Procedure for operating a vehicle assistance system

Abstract

Method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle designed as an electric vehicle to support the occupants of the vehicle after an accident, wherein the vehicle has environmental sensors and interior sensors, wherein after the accident - a traffic situation in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle is analyzed based on signals recorded by the environmental sensors, - the health status of the vehicle's occupants is determined based on signals recorded by the interior sensors, - then, if the signals recorded by the interior sensors determine that the occupants do not require assistance, the assistance system issues instructions for securing the vehicle based on the analyzed traffic situation, - then, if the signals detected by the interior sensors indicate that the occupants are injured and require assistance, an image projection is activated, by means of which text information is projected onto a ground area outside the vehicle, stating that there are injured occupants in the vehicle and that assistance is required, whereby the image projection is carried out using the vehicle's exterior mirrors and headlights, and whereby the displayed text information is also output audibly via at least one external speaker of the vehicle, - if, based on signals detected by the environmental sensors, it is recognized that at least one first responder is approaching the vehicle, the first responder is visually and audibly supported in their first aid measures, - Support for the first aid measures performed is provided visually and audibly via the vehicle's infotainment system, whereby individual steps of an instruction are displayed on a display unit of the infotainment system using images and text, and the instructions are issued via the vehicle's infotainment system speakers, - the first responder and / or another person providing assistance is given the opportunity to ask questions about measures to be taken (M1 to M4), which are answered by means of the assistance system and / or by means of a contacted emergency control center, and - if it is determined that the occupants need to be rescued from the vehicle, instructions will be given via at least one external loudspeaker and image projection using external mirrors and headlights, and precautionary measures regarding the vehicle's design as an electric vehicle will also be given to protect the first responder and / or the persons providing assistance.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle for supporting occupants of the vehicle after an accident, wherein the vehicle has an environmental sensor system and an interior sensor system.

[0002] DE 10 2016 225 437 A1 discloses a device, a method, and a computer program for a vehicle for providing an accident report about an accident to an emergency call center. The method comprises obtaining sensor data from interior sensors and exterior sensors of the vehicle; determining information about occupants of the vehicle based on the sensor data; determining information about other road users involved in the accident based on the sensor data, wherein the information about the other road users involved in the accident is divided into a plurality of categories, wherein the plurality of categories includes at least the categories pedestrians, two-wheelers, and automobiles; and providing information about the accident report based on the information about the occupants of the vehicle and based on the information about the other road users involved in the accident based on the sensor data.

[0003] DE 10 2019 210 513 A1 describes a method for accident assistance, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a motor vehicle. In the method for accident assistance, after an accident involving a motor vehicle is detected by an assistance device, information is transmitted to a person external to the vehicle and / or a communication device, or a communication connection is established to the communication device. Sensor data relating to a vehicle occupant and / or the person external to the vehicle is recorded. Depending on the sensor data, identification information relating to the vehicle occupant and / or the person external to the vehicle is determined.The transmitted information and / or the person outside the vehicle and / or the communication device are selected depending on the identification information relating to the vehicle occupant and / or if an identification condition evaluating the identification information of the person outside the vehicle is met after the information is output, a voice input from the person outside the vehicle is recorded or object data relating to an object brought into the detection range of a sensor device by the person outside the vehicle are recorded.

[0004] DE 10 2019 215 351 A1 discloses an emergency information system for a vehicle and a method for operating the same. In the method for operating the emergency information system, an emergency state of the vehicle is detected and the vehicle is brought into a safe stop state, wherein a graphical emergency output is generated and output via a display surface of the vehicle. The emergency information system comprises a detection unit for detecting an emergency state of the vehicle, a control unit configured to bring the vehicle into a safe stop state depending on the detected emergency state and to generate a graphical emergency output, and a display surface for outputting the graphical emergency output.

