Methods for communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for communication between a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2), wherein vehicle data is acquired by means of vehicle-side sensors (9) of the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) is detected by the first vehicle (1) on the basis of acquired signals from the vehicle-side sensors (9), characterized in that - the second vehicle (2) detected in the vicinity of the first vehicle (1) has an identifier generated by registration with a service provider (D) which is captured by the first vehicle (1), - the identifier recorded by the first vehicle (1) together with at least part of the recorded vehicle data is transmitted to the service provider (D), - via the service provider (D) the vehicle data transmitted by the first vehicle (1) to an end device (4) assigned to the second vehicle (2) and - at least part of the vehicle data is displayed to a user of the second vehicle (2) by means of the terminal device (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein vehicle data is acquired by means of vehicle-side sensors of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is detected by the first vehicle on the basis of acquired signals from the vehicle-side sensors.

[0002] US patent 2016 / 0086489 A1 discloses an electric bicycle and a method for communication between the electric bicycle and an infrastructure or other vehicle. The electric bicycle comprises a communication module and a processing unit. The communication module receives vehicle information specifying a vehicle's trajectory. The processing unit compares the received vehicle information with bicycle information representing the vehicle's trajectory. The communication module wirelessly transmits the bicycle information to the vehicle associated with that information. The processing unit compares the two trajectories and generates an alarm signal if it detects that the bicycle is at risk of colliding with the vehicle.

[0003] US Patent 2019 / 0392713 A1 describes a method, a computer system, and a computer program product for communication between a bicycle and a vehicle to prevent an accident involving an open vehicle door. The method involves collecting data from a vehicle device associated with the vehicle and a bicycle device associated with the bicycle. The vehicle device and the bicycle device send and receive warning signals and proximity alerts.The data collection process includes: determining, via the bicycle device, that the bicycle is in a stationary state; sending a request to a user via the bicycle device to confirm that the bicycle is in a stationary state; and receiving a response to the sent request from the user, with the user confirming that the bicycle is in an active state; determining that the vehicle is involved in at least one high-risk activity; determining that the bicycle is near the vehicle involved in the at least one high-risk activity; transmitting the multitude of warning signals from the vehicle device to the bicycle device indicating that the vehicle is involved in the at least one high-risk activity, with the bicycle device providing for the reception of the multitude of warning signals when the bicycle device is not in an active state.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2015 / 147346 A1 discloses a system and a method for providing bicycle safety information using a smart device. The system includes a bicycle mount that is attached to the rear of a bicycle and wirelessly connected to the smart device.The bicycle mount features a rear detection sensor module for measuring the distance between the bicycle and a following vehicle; an image capture module that records the situation at the time of a bicycle accident in image and sound; a control module for converting data captured by the detection sensor module and data captured by the image capture module into electrical signals and transmittable data; a rear light module for displaying signals generated by the control module that are perceptible to a road user; and a wireless communication module for wirelessly sending and receiving data generated by the control module to the smart device.

[0005] Furthermore, CN 206991558 U describes a collision avoidance system based on communication between a bicycle and a vehicle. The collision avoidance system comprises a bicycle collision avoidance device and a vehicle collision avoidance device. The bicycle collision avoidance device includes a bicycle information acquisition unit, a bicycle communication unit, a bicycle processing unit, and a bicycle warning unit. The vehicle collision avoidance device includes a vehicle information acquisition unit and a vehicle communication unit. The bicycle information acquisition unit is configured to acquire bicycle movement information, including geographic location, speed, and direction of travel, and transmit this information to the bicycle processing unit.The vehicle information acquisition unit is configured to collect vehicle movement information, including geographic location, speed, and direction of travel, and transmit it to the vehicle communication unit. The bicycle communication unit is wirelessly connected to the vehicle communication unit and is configured to receive the information sent by the vehicle communication unit and forward it to the bicycle processing unit. The bicycle processing unit is configured to determine, based on the information received from the vehicle and the information collected from the bicycle, whether there is a risk of collision between the bicycle and the vehicle. If a risk of collision exists, appropriate information is transmitted to the bicycle warning unit, which then issues a warning signal.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2016 122 686 A1 discloses a method in which a first vehicle receives a radio signal from a second, autonomously operated vehicle. This signal represents a first traffic situation. The first vehicle also uses its own sensors to detect a second traffic situation, compares both situations, and informs a road user of the result.

[0007] The German patent application DE 10 2016 000 555 A1 describes a method for communication between at least two vehicles. Information, which is either manually entered by the drivers or automatically by a control system, is exchanged via an application program in the vehicles or via a direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication link.

