METHOD AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING A MOTOR VEHICLE WHEN PERFORMING A CORNER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for assisting a motor vehicle in cornering using a driver assistance system. The invention also relates to a corresponding driver assistance system for assisting a motor vehicle in cornering.

[0002] A driver assistance system is typically used in a motor vehicle to support the driver in driving the vehicle. For example, a driver assistance system can assist or (partially) automatically guide the vehicle longitudinally, i.e., accelerate and brake. The driver assistance system can thus be used to maintain or adjust the current driving speed of the vehicle. For example, a desired speed set by the driver can be set and / or a detected speed limit for a permitted traffic speed can be reacted to. Additionally or alternatively, assisted or (partially) automated lateral guidance, i.e., steering the vehicle by means of the driver assistance system, is conceivable. The driver assistance system can thus assist when changing the direction of travel of the vehicle.For example, lane keeping or a lane change initiated by the driver can be carried out.

[0003] Such a driver assistance system can, for example, provide assistance when cornering a vehicle. A corresponding method is known, for example, from DE 10 2016 215 046 A1. In this method, the current vehicle speed is adjusted when cornering depending on a curve parameter and a passenger's preference.

[0004] DE 10 2012 011 171 A1 also discloses a method for displaying a recommended cornering speed to a vehicle driver. The driver can use the recommended cornering speed to guide the vehicle through the curve.

[0005] US 2018 / 0194365 A1 discloses a method for general assistance during a journey in a motor vehicle. Depending on the driver type and a detected driver condition, at least one or more assistance functions are selected to support the journey.

[0006] DE 10 2016 220 406 A1 proposes a system for a motor vehicle for automated driving in which a maximum permissible speed is determined when automated longitudinal guidance is active. Furthermore, when automated longitudinal guidance is active, longitudinal control of the vehicle is initiated, taking into account the determined maximum permissible speed. Then, when automated longitudinal guidance is active, the maximum permissible speed is determined based on available information from automated lateral guidance.

[0007] However, with active lateral guidance through a curve, there may be legal requirements that limit the maximum permissible or permitted cornering speed at which the vehicle may be steered laterally through the curve with assistance. With active longitudinal guidance, there is generally no such legal requirement. Rather, the cornering speed depends, for example, on a desired speed set by the driver or the current traffic speed. If the vehicle is to be driven through the curve with assistance both longitudinally and laterally, there may be different specifications for the speed to be set for negotiating the curve.

[0008] The object of the invention is to resolve a discrepancy between different speed specifications for assisted or (partially) automated cornering.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0010] The invention relates to a method for assisting a motor vehicle during cornering using a driver assistance system that provides two different assistance modes. "Provided" means, for example, that both assistance modes are perceptible on the driver side. For example, a driver of the motor vehicle can select and / or activate one of the modes according to his or her desire or preference to assist him or her during the journey. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the two assistance modes are provided together in a combination mode for the driver to select. On the driver side, only the combination mode is perceptible and can be selected and / or activated to assist him or her during the journey. The distinction between the modes can thus only be made at the technical level, i.e., in the background.

[0011] In a first of the assistance modes, assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance of the vehicle is performed or provided. When the first assistance mode is activated, both acceleration (positive and negative) and maintaining speed, as well as steering the vehicle, are at least partially taken over. The first assistance mode can, for example, be a so-called Travel Assist.

[0012] In contrast, a second assistance mode performs or provides only assisted longitudinal guidance of the vehicle. When the second assistance mode is activated, only acceleration or maintaining the vehicle's speed is implemented. The second assistance mode can, for example, be a so-called Active Cruise Control (ACC, automatic distance control).

[0013] In this context, "assisted" means that the respective assistance function is performed or executed to support the driver in certain driving tasks. In this context, "assisted" can also be understood as (partially) automated driving, so that the motor vehicle can perform individual driving tasks or functions, at least temporarily, without driver intervention.

[0014] The two assistance modes can overlap in their longitudinal guidance assistance function. This means that, when the first assistance mode is activated, speed data from the second assistance mode can be used for longitudinal guidance, for example. For example, Travel Assist can access speed data from the ACC relating to longitudinal guidance, such as a set driving speed. Regardless of the selected assistance mode, the driving speed can thus be maintained or set to a desired speed set by the driver or a currently permitted traffic speed. "Set" means that, for example, acceleration or deceleration can be adjusted to the desired speed or traffic speed.

