Method for the dynamic display of traffic information for motor vehicles in the area of ​​a roadway

Abstract

Method for the dynamic display of traffic information (13a, 13b) for motor vehicles (K) in the area of ​​a roadway (1), wherein several display stations (A1-A3, AM) are provided which wirelessly transmit traffic information (13a, 13b) to other display stations (A1-A3, AM) and receive traffic information (13a, 13b) from other display stations (A1-A3, AM), wherein at least one display station (A1-A3, AM) transmits or can transmit at least one maximum speed value (3a) as traffic information, wherein at least one other display station (A1-A3, AM) performs its own display of traffic information (13a, 13b) depending on such traffic information (13a, 13b) that it has received or receives from the one display station (A1-A3, AM), wherein the one display station (A1-A3, AM) additionally transmits location coordinates (4) of the location at which it is currently located, characterized in that at least a display station (A1-A3,AM) transmits traffic information (13a, 13b) in a broadcasting manner to other, non-individually specified display stations (A1-A3, AM) such that its traffic information (13a, 13b) is received by any other display stations (A1-A3, AM) within transmission range, wherein the display station (A1-A3, AM) transmits or may transmit a length (3b) of a validity zone (Z1-Z3, ZM) downstream of the display station (A1-A3, AM) in which the maximum speed value (3a) applies.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the dynamic display of traffic information for motor vehicles in the area of ​​a roadway with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a mobile or stationary display station for carrying out the method.

[0002] Such a method is disclosed in US Patent 2004 / 0075582A1. Specifically, this patent discloses a method for controlling a display system with multiple display stations for showing traffic information. Each display station has a sensor for detecting current traffic conditions. Furthermore, a display unit at each station serves to show traffic information. The traffic information is displayed, in particular, as a variable speed limit. Depending on the traffic conditions detected by the sensors, the displayed speed limit is adjusted. The detected traffic conditions can include, for example, vehicle density, vehicle speed, road construction characteristics, road surface condition, and user-defined parameters. The presented system can operate in a master-slave configuration.It is also mentioned that each of the display stations integrated into the display system has its own active control unit. In this configuration, the stations can exchange data with each other as equal partners. Data exchange can take place wirelessly via radio, in particular radio communication. Communication between stations of one system cannot overlap with or interfere with stations of another system. A maximum distance of five kilometers is specified between interconnected stations.

[0003] A method with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is also described in DE 10 2016 125 576 A1. This document describes a dynamic control of the content of individual traffic signs, which are designed as signs mounted on a post or bracket at the roadside. Each individual traffic sign has a screen for displaying content, such as a speed limit. Furthermore, sensors are used to determine traffic flow. A communication device with an interface to a backend ensures the communication capability of the individual traffic sign. Several individual traffic signs can be connected in a network. The individual traffic signs are controlled at the instigation of the backend, which controls and logs all messages transmitted between an individual traffic sign and the backend, including the respective display of the individual traffic sign.In one variation of the procedure, the control of an individual traffic sign is initiated by interaction with a neighboring individual traffic sign based on the traffic flow determined on site. For this to work, the individual traffic signs within the network must be interconnected.

[0004] US 4,857,921 A describes a traffic flow monitoring system for a specific direction of travel. The system consists of a transmitter and several mobile traffic light stations. The traffic light stations are equipped with receivers that receive data from the transmitter. Based on the received data, the traffic light stations control the lights of their signal lamps.

[0005] The methods described above assume a static environment or a fixed, predefined configuration consisting of multiple stations. Temporary integration of additional stations is not provided for.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of proposing a method for the dynamic display of traffic information for motor vehicles in the area of ​​a roadway, which has increased flexibility compared to the prior art.

[0007] The present problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments or further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing a mobile or stationary display station for displaying traffic information, which can be used in such a method according to the invention. The aforementioned objective is achieved with a mobile or stationary display station having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments are also described in the dependent claims.

