Method and device for controlling an emergency call device for a single-track vehicle and emergency call system

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention is based on a device or a method according to the class of the independent claims. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium.

[0002] For example, depending on the standard and regulations, emergency call systems in vehicles may require a voice connection between a crashed vehicle and an emergency control center. Such an emergency call can be triggered automatically or manually. To avoid unnecessary assistance in two-wheeled vehicle accidents, for example, a waiting period of 20 to 30 seconds may be provided, during which an uninjured driver can still cancel the alert. However, such a procedure may be viewed critically by some emergency services, given the argument that every second counts and an automatic emergency call should be made immediately.

[0003] The document DE 10 2014 227045 A1 describes a method for detecting an accident, in which at least one first sensor unit is assigned to a vehicle and a second sensor unit is assigned to a driver of the vehicle and an accident is detected by means of the recorded parameter spaces of the sensors. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] Against this background, the approach presented here presents a method, a device using this method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims.

[0005] The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim.

[0006] According to embodiments, in particular, the severity of injuries to motorcyclists in accidents can be estimated or determined, and a decision or determination can be made depending on whether an automatic emergency call is activated and carried out immediately or after a waiting period provided for an optional termination of the emergency call. This can be carried out, for example, for any single-track vehicle that has a so-called eCall device and in which the driver and vehicle can separate from each other in the event of an accident. For example, in the event of an accident with a high degree of injury severity for the driver, an automatic emergency call can be made immediately; otherwise, in the event of an accident with a low degree of injury severity for the driver, a waiting period until the automatic emergency call can be scheduled to provide an opportunity to terminate the emergency call.

[0007] Advantageously, according to embodiments, an improvement in safety and protection for drivers and optionally also passengers of single-track vehicles can be achieved in particular in the event of an accident. For example, in the case of a high degree of injury, an early arrival of rescue services can be made possible because there is no need for the driver to wait for the emergency call to be aborted. In particular, however, in the case of accidents with a low degree of injury, unnecessary alarms or emergency calls can be avoided because the waiting time for an optional abort of the automatic emergency call can be offered in this case. This makes it possible to make an assessment or classify an accident as to whether the risk of a high degree of injury is so great that a delayed alarm would be inappropriate, whereby otherwise a delay time or waiting time until the emergency call orcan be retained for alarm purposes.

[0008] A method for controlling an emergency call device for a single-track vehicle is presented, the method comprising the steps of claim 1.

[0009] This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a hybrid form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit or a device. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, for example a land vehicle, in particular a motorized two-wheeler, motorcycle, motorbike, or the like. The driver can be a driver of the vehicle or a passenger of the vehicle. The accident event can represent a collision of the vehicle with a collision object and can additionally or alternatively result from a loss of control, a fall, or a tipping process of the vehicle. The injury severity can also contain information about a type of accident event. The injury severity can be determined as a numerical value or as a set of numerical values. In the determining step, the injury severity can also be determined using a determination rule.The determination rule can include at least one physical relationship between the driving dynamics data and, in addition or alternatively, the operator input data and the injury severity. The waiting time can be, for example, approximately 20 seconds to approximately 30 seconds. According to the invention, the emergency call is made automatically using the emergency call device. Whether the control signal with an activation command for immediate or delayed activation of the emergency call is generated is determined or decided according to the invention depending on the injury severity.

[0010] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor signal can be read in during the reading-in step, which sensor signal represents, as driving dynamics data, at least one acceleration value of an acceleration of the vehicle relative to at least one spatial axis, an inclination angle of the vehicle about a longitudinal axis thereof, and a deceleration rate. Alternatively, according to an embodiment not according to the invention, a vehicle speed can be represented and, additionally or alternatively, a current position of a throttle lever or throttle grip, a brake pressure, a steering angle, and, additionally or alternatively, an occupancy state of at least one handle of the vehicle by a hand of the driver can be represented as operating input data. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable and accurate determination of the severity of the injury can be achieved based on sensor data from vehicle sensors.

[0011] According to the invention, in the determining step, the kinetic energy of the driver that must be dissipated during the accident is determined as the injury severity. In the determining step, at least one signal value from the at least one sensor signal is used that is present at a point in time or period determined to be relevant to the accident. Thus, the injury severity can be determined in a precise, reliable, and accurate manner for the specific accident.

