Method for longitudinal guidance of a vehicle in relation to a preceding vehicle by means of an electronic distance control system and electronic distance control system

Abstract

Method for longitudinal guidance of a vehicle (1) in relation to a preceding vehicle (2, 11) by means of an electronic distance control system (3): - longitudinal guidance of the vehicle (1) behind the front vehicle (2) traveling directly in front of the vehicle (1) depending on a provided first target distance (6) on a first lane (7) of a roadway (8) with at least two adjacent lanes (7, 9) for driving in one direction of travel; - determining a second target distance (11) after a lane change of the vehicle (1) from the first lane (7) to a different second lane (9) of the roadway (8) depending on a lateral position of the second lane (9) relative to the first lane (7); and - longitudinal guidance of the vehicle (1) to the vehicle in front (2) which is also changing lanes or to another vehicle in front (11) in the second lane (9) travelling directly in front of the vehicle (1) with the distance keeping system (3) depending on the determined second target distance (10).

Description

[0001] Aspects of the invention relate to a method for longitudinal guidance of a vehicle in relation to a preceding vehicle by means of an electronic distance control system and an electronic distance control system.

[0002] Vehicles are known to have a distance control system (Adaptive Cruise Control, ACC) for controlling the distance to the vehicle ahead. The distance to be controlled depends primarily on the vehicle's current speed. Additionally, the driver has the option of adjusting an applied characteristic curve in stages, for example, over five control levels, using buttons on the steering wheel, thus varying the distance.

[0003] DE 10 2009 033 800 A1 relates to a method for assisting a driver in preparing a lane change with a vehicle from a current lane to an adjacent target lane, wherein the vehicle has a longitudinal control device, e.g. cruise control, adaptive cruise control, ACC controller.

[0004] DE 100 302 58 A1 relates to a method for controlling the distance of a vehicle to a vehicle driving ahead, in which vehicle state variables and vehicle characteristics as well as the distance and the vehicle speed of at least one surrounding other vehicle are recorded and the distance to the other vehicle and the vehicle's own speed are set to permissible limit values.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a method and an electronic distance control system for a vehicle in order to improve the longitudinal guidance of the vehicle supported by an assistance system.

[0006] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for longitudinally guiding a vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle using an electronic distance control system. In particular, the method comprises the following steps: a) In particular, providing a first target distance; b) In particular, guiding the vehicle longitudinally behind the vehicle in front driving directly in front of the vehicle, depending on the provided first target distance, on a first lane of a roadway with at least two adjacent lanes for driving in one direction of travel; c) In particular, changing the lane of the vehicle from the first lane to a different second lane of the roadway; d) In particular, determining a second target distance after the lane change has been carried out depending on a lateral position of the second lane relative to the first lane; and e) In particular, guiding the vehicle longitudinally to the vehicle in front which is also changing lanes or to another vehicle in front of the vehicle in the second lane driving directly in front of the vehicle with the distance control system depending on the determined second target distance.

[0008] This results in improved longitudinal guidance of the vehicle, which is at least supported by an assistance system. A more natural, human-like, and thus more realistic driving behavior is achieved in the process in which an assistance system for longitudinal guidance, i.e., a distance control system, is used. At least some steps of the process can be executed in a different order or at least partially overlapped.

[0009] The target distance is, in particular, a target distance that can be set during operation of the electronic distance control system between the vehicle equipped with the electronic distance control system and a vehicle currently traveling ahead. The target distance can be a distance. Alternatively, the target distance can also be a temporal specification or characterize it, for example, a time gap. The time gap is, in particular, the amount of time the vehicle needs to reach the vehicle in front, especially in the current situation.

[0010] In particular, if, for example, the second lane is an overtaking lane, i.e. is intended for driving at a higher speed than the first lane, the first target distance is greater than the second target distance, especially if the first lane is intended for slower driving. If, for example, the second lane is intended for slower driving and the first lane is an overtaking lane, then the second target distance may be greater than the first target distance. The first lane is referred to in particular as the lane used before the lane change, and the second lane is referred to in particular as the lane used after the lane change. The method is therefore intended in particular for a lane change both from a lane for slower driving to an overtaking lane and vice versa.The procedure enables a more comfortable and / or more adapted driving style compared to driving without an assistance system, especially when maintaining a distance to a vehicle in front with the aid of an assistance system, in particular when changing lanes and thus changing driving behavior.

