Assistance system and assistance procedures for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an assistance system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising a traffic control module (110) in which location-dependent traffic rules for a multitude of driving situations are stored; a traffic rule determination module (120) which is configured to select or receive at least one valid traffic rule from the location-dependent traffic rules stored in the traffic control module (110) based on a driving situation of the vehicle (100) and a current geoposition of the vehicle (10); and a vehicle-side output module (130) which is configured to output at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assistance system for a vehicle, a vehicle with such an assistance system, an assistance method for a vehicle, and a storage medium for executing the assistance method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a region- and situation-specific traffic control assistance system. State of the art

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of assistance systems designed to support the driver in driving. These include not only driver assistance systems for automated driving with varying degrees of automation, but also various information systems such as traffic sign recognition and navigation systems.

[0003] In reality, there are so many different traffic regulations, making it difficult for both assistance systems and the driver to immediately adapt to local traffic regulations. This can lead to violations by the vehicle, which in turn can lead to dangerous situations for the vehicle itself and other road users. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an assistance system for a vehicle, a vehicle with such an assistance system, an assistance method for a vehicle, and a storage medium for executing the assistance method, which can increase road safety. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0006] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, an assistance system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The assistance system comprises a traffic control module in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; a traffic control determination module configured to select or receive at least one valid traffic rule from the location-dependent traffic rules stored in the traffic control module based on a driving situation of the vehicle and a current geoposition of the vehicle; and a vehicle-side output module configured to output at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the invention, situational driver instructions regarding locally applicable and situation-specific traffic regulations are issued to a vehicle driver. For example, the driver instructions can concern right-of-way rules in a country unfamiliar to the driver. The driver instructions can, for example, be issued in preparation before an intersection situation so that the driver can handle the intersection situation in compliance with the rules. In addition or alternatively, the driver instructions can be issued afterward, for example, to inform the driver about a request or to point out unconsciously contravening driver behavior during the previous intersection situation. As a result, compliance with traffic regulations can be made easier for the driver, thereby improving road safety.

[0008] The term “traffic rule” as used in this disclosure refers to guidelines that regulate the behavior of participants in road traffic, i.e. the movement of people and goods.

[0009] Traffic regulations can include formal traffic rules and / or non-formal local traffic rules. Formal traffic rules can be legal norms from (country-specific) traffic law. Non-formal local traffic rules can arise from typical (e.g., country-specific) behavior of road users and can, in particular, indicate or be generally accepted and / or local behavior of road users. In some cases, non-formal local traffic rules can even deviate from formal traffic rules.

[0010] Preferably, the traffic control module comprises or is a database in which market-specific and evaluable traffic rules for different regions and situations are specified and / or modeled. The database can, for example, be integrated into digital map data used, for example, for assisted longitudinal and / or lateral guidance and / or for vehicle navigation.

[0011] Preferably, the vehicle's driving situation is an actual current driving situation. In particular, the vehicle may already be in the driving situation or may be going through the driving situation, such as a turning maneuver. The actual current driving situation can be detected by the vehicle in a suitable manner, for example, based on environmental data from an environmental sensor system and / or map data in combination with a vehicle position.

[0012] Preferably, the vehicle's driving situation is an actual upcoming driving situation. In particular, the driving situation may be about to begin, such as entering an intersection. The actual upcoming driving situation can be recognized by the vehicle in a suitable manner, for example, based on an active navigation route.

[0013] Preferably, the vehicle's driving situation is a potentially imminent driving situation. In particular, there may be a possibility for the driving situation, such as the possibility of an (e.g., illegal) overtaking maneuver. The potentially imminent driving situation can be detected by the vehicle in a suitable manner, such as based on driver monitoring, environmental data from an environmental sensor system, and / or map data in combination with a vehicle position.

[0014] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a parking maneuver. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information about local parking regulations. Examples include, but are not limited to, time restrictions on parking and parking bans (e.g., in a fire hydrant area, a fire department access road, etc.). Optionally, the driver can be informed about the need to provide a parking disc and / or parking permit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the parking maneuver can be performed manually by the driver. In other embodiments, the parking maneuver can be performed at least partially automatically by a driver assistance system for automated parking, for example, by automatic longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the vehicle. It is conceivable that the driver assistance system for automated parking performs the parking based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule. In particular, the automated parking function can be restricted based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule. For example, automated parking can be denied or cannot be activated by the driver if the at least one valid traffic rule specifies a no-stopping zone.

