Navigation device with display of traffic light sequences and driving instructions

Abstract

Navigation system for a vehicle, comprehensive: • a communication module that is trained to communicate with a traffic light infrastructure in order to receive the current switching state (red, yellow, green) of at least one traffic light; • an analysis unit trained to select the traffic light relevant for the current direction of travel based on the vehicle's position, the planned route, and the received traffic light information, and to interpret its switching state; and • a display and / or acoustic output unit designed to indicate and / or inform the driver whether he may continue driving, the indication and / or communication depending on the switching state of the relevant traffic light.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to navigation systems for vehicles, in particular those that can communicate with traffic light infrastructures to display traffic light sequences and give the driver explicit instructions as to whether he may proceed. State of the art

[0002] Navigation systems are well known and widely used in vehicles to calculate routes and provide driving instructions. However, existing navigation systems do not provide support for interpreting traffic lights. While systems exist that use traffic light data to optimize travel times, for example, they lack a clear indication or instruction for the driver as to which traffic light is relevant and whether they may proceed.

[0003] A state-of-the-art example is navigation systems with simple real-time traffic data that display information such as traffic jams or speed limits. There are also systems that display countdown timers for traffic light sequences, but these systems are often limited to individual intersections and unable to evaluate the relevant traffic light status for a specific direction of travel.

[0004] The main disadvantage of these systems is that they leave the task of identifying the relevant traffic light and interpreting its status to the driver. This leads to uncertainty, delays, and an increased risk of accidents, especially in complex traffic situations or for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Object of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system capable of: 1. To record the status (red, yellow, green) of traffic lights, 2. Automatically select the traffic light relevant for the current direction of travel, 3. To interpret this status and clearly indicate or inform the driver whether he or she may continue driving. Solution to the task

[0006] The invention solves the problem by a navigation device with the following features: • A communication module that exchanges data in real time with the traffic light infrastructure, • An analysis unit that automatically identifies the relevant traffic light based on the vehicle position, the planned route and the received traffic light data, • A display and / or audible output unit that clearly informs the driver whether he or she may continue driving.

[0007] This eliminates the need for the driver to independently analyze the traffic light situation. This significantly improves road safety and facilitates navigation, especially in unfamiliar urban areas. Advantages of the invention 1. Increased road safety: The clear instruction “Drive now” or “Wait” minimizes uncertainties in the interpretation of traffic lights. 2. User-friendliness: The driver does not have to worry about identifying the traffic light that is relevant to him. 3. Time savings: Automatic analysis and notification enable smoother driving, especially in complex intersections. 4. Reduction of incorrect decisions: Incorrect assessments of which traffic light applies to the direction of travel are avoided. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0008] The navigation device includes: 1. A communication module: This module receives real-time data from a central or decentralized traffic light controller. This data includes the status (red, yellow, green) as well as optional additional information such as the time remaining until the next switching phase. 2. An analysis unit: The analysis unit processes the received traffic light data together with GPS position data and the vehicle's planned route. Based on this information, the relevant traffic light for the current direction of travel is identified. 3. A display unit: The status of the relevant traffic light is visualized on a display in the vehicle, for example, using symbols or colors. Text or symbols also indicate whether the driver may proceed. 4. An acoustic output unit: To keep the driver's attention away from the display, the instruction is also given acoustically, e.g., "Drive now" or "Wait." How it works:

[0009] The navigation device automatically detects which traffic light is relevant for the driver by analyzing the planned route and the vehicle's current location. For example, if a right-turn lane is present, the corresponding traffic light is selected, while traffic lights for straight-ahead or left-turn lanes are ignored. Example:

[0010] A vehicle approaches an intersection with multiple traffic lights. The analysis unit determines that the vehicle should turn right and therefore only displays the right-turn light. If this light is green, the driver receives the instruction "Proceed now." If it is red, the message "Wait" is displayed or output. drawing Fig. 1: Clear block diagram of the navigation system Fig. 2: Illustration of a practical application of the system in an urban environment Fig. 1:1. Communication module (10):

