Emergency call system, vehicle and method for transmitting an emergency call

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency call system (100) for transmitting an emergency call (N) for a vehicle (101), comprising: an accident detection device (10), at least one early accident detection device (20), and a communication device (30), wherein the accident detection device (10) is designed to detect an accident and to generate an accident signal (US), wherein the at least one early accident detection device (20) is designed to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and to generate a warning signal (WS), wherein the accident detection device (10) and the at least one early accident detection device (20) are in a communication link (V) with the communication device (30) in order to forward the accident signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS) to the communication device (30), wherein the communication device (30) is designed to transmit an emergency call (N) depending on the accident signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS), and wherein the communication link (V) has a first signal line (L1) and a second signal line (L2) for the accident signal (US) and at least one third signal line (L3) for the warning signal (WS), wherein the communication device (30) is designed to transmit 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).

Description

[0001] 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. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for transmitting an emergency call for a vehicle via a corresponding emergency call system. Finally, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program for carrying out this method.

[0002] Nowadays, emergency call systems are being developed for vehicles to place an emergency call during or before an accident. The purpose of this emergency call is to alert emergency services and provide first aid to the occupants of a vehicle involved in the accident. One such emergency call system is known, for example, from DE 101 37 670 B4. Often, the emergency call systems themselves are damaged by the vehicle accident. For this reason, accident signals are increasingly being sent proactively and repeatedly, regardless of whether an accident actually occurs. To process this flood of accident signals, the cooperation of emergency services is often required. To transmit this flood of accident signals, the networks must provide sufficient capacity.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved emergency call system for a vehicle to send an emergency call. This system controls the transmission of accident signals on the vehicle side in an improved manner, avoids the transmission of unconfirmed and / or unreliable accident signals, enables the transmission of accurate accident signals in a fail-safe, reliable, and interference-free manner, relieves the network load during the transmission of accident signals, and is implemented autonomously on the vehicle side without requiring any intervention from emergency services. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a corresponding vehicle with a suitable emergency call system. Finally, the invention aims to provide a corresponding method for sending an emergency call from a vehicle via a suitable emergency call system.Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0004] The problem according to the invention is solved by: an emergency call system for sending an emergency call for a vehicle with the features of the independent system claim. Furthermore, the problem is solved by: a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding emergency call system with the features of the independent device claim. The problem is further solved by: a corresponding method for sending an emergency call for a vehicle by means of a corresponding emergency call system with the features of the independent method claim. In addition, the problem is solved by: a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method with the features of the independent product claim.Features 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 the disclosure relating to the individual aspects and / or embodiments of the invention always makes or can make reciprocal reference.

[0005] The invention provides an emergency call system for sending an emergency call (so-called "eCall") 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 additionally provide all communication technologies for communicating with the outside world).

[0006] 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.

[0007] The accident detection device and the at least one early accident detection device are in a communication link with the communication device in order to forward the fall signal (or the no-accident signal) and / or the warning signal (or the no-warning signal) to the communication device.

[0008] The communication device is designed to send an emergency call depending on the crash signal and / or the warning signal. The communication link has a first signal line (e.g., a digital line between the crash detection device and the communication device), a second signal line (e.g., an analog line between the crash detection device and the communication device), and at least a third signal line (e.g., a digital and / or analog line between the crash early warning device and the communication device) for the warning signal.

[0009] The communication device is designed to send an emergency call when: no signal (i.e., no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the first signal line, no signal (i.e., 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 (i.e., no message from the accident early detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via at least one third signal line.

[0010] One finding is that signal-carrying crash lines, such as those between the crash detection device and the communication device, can be damaged in a vehicle accident. In the absence of crash signals, the communication device will not be notified of the accident.

[0011] If, in turn, the communication device sends out an emergency call for every detected critical driving situation and / or every potential accident situation, 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 responders.

[0012] Therefore, it is proposed that the absence of signals via the first signal line and the second signal line, which are designed to transmit accident signals, be considered an indication that an accident has probably occurred.

[0013] To verify this indication, at least one third signal line is monitored for the receipt of a warning signal from 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 – indicating no critical driving situation and / or no potential accident situation – is received via at least one third signal line, then the first and / or second signal line was disconnected, for example, for repair and / or maintenance purposes, such as in a workshop.

[0016] Another finding is that all pre-crash warning systems use the communication link to request and / or implement pre-crash measures before an accident occurs. Therefore, if no signals are received from these pre-crash warning systems, it is very likely that an accident, especially a serious one, has taken place.