[0011] It is possible that in step d) for determining the second target distance, the second target distance is specified and is selected depending on the second lane.

[0012] On a three-lane road with three carriageways in one direction, such as a motorway, the difference between the first target distance and the second target distance is between 20 and 30%. At an actual speed of 120 km / h, this corresponds to a target distance of approximately 30 meters for a left lane, 40 meters for a middle lane, and 50 meters for a right lane. For example, if the vehicle is driving in the left lane, the target distance is 30 meters, and the second target distance is 40 meters.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, at least a third target distance is determined. The vehicle is initially guided longitudinally in the second lane depending on the third target distance. In particular, the vehicle is only subsequently guided longitudinally depending on the second target distance. Thus, the vehicle does not abruptly switch from the first target distance to the second target distance, but instead uses the third target distance, in particular at least one third target distance, in between. This smooths acceleration behavior and increases ride comfort.

[0014] In particular, the third target distance is only determined if the vehicle is traveling in a convoy. For example, the vehicle follows the vehicle in front on a roadway with at least two adjacent lanes in one direction of travel for a specified minimum time when traveling in a convoy. When traveling in a convoy, a sudden change in the distance to the vehicle in front is unpleasant for driving comfort and should be avoided. When leaving a convoy, for example when overtaking, or when rejoining a convoy, it is desirable and advantageous to quickly change the distance from the first target distance to the second target distance. This can be achieved by only determining the third target distance if the vehicle is traveling in a convoy.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of third target distances are determined, in particular depending on a vehicle speed. Preferably, the more third target distances are determined, the slower the vehicle travels, in particular immediately after the lane change. In particular, the value of the plurality of third target distances lies between the first target distance and the second target distance. Thus, a smooth transition between the first target distance and the second target distance is enabled. In particular, this exemplary embodiment prevents abrupt acceleration or braking from the first target distance to the second target distance. This increases driving comfort. A temporary dynamic change in the target distance is thus achieved.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the third target distance is determined as a function of a ratio of a first time portion during which the vehicle travels in the first lane to a second time portion during which the vehicle travels in the second lane. The value of the third target distance may therefore be dependent on the length of time the vehicle has traveled in the second lane since the lane change. In particular, if multiple third target distances are determined, the third target distances determined later after the lane change gradually approach the second target distance in terms of value. This increases driving comfort.

[0017] For example, this ratio is specified using percentages. The first time portion and the second time portion particularly make up a total time. For example, the total time begins as soon as the lane change begins and ends when the lane change is completed. The total time is particularly a predetermined period of time from a past point in time to a current point in time. For example, the last 20 seconds are considered the total time. In particular, the vehicle is in the second lane at the current point in time under consideration. This means in particular that the first time portion is initially greater than the second time portion. Therefore, the longer the vehicle drives in the second lane, for example, the longer the second time portion is, in particular, greater than the first time portion.

[0018] For example, it is possible for the first time component to be multiplied by the first target distance and the second time component by the second target distance. In particular, the third target distance is determined as the sum of the two multiplications.

[0019] Thus, the third target distance determined first after the lane change is closer in value to the first target distance than a second third target distance. For example, if the vehicle travels in the second lane for longer than the total time, the second time portion is 100 percent and the first time portion is 0 percent. Due to the multiplication, the second target distance applies from this point in time. Thus, the first target distance gradually approaches the second target distance.

[0020] In one embodiment, a probability is determined as to whether convoy travel is occurring. During convoy travel, the vehicle follows the vehicle in front at least semi-autonomously, in particular fully autonomously, i.e., at least with the assistance of the distance control system, on a roadway with at least two adjacent lanes in one direction of travel for a predetermined minimum time. The third target distance is determined based on the determined probability. In particular, the third target distance is only determined if convoy travel is occurring.

