Emergency call system, vehicle and method for transmitting an emergency call
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023713628
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-14
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing emergency call systems for vehicles often send unnecessary and unconfirmed accident signals due to damaged communication lines, leading to network overload and unnecessary alerts for rescue services.
An emergency call system that uses multiple signal lines to detect accidents, with the communication device sending an emergency call only if no signals are received on the primary lines, indicating a likely accident, and verifying this with a third signal line for warning signals, ensuring reliable and safe transmission without unnecessary activations.
Reduces unnecessary emergency calls, improves the robustness of the system, and relieves network load by using existing vehicle resources for accident detection, ensuring timely and accurate alerts to rescue services.
Smart Images

Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] Emergency call system, vehicle and method for sending an emergency call
[0003] The invention relates to an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding emergency call system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle using a corresponding emergency call system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product for implementing a corresponding method.
[0004] Today, emergency call systems are being developed for vehicles to enable emergency calls to be made during or before an accident. The emergency call serves to allocate emergency services and provide first aid to the occupants of a vehicle involved in the accident. Often, the emergency call systems themselves are damaged by the vehicle accident. For this reason, accident signals are increasingly being sent in advance and repeatedly, regardless of whether an accident occurs or not. The cooperation of emergency services is often required to review the flood of accident signals. To transmit the flood of accident signals, the networks must provide sufficient capacity.
[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle, which system controls the transmission of accident signals on the vehicle side in an improved manner, which avoids the transmission of unconfirmed and / or unsafe accident signals, which enables the transmission of correct accident signals in a fail-safe, reliable, and interference-free manner, which relieves the networks when transmitting accident signals, and which is implemented autonomously on the vehicle side without the need for the involvement of rescue services. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding emergency call system. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding method for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle by means of a corresponding emergency call system.Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method. The object according to the invention is achieved: by an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle having the features of the independent system claim. Furthermore, the object is achieved by: a corresponding vehicle having a corresponding emergency call system having the features of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the object is achieved by: a corresponding method for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle by a corresponding emergency call system having the features of the independent method claim. Furthermore, the object is achieved by: a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method having the features of the independent product claim.Features that are described in connection with individual aspects and / or embodiments of the invention naturally also apply in connection with the other aspects and / or embodiments and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects and / or embodiments of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.
[0006] The invention provides an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call (so-called "e-call") for a vehicle. The emergency call system comprises an accident detection device (e.g., comprising an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor or so-called crash sensor), at least one early accident detection device (e.g., comprising at least one environmental monitoring system, at least one occupant protection system, at least one driver assistance system, a vehicle dynamics control system, a braking system, etc.), and a communication device (which can also be referred to as an emergency call control unit and can also provide all communication technologies for communicating with the outside world).
[0007] The accident detection device is designed to detect an accident and generate an accident signal, or if no accident is detected, to generate a "no accident" signal. The at least one early accident detection device is designed to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and generate a warning signal, or if no critical driving situation and / or potential accident situation is detected, to generate a "no warning" signal.
[0008] The accident detection device and the at least one early accident detection device are in communication with the communication device in order to forward the accident signal (or the no-accident signal) and / or the warning signal (or the no-warning signal) to the communication device. The communication device is designed to transmit an emergency call depending on the accident signal and / or the warning signal. The communication connection has a first signal line (e.g., a digital line between the accident detection device and the communication device) and a second signal line (e.g., an analog line between the accident detection device and the communication device) and at least one third signal line (e.g., a digital and / or analog line between the early accident detection device and the communication device) for the warning signal.
[0009] The communication device is designed to send an emergency call if: no signal is received via the first signal line (i.e. no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged), no signal is received via the second signal line (i.e. no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged), and no signal is received via the at least one third signal line (i.e. no message from the early accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged).
[0010] One finding is that signal-transmitting crash lines, such as the signal lines between the accident detection device and the communication device, can be damaged by a vehicle accident. In the absence of accident signals, the communication device is not informed of the accident.
[0011] If the communication device sends an emergency call whenever a critical driving situation and / or potential accident situation is detected, as is the case in some known systems, this can lead to network overload and / or to complex signal evaluation on the part of emergency call responders.
[0012] Therefore, it is proposed that the absence of signals on the first signal line and the second signal line designed to transmit accident signals should be considered as an indication that an accident has probably occurred.
[0013] In order to verify this indication, the at least one third signal line is monitored for receipt of a warning signal from the at least one early accident detection device.