[0017] The invention is based on the idea that if the vehicle is recognizably entering a pre-crash state and communication is disrupted, it is very likely that an accident has occurred. In this case, an emergency call is sent.

[0018] The emergency call can, for example, convey a message that an accident has occurred, that no detailed or complete information about the accident can be provided, and / or that communication has been disrupted.

[0019] This can bring several advantages: Reduction in the number of serious field accidents without emergency call activation, improved use of existing information in the vehicle: such as skidding, emergency braking by the driver, lane departure, collision risk detection, etc., adjustment of the control procedure only in the communication device, increased robustness of the emergency call system, reduction of unnecessary emergency call activations, relief of the network, relief for the rescue services.

[0020] Furthermore, the accident detection device may include an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor. This allows for the advantageous use of existing resources in the vehicle's accident detection system.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one early accident detection device has at least one sensor designed to: to monitor the vehicle's surroundings, in particular to detect other road users, to detect the speed of other road users and / or the relative speed of other road users to the vehicle, to detect the vehicle's speed, to detect the vehicle's acceleration, to detect the vehicle's braking, in particular emergency braking, to detect oversteering and / or understeering of the vehicle, and to detect the vehicle leaving a lane.

[0022] In this way, improved and / or expanded early accident detection can be provided.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be provided that 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 a navigation service, weather service, news service, etc., an emergency call button.

[0024] In this way, improved and / or enhanced early accident detection can be provided, which makes advantageous use of the sensor resources in the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one early accident detection device has at least one control unit designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions: Evaluation of sensor data, in particular from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system, seat belt tensioners, traffic monitoring, driver assistance functions, calculation of driving maneuvers, distance control, emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, night vision assist, parking assist, pre-crash assist, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash side, and pre-crash rear assist, rollover detection, multi-collision detection, pre-brake assist, emergency brake assist, navigation, and on-board diagnostics.

[0026] In this way, improved and / or expanded early accident detection can be provided, which makes advantageous use of the vehicle's control resources.

[0027] Furthermore, the first signal line may be implemented as a digital signal line, and / or it may incorporate a bus system, in particular a CAN bus system. This allows for the transmission of accident signal data with extended content, such as more detailed information about the accident.

[0028] Furthermore, the second signal line may be designed as an analog signal line, and / or it may be designed to transmit the accident signal using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) method. This allows for relatively fast and / or direct signal transmission of the accident signal.

[0029] Advantageously, the communication device can be designed to send 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.

[0030] 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. 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.

[0031] Advantageously, the communication device can also be designed to send 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 (i.e., the line may be damaged) is received via the second signal line, and / or if no signal (i.e., the line may be damaged) 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Advantageously, the communication device may still be designed to send 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.

[0034] In this case, it can be assumed with relative certainty that an accident has occurred and an emergency call should be made immediately without unnecessary further delays.

[0035] To avoid unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls, the communication device may be designed not to send 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).

[0036] Furthermore, the communication device may be equipped with an emergency power supply, specifically designed to provide electrical energy for transmitting the emergency call independently of the vehicle's electrical system, and / or it may include at least one transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting the emergency call. This ensures that the communication device functions autonomously, particularly independently of the vehicle's electrical supply and / or other transmitters and / or receivers. This allows the communication device to remain functional even if parts of the vehicle are damaged in the accident.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication device may be designed to have at least one radio, WLAN, mobile network and / or internet interface, and / or to function as a central and / or multifunctional communication link unit for providing communication between the vehicle and its environment. In this way, an improved, multifunctional communication device can be provided.

[0038] The invention also provides a vehicle with an emergency call system, which can be designed as described above. The vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages described above in connection with the emergency call system. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0039] The invention further provides: a method for sending an emergency call for a vehicle by means of an emergency call system, which can be implemented as described above, if: no signal (i.e., no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via the first signal line, no signal (i.e., 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 (i.e., no message from the accident detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via at least one third signal line.

[0040] The method according to the invention achieves the same advantages described above in connection with the emergency call system. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0041] Furthermore, the procedure can exhibit: Monitoring the communication link for an accident signal from the accident detection device, in particular from an airbag control unit.

[0042] The system recognizes that signal lines between the accident detection device and the communication device used to transmit the accident signal can be damaged by a vehicle accident. If no accident signals are received via either of the signal lines designed to transmit accident signals, this may indicate that an accident has already occurred. To verify this indication, at least one third signal line can be monitored for a warning signal from at least one early accident detection device. If no signal is received via this 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 warranted.

