Method for operating an exit warning system for a vehicle with activation of a subnetwork, exit warning system and vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating an exit warning system (2) for a vehicle (1) which has an on-board network (11), comprising the steps: - Activating the exit warning system (2) during a pre-entry phase after an occupant has entered the vehicle (1), - wherein, in the activated exit warning system (2), opening data describing an impending opening of at least one door (10) of the vehicle (1) is detected by means of an opening sensor (8), environmental data describing an environment (6) of the vehicle (1) is detected by means of at least one environment sensor (4), a computing device (3) uses the opening data and the environmental data to check whether a collision between an object (5) in the environment (6) and the at least one opening door (10) is imminent, and if the collision is imminent, a warning device (9) issues a warning to the occupant, characterized in that - during the pre-start phase only a subnetwork (12) of the on-board network (11) is activated, wherein the subnetwork (12) comprises the computing unit (3), the at least one environment sensor (4), the opening sensor (8) and the warning device (9) and - the exit warning system (2) is activated during the lead-up phase for a predetermined lead-up period and is subsequently deactivated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an exit warning system for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an exit warning system for a vehicle and to a vehicle with such an exit warning system.

[0002] Various driver assistance systems are known in the prior art that support an occupant or driver in operating the vehicle. This document focuses particularly on driver assistance systems that assist an occupant when exiting the vehicle. Such systems, also known as exit warning systems, typically include a sensor that detects when an occupant opens a vehicle door. Furthermore, these exit warning systems have at least one environmental sensor that can detect objects or other road users in the vicinity of the vehicle. Depending on the detected objects, the occupant can then be warned to prevent a collision between the open door and an object.

[0003] These exit warning systems can be activated or remain active after the vehicle has been switched off or parked. In this context, DE 10 2011 079 003 A1 describes a method for detecting and signaling obstacles in the opening area of ​​one or more vehicle doors. The method includes detecting objects in the vicinity, classifying detected objects in the opening area as obstacles, and generating a warning signal if an obstacle is detected in the opening area. The warning signal can also remain active for a predetermined period after the vehicle has been switched off.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2004 049 054 A1 describes an accident warning device for vehicles with an obstacle warning device for detecting obstacles in the swing area of ​​a vehicle door and a warning device for warning when obstacles are detected in the swing area of ​​a vehicle door. The accident warning device can be controlled depending on the closing state of a door system such that it is activated when the door system is unlocked.

[0005] Further state of the art can be found in DE 10 2016 009 554 A1, DE 10 2016 219 341 A1, DE 10 2004 027 541 A1, DE 197 54 169 A1, DE 10 2015 016 514 A1 and DE 10 2018 215 674 A1.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate a solution for how an exit warning system of the type mentioned above can be operated reliably and at the same time in an energy-efficient manner.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method, by an exit warning system, and by a vehicle with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] A method according to the invention serves to operate an exit warning system for a vehicle that has an on-board electrical system. The method comprises activating the exit warning system during a pre-run phase after an occupant has entered the vehicle. In the activated exit warning system, opening data is acquired by means of an opening sensor, which describes an impending opening of at least one door of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the activated exit warning system, environmental data describing the vehicle's surroundings is acquired by means of at least one environment sensor. Additionally, in the activated exit warning system, a computing unit uses the opening data and the environmental data to check whether a collision between an object in the surroundings and the at least one opening door is imminent.If a collision is imminent, the activated exit warning system will issue a warning to the occupant via a warning device. During the warning period, only a subnetwork of the vehicle's electrical system is activated, comprising the computer unit, at least one environmental sensor, the door opening sensor, and the warning device.

[0009] This system is designed to operate the exit warning system. The exit warning system assists vehicle occupants when exiting the vehicle. The occupant may be in the driver's seat, front passenger seat, or rear seat. In principle, the system can be used for all occupants exiting the vehicle. The exit warning system includes an opening sensor that provides opening data. This sensor can detect, for example, the activation of a door contact and / or the touching of a door release lever. Alternatively or additionally, the opening sensor can be a camera that captures the occupant's movements.The opening data can be analyzed by the computer unit of the exit warning system to detect whether the occupant is opening or intends to open the door. Furthermore, the opening data can be used to determine a (probable) time for when the door will be opened.