[0008] Document US 2019 / 0392713 A1 describes a method for communication between a bicycle and a vehicle to prevent accidents involving open vehicle doors. A device on the bicycle detects whether it is in a stationary state and requests confirmation from the user, who can then respond as to whether the bicycle is in an active state.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel method for communication between a first vehicle and a second bicycle.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] A method for communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle involves the acquisition of vehicle data by means of sensors on the first vehicle. The second vehicle is detected by the first vehicle based on signals acquired by its sensors. According to the invention, the second vehicle, detected in the vicinity of the first vehicle, has an identifier generated by registration with a service provider, which is acquired by the second vehicle. The identifier acquired by the second vehicle, together with at least a portion of the acquired vehicle data, is transmitted to the service provider. Subsequently, the vehicle data transmitted by the first vehicle is sent by the service provider to an end device assigned to the second vehicle. At least a portion of the vehicle data is then displayed to a user of the second vehicle via the end device.

[0013] The term "first vehicle" refers to a passenger car, truck, or similar vehicle. For simplicity, the term "vehicle" will be used synonymously with "first vehicle" in the following text.

[0014] The second vehicle is understood to be a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or similar vehicle. For the sake of simplicity, the term "bicycle" will be used synonymously with "second vehicle" in the following text.

[0015] By applying this method, road safety, especially for the cyclist being followed by the vehicle, can be significantly increased, as the cyclist is informed about the vehicle's condition and the cyclist's intention to overtake, particularly with regard to an intended overtaking maneuver.

[0016] In addition, this method can enhance the security integrity of the communication channel between the vehicle and the bicycle by ensuring that the vehicle can only establish a communication channel with bicycles that have been previously registered by the service provider. Furthermore, the transmission of vehicle data is also handled by the service provider, who monitors the management of the communication channel and thus guarantees a certain level of security during data transmission. In one implementation, the vehicle data is sent to an end device assigned to the bicycle. This end device can be a computer assigned to the bicycle or a mobile device belonging to the bicycle user, which can receive the data and display it to the user.This can further increase road safety, as the device is usually within the cyclist's field of vision. The user is therefore not tempted to look around, thus largely eliminating the risk of accidents caused by using the device.

[0017] In another embodiment, the bicycle is linked to a unit that outputs the identifier derived from the bicycle's registration with a service provider. This unit could, for example, be a tracking device capable of transmitting an identifier. When this identifier is detected by the vehicle, it triggers a request to the service provider with whom the bicycle user registered their bicycle. Upon this request from the vehicle, the identifier can be verified, and a communication channel established between the vehicle and the bicycle.

[0018] Alternatively, an identifier can be a barcode or another passive ID. In this case, the vehicle reads the identifier.

[0019] In a further implementation, it is stipulated that if the bicycle is registered with the service provider, a confirmation is transmitted to the vehicle. Upon receiving this confirmation, the vehicle user, i.e., the driver of the vehicle, is informed that the bicycle user is being kept up-to-date with the vehicle's data and thus its driving status, including its intention to drive. This can largely prevent potentially alarming situations for the bicycle user, particularly if the vehicle begins to overtake and, for example, a lateral distance between the vehicle and the bicycle is not maintained.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the procedure, vehicle data such as the current vehicle position, the distance between the vehicle and the bicycle, and the position of the accelerator or brake pedal of the vehicle are transmitted to the service provider, particularly in real time. This makes it possible to determine the vehicle's driving status and intentions and to make this information available to the bicycle user, i.e., the cyclist.

[0021] One possible implementation of the procedure involves transmitting the vehicle data to the service provider in anonymized form. This essentially eliminates the possibility of tracing which vehicle was located where and when, thus protecting the privacy of the vehicle user.

[0022] In a possible further training, a trajectory of the vehicle is displayed via the end device, so that the user of the bicycle can recognize that the vehicle is still behind him and, for example, intends to carry out an overtaking maneuver, i.e., pull out behind the bicycle.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the vehicle's driving status is displayed via the end device, indicating whether the vehicle is accelerating, maintaining its speed, or braking. The vehicle's driving status can be measured or recorded, for example, by vehicle sensors that can measure vehicle parameters such as speed, acceleration, braking force, the status of various vehicle systems that influence the vehicle's movement, or the ability to signal intentions, such as turn signals, and so on. This informs the cyclist whether the vehicle is braking, for example, to overtake the cyclist at a suitable location while maintaining the required lateral distance, thus significantly reducing the risk of an accident for the cyclist.By displaying the vehicle's driving status, the bicycle user can, if necessary, adjust their riding style to reduce their own risk of accidents involving the vehicle.

