Communication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system comprising a central computing unit, an ego vehicle, and at least one other vehicle, wherein the ego vehicle and the other vehicle are communicatively connected to the central computing unit. The communication system according to the invention is characterized in that - the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle are each configured to transmit their own identifier to the central computing facility; - at least the ego vehicle is configured to capture the identifier of the other vehicle and transmit it, together with the identifier of the ego vehicle, to the central computing unit; and - the central computing facility is set up to open a unidirectional or bidirectional communication channel between the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a communication system of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicle occupants often have difficulty communicating with the occupants of other vehicles, or it is impossible for them to do so. Conversations or shouting are difficult or even impossible. At best, they might use the horn or hazard lights, but this requires interpreting the other person's intentions. Therefore, more complex information cannot be conveyed between the two parties.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2016 216 680 A1 discloses the communication of a vehicle's intention to another road user. This involves communicating the intention of an automated vehicle, particularly a driving maneuver to be executed immediately, to other road users. This can be achieved by projecting light patterns into the surroundings, such as projecting a light image onto the road, activating a continuous light band, or displaying information on a transparent screen in a window of the automated vehicle. However, even in this case, the possibility of conducting a differentiated dialogue is limited.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2023 005 293 A1 discloses a method for providing a communication channel between at least two vehicles. Nearby vehicles are displayed on a screen in each vehicle. A user can select a vehicle to which a communication channel should be opened. The establishment of the communication channel can be managed by a server. The vehicles transmit identification tokens to each other and, if necessary, to the server, which allows the vehicles to be matched to one another.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved communication system which allows the vehicle occupants in a first and a second vehicle to exchange any freely self-defined information with each other.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a communication system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0007] A generic communication system comprising a central computing unit, an ego vehicle and at least one other vehicle, wherein the ego vehicle and the other vehicle are communicatively connected to the central computing unit, provides that - the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle are each configured to transmit their own identifier to the central computing facility; - at least the ego vehicle is configured to capture the identifier of the other vehicle and transmit it, together with the identifier of the ego vehicle, to the central computing unit; and - the central computing facility is set up to open a unidirectional or bidirectional communication channel between the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle; wherein It is further provided that at least the ego-vehicle comprises a display device and positioning means, wherein a graphic element representing the ego-vehicle can be displayed in a map display that can be output on the display device at a location determined by the positioning means; and The ego vehicle is configured to detect the location and / or identifier of the foreign vehicle itself and / or to obtain it via the central computing unit and to display a graphic element representing the foreign vehicle in the map view at the location of the foreign vehicle; and The display device is set up to receive an operating gesture, whereby the operating gesture allows the selection of those foreign vehicles whose identifier is to be transmitted from the ego vehicle to the central computing unit to open the communication channel.

[0008] According to the invention, the map display is divided into grid tiles, and the display device is configured to transmit the identifiers of all other vehicles in a grid tile selected by a user to the central computing unit for the simultaneous opening of a communication channel from the ego vehicle to the respective other vehicles.

[0009] With the aid of the communication system according to the invention, the occupants of the ego vehicle and at least one other vehicle are enabled to exchange any messages with each other without having to exchange any contact information such as a telephone number, nickname, email address, or the like beforehand. In a first embodiment, a unidirectional communication channel is established so that only occupants in the ego vehicle can transmit messages to the occupants in the other vehicle(s). With several other vehicles, this can be understood as a kind of "broadcast message." However, it is also conceivable to establish a bidirectional communication channel so that the occupants in the respective other vehicles can reply. This allows the respective occupants to engage in a dialogue with each other and thus exchange information in a differentiated manner.This makes it easier, for example, to plan one's driving behavior in complex traffic situations. The communication can also be used for entertainment purposes, for example, when the user's own vehicle and at least one other vehicle are stuck in a traffic jam or slow-moving traffic.

[0010] Social interaction can be improved. By promoting communication, misunderstandings can be prevented or avoided. Hazard warnings noticed by the occupants of the self-driving car can be relayed to other road users. This improves road safety.

