Intelligent distance and lane change assistance system with external hazard communication for motor vehicles

Abstract

Intelligent distance and lane change assistance system for motor vehicles, comprising at least one radar sensor for measuring the distance and relative speed of a following vehicle, at least one camera unit for optically detecting following traffic, an electronic evaluation unit for calculating a safety parameter based on distance, relative speed and time-to-collision, an internal optical display element to indicate lane change readiness to the driver, and an external optical display element to indicate the traffic situation to following vehicles, wherein the evaluation unit automatically switches between at least two display levels depending on the safety parameter, wherein a red display signals an unsafe lane change due to insufficient distance of the following vehicle, and a green display indicates a safe lane change or a stable traffic situation.and wherein the system is designed such that the external display is controlled exclusively on the basis of objective measurement data determined by the sensors.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The purpose of the invention is to provide an intelligent assistance system that continuously monitors the safety distance to following vehicles, assesses the readiness to change lanes and clearly communicates this information to both the driver and following traffic via an external optical signal (red / green).

[0002] The system serves to prevent accidents, reduce dangerous tailgating situations and improve road safety, especially for trucks and other commercial vehicles. 2. Technical problem

[0003] Numerous dangerous situations arise in today's road traffic due to: • insufficient safety distance between following vehicles, • unclear or delayed communication during lane changes, • lack of information on whether a lane change is objectively safe, • Limited visibility and large blind spots on trucks, • Lack of evidence collection in cases of dangerous driving behavior (tailgating, abrupt approach).

[0004] Existing systems (turn signals, ACC, AEB, lane assist) only communicate the driver's intention, not the objective safety situation. A system that actively assesses the traffic situation and makes it visible to the driver is lacking. 3. Components of the system

[0005] The system comprises the following main components: 3.1 Radar sensor

[0006] The radar sensor is designed for the continuous measurement of the distance and relative speed of a following vehicle. It delivers robust data even in adverse weather conditions and forms the basis for calculating the time-to-collision (TTC) value. 3.2 Camera unit

[0007] The camera unit serves to optically detect traffic approaching from behind. It supports the radar sensors through visual confirmation (sensor fusion) and optionally enables event-based recognition and storage of the license plate of a following vehicle if a critical distance situation exists. 3.3 Electronic evaluation unit

[0008] The evaluation unit processes data from radar and camera, calculates a safety parameter based on distance, relative speed, and TTC (Time To Compete), and controls the internal and external display elements. It autonomously decides whether a lane change is safe or unsafe. It can also store critical events. 3.4 Internal optical display element

[0009] The internal display is located in the driver's cab and informs the driver about the current lane-change readiness. A red indicator signals that a lane change is unsafe due to insufficient distance. A green indicator shows that a lane change is safe, taking the measured parameters into account. 3.5 External optical display element

[0010] The external display is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and indicates the objective safety situation to following traffic. A red indicator signals a critical distance situation, while a green indicator signals a stable traffic situation. The external display supplements the function of the turn signal indicator but does not replace it. 4. Solution approach of the invention

[0011] The invention solves the problem through a combined sensor, analysis and communication system that: 1. measures the distance and relative speed of following vehicles, 2. The lane-changing readiness is calculated based on defined safety parameters, 3. provides the driver with internal visual feedback (red / green), 4. provides external visual feedback (red / green) to following traffic, 5. Optionally stores relevant events (distance, license plate number, timestamp). 4.1 Mechanical Module • Housing unit for accommodating camera, radar and LED signal module. • Mounting device for attachment to the rear or the driver's cab (especially on trucks). • Protective cover against weather influences (IP protection class). • Vibration and shock absorption elements. 4.2 Electrical Module • Camera unit for recording following traffic. • Radar sensor for distance and speed measurement. • Microcontrollers for data processing and decision logic. • LED signal module (red / green) for external display. • Internal display unit for the driver. • Memory chip for event-based recording (optional). • Power supply via vehicle electrical system (12 / 24 V). 5. Functionality and advantages

