Method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a driver assistance system (10) of a vehicle (12), in which the driver assistance system (10) causes the vehicle (12) to change lanes, and in which a driver of the vehicle (12) activates a direction indicator (22) of the vehicle (12), characterized in that the driver assistance system (10) distinguishes between a lane change of a first type, in which the vehicle (12) is to leave an exit lane (14) onto a further lane (16), and a lane change of a second type, in which the vehicle (12) is to leave an exit lane (14) onto a branch (24) of a junction (26),wherein, upon detection of an intended lane change of the second type, a longer period of flashing of the direction indicator (22) is permitted between the first activation of the direction indicator (22) by the driver of the vehicle (12) and the departure of the vehicle (12) from the exit lane (14) than upon detection of an intended lane change of the first type.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle, in which the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to change lanes. In the method, a driver of the vehicle activates a turn signal of the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with a driver assistance system.

[0002] DE 20 2005 001 753 U1 concerns an automatically deactivating direction indicator for motor vehicles.

[0003] US 2019 / 0 061 780 A1 describes a method for operating a driver assistance system that uses navigation information. If it is determined that the vehicle is not following a navigation route and is leaving a highway at an exit, but instead remains on the highway, different functions are activated than when leaving the highway at the exit. If the vehicle remains on the highway, cruise control and a lane change assistant are activated. Furthermore, an exit assistant, which is designed to reduce the driving speed on the exit, is deactivated in this case.

[0004] Furthermore, US 2020 / 0 164 871 A1 describes a lane change assistance system which prevents an assisted lane change at a motorway exit if there is another vehicle in another lane of the motorway exit.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset which provides a broader range of applications for an assisted lane change, and to provide a vehicle designed to carry out the method.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

[0007] In the method according to the invention for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle, in which the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to change lanes, the driver of the vehicle activates a turn signal of the vehicle. In the method, the driver assistance system distinguishes between a lane change of a first type, in which the vehicle is provided to exit from an exit lane onto another lane, and a lane change of a second type. In the second type of lane change, the vehicle is provided to exit from an exit lane onto a branch of a junction.When an intended lane change of the second type is detected, a longer period of flashing of the direction indicator is permitted between the first activation of the direction indicator by the driver of the vehicle and the vehicle leaving the exit lane than when an intended lane change of the first type is detected.

[0008] In other words, the method enables the driver to activate the turn signal particularly early if the driver intends to have the driver assistance system perform the second type of lane change. This allows other road users to be informed of the driver's intention very early on in such a situation, in which the vehicle is about to exit the exit lane onto the branch of the junction.

[0009] The procedure is based on the recognition that a driver assistance system that guides the vehicle laterally or is designed to guide the vehicle laterally and that is designed to effect an assisted lane change is subject to regulatory framework conditions. Such regulatory framework conditions are, for example, defined or specified in the UN ECE Regulation with the identifier R79, i.e., UN ECE R79. According to UN ECE R79, in an assisted lane change, i.e., a lane change effected by a driver assistance system that guides the vehicle laterally, the driving maneuver in which the vehicle begins to leave the initial lane and turn into the next lane must take place within a comparatively short period of time after the turn indicator is actuated or activated.

[0010] Specifically, UN ECE R79 stipulates that the lane change maneuver must be initiated within 3 to 5 seconds after the turn signal is activated. Accordingly, the driver must begin crossing a lane marking that separates the exit lane from the next lane within this time period. These requirements are certainly advantageous if only the first type of lane change is to be performed, i.e., if the vehicle is only intended to exit the exit lane into the next lane.

[0011] However, these specifications cannot be satisfactorily applied to the second type of lane change, in which the vehicle exits the exit lane onto the junction branch. This is because, in the second type of lane change, it is advantageous if the direction indicator is activated or activated well before the beginning of the maneuver, in which the vehicle begins to leave the exit lane and turn onto the junction branch, in order to alert other road users in good time to the impending maneuver in the form of the second type of lane change.