[0014] If no signal is received via at least one third signal line, it can be assumed with a high degree of certainty that the communication link is disrupted because an accident, particularly a serious one, has occurred. In this case, an emergency call is made, which is highly likely to be justified.
[0015] However, if a signal with a positive message - no critical driving situation and / or no potential accident situation detected - comes via at least one third signal line, then the first and / or second signal line has been disconnected, for example for repair and / or maintenance purposes, such as in a workshop.
[0016] A further finding is that, before an accident, all early-accident detection devices use the communication link to request and / or implement pre-crash measures. Therefore, if no signals are received from such early-accident detection devices, it is very likely that an accident, especially a serious one, has occurred.
[0017] The idea behind the invention is that if the vehicle visibly enters a pre-crash state and the communication is disrupted, it is highly likely that an accident has occurred. In this case, an emergency call is sent.
[0018] For example, the emergency call may convey a message that an accident has occurred, that no detailed or complete details of the accident can be provided, and / or that communication has been disrupted.
[0019] In this way, several advantages can be achieved:
[0020] Reduction in the number of cases of the most serious field accidents without triggering an emergency call, Improved use of existing information in the vehicle: such as
[0021] Skidding, emergency braking by the driver, lane departure, collision risk detection, etc.,
[0022] An adaptation of the control procedure only in the communication device, increased robustness of the emergency call system, reduction of unnecessary emergency call triggers, relief of the network,
[0023] Relief for rescue workers.
[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that the accident detection device has an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor. In this way, existing resources for accident detection in the vehicle are used advantageously. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one early accident detection device has at least one sensor that is designed to: monitor the surroundings of the vehicle, in particular for further
[0025] Road users, a speed of other road users and / or a
[0026] To record the relative speed of other road users to the vehicle, to record the speed of the vehicle, to record the acceleration of the vehicle, to record braking, in particular emergency braking, of the vehicle, to record oversteering and / or understeering of the vehicle, to record the vehicle leaving a lane.
[0027] In this way, improved and / or expanded early accident detection can be provided.
[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following sensors: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, a brake pedal position sensor, a steering wheel position sensor, a speed sensor, a communication interface to an external service, such as a navigation service, weather service, news service, etc., and an emergency call switch.
[0029] In this way, improved and / or enhanced early accident detection can be provided, which utilizes the sensor resources in the vehicle in an advantageous manner.
[0030] In addition, it can be provided that the at least one early accident detection device has at least one control unit which is designed to carry out at least one of the following essential vehicle functions:
[0031] Evaluation of sensor data, especially from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras,
[0032] Proactive occupant protection system, seat belt tensioners,
[0033] traffic monitoring,
[0034] Driver assistance functions,
[0035] Calculation of driving maneuvers,
[0036] Distance regulation,
[0037] Emergency braking assistant,
[0038] Lane keeping assistant,
[0039] Lane change assistant,
[0040] Blind spot monitoring,
[0041] Night vision assistant,
[0042] Parking aid,
[0043] Pre-crash assistant, comprising in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash
[0044] Side, pre-crash rear assistants,
[0045] Rollover detection,
[0046] Multi-collision detection, pre-brake assistant, emergency braking assistant, navigation, on-board diagnostics.
[0047] In this way, improved and / or enhanced early accident detection can be provided, which utilizes the control resources in the vehicle in an advantageous manner.
[0048] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first signal line is embodied as a digital signal line and / or that the first signal line has a bus system, in particular a CAN bus system. In this way, an accident signal transmission with expanded content can be provided, for example, with expanded details about the accident.
[0049] Furthermore, it can be provided that the second signal line is designed as an analog signal line and / or that the second signal line is designed to transmit the accident signal using a pulse width modulation method. In this way, a relatively fast and / or as direct as possible signal transmission for the accident signal can be provided.
[0050] Advantageously, the communication device can be designed to send out an emergency call, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the first signal line and a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line, and / or if a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line and an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the second signal line.
[0051] In this way, an accident can be reliably detected if at least one accident signal arrives via one of the first and / or second signal lines. This allows for a rapid response to at least one accident signal, enabling an emergency call to be sent with as little delay as possible.
[0052] Advantageously, the communication device can further be designed to send out an emergency call, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the first signal line and no signal is received via the second signal line (i.e. the line is possibly damaged), and / or if no signal is received via the first signal line (i.e. the line is possibly damaged) and an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the second signal line.
