Method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle and corresponding driver assistance device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, which has a position determination device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory for storing at least one route profile and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action.The following steps are provided: recognition of a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and recording a traffic sign position based on the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle, and storage of the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data record; creation of a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one data record during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey, and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device.The invention further relates to a corresponding driver assistance device for a motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, which has a position determination device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory for storing at least one route profile and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action for a driver of the motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: recognizing a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and detecting a traffic sign position on the basis of the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle and storing the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data record;and creating a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one traffic sign data set during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey, and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device.;

[0002] The invention further relates to a corresponding driver assistance device for a motor vehicle and a computer program product comprising commands which cause the driver assistance device to execute the corresponding method.

[0003] For example, the prior art document DE 10 2014 204 206 A1 is known. This describes route navigation with an optimal speed profile. The energy consumption of a vehicle is optimized while driving a route composed of road segments between a first position and a destination. A speed profile generator is located at least partially outside the vehicle and uses an energy consumption model of the vehicle together with route gradient data corresponding to the route to calculate a profile for optimal speed. The speed profile specifies target speeds for respective points on the route for driving the route with optimized energy consumption.The speed profile generator compares the energy consumption for several possible speed profile trajectories between a maximum trajectory and a minimum trajectory to identify the optimal speed profile. A speed updater reacts to the current vehicle position and the optimal speed profile to trigger the target speed for the current position.

[0004] The document DE 199 16 967 C1 discloses a method for updating a data processing-supported traffic route network map which contains route data about a drivable traffic route network and associated attribute data, in which current route and attribute data from the respective drivable route section are recorded by at least one test vehicle and the traffic route network map is updated using this recorded data, as well as a method for generating vehicle guidance information, in which the current vehicle position is determined, data relating to this is read from a traffic route network map containing attribute data and vehicle guidance information is generated as a function of this.At least location-specific topographical data on the gradient and / or curve course are used as attribute data, which can be used to generate advance vehicle guidance information, for which the topographical data for a predefined forecast route network area in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle are read from the map.

[0005] The prior art also includes the documents DE 10 2005 045 049 A1, DE 10 2010 054 241 A1, DE 10 2012 013 509 A1, DE 10 2009 004 102 A1, DE 10 2011 080 712 A1, DE 101 41 805 A1, DE 10 2010 041 539 A1 and DE 10 2007 037 329 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, which has advantages over the prior art, in particular enabling more efficient operation of the motor vehicle on regularly traveled routes.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention with a method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the traffic sign information is compared with further traffic sign information stored in at least one further traffic sign data set and, if there is a dependency of the traffic sign information on the at least one further traffic sign information, the dependency is stored in the form of at least one route profile data set.

[0008] Basically, the following steps are provided: recognition of a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and recording a traffic sign position based on the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle and storing the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data set; and creating a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one traffic sign data set during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action for the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments explained in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are feasible.

[0010] The described method serves to operate the driver assistance system. Preferably, the driver assistance system and / or a control unit used to implement the driver assistance system is part of the motor vehicle; however, it can of course also be present separately from the motor vehicle. The driver assistance system comprises, for example, a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, or the like. The driver assistance system is designed to generate recommended actions for the driver of the motor vehicle and / or to assume longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the motor vehicle, at least temporarily.The recommended action may, for example, be an indication of a recommended driving maneuver, such as a turning, deceleration, or acceleration maneuver, an indication of a recommended driving speed, an indication of a traffic disruption, or the like. The recommended action is therefore also to be understood as an instruction to act. In particular, the longitudinal and / or lateral guidance is carried out in accordance with this instruction. Longitudinal guidance here means deceleration or acceleration of the motor vehicle, while lateral guidance means steering intervention. The driver assistance device is preferably designed to influence the longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the motor vehicle at least partially or fully autonomously on the basis of the recommended action.

[0011] The display device serves to display the recommended action. This is preferably done using a screen of the display device, which is arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle or is at least visible from the interior. The screen is, for example, part of an instrument panel of the motor vehicle or is present as a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, separate from the motor vehicle. The recommended action is preferably displayed as a corresponding visual symbol on the screen. Additionally or alternatively, a so-called head-up display is used, which projects the visual symbol into the driver's field of vision. Of course, in addition to or alternatively to the visual symbol, the recommended action can be displayed using an acoustic and / or haptic signal.In this case, the display device is, for example, a loudspeaker device or a haptic signal generator of the motor vehicle or the mobile device.

