Method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle, computer program product and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for assisting a driver of a first motor vehicle (4) on a multi-lane road (2), wherein the first motor vehicle (4) is located in a first lane (6), wherein a lane boundary (10) between the first lane (6) and a second lane (8) is detected by means of at least one lane detection sensor (30), wherein a second motor vehicle (12) located in a blind spot (14) is detected by means of at least one blind spot assistant (32), wherein, when the second motor vehicle (12) is detected, a solid light line (18) is projected onto the lane boundary (10) by means of a projection device (28), wherein symbols are generated by means of the projection device (28) in addition to the light line (18), wherein the symbols are distorted so that they are perceived undistorted by the driver.

Description

[0001] This document describes a method for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle, a computer program product, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Methods for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle, computer program products, and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known. Such assistance systems, computer programs, and motor vehicles support the driver by intervening in the vehicle's control and / or providing the driver with information that is helpful for driving decisions. Such information can be provided, in particular, acoustically and visually. With visual information, it is necessary for the driver to look in the direction of the visual cue in order to perceive it. At the same time, however, the visual information should not be open to interpretation, as this could distract the driver. It is therefore known to project information onto the road, since the driver usually looks in that direction anyway.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2015 201 767 A1 discloses a method for generating a light distribution for a second vehicle by a first vehicle located in the first lane of a roadway. At least one second vehicle is detected in the vicinity of the first vehicle in a second lane, with the second vehicle moving in the same direction as the first vehicle. Furthermore, the value of at least one variable parameter dependent on the second vehicle is recorded, and a driving instruction signal is generated to prompt the second vehicle to change lanes to the first lane. Depending on this driving instruction signal, the first vehicle generates a light distribution on the roadway, indicating to the driver of the first vehicle whether a lane change from the first to the second lane is safe. A driver assistance system for such a vehicle is also described.

[0004] The disadvantage of this is that the procedure does not assist the driver of the first vehicle in choosing possible driving maneuvers.

[0005] The task therefore is to further develop procedures for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle, computer program products and motor vehicles of the aforementioned type in such a way that a driver of a motor vehicle can be better warned of possible dangers caused by his own driving maneuvers.

[0006] The problem is solved by a method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, a computer program product according to dependent claim 8, a motor vehicle according to dependent claim 9, and a motor vehicle according to dependent claim 10. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The following describes a method for assisting the driver of a first motor vehicle on a multi-lane road, wherein the first motor vehicle is located in a first lane, wherein a lane boundary between the first lane and a second lane is detected by means of at least one lane detection sensor, wherein a second motor vehicle located in a blind spot is detected by means of at least one blind spot assistant, and wherein, when the second motor vehicle is detected, a continuous light line is projected onto the lane boundary by means of a projection device.

[0008] This provides the driver with a clearly visible and intuitive visual indication that a safe lane change is not currently possible. The solid line at the lane boundary overshadows a dashed line, so the driver immediately knows that this line should not be crossed.

[0009] According to a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the light line is generated by a headlight arrangement.

[0010] This allows the light-emitting components to be arranged in the same configuration.

[0011] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that symbols are generated by means of the projection device in addition to the light line.

[0012] The symbols can provide a further warning. These symbols can be colored or monochrome.

[0013] According to another further embodiment, it may be provided that the symbols are distorted in such a way that they are perceived by the driver without distortion.

[0014] This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the meaning of the corresponding symbol.

[0015] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the light line and / or the symbols light up at a predetermined frequency.

[0016] Flashing or regularly illuminated symbols more easily attract the attention of the driver of the first and, if applicable, the second vehicle, as they are also perceptible from the corner of the eye.

[0017] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the light line of a light distribution generated by the headlight arrangement is superimposed on the street lighting.

[0018] In this way, the procedure can be carried out at dusk and at night, even with the low beam or high beam switched on.

[0019] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that if a lane boundary is not detected and if the second vehicle located in the blind spot is detected, a continuous light line is projected in a certain position relative to the first vehicle.