[0053] In this way, an accident can be reliably detected if at least one accident signal is received via one of the first and / or second signal lines, even if one of the first and / or second signal lines is damaged. This allows for a rapid response to at least one accident signal, enabling an emergency call to be sent with as little delay as possible, even though parts of the vehicle's communication system may already be damaged by the accident.
[0054] Advantageously, the communication device can further be designed to transmit an emergency call, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: an accident signal is received via the first signal line and an accident signal is received via the second signal line.
[0055] In this case, it can be assumed with relative certainty that an accident has occurred and an emergency call can be made immediately without any unnecessary further delays.
[0056] In order to avoid unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls, the communication device can be designed not to send out an emergency call, in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: no signal is received via the first signal line (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) and a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line, or if a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line and no signal is received via the second signal line (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes).
[0057] Furthermore, it can be provided that the communication device has an emergency power supply, which is designed in particular to provide electrical energy for transmitting the emergency call independently of the vehicle's electrical system, and / or that the communication device has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for transmitting the emergency call. In this way, it can be ensured that the communication device is capable of functioning independently, in particular independently of the electrical supply via the vehicle's electrical system and / or other transmitting and / or receiving units of the vehicle. This makes it possible for the communication device to still be functional even though parts of the vehicle may have been damaged as a result of the accident.
[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that the communication device has at least one radio, WLAN, mobile radio, and / or internet interface, and / or that the communication device is designed as a central and / or multifunctional communication connection unit for providing communication between the vehicle and the environment. In this way, an improved, multifunctional communication device can be provided. The invention also provides: a vehicle with an emergency call system, which can be designed as described above. With the aid of the vehicle according to the invention, the same advantages can be achieved that were described above in connection with the emergency call system. These advantages are fully incorporated herein by reference.
[0059] The invention further provides: a method for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle by an emergency call system, which can be implemented as described above, when: no signal (ie no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the first signal line, no signal (ie no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the second signal line, and no signal (ie no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the at least one third signal line.
[0060] Using the method according to the invention, the same advantages can be achieved as described above in connection with the emergency call system. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference.
[0061] Furthermore, the process may include:
[0062] Monitoring the communication connection for an accident signal from the accident detection device, in particular from an airbag control unit.
[0063] The method recognizes that signal lines between the accident detection device and the communication device, which are used to transmit the accident signal, can be damaged by a vehicle accident. If no accident signals are received via either signal line designed to transmit accident signals, this can be an indication that an accident has already occurred. To check this indication, the at least one third signal line can be monitored for receipt of a warning signal from the at least one early accident detection device. If no signal is received via the at least one third signal line either, it can be assumed with a high degree of probability that the signal lines have been damaged by an accident. In this case, an emergency call is highly likely to be justified.
[0064] Furthermore, the method may comprise: monitoring the communication connection for a warning signal from the at least one early accident detection device, in particular from a control unit which is designed to carry out at least one of the following essential vehicle functions:
[0065] Evaluation of sensor data, in particular from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system, belt tensioners,
[0066] traffic monitoring,
[0067] Driver assistance functions,
[0068] Calculation of driving maneuvers,
[0069] Distance regulation,
[0070] Emergency braking assistant,
[0071] Lane keeping assistant,
[0072] Lane change assistant,
[0073] Blind spot monitoring,
[0074] Night vision assistant,
[0075] Parking aid,
[0076] Pre-Crash Assistant, comprising in particular a Pre-Crash Front, Pre-Crash Side, Pre-Crash Rear Assistant, Rollover Detection,
[0077] Multi-collision detection,
[0078] Pre-Brake Assistant,
[0079] Emergency braking assistant,
[0080] Navigation,
[0081] On-board diagnostics.
[0082] Since all early-accident detection devices use the communication link for safety and / or pre-crash measures prior to an accident, the absence of expected transmissions can be assumed to indicate damage to the communication link, which in turn indicates an accident. Therefore, if no signals are received from such early-accident detection devices, it is highly likely that an accident, especially a serious one, has occurred. If the vehicle is visibly placed in a pre-crash state and the communication link is destroyed, an accident can be detected and an emergency signal can be transmitted with relative reliability.