[0012] The driver assistance device has the position-determining device for determining the current position of the motor vehicle. The current position is determined, for example, using at least one external device, such as a satellite navigation system, a mobile communications network, or the like. The position-determining device is particularly designed to continuously detect the position of the motor vehicle during operation. In this respect, the position-determining device not only detects the current position of the motor vehicle, but rather a temporal progression of the position of the motor vehicle.

[0013] The driver assistance device further comprises the data memory in which at least one route profile is stored. The route profile describes a route from a starting point to a predefined destination. Accordingly, the route profile is preferably assigned at least the destination, optionally also the starting point and the course of the route connecting the starting point and the destination. The driver assistance device is configured to generate the recommended course of action based on the route profile. For example, the recommended course of action is generated to guide the motor vehicle from the starting point and / or the current position along the route to the destination.

[0014] The driver assistance system also includes a traffic sign recognition device. This device is designed to recognize traffic signs. A traffic sign is understood to be a signal or sign that influences traffic through a preferably optical display; in particular, the traffic sign is a traffic sign, a lane marking, or the like. Within the scope of the invention, a traffic sign is also understood to mean, in particular, a traffic light system, for example, a traffic light. In this respect, the traffic sign recognition device is designed to recognize traffic signs, in particular traffic signs, lane markings, and traffic lights, present along the route as traffic signs while driving along it.

[0015] The traffic sign is recognized using a corresponding detection device, for example, a camera system with at least one camera. The detection device is preferably part of the motor vehicle and is arranged such that at least all traffic signs within the driver's field of vision are recognized while driving along the route.

[0016] The invention now provides for the traffic sign to be recognized by means of the traffic sign recognition device during the at least one first journey of the motor vehicle, which takes place prior to the second journey. If the traffic sign is recognized, its position is detected as the traffic sign position based on the current position of the motor vehicle. For example, the position of the motor vehicle at the time of detection is used approximately as the traffic sign position. However, a more precise detection of the traffic sign position is preferably carried out using the detection device in order to assign the traffic sign, for example, to a lane of a multi-lane road.It may also be provided that the traffic sign recognition device is used to determine a relative position of the traffic sign with respect to the motor vehicle and to determine the traffic sign position from the position of the motor vehicle and the relative position.

[0017] In addition to the traffic sign position, traffic sign information is recorded. The traffic sign information describes the traffic sign and serves as the basis for creating the recommended course of action. The traffic sign information therefore contains one or more pieces of information from the traffic sign that can be used to create the recommended course of action. In particular, traffic disruptions, speed limits, and traffic signal signals, including their switching times, indicated by the traffic sign are recorded and stored as traffic sign information.

[0018] The traffic sign position and the traffic sign information are stored in the data memory. This takes the form of a traffic sign data set, which consequently comprises the traffic sign position and the traffic sign information. Preferably, a corresponding traffic sign data set is used for each detected traffic sign, in which the traffic sign position and the corresponding traffic sign information are stored. The detection, recording, and storage of the traffic signs or their traffic sign information takes place during the at least one first journey of the motor vehicle. In particular, during the at least one first journey, all traffic signs detected during this journey are recorded and stored in corresponding traffic sign data sets. If a traffic sign data set already exists for the traffic sign, this is preferably updated and / or supplemented with the recorded traffic sign information.For example, it is possible to successively record the switching times of a traffic light system during several initial journeys.

[0019] The invention further provides for the recommended action to be created on the basis of the traffic sign information stored in the at least one traffic sign data set during at least one second trip of the motor vehicle following the first trip. The recommended action is therefore created on the basis of the traffic signs detected during the first trip. The stored traffic sign information is thus taken into account when creating the recommended action for more efficient operation of the motor vehicle. In addition, a traffic sign detected during the second trip is optionally evaluated and / or a traffic sign data set is stored for the traffic sign. The traffic sign data sets are therefore also preferably supplemented and / or updated during the second trip.

[0020] For example, it is possible to create and display a recommended action to adjust driving speed before the corresponding traffic sign enters the driver's field of vision or is detected by the traffic sign recognition system. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to adjust driving speed semi-autonomously or fully autonomously based on the recommended action by implementing longitudinal and / or lateral guidance, particularly before the corresponding traffic sign is recognized by the driver or detected by the traffic sign recognition system.