[0043] Furthermore, the procedure can exhibit: Monitoring the communication link for a warning signal from at least one early accident detection device, in particular from a control unit designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions: evaluation of sensor data, in particular from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system, seat belt tensioner, traffic monitoring, driver assistance functions, calculation of driving maneuvers, distance control, emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, night vision assist, parking assist, pre-crash assist, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash side, and pre-crash rear assist, rollover detection, multi-collision detection, pre-brake assist, emergency brake assist, navigation, and on-board diagnostics.

[0044] Since all pre-crash warning systems use the communication link for safety and / or pre-crash measures before an accident, the absence of expected transmissions suggests that the communication link is damaged, which in turn indicates an accident. Therefore, if no signals are received from these pre-crash warning systems, it is highly likely that an accident, especially a serious one, has occurred. Thus, if the vehicle is demonstrably placed in a pre-crash state and the communication link is disrupted, an accident can be detected and an emergency call can be sent with a relatively high degree of reliability.

[0045] Advantageously, the procedure can also feature: Sending an emergency call, in particular regardless of the signal via 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, 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) is received and an accident signal (i.e., a signal with a message - accident detected) is received via the second signal line, and / or if: an accident signal is received via the first signal line and an accident signal is received via the second signal line.

[0046] It can also be advantageous if the procedure includes the following provisions: No emergency call shall 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).

[0047] In this way, unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls, which could flood and / or overload the network and potentially put emergency responders on unnecessary alert, can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method, which can proceed as described above. The computer program product according to the invention offers the same advantages described above in connection with the method. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0049] Furthermore, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are purely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0050] They show: Fig. 1 is an exemplary view of a vehicle from above, Fig. 2 is an exemplary view of a vehicle in section, Fig. 3 is an exemplary sequence of a process, and Fig. 4 is an exemplary sequence of a process.

[0051] The Figs. 1 to 4 These serve to explain an improved emergency call system 100, which was developed to send an emergency call N, so-called "eCall", for a vehicle 101. As the Figs. 1 and 2 As schematically indicated, 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 detail below, at least one accident early detection device 20, 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., the at least one accident early detection device 20 being discussed in detail below, and a communication device 30, which can also be referred to as an emergency call control unit and can provide several or even all communication technologies for communicating with the outside world.

[0052] The accident detection device 10 is designed to detect an accident and generate an accident signal US. In addition, the accident detection device 10 can be designed to generate a no-accident signal KU if no accident is detected.

[0053] The at least one early accident detection device 20 is designed to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and to generate a warning signal WS. In addition, 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.

[0054] As it is Figs. 1 and 2As further indicated, 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 link 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.

[0055] The accident detection device 10 and the accident early detection device 20 thus send signals with messages to the communication device 30.

[0056] The communication device 30 is designed to decide, depending on the fall signal US and / or the warning signal WS, whether an emergency call N is sent (see also Figs. 3 and 4 ).

[0057] As it is Fig. 4To illustrate schematically, the communication link 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 a third signal line L3 (e.g. a digital and / or analog line between the accident early detection device and the communication device) for transmitting the warning signal WS.

[0058] As it is Fig. 4 To clarify, the communication device 30 is designed to send an emergency call N when: no signal is received via the first signal line L1 (i.e., no message from the accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged), no signal is received via the second signal line L2 (i.e., no message from the accident detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged), and no signal is received via at least one third signal line L3 (i.e., no message from the accident early detection device, which may mean that the line is damaged).

[0059] It is recognized that the signal lines L1 and 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 vehicle 101. In the absence of signals, the communication device 30 will not be notified of the accident. The emergency call system 100 addresses this situation and provides a solution to send an emergency call N when an accident involving vehicle 101 is likely.

[0060] According to the proposed solution, the communication device 30 is prevented from sending out an emergency call N in advance for every detected critical driving situation and / or every potential accident situation, in order to prevent network overload and / or to avoid costly signal evaluation on the part of emergency responders.

[0061] It is proposed that the absence of signals US, KU over 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.

[0062] 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 either, it can be assumed with a high degree of probability that the communication link V is damaged because an accident, in particular a serious accident, has occurred. In this case, an emergency call N is definitely sent, cf. Fig. 4 .

[0063] Another finding is utilized: 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.

[0064] Therefore, if no signals from such early accident detection devices 20 reach the communication device 30, it can be determined with a high degree of probability that an accident, in particular a serious accident, has taken place.

[0065] However, if the accident early detection devices 20 send messages to the communication device 30 indicating 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 deliberately separated, e.g. for repair and / or maintenance purposes.

[0066] The inventive idea 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.