[0012] This circumstance is particularly well taken into account by the driver assistance system being designed to distinguish between the first type of lane change and the second type of lane change, and by allowing the direction indicator to flash for a longer period upon detection of the intended second type of lane change. The method therefore offers a broader range of applications for assisted lane changes. This is because the lane change initiated and thus assisted by the driver assistance system can be implemented even if the driver of the vehicle intends to exit onto the branch of the junction. Thus, the assisted lane change can be offered to the driver of the vehicle even in such a driving situation.

[0013] In particular, the driver of the vehicle can activate the turn signal very early, for example, several hundred meters before the junction, to indicate the desired maneuver in the form of a second-type lane change, which is then initiated by the driver assistance system. And the first-type lane change, in which the lane change or lane change must actually be carried out relatively shortly after the driver activates or activates the turn signal, can still be carried out in compliance with regulatory frameworks such as UN ECE R79.

[0014] The second type of lane change can be carried out in particular at a junction which is designed like a fork, i.e. in which the branch taken by the vehicle after the lane change is designed as one of at least two branches of the fork. Furthermore, the branch of the junction can be designed like an exit or departure from the exit lane. In all such junction designs, it is advantageous if, by allowing the direction indicator to flash for a longer period, other road users, and in particular those following behind, are alerted very early on that the vehicle is about to leave the exit lane and thus turn onto the branch of the junction, or are informed of this turn.

[0015] Preferably, the driver assistance system causes at least a portion of the vehicle to leave the exit lane after the specified time period while the turn indicator continues to flash. This allows the assisted lane change to be performed with a very continuous maneuver. This is especially true if at least a portion of the vehicle leaves the exit lane immediately after the specified time period while the turn indicator continues to flash. Nevertheless, other road users are alerted to the maneuver by the flashing turn indicator even while the maneuver is being performed.

[0016] Preferably, the driver assistance system detects that, in the case of an intended lane change of the second type, the vehicle is intended to exit the exit lane onto a deceleration lane of a junction designed as an exit. In particular, in such a driving situation, in which an assisted lane change or lane change onto the deceleration lane is to be performed, the timely indication of the intended lane change is particularly advantageous. This is because the deceleration lane allows the vehicle to slow down only in this lane.

[0017] However, especially if the vehicle's speed is reduced before reaching the deceleration lane, i.e. while still driving on the exit lane, which may be part of an expressway, in particular a motorway, it is particularly advantageous to inform road users, particularly those behind, early on about the intended exit onto the deceleration lane.

[0018] Preferably, the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to turn into the deceleration lane when the presence of the deceleration lane is detected to the side of the vehicle. This allows the turn into the deceleration lane to be performed in a particularly safe manner, and the maximum length of the deceleration lane can be used for subsequent reduction of the vehicle's speed.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the presence of the deceleration lane next to the vehicle is detected early, because then the driver assistance system can prompt the vehicle to turn into the deceleration lane early. This makes it very easy and effective to prevent the vehicle from obstructing traffic in the exit lane.

[0020] If, in addition or alternatively, the presence of the deceleration lane in an area ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel is detected early on, this is also advantageous with regard to the execution of the second type of lane change. This allows the presence of the deceleration lane ahead in the direction of travel to be taken into account early on during the assisted lane change.

[0021] The presence of the deceleration lane in the area ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel and / or to the side of the vehicle can be detected using at least one of the vehicle's surroundings sensors. For example, at least one of the vehicle's cameras can be used for this purpose, such as at least one of the vehicle's front cameras. This enables reliable detection of the deceleration lane.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the presence of the deceleration lane in the area ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel and / or to the side of the vehicle can be determined using map data from the vehicle's navigation system. In particular, the navigation system also takes the vehicle's current position into account. With a sufficiently high level of accuracy of the map data and the vehicle's position determination, the presence of the deceleration lane can also be determined very precisely in this way.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the presence of the deceleration lane in the area ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel and / or to the side of the vehicle can be determined using map data generated from swarm data. Such map data is typically highly accurate, enabling, in particular, lane-accurate localization of the vehicle when using the map data generated from the swarm data.

