Operating an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high beam assist system.

Abstract

A method for operating an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high-beam assist system, wherein the method comprises: acquiring high-beam information relating to an automated high-beam function of the high-beam assist system, wherein the high-beam information includes distance information, the distance information characterizing a distance between the motor vehicle and a vehicle in front, and the distance representing a threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high-beam function of the high-beam assist system; determining, based on the high-beam information comprising the distance information, a minimum target distance between the motor vehicle and the vehicle in front; and outputting a control signal to operate the adaptive cruise control system while maintaining the minimum target distance.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high-beam assist system. The disclosure also relates to a computer program and / or computer-readable medium, a data processing device, an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high-beam assist system, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Adaptive cruise control (ACC) and high-beam assist systems are driver assistance systems and are known as such in the prior art. ACC is designed to maintain a distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front. This distance can be automatically increased or decreased based on a factor that depends on the vehicle's speed.

[0003] A high-beam assist system, for example, is designed to automatically dim the headlights (activating the low beams and deactivating the high beams) and / or brighten the headlights (activating the high beams). Additionally, a high-beam assist system can be configured to illuminate and / or leave unilluminated certain areas around a vehicle or target object when following behind.

[0004] DE 10 2011 007 181 A1 discloses an exterior lighting control system for a motor vehicle. In the exterior lighting control system, in particular a headlight system, for a motor vehicle with an electronic control unit for determining and adjusting a predetermined luminous intensity and / or for determining and adjusting a predetermined horizontal and / or vertical swivel angle of at least one headlight that can swivel over a certain angular range, the control unit is designed such that the luminous intensity and / or the swivel angle can be variably predetermined depending on the distance of the vehicle to a vehicle in front and / or behind it.

[0005] DE 10 2014 221 883 A1 relates to a method for adjusting the light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle. The method includes a step of determining whether another vehicle, viewed from the vehicle's perspective, is obscured or uncovered by at least one obscuring object. The method also includes a step of changing the light emission from an initial characteristic to a target characteristic if the other vehicle remains uncovered for longer than a definable waiting period.

[0006] DE 10 2009 061 874 B3 relates to a method for controlling a vehicle's headlight assembly, in which preceding and oncoming road users are detected in front of the vehicle and the light distribution produced by the headlight assembly is regulated such that it has a range in the direction of a detected preceding road user that is less than the distance to the detected preceding road user, and the range in the direction of the adjacent roadway is switched back and forth between at least a first illumination state with increased illumination of the adjacent roadway and a second illumination state with reduced illumination of the adjacent roadway, depending on the detection of another road user, wherein the switching between the two illumination states for the range in the direction of the adjacent roadway depends on the detection rate of the other,The system is particularly sensitive to oncoming traffic and may also delay the vehicle depending on changes in the steering angle over time. The system is characterized by the fact that it detects whether a multi-lane road is being driven on and switches to the second lighting state for the adjacent lane when a multi-lane road is detected.

[0007] DE 10 2013 220 693 A1 discloses a method for determining a minimum distance and / or a maximum speed for a driver assistance system for following control, wherein the minimum distance and / or the maximum speed is determined depending on the prevailing weather conditions or the lighting conditions.

[0008] DE 695 16 934 T2 discloses a vehicle driving assistance device for recording the driving conditions of the vehicle and for outputting vehicle driving assistance information, characterized in that it records the circumstances and road conditions for the vehicle and the operating reaction of the driver and changes the output time or the content of the assistance information according to the recording results.

[0009] JP 2020 - 160 878 A discloses a driver assistance method that provides assistance to the driver of the own vehicle based on a comparison of either the distance between the driver's vehicle and another vehicle or the time between the vehicles and a predetermined reference value. The position and direction of the other vehicle in the vicinity of the driver's vehicle are recorded. Based on the position and direction of the other vehicle, it is determined whether there is a possibility that the driver of the other vehicle will be blinded. If it is determined that there is a possibility that the driver will be blinded, a higher reference value than in any other case is set as the predetermined reference value.

[0010] However, with adaptive cruise control active and a relatively small distance between vehicles, the automatic high beam may be deactivated to avoid dazzling the driver of the vehicle in front. Due to the adaptive cruise control setting distances that are too close for the high beam assist, the adaptive high beam may be completely deactivated when longitudinal control is activated.

[0011] This can lead to reduced and / or inadequate illumination of the surroundings and may even be a safety hazard. In particular, for drivers who appreciate the safety benefits of the additional illumination provided by the high-beam assist, this can result in a negative driving experience, a reduced sense of security, and / or increased stress.

