Methods for reducing accidents involving horses in road traffic and motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for reducing accidents involving horses (4) in road traffic, in which - a detection device (5) of a motor vehicle (1) detects an environment and thereby detects horses (4) and / or signs (10) indicating horses (4), - the detection device (5) generates a signal upon detecting a horse (4) and / or a sign (10) indicating a horse (4) and transmits it to a computer device (12) of the motor vehicle (1), - the computer device (12) upon receiving the signal issues a warning perceptible to at least one vehicle occupant (11) and / or reduces noise emissions from the motor vehicle (1). This significantly reduces the risk of accidents involving horses (4) in road traffic.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reducing accidents involving horses in road traffic. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a navigation system, a detection device, and a computer unit connected thereto, configured to carry out this method.

[0002] From EP 3 073 465 A1, an animal detection system for a motor vehicle is known, comprising a surround-view system, a positioning system (GPS), and a processing module. The processing module is configured to receive data from the surround-view system and data regarding the vehicle's location from the positioning system. Furthermore, the processing module is configured to determine whether the vehicle's location is within an animal zone and, if so, to process the data received from the surround-view system. If the surround-view system data indicates the presence of an animal, the processing module activates an alarm.

[0003] Compared to the past, very few horses, or draft animals in general, participate in road traffic today, which reduces the risk of accidents involving such animals. Nevertheless, horses are flight animals that, when panicked, for example by noise, trigger a flight reflex, which can cause them to become uncontrollable. Such uncontrollable situations can lead to accidents resulting in personal injury and property damage.

[0004] For example, if a motor vehicle drives past a rider and / or a horse-drawn carriage, and the motor vehicle is, for example, a loud sports car with high revs and / or open exhaust flaps, or a motor vehicle that uses a sound generator to produce a V8 combustion sound or even artificial misfires, i.e., loud, emotional driving noises, there is a fundamental risk that the horse will be frightened and become uncontrollable or seek refuge in flight, potentially causing damage to property and personal injury.

[0005] For example, if the motor vehicle is a convertible with the top down and several noisy occupants who are in a party mood and are laughing, singing loudly or shouting, this can also frighten draft animals or horses participating in road traffic and lead to dangerous situations.

[0006] The present invention therefore deals with the problem of providing a method by which, in particular, accidents involving horses in road traffic can be effectively reduced.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is based on the general concept of effectively reducing noise emissions from a motor vehicle, in particular vehicle-related noise emissions, and / or noise emissions from the vehicle's occupants, when the motor vehicle comes into contact with horses or, more generally, with draft animals in road traffic. In the method according to the invention, a detection device of the motor vehicle monitors the vehicle's surroundings, in particular the roadway in front of the vehicle, and detects horses and / or warning signs indicating the presence of horses. If the detection device detects a horse and / or a warning sign indicating the presence of a horse, it generates a corresponding signal and transmits this signal to a computer unit of the motor vehicle.Upon receiving the signal, the computer system reduces the vehicle's noise emissions and / or issues a perceptible warning, in particular a visual, haptic, and / or audible warning, to at least one of the vehicle's occupants. By reducing the vehicle's noise emissions and / or warning at least one occupant to quiet down, the dangerous situation caused by startling the horse, especially when passing by, can be significantly reduced, thereby also significantly lowering the risk of an accident.

[0009] In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, the computer system, upon receiving the signal, initiates at least one of the following actions: closing exhaust flaps, reducing the output volume of a sound system, switching to a comfort driving mode, adjusting chassis settings, reducing the speed of an internal combustion engine, generating a background driving noise, or generating a relaxing sound. Even this non-exhaustive list suggests the wide range of possibilities for reducing the risk of startling a horse when passing by, made possible by the method according to the invention. For example, closing exhaust flaps significantly reduces exhaust noise, thus making the vehicle quieter overall.By forcibly reducing the output volume of a vehicle's sound system, such as a radio, the vehicle's noise emissions can also be effectively and quickly reduced. The same applies when switching to a comfort driving mode, for example, from a sport mode, in which both road noise and the noise from the drive system, especially the combustion engine, are significantly reduced. This can also involve reducing the engine speed, for example, by shifting up a gear. Furthermore, suspension settings can be adjusted so that the suspension is dampened and the vehicle rattles less or not at all when driving over potholes or uneven surfaces.