[0024] Preferably, the driver assistance system uses map data to determine that the junction is located ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel. This allows it to use this information to determine whether the driver intends to perform the second type of assisted lane change or the first type of assisted lane change. This makes the process particularly reliable.

[0025] Preferably, the driver assistance system checks whether a navigation system is activated on the vehicle, which provides a route to a destination. If the navigation system is activated, the driver is notified to activate the turn signal before reaching the junction. This ensures that the turn signal flashes, informing other road users of the impending lane change of the second type in good time before reaching the junction. This is advantageous with regard to particularly high road safety during the second type of lane change.

[0026] Preferably, the driver assistance system remains in an operating mode that allows the first type of lane change if the driver does not comply with the instruction. This allows, in particular, to take into account the fact that the driver may not be willing to follow the route to the destination. In this case, the assisted lane change of the first type remains available to the driver.

[0027] The warning can be given to the driver well before the vehicle actually reaches the junction. This gives the driver sufficient time to react to the warning and still activate or activate the turn signal in good time before reaching the junction.

[0028] A corresponding time at which the warning can be issued can be determined, in particular, depending on the driving speed of the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle in which the driver assistance system performs the second lane change travels a distance in the exit lane during a signaling period of at least 5 seconds before the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to depart from the exit lane onto the branch of the junction. This ensures that other road users, especially those behind, are notified of the impending maneuver in a timely and timely manner. This is because the impending maneuver can be recognized by these road users during this comparatively long signaling period.

[0030] This applies in particular if the vehicle in which the driver assistance system carries out the second type of lane change travels the route during a period of approximately 5 seconds to approximately 15 seconds of indicator flashing in the exit lane and then the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to leave the exit lane and onto the branch of the junction.

[0031] At vehicle speeds such as are typical when driving on a motorway or similar expressway, the vehicle can cover a distance of, for example, between approximately 100 meters and approximately 500 meters during the flashing period before the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to leave the exit lane and onto the branch of the junction.

[0032] In particular, the vehicle in which the driver assistance system performs the second type of lane change on the motorway or expressway can travel a distance of between approximately 200 and 400 meters during the signaling period before the driver assistance system causes the vehicle to exit the exit lane onto the branch of the junction. This is based on the finding that indicating the desired exit onto the branch of the junction approximately 300 meters before the junction has proven particularly useful for providing early and safe warning of the impending maneuver.

[0033] At lower vehicle speeds, such as those encountered particularly in city traffic, the vehicle can cover a distance of, for example, between approximately 50 and 100 meters during the at least 5-second flashing period. This allows road users, especially those behind, to be given early warning of the impending lane change maneuver.

[0034] The vehicle according to the invention has a driver assistance system designed to cause the vehicle to change lanes. Furthermore, the vehicle has a turn signal that can be activated by a driver of the vehicle. The driver assistance system is designed to distinguish between a first type of lane change, in which the vehicle departs from an exit lane onto another lane, and a second type of lane change. In the second type of lane change, the vehicle departs from an exit lane onto a branch of a junction.The driver assistance system is further configured to allow a longer flashing period of the turn signal between the initial activation of the turn signal by the vehicle driver and the vehicle leaving the exit lane when an intended lane change of the second type is detected than when an intended lane change of the first type is detected. In this way, the vehicle's driver assistance system enables a broader range of applications for assisted lane changes. This is because the vehicle is configured to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0035] The invention also includes further developments of the vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0036] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic driving situation in which a vehicle performs an assisted lane change of a first type; Fig. 2 shows, in an equally schematic manner, a situation in which the vehicle carries out a lane change of a second type, in which the vehicle leaves an exit lane and moves into a deceleration lane of a junction designed as an exit; Fig. 3 the situation according to Fig. 2, with additional length ranges or sections being highlighted within which the vehicle's direction indicators may flash to signal turning onto the deceleration lane; and Fig. 4 a flow chart according to which a driver assistance system of the vehicle switches between the lane change of the first type according to Fig. 1 and the lane change of the second type according to Fig. 2, whereby in the case of an intended lane change of the second type, a longer period of flashing of the direction indicator is permitted than when the lane change of the first type is intended.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0039] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0040] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a situation in which a driver assistance system 10 of a vehicle 12 performs or causes an assisted lane change of a first type. The vehicle 12 is located on a roadway with a first lane in the form of an exit lane 14, wherein the roadway has a further lane in the form of a destination lane 16. The exit lane 14 is separated from the destination lane 16 by a lane marking in the form of a dashed line 18 or a broken line 18.