[0012] Against the background of this prior art, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a device, each of which is suitable for enriching the prior art and improving at least the aforementioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the objective of the disclosure is to provide a distance control system that achieves improved illumination of the area surrounding the motor vehicle.

[0013] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0014] The problem is then solved according to one aspect of the disclosure by a method for operating an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high-beam assist system, wherein the method comprises: acquiring high-beam information relating to an automated high-beam function of the high-beam assist system, wherein the high-beam information includes distance information, the distance information characterizes a distance between the motor vehicle and a vehicle in front, and the distance represents a threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high-beam function of the high-beam assist system; determining, based on the high-beam information comprising the distance information, a minimum target distance between the motor vehicle and the vehicle in front; and outputting a control signal for operating the adaptive cruise control system while maintaining the minimum target distance.

[0015] It has been recognized that the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front can be a decisive factor in deactivating the high beam function. Therefore, in other words, it is proposed that the minimum distance be limited during longitudinal control of the vehicle by the adaptive cruise control when the high beam function or adaptive high beam assist is activated.

[0016] For this purpose, the distance information is recorded, which is crucial for limiting the target distance defined by the adaptive cruise control. The target distance is then replaced by the larger minimum target distance, or alternatively, the minimum target distance is used to limit the vehicle's distance downwards. This ensures that the threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high beam function of the high beam assist is not undercut by the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front. This allows the high beam function and / or the high beam assist to remain activated.

[0017] The distance control system allows for the continuous activation of the high beam function and / or the high beam assist. This can lead to improved illumination of the vehicle's surroundings, even when the adaptive cruise control is active.

[0018] Optionally, the distance information characterizes the distance and a distance buffer. The distance buffer allows the minimum target distance to be set even further away from the threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high beam function of the high beam assist. This ensures that the high beam function and / or high beam assist remain activated even with fluctuations in distance around the threshold.

[0019] Optionally, the high beam information includes a status indicator that characterizes the high beam assist and / or the high beam function. It has been recognized that the high beam assist and / or the high beam function are not always active. If the high beam assist and / or the high beam function are deactivated, this can be determined from the status indicator and lead to adjustment to the target distance. Conversely, if the high beam assist and / or the high beam function are activated, this can be determined from the status indicator and lead to adjustment to the minimum target distance.

[0020] Optionally, the minimum target distance is greater than the target distance defined by the adaptive cruise control without regard to the high-beam assist and / or the high-beam function. It was recognized that the adaptive cruise control defines a target distance that is, for example, speed-dependent. Falling below the threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high-beam function of the high-beam assist can be reliably avoided if the minimum target distance is greater than the target distance.

[0021] Optionally, the minimum target distance is determined in such a way that the high-beam assist can illuminate the area around the vehicle in front. It has been recognized that the high beam can illuminate the area around the vehicle in front partially and / or in certain sections. This can depend significantly on information known to the high-beam assist system that characterizes the lighting. The ability to illuminate the area around the vehicle in front can depend, among other things, on the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front. This can be taken into account when determining the target distance.

[0022] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a computer program and / or a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method according to the disclosure and / or steps thereof. Optionally, the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the process steps described as advantageous or optional in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0023] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a data processing device is provided for a motor vehicle. The data processing device is configured to carry out the process according to the disclosure. Optionally, the data processing device is configured to carry out a process step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a process feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0024] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle equipped with a high-beam assist system, comprising the data processing device according to the disclosure, is provided. The adaptive cruise control system and / or the data processing device is configured to perform the method according to the disclosure. Optionally, the adaptive cruise control system and / or the data processing device is configured to perform a method step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a method feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0025] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a motor vehicle comprising an adaptive cruise control system as described in the disclosure and a high-beam assist system is provided. Optionally, the data processing device of the motor vehicle, the adaptive cruise control system, and / or the motor vehicle itself are configured to perform a process step described as advantageous or optional and / or to implement a process feature in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0026] One embodiment of each is described below with reference to the figures: • Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle with adaptive cruise control, each according to one aspect of the disclosure; • Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a procedure according to one aspect of the revelation; and • Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium according to one aspect of the revelation.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 50 with an adaptive cruise control system 56, each according to an aspect of the disclosure. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 a front-mounted vehicle 40.

[0028] Motor vehicle 50 is a land vehicle. Motor vehicle 50 is, for example, a passenger car. The vehicle 40 in front is another motor vehicle positioned and / or moving on a roadway (not shown) in front of motor vehicle 50. In the direction of travel of motor vehicle 50, the vehicle 40 in front is positioned at a distance s from motor vehicle 50.

