Method for interaction between vehicles, a control device configured for carrying out such a method, and a vehicle comprising such a control device

Abstract

To provide an optimized procedure for the interaction between vehicles (10, 13), it is proposed that: a. Detection of vehicles (13) in a predetermined environment (12) of an ego vehicle (10); b. Determining whether at least one of the vehicles (13) is included in a predetermined vehicle group; c. Submitting a request to at least one of the vehicles (13) that is part of the predetermined vehicle group, and if this request is accepted by the at least one vehicle (13); d. Establishment of at least one data exchange connection between the Ego vehicle (10) and the at least one vehicle (13); e. Exchange of at least one interaction via the at least one data exchange connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for interaction between vehicles, a control device designed for carrying out such a method, and a vehicle comprising such a control device.

[0002] US Patent 2013 / 0086164A1 describes a technique for identifying vehicles near a user's vehicle traveling on a road, wirelessly transmitting a request to these vehicles to attempt communication, and, upon receiving a acknowledgment from the intended target vehicle, adding that vehicle to a social networking group. The user then establishes a wireless communication link between their vehicle and the responding target vehicle to enable wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the user and an occupant of the responding target vehicle. Subsequently, additional vehicles can be added to the social networking group, creating a platform for conversation and information exchange within the group.

[0003] JP 200 4 157 692 A relates to a pre-registered vehicle, such as a friend's vehicle, when a vehicle-to-vehicle network is used to exchange information between vehicles using a communication device attached to each vehicle. The present invention relates to an information processing device for communication between vehicles, which is capable of automatically indicating a meeting point with a vehicle when communication with that vehicle becomes possible.

[0004] From DE 10 2015 107 618A1, a vehicle system comprising a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device is known. The navigation system determines a first vehicle location. The communication interface receives social network information via a communication network. The social network information includes a second vehicle location. A processing device determines the proximity of the first vehicle location to the second vehicle location and generates a message based on this proximity.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of proposing an optimized method for the interaction between vehicles.

[0006] This problem is solved by the process steps specified in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a method for interaction between vehicles is provided, comprising the following steps: a. Detection of vehicles in a predetermined environment of an ego vehicle; b. Determining whether at least one of the vehicles is included in a predetermined vehicle group; c. Submitting a request to at least one of the vehicles included in the predetermined vehicle group, and if this request is accepted by the at least one vehicle; d. Establishment of at least one data exchange connection between the Ego vehicle and the at least one other vehicle; e. Exchange of at least one interaction via the at least one data exchange connection.

[0008] The method allows a driver of an ego-vehicle to interact with other vehicles, whereby the other vehicles can be individually restricted so that interaction only occurs with explicitly desired vehicles. A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that the driver can, for example, define the predetermined environment in which a vehicle should be detected. For example, this includes all vehicles within line of sight and / or within a predetermined radius, where the radius is preferably 1000 m, more preferably 500 m, and most preferably 250 m. This ensures that only vehicles relevant to the driver of the ego-vehicle are detected. An ego-vehicle, as understood by those skilled in the art, is the vehicle driven by the driver. To further restrict the detected vehicles, it is determined whether the vehicles belong to a predetermined vehicle group.For example, these vehicles can be stored in a list by the driver of the ego vehicle, preferably by their license plate numbers. This allows the driver of the ego vehicle to, for example, save the vehicles of family, friends, and / or colleagues as a predefined vehicle group, so that the detected vehicles are filtered accordingly. For example, the vehicle group could include friends, family, colleagues, vehicles of a predefined make, and / or a company fleet. By submitting a request in step c), it is ensured that interaction is only possible with the vehicle's consent. For example, consent can be given by a driver and / or a passenger of the vehicle. It can also be pre-configured, for example, if both vehicles belong to each other's predefined vehicle group.In technical terms, a data exchange connection encompasses all common methods suitable for data exchange, such as a wireless network connection, an internet connection, and / or a radio connection. For example, the internet connection could be established by the Ego vehicle.

[0009] For example, detection in step a) is carried out using wireless connection technology and / or camera-based technology. This allows for the detection of vehicles that are no longer within the line of sight of an ego-vehicle camera, as well as vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the ego-vehicle, thus ensuring a high degree of flexibility in the process.

[0010] For example, wireless communication technology is a vehicle-to-vehicle technology, and / or camera-based detection is license plate recognition. A unique identification method is advantageous for detection, thus preventing confusion. This can be ensured by vehicle-to-vehicle technology, where each vehicle is assigned a unique identification number, or by a license plate, which is also typically unique.