[0021] It should be noted that the first journey and the second journey are two consecutive journeys, which, however, do not have to follow one another directly, nor do they have to take place along the same route. Rather, the first journey is understood to be a journey during which at least one traffic sign is detected. The traffic sign information recorded here and stored in the traffic sign dataset is subsequently available to create the recommended course of action during the second journey. In this respect, each journey during which a traffic sign is detected is to be understood as a first journey, and each journey during which previously stored traffic sign information is taken into account when creating the recommended course of action is to be understood as a second journey.

[0022] In other words, the invention provides for recognizing traffic signs while the motor vehicle is traveling and storing the traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the form of traffic sign data records in the data memory in order to take these into account when generating the recommended course of action during subsequent journeys that do not necessarily follow the same route, but during which the traffic sign is relevant for traffic guidance or is passed by the motor vehicle. Since this is done on the basis of the stored traffic sign information, it is possible to generate the recommended course of action even before the traffic sign is reached or passed.On the one hand, this leads to more efficient operation of the vehicle and, on the other hand, to a positive influence on traffic flow, for example by adjusting the driving speed accordingly before reaching or passing the traffic sign.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that a traffic sign and / or a road marking is used as the traffic sign, and at least one of the following variables is used as the traffic sign information: information about a traffic disruption indicated by the traffic sign, a speed limit, and a validity period. The recognition of a traffic sign or a road marking by the traffic sign recognition device has already been mentioned above.

[0024] The traffic disruption indicated by the traffic sign refers, in particular, to a spatially and / or temporally limited traffic disruption, such as a road closure or construction site. Such traffic disruptions are usually indicated by appropriate traffic signs and / or road markings.

[0025] A speed limit is understood to be a speed limit explicitly indicated by a traffic sign and / or road markings, which must be observed by a motor vehicle. A traffic sign can also indicate a speed limit implicitly. For example, if a traffic sign indicates a pedestrian crossing, a lane narrowing, or similar, the corresponding speed limit can be derived from the sign and used and stored as traffic sign information.

[0026] In some cases, the traffic sign itself indicates an expected validity period. This information is recognized and evaluated by the traffic sign recognition system. The validity period is therefore understood to mean, in particular, a time information explicitly displayed by the traffic sign, such as a time and / or date. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided to store an expiration date in the traffic sign data record, after which the traffic sign data record is removed or deleted from the data storage. For example, it is provided to extend the expiration date by a certain period of time if the traffic sign is recognized repeatedly.This is particularly advantageous in the case of temporary traffic disruptions such as road closures or construction sites, since the corresponding traffic sign data records are removed after the expiry time unless the corresponding traffic sign is recognized again.

[0027] The traffic sign recognition device is designed to extract the information displayed by the traffic sign upon detection and store it as traffic sign information in the traffic sign data set. The stored traffic sign information is thus subsequently available for generating recommended actions. For example, it is possible to generate recommended actions to avoid the traffic obstruction. In the case of a speed limit, it is possible to generate recommended actions to reduce the vehicle's speed.

[0028] A further development of the invention provides that a traffic signal system is used as the traffic sign, and the switching times of the traffic signal system are used as traffic sign information. The detection of a traffic signal system by the traffic sign recognition device has already been mentioned above.

[0029] Switching times are primarily understood to mean switching times, switching durations, and operating times of the traffic signal system. A switching time is understood, in particular, to be the time of switching between a red phase and a green phase of the traffic signal system. In particular, upon detection of the switching, a corresponding switching time is stored in the traffic sign dataset.

[0030] A switching duration is preferably understood to mean the duration of the red phase and / or the green phase. The switching duration is determined, for example, by evaluating the stored switching times. In particular, provision can be made to use a switching time already recorded during a previous trip and stored in the traffic sign dataset to determine the switching duration.

[0031] An operating time is defined as the period of time during which a traffic signal is in operation. Therefore, when a traffic signal is detected, its operating status is recorded and stored in the traffic sign dataset. By evaluating several operating statuses stored in the traffic sign dataset and recorded at different times, it is possible to determine the operating time of the traffic signal.

[0032] Storing the switching times makes it possible to adapt the recommended action to the switching times. For example, a recommended action to adjust the driving speed is created if it is detected that a traffic light along the route is likely to be reached when the red phase is present if the current driving speed is maintained. Preferably, a recommended driving speed is determined here, which is selected such that the traffic light is likely to be reached when the green phase is present. Overall, by creating the recommended action accordingly, the driving speed can be adapted to the switching times of the traffic light, thus enabling particularly efficient operation of the vehicle, and in particular, the number of stops at traffic lights can be minimized.

