A method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle in front of a stationary object, a computing system, a computer-readable storage

Abstract

A method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped vehicle in front of a stationary object comprises determining a value of an acceleration request S11 by a control unit and determining th

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention aims to enhance vehicle safety and relates to a method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle in front of a stationary object. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding computing system, a computer-implemented method, a non-transitory computer-readable media that store instructions that are executable by a control circuit, as well as to a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Many vehicles comprise a brake assistant that decelerates the motor vehicle when an object in front of the motor vehicle is detected. However, the brake assistant does not trigger out of a stopped position in front of a stationary object, for example a wall or another vehicle in front. For example, if the motor vehicle is stopped at a red light and the foot is removed from the brake, the vehicle will slowly creeping forward potentially hitting the car in front. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method, computing system, non-transitory computer-readable media, and motor vehicle capable of enhancing safety by preventing acceleration when a stationary object is detected in front of it.

[0004] This objective is solved by a method, a computer-implemented method, computing system, non-transitory computer-readable media, and motor vehicle according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle in front of a stationary object. The method comprises the steps of determining an acceleration value of an acceleration request when the motor vehicle is stationary by a control unit of the motor vehicle, determining a distance to the stationary object in front of the vehicle by a sensor device of the motor vehicle, determining if the acceleration value is greater than a predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than a predefined distance threshold value by the control unit, and overriding the acceleration request and adjusting the acceleration value to a predefined value by the control unit, if the acceleration value is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value. However, if the acceleration value is not greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value or the distance is not closer than the predefined distance threshold value, no override of the acceleration request may occur.

[0006] In other words, a sensor device of a motor vehicle may determine the distance to the stationary object. The sensor device may include a camera and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a lidar sensor. Furthermore, the acceleration value of the acceleration request may be determined by a control unit of the motor vehicle, wherein the acceleration request may be triggered by releasing the brake and / or by detecting a throttle position command.

[0007] Then, the control unit may analyze, if the determined distance is below a predetermined distance threshold and the acceleration value is above a predefined acceleration threshold value. That is, the control unit monitors, if there is enough space between the motor vehicle and the stationary object to accelerate and move forward.

[0008] If there is enough space and the acceleration value and / or the distance does not exceed the respective threshold values, the motor vehicle may accelerate according to the acceleration request. However, if the acceleration value is above the acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the distance threshold value, the acceleration request may be discarded and set to a predefined value by the control unit. The predefined value may be zero, which means that the motor vehicle remains stopped. Alternatively, the motor vehicle may accelerate to a slow pace and then gradually decelerate into a stopped position in front of the stationary object. That is, the control unit may dynamically adjust the acceleration value automatically. For example, if the motor vehicle is at the red light and the foot is removed from the brake, the motor vehicle will stop instead of slowly driving forward and potentially hitting the car in front, especially by gradually braking.

[0009] By this “wall mode”, the advantage arise that a safety may be increased and insurance cost may be reduced.

[0010] According to an embodiment, an alert message is provided if the acceleration request is overridden. For example, an instrument cluster display may display the alert message, if it is determined that the acceleration request is overridden. Alternatively or additionally an acoustic alert message may be provided via loudspeaker of the motor vehicle.

[0011] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle is gradually decelerated depending on the distance from the stationary object. For instance, in scenarios where the acceleration request is overridden due to the presence of a stationary object, the motor vehicle is programmed to gradually decelerate. This ensures a smooth and controlled stop, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing safety for both the occupants of the vehicle and nearby objects.

[0012] In another embodiment, the acceleration request is provided by releasing the brake, wherein the acceleration value is adjusted to zero, if the acceleration value is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

[0013] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle parks itself by slowly accelerating and braking on its own into a parking position in dependency of the distance from the stationary object, when a garage door opener is pressed. For example, by pressing a garage door opener, the motor vehicle can autonomously navigate into a parking position Utilizing sensor data and control algorithms, the vehicle slowly accelerates and brakes as needed, adjusting its trajectory based on the distance from the stationary object, such as a garage wall. This feature not only enhances convenience for the driver but also minimizes the risk of accidents during parking maneuvers.