[0011] The self-driving vehicle and other vehicles can, for example, include a telecommunications unit that allows a connection to the central computer via mobile network over the internet. All common wireless communication technologies are suitable, such as the use of the WLAN standard.

[0012] Optionally, consent can be obtained from the occupants of other vehicles to receive messages sent by the ego vehicle, and vice versa. If this consent is not given, the establishment of the communication channel is prevented.

[0013] Selecting vehicles using the display device allows for a particularly targeted, simple, and quick selection of those other vehicles with which a communication channel should be opened. This selection is therefore possible for the occupants of the self-driving vehicle even while driving, thus ensuring road safety.

[0014] As a means of determining its position, the ego vehicle can, for example, be equipped with a navigation system. By taking into account signals transmitted by global navigation satellites, the ego vehicle can thus determine its geoposition. Through a map comparison, its current position can then be determined on a digital road map. The geoposition, optionally supplemented by the road segment traveled by the ego vehicle, can be transmitted to the central computing unit. This process can also be carried out by other vehicles. Thus, a correlation between the respective identifiers of the vehicles and their current positions is stored in the central computing unit. This correlation can be transmitted to the individual vehicles connected to the central computing unit, depending on their geoposition.This allows the ego vehicle to obtain from the central computing unit information about which foreign vehicles are located near it and at what location relative to the ego vehicle, which can then be used to display the foreign vehicles on the map.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the ego vehicle can also detect other vehicles using its own sensors. These sensors can include environmental sensors such as one or more cameras, laser scanners like LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, and the like. Such sensors can gather depth information, allowing other road users to be located relative to the ego vehicle. Detected road users can then be displayed on the map. The ego vehicle can obtain the identifiers of other vehicles not only indirectly via the central computer, but also directly capture them. Several methods are possible for this. For example, the license plate of vehicles ahead can be visually recognized in the camera images generated by the ego vehicle. The license plate itself can then serve as the identifier.Instead of a license plate, the vehicle identification number (VIN) or another identifier can be used. The identifier can also be linked to the license plate. Furthermore, individual vehicles can be equipped with dedicated communication devices that allow vehicle-to-vehicle communication, also known as car-to-car communication. This allows vehicles to exchange identifiers with each other. These identifiers can be coded information. For example, the coded information can be in the form of optoelectronic codes. These can be visually detectable. For instance, a QR code could be affixed to the outside of one of the vehicles.

[0016] Thus, a wide variety of options are available for individual vehicles to capture identifiers of nearby vehicles and transmit them to the central computing facility.

[0017] Various gestures can be used to select the vehicles with which communication is to be established via the display. In the simplest case, a single tap on the graphic element representing the respective vehicle in the map view is sufficient. If a communication channel with multiple vehicles is to be established, these graphic elements can be tapped one after the other. It is also possible to select several vehicles simultaneously by, for example, drawing a circle around the respective graphic elements with a finger. Instead of a circle, other gestures can also be performed, such as drawing an imaginary rectangle with the thumb and forefinger, similar to zooming on the touchscreen of a tablet computer or smartphone.

[0018] Selecting vehicles using a grid of tiles greatly simplifies the process of choosing the desired vehicle with which to establish communication, while simultaneously reducing the cognitive effort required from the occupant of the ego-vehicle. This significantly improves road safety. Each grid tile can have a suitable geometric shape, specifically polygonal forms such as triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, or any other polygon. Grid tiles are typically square. Their shape and size can also be variable. For example, the size of the grid tiles can be adjusted based on the ego-vehicle's speed. If the ego-vehicle is traveling more slowly, the resolution of the grid tiles can be increased, thus reducing their size.This makes it easier to select relevant foreign vehicles in confusing traffic situations.

