Travel time determination

Abstract

Method (200) for planning a journey with a motor vehicle (100), comprising the following steps: - detecting (210) a defect of the motor vehicle (100); - determining (215) a change in a driving dynamic characteristic value of the motor vehicle (100) due to the defect; - determining (215) travel information based on the changed characteristic value; and - transmitting (220, 245) the travel information to a calendar managed by an external calendar service (140).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for providing travel information for a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to determining travel information in the event of a defect in the motor vehicle.

[0002] Monitoring the operating functions of a motor vehicle, such as the speed driven or energy consumption per distance travelled, while driving and providing this information to the driver is now common practice and allows the driver to conveniently estimate his or her further journey.

[0003] In addition, navigation systems and methods for motor vehicles are known that suggest a route from a starting point to a destination and also determine and display the estimated arrival time or duration of the journey. The suggested route can be adjusted during the journey depending on current route status values, for example, due to a road closure, traffic jam, or adverse road conditions. Then, taking into account a modified route, if necessary, a modified arrival time or modified journey duration can be calculated and displayed.

[0004] Not only traffic delays, but also a defect occurring during operation of a motor vehicle can affect the course of a journey. It may be possible to continue driving, but only at a reduced speed. However, a standard route planning system does not take this increased travel time into account, meaning a user may reach their destination significantly later than indicated by the route planning system.

[0005] DE 10 036 580 A1 concerns a vehicle control system in the event of tire pressure loss.

[0006] DE 10 2017 103 685 A1 proposes determining whether a spare tire is installed based on the air pressure in the spare tire. If so, a vehicle subsystem can be activated.

[0007] DE 10 2018 129 095 A1 shows the planning of a route for a vehicle depending on a vehicle part to be replaced on the vehicle.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved technique for providing travel information of a motor vehicle in the event of a motor vehicle failure. This object is achieved by the invention defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for planning a journey with a motor vehicle comprises steps of detecting a defect of the motor vehicle; determining a change in a driving dynamics characteristic value of the motor vehicle due to the defect; determining journey information based on the changed characteristic value; and transmitting the journey information to a calendar managed by an external calendar service.

[0010] According to the invention, the defect of the motor vehicle can be taken into account when determining the travel information, so that more appropriate or precise information can be provided. This information can, in particular, include a changed arrival date or a changed travel route. The updated travel information can have greater utility for the user, who can then plan their appointments more effectively.

[0011] The defect in the motor vehicle may include physical damage to the vehicle or a vehicle component, or a malfunction of a control unit, which may alter the driving dynamics characteristic. The driving dynamics characteristic may include, for example, a maximum drivable speed, a friction coefficient between a vehicle tire and the road surface, a maximum angular velocity when cornering, a minimum curve radius, or a turning circle diameter.

[0012] For example, one or more driving parameters may be changed if a tire of the motor vehicle is damaged. The travel information generally includes the course of a journey with the motor vehicle or the arrival at a predetermined destination and is determined depending on at least one specific driving dynamics parameter. The travel information can be determined or updated based on the dynamic parameter changed by the defect.

[0013] The driving dynamics parameter can influence the course of a journey or the driving time required in different ways.

[0014] In a first variant, the driving dynamics characteristic is limited by the function of a control system of the motor vehicle. For example, the maximum speed of the motor vehicle can be actively limited to a predetermined value by a control system, for example, to enable continued travel to a suitable repair location while observing a safety-relevant functional restriction. Such a function is also known as "limp home slowly" and is used, for example, in the event of a defect in an internal combustion engine that serves as the motor vehicle's drive.

[0015] The defect may affect the control system itself, for example, a longitudinal and / or lateral control system. The longitudinal control system may comprise a drive train with a drive system. The lateral control system may comprise a chassis, a steering system, and / or a wheel-specific control system for the wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0016] In a second variant, which can be combined with the first variant, a recommendation for a maximum or minimum value of the driving dynamics parameter is issued. For example, a recommendation can be made not to exceed a predetermined maximum speed or a predetermined lateral acceleration. The parameter can also be issued in the form of an instruction.

