Methods for providing a route for a motor vehicle and navigation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a route for a first motor vehicle, in which an electronic computing device generates the route to a target position of the first motor vehicle, wherein, upon detection of another motor vehicle by a detection device of the first motor vehicle, the route of the other motor vehicle is determined and a synchronization point between the route of the first motor vehicle and the route of the other motor vehicle is determined, wherein, based on this determined synchronization point, an actual location point of the first motor vehicle is established, which is compared with a stored target location point of the route of the first motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a navigation system (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for providing a route for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a navigation system.

[0002] Vehicle navigation systems use conventional GPS-based navigation systems to provide a route to a destination. However, GPS signal loss, which can occur in urban areas or tunnels, results in a lack of precise positioning, compromising the safety and reliability of the navigation. These limitations can be overcome by recording synchronization points between vehicles.

[0003] DE 10 2018 101 873 A1 discloses a method for optimizing the driving of a motor vehicle on a route, wherein: - the motor vehicle is equipped with sensors that record current local state variables of the vehicle, the route and / or a vehicle environment; - a transmitting unit is provided in the motor vehicle, which transmits the recorded current local state variables to a central computing unit outside the motor vehicle, and the central computing unit evaluates the transmitted local state variables and sends data back to the motor vehicle depending on this.Furthermore, it is intended that the returned data will include control data for controlling a drive motor and / or transmission, and that the driving of the motor vehicle will be adapted by controlling the drive motor and / or transmission with this control data, and / or that target data for controlling the drive motor and / or transmission will be displayed to a driver of the motor vehicle depending on the control data.

[0004] Regarding the state of the art, particular attention should be paid to the notable prior art documents DE 10 2008 020 446 A1, DE 10 2018 213 691 A1, US 2018 / 0 299 285 A1, US 2015 / 0 112 584 A1, US 2022 / 0 371 602 A1, US 2022 / 0 073 103 A1, US 2024 / 0 378 513 A1 and US 2019 / 0 130 739 A1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide reliable navigation and positioning for motor vehicles, even in situations without a GPS signal.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the navigation system according to the invention, wherein the means of the navigation system are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing a route for a first motor vehicle, in particular by means of a navigation system, in which an electronic computing device calculates the route to a target position of the motor vehicle.

[0008] To solve the problem of the invention, it is provided that, when a further motor vehicle is detected by a detection device of the first motor vehicle, the further route of the further motor vehicle is determined and a synchronization point between the first route of the first motor vehicle and the further route of the further motor vehicle is determined. It is provided that, based on this determined synchronization point, an actual location point of the first motor vehicle is defined, which is compared with a target location point of the first route of the first motor vehicle.

[0009] In the present invention, for the sake of simplicity, the first motor vehicle is referred to as the "main vehicle", while each additional motor vehicle is referred to as the "further vehicle", regardless of which specific vehicle is meant among a plurality of vehicles.

[0010] In other words, a route is first created for the main vehicle, calculated by the vehicle's electronic computer, enabling direct navigation to a predetermined destination. To detect the other vehicle, data such as the license plate number, a unique vehicle ID, or other identifying information are collected to reliably identify the other vehicle and enable position data synchronization. As soon as the main vehicle detects another vehicle in its vicinity, the computer determines the route of that additional vehicle. This detection is carried out by a dedicated sensor for the main vehicle, which continuously scans for other road users to gather relevant position data.

[0011] As a next step, a synchronization point is determined between the route of the main vehicle and the route of the detected second vehicle. This synchronization point represents the point where the planned routes of the two vehicles intersect or are close enough to each other to allow for precise position synchronization. Based on this determined synchronization point, the navigation system can now define an actual location point for the main vehicle, representing its current position relative to the planned route. To do this, an actual location point for the first vehicle is determined using this synchronization point and compared to a target location point of the first vehicle's initial route.The comparison between the actual location and the target location is thus used as a reference point to determine any difference or deviation between the current position of the main vehicle and the planned route. This difference is integrated into the calculation, for example, as the zero point, to more accurately model and / or evaluate future movements and corrections of the main vehicle relative to this baseline. Furthermore, any known point from a digital map or database can be used as a reference point and therefore as the target location.