[0005] DE 10 2021 208 422 A1 describes a method, a computer program, an embedded system, and a driving system for communication between a vehicle and road users. The method for communication between the vehicle and road users using visual and / or auditory signals comprises obtaining object detections from an environment perception system of the vehicle, determining traffic scenarios based on the object detections, determining hazard assessments for each detected road user in the determined traffic scenarios by executing commands from a computer program for environment perception by an application-specific hardware unit of the environment perception system, adapting signal outputs to the determined hazard assessments, comprising outputting specific light projections, image and / or video displays of 2D and / or 3D artifacts, color signals, sounds, and / or voice outputs in specific directions,with specific volume and / or with specific light intensity, color and / or contrast based on a respective one of the determined hazard assessments, controlling signal output units of the vehicle based on the adaptation and outputting the signals by means of the signal output units.

[0006] DE 10 2019 211 588 A1 discloses a method and device for providing care to a vehicle occupant in an emergency situation. In the method, biometric data of the vehicle occupant is captured using a sensor system. A verification device checks whether the captured biometric data exceeds a predefined threshold. If the predefined threshold is exceeded, a control device initiates measures depending on the escalation levels assigned to the respective thresholds.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a novel method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle to support occupants of the vehicle after an accident.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle for supporting occupants of the vehicle after an accident, wherein the vehicle has an environmental sensor system and an interior sensor system. According to the invention, it is provided that - traffic events in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle are analyzed based on signals recorded by the environmental sensors, - the health status of the vehicle's occupants is determined based on signals recorded by the interior sensors, - if the signals recorded by the interior sensors indicate that the occupants do not require assistance, the assistance system issues instructions to secure the vehicle based on the analyzed traffic situation, and - when it is determined from the signals recorded by the interior sensors that the occupants are injured and require assistance, an image projection is activated by means of which text information is projected onto a floor area outside the vehicle, indicating that there are injured occupants in the vehicle and that assistance is required, the image projection being carried out by means of the vehicle's exterior mirrors and headlights.

[0011] By applying the procedure, a picture of the overall situation of the accident scene with the vehicle and the immediate surroundings can be created, so that the assistance system can give the occupants and / or a first aider approaching the accident scene situation-appropriate instructions to help themselves or to provide help.

[0012] This procedure makes it possible to reduce the barriers for first responders approaching an accident scene. Based on the analyzed traffic situation and the determined health status of the occupants, it is possible to create situation-appropriate instructions in the vehicle and issue them to a potential helper, thus supporting them in providing assistance. This can significantly increase the willingness to provide first responders at an accident scene.

[0013] If the vehicle's occupants are essentially uninjured, the assistance system will instruct them on the next course of action, particularly with regard to behavior appropriate to the situation.

[0014] If the signals detected by the interior sensors determine that the occupants are injured and require assistance, the image projection is activated. This projected text is used to project text information onto a floor area outside the vehicle. This text is used to alert vehicles and / or people approaching the accident scene to the injured occupants of the vehicle so that they can provide first aid and / or inform an emergency control center about the accident. In particular, based on the image projection, an assessment of the current situation for bystanders can be improved, thus enabling faster first aid to be provided. In addition, according to the invention, the visually output text information is also output acoustically via at least one external loudspeaker of the vehicle in order to alert people to the accident situation.

[0015] In another version, instructions are issued to put on a high-visibility vest, activate hazard warning lights, secure the accident scene using a warning triangle, and choose a safe route to a location where the warning triangle can be placed. This takes into account all aspects of personal safety and the safety of the accident scene, allowing the respective occupant to follow these instructions and act appropriately in the situation.

[0016] According to the invention, if the ambient sensor signals detect that at least one first aider is approaching the vehicle, the first aider receives visual and acoustic support in their first aid measures. This means that the first aider receives supportive instructions, taking into account the analyzed traffic situation and the determined health status of the occupants, to provide first aid and assist the occupants. In particular, step-by-step instructions are provided for caring for the occupants in order to provide the best possible assistance given their condition.