[0017] Furthermore, the travel information can include a statement regarding the expected behavior of the motor vehicle. Preferably, a justification for the recommendation can be provided, which may include a reference to the motor vehicle's defect. Such information can better clarify for the user how the motor vehicle should be driven to ensure a safe arrival and, if necessary, avoid further damage to the motor vehicle.

[0018] Specifically, the vehicle's defect may affect a tire in a run-flat condition. Such a defect is typically diagnosed by a tire monitoring system, namely when it detects low air pressure in one of the tires. It may also be configured for a tire to report a defect automatically, or, if the tire is mounted on a spare tire, for this to be detected automatically, or for the user to report it to the control system.

[0019] A run-flat tire can, for example, include a tire with emergency running properties, which can also be referred to as a run-flat tire. The tire can be protected against total loss of pressure or function, for example by a chemical that binds and blocks a damaged area if it escapes from the tire, or by a bead made of permanently elastic material arranged in the tire's air chamber, which can maintain at least minimal tire function even in the event of pressure loss. In the event of a damage, the rolling, friction, or guidance properties of the tire can be impaired. Such a tire can, to a limited extent, assume the function of a tire in normal condition, but its range and / or maximum speed can be restricted. For example, in the event of a loss of air pressure, depending on the road conditions, it may be possible to continue driving for up to approximately 80 km.

[0020] A runflat tire can have self-supporting, reinforced sidewalls that can support the vehicle's weight and operate at speeds up to a predetermined speed of, for example, 80 km / h without significantly impacting braking, steering, or traction. Other types of runflat tires include support rings or have a self-sealing wall. The change in the driving dynamics characteristic depending on the type of tire in runflat mode can be stored in the control system or at an external location.

[0021] It can also be determined which of the motor vehicle's tires is in emergency mode, and the change in the vehicle's dynamic characteristic can be based on the specific tire. A driving dynamic characteristic can change depending on whether a driven tire, a trailing tire, a front tire, or a rear tire is defective. The change in the characteristic depending on the tire position can be stored in a simplified manner, since a motor vehicle only has a certain number of tires, each with a predetermined position and function.

[0022] Furthermore, the driving dynamics characteristic can include the range of the motor vehicle. The range can be determined based on available energy and specific energy consumption.

[0023] A vehicle's energy consumption may be increased, for example, by increased rolling resistance from a defective tire. Furthermore, wear and tear on vehicle parts affected by the defect may limit the vehicle's range. Due to the defect, a planned destination may not be reachable without refueling or charging an electrical energy storage device. If the vehicle's range is low, a warning may be issued to the user and / or suggestions for a change of route may be provided. A modified route may involve stopping at a gas station or other suitable energy source.

[0024] The driving dynamics characteristic value can be output to the user, in particular a driver of the motor vehicle. The characteristic value can be output in the form of a minimum or maximum limit value, for example a maximum drivable speed, which can be predefined or determined by the control system. The driving dynamics characteristic value can also be output in a form in which a remaining reserve is indicated. This remaining reserve can, for example, relate to a difference between a currently driven speed and a maximum drivable speed. In other words, an indication of how much the motor vehicle can still be accelerated without exceeding the predetermined maximum speed.

[0025] Preferably, the travel information may include a planned arrival time. The course of a journey planned using a navigation system may be affected by the defect with regard to a predetermined travel duration, an estimated arrival time, and / or a travel route. Such a change based on a changed driving dynamics parameter may result, for example, from a reduced maximum speed. In such a case, the planned arrival time can be updated based on the changed parameter and displayed to the user.

[0026] Travel information can relate to a planned travel route that can be adjusted based on a changed driving dynamics parameter. For example, a travel route can be determined that avoids a route section with a specified minimum speed, an unfavorable road surface, or a tunnel that must be negotiated. A justification for such restrictions or changes can be provided to the user, making it easier for them to accept the changed travel route.