[0016] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a stop. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with guidance on local stopping regulations regarding stopping the vehicle. Examples include, but are not limited to, a no-stopping zone in an intersection during a green light (e.g., a no-stopping zone in an intersection marked by appropriate road markings, as in the UK).

[0017] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a turning maneuver, for example, into another street. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding the turn. Examples include, but are not limited to, right-of-way rules for other road users, such as motor vehicles, cyclists, and / or pedestrians.

[0018] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, entering an intersection. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding entering the intersection. Examples include, but are not limited to, right-of-way rules for other road users, such as motor vehicles, cyclists, and / or pedestrians.

[0019] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, an overtaking maneuver, for example, on a single-lane or multi-lane road. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding overtaking. Examples include, but are not limited to, overtaking prohibitions on a single-lane or multi-lane road (e.g., no overtaking on the right, no overtaking according to signage, no overtaking according to road markings, etc.).

[0020] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a lane and / or route with a time limit or limited usability. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information about time restrictions for certain lanes, e.g., bus lanes, HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes), or HOT lanes (High Occupancy Toll Lanes).

[0021] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a lane and / or route restricted by the vehicle and / or drive type. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information about lanes and / or routes restricted by the vehicle and / or drive type, such as "residential lanes" or restricted access due to a vehicle's emissions standard prescribed by emissions legislation, etc.

[0022] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a lane and / or route delimited or restricted by at least one geometric characteristic of the vehicle. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information about lanes and / or routes delimited by the vehicle's geometry, such as restrictions on clearance height and / or width.

[0023] Preferably, the driving situation includes or is a passing of emergency vehicles and / or alongside emergency vehicles. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding the required driving behavior when passing emergency vehicles, such as the prohibition on passing a stationary emergency vehicle in use in the adjacent lane on multi-lane stretches of road.

[0024] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, the formation of an emergency lane. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding the formation of an emergency lane. Examples include, but are not limited to, the necessity and / or specific implementation or design of an emergency lane.

[0025] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a speed limit. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations related to the speed limit. Examples include, but are not limited to, a speed limit on a current and / or upcoming section of road.

[0026] Preferably, the driving situation includes, or is, a road crossing by other road users. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations regarding the road crossing by other road users. Examples include, but are not limited to, right-of-way rules, e.g., at intersections, when crossing, when turning, at a zebra crossing, at a bicycle and / or pedestrian crossing, etc.

[0027] Preferably, the driving situation involves, or is, a border crossing. The border crossing can be from one country to another. In this case, the assistance system can provide the driver with information on traffic regulations, such as the need to carry high-visibility vests for vehicle occupants, regulations regarding the use of lighting systems, regulations regarding the use of mobile phones while driving, regulations regarding the side of the road to be driven on (left-hand or right-hand traffic), etc.

[0028] Preferably, the driving situation comprises or is an (impending) entry into an area unknown to the driver. In further embodiments, the driving situation comprises or is a (current) journey within an area unknown to the driver. The unknown area can be an area or region that the driver is driving through for the first time with the vehicle (or ever). Whether it is an unknown area or a known area can be determined, for example, based on historical data. The historical data can in particular contain past journeys of the driver and can, for example, be stored in the vehicle or externally, such as on a server or in the cloud.

[0029] The driving situations described are merely examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] Preferably, the vehicle, in particular the assistance system, comprises an environmental sensor system configured to acquire environmental data that maps an area surrounding the vehicle; and a driving situation determination module configured to determine the driving situation of the vehicle based on the environmental data.

[0031] In some embodiments, the driving situation determination module can be configured to determine the driving situation of the vehicle from the environmental data in combination with additional information. The additional information can include, for example, the current geoposition (e.g., GPS position) of the vehicle and / or digital map data. For example, the driving situation determination module can be configured to determine the driving situation of the vehicle by comparing the environmental data with the current geoposition of the vehicle and digital map data.

