Method for traction control, control device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for traction control, wherein a control device (12) determines that the motor vehicle (10) is in operation and is at an intersection (S1); receives environmental data describing a traffic situation at the intersection (S2); uses the received environmental data to determine a departure time (S3) at which the motor vehicle (10) is authorized to continue its journey; determines a remaining time until the specified departure time (S4); uses the determined remaining time to predict a departure process of the motor vehicle (10) (S5), in which at least one drive system (24) and / or an energy storage device of the motor vehicle (10) is involved; generates an output signal (S6) which describes a graphic and / or acoustic representation (28) of a sequence of the determined remaining time; and transmits the generated output signal to an output device (18) of the motor vehicle (10) (S7).The invention also relates to the control device (12) and the motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for traction control, i.e., a so-called "launch control" or traction control system, which serves to accelerate a motor vehicle as quickly as possible through a technically optimized starting process. The invention also relates to a control device configured to carry out such a method, as well as to a motor vehicle with an embodiment of the control device.

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, traction control regulates the clutch and gearshift so that the wheel speed that accelerates the vehicle most rapidly with optimal slip is maintained at start-up. Launch control can accelerate the vehicle from a standstill during an acceleration phase, with maximum positive wheel torque being transferred to the road surface, for example, at the beginning of the acceleration phase. These motor vehicles can receive information about the infrastructure of a road system via radio, for example. Information about the infrastructure can also be received via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Furthermore, predictive route data can be used to technically optimize the start-up process.

[0003] DE 10 2010 039 418 describes a method and a device for controlling or regulating a driver-selectable starting process of a vehicle, in which the vehicle is accelerated from a standstill in an acceleration phase, wherein at least at the beginning of the acceleration phase a maximum positive wheel torque is transferred to the roadway.

[0004] DE 10 2014 201 132 A1 discloses a method for initiating a parameterizable starting process of a vehicle. The method comprises a detection step, a reading step, and a provision step. In the detection step, a preparation command for the starting process is detected via at least one user interface. In response to this, the vehicle is prepared for the starting process.

[0005] DE 10 2020 126 678 A1 describes a vehicle guidance system for providing a driving function for automated longitudinal guidance of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system is configured to determine that the vehicle is at a signaling unit.

[0006] The disadvantage is that these systems have to be activated through several steps, and it is difficult for the average vehicle user to find this function.

[0007] An object underlying the invention is to improve the use of a launch control for a user, and thus to increase the safety of using the launch control in road traffic.

[0008] The stated object is achieved by the method and devices according to the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are provided by the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the idea of controlling the launch control function using information about the infrastructure, in particular information about traffic lights, and linking the launch control to a countdown display until the predicted start of the pull-off process. The countdown is output to the user visually and / or acoustically. By linking launch control, the calculation of a countdown to a predicted start process, and the visual and / or acoustic output of the countdown, the user is supported in using the launch control function more safely. In particular, by implementing a visual representation of the countdown on, for example, the road surface in front of the motor vehicle, other road users are also informed that launch control is being used in the motor vehicle, and other road users can also better prepare for a swift pull-off process of the motor vehicle.This results in a significant increase in safety, and even inexperienced drivers, i.e. non-racing drivers, can use the launch control even more safely.

[0010] The method according to the invention for traction control is implemented by a control device, preferably by a control device of the motor vehicle. A control device is understood to be a device, device component, or device group that is configured to receive signals, evaluate signals, generate control signals, and transmit them to other components. For this purpose, the control device can ideally comprise a corresponding transmit and receive module, i.e., receive input signals and transmit generated control signals. The control device can preferably be configured as a control unit, control device, or control chip.

[0011] The control device determines that the motor vehicle is in operation and is at an intersection. An intersection is understood to be any type of intersecting path, for example a road intersection of two or more roads, an intersection of a road and a railway line, or a pedestrian crossing or cycle path crossing the road. The control device can determine that the motor vehicle is in operation, for example, by the engine being running or by the motor vehicle being briefly at the intersection due to a start-stop mechanism. The control device can determine that the motor vehicle is at an intersection, for example, via the activated start-stop mechanism, or by reading out the travel data and / or road map data.

