Method for securing a phase of overtaking of a connected vehicle by another connected vehicle, and associated motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for securing an overtaking maneuver of a first motor vehicle (100) traveling on a roadway (ch1) by a second motor vehicle (200) traveling on the same roadway (ch1), the method being implemented by an electronic device (110) of the first vehicle (100), and characterized in that it comprises a step of determining a first piece of information, the first piece of information indicating whether the second vehicle (200) is initiating or is about to initiate an overtaking maneuver of the first vehicle (100), then a step of determining a second piece of information, based on the first piece of information, the second piece of information indicating the existence of a risky situation for the overtaking of the first vehicle (100) by the second vehicle (200), and then a step of transmitting the fourth piece of information to the second vehicle (200) based on the second piece of information. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Method for securing a phase of overtaking of a connected vehicle by another connected vehicle, and associated motor vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the safety of these vehicles, especially connected ones. Prior art

[0002] Autonomous or AI-assisted vehicles represent a major advance in the automotive field, incorporating advanced technologies that allow them to analyze their environment and make autonomous decisions to assist the driver. Thanks to onboard systems including, for example, cameras, proximity sensors, radar and / or LiDAR, etc., these vehicles can detect obstacles, adjust their speed, and maintain a safe trajectory.

[0003] These autonomous or AI-assisted vehicles can integrate communication technologies that allow them to exchange information in real time with their environment and with each other via predetermined and standardized communication protocols. Thanks to systems enabling vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, these vehicles can share crucial data, such as their position or speed.

[0004] This interconnectivity enhances road safety by enabling vehicles to anticipate certain risky situations, avoid collisions, and alert drivers in case of imminent danger. Connected vehicles thus contribute to creating a more responsive and safer road environment. This type of communication helps prevent the risk of collision between two communicating vehicles.

[0005] There is a constant need for solutions to ensure the safety of so-called connected vehicles, i.e., vehicles capable of communicating with each other by being connected by a compatible communication protocol. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to improve the safety of motor vehicles, in particular during a phase of overtaking an autonomous vehicle or one assisted by another vehicle, both interconnected.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a method is proposed to secure the overtaking phase of a first motor vehicle traveling on a roadway by a second motor vehicle traveling on the same roadway, the method being implemented by an electronic device of the first vehicle, and characterized in that it comprises: - a step of determining initial information, the initial information indicating whether the second vehicle is initiating or is about to initiate an overtaking maneuver on the first vehicle; - a step of determining a second piece of information, based on the first piece of information, the second piece of information indicating the existence of a risky situation for the second vehicle to overtake the first vehicle; - a step of transmitting a third piece of information to the second vehicle based on the first piece of information; - a step of transmitting a fourth piece of information to the second vehicle based on the second piece of information.

[0008] By "initiating an overtaking maneuver," it is understood that the second vehicle is positioned behind the first vehicle and accelerates in such a way as to catch up with and then overtake the first vehicle, whether by changing lanes or not. During this step, the second vehicle may be located in a different lane of the roadway than the first vehicle.

[0009] The step of determining the second piece of information makes it possible to analyze the peripheral environment located around the first vehicle, which may include areas called "dead" for the second vehicle, i.e. areas locally not analyzed by the second vehicle.

[0010] The step of transmitting the third and fourth pieces of information informs the second vehicle whether or not the overtaking maneuver can be carried out safely. The driver of the second vehicle is thus informed that the driver of the first vehicle has acknowledged the second vehicle's intention to overtake the first vehicle and that its driving does not, for example, obstruct the trajectories of other road users.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first vehicle includes communication means configured to communicate with complementary communication means of the second vehicle via a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol may, for example, be Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The predetermined protocol must allow Vehicle-to-vehicle data transmission and reception, with communication implemented through vehicle-to-vehicle communication data transmission and reception means, for example, including an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive radio waves. The first vehicle is then configured to detect that the second vehicle has communication means enabling dialogue according to a compatible, predetermined protocol.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the step of determining initial information includes a step in which the first vehicle receives a request to overtake issued by the second vehicle, including the means of communication, preferably received via the first vehicle's means of communication. The first vehicle then determines that it can communicate with the second vehicle and analyzes the information received by the second vehicle.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the third piece of information indicates a response to the overtaking request issued by the second vehicle and received by the first vehicle. Thus, the first vehicle indicates to the second vehicle that they can communicate and informs the second vehicle that the driver of the first vehicle has acknowledged its intention to overtake. The two vehicles, connected to each other or to each other, then preferably cooperate during the overtaking phase in order to minimize the risk of an accident during this phase.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the step of determining the second piece of information is carried out at least by control means configured to monitor the external environment surrounding the first vehicle and detect a risky situation in a peripheral area around the first vehicle. The control means include, for example, cameras.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting the third piece of information and / or the step of transmitting the fourth piece of information is (are) carried out at least by the communication means if the first vehicle has detected that the second vehicle is configured to communicate with other vehicles. The second vehicle must then include communication means to establish a dialogue with the first vehicle via a predetermined communication protocol.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fourth information transmission step includes, preferably consists of, at least one external, unconnected signal, preferably a light, preferably still emitted by one or more of the lights of the first vehicle or a display device including an LED panel. This embodiment is preferred if the first vehicle has detected that the second vehicle is not configured to communicate with other vehicles.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program is proposed comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or a microcontroller, for the implementation of the process as above described, when executed by the microprocessor or the microcontroller.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic device is proposed that is configured to implement the steps of the process as described above.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising the electronic device as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.1]: a schematic top view of a phase of overtaking a first vehicle by a second vehicle, the first vehicle implementing a method to secure said overtaking phase, by a second vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; • [Fig.2] a flowchart of the steps implemented during the process according to a method of embodiment of the invention.