[0067] In response, an emergency call (N) is placed. The emergency call (N) can convey a message that an accident has occurred, that no detailed or complete information about the accident can be provided, and / or that communication has been disrupted.

[0068] The emergency call system 100 offers several advantages: Reduction in the number of serious field accidents without emergency call activation, Improved use of existing information in the vehicle 101: such as skidding, emergency braking by the driver, lane departure, collision risk detection, etc., Adaptation of the control procedure only in the communication device 30, Increased robustness of the emergency call system 100, Reduction of unnecessary emergency call activations, Relief of the network, Relief of the rescue services.

[0069] The accident detection device 10 can, for example, include an airbag control unit and / or at least one accident sensor (see Fig. 1 ).

[0070] The at least one early accident detection device 20 can have at least one sensor designed to: to monitor the surroundings of vehicle 101, in particular to detect other road users, to record the speed of other road users and / or the relative speed of other road users to vehicle 101, to record the speed of vehicle 101, to record the acceleration of vehicle 101, to record braking, in particular emergency braking, of vehicle 101, to record oversteering and / or understeering of vehicle 101, and to detect vehicle 101 leaving a lane.

[0071] The at least one sensor can include the following types of 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 button, e.g. on the roof lining of the vehicle 101 (see Fig. 2 ).

[0072] In this way, improved and / or enhanced early accident detection can be provided, which makes advantageous use of the sensor resources in the vehicle.

[0073] 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: Evaluation of sensor data, in particular from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system, seat belt tensioners, traffic monitoring, driver assistance functions, calculation of driving maneuvers, distance control, emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, night vision assist, parking assist, pre-crash assist, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash side, and pre-crash rear assist, rollover detection, multi-collision detection, pre-brake assist, emergency brake assist, navigation, and on-board diagnostics.

[0074] As it is Fig. 3 To clarify, the communication device 30 can be configured to send an emergency call N, in particular independently of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, if: via the first signal line L1 an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received and via the second signal line L2 a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received, and / or if via the first signal line L1 a no-accident signal KU (i.e. a signal with a message - no accident detected) is received and via the second signal line L2 an accident signal US (i.e. a signal with a message - accident detected) is received.

[0075] In this way, an emergency call N can be safely sent if at least one accident signal US comes via one of the first and / or second signal lines L1, L2.

[0076] Advantageously, the communication device 30 can also be configured to send 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 may be damaged) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if no signal KS (i.e., the line may be 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.

[0077] In this way, an emergency call N can be reliably transmitted if at least one accident signal US is received via one of the first and / or second signal lines L1, L2, even if one of the first and / or second signal lines should be damaged. Advantageously, the communication device 30 can further be configured to transmit an emergency call N, in particular irrespective of the signal via 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.

[0078] In this case, an emergency call can certainly be sent.

[0079] As it is Fig. 4 To clarify, the communication device 30 may be designed not to transmit an emergency call N, in particular regardless of the signal via the at least one third signal line L3, in order to avoid unnecessary, unjustified emergency calls if: no signal KS (i.e., the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) 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, 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 (i.e., the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) is received via the second signal line L2.

[0080] Furthermore, the communication device 30 may be provided with an emergency power supply, which is specifically designed to provide electrical energy for transmitting the emergency call N independently of the vehicle's electrical system 101, and / or the communication device 30 may have 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the communication device 30 may be provided with at least one radio, WLAN, mobile communication and / or internet interface, and / or it may be designed as a central and / or multifunctional communication link unit for providing communication between the vehicle 101 and its environment. In this way, an improved, multifunctional communication device 30 can be provided.

[0082] The invention also provides: a vehicle 101 with an emergency call system, which can be designed as described above.

[0083] The invention further provides: a corresponding method for sending an emergency call N for a vehicle 101 by means of a corresponding emergency call system 100, which can be designed as described above, if: no signal KS (i.e., 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 (i.e., 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 (i.e., no message from the accident early detection device 10, which may mean that the line is damaged) is received via at least one third signal line L3.

[0084] Advantageously, the procedure can also feature: Monitoring the communication link V for an accident signal US from the accident detection device 10, in particular from an airbag control unit.

[0085] Furthermore, the procedure can exhibit: 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 designed to perform at least one of the following essential vehicle functions: evaluation of sensor data, in particular from ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, proactive occupant protection system, seat belt tensioner, traffic monitoring, driver assistance functions, calculation of driving maneuvers, distance control, emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, night vision assist, parking assist, pre-crash assist, comprising in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash side, and pre-crash rear assist, rollover detection, multi-collision detection, pre-brake assist, emergency brake assist, navigation, and on-board diagnostics.