[0020] In some situations, a lane boundary cannot be identified more precisely, so in this case the procedure can still be carried out and the driver receives an intuitively perceptible indication that another vehicle is in the blind spot and that he should refrain from changing lanes.

[0021] A first independent object relates to a device for assisting a driver of a first motor vehicle on a multi-lane road, wherein the first motor vehicle is located in a first lane, wherein at least one lane detection sensor is provided by means of which a lane boundary between the first lane and a second lane is detectable, wherein at least one blind spot assistant is provided by means of which a second motor vehicle located in a blind spot is detectable, wherein at least one projection device for generating a light distribution on the road is provided, wherein the device is configured to project a continuous line of light onto the lane boundary by means of the projection device when a second motor vehicle is detected.

[0022] According to a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the projection device is part of a headlight arrangement.

[0023] According to another further embodiment, the projection device may be designed to generate symbols in addition to the light line.

[0024] According to another further embodiment, the projection device may be designed to distort symbols so that they can be perceived undistorted by the driver.

[0025] According to another further embodiment, the projection device may be configured to illuminate the light line and / or the symbols at a predetermined frequency.

[0026] According to another further embodiment, it may be provided that the projection device and / or the headlight arrangement is configured to superimpose the light line of a light distribution generated by the headlight arrangement for street lighting.

[0027] Another independent subject matter relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are embedded which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to be configured to execute the procedure of one of the preceding types.

[0028] Another independent item relates to a motor vehicle with a computing unit and a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a computer program product of the aforementioned type is stored on the storage medium.

[0029] Another independent object relates to a motor vehicle with a computing unit, at least one lane detection sensor connected to the computing unit, at least one blind spot sensor connected to the computing unit and at least one projection device connected to the computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to control the projection device when a second vehicle is detected in the blind spot and when a lane boundary between a first lane and a second lane is detected, such that the projection device projects a solid line onto the lane boundary.

[0030] A first further development could provide that the blind spot assistant has at least one camera, at least one radar, at least one ultrasonic sensor and / or at least one lidar.

[0031] The blind spot monitoring system can be located, for example, in the bumper and / or the side mirror. It can monitor both the driver's and passenger's sides. In this case, multiple sensors are typically used, one assigned to the driver's side and the other to the passenger's side.

[0032] According to another further embodiment, it may be provided that the lane detection sensor has at least one camera.

[0033] Such a camera can, for example, be positioned behind a windshield.

[0034] According to another further embodiment, the projection device can be part of a headlight assembly.

[0035] According to another further embodiment, the projection device can be a matrix spotlight.

[0036] Matrix headlights allow the creation of complex illumination and thus the generation of corresponding continuous lines parallel to the regular illumination of the road.

[0037] Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. The features described and / or illustrated constitute the subject matter individually or in any meaningful combination, possibly also independently of the claims, and may in particular also be the subject matter of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are designated with the same reference numerals. These are shown schematically: Fig. 1 a traffic situation with several vehicles; Fig. 2 a motor vehicle, as well as Fig. 3. A flowchart of the procedure.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a traffic situation on a road 2 with a motor vehicle 4 , which is based on a first trace 6 drives.

[0039] The street 2 is designed with multiple lanes and features, in addition to the first lane 6 a second lane 8 first trace 6 and second lane 8 are through a lane boundary 10 separated from each other. The lane boundary 10 is on the street 2 represented by a dashed line, which means that the line is from the motor vehicle 4 In principle, it may be driven over, so that, for example, an overtaking maneuver may be carried out.

[0040] On the home stretch 8 It is located offset behind the first vehicle 4 moving second motor vehicle 12 The motor vehicle 12 is located in a blind spot 14This allows it to be done by a driver of the first motor vehicle. 4 They cannot be perceived immediately, neither in the corner of the eye nor in an external or internal mirror, but at best by looking over the shoulder.