[0011] For example, the interactions selected from a list include: sharing, initiating communication, responding, and / or challenging.

[0012] Ideally, sharing includes sharing music, sharing a navigation route, and / or sharing a navigation destination. Sharing the navigation route and / or destination, in particular, has the advantage that, for example, if two families are traveling together on vacation and an unexpected stop is necessary, this spontaneous change of plans can be easily shared. Similarly, a music playlist can be shared so that during a later stop, there's a common topic of conversation, such as an audiobook, which strengthens the shared sense of travel.

[0013] Preferably, initiating communication involves starting a phone call and / or a video call. This allows the driver of the Ego vehicle to communicate easily with the driver of the vehicle they are interacting with, without incurring additional telephone costs, for example.

[0014] Preferably, the response includes sending emoticons. This allows emotions to be exchanged, for example, in a shared traffic jam scenario, as is common in messaging services such as WhatsApp.

[0015] For example, the challenge might include camera-based license plate recognition, camera-based vehicle recognition, preferably camera-based point-of-interest recognition, querying of driving metrics, and / or a combination thereof. A challenge, in this context, is understood by those skilled in the art to be an interaction that can be evaluated according to predetermined criteria. Preferably, camera-based vehicle recognition includes color recognition, license plate recognition, and / or vehicle brand recognition. This allows for the creation of a multitude of possible challenges. For example, the challenge could be: How many red vehicles are within camera range? A range of options could be provided. Similarly, a challenge relating to the origin of a license plate is possible using license plate recognition.In point-of-interest recognition, the challenge can relate to facts about the object. For example, if a church is detected, a challenge could be set relating to the year it was built. Camera-based recognition ensures that the challenge is always relevant to the current surroundings of the ego-vehicle.

[0016] For example, point-of-interest (POI) detection involves navigation data-based recognition within a predetermined radius around the ego vehicle. This radius can be defined as desired. This allows the challenge to include points of interest that are not within the direct line of sight of the vehicle's cameras. For instance, a building in a nearby village can be included in the challenge while driving on a highway, without the ego vehicle having to drive directly past it.

[0017] For example, the driving metrics include the current fuel and / or electricity consumption of the ego vehicle, its maximum acceleration, its maximum speed, or a combination thereof. This allows the challenge to be related to the technical characteristics of the ego vehicle.

[0018] For example, the interaction can be displayed via an infotainment system in the ego vehicle; preferably, a visual interaction is displayed on at least one screen in the ego vehicle and / or an auditory interaction is played back through a speaker in the ego vehicle. Preferably, the screens of the ego vehicle are located in at least one seatback of the driver and / or front passenger seat. This allows for interaction between the occupants of the ego vehicle and the connected vehicle. For example, during a family vacation, children in the back seat can use the interaction to send challenges to other vehicles. This keeps the children occupied, and the driver of the ego vehicle can concentrate better on driving, thus increasing the safety of all occupants.

[0019] For example, the procedure further includes a step f): termination of the interaction based on at least one predetermined termination criterion. Preferably, the predetermined termination criterion is a preset distance of the ego vehicle to the vehicle. In the case of a challenge, however, the termination criterion can also be leaving a radius around the detected object. This ensures that interactions are limited to relevant vehicles and / or that only relevant challenges are posed.

[0020] The problem according to the invention is further solved by a control device designed to carry out a method with the features described above. The control device preferably comprises at least one sensor, particularly preferably a vehicle camera. The control device is, in particular, equipped with a data exchange device to receive and / or transmit sensor signals and / or data. Furthermore, the control device is connected to a display device of the vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a vehicle having the aforementioned control device.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A scenario with one ego vehicle and two other vehicles; and Fig. 2. A flowchart of a procedure for the interaction between vehicles.