[0041] The driver assistance system 10 of the vehicle 12 can support the driver of the vehicle 12 both by providing lateral guidance and by providing longitudinal guidance. In particular, the driver assistance system 10 is capable of performing an assisted lane change of a first type, in which the driver assistance system 10 configured for lateral guidance causes the vehicle 12 to depart from the starting lane 14 and move the vehicle 12 to the further lane in the form of the destination lane 16. A route 20 traveled by the vehicle 12 in this case is Fig. 1 shown schematically.

[0042] In the Fig. 1, the assisted lane change maneuver of the first type illustrated by the roadway 20 requires compliance with regulatory framework conditions, which are laid down, for example, in the UN ECE R79 regulation. Accordingly, a driver (not shown) of the vehicle 12 can actuate a control element, for example in the form of a turn signal lever (not shown) of the vehicle 12, and thus cause at least one direction indicator 22 of the vehicle 12 to flash. The direction indicators 22 or turn signals of the vehicle 12 activated or flashing in this way are in Fig. 1 is shown only schematically.

[0043] The at least one direction indicator 22 of the vehicle 12 can therefore be activated by the driver of the vehicle 12, in particular by actuating the control element. For example, the driver of the vehicle 12 can tap the turn signal lever (not shown here) of the vehicle 12 and thus indicate that they wish to perform an assisted lane change. The at least one direction indicator 22 can therefore be activated by the driver of the vehicle 12, in particular, by the driver of the vehicle 12 actuating the turn signal lever by briefly tapping the turn signal lever, i.e., by flicking the blinker.

[0044] In this regard, UN ECE R79 stipulates that after such a tapping of the turn signal lever, no lateral movement of the vehicle 12 may occur for one second, whereby the assisted lane change is initiated by the actuation of the turn signal lever. The actual lane change, i.e., turning the front wheels of the vehicle 12 such that the lane marking in the form of the broken line 18 is crossed, must, according to UN ECE R79, occur within a period of 3 seconds to a maximum of 5 seconds after the actuation or tapping of the turn signal lever.

[0045] Furthermore, UN ECE R79 stipulates that, depending on the category of vehicle 12, the lane change maneuver must be completed within a predetermined time period. If vehicle 12 is, as in Fig. 1, as shown by way of example, concerns a passenger car, the driving manoeuvre must be terminated or completed within 5 seconds, i.e. within 5 seconds after the vehicle 12 has begun to cross the broken line 18.

[0046] In other words, during the assisted lane change of the first type, the driver assistance system 10 must ensure that the vehicle 12 is completely in the target lane 16 within 5 seconds of starting or initiating the lane change. The turn indicator 22 remains activated throughout the entire maneuver. However, the corresponding flashing of the turn indicator 22 is automatically stopped by the driver assistance system 10 of the vehicle 12 following the completion of the driving maneuver.

[0047] In the case of an assisted lane change of the first type, for example on a motorway, it can therefore be provided that the driver actuates the turn signal lever by tapping it and thus activates the corresponding direction indicators 22 of the vehicle 12, wherein the regulation stipulates that a sideways movement of the vehicle 12 may not begin until after one second at the earliest, wherein the lane change, with the direction indicator 22 activated, must begin or be initiated within the predetermined time period of 3 seconds to 5 seconds after actuation of the turn signal lever.