[0083] Advantageously, the method may further comprise: sending an emergency call, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the first signal line and a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a
[0084] Message - no accident detected) is received, and / or if a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line and an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message
[0085] - Accident detected) is received, and / or if: an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - Accident detected) is received via the first signal line and no signal is received via the second signal line (i.e. the line may be damaged), and / or if no signal is received via the first signal line (i.e. the line may be damaged) and an accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message
[0086] - Accident detected) is received, and / or if: an accident signal is received via the first signal line and an accident signal is received via the second signal line.
[0087] It may also be advantageous if the procedure includes:
[0088] No emergency call will be sent, in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line, if: no signal is received via the first signal line (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) and a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line, or if a no-accident signal (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line and no signal is received via the second signal line (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes).
[0089] In this way, unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls that may flood and / or overload the network and possibly unnecessarily alert emergency responders can be avoided or at least reduced.
[0090] The invention further provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method, which can be carried out as described above. The computer program product according to the invention can achieve the same advantages as those described above in connection with the method. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference.
[0091] The invention is further illustrated in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
[0092] They show:
[0093] Fig. 1 an exemplary representation of a vehicle from above,
[0094] Fig. 2 an exemplary representation of a vehicle in section,
[0095] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary sequence of a method, and
[0096] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary sequence of a method.
[0097] Figs. 1 to 4 serve to explain an improved emergency call system 100, which was developed for transmitting an emergency call N, a so-called "E-Call," for a vehicle 101. As schematically indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, the emergency call system 100 has the following devices 10, 20, 30: an accident detection device 10, e.g., comprising an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor or so-called crash sensor, the accident detection device 10 being discussed in more detail below; at least one early accident detection device 20, e.g., comprising at least one environment monitoring system, at least one occupant protection system, at least one driver assistance system, a vehicle dynamics control system, a braking system, etc., wherein the at least one early accident detection device 20 will be discussed in more detail below, and a communication device 30, which can also be referred to as an emergency call control device and can provide several or even all communication technologies for communicating with the outside world.
[0098] The accident detection device 10 is designed to detect an accident and generate an accident signal US. Furthermore, the accident detection device 10 can be designed to generate a "no-accident" signal KU if no accident has been detected.
[0099] The at least one early accident detection device 20 is designed to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and generate a warning signal WS. Furthermore, the early accident detection device 20 can be designed to generate a no-warning signal KW if no critical driving situation and / or no potential accident situation has been detected.
[0100] As Figures 1 and 2 further indicate, the accident detection device 10 and the at least one early accident detection device 20 are connected to the communication device 30 in a communication connection V, comprising, for example, a bus system, such as a CAN bus, at least one digital signal line and at least one analog signal line, in order to forward the accident signal US (or the no-accident signal KU) and / or the warning signal WS (or the no-warning signal KW) to the communication device 30.
[0101] The accident detection device 10 and the early accident detection device 20 thus send signals with messages to the communication device 30.
[0102] The communication device 30 is designed to decide, depending on the accident signal US and / or the warning signal WS, whether an emergency call N is sent (cf. Figs. 3 and 4).
[0103] As Fig. 4 illustrates schematically, the communication connection V has at least three lines: a first signal line L1 (e.g. a digital line between the accident detection device and the communication device) for transmitting the accident signal US, a second signal line L2 (e.g. an analog line between the accident detection device and the communication device) for transmitting the accident signal US, and at least one third signal line L3 (e.g. a digital and / or analog line between the early accident detection device and the communication device) for transmitting the warning signal WS.
[0104] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the communication device 30 is designed to send an emergency call N if: no signal (ie no message from the
[0105] accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged), no signal (ie no message from the accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the second signal line L2, and no signal (ie no message from the early accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the at least one third signal line L3.
[0106] It is recognized that the signal lines L1, L2 between the accident detection device 10 and the communication device 30, which are used to transmit the accident signal US, can be damaged by an accident involving the vehicle 101. In the absence of signals, the communication device 30 does not learn of the accident. The emergency call system 100 addresses this situation and provides a solution for transmitting an emergency call N when an accident involving the vehicle 101 is likely.
[0107] According to the proposed solution, the communication device 30 is prevented from sending an emergency call N in advance for each detected critical driving situation and / or each potential accident situation in order to prevent network overload and / or to avoid complex signal evaluation on the part of emergency call responders.
[0108] It is proposed that the absence of signals US, KU on the signal lines L1, L2, which are designed to transmit accident signals US, should be considered as an indication that an accident has probably occurred.