[0012] The control device receives environmental data describing a traffic situation at the intersection. The environmental data can be received, for example, from a sensor device of the motor vehicle, i.e., from a device, a device group, or a device component that includes at least one sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can receive the environmental data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and / or, for example, from an internet connection from a data server external to the vehicle. The environmental data can describe, for example, a planned route of the motor vehicle on which the motor vehicle is traveling, map data, data on the current traffic situation, and / or data on other road users or obstacles detected in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.Preferably, the environmental data can additionally or alternatively also describe a traffic light cycle, preferably a traffic light at which the motor vehicle is currently parked. In particular, the environmental data can describe a green phase cycle—i.e., a phase in which the motor vehicle is permitted to travel—of one or more traffic lights.

[0013] The control device determines a launch time based on the received environmental data; it can therefore, for example, determine, calculate, or predict this time. For example, if the vehicle is at a railroad crossing, the launch time can be determined based on data describing the opening and / or closing of the barrier. For example, if the vehicle is at a traffic light, the launch time can be determined based on the traffic light's timing. The launch time is the time determined by the launch control system as the point at which the vehicle can resume driving.

[0014] The control device determines the remaining time until the specified departure time. The control device can preferably determine this time multiple times, for example, at regular intervals.

[0015] Based on the determined remaining time, the control device predicts the vehicle's start-up process, thus planning the preparation of the drive system for resuming travel. At least one drive system and / or one of the vehicle's energy storage systems is involved in the start-up process.

[0016] The control device generates an output signal that describes a graphical representation of the progression of the determined remaining time, for example, a countdown of the remaining minutes. The control device then transmits the generated output signal to an output device of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The output signal is a display signal, i.e., it describes a visual content, for example, an image, a video, or a computer animation. The display signal then describes a graphical representation of the elapsed time determined for the remaining time, and the output device is configured as a display device, for example, a screen. The generated display signal also describes the output of the graphical representation on a display surface visible to the occupants of the motor vehicle. Such a display surface can, for example, be a display surface of a screen of the motor vehicle or a surface of the road directly in front of the motor vehicle.

[0018] For projection onto a surface outside the motor vehicle, at least one headlight of the motor vehicle forms the display device or a part of the display device, or comprises a part of the display device, wherein the generated display signal describes a control of individual light points of the at least one headlight to display the graphic representation. In particular, the headlights can be matrix LED headlights. With this method, in which this type of headlight is controlled, the display of the elapsed time remaining can be graphically represented in a particularly wide variety of ways.

[0019] The advantages mentioned above arise.

[0020] An output device is understood to be a device, device component, or device group designed and configured to output visual and / or acoustic signals. In other words, the output device can be configured, for example, as a screen with a loudspeaker.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the received environmental data describes information about a traffic light at the intersection. The control device can preferably define the time at which the traffic light clears the way for the motor vehicle, i.e., turns green, as the approach time.

[0022] The information regarding the traffic light switching can preferably be received by the control device via a vehicle-to-infrastructure connection. This environmental data can preferably describe a time start and / or a time duration of traffic light signal phases, so that the control device can determine a time start of the next green phase (i.e., the phase during which the motor vehicle is permitted to cross the intersection) based on the environmental data. The control device can preferably be configured or switchable for specific countries. Traffic light phases and / or their sequence can vary from country to country, and thus the method can be adapted to location-specific rules.

[0023] By taking the traffic light into account, the time of arrival can be determined particularly precisely and the procedure is particularly safe, as the time of arrival depends on the traffic light clearing the way for the vehicle to cross the intersection.

[0024] The display device may comprise the instrument cluster of the motor vehicle or another screen of the motor vehicle.

