Assistance procedures and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an assistance method (400) performed by a driver assistance system (110) of a motor vehicle (100) and comprising collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the driver assistance system (110) determines enlarged interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') caused by the attachment of a vehicle add-on part (200, 210, 220) to the motor vehicle (100) from information (420) stored in the vehicle add-on part (200, 210, 220) and transmitted by the vehicle add-on part (200, 210, 220) to the driver assistance system (110), and collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on the interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') are executed (440). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (100) with a driver assistance system (110) which is designed and configured to perform collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100), and which is designed and configured to carry out the assistance method (400) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assistance method according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] Modern vehicles are often equipped with advanced driver assistance systems that help with parking and maneuvering. Typically, these systems store the vehicle's basic dimensions, specifically its length X, width Y, and height Z. From this data, the system can calculate the vehicle's minimum parking space requirements and assess whether a particular parking space is large enough for the vehicle. In the case of a parking assist function, the system can use the dimensions of the parking space and the vehicle's basic dimensions to calculate a trajectory for parking—that is, for driving the vehicle into the parking space.

[0003] These systems, however, generally do not take into account external vehicle attachments such as bicycle carriers, which can significantly alter the vehicle's external dimensions. Adding such an attachment typically increases one or more of the vehicle's external dimensions for as long as the attachment is mounted. The resulting new external dimensions of the vehicle are subsequently referred to as interim dimensions. These interim dimensions include, for example, a changed length X', a changed width Y', and a changed height Z'.

[0004] The lack of adaptability of known driver assistance systems to such interim dimensions X', Y', Z', which are changed compared to the basic dimensions X, Y, Z, can lead to parking problems, possible damage to the vehicle or the bicycle carrier and safety risks.

[0005] The additional dimensions caused by bicycle carriers are not taken into account, leading to incorrect parking maneuvers. These increased dimensions can pose a danger to pedestrians and other vehicles, especially when reversing or parking. The bicycle carrier and the tailgate or towbar to which it is attached can be damaged, potentially resulting in high repair costs.

[0006] DE 10 2017 A1 discloses a method for determining the dimensions of a vehicle, comprising a camera, wherein the method includes recording images via the camera, combining the recorded images, identifying edges in the combined image and updating the dimensions of the vehicle based on the identified edges.

[0007] One object of the invention is to provide an improved assistance method that enables the most accurate possible consideration of interim dimensions of a motor vehicle resulting from the installation of vehicle attachments such as bicycle carriers and the like. A further object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle with the most accurate and convenient assistance function possible, in particular a parking aid.

[0008] These problems are solved according to the invention by an assistance method having the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of the characterizing part of claim 9.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] In an assistance method that is carried out by a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and that includes collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle based on the basic dimensions of the motor vehicle, it is proposed according to the invention that - Interim dimensions increased by the driver assistance system, caused by the attachment of a vehicle accessory to the motor vehicle, are determined from information stored in the vehicle accessory and transmitted by the vehicle accessory to the driver assistance system, and Collision avoidance measures are carried out when parking the vehicle based on the interim dimensions.

[0011] A vehicle attachment, such as a bicycle carrier designed for mounting on a tailgate or trailer hitch of a motor vehicle, may, for example, include a data storage device containing information about the attachment's length, width, and height. This device is designed and configured for data exchange with the vehicle's driver assistance system. This information is transmitted to the vehicle's driver assistance system, which then calculates intermediate dimensions from the vehicle's basic dimensions and the information received from the vehicle attachment. Based on these intermediate dimensions, the system performs a parking function to prevent collisions with other objects. Data transmission between the vehicle attachment and the driver assistance system can be wireless, particularly via radio.

[0012] Alternatively, data transmission can be wired, for example via a cable connection used to supply power to the vehicle accessory. In particular, it can be provided that the driver assistance system detects the presence of a vehicle accessory by establishing such a cable connection; that is, when the vehicle accessory is electrically connected to the vehicle, a signal is generated in the driver assistance system that triggers a query to the vehicle accessory for the purpose of initiating data transmission.