[0010] The processing unit of the exit warning system can be an electronic control unit. This processing unit also receives environmental data describing objects in the vehicle's vicinity. Specifically, this environmental data describes the positions and speeds of these objects. The environmental data can be provided by the vehicle's environmental sensor or multiple environmental sensors. At least one of these environmental sensors can be a distance sensor, which continuously determines the distance between the vehicle and the object. From this, the object's speed can then be derived. Preferably, the environmental sensor can measure not only the distance or position but also the object's speed. The environmental sensor can, in particular, be a radar sensor.Using the environmental data, the computer system can then check whether there are objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. These objects could be other road users, such as vehicles or cyclists.

[0011] The computer system can check whether a collision is imminent between the detected objects and the opening door. It can determine whether the object will move within a danger zone or the door's swing radius. Furthermore, the computer system can calculate the time to collision (TTC). The collision time is the interval between the door opening and a potential collision between the object and the open door. Based on the collision time, the computer system can then activate the warning device. In the event of an imminent collision, the warning device can issue a warning to the occupant(s). This warning can be visual, audible, and / or haptic. Depending on the collision time, a distinction can also be made between a general warning and an urgent warning.The warning can also be issued in such a way that opening the door is actively prevented or blocked.

[0012] The individual components of the exit warning system form a subnetwork of the vehicle's electrical system. The electrical system can encompass all electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle. These components can be powered by an electrical energy source or battery within the electrical system. The subnetwork, which specifically includes only the door / vehicle opening sensor, at least one ambient sensor, the processing unit, and the warning device, is a part of the overall electrical system. Only this subnetwork can be activated during the pre-activation phase. This means, in particular, that during the pre-activation phase, only the individual components of the exit warning system are supplied with electrical power.

[0013] The subnetwork can be supplied with electrical energy when at least one occupant enters the vehicle. An activation device can be used for this purpose, which detects that at least one occupant has entered the vehicle. This activation device can then activate the exit warning system or initiate a power supply to the exit warning system. This takes into account that the individual components of the exit warning system, especially the environmental sensors, have high energy requirements. By activating the subnetwork, which specifically includes only the components of the exit warning system, energy can be saved and thus the discharge of the energy storage system or battery can be prevented.

[0014] Preferably, the entry of an occupant into the vehicle is detected based on the state of the vehicle's locking system. This locking system can be used to lock and unlock the individual doors of the vehicle. Specifically, the state of the locking system indicates whether the respective doors are open, closed, unlocked, or locked. For example, if the activation device detects that a vehicle door has been opened and then closed, it can be assumed that the occupant has entered the vehicle. The activation device can be activated, for instance, when the vehicle is unlocked using a vehicle key or similar device. Alternatively, seat occupancy sensors can also be activated and their data evaluated to detect the entry of an occupant into the vehicle.Once the system detects that an occupant has entered the vehicle, the pre-activation phase can begin and the subnetwork can be activated. During activation, the respective components of the subsystem—namely, the door / window opening sensor, at least one environmental sensor, the processing unit, and the warning device—can be woken up and / or powered on. This ensures that the occupant is assisted by the exit warning system after entering the vehicle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the exit warning system is activated for a predetermined lead time during the pre-start phase and then deactivated. To reduce electrical energy consumption or to prevent the vehicle's electrical energy storage from being discharged, the activation of the exit warning system can be limited to this lead time. The lead time can be a few minutes. For example, it can be between one and five minutes, particularly three minutes. Once the lead time has elapsed, the exit warning system can be automatically deactivated, or the power supply to the subnetwork can be interrupted.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a notification is issued to the vehicle occupant before the exit warning system is deactivated. Before the exit warning system is deactivated or no longer available, information can be provided to the occupant. This information can be conveyed via the warning device. Alternatively, this information or notification can be provided via a separate output device, which is activated briefly for this purpose. It is also possible to inform the vehicle occupant if the exit warning system is activated during the pre-deactivation phase. In this way, the occupant can be informed whether or not the exit warning system will assist them when exiting the vehicle.

[0017] In another embodiment, the exit warning system is reactivated after the occupant submits an operating input. In addition to a notification that the exit warning system is being deactivated, the occupant can be given the option to reactivate it. It can also be provided that the occupant is given the option to extend the activation period of the exit warning system or to increase the aforementioned lead time. For this purpose, the driver can submit a corresponding operating input. This input can be detected by a sensor that can be additionally activated for this purpose.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the exit warning system is additionally activated during a run-on phase after the vehicle has been switched off. In addition to activation during the run-on phase, activation of the exit warning system during the run-on phase can also be provided. This run-on phase can occur after the vehicle has been switched off and / or parked. In particular, the vehicle's drive engine can be switched off or the ignition deactivated during the run-on phase. Only the subnetwork to which the components of the exit warning system are assigned can be activated during the run-on phase. It can also be provided that the exit warning system is only activated during a predetermined run-on time. This run-on time can be selected analogously to the run-on time. Furthermore, the occupant can be informed that the exit warning system will be deactivated after the run-on time has elapsed.

