Assistance system for longitudinal control of an Ego vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an assistance system for longitudinal control of an ego-vehicle (1) by means of a speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2). The invention provides that the assistance system has a light bar (3) arranged in the interior of the ego-vehicle (1) for displaying the currently specified speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assistance system for longitudinal control of an ego vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicles increasingly utilize driver assistance systems to control their operation, supporting or relieving the driver in specific driving situations or during certain vehicle movements. These systems are now used in a wide variety of forms, such as Electronic Stability Programs (ESP) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC), emergency braking systems, lane keeping assist, overtaking assist, turning assist, hill start assist, traffic jam assist, parking assist, or longitudinal control systems, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC).

[0003] With such assistance systems for longitudinal control of a vehicle via distance and / or speed, in addition to the desired speed, a desired distance to a vehicle ahead can also be set, thus specifying a so-called time gap that depends on the vehicle's speed. This time gap is usually set by the vehicle operator by operating controls designed as levers or switches on the steering wheel, or it can also be specified using other controls.

[0004] In this context, DE 10 2017 208 993 A1 discloses a method for intuitively setting a distance to a vehicle ahead. The distance to the vehicle ahead is set using the vehicle's accelerator pedals, whereby pressing the accelerator pedal decreases the distance and pressing the brake pedal increases the distance. The currently set distance can be visualized on a display.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2012 002 318 A1 describes a method for operating a motor vehicle in which, when an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal are actuated, a specific value for a target speed of a vehicle speed control or a specific value for a target distance of a distance control is set.

[0006] Finally, DE 11 2009 004 643 B4 discloses a control device for a vehicle in which the setting of the distance between vehicles and the setting of the vehicle speed can be individually updated according to a pedal actuation of a brake pedal in the vehicle itself.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing an assistance system for the longitudinal control of an ego vehicle, in which a representation of the speed-dependent desired distance set during longitudinal control is visualized in a simple and intuitive way for an operator.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by an assistance system for longitudinal control of an ego vehicle with the features listed in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous further developments of the assistance system according to the invention are part of the further patent claims.

[0010] In the assistance system according to the invention for longitudinal control of an ego-vehicle by means of a speed-dependent desired distance, and thus a so-called time gap to a vehicle ahead, the currently set or predefined speed-dependent desired distance, and thus the time gap, is displayed on a light bar arranged in the interior of the ego-vehicle, thereby making it clearly visual, especially for the driver of the ego-vehicle. A light bar is thus arranged in the interior of the ego-vehicle, which, as intended, displays the currently predefined speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead. The desired distance is therefore visually displayed on this light bar. It is displayed, in particular, depending on the active operation of the assistance system and / or when the desired distance is to be displayed. A situation-dependent display is therefore provided.

[0011] Preferably, the light strip is arranged on an interior component, and in particular on an interior trim panel of the ego vehicle, within the vehicle's interior. The light strip, positioned as a narrow band of light, is placed in a location clearly visible to the driver of the ego vehicle, for example, below the windshield, on the instrument panel, or on the center console.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one highlighted indicator bar is formed on the light bar as a continuous, raised, narrow display area.

[0013] In a first embodiment of the invention, this indicator bar can be designed, in particular, to display the current speed-dependent desired distance and thus serve as a distance indicator bar. For example, the length of such an indicator bar, and thus its horizontal extent, and / or its thickness, and thus its vertical extent, can visualize the currently set or specified speed-dependent desired distance. That is, a larger speed-dependent desired distance is represented by a longer or thicker distance indicator bar, and conversely, a smaller speed-dependent desired distance is represented by a shorter or thinner distance indicator bar.The distance indicator bar can be configured as a bar extending upwards or upwards from an endpoint of the light bar. Alternatively, it can be configured as a bar extending symmetrically from the center of the light bar, thus extending away from or outwards from the center. The visualization of the distance indicator bar, and therefore the currently set or predefined speed-dependent desired distance, can be further enhanced by adjusting the light bar's brightness, color, and / or other effects. For example, the light bar and the distance indicator bar can be colored according to the standard color scheme used in such driver assistance systems.When the speed-dependent desired distance is changed, the length of the distance indicator bar of the light bar and / or the thickness of the distance indicator bar of the light bar and / or the intensity of the distance indicator bar of the light bar and / or the color of the distance indicator bar of the light bar are changed accordingly.

