Procedure and driver training system for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system

Abstract

A method for sensitizing and training drivers of a vehicle (12) with at least one vehicle assistance system (14) comprising the following steps: • Providing and activating a driver training system (10) with at least one training program in a vehicle (12) with at least one vehicle assistance system (14), wherein the driver training system (10) is designed to display virtual objects to a driver of the vehicle (12) by means of a display device at least during a movement sequence of the vehicle (12) and during an activated training program, and to actively intervene in the movement sequence of the vehicle (12) by means of at least one vehicle assistance system (14) coupled to the driver training system (10), characterized in that the method also comprises the following steps: • Selecting and activating a training program for a specific vehicle assistance system (14) of the vehicle (12) by the driver;• Providing related theoretical explanations and playing a sequence of events via the selected training program using the display device for the driver and • Starting a movement sequence of the vehicle (12) and user-defined triggering of the selected training program in the vehicle (12), so that the driver experiences the previously seen sequence of events in the vehicle (12) in real time.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a driver training system for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system, and to a vehicle comprising such a driver training system.

[0002] The further development of vehicles is significantly influenced by the improvement of existing driver assistance systems as well as the introduction of entirely new systems. The term "driver assistance system" can be interpreted broadly, encompassing everything from simple functionalities to highly complex processes within the vehicle. In particular, driver assistance systems that automatically intervene in the vehicle's movements during critical situations are well-suited to further enhancing vehicle safety during operation. At the same time, the driver remains responsible for demonstrating their driving skills before operating such a vehicle and, in particular, for being well-prepared for critical situations.The driving test can be seen not only as a first step, but also as a good starting point for imparting fundamental driving skills. Furthermore, various driver safety training courses are available, which, in the form of practical training sessions, sensitize drivers to critical situations. These courses primarily train the driver's reaction time in response to simulated critical situations. Additionally, the focus is on vehicle behavior in specific situations, such as unusual road conditions that can arise due to particular weather events. Besides practical training sessions on designated practice areas, virtual training systems are increasingly available for this purpose. Combined approaches, in which virtual objects appear in the driver's field of vision while they actively steer and shift gears on a practice course, are also already known.

[0003] Driver safety training courses primarily serve to increase road safety by preparing drivers for situations that occur extremely rarely in normal traffic and in which drivers therefore often react incorrectly. Safety-relevant driver assistance systems, especially those for collision avoidance, rely on the driver following the system's intervention and not unintentionally overriding it in order to be effective. In emergency situations, the emergency braking and evasive steering system causes a superposition of longitudinal deceleration and lateral displacement. Driving tests of this vehicle assistance system suggest that the superposition of these two movements, combined with high dynamics, presents a significant potential to overwhelm the driver.Since system intervention is extremely rare during normal driving, there is a high risk that the driver, in a moment of panic, will not react to the system intervention and will unintentionally override it incorrectly, thus preventing collision avoidance. The following are some examples from the current state of the art that deal with the topic discussed above in the broadest sense.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2006 044 086 A1 discloses a system and a method for simulating traffic situations, particularly accident-critical hazardous situations, as well as a driving simulator. Specifically, it discloses a system and a method for the virtual simulation of traffic situations, comprising a display unit for the graphical display of the virtual traffic situations, an input unit, and at least one modeled reference vehicle and at least one other modeled road user. The reference vehicle has a modeled detection device for capturing the virtual environment of the reference vehicle, and the behavior of the reference vehicle during a simulated traffic situation is at least temporarily determined by taking into account the information captured by the detection device. The invention particularly relates to a system for analyzing accident-critical hazardous situations.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2017 112 634 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with driving mode and simulation mode. Specifically, it discloses a motor vehicle that can be operated in driving mode and simulation mode. The motor vehicle has a computer unit, a control unit, a display unit, and a number of operating devices for the driver to operate the vehicle. In driving mode, the motor vehicle is configured to interpret the driver's inputs at the operating devices as driving commands and translate them into movements of the motor vehicle. In simulation mode, the motor vehicle is configured not to interpret any inputs from the driver at the operating devices as driving commands and not to translate them into movements of the motor vehicle.The control unit is configured to receive a switching signal and, upon receiving the signal, to switch the vehicle's operating mode between driving mode and simulation mode. The computer unit is configured to execute an interactive simulation in simulation mode, where the interactive simulation recreates a journey with the vehicle as a virtual journey with a virtual vehicle. Furthermore, in simulation mode, the computer unit is configured to interpret driver inputs at the controls as simulation commands used to control the virtual vehicle within the simulation. The display unit is configured to show the driver the virtual journey as the simulation output of the interactive simulation in simulation mode.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an alternative method and system for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle, which consciously and specifically sensitizes and trains the driver on functionalities of vehicle assistance systems in the vehicle.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for sensitizing and training drivers of a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system is provided. Such a method comprises the following steps: providing and activating a driver training system with at least one training program in a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system, wherein the driver training system is designed to display virtual objects to the driver of the vehicle by means of a display device at least during a movement sequence of the vehicle and during an activated training program, and to actively intervene in the movement sequence of the vehicle by means of at least one vehicle assistance system coupled to the driver training system.