[0048] However, a completely different situation arises when changing lanes, where a junction, such as a motorway exit, is to be entered by the vehicle 12 equipped with the driver assistance system 10. This should be explained with reference to Fig. 2, in which a corresponding lane change of a second type is illustrated.

[0049] In such a lane change of the second type, the vehicle 12 equipped with the driver assistance system 10 is intended to drive from the exit lane 14 onto a branch of a junction. Fig. In the exemplary situation shown in Figure 2, in which the junction is designed as an exit 26, in particular in the form of a motorway exit, the branch of the junction is designed as a deceleration lane 24. This is because at the junction in the form of exit 26, the deceleration lane 24 branches off from the exit lane 14.

[0050] In Fig. 2, in which the junction is thus designed as the exit 26, specifically as the motorway exit, the corresponding branch of the junction, which is designed as the deceleration lane 24, branches off to the right of the exit lane 14. Accordingly, in this driving situation, the right turn signals 22 of the vehicle 12 are activated, and not as in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the left-hand direction indicators 22 in the direction of travel are activated. However, the following statements apply analogously if the vehicle 12 equipped with the driver assistance system 10 is located in a country or a regulatory area in which left-hand traffic prevails or is prescribed and thus a left turn from the exit lane 14 can be made at the exit 26.

[0051] When changing lanes at the junction at exit 26, the regulations stipulate, for example, in the German Road Traffic Act, that leaving the motorway at exit 26, for example, must be signaled to the oncoming traffic approximately 300 meters before exit 26. However, this regulation conflicts with the regulations that must be observed when implementing the requirements of UN ECE R79 alone.

[0052] These circumstances are taken into account by the driver assistance system 10 of the vehicle 12. This is because the driver assistance system 10 is designed to distinguish between the lane change of the first type, which is exemplified in Fig. 1, and the lane change of the second type, which is exemplified in Fig. 2 is illustrated.

[0053] In particular, an algorithm implemented in the driver assistance system 10 of the vehicle 12 can distinguish between the first variant or type of lane change, namely, for example, the normal lane change on the motorway, and the second variant or the second type of lane change, for example, in the form of a lane change onto exit 26 or at exit 26. Accordingly, a method for adapting the lane change at a junction such as exit 26, in particular a motorway exit, is implemented in the driver assistance system 10.

[0054] Accordingly, the driver of the vehicle 12 can be offered an assisted lane change by the driver assistance system 10 even if this lane change involves turning, for example, onto the deceleration lane 24 at the motorway exit 26. This assisted lane change of the second type can be designed, in particular, as a sub-function in which route guidance is provided by means of a navigation system 28 (cf. Fig. 1) of the vehicle 12 is activated. For reasons of clarity, the navigation system 28 of the vehicle 12 having the driver assistance system 10 is only shown in Fig. 1 is shown schematically. The assisted lane change, for example, onto the deceleration lane 24 at the motorway exit 26, can thus be designed in particular as a subfunction of the driver assistance system 10, in which the route guidance is activated by means of the navigation system 28, wherein, when the route guidance is activated, the route indicates a path to a destination of the vehicle 12.

[0055] In the corresponding method for operating the driver assistance system 10, which distinguishes between the lane change of the first type (compare Fig. 1) and the lane change of the second type (compare Fig. 2), it is provided, in particular, that the lane change or lane change is carried out at the beginning of the deceleration lane 24. At the same time, however, the driver of the vehicle 12 can activate the turn signal or the direction indicator 22 in good time, for example, at a distance of approximately 300 meters before the exit or junction 26.

[0056] However, if the requirements or regulations of UN ECE R79 were strictly observed or solely observed, this would be difficult, as this regulation is based on different boundary conditions. This should be explained with reference to Fig. 3 will be explained.

