Methods for transmitting messages in road traffic

Abstract

Method for transmitting messages in road traffic using at least one mobile device (200) which is equipped by means of a control device to independently change its position, wherein a network router is integrated into the mobile device (200), wherein data packets are received and distributed to road users by means of the network router, wherein the data packets are received by the road users by means of receiving interfaces, wherein the mobile device (200) checks whether a vehicle is sending a vehicle-to-X message and, if this does not occur within a time period, the mobile device (200) generates a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least information about the position of the vehicle and sends it to at least one other road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure, wherein a display device attached to the mobile device (200)in particular by means of a screen, a vehicle-to-X message and / or a warning message is visually displayed, wherein the vehicle-to-X message and / or warning message is based on the traffic detection carried out by the mobile device (200) and / or the data packets received by means of the network router, characterized in that when checking whether a vehicle is sending a vehicle-to-X message, if this does not occur within a period of time, a visual message directed towards the vehicle is displayed by means of the display device attached to the mobile device (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for transmitting messages in road traffic.

[0002] It is estimated that more than half of all traffic accidents resulting in injuries occur near or at intersections. Problems such as inattention, misjudging the situation, and vehicles or pedestrians approaching from behind are often the cause. To improve safety at intersections, one approach is to transform confusing intersections into intelligent and therefore significantly safer ones using driver assistance systems, vehicle-to-everything communication, and sensor technology.

[0003] Traffic lights at modern intersections are no longer rigidly timed, but instead use sensors to monitor traffic conditions and adjust their switching behavior accordingly. Inductive loops can detect approaching and waiting vehicles in small areas before the traffic lights. Based on camera and radar information, as well as lidar, an intelligent intersection can detect the area around the intersection, traffic entering the approach roads, and, in particular, vulnerable road users on sidewalks and streets. However, upgrading a conventional intersection to an intelligent one can be complex and may not be cost-effective for every intersection.

[0004] Another challenge related to future road traffic, especially at intersections, is the wireless communication between different road users and the traffic infrastructure in vehicle-to-X communication, but also communication in certain networks, especially the connection to the internet and mobile communications.

[0005] US patent 2018 / 0365995A1 discloses systems and methods for providing information to a vehicle via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV includes a detector array that converts electromagnetic radiation into an electronic signal, and signal processing logic that extracts information from the electronic signal representing traffic conditions. A transceiver communicates with a car, so the extracted information is made available to the vehicle.

[0006] US Patent 2019 / 0197890A1 provides methods, systems, and aerial drones to support communication between a main road vehicle and other road users. In one exemplary embodiment, a method to support communication between a main road vehicle and other road users includes observing a situation. Furthermore, the method includes piloting a drone to a second road user. The method also includes transmitting information about the situation from the drone to the second road user.

[0007] US Patent 2019 / 0051 169 A1 discloses unmanned aerial vehicles and related methods and systems. An example of an unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a body and a propulsion source to power the unmanned aerial vehicle during flight; and a display carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle for displaying a message for traffic coordination, wherein the display can be operated between an extended position, in which the message can be transmitted, and a stowed position, in which the aerodynamics of the unmanned aerial vehicle are improved.

[0008] US Patent 2013 / 0279393A1 discloses a device and vehicle for use in and a system for a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and safety system that uses a TDMA communication architecture with a self-synchronized TDMA time base. The time base starts with a GPS and an internal clock and is then fine-tuned by averaging the time bases of all vehicles within radio range. With the described algorithms, all vehicles within a communication range rapidly and with high precision converge to a common time base. The regularly transmitted safety messages themselves are used to synchronize the time base, so no separate timestamps or transmissions are required. A group of vehicles first converges itself and then the group converges to a UTC time via GPS. Possible embodiments include taking vehicle spacing into account during the time calculation.Applications: Anti-collision systems, optimized traffic flow and signal timing.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of demonstrating a method for the aforementioned challenges that enables improved message transmission in road traffic.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. By explicit reference, the claims are incorporated into the description at this point.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one mobile device is provided which is equipped with a control unit to autonomously change its position. For example, the control unit can, by controlling an angle-adjustable propeller according to an algorithm, ensure that the mobile device moves autonomously, i.e., without human intervention, to a specific position. A network router is integrated into the mobile device, preferably a device that connects networks at Layer 3 of the ISO / OSI model and forwards data packets based on their addresses. The network router receives data packets and distributes them to network participants, who receive the data packets via receiving interfaces.