[0010] By generating a background noise, it can be ensured that a horse, which might otherwise be wearing blinkers and not recognize or perceive the approach of a relatively quiet vehicle in time, hears the approaching vehicle and is not startled. With an electric vehicle, for example, a sound generator can produce a corresponding background noise that is audible to the horse, or generally to the draft animal, from a greater distance, allowing the horse to become accustomed to it and not be startled when overtaking.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, a relaxing sound can be generated, for example via the sound system of the vehicle, which has a calming effect on a horse being overtaken, especially when the windows, sunroof and / or convertible top are open.

[0012] The detection device is equipped with a camera and performs image pattern comparison to identify a horse. For this purpose, appropriate images are stored in a memory, such as images of a horse-drawn vehicle, a carriage, a yoke, a horse itself, a rider on a horse, a rider with a horse, or a rider in riding attire, for example, with a helmet and whip. By comparing such images with those captured by the vehicle's detection system in the surrounding area, it can be determined with relative reliability whether a horse is present in the vicinity of the vehicle, particularly in front of it in the direction of travel. Therefore, it is advisable to activate a horse-run protection mode, especially by reducing the vehicle's noise emissions.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a navigation system is provided which detects the current position of the motor vehicle and transmits it to the detection device. When the current position of the motor vehicle approaches the location of an equestrian facility, for example, a riding stable, the detection device generates a signal and transmits this signal to the motor vehicle's computer unit. Upon receiving the signal, the motor vehicle's computer unit issues a notification, in particular a warning, perceptible to at least one vehicle occupant and / or reduces the motor vehicle's noise emission. This makes it possible to reduce the noise emission of the motor vehicle and / or its occupants, regardless of whether the detection device actually detects horses, as long as the motor vehicle is approaching a location where horses are likely to be present.

[0014] The present invention is further based on the general concept of providing a motor vehicle with a navigation system, a detection device, and a computer system connected to it, wherein the computer system is configured to carry out the method described in the preceding paragraphs. This allows the advantages described for the method according to the invention to be transferred to the motor vehicle. Specifically, these advantages lie in the fact that accident risks involving horses participating in road traffic can be significantly reduced. This can also lead to greater well-being for both humans and animals, as well as needs-based environmental protection. Furthermore, such a motor vehicle can increase safety, understanding of other road users, consideration for other road users, and information about other road users.

[0015] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0016] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawing.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0018] Each of these shows, schematically: Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to the invention approaching from behind a horse-drawn carriage with considerable noise emission, Fig. 2 the motor vehicle according to the invention, which approached the horse-drawn carriage, after carrying out a method according to the invention for reducing accidents with horses and with reduced noise emission, Fig. 3 the motor vehicle according to the invention after the overtaking maneuver.

[0019] According to the Fig. 1. A motor vehicle 1 according to the invention approaches a horse-drawn carriage 3 located in front of it on a roadway 2. As the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the vehicle 1 is a convertible with its top down and its occupants 11 singing loudly or gesturing wildly. The vehicle 1 emits a considerable amount of noise, for example, through an open exhaust flap (not shown) and a sound system 6. In this case, the vehicle 1 is a sports car with a powerful V8 engine and a corresponding sound. This vehicle 1 poses a risk that a horse 4 of the horse-drawn carriage 3 traveling in front of it will be startled and shied during an overtaking maneuver, creating a significant risk of an accident.For this reason, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention has a detection device 5 and an associated and not further described computer device 12, which is designed to carry out a method according to the invention for reducing accidents with horses 4 in road traffic.

[0020] In the inventive method, the detection device 5 detects the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1, in particular a roadway 2 located in front of the motor vehicle 1 in the direction of travel, and thereby detects horses 4 and / or warning signs 10 indicating the presence of horses 4. Such warning signs 10 can, for example, be signs indicating bridleways or riders. If the detection device 5 detects a horse 4 and / or such a warning sign 10 indicating a horse 4, it generates a signal and transmits this signal to the computer unit 12 of the motor vehicle 1. If the computer unit 12 receives such a signal, it reduces the noise emission of the motor vehicle 1, as described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown, and / or provides a warning perceptible to at least one of the vehicle occupants 11, for example, a visual, audible and / or haptic warning. Such a warning causes the vehicle to react accordingly. Fig. 1. Calm down the vehicle occupants who are still singing loudly and gesturing wildly, and overtake the horse-drawn carriage 3 while calm.

