Tachograph for a vehicle and procedures for operating a vehicle tachograph

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tachograph (200) for a vehicle (10), comprising a driving mode module (210) configured to determine or receive driving mode information (FI) relating to a current driving mode of the vehicle (10), wherein the driving mode information (FI) includes an automation level of the current driving mode; an analysis module (220) configured to determine a driving time (FZ) and a rest time (RZ) of the driver based on the driving mode information (FI); and a storage module (230) configured to store the determined driving time (FZ) and rest time (RZ).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tachograph for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a tachograph, a method for operating a tachograph of a vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to determining driving and rest times while taking into account the vehicle's automation level. State of the art

[0002] There are many regulations for professional drivers regarding driving and rest times, which must be adhered to, with few exceptions. Examples include, but are not limited to, a minimum length of a continuous break after a certain amount of driving time, a maximum weekly and / or daily working time, and a standard rest period. Analogue or digital tachographs are generally used to record driving and rest times. These tachographs record, for example, driving times, breaks, vehicle speed, and distance traveled. There are also regulations for business trips that determine whether or not travel time is to be considered working time. For example, time spent driving counts as working time. A train journey, on the other hand, does not count as working time.

[0003] Due to the different situations and possibilities, it can be difficult to determine driving and rest times correctly and comprehensibly, for example using analogue or digital tachographs. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a tachograph for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a tachograph, a method for operating a tachograph of a vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method, which enable the precise determination of driving and rest periods. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to improve road safety by adhering to driving and rest periods.

[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, a tachograph for a vehicle is provided. The tachograph comprises a driving mode module configured to determine or receive driving mode information relating to a current driving mode of the vehicle, wherein the driving mode information includes an automation level of the current driving mode; an analysis module configured to determine a driving time and a rest period of the driver based on the driving mode information; and a storage module configured to store the determined driving time and rest period.

[0007] According to the invention, an automation level is taken into account in order to distinguish between driving times and rest periods. In particular, the times during which different automation levels are active are recorded in aggregate. In doing so, it is precisely recorded which automation level is activated at which times. Taking the automation level into account enables a more reliable determination of driving times and rest periods than would be possible, for example, with the data recorded on conventional analog or digital tachographs. For example, a time during which the vehicle is driving fully autonomously and the driver is asleep can be counted as a rest period, even though the vehicle is moving and not stationary in a parking lot. The more reliable determination of driving times and rest periods can also increase road safety, as improved monitoring of driving times and rest periods is possible.

[0008] The driving mode module and / or analysis module and / or memory module can be implemented in a common software and / or hardware module. Alternatively, the driving mode module and / or analysis module and / or memory module can each be implemented in separate software and / or hardware modules.

[0009] In some embodiments, the travel time may also be referred to as driving time, for example in the context of commercial freight or passenger transport.

[0010] The term “level of automation” as used in the present disclosure relates to automated driving of the vehicle, which can take place in different forms.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 with 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.

[0013] Preferably, the automation level of the current driving mode is selected from the group comprising or consisting of SAE Level 0, SAE Level 1, SAE Level 2, SAE Level 3, SAE Level 4, and SAE Level 5. SAE Level 0 can correspond to manual driving.

[0014] Preferably, the automation level of the current driving mode is selected from the group comprising or consisting of SAE Level 2, SAE Level 3, SAE Level 4 and SAE Level 5.

[0015] Preferably, the analysis module is configured to determine, based on the automation level of the current driving mode, a time as driving time during which manual vehicle control is performed by the driver and / or automated vehicle control is monitored or must be monitored by the driver; and, based on the automation level of the current driving mode, to determine, as rest time, a time during which no manual vehicle control is performed and / or no monitoring of automated vehicle control is performed or must be performed by the driver.

[0016] In some embodiments, the automated vehicle guidance that is or must be monitored by the driver is an automated vehicle guidance according to SAE Level 2 or SAE Level 3 or corresponds to an automation level according to SAE Level 2 or SAE Level 3.