[0013] According to one embodiment, it can be provided, alternatively or additionally, that the determination of interim vehicle dimensions is triggered when the driver assistance system detects a vehicle attachment using the vehicle's own sensors. For example, images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by the vehicle's external cameras can be evaluated using image recognition, thereby detecting an approaching vehicle attachment. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle's distance sensors can detect the approaching vehicle attachment if they register changing distances, even though the vehicle is stationary. Likewise, a combination of various vehicle-integrated sensors, such as distance sensors and external cameras, can be used to detect an approaching vehicle attachment, for example, by triggering image capture and subsequent image recognition when a changing distance signal is present.

[0014] Vehicle-specific sensors, especially external cameras, can be particularly advantageous after the detection of an added vehicle attachment, also for determining increased interim dimensions caused by the attachment of a vehicle attachment to the motor vehicle, in particular for determining the size of the vehicle attachment, by measuring objects identified in the images taken by the external cameras, such as a bicycle carrier and bicycles attached to it.

[0015] For example, with a vehicle accessory attached to the rear of a motor vehicle, such as a bicycle carrier, the new overall length of the vehicle can be determined relatively easily by adding the length of the bicycle carrier to the length of the motor vehicle (base dimension). However, whether the overall height and width of the vehicle (interim dimensions) increase as a result depends heavily on whether bicycles are mounted on the bicycle carrier and, if so, how tall and long the bicycles are. Values ​​stored in advance in the vehicle accessory cannot account for this. At best, they can be set generously enough to ensure that the overall size resulting from the addition of bicycles is always covered by the stored information.

[0016] According to one embodiment, it may therefore be provided that, after the driver assistance system has determined interim dimensions, a prompt is issued for manual confirmation of the determined interim dimensions, and / or a request is made for the manual entry of corrected interim dimensions, and / or a request is made for manual confirmation of a return to the vehicle's basic dimensions. Both the determination of increased interim dimensions from information stored in the vehicle component and the determination of increased interim dimensions from measurements of the vehicle component by the vehicle's own sensors can be faulty. Therefore, it can be advantageous to give the user the opportunity to check the determined interim dimensions and, if necessary, correct or reset them.

[0017] According to one embodiment, interim measurements can be stored in the driver assistance system at least until the next time the vehicle is parked. In other words, once determined, interim measurements form the basis for the collision avoidance measures of the driver assistance system at least as long as the vehicle is not subsequently parked.

[0018] According to another embodiment, interim measurements can be stored in the driver assistance system at least until the next time the vehicle is started. Upon the next start, the driver assistance system prompts the user to manually confirm the determined or corrected interim measurements and / or to manually confirm a return to the default measurements. In other words, the interim measurements are retained even when the vehicle is switched off. If the vehicle is then restarted, the driver assistance system first determines whether these interim measurements are still valid. The user can then be given the opportunity to review the determined interim measurements and, if necessary, correct or reset them.

[0019] In an alternative configuration, even after restarting the vehicle, a new detection and, if necessary, a new determination of interim measurements can only take place, and only then can the user be given the opportunity to check the determined interim measurements and, in case of error, correct or reset them.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the assistance procedure may include one or more of the following collision avoidance measures: - Calculating an updated parking space requirement and / or an updated vehicle trajectory, and / or - Execution of an automated parking maneuver, and / or - Output of visual and / or audible warning signals, each based on interim dimensions or, if there is a manual confirmation to return to the basic dimensions, based on the basic dimensions of the motor vehicle. If a vehicle attachment is present, the determined interim dimensions are used as the basis for collision avoidance measures, thus preventing damage to the vehicle, the vehicle attachment, and other objects. If, however, no vehicle attachment is present, the basic dimensions of the vehicle stored in the driver assistance system are used again as the basis for collision avoidance measures.