[0015] The situation is different if the vehicle is to be guided through a bend with assistance. With active lateral guidance, i.e. the first assistance mode is activated, the previously described specifications for the maximum permitted cornering speed must be observed for the driving speed to be set. One such specification is known, for example, from the UN ECE R79 directive. This specifies the maximum lateral acceleration to which the vehicle may be exposed when cornering. The maximum lateral acceleration can, for example, be specified taking into account the driving speed and the geometry of the bend. The curve geometry can, for example, include data relating to a curve radius and / or road width. The faster a vehicle drives through the bend, the higher the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle.However, since the lateral acceleration for the active steering is limited, this also results in a limit for the permitted cornering speed. For the assisted lateral guidance, the permitted cornering speed is therefore determined taking the specified lateral acceleration into account.

[0016] In contrast, a predefined cornering speed for active longitudinal guidance, as described above, is determined, for example, from the set desired speed or the traffic speed. The permitted cornering speed for assisted lateral guidance may therefore differ from the cornering speed specified for longitudinal guidance in certain driving situations.

[0017] For assisted cornering with the first assistance mode activated, in which both lateral and longitudinal guidance are to be implemented, two different cornering speeds are potentially available. The first potential cornering speed is the permitted cornering speed, which is specified by law for assisted lateral guidance, for example. The second potential cornering speed is the specified cornering speed, which is specified, for example, as the driver's desired speed for assisted longitudinal guidance.

[0018] The invention aims to resolve this discrepancy between the different speed specifications and to prioritize one of the two potential cornering speeds over the other. To this end, the method according to the invention compares the first potential cornering speed for negotiating the upcoming curve in the first assistance mode with the second potential cornering speed for negotiating the curve in the second assistance mode. If the comparison between the two potential cornering speeds shows that the first potential cornering speed is lower than the second potential cornering speed, one of the potential cornering speeds is selected as a target value for the driving speed to be set for negotiating the curve using a predetermined selection routine. The specific design of the selection routine will be discussed in more detail later.

[0019] Depending on which of the potential cornering speeds is selected according to the selection routine, two possible scenarios for assisted cornering are now possible. If the first potential cornering speed is selected as the target value, the first assistance mode is used for negotiating the curve. "Use" specifically means that the first assistance mode is either selected, i.e., newly set, or retained, i.e., has already been activated and will now continue to be used. The vehicle is therefore preferably guided longitudinally and laterally with assistance throughout the entire journey through or along the curve, with the slower Travel Assist speed being used for longitudinal guidance.

[0020] If, however, the second potential cornering speed is selected as the target value according to the selection routine, the first assistance mode for negotiating the curve is only used until the current lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle exceeds the specified lateral acceleration. After that, the vehicle switches from the first assistance mode to the second assistance mode. In this case, "after" means, in particular, "afterwards". Thus, the switch can, for example, be delayed in time or occur immediately at the moment the current lateral acceleration exceeds the specified lateral acceleration. When switching from the first to the second assistance mode, the vehicle is therefore only assisted or (partially) automatically guided longitudinally. Lateral guidance must then be provided manually. This means that the driver must take over the steering themselves. This means that the lateral guidance is deactivated at least for certain sections of the curve.

[0021] If the second potential cornering speed is selected as the target value, a display device, such as a display, instrument cluster, or head-up display, of the vehicle can be activated. This displays and provides a driver notification regarding the deactivation of the first assistance mode. The deactivation can be indicated, for example, by hiding a symbol associated with the first assistance mode.

[0022] Using the selection routine has the advantage of resolving the discrepancy between the different speed specifications for cornering. According to the selection routine, one of the two potential cornering speeds is prioritized.

[0023] For the purposes of the invention, a "curve" does not only refer to the entire section of the roadway that forms the curve. Instead, the term "curve" can also be understood to refer to at least one section of the curve (curve section) or a group of curves.

[0024] The invention also includes embodiments which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0025] The method further provides that the first potential cornering speed is determined as a function of a first predefined curve data set and a current driving speed, taking into account the predefined lateral acceleration. The second potential cornering speed is determined accordingly as a function of a second predefined curve data set, which differs from the first curve data set, and the current driving speed.

[0026] The first curve data set can, for example, be one or more parameters relating to the geometry of the curve. These include, for example, a curve radius, a roadway width and / or a length of the curve. A camera device of the motor vehicle, such as a front camera, can be used to capture the first curve data set. This camera device captures or films the horizon ahead. The resulting image data can be evaluated using known image processing methods, such as pattern recognition, and the first curve data set can be extracted. A neural network, for example, can be used for this purpose. In order to determine the first potential curve speed from this, the expected lateral acceleration for the motor vehicle in the upcoming curve can be calculated in real time, i.e. live, using a vehicle model simulated in the camera device.The calculation can be done empirically using a neural network.