[0009] Regarding the method, the invention initially relates to a method for the dynamic display of traffic information for motor vehicles in the area of ​​a roadway. The roadway can, for example, be part of a highway. Several display stations are present that wirelessly transmit or can transmit traffic information to other display stations. The display stations receive or can receive traffic information from other display stations.

[0010] The invention proposes that at least one display station sends, or can send, traffic information to other, non-specifically defined display stations. This is achieved by the traffic information sent by the display station being received, or being able to be received, by any other display stations within the transmission range of the first display station.

[0011] At least one other display station carries out its own display of traffic information depending on such traffic information that it has received or is receiving from the one display station.

[0012] Each display station transmits its traffic information according to the invention, via broadcasting, to an unspecified group of receivers. Likewise, each display station can receive traffic information from any other display station within its reception range. This creates the fundamental prerequisite for the method of dynamically displaying traffic information for motor vehicles within a roadway to be more flexible. The method thus also enables, in particular, the temporary and demand-driven integration of additional display stations.

[0013] According to further features of the method, it is proposed that one display station transmits, or can transmit, at least one maximum speed value as traffic information. According to features of the invention, it is proposed that one display station transmits, or can transmit, the length of a validity zone downstream of the display station (i.e., in the direction of traffic flow) in which the maximum speed value applies. Additionally, one display station transmits location coordinates from its current location.

[0014] Specifically, it is conceivable, for example, that such a display station could be equipped with a GPS device and thus be informed of its current location coordinates. In this way, the display station could transmit its current location coordinates. Simultaneously, it is conceivable that the display station could transmit the length, or rather the course, of the aforementioned validity zone in the form of a chain of location coordinates, where the chain corresponds to the course and length of the route along which the validity zone is to be observed. The location coordinates in the form of a chain indicating the course of the validity zone are expediently given as coordinates relative to the absolute position of the display station.

[0015] By transmitting this additional data, especially a validity zone and location coordinates, a particularly good basis for potential interaction between the individual display stations is created. For example, depending on the transmitted data, not only can maximum speed values ​​be changed, but the lengths of validity zones can also be adjusted to current conditions as needed.

[0016] According to another, highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one display station is present which is only temporarily positioned within the validity zone of another display station. This display station itself transmits, or can transmit, a validity zone extending downstream from it, within which a displayed maximum speed value applies. If there is a discrepancy between the maximum speed values ​​of the temporarily positioned display station and the other display station, and if the maximum speed value of the temporarily positioned display station is lower, the other display station adjusts the maximum speed value it transmits or can transmit to match the maximum speed value transmitted or can transmit by the temporarily positioned display station.

[0017] Permanently installed display stations can be designed, for example, as overhead sign gantries. These gantries are positioned like bridges over the one-way lane of a road, such as a highway, and feature displays for speed limits, no-overtaking zones, and the like. A temporarily positioned display station can be mobile, for example, and have (lockable) wheels, allowing it to be easily moved to any point along the roadway.

[0018] Due to the characteristics of the aforementioned design of the procedure, it is therefore easily possible to identify and secure a construction site within the validity area of ​​a gantry sign using an additional, mobile display station. In particular, the risk of accidents or confusion for drivers can be minimized by having a gantry sign located before the construction site automatically display the lower speed limit that will soon apply there.

[0019] However, it is also conceivable that at least one display station exists, temporarily positioned within the validity zone of another display station upstream of a construction site, and itself transmits, or can transmit, a maximum speed value and the downstream length of a validity zone in which the maximum speed value applies. If the maximum speeds differ, and if the maximum speed of the temporarily positioned display station is lower, the other display station shortens the length of its validity zone until it no longer overlaps with that of the first, temporarily positioned display station. The originally transmitted or transmittable maximum speed value of the other display station is retained. The modified length of the validity zone can then be displayed by the other display station.It is also conceivable and practical that the other display station already indicates the upcoming construction site.

[0020] However, it is very useful if the other display station only shortens the length of its validity zone if the remaining length of the validity zone it displays does not fall below a certain or determinable limit. This ensures that a higher speed value is only displayed if this is still reasonable given the remaining validity zone for that maximum speed. For example, it is conceivable to set such a limit, which must not be undercut, at 500 meters.