[0021] This allows the vehicle to achieve a driving behavior in which, when overtaking, the vehicle quickly closes the gap to the second target distance from the other vehicle in front in the second lane. For example, if the lane change is part of driving in a convoy, the third target distance is determined in particular, so that the vehicle gradually closes the gap to the second target distance by first closing the gap to the third target distance from the vehicle in front and only then closing the gap to the second target distance. This increases driving comfort.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, a preceding vehicle history memory is generated by a computing unit of the vehicle. The preceding vehicle is assigned an identification number (ID). The assigned identification number is entered as an entry in the preceding vehicle history memory. Alternatively or additionally, a lane history memory is generated by the computing unit. A currently traveled lane is entered as an entry in the lane history memory. In particular, the probability of traveling in a convoy is determined depending on the preceding vehicle history memory. This allows the probability of traveling in a convoy to be improved, and in particular, determined more accurately. It is therefore possible to detect more precisely whether or not traveling in a convoy is occurring.

[0023] For example, an entry in the lane history memory indicates whether a left or right lane, or possibly a middle lane in the case of three lanes, is being used at a given time. For this purpose, the vehicle's environmental sensors are used to determine the current lane. The vehicle's environmental sensors include, for example, a camera and / or radar sensors.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the identification number is entered into the lead vehicle history memory, in particular only if the convoy driving criteria are met. If, for example, the convoy driving criteria are not met, a zero or no character is entered for the respective time at which these convoy driving criteria are not present. For example, the convoy driving criteria depend on a road category and / or a speed of the vehicle and / or a relative speed between the vehicle and the vehicle in front and / or a distance of the vehicle from the vehicle in front. For example, the convoy driving criteria are met if the road category is a motorway and / or the speed of the vehicle is less than 60 km / h and / or the relative speed between the vehicle and the vehicle in front is less than 2 km / h and / or the distance from the vehicle to the vehicle in front is less than 60 meters.Preferably, all convoy driving criteria must be met for the ID of the vehicle in front or the other vehicle in front to be entered into the vehicle in front history log. This means, in particular, that the road category is motorway, the speed is less than 60 km / h, the relative speed is less than 2 km / h, and the distance to the vehicle in front is less than 60 meters.

[0025] This embodiment improves the determination of the probability of convoy travel, particularly with a lower false positive rate.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the lead vehicle history memory has a predetermined number of storage locations. The probability of traveling in a convoy is determined depending on the relative frequency of the entered identification numbers. The probability of traveling in a convoy is therefore determined depending on the percentage of the same identification numbers among all entered identification numbers. The total number of identification numbers corresponds, for example, to the predetermined number of storage locations. For example, the predetermined number of storage locations of the lead vehicle history memory is between 10 and 60 storage locations, in particular between 15 and 30 storage locations, in particular 20 storage locations. If a relative proportion of one of the identification numbers is above a predetermined threshold, for example, then traveling in a convoy is likely.On this basis, the probability can be determined quickly and easily. The more memory locations the preceding vehicle's history memory has, and the more entries in the memory locations are taken into account to determine the relative frequency and, in particular, the probability, the lower the false positive rate may be. However, it is possible that the false negative rate may increase, and a given convoy may not be assessed as such.

[0027] For example, the last entry in the preceding vehicle's history memory is the most recently entered current entry. For example, the oldest entry in the preceding vehicle's history memory is pushed out of the preceding vehicle's history memory when a new entry is entered into the preceding vehicle's history memory. For example, convoy travel is determined to be present if the relative proportion of one of the entered identification numbers is greater than 60 percent, in particular greater than 80 percent, in particular greater than 90 percent. This exemplary embodiment also allows for an improved determination of the convoy travel probability.

[0028] In one embodiment, the probability of traveling in convoy is determined based on a function that assigns a probability of traveling in convoy to the relative frequencies of the identification numbers. The probability of traveling in convoy is thus not simply determined as present or not present, or as 0 percent or 100 percent, but rather as a percentage between 0 percent and 100 percent. This allows, for example, the probability of traveling in convoy to be determined meaningfully in ambiguous situations.

[0029] For example, the function is piecewise linear. For example, the function has three sections. For example, a first section of the function is assigned a probability of 0 percent. In particular, a third section is assigned a probability of 100 percent. Optionally, a second section is assigned a linearly increasing probability between 0 and 100 percent. Preferably, the linear section relates to a range of the relative frequency of the identification numbers between 50 percent and 95 percent, in particular between 65 percent and 90 percent.

[0030] In one embodiment, a number of recently added entries to the lane history memory is determined based on the probability of convoy travel. The third target distance is determined based on the most recently added entries of this number.