[0025] If the generated output signal is a display signal, this can preferably be a graphic representation of a countdown as a running sequence of numbers; and / or a color sequence assigned to the expiration of the determined remaining time; and / or an image or illustration of a traffic light with colors assigned to the expiration of the determined remaining time or a traffic light assigned to the expiration of the determined remaining time. In other words, for example, an image of a traffic light can be displayed that initially shows the red signal light, for example the yellow traffic light in a middle area of the total time, and the green traffic light shortly before or during the approach time. The optional graphic representations mentioned are particularly intuitively understandable.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the environmental data can preferably describe: other road users within a predetermined radius of the motor vehicle, for example pedestrians and / or other vehicles; and / or an obstacle on a path ahead of the motor vehicle, wherein, for example, a route calculated by a navigation device can be included; and / or a current time of day. For the latter example, the control device can use the current time of day to determine, for example, whether the motor vehicle is currently traveling during rush hour or, for example, at night, i.e. at a time when peace and quiet should not be disturbed if possible. In the latter example, the launch control can, for example, be switched off at night so that a sporty start and a correspondingly loud starting noise from the tires during acceleration do not cause a disturbance.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the environmental data can describe a current traffic situation, in particular the current traffic situation at the current location of the vehicle. The current traffic situation can describe, for example, a specified speed limit, a traffic jam, or that the road is currently empty. The more diverse the information described by the environmental data, the more precisely the departure time can be determined, and thus also the remaining time.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, if the control device uses the received environmental data to check whether a traffic situation in which the motor vehicle is located meets a predefined acceleration suitability criterion, the control device can accordingly check whether the launch control according to the invention is suitable for the specific situation or not. If unsuitability is detected, the control device can, for example, deactivate the launch control. This further increases safety when using the motor vehicle.

[0029] The specified acceleration suitability criterion can, for example, define a traffic situation as “suitable” only if there are no pedestrians or no other road users at all within a specified proximity of the motor vehicle, or if, for example, other road users maintain a specified minimum distance from the motor vehicle and there are no obstacles on the roadway.The acceleration suitability criterion, which can also be referred to as the approach suitability criterion, can be used to identify non-suitability, for example, if: the user is driving the motor vehicle during rush hour; if the control device detects, for example, based on map data, that the motor vehicle is at an intersection marked as “dangerous”; that a motorway section is marked in such a way that many accidents occur on this motorway section; or if the control device detects another motor vehicle in front of the motor vehicle.

[0030] In a further development, the control device can generate the output signal only upon determining that the specified acceleration suitability criterion is met, and only then activate the traction control system. This further increases safety when using the functionalities.

[0031] A further embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that launch control can be proactively suggested before each use. If the test result indicates that the traffic situation in which the motor vehicle is located does not meet the specified acceleration suitability criterion, the function can be omitted. The generation of the output signal can then also be omitted. This also results in a much higher degree of safety when operating the motor vehicle and using the function.

[0032] The specified acceleration suitability criterion can preferably take into account: the current traffic situation and / or other road users within a specified radius around the motor vehicle and / or an obstacle on a path of the motor vehicle and / or a characteristic of the section of road on which the motor vehicle is located and / or a current time of day and / or a speed limit on the section of road on which the motor vehicle is located.

[0033] The control device can optionally determine at least one drive parameter for the at least one drive system and / or the energy storage device of the motor vehicle, which is suitable for preparing the at least one drive system and / or the energy storage device for starting the motor vehicle at the specified start time. This is particularly demanding in an electric vehicle, and for example, the control device can precondition a battery of the motor vehicle.

[0034] The control device can then generate a control signal that describes the determined start-up time and the determined operating parameters and can address them to the at least one drive system and / or the energy storage device.

[0035] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0036] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can have a data processing device or a processor device (processor circuit) that is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor device can have program code that is configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0037] The invention also includes further developments of the control device according to the invention and of the motor vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the control device according to the invention and of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0038] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0039] As a further solution, the invention also encompasses a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or computer network, causes the computer to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data memory (e.g. as a flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data memory (e.g. as a RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be arranged in the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated on the Internet, for example, as a so-called app store server and / or cloud server. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code and / or as assembly code and / or as source code of a programming language (e.g., C) and / or as a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, e.g., a time-variant voltage signal and / or a radio signal.

[0040] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; Fig. 2 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; Fig. 3 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; Fig. 4 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; Fig. 5 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; Fig. 6 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention; and Fig. 7 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention.