[0008] Furthermore, this configuration of the procedure also includes the following steps: the driver selects and activates a training program for a specific vehicle assistance system; the driver is provided with corresponding theoretical explanations and a sequence of events related to the selected training program is played via the display device; the driver initiates a movement sequence in the vehicle and triggers the selected training program in the vehicle in a user-defined manner, so that the driver experiences the previously seen sequence in the vehicle in real time. In this way, the presented procedure makes it possible to consciously and specifically raise the driver's awareness of and train them on the functionalities of the vehicle's assistance systems.A functionality might be characterized, for example, by a corresponding vehicle assistance system intervening excessively in the vehicle's movements in a critical situation and / or interfering with driver-initiated movements of controls, such as any controlling components. Such sudden reactions can unsettle the driver, causing them to counteract this functionality of the vehicle assistance system in a disadvantageous way, and in extreme cases, negating its effect.

[0009] The presented method allows every driver to specifically learn about these functionalities and become familiar with them before using them in traffic. This can take place, for example, on a practice course. By deliberately and consciously creating the situation in which the corresponding vehicle assistance system is triggered, the driver is subsequently prepared for these procedures. Instead of reacting counter-arguments, the driver, having practiced this situation beforehand, allows the vehicle assistance system to take effect or follows its instructions appropriately, so that a rescue maneuver by the vehicle is sometimes carried out to completion.

[0010] Using the presented method and the associated training programs, the driver is sufficiently sensitized, thus reducing the likelihood of trained drivers reacting incorrectly in the future. Against this background, it is particularly useful to apply the method in conjunction with vehicle assistance systems for training purposes, specifically for sensitizing and training drivers who rarely intervene. Because they intervene infrequently, the element of surprise is especially significant for the driver. Using the presented method, the driver can consciously select this situation beforehand, be prepared accordingly through the theoretical unit, and then experience the wide range of functionalities of the previously selected vehicle assistance system in real time.In other words, the driver, for example, drives the vehicle on a practice course, having previously activated a desired program. The desired situation is created, with the displayed virtual objects helping to make the exercise appear as realistic as possible.

[0011] Driver awareness is particularly important for systems that involve steering interventions to control the vehicle's lateral movement. Otherwise, the driver is highly likely to reduce or prevent these interventions by gripping the steering wheel tightly. With emergency braking systems, however, the risk of the driver unintentionally triggering the system's intervention, for example by accelerating, is low. Unlike maneuvering and parking functions, safety features cannot be deliberately tested by the driver to familiarize themselves with them. The presented method is therefore ideally suited to address this issue and significantly improve the driving skills of drivers who have been sensitized and trained using this method.The driver experiences realistic training maneuvers, where the virtual objects serve only to make the individual training programs appear realistic even during practical application on the training course. In a real-life situation, the driver then has a much better understanding of how the respective vehicle assistance system will react. This significantly reduces the risk of oversteering, for example. The driver can immediately see what will happen and, therefore, in a real-life scenario, understand what the appropriate reaction will be and how the vehicle will react. During the theoretical preparation, the driver is given a general description and can have the sequence of events displayed and explained to them beforehand using the display device.During this section, the driver may also be advised to test the respective training programs on a suitable, traffic-free, and sufficiently large driving practice area. In particular, attention may be drawn to the risk of collisions, especially at the sides and rear of the vehicle. A note that the driver is liable may also be included. These explanations may at least include the content provided in the vehicle's owner's manual. The term "experience in real time" simply means that the driver can experience and, above all, live through the selected scenario with the appropriate support of the displayed objects while driving the vehicle.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a driver training system is provided for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle assistance system. The driver training system is designed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The aforementioned advantages also apply, to the extent applicable, to the presented driver training system.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a driver training system according to claim 9. The aforementioned advantages also apply, to the extent applicable, to the vehicle presented.