[0032] The assistance system preferably comprises an analysis module configured to store location-dependent information after passing through a driving situation and to compare it with information on situation-specific traffic regulations from the traffic control module. The location-dependent information can include information on route conditions (e.g., traffic signs, traffic lights, intersection geometry, number of lanes, turning lanes, etc. from map data and / or environmental sensors). Additionally or alternatively, the location-dependent information can include maneuver information and / or trajectory information from other road users (e.g., turning trajectories, the sequence of road users when passing through an intersection, acceleration / deceleration behavior from environmental sensors and / or information from V2x communication).

[0033] The environmental sensor system preferably comprises at least one LiDAR system and / or at least one radar system and / or at least one camera and / or at least one ultrasound system. The environmental sensor system can provide the environmental data (also referred to as "surrounding data") that maps an area surrounding the vehicle.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one driver instruction comprises at least one general driver instruction relating to at least one generally applicable traffic rule. The general driver instruction may, for example, be a general instruction regarding speed limits in a country.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vehicle-side output module may be configured to output the at least one general driver instruction relating to the at least one generally applicable traffic rule when crossing a border and / or entering an area unknown to the driver.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one driver instruction comprises at least one situation-specific driver instruction relating to at least one situation-specific traffic rule. The general driver instruction can, for example, be a general instruction regarding parking bans at fire hydrants.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vehicle-side output module may be configured to output the at least one situation-specific driver instruction before and / or during a parking maneuver, before and / or during a stopping maneuver, before and / or during a turning maneuver, before and / or during entering an intersection, before and / or during an overtaking maneuver, before and / or during the formation of an emergency lane, and / or before and / or upon reaching a speed limit.

[0038] Preferably, the vehicle-side output module is configured to display, upon request of the driver, all situation-specific traffic rules or a selection of the situation-specific traffic rules stored in the traffic control module after driving through a driving situation.

[0039] Preferably, the vehicle-side output module is configured to output the at least one driver notification after the completion of the driving situation in order to alert the driver to discrepancies between the at least one valid traffic rule and driver behavior during the driving situation. For example, after an overtaking maneuver, the driver can be alerted that this maneuver was not permitted according to the applicable traffic regulations.

[0040] Preferably, the vehicle-side output module is configured to output information regarding legal consequences in the event of non-compliance with at least one applicable traffic rule. The information regarding the legal consequences may, for example, relate to a fine.

[0041] The assistance system preferably comprises a user interface module. The user interface module can be provided so that the assistance function of the present disclosure can be activated and deactivated by the driver. Additionally or alternatively, the assistance function of the present disclosure can be configured via the user interface module.

[0042] The user interface module can comprise the assistance system's output module for outputting driver instructions and optionally at least one input device. The user interface module can, for example, be a central information output and information input device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. The user interface module is preferably permanently installed in the vehicle.

[0043] The output module can comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device can comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display device can comprise a projection device configured to project information directly into the driver's field of vision, in particular onto a windshield.

[0044] The at least one input device can comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touchpad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g., a push button switch and / or a rotary switch) or other mechanically actuated key elements. Furthermore, the at least one input device can also be provided by other control elements, such as a microphone for voice control and / or a camera system for gesture control.

[0045] Preferably, the user interface module comprises, or is, a touchscreen providing the output module and optionally the at least one input device.

[0046] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle at least partially comprises the assistance system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] In particular, the vehicle includes the vehicle-side output module of the assistance system.

[0048] Preferably, the vehicle further comprises the traffic control module and / or the traffic rule determination module of the assistance system.

[0049] In some embodiments, the traffic rules stored in the traffic control module can be used to adapt further assistance functions, such as a driver assistance system or an assistance function for automated driving. In particular, the driver assistance system for automated driving can perform automated driving based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule. In some embodiments, the assistance function for automated driving can be restricted based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule. This can, for example, be preventing an automated lane change to a lane that is only accessible for a limited time.

