Driver assistance procedures and driver assistance systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a driver assistance method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in avoiding a loss of time, comprising the following steps: detecting a standstill of the motor vehicle, detecting a traffic control device displaying a stop signal, determining the traffic control device as a traffic control device switchable by the motor vehicle, detecting a target position range for the motor vehicle for switching the switchable traffic control device, determining a current vehicle position of the motor vehicle outside the target position range, and informing the driver about the current vehicle position outside the target position range.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a driver assistance method according to the preamble of claim 1 for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle to avoid a loss of time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a driver assistance system for carrying out the driver assistance method.

[0002] Driver assistance systems are designed to support the driver of a motor vehicle in specific driving situations. This support focuses primarily on safety aspects, but also on aspects of comfort and fuel efficiency. The range of driver assistance systems extends from ultrasonic parking assistance and lane change assist to automatic distance warning using radar or lidar, and even traffic sign recognition via camera.

[0003] DE 10 2013 019 550 B3 discloses a method for assisting a road user in passing a traffic signal system depending on a traffic signal of the traffic signal system, taking into account a distance of the road user to the traffic signal system, a traffic signal display time and a speed of the road user.

[0004] DE 10 2017 213 981 A1 discloses a method for supporting a user of a vehicle by visualizing a vehicle target position profile for passing a traffic signal system in a predefined relationship to the switching time of the traffic signal system, taking into account the position of the traffic signal system, a switching time / switching prediction of the traffic signal system and a position of a vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2015 008 263 A1 discloses a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle, whereby a navigation device is used to determine a number of traffic signal systems relevant for a current route from a large number of traffic signal systems.

[0006] DE 10 2017 003 760 A1 discloses a method for signaling a traffic light signal in a first motor vehicle with a request step in which, in the absence of a traffic light signal, the first motor vehicle automatically transmits a request to transmit the traffic light signal to a second motor vehicle traveling in the same direction in the vicinity of the first motor vehicle.

[0007] DE 10 2018 003 822 A1 discloses a method for operating a vehicle with a traffic light assistant, wherein a position or orientation of the vehicle relative to a traffic light is automatically changed in such a way that the traffic light is within a field of view of an environmental sensor of the vehicle.

[0008] Document US 9,696,721 B1, also published as document DE 10 2017 105 788 A1, discloses induction loop detection systems and methods. In one implementation, a method receives image data from a vehicle's camera and determines the vehicle's geographic position. Based on the image data and the vehicle's geographic position, the method determines the location of an induction loop in a roadway immediately adjacent to the vehicle. The data associated with the induction loop location are stored in a storage device within the vehicle.

[0009] Document WO 2024 / 249457A2 discloses traffic sensor detection systems designed to detect the presence and location of traffic sensors (i.e., embedded induction loop coils) and to transmit this information to the driver of a vehicle. The traffic sensor detection systems can provide navigation information to assist in positioning the vehicle over an induction loop coil, enabling the activation of traffic light control, gate control, or other processes associated with the embedded induction loop coil.

[0010] Document DE 10 2019 109 563 A1 discloses a method for operating a number of vehicles, wherein at least one induction loop arranged in a road surface is detected by means of an induction loop detector. It is provided that a geographical position of the detected induction loop, linked to an associated demand-responsive traffic signal system, is stored in a map, and that in autonomous driving mode, at least one vehicle of the number of vehicles is automatically positioned relative to the detected induction loop in such a way that the induction loop is activated to control a demand-responsive traffic signal system.

[0011] Document DE 10 2017 005 913 A1 discloses a method for operating a vehicle with an assistance system, at least for semi-autonomous driving, wherein, in the event that the vehicle approaches a red traffic light, the vehicle is automatically brought to a standstill. According to the invention, the vehicle is brought to a standstill when an induction loop arranged in front of the traffic light is detected by means of signals from vehicle sensors.

