Blind spot assist system for a motor vehicle and procedures

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a blind spot assist system (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one detection device (14a, 14b) for continuously monitoring the lateral and rear areas (16a, 16b) of the motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one sensor device (18a, 18b) for detecting an approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in a blind spot (22a, 22b) of the motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one warning device (24a, 24b) for generating a warning signal (G) for a driver of the motor vehicle (12) upon detection of the approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in the blind spot (22a, 22b), wherein, depending on the warning signal (G), at least one collision-related steering intervention occurs at the steering wheel (26) of the motor vehicle (12). can be produced. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a blind spot assistance system (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a blind spot assist system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a blind spot assist system.

[0002] A blind spot assist system, for example, issues a warning signal if an object or person is in the blind spot, such as when the driver begins a turn. However, according to current technology, malfunctions can occur, especially at low speeds. In such cases, potentially dangerous situations can arise if the driver relies solely on the assistance system and does not manually check left or right before changing lanes.

[0003] For example, if a cyclist attempts to overtake a slow-moving vehicle on a single-lane road in a 30 km / h zone, they should be detected by a blind spot monitoring system. This system signals the cyclist's presence, for instance, with a red triangle in the mirror. This might lead the driver to assume that the cyclist has also been seen. If the cyclist also notices this signal, they could mistakenly assume that the driver has indeed seen them. However, it's possible that the driver either didn't check their mirror, didn't use their turn signal, or misinterpreted the red triangle and still suddenly swerved to the left, which could lead to a collision.

[0004] This underscores the importance of balanced use of driver assistance systems and the necessity of always manually checking before changing lanes or performing similar maneuvers. It also demonstrates that while assistance systems can be helpful, they should not replace the driver's attention and judgment. It would be advisable to analyze such incidents more closely and, if necessary, make improvements to the assistance system to prevent such occurrences.

[0005] From DE 10 2017 001 204 A1 a method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle is disclosed in which - an automatic lane change is initiated by means of an activation signal, - a rear traffic area of ​​the vehicle is detected by means of vehicle-owned sensors and a vehicle approaching from behind is detected in the detected rear traffic area.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a safety measure that increases a driver's attention, particularly with regard to the blind spot.

[0007] This problem is solved by a blind spot assist system with the features of claim 1 and by a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the blind spot assist system according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the blind spot assist system are used to carry out the method steps. Further advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a blind spot assist system for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which comprises at least one detection device, in particular an optical detection device such as a camera, especially a mirror camera, for continuously monitoring the side and rear areas of the motor vehicle. The blind spot assist system additionally comprises at least one sensor device, which also includes the detection device or other sensors, and may also include proximity sensors, for detecting an approaching object—be it a vehicle, an object, or an approaching person—in the blind spot of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the blind spot assist system comprises at least one warning device for generating a warning signal for the driver of the motor vehicle upon detection of an approaching object in the blind spot.

[0009] To fulfill the object of the invention, the blind spot assist system generates a warning signal as soon as an approaching object is detected in the vehicle's blind spot. In response, a collision-related steering intervention is triggered at the vehicle's steering wheel. This intervention can take various forms, such as automatic steering correction or a steering warning for the driver, to alert them to the approaching object and avoid a potential collision. This measure increases safety and significantly reduces the risk of accidents in the blind spot area.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the steering stiffness can be varied by means of the collision-induced steering intervention. Accordingly, it is provided that, for example, the strength or resistance of the steering can be adjusted depending on the detected risk of collision. This allows the steering to be made stiffer, for instance, to give the driver more direct feedback and enable a faster reaction to the potential danger.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a steer-by-wire steering system can be decoupled by means of the collision-induced steering intervention. Here, it is provided that a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels of the vehicle can be temporarily suspended, or that the signal transmission for steering via a steer-by-wire system can be interrupted in order to prevent immediate steering and thus also the potentially imminent collision.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the driver's gaze towards the side mirror can be detected by means of an additional detection device, such as a mirror camera or other cameras, in particular optical detection devices. Depending on this, a signal can be generated for the approaching object. This means that the blind spot assist system detects whether the driver is looking at the side mirror to check for possible objects in the blind spot. If the driver is looking at the side mirror and an approaching object is detected, the blind spot assist system can generate a warning signal to alert the driver to the danger.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the warning intensity can be adjusted depending on the detected proximity and / or speed of the approaching object. This means that the blind spot assist system continuously monitors the proximity and speed of the approaching object and adjusts the intensity of the warning signal accordingly. With a greater proximity or speed of the approaching object, the warning signal may become louder or more noticeable to alert the driver to the potential hazard. For example, various warning signals can be generated directly or triggered depending on the proximity / speed, such as visual and haptic warning signals in addition to auditory ones.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, depending on the warning signal, at least one collision-related driving intervention in the form of an acceleration limitation can be generated in the motor vehicle. This also automatically limits the vehicle's speed in order to reduce the probability of a collision or to avoid a possible collision.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a blind spot assistance system according to the previous aspect.

[0016] In other words, a blind spot monitoring system is proposed that uses a driver observation or interior camera to analyze the driver's line of sight. When an object is detected in the blind spot by ambient sensors, the system checks the driver's gaze to see if they have recognized a warning symbol displayed in the side mirror. If necessary, an additional warning symbol is displayed to inform people in the vehicle's vicinity that the driver has recognized the hazard. This additional warning symbol is projected in the side mirror and / or around the vehicle.