[0012] According to the invention, it is also provided that, in the absence of a synchronization point, a pre-stored alternative route is used to still reach the target position. This alternative route can be used, in particular, as a backup and is stored in the navigation system of the main vehicle. It enables the main vehicle to still reach the target position by resorting to a route that is independent of real-time synchronizations with other vehicles.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the synchronization point is used as a target location point to create the most accurate possible reference for comparing the actual vehicle position with the planned route. This allows future calculations to be based on a dynamically determined reference point, the synchronization point.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, upon detection of a deviation between the actual location and the target location, the route data is calibrated and / or the route of the first vehicle is corrected. This determined location of the main vehicle is then compared with a stored target location of the planned route. The comparison between the actual and target locations allows the navigation system, in particular, to detect deviations in the navigation of the main vehicle at an early stage and thus to continuously monitor the position of the main vehicle and, if necessary, adjust it.

[0015] Based on this synchronization point, an actual location of the first vehicle is determined and compared with a stored target location of the first vehicle's route. This position comparison enables continuous route monitoring and allows any deviations to be detected and corrected immediately. A technical advantage of this method is the possibility of reliable navigation without GPS, as the location can be constantly updated and adjusted using real-time vehicle data and comparison points.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the other vehicle is detected by a detection device configured as a camera, radar, lidar, and / or V2V communication module. The use of these sensors enables the reliable detection of other vehicles in the vicinity, thereby generating more synchronization points. Thus, there are two possible scenarios for detecting the position of the other vehicle: direct detection by sensors of the main vehicle (e.g., camera, radar, or lidar) and transmission of the license plate or vehicle ID via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. With direct detection by the sensors of the main vehicle, the accuracy is highly dependent on visibility and environmental conditions.For example, severe weather or fog can significantly impair visibility and the detection accuracy of sensors, leading to less precise determination of the synchronization point. In contrast, V2V communication offers a weather- and environment-independent method for detecting vehicles and obtaining license plate numbers, for example, because the data can be transmitted directly from the other vehicle to the main vehicle. Furthermore, with V2V communication, the data, such as the license plate number, can be transmitted in encrypted form, particularly to ensure security and data protection.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the comparison between the actual location and the target location of the first vehicle is performed in a cloud. The electronic computing device can be connected to the cloud, for example, via a data module, to enable fast and secure data exchange. Accordingly, the position data and / or other information of the main vehicle and the second vehicle are sent to a cloud environment. In the cloud, a comparison is performed between the actual and target locations of the main vehicle. This centralized data processing enables precise, vehicle-independent, centralized, and rapid analysis, which helps the main vehicle monitor its position in real time and make adjustments in case of deviations.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the acquisition data, including position data and / or license plate and / or ID of the other motor vehicle, is transmitted to the cloud in encrypted form. Thus, the transmission of the acquisition data to the cloud is encrypted and secure. This encryption ensures the security and data protection of the data during transmission, enabling reliable cloud analysis that is protected against unauthorized access.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the synchronization point is continuously updated as the first vehicle moves, thereby achieving improved positional accuracy, even when the vehicles are moving relative to each other. This improves real-time route verification.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the calibration and / or correction of the route data is carried out by adjusting the speed, direction, or by activating an inertial navigation system (INS). The INS, which is equipped in particular with sensors such as gyroscopes and / or accelerometers, continuously monitors the movements of the main vehicle. If the GPS signal is lost, as in tunnels or densely built-up urban areas, the INS can take over navigation and estimate the vehicle's position by analyzing changes in speed and direction. In this way, the INS compensates for any positional losses and enables continuous orientation until the GPS signal is available again.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a warning signal is emitted in the first vehicle if there is a deviation between the actual location and the target location. This warning enables the driver to take action in the event of position deviations, thus increasing safety. The warning signal can be provided to the driver, for example, audibly and / or visually and / or tactilely, so that, depending on the situation, it can be emitted as an acoustic signal, as a display, or by vibration, for example, at the steering wheel and / or seat.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the synchronization point is determined using historical traffic data and predefined waypoints. Historical traffic data includes, for example, information about typical, frequently used routes and known intersections with many vehicles, collected over a specific period. This data enables a more precise determination of synchronization points, as the navigation system preferentially selects positions where vehicles frequently intersect, particularly due to recurring movement patterns. Predefined waypoints, such as intersections, can therefore be used as fixed reference points and support the rapid and targeted identification of synchronization points. These reference points can, for example, also represent specific synchronization points that are reliably correct, thus eliminating the need to compare location points at the waypoint.This leads to faster position determination and more accurate navigation along the route.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that environmental information is also taken into account for the calibration and / or correction of the route data.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention relates to a navigation system for carrying out a method for providing a route for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electronic computing device in a first motor vehicle, which is configured to calculate and continuously update a route to a target position of the first motor vehicle. Furthermore, the navigation system includes at least one detection device of the first motor vehicle, comprising, for example, a camera, radar, lidar, and / or V2V communication module, for detecting and identifying other motor vehicles in the vicinity of the first motor vehicle. The electronic computing device is also configured to securely transmit detection data, including position data, license plate numbers, and / or a unique vehicle ID, to a cloud storage system via a data module for connection to the navigation system's cloud storage.The vehicle-external cloud enables the comparison of the actual location point and the target location point, as well as the calibration and correction of the route in real time.