[0027] If the calculation results in a greater expected lateral acceleration than the specified lateral acceleration, or if the expected lateral acceleration is greater than the specified lateral acceleration by more than a predetermined tolerance amount, the current driving speed is reduced until the specified lateral acceleration is met. The tolerance amount can, for example, be 10% of a value of the specified lateral acceleration. Otherwise, the current driving speed or a predetermined set speed, at which the specified lateral acceleration in the curve is still met, is defined or set as the first potential curve speed. The set speed can, for example, be the aforementioned desired speed of the driver or the aforementioned traffic speed to which the vehicle is to be accelerated or decelerated.This means that the vehicle may be in an acceleration phase even when negotiating the curve.

[0028] The second curve data set can, for example, be route data, i.e., one or more parameters relating to the current route. This includes, for example, a speed limit specified by traffic signs and / or road users. Additionally or alternatively, a swarm speed, i.e., an average driving speed of several other motor vehicles that have already negotiated the curve, can be provided as such a parameter. The second curve data set can, for example, be determined by evaluating digital map data provided by a navigation device assigned to the driver assistance system. Additionally or alternatively, providing the second curve data set by evaluating distance measurement data from a radar system of the motor vehicle is conceivable.

[0029] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, it is possible for the two potential cornering speeds to be determined, for example, from a common cornering data set, as described above by way of example. In particular, the first cornering speed is determined from the common cornering data set, taking into account the specified lateral acceleration, while the second cornering speed is determined based on a different preference. This means that a target value for the second cornering speed can be calculated, for example, without taking the lateral guidance limits into account.

[0030] The following embodiments will now discuss the aforementioned selection routine in more detail.

[0031] For this purpose, one embodiment of the invention provides that the selection routine is only executed if, according to the comparison, the first cornering speed deviates from the second cornering speed by at least a predetermined limit. This means that the first cornering speed should be less than or equal to the difference between the second cornering speed and the limit for the selection routine to be executed. The limit can, for example, be specified as a speed value of 10 km / h, 15 km / h, or 20 km / h. This prevents the driver from being alerted to the driver assistance system's conflict even in the case of small deviations.

[0032] In a further embodiment, in connection with the selection routine, it is provided that the target value is selected depending on a set driving profile mode of the motor vehicle. The driver assistance system can detect the driving profile mode, for example, from system setting data of the motor vehicle. The driving profile mode can be set, for example, by a driver of the motor vehicle using an operator input. If, for example, dynamic driving mode, for example a sport mode, is detected as the driving profile mode, the faster of the two cornering speeds, i.e. the second potential cornering speed, is selected in the selection routine. If, on the other hand, a comfort mode or an eco mode is selected as the driving profile mode, the slower cornering speed, i.e. the first potential cornering speed, can be set as the target value.This has the advantage that a driver preference is taken into account when prioritizing cornering speed.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the target value is selected according to the selection routine depending on a gearshift knob position, which represents a respective transmission mode of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can, for example, have a dual-clutch transmission. Typically, such a dual-clutch transmission (DSG) provides two different transmission modes, namely a manual mode and an automated mode, for operating the motor vehicle. In manual mode, a gear change is carried out via an input from the driver, for example via a shift paddle. In automatic mode, however, the gear change is automated, i.e., without any intervention from the driver and thus carried out independently. If the manual mode is now recognized based on the gearshift knob position, the second potential cornering speed for negotiating the curve can be selected, for example.When selecting manual mode, it can be assumed that the driver wants to drive the vehicle as independently as possible and is prepared to take over the steering at any time. In automatic mode, on the other hand, it can be assumed that the driver wants the cornering to be as fully automated or assisted as possible. This also has the advantage of taking the driver's preference into account when selecting the cornering speed.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the target value is selected according to the selection routine depending on a detected occupant state of a respective occupant of the motor vehicle. Occupant state refers, in particular, to a physical or health condition of the respective occupant of the motor vehicle, in particular a driver. In particular, the aim is to detect discomfort or fatigue of one of the occupants by detecting the occupant state and to select the target value accordingly. If an occupant state is detected that represents the occupant's discomfort or fatigue, the first potential cornering speed value can be selected. Otherwise, the second potential cornering speed value is selected as the target value.

