Method and device for operating a vehicle

Abstract

Method (300) and device for operating a vehicle, comprising a step of determining (310) an approach of the vehicle to a level crossing, a step of receiving (320) train movement data representing train movements in an area of ​​the level crossing, a step of integrating (330) the train movements into a digital map encompassed by the vehicle, a step of determining (340) a hazard potential for the vehicle, depending on the train movements, using the digital map, and a step of operating (350) the vehicle, depending on the hazard potential.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method for operating a vehicle depending on a predetermined hazard potential based on train movements in an area of ​​a level crossing. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The method for operating a vehicle comprises a step of determining an approach of the vehicle to a level crossing, a step of receiving train movement data representing train movements in an area of ​​the level crossing, and a step of integrating the train movements into a digital map comprised by the vehicle. The method further comprises a step of determining a hazard potential for the vehicle, depending on the train movements, using the digital map, and a step of operating the vehicle depending on the hazard potential.

[0003] A vehicle is understood to be a manually operated vehicle (SAE Level 0) or an automated vehicle according to one of the SAE Levels 1 to 5 (see standard SAE J3016).

[0004] Operating the vehicle includes, for example, executing lateral and / or longitudinal control of the vehicle. In one possible embodiment, operating the vehicle alternatively or additionally includes executing safety-relevant functions ("arming" an airbag, fastening the seat belts, etc.) and / or other (driver assistance) functions (lane keeping assistance, navigation system, etc.).

[0005] In one embodiment, the train movement data is received after being requested in advance by a transmitting and / or receiving device of the vehicle. For example, a corresponding signal for requesting this data is sent to an external location, which then transmits the train movement data for reception. In another embodiment, this signal comprises a position of the vehicle and / or a position of the corresponding level crossing, whereby these positions are determined using a localization method (navigation system, etc.) of the vehicle and / or read from the digital map. In this way, the (correct or relevant for the vehicle) area of ​​the level crossing can be determined. This area is, for example, a circle around the level crossing with a predetermined radius (0.5 km, 1 km, 2 km, etc.).), whereby the radius can also depend on the design of the environment (mountains, valleys, number of curves in the traffic route, visibility conditions in the area of ​​the level crossing, etc.). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius is adjusted depending on current visibility conditions (due to the weather or the time of day or night). To do this, the external body requests corresponding data from a weather service or similar institutions, for example. The external body here is understood to be, for example, a control center that monitors the movements of trains and can therefore access the current positions of these trains (in real time).

[0006] Train movements in a level crossing area refer to the movements (current positions and / or directions of movement and / or speeds) of the trains moving within this area. This can include a single train, multiple trains, or no trains at all. In the latter case, the train movement data represents the absence of train movements.

[0007] A hazard potential is a potential danger to the vehicle arising from train movements in the area of ​​the level crossing. The hazard potential describes the potential for a collision between the vehicle and one or more trains, with the potential being expressed, for example, in values ​​from 0 to 1. The value 0 corresponds to no danger, and the value 1 corresponds to a collision that is unavoidable. Corresponding gradations—for example, in 0.1 increments—can be defined and stored in the vehicle.

[0008] The method according to the invention advantageously solves the problem of providing a method for safely operating a vehicle. In particular, passing through level crossings poses an increased risk for vehicles and their occupants, since collisions with trains are fundamentally possible. The risk is particularly high when the corresponding level crossings are not equipped with barriers and, for example, visibility is limited (due to the surrounding area or bad weather, etc.). This can also lead to traffic signs indicating these level crossings being more easily overlooked, which further increases the risk.The above-mentioned object is achieved by means of the method according to the invention in that train movement data, which represent train movements in an area of ​​the level crossing, are received and ultimately used to determine a hazard potential for the vehicle depending on the train movements and subsequently to operate the vehicle depending on the hazard potential.

[0009] Preferably, the digital map includes the level crossing, and the approach is determined by recording the vehicle's route and comparing it with the digital map. The digital map is used, for example, to determine or calculate the probability of a possible collision (here: the hazard potential) based on the vehicle's current speed and train movements.

[0010] Preferably, the operation of the vehicle comprises outputting a signal representing the hazard potential.

[0011] For example, an output of a signal is to be understood as an indication of the train movements in the digital map by means of a visual display (navigation screen, screen of an infotainment system, etc.) and / or an acoustic warning to the driver of the vehicle (or to a passenger in the vehicle - especially if the vehicle is designed as an automated vehicle). The visual display is designed such that the danger potential is clearly indicated to the driver or a passenger.

[0012] The device according to the invention, in particular a control device, is configured to perform all steps of the method according to one of the method claims for operating a vehicle.

[0013] For this purpose, the device comprises, in particular, a computing unit (processor, RAM, storage medium) and suitable software for executing the method according to one of the method claims. Furthermore, the device comprises an interface for transmitting and receiving data values, for example, with other vehicle devices (control units, communication devices, environmental sensors, navigation system, etc.) and / or external devices (server, cloud, etc.), via a cable and / or wireless connection.

[0014] Furthermore, a computer program is claimed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute a method according to one of the method claims for operating a vehicle. In one embodiment, the computer program corresponds to the software included in the device.

[0015] Furthermore, a machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program is stored is required.

[0016] Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and listed in the description. Drawings

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a vehicle in the form of a flow chart. Embodiments of the invention

[0018] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a vehicle.

[0019] In step 301, the method 300 starts.

[0020] In step 310, an approach of the vehicle to a railroad crossing is determined.

[0021] In step 320, train movement data representing train movements in an area of ​​the level crossing is received.

[0022] In step 330, the train movements are integrated into a digital map encompassed by the vehicle.

[0023] In step 340, a hazard potential for the vehicle is determined, depending on the train movements, using the digital map.

[0024] In step 350, the vehicle is operated depending on the hazard potential.

[0025] In step 360, the method 300 ends.

Claims

[1] A method (300) for operating a vehicle, comprising: - determining (310) an approach of the vehicle to a level crossing; - receiving (320) train movement data representing train movements in an area of ​​the level crossing; - integrating (330) the train movements into a digital map encompassed by the vehicle; - determining (340) a hazard potential for the vehicle, depending on the train movements, by means of the digital map; - Operating (350) the vehicle, depending on the hazard potential. [2] Method (300) according to claim 1, characterized by that the digital map includes the level crossing and the approach is determined by recording a route of the vehicle and comparing it with the digital map. [3] Method (300) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the operation (350) of the vehicle comprises an output of a signal representing the hazard potential. [4] Device, in particular a control device, which is configured to carry out all steps of the method (300) according to one of claims 1 to 3. [5] A computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [6] A machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 5 is stored.

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