[0057] For example, for illustrative purposes, it shall be assumed that the vehicle 12 equipped with the driver assistance system 10 is traveling at a speed of 100 km / h. Accordingly, the vehicle 12 travels just under 28 meters per second when traveling at this speed in the exit lane 14. When observing the regulation according to UN ECE R79, the driver of the vehicle 12 may only activate the direction indicator 22 within a comparatively small area 30 of the exit lane 14, whereby this area 30 Fig. 3 is illustrated schematically.

[0058] Because according to UN ECE R79, turning onto deceleration lane 24 must take place no later than 5 seconds after the start of the signaling, this area 30 begins at a distance 32 of approximately 140 meters before exit 26. Furthermore, area 30 ends at a distance 34 of approximately 85 meters before exit 26. Because UN ECE R79 stipulates that the direction indicator 22 must be activated for at least 3 seconds before crossing a lane marking 36 which separates the exit lane 14 from the deceleration lane 24, whereby this lane marking 36 is in Fig. 3 is illustrated by a broken line.

[0059] If the driver of vehicle 12 were to activate the direction indicator 22 of vehicle 12 only in a section 38 of the exit lane 14, which borders on the area 30 in the direction of travel of vehicle 12, this flashing would occur too late according to UN ECE R79.

[0060] If, on the other hand, the driver of the vehicle 12 activates the direction indicator 22 when the vehicle 12 is still in another section 40, to which the area 30 adjoins in the direction of travel of the vehicle 12, this flashing would be too early according to the regulations of UN ECE R79.

[0061] According to UN ECE R79, the driver of vehicle 12 may therefore only activate the turn signal or the direction indicator 22 in the very small area 30 or in the very short area 30 before exit 26. Therefore, the early activation of the turn signal or the early activation of the turn signal provided for in the Highway Code would not permit or allow an automatic or assisted lane change if the regulations of UN ECE R79 were followed alone.

[0062] However, in the algorithm executed by the driver assistance system 10 of the vehicle 12, a distinction is made between the two variants of the lane change or the two types of lane change, so that even in the case of the second type of lane change and thus, for example, when the vehicle 12 leaves the exit lane 14 onto the deceleration lane 24, the driver assistance system 10 can effect the assisted lane change.

[0063] The corresponding algorithm should be based on Fig. 4. First, a check 42 is carried out to determine whether a route guidance from the navigation system 28 of the vehicle 12 (compare Fig. 1) is active. If this is the case, which is Fig. 4 is illustrated by a first arrow 44, the method or algorithm reaches a first block 46. In this block 46, it is checked whether the vehicle 12 is located a certain distance before the exit 26 in the right lane and thus the exit lane 14.

[0064] A minimum distance of the vehicle 12 from the exit 26 and a maximum distance of the vehicle 12 from the exit 26 can preferably be freely applied or freely specified. For example, depending on the driving speed of the vehicle 12 in the exit lane 14, it can be ensured that the check performed in the first block 46 is carried out sufficiently early so that the driver can activate the turn signal 22 in a timely manner. In block 46, when route guidance is active or activated, a notification is preferably issued to the driver of the vehicle 12 requesting that they activate the turn signal 22.

[0065] For example, a display on vehicle 12 can provide the driver of vehicle 12 with a text message that they should activate the turn signal to change lanes at exit 26. Block 46 then further checks whether the driver actually activates the turn signal 22, for example, by tapping the turn signal lever or a similar control element on vehicle 12.

[0066] If the query in block 46 shows that the driver of the vehicle 12 does not comply with the instruction, which is Fig. 4 is illustrated by a further arrow 48, the driver assistance system 10 remains in a specific operating mode 50. In this operating mode 50, only the lane change of the first type is permitted, for example in the form of a “lane change on a motorway”, as is exemplified with reference to Fig. 1. If, in response to block 46, the driver of the vehicle 12 activates 52 the direction indicator 22, the driver assistance system 10 is operated in a special mode 54, which enables the lane change of the second type and, for example, in the form of a “lane change at an exit” such as the exit 26 according to Fig. 2 allows.