[0024] One implementation of the system involves the device displaying a color-coded risk to the cyclist, determined from the vehicle's driving state. The color code can also be derived from the vehicle's trajectory or from a combination of both. This allows the cyclist to identify, based on color, whether the vehicle poses a relatively high risk because it is accelerating, or whether the vehicle is braking and will overtake the cyclist later, taking oncoming traffic into account.

[0025] Furthermore, a vehicle user can communicate their driving intentions to the end device via a time-limited communication channel using gestures and / or voice commands. For example, the vehicle user can inform the cyclist that the vehicle will not overtake the cyclist before the end of a valley while descending. Such a situation can offer the cyclist a relatively high degree of safety and largely prevent accidents, such as those caused by the vehicle overtaking the cyclist when there is little lateral clearance between the bicycle and the vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, the procedure allows the cyclist to evaluate a maneuver performed by a vehicle using their device. This evaluation can be transmitted directly to the vehicle via a time-limited communication channel and communicated to the driver. Alternatively, this evaluation can also be transmitted to the vehicle via the service provider. For example, a risky overtaking maneuver performed by the vehicle, which the cyclist deems as such, can be reported to the service provider. Using the vehicle identification number, the cyclist can then contact the vehicle's insurance company, which will assign points to assess the cyclist's driving style and safety.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0028] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic top view of a road section with two opposing lanes, two vehicles and a bicycle, Fig. 2 schematically a device for carrying out a method for communication between a vehicle and a bicycle, Fig. 3 schematically a display of a terminal device and Fig. 4 schematically another display of the terminal device.

[0029] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a traffic situation on a road section F with two opposing lanes F1 and F2. A bicycle 2 is riding on lane F1, followed by a vehicle 1, while another vehicle 3 is riding on an oncoming lane F2, which has not yet passed the bicycle 2.

[0031] Generally, a lateral distance of 1.50 m must be maintained between bicycle 2 and a vehicle 1 overtaking bicycle 2 when vehicle 1 is overtaking bicycle 2.

[0032] However, a situation often arises in which vehicle 1 accelerates and overtakes bicycle 2 despite an oncoming vehicle 3, whereby the prescribed lateral distance between vehicle 1 and bicycle 2 is not maintained, and this can create an enormous risk of accidents, especially for bicycle 2.

[0033] Especially when riding bicycle 2 downhill at a comparatively high speed, this is relatively unpleasant and comparatively dangerous for a user of bicycle 2.

[0034] Bicycle 2 has a terminal 4.

[0035] In order to increase road safety, in particular driving safety, for the user of bicycle 2 and thereby significantly reduce the risk of accidents for a cyclist, a procedure is described below.

[0036] The procedure provides that the user of bicycle 2 is shown vehicle data of the following vehicle 2 via the terminal device 4 during his ride.

[0037] For this to happen, it is first necessary that communication between vehicle 1 and bicycle 2 is possible, whereby the communication takes place via a service provider D, a so-called cloud service.

[0038] The procedure is implemented using a Fig. The device shown in 2 is feasible, wherein the device comprises an end device assigned to the bicycle 2, a control unit 7 of the vehicle 1, a communication unit 8 of the vehicle 1, and vehicle-side sensors 9.

[0039] Bicycle 2 is registered with service provider D for the purpose of carrying out the procedure and thereby receives a unique identifier, i.e. an ID for the unique identification of bicycle 1.

[0040] This specific identifier of bicycle 1 is, for example, encoded by a flashing frequency in the rear light of bicycle 1 and / or bicycle 2 is linked to a unit 6 that outputs the identifier. The unit 6 is linked to bicycle 2 in such a way that the identifier is detectable, particularly by the following vehicle 1. This unit 6 could, for example, be a tracking device that can transmit an identifier. When this identifier is detected by vehicle 1, it can trigger a request to the service provider D, with whom the user of bicycle 2 has registered their bicycle 2. During this request from vehicle 1, the identifier can be verified, and a communication channel can be established between vehicle 1 and bicycle 2. In another example, the unit 6 could be embedded in the terminal device 4.

[0041] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a sensor system 9, comprising a number of sensors located in and / or on the vehicle. During vehicle 1's operation, these sensors continuously acquire signals that detect the vehicle's surroundings and any objects within them, including bicycle 1. An evaluation unit classifies each detected object, thus informing vehicle 1 that a bicycle 2 is in front of it. The evaluation unit (not shown) can, for example, be integrated into the sensor system 9 or be part of the vehicle's control unit 7.