[0035] This can prevent lateral guidance from being interrupted during a curve, even if the driver's condition is distracting them from the traffic. Selecting a slower cornering speed for assisted lateral guidance can also prevent a deterioration in the occupant's condition while driving.

[0036] The driver assistance system can detect the occupant's condition, for example, based on observation data or image data from an occupant monitoring device, such as an interior camera. By evaluating the observation data using known image processing methods, such as pattern recognition, a status value can be determined regarding the respective occupant's condition. The status value thus provides information about whether the respective occupant is unwell or not. "Unwell" here means that the occupant is dizzy and / or nauseous. A status value can be recorded, for example, for the occupant's facial color, pupil dilation, skin conductance, a moisture value that indicates, for example, increased perspiration in the occupant, a heart rate, another vital sign, and / or another value describing the physical or health condition.To determine whether the occupant is unwell or not, it can be checked whether the recorded condition value lies within a predefined threshold range. The threshold range, for example, defines a range associated with the occupant's discomfort. Within the threshold range, it can be concluded that the occupant is unwell. Outside the threshold range, however, the occupant's well-being can be confirmed.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the target value is selected according to the selection routine depending on a detected attention level of the driver of the motor vehicle. The objective is therefore to determine how attentively the driver is currently observing or following the operation of the motor vehicle and / or a traffic situation. If an attention level that represents a lack of attention on the part of the driver is detected, the first potential cornering speed value can be selected. Otherwise, the second potential cornering speed value is selected as the target value.

[0038] This has the advantage of checking whether the driver is ready to quickly take over steering the vehicle when switching from the first assistance mode to the second. This can prevent the vehicle from swerving, thereby improving road safety.

[0039] To determine the state of attention, for example, it can be checked whether and / or how and / or with what grip force the driver grips the steering wheel. Additionally or alternatively, the driver's gaze direction can be checked to determine the state of attention. For this purpose, an interior camera of the vehicle and / or a capacitive sensor device in the vehicle's steering wheel can be used, for example.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the target value is selected in the selection routine depending on recorded weather data in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The weather data describes current weather conditions in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The "surroundings" here refers in particular to a current route as well as route sections that the motor vehicle may potentially travel in the future. The aim is, in particular, to detect any impairment of driving operation due to weather conditions by recording the weather data and to select the target value accordingly. If weather data is detected that represents an impairment of driving operation, the first potential cornering speed value can be selected. Otherwise, the second potential cornering speed value is selected as the target value.

[0041] The driver assistance system can acquire the weather data externally, for example, using a communications module. Alternatively, the motor vehicle itself can be equipped with weather sensors to acquire the weather data and provide it to the driver assistance system. The weather data can include, for example, one or more weather-related values, such as a temperature value, a humidity value, a position of the sun, and / or other weather-related parameters. To determine whether the weather data is causing an impairment to driving operation, it can be checked whether the respective weather-related value lies within a predetermined limit range. The limit range specifies an interval in which the impairment is confirmed.For example, the impairment can be confirmed for temperatures below 4 degrees, a sun position of less than 30 degrees starting from a road surface, fog formation, or humidity values ​​that indicate a wet road surface.

[0042] This has the advantage of adapting cornering speed to current weather conditions. This allows the vehicle's driving behavior to be adjusted on slippery or wet roads or in poor visibility, thus improving road safety.

[0043] In a further embodiment, in connection with the selection routine, the target value is selected based on acquired swarm data of a swarm of motor vehicles, wherein the swarm data includes an average cornering speed of the swarm of motor vehicles while negotiating the curve. "Swarm of motor vehicles" refers to a plurality of other motor vehicles that negotiated the curve before the motor vehicle.

[0044] To select the target value, a swarm speed value, i.e. the average cornering speed of the swarm of vehicles, can be determined and compared with the first and second potential cornering speed values. The target value for the cornering speed can then be, for example, the one of the two cornering speeds whose absolute value is closer to the swarm speed value. Additionally or alternatively, a limit can be specified for each of the two potential cornering speed values, by which the potential cornering speed values ​​may deviate from the swarm speed value. If one of the two cornering speed values ​​deviates by more than the limit, this cornering speed is rejected as the target value and the other potential cornering speed is selected as the target value.For example, the respective limit can be set to 50 percent of the swarm speed.

[0045] This has the advantage of providing an additional verification criterion for the plausibility of the determined potential curve speed.

[0046] As an alternative to the aforementioned options for selecting the potential cornering speed as the target value, the selection can be based on a driver preference. For example, the driver can specify that the first potential cornering speed or the second potential cornering speed should always be used as the target value for negotiating the curve in the event of a conflict.

