Method for operating a driver information system, and driver information system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a driver information system (1) for a driver of a forward-driving ego vehicle (2), in which method: surroundings data in the surroundings of the ego vehicle (2) is captured; the surroundings data is analysed in such a way that a relative position and movement of another vehicle (7) approaching from behind is continuously determined; and, based on the surroundings data, graphic data of a representation of the surroundings is generated and is output on a driver information display (5). The invention also relates to a corresponding driver information system (1) for executing said method.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for operating a driver information system and driver information system

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for operating a driver information system for a driver of a forward-moving vehicle, in which environmental data in the environment of the vehicle is acquired, the environmental data is analyzed such that a relative position and movement of another vehicle approaching from behind is continuously determined, and graphic data of an environmental representation is generated based on the environmental data, which graphic data is output on a driver information display. Furthermore, the invention relates to a driver information system in a forward-moving vehicle, comprising an environmental detection unit designed to acquire environmental data in the environment of the vehicle and to transmit it to a control unit.The control unit is configured to continuously determine the relative position and movement of another vehicle approaching from behind based on the surroundings data and to generate graphic data for a representation of the surroundings. Furthermore, the driver information system includes a display unit configured to output the graphic data generated by the control unit on a driver information display.

[0004] A modern vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, uses a multitude of electronic devices. It is increasingly intended that individual or complex sequences of driver tasks can be carried out by these electronic devices to a high degree of automation. For example, the driver receives support from an assistance system in which a model of the surroundings is displayed on the screen, allowing the driver to perform driving maneuvers themselves, or alternatively, the driver is informed about automated driving maneuvers. In particular, other vehicles that could pose a hazard when performing driving maneuvers are displayed.

[0005] DE 199 11 648 A1 describes a method in which the relevance of objects captured by a rearward- or forward-facing image capture unit is checked using an image evaluation device. Relevant objects are marked or highlighted on the display. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 8,305,444 B2 provides a vehicle with a visual display system for displaying information on the approach of an external object while the vehicle is parked or moving. The integrated visual display system can display information from multiple proximity sensors on a single display screen.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method and a driver information system of the type mentioned above, which allow an improved representation of the surrounding situation of the own vehicle.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a driver information system having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0008] In the method according to the invention for operating a driver information system for a driver of a forward-moving own vehicle, environmental data in the environment of the own vehicle is recorded and the environmental data is analyzed such that a relative position and movement of another vehicle approaching from behind is continuously determined. Based on the environmental data, graphic data of an environmental representation is generated, which is output on a driver information display, wherein the environmental representation comprises a first graphic object for the own vehicle and at least one second graphic object which represents the other vehicle approaching from behind. The at least one second graphic object executes a continuous movement during which the distance of the second graphic object from the first graphic object decreases.

[0009] The objects are displayed on the driver information display by continuously determining their position and movement, particularly in real time. The driver therefore not only receives a one-time notification as to whether or not another vehicle is approaching, but is also continuously informed about its movement and thus its position relative to their own vehicle. This advantageously provides a graphic visualization that presents the driver with the approach of the other vehicle in a similar way to playing a video. On the other hand, it is possible to adapt the display of the graphic objects in the visualization so that the driver can quickly and easily grasp the surrounding situation even if they only briefly glance at the driver information display.This provides the driver with information about the approaching vehicle at any time during the approach process and allows him to adapt his own driving maneuvers, such as a planned lane change.

[0010] The environmental data is collected in a manner known per se, in particular using sensors in the vehicle's own vehicle. The sensors can, for example, collect and process sound waves and / or electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultraviolet, visible and / or infrared wavelength range (LIDAR sensors) or in the radio wave range (radar sensors). For example, a camera, a stereo camera, a 3D camera, an infrared camera, a LIDAR or radar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor can be used. The environmental data includes, in particular, traffic-relevant control objects, such as other road users, traffic control devices and markings of a road course or other markings along a traffic route. The collection of environmental data is, in particular, also adapted to automatic driving functions and is suitable for providing the information necessary to carry out the automatic driving function.Additionally or alternatively, the environmental data can be recorded via an interface to an external device, for example, via car-to-car communication between the user's own vehicle and another vehicle. Furthermore, environmental data can be made available via a central recording device such as a camera for traffic monitoring or an external service, such as an external server. The environmental data includes, in particular, the positions, directions, and speeds of traffic-relevant objects in the vehicle's vicinity. In particular, this also includes data about the driving status of the user's own vehicle, such as its position, speed, direction, or route traveled.