[0023] In the figures, the same constructive elements each have the same reference symbols.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows an ego-vehicle 10, which uses cameras 11 to detect other vehicles 13 in an environment 12 predetermined by the camera view. The ego-vehicle 10 recognizes the license plates 14 of the vehicles 13. The vehicles 13 in front of and behind the ego-vehicle 10 are part of a predetermined vehicle group. This group includes license plates belonging to friends of the driver of the ego-vehicle 10. For example, the ego-vehicle 10 and the vehicles 13 are traveling in a convoy on the same road, heading off on a joint vacation. After detecting the vehicles 13, the ego-vehicle 10 sends a request to them, which must be accepted. After acceptance by the vehicles 13, a data exchange connection is established between the ego-vehicle 10 and the vehicles 13 via a data exchange device 15.Once the connection is established, interaction can take place between the Ego vehicle 10 and the vehicles 13. For example, in a traffic jam, a sad emoticon could be sent to the vehicles, which would then be displayed on the screens 16 of the vehicles 13. Furthermore, a current navigation destination can be transmitted to the vehicles 13, for instance, to announce an unplanned stop. Additionally, a video call can be initiated, for example, in a parking lot to discuss the onward journey. Upon resuming the journey, another interaction follows as a challenge displayed on a screen for the occupants in the back seat of the Ego vehicle 10. The camera 11 of the Ego vehicle 10 detects a red third vehicle 17 of a specific car brand and presents this car brand as a choice among a variety of options in response to a predetermined question on the screens 16 of an infotainment system 18.This keeps the occupants of Ego Vehicle 10 occupied, and the driver of Ego Vehicle 10 can concentrate on driving Ego Vehicle 10.

[0025] Fig.Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a process for the interaction between the ego vehicle 10 and other vehicles 13. In step a), a vehicle 13 is detected using vehicle-to-vehicle technology. Vehicle 13 is not within the direct line of sight of the ego vehicle, but is located in a predetermined environment 12, which is defined as a radius of 250 m around the ego vehicle 10. In step b), it is determined whether vehicle 13 belongs to a predetermined vehicle group. Vehicle 13 belongs to a predetermined company fleet that is part of the predetermined vehicle group. In step c), a request for interaction is then sent to vehicle 13, which is accepted. In step d), a data exchange connection is then established via the internet between the ego vehicle 10 and vehicle 13.In step e), an interaction can then be exchanged between the ego-vehicle 10 and the vehicle 13. For example, a point of interest is detected by a camera 11 of the ego-vehicle 10, and the vehicle 13 is presented with a challenge requesting data about the point of interest. Further interactions can also be exchanged. In step f), the interaction is then terminated based on a termination criterion, where the termination criterion is the vehicle 13 leaving a radius of 1000 m around the ego-vehicle 10. Reference symbol list 10 Ego vehicles 11 Camera 12 predetermined environments 13 vehicles 14 license plates 15 Data exchange device 16-inch screen 17 third vehicle 18 Infotainment system a. to f. Procedural steps 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] US 2013 / 0 086 164 A1

[0002] JP 200 4 157 692 A

[0003] DE 10 2015 107 618A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for the interaction between vehicles (10, 13) wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. Detection of vehicles (13) in a predetermined environment (12) of an ego vehicle (10); b. Determining whether at least one of the vehicles (13) is included in a predetermined vehicle group; c. Submitting a request to at least one of the vehicles (13) that is part of the predetermined vehicle group, and if this request is accepted by the at least one vehicle (13); d. Establishment of at least one data exchange connection between the Ego vehicle (10) and the at least one vehicle (13); e. Exchange of at least one interaction via the at least one data exchange connection. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the detection in step a) is carried out using a wireless connection technology and / or camera-based technology. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the wireless connection technology is a vehicle-to-vehicle technology, and / or that the camera-based detection is license plate recognition. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the interactions are selected from a list including: a share, a start of communication, a response and / or a challenge. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that sharing includes: sharing music, sharing a navigation route and / or sharing a navigation destination. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that initiating communication includes: initiating a phone call and / or initiating a video call. [7] Method according to claims 4 to 6, characterized by that the response includes sending emoticons. [8] Method according to claims 3 and 4 to 7, characterized by, that the challenge includes camera-based license plate recognition, camera-based vehicle recognition, preferably camera-based point-of-interest recognition, querying of driving metrics and / or a combination thereof. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the camera-based vehicle recognition includes color recognition, license plate recognition and / or vehicle brand recognition. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the point-of-interest detection includes navigation data-based detection within a predetermined radius around the ego vehicle (10). [11] Method according to claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the driving metrics include an actual fuel and / or electricity consumption of the Ego vehicle (10), a maximum acceleration of the Ego vehicle (10), a maximum driving speed of the Ego vehicle (10) or a combination thereof. [12] Method according to claims 4 to 11, characterized by , that the interaction is displayed via an infotainment system (18) of the ego vehicle (10), preferably a visual interaction is displayed on at least one screen (16) in the ego vehicle (10) and / or an auditory interaction is reproduced via a loudspeaker of the ego vehicle (10). [13] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure further includes a step f): termination of the interaction based on at least one predetermined termination criterion. [14] Control device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [15] Vehicle (10) comprising a control device according to claim 14.

Images