[0042] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0043] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0044] The Fig. 1 illustrates preferred embodiments of the method and devices according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 configured, for example, as a passenger car, with a control device 12, which can be configured, for example, as a control unit or control chip. The control device 12 can preferably have a processor device 14 with, for example, one or more processors, and / or a data memory 16, which can be configured, for example, as a memory chip. The control device 12 can preferably have a transmitting and receiving component, with the aid of which the control device 12 can receive signals wirelessly or via a wired connection and can transmit control signals.A corresponding input port can, for example, be configured to receive sensor signals from a motor vehicle sensor system and can preferably be configured additionally or alternatively for wireless data communication via, for example, mobile radio or the Internet with external data sources, for example, with external data servers and / or other motor vehicles. A corresponding output port can be configured to send control signals to motor vehicle-internal devices, for example, to the motor vehicle's own output device 18. Data communication between control device 12 and output device 18 can, for example, take place via a data communication connection 20, for example, via a data bus of motor vehicle 10.

[0045] The output device 18 can, for example, comprise a screen. As an image-outputting component, the output device 18 can preferably be configured as a lighting system of matrix LED headlights. When configured as matrix LED headlights, these are designed to control individual light points of the headlight to display images, thus enabling the headlights to output images.

[0046] The Fig. 1 also shows an optional sensor device 22 of the motor vehicle 10, which may, for example, comprise a camera that can be directed toward the driving situation around the motor vehicle 10, particularly in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 10. Preferably, the sensor device 22 may additionally or alternatively comprise a radar, a LIDAR, one or more parking cameras, and / or one or more parking sensors. These sensors can be used to obtain environmental data that can be used to identify obstacles, pedestrians, and other road users, or obstacles in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 10.

[0047] The Fig. 1 also shows an exemplary drive system 24, which is relevant when the motor vehicle 10 starts moving and thus for the traction control system. The exemplary drive system can, for example, drive the wheels. Additionally or alternatively, a traction control system can also prepare an energy storage device of the motor vehicle 10, for example, a traction battery.

[0048] In step S1, the control device 12 in the exemplary embodiment determines that the motor vehicle 10 is in operation and is at an intersection. For this purpose, for example, environmental data can be received (S2) and evaluated, which the control device 12 can obtain from a data source external to the motor vehicle, for example from an infrastructure or a data server for traffic data. The environmental data can additionally or alternatively be retrieved or received, for example, from a navigation device of the motor vehicle 10 and can describe, for example, map data. For example, the received environmental data can describe that the motor vehicle is not moving, but the driver is using the motor vehicle 10.

[0049] In the example of Fig. 1, the motor vehicle 10 may be at an intersection with a traffic light, and the motor vehicle 10 may, for example, additionally receive information about the traffic light signal phase of the traffic light system via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication via a wireless data communication connection with the traffic light system (S2). This data may, for example, describe the duration of the traffic light phases, as well as a timing, or, for example, additional information about when the traffic light will turn green again.

[0050] Based on this data, the control device 12 can, for example, determine (S3) that it will take another 30 seconds until the traffic light turns green and the motor vehicle 10 is allowed to drive.

[0051] The remaining time in S4, for example, is the determined remaining time of 30 seconds. By regularly repeating this step, for example, by repeatedly scanning the surroundings of motor vehicle 10 for other road users, additional environmental data and thus any changes in the traffic situation can be incorporated even more precisely. In S5, the control device in the exemplary embodiment can predict, for example, how the drive system 24 and / or, for example, a battery of motor vehicle 10 must be adjusted to a predetermined operating parameter in order to be able to start off as quickly as possible.

[0052] The output signal generated in S6 can, for example, describe a graphical representation of the elapse of the determined remaining time period. In S7, the control device 12 then transmits this generated output signal, which in the example of Fig. 1 may be a display signal, to the output device 18 for controlling the exemplary matrix LED headlights.

[0053] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows an example of a progression of an exemplary graphic representation 28 of a countdown, which in the exemplary embodiment can be output by matrix LED headlights. The figures each show the motor vehicle 10 stationary at a traffic light 26.