[0019] An advantageous further development of the communication system according to the invention provides that the communication channel is configured as an acoustic and / or visual communication channel, wherein speech can be transmitted via the acoustic communication channel and at least text messages and / or camera images can be transmitted via the visual communication channel. The ego vehicle or the other vehicle can be equipped with acoustic recording devices such as microphones. This makes it possible to record the acoustic soundscape in the vehicle interior and thus exchange the speech of the vehicle occupants between the vehicles. This allows the respective vehicle occupants to conduct a kind of telephone conversation. Additionally or alternatively, the aforementioned visual communication channel can be opened. This allows the respective vehicle occupants to chat with each other. Not only text, but also graphic elements such as GIFs or emojis can be transmitted.It is also conceivable to record camera images inside the respective vehicles, for example using an interior camera. Such an interior camera could be integrated into the dashboard or the rearview mirror. Individual images or a video stream can be transmitted. This would allow the occupants of the vehicle in question and the other vehicle to conduct video calls.

[0020] Preferably, the display device is configured to highlight other vehicles whose identifier has been detected in the map view. As previously explained, the ego vehicle can be capable of detecting other road users with its own environmental sensors and displaying them accordingly in the map view. To prevent a vehicle occupant from unsuccessfully attempting to establish a communication channel with a vehicle not belonging to the communication system, different displays can be used for vehicles belonging to and not belonging to the communication system.

[0021] However, it would also be conceivable to display only the foreign vehicles belonging to the communication system in the map view.

[0022] To highlight foreign vehicles belonging to the communication system or foreign vehicles whose identifier has been recorded, various display modalities are possible, such as displaying them with different levels of transparency, brightness, contrast, color, and the like.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the communication system according to the invention provides that, before opening the communication channel in the ego-vehicle, it is possible to select whether an acoustic, visual, or both acoustic and visual communication channel should be opened. This gives the occupants of the ego-vehicle complete freedom regarding how communication with the occupants of the other vehicle(s) should take place. For example, a selection of the relevant other vehicles can be made on the display device in the ego-vehicle. Subsequently, a submenu can be opened in which the preferred communication channel can be selected, for example, communication via voice or chat message.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the communication system according to the invention, pre-defined messages can be selected by the respective users. Such pre-defined messages can also be created by the vehicle occupants themselves. This allows for even faster transmission of frequently exchanged communication messages. For example, the occupant of the self-driving vehicle can record a voice message during a quiet moment, give it a title, and store it in a data storage device within the self-driving vehicle. If communication with another vehicle is then to be initiated, access to the aforementioned database can be granted during the selection of the communication channel, so that appropriately pre-defined messages can be selected and transmitted.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the communication system according to the invention, it is further provided that the ego vehicle, the other vehicle and / or the central computing unit are configured to determine additional information relating to the ego vehicle and the other vehicle and to assign it to the respective identifier; and The central computing facility is designed to open a communication channel between the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle only if the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle share at least one piece of additional information.

[0026] The additional information allows the context for the ego vehicle and the other vehicle to be described. Various pieces of information can be considered additional information, such as the road segment currently being traveled by the respective vehicle, the direction of travel, a vehicle status such as whether the hazard lights are active or deactivated, the relative distance between them, their location in a predefined area, information provided by a user, and the like.

[0027] The specific additional information can be determined by any instance of the communication system. For example, taking into account the transmitted location, both the ego vehicle (or other vehicle) and the central computing unit can determine the road segment traveled or the direction of travel.

[0028] Taking the additional information into account, particularly when selecting foreign vehicles by touching a corresponding grid tile, a communication channel to relevant foreign vehicles can be established. This ensures that a communication channel can be easily established for road users who share a certain thematic context.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments of the communication system according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiments which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0030] This shows: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of the map display shown on a display device in an ego-vehicle; and Fig. 2: An example of a popup for blocking or accepting an incoming message.

[0031] With the aid of a communication system according to the invention, the occupants of different vehicles are enabled to open a communication channel with each other, allowing for free-flowing dialogue. This permits the transmission of any type of information. In this system, an ego-vehicle and at least one other vehicle are communicatively connected to a central computing unit. The central computing unit acts as an intermediary for the communication.