[0021] In a further development of the procedure, it is proposed that at least one display station be present, which is only temporarily positioned upstream of another display station (i.e., against the direction of traffic flow). This display station itself transmits, or can transmit, a maximum speed value and the length of a validity zone downstream of it, within which the maximum speed value applies. If the validity zones of the two display stations overlap, and if the maximum speed value of the first, temporarily positioned display station is lower, the other display station adjusts the maximum speed value it transmits or can transmit to match the maximum speed value transmitted or can transmit by the first display station.

[0022] For example, if a construction site in front of a sign bridge is secured by a temporary display station, the speed limit displayed for the construction site will also be shown on the sign bridge downstream, even if the sign bridge previously displayed a higher speed limit. This significantly improves road safety and eliminates confusion for drivers.

[0023] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also proposes a mobile or stationary display station for displaying traffic information, which is suitable for use in the method according to the invention.

[0024] Such a display station comprises at least one transmitting device, at least one receiving device, at least one display device, and at least one GPS device. The display station can show traffic information, at least in the form of a maximum speed value and the length of a validity zone downstream of the display station in which the maximum speed value applies. This information can be transmitted to any other similar display stations within range, or it can display and transmit such traffic information. Conversely, the display station can also receive corresponding traffic information from any other similar display stations within range, or it can receive such traffic information.Furthermore, an evaluation and control unit is available, through which, depending on received traffic information, other display stations can change or modify the traffic information displayed and transmitted by the display station itself.

[0025] The inventive method can be carried out effectively using a display station designed in this way, thereby laying the foundation for greater flexibility.

[0026] In a further training scenario, it is conceivable that the mobile or stationary display station would have at least one sensor for recording traffic and environmental conditions. This sensor could, for example, be designed to record the speed of passing vehicles, the average speed of a series of vehicles, traffic density in a lane, and / or the distance between moving vehicles. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor could record environmental conditions such as outside temperature, ambient brightness, and / or visibility.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also highlights further advantages of the invention. Identical reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to identical, comparable, or functionally equivalent components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if no repeated description or reference is made to them. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated to more clearly emphasize features of an embodiment.

[0028] They show, each schematically Fig. 1. The representation of a possible road route with several display stations, Fig. 2. The illustration of a possible design of a display station designed as a sign bridge, Fig. 3 the representation of a section of the in Fig. 1. Roadway shown with two stationary display stations from a bird's-eye view, Fig. 4a a representation according to Fig. 3, wherein a mobile display station was temporarily set up in the area of ​​a construction site within the validity zone of a stationary display station, Fig. 4b a representation according to Fig. 4a, whereby the display of the stationary display station in whose validity zone the construction site is located was adjusted, Fig. 4c a representation according to Fig. 4a, whereby the validity zone of the stationary display station in whose validity zone the construction site was located was shortened, Fig. 5a a representation according to Fig. 4c, wherein the validity zone of the mobile display station set up for the construction site extends into a validity zone of a subsequent display station, Fig. 5b a representation according to Fig. 5a, wherein the display of the subsequent stationary display station is adapted to the displays of the preceding mobile display station, Fig. 6a a representation according to Fig. 5a, wherein the subsequent stationary display station shows a lower maximum speed value than the preceding mobile display station, Fig. 6b a representation according to Fig. 6a with unchanged display of the subsequent stationary display station and Fig. 7 the construction of a stationary or mobile display station.

[0029] First, attention will be paid to the Fig. Reference is made to Figure 1. This figure shows the possible alignment of a carriageway 1. Carriageway 1 could, for example, be part of a motorway. For simplicity, only one lane with one direction of travel (FR) is shown. Several stationary display stations A1, A2, and A3 are indicated in the area of ​​carriageway 1. Display stations A1 to A3 are designed specifically as so-called gantries, which are permanently installed in the area of ​​carriageway 1. Display stations A1 to A3 can be arranged several kilometers apart (e.g., approximately 3 kilometers).