[0050] In this document, the term "automated driving" refers to driving with automated longitudinal and / or lateral guidance. Automated driving can, for example, involve extended driving on the highway or limited-time driving while parking. The term "automated driving" encompasses automated driving with any degree of automation. Examples of levels of automation include assisted, partially automated, conditionally automated, highly automated, and fully automated driving (each with an increasing degree of automation). The five levels of automation mentioned above correspond to SAE Levels 1 to 5 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering) as of April 30, 2021.

[0051] In assisted driving (SAE Level 1), the system performs longitudinal or lateral guidance in certain driving situations. In partially automated driving (SAE Level 2), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral guidance in certain driving situations, although the driver must continuously monitor the system, as in assisted driving. In conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral guidance in certain driving situations without the driver having to continuously monitor the system; however, the driver must be able to assume control of the vehicle within a certain period of time upon request from the system. In highly automated driving (SAE Level 4), the system assumes control of the vehicle in certain driving situations, even if the driver does not respond to a request for intervention, thus eliminating the driver as a fallback.In fully automated driving (SAE Level 5), the system can perform all aspects of the dynamic driving task under any road and environmental conditions that can also be mastered by a human driver.

[0052] In some embodiments, the assistance system can be implemented entirely in the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can include the traffic control module, the traffic rule determination module, and the output module.

[0053] In other embodiments, the traffic control module and optionally the traffic control determination module may be provided outside the vehicle, such as in a central unit. The central unit may be, for example, a server or a backend.

[0054] The vehicle can be connected to the central unit via a communication connection to implement the functionalities of the assistance system of the present disclosure. The communication connection between the central unit and the vehicle can be implemented, for example, using a mobile network. The mobile network can be, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network.

[0055] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used to transport people.

[0056] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, an assistance method for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The assistance method comprises selecting, based on a driving situation of the vehicle and a current geoposition of the vehicle, at least one valid traffic rule from a database in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; and outputting, by a vehicle-side output module, at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle.

[0057] The assistance procedure can implement the aspects of the assistance system described in this document.

[0058] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby execute the vehicle assistance method described in this document.

[0059] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium can comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the assistance method for a vehicle described in this document.

[0060] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to implement the assistance method for a vehicle described in this document when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0061] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, an assistance system for a vehicle is provided. The assistance system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to carry out the vehicle assistance method described in this document.

[0062] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process). Short description of the drawings

[0063] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle with an assistance system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 a flowchart of an assistance method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0064] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0065] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 with an assistance system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] The assistance system 100 comprises a traffic control module 110 in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; a traffic control determination module 120 configured to select or receive at least one valid traffic rule from the location-dependent traffic rules stored in the traffic control module 110 based on a driving situation of the vehicle 10 and a current geoposition of the vehicle 10; and a vehicle-side output module 130 configured to output at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle 10.

[0067] In the example of Fig. 1, the assistance system 100 is fully implemented in the vehicle 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the traffic control module 110 and optionally the traffic rule determination module 120 may be provided outside the vehicle 10, such as in a central unit. The central unit may be, for example, a server or a backend. In this case, the vehicle 10 may be connected to the central unit via a communication link to implement the functionalities of the assistance system 100. The communication link between the central unit and the vehicle 10 may be implemented, for example, using a mobile network. The mobile network may be, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network.

[0068] The traffic control module 110 may include or be a database in which market-specific and evaluable traffic rules for different regions and situations are specified and / or modeled. The database may, for example, be integrated into digital map data used for navigation of the vehicle 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, the assistance system 100 can be configured to determine the driving situation of the vehicle 10 based on environmental data from an environmental sensor system 140, optionally taking additional information into account. The environmental sensor system 140 can include at least one LiDAR system and / or at least one radar system and / or at least one camera and / or at least one ultrasound system.

[0070] The output module 130 of the assistance system 100 supports the driver in complying with currently applicable traffic regulations in certain situations, particularly by issuing appropriate driver instructions. The assistance function can support the driver in various ways.

[0071] One example could be general preparatory instruction for the driver. For example, general information on country-specific traffic regulations could be provided visually and / or acoustically.

[0072] In another example, a situational preparatory warning can be issued to the driver. For example, relevant traffic regulations for an upcoming situation can be output visually and / or acoustically. In some embodiments, a comparison of traffic regulations between a home country (i.e., the country in which the vehicle usually travels) and a current country can be performed, with a display only being displayed if the traffic regulations differ.