[0031] For example, the lane history memory contains 20 entries. Depending on the probability of convoy travel, the number of most recently added entries is determined as 10 in this example. Then, in this example, only the last 10 most recently added entries in the lane history memory are used to determine the third target distance.

[0032] For example, if the probability of traveling in a convoy is 100 percent, in one embodiment the entire range—i.e., all entries in the lane history memory—is considered to determine the third target distance. If in one embodiment the probability of traveling in a convoy is 0 percent, for example, in this embodiment only the most recent entry in the lane history memory would be used to determine the third target distance. In this example, the third target distance may correspond to the second target distance. For example, if the probability of traveling in a convoy is between 0 percent and 100 percent, an equal proportion of the most recently added entries in the lane history memory are used to determine the third target distance.

[0033] In a training example, the third target distance (d3) is calculated depending on the first target distance (d1) and the second target distance (d2), for example, according to the following formula: d3=share of first lane⋅d1+share of second lane⋅d2

[0034] The longer the vehicle travels in the second lane, the more the respective third target distances approach the second target distance, especially until the last third target distance corresponds to the second target distance. However, if, for example, the proportion of the first lane is 100%, because the vehicle has only traveled in the first lane for the specified number of recently added entries in the lane history memory, then the third target distance corresponds to the first target distance. This behavior is achieved in particular by this training example.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, the third calculated target distance is always the target distance to be set. Before changing lanes, for example, the above formula results in the first target distance as the target distance to be set for the vehicle's longitudinal guidance. After driving for an extended period in the second lane, the above formula results in the second target distance as the target distance to be set.

[0036] In one embodiment, a plurality of third target distances are determined, which lie between the first target distance and the second target distance in terms of value. In particular, between one and 20 third target distances are determined, in particular between two and ten third target distances, in particular three third target distances are determined.

[0037] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic assistance system for driving a vehicle. In particular, the assistance system is a distance keeping system or has one in addition to other systems. The distance keeping system has, in particular, a computing unit and a memory unit. The electronic distance keeping system is configured to carry out a method for longitudinally guiding a vehicle with respect to a vehicle traveling ahead in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect of the invention or an exemplary embodiment thereof. In particular, the electronic distance keeping system carries out the method. In particular, the memory unit has the lane history memory and / or the vehicle in front history memory. Advantages and exemplary embodiments of the method according to the above-mentioned aspect of the invention are transferable to the electronic distance keeping system and vice versa.

[0038] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary situation in which an embodiment of a method according to the invention for longitudinal guidance of a vehicle in relation to a preceding vehicle is carried out by means of an embodiment of an electronic distance control system according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a further exemplary situation in which an embodiment of a method according to the invention for longitudinal guidance of a vehicle in relation to a preceding vehicle is carried out by means of an embodiment of an electronic distance control system according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a front vehicle history memory of a further embodiment of the electronic distance control system according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a lane history memory of a further embodiment of the electronic distance control system according to the invention and a function for assigning a relative frequency of identification numbers to a probability of convoy travel of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0041] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary situation in which a method for longitudinally guiding a vehicle 1 relative to a preceding vehicle 2 is implemented using an electronic distance control system 3. For example, the electronic distance control system 3 includes a storage unit 4 and an evaluation unit 5.

[0043] In particular, the method comprises the following steps. For example, a first target distance 6 is provided. In particular, the vehicle 1 is guided longitudinally in a first lane 7 of a roadway 8 having at least two adjacent lanes 7, 9 behind the leading vehicle 2 traveling directly in front of the vehicle 1, depending on the provided first target distance 6. In particular, a lane change of the vehicle 1 is carried out from the first lane 7 to a different second lane 9 of the roadway 8. In particular, a second target distance 10 is determined after the lane change has been carried out, depending on a lateral position of the second lane 9 relative to the first lane 7.In particular, the vehicle 1 is guided longitudinally to the vehicle in front 2, which is also changing lanes, or to another vehicle in front 11, which is driving on the second lane 9 directly in front of the vehicle 1, with the distance keeping system 3 depending on the determined second target distance 10.