[0025] In other words, the system is designed to provide alternative navigation for the primary vehicle by continuously checking and verifying the route using synchronization points with other vehicles. Even in the event of GPS failure, the navigation system can ensure orientation and route guidance. Furthermore, this solution is well-suited for urban environments where numerous vehicles travel on different routes, generating a large number of synchronization points. Utilizing multiple data acquisition methods increases flexibility and accuracy, enabling reliable navigation even in complex traffic situations.

[0026] 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.

[0027] This shows: Fig. 1. A diagram illustrating a procedure for providing a route, which is intended to represent a route planning procedure without GPS; Fig. 2. A top view of a road map of a navigation system showing the synchronization points; and Fig. 3 another top view of another road map showing the synchronization points.

[0028] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a procedure for providing a route, which is intended to represent a route planning procedure without GPS.

[0030] In other words, a method for providing a route is described in which an electronic computing device in a first vehicle generates a route to a target position of the first vehicle. When a second vehicle is detected by a detection device associated with the first vehicle, a further route for the second vehicle is determined, and an intersection point between the first vehicle's route and the second vehicle's route is identified. Based on this intersection point, a location point is recorded for the first vehicle's route. This location point is compared with at least one of the first vehicle's own location points. If discrepancies arise between the recorded location point and the first vehicle's own location point, the route data is calibrated and / or the first vehicle's route is corrected.

[0031] The process begins with an authorization step (12), in which the customer authorizes the relevant service to allow access to the cloud-based navigation data and to permit or initiate the process. This step is necessary to allow the route information to be stored and synchronized in the cloud, taking into account data protection and access requirements in accordance with compliance regulations.

[0032] Next comes destination entry 14, where the customer enters the destination into the vehicle's navigation system 10. The navigation system 10 accesses, for example, a central database that stores various route data and alternative routes. Once the destination has been entered, route calculation 16 begins, in which the route is calculated either online via the cloud or offline on the navigation device itself. The calculated route is stored in the cloud or locally in the vehicle, for example, to be synchronized and adjusted in later steps.

[0033] In the corresponding implementation diagram, data collection and vehicle identification primarily occur via license plate recognition. Other identification methods, such as those used in car-to-car communication, could also be employed to improve data collection.