[0012] A common feature of the current state of the art is that a switchable traffic control device does not detect when a switching operation is triggered. Consequently, it also does not check or verify whether a vehicle's position relative to the traffic control device is correct when a stop signal is issued. If the vehicle is incorrectly positioned, no switching operation is triggered in the switchable traffic control device, as no signal is generated by a trigger. A driver then waits in vain, hoping that a switching operation has been triggered in the traffic control device. For example, a driver at a red traffic light might assume that the light will turn green after a certain period of time.If the traffic light is a push-button red light, also known as a pedestrian crossing signal, and the vehicle's position relative to the light is incorrect, the light will never turn green. Only when the driver realizes it's a push-button signal and positions the vehicle accordingly will the light turn green. This delay between the vehicle stopping at the light and the driver realizing it's a push-button signal is a loss of time that can frustrate the driver and disrupt traffic flow.

[0013] Against this background, the invention is based on the first objective of providing a driver assistance system that improves the driving comfort of a motor vehicle driver by avoiding time loss. Furthermore, the invention is based on the second objective of providing an improved driver assistance system for carrying out the driver assistance system.

[0014] The first problem is solved by a driver assistance method with the features according to claim 1. The second problem is solved by a driver assistance system with the features according to dependent claim 10. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0015] According to the invention, a driver assistance method with the features according to claim 1 is disclosed.

[0016] The driver assistance method according to the invention is designed to support a driver of a motor vehicle in avoiding a loss of time and comprises the following method steps.

[0017] In the first step of the process, the vehicle's stationary state is detected. This detection can be achieved, for example, using sensors that scan the vehicle's surroundings and determine whether the vehicle is stationary. Camera sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or radar sensors are typically used for this purpose. Alternatively, the vehicle's stationary state can be detected using internal sensors, such as by detecting that the vehicle's engine is switched off.

[0018] In a further process step, a traffic control device displaying a stop signal is detected. This detection can be achieved using signals from navigation satellites, such as GPS or Galileo. Alternatively, the device can be detected by comparing it to map data. A traffic control device is any device that directs the flow of traffic on a road. This could be a traffic signal, such as a traffic light, or a barrier. The stop signal of the traffic control device varies depending on the device. For example, the stop signal for a traffic light is a red light, whereas for a barrier, the closed barrier is the stop signal.

[0019] In a further procedural step, it is determined that the traffic control device is one that can be switched by a motor vehicle. A switching operation in such a switchable traffic control device can be triggered in various ways. For example, a camera can detect whether a motor vehicle is correctly positioned relative to the device. Furthermore, a weight sensor can trigger a switching operation if a motor vehicle is correctly positioned on the weight sensor. Additionally, lidar or radar systems can trigger a switching operation if a motor vehicle is located within a specific area assigned to the traffic control device.

[0020] In a further process step, a target position range for the vehicle is determined. The target position range is an area assigned to the traffic control device within which a vehicle triggers a switching operation in the traffic control device. On the one hand, the target position range can be located directly in front of the traffic control device displaying a stop signal, for example, in the case of a switchable barrier. On the other hand, the target position range can be located further away in front of the traffic control device displaying a stop signal, for example, in the case of a switchable traffic signal system in the form of a switchable traffic light.

[0021] In a further process step, the current position of the vehicle is recorded. This can be done using signals from navigation satellites, such as GPS or Galileo. Alternatively, the current position can be determined by comparing it to map data. It is also determined that the vehicle's current position is outside the target position range for activating the traffic control device. This discrepancy between the vehicle's position and the target position range can be determined from data from navigation satellites, such as GPS or Galileo, or from map data.

[0022] In a further step, the driver is informed that the vehicle is outside the target position range. This notification can be visual, for example, via a light inside the vehicle, or audible, for example, through the vehicle's loudspeaker. Additionally, the driver can be informed via the vehicle's onboard infotainment system, such as a driver display, a center console display, or a head-up display.

[0023] By informing the driver of the motor vehicle about the current vehicle position outside the target position range of the switchable traffic control device, a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle is avoided and a traffic flow is maintained.

[0024] According to a preferred driver assistance procedure, the switchable traffic control device is a switchable traffic signal system.

[0025] In the preferred driver assistance procedure, a switchable traffic signal displaying a red light is detected, and a corresponding target position range for the vehicle is determined in order to trigger a change in the traffic signal. Furthermore, it is determined that the vehicle's current position is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic signal. The driver of the vehicle is informed of this.

[0026] By informing the driver of the motor vehicle about the current vehicle position outside the target position range of the switchable traffic signal system, the preferred driver assistance procedure is designed to be more specifically tailored to the traffic situation, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow.