[0042] In addition, sensor 9 records vehicle data, for example, the driving status of vehicle 1, in particular vehicle parameters such as speed, acceleration, braking force, the status of various vehicle systems that influence the vehicle's movement characteristics, or the ability to signal intentions such as turn signals, and so on. Thus, the user of bicycle 2 is informed whether vehicle 1 is braking, for example, to overtake bicycle 2 at a suitable point while maintaining the specified lateral distance, thereby significantly reducing the risk of an accident for the bicycle user. By displaying the driving status of vehicle 1, the user of bicycle 2 can, if necessary, adjust their riding style to reduce their own risk of an accident with vehicle 1.

[0043] The vehicle data, the signals by which the environment of the vehicle 1 is detected and objects located therein are recognized, are captured by the sensor system 9 and transmitted to the vehicle's control unit 7.

[0044] As described above, the identifier of bicycle 1 is visibly attached to vehicle 1, whereby a decoding algorithm for determining the specific identifier of bicycle 1 is stored, i.e. implemented, for example in the vehicle-side control unit 7.

[0045] Subsequently, vehicle data available to the control unit 7, in particular a current vehicle position, a distance between the vehicle 1 and the bicycle 1, a position of an accelerator pedal and / or a position of a brake pedal of the vehicle 2 and the recorded identifier of the bicycle 1, are transmitted to the service provider D by means of the vehicle-side communication unit 8.

[0046] If bicycle 2 is registered with service provider D, vehicle 1 receives a confirmation message from service provider D, which is displayed, for example, in a display area of ​​an instrument panel of vehicle 1 to a vehicle user.

[0047] Once it has been determined that bicycle 2 is registered with service provider D, the latter sends the vehicle data transmitted by vehicle 1 to service provider D in real time to the terminal device 6 assigned to bicycle 2.

[0048] For example, communication between bicycle 2 and service provider D, as well as between vehicle 1 and service provider D, takes place via a mobile network and / or another suitable radio network.

[0049] In one possible implementation of the procedure, confirmation that bicycle 2 is registered with service provider D can establish a communication channel between vehicle 2, specifically its communication unit 8, and bicycle 1, specifically its terminal device 4. The vehicle user can then transmit additional information to terminal device 4 via gestures and / or voice over this time-limited communication channel. For example, the communication channel might be available to the vehicle user for a few seconds.

[0050] The vehicle user can therefore inform the user of bicycle 2 via a gesture and / or voice command that the vehicle user does not intend to overtake bicycle 2 in front of him during a current downhill run.

[0051] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figures 4 each show an A1, A2 display of the terminal device 4, with one in Fig.The display shown in section A1 appears in area B1 when the vehicle data transmitted by vehicle 1 is sent to an end device 4 assigned to bicycle 2 via service provider D. Additionally, all parameters P1 to Pn recorded by end device 4, such as current speed, distance traveled, user calorie consumption, etc., are displayed in a further area B2 of display A1. If, for example, no vehicle data is sent to end device 4, area B1 can be completely folded and not shown to the bicycle user.

[0052] When communication between the bicycle 2 and the vehicle 1 is established via the service provider D, so that the vehicle data is sent in real time to the terminal device 4, which can be, for example, a bicycle computer or a mobile device, the user of the bicycle 2 is shown an intention of the vehicle 1 by means of a light indicator L of the respective display A1, A2.

[0053] For example, the light indicator L comprises a number of light-emitting diodes L1 to Ln, which can emit light in different colors.

[0054] If the indicator light L is red, the transmitted vehicle data indicates that the following vehicle 1 is accelerating and intends to overtake bicycle 2. Because the user of bicycle 2 is thus informed of the impending overtaking maneuver, they have the opportunity to move further to the right, if necessary, to increase the lateral distance between themselves and vehicle 1.

[0055] When yellow light is emitted by the LEDs L1 to Ln, the user of bicycle 2 is informed that, based on the vehicle data, in particular the position of the accelerator pedal, it is being determined that vehicle 1 is maintaining its current speed, at least for the moment. For example, the vehicle user is waiting until a suitable place to overtake bicycle 1 has been found.

[0056] If the indicator light L shows a green light, vehicle 1 brakes, which suggests that vehicle 1 remains behind bicycle 2 and increases the distance to bicycle 2.

[0057] As another example, the color of vehicle 1 can be colored in area B1 instead of displaying the colors using LEDs L1 to Ln, according to the same principles described above. Alternatively, the trajectory of vehicle 1 can be displayed in area B1 and colored using the same principles. The way in which the vehicle data is displayed on the terminal device can vary considerably depending on the set of functions supported by terminal device 4.