[0032] Based on Fig. 1 An advantageous embodiment of the communication system according to the invention is explained, which allows a particularly safe and convenient selection of those foreign vehicles to which a communication channel is to be opened from the ego vehicle.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a display device 1 in the ego-vehicle, on which a map display 2 is shown. The map display 2 is divided into a large number of grid tiles 4. To maintain clarity, only some of the similar elements are assigned the same reference symbol. The grid tiles 4 can have different resolutions, as shown. A higher resolution is preferably chosen in relevant road sections, such as in the area of ​​an intersection.

[0034] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the ego vehicle and all other vehicles transmit their own identifier and their current position, determined using positioning devices, to the central computing unit. Taking the received positions into account, the central computing unit compares which vehicles are in close proximity to each other, for example, within a radius of 500 meters. Vehicles that are in close proximity to each other receive the respective identifiers of the other vehicles. In addition, the respective current positions of the vehicles are transmitted. This allows the ego vehicle not only to display a graphic element 3EGO at its own current position in map display 2, but also to display a corresponding graphic element 3FREMD for each other vehicle whose current position and identifier have been received. Other vehicles are thus... Fig. 1. Highlighted with hatching. The display device can preferably show different representations of vehicles with which communication can be established or not.

[0035] If a vehicle occupant in the ego-vehicle wishes to establish a communication channel with the aforementioned external vehicles, they can, as shown, touch one of the grid tiles 4. Communication is then established with those external vehicles located in grid tile 4. For this purpose, the ego-vehicle transmits the identifiers assigned to the graphic elements 3FREMD to the central processing unit, which also receives the ego-vehicle's identifier with this request. This allows the central processing unit to determine between which vehicles in the communication system the communication channel should be opened.

[0036] For example, the vehicle occupant can press and hold a touched grid tile 4, so that as the touch duration increases, adjacent grid tiles 4 are also selected, or the size of the pressed grid tile 4 increases. In this way, several other vehicles can be selected simultaneously.

[0037] How Fig. As shown in section 2, an optional query can be made as to whether or not a communication channel should actually be established, for example by the option in Fig. 2 pop-ups shown in the other vehicle.

Claims

[1] Communication system comprising a central computing unit, an ego vehicle and at least one other vehicle, wherein the ego vehicle and the other vehicle are communicatively connected to the central computing unit, wherein - the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle are each configured to transmit their own identifier to the central computing facility; - at least the ego vehicle is configured to capture the identifier of the other vehicle and transmit it, together with the identifier of the ego vehicle, to the central computing unit; and - the central computing facility is set up to open a unidirectional or bidirectional communication channel between the ego vehicle and the alien vehicle; and wherein at least the ego vehicle comprises a display device (1) and positioning means, wherein a graphic element (3EGO) representing the ego vehicle can be displayed in a map display (2) output on the display device (1) at a location determined by the positioning means; and The ego vehicle is configured to detect the location and / or identifier of the foreign vehicle itself and / or to obtain it via the central computing unit and to display a graphic element (3FREMD) representing the foreign vehicle in the map display (2) at the location of the foreign vehicle; and the display device (1) is set up to receive an operating gesture, wherein the operating gesture allows selection of those foreign vehicles whose identifier is to be transmitted from the ego vehicle to the central computing unit to open the communication channel, characterized by , that the map display (2) is divided into grid tiles (4), and the display device (1) is configured to transmit the identifiers of all foreign vehicles in a grid tile (4) selected by a user to the central computing unit for the simultaneous opening of a communication channel from the ego vehicle to all respective foreign vehicles. [2] Communication system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the communication channel is designed as an acoustic and / or visual communication channel, whereby speech can be transmitted via the acoustic communication channel and at least text messages and / or camera images can be transmitted via the visual communication channel. [3] Communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the display device (1) is configured to highlight foreign vehicles whose identifier has been detected in the map display (2). [4] Communication system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that in the ego vehicle, before opening the communication channel, it is selectable whether an acoustic, visual, or an acoustic and visual communication channel should be opened. [5] Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the ego vehicle, the foreign vehicle and / or the central computing unit are configured to determine additional information relating to the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle and to assign it to the respective identifier; and that the central computing unit is configured to open a communication channel between the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle only if the ego vehicle and the foreign vehicle have at least one piece of additional information in common.

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