[0021] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that additional sensors arranged on the vehicle attachment are integrated into the driver assistance system via signal transmission, and that signals from the additional sensors are evaluated when collision avoidance measures based on interim measurements are executed. For example, a bicycle carrier can have its own additional sensors, in particular distance sensors. These additional sensors can transmit measurement signals to the driver assistance system, for example, wirelessly, in particular via radio, or via a wired connection, in particular via a cable connection used to supply the electrical power to the bicycle carrier.It may be advantageously provided that, when implementing collision avoidance measures based on interim dimensions, signals from vehicle-owned sensors located in the area of ​​the vehicle attachment are not evaluated in order to avoid contradictory measurement signals from vehicle-owned sensors and additional sensors of the vehicle attachment.

[0022] The object of the invention is also solved by a motor vehicle with a driver assistance system which is designed and equipped to carry out collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle based on the basic dimensions of the motor vehicle, and in which the driver assistance system is designed and equipped to carry out the described assistance method according to the invention.

[0023] The inventive method was developed to improve existing parking assistance technologies by adapting the dimensions of the bicycle carrier. This system aims to provide precise parking guidance, improve safety, and reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle and the bicycle carrier. The main components are listed below: • Input / Recognition: A vehicle attachment, such as a bicycle carrier, transmits information to the vehicle. The dimensions of the bicycle carrier can be additionally entered or corrected into the system via the user interface, and / or sensors already present on the vehicle, such as cameras, are used to recognize the object and determine its dimensions using recognition algorithms. • Integration into parking systems by combining data from multiple sensors and cameras to create a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's surroundings, including the bike rack. Adaptation of existing parking assistance algorithms to the additional dimensions. This includes lane adjustments, parking space calculation, and maneuvering guidance. • User interface: Displays real-time images and instructions on the vehicle's infotainment screen. This includes highlighting the bike rack and displaying the adjusted parking boundaries. Issues warnings if the bike rack is detected in a position that could lead to damage or safety hazards.

[0024] The assistive method according to the invention has the following advantages: • Increased safety: The system precisely detects the presence and dimensions of bicycle carriers, thus reducing the risk of collisions with obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. By dynamically adjusting parking parameters based on the detected dimensions, the system ensures safer parking maneuvers, especially in confined spaces. • Improved comfort: The system integrates seamlessly with existing ADAS technologies, providing a consistent and user-friendly parking experience. Drivers no longer need to manually estimate the additional dimensions of the bike carrier, making parking easier and more efficient. • Cost savings: By taking the bicycle carrier into account, the system minimizes the risk of damage to the vehicle, the bicycle carrier and the towbar, thus reducing repair and replacement costs. • Increased adaptability: The system can accommodate various types and sizes of bicycle carriers, making it versatile and adaptable to different user requirements. As new types of external attachments are developed, the system can be updated to recognize and adapt to them as well, ensuring long-term relevance. • Safety for pedestrians: By accurately detecting the bicycle carrier and adjusting parking maneuvers, the system increases safety for pedestrians, especially in busy areas. • Customer appeal: By eliminating a common annoyance for drivers using bicycle carriers, the system increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0026] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic representation of a motor vehicle and its basic dimensions, Fig. 2. Schematically, the motor vehicle with interim dimensions, and Fig. 3 schematically an embodiment of an assistance method according to the invention.

[0027] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 100 with a driver assistance system 110. The motor vehicle 100 has a length X and a height Z, which together with a width Y (not shown) are the basic dimensions X, Y, Z of the motor vehicle 100, forming a bounding box 300.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the same motor vehicle 100 with the driver assistance system 110. A vehicle attachment 200, namely a bicycle carrier 210 with bicycles 220 arranged on it, is attached to the rear of the motor vehicle 100. The motor vehicle 100 thus has a length X' and a height Z', which together with a width Y' (not shown) are the interim dimensions X', Y', Z' of the motor vehicle 100 caused by the vehicle attachment 200, forming an enlarged bounding box 300.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sequence of an assistance procedure 400 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] First, the presence of a vehicle attachment is detected. This can be done, for example, by the vehicle's own sensors.