[0022] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED description of a method of implementation

[0023] Fig. 1 represents a portion of a road forming a chl carriageway and comprising a first lane v1 and a second lane v2, adjacent to the first lane v1 of the chl carriageway.

[0024] A first vehicle 100 is illustrated, traveling in the first lane (vl), the first vehicle 100 being a motor vehicle. The first vehicle 100 includes an electronic device comprising a microprocessor 110, for example, a neural network of the microprocessor 110. The electronic device is configured to implement a method for ensuring the safe overtaking of the first vehicle 100, a motor vehicle traveling in the first lane (vl) of the carriageway (chl), by a second vehicle 200, also traveling in the first lane (vl) of the carriageway (chl). The second vehicle 200 travels behind the first vehicle 100.

[0025] The microprocessor 110 is connected to control means 125 to control an environment external to the first vehicle 100 and communication means 150 configured to communicate with other vehicles.

[0026] The control means 125 include at least one three-dimensional environmental perception sensor, for example an optical sensor or a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. In this embodiment, the control means 125 include a front camera 120, configured to acquire environmental data in front of the first vehicle 100, a rear camera 130, configured to acquire environmental data in front of the first vehicle 100, and side cameras 140, configured to acquire environmental data laterally on either side of the first vehicle 100.

[0027] The communication means 150 include at least one inter-vehicle data transmission and reception device, configured to perform inter-vehicle communication, for example according to a standardized protocol to which the vehicle is connected (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0028] With reference to [Fig.2], at a stage S00, the vehicle 100 travels on a first lane vl of a carriageway chl at a predetermined speed and in a direction of travel si.

[0029] At a step S10, the microprocessor 110 determines initial information, so as to detect whether the second vehicle 200 is traveling in the first lane vl of the roadway chl or in a second lane v2 of the roadway chl. The microprocessor 110 also detects whether the second vehicle 200 is traveling in the same direction and includes other communication means 250. The microprocessor 110 determines whether the second vehicle 200 is about to initiate an overtaking maneuver on the first vehicle 100 from either side of said first vehicle 100.

[0030] This detection carried out in step S10 includes a step SI 1 of reception by the first vehicle 100 of an overtaking request issued by the second vehicle 200 to the first vehicle 100. The transmission of the overtaking request is carried out by the communication means 250 of the second vehicle 200 and the reception of this request is carried out by the communication means 150 of the first vehicle 100.

[0031] This step SI 1 is followed by a step S20 of determining a risk situation, providing a second piece of information to the microprocessor 110.

[0032] Simultaneously, step SI 1 is followed by step S30, which transmits a third piece of information to the second vehicle 200. This third piece of information, S30, indicates a response to the overtaking request issued by the second vehicle 200. The third piece of information, S30, is transmitted via the communication means of the first vehicle 100, so as to confirm receipt of the request and its processing. The first vehicle 100 and the second vehicle 200 establish cooperation during this phase of overtaking the first vehicle 100 by the second vehicle 200.

[0033] Step S20 includes a first step S21 for analyzing the situation on the roadway. The situation analysis S21 on the roadway determines whether an object, in particular a third separate motor vehicle (not shown), is present on the roadway in a peripheral zone around the first vehicle 100. Step S21 is implemented by the microprocessor 110 using data acquired by the control means 125. The zone can extend over a radius of several tens of meters around the first vehicle 100, and therefore depends on several parameters such as the control means 125 used, the weather, the geometry of the roadway, etc. Step S21 allows overtaking if no object is detected on the roadway.