[0054] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 show a countdown running over a period of, for example, 30 seconds as a sequence of images for each time period t1, t2, t3 and t4. Fig. 2 shows, as an example, the image of a “3” on the street in the first 10 seconds of the first time period t1; Fig. 3 shows an image of a “2” in the second time period t2, for example between 20-10 seconds until the start time; in the last 10 seconds the display jumps to an image of a “1” ( Fig. 4, t3); and at the time of arrival ( Fig. 5, t4), the output device 18 outputs an image of an arrow onto the road.

[0055] The respective graphical representation 28 is described by the output signal that the control device 12 of the motor vehicle 10 generates (S6) and transmits to the output device 18 (S7). The motor vehicle 10 of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can preferably be the Fig. 1 described motor vehicle 10.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the control device 12 can receive (S2) environmental data that can describe pedestrians, a toy or an emergency vehicle on the path of the motor vehicle 10. These other road users or the obstacle are in the Fig. 6 are shown as pictograms for clarity. The graphic representation 28, which can be output by the output device 18, can be, for example, the image of a large cross.

[0057] Preferably, it can be provided that the control device 12 aborts or blocks the launch control, i.e. the traction control. In this example, the control device 12 can, for example, determine an operating parameter for the start-up in S8, for example a specific battery power or torque. A generation S9 of a corresponding control signal for effecting the preparation of the drive system 24 can, in the example of Fig. 6 can then be suppressed or prevented. Fig. Figure 7 shows a situation in which the road is clear and in which the transmitted indicator signal can describe a symbol indicating that the driver can now drive off.

[0058] In an optional check S10 as to whether a predefined acceleration suitability criterion is met or not, the control device 12 can, for example, check whether pedestrians and / or obstacles are located near or on the roadway in front of the motor vehicle 10. If the predefined acceleration suitability criterion is met, the output signal can be generated S6. Ideally, only then can the traction control be activated (S11). In the example of the Fig. 6, the display and traction control can be deactivated accordingly.

[0059] Overall, the examples show how a method for the (optical and / or acoustic) safeguarding and staging of vehicle acceleration, for example at a traffic light, can be provided.

[0060] In a further embodiment, the launch control can be notified by information about, for example, the infrastructure, such as the traffic light turning green. This can, for example, stage a down payment until the green light is turned green, for example - by displaying it in the instrument cluster; and / or - at night, a countdown to the green light is displayed on the ground in front of the motor vehicle 10 via the headlights; and / or - a countdown and / or chronometer can be output via the vehicle's interior loudspeakers.

[0061] The “Launch Control” function can be proactively suggested additionally or alternatively based on the information.

[0062] For security reasons, the environment can also be monitored via sensors and the available information about events and infrastructure can be integrated in a proactive manner.

[0063] If the situation is not suitable, the function may not be offered and / or the performance may be aborted, and danger may be warned in advance.

[0064] In addition to the advantages already mentioned above, there is a higher usage rate of the function, an increase in positive emotions when using the function, and an increase in security when using the function.

[0065] In a preferred technical implementation, the positions of networked traffic lights as well as the traffic light phases and “time to green” can be determined via the infrastructure via radio (e.g. WLAN, 3G, 4G, 5G, car2X).

[0066] Preferably, DLP headlights can project information and / or pictograms and / or images onto the ground. For example, the information "time to green" (i.e., the time remaining until the traffic light turns green) can be communicated to the vehicle 10 via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.

[0067] The environment around the vehicle can be recorded using sensors, for example: - Camera and / or - Radar and / or - LiDAR and / or - Parking camera(s) and / or - Parking sensor(s).

[0068] This allows attention to be paid to the following events around the vehicle and / or timely responses to be made: - no pedestrians (for example balls, animals, or other living beings or objects), - no other road users (e.g. car, bus, truck, motorcycle, cyclist), - no obstacles (e.g. cupboard, accident, construction site).

[0069] Using, for example, route data and / or GPS position, it can be verified that the environment is suitable: - ideally closed, private or little-used route similar to a “race track” and / or - no traffic jam and / or - no stop / traffic light / zebra crossing and / or - no curve, intersection and / or - no play street, school and / or - No accidents, traffic jams, construction sites, rescues.