[0034] The process begins with environmental sensing 18, in which a main vehicle continuously scans its surroundings for other vehicles using its sensors and cameras. If another vehicle is detected in a query 20, license plate recognition 22 takes place, extracting the vehicle's license plate and storing it as a unique identifier. If no license plate is recognized or no other vehicle is found, the process loops back to environmental sensing 18 to continue the search for vehicles.

[0035] After successful license plate recognition (20), the license plate is encrypted in step 24 to ensure the security of the transmitted data. In the next step, data transmission (26), the encrypted license plate is transmitted to a cloud service to protect privacy and further process the data in the cloud navigation system.

[0036] The cloud service now performs route query 28 to check if an active route exists for the detected vehicle. A route query 30 determines whether a route has been found. If no route exists, the process returns to environment detection 18 to continue the search for vehicles. If an active route is found, a route intersection check 32 is performed to verify whether the route of the primary vehicle and the route of the detected vehicle intersect (search for a synchronization point).

[0037] If no route overlap (no synchronization point found) occurs, the process returns to environment acquisition 18. If, however, an overlap exists, the process proceeds to synchronization point acquisition 34, where a synchronization point is determined – this is the intersection of the two routes.

[0038] After a synchronization point is determined, route verification 36 is performed to ascertain whether the main vehicle is still on the correct route (comparison of synchronization point with location point). If the main vehicle is still on the correct route, the process returns to environmental sensing 18 to continue monitoring. If the main vehicle has deviated from the route, route correction 38 is performed to bring it back onto the planned route.

[0039] This iterative process enables the main vehicle to navigate reliably even without a GPS signal by regularly checking synchronization points and, if necessary, adjusting its route. If such a route exists, a synchronization point 26 is established where the main vehicle's route and the route of the detected vehicle intersect. Finally, route verification and correction take place, during which the main vehicle checks its route and corrects it if necessary. To enable continuous GPS-independent navigation, the navigation system 10 restarts the environmental sensing 30 and the cycle of detection, verification, and correction, allowing the main vehicle to continuously follow its route.

[0040] In other words, interaction with numerous surrounding vehicles and the acquisition of many synchronization points with these vehicles enable reliable navigation without a GPS signal. When another vehicle is detected, for example, by a detection device on the first vehicle, the subsequent route of the second vehicle is determined, and a synchronization point is established between the first vehicle's initial route and the subsequent route of the second vehicle. Based on this determined synchronization point, an actual location of the first vehicle is established, which is then compared to a target location on the first vehicle's initial route.Continuous position verification and adjustment at route intersections ensures that the main vehicle safely maintains its route and provides a high level of navigational safety.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of a road map of a navigation system 10, on which the synchronization points are shown. The parameters stipulate that, in addition to the main vehicle 40 with its own route 40a, at least one further vehicle 42 is required, whose route 42a intersects with the route of the main vehicle 40 at at least one point. This intersection point is called a synchronization point p. The more synchronization points p there are along the route 40a of the main vehicle 40, the more accurately the route 40a can be followed later.

[0042] The process works as follows: the main vehicle 40 continuously scans its surroundings 46 for other vehicles 42, 44. If another vehicle 42, 44 is detected, its license plate is extracted and transmitted in encrypted form to the cloud or cloud service. There, it is checked whether a current route 42a, 44a exists for this vehicle 42, 44. If this route 42a, 44a intersects the route 40a of the main vehicle 40, a synchronization point p is established. Since vehicles 40, 42 now physically meet at this point, or synchronization point p, both vehicles 40, 42 are highly likely to be at the intersection, or synchronization point p, of their stored routes 40a and 42a.

[0043] The distance between the synchronization points p is covered, for example, using classical navigation algorithms that keep the main vehicle 40 on course even without a GPS signal. For this purpose, the navigation system 10 uses, for example, inertial navigation methods employing gyroscopes and accelerometers. These sensor devices or sensors continuously measure the movements and rotations of the main vehicle 40, allowing its position and direction of travel relative to the last known position to be estimated.