[0027] According to another preferred driver assistance method, the switchable traffic control device is a switchable barrier.

[0028] In the preferred driver assistance procedure, a switchable barrier with a closed position is detected, and a corresponding target position range for the vehicle is recorded in order to trigger the opening of the closed barrier. Furthermore, it is determined if the current vehicle position is outside the target position range of the switchable barrier. The driver of the vehicle is informed of this.

[0029] By informing the driver of the motor vehicle about the current vehicle position outside the target position range of the switchable barrier, the preferred driver assistance procedure is designed more specifically for the traffic situation, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow.

[0030] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the motor vehicle is automatically steered into the target position range.

[0031] The preferred driver assistance procedure has determined that the vehicle is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic control device. The driver of the vehicle has been informed of this.

[0032] Once all safety precautions for safe automated driving of the vehicle have been taken, the vehicle is automatically steered into the target position range of the switchable traffic control device in a process step of the preferred driver assistance procedure. Typical systems can be used for the automated steering of the vehicle into the target position range, for example, camera systems, lidar systems, radar systems, ultrasound systems, or a combination of these systems.

[0033] By automatically steering the motor vehicle into the target position range of the switchable traffic control device, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow, the driving comfort of the driver is increased.

[0034] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, distance information between the current vehicle position and the target position range is issued to the driver of the vehicle inside the vehicle.

[0035] The preferred driver assistance procedure has determined that the vehicle is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic control device. The driver of the vehicle has been informed of this.

[0036] The driver now has the option of manually steering the vehicle into the target position range of the switchable traffic guidance device. In the preferred driver assistance system, the driver can be guided into the target position range of the switchable traffic guidance device by various systems. For example, the driver can be guided by simple visual signals in the form of individual lights within the vehicle or by simple acoustic signals via the vehicle's speakers. Furthermore, the driver can be guided by a more complex system, such as the vehicle's infotainment system. The relevant information can be displayed to the driver, for example, via a driver display, a center console display, or a head-up display.

[0037] By guiding the driver of the motor vehicle into the target position area of ​​the switchable traffic control device, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow, the correct positioning of the motor vehicle is facilitated and thus driving comfort is increased.

[0038] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, at least one passive signal transmitter is detected, which indicates the positioning of the motor vehicle in relation to the target position range.

[0039] The preferred driver assistance procedure has determined that the vehicle is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic control device. The driver of the vehicle has been informed of this.

[0040] In the preferred driver assistance method, at least one passive signal is detected to either automatically steer the vehicle into the target position area or to guide the driver of the vehicle into the target position area. The passive signal can be a marking, for example, on a roadway, at a curb, on a shoulder next to the roadway, or on the switchable traffic control device. In addition, several passive signal elements can form differently striped areas or be lengths and / or distances of marked lines or other symbols that decrease towards the target position area and indicate a distance from the target position area of ​​the switchable traffic control device.

[0041] By detecting at least one passive signal transmitter for automated control of the motor vehicle or for guiding the driver of the motor vehicle into the target position area of ​​the switchable traffic control device, the correct positioning of the motor vehicle is facilitated, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow.

[0042] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, at least one active signal transmitter is detected, which indicates the positioning of the motor vehicle in relation to the target position range.

[0043] The preferred driver assistance procedure has determined that the vehicle is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic control device. The driver of the vehicle has been informed of this.

[0044] In the preferred driver assistance system, at least one active signaling device is detected to either automatically steer the vehicle into the target position area or to guide the driver of the vehicle into the target position area. The active signaling device can be located in a roadway, in a curb, above the roadway, on an extension arm of the switchable traffic control device, or on a shoulder next to the roadway. Furthermore, several active signaling devices can be located in several of the aforementioned positions. The active signaling device can be a simple optical signaling device that emits specific optical signals depending on the distance to the target position area, or a simple acoustic signaling device that emits specific acoustic signals depending on the distance to the target position area.Furthermore, the active signal transmitter can form a complex signal transmitter system that, for example in conjunction with a mobile device, such as a mobile phone of the driver of the motor vehicle, indicates the distance to the target position area.

[0045] By detecting at least one active signal transmitter, the correct positioning of the vehicle is facilitated, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow.

[0046] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, at least one passive signal transmitter and at least one active signal transmitter are detected, indicating the positioning of the motor vehicle in relation to the target position range.