[0027] Provision may be made for the travel information to be transmitted to a calendar. The calendar may be implemented as a time management system, particularly an electronic one, which may be stored in a predetermined memory, preferably connected to a communications network, in order to share an entry among multiple users or objects. The time management system may appropriately alert the driver that a postponement of a scheduled appointment or the notification of another person about a delay in his or her arrival time may be necessary.

[0028] Preferably, an entry in a calendar is updated when the travel information is transmitted. For example, an existing entry for the affected trip can be adjusted, or an entry originally scheduled for the trip that conflicts with a postponed arrival time can be postponed. For this purpose, a newly determined arrival time can be used as a basis for rescheduling the appointment, and a rescheduling of a planned appointment can be prepared and output via the interaction device for confirmation. An adjustment to a calendar entry can be made, for example, in a calendar of the vehicle or a calendar of a person recognized on board the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, a person can be identified who is associated with the calendar entry, and a suggestion can be made to contact this person. It can be suggested that the person be contacted by telephone, which can be prepared and carried out via a communications system present in the vehicle. The user can then speak to the specific person themselves, or a voice message can be sent to the person automatically. Provision can also be made to contact the person by other means, such as by email, in which case a prepared message containing the travel information relating to the calendar entry can be used for sending.

[0030] Advantageously, it can be provided that the driving dynamics characteristic value is obtained from an external source. For example, a characteristic value relating to a tire in run-flat mode can be obtained from the external source. This allows a specification of a maximum drivable speed or a range of a tire in run-flat mode to be determined taking into account manufacturer specifications. The characteristic value can be determined by the external source depending on prevailing conditions. The conditions can include, for example, an outside temperature, a load, or the position of a damaged tire on the vehicle.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the driving dynamics parameter, if obtained from an external source, can be determined taking into account changed specifications or rules, so that the travel information can be adapted based on current data. In one embodiment, current road conditions can be obtained that are assigned to the driving dynamics parameter. This can, for example, allow the travel planning system to adapt the travel route based on existing road conditions.

[0032] According to a further aspect, the invention comprises a device for determining travel information, wherein the device comprises a communication device for transmitting travel information to a calendar managed by an external calendar service; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to detect a defect of a motor vehicle, determine a change in a driving dynamics characteristic value of the motor vehicle due to the defect, and determine amended travel information based on the amended characteristic value.

[0033] The processing device can be configured to carry out a method described herein in whole or in part. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a schematically illustrated motor vehicle comprising a device according to the invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining travel information.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematically illustrated motor vehicle 100 having a traction drive 105 configured to drive tires 110 of the motor vehicle 100. The traction drive 105 may comprise an internal combustion engine or an electric drive motor. Furthermore, a tire monitoring system 115 may be provided in the motor vehicle 100, which in this case may comprise sensors 120, each of which may be assigned to a tire 110, for example, to monitor the air pressure of the assigned tire 110.

[0036] On board the motor vehicle 100, a device 122 with a processing device 125 can be provided, which, for example, implements a driving control system configured to detect a defect in the motor vehicle 100 and to determine a driving dynamics characteristic of the motor vehicle 100 that has been changed by a defect. Furthermore, the device 122 can implement a travel planning system for determining travel information based on the characteristic value. In one embodiment, the device 122 or the processing device 125 is part of a navigation or travel planning system configured to determine a route and / or an arrival time of the motor vehicle at a travel destination.

[0037] The processing device 125 can be connected to an interaction device 130, which is configured to enable the travel information to be output to a user and / or to enable user input. The interaction device 130 can be included in another system on board the motor vehicle 100 and, in particular, can have a touchscreen.

[0038] Furthermore, the processing device 125 can be connected to a communication device 135 configured to communicate with an external location 140, in which data associated with a driving dynamics characteristic value can be stored. As will be shown in more detail later, the external location 140—or another external location—can manage a calendar entry associated with the motor vehicle 100 or a person on board the motor vehicle 100. The external location 140 can operate as a calendar service or calendar server.