[0014] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims. In a further embodiment of the invention, the display device comprises at least one display unit and / or at least one HUD display unit, wherein the virtual objects are displayed exclusively in the at least one display unit, exclusively in the at least one HUD display unit, or in both the at least one display unit and the at least one HUD display unit. The display device and its respective components can be either part of the driver training system or part of the vehicle. Any hybrid configuration is also conceivable. In particular, realistic scenarios can be practiced on the training ground using the HUD display unit, as described in the method, since this HUD display unit, for example, projects the virtual objects required for a given situation into the driver's field of vision on the vehicle's windshield.These virtual objects can be static and / or dynamic or animated, depending on the chosen training program. They can also be provided with additional information and made available to the driver before, during, or after the training program.

[0015] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the user-defined activation of the selected training program in the vehicle is carried out based on an individually definable command input via command input devices in the vehicle and / or upon reaching an individually definable speed value of the vehicle after the training program has been selected and activated. For example, the driver may want to reach a more suitable location on the training ground before the already activated training program is triggered. The vehicle parameters required for the selected driving maneuver or the scenario to be practiced, preferably the necessary speed, can be communicated to the driver via the display device. As soon as a certain speed is exceeded, the previously selected training program then starts.The driver is also shown the vehicle's location in the virtual scenario via the display. The selected scenario, as part of the ongoing training program, starts automatically, for example, when the required target speed is reached. This allows the driver to decelerate further simply by remaining below this speed and then conveniently initiate the start by exceeding it. Such a start can also be triggered at any time, particularly conveniently, using previously learned commands. The driver can thus prepare optimally and is then especially receptive to the selected program. Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the virtual objects are provided for in the training program to be marked differently depending on their function, in particular by different colors. For example, a primary object, which is intended to be the collision-relevant object, can be marked differently than the respective secondary objects, which must be taken into account during a subsequent evasive maneuver. Alternatively, only the primary object can be color-coded or displayed in color, while the respective secondary objects are then simply displayed in black and white or gray. This allows a driver to more consciously grasp the relationships to be learned and to understand the reactions and functionalities of the vehicle assistance system being learned, thus ensuring sufficient awareness for later scenarios during actual driving.

[0016] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the training program for a specific vehicle assistance system can be selected from at least the following training programs: emergency braking, emergency evasive maneuver, and emergency braking-evasive maneuver. This selection is not limiting for the presented method. Additional training programs can be added and practiced at any time. The presented selection represents, in particular, scenarios and situations in which corresponding specific vehicle assistance systems intervene very strongly and thus sometimes overwhelm the driver. Moreover, these situations are so rare that the driver is sometimes even quite startled when a related vehicle assistance system fully utilizes its functionality in an emergency. Thus, the driver can select from at least the three basic training scenarios presented.For example, the system simulation can function or be intended to function within a defined speed range, such as between 30 and 70 km / h.