[0047] In particular, a further potential cornering speed can be taken into account for selecting the target value according to the selection routine. The further potential cornering speed can, for example, be the aforementioned swarm speed or an average of the first and second potential cornering speeds. This can then be compared with the first potential cornering speed. If the comparison shows that the further potential cornering speed is lower than the first potential cornering speed, one of the potential cornering speeds can be selected as the target value for negotiating the curve using the predetermined selection routine.If the further potential cornering speed is selected as the target value, the first assistance mode can be used to negotiate the curve until the vehicle's current lateral acceleration exceeds the specified lateral acceleration. After that, the driver can switch to the second assistance mode, for example.

[0048] The invention also relates to a driver assistance system for assisting a motor vehicle and / or its driver when cornering, as described above. The invention can also relate to a motor vehicle with a corresponding driver assistance system.

[0049] The drawings show in: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle approaching a curve for assisted cornering, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a method flow diagram with individual method steps for selecting a cornering speed for the motor vehicle for cornering, and Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of one of the method steps according to Fig. 2 concerning the selection of the cornering speed depending on a driving mode of the motor vehicle.

[0050] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0051] Fig. 1shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 10 from a bird's eye view. The motor vehicle 10 is operating in a driving mode and is currently on a straight section of a roadway 60 while driving and is driving towards a curve 61 of the roadway 60 ahead. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the motor vehicle 10 comprises a driver assistance system 20. The driver assistance system 20 supports the driving operation of the motor vehicle 10 and in particular assists and / or (partially) automates it, that is to say at least partially without the intervention of a Fig. 1carried out by a driver (not shown). The driver assistance system 20 provides two different assistance modes 21, 22, between which the driver can choose to support driving. The first assistance mode 21 enables assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle 10. If the first assistance mode 21 is activated, the motor vehicle 10 can thus be steered with assistance (lateral guidance) and also accelerated with assistance, i.e. its speed can be changed (longitudinal guidance). The first assistance mode 21 is also referred to below as Travel Assist. In the second assistance mode 22, however, only assisted longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle 10 is provided. The second assistance mode 22 is also referred to below as Active Cruise Control or ACC (automatic distance control).

[0052] In order to provide assisted lateral guidance and / or longitudinal guidance when the assistance mode 21, 22 is activated, a component 30 of the motor vehicle 10 relating to driving operation is controlled with a corresponding control command by means of the driver assistance system 20. For longitudinal guidance, for example, a cruise control system 31 of the motor vehicle 10 is controlled as component 30. As a control signal, the cruise control system 31 is provided with, for example, a target value or set value for a desired driving speed to be set or a parameter associated with the desired driving speed, such as an acceleration value. For lateral guidance, for example, a steering system 32 of the motor vehicle 10 is controlled as component 30. As a control signal, for example, a desired target value or set value for a steering angle or steering angle can be provided by the driver assistance system 20.

[0053] To operate the motor vehicle with assisted transverse and longitudinal guidance, the first assistance mode 21 and the second assistance mode 22 can be used in a superimposed manner, for example. In superimposed use, the first assistance mode 21 is, for example, activated with the second assistance mode 22. This means that in the first assistance mode 21, data relating to the longitudinal guidance, such as the desired driving speed to be set, are determined analogously to the second assistance mode 22. How the driving speed to be set is determined in the second assistance mode 22 will be explained in more detail later.

[0054] However, the superimposed use of the two assistance modes 21, 22 for assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance can lead to a conflict for the driver assistance system 20 when cornering. This is because when cornering in the first assistance mode 21, a limitation of the maximum specified lateral acceleration to which the motor vehicle 10 may be exposed when negotiating curve 61 must be observed. The specifications for limiting the maximum lateral acceleration are based, for example, on legal requirements or guidelines. Such a limitation of lateral acceleration is known, for example, from the UN ECE R79 directive. Accordingly, the lateral acceleration of a motor vehicle when negotiating a curve may not exceed 3 m / s 2<, for example. This limitation also restricts the driving speed at which curve 61 may be negotiated with assisted lateral guidance.The driving speed at which curve 61 may be negotiated with assisted lateral guidance is also referred to below as the first potential curve speed v1.