[0012] In the determining step, the at least one sensor signal can be used to determine the onset of a collision between the vehicle and a collision object as a relevant point in time or period of time relative to the accident event. To determine the onset of a collision, the at least one sensor signal can represent, as driving dynamics data, in particular an acceleration of the vehicle relative to at least one spatial axis. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, in the event of an accident in which the vehicle collides with a collision object and contact exists between the vehicle and the driver at the onset of the collision, the severity of the injury can be determined easily and reliably.

[0013] According to the invention, in the determining step, a separation between the vehicle and the driver is determined using the at least one sensor signal as a relevant point in time or period with respect to the accident event. The separation can be determined using an analysis of a change between precession and centripetal force. For determining the separation, the at least one sensor signal can represent, in particular, a steering angle as operating input data. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, in the event of an accident in which the driver is separated from the vehicle, the severity of the injury can be determined based on data that is correct for such an accident event and with respect to the driver.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the processing step can involve comparing the injury severity with predefined biomechanical comparison values and, additionally or alternatively, with information from accident databases. Additionally or alternatively, the processing step can involve checking whether the driver is present or absent in the vehicle at the end of the accident. The control signal can be generated depending on the result of the comparison and, additionally or alternatively, depending on the result of the check. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to reliably and accurately decide whether the emergency call should be activated immediately or with a delay.

[0015] The approach presented here further creates a device that is designed to carry out, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently. For this purpose, the device can have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading in sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals to the actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading in or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol.The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, wherein the storage unit can be a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic storage unit. The communication interface can be configured to read in or output data wirelessly and / or via a wired connection. A communication interface that can read in or output wired data can read this data, for example, electrically or optically from a corresponding data transmission line or output it to a corresponding data transmission line.

[0016] In this case, a device can be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals depending on them. The device can have an interface, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains a wide variety of functions of the device. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be separate integrated circuits or to consist at least partially of discrete components. In a software implementation, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0017] An emergency call system for a single-track vehicle is also presented, with the emergency call system having the following features: an embodiment of the aforementioned device; and the emergency call device, wherein the emergency call device and the device are connected to each other in a signal-transmitting manner.

[0018] The device can advantageously be used in conjunction with the emergency call system to control the execution or execution of an emergency call using the emergency call device. In particular, the device can be configured to trigger immediate or delayed activation of the emergency call depending on the actual accident event, in particular the severity of the driver's injury.

[0019] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device.

[0020] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a single-track vehicle with an emergency call system according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method for controlling according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an accident event; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an accident event.

[0021] In the following description of advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a single-track vehicle 100 with an emergency call system 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 is a motor vehicle, more precisely a motorcycle, in particular a motorcycle or the like. The illustration of Fig. 1 For example, only a sensor device 102 and the emergency call system 110 are shown.

[0023] The sensor device 102 and the emergency call system 110 are connected to one another in a signal-transmitting manner. According to one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a plurality of sensor devices 102. Each sensor device 102, or the at least one sensor device 102, is configured to acquire driving dynamics data of the vehicle 100 and / or operating input data of a driver of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, each sensor device 102, or the at least one sensor device 102, is configured to output or provide at least one sensor signal 104 representing the driving dynamics data and / or operating input data.

[0024] For example, driving dynamics data represented by the sensor signal 104 are at least one acceleration value of an acceleration of the vehicle 100 relative to at least one spatial axis, an inclination angle of the vehicle 100 about a longitudinal axis thereof, a deceleration rate of the vehicle 100 and / or a speed of the vehicle 100. The operating input data represented by the sensor signal 104 are, for example, a current position of a throttle lever or throttle grip of the vehicle 100, a brake pressure of the vehicle 100, a steering angle of a steering column or handlebar of the vehicle 100 and / or an occupancy state of at least one handle of the vehicle 100 by a hand of the driver.