[0017] In addition or alternatively, automated vehicle guidance that is not monitored or does not need to be monitored by the driver is automated vehicle guidance according to SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5 or corresponds to an automation level according to SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5.

[0018] Preferably, the analysis module is configured to further determine the driving time and the rest period based on at least one calculation criterion. In particular, rules for calculating the driving time and / or rest period can be specified so that only those times or time periods that satisfy the rules are included in the calculation of the driving time and / or rest period. For example, due to the rules, not every time or time period during which the vehicle is driving fully autonomously can be counted as a rest period or be included in the calculation of the rest period.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one calculation criterion includes, or is, a statutory calculation criterion. For example, driving and rest times for drivers of vehicles with a permissible total mass, including trailers, of over 3.50 t used in commercial goods or passenger transport within the European Union are regulated by Regulation (EC) No. 561 / 2006. This allows the calculation of driving and rest times to be adapted depending on the legal requirements in different countries.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one calculation criterion relates to a continuous or uninterrupted driving time and / or a continuous or uninterrupted rest period. For example, a period of continuous driving at SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5 can only be considered a rest period if the period is equal to or greater than a threshold. In other words, a rest period can only be determined if a continuous rest phase with a certain minimum duration is detected.

[0021] Preferably, the tachograph further comprises a control module which is configured to control at least one functional module of the vehicle based on the determined driving time and / or the determined rest time.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one functional module may include or be a user interface module for outputting a driver notification regarding the specific driving time and / or the specific rest period. For example, the driver notification may indicate the need for a rest period, an exceedance of a maximum permissible driving time, etc.

[0023] The user interface 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 display information directly in the driver's field of vision, in particular to project it onto a windshield. In some embodiments, the at least one display device can be a central information output device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. Preferably, the at least one output device is permanently installed in the vehicle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one functional module may comprise or be a driving authorization module. The driving authorization module may be configured to permit or prohibit, in particular selectively permit or prohibit, driving operation of the vehicle based on the determined driving time and / or rest period. For example, if the rest period is insufficient and / or the maximum driving time is exceeded, only automated driving according to SAE Level 4 or 5 may be permitted. Similarly, if the rest period is sufficient and / or the maximum driving time has not yet been reached, manual driving and / or automated driving according to SAE Level 2 and / or 3 may be permitted.

[0025] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes the tachograph according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, vans, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used to transport people.

[0027] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a tachograph of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises receiving, by the tachograph, driving mode information relating to a current automated driving mode of the vehicle, wherein the driving mode information comprises an automation level of the current automated driving mode; determining, by the tachograph, a driving time and rest time of the driver based on the driving mode information; and storing, by the tachograph, the determined driving time and rest time in a memory module of the tachograph.

[0028] The procedure can implement the aspects of the tachograph described in this document.

[0029] 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 method described in this document for operating a tachograph of a vehicle.

[0030] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method described in this document for operating a tachograph of a vehicle.

[0031] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to carry out the method for operating a tachograph of a vehicle when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0032] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a tachograph for a vehicle is provided. The tachograph 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 method described in this document for operating a tachograph of a vehicle.

[0033] 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

[0034] 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 a driver assistance system for automated driving according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 schematically shows a tachograph for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for operating a tachograph of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0035] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0036] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 with a driver assistance system 100 for automated driving according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] In automated driving, the longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the vehicle 10 is automatic. The driver assistance system 100 thus assumes vehicle guidance. To this end, the driver assistance system 100 controls the drive 20, the transmission 22, the (e.g., hydraulic) service brake 24, and the steering 26 via intermediate units (not shown).

[0038] To plan and implement automated driving, driver assistance system 100 receives environmental information from an environmental sensor system that monitors the vehicle's surroundings. In particular, vehicle 10 may include at least one environmental sensor 12 configured to record environmental data indicating the vehicle's surroundings. The at least one environmental sensor 12 may, for example, include one or more LiDAR systems, one or more radar systems, one or more ultrasonic sensors, and / or one or more cameras.