[0017] According to the invention, support for the first aid measures being performed is provided visually and acoustically via the vehicle's infotainment system. The individual steps of an instruction are displayed on an infotainment display unit using images and text. In addition, the instructions are also output via the vehicle's infotainment system's loudspeakers to support at least the first aider in their actions.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment, unconsciousness of the respective occupant, heart rate, and / or external injuries are detected or determined based on the signals detected by the interior sensors. This allows, in particular, the health status of the occupants of the vehicle involved in the accident to be determined, and appropriate measures can be initiated by the assistance system, in particular to alert people in the vicinity of the vehicle to the severity of the occupants' injuries, so that they can provide assistance and inform an emergency control center.

[0019] According to the invention, if it is determined that the occupants need to be rescued from the vehicle, instructions are issued via at least one external loudspeaker and image projection via exterior mirrors and headlights. This means that the instructions are issued outside the vehicle, so that first responders and / or those providing assistance do not have to enter the vehicle to read the instructions. The first responder and / or those providing assistance can rescue the occupants using the instructions. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle according to the invention, precautionary measures are also issued to protect the first responder and / or those providing assistance.

[0020] According to the invention, the first responder and / or another person providing assistance is given the opportunity to ask questions about the measures to be performed, which are answered by the assistance system and / or by a contacted emergency control center. This allows the first responder and / or the person providing assistance to receive further assistance, increasing safety during the execution of the measures for both the person performing the assistance and the passenger.

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0022] The following shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a general overview of behavior in the event of a vehicle accident.

[0023] The only figure shows an exemplary general overview of behavior in the event of a vehicle accident.

[0024] A first phase P1, a red phase, provides for the first measure M1 to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights, the second measure M2 to put on a safety vest, the third measure M3 to secure the accident site and the fourth measure M4 to clear the accident site.

[0025] A second phase P2, a yellow phase, provides for the first measure M1 to save oneself, the second measure M2 to get help and the third measure M3 to provide first aid.

[0026] A third phase P3, a green phase, provides for the first measure M1 to inform the police, the second measure M2 to exchange data, the third measure M3 to fill out an accident report and the fourth measure M4 to draw up an accident sketch.

[0027] It is generally known that when a vehicle accident occurs, passengers in the vehicle involved or those rushing to help often do not know how to behave, especially starting from securing the vehicle to making an emergency call and administering first aid.

[0028] The following describes a method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle for assisting at least the vehicle's occupants after an accident. The vehicle has an environmental sensor system and an interior sensor system. Based on signals detected by the environmental sensor system, the vehicle's surroundings and objects located therein are detected. In contrast, based on signals detected by the interior sensor system, which comprises, for example, a number of cameras, including a driver observation camera, the vehicle's interior and its occupants are monitored. For example, the interior sensor system has, in addition to the cameras, a number of microphones.

[0029] If a vehicle is involved in an accident, the signals recorded by the vehicle's environmental sensors are used to analyze the traffic situation in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. This includes determining, for example, how many other vehicles or road users are involved in the accident. In particular, the extent of the accident is determined based on the recorded signals.

[0030] Based on the signals detected by the interior sensors, the health status of the vehicle's occupants is determined. In particular, it detects whether any of the occupants are unconscious, their heart rate, and whether any occupants have any external injuries.

[0031] If, in an initial case, it is determined that the vehicle's occupants do not require outside assistance because they are uninjured or have only minor injuries, the assistance system issues instructions to secure the vehicle. In particular, these instructions are issued based on the traffic situation around the vehicle, which is analyzed based on the signals detected by the environmental sensors. In particular, the respective measures M1 to M4 explained in the general overview for phases P1 to P3 apply to the first case.

[0032] Instructions are issued that the vehicle's hazard warning lights should be activated, that the occupants should put on a high-visibility vest, that the occupant who has deployed a warning triangle should choose a safe route, particularly the road, to a location where the warning triangle can be stored, with the occupant, for example, walking behind a guardrail, and that the occupants should exit the vehicle. Furthermore, the police should be informed of the accident so that they can go to the scene to record and document the accident.