[0011] The driver information display is designed, for example, to show the surroundings in a 360° horizontal angle, in particular the area to the rear of the vehicle up to a distance of, for example, 50 m, 100 m or 150 m. The vehicle is not shown at the bottom edge of the driver information display as is the case with known displays for driver assistance functions, but rather, for example, in the center of the display. This makes it possible to also show an area behind the vehicle. Information about the surroundings can therefore preferably be shown from all surrounding directions in a horizontal plane. The surroundings data also include, in particular, the roadway on which the vehicle is moving, including the lane(s). The lanes include the lane on which the vehicle is moving, as well as other lanes that run alongside this lane.The lanes can be designated for the direction of travel of the forward-moving vehicle and, if applicable, the opposite direction. Furthermore, the environmental data can include the lane markings.

[0012] If, in one embodiment of the present invention, the additional vehicle approaching from behind is in a second lane, the additional vehicle is relevant to the driver when attempting to change lanes. The driver is then informed of the approaching additional vehicle in the adjacent lane by the output of the graphic data from the surroundings display and can incorporate this into their lane change planning. If the additional vehicle is located behind the driver's own vehicle in the driver's own first lane, the display informs the driver of a potential rear-end collision.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the environment data comprises a first lane of the host vehicle and a second lane of the other vehicle. Lane objects are generated for the lanes, the graphical objects are displayed on the corresponding lane objects, and the environment representation includes a third graphical object that marks a section of the lane object in the immediate vicinity of the first graphical object that is assigned to the lane on which the other vehicle is approaching.

[0014] The third graphic object represents a marked area on the lane object. The representation resembles, for example, a carpet placed on a section of the road next to or behind the vehicle.

[0015] With this configuration, the driver sees their own vehicle as the first graphical object on the virtual representation of their own lane on the driver information display. The third graphical object, located in their own virtual lane or adjacent lane, alerts them that another vehicle is approaching from behind. Since the third graphical object is located on the lane object corresponding to the lane on which the other vehicle is approaching, the driver can also advantageously determine from the display which lane the approaching vehicle is in. This vehicle can be to the left, right, or directly behind them.

[0016] For example, if the other vehicle is in one of the adjacent lanes, the third graphic object representing the approaching vehicle is displayed directly next to the first graphic object for the driver's own vehicle. The other vehicle can also be directly behind the driver's own vehicle; in this case, the third graphic object is displayed behind the first graphic object for the driver's own vehicle.

[0017] By displaying the third graphical object, a warning marking is created in close proximity to the first graphical object. This advantageously alerts the driver at a very early stage of an approach maneuver to vehicles approaching from behind. The simple marking on the virtual roadway, for example, a carpet display, is easy for the driver to perceive and, at this early stage, does not distract from other driving maneuvers.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the third graphic object is displayed before the second graphic object is displayed.

[0019] In this case, the third graphic object is displayed at a first point in time, for example as soon as the radar sensor of the vehicle detects another approaching vehicle. It marks part of the displayed lane object and does not move itself while displayed. For the driver, it initially serves as a warning of a vehicle approaching from behind. From a second point in time, the second graphic object is displayed. It moves continuously, representing the speed and relative distance between the first and the other vehicle. Advantageously, the delayed, additional display of the second graphic object draws the driver's attention again; they are informed that the other approaching vehicle, which the third graphic object had already warned about, is now in the immediate vicinity.During this critical phase, the driver can now track the movement of the approaching vehicle, as the display encompasses continuous movement. The third graphical object continues to be displayed to ensure increased visibility of the approaching vehicle on the driver information display. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second graphical object is displayed in addition to the third graphical object when the distance of the other vehicle from the driver's own vehicle has fallen below a specified distance.

[0020] The distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle is measured, for example, by a rear radar of the host vehicle located at the center of the rear to a reference point on the other vehicle. The reference point on the other vehicle is the closest point of the other vehicle to the rear radar. It is usually located at the front edge of the vehicle, on the side adjacent to the host vehicle. During the process, sensors continuously analyze the other vehicle to determine the reference point and track it during the distance measurement.