[0109] To verify this indication before an emergency call N is sent, the at least one third signal line L3 is checked for receipt of a warning signal WS from the at least one early accident detection device 20. If no signal is received via the at least one third signal line L3, it can be assumed with a high degree of probability that the communication link V is damaged because an accident, particularly a serious accident, has occurred. In this case, an emergency call N is reliably transmitted, see Fig. 4.
[0110] A further finding is that before an accident, all early accident detection devices 20 use the communication link V to request and / or implement pre-crash measures. In this case, warning signals WS are transmitted via the communication link V.
[0111] Therefore, even if no signals from such early accident detection devices 20 reach the communication device 30, it can be determined with a high probability that an accident, in particular a serious accident, has occurred.
[0112] However, if the early accident detection devices 20 send messages to the communication device 30 that no critical driving situation and / or no potential accident situation has been detected, then the first and second signal lines L1, L2 are probably intentionally disconnected, e.g. for repair and / or maintenance purposes.
[0113] The idea of the invention is therefore that if the vehicle 101 recognizably enters a pre-crash state (no signals KS via the signal lines L1 and L2) and the communication (no signal KS via the third signal line L3) is destroyed, then it is very likely that an accident has occurred.
[0114] In response, an emergency call N is sent. The emergency call N may convey a message that an accident has occurred, that no detailed or complete details of the accident can be provided, and / or that communication has been disrupted.
[0115] Several advantages can be achieved using the emergency call system 100:
[0116] Reduction in the number of cases of the most serious field accidents without triggering an emergency call, Improved use of existing information in the vehicle 101 : such as skidding, emergency braking by the driver, lane departure, collision risk detection, etc.,
[0117] An adaptation of the control method only in the communication device 30, increasing the robustness of the emergency call system 100, reducing unnecessary emergency call triggering, relieving the network,
[0118] This reduces the workload for rescue workers. The accident detection device 10 can, for example, include an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor (see Fig. 1).
[0119] The at least one early accident detection device 20 can have at least one sensor which is designed to: monitor an environment of the vehicle 101, in particular for further
[0120] road users, to detect a speed of other road users and / or a relative speed of other road users to the vehicle 101, to detect a speed of the vehicle 101, to detect an acceleration of the vehicle 101, to detect a braking, in particular an emergency braking, of the vehicle 101, to detect an oversteering and / or understeering of the vehicle 101, to detect a departure from a roadway by the vehicle 101.
[0121] The at least one sensor may comprise the following sensors: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, a brake pedal position sensor, a steering wheel position sensor, a speed sensor, a communication interface to an external service, such as a navigation service, weather service, news service, etc., an emergency call switch, for example on the roof panel of the vehicle 101 (see Fig. 2).
[0122] In this way, improved and / or enhanced early accident detection can be provided, which utilizes the sensor resources in the vehicle in an advantageous manner.
[0123] The at least one early accident detection device 20 may have at least one control unit designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions:
[0124] Evaluation of sensor data, especially from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors,
[0125] Lidar sensors, cameras,
[0126] Proactive occupant protection system,
[0127] Belt tensioners, traffic monitoring,
[0128] Driver assistance functions,
[0129] Calculation of driving maneuvers,
[0130] Distance regulation,
[0131] Emergency braking assistant,
[0132] Lane keeping assistant,
[0133] Lane change assistant,
[0134] Blind spot monitoring,
[0135] Night vision assistant,
[0136] Parking aid,
[0137] Pre-crash assistant, comprising in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash
[0138] Side, pre-crash rear assistants,
[0139] Rollover detection,
[0140] Multi-collision detection,
[0141] Pre-Brake Assistant,
[0142] Emergency braking assistant,
[0143] Navigation,
[0144] On-board diagnostics.
[0145] As Fig. 3 illustrates, the communication device 30 can be designed to transmit an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the first signal line L1 and a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line L1 and an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2.
[0146] In this way, an emergency call N can be transmitted safely if at least one accident signal US comes via one of the first and / or second signal lines L1, L2.
[0147] Advantageously, the communication device 30 can further be designed to transmit an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the first signal line L1 and no signal KS (i.e. the line is possibly damaged) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if no signal KS (i.e. the line is possibly damaged) is received via the first signal line L1 and an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2.
[0148] In this way, an emergency call N can be transmitted safely if at least one accident signal US comes via one of the first and / or second signal lines L1, L2, even if one of the first and / or second signal lines is damaged.
[0149] Advantageously, the communication device 30 can further be designed to transmit an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: an accident signal US is received via the first signal line L1 and an accident signal US is received via the second signal line L2.