[0025] The emergency call system 110 comprises an emergency call device 115 for making the emergency call and a control device 120 or device 120 for controlling the emergency call device 115. The emergency call device 115 and the device 120 are connected to one another in a signal-transmitting manner. The emergency call device 115 is designed to send an emergency message or emergency report, for example by radio or the like, to a receiver arranged outside the vehicle 100 for making the emergency call. The device 120 comprises a reading device 122, a determination device 124, a processing device 146, and a provision device 128. Furthermore, the device 120 also comprises an input interface 121 and an output interface 129. The device 120 is connected to the at least one sensor device 102 via the input interface 121 in a signal-transmitting manner.The device 120 is connected to the emergency call device 115 via the output interface 129 in a signal-transmitting manner.

[0026] The reading device 122 of the device 120 is designed to read the at least one sensor signal 104 from the input interface 121 to the at least one sensor device 102 of the vehicle 100. The reading device 122 is also designed to forward the at least one sensor signal 104 to the determination device 124 of the device 120. The determination device 124 is designed to determine, using the at least one sensor signal 104, an injury severity 125 of the driver of the vehicle 100 in the event of an accident involving the vehicle 100. The determination device 124 is also designed to forward the determined injury severity 125 in the form of a signal to the processing device 126 of the device 120.

[0027] The processing device 126 is designed to process the injury severity 125 determined by the determination device 124 in order to generate a control signal 127 for controlling the emergency call device 115. The processing device 126 is designed to process the injury severity 125 and generate the control signal 127 such that the control signal 127 comprises an activation command that activates an emergency call by the emergency call device 115 immediately after or delayed by a predefined waiting period after the accident. The processing device 126 is further designed to forward the generated control signal 127 to the provision device 128. The provision device 128 of the device 120 is in turn designed to provide the generated control signal 127 for output to the output interface 129 to the emergency call device 115.

[0028] The emergency call device 115 is designed to make the emergency call immediately or with a delay in response to the control signal 127 and depending on the activation command included in the control signal 127.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the processing device 126 is configured to compare the injury severity 125 with predefined biomechanical comparison values and / or information from accident databases. Additionally or alternatively, the processing device 126 is configured to check for the presence or absence of the driver on the vehicle 100 at the end of the accident. Furthermore, the processing device 126 is configured to generate the control signal 127 depending on a result of the comparison and / or a result of the check.

[0030] More precisely, the determination device 124 is designed to determine, as the injury severity 125, in particular a kinetic energy with respect to the driver that is to be dissipated during the accident event. In this case, the determination device 124 is also designed, according to one embodiment, to use at least one signal value from the at least one sensor signal 104 that is present at a point in time determined as relevant with respect to the accident event or in a period of time determined as relevant with respect to the accident event. According to one embodiment, the determination device 124 is designed to use the at least one sensor signal 104 to determine the start of a collision between the vehicle 100 and a collision object as a point in time or period of time relevant with respect to the accident event. This is explained below, in particular, with reference to Fig. 3 explained in more detail. According to one exemplary embodiment, the determination device 124 is also designed to determine, using the at least one sensor signal 104, a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver as a relevant time or period of time with respect to the accident event. In this case, the determination device 124 is designed to determine the separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver using an analysis of a change between precession and centripetal force, which is measurable based on the at least one sensor signal 104. This is explained below in particular with reference to Fig. 4 explained in more detail.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a control method 200 according to an embodiment. The control method 200 can be executed to control or activate an emergency call device for a single-track vehicle. In this case, the control method 200 is implemented by means of or using the device from Fig. 1 or a similar device. The method 200 for controlling in connection with the emergency call system of Fig. 1 or a similar emergency call system and / or the vehicle Fig. 1 or a similar vehicle. The control method 200 comprises a reading step 210, a determining step 220, a processing step 230, and a providing step 240.

[0032] In step 210 of reading, at least one sensor signal is read in from an interface to at least one sensor device of the vehicle. The at least one sensor signal represents driving dynamics data of the vehicle and / or operating input data of a driver of the vehicle. Subsequently, in step 220 of determining, the severity of injuries to the driver of the vehicle in an accident involving the vehicle is determined using the at least one sensor signal. According to the invention, the accident is detected using the at least one sensor signal, optionally by means of the device or another control unit. Subsequently, in step 230 of processing, the severity of the injuries is processed in order to generate a control signal for controlling the emergency call device.The control signal comprises an activation command for activating an emergency call via the emergency call device immediately after the accident or delayed by a predefined waiting period after the accident. In step 240 of providing, the control signal is then provided for output to an interface to the emergency call device.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an accident. The Fig. 3 The accident event depicted consists of a collision of a vehicle 100 with a collision object 300, more precisely in an impact with an obstacle or collision object 300, for example in the form of a foreign vehicle, while the vehicle 100 is traveling straight ahead. It is assumed that the driver of the vehicle 100 is on the vehicle 100 during the accident. The vehicle 100 is the vehicle from Fig. 1 or a similar vehicle that uses the emergency call system Fig. 1 or a similar emergency call system.