[0017] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that for each training program, a scenario can be selected from at least the following: cyclist in their own lane, oncoming vehicle in their own lane, pedestrian in their own lane, partially stationary passenger car in their own lane, oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane, pedestrian crossing at the edge of the road. The aforementioned training programs can be deliberately combined and selected by the driver with the respective scenarios. Thus, even more situations can be provided for the presented method as a basis for the driver's awareness and training process. The parameterizability of the scenarios allows the limits of the respective vehicle assistance system to be experienced directly. For example, the scenario of a pedestrian crossing the road can be experienced.For example, the speed of the virtually displayed pedestrian can be adjusted, preventing system intervention if the speed becomes too high. The presented options, all of which offer a variety of settings and parameters, allow for practice tailored to the driver's skill level, thus gradually increasing the difficulty of the training programs. Within the virtual scenario, the driver can then influence the vehicle's positioning relative to the virtual object and, consequently, the course of the scenario.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the planned training trajectories of the vehicle are displayed by the display device both during the sequence of events and during the practical execution of the selected training program. Optionally, and in a user-defined manner, the actual trajectories driven are also displayed, thus showing the driver a difference between the planned training trajectories and the actual trajectories driven. Displaying the planned trajectory and, optionally, the actual trajectory driven, for example, on the display, is helpful in directly illustrating to the driver which interventions have caused a deviation from the control system and to what extent.This serves to further raise the driver's awareness of the respective vehicle assistance systems and, in some cases, also strengthens confidence in the functionality of such systems. Various methods of representation are conceivable. In addition to individual lines, it may also be possible to depict at least part of the vehicle's outline, in order to, for example, clarify the vehicle's spatial presence and the associated effects for the driver.

[0019] Finally, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a selected, activated, and triggered training program can be interrupted and / or stopped by at least one of the following actions initiated by the driver: actuation of a brake pedal of the vehicle, actuation of the ESP button, imposing a steering angle of the vehicle with a value > 30° for at least 200 ms, and wherein a system intervention in the lateral direction of the vehicle can be overridden at any time by imposing a steering torque of ≥ 3 Nm on the steering wheel of the vehicle. In particular, this refers to a system intervention in the sense of imposing a steering angle of > 30° for at least 200 ms on the steering wheel of the vehicle, contrary to the system's intended purpose. For example, the driver can trigger these processes and thus bring about the desired effect quickly and reliably.For example, the system simulation is activated via the instrument cluster by simultaneously pressing the ESP button for two seconds. This can only be done with the engine running (terminal 15 engaged). The vehicle parameters required for the selected driving maneuver or scenario, preferably the necessary speed, can be displayed to the driver. Once a certain speed is exceeded, the previously selected training program starts. The driver is also shown the ego vehicle's location within the virtual scenario via the display. The selected scenario within the ongoing training program starts automatically, for example, upon reaching the required target speed.The driver can interrupt the training mode at any time by pressing the brake pedal, pressing the ESP button, or by applying a steering angle greater than 30° for at least 200 ms, contrary to the system's intervention. The lateral system intervention can also be overridden by the driver at any time with a steering torque of, for example, 3 Nm or greater. Furthermore, the procedure may include a condition for the automatic triggering or activation of the evasive / braking / braking-evasive maneuver upon reaching the target speed. For example, this condition could be that no object has been seen or detected within a distance of at least 50 m in the area of ​​the vehicle's front or within sensor range to the sides and rear of the vehicle for at least 10 seconds.Any existing suppression conditions can also be displayed to the driver. During the entire system activation period, the vehicle's hazard warning lights may be automatically activated, and the speed may be limited to a maximum of 17 km / h. In all the aforementioned training modes, the system may also provide the full range of warnings (visual, audible, and haptic) before the build-up of lateral displacement and longitudinal deceleration.

[0020] The presented method and system are suitable for use with any vehicles that have or are equipped with appropriate vehicle assistance systems.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0022] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a process flow diagram of a procedure for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a driver training system for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle with at least one vehicle assistance system; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a driver training system according to claim 9.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a process flow diagram. 100 A procedure for raising awareness and training drivers of vehicles equipped with at least one driver assistance system. In a first procedural step 110A driver training system with at least one training program is provided and activated in a vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle assistance system. The driver training system is designed to display virtual objects to the driver of the vehicle via a display device at least during one vehicle movement sequence and during an activated training program. Furthermore, the driver training system is designed to actively intervene in the vehicle's movement sequence during at least one activated training program and during the vehicle's movement sequence by means of at least one vehicle assistance system coupled to the driver training system.

[0024] In a second procedural step 120 The driver selects and activates a training program for a specific vehicle assistance system of the vehicle.