[0150] In this case, an emergency call N can be sent safely.
[0151] As Fig. 4 illustrates, the communication device 30 can be designed not to send out an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, in order to avoid unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls if: no signal KS is received via the first signal line L1 (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) and a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2, or if a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line L1 and no signal KS is received via the second signal line L2 (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes).
[0152] Furthermore, it can be provided that the communication device 30 has a
[0153] Emergency power supply, which is designed in particular to provide electrical energy for transmitting the emergency call N independently of the on-board electrical system of the vehicle 101, and / or that the communication device 30 has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for transmitting the emergency call N. In this way, the communication device 30 can be designed to be self-sufficient.
[0154] Furthermore, it can be provided that the communication device 30 has at least one radio, WLAN, mobile radio, and / or internet interface, and / or that the communication device 30 is designed as a central and / or multifunctional communication connection unit for providing communication between the vehicle 101 and the environment. In this way, an improved, multifunctional communication device 30 can be provided.
[0155] The invention also provides: a vehicle 101 with an emergency call system, which can be designed as described above.
[0156] The invention further provides: a corresponding method for transmitting an emergency call N for a vehicle 101 by a corresponding emergency call system 100, which can be designed as described above if: no signal KS (ie no message from the accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the first signal line L1, no signal KS (ie no message from the accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the second signal line L2, and no signal KS (ie no message from the early accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the at least one third signal line L3.
[0157] Advantageously, the method may further comprise:
[0158] Monitoring the communication connection V for an accident signal US from the accident detection device 10, in particular from an airbag control unit.
[0159] Furthermore, the method may include:
[0160] Monitoring the communication connection V for a warning signal WS from the at least one early accident detection device 20, in particular from a control unit designed to execute at least one of the following essential vehicle functions:
[0161] Evaluation of sensor data, especially from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system,
[0162] belt tensioners,
[0163] traffic monitoring,
[0164] Driver assistance functions,
[0165] Calculation of driving maneuvers,
[0166] Distance regulation,
[0167] Emergency braking assistant,
[0168] Lane keeping assistant,
[0169] Lane change assistant,
[0170] Blind spot monitoring,
[0171] Night vision assistant,
[0172] Parking aid,
[0173] Pre-crash assistant, comprising in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash
[0174] Side, pre-crash rear assistants,
[0175] Rollover detection,
[0176] Multi-collision detection,
[0177] Pre-Brake Assistant,
[0178] Emergency braking assistant,
[0179] Navigation,
[0180] On-board diagnostics.
[0181] Advantageously, the method may provide:
[0182] Sending an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a
[0183] Message -- accident detected) is received and a signal-no-accident KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if a signal-no-accident KU (i.e. a signal with a
[0184] Message - no accident detected) is received and an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a
[0185] Message -- Accident detected) is received, and / or if: an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a
[0186] message -- accident detected) is received and no signal KS is received via the second signal line L2 (i.e. the line may be damaged), and / or if no signal KS is received via the first signal line L1 (i.e. the line may be damaged) and an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message -- accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if: an accident signal US is received via the first signal line L1 and an accident signal US is received via the second signal line L2.
[0187] It may also be advantageous if the procedure includes:
[0188] No transmission of an emergency call N, in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: no signal KS is received via the first signal line L1 (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) and a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the second signal line L2, or if a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received via the first signal line L1 and no signal KS is received via the second signal line L2 (i.e. the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes).
[0189] A corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method, which can be carried out as described above, also represents an aspect of the invention.