[0029] The motor vehicle 50 is equipped to perform autonomous and / or automated driving functions. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 50 has an adaptive cruise control system 56 and a high-beam assist system 57. In the example shown according to Fig. 1 The adaptive cruise control system 56 includes a data processing device 51. The adaptive cruise control system 56 may also include further components (not shown), for example, sensors for detecting the distance s and / or interfaces to sensors for detecting the distance s.

[0030] The adaptive cruise control 56 is designed to regulate the distance s to a target distance d' and / or to a minimum target distance d. The target distance d' is a distance s defined by the adaptive cruise control 56 between the vehicle 50 and the vehicle 40 in front, which may, for example, depend on the speed of the vehicle 50.

[0031] The high-beam assist 57 is designed to perform an automated high-beam function 58. The high-beam function 58 can include automated high beam and / or low beam operation and / or be designed to illuminate the area around the vehicle 50 and / or the vehicle 40 in whole or in part.

[0032] The data processing device 51, the adaptive cruise control 56, or the motor vehicle 50 is designed to process the data relating to Fig. 2 described procedures to be carried out 100 times.

[0033] For this purpose, the data processing device 51 is required according to Fig. 1 is set up to acquire high-beam information 60 relating to the automated high-beam function 58 of the high-beam assistant 57. For this purpose, the high-beam information 60 can be provided by the high-beam assistant 57, for example, on a vehicle bus, in particular a CAN bus, and read by the data processing device 51.

[0034] The high-beam information 60 includes distance information 61. The distance information 61 characterizes a distance s between the vehicle 50 and a vehicle 40 in front, where the distance s of the distance information 61 represents a threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high-beam function 58 of the high-beam assist 57. The distance s transmitted to the data processing device 51 with the distance information 61 thus represents a distance s defined by the high-beam assist 57, above which the high-beam function 58 and / or the high-beam assist 57 is activated and / or below which the high-beam function 58 and / or the high-beam assist 57 is deactivated. The distance information 61 characterizes the distance s and a distance buffer.The distance buffer can be positive and added to the distance s transmitted with the distance information 61 to the data processing device 51 in order to avoid a change of state of the high beam function 58 and / or the high beam assistant 57 in the event of distance fluctuations and / or changes in distance.

[0035] The high-beam information 60 includes a status indicator 62 that characterizes the high-beam assist 57 and / or the high-beam function 58. The status indicator 62 can indicate whether the high-beam assist 57 and / or the high-beam function 58 is activated and / or deactivated. Optionally, in the case of an active high-beam assist 57 and / or an active high-beam function 58, the status indicator 62 can indicate an operating mode and / or parameter, for example, for illuminating the surroundings.

[0036] The data processing device 51 is configured to determine the minimum target distance d between the vehicle 50 and the vehicle 40 in front, based on the high-beam information 60, which includes the distance information 61. In determining the minimum target distance d, information transmitted to the high-beam assistant 57 is taken into account, namely the distance information 61 and, optionally, the distance buffer, while the target distance d' is determined solely on the basis of the adaptive cruise control 56, i.e., without considering the high-beam assistant 57. The minimum target distance d is greater than the target distance d' defined by the adaptive cruise control 56 without regard to the high-beam assistant 57 and / or the high-beam function 58. The minimum target distance d is determined in such a way that the high-beam assistant 57 can illuminate the area around the vehicle 40 in front.The high beam information 60 may include, in particular, information characterizing the operating mode and / or parameters for illuminating the surroundings.

[0037] The data processing device 51 is configured to output a control signal 65 for operating the adaptive cruise control 56 while maintaining the minimum target distance d. The control signal 65 thus causes the adaptive cruise control 56 to adopt the minimum target distance d as the controlled variable and / or to regulate the distance s, taking into account the minimum target distance d as a lower limit.

[0038] In another embodiment (not shown), the motor vehicle 50 may have a different architecture. For example, the adaptive cruise control 56 and / or the high-beam assist 57 may be designed as software modules encompassed by the data processing device 51.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a procedure 100 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The procedure 100 according to Fig. 2 is a method 100 for operating an adaptive cruise control 56 for a motor vehicle 50 having a high-beam assistant 57. Such a motor vehicle 50 and such an adaptive cruise control 56 are related to Fig. 1 described. Fig. 2 is referred to Fig. 1 described.

[0040] The procedure 100 according to Fig. 2 indicates: Acquisition 110 of high beam information 60 relating to an automated high beam function 58 of the high beam assistant 57, wherein the high beam information 60 includes distance information 61, the distance information 61 characterizes a distance between the motor vehicle 50 and a front vehicle 40, and the distance represents a threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high beam function 58 of the high beam assistant 57.

[0041] The distance information 61 characterizes the distance and a distance buffer.

[0042] The high beam information 60 includes a status indicator 62 characterizing the high beam assistant 57 and / or the high beam function 58.

