Procedure for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles and corresponding vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles, wherein a towing element (14) is arranged between a towing vehicle (10) and a towed vehicle (12). In a method in which a towing operation is more intuitive for the parties involved, it is provided that V2V communication (16) is established between the towing vehicle (10) and the towed vehicle (12), wherein at least information about driving data of the towing vehicle (10) and the towed vehicle (12) is transmitted via the V2V communication (16), and wherein a driver of the towed vehicle (12) is signaled, depending on the driving data, when adjustments to the operation of the towed vehicle (12) are required.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles, wherein a towing element is arranged between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one V2V communication module for sending and receiving V2V messages with another vehicle, with at least one evaluation device for evaluating received messages.

[0003] It's unusual for drivers to tow another vehicle. If drivers find themselves in a situation where they want or need to tow a vehicle using a tow rope, they may feel uncertain and overwhelmed. Similarly, a lack of communication between the towing driver and the vehicle being towed can lead to dangerous situations, such as the towing rope becoming tangled or the vehicle running off the road due to a lack of coordinated steering maneuvers.

[0004] For example, US Patent 2023 / 0050842A1, a state-of-the-art patent, shows a professionally equipped tow truck that lifts one axle of the vehicle being towed, thus eliminating the need for steering the towed vehicle. The tow truck driver can then be informed whether the mechanical connection between the vehicles has been correctly adjusted.

[0005] US Patent 2023 / 0328490A1 discloses a method for activating a V2V communication link between a trailer and a first towing vehicle. This method involves determining an initial distance between the first towing vehicle and the trailer and activating the V2V communication link in response to the initial distance being less than a threshold distance.

[0006] One disadvantage of existing solutions is that they only exist for specific vehicles, supporting the driver of a professional tow truck or a tractor unit. Solutions that generally support motorists in this situation, thereby contributing to their well-being and road safety, are lacking.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles and a corresponding vehicle, in which a towing operation can be carried out more intuitively for the parties involved.

[0008] In the aforementioned method, this problem is initially solved by the features of claim 1 in that V2V communication is established between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, wherein at least information about driving data of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle is transmitted via the V2V communication, and wherein a driver of the towed vehicle is signaled, depending on the driving data, when adjustments to the operation of the towed vehicle are required.

[0009] Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is a messaging standard, often also referred to as C2X or Car2Car. Car2X communication is a technology in which vehicles communicate with their environment, or "X". In the specific Car2Car variant of the Car2X system used here, vehicles can also communicate with each other. Transmission in Car2X is bidirectional. Consequently, the vehicle can communicate with its surroundings and / or the surroundings with the vehicle. Sensor data is the preferred method of communication. It is conceivable that Car2X communication could be implemented via a WLAN connection. For the purposes of this document, Car2X is considered synonymous with V2X or V2V when Car2X is used in relation to the vehicle, whereas V2X is used from the perspective of another vehicle.

[0010] Examples include the CAM (Cooperative Awareness Message) and DENM (Decentralized Environmental Notification Message) of the ETSI standard for Car2X communication. Vehicles can communicate with each other using Car2X communication. Through this communication, vehicles can share their positions. By linking this with environmental sensors, for example, the vehicle's position can be determined more precisely. Furthermore, the vehicle can communicate with the infrastructure via Car2X communication.

[0011] The position data includes, in particular, coordinates and directions. However, it is also conceivable that speeds and / or information about accelerations are transmitted.

[0012] Accordingly, driving data can also be transmitted. Driving data refers to information about the vehicle's current journey. This includes, for example, speeds, positions, accelerations, etc., but also data relating to the vehicle itself during the journey, such as battery levels, power consumption, etc. Driving data can be collected using sensors. It is also conceivable that environmental sensors, such as radar, lidar, and / or ultrasound, are used to proactively detect obstacles or upcoming driving maneuvers. Cameras can also be used for this purpose.

[0013] The towing element is a component that connects the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle to enable the towing operation. The towing element can, for example, be designed as a rigid tow bar. A preferred design as a tow rope is also conceivable.

[0014] Signaling can take various forms. Possible methods include audible signals or visual notifications via indicator lights. Visual signaling, for example on a display, is preferred. Haptic feedback, such as vibrations of the steering wheel and / or driver's seat, is also conceivable.

[0015] Operating the towed vehicle includes, in particular, steering maneuvers and / or applying the brakes. It also encompasses all other actions that serve to manually alter the vehicle's state. This includes activating turn signals, lights in general, or operating interior elements such as an infotainment system.

[0016] A primary advantage of the present invention is therefore its focus on cooperative coordination among all parties involved in the towing process. V2V communication facilitates coordination between the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed, thus making laypersons feel more confident in this unusual towing process and ultimately reducing the risk of accidents or damage.