[0039] The driver assistance system 100 can be connected to the tachograph of the present disclosure or can include the tachograph of the present disclosure. For example, the driver assistance system 100 can output information regarding the current driving mode or the corresponding automation level to the tachograph of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 2 schematically shows a tachograph 200 for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] The tachograph 200 comprises a driving mode module 210 configured to determine or receive driving mode information FI relating to a current driving mode of the vehicle, wherein the driving mode information FI comprises an automation level of the current driving mode; an analysis module 220 configured to determine a driving time FZ and a rest time RZ of the driver based on the driving mode information FI; and a storage module 230 configured to store the determined driving time FZ and rest time RZ.

[0042] In some embodiments, the automation level of the current driving mode is selected from the group comprising or consisting of SAE Level 0, SAE Level 1, SAE Level 2, SAE Level 3, SAE Level 4, and SAE Level 5. SAE Level 0 may correspond to manual driving.

[0043] According to the invention, an automation level is taken into account to distinguish between driving times and rest periods. In particular, the times during which different automation levels are active are recorded in aggregate. This precisely records which automation level is activated at which times. Taking the automation level into account enables a more reliable determination of driving times and rest periods than would be possible, for example, with the data recorded on conventional analog or digital tachographs.

[0044] For example, a truck driver drives an eight-hour route, but has SAE Level 4 activated for half of that time and slept during it. This is taken into account in the tachograph. If SAE Level 3, which the driver must monitor, had also been active for an hour, this could again be reflected differently in the calculation of driving and rest times. In another example, an employer can precisely track whether and when autonomous driving was used during business trips, thus accurately determining working hours.

[0045] The analysis module 220 can be further configured to determine, based on the automation level of the current driving mode, a time as driving time FZ during which manual vehicle control by the driver takes place and / or automated vehicle control by the driver is monitored or must be monitored; and, based on the automation level of the current driving mode, to determine, as rest time RZ, a time in which no manual vehicle control takes place and / or no monitoring of automated vehicle control by the driver takes place or must be carried out.

[0046] In some embodiments, the automated vehicle guidance that is or must be monitored by the driver is an automated vehicle guidance according to SAE Level 2 or SAE Level 3 or corresponds to an automation level according to SAE Level 2 or SAE Level 3.

[0047] In addition or alternatively, automated vehicle guidance that is not monitored or does not need to be monitored by the driver is automated vehicle guidance according to SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5 or corresponds to an automation level according to SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5.

[0048] The analysis module 120 can be further configured to determine the driving time FZ and the rest period RZ based on at least one calculation criterion. In particular, rules for calculating the driving time FZ and / or rest period RZ can be specified, so that only those times or time periods that satisfy the rules are included in the calculation of the driving time FZ and / or rest period RZ. For example, due to the rules, not every time or time period during which the vehicle is driving fully autonomously can be counted as a rest period RZ or be included in the calculation of the rest period RZ.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one calculation criterion may include or be a statutory calculation criterion. This allows the calculation of driving and rest times to be adapted depending on the legal requirements in different countries.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one calculation criterion relates to a continuous or uninterrupted driving time and / or a continuous or uninterrupted rest period. For example, a period of continuous driving at SAE Level 4 or SAE Level 5 can only be considered a rest period RZ if the period is equal to or greater than a threshold. In other words, a rest period RZ can only be determined if a continuous rest phase with a certain minimum duration is detected.

[0051] In some embodiments, the tachograph 200 further comprises a control module configured to control at least one functional module of the vehicle based on the determined driving time FZ and / or the determined rest time RZ.