[0030] Each of the display stations A1 to A3 is designed in such a way that it can send or transmit traffic information in the manner of a broadcast to other display stations that are not individually specified.

[0031] Furthermore, a mobile display station AM was temporarily positioned between display stations A1 and A2, downstream of the stationary display station A1, in front of a construction site (not shown in detail). Display station AM is also capable of broadcasting traffic information to other, unspecified display stations (see arrows).

[0032] For example, traffic information transmitted by display station A1 can be received by display station AM, display station A2, and also display station A3. However, this requires that a receiving display station is also within the transmission range of the transmitting display station A1.

[0033] Based on the Fig. Figure 2 illustrates how the stationary display stations A1 to A3 can be configured. The roadway 1 is shown, which has three lanes in one direction. Display station A1 is fixed to the sides of the roadway on pillars and has display devices 13, which are installed on a crossbeam projecting over roadway 1 like a bridge. The display devices 13 can, for example, be designed as displays with a large number of matrix-arranged LEDs.

[0034] The figure shows that the display devices 13 show traffic information 3a in the form of maximum speed values ​​and traffic information 3b in the form of the length of a validity zone for which the maximum speed value 3a applies. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course conceivable that further traffic information, such as overtaking bans, permissible vehicle dimensions, or the like, could be displayed on the display devices 13. The traffic information 3a and 3b shown are clearly visible to motor vehicles K traveling on carriageway 1.

[0035] The following figures will illustrate how flexibly a mobile display station can be integrated between the stationary display stations A1 to A3 to secure an existing construction site: This shows Fig. Figure 3 shows a very simplified representation of the area between stationary display station A1 and stationary display station A2. Display station A1 has a validity zone Z1 pointing downstream, i.e., in the direction of traffic flow, and display station A2 has a similar validity zone Z2. The distance between display stations A1 and A2 can be several kilometers.

[0036] As indicated, at display station A1, traffic information 3a in the form of a maximum speed value of 100 km / h and traffic information 3b in the form of the length of the validity zone Z1 of three kilometers are displayed on a display device which is not shown in more detail here.

[0037] Furthermore, the dashed line indicates that display station A1 sends location coordinates 4 of its location in the form of GPS data.

[0038] Specifically, it is conceivable, for example, that each display station A1, A2 could be equipped with a GPS device and its current location coordinates could be determined via this device. This would allow each display station A1, A2 to transmit its current location coordinates. Simultaneously, it is conceivable that each display station A1, A2 could transmit the length, or rather the course, of its downstream validity zone in the form of a chain of location coordinates, where the chain corresponds to the course and length of the stretch of road within which the validity zone is to be observed.

[0039] For the maximum speed limit applicable in validity zone Z2 of display station A2, no restriction is displayed as traffic information 3a. Location coordinates 4 are also transmitted from display station A2.

[0040] In Fig. 4a shows a mobile display station AM, which has been temporarily set up within the validity zone Z1 of display station A1 and is intended to regulate traffic flow for the duration of a construction site. The mobile display station AM shows, on a display device not shown here, a maximum speed of 80 km / h as traffic information 3a and, as traffic information 3b, the length of a validity zone ZM assigned to display station AM, which is two kilometers. Location coordinates 4 of its current location are also transmitted from the mobile display station AM. Each of the display stations A1, A2, and AM now knows the location of the other display stations.

[0041] To avoid misunderstandings or conflicts in the present case of the temporarily installed AM display station, the following information is provided in the Fig. 4b and Fig. The solutions shown in section 4c are conceivable and appropriate: Thus, from the Fig. As can be seen in section 4b, display station A1, as traffic information 3a, already shows the maximum speed limit that also applies to the construction zone downstream, i.e., to validity zone ZM. The display at station A1 therefore changes from a maximum speed limit 3a of 100 km / h to a displayed maximum speed limit 3a of 80 km / h.