[0047] By detecting at least one passive signal transmitter as well as at least one active signal transmitter, the correct positioning of the vehicle is further facilitated, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow.

[0048] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the recorded target position range is compared with a database via an internet connection.

[0049] In the preferred driver assistance procedure, it has been determined that the traffic control device displaying a stop signal is a switchable traffic control device. Subsequently, a target position range of the switchable traffic control device is determined.

[0050] The position of the target position area relative to the switchable traffic control device may have changed. For example, the position of the target position area may have changed due to a change in the road layout, a repair to the switchable traffic control device, an update to the switchable traffic control device, or some other modification. The size of the target position area may also have changed for the aforementioned reasons, potentially requiring a different positioning of the vehicle relative to the switchable traffic control device. For example, if the target position area has been reduced, a previously sufficient portion of the vehicle may no longer trigger a switching operation in the switchable traffic control device.A larger proportion of the motor vehicle is now required to trigger a switching process in the switchable traffic control device.

[0051] A comparison of the recorded size and position of the target position area with a database via an internet connection results in a current size and position of the target position area of ​​the switchable traffic control device, thus preventing incorrect positioning of the vehicle.

[0052] By comparing the recorded target position range of the switchable traffic control device with a database via an internet connection, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow, a further loss of time caused by an outdated target position range is avoided.

[0053] According to another preferred driver assistance method, a predetermined period of time is waited for while the motor vehicle is stationary, and then the traffic control device indicating the stop signal is detected.

[0054] Before determining that the vehicle may be outside the target position range of a switchable traffic control device and informing the driver, the preferred driver assistance procedure waits for a predetermined period. This predetermined period is set such that a non-switchable traffic control device would already be activated within that time. In this case, the vehicle's position relative to the traffic control device is not checked. This distinguishes between non-switchable and switchable traffic control devices, as not every traffic control device checks the vehicle's position.

[0055] The time interval can be preset at the factory and / or adjustable by the driver. If the vehicle is moving within this predetermined time interval, the predetermined time interval restarts. Only after the predetermined time interval has elapsed while the vehicle is stationary will the traffic control device displaying a stop signal be detected.

[0056] By waiting for the predetermined period of time while the vehicle is stationary, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the vehicle and maintaining a flow of traffic, unnecessary inconvenience to the driver of the vehicle is avoided.

[0057] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, at least one vehicle is detected between the motor vehicle and the target position area, and it is determined that the current position of the vehicle is outside the target position area. The driver of the motor vehicle is informed of the current position of the vehicle outside the target position area.

[0058] In the preferred driver assistance procedure, it is first determined that the driver's vehicle is outside the target position range of the switchable traffic guidance device. In a further step, it is determined that the vehicle is prevented from entering the target position range of the switchable traffic guidance device. In the same step, it is detected that at least one vehicle is located between the vehicle and the target position range, preventing the vehicle from entering the target position range itself. Furthermore, the preferred driver assistance procedure determines that this vehicle is also outside the target position range of the switchable traffic guidance device. The driver is informed of this.

[0059] By detecting at least one vehicle between the motor vehicle and the target position area, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a traffic flow, a further loss of time caused by the vehicle is avoided.

[0060] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the current position of the vehicle is determined using a vehicle-specific data set, wherein the vehicle-specific data set includes a vehicle model of the vehicle.

[0061] The vehicle model can specify the vehicle's length and width, which are provided, for example, by a vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, vehicle-specific specifications can be provided by the vehicle model, so that, for example, a spoiler or other permanent attachment is taken into account when determining the vehicle's current position.

[0062] The more accurate vehicle-specific data set, using a vehicle model, not only avoids time loss for the driver and maintains traffic flow, but also facilitates determining the vehicle's position relative to the target position area.

[0063] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the current position of the vehicle is determined using a vehicle-specific data set, wherein the vehicle-specific data set includes a temporary attachment for the vehicle.

[0064] Temporary attachments can affect both the length and width of a vehicle. For example, in the case of a motor vehicle, a temporary attachment could be a bicycle carrier, which temporarily increases the vehicle's length. Similarly, in the case of a bicycle, a sidecar could temporarily increase the width of the bicycle or the vehicle.