[0012] According to the invention, the mobile device checks whether a vehicle is transmitting a vehicle-to-X message and, if this does not occur within a certain time period, generates a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least information about the vehicle's position and sends it to at least one other road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. In this way, vehicles without V2X equipment can also be integrated into V2X communication.

[0013] According to the invention, a vehicle-to-X message and / or a warning message is visually displayed by means of a display device attached to the mobile unit, in particular by means of a screen, wherein the vehicle-to-X message and / or warning message is based on the traffic detection carried out by the mobile unit and / or the data packets received by the network router. For example, the mobile unit can thus temporarily take over the transmission of traffic-related messages if there is a fault at a level crossing, if V2X communication devices (roadside units) are faulty, if sensors are not functioning, or if servers or radio systems are out of service.

[0014] According to the invention, when checking whether a vehicle is transmitting a vehicle-to-X message, if this does not occur within a certain time period, a visual message directed towards the vehicle is displayed by means of the display device attached to the mobile device. In this way, it is also possible to transmit a message to a vehicle not equipped for V2X communication or to its driver, for example, a warning of a hidden obstacle.

[0015] Thus, the mobile device enables the mobile and dynamic provision of a router or distribution function for communication technologies in road traffic, where there is a great need for this. The mobile device can, for example, act as a connection element between vehicles and the internet, or between vehicles themselves and / or the infrastructure, or it can be used to network multiple mobile devices to directly exchange information, for example, for information hopping or for direct coordination regarding the configuration of the mobile devices, such as deployment location, time, and duration.

[0016] It is preferred that the network router establishes a wireless connection between at least one traffic participant and a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile network, WLAN based on the IEEE standard IEEE 802.11 and / or a light-based communication system, to enable direct or indirect networking.

[0017] In another embodiment, it is preferred that at least one of the road users generates and transmits a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least one piece of information about the road user's position, wherein the vehicle-to-X message is received by the network router and sent to at least one other road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. A vehicle-to-X message, also called V2X, can be based on a WLAN or mobile network, specifically DSRC, and can contain, for example, in addition to a vehicle position, further information such as speed or direction of travel, in order to enable, among other things, collision avoidance. The ability to receive and transmit vehicle-to-X messages is a key feature.Hopping represents a significant functional enhancement, particularly for intersection assistance functions, to overcome the limitations of conventional line-of-sight-based driver assistance systems and replace them with cooperative perception. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle-to-X message received by the mobile device is verified and validated using its own sensor data.

[0018] It is preferred that the mobile device, based on sensor data from sensors integrated into the mobile device, generates and transmits a vehicle-to-X message containing at least information about the position of a road user, whereby the vehicle-to-X message is received by another road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. In this case, the mobile device itself becomes the generator of a vehicle-to-X message, which is advantageous because the mobile device may have better information about a traffic situation than the other road user or the receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure.

[0019] Preferably, the mobile device uses sensor data from its integrated sensors to determine the number of road users in the vicinity. The frequency of vehicle-to-X messages sent depends on this number. If it is clear that there are no road users within range, the frequency (i.e., the number of message transmissions per second) can be adjusted. This reduces energy consumption. Additionally, this leads to reduced use of security certificates, allowing stored or pre-loaded data to be used for longer periods and delaying the need for retrieval of data via a paid internet connection.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the network router establishes a wireless connection between a traffic infrastructure component, in particular a traffic signal system, and a computer system designed to control the system. If local malfunctions occur, such as a failure of the traffic signal system, these can thus be at least temporarily resolved or bridged by the mobile device. Alternatively, the mobile device can replace the signaling of the traffic signal system by means of a display device.

[0021] It is preferred that the mobile device be designed as an aircraft, in particular as an unmanned, at least semi-autonomous, flying drone. Preferably, it is capable of vertical takeoff and landing by being equipped with propellers driven by DC motors. Such four-propeller drones are also known as quadcopters. Due to their high degree of maneuverability in the air, these mobile devices can change their deployment location particularly quickly and easily, reliably support message transmission from their elevated position, and also perform comprehensive traffic monitoring.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the mobile device uses integrated sensors, in particular camera, radar and / or lidar sensors, to perform traffic monitoring. The data thus collected can be transmitted wirelessly to a traffic infrastructure, for example, a traffic signal system. Alternatively, the data can also be transmitted to a central unit, which first processes it and then handles further communication with the relevant infrastructure.