[0033] In a second case, if the signals recorded by the interior sensors determine that the vehicle's occupants require assistance, particularly because they are seriously injured, trapped and / or unconscious, an image projection is activated by the assistance system.

[0034] The image projection is carried out via the vehicle's exterior mirrors and / or headlights, with information, particularly in text form, being projected onto a ground area in front of, beside, and / or behind the vehicle in a substantially glare-free manner. In particular, text information is output indicating that one or more of the vehicle's occupants are seriously injured and require assistance.

[0035] If a first aider approaching the vehicle is detected, in particular based on signals recorded by the ambient sensors, the first aider receives visual and / or acoustic support in their first aid measures. For this purpose, instructions appropriate to the current health status of the occupant(s) are issued in the vehicle, in particular via an infotainment system, to support the first aider in their first aid measures. For example, the instructions are shown on the display unit of the infotainment system, a so-called head unit. Alternatively or additionally, the instructions can also be issued via loudspeakers of the infotainment system in the vehicle to support the first aider and / or another person providing assistance in their instructions.

[0036] In particular, the first responder receives the necessary instructions for first aid in visual and audible form based on the determined health status of the respective vehicle occupant. If it is necessary to rescue the occupants from the vehicle, for example, due to a fire hazard, the instructions for this are issued visually and / or acoustically outside the vehicle using the image projection described above and / or via at least one of the vehicle's external loudspeakers.

[0037] Furthermore, the method provides that during the entire time that the first aider and / or another person providing assistance is or is at or in the vehicle, the first aider and / or the other person have the opportunity to ask questions about measures M1 to M4 to be carried out, which are answered by the assistance system and / or by a rescue control center contacted via the assistance system. For example, the assistance system is also linked to a central computer unit that is data-linked to the vehicle in order to answer the questions asked and thus support the first aider and / or the other person in their assistance measures. In particular, communication between the first aider and / or the other person and the central computer unit takes place via an application program implemented in the vehicle.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle designed as an electric vehicle for supporting occupants of the vehicle after an accident, wherein the vehicle has an environmental sensor system and an interior sensor system, wherein after the accident - traffic events in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle are analyzed based on signals recorded by the environmental sensors, - the health status of the vehicle's occupants is determined based on signals recorded by the interior sensors, - if the signals recorded by the interior sensors indicate that the occupants do not require assistance, the assistance system issues instructions to secure the vehicle based on the analyzed traffic situation, - when it is determined from the signals detected by the interior sensors that the occupants are injured and require assistance, an image projection is activated, by means of which text information is projected onto a floor area outside the vehicle, indicating that there are injured occupants in the vehicle and that assistance is required, wherein the image projection is carried out by means of the exterior mirrors and headlights of the vehicle, and wherein the output text information is also output acoustically by means of at least one exterior loudspeaker of the vehicle, - if signals from the environmental sensors detect that at least one first aider is approaching the vehicle, the first aider is visually and acoustically supported in his first aid measures, - support for the first aid measures carried out is provided visually and acoustically by means of an infotainment system of the vehicle, whereby individual steps of an instruction are displayed on a display unit of the infotainment system using images and text and the instructions are given via loudspeakers of the infotainment system of the vehicle, - the first aider and / or another person providing assistance is given the opportunity to ask questions about the measures to be carried out (M1 to M4), which are answered by the assistance system and / or by a contacted rescue control centre, and - if it is determined that the occupants need to be rescued from the vehicle, instructions are given via at least one external loudspeaker and image projection by means of exterior mirrors and headlights, and precautions are given regarding the training of the vehicle as an electric vehicle in order to protect the first aider and / or the persons providing assistance. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that instructions are given to put on a high-visibility vest, to activate hazard warning lights, to secure an accident scene using a warning triangle and to choose a safe route to a place where the warning triangle can be parked. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that unconsciousness of the respective occupant, heart rate and / or external injuries are detected or determined based on the signals recorded by the interior sensors.

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