[0011] The communication module enables bidirectional communication between the vehicle and the traffic light infrastructure. It receives data on the current switching states (red, yellow, green) of the traffic lights as well as additional information such as the time remaining until the next phase. 2. GPS module (20):

[0012] The GPS module determines the vehicle's real-time position and enables precise assignment to intersections and traffic lights. It also provides information on the current direction of travel and speed. 3. Analysis unit (30):

[0013] The analysis unit processes the data received from the traffic light control system along with the planned route. It automatically identifies the traffic light relevant for the current direction of travel and interprets its status. The analysis takes place in real time. 4. Display unit (40):

[0014] The display unit shows the current status of the relevant traffic light and the corresponding driving instruction ("Drive now" or "Wait") on a display in the vehicle. The display's design is intuitive and easy to understand for the driver. 5. Acoustic output unit (50):

[0015] In addition to the visual display, the acoustic output unit provides voice-based instructions to help maintain the driver's attention. For example: "The traffic light is green, proceed now." 6. Connection to traffic light infrastructure:

[0016] Represented by dashed lines, the figure shows the interaction between the traffic light controller and the navigation device. This connection can be established wirelessly via Wi-Fi, cellular, or special traffic communication standards such as V2X.

[0017] The figure thus represents the entire process of data processing and communication and emphasizes how the system provides the driver with clear and safe instructions.

[0018] The arrows in the figure show the data flow between the modules, with the communication module (10) being central for processing the traffic light information.

[0019] In detail: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the navigation system, illustrating the key elements and their interactions. At its heart is the communication module, which enables a bidirectional connection between the vehicle and the traffic light infrastructure. It receives real-time data on the switching states of the traffic lights, such as red, yellow, or green, as well as optional additional information, such as the time remaining until the next phase. In addition, the GPS module determines the vehicle's real-time position, precisely assigns it to the relevant intersections and traffic lights, and also provides information on the vehicle's direction of travel and speed. This data flows into the analysis unit, which evaluates the received traffic light information together with the planned route to automatically identify the traffic light relevant to the direction of travel and interpret its status.The results of this analysis are visualized by the display unit, which presents the traffic light status and clear driving instructions such as "Drive now" or "Wait" on a vehicle display. To support this, the information is also provided acoustically to guide the driver with voice-based instructions such as "The traffic light is green, drive now." The figure illustrates the data flow between the modules, with the communication module acting as the central element and transmitting the received data to the analysis unit, which in turn forwards it to the display and output units.

[0020] Fig.Figure 2 illustrates the practical application of the system in an urban environment with an intelligent traffic light infrastructure (1). The traffic lights communicate wirelessly with the vehicle (6) and transmit real-time information about their switching states. The navigation system (2) in the vehicle processes this data in combination with GPS position and route information to determine the traffic light relevant for the current direction of travel. For example, at an intersection with multiple traffic lights, only the traffic light for the right-turn lane is displayed if the vehicle is supposed to turn right. The traffic light status is visualized on the central vehicle display (3), while additional acoustic instructions provide the driver with clear recommendations for action. Wireless communication between the traffic lights (4) and the vehicle (5) takes place using modern standards such as V2X, enabling a seamless exchange of information.This innovative integration improves road safety, reduces the risk of accidents and ensures smoother traffic flow by eliminating uncertainties in the interpretation of traffic lights.

Claims

[1] Navigation device for a vehicle, comprising: • a communication module configured to communicate with a traffic light infrastructure in order to receive the current switching state (red, yellow, green) of at least one traffic light; • an analysis unit that is designed to select the traffic light relevant for the current direction of travel based on the position of the vehicle, the planned route and the received traffic light information and to interpret its switching state; and • a display and / or acoustic output unit designed to display and / or inform the driver whether he may continue driving, the display and / or notification being made depending on the switching status of the relevant traffic light.

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