[0014] In another embodiment, the sensor device comprises a camera and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0015] Another aspect the present invention relates to a computing system as a means for performing a method according to the preceding aspect. The computing system may also be regarded as a computer program.

[0016] A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable media to store instructions (referred to throughout as program code) that are executable by a control circuit.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle including at least one sensor device and the control unit, wherein the motor vehicle is configured to perform a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0020] The drawings show in:

[0021] Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 2 a schematic flow chart according to an exemplary embodiment of a method;

[0023] Fig. 3 a schematic flow chart according to another exemplary embodiment of the method;

[0024] Fig. 4 a schematic illustration of a computing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0027] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0029] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematized motor vehicle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The motor vehicle 10 comprises at least a sensor device 12 and a control unit 14. The sensor device 12 may include a camera and / or an ultrasonic sensor that may be configured to measure a distance to external objects, in particular to stationary objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 12. This measured distance may be provided to the control unit 14.

[0031] Furthermore, an acceleration value 16 of an acceleration request may be provided to the control unit 14. The acceleration value 16 may be determined from a throttle position command that may be provided when a user presses the pedal or releases the brake.

[0032] The control unit 14 may compare the acceleration value 16 and the distance provided by the sensor device 12, in particular, whether the acceleration value 16 is greater than a predefined distance threshold value and the distance to a stationary object is closer than a predefined distance threshold value. If this is the case, the acceleration value 16 of the acceleration request is overridden by a predetermined value 18 that may be near zero.

[0033] The control unit 14 may then output a control signal 20 to control the acceleration of the motor vehicle 10 according to the predefined acceleration value 18.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow chart according to an embodiment of a method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle 10 in front of a stationary object. In this case, the method may be provided for a “wall mode” wherein the stationary object may be a wall or another stopped motor vehicle in front of the motor vehicle 10.

[0035] In a step S10, the motor vehicle 10 may be in a stopped position behind the stationary object.

[0036] In a step S11, a driver of the motor vehicle 10 may request an acceleration, in particular, a throttle pedal position may be determined. Furthermore, in a step S12, a distance to a stationary object may be determined by a sensor device 12 of the motor vehicle 12 and an acceleration value 16 of the acceleration request or a vehicle’s speed may be provided to a control unit 14 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0037] In a step S13, the electronic control unit 14 may check, if the acceleration or speed is greater than a predefined acceleration or speed threshold value and if the distance is closer than a predefined distance threshold value. If the acceleration / speed is not greater than the threshold value or if the distance is greater than the distance threshold value, no override of the acceleration request occurs in a step S14, and the acceleration value is utilized for the motor vehicle 10.

[0038] However, if the acceleration value is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value, and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value, the acceleration request may be overridden in a step S15 and adjusted to a predefined value by the control unit 14.

[0039] In other words, the control unit 14 may override the throttle position request and control a speed limit of the motor vehicle. In particular, the predefined acceleration value may be near zero, wherein the motor vehicle 10 may be gradually decelerated depending on the distance to the stationary object and thus comes to a halt before the stationary object.

[0040] Furthermore, an alert message may be provided in a step S16, if the acceleration request is overridden.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic flow chart according to another embodiment of the method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle 10 in front of a stationary object. In this case, the method may be performed for a “garage mode”, wherein the motor vehicle 10 may accelerate and brake on its own into a parking position.

[0042] In a step S20, the motor vehicle 10 may be in a stopped position, in particular in front of a garage. For example, by pressing a garage door opener, the motor vehicle 10 is slowly accelerating to drive into the garage in a step S21.

[0043] In a step S22, an acceleration request from the driver may be determined. Furthermore, in a step S23, an acceleration value of the acceleration request and a distance to the stationary object, in this case a garage wall, may be determined by a sensor device 12 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0044] In a step S24, a control unit 14 of the motor vehicle 10 may determine that the acceleration value is greater than a predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than a predefined distance threshold value.

[0045] If the acceleration value is lower than the predefined acceleration threshold value or the distance is greater than the predefined distance threshold value, no override of the acceleration request may occur in a step S25, and the motor vehicle 10 may be accelerated to drive into the garage.