[0025] In a third procedural step130 The display device provides the driver with relevant theoretical explanations about the selected training program and plays a sequence of events related to the selected training program. In a fourth procedural step 140 A movement sequence of the vehicle is initiated and a user-defined triggering of the selected training program takes place in the vehicle, so that the driver experiences the previously seen sequence in the vehicle in real time.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a driver training system. 10 for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle 12 with at least one vehicle assistance system 14 This highly simplified representation is only intended to illustrate how the driver training system works. 10 via a suitable interface 16with at least one vehicle assistance system 14 of the vehicle 12 is coupled, thus enabling the execution of the in Fig. to enable the procedure shown in point 1. Alternatively, the driver training system can be used. 10 also with an unspecified central processing unit of the vehicle 12 They are coupled to then be connected via this central processing unit to the respective vehicle assistance systems. 14 to be coupled. Therefore, any number of vehicle assistance systems can be connected. 14 with the driver training system 10 The process can be designed to be coupled. For example, the method can be provided, at least partially, in the form of a computer program product, which is then run on the driver training system. 10 The driver training system is installed and can be activated and operated from there, for example by the driver as explained above. 10 is outside the vehicle 12depicted, although it could also be found at any point within the vehicle 12 The driver training system may be provided for. 10 can already be part of the vehicle 12 be or be subsequently integrated into it, as explained above.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 12 with a driver training system 10 according to claim 9. Reference symbol list 10 Driver training system 12 vehicles 14 Vehicle assistance systems 16 Interface 100 Process Flow Diagram 110 first procedural step 120 second procedural step 130 third procedural step 140 fourth procedural step 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 102006044086 A1

[0004] DE 102017112634 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Method for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle (12) with at least one driver assistance system (14) comprising the following steps: • Providing and activating a driver training system (10) with at least one training program in a vehicle (12) with at least one vehicle assistance system (14), wherein the driver training system (10) is designed to display virtual objects to a driver of the vehicle (12) by means of a display device at least during a movement sequence of the vehicle (12) and during an activated training program, and to actively intervene in the movement sequence of the vehicle (12) by means of at least one vehicle assistance system (14) coupled to the driver training system (10), characterized by that the procedure also includes the following steps: • Selecting and activating a training program for a specific vehicle assistance system (14) of the vehicle (12) by the driver; • Providing relevant theoretical explanations and playing a sequence of events via the selected training program using the display device for the driver and • Starting a movement sequence of the vehicle (12) and user-defined triggering of the selected training program in the vehicle (12), so that the driver experiences the previously seen sequence in the vehicle (12) in real time. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the display device comprises at least one display unit and / or at least one HUD display unit, wherein the virtual objects are displayed exclusively in the at least one display unit or exclusively in the at least one HUD display unit or both in the at least one display unit and in the at least one HUD display unit. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user-defined triggering of the selected training program in the vehicle (12) is carried out on the basis of an individually definable command input by means of command input means in the vehicle (12) and / or upon reaching an individually definable speed value of the vehicle (12) after the selection and activation of the training program. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the virtual objects are marked differently according to their function in the training program, in particular marked differently in color. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the training program for a specific vehicle assistance system (14) can be selected from at least the following training programs: emergency braking, emergency swerving, emergency braking swerving. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein for each training program a scenario can also be selected from at least the following: cyclist in own lane, oncoming vehicle (12) in own lane, pedestrian in own lane, passenger car stopped halfway in own lane, oncoming vehicle (12) in opposing lane, pedestrian crossing at the edge of the road. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein both during the sequence of events and during the practical execution of the selected training program in the vehicle (12) the respective planned training trajectories of the vehicle (12) are displayed by means of the display device, wherein optionally and user-defined the respective actually driven trajectories are also displayed, so that the driver is shown a delta between the planned training trajectories and the actually driven trajectories. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a selected, activated and triggered training program can be interrupted and / or stopped by at least one of the following actions triggered by the driver: Activation of the vehicle's brake pedal, activation of the ESP button, Imposing a steering angle of the vehicle (12) with an amount > 30° for at least 200 ms and wherein A system intervention in the transverse direction of the vehicle (12) can be overridden at any time by imposing a steering wheel torque on the steering wheel of the vehicle (12) >= 3 Nm. [9] Driver training system (10) for raising awareness and training drivers of a vehicle (12) with at least one vehicle assistance system (14), wherein the driver training system (10) is designed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Vehicle (12) with a driver training system (10) according to claim 9.