[0086] Advantageously, the procedure can provide for: Sending an emergency call N, in particular regardless of the signal via 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, and / or 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 may be damaged) is received via the second signal line L2, and / or if no signal KS (i.e.,the line may be damaged) is received 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.

[0087] It can also be advantageous if the procedure includes the following provisions: 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 (i.e., the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) 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, 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 (i.e., the line may be disconnected for repair and / or maintenance purposes) is received via the second signal line L2.

[0088] A corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding procedure, which can proceed as described above, also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0089] The preceding description of the figures describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided it is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the invention, as long as the scope of protection of the following claims is not exceeded. Reference symbol list

[0090] 100 Emergency call system 101 Vehicle 10 Accident detection device 20 Accident early detection device 30 Communication device Communication link L1 Signal line L2 Signal line L3 Signal line Emergency call US accident signal KU signal-no accident WS warning signal KW signal - no warning KSKNo signal

Claims

1. Emergency call system (100) for transmitting an emergency call (N) for a vehicle (101), the emergency call system (100) comprising an accident detection device (10), at least one accident early detection device (20), and a communication device (30), the accident detection device (10) being designed to detect an accident and to generate an accident signal (US), the at least one accident early detection device (20) being designed to detect a critical driving situation and / or a potential accident situation and to generate a warning signal (WS), the accident detection device (10) and the at least one accident early detection device (20) being arranged together with the communication device (30) in a communication link (V) in order to convey the accident signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS) to the communication device (30), the communication device (30) being designed to transmit an emergency call (N) depending on the accident signal (US) and / or the warning signal (WS), and the communication link (V) comprising a first signal line (L1) and a second signal line (L2) for the accident signal (US) and at least one third signal line (L3) for the warning signal (WS), characterized in that the communication device (30) is designed to transmit an emergency call (N) if: - 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).

2. Emergency call system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the accident detection device (10) comprises an airbag control apparatus and / or at least one accident sensor.

3. Emergency call system (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one accident early detection device (20) comprises at least one sensor which is designed to: - monitor the environment around the vehicle (101), in particular for other road users, - detect the speed of other road users and / or the speed, relative to the vehicle (101), of other road users, - detect the speed of the vehicle (101), - detect an acceleration of the vehicle (101), - detect a braking action, in particular an emergency braking action, of the vehicle (101), - detect oversteering and / or understeering of the vehicle (101), - detect when the vehicle (101) leaves a roadway, in particular wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following senors: - an ultrasound 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 button.

4. Emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one accident early detection device (20) comprises at least one control apparatus which is designed to execute 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 regulation, - emergency brake assist, - lane keeping assist, - lane change assist, - blind spot monitoring, - night vision assist, - parking assistance, - pre-crash assist, including in particular a pre-crash front, pre-crash sides, and pre-crash rear assist, - rollover detection, - multi-collision detection, - pre-brake assist, - emergency brake assist, - navigation, - on-board diagnostics.

5. Emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal line (L1) is executed as a digital signal line, and / or wherein the first signal line (L1) comprises a bus system, in particular a CAN bus system, and / or wherein the second signal line (L2) is executed as an analog signal line, and / or wherein the second signal line (L2) is designed to convey the accident signal (US) by means of a pulse duration modulation method.

6. Emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) is designed to transmit an emergency call (N), 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).

7. Emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) is designed 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).

8. Emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (30) comprises an 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 wherein the communication device (30) comprises at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for transmitting the emergency call (N), and / or wherein the communication device (30) comprises at least one radio, WLAN, mobile cellular 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.

9. Vehicle (101) comprising an emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Method for transmitting an emergency call (N) for a vehicle (101) by means of an emergency call system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, if: - 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).

11. 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 apparatus.

12. Method according to either of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the method further comprises: - monitoring the communication link (V) for a warning signal (WS) from the at least one accident early detection device (20), in particular from a control apparatus (22) which is designed to execute 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 regulation, - emergency brake assist, - lane keeping assist, - lane change assist, - blind spot monitoring, - night vision assist, - parking assistance, - pre-crash assist, including in particular pre-crash front assist, pre-crash sides assist, and pre-crash rear assist, - rollover detection, - multi-collision detection, - pre-brake assist, - emergency brake assist, - navigation, - on-board diagnostics.

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein the method further comprises: - transmitting an emergency call (N), 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).

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the method further comprises: - 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) 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).

15. Computer program product comprising commands which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 14.

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