[0046] However, if the acceleration request is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value, and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value, the acceleration request may be overridden in a step S26, and the acceleration value may be adjusted to a predefined value by the control unit 14. The adjustment of the acceleration value may be a deceleration in dependency of the distance from the stationary object, i.e. the wall of the garage.

[0047] The deceleration may be utilized until the motor vehicle 10 comes to a slow stop in a step S27.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows an illustration of a computing system 22 of a vehicle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The computing system 10 may comprise a control circuit 24, wherein the control circuit 24is configured to process following control blocks.

[0049] In a control block 26 an acceleration value 16 of an acceleration request is determined when the motor vehicle 10 is stationary. Determine a distance to the stationary object in front of the motor vehicle 10 by a sensor device 12 of the motor vehicle 10 in a control block 28. Determine if the acceleration value 16 is greater than an predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than an predefined distance threshold value in a control block 30. Override the acceleration request and adjusting the acceleration value to a predefined value 18, if the acceleration value 16 is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value in a control block 32. Reference signs 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26-32 S10-S16 S20-S27 Motor vehicle Sensor device Control unit Acceleration value Value Control Signal Computing system Control circuit Control blocks Method steps Method steps

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for overriding an acceleration request from a stopped motor vehicle (10) in front of a stationary object, comprising the steps of: - determining an acceleration value (16) of an acceleration request when the motor vehicle (10) is stationary by a control unit (14) of the motor vehicle (10);- determining a distance to the stationary object in front of the vehicle (10) by a sensor device (12) of the motor vehicle (10);- determining if the acceleration value (16) is greater than an predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than an predefined distance threshold value by the control unit (14);- overriding the acceleration request and adjusting the acceleration value to a predefined value (18) by the control unit (14), if the acceleration value (16) is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein an alert message is provided if the acceleration request is overridden.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor vehicle (10) is gradually decelerated depending on the distance from the stationary object.

4. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration request is provided by releasing the brake, wherein the acceleration value (16) is adjusted to zero, if the acceleration value (16) is greaterthan the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein by pressing a garage door opener, the motor vehicle (10) parks itself by slowly accelerating and braking on its own into a parking position in dependency of the distance from the stationary object.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (12) comprises a camera and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

7. A computing system (22) of a vehicle (10) comprising:a control circuit (24) configured to:- determine an acceleration value (16) of an acceleration request when the motor vehicle (10) is stationary;- determine a distance to the stationary object in front of the vehicle (10) by a sensor device (12) of the motor vehicle (10);- determine if the acceleration value (16) is greater than an predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than an predefined distance threshold value;- override the acceleration request and adjusting the acceleration value to a predefined value (18), if the acceleration value (16) is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

8. The computing system (22) according to claim 7, wherein an alert message is provided if the acceleration request is overridden.

9. The computing system (22) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the motor vehicle (10) is gradually decelerated depending on the distance from the stationary object.

10. The computing system (22) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the acceleration request is provided by releasing the brake, wherein the acceleration value (16) is adjusted to zero, if the acceleration value (16) is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

11. The computing system (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein by pressing a garage door opener, the motor vehicle (10) parks itself by slowly accelerating and braking on its own into a parking position in dependency of the distance from the stationary object.

12. The computing system (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (12) comprises a camera and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

13. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media that store instructions that are executable by a control circuit to:- determine an acceleration value (16) of an acceleration request when the motor vehicle (10) is stationary;- determine a distance to the stationary object in front of the vehicle (10) by a sensor device (12) of the motor vehicle (10);- determine if the acceleration value (16) is greater than an predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than an predefined distance threshold value;- override the acceleration request and adjusting the acceleration value to a predefined value (18), if the acceleration value (16) is greater than the predefined acceleration threshold value and the distance is closer than the predefined distance threshold value.

14. A motor vehicle (10) comprising a computing system (22) with at least one sensor device (12), wherein the motor vehicle (10) is configured to perform a computer-implemented method according to any of claims 1 to 6.

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