[0044] In the Fig. 1, the leading vehicle 2 may not change lanes. Vehicle 1 may leave a convoy with the leading vehicle 2 by changing lanes. For example, the second lane 9 is an overtaking lane. In this case, the second target distance 10 is, for example, smaller than the first target distance 6. In particular, the vehicle 1 in the Fig. 1, quickly approach the other vehicle 11 in front, in particular to overtake the vehicle 2 in front. An oncoming lane is particularly important in Fig. 1 not shown.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a further exemplary situation in which the method for longitudinal guidance of the vehicle 1 in relation to the preceding vehicle 2 is carried out by means of the electronic distance control system 3. For example, in this Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the leading vehicle 2 also leaves the lane. If necessary, the leading vehicle 2 and vehicle 1 remain in convoy.

[0046] If necessary, the Fig. 2, a third target distance is determined. For example, the vehicle 1 initially follows the vehicle in front 2 in the first lane 7 with the first target distance 6. For example, subsequently both the vehicle in front 2 and the vehicle 1 change from the first lane 7 to the second lane 9. If necessary, the evaluation unit 5 of the distance control system 3 determines the third target distance. For example, the vehicle 1 closes up to the third determined target distance from the vehicle in front 2. Subsequently, the vehicle 1 closes up to the second determined target distance 10 from the vehicle in front 2. For example, in the Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the third target distance is smaller than the first target distance 6 and larger than the second target distance 10.

[0047] In one embodiment, the memory unit 4 of the distance control system 3 has a preceding vehicle history memory 12. The preceding vehicle history memory 12 is shown, for example, in Fig. 3. The preceding vehicle history memory 12 has, for example, a time column 13 and a corresponding identification number column 14. For example, the vehicle 1 detects the preceding vehicle 2 and assigns it an identification number. For example, the assigned identification number is entered as entry 16 with the associated detection time 15 in the preceding vehicle history memory 12. If necessary, the vehicle 1 detects the preceding vehicle 2 every second. If the preceding vehicle 2 cannot be detected, for example, because there is no preceding vehicle 2, no character 16a is entered in the identification number column 14 at the corresponding time 15a. For example, the time T1 is not shown in the figures. For example, the times T2, T3 and T4 are in Fig. 2. For example, at time TN the identification number of the leading vehicle 2 changes, especially since instead of the leading vehicle 2, as for example in Fig. 1 shows that the other vehicle 11 in front of the vehicle 1 is driving in the second lane 9, in particular after changing lanes.

[0048] In one embodiment, the respective percentage shares of the registered identification numbers are determined from a total number of entries in the lane history memory 17. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the percentage of a first recorded vehicle identification number ID1 is, for example, 60 percent, and of a second recorded vehicle identification number ID2 is 20 percent. In this example, the relative frequency that no vehicle was detected is 20 percent. In particular, the percentage of entries 16a without a vehicle identification number is also determined.

[0049] In Fig. 4 schematically shows a lane history memory 17 of the memory unit 4 of the distance control system 3. In addition, Fig. 4 shows a function 18 for assigning a relative frequency 19 of identification numbers 16 to a probability 20 of traveling in convoy. The function 18 has, for example, three subsections 21, 22, 23. For example, the first subsection assigns a probability 20 of traveling in convoy of 0 percent to a relative frequency 19 that is less than a first threshold 24. A third subsection of the function 18 assigns a probability 20 of traveling in convoy of 100 percent to a relative frequency 19 that is greater than a second threshold 25. For example, a second subsection 23 of the function 18 assigns a probability 20 of traveling in convoy between 0 percent and 100 percent to the relative frequencies 19 that lie between the first threshold 24 and the second threshold 25, in a linearly increasing manner. For example, the first threshold 24 is between 50 percent and 80 percent, especially at 65 percent.Where appropriate, the second threshold is between 80 percent and 98 percent, in particular 90 percent.

[0050] For example, the lane history memory 17 has another time column 26 and a lane column 27.

[0051] For example, vehicle 1 detects which lane 7, 9 of roadway 8 it is currently in. The respective detected lane is entered, for example, into the lane history memory 17 with the respective current time. For example, the first lane 7 is designated as I1 and the second lane as I2. It is also possible for the lanes to be designated as left or right, or, if there are three lanes in one direction, as center, and to be entered into the lane history memory 17. Preferably, the lane is detected every second.

