control element (4) does not remain in the second position until the lane change maneuver has met the specified criterion with regard to the progress of the maneuver, and - upon detection of leaving the second position, to ensure that the direction indicator (7) remains activated, provided that the criterion relating to the progress of the maneuver is met. [3] Lane change assist system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lane change assist system (12) is configured to activate the direction indicator (7) for a predetermined period of time, in particular for a predetermined period of time of n flasher cycles, after detecting that the second position of the direction indicator control element (4) has been left. [4] Lane change assist system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lane change assist system (12) is configured to deactivate the direction indicator (7) which was kept activated via the lane change assist system (12) after reaching the target position in the other lane (11). [5] Lane change assistance system (12) for a motor vehicle, which is configured to automatically control the vehicle in response to a lane change request by the driver as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance from an exit lane (10) to another lane (11), wherein a direction indicator control element (4) is provided in the vehicle cockpit for activating a direction indicator (7) visible from outside the vehicle, wherein the direction indicator control element (4) - a first position switchable by the driver, which is assigned to a non-activated direction indicator (7), and - has a second position selectable by the driver, which is assigned to an activated direction indicator (7), and the lane change assist system (12) is set up, - to determine that the direction indicator control element (4) has been switched from the first position to the second position and remains in this second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first duration threshold, and depending on this, to initiate an automated lane change maneuver, - during the lane change maneuver to check whether the direction indicator control element (4) remains in the second position for a further period of time greater than or equal to a second period of time threshold, and - to abort the lane change maneuver if it is determined that the direction indicator control element (4) will not remain in the second position for a further period of time greater than or equal to a second period of time threshold. [6] Lane change assist system (12) according to claim 5, wherein the second time duration begins when the first time duration threshold is reached. [7] Lane change assist system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction indicator control element is a turn signal lever (4). [8] Lane change assist system (12) according to claim 7, wherein the indicator lever (4) comprises: - a rest position for a non-activated direction indicator (7), - a locking position in which the direction indicator (7) is permanently activated without the need for the driver to hold the indicator lever (4), and - before the locking position, a momentary flashing position in which the direction indicator (7) is activated and falls into the rest position when the indicator lever (4) is released, the rest position corresponding to the first position and the momentary flashing position corresponding to the second position. [9] Lane change assistance procedure for a motor vehicle (1) in which the vehicle (1) is automatically controlled in response to a lane change request by the driver as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance from an exit lane (10) to another lane (11), wherein a direction indicator control element (4) is provided in the vehicle cockpit for activating a direction indicator (7) visible from outside the vehicle, the direction indicator control element (4) - a first position switchable by the driver, which is assigned to a non-activated direction indicator (7), and - a second position selectable by the driver, which is associated with an activated direction indicator (7), and the lane change assist procedure comprises the following steps: - Detecting the switching of the direction indicator control element (4) from the first position to the second position and the remaining of the direction indicator control element (4) in the second position for a duration greater than or greater than a first duration threshold (T1) and in this case initiating an automated lane change maneuver; - during the automated lane change maneuver, detection of the departure from the second position of the direction indicator control element (4); and - in response to this finding, cause the direction indicator (7) to remain activated despite leaving the second position. [10] Lane change assistance method for a motor vehicle (1) in which the vehicle is automatically controlled in response to a lane change request by the driver as part of an automated lane change maneuver with at least automatic lateral guidance from an exit lane (10) to another lane (11), wherein a direction indicator control element (4) is provided in the vehicle cockpit for activating a direction indicator (7) visible from outside the vehicle, the direction indicator control element (4) - a first position switchable by the driver, which is assigned to a non-activated direction indicator (7), and - a second position selectable by the driver, which is associated with an activated direction indicator (7), and the lane change assist procedure comprises the following steps: - Determining that the direction indicator control element (4) has been switched from the first position to the second position and remains in this second position for a duration greater than or equal to a first duration threshold, and initiating an automated lane change maneuver depending on this; - during the lane change maneuver, check whether the direction indicator control element (4) remains in the second position for a further duration greater than or equal to a second duration threshold; and - Abort the lane change maneuver if it is determined that the direction indicator control element (4) will not remain in the second position for a further duration greater than or equal to a second duration threshold.

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