[0044] If the main vehicle 40 deviates from the originally calculated route 40a, it can re-verify its position by reaching a new synchronization point p. In this case, a route correction is initiated, calculating an adjusted route 40a that takes the current location into account and returns the main vehicle 40 to the planned route 40a. This continuous position adjustment ensures that the main vehicle 40 remains reliably on route 40a even without a GPS signal.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows another top view of a further road map, on which the synchronization points are shown. Fig.Figure 3 shows the main vehicle 40 with its planned route 40a, along with other vehicles 42, 44, 46 and their respective routes 42a, 44a and 46a. This illustration demonstrates how the algorithm can operate reliably and effectively without a GPS signal, especially in dense urban traffic where many vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46 are on the road and numerous route intersections can occur.

[0046] In this diagram, the main vehicle 40 has planned a route 40a from point A to point B. The other vehicles 42, 44, and 46 are moving along the following routes: Vehicle 42 travels from point C to point D on route 42a, - Vehicle 44 on route 44a from point E to point B, and - Vehicle 46 on route 46a from point F to point D.

[0047] After route planning, several intersections arise between routes 40a, 42a, 44a, and 46a, which can be used as synchronization points p1, p2, and p3. The synchronization points p1, p2, and p3 are defined as follows: - p1 is the intersection point between the routes of main vehicle 40 and vehicle 42, - p2 is the intersection point between the routes of main vehicle 40 and vehicle 44, and - - p3 is the intersection point between the routes of main vehicle 40 and vehicle 46.

[0048] These synchronization points p1, p2, p3 enable the navigation system 10 to guide the main vehicle 40 along its planned route 40a, even when no GPS signal is available. In urban traffic with a high number of synchronization points p1, p2, p3, the main vehicle 40 can regularly check its position at the actual meeting points with other vehicles 42, 44, 46 and correct it if necessary. This continuous position verification ensures high reliability of the navigation system, allowing the main vehicle 40 to stay on course despite the lack of a GPS signal.

[0049] In summary, the invention proposes a method for performing route planning without a GPS signal.

Claims

[1] Method for providing a route for a first motor vehicle, wherein an electronic computing device creates the first route to a target position of the first motor vehicle, wherein, upon detection of a further motor vehicle by means of a detection device of the first motor vehicle, the further route of the further motor vehicle is determined and a synchronization point (p) between the first route of the first motor vehicle and the further route of the further motor vehicle is determined, wherein, on the basis of this determined synchronization point (p), an actual location point of the first motor vehicle is determined, which is compared with a target location point of the first route of the first motor vehicle, characterized by , that if a synchronization point (p) is missing, a pre-stored alternative route is used to reach the target position. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the synchronization point (p) is determined as the target location point. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that if a deviation is detected between the actual location point and the target location point, a calibration of the route data and / or a correction of the route of the first vehicle will be carried out. [4] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the other motor vehicle is detected by a detection device designed as a camera, and / or radar and / or lidar and / or V2V communication module or comprising these components. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the comparison between the actual location point and the target location point of the first vehicle is carried out externally in a cloud. [6] Method according to claim 4, characterized by, that data collected, including location data and / or license plate and / or ID of the other motor vehicle, will be transmitted to the cloud in encrypted form. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that as the first motor vehicle moves, the synchronization point (p) is continuously updated. [8] Method according to claim 3 or according to claim 3 and one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by that the calibration and / or correction of the route data is carried out by adjusting the speed and / or direction and / or by activating an inertial navigation system. [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the event of a deviation between the actual location point and the target location point, an additional warning signal will be issued in the first motor vehicle. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the synchronization point (p) is determined based on historical traffic data and / or predefined waypoints. [11] Method according to claim 3 or according to claim 3 and one of claims 4 to 10, characterized by , that environmental information is also taken into account for the calibration and / or correction of the route data. [12] Navigation system (10) configured to operate a method according to any of the preceding claims.

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