[0012] The system performs the following functions: • Real-time distance measurement. • Calculation of lane-change readiness based on TTC (Time-to-Collision), Δv and minimum distance. • Internal display: ◯ Green = Lane change safely possible ◯ Red = Lane change not safe • External display: ◯ Green = stable traffic situation, no immediate risk ◯ Red = following vehicle too close, dangerous situation • Event-based recording of hazardous behavior (optional). • Assistance with truck overtaking maneuvers (truck overtaking truck). • Reduction of tailgating through objective feedback. Advantages: • Increased road safety • Fewer misunderstandings • Improved communication between vehicles • Support for drivers of large vehicles • Potential evidentiary value in accident cases 6. Functionality and typical scenarios 6.1 Scenario: Following vehicle is too close (tailgating) • If the radar sensor detects an insufficient distance or a high relative speed, the evaluation unit calculates a critical safety parameter. In this case, the system switches to red both internally and externally. The driver is prevented from initiating a lane change, and the following vehicle receives a clear visual warning. Optionally, the license plate of the following vehicle is recorded based on the event. 6.2 Scenario: Overtaking maneuver between two commercial vehicles • If a truck wants to overtake another truck, the system first checks the traffic situation in the left lane. If a following vehicle is too close or approaching at high speed, the indicator remains red. Only when a safe distance and a sufficient TTC (Time To Compete) value are established does the system switch to green, allowing the driver to safely change lanes. This reduces risky and unpredictable overtaking maneuvers. 6.3 Scenario: Returning to the right lane after overtaking • After completing an overtaking maneuver, the system monitors the distance to the overtaken vehicle. As long as the distance is insufficient, the internal indicator remains red. Only when a safe distance is reached does the system switch to green, allowing the driver to return to the right lane. 6.4 Scenario: Safe overtaking by following vehicles • The external display also assists following traffic. A green indicator signals that the vehicle ahead is not planning an immediate lane change and that the traffic situation is stable. This makes overtaking more predictable and safer for following vehicles. 7. Compatibility with standard products • Compatible with existing ADAS systems (ACC, AEB, Lane Assist). • Can be retrofitted to cars, trucks, buses and vans. • Compatible with standard cameras and radar sensors. • No changes to the vehicle architecture are required. • The LED signal module complies with common vehicle standards. 8. Summary of the advantages • Clear, unambiguous communication of the traffic situation. • Reduction of tailgating and aggressive driving behavior. • Support during complex lane changes, especially for trucks. • Increased road safety for all involved. • Possibility of securing evidence. • Low cost, high effectiveness. • Easy integration into existing vehicles. 9. State of the art and comparison

[0013] The state of the art includes: • Dashcams (only record, no communication), • ACC systems (maintain distance, but do not communicate externally), • AEB systems (Emergency Braking, No External Warning), • Turn signals (indicate intention, not safety), • Truck turning assistant (lateral monitoring, no rear communication).

[0014] None of these systems offers active, external communication regarding the security situation. 10. Comparison to the state of the art / today

[0015] Today, no system exists that: • assessed the lane change state, • communicates the security situation to the outside world, • Objectively warns tailgaters, • Assists trucks during overtaking, • Event-based documentation of dangerous behavior.

[0016] The invention completely closes this gap. 11. Degree of innovation

[0017] The invention is innovative because it: • Combined internal and external communication, • makes objective security parameters visible, • creates a new category of vehicle signaling, • ADAS functions expanded, • defined for the first time a “safety traffic light system” for the rear area.

[0018] This represents a technical and functional innovation. 12. Ergonomic and sustainable properties of the invention • Simple, intuitive color language (red / green). • Minimal distraction for the driver. • Low energy consumption (LED technology). • Durable components, weatherproof and vibration-resistant. • Reduction of accidents → sustainable relief for the environment and infrastructure. • Retrofitting extends the service life of existing vehicles.

Claims

Intelligent distance and lane change assistance system for motor vehicles, comprising at least one radar sensor for measuring the distance and relative speed of a following vehicle, at least one camera unit for optically detecting following traffic, an electronic evaluation unit for calculating a safety parameter based on distance, relative speed and time-to-collision, an internal optical display element to indicate lane change readiness to the driver, and an external optical display element to indicate the traffic situation to following vehicles, wherein the evaluation unit automatically switches between at least two display levels depending on the safety parameter, wherein a red display signals an unsafe lane change due to insufficient distance of the following vehicle, and a green display indicates a safe lane change or a stable traffic situation.and wherein the system is designed such that the external display is controlled exclusively on the basis of objective measurement data determined by the sensors. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety parameter takes into account a dynamic minimum distance calculated from the speed and the relative speed of the following vehicle. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external optical display element is designed as an LED module arranged at the rear of the vehicle. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal optical display element is designed as a colored LED, display element or graphic symbol in the driver's cab. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit indicates a readiness to change lanes only when a predetermined time-to-collision threshold is exceeded. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera unit is designed to recognize and store the license plate of a following vehicle. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage of image and distance data is exclusively event-based when the safety parameter falls below a critical value. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit issues a warning to the driver if a following vehicle maintains too small a distance for a defined period of time. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed to support overtaking maneuvers between two commercial vehicles. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external optical display element does not replace the driver's intention indicated by the turn signal, but rather supplements the objective safety situation. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit communicates with existing driver assistance systems of the vehicle, in particular with adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist and lane keeping assist. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed as a retrofit module for trucks, buses and passenger cars. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external optical display element has a standard-compliant luminous intensity and color scheme in accordance with the applicable road traffic regulations. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed to support automatic activation of an existing emergency brake assist system. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit uses learning algorithms to recognize and classify typical patterns of tailgating behavior.

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