[0052] For example, another relative frequency of the registered lanes is determined by the total number of registered lanes. For example, the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, the further relative frequency of lane I1, which corresponds, for example, to the first lane 7, is 62 percent. And the further relative frequency of lane I2, which corresponds, for example, to the second lane 9, is 38 percent.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, only a number of entries from the lane history memory 17 are used to determine the further relative frequencies of the lanes, which depends on the probability 20 of traveling in a convoy. If the probability 20 is, for example, 0 percent, only the last entry 28 is used. For example, this results in a relative frequency of 100 percent for lane I2 and 0 percent for lane I1. If the probability 20 is, for example, 100 percent, the further relative frequencies are used depending on all entries in the lane history memory 17. If the probability 20 is between 0 percent and 100 percent, then, for example, the corresponding percentage of the entries in the lane history memory 17 is used, starting with the most recently added entries 28.

[0054] In a training example, the third target distance is determined according to the following formula: Third target distance = further relative frequency of the first lane 7 x the first target distance + further relative frequency of the second lane 9 x the second target distance 10. The first target distance and the second target distance of this formula can be predetermined parameters if necessary.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method is carried out as follows:

[0056] For example, the probability 20 for traveling in a convoy is first determined in a vehicle 1 based on sensor data from the vehicle 1. Subsequently, depending on the determined probability 20, at least a third target distance is determined, which is set during the lane change or shortly thereafter.

[0057] For example, the basis for calculating probability 20 is a sensor system of vehicle 1 that provides information about the vehicles surrounding vehicle 1 in an environment model. The sensor system can, for example, be a forward-facing radar sensor that assigns a unique ID to each detected object. The ID of the preceding vehicle 2 is successively stored in the preceding vehicle history memory 12 of an applicable length. The length of the preceding vehicle history memory 12 depends, for example, on the period of time from which convoy travel should be recognized as such, for example, between 20 seconds and 60 seconds. The larger the memory, the longer the time until convoy travel is recognized as such. The ID will, for example, only be recorded in the preceding vehicle history memory 12 if convoy travel criteria are met. Fig. The exemplary extract of the preceding vehicle history memory 12 shown in Figure 3, for example, shows no ID at the first time stamp 15a, because, for example, no preceding object, in particular preceding vehicle 2, was detected and / or the convoy driving criteria were not met. Subsequently, according to the exemplary extract, first an object or a preceding vehicle 2 with ID 1 is detected, followed by a new preceding object or another preceding vehicle 11 with ID 2. For example, a percentage distribution is calculated for all detected objects or preceding vehicles 2, 11 during a period corresponding to the length of the preceding vehicle history memory 12. Using the percentage share of the object or the preceding vehicle 2, 11 with the largest share, the probability 20 for convoy driving is then determined using function 18. Fig.Figure 4 shows an example of function 18. This function 18 can be adapted depending on the desired system behavior. Below the first threshold 24 of, for example, 65%, it is assumed that there is no convoy driving (p=0). If the first threshold 24 is exceeded, for example, the probability increases successively. Above the second threshold 25, which is, for example, 90%, it is particularly assumed that convoy driving is present (probability p=1). By applying a hysteresis between 90% and 100%, it is particularly avoided that an interruption of convoy driving is detected in the event of very brief changes in the ID of the preceding vehicle 2, 11, for example during a lane change or in the event of sensor errors.

[0058] Using the probability 20 of convoy travel thus determined, a strategy for executing the lane change can be derived, for example. The lanes I1, I2 traveled by vehicle 1 are successively recorded in the lane history memory 17 of applicable length. Based on the percentage values ​​of the traveled lane and the provided target distances per lane, at least a weighted third target distance can be determined from the lane history memory 17. In an example not shown, the third target distances are calculated in particular as follows: 1. Before changing lanes: Center share 100%; Left share 0%: third target distance = 1*first target distance + 0*second target distance = first target distance 2. During lane change: e.g., center share 38%; left share 62%: third target distance = 0.38*first target distance + 0.62*second target distance 3. After changing lanes: Center share 0%; Left share 100%: third target distance = 0*first target distance + 1*second target distance = second target distance

[0059] In this way, a continuous distance progression is realized during the lane change. In order to take into account the probability 20 of driving in a convoy, for example, only a range of the lane history memory 17 that depends on the probability 20 is used. If the probability is 100%, the entire range of the lane history memory 17 is used to determine the third target distance. As a result, the third target distance is not suddenly adjusted to the second target distance 10 of the second lane 9 after the lane change, but is adjusted successively. With a probability 20 of 0%, for example, the range is reduced to only the most recent, last, current entry 28.In this case, after the lane change, the third target distance is not determined, for example, or is determined in such a way that it corresponds to the second target distance 10 and is therefore controlled abruptly from the first target distance 6 to the second target distance 10.