[0055] In order to take into account the limitation of the lateral acceleration during active lateral guidance, the first potential curve speed v1 is determined in the first assistance mode 21, taking into account the specified lateral acceleration and depending on a first curve data set 41 and the currently measured driving speed. To record the first curve data set 41, the motor vehicle 10 comprises Fig. 1a camera device 40, which is embodied, for example, as a front camera. By means of the camera device 10, a horizon of the surroundings ahead of the motor vehicle 10 is recorded, and the resulting image data is evaluated. The evaluation produces the first curve data set 41 from the image data. The first curve data set 41 comprises at least one or more parameters relating to a geometry of the curve 61 ahead. For example, the curve data set can include a length of the curve 62 and a roadway width 63. A curvature or a radius of curvature of the curve 61 is then determined from the parameters. Depending on the detected curve geometry, an expected lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle 10 for driving through the curve 61 while maintaining the currently measured driving speed is then calculated, for example in real time, i.e., live while the motor vehicle 10 is approaching the curve 61.The calculation can be performed empirically, for example, using a neural network associated with the motor vehicle 10. The expected lateral acceleration is then compared with the aforementioned predetermined lateral acceleration.

[0056] If, according to the comparison, the expected lateral acceleration in curve 61 is less than the specified lateral acceleration, for example, the current driving speed of the motor vehicle 10 is maintained for cornering. The first potential cornering speed v1 is thus defined as the current driving speed. If, however, the expected lateral acceleration is greater than the specified lateral acceleration, the current driving speed must be reduced until the limit value of the specified lateral acceleration is again met. In this case, the first potential cornering speed v1 is defined as a target speed corresponding to the specified lateral acceleration.By determining the first potential curve speed v1 taking into account the specified lateral acceleration, a limitation of the driving speed at which the motor vehicle 10 may be guided through the curve 61 can therefore result.

[0057] Regardless of the limitation of the driving speed by the first assistance mode 21, a second potential cornering speed v2 is determined due to the aforementioned superimposed use of both assistance modes 21, 22 for the assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance of cornering. The second potential cornering speed v2 is the driving speed that is determined in the second assistance mode 22 for negotiating the curve 61 and, due to the superimposed use of the assistance modes 21, 22, can also be considered as a potential driving speed for longitudinal guidance when the first assistance mode 21 is activated.

[0058] The second potential cornering speed v2 is determined as a function of route data and the currently measured driving speed. For cornering, this route data can also be referred to as a second curve data set 51. The second curve data set 51 or the route data can be determined, for example, by evaluating digital map data provided by a navigation device 50 assigned to the driver assistance system 20. The route data can be, for example, traffic data, such as a speed limit for the respective section of road traveled, detected by traffic sign recognition. Thus, the second potential cornering speed v2 can be determined by the driving speed specified by the speed limit.Alternatively, the second potential curve speed v2 can, for example, correspond to a driving speed preset by the driver and thus to the current driving speed of the motor vehicle 10.

[0059] This results in different potential cornering speeds v1, v2 for assisted transverse and longitudinal cornering. The second potential cornering speed v2 is often greater than the first potential cornering speed v1. Using the first potential cornering speed v1 as the set driving speed would indeed guide the motor vehicle 10 more slowly through the curve 61, but cornering could be carried out fully assisted or (partially) automatically with transverse and longitudinal guidance. Using the second potential cornering speed v2 as the set driving speed, however, would guide the motor vehicle 10 more dynamically through the curve 61, but the steering would have to be taken over manually, at least for some sections of the curve.

[0060] To execute the curve, the driver assistance system has two different potential curve speeds v1, v2, from which the driver assistance system 20 must select one as the target value for setting the new driving speed. How this selection can be made is illustrated by the example of Fig. 2 explained in more detail.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a schematic process flow diagram with individual process steps for selecting one of the two potential cornering speeds v1, v2 to assist the motor vehicle 10 in cornering. In a step S1, the first potential cornering speed v1 is first compared with the second potential cornering speed. In the comparison, as in Fig. 2shown, for example, checks whether the first cornering speed v1 is smaller than a difference between the second cornering speed and a predetermined limit value v G .

[0062] The limit v G can be, for example, 5 km / h or 10 km / h. If the comparison according to step S1 shows that the first potential cornering speed v1 deviates from the second potential cornering speed v2 by less than the predetermined limit v G , step S1 is repeated for cornering according to the process flow diagram D. If, however, it is determined that the first potential cornering speed v1 is less than the second potential cornering speed v2 minus the limit v G , the process continues in a step S2.