[0023] Based on the traffic data collected by the mobile unit, data is preferably generated and sent to a road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. The data can be sent, for example, in the form of vehicle-to-X messages.

[0024] Preferably, an environment model is created when generating the data, which includes at least the relative positioning between a road and a road user. This environment model is created from the list of detected objects or road users and their relative positions to each other, and forms the basis for the exchange of vehicle-to-X messages.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the mobile device uses camera sensors to record road layouts, generates map data from this data, and sends it to a receiver. In this way, the mobile device can create or update a real-time map and thus provide data for current map material that can support highly automated driving.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one mobile device is designed to return autonomously to a stationary storage location. For example, platforms or special parking spaces can be arranged in the area of ​​intersections to serve as storage locations.

[0027] A system for transmitting messages in road traffic comprises at least one road user with a receiving interface and a mobile device designed as an aircraft, in which a network router is integrated, the network router being designed to receive data packets and send them to the at least one road user.

[0028] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following description of an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows, as an exemplary embodiment, a possible situation for message transmission in road traffic using a mobile device.

[0030] The in Fig.Figure 1 shows a pedestrian crossing the street while the pedestrian traffic light is red. The pedestrian is obscured from view by a turning commercial vehicle, thus preventing the driver of the oncoming vehicle from seeing the danger. A mobile device 200, designed as a drone, can detect the situation, for example, using a camera, and send a warning signal to the oncoming vehicle. The mobile device also includes a radar module and is equipped with a transmitter and receiver for vehicle-to-X communication. In this embodiment, the mobile device 200 also has a display device that transmits a warning signal to the driver of the oncoming vehicle.

[0031] In line with the intelligent intersection described above, the mobile unit 200, or several mobile units 200, use their sensors to record traffic and provide the basis for creating an environmental model that serves as the foundation for the intelligent intersection's operation. The resulting data is then made available to traffic signal systems, among other things, allowing them to adjust their signal phases according to the detected traffic.

[0032] The Mobile Unit 200 incorporates a network router that dynamically provides a router / distributor function for communication technologies in road traffic. The Mobile Unit 200 thus serves as a connection element between vehicles and the internet, as well as between vehicles themselves and / or the infrastructure, establishing a data transmission connection via a WLAN and a mobile network.

Claims

[1] Method for transmitting messages in road traffic using at least one mobile device (200) which is equipped by means of a control device to independently change its position, wherein a network router is integrated into the mobile device (200), wherein data packets are received and distributed to road users by means of the network router, wherein the data packets are received by the road users by means of receiving interfaces, wherein the mobile device (200) checks whether a vehicle is sending a vehicle-to-X message and, if this does not occur within a time period, the mobile device (200) generates a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least information about the position of the vehicle and sends it to at least one other road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure,wherein a vehicle-to-X message and / or a warning message is visually displayed by means of a display device attached to the mobile device (200), in particular by means of a screen, wherein the vehicle-to-X message and / or warning message is based on the traffic detection carried out by the mobile device (200) and / or the data packets received by means of the network router, characterized by , that when checking whether a vehicle is sending a vehicle-to-X message, if this does not occur within a period of time, a visual message directed towards the vehicle is displayed by means of the display device attached to the mobile device (200). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the network router establishes a wireless connection between at least one traffic participant and a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile network, WLAN based on the IEEE standard IEEE 802.11 and / or a light-based communication system. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the road users generates and transmits a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least information about the road user's position, wherein the vehicle-to-X message is received by the network router and sent to at least one other road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the mobile device (200) generates and transmits a vehicle-to-X message comprising at least one piece of information about the position of a road user based on sensor data from a sensor system integrated into the mobile device (200), wherein the vehicle-to-X message is received by another road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that the mobile device (200) uses sensor data from the sensors integrated into the mobile device (200) to determine the number of road users in the vicinity, with the frequency of vehicle-to-X messages being sent depending on this number. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the network router establishes a wireless connection between a traffic infrastructure facility, in particular a traffic signal system, and a computing facility designed to control the facility. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile facility (200) is designed as an aircraft, in particular as an unmanned, at least semi-autonomous flying drone. [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile facility (200) performs traffic monitoring using integrated sensors, in particular camera, radar and / or lidar sensors. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that data is generated based on traffic recording and sent to a road user and / or a receiver integrated into a traffic infrastructure. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by, that when generating the data, an environment model is created that includes at least the relative positioning between a road and a road user. [11] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile device (200) uses camera sensors to record road layouts, generates map data from this and sends it to a receiver.

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