[0067] If the check 42 shows that the navigation system 28 of the vehicle 12 (compare Fig. 1) is not active, which in Fig. 4 is illustrated by a further arrow 56, the method or the algorithm executed by the driver assistance system 10 reaches a second block 58.

[0068] In the second block 58, a check is made to determine whether the vehicle 12 is located at a distance between a specific minimum distance and a specific maximum distance from the exit 26 in the exit lane 14. Corresponding values ​​are preferably freely applicable with respect to this minimum distance and the maximum distance from the exit 26. Accordingly, these values ​​can preferably be freely specified, in particular depending on the driving speed of the vehicle 12.

[0069] Furthermore, in block 58 it is checked whether the driver activates the direction indicator 22 in the distance between the minimum distance and the maximum distance, for example by operating the indicator lever of the vehicle 12. In the Fig. In the exemplary situation shown in Figure 2, the direction indicator 22 signals a right turn. If, however, the intended lane change is not on the right but on the left, the left direction indicator 22 of vehicle 12 is activated.

[0070] If it emerges in block 58 that the driver of the vehicle 12 does not activate the direction indicator 22 when approaching the exit 26, the method proceeds according to a Fig. 4 also to the operating mode 50, in which the driver assistance system 10 initially only performs the lane change of the first type (compare Fig. 1) allows.

[0071] However, if it emerges in block 58 that the driver of the vehicle 12 activates the direction indicator 22 before reaching the exit 26 (compare Fig. 2), the special mode 54 of the driver assistance system 10 is also activated. This method is described in Fig. 4 is illustrated by a further arrow 62. In the special mode 54, a longer flashing period of the direction indicator 22 is permitted than when the operating mode 50 of the driver assistance system 10 is activated.

[0072] Accordingly, after activating the special mode 54, a further Fig. 4, the algorithm block 64 extends the permissible or allowed time period between the initial activation of the turn indicator 22 (e.g., by tapping the turn signal lever) by the driver of the vehicle 12 and the beginning of the lane change. Accordingly, in block 64, the turn indicator 22 is kept active for the longer period. This occurs because, when the special mode 54 is activated, the algorithm knows that the driver of the vehicle 12 intends to take the turnoff, such as exit 26, or to exit at exit 26.

[0073] In block 64, the automated or assisted lane change is preferably carried out as soon as the branch of the junction, according to Fig. 2, for example the deceleration lane 24, is present or is detected.

[0074] To detect the deceleration lane 24 to the side of the vehicle 12, in particular an environment sensor in the form of a Fig. 1, the camera 66 of the vehicle 12 shown as an example. Furthermore, it is possible to use the information stored in the navigation system 28 (see Fig. 1) of the vehicle 12 existing map data 68 (compare Fig. 4) to detect the presence of the deceleration lane 24 to the side of the vehicle 12. Additionally or alternatively, the presence of the deceleration lane 24 to the side of the vehicle 12 can be determined using highly accurate map data 68, which was generated from swarm data and transmitted to the vehicle 12.

[0075] The respective map data 68, in particular in the form of a digital map present in the vehicle 12, are in Fig. 4 is schematically illustrated. Using this map data 68, in particular, the distance of the vehicle 12 from the next exit 26 or the distance between the vehicle 12 and the next exit 26 can be determined. Furthermore, lane-accurate navigation is possible for the vehicle 12 in the present case, for example by evaluating images from the camera 66, in particular taking into account the map data 68. Accordingly, the driver assistance system 10 can determine, in particular, whether the vehicle 12 is in the exit lane 14 or the rightmost lane.

[0076] This advantageously enables Fig.4, the method explained in block 64 includes, on the one hand, timely flashing or timely activation of the direction indicator 22 and, on the other hand, automated or assisted lane changing or lane changing, including when turning at the junction, for example, onto the deceleration lane 24.