[0021] The display of the second graphic object should inform the driver that the other vehicle is relatively close to the vehicle and that this must be taken into account when planning lane changes. The driver is not distracted unnecessarily early on by a moving object on the display when the distance is still very large; at this stage, the stationary display of the third graphic object is sufficient as information. If the distance falls below the specified distance, the driver's attention is drawn to the newly displayed second graphic object and they can derive further information about the approaching vehicle from the continuous movement of this object. The specified distance can be set by a factory preset and / or by the driver themselves.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second graphic object moves on the third graphic object depending on the approach speed of the further vehicle approaching from behind.

[0023] In particular, the first graphic object for displaying the user's own vehicle is stationary, so the approach speed is represented by the movement speed of the second graphic object. The speed of the approaching vehicle is therefore shown in relation to the user's own speed. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, there is a non-linear relationship between the speed of the second graphic object and that of the other vehicle approaching from behind. The second graphic object moves in the same direction as the other vehicle. In the direction of movement of the second graphic object, the distance on the third graphic object is divided into a scale. This scale is not visible to the driver, for example. In particular, the scale is not linear but, for example, exponentially divided.For example, if the other vehicle moves at a constant speed, it covers the same distance in the lane per time period. The second graphical object, on the other hand, increases the distance traveled in the display per time period, thus performing an accelerated movement. The closer the other vehicle gets to the vehicle, the faster the second graphical object moves on the third graphical object. Thus, the temporal change in the relative distance of the second graphical object to the first graphical object is not constant, but rather, for example, decreasing.

[0024] Shortly before the other vehicle reaches the driver's own vehicle, for example, the second graphic object has a relative speed to the first graphic object that corresponds to that of the other vehicle and the driver's own vehicle. The ratio of the speed of the other vehicle to the speed of the second graphic object on the driver information display then corresponds to a predetermined real value, by which real speeds are transformed into the speeds of graphic objects. Meanwhile, the second graphic object moves over the third graphic object in the direction of movement until it finally reaches its frontmost edge. At this point in time, the other vehicle is at the collision point, i.e. at the point at which the front edge of the other vehicle would hit the rear of the driver's own vehicle if the vehicles were in the same lane.

[0025] This advantageously improves the driver's visual perception of the speed of approaching objects. By narrowing the perspective of the surroundings, for example, equal distances to the horizon become increasingly smaller.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second graphic object and / or the third graphic object has a graphic display feature which is formed depending on the distance or speed of the further vehicle approaching from behind.

[0027] The graphical representation feature can be brightness, color, transparency, contrast, or a pattern. For example, the second graphical object can be represented by an arrow moving on a third graphical object represented as a carpet.

[0028] The distance or speed difference at which a particular display feature is used is determined in particular by predefined threshold values.

[0029] Advantageously, the driver can correlate the distance and speed difference to the other vehicle with the graphic display. The graphic display thus provides particularly easy-to-understand information or warnings.

[0030] The display characteristics of the graphical objects symbolize their relevance for the driver; in particular, the color can symbolize a hazard when changing lanes. For example, a red color indicates that another vehicle is approaching particularly quickly and no lane change should be made. If the graphical objects are colored blue, another vehicle is approaching from behind, informing the driver, but its distance is so great or its speed is so slow that a lane change is still possible.

[0031] In a particularly dangerous situation, for example if the other vehicle is approaching very quickly or has already driven very close behind, an additional warning can be issued. This can be either acoustic or in the form of a warning message on the driver information display. In addition to the graphic display feature of the second or third graphic object, written information is then shown. This can include information on the current distance from the other vehicle, on the change in distance over time (i.e. the speed), or on the time until the driver's own vehicle arrives. In addition to this or alternatively, an acoustic warning signal can be issued. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the danger that exists when the driver's own vehicle changes lanes is classified depending on the distance and relative speed of the other vehicle.

[0032] The sensors record the position and speed, and possibly also the acceleration, of the other vehicle. These parameters are determined, in particular, relative to the driver's own vehicle. Furthermore, a prediction can be made regarding the location of the other road user at a later time, particularly relative to the driver's own vehicle, and the speed at which it will be moving.

[0033] The vehicle's sensors each have a detection range. For example, a radar sensor can collect data within a specific spatial angle and up to a specific distance from the vehicle. The sensor data can be used to determine whether a lane change can be carried out safely.