[0043] The procedure 100 indicates: Determine 120, based on the high beam information 60 comprising the distance information 61, a minimum target distance d between the motor vehicle 50 and the vehicle in front 40.

[0044] The minimum target distance d is greater than a target distance d' defined by the adaptive cruise control 56 without regard to the high beam assist 57 and / or the high beam function 58.

[0045] The minimum target distance d is determined in such a way that the high beam assistant 57 can illuminate an area around the vehicle in front 40.

[0046] The procedure 100 features: Outputting 130 a control signal 65 to operate the adaptive cruise control 56 while maintaining the minimum target distance d.

[0047] The expert recognizes that the procedure 100 according to Fig. 2. The procedure can also be carried out in a different order than shown. In particular, it is possible to swap, shift, repeat and / or perform steps of procedure 100 simultaneously.

[0048] In other words, procedure 100 can be carried out as follows: During active driver assistance of the adaptive cruise control 56 and the high-beam assist 57, the minimum distance s is limited. This is done by setting the lower limit for the distance s within the operating range of the high-beam assist 57, depending on factors such as speed, at which the high-beam function 58 can be performed. A minimum distance to the vehicle in front 40 is necessary so that the high beam can illuminate around it. This minimum distance is the minimum target distance d, optionally taking the distance buffer into account.

[0049] The high-beam assist 57, for example, is only operational above a vehicle speed of 50 km / h; at lower speeds, the high beams are not activated. If the driver is traveling faster than this speed with the adaptive cruise control 56 and high-beam assist 57 active, a minimum target distance d is calculated. Based on the interval in seconds stored for each distance level and any other adaptive factors, the minimum target distance d in meters is calculated by default. If this is less than the target distance d' determined by the adaptive cruise control 56, the previously calculated minimum target distance d is used instead of d'. This minimum distance is primarily determined by the cutoff angle of the adaptive headlights and the current speed.An availability value can always be calculated by the adaptive headlight's calculation unit and forwarded to the longitudinal control, so that the actual minimum distance is provided.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 comprises instructions 201 which, when the program or instructions 201 are executed by a data processing device 51, cause it to execute the method 100 and / or the steps of the method 100 according to Fig. 2 to be carried out.

[0051] The commands 201 can be in the form of program code in any code or language, in particular code suitable for controlling and / or monitoring motor vehicles 50, their high-beam assist systems 57, and / or their adaptive cruise control systems 56. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 can be or comprise any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, SD card, or SSD card. The computer program need not necessarily be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be accessed via the Internet or otherwise. Reference symbol list 40 Front vehicle 50 motor vehicles 51 Data processing device 56 Adaptive cruise control 57 High Beam Assist 58 automated high beam function 60 High beam information 61 Distance information 62 Status indicator 65 Control signal 100 procedures 110 Capture 120 Determine Spend 130 200 computer program and / or computer-readable medium 201 commands d minimum target distance d' target distance s distance

Claims

[1] Method (100) for operating an adaptive cruise control system (56) for a motor vehicle (50) having a high beam assist system (57), wherein the method (100) comprises: Acquisition (110) of high beam information (60) relating to an automated high beam function (58) of the high beam assistant (57), wherein the high beam information (60) includes distance information (61), the distance information (61) characterizes a distance (s) between the motor vehicle (50) and a vehicle in front (40), and the distance (s) represents a threshold for activating and / or deactivating the high beam function (58) of the high beam assistant (57); Determine (120), using the high beam information (60) which includes the distance information (61), a minimum target distance (d) between the motor vehicle (50) and the vehicle in front (40); and Output (130) of a control signal (65) to operate the adaptive cruise control (56) while maintaining the minimum target distance (d). [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the distance information (61) characterizes the distance (s) and a distance buffer. [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high beam information (60) comprises a status indicator (62) characterizing the high beam assistant (57) and / or the high beam function (58). [4] Method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum target distance (d) is greater than a target distance (d') defined by the adaptive cruise control (56) without regard to the high beam assist (57) and / or the high beam function (58). [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum target distance (d) is determined such that the high beam assistant (57) can illuminate an area around the front vehicle (40). [6] Computer program and / or computer-readable medium (200) comprising instructions (201) which, when the program or instructions (201) are executed by a data processing device (51), cause the device to perform the method (100) and / or the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Data processing device (51) for a motor vehicle (50), wherein the data processing device (51) is configured to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [8] Adaptive cruise control (56) for a motor vehicle (50) having a high beam assist (57), comprising the data processing device (51) according to claim 7. [9] Motor vehicle (50) comprising an adaptive cruise control system (56) according to claim 8 and a high beam assist system (57).

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