[0014] Furthermore, the (possible) setting range for the speed-dependent desired distance, and thus for the time gap, can also be displayed on the light bar. This means that the entire configurable setting range of a speed-dependent desired distance, from the minimum permissible speed-dependent desired distance to the maximum possible speed-dependent desired distance, is displayed on the light bar. The display format of the setting range can, in particular, differ from that of the distance indicator bar.For example, in a distance indicator bar that visualizes the current and therefore actual speed-dependent desired distance, dashed lines can be provided as a continuous, raised, narrow display area for the setting range, thus representing the entire possible setting range for the predefinable speed-dependent desired distance or all possible time gaps.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one indicator bar on the light bar is configured as a vehicle indicator bar for displaying the ego-vehicle, and at least one further indicator bar on the light bar is configured as a vehicle indicator bar for displaying another vehicle traveling ahead of the ego-vehicle in its lane. In particular, the vehicle indicator bar for the ego-vehicle and the vehicle indicator bar for the at least one vehicle traveling ahead can be differentiated by color. For example, this differentiation can be achieved by using different colors for these vehicle indicator bars, different brightness levels for these vehicle indicator bars, or other different display characteristics for these vehicle indicator bars.Furthermore, the maximum line of sight can also be displayed here as an adjustment range for the speed-dependent desired following distance on the light bar. The display of this adjustment range can, in turn, differ from the display of the vehicle's indicator bars. For example, dashed lines can be used for the adjustment range, and thus for the maximum line of sight, representing the entire possible adjustment range for the predefined speed-dependent desired following distance or for the possible time gaps. When the speed-dependent desired following distance and / or the current traffic situation changes, the vehicle's indicator bars and the dashed lines representing the maximum line of sight distance or the entire adjustment range adjust dynamically accordingly.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the ego-vehicle has at least one control element, independent of the light bar, for setting the speed-dependent desired distance. This at least one control element can be implemented, for example, as a push button, a control lever, a rotary switch, or pedals in the ego-vehicle. In the latter case, pressing the accelerator pedal of the ego-vehicle reduces the speed-dependent desired distance, while pressing the brake pedal increases it. These changes in the speed-dependent desired distance are then displayed on the light bar as described.

[0017] Furthermore, a claim is also made for an assistance system designed as a distance assistant for the Ego vehicle for longitudinal control of the Ego vehicle and an Ego vehicle that has such an assistance system for longitudinal control of the Ego vehicle.

[0018] The proposed assistance system advantageously allows for a simple, intuitive, and clear display of the currently set speed-dependent desired following distance, as well as any variations in this distance, for the driver of the ego vehicle. This eliminates the need for a screen in the ego vehicle or any other separate display device.

[0019] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0020] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the invention for the case of a large set time gap with respect to a preceding vehicle; Fig. 2 a first embodiment of the invention for the case of a small set time gap with respect to a vehicle driving ahead; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of the invention for the case of a large set time gap with respect to a preceding vehicle; and Fig. 4 a second embodiment of the invention for the case of a small set time gap with respect to a vehicle driving ahead.

[0021] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0022] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 and the Fig. Figure 2 shows in the upper part that an ego vehicle 1 equipped with a longitudinal control assistance system emits sensor signals 11 from the front 16 of the ego vehicle 1, for example, radar radiation in the form of a radar cone. This radar radiation 11 serves to detect vehicles 2 traveling ahead of the ego vehicle 1 in lane 15 as part of the longitudinal control of the ego vehicle 1 and, depending on this, to set a desired distance to a vehicle 2 ahead, which depends on the speed of the ego vehicle 1, as a so-called time gap.

[0024] In the respective lower part of the Fig. 1 and the Fig. Figure 2 shows that this speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead is displayed in the ego vehicle 1 on a light bar 3 located, for example, below the windshield 12 of the ego vehicle 1 and arranged on an interior component 6. On this light bar 3, which is designed as a narrow light band, a display bar 4 extending from the starting point 8 of the light bar 3 is provided, which, according to the embodiment, is shown in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2, as a distance indicator bar, symbolizes the currently set or preset speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus the current time gap. Furthermore, the possible setting range 7 for the speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead is shown on the light bar 3. This range is symbolized, for example, by dashed lines 5 up to the possible maximum value 9 of the speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead. A speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus a time gap within setting range 7, can be set by the driver of the ego vehicle 1 by activating at least one control element 10 of the ego vehicle 1. For this purpose, the Fig. For example, a control element 10 designed as an accelerator pedal for the ego vehicle 1 is provided, the activation of which specifies a smaller speed-dependent desired distance between the ego vehicle 1 and the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus a smaller time gap. Likewise, by activating a control element 10 designed as a brake pedal for the ego vehicle 1, a larger speed-dependent desired distance between the ego vehicle 1 and the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus a larger time gap, can be specified.