[0032] Subsequently, interim dimensions X', Y', Z' of the motor vehicle 100 are determined. This can be done by evaluating information stored in the bicycle carrier 210. The evaluation is performed by the driver assistance system 110 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0033] The user then performs a check (430) of the determined interim dimensions X', Y', Z' of the vehicle 100. For this purpose, the driver assistance system 110 issues a prompt for manual confirmation of the determined interim dimensions X', Y', Z' and / or a request for manual entry of corrected interim dimensions X', Y', Z' and / or a request for manual confirmation of a return to the basic dimensions X, Y, Z of the vehicle 100.

[0034] In the final step, the application of the determined interim dimensions X', Y', Z' is carried out by calculating an updated parking space requirement based either on the determined interim dimensions X', Y', Z' or, if there is a manual confirmation to return to the basic dimensions X, Y, Z, based on the basic dimensions X, Y, Z of the motor vehicle 100, or by calculating an updated vehicle trajectory, or by carrying out an automated parking operation. Reference symbol list 100 motor vehicles 110 Driver assistance system 200 vehicle attachments 210 bicycle carriers 220 bicycles 300 Bounding Box 400 assistance procedures 410 Detection 420 Investigation 430 Review 440 Application X, Y, Z basic dimensions X', Y', Z' Interim measurements 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 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Assistance procedure (400) performed by a driver assistance system (110) of a motor vehicle (100) and comprising collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100), characterized by , that - the increased interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') caused by the driver assistance system (110) through the attachment of a vehicle accessory (200, 210, 220) to the motor vehicle (100), are determined from information (420) stored in the vehicle accessory (200, 210, 220) and transmitted by the vehicle accessory (200, 210, 220) to the driver assistance system (110), and - Collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on the interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') are carried out (440). [2] Assistance method (400) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the determination (420) of interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the motor vehicle (100) is triggered when the driver assistance system (110) detects a vehicle attachment (200, 210, 220) using vehicle-specific sensors (410). [3] Assistance method (400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - after the determination (420) of interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') by the driver assistance system (110) a query for manual confirmation of the determined interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') or / and a request for manual input of corrected interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') or / and a request for manual confirmation of a return to the basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100) is made (430). [4] Assistance method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that - Interim measurements (X', Y', Z') are stored in the driver assistance system (110) at least until the next time the motor vehicle (100) is parked. [5] Assistance method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that - Interim measurements (X', Y', Z') are stored in the driver assistance system (110) at least until the next start of the motor vehicle (100), and - the next time the motor vehicle (100) is started, the driver assistance system (110) will request manual confirmation of the determined or corrected interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') and / or a request for manual confirmation of a return to the basic dimensions (X, Y, Z). [6] Assistance method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the assistance procedure (400) includes one or more of the following collision avoidance measures: - Calculating an updated parking space requirement and / or an updated vehicle trajectory, and / or - Execution of an automated parking maneuver, and / or - Output of optical and / or acoustic warning signals, each based on interim dimensions (X', Y', Z') or, if there is a manual confirmation to return to the basic dimensions (X, Y, Z), based on the basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100). [7] Assistance method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that - additional sensors arranged on the vehicle attachment (200, 210, 220) are integrated into the driver assistance system (110) in a signal-transmitting manner, and - when executing collision avoidance measures based on interim dimensions (X', Y', Z'), signals from the additional sensors are evaluated. [8] Assistance method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that - when executing collision avoidance measures based on interim dimensions (X', Y', Z'), signals from vehicle-owned sensors located in the area of ​​the vehicle attachment (200, 210, 220) are not evaluated. [9] Motor vehicle (100) with a driver assistance system (110) designed and equipped to perform collision avoidance measures when parking the motor vehicle (100) based on basic dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the motor vehicle (100), characterized by , that the driver assistance system (110) is designed and configured to carry out the assistance procedure (400) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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