[0034] A lane change is considered safe if there is no risk of collision with another road user or another object. To check this, the system detects whether another road user is currently in an area of ​​the adjacent lane that the driver's vehicle would enter if changing lanes. It also detects whether the other vehicle will be in such an area at a future point in time if the driver's vehicle were to enter this area if changing lanes. Based on this recorded movement data, a classification is created that provides the driver with a measure of the danger.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, depending on the classification of the danger that exists when the vehicle changes lanes, the second graphic object and / or the third graphic object is / are output in representations that represent the classification.

[0036] Graphic display features can be linked to the hazard classification. For example, one color can represent a low hazard, another color a high hazard. Advantageously, the driver links the respective display to the classification and thus receives information about the hazard level easily and intuitively, for example, during a planned lane change maneuver. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a fourth graphic object is displayed on top of the third graphic object if the other vehicle is located directly behind the driver's own vehicle.

[0037] The other vehicle is immediately behind your own vehicle when it reaches the theoretical collision point, i.e. when the front edge of the other vehicle and the rear of the first vehicle would meet if both vehicles were in the same lane.

[0038] The fourth graphical object moves at a speed that is linearly related to the speed of the other vehicle. Thus, the relative change in distance between the first graphical object and the fourth graphical object corresponds to the change in distance between the driver's own vehicle and the other vehicle. This provides the driver with information about the exact position of the other vehicle, in particular, when it has passed them and the danger of changing lanes no longer exists.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second graphic object is hidden when the fourth graphic object is displayed.

[0040] At the point at which the other vehicle has reached the collision point, the fourth graphic object in this embodiment enters the field of view on the driver information display and replaces the second graphic object. At this point in time, the second graphic object has already moved over the third graphic object to its front edge. It is hidden and the fourth graphic object is displayed instead. This change of objects advantageously draws the driver's attention to the vehicle that is now directly next to them. The fourth graphic object can, for example, be displayed as a vehicle. The major danger, namely an unavoidable collision that would occur if they changed lanes, is visualized on the display.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the distance between the second graphic object and the first graphic object increases when the distance between the driver's own vehicle and the other vehicle increases. If the driver's own vehicle slows down or accelerates, their distance from one another increases. During such a process, the position and movement of the driver's own vehicle and the other vehicle are also continuously determined in real time, and the vehicles are represented as graphic objects on the driver information display. The driver therefore not only receives information that a vehicle is approaching from behind, but is also informed when it moves away again. Advantageously, the driver is thus informed that the other vehicle is no longer approaching.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the graphic objects are hidden if the distance between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is greater than a specified distance and / or the speed difference between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is smaller than a specified value.

[0043] The specified distance and / or the speed difference can be set differently for the second and third graphical object. If, for example, the other vehicle moves further and further away from the driver's own vehicle, the second graphical object is initially hidden, while the third graphical object remains. This tells the driver that the approaching vehicle is far away, but the third graphical object reminds them that the other vehicle is still behind them. Only when the distance becomes so great that it is no longer relevant to the driver that the other vehicle is still behind them, or the sensors can no longer detect the other vehicle due to its distance, is the third graphical object also hidden.Similarly, if the speed difference between the driver's own vehicle and the other vehicle is smaller than another specified value and the two vehicles are therefore approaching very slowly, only the second graphic object can be hidden initially to signal to the driver that the other vehicle poses no immediate danger. However, the third graphic object can remain for information purposes. If this information also becomes irrelevant to the driver, for example, because both vehicles are following one behind the other for an extended period at a moderate distance and the same speed, the third graphic object can also be hidden.

[0044] The driver information system according to the invention in a forward-moving vehicle has an environment detection unit configured to detect environmental data in the vicinity of the vehicle and transmit it to a control unit. The control unit is configured to continuously determine the relative position and movement of another vehicle approaching from behind based on the environmental data and to generate graphic data for an environment display.The driver information system further comprises a display unit which is designed to output the graphic data generated by the control unit on a driver information display, wherein the environmental data comprises a first graphic object for the own vehicle and at least one second graphic object which represents the further vehicle approaching from behind, wherein the at least one second graphic object executes a continuous movement in which the distance of the second graphic object from the first graphic object decreases.