[0065] The more accurate vehicle-specific data set, obtained by means of a temporary attachment for the vehicle, not only avoids a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintains a traffic flow, but also facilitates the determination of the vehicle's position relative to the target position area.

[0066] According to another preferred driver assistance method, the current position of the vehicle is determined using a vehicle-specific data set, wherein the vehicle-specific data set includes a vehicle model of the vehicle and a temporary attachment for the vehicle.

[0067] The more precise vehicle-specific data set, achieved through a vehicle model and a temporary attachment for the vehicle, further facilitates determining the vehicle's position relative to the target position area, in addition to avoiding time loss for the driver and maintaining traffic flow.

[0068] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the vehicle is another motor vehicle.

[0069] By specifying the vehicle as an additional motor vehicle, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a flow of traffic, the preferred driver assistance procedure is more specifically tailored to the traffic situation.

[0070] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the vehicle is a motorcycle.

[0071] By specifying the vehicle as a motorcycle, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a flow of traffic, the preferred driver assistance procedure is more specifically tailored to the traffic situation.

[0072] According to another preferred driver assistance procedure, the vehicle is a bicycle.

[0073] By specifying the vehicle as a bicycle, in addition to avoiding a loss of time for the driver of the motor vehicle and maintaining a flow of traffic, the preferred driver assistance procedure is more specifically tailored to the traffic situation.

[0074] According to the invention, a driver assistance system with the features according to dependent claim 10 is disclosed. The driver assistance system according to the invention is designed to carry out a driver assistance method according to the invention.

[0075] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows an initial traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure with a switchable traffic light that can be triggered by a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows another traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure with a switchable barrier that can be triggered by a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 shows another traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure with a switchable traffic light having a passive signal generator and an active signal generator. Fig. Figure 4 shows another traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure that has an internet connection and a predetermined time period. Fig. Figure 5 shows another traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure with a switchable traffic light, where a vehicle is located between the motor vehicle and the switchable traffic light. Fig. Figure 6 shows another traffic situation for an advantageous driver assistance procedure with a switchable traffic light, wherein a vehicle with a temporary attachment is located between the motor vehicle and the switchable traffic light.

[0076] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a first traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0077] In the Fig. Figure 1 depicts a main road running from left to right with two-way traffic, where a side street merges into the main road from below. Turning from the side street onto the main road is regulated by a traffic light system. One traffic light in the system regulates traffic in each direction on the main road, and the other regulates traffic from the side street onto the main road. A first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle are on the side street, heading towards the intersection of the side street and the main road, with the second vehicle behind the first vehicle (1). The first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle are waiting at the traffic light regulating traffic from the side street onto the main road in order to turn onto the main road.

[0078] In the current traffic situation, the Fig. 1. The traffic light regulating traffic from the side street onto the main road is a switchable traffic light, i.e., a switchable traffic control device 2. The switchable traffic light is a demand-responsive traffic light and only switches to green when a motor vehicle is within a target position range 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable traffic light, thus sending a request for a change of light signal. If a motor vehicle is not within the target position range 3 of the switchable traffic light, a change of light signal is not triggered at any time, and the switchable traffic light continues to display a red light signal.

[0079] The first vehicle (1) is located near the switchable traffic light. The driver of the first vehicle (1) wants to turn onto the main road and is waiting for a green light to proceed.

[0080] If the driver of the first vehicle 1 does not immediately recognize the traffic situation and believes the first vehicle 1 is in the correct position, the resulting loss of time until the driver of the first vehicle 1 realizes otherwise can be frustrating. Furthermore, frustration can also arise for the driver of the second vehicle, as the second vehicle, which is behind the first vehicle 1, is also unable to proceed.

[0081] To avoid wasting time and thus creating a frustrating traffic situation for the driver of the first vehicle 1 and the driver of the second vehicle, an advantageous driver assistance system in the first vehicle 1 checks whether the first vehicle 1 is correctly positioned relative to the switchable traffic light. For this purpose, the advantageous driver assistance system detects that the first vehicle 1 is stationary and that the traffic light is displaying a stop signal. In a further step, the advantageous driver assistance system determines whether the traffic light is switchable by a vehicle. If a switchable traffic light is identified, the advantageous driver assistance system determines a target position range 3 for the first vehicle 1 to trigger a change in the traffic light signal, as well as the current position of the first vehicle 1.In the present case, the advantageous driver assistance system determines that the first motor vehicle 1 is outside the target position range 3 of the switchable traffic light and informs the driver of the first motor vehicle 1 accordingly.