[0017] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] This shows: Fig. 1. A top view of a motor vehicle in road traffic to illustrate a blind spot assist system; and Fig. 2. A block diagram illustrating a possible structure of the blind spot assistance system.

[0019] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a motor vehicle 12 in road traffic to illustrate a blind spot assist system 10. The blind spot assist system 10 is equipped with a first and a second detection device 14a, 14b, in particular designed as mirror cameras, on each side, which continuously monitor the lateral and rear areas 16a, 16b of the motor vehicle 12. Furthermore, the blind spot assist system 10 includes a sensor device 18a, 18b on each side to detect approaching objects (vehicle 20a, object 20b, person 20c) in the blind spot 22a, 22b of the motor vehicle 12. Upon detection of an approaching object 20a, 20b, 20c in the blind spot 22a, 22b, a warning signal is generated for the driver of the motor vehicle 12 by at least one respective lateral warning device 24a, 24b. It is intended that, for example, at least a visual warning is displayed on the side mirror.

[0021] Furthermore, it is provided that, depending on the warning signal, at least one collision-related steering intervention can be generated at the steering wheel 26 of the motor vehicle 12. This allows a change in steering stiffness and the decoupling of a steer-by-wire steering system to enable a direct reaction to potential collisions.

[0022] Additionally, a further detection device 28, e.g., a camera in the interior mirror or the side mirrors themselves, can detect the driver's glance at the side mirror, thereby generating a signal for the approaching object 20a, 20b, 20c. Adjusting the warning intensity depending on the detected proximity and / or speed of the approaching object 20a, 20b, 20c is also possible.

[0023] Finally, it is provided that, depending on the warning signal, at least one collision-related driving intervention in the form of an acceleration limitation can be generated for motor vehicles 12 in order to automatically limit the speed of the vehicle and prevent a collision.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a possible structure of the blind spot assist system 10.

[0025] Block A describes the detection of the speed of vehicle 12, while Block B describes the detection of the traffic situation. Block C clarifies that forward-facing sensors are not applicable, as approaching objects in the blind spot must be detected.

[0026] In Block D, blind spot monitoring is carried out, for example, using an electronic computing device to continuously monitor the blind spots. It is intended that all components for providing the blind spot assistance system 10 are coupled to and controlled by the electronic computing device.

[0027] Block E shows an interior camera as an additional detection device 28, which can detect the driver's viewing angle, for example, of the left side mirror. Additionally, Block F indicates whether a camera in the exterior mirror detects the driver's direct eye contact, for example, as a double check.

[0028] Furthermore, the system detects whether the driver intends to steer in the direction of the detected approaching object, which requests torque from the steer-by-wire (SbW) steering system. In response, the electric power steering (EPS) / SbW can generate a counter-torque that is felt at the steering wheel. At low speeds, controlled braking intervention can also be initiated.

[0029] However, a red warning signal G is also clearly displayed if an approaching object is detected in the blind spot 22a, 22b and the driver has not checked properly. Furthermore, a shoulder check can also be detected by one of the detection devices 14a, 14b, 28. If, however, it is detected that the driver has checked and no approaching object is present, a release signal H can be generated, which, for example, still includes a warning about a pedestrian crossing and cyclists.

[0030] In addition, it may also be provided that the warning signals are displayed continuously, and only when the driver looking at the warning signals is detected, are no collision-related steering interventions generated at the steering wheel of the motor vehicle 12.

[0031] In summary, a blind spot assist system 10 at low speed is proposed in combination with a steer-by-wire system and an active feedback system for a cyclist. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2017 001 204 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Blind spot assist system (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one detection device (14a, 14b) for continuous monitoring of the side and rear areas (16a, 16b) of the motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one sensor device (18a, 18b) for detecting an approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in a blind spot (22a, 22b) of the motor vehicle (12), comprising at least one warning device (24a, 24b) for generating a warning signal (G) for a driver of the motor vehicle (12) upon detection of the approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in the blind spot (22a, 22b), characterized by , that depending on the warning signal (G) at least one collision-related steering intervention can be generated at the steering wheel (26) of the motor vehicle (12). [2] Blind spot assist system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the steering stiffness can be changed by means of the collision-induced steering intervention. [3] Blind spot assist system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a steer-by-wire steering system can be decoupled by means of the collision-induced steering intervention. [4] Blind spot assist system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that by means of a further detection device (28) the driver's glance at the side mirror can be detected and, depending on this, a signal for the approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) can be generated. [5] Blind spot assist system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an adjustment of the warning intensity depending on the detected proximity and / or speed of the approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) is feasible. [6] Blind spot assist system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that depending on the warning signal at least one collision-related driving intervention on the motor vehicle (12) in the form of an acceleration limitation can be generated. [7] Method for operating a blind spot assist system (10) for a motor vehicle (12), in which at least one detection device (14a, 14b) continuously monitors the side and rear areas (16a, 16b) of the motor vehicle (12), in which at least one sensor device (18a, 18b) detects at least one approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in a blind spot (22a, 22b) of the motor vehicle (12), and in which at least one warning device (24a, 24b) generates a warning signal for a driver of the motor vehicle (12) upon detection of the approaching object (20a, 20b, 20c) in the blind spot (22a, 22b), characterized by, that depending on the warning signal at least one collision-related steering intervention is generated at the steering wheel (26) of the motor vehicle (12).

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