[0033] The invention provides that the traffic sign information is compared with further traffic sign information stored in at least one further traffic sign data set and, if there is a dependency of the traffic sign information on the at least one further traffic sign information, the dependency is stored in the form of at least one route profile data set.

[0034] The route profile dataset serves to link the traffic sign datasets with the route. Therefore, the route is assigned to the route profile dataset. In particular, a corresponding additional route profile dataset is created and stored for each additional route. Therefore, preferably, multiple route profile datasets are stored in the data storage, with each route profile dataset being assigned to a specific route.

[0035] To link the traffic sign data sets with the routes, the traffic sign information of a traffic sign present along the respective route is compared with the additional traffic sign information of the additional traffic sign data set. The additional traffic sign data set is another traffic sign present along the same route. In other words, the traffic sign information of the traffic sign is compared with the additional traffic sign information of the additional traffic sign present along the same route.

[0036] The traffic sign information and the additional traffic sign information may exhibit a dependency. Dependency is understood to mean, in particular, a spatial and / or temporal dependency. For example, a spatial dependency exists if the distance between the traffic sign positions of the traffic sign and the additional traffic sign along the route falls below a minimum distance. A temporal dependency exists, in particular, if there is a temporal overlap between the validity periods stored in the traffic sign data set and the additional traffic sign data set.

[0037] If the dependency exists, it is stored in the route profile dataset. The dependency is preferably detected through machine learning based on the traffic sign datasets and route profile datasets stored in the data store. This allows the dependencies to be taken into account when creating the recommended course of action. For example, it is possible to consider the spatial and / or temporal dependency of several traffic signs present along the route when creating the recommended course of action.

[0038] A further development of the invention provides that the switching times of the traffic signal system are used as the traffic sign information, and the switching times of at least one further traffic signal system are used as the at least one further traffic sign information. In this respect, it is provided to detect and store any dependency between the switching times of the traffic signal system and the switching times of the further traffic signal system.

[0039] Such a dependency is, in particular, a time interval between the switching times of the traffic signal system and the switching times of the other traffic signal system. For example, a time interval between a switch from the red phase to the green phase of the traffic signal system and a subsequent switch from the red phase to the green phase of the other traffic signal system is detected and stored as the dependency. In addition to the switching times, the stored switching durations and / or operating times are taken into account when detecting the dependency.

[0040] Based on the stored dependency, it is possible, for example, to create a recommended course of action to pass two or more traffic lights along the route when the green phase is present. This enables particularly efficient travel along the route.

[0041] A further development of the invention provides that, using the position-determining device, at least one regularly traveled route is recognized and stored in the route profile data set, wherein at least one starting location and / or at least one destination as well as time information about the regularly traveled route are stored in the route profile data set. Reference has already been made to the route profile or route profile data set stored in the data memory.

[0042] A regularly traveled route is understood, in particular, to be a route along which the motor vehicle is moved with a regularity. For example, a regularly traveled route is recognized if the motor vehicle is moved to the same destination during both the at least one first trip and the at least one second trip. In particular, a regularly traveled route is recognized if the motor vehicle is moved from the same starting point to the same destination during both trips.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the regularly traveled route is not recognized based on a starting location and / or destination specified by the driver. Rather, the regularly traveled route is recognized using the positioning device, by means of which the starting location and / or the destination are recognized. The recognized starting location or the recognized destination are stored in the route profile data set. In particular, a repeatedly visited destination and / or a repeatedly visited starting location are determined, and the regularly traveled route is recognized based on the repeatedly visited destination or the repeatedly visited starting location.

[0044] Additionally, it is planned to store time information regarding regular travel. This time information describes the regularity with which the regularly traveled route is traveled. The time information is available, for example, as a time of day and / or a date. In particular, it is planned to use the date information to determine whether the route is regularly traveled on a weekday and / or a weekend.

[0045] The recognition and storage of the regularly traveled route enables the appropriate selection of the route profile on the basis of which the recommended action is created. This means that the driver does not need to select a specific route profile, although this can of course be provided. Instead, the route profile used to create the recommended action is selected based on the stored time information. For example, different route profiles are selected on a weekday and on a weekend, with the selection being made based on the time information stored in the route profile data set. Accordingly, it is possible to select different route profiles at different times based on the time information.

[0046] A further development of the invention provides that statistical values of at least one of the following variables are recorded and stored in the data memory in the form of at least one driver profile data set: a driving speed of the motor vehicle, an acceleration of the motor vehicle, and an accelerator pedal actuation by the driver of the motor vehicle. In this respect, the driver profile data set is created and stored in addition to the traffic sign data set and the route profile data set. The driver profile data set is, in particular, assigned to a specific driver and thus contains at least one piece of information about the driver's identity.