[0042] An alternative approach is in Fig. 4c is evident. Here, the displayed length 3b of the validity zone Z1 was shortened by display station A1 such that the validity zone Z1 of the stationary display station A1 and the validity zone ZM of the mobile display station AM no longer overlap. The displayed maximum speed value 3a of the stationary display station A1, however, remained unchanged.

[0043] By transmitting the location coordinates 4 from each of the display stations, each display station can calculate the existing distance to the next display station using internal logic. It is irrelevant whether the nearest display station is downstream or upstream of the respective display station.

[0044] Based on the Fig. 5a now shows the case where the validity zone ZM of the only temporarily erected display station AM falls into a validity zone Z2 of a downstream, stationary display station A2, i.e. overlaps with it.

[0045] The mobile display station AM shows a maximum speed of 80 km / h. The stationary display station A2, located downstream, displays traffic information 3a indicating that all maximum speed limits have been lifted.

[0046] To avoid a collision, the traffic information display 3a of stationary display station A2 is adjusted to a maximum speed of 80 km / h by means of an evaluation and control unit not shown in this figure, thus aligning it with the upstream display station AM. The construction zone regulated by the temporarily installed display station AM therefore extends into the validity area Z2 of stationary display station A2.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 6a shows the case where the construction site secured by the display station AM, i.e., the validity zone ZM, also extends into the validity zone Z2 of the stationary display station A2, but the traffic information 3a displayed by the stationary display station A2, with a maximum speed value of 60 km / h, is even more restrictive than that for the construction site, i.e., the maximum speed value 3a displayed for the validity zone ZM, which is 80 km / h.

[0048] In this case, the display of the more restrictive maximum speed value 3a remains in effect for display station A2.

[0049] Returning to the Fig. 4c. It should also be mentioned that a reduction of the validity zone Z1 by display station A1 is only carried out if the length of the reduced validity zone Z1 does not fall below a limit value GZ. This is to prevent the reduced validity zone Z1 from being too short and thus causing nonsensical and / or confusing changes in the maximum speed limits. The limit value GZ can, for example, be set at a value of 500 meters. A construction site notice is also displayed by the mobile display station AM as traffic information 3c.

[0050] Finally, the following will be used to determine Fig. Section 7 describes how a display station A can be configured to be used in the previously described procedure. Such a display station A comprises a transmitter 10 and a receiver 11. The transmitter and receiver 10, 11 can be configured to enable wireless data exchange between display stations A and also between display stations A and motor vehicles within transmission range, according to the IEEE 802.11p (ITS-G5) standard. Other wireless communication technologies, such as mobile communication standards, are also conceivable.

[0051] An evaluation and control unit 12 serves to evaluate data received by the receiving unit 11 or obtained by sensors 14 and to control at least one display unit 13 accordingly, on which the aforementioned traffic information 3a, 3b and 3c can be displayed. The display unit 13 can, for example, be designed as an LED matrix. Finally, the display station A is also equipped with a GPS unit 15, so that the display station A receives its current location coordinates 4 (see, for example, Fig. 4a) are known and she can send them.

[0052] Finally, wheels 16 are indicated, which are preferably present when the display station A is designed as a mobile display station for the temporary securing of construction sites.

[0053] An infrastructure-based, central control unit 17 may be present to exchange data with the display station A or with several display stations A and, for example, to manually adjust maximum speed values ​​3a or lengths 3b of validity zones. However, the previously described automatic adjustment of the displayed traffic information 3a, 3b and 3c through direct communication between display stations A can react much faster to changing circumstances.