[0039] The processing device 125, in particular the driving control, can be connected to the tire monitoring system 115. The tire monitoring system 115 can use the sensor 120 to determine the air pressure, wear, tread depth, or temperature of one of the tires 110 and determine whether a predetermined value has been exceeded or not reached. For example, if a tire 110 has too low an air pressure, this can be detected, and it can be determined that a defect exists in the respective tire 110 if the determined air pressure falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0040] The tire monitoring system 115 can transmit information about the defect in the tire 110, the position of the tire 110 on the motor vehicle 100, and optionally further information about the current operating conditions of the tire 110 to the processing device 125. It can be determined whether the tire 110 is a runflat tire. This can, for example, be stored as information in the processing device 125 or determined by the tire monitoring system 115.

[0041] It can also be provided that a tire 110 automatically transmits an existing defect to the processing device 125 via a suitable device. For this purpose, a sensor 120 together with a processing device can be attached directly to or in the tire 110. Alternatively, the detection of a defect affecting a tire 110 can be carried out by a user input via the interaction device 130, for example, if the 110 is attached to a spare wheel that replaces a wheel with a defective tire 110.

[0042] The processing device 125 can communicate with the external location 140 via the communication device 135 and query a specific driving dynamics characteristic value for the specific defective tire 110, which may, in particular, relate to a maximum drivable speed or a maximum range. Based on this characteristic value, the processing device 125, in particular the travel planning system, can determine travel information and output it to the user via the interaction device 130. In another embodiment, the changed driving dynamics characteristic value can also be determined autonomously.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 200, which may be performed, in particular, using a device 122. The specified order of steps may be varied in further embodiments, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0044] In a step 205, a journey of the motor vehicle from a starting point to a destination can be planned. For this purpose, the user can enter details regarding the starting point and the destination via the interaction device 130. After planning, certain information about the journey can be output via the interaction device. Planning can include determining a route on a traffic network, and output information can, in particular, relate to a planned arrival time or a planned travel route.

[0045] In a step 210, a defect in motor vehicle 100 can be determined. The defect can be, for example, an impairment of an electronically controlled driver assistance system of motor vehicle 100, which can affect a vehicle dynamics control (ESC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with traction control (ASR), or electronic brake force distribution, as well as a brake assist system. A defect in a tire 110 can also be determined.

[0046] In a step 215, a change in a driving dynamics characteristic value can be determined. It can be provided that, in the event of a specific defect in a driver assistance system, a maximum speed of, for example, approximately 80 km / h is determined for the motor vehicle 100 as a driving dynamics characteristic value.

[0047] In a step 220, a recommendation not to drive faster than the specified speed can be issued to the user of the motor vehicle 100 via the interaction device 130. Additionally, the reason for the recommendation, for example, an indication of a defect in the vehicle dynamics control system, can be issued.

[0048] In a step 225, which can be performed alternatively or in addition to step 220, a control limit is established for the motor vehicle 100, which is determined by the changed driving dynamics characteristic value. For example, it can be provided that, due to a defect, the driving dynamics characteristic value is set as a maximum speed of 80 km / h, and the control system actively limits the drivable speed so that it cannot be exceeded. Limiting the driving dynamics characteristic value to a predetermined value can thus be enforced independently of the driver.

[0049] It may be provided that, in a step 230, information about a driving dynamics reserve is output. This reserve may comprise the difference between a current actual value of the driving dynamics characteristic value and a specific minimum or maximum value of the characteristic value. For example, the driver may be notified that the motor vehicle 100 is currently traveling at a speed of 60 km / h, but according to the specific driving dynamics characteristic value, travel at a speed of up to 80 km / h is safely possible and, therefore, the motor vehicle 100 can still be driven a maximum of 20 km / h faster.

[0050] Based on the changed characteristic value, updated travel information can be determined in a step 235 and output via the interaction device 130. The travel information can, in particular, include a planned arrival time or a planned remaining travel time. The travel time or arrival time can be based on a planned travel route and / or a planned travel speed. Both can be determined with respect to a driving dynamics characteristic value of the motor vehicle 100, for example, a coefficient of friction between a tire 110 and a road surface or a maximum speed of the motor vehicle 100.