[0047] During operation of the motor vehicle, the driving speed, acceleration, and accelerator pedal actuation are recorded at least temporarily and statistically evaluated. Based on the statistical evaluation, the statistical values are recorded and stored in the driver profile dataset. Statistical values are understood to mean, in particular, average values or mean values determined over a specific period of time.

[0048] The statistical values serve to describe a driver's characteristic driving behavior. For example, the statistical values of driving speed, acceleration, and / or accelerator pedal actuation are intended to distinguish between sporty and economical driving behavior. This allows the driver's characteristic driving behavior to be taken into account when formulating the recommended course of action.

[0049] A further development of the invention provides that the recommended action is created based on the dependencies stored in the route profile data set and / or the statistical values stored in the driver profile data set. The consideration of the stored dependencies when creating the recommended action has already been mentioned above.

[0050] Based on the statistical values stored in the driver profile dataset, it is possible to adapt the recommended action to the driver's characteristic driving behavior. For example, when creating a recommended action to maintain a recommended driving speed, the driver's sporty or economical driving behavior is taken into account.

[0051] Particularly preferred is to generate the recommended course of action based on the regularly traveled route, the stored dependencies, and the statistical values. Thus, a personalized recommended course of action for driving the route is generated, taking into account the identified dependencies between several traffic signs present along the route as well as the driver's characteristic driving behavior. In other words, the driver receives a personalized recommended course of action based on the route profile data set, the traffic sign data set, and the driver profile data set. In addition to particularly efficient operation, this enables particularly pleasant operation of the motor vehicle along the regularly traveled route for the driver.

[0052] The invention further relates to a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, in particular for carrying out the method according to the explanations in the context of this description, wherein the driver assistance device has a position determination device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory for storing at least one route profile, and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action for a driver of the motor vehicle. The driver assistance device is provided and configured to carry out the following steps: Recognition of a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and recording a traffic sign position based on the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle, and storing the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data set; and creating a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one traffic sign data set during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey, and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device.

[0053] The driver assistance device is further provided and designed to compare the traffic sign information with further traffic sign information stored in at least one further traffic sign data set and, if there is a dependency of the traffic sign information on the at least one further traffic sign information, to store the dependency in the form of at least one route profile data set.

[0054] The advantages of such a design of the driver assistance system have already been pointed out. Both the driver assistance system and the method for its operation can be further developed according to the explanations in this description, so reference is made to these in this regard.

[0055] The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising commands that cause the driver assistance device to execute the method according to the explanations in the context of this description. Regarding the advantages and possible advantageous developments, reference is made to the entire description.

[0056] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments through combinations of features or can be derived from them.

[0057] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, without limiting the invention. The only Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle.

[0058] The Fig. 1 shows a sequence of a method for operating a driver assistance device (not shown in detail) for a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). The driver assistance device has a position determination device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory, and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action for a driver of the motor vehicle.

[0059] Step 1 of the method involves detecting the current position of the motor vehicle using the position-determining device during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle. The current position is detected continuously, with the detected positions being stored in the data memory. Furthermore, a driving speed of the motor vehicle, an acceleration of the motor vehicle, and an accelerator pedal actuation by the driver of the motor vehicle are continuously detected and stored in the data memory.

[0060] In addition, the identity of the driver of the motor vehicle, the number of passengers and activations of the driver assistance system by the driver are recorded and stored in the data memory in the form of a driver profile data record.

[0061] Step 2 of the method comprises detecting a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device during at least one first journey of the motor vehicle. Upon detection of the traffic sign, a traffic sign position is determined based on the current position of the motor vehicle and stored in the data memory in the form of a traffic sign data set.

[0062] In particular, a traffic sign, a road marking, and / or a traffic light system are recognized as a traffic sign, and the traffic sign position is stored. Traffic sign information describing the traffic sign is captured and stored in the traffic sign data set. The traffic sign information includes, in particular, information about a traffic disruption indicated by the traffic sign, a speed limit, and / or a validity period.

[0063] If the detected traffic sign is a traffic light system, the switching times of a switch between a red phase and a green phase, switching durations of the red and green phases and / or driving forces of the traffic light system are recorded and stored in the traffic sign data set.