[0034] If the microprocessor 110 detects a third, or more, distinct vehicle in the peripheral zone around the first vehicle 100 during step S21, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the first vehicle 100, the second vehicle 200, and the third vehicle. The determination of a risk situation S20 then includes a step S22 of determining a threshold safety distance using data acquired by the control means 125.

[0035] Determining this safety threshold distance allows overtaking of the second vehicle 200 to be permitted only if it can be done without risk. To do this, the safety threshold distance is calculated based on the distance separating the first vehicle 100 from the third vehicle and the respective direction of travel of each of the three vehicles: the first vehicle 100, the second vehicle 200, and the third vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, the minimum safety distance is determined based on three speed differentials established respectively between a speed of 100 km / h for the first vehicle and a speed of 200 km / h for the second vehicle, the speed of 100 km / h for the first vehicle and a speed of the third vehicle, and the speed of 200 km / h for the second vehicle and the speed of the third vehicle. The operating speed of each of the three motor vehicles (first vehicle 100 km / h, second vehicle 200 km / h, and third vehicle) preferably corresponds to an average speed determined over a very short period, preferably less than two seconds. Alternatively, an instantaneous speed may be measured.

[0037] The minimum safety distance is also determined based on the speed of the three vehicles. Indeed, the higher the speed of each of the three vehicles, for example, approaching 130 km / h*, the higher the minimum safety distance can be. Conversely, the lower the speed of each of the three vehicles low, for example close to 30 km / h*, the shorter the safety threshold distance can be.

[0038] In this way, if a third vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the first vehicle 100 and the second vehicle 200, the microprocessor is also able to determine a suitable safety distance threshold to allow or not the overtaking of the first vehicle 100 by the second vehicle 200.

[0039] If the third vehicle is at a distance and a speed of travel in a direction of travel allowing the first vehicle 100 to be overtaken by the second vehicle 200, then overtaking is permitted.

[0040] In a step S40 subsequent to step S20, the microprocessor 110 communicates a fourth piece of information, via transmission from the communication means 150 to the second vehicle 200. This fourth piece of information warns the second vehicle whether overtaking can be carried out safely, or whether, on the contrary, it is impossible for it to overtake the first vehicle 100 at that time. Alternatively or in addition, the fourth piece of information may include, or even consist of, at least one audible signal (horn).

[0041] The process can then be carried out in a loop until the fourth information emitted by the first vehicle 100 authorizes the second vehicle 200 to overtake it.

[0042] According to another embodiment, in step 10, the microprocessor 110 detects, from the data acquired by the control means 125, and more particularly the rear camera 120, that the second vehicle 200 initiates an overtaking of the first vehicle 100 by any one of the two sides of said first vehicle 100.

[0043] The first vehicle 100 then attempts to communicate with the second vehicle 200 during step S10 and implements the continuation of the process to ensure the safety of the overtaking phase of the first vehicle 100 by the second vehicle 200.

[0044] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0045] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for securing an overtaking phase of a first motor vehicle (100) travelling on a roadway (chl) by a second motor vehicle (200) travelling on the same roadway (chl), the method being implemented by an electronic device (110) of the first vehicle (100), and characterized in that it comprises: - a step of determining a first piece of information (S10), the first piece of information indicating whether the second vehicle (200) is initiating or is about to initiate an overtaking of the first vehicle (100); - a step of determining a second piece of information (S20), from the first piece of information, the second piece of information indicating the existence of a risky situation for the overtaking of the first vehicle (100) by the second vehicle (200); - a step of transmitting a third piece of information (S30) to the second vehicle (200) from the first piece of information;- a step of transmitting a fourth piece of information (S40) to the second vehicle (200) from the second piece of information.;

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first vehicle (100) comprises communication means (150) configured to communicate with complementary communication means (250) of the second vehicle (200) via a predetermined communication protocol.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of determining a first piece of information (S 10) includes a step of receiving by the first vehicle (100) a request to overtake (SI 1) issued by the second vehicle (200), preferably received by the means of communication of the first vehicle (100).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the third piece of information indicates a response to the overtaking request (SI 1) issued by the second vehicle (200) and received by the first vehicle (100).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the step of transmitting the third piece of information (S40) and / or the step of transmitting the fourth piece of information is(s) carried out at least by the means of communication (150) of the first vehicle (100).

6. Computer program comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or microcontroller, for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when executed by the microprocessor or microcontroller.

7. Electronic device (110) configured to carry out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Motor vehicle (100) comprising the electronic device (110) according to the preceding claim.

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