[0077] Overall, the examples show how a procedure for adapting a strategy for an assisted lane change can be provided, particularly at exit 26 of a motorway. List of reference symbols 10 Driver assistance system 12 vehicles 14 exit lanes 16 destination lanes 18 Line 20 Driveway 22 direction indicators 24 deceleration lanes 26 Exit 28 Navigation system 30 area 32 distance 34 distance 36 Road markings Section 38 Section 40 42 Check 44 Arrow 46 Block 48 Arrow 50 Operating mode 52 Activate 54 Special Mode 56 Arrow 58 Block 60 Arrow 62 Arrow 64 blocks 66 Camera 68 map data

Claims

[1] Method for operating a driver assistance system (10) of a vehicle (12), in which the driver assistance system (10) causes the vehicle (12) to change lanes, and in which a driver of the vehicle (12) activates a direction indicator (22) of the vehicle (12), characterized byin that the driver assistance system (10) distinguishes between a lane change of a first type, in which the vehicle (12) is to drive from an exit lane (14) to a further lane (16), and a lane change of a second type, in which the vehicle (12) is to drive from an exit lane (14) to a branch (24) of a junction (26), wherein, upon detection of an intended lane change of the second type, a longer period of flashing of the direction indicator (22) is permitted between the first activation of the direction indicator (22) by the driver of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle (12) driving off from the exit lane (14) than upon detection of an intended lane change of the first type. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the driver assistance system (10) causes at least a partial area of ​​the vehicle (12) to leave the exit lane (14) following the time period, in particular immediately following the time period, while the direction indicator (22) continues to flash. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the driver assistance system (10) detects that, in the case of an intended lane change of the second type, the vehicle (12) is intended to drive off from the exit lane (14) onto a deceleration lane (24) of a junction designed as an exit (26). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the driver assistance system (10) causes the vehicle (12) to turn onto the deceleration lane (24) when the presence of the deceleration lane (24) is detected to the side of the vehicle (12). [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat a presence of the deceleration lane (24) in an environment of the vehicle (12) ahead in the direction of travel and / or to the side of the vehicle (12) is determined by means of at least one environment sensor (66) of the vehicle (12) and / or on the basis of map data (68) of a navigation system (28) of the vehicle (12) and / or on the basis of map data (68) generated from swarm data. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the driver assistance system (10) determines on the basis of map data (68) that the junction (26) is located in front of the vehicle (12) in the direction of travel. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the driver assistance system (10) checks whether a navigation system (28) of the vehicle (12) is activated, which indicates a route to a destination of the vehicle (12), wherein, when the navigation system (28) is activated, an instruction is given to the driver of the vehicle (12) to activate the direction indicator (22) before reaching the junction (26). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the driver assistance system (10) remains in an operating mode (50) allowing the lane change of the first type if the driver does not comply with the instruction. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vehicle (12) in which the driver assistance system (10) carries out the lane change of the second type covers a distance on the exit lane (14) during a period of flashing lasting at least 5 seconds, in particular about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds, before the driver assistance system (10) causes the vehicle (12) to drive off the exit lane (14) onto the branch (24) of the junction (26). [10] Vehicle (12) with a driver assistance system (10) which is designed to cause the vehicle (12) to change lanes, and with a direction indicator (22) which can be activated by a driver of the vehicle (12), characterized byin that the driver assistance system (10) is designed to distinguish between a lane change of a first type, in which the vehicle (12) is to leave an exit lane (14) onto a further lane (16), and a lane change of a second type, in which the vehicle (12) is to leave an exit lane (14) onto a branch (24) of a junction (26), wherein the driver assistance system (10) is designed to permit a longer period of flashing of the direction indicator (22) between the first activation of the direction indicator (22) by the driver of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle (12) leaving the exit lane (14) when an intended lane change of the second type is detected than when an intended lane change of the first type is detected.

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