[0019] An exit warning system according to the invention for a vehicle with an on-board electrical system comprises an opening sensor for acquiring opening data that describes an impending opening of at least one door of the vehicle. Furthermore, the exit warning system comprises at least one environment sensor for acquiring environmental data that describes the vehicle's surroundings. In addition, the exit warning system comprises a computing unit for checking whether a collision between an object in the environment and the at least one opening door is imminent, as well as a warning device for issuing a warning to the occupant if a collision is imminent. The exit warning system also includes an activation device for activating the exit warning system during a pre-entry phase after an occupant has entered the vehicle.The activation device is designed to activate only a subnetwork of the vehicle network, the subnetwork comprising the computing device, at least one environmental sensor, the opening sensor and the warning device.

[0020] Based on the opening data from the door sensor, the computer unit can detect an impending opening of at least one vehicle door. The door sensor can also detect a passenger's intention to exit the vehicle. It can detect the opening of a door contact, touching and / or actuation of a door opening lever, or similar actions. The at least one environmental sensor provides environmental data describing objects in the vehicle's vicinity. Preferably, the driver assistance system may also include multiple environmental sensors. The at least one environmental sensor can be a radar sensor. The warning device can issue a visual, audible, and / or haptic warning if the computer unit detects a potential collision between an object and the opening door.The warning device can also be used to block the door. A computer program can be executed on the control unit to evaluate the opening data and / or environmental data, as well as to control the warning device.

[0021] The activation device can be part of the vehicle's locking system or controlled by it. The activation device can also be activated when the vehicle is unlocked. If the activation device detects at least one occupant entering the vehicle or at least one vehicle door being opened, the subsystem or exit warning system can be activated. For this purpose, the individual components of the vehicle electrical system subsystem can be woken up or powered on.

[0022] A vehicle according to the invention comprises an exit warning system according to the invention. The vehicle can be designed, in particular, as a passenger car. The vehicle can also be designed as a commercial vehicle.

[0023] The preferred embodiments and their advantages presented with reference to the method according to the invention apply accordingly to the exit warning system according to the invention as well as to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0024] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle which has an exit warning system to assist an occupant in exiting the vehicle; and Fig. 2 a traffic situation in which the vehicle is parked and there are objects in the form of another vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0026] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle 1, which in this case is a passenger car. The vehicle 1 includes an exit warning system 2, which serves to assist an occupant when exiting the vehicle 1. The exit warning system 2 includes a computing unit 3, which can, for example, be an electronic control unit of the vehicle 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the exit warning system 2 includes at least one environmental sensor 4, which can detect objects 5 in the vehicle 1's surroundings 6. In the present example, the driver assistance system 2 includes two environmental sensors 4, which are arranged in a rear area 7 of the vehicle 1. The environmental sensors 4 can, in particular, determine the distance between the environmental sensor 4 and the respective objects 5, as well as the speed of the respective objects 5. The environmental sensors 4 can, in particular, be configured as radar sensors. The environmental sensors 4 can provide environmental data that describes the objects 5 in the surroundings 6. This environmental data can be transmitted from the environmental sensors 4 to the computing unit 3.

[0029] Furthermore, the exit warning system 2 includes an opening sensor 8, which can detect when a door 10 of the vehicle 1 is opened. The opening sensor 8 can also be configured to detect an intention to open the door or when an occupant moves towards the door 10. The opening sensor 8 can provide opening data describing the opening of the door 10 or its imminent opening. This opening data can be transmitted from the opening sensor 8 to the computer 3.

[0030] Furthermore, the exit warning system 2 includes a warning device 9, which can issue various warnings to the occupants. The warning device 9 can, in particular, have several components that can issue acoustic and visual warnings. If the computer unit 3 detects, based on the opening data and environmental data, that a collision with an object 5 in the vicinity and an opening door 10 is imminent, the warning device 9 can be activated. The warning device 9 then issues a warning to the occupants and / or prevents the door from opening.