Claims

[1] Method for the dynamic display of traffic information (13a, 13b) for motor vehicles (K) in the area of ​​a roadway (1), wherein several display stations (A1-A3, AM) are present, which wirelessly transmit traffic information (13a, 13b) to other display stations (A1-A3, AM) and receive traffic information (13a, 13b) from other display stations (A1-A3, AM), wherein at least one display station (A1-A3, AM) transmits or can transmit at least one maximum speed value (3a) as traffic information, wherein at least one other display station (A1-A3, AM) carries out its own display of traffic information (13a, 13b) depending on such traffic information (13a, 13b) which it has received or is receiving from the one display station (A1-A3, AM), wherein the one display station (A1-A3, AM) additionally transmits location coordinates (4) of the location at which it is currently located is located, characterized bythat at least one display station (A1-A3, AM) sends traffic information (13a, 13b) in the manner of a broadcast to other, not individually determined display stations (A1-A3, AM), such that its traffic information (13a, 13b) is received by any other display stations (A1-A3, AM) within the transmission range, wherein the display station (A1-A3, AM) sends or can send a length (3b) of a validity zone (Z1-Z3, ZM) downstream of the display station (A1-A3, AM), in which the maximum speed value (3a) applies. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least one display station (AM) is present which is only temporarily positioned within the validity zone (Z1) of another display station (A1) and which itself transmits or can transmit a length (3b) of a validity zone (ZM) downstream of it, in which a maximum speed value (3a) applies, wherein in the event of a deviation between the maximum speed values ​​(3a) and in the event of a lower maximum speed value (3a) of one display station (AM), the other display station (A1) adjusts the maximum speed value (3a) transmitted or transmittable by it to the value of the maximum speed value (3a) transmitted or transmittable by the one, only temporarily positioned display station (AM). [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least one display station (AM) is present which is only temporarily positioned within the validity zone (Z1) of another display station (A1) and which itself transmits or can transmit a maximum speed value (3a) and a length (3b) of a validity zone (ZM) downstream of it, in which the maximum speed value (3a) applies, wherein in the event of a deviation between the maximum speed values ​​(3a) and in the event of a smaller maximum speed value (3a) of one display station (AM), the other display station (A1) shortens the length of its validity zone (Z1) to such an extent that it no longer overlaps with the validity zone (ZM) of one display station (AM), wherein the originally transmitted or transmittable maximum speed value (3a) of the other display station (A1) is retained. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized bythat the other display station (A1) only shortens the length of its validity zone (Z1) if the length of the validity zone (Z1) remaining after the shortening does not fall below a specific or determinable limit value (GZ). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one display station (AM) is present which is only temporarily positioned upstream of another display station (A2) and which itself transmits or can transmit a maximum speed value (3a) and a length (3b) of a validity zone (ZM) downstream of it, in which the maximum speed value (3a) applies, wherein if the validity zones (ZM, Z2) of one (AM) and the other display station (A2) overlap and if the maximum speed value (3a) of one display station (AM) is lower, the other display station (A2) adjusts the maximum speed value (3a) transmitted or transmittable by it to the maximum speed value (3a) of the maximum speed value (3a) transmitted or transmittable by the one display station (AM). [6] Mobile or stationary display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) for displaying traffic information (3a, 3b, 3c) for use in a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) is equipped with at least one transmitting device (10), with at least one receiving device (11), with at least one display device (13) and with at least one GPS device (15), and wherein traffic information (3a, 3b) at least in the form of a maximum speed value (3a) can be displayed by the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) and can be sent to other, similar display stations (AM or A1, A2, A3) within reception range or is displayed and sent, wherein the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) can also receive corresponding traffic information (3a, 3b) from other, similar display stations (AM or A1, A2,A3) can receive or receives within reception range and wherein an evaluation and control device (12) is provided, by which the traffic information (3a, 3b) displayed and transmitted by the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) itself can be changed or is changed depending on the traffic information (3a, 3b) received from other display stations (AM or A1, A2, A3), , characterized bythat traffic information (3a, 3b) can be displayed by the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) in the form of a length (3b) of a validity zone (ZM or Z1, Z2, Z3) downstream of the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3), in which the maximum speed value (3a) applies, and can be or is able to be sent in the manner of a broadcast to any other similar display stations (AM or A1, A2, A3) within reception range, wherein the display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) can or does receive corresponding traffic information (3a, 3b) also from any other similar display stations (AM or A1, A2, A3) within reception range. [7] Mobile or stationary display station (AM or A1, A2, A3) according to claim 6, characterized by that at least one sensor (14) is present for detecting traffic and environmental conditions.

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