[0034] In Fig. 3 A time axis t is shown, on which two points in time, a first point in time t=-x and a second point in time t=0, are plotted. The first point in time t=-x is before the start of a collision. The second point in time t=0 marks the start of the collision. From the data of at least one sensor signal, such as the angle of inclination or bank, deceleration rate or deceleration, throttle position or throttle grip position, brake pressure and / or the detection that the driver has his hands on the handlebar, the device from Fig. 1 or a similar device, an initial position can be determined. If the vehicle 100 with the driver encounters an obstacle or collision object 300, the kinetic energy that must be dissipated during the accident, and thus the severity of the driver's injury, can be reliably determined from the deceleration and residual speed before the impact or onset of the collision. Criteria for an immediate or delayed emergency call therefore include, for example, the vehicle speed at the onset of the collision and the deceleration rate. Based on biomechanical comparison values and information from accident databases, a decision can be made for a direct or immediate or delayed emergency call.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an accident. The Fig. 4 The accident event shown is a cornering of a vehicle 100 with a loss of control over the vehicle 100 by the driver. In this case, the representation of Fig. 4 A distinction is made between a first case 401, in which the driver of the vehicle 100 remains on the vehicle 100 during the accident, and a second case 402, in which a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver occurs during the accident. The vehicle 100 is the vehicle from Fig. 1 or a similar vehicle that uses the emergency call system Fig. 1 or a similar emergency call system.

[0036] In Fig. 4 A time axis t is shown, on which two points in time, a first point in time t=-x and a second point in time t=0, are plotted. At the first point in time t=-x, a division into the first case 401 and the second case 402 is illustrated. Thus, according to the second case 402, a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver occurs at the first point in time t=-x. At the second point in time t=0, according to the first case 401, the driver is on the vehicle 100.

[0037] In the Fig. 4 The accident shown is recorded using the device Fig. 1 or a similar device determines when and whether the driver has separated from the vehicle 100. In the first case 401, at the second time t=0, the activation of the emergency call is delayed by the waiting time of, for example, 20 seconds. In the second case 402, at the second time t=0, the activation of the emergency call takes place immediately. If the driver is in the end position of the vehicle 100, here at the second time t=0, at or on the vehicle 100, as in the straight-ahead driving in Fig. 3 , it is determined based on the measured values recorded by the at least one sensor device whether an activation delay or triggering delay is permitted. If the driver has separated from the vehicle 100 at the first time t=-x, the kinetic energy at this first time t=-x is relevant for determining the injury severity. By means of the device from Fig. 1 and / or by carrying out the procedure Fig. 2For the second case 402, the first time t=-x can be determined.

[0038] With reference to the figures described above, exemplary embodiments are explained below in summary and in other words.

[0039] According to the invention, the basis for determining the severity of injury 125 of the driver is the energy that must be dissipated on or in his body if a fall or collision occurs with the vehicle 100. If the driver has separated from the vehicle 100 before arriving at the collision object 300, the speed at the time of separation is a measure of his kinetic energy that must be dissipated during the accident. Therefore, according to one embodiment, this relevant point in time is recognized by means of the device 100 or by executing the method 200 in order to react accordingly with the emergency call strategy. In this consideration, it is assumed that there are no sensors on the driver or front passenger. In order to differentiate between the various situations or scenarios of accident events, the entire historical course of events orTo consider the course of the driving dynamics data and / or operating input data represented by the at least one sensor signal 104.

[0040] A dynamic, controlled or regulated movement sequence of a vehicle 100 in the form of a two-wheeler with a rider is a constant sequence of compensation of forces or moments. These include cornering force, lean angle and speed, as well as centrifugal force and centripetal force. The centrifugal force results from the relationship F zf = mv 2< / r, where v represents the belt speed, r represents the radius assumed to be constant, and m represents the constant mass. The centripetal force corresponding to the cornering force is defined by the relationship F zp = -mω 2< r, where ω represents the angular velocity. A transition from such a regulated sequence to a simple physical sequence, e.g., tipping over, or a chaotic sequence, e.g., a rollover, is assessed as the moment of loss of control by the rider.