[0070] The speed of the location can also be retrieved via traffic sign recognition and / or route data, so that acceleration can only be increased until the maximum permitted speed is reached. This can optionally be overridden by the user at any time by pressing the brake or accelerator pedal.

[0071] Fig. 2 - Fig. 5: Countdown, for example at a traffic light, for example via headlights

[0072] Fig. 6: Visualization, for example, via headlights of the abort of the launch control

[0073] Fig. 7: Notification, for example via headlights, about the availability of the function.

[0074] Preferably, the launch control system can be notified via information about the infrastructure, for example, when the traffic light turns green. This can be used to stage a countdown to the green light, for example, by displaying it in the instrument cluster and / or, for example, by displaying a countdown to the green light on the ground in front of the vehicle 10 via the headlights at night.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, a countdown and / or ticking of a chronometer can be output via an interior loudspeaker of the motor vehicle 10.

[0076] The “Launch Control” function can preferably be suggested proactively based on the information.

[0077] For security reasons, the environment can also be monitored via sensors and the available information about events and infrastructure can be integrated in a proactive manner.

[0078] If the situation is not suitable, the function will not be offered and / or the production will be aborted and the danger will be warned in advance.

Claims

[1] Method for traction control, wherein a control device (12): - detects that the motor vehicle (10) is in operation and is at an intersection (S1); - receives environmental data describing a traffic situation at the intersection (S2), - on the basis of the received environmental data, determines a time of arrival (S3) at which the motor vehicle (10) is authorized to continue the journey, - a remaining time until the specified arrival time is determined (S4), - based on the determined remaining time duration, a starting process of the motor vehicle (10) is predicted (S5), in which at least one drive system (24) and / or an energy storage device of the motor vehicle (10) is involved, - generates (S6) an output signal which is a display signal and describes a graphical representation (28) of a progression of the determined remaining time period, and - transmitting (S7) the generated output signal to an output device (18) of the motor vehicle (10), which is designed as a display device, and the generated display signal describes an output of the graphic representation (28) on a display surface visible to the occupant of the motor vehicle (10); wherein at least one headlight of the motor vehicle (10) forms the display device or a part of the display device, or comprises a part of the display device; and wherein the generated display signal describes a control of individual light points of the at least one headlight for displaying the graphic representation (28). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the received environmental data describe an item or items of information relating to a traffic light at the intersection; and wherein the control device (12) defines as the time of arrival the time at which the traffic light clears the way for the motor vehicle (10). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generated display signal describes as a graphical representation (28): - a countdown as a running sequence of numbers; and / or - a colour sequence associated with the expiration of the determined remaining time; and / or - an image of a traffic light with colors assigned to the expiration of the determined remaining time, or a traffic light assigned to the expiration of the determined remaining time. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the environmental data describe: - other road users within a given radius of the motor vehicle (10) and / or an obstacle on a path ahead of the motor vehicle (10); and / or - the current traffic situation; and / or - a current time of day. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) checks (S10) on the basis of the received environmental data whether a traffic situation in which the motor vehicle (10) is located meets a predetermined acceleration suitability criterion. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the control device (12) generates the output signal only upon determining that the predetermined acceleration suitability criterion is fulfilled (S6), and only then activates the traction control (S11). [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the predetermined acceleration suitability criterion takes into account: - the current traffic situation; and / or - other road users within a given radius of the motor vehicle (10) and / or an obstacle on a path of the motor vehicle (10); and / or - a characteristic of the section of road on which the motor vehicle (10) is located; and / or - a current time of day; and / or - a speed limit on the section of road on which the motor vehicle (10) is located. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12): - at least one operating parameter is determined (S8) for the at least one drive system (24) and / or the energy storage device of the motor vehicle (10) which is suitable for preparing the at least one drive system (24) and / or the energy storage device for starting the motor vehicle (10) at the specified starting time, and - generates (S9) a control signal which describes the determined start-up time and the determined operating parameter and addresses it to the at least one drive system (24) and / or the energy storage device. [9] Control device (12) which is arranged to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a control device (12) according to claim 9.

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