[0060] In a further exemplary embodiment, parameters of the distance control system are adjusted with regard to the dynamics of a control process when convoy driving is detected. For example, a controller of the distance control system is set to be more "sporty" depending on the situation, so that the respective target distance is adjusted more quickly and maintained better. This can be advantageous, for example, when changing lanes while convoy driving, if the vehicle 2 in front accelerates and, for example, changes to the left lane. Alternatively, the controller is permanently set to be more sporty when convoy driving is detected in order to achieve better system dynamics oriented towards the vehicle 2 in front. This can prevent vehicle 1 from falling too far behind or closing in too closely, for example, when changing lanes. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 front vehicle 3 Distance keeping system 4 storage unit 5 Evaluation unit 6 Target distance 7 first lane 8 Roadway 9 second lane 10 second target distance 11 Front vehicle 12 front vehicle history storage 13 Time column 14 Identification number column 15 Time of recording 15a Time 16 entries 16a characters 17 lane history storage 18 Function 19 Frequency 20 Probability 21 first section 22 third section 23 second section 24 first threshold 25 second threshold 26 Time column 27 lane column 28 entries

Claims

[1] Method for the longitudinal guidance of a vehicle (1) in relation to a preceding vehicle (2, 11) by means of an electronic distance control system (3), comprising the steps: a) providing a first target distance (6); b) guiding the vehicle (1) longitudinally behind the front vehicle (2) traveling directly in front of the vehicle (1) depending on the provided first target distance (6) on a first lane (7) of a roadway (8) with at least two adjacent lanes (7, 9) for driving in one direction of travel; c) carrying out a lane change of the vehicle (1) from the first lane (7) to a different second lane (9) of the roadway (8); d) determining a second target distance (11) after the lane change has been carried out depending on a lateral position of the second lane (9) relative to the first lane (7); and e) guiding the vehicle (1) longitudinally to the vehicle in front (2) which is also changing lanes, or to another vehicle in front (11) in the second lane (9) travelling directly in front of the vehicle (1) with the distance keeping system (3) depending on the determined second target distance (10). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein at least a third target distance is determined, wherein the vehicle (1) is first guided longitudinally on the second lane (9) depending on the third target distance before the vehicle (1) is guided longitudinally depending on the second target distance (10). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the third target distance is determined as a function of a ratio of a first time portion during which the vehicle (1) travels in the first lane (7) to a second time portion during which the vehicle (1) travels in the second lane (9). [4] Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a probability (20) is determined as to whether a convoy is occurring in which the vehicle (1) follows the vehicle in front (2) on a roadway (8) with at least two adjacent lanes (7, 9) in a direction of travel for a predetermined minimum time, and the third target distance is determined as a function of the determined probability (20). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a preceding vehicle history memory (12) is generated by means of a computing unit of the vehicle (1), wherein an identification number is assigned to the preceding vehicle (2, 11) and the assigned identification number is entered as an entry (16) in the preceding vehicle history memory (12) and / or a lane history memory (17) is generated by means of the computing unit, wherein a currently travelled lane (7, 9) is entered as an entry (28) in the lane history memory (17). [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the identification number is entered into the preceding vehicle history memory (12) when convoy driving criteria are met. [7] Method according to claim 4 and one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the preceding vehicle history memory (12) has a predetermined number of memory locations and the probability (20) of traveling in a convoy is determined as a function of a relative frequency (19) of the identification numbers. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the probability (20) of traveling in convoy is determined as a function of a function (18) which assigns a probability (20) of traveling in convoy to the relative frequencies (19) of the identification numbers. [9] Method according to claim 4 and one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a number of the most recently added entries (28) in the lane history memory (17) is determined as a function of the probability (20) of the convoy, wherein the third target distance is determined as a function of the most recently added entries (28) of this number. [10] Electronic distance keeping system (3), comprising a computing unit (5) and a memory unit (4), wherein the electronic distance keeping system (3) is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

Images