[0052] The at least one functional module can include or be a user interface module for outputting a driver notification regarding the specific driving time FZ and / or the specific rest period RZ. For example, the driver notification can indicate the need for a rest period, an exceedance of a maximum permissible driving time, etc.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one functional module can comprise or be a driving authorization module. The driving authorization module can be configured to permit or prohibit, in particular selectively permit or prohibit, driving of the vehicle based on the determined driving time FZ and / or rest period RZ. For example, if the rest period RZ is insufficient and / or the maximum driving time FZ is exceeded, only automated driving according to SAE Level 4 or 5 can be permitted. Similarly, if the rest period RZ is sufficient and / or the maximum driving time FZ has not yet been reached, manual driving and / or automated driving according to SAE Level 2 and / or 3 can be permitted.

[0054] Fig.Figure 3 schematically shows a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a tachograph of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 can be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0055] The assistance method 300 comprises, in block 310, receiving, by the tachograph, driving mode information relating to a current automated driving mode of the vehicle, wherein the driving mode information comprises an automation level of the current automated driving mode; in block 320, determining, by the tachograph, a driving time and rest time of the driver based on the driving mode information; and, in block 330, storing, by the tachograph, the determined driving time and rest time in a memory module of the tachograph.

[0056] According to the invention, an automation level is taken into account in order to distinguish between driving times and rest periods. In particular, the times during which different automation levels are active are recorded in aggregate. In doing so, it is precisely recorded which automation level is activated at which times. Taking the automation level into account enables a more reliable determination of driving times and rest periods than would be possible, for example, with the data recorded on conventional analog or digital tachographs. For example, a time during which the vehicle is driving fully autonomously and the driver is asleep can be counted as a rest period, even though the vehicle is moving and not stationary in a parking lot. The more reliable determination of driving times and rest periods can also increase road safety, as improved monitoring of driving times and rest periods is possible.

[0057] 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. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] SAE Levels 1 to 5 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering) as of April 30, 2021

[0011] Regulation (EC) No 561 / 2006

[0019]

Claims

[1] Tachograph (200) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a driving mode module (210) configured to determine or receive driving mode information (FI) relating to a current driving mode of the vehicle (10), wherein the driving mode information (FI) comprises an automation level of the current driving mode; an analysis module (220) configured to determine a driving time (FZ) and a rest time (RZ) of the driver based on the driving mode information (FI); and a memory module (230) configured to store the determined driving time (FZ) and rest time (RZ). [2] The tachograph (200) of claim 1, wherein the automation level of the current driving mode is selected from the group consisting of SAE Level 0, SAE Level 1, SAE Level 2, SAE Level 3, SAE Level 4, and SAE Level 5. [3] Tachograph (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analysis module (220) is arranged to: - to determine, based on the automation level of the current driving mode, a time as driving time (FZ) during which manual vehicle control by the driver is carried out and / or automated vehicle control by the driver is monitored or must be monitored; and - to determine a time as a rest period (RZ) based on the automation level of the current driving mode, during which no manual vehicle control takes place and / or no monitoring of the automated vehicle control by the driver takes place or needs to take place. [4] Tachograph (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the analysis module (220) is configured to further determine the driving time (FZ) and the rest time (RZ) based on at least one calculation criterion. [5] Tachograph (200) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one calculation criterion is a statutory calculation criterion. [6] Tachograph (200) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one calculation criterion relates to a continuous driving time and / or a continuous rest time. [7] Tachograph (200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control module which is configured to control at least one functional module based on the determined driving time (FZ) and / or the determined rest time (RZ), in particular wherein the at least one functional module comprises or is a user interface module and / or a driving authorization module. [8] Vehicle (10) comprising the tachograph (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Method (300) for operating a tachograph (200) of a vehicle (10), comprising: Receiving (310), by the tachograph (200), driving mode information (FI) relating to a current automated driving mode of the vehicle (10), wherein the driving mode information (FI) comprises an automation level of the current automated driving mode; Determining (320), by the tachograph (200), a driving time (FZ) and rest time (RZ) of the driver based on the driving mode information (FI); and Storing (330), by the tachograph (200), the determined driving time (FZ) and rest time (RZ) in a memory module (230) of the tachograph (200). [10] A storage medium comprising a software program adapted to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method (300) according to claim 9.

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