[0073] In another example, a situational acute warning and optional regulation can be implemented. For example, if the ego vehicle or another road user fails to comply with a traffic rule, a corresponding driver warning can be issued and, if necessary, active intervention can be initiated. Failure to comply with a traffic rule can be detected, for example, by comparing the database with the behavior of other road users (e.g., via environmental sensors, V2I, V2V, localization, and / or map information).

[0074] In another example, if a traffic rule is not observed, subsequent information and / or analysis can be provided. For example, upon request from the driver or through an initiative of the assistance function, certain situations (history) can be subsequently processed. Failure to observe a traffic rule can be determined, for example, by comparing the database with the behavior of other road users (e.g., via environmental sensors, V2I, V2V, localization, and / or map information).

[0075] For this purpose, the assistance system 100 can include an analysis module 150 configured to store location-dependent information after passing through a driving situation and to compare it with information on situation-specific traffic regulations from the traffic control module. The location-dependent information can include information on route conditions (e.g., traffic signs, traffic lights, intersection geometry, number of lanes, turning lanes, etc. from map data and / or environmental sensors). Additionally or alternatively, the location-dependent information can include maneuver information and / or trajectory information from other road users (e.g., turning trajectories, the sequence of road users when passing through an intersection, acceleration / deceleration behavior from environmental sensors and / or information from V2x communication).

[0076] In some embodiments, identified deviations can also be stored and analyzed in the vehicle and / or in a central unit to determine the driving behavior of the ego vehicle and / or to determine the driving behavior of other road users (e.g., identification of specific situations in the road network, identification of danger spots, selection of additional assistance offers via digital after-sales for customers, etc.).

[0077] The following describes exemplary situations in which the assistance function according to the invention becomes active. Example 1Intersection situation in England - situational preparatory warning

[0078] A driver from France is driving his ego-vehicle with activated traffic control assistance in England. The ego-vehicle is now approaching an intersection with traffic lights and yellow hatched road markings. The database specifies that in England, stopping on a green light in an intersection area with yellow hatched road markings is not permitted. The assistance then identifies the green traffic light and the corresponding road markings in a situation-specific manner, e.g., using image processing, map data, localization, and path prediction. By comparing the situation recognition with the database, the relevant traffic rule is identified, and a corresponding display is displayed, such as "Stopping on a green light in a yellow hatched intersection area is not permitted." Optionally, it is conceivable that further information can be retrieved via a menu item, such as:further explanations and / or a fine for non-compliance with the traffic rule. Example 2Parking in the USA - situational preparatory warning

[0079] A driver from Canada is driving his ego vehicle with activated traffic control assistance in the USA. The driver now wants to park on the side of the road. The database specifies that parking near fire hydrants is not permitted in the USA. The assistance then identifies the hydrant in a situation-specific manner using environmental sensors, e.g., image processing, map data and localization. By comparing the situation recognition with the database, the relevant traffic rule is identified and a corresponding display is displayed, such as "Parking near fire hydrants is not permitted." Optionally, it is conceivable that further information can be called up via a menu item, such as further explanations and / or the amount of the fine for non-compliance. Example 3Intersection situation in Germany - subsequent information and / or analysis

[0080] A driver from Sweden is driving his ego-vehicle with activated traffic control assistance in Germany. The database contains the specific right-of-way rules for Germany. The ego-vehicle now drives through an intersection without signs and turns. Before entering the intersection, pedestrians are crossing on a cycle path, another vehicle is approaching, and a cyclist is passing on the left, traveling straight ahead. After the other vehicle has cleared the intersection, the driver in the ego-vehicle approaches from the middle of the intersection and almost collides with the overtaking cyclist. The assistance now compares the situation detected by the environmental sensors with the specific right-of-way rules stored in the database. Using the "Traffic Rule Check" menu item, the driver can call up an analysis of the most recently detected situations.An evaluation shows the order of priority and / or a deviation in the ego vehicle behavior.

[0081] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart of an assistance method 200 for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The assistance method 200 can be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0082] The assistance method 200 comprises, in block 210, selecting, based on a driving situation of the vehicle and a current geoposition of the vehicle, at least one valid traffic rule from a database in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; and, in block 220, outputting, by a vehicle-side output module, at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle.