[0064] Step 3 of the method comprises recognizing a regularly traveled route using the positions of the motor vehicle recorded in step 1. For example, a starting location and / or a destination of a regularly traveled route is recognized based on the positions of the motor vehicle recorded during the first trip. Furthermore, time information about the regular travel is recognized. The time information includes, in particular, a time, a date, and / or a day of the week. The starting location and / or the destination, as well as the time information, are stored in a route profile data record in the data memory that describes the route.

[0065] Step 4 of the process involves a statistical evaluation of the driving speed, acceleration, and accelerator pedal actuation recorded in step 1. Statistical values of these variables are recorded and stored in the driver profile dataset. The statistical values are used, in particular, to distinguish between sporty and economical driving behavior of the motor vehicle driver.

[0066] In step 5 of the method, dependencies between two or more traffic signs detected in step 2 are determined. In particular, the traffic sign information stored in the traffic sign data sets is compared with each other to identify spatial and / or temporal dependencies between the traffic sign information. In particular, dependencies between the switching times of two or more traffic lights located along the regularly traveled route are identified and stored in the route profile data set.

[0067] In step 6 of the method, a recommended course of action is created based on the stored route profile data set, the stored traffic sign data sets, and the driver profile data set. This occurs during at least one second trip of the motor vehicle following the first trip. In particular, the recommended course of action is created based on the dependencies stored in the route profile data set between the traffic sign information, in particular the switching times of the traffic lights, and the statistical values stored in the driver profile data set.

[0068] Finally, in step 7 of the method, the recommended course of action is displayed to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device. The recommended course of action is displayed, for example, in the form of a visual symbol or an acoustic signal, which represents an instruction for the driver. For example, the driver is instructed to maintain a recommended speed in order to pass one or more traffic lights along the regularly traveled route when the light is green.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the vehicle is performed using the recommended action. This can be done partially or fully autonomously by the driver assistance system. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step

Claims

[1] A method for operating a driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, which has a position-determining device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory for storing at least one route profile, and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action for a driver of the motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Recognition of a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and detection of a traffic sign position on the basis of the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle and storage of the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data record; - Creating a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one data set during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey, and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device, characterized by that the traffic sign information is compared with further traffic sign information stored in at least one further traffic sign data set and, if there is a dependency of the traffic sign information on the at least one further traffic sign information, the dependency is stored in the form of at least one route profile data set. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat a traffic sign and / or a road marking is used as the traffic sign and at least one of the following variables is used as the traffic sign information: information about a traffic disruption indicated by the traffic sign, a speed limit and a period of validity. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a traffic signal system is used as a traffic sign and that switching times of the traffic signal system are used as traffic sign information. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the switching times of the traffic signal system are used as the traffic sign information and the switching times of at least one further traffic signal system are used as the at least one further traffic sign information. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one regularly traveled route is detected using the position determination device and stored in the route profile data set, wherein at least one starting location and / or at least one destination as well as time information about the regular travel are stored in the route profile data set. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that statistical values of at least one of the following variables are recorded and stored in the data memory in the form of at least one driver profile data record: a driving speed of the motor vehicle, an acceleration of the motor vehicle and an accelerator pedal actuation by the driver of the motor vehicle. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the recommended action is created on the basis of the statistical values stored in the driver profile data set. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the recommended action is created on the basis of the dependencies stored in the route profile data set [9] Driver assistance device for a motor vehicle, in particular for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the driver assistance device has a position determination device for determining a current position of the motor vehicle, a traffic sign recognition device for recognizing a traffic sign, a data memory for storing at least one route profile and a display device for displaying a recommended course of action for a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the driver assistance device is provided and designed to carry out the following steps: - Recognition of a traffic sign by the traffic sign recognition device and detection of a traffic sign position on the basis of the current position of the motor vehicle during at least a first journey of the motor vehicle and storage of the traffic sign position and traffic sign information describing the traffic sign in the data memory in the form of at least one traffic sign data record; - Creating a recommended course of action based on the at least one stored route profile and the traffic sign information stored in the at least one data set during at least one second journey of the motor vehicle following the first journey, and carrying out longitudinal and / or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle based on the recommended course of action and / or displaying the recommended course of action to the driver of the motor vehicle using the display device characterized bythat the driver assistance device is further provided and designed to compare the traffic sign information with further traffic sign information stored in at least one further traffic sign data set and, if there is a dependency of the traffic sign information on the at least one further traffic sign information, to store the dependency in the form of at least one route profile data set. [10] Computer program product comprising instructions which cause the driver assistance device according to claim 9 to carry out the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8.

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