[0190] The above description of the figures describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0191] 100 emergency call system
[0192] 101 vehicle
[0193] 10 Accident detection device
[0194] 20 Early accident detection device
[0195] 30 Communication device
[0196] V Communication connection
[0197] L1 signal line
[0198] L2 signal line
[0199] L3 signal line
[0200] N Emergency call
[0201] US accident signal
[0202] KU Signal-No Accident
[0203] WS warning signal
[0204] KW Signal-No Warning
[0205] KS No Signal
Claims
Claims: Emergency call system (100) for sending an emergency call (N) for a vehicle (101), wherein the emergency call system (100) comprises an accident detection device (10), at least one accident early detection device (20), and a communication device (30), wherein the accident detection device (10) is configured to detect an accident and generate an accident signal (US), wherein the at least one accident early detection device (20) is configured to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and generate a warning signal (WS), wherein the accident detection device (10) and the at least one accident early detection device (20) are arranged with the communication device (30) in a communication link (V) to forward the accident signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS) to the communication device (30), wherein the communication device (30) is configured todepending on the crash signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS), to send an emergency call (N), wherein the communication link (V) has a first signal line (L1) and a second signal line (L2) for the crash signal (US) and at least one third signal line (L3) for the warning signal (WS), wherein the communication device (30) is configured to send an emergency call (N) when: no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1), no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2), and no signal (KS) is received via the at least one third signal line (L3). Emergency call system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the crash detection device (10) has an airbag control unit and / or at least one crash sensor. Emergency call system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one early accident detection device (20) has at least one sensor configured to: monitor the area around the vehicle (101), in particular to detect other road users, detect the speed of other road users and / or the relative speed of other road users to the vehicle (101), detect the speed of the vehicle (101), detect the acceleration of the vehicle (101), detect braking, in particular emergency braking, of the vehicle (101), detect oversteering and / or understeering of the vehicle (101), detect the vehicle (101) leaving a lane, in particular wherein the at least one sensor has at least one of the following sensors: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, a brake pedal position sensor, a steering wheel position sensor, a speed sensor,a communication interface to an external service, such as, Navigation service, weather service, news service, etc., an emergency call button. Emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one early accident detection device (20) has at least one The control unit is designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions: Evaluation of sensor data, especially from ultrasonic sensors, Radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, Proactive occupant protection system, Seatbelt tensioner Traffic monitoring, Driver assistance functions, Calculation of driving maneuvers, Distance regulations, Emergency brake assist, Lane Keeping Assist Lane change assist Blind spot monitoring, Night vision assistant, Parking assistance, Pre-crash assistant, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre- Crash side and pre-crash rear assist systems, Rollover detection Multi-collision detection, Pre-Brake Assistant, Emergency brake assist, Navigation, On-board diagnostics. Emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal line (L1) is configured as a digital signal line, and / or wherein the first signal line (L1) is a bus system, in particular a CAN bus system. has a bus system, and / or wherein the second signal line (L2) is designed as an analog signal line, and / or wherein the second signal line (L2) is designed to transmit the accident signal (US) using a pulse duration modulation method. Emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) is configured to transmit an emergency call (N), in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line (L3), if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2).and / or if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2). Emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) is configured not to transmit an emergency call (N), in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line (L3), if: no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1) and a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the second signal line (L2), or if a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the first signal line (L1) and no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2). Emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) has an emergency power supply, which is configured in particular toto provide electrical energy for transmitting the emergency call (N) independently of the vehicle's electrical system (101), and / or wherein the communication device (30) has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for transmitting the emergency call (N), and / or wherein the communication device (30) has at least one radio, WLAN, mobile communication and / or internet interface, and / or wherein the communication device (30) is designed as a central and / or multifunctional communication link unit for providing communication between the vehicle (101) and the environment. Vehicle (101) with an emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for transmitting an emergency call (N) for a vehicle (101) by means of an emergency call system (100) according to one of the preceding claims when: no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1), no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2), and no signal (KS) is received via the at least one third signal line (L3). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: Monitoring the communication link (V) for an accident signal (US) from the accident detection device (10), in particular from an airbag control unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: Monitoring the communication link (V) for a warning signal (WS) from the at least one early accident detection device (20), in particular from a control unit (22) designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions: Evaluation of sensor data, especially from ultrasonic sensors, Radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, Proactive occupant protection system, Seatbelt tensioner Traffic monitoring, Driver assistance functions, Calculation of driving maneuvers, Distance regulations, Emergency brake assist, Lane Keeping Assist Lane change assist Blind spot monitoring, Night vision assistant, Parking assistance, Pre-crash assistant, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre- Crash side and pre-crash rear assist systems, Rollover detection Multi-collision detection, Pre-Brake Assistant, Emergency brake assist, Navigation, On-board diagnostics. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: Sending an emergency call (N), in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line (L3), if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if a no-accident signal (KU) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if: no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2), and / or if: an accident signal (US) is received via the first signal line (L1) and an accident signal (US) is received via the second signal line (L2).A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: No emergency call (N) will be sent, in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line (L3), if: no signal (KS) is received via the first signal line (L1) and A signal failure (KU) is received via the second signal line (L2), or if a signal failure (KU) is received via the first signal line (L1) and no signal (KS) is received via the second signal line (L2). A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14.