[0082] The Fig. Figure 2 shows another traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0083] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a railway line running from right to left, with a road crossing the line from bottom to top. Traffic across the railway line is controlled by a barrier. A motor vehicle (1) is stopped at the barrier and waiting for it to open.

[0084] In the current traffic situation, the Fig. 2. The barrier is a switchable barrier, i.e., a switchable traffic control device 2. The switchable barrier is a request barrier and only opens when a motor vehicle is within a target position area 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable barrier and thus sends a request to open. If a motor vehicle is not within the target position area 3 of the switchable barrier, no switching process is triggered in the switchable barrier at any time, and the barrier remains closed.

[0085] To avoid wasting time and thus creating a frustrating traffic situation for the driver of vehicle 1, an advantageous driver assistance system checks whether vehicle 1 is correctly positioned relative to the switchable barrier. For this purpose, the advantageous driver assistance system detects that vehicle 1 is stationary and that the barrier is closed. In a further step, the advantageous driver assistance system determines whether the barrier is switchable by a vehicle. If a switchable barrier is identified, the advantageous driver assistance system determines a target position range 3 for vehicle 1 to trigger a switching process to open the switchable barrier, as well as the current position of vehicle 1.In the present case, the advantageous driver assistance system determines that the motor vehicle 1 is outside the target position range 3 of the switchable barrier and informs the driver of the motor vehicle 1 accordingly.

[0086] The Fig. Figure 3 shows another traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0087] In the Fig. Figure 3 depicts a main road with a side road intersecting it. A traffic light system regulates the traffic, with one traffic light on the side road being a switchable traffic control device 2 or a switchable traffic light. A motor vehicle 1 is located near the switchable traffic light and is waiting for the signal to change so it can turn onto the main road.

[0088] The target position area 3 in the Fig. 3 is marked by a passive signal device 4 or by a marking located on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle 1 and next to the switchable traffic light. When the motor vehicle 1 is within the area of ​​the marking, a switching operation can be triggered to change the light signal in the switchable traffic light.

[0089] In addition, an active signal transmitter 5 in the Fig. 3. The vehicle 1 is positioned in the target position area 3. The active signal transmitter 5 is located in front of the switchable traffic light and at the edge of the roadway, so that a driver of the vehicle 1 can perceive the visual and / or acoustic signals of the active signal transmitter 5 and position the vehicle 1 correctly. When the active signal transmitter 5 displays a signal indicating the correct positioning of the vehicle 1, a switching operation to change the traffic light signal can be triggered.

[0090] The Fig. Figure 4 shows another traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0091] In the Fig. Figure 4 depicts a main road with a side road intersecting it. A traffic light system regulates the traffic, with one traffic light on the side road being a switchable traffic control device 2 or a switchable traffic light. A motor vehicle 1 is located near the switchable traffic light and is waiting for the signal to change so it can turn onto the main road.

[0092] In the Fig. 4. An advantageous driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 1 distinguishes between a non-switchable traffic light and a switchable traffic light by waiting for a predetermined time interval 6 and only then checking the correct position of the motor vehicle 1 relative to a target position range 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable traffic light. The predetermined time interval 6 is set such that a non-switchable traffic light will already have changed its light signal within the predetermined time interval 6, resulting in less inconvenience to the driver.

[0093] The target position area 3 is in the Fig. 4. Furthermore, the data is compared with a database via an internet connection 7. If, for example, a change to the target position range 3 is made during a repair or update of the switchable traffic light, the advantageous driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 1 receives an updated target position range 3, thus preventing an incorrect determination of the vehicle's position relative to the target position range 3.

[0094] The Fig. Figure 5 shows another traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0095] In the Fig. Figure 5 depicts a main road with a side road intersecting it. A traffic light system regulates the traffic, with one traffic light on the side road being a switchable traffic control device 2 or a switchable traffic light. A first motor vehicle 1 is located near the switchable traffic light and is waiting for the signal to change, allowing it to turn onto the main road. In the Fig. In addition, there is another motor vehicle located between the first motor vehicle 1 and the switchable traffic light.