[0045] The driver information system according to the invention is particularly designed to implement the above-described method according to the invention. The driver information system thus has the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0046] The invention will now be explained using an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive

[0048] driver information system,

[0049] Figure 2 shows the sequence of steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention,

[0050] Figure 3 shows the own vehicle and the other vehicle on their

[0051] Roadways in bird’s eye view and

[0052] Figures 4 to 9 show displays generated by an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0053] With reference to Figure 1, an embodiment of the driver information system 1 according to the invention is explained:

[0054] The own vehicle 2 comprises a driver information system 1 with a

[0055] Environment detection unit 3. This has an interface to sensors 11 of the vehicle 2 and, using these sensors 11, continuously records environmental data in the vicinity of the host vehicle 2. The environmental data includes information about other road users, the course of the traffic route being traveled, and other traffic-relevant facilities, markings, and objects. The environmental data includes, in particular, the positions and speeds of other road users relative to the host vehicle 2, as well as a position of the host vehicle 2, in particular relative to the traffic route being traveled, i.e., for example, a position on a specific lane. It may also include data about the current driving situation of the host vehicle 2, such as its own speed, direction, or geographical position.These can be recorded, for example, by means of the vehicle's own sensors 11 for monitoring the driving parameters and / or by means of a positioning system (for example GPS).

[0056] The environment detection unit 3 is coupled to a control unit 4, to which it continuously transmits the environment data, i.e., in real time. The control unit 4 immediately evaluates the environment data and identifies the relevant objects.

[0057] The driver information system 1 further comprises a display unit 12, which is also coupled to the control unit 4. It converts the information transmitted by the control unit 4 into graphic objects, which are then displayed on the display of a driver information display 5 coupled to the display unit 12. It is designed in a conventional manner and, in the exemplary embodiment, is integrated into an instrument cluster of the vehicle's own vehicle 2. Based on the acquired environmental data, graphic data of a representation of the environment, and in particular of the relevant objects, are generated and output via the driver information display 5.

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention is explained with reference to Figures 2 to 9. The above description of the exemplary embodiment of the driver information system according to the invention is used as a starting point. Furthermore, further details and configurations of the driver information system according to the invention are explained based on the exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 3 shows an example of a driving situation in which the method according to the invention is carried out. As shown in Figure 3, the host vehicle 2 is traveling forward on a roadway having two lanes 8, 9. The host vehicle 2 is traveling in the first lane 8. In the second lane 9, the lane adjacent to the host vehicle 2, another vehicle 7 is traveling at a considerable distance behind the host vehicle 2. The other vehicle 7 is traveling at a higher speed than the host vehicle 2 and is therefore approaching it.

[0060] When implementing the method according to the invention, in a first step S1, the host vehicle 2 uses sensors 11 to detect environmental data from an area located horizontally behind the host vehicle 2. This environmental data is continuously detected and transmitted to the environmental detection unit 3.

[0061] In a second step S2, the environmental data are analyzed. When analyzing the environmental data, the control unit 4 identifies the additional vehicle 7 approaching from behind and continuously determines its relative position and relative movement using the continuously transmitted current environmental data.

[0062] In a third step S3, the surroundings data and a representation of the identified, approaching additional vehicle 7 are displayed together with the driver's own vehicle 2 on a driver information display 5. As shown in Figure 4, the driver sees the horizontal surroundings at a 360° angle around the representation of his own vehicle, the first graphic object 6, on the display of the driver information display 5, which is positioned in the driver information display 5 in such a way that not only the area in front of the driver's own vehicle 2, but also an area behind the driver's own vehicle 2 is displayed. Furthermore, the driver's own lane 8 and the neighboring lane 9 are displayed as lane objects 10.