[0041] Stable cornering depends on the speed and the cornering forces. For a defined curve radius, this can be measured using the sensor device 102 located on the vehicle 100, which is an inertial sensor. To clearly detect the presence of the driver on the vehicle 100, the sphere of influence between the driver and the vehicle 100 is determined via the steering of the vehicle 100.

[0042] Any steering movement of a front wheel of the vehicle 100 with a steering angle less than 90 degrees to the contact point causes the rotating wheel to tilt. This results in an angular momentum with a forced precession. The vehicle 100 is forced into an opposite circular trajectory. The centripetal force acting at the center of gravity creates a moment that counteracts the precession. The transition between the individual effects is determined by the driver. Driving straight ahead is defined as cornering with an infinite radius.

[0043] If the sphere of influence between the driver and the vehicle 100 is interrupted or can no longer be detected, it can be assumed that the driver has separated from the vehicle 100. If the device 120 detects this condition, the energy to be dissipated and thus the injury severity 125 are determined according to the invention based on the relationship between the driver's speed and typical mass. This determines the decision regarding the triggering delay of the emergency call. In the case of a driver trapped under the vehicle 100, the conditions for straight-ahead travel apply.

[0044] If an embodiment includes an "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment has either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

1. Method (200) for controlling an emergency call device (115) for a single-track vehicle (100), wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: reading in (210) at least one sensor signal (104) from an interface (121) to at least one sensor device (102) of the vehicle (100), wherein the at least one sensor signal (104) represents driving dynamics data relating to the vehicle (100); detecting an accident event using the at least one sensor signal (104), detecting the time of separation between the vehicle and the driver; determining (220) an injury severity (125) of the driver of the vehicle (100) in the case of an accident event involving the vehicle (100) using the at least one sensor signal (104), characterized in that the separation between the vehicle (100) and the driver is determined, as the time or period of time relevant to the accident event, using the at least one sensor signal (104), and in order to determine the injury severity (125) of the driver, the energy to be dissipated at or in his body is determined, the speed at the time of separation and a typical mass of the driver being a measure of the energy; processing (230) the determined injury severity (125) in order to generate a control signal (127) for controlling the emergency call device (115), wherein the control signal (127) comprises an activation command for activating an automatic emergency call by means of the emergency call device (115) immediately after the accident event or with a delay of a predefined waiting period after the accident event, depending on the injury severity, providing (240) the control signal (127) for output to an interface (129) to the emergency call device (115).

2. Method (200) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the reading-in step (210), at least one sensor signal (104) is read in, which represents at least one acceleration value of an acceleration of the vehicle (100) relative to at least one spatial axis, a tilt angle of the vehicle (100) around a longitudinal axis of the same, a deceleration rate and / or a vehicle speed as driving dynamics data.

3. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the determining step (220), a collision start (t=0) of a collision between the vehicle (100) and a collision object (300) is determined, as the time or period of time relevant to the accident event, using the at least one sensor signal (104).

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation is determined using an analysis of a change between precession and centripetal force.

5. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the processing step (230), the injury severity (125) is compared with predefined biomechanical comparison values and / or information from accident databases and / or a check for the presence or absence of the driver on the vehicle (100) is carried out at the end of the accident event, the control signal (127) being generated on the basis of a result of the comparison and / or a result of the check.

6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic emergency call is made immediately in case of a high injury severity and is made after the predefined waiting time in case of a low injury severity.

7. Apparatus (120) configured to carry out and / or control the steps of the method (200) according to one of the preceding claims in appropriate units (122, 124, 126, 128).

8. Emergency call system (110) for a single-track vehicle (100), wherein the emergency call system (110) has the following features: an apparatus (120) according to Claim 7; and the emergency call device (115), wherein the emergency call device (115) and the apparatus (120) are connected to each other with signal transmission capability.

9. Computer program configured to carry out and / or control the steps of the method (200) according to one of Claims 1 to 6.

10. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to Claim 9 is stored.