[0096] To avoid unnecessary time loss, an advantageous driver assistance system of the first motor vehicle 1 checks whether the first motor vehicle 1 is correctly located within a target position range 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable traffic light, which is not the case here. The advantageous driver assistance system informs the driver of the first motor vehicle 1 of this.

[0097] The advantageous driver assistance system also detects that a vehicle 8 or another motor vehicle is located between the first motor vehicle 1 and the switchable traffic light and determines whether the other motor vehicle is correctly positioned within a target position range 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable traffic light, which is also not the case here. The advantageous driver assistance system also informs the driver of the first motor vehicle 1 of this.

[0098] To determine whether the other vehicle is correctly positioned within target position area 3 of the switchable traffic light, the following are performed in the Fig. 5 vehicle dimensions taken into account, which are derived from a vehicle model.

[0099] The Fig. Figure 6 shows another traffic situation in which an advantageous driver assistance procedure is applied by an advantageous driver assistance system.

[0100] In the Fig. Figure 6 depicts a main road with a side road intersecting it. A traffic light system regulates the traffic, with one traffic light on the side road being a switchable traffic control device 2 or a switchable traffic light. A first motor vehicle 1 is located near the switchable traffic light and is waiting for the signal to change so it can turn onto the main road. In the Fig. 6, between the first motor vehicle 1 and the switchable traffic light, there is also a vehicle 8 or another motor vehicle.

[0101] To avoid unnecessary time loss, an advantageous driver assistance system of the first vehicle 1 checks whether, in addition to the first vehicle 1, the other vehicle is also outside a target position range 3 of the switchable traffic control device 2 or the switchable traffic light, which is the case here. The advantageous driver assistance system informs the driver of the first vehicle 1 of this.

[0102] To determine whether the other vehicle is correctly positioned within target position area 3 of the switchable traffic light, the following are performed in the Fig. 6 In addition to the vehicle dimensions taken from a vehicle model, dimensions of a temporary attachment 9 of the other motor vehicle are also taken into account. The temporary attachment 9 in the Fig. 6 is a bicycle carrier that increases the vehicle length of the other motor vehicle. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle / first motor vehicle 2 switchable conductive devices 3 Target position range 4 passive signal transmitters 5 active signal transmitters 6 predetermined time periods 7 Internet connection 8 vehicles 9 temporary cultivation

Claims

[1] Driver assistance system to assist a driver of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: Detecting a standstill of the motor vehicle (1), Detection of a traffic control device displaying a stop signal, Determining the traffic control device as a traffic control device (2) that can be switched by the motor vehicle (1), Determining a target position range (3) for the motor vehicle (1) for switching the switchable traffic control device (2), Determining the current vehicle position of the motor vehicle (1) outside the target position range (3), Informing the driver about the current vehicle position outside the target position range (3), Detecting at least one vehicle (8) between the motor vehicle (1) and the target position area (3), Determining a current position of the vehicle (8) outside the target position range (3), and Informing the driver of the motor vehicle (1) about the current position of the vehicle (8) outside the target position range (3). [2] Driver assistance method according to claim 1, wherein the switchable traffic control device (2) is a switchable traffic signal system or a switchable barrier. [3] Driver assistance method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the method steps: Automated steering of the motor vehicle (1) into the target position area (3), or Providing distance information inside the motor vehicle (1) to the driver for distances between the current vehicle position and the target position range (3). [4] Driver assistance system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Detecting at least one passive signal transmitter (4) and / or at least one active signal transmitter (5), wherein the passive signal transmitter (4) and / or the active signal transmitter (5) indicate the positioning of the motor vehicle (1) relative to the target position range (3). [5] Driver assistance system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Comparison of the recorded target position range (3) with a database via an Internet connection (7). [6] Driver assistance technology according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Waiting for a predetermined period of time (6) while the motor vehicle (1) is stationary and then detecting the traffic control device indicating the stop signal. [7] Driver assistance method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current position of the vehicle (8) is determined using a vehicle-specific data set and the vehicle-specific data set comprises a vehicle model of the vehicle (8) and / or a temporary attachment (9) for the vehicle (8). [8] Driver assistance method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (8) is another motor vehicle, a motorcycle or a bicycle. [9] Driver assistance system for carrying out a driver assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images