[0041] To identify the driver of the first motor vehicle 4 To warn accordingly, the first motor vehicle generates 4 using the method described here in addition to a normal light distribution 16 a dipped beam headlight on the lane boundary 10 a continuous line of light 18 The line of light 18 is from the driver of the first motor vehicle 4 Perceptible from a normal viewing angle, so that he receives an immediately understandable indication that another motor vehicle is approaching. 12 in the blind spot 14 is located and he should not deviate at this time.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows the motor vehicle 2 .

[0043] The motor vehicle 2 a computing unit 24 with a memory 26 up. In storage 26 is a stored computer program product that, when it is retrieved from the processing unit 24 The process is loaded and executed as described in the present embodiment.

[0044] To the computing unit 24 is a matrix headlight 28 connected, which is equipped to generate variable light distributions and which thereby both the light distribution 16 as well as the continuous line of light 18 can generate.

[0045] Furthermore, a camera 30 designed to detect the lane boundary 10 serves.

[0046] In the rear area of ​​the vehicle 4 is a radar 32 ordered, which is used to detect other objects, especially motor vehicles, in the vicinity of the motor vehicle4 This serves its purpose. It allows vehicles to be seen in the blind spot. 14 be recognized.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the procedure.

[0048] After the process is started, the system first checks whether a vehicle is in the blind spot. This step is repeated until a vehicle is found in the blind spot.

[0049] Next, it is checked whether a lane boundary 10 was detected. If this is the case, the matrix headlight generates 28 the continuous line of light 18 on the lane boundary 10 .

[0050] If this is not the case, the solid light line will 18 in a fixed position relative to one's own vehicle 4 generated. The light line 18 can be displayed on the same page as the motor vehicle 12 being in the blind spot 14 is located.

[0051] Although the subject matter has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not to be interpreted in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description. Reference symbol list 2nd Street 4 Motor vehicle 6 first track 8 second lane 10 Lane boundary 12 Motor vehicle 14 blind spots 16 Light distribution 18 light lines 24 computing units 26 storage 28 matrix headlights 30 Camera 32 Radar QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102015201767 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for assisting a driver of a first motor vehicle (4) on a multi-lane road (2), wherein the first motor vehicle (4) is located in a first lane (6), wherein a lane boundary (10) between the first lane (6) and a second lane (8) is detected by means of at least one lane detection sensor (30), wherein a second motor vehicle (12) located in a blind spot (14) is detected by means of at least one blind spot assistant (32), wherein, when the second motor vehicle (12) is detected, a continuous light line (18) is projected onto the lane boundary (10) by means of a projection device (28). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the light line (18) is generated by a headlight arrangement (). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein symbols are generated by means of the projection device (28) in addition to the light line (18). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the symbols are distorted so that they are perceived undistorted by the driver. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light line (18) and / or the symbols light up at a predetermined frequency. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light line (18) is superimposed on a light distribution (16) generated by the headlight arrangement (28) for street lighting. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, if a lane boundary (10) is not detected and if the second motor vehicle (12) located in the blind spot is detected, a continuous light line (18) is projected in a certain position relative to the first vehicle (4). [8] Computer program product, comprising a computer-readable storage medium (26) on which instructions are embedded which, when executed by a computing unit (24), cause the computing unit (24) to be configured to execute the method according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle (4) with a computing unit (24) and a computer-readable storage medium (26), wherein a computer program product according to claim 8 is stored on the storage medium (26). [10] Motor vehicle (4) with a computing unit (24), at least one lane detection sensor (30) connected to the computing unit (24), at least one blind spot sensor (32) connected to the computing unit (24) and at least one projection device (28) connected to the computing unit (24), wherein the computing unit is configured to control the projection device (28) when a second vehicle (12) is detected in the blind spot (14) and when a lane boundary (10) between a first lane (6) and a second lane (8) is detected, such that the projection device projects a solid line (18) onto the lane boundary (10). [11] Motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the blind spot assist system comprises at least one camera, at least one radar (32), at least one ultrasonic sensor and / or at least one lidar. [12] Motor vehicle according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lane detection sensor has at least one camera (30). [13] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the projection device is part of a headlight assembly (28). [14] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the projection device is a matrix headlight (28).