[0031] Vehicle 1 comprises an electrical system 11, which describes all of the vehicle's electrical and electronic components. The components of the exit warning system 2, namely the computer unit 9, the environmental sensors 4, the opening sensor 8, and the warning device 9, are assigned to a subnetwork 12 of the electrical system 11. In this simplified example, the electrical system 11 also includes an additional environmental sensor 13 and an engine control unit 14. The respective components of the electrical system 11 can be supplied with electrical energy by an energy storage device or battery (not shown here). Furthermore, vehicle 1 includes an activation device 15, by means of which the exit warning system 2 can be activated. When the exit warning system 2 is activated, only subnetwork 12 is supplied with electrical energy.In the example shown, the additional environmental sensor 13 and the engine control unit 14 are not supplied with electrical energy when the exit warning system 2 is activated. The activation device 15 can detect when an occupant enters the vehicle 1. For this purpose, the activation device 15 can receive data from a locking system of the vehicle 1 (not shown here). Thus, the activation device 15 has information, for example, about whether the doors 10 have been opened.

[0032] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a traffic situation in which vehicle 1 is parked in parking area 16. Furthermore, an occupant (not shown) has entered vehicle 1 and taken the driver's seat. The occupant's entry, as well as the opening and subsequent closing of door 10, were detected by the activation device 15. Additionally, the activation device 15 activated the exit warning system 2, or subnetwork 12, during a pre-start phase before the vehicle 1's engine was started or the vehicle 1's ignition was switched on. Subnetwork 12 can be activated for a predetermined pre-start period, which can be, for example, three minutes.

[0033] During the pre-departure phase, the occupant may be in vehicle 1 and, for example, retrieve information from their mobile phone. Afterwards, the occupant wants to open door 10, perhaps to get a water bottle from the trunk of vehicle 1 before driving. This impending opening of door 10 is detected by the computer unit 3 based on the opening data. Furthermore, the computer unit 3 can detect objects 5 in the vicinity 6 of vehicle 1 based on object data. In the example shown, object 5, in the form of another vehicle, is located in lane 17, which borders parking area 16. This object 5 is moving forward. Based on the object data and the environment data, the computer unit 3 can detect that a collision between door 10 and the approaching object 5 is imminent when door 10 is opened.Therefore, warning device 9 is activated to issue a warning. It may also be possible to use warning device 9 to block or delay the opening of the door.

[0034] By activating the exit warning system 2 during the pre-departure phase, the occupant can be warned of object 5 or the vehicle if they disregard it. Because only subnetwork 12 of the vehicle electrical system 11 is activated, energy consumption can be significantly reduced.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an exit warning system (2) for a vehicle (1) which has an on-board network (11), comprising the steps: - Activating the exit warning system (2) during a pre-entry phase after an occupant has entered the vehicle (1), - wherein, in the activated exit warning system (2), opening data describing an impending opening of at least one door (10) of the vehicle (1) is detected by means of an opening sensor (8), environmental data describing an environment (6) of the vehicle (1) is detected by means of at least one environment sensor (4), a computing device (3) uses the opening data and the environmental data to check whether a collision between an object (5) in the environment (6) and the at least one opening door (10) is imminent, and if the collision is imminent, a warning device (9) issues a warning to the occupant, characterized by , that - during the pre-start phase only a subnetwork (12) of the on-board network (11) is activated, wherein the subnetwork (12) comprises the computing unit (3), the at least one environment sensor (4), the opening sensor (8) and the warning device (9) and - the exit warning system (2) is activated during the lead-up phase for a predetermined lead-up period and is subsequently deactivated. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the entry of the occupant into the vehicle (1) is detected based on a state of a locking system of the vehicle (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that before the exit warning system (2) is deactivated, a warning is issued to the occupant of the vehicle (1). [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the exit warning system (2) is reactivated after an operator input from the occupant has been detected. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the exit warning system (2) is additionally activated during a follow-up phase after the vehicle (1) has been switched off. [6] Exit warning system (2) for a vehicle (1) which has an on-board electrical system (11), comprising: - an opening sensor (8) for recording opening data which describes an imminent opening of at least one door (10) of the vehicle (1), - at least one environmental sensor (4) for recording environmental data describing an environment (6) of the vehicle (1), - a computing device (3) for checking whether a collision is imminent between an object (5) in the environment (6) and the at least one opening door (10), - a warning device (9) for issuing a warning to the occupant if a collision is imminent, and - an activation device (15) for activating the exit warning system (2) during a pre-entry phase after an occupant has entered the vehicle (1), characterized by , that - the activation device (15) is configured to activate only a subnetwork (12) of the vehicle network (11), wherein the subnetwork (12) comprises the computing device (3), the at least one environmental sensor (4), the opening sensor (8) and the warning device (9), and - wherein the activation device (15) is configured to activate the exit warning system (2) during the lead-up phase for a predetermined lead-up period and then to deactivate it. [7] Vehicle (1), in particular passenger car, with an exit warning system (2) according to claim 6.

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