[0083] According to the invention, situational driver instructions regarding locally applicable and situation-specific traffic regulations are issued to a vehicle driver. For example, the driver instructions can concern right-of-way rules in a country unfamiliar to the driver. The driver instructions can, for example, be issued in preparation before an intersection situation so that the driver can handle the intersection situation in compliance with the rules. In addition or alternatively, the driver instructions can be issued afterward to alert the driver to any unconsciously contravening driver behavior during the previous intersection situation. As a result, compliance with traffic regulations can be made easier for the driver, thereby improving road safety.

[0084] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

[1] Assistance system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a traffic control module (110) in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; a traffic rule determination module (120) configured to select or receive at least one valid traffic rule from the location-dependent traffic rules stored in the traffic rule module (110) based on a driving situation of the vehicle (100) and a current geoposition of the vehicle (10); and a vehicle-side output module (130) configured to output at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle (10). [2] Assistance system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the driving situation of the vehicle (10) is an actual current driving situation, an actual upcoming driving situation or a potentially upcoming driving situation, in particular wherein the driving situation comprises: - a parking maneuver; and / or - a holding operation; and / or - a turning maneuver; and / or - entering an intersection; and / or - an overtaking maneuver; and / or - a lane or route that is usable for a limited period of time; and / or - a lane or route limited by a vehicle and / or drive type; and / or - a lane or route delimited by at least one geometric characteristic of the vehicle; and / or - a passing of an emergency vehicle or of an emergency vehicle; and / or - the formation of an emergency lane; and / or - a speed limit; and / or - a crossing of other road users; and / or - crossing a border; and / or - entering an area unknown to the driver; and / or - a journey within an area unknown to the driver. [3] Assistance system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - an environmental sensor system (140) configured to acquire environmental data that depicts an area surrounding the vehicle (10); and - a driving situation determination module which is configured to determine the driving situation of the vehicle (10) based on the environmental data, in particular in comparison with the current geoposition of the vehicle (10) and digital map data. [4] Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one driver instruction comprises at least one general driver instruction with respect to at least one generally applicable traffic rule, wherein the vehicle-side output module (130) is configured to output the at least one general driver instruction when crossing a border and / or when entering an area unknown to the driver. [5] Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one driver instruction comprises at least one situation-specific driver instruction relating to at least one situation-specific traffic rule, wherein the vehicle-side output module (130) is configured to output the at least one situation-specific driver instruction before and / or during a parking maneuver, before and / or during a stopping maneuver, before and / or during a turning maneuver, before and / or during entering an intersection, before and / or during an overtaking maneuver, before and / or during the formation of an emergency lane, and / or before and / or upon reaching a speed limit. [6] Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle-side output module (130) is configured to output the at least one driver instruction after completion of the driving situation in order to alert the driver to discrepancies between the at least one valid traffic rule and a driver behavior during the driving situation, in particular wherein the assistance system (100) further comprises an analysis module (150) which is configured to store location-dependent information after driving through a driving situation and to compare it with information on situation-specific traffic rules from the traffic control module in order to output the at least one driver instruction after completion of the driving situation. [7] Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: - the traffic control module (110) and the traffic control determination module (120) are provided on the vehicle side; or - the traffic control module (110) and / or the traffic control determination module (120) are provided by a central unit which is communicatively connected to the vehicle (10). [8] Vehicle (10), in particular motor vehicle, comprising the assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [9] Vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a driver assistance system for automated driving, wherein the driver assistance system is configured to carry out the automated driving based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule, in particular wherein the driver assistance system is configured to restrict the automated driving based on the selected or received at least one valid traffic rule. [10] Assistance method (200) for a vehicle (10), comprising: Selecting (210), based on a driving situation of the vehicle (10) and a current geoposition of the vehicle (10), at least one valid traffic rule from a database in which location-dependent traffic rules for a plurality of driving situations are stored; and Outputting (220), by a vehicle-side output module, at least one driver instruction relating to the at least one valid traffic rule to a driver of the vehicle. [11] A storage medium comprising a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the assistance method (200) according to claim 10.

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