[0058] Based on the color, the user of bicycle 2 can therefore estimate a risk to himself due to the driving style of the following vehicle 1, derived from the vehicle data.

[0059] For example, the terminal device 4 is designed in such a way that visualization levels of the display A1, A2 can be adapted depending on available data sources, whereby a trajectory of the vehicle 1 can also be displayed using the terminal device 4.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the procedure, it is provided that the user of bicycle 2 has the opportunity to evaluate an overtaking maneuver carried out by a vehicle 1, i.e. an overtaking maneuver concerning bicycle 2.

[0061] If a vehicle user applies the described procedure with their vehicle 1, the user of bicycle 1 can express their gratitude, especially after the overtaking maneuver has been completed, for example if vehicle 1 overtook bicycle 2 while maintaining the specified lateral distance and, for example, at an appropriate speed.

[0062] For this purpose, the end device 4 of the user of bicycle 1 is activated the moment vehicle 1 has completed the overtaking maneuver, so that, for example, voice recognition on end device 4 is enabled. The user of bicycle 2 can then say, for example, "Thank you!" or "Risky overtaking maneuver!" Such a voice message is transmitted to the service provider D and / or vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle user receives points, so-called credits, based on such a voice message in relation to their overtaking maneuver.

[0063] In particular, the terminal device 4 of the user of the bicycle 1 is activated when the terminal device 4 has received a message from the vehicle 1 via the service provider D.

[0064] In order to provide an active assessment to vehicle 1 regarding an overtaking maneuver carried out by vehicle 1, direct communication is required, for example between terminal 4 and the control unit 7 of vehicle 1.

[0065] As another example, a risky overtaking maneuver performed by the vehicle, which the bicycle user assesses as such, can be reported via service provider D or directly to the vehicle's insurance service. In conjunction with a vehicle identifier, the vehicle's insurance service can then obtain information about the overtaking maneuver, based on which points are awarded to evaluate the vehicle user's driving style and safety. Such information about the overtaking maneuver can include, for example, relevant vehicle data such as the vehicle's position, the distance between vehicle 1 and bicycle 1, and the position of the accelerator or brake pedal of vehicle 1 during the overtaking maneuver.

[0066] If the overtaking vehicle 1 displays a prompt, for example, "How am I driving?", then it is even easier for the user of bicycle 2 to assess its driving safety. A corresponding procedure can also be implemented in the end device 4 of the user of bicycle 1. Thus, the service provider D, the vehicle user, the insurance company, and / or a fleet management system are informed about the driving style of the respective vehicle user.

[0067] In particular, monetization of value-added services can be realized with regard to the further implementation of the process.

Claims

[1] Method for communication between a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2), wherein vehicle data is acquired by means of vehicle-side sensors (9) of the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) is detected by the first vehicle (1) on the basis of acquired signals from the vehicle-side sensors (9), characterized by , that - the second vehicle (2) detected in the vicinity of the first vehicle (1) has an identifier generated by registration with a service provider (D) which is captured by the first vehicle (1), - the identifier recorded by the first vehicle (1) together with at least part of the recorded vehicle data is transmitted to the service provider (D), - via the service provider (D) the vehicle data transmitted by the first vehicle (1) to an end device (4) assigned to the second vehicle (2) and - at least part of the vehicle data is displayed to a user of the second vehicle (2) by means of the terminal device (4). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the terminal (4) is a computer (4) assigned to the second vehicle (2). [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the terminal device (4) is a mobile terminal device (4) of the user of the second vehicle (2). [4] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second vehicle (2) is linked to a unit (6) which outputs the identifier resulting from the registration of the second vehicle (2) with a service provider (D). [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the second vehicle (2) is registered with the service provider (D), a confirmation will be sent to the first vehicle (1). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vehicle data includes a current vehicle position, a distance between the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2), a position of an accelerator pedal or a position of a brake pedal of the first vehicle (1). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle data of the first vehicle (1) will be transmitted anonymously to the service provider (D). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a trajectory of the first vehicle (1) is displayed by means of the terminal device (4). [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the terminal device (4) displays the driving status of the first vehicle (1), whether the first vehicle (1) is accelerating, maintaining its speed or braking. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by, that by means of the terminal device (4) a risk for the second vehicle (2) determined from the driving condition of the first vehicle (1) is displayed in color coded form. [11] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a user of the first vehicle (1) transmits a message about his driving intention to the terminal device (4) via a communication channel that is available for a limited time by means of a gesture and / or voice command. [12] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the user of the second vehicle (2) evaluates a maneuver performed by the first vehicle (1) using the terminal device (4).

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