[0017] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0018] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, information about the ideal trajectory is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle in order to drive in a straight line with the towing vehicle. Even if the driver of the towed vehicle is inexperienced in towing operations, this provides assistance in making the towing process as efficient as possible. The trajectory is determined based on the driving data, i.e., in relation to the driving behavior of the towing vehicle driver.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, information about upcoming braking maneuvers is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle. A maneuver is an intervention by the driver of the vehicle in the lateral and / or longitudinal control of the vehicle, in particular a change in speed and / or direction. A maneuver is performed, for example, by the driver of the vehicle to keep the vehicle on the desired route, such as a turning maneuver. A corresponding braking maneuver is the application of the brakes while driving. If the driver of the towed vehicle is informed in advance that a braking maneuver is imminent, for example, because the tow truck is approaching an intersection or a traffic light, the driver of the towed vehicle can react in time to prevent a collision with the tow truck.

[0020] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, information about upcoming curves is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle. Analogous to upcoming braking maneuvers, curves can also be detected proactively via appropriate sensors and / or navigation data. An early warning of such curves can be transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle, enabling the towed vehicle to be kept within the lane between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a signal is displayed in a display area of ​​a display device. This display area can be located in the central area or in the cockpit area, for example, in the vehicle's instrument cluster. The display provides the driver of the towed vehicle with an intuitive visual indication of how to operate the vehicle during the towing process. Even if the driver has not previously performed such a towing operation, a safe towing process can be ensured.

[0022] It can also be provided that the display area is designed as a head-up display, with signaling preferably being analogous to the surroundings of the towed vehicle. A head-up display is understood to be a display area where the driver can maintain their head posture or line of sight because the information is projected into their field of vision, for example, onto the vehicle's windshield. "Analogous to the surroundings" refers to display elements that are superimposed onto the driver's current view in such a way that they are perceived as an integral part of the environment. These elements can be displayed using an augmented reality display device.

[0023] This makes the towing process even more intuitive. For example, the driver of the towed vehicle can be shown digital lane markings or a guideline within which to maneuver the towed vehicle. This guideline dynamically adapts to the driving style of the towing vehicle.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driver of the tow truck is signaled, based on the driving data, when adjustments to the operation of the tow truck are required. By additionally integrating the tow truck into the signaling system, the towing process can be made more cooperative. By making adjustments to both the tow truck and the towed vehicle during the towing process, the changes that the driver of the towed vehicle and the driver of the tow truck must make can be minimized. The changes can be synchronized so that, for example, a smaller steering angle for the tow truck also simplifies maintaining the driving lane for the towed vehicle.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the towing element can be designed as a tow rope, and information about the optimal acceleration for tightening the tow rope is transmitted to the driver of the towing vehicle. Since the towing vehicle pulls the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle, or rather its driver, also determines the speed or acceleration of the vehicle combination. Inclines, both positive and negative, can influence the speed of the towed vehicle. By specifying the optimal acceleration required to tighten the tow rope, the towing process can be made safer. The risk of the towed vehicle colliding with the towing vehicle is thus reduced.

[0026] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one V2V communication module for sending and receiving V2V messages, and another vehicle with at least one evaluation unit for evaluating received messages. It is provided that the evaluation unit is configured and designed to perform a method with respect to the towed vehicle. The preceding descriptions concerning the method according to the invention, in particular the towed vehicle, also apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one V2V communication module for sending and receiving V2V messages, and another vehicle with at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the received messages. It is provided that the evaluation unit is configured and designed to perform a method with respect to the towing vehicle. The preceding descriptions concerning the method according to the invention, in particular the towed vehicle, also apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0028] Electronic or electrical devices, for example, the assistance system, which may include control units and / or storage units, and / or other relevant devices or components according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein, can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be placed on an integrated circuit (IC) or on separate IC chips. Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or on a single substrate.Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be a process or thread running on one or more processors in one or more computer devices, executing computer program instructions, and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described here. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in a computer device using standard memory, such as main memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored on other non-transferable, computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM, a flash drive, or similar devices.A competent person should also recognize that the functionality of different computer devices can be combined or integrated into a single computer device, or that the functionality of a particular computer device can be distributed among one or more other computer devices, without deviating from the scope of application of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0030] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles, Fig. 2 possible representations of signals to support the towing process in a display area and Fig. 3 Another schematic representation for signals to the driver of the tow truck.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the vehicle configuration for a procedure to coordinate a towing operation. A towing element 14 is arranged between a tow truck 10 and a towed vehicle 12. Furthermore, V2V communication 16 exists between the tow truck 10 and the towed vehicle 12. Information about the driving data of the tow truck 10 and the towed vehicle 12 is transmitted via V2V communication 16. It is intended that, depending on the driving data, a signal is sent to the driver of the towed vehicle 12 when adjustments to the operation of the towed vehicle 12 are required. Operation of the towed vehicle 12 includes, in particular, steering maneuvers and / or applying the brakes. However, it also includes all other possibilities that serve to manually establish a different state.This includes operating a direction indicator, lights in general, or the operation of interior elements such as an infotainment system.