[0063] The control unit 4 now calculates the danger that exists for the host vehicle 2, in particular when changing lanes, from the distance between the two vehicles 2, 7 and the relative speed. Since the approaching vehicle 7 is still very far away and is only traveling at a slightly higher speed than the host vehicle 2, i.e. is only approaching slowly, the danger is classified as low. The driver should therefore initially only be informed that another vehicle 7 is approaching from behind. A third graphic object 14 is initially displayed, as shown in Figure 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the third graphic object 14 corresponds to the representation of a blue carpet, which is stationary directly next to the first graphic object e, i.e. the display of the host vehicle 2.The carpet is located on the displayed lane object 10 in the lane that corresponds to the actual lane on which the other vehicle 7 is approaching. In a fourth step S4, the other vehicle 7 has come closer. The control unit 4 detects that the distance of the other vehicle 7 has fallen below a minimum distance specified there. As shown in Figure 6, a second graphic object 13 is now shown on the display of the driver information display 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the second graphic object 13 is an arrow that moves on the carpet in the direction of travel that corresponds to the direction of travel of the other vehicle 7 and thus also of the driver's own vehicle 2. The arrow has the same color as the third graphic object 14 and initially moves very slowly. The closer the other vehicle 7 approaches the driver's own vehicle 2, the higher the speed of the arrow becomes.There is a non-linear relationship between the approach speed of the further vehicle 7 to the own vehicle 2 and the speed of the second graphic object 13 on the stationary third graphic object 14. If one considers the ratio of the speed of the further vehicle 7 to the speed of the second graphic object 13 on the driver information display 5, this ratio is initially smaller and then increases up to a real value at which the speed of the further vehicle 7 should correspond to the speed of the second graphic object 13.

[0064] In a fifth step S5, the other vehicle 7 is located directly behind the driver's own vehicle 2 at the collision point; its front and the rear of the driver's own vehicle 2 would collide if they were in the same lane. As can be seen in Figure 7, the arrow has moved to the front edge of the carpet at this point in time and has increased its speed. At this point in time, the ratio of the speed of the other vehicle 7 to the speed of the second graphic object 13 on the driver information display 5 corresponds to the actual value. The driver can see from this representation that the other vehicle 7 is getting closer and closer. To alert the driver to the potential collision in the event of a lane change, the arrow is now hidden (Figure 8) and a vehicle is displayed as the fourth graphic object 15 instead of the arrow on the carpet (Figure 9).It appears at the height of the virtual lane objects 10, which corresponds to the height of the real vehicle 7 in the real lane 9, and moves such that the distances between the two virtual vehicles along the virtual lane objects 10 correspond to the distances between the vehicles 2, 7 in their lanes 8, 9. The ratio of the speed of the other vehicle 7 to the speed of the fourth graphical object 15 on the driver information display 5 is the real value. Unlike when displaying the movement of the second graphical object 13, this ratio does not change when displaying the movement of the fourth graphical object 15.

[0065] In a sixth step S6, the additional vehicle 7 drives past the driver's own vehicle 2. On the display of the driver information display 5, the additional virtual vehicle, i.e., the fourth graphic object 15, also drives past the representation of the driver's own vehicle, i.e., the first graphic object 6. After the overtaking maneuver, both the fourth graphic object 15 and the third graphic object 14 are hidden.

[0066] In a second situation, the approaching additional vehicle 7 is also still a long way away at the third step S3, but is traveling at a much higher speed than the host vehicle 2. When determining the danger, the control unit 4 therefore classifies it as having an increased danger level for a possible lane change. To alert the driver to this, the third graphic object 14 is again displayed in the form of a carpet next to the first graphic object 6 for the host vehicle, but in this case in red. A warning is also displayed on the third graphic object 14 for the carpet, and the current distance between the two vehicles 2, 7 is continuously displayed.

[0067] In the fourth step S4 of this second situation, in which the other vehicle 7 has approached further, the control unit 4 detects that the distance of the other vehicle 7 has fallen below a minimum distance specified there. The second graphic object 13, in the form of an arrow, is now again displayed on the display of the driver information display 5. The arrow is now also displayed in the warning color red, since the vehicle 7 approaching from behind is still moving at a very high speed. Additionally, a warning signal sounds.

[0068] In a third situation, the other vehicle 7 approaches as previously described in steps S1 to S4. In addition to the representation of his own vehicle 6, the driver is again shown the third graphic object 14 for the carpet as well as an arrow moving on it as a second graphic object 13 on the display of the driver information display 5. In contrast to the previously described situations, the other vehicle 7 now slows down considerably, so that initially the distance decreases more slowly and finally the distance between the two vehicles 2, 7 increases again. Meanwhile, in a seventh step S7, the second graphic object 13, i.e. the arrow, does not move faster but increasingly slower until it finally moves in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the representation of the driver's own vehicle 6.As soon as the other vehicle 7 has reached a certain minimum distance from the own vehicle 2, the second graphic object 13 is completely hidden. From a further distance, the third graphic object 14 for the carpet is also hidden.