[0025] The situation with the attitude of one towards the representation in the Fig. 1. Lower speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle ahead 2, and thus the situation with a difference compared to the representation in the Fig. 1 smaller time gap is in the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the distance indicator bar, shown as indicator bar 4 on the light bar 3, is also significantly shorter than the one shown in Figure 3 due to the lower speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle 2 ahead. Fig. 1. With a larger speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle in front, 2. the distance indicator bars shown are displayed as indicator bars 4 on the light bar 3.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 3 and the Fig. Figure 4 shows that the speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead is also displayed in the ego vehicle 1 on a light bar 3 located, for example, below the windshield 12 of the ego vehicle 1 and arranged on an interior component 6. On this light bar 3, which is designed as a narrow light strip, a display bar 13 extending from the starting point 8 of the light bar 3 is provided, which, according to the embodiment, is located in the Fig. 3 and the Fig. The vehicle indicator bar 4 symbolizes the ego vehicle 1. The other indicator bar 14 on the light bar 3, also designed as a vehicle indicator bar, symbolizes the vehicle 2 ahead. The currently set or predefined speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus the current time gap, is represented by the distance between the vehicle indicator bars 13 and 14 on the light bar 3. Furthermore, the possible setting range 7 for the speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead is shown on the light bar 3. This range is symbolized, for example, by dashed lines 5 up to the possible maximum value 9 for the speed-dependent desired distance to the vehicle 2 ahead.A desired speed-dependent distance to the vehicle 2 ahead, and thus a time gap within the setting range 7, can be specified by the driver of the Ego vehicle 1 by actuating at least one control element 10 of the Ego vehicle 1.

[0027] The situation with the attitude of one towards the representation in the Fig. 3. A smaller speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle ahead 2, and thus a smaller time gap, is in the Fig. Figure 4 shows that the indicator bar 14 on the light bar 3, symbolizing the vehicle 2 ahead, is lower due to the lower speed-dependent desired distance of the ego vehicle 1 to the vehicle 2 ahead compared to the Fig. 3 has also moved significantly closer to the display bar 13 on the light bar 3, which symbolizes the ego vehicle 1. This also reduces the distance between the display bar 13, designed as a vehicle display bar, and the display bar 14, also designed as a vehicle display bar, on the light bar 3 compared to the distance shown in the Fig. The distance shown in section 3 is significantly reduced. Reference symbol list 1 Ego vehicle 2. Vehicle ahead 3 light strips 4 display bars 5 possible time gaps 6 Interior component 7 Adjustment range 8 Starting point light strip 9 Maximum value 10 Control element 11 radar cones 12 Windscreen 13 display bars 14 display bars 15 lanes 16 Front view Ego vehicle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 208 993 A1

[0004] DE 10 2012 002 318 A1

[0005] DE 11 2009 004 643 B4

[0006]

Claims

[1] Assistance system for longitudinal control of an ego vehicle (1) by means of a speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2), characterized by , that the assistance system has a light bar (3) arranged in the interior of the Ego vehicle (1) on which the currently specified speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2) is displayed. [2] Assistance system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light bar (3) is arranged on an interior component (6) of the Ego vehicle (1) in the interior of the Ego vehicle (1). [3] Assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one indicator bar (4, 13, 14) is formed on the light bar (3). [4] Assistance system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that an adjustment range (7) for the speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2) is formed on the light bar (3). [5] Assistance system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that a display bar (4) is provided on the light bar (3) to display the current speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2) as a distance display bar. [6] Assistance system according to claim 5, characterized by , that when the speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle ahead (2) changes, the length of the indicator bar (4) as distance indicator bar of the light bar (3) and / or the thickness of the indicator bar (4) as distance indicator bar of the light bar (3) and / or the intensity of the indicator bar (4) as distance indicator bar of the light bar (4) and / or the color of the indicator bar (4) as distance indicator bar of the light bar (3) is varied. [7] Assistance system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by, that on the light bar (3) a display bar (13) is designed to represent the ego vehicle (1) as a vehicle display bar and at least one display bar (14) is designed to represent at least one further vehicle (2) driving ahead of the ego vehicle (1) on the lane (15). [8] Assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the Ego vehicle (1) has at least one control element (10) independent of the light bar (3) for setting the speed-dependent desired distance to a vehicle (2) in front. [9] Assistance system according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is designed as a distance assistant of the Ego vehicle (1). [10] Vehicle (1) with an assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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