[0051] In a step 240, an entry in a calendar can be determined that is assigned to the motor vehicle 100 or a person on board. The entry can relate to the journey taking place with the motor vehicle 100 or a chronologically dependent entry. For example, a follow-up appointment can be determined that requires the motor vehicle 100 or the person to arrive at a predetermined destination. The calendar can, in particular, be maintained electronically and can be accessible, for example, on board the motor vehicle, by the external location 140, or by a personal device of the person.

[0052] In a step 245, the entry can be changed. In particular, a planned end of an appointment concerning the journey with the motor vehicle 100 can be adjusted. An appointment that depends on the arrival time of the motor vehicle at a predetermined location can also be adjusted. Optionally, other entries can also be changed, for example because they are temporally dependent on the changed entry. The changed end of an appointment is usually later than the original. Alternatively, the appointment can be deleted.

[0053] In a step 250, a person can be determined who is assigned to an appointment affected by the changed arrival time of the motor vehicle 100. In particular, the person can include a person outside the motor vehicle 100. For example, the entry can relate to a meeting between a person on board the motor vehicle 100 and another person, wherein the other person can be determined.

[0054] In a further step 255, the specific person can be contacted. For this purpose, a message about the changed or canceled appointment can be sent to the person, for example, in the form of an email, an SMS, a voice message, or simply by an entry in the person's calendar. Alternatively, a communication connection can be established between the person and a person on board the motor vehicle 100, so that the people can better negotiate the postponement or cancellation of the appointment. The communication connection can, in particular, comprise a voice connection, for example, via a mobile phone or a hands-free system of the motor vehicle 100 and the communication device 135. Reference symbol 100 motor vehicles 105 Traction drive 110 tires 115 Tire pressure monitoring system 120 sensors 122 Device 125 processing facility 130 Interaction facility 135 Communication device 140 external positions 200 procedures 205 Plan trip 210 Determine Defect 215 Determine change in driving dynamics characteristic value 220 Proposal 225 Edition: Reserve 230 tax threshold 235 Determine changed arrival time 240 Determine calendar entry 245 Change calendar entry 250 Determine assigned person 255 Suggestion: Contact person

Claims

[1] Method (200) for planning a journey with a motor vehicle (100), comprising the following steps: - detecting (210) a defect of the motor vehicle (100); - determining (215) a change in a driving dynamic characteristic value of the motor vehicle (100) due to the defect; - determining (215) travel information based on the changed characteristic value; and - transmitting (220, 245) the travel information to a calendar managed by an external calendar service (140). [2] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the calendar is associated with the vehicle or a person on board the vehicle. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving dynamics characteristic value is limited by the function of a control system (105) of the motor vehicle (100). [4] The method (200) of claim 3, wherein the defect affects the control system (105). [5] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a recommendation for a maximum or minimum value of the driving dynamics characteristic value is output (220). [6] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the defect concerns a tire (120) in emergency running. [7] Method (200) according to claim 6, wherein it is determined which tire (120) of the motor vehicle (100) is in emergency operation and the change in the driving dynamics characteristic value of the motor vehicle (100) is carried out on the basis of the determined tire (120). [8] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the characteristic value comprises a range of the motor vehicle (100). [9] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising outputting (230) the driving dynamics characteristic value. [10] The method (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the travel information includes a planned arrival time. [11] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel information relates to a travel route. [12] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an entry in a calendar is updated. [13] Method (200) according to claim 12, wherein a person is determined (250) who is associated with the entry [14] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving dynamics characteristic value is obtained from an external location. [15] Device (122) for determining travel information, the device comprising the following elements: - a communication device (135) for transmitting travel information to a calendar managed by an external calendar service (140); and - a processing device (125) which is arranged to ◯ to detect a defect of a motor vehicle (100), ◯ to determine a change in a driving dynamic characteristic value of the motor vehicle (100) due to the defect, and ◯ to determine amended travel information based on the changed characteristic value.

Images