[0063] In step S2, a selection routine is carried out, by means of which exactly one of the two potential cornering speeds v1 or v2 is selected for negotiating the curve. Thus, the target value v soll for the longitudinal guidance is determined. The criteria under which which of the two potential cornering speeds v1 or v2 is selected according to the selection routine will be determined later based on Fig. 3 described in more detail.

[0064] According to Fig. 2The method continues in a step S3 when the first potential cornering speed v1 for negotiating the curve is selected as the target speed v soll. According to step S3, the first assistance module 21 is used to assist the motor vehicle 10 in both the transverse and longitudinal directions while negotiating the curve. Accordingly, the first assistance mode 21 for cornering can be retained. Thus, the curve 61 is negotiated more slowly, but with complete longitudinal and transverse guidance.

[0065] If, however, according to the selection routine in step S2, the second potential cornering speed v2 is selected as the target speed v soll, the method continues in a step S4. In step S4, the first assistance mode 21 is also initially used for driving through the curve. While the curve is being driven, however, a step S5 continuously checks whether the current lateral acceleration a ist of the motor vehicle 10 is less than the previously mentioned predetermined lateral acceleration a vor. In this case, a tolerance band for the deviation of the expected lateral acceleration a ist from the predetermined lateral acceleration a vor is preferably taken into account. This means that a lateral acceleration limit can be selected which can be set, for example, as 10 percent of the predetermined lateral acceleration.

[0066] If it is determined in step S5 that the expected lateral acceleration a is less than the specified lateral acceleration, the method returns to step S4. However, if it is determined in step S5 that the expected lateral acceleration a in the curve is greater than the specified lateral acceleration a before , the method continues in step S6.

[0067] In step S6, the system then switches from the first assistance mode 21 to the second assistance mode 22. Thus, the motor vehicle 10 is only guided longitudinally with assistance when negotiating the curve 61 or at least a section of the curve 61. The lateral guidance, i.e. the steering, must then be taken over manually by the driver. In summary, when the second potential curve speed v2 is selected as the target speed v soll according to step S2, the first assistance mode 21 is only used for negotiating the curve 61 until the current lateral acceleration a ist exceeds the predefined lateral acceleration a vor. Thereafter, the system switches from the first assistance mode 21 to the second assistance mode. This means that the lateral guidance of the motor vehicle 10 when negotiating the curve can be deactivated at least for certain curve sections or temporarily.

[0068] Fig. 3shows once again a schematic representation of a process flow diagram with individual process sub-steps for step S2, which are carried out in order to select one of the two potential cornering speeds v1, v2 as the target speed v target according to the above-mentioned selection routine. According to Fig. 3the selection is made depending on a set driving profile mode M of the motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, in a sub-step S21, it is first checked according to the selection routine which driving profile mode M of the motor vehicle 10 is currently set. The driver assistance system 20 can detect the driving profile mode M, for example, on the basis of system settings that are stored in a memory device (not shown) of the motor vehicle and are specified, for example, by a driver. If a comfort mode ECO is set or stored as the driving profile mode M, the method continues in a sub-step S22. In step S22, the first potential cornering speed v1 is selected as the target speed v soll for driving through the curve. If, on the other hand, a dynamic mode DYN is detected as the driving profile mode M on the basis of the system settings, the method continues in a sub-step S23.In sub-step S23, the second potential curve speed v2 is selected as the target speed for driving through curve 61.

[0069] Alternatively or in addition to the Fig. 3In the embodiment of the selection routine shown in step S2, the selection of the target value v soll can be made depending on a detected occupant state of a respective occupant of the motor vehicle 10. A fatigue value of the occupant, such as the driver, can be detected as the occupant state. The fatigue value indicates whether the occupant is tired or not and thus reflects a fatigue level of the occupant. In particular, it is a matter of detecting fatigue of one of the occupants by detecting the occupant state and selecting the target value v soll accordingly. If an occupant state is detected that represents the tiredness of the occupant, the first potential cornering speed value v1 can be selected. Otherwise, the second potential cornering speed value v2 is selected as the target value v soll.The fatigue value can, for example, be an eyelid opening angle of an occupant's eye or a blinking frequency of the occupant. To detect the fatigue value, the driver assistance system 20 can, for example, collect and evaluate observation data or image data of the occupant using an occupant camera. Known image processing methods, such as pattern recognition, can be used for the evaluation. Thus, the selection of the target speed v soll for negotiating curve 61 can be selected depending on whether the driver is, for example, prepared to assume lateral control at any time while negotiating curve 61 or whether the driver's reaction time is likely to be limited due to fatigue.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to make the selection from the two potential cornering speeds v1, v2 according to the selection routine in step S2 depending on the acquired swarm data of a swarm of motor vehicles. The swarm data include an average cornering speed of the swarm of motor vehicles (swarm speed) for negotiating curve 61. Thus, for example, the selection routine can check whether the first potential cornering speed v1 and the second potential cornering speed v2 deviate from the swarm speed by a predetermined limit. For example, a value that deviates by 50 percent from the determined swarm speed can be specified as the limit.