[0032] Therefore, the focus is on the cooperative coordination of all parties involved in the towing process. V2V communication facilitates communication between the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed, making laypersons feel more confident in this unusual towing process and ultimately reducing the risk of accidents or damage.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of how signaling can be implemented. Signaling is provided in a display area 18 of a display device 20. The display provides the driver of the towed vehicle 12 with an intuitive visual indication of how to operate the towed vehicle 12 during the towing process. Even if the driver has not previously performed such a towing operation, a safe towing process can be ensured.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the display area 18 is designed as a head-up display, and signaling is provided in a contact-analogous manner to the surroundings of the towed vehicle 12. A head-up display is understood to be a display area in which the driver can maintain their head posture or line of sight because the information is projected into their field of vision, for example, onto the vehicle's windshield. Contact-analogous means display elements that are superimposed onto the driver's current view in such a way that they are perceived as an integral part of the surroundings. These elements can be displayed using an augmented reality display device.

[0035] This makes the process even more intuitive. For example, the driver of the towed vehicle 12 can be shown digital lane markings or a driving lane within which they should maneuver the towed vehicle 12. It is evident that the driver of the towed vehicle 12 receives information about the ideal trajectory 22 for driving within a driving lane alongside the tow truck 10. Even if the driver of the towed vehicle 12 is inexperienced in towing operations, this provides assistance in making the towing process as efficient as possible. The trajectory 22 is determined based on the driving data, i.e., the driving behavior of the driver of the tow truck 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the driver of the towed vehicle receives 12 pieces of information about upcoming braking maneuvers and curves. The necessary data is provided via appropriate sensors and / or navigation data.

[0037] Fig.Figure 3 shows another schematic representation of signals to the driver of the tow truck 10. By additionally integrating the tow truck 10 into the signaling system, the towing process can be made more cooperative. Adjustments made to both the tow truck 10 and the towed vehicle 12 during the towing process minimize the changes that the driver of the towed vehicle 12 and the driver of the tow truck 10 have to make. These changes can be synchronized so that, for example, a smaller steering angle for the tow truck 10 also simplifies maintaining the lane for the towed vehicle 12.

[0038] If the towing element 14 is designed as a tow rope, information about the optimal acceleration for tightening the tow rope is transmitted to the driver of the towing vehicle 10. Since the towing vehicle 10 pulls the towed vehicle 12, the towing vehicle 10, or rather its driver, also determines the speed or acceleration of the vehicle combination. Inclines, both negative and positive, can influence the speed of the towed vehicle 12. By specifying the optimal acceleration required to tighten the tow rope, the towing process can be made safe. The risk of the towed vehicle 12 colliding with the towing vehicle 10 is thus reduced. Reference symbol list 10 tow trucks 12 towed vehicles 14 Towing element 16 V2V communication 18 Display area 20 Display device 22 Trajectory 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 2023 / 0 050 842 A1

[0004] US 2023 / 0 328 490 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Methods for coordinating a towing operation between vehicles, wherein a towing element (14) is arranged between a towing vehicle (10) and a towed vehicle (12), where V2V communication (16) is established between the towing vehicle (10) and the towed vehicle (12), wherein at least information about driving data of the towing vehicle (10) and the towed vehicle (12) is transmitted via V2V communication (16), and wherein a driver of the towed vehicle (12) is signaled, depending on the driving data, when adjustments to the operation of the towed vehicle (12) are required. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein information about the ideal trajectory (22) is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle (12) in order to drive in a lane with the towing vehicle (10). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information about upcoming braking maneuvers is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle (12). [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information about upcoming curve driving is transmitted to the driver of the towed vehicle (12). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein signaling takes place in a display area (18) of a display device (20). [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the display area (18) is designed as a head-up display and wherein signaling preferably occurs in a contact-analogous manner to the area in front of the towed vehicle (12). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the driver of the tow truck (10) is signaled, depending on the driving data, when adjustments to the operation of the tow truck (10) are required. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the towing element (14) is designed as a tow rope and wherein information about the optimal acceleration is transmitted to the driver of the towing vehicle (10) to tighten the tow rope. [9] Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, with at least one V2V communication module for sending and receiving V2V messages with another vehicle, with at least one evaluation device for evaluating received messages, wherein the evaluation device is set up and configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6 with respect to the towed vehicle (12). [10] Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, with at least one V2V communication module for sending and receiving V2V messages with another vehicle, with at least one evaluation device for evaluating the received messages, wherein the evaluation device is set up and configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 7 to 8 with respect to the towing vehicle (10).

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