[0069] In a fourth situation, the other vehicle 7 is traveling in the same lane 8 as the host vehicle 2. It is traveling behind the host vehicle 2 at a higher speed than the host vehicle 2. On the display of the driver information display 5, according to the third step S3, the third graphic object 14 is initially shown in blue, i.e. a blue carpet, but in this case directly behind the first graphic object 6, i.e. the representation of the host vehicle 2. The third graphic object 14 is therefore located on the same displayed lane object 10 as the first graphic object 6 for the host vehicle 2. According to the fourth step S4, as soon as a certain distance between the two vehicles 2, 7 is undershot, the second graphic object 13, i.e. an arrow, is displayed on the third graphic object 14 for the carpet, which is moving along it.In contrast to the previously described situations, in an eighth step S8, the virtual vehicle is not displayed as the fourth graphic object 15. Instead, safety precautions for a possible rear-end collision are initiated at a specified distance between the two vehicles 2, 7. A warning signal sounds, the rear collision assistant is activated, and the airbag and seat belts are adjusted accordingly.

[0070] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0071] Driver information system Own vehicle Environment detection unit Control unit

[0072] Driver information display First graphic object Additional vehicle First lane Second lane Lane objects Sensor on the vehicle Display unit

[0073] Second graphic object Third graphic object Fourth graphic object

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating a driver information system (1) for a driver of a forward-moving own vehicle (2), in which Environmental data in an environment of the own vehicle (2) are recorded, the environmental data are analyzed such that a relative position and movement of a further vehicle (7) approaching from behind is continuously determined, and based on the environmental data, graphic data of an environmental representation is generated, which is output on a driver information display (5), wherein the environmental representation comprises a first graphic object (6) for the own vehicle (2) and at least one second graphic object (13) which represents the further vehicle (7) approaching from behind, and wherein the at least one second graphic object (13) executes a continuous movement in which the distance of the second graphic object (13) from the first graphic object (6) decreases.

2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the environment data comprise a first lane (8) of the own vehicle (2) and a second lane (9) of the further vehicle (7), lane objects (10) are generated for the lanes (8, 9), the graphic objects (6, 13) are displayed on the corresponding lane objects (10) and the environment representation comprises a third graphic object (14) which, in the direct environment of the first graphic object (6), marks a section on the lane object (10) which is assigned to the lane on which the further vehicle (7) is approaching.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the third graphic object (14) is displayed before the second graphic object (13) is displayed.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the second graphic object (13) is displayed in addition to the third graphic object (14) when the distance of the further vehicle (7) from the own vehicle (2) has fallen below a specified distance (A1).

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second graphic object (13) moves on the third graphic object (14) depending on the approach speed of the further vehicle (7) approaching from behind.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the second graphic object (13) and / or the third graphic object (14) have a graphic display feature which is formed as a function of the distance or speed of the further vehicle (7) approaching from behind.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the danger which exists when the own vehicle (2) changes lanes is classified as a function of the distance and the relative speed of the other vehicle (7).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, depending on the classification of the danger that exists when changing lanes of the own vehicle (2), the second graphic object (13) and / or the third graphic object (14) is / are output in representations that represent the classification.

9. Method according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that a fourth graphic object (15) is displayed on the third graphic object (14) when the further vehicle (7) is located directly behind the own vehicle (2).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the second graphic object (13) is hidden when the fourth graphic object (15) is displayed.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance of the second graphic object (13) from the first graphic object (6) increases when the distance of the own vehicle (2) from the other vehicle (7) increases.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the graphic objects (13, 14, 15) are hidden if the distance of the own vehicle (2) to the other vehicle (7) is greater than a specified distance (A2) and / or the speed difference of the own vehicle (2) and the other vehicle (7) is less than a specified value (D1).

13. A driver information system (1) in a forward-moving vehicle (2) comprising an environment detection unit (3) configured to detect environment data in the environment of the vehicle (2) and to send it to a control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to continuously determine, based on the environment data, a relative position and movement of another vehicle (7) approaching from behind and to generate graphic data of an environment representation, and a display unit (12) configured to output the graphic data generated by the control unit (4) on a driver information display (5), wherein the environment data comprises a first graphic object (6) for the vehicle (2) and at least one second graphic object (13) representing the other vehicle (7) approaching from behind, and wherein the at least one second graphic object (13) executes a continuous movement,in which the distance of the second graphic object (13) from the first graphic object (6) decreases.,

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