[0071] The limit value determines interval boundaries for a swarm speed interval within which the first potential cornering speed v1 and the second potential cornering speed v2 should lie in order to be considered in the selection. This allows a plausibility check for the selection of the target speed. If one of the two potential cornering speeds v1, v2 lies outside the interval, that cornering speed v1, v2 is rejected as implausible. The other of the two cornering speeds v1, v2 is then selected as the target speed vtarget. If both potential cornering speeds v1, v2 lie within the swarm speed interval, the one that is closer to the specified swarm speed can be selected, for example.However, if both potential curve speeds v1 and v2 lie outside the specified swarm interval, the determined swarm speed can be set as the new target value v soll. In this case, the procedure can be performed according to . Fig. 2 then be continued, for example, in the aforementioned step S4.

[0072] Overall, the examples show how, with the help of different assistance modes, a motor vehicle's cornering speed can be optimized for assisted or (partially) automated cornering. List of reference symbols

[0073] 10 motor vehicle v1 first potential cornering speed 20 Driver assistance system v2 second potential cornering speed 21 first assistance mode 22 second assistance mode VG Limit amount 30 component V should Target speed 31 Cruise control system 32 Steering system 40 Environmental detection device 41 first curve data set 50 Navigation device 51 second curve data set 60 roadway 61 curve 62 Curve length 63 Road width a is expected lateral acceleration a before specified lateral acceleration D Process flow diagram DYN Dynamic mode ECO Comfort mode M Driving mode S1 Process step S2 Process step S3 Process step S4 Process step S5 Process step S6 Process step S21 Substep S22 Substep S23 Substep

Claims

1. Method for assisting with cornering of a motor vehicle (10) by means of a driver assistance system (20), wherein two assistance modes (21, 22) are provided by the driver assistance system (20), and in a first assistance mode (21), assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle (10) is carried out, and in a second assistance mode (22), only assisted longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle (10) is carried out, the method comprising the following steps: - comparing a first potential cornering speed (v1) for driving through a curve (61) in the first assistance mode (21), which first potential cornering speed is determined taking into account a predetermined lateral acceleration (avor) of the motor vehicle (10) for driving through the curve (61), with a second potential cornering speed (v2) for driving through the curve (61) in the second assistance mode (22), and - if the comparison shows that the first potential cornering speed (v1) is smaller than the second potential cornering speed (v2): selecting one of the potential cornering speeds (v1, v2) as the target value (vsoll) for driving through the curve (61) by applying a predetermined selection routine, and - in the event that the first potential curve speed (v1) is selected as the target value (Vsoll): using the first assistance mode (21) for driving through the curve (61), or - in the event that the second potential cornering speed (v2) is selected as the target value (vsoll): using the first assistance mode (21) for driving through the curve (61) only until a current lateral acceleration (ast) of the motor vehicle (10) exceeds the predetermined lateral acceleration (avor), after which the system switches from the first assistance mode (21) to the second assistance mode (22), characterized in that the first potential curve speed (v1) is determined depending on a first predetermined curve data set (41) and a current driving speed, taking into account the predetermined lateral acceleration (avor), and the second potential curve speed (v2) is determined depending on a second predetermined curve data set (51), which is different from the first curve data set (41), and the current driving speed.

2. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selection routine is carried out only if the first potential cornering speed (v1) deviates from the second potential cornering speed (v2) at least by a predetermined limit amount (VG) according to the comparison.

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on a set driving profile mode (M) of the motor vehicle (10).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on a gear knob position which represents a particular transmission mode of the motor vehicle (10).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on a detected occupant state of a particular occupant of the motor vehicle (10).

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on a detected state of attention of a driver of the motor vehicle (10).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on recorded weather data in an environment of the motor vehicle (10).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (vsoll) is selected according to the selection routine depending on detected swarm data of a swarm of motor vehicles, wherein the swarm data comprise an average cornering speed of the swarm of motor vehicles for driving through the curve (61).

9. Driver assistance system (20) for assisting a motor vehicle (10) when cornering according to any of the preceding claims.