[0021] To reduce the noise emissions of the vehicle 1, the computer unit 12 can initiate at least one of the following measures upon receiving the signal transmitted by the detection device 5: For example, it can close the exhaust flaps, thereby significantly reducing exhaust noise, especially misfires, which can be disruptive and cause the horse 4 to shy. Upon receiving the signal, the computer unit 12 can also reduce the output volume of a sound system 6 or switch from a sport mode to a comfort driving mode. The chassis settings can also be changed, for example, to better dampen uneven road surfaces, thus reducing the noise emitted by the vehicle 1. Another measure could be, for example, shifting up to a higher gear, thereby reducing the engine speed of an internal combustion engine.

[0022] It is understood, of course, that the noise emission is only reduced to the extent necessary to prevent both the horse 4 from shying and the motor vehicle 1 from approaching inaudibly to the horse 4. This also prevents the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention from approaching the horse-drawn carriage 3 so quietly due to the inventive method that it is not perceived by the horse 4, and the horse, due to its blinkers, only perceives the motor vehicle 1 when overtaking and is thus startled.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable to actively play relaxation / calming sounds or generally to generate a relaxation sound that has a calming effect on the horse 4 being overtaken.

[0024] The detection device 5 can include a camera and perform an image pattern comparison to recognize a horse 4. The detection device can utilize appropriate software, including AI. Specifically, images such as the contours of a horse 4, a carriage 7, a yoke 8, a rider's helmet 9, or similar objects can be stored in a corresponding memory.

[0025] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 can also have a navigation system that records the current position of the motor vehicle 1 and transmits it to the detection device 5. When the current position of the motor vehicle 1 approaches the location of an equestrian facility, for example a riding stable, the detection device 5 can then generate a signal and transmit it to the computer unit 12 of the motor vehicle 1, whereupon the computer unit 12 issues a warning perceptible to at least one vehicle occupant 11, and / or reduces the noise emission of the motor vehicle 1 by the measures described above.

[0026] All in all, the inventive method and the inventive motor vehicle 1 can achieve a significant reduction in accident risks involving horses 4 in road traffic, since both the inventive method and the inventive motor vehicle 1 significantly reduce the risk of the horse 4 being startled and thus of it shying away. 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] EP 3 073 465 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Methods for reducing accidents involving horses (4) in road traffic, in which - a detection device (5) of a motor vehicle (1) detects an environment and thereby detects horses (4) and / or signs (10) indicating horses (4), - the detection device (5) generates a signal upon detecting a horse (4) and / or a sign (10) indicating a horse (4) and transmits it to a computer device (12) of the motor vehicle (1), - the computer device (12) upon receiving the signal issues a warning perceptible to at least one vehicle occupant (11) and / or reduces noise emissions from the motor vehicle (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the computer system (12) upon receiving the signal initiates at least one of the following actions: - Closing exhaust flaps, - Reducing the output volume of a sound system (6), - Switching to a comfort driving mode, - Adjusting chassis settings, - Reducing the speed of an internal combustion engine, - Generating a basic driving noise, - Creating a relaxing sound. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the detection device (5) has a camera and performs an image pattern comparison to detect a horse (4). [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , - that a navigation system records the actual position of the motor vehicle (1) and transmits it to the recording device (5), - that the detection device (5) generates a signal and transmits it to the computer device (12) of the motor vehicle (1) when the actual position of the motor vehicle (1) approaches the location of an equestrian facility, in particular a riding stable, - that the computer device (12) upon receiving the signal issues a warning perceptible to at least one vehicle occupant (11) and / or reduces noise emissions from the motor vehicle (1). [5] Motor vehicle (1) with a navigation system, a detection device (5) and a computer device (12) connected thereto, which is configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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