Method for proactively changing settings of a cruise control system of a vehicle, computing device for a cruise control system, computer-readable (storage) medium and cruise control system for a vehicle

Abstract

A method for proactively changing settings of a vehicle's cruise control system upon repeatedly detecting a certain pattern of vehicle driver behavior includes activating the vehicle's cruise control system, which controls the vehicle's speed to a target speed. Additionally, the method includes receiving traffic sign data describing a maximum speed limit for a road segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The method further includes adopting the maximum speed limit as a target speed for the cruise control system. Finally, the method includes detecting a target speed modification operation, where the target speed modification operation indicates a change in the target speed by the vehicle's driver. A driver behavior pattern is then recognized, which indicates a change in the target speed due to adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. Additionally, upon repeatedly detecting the behavior pattern, a suggestion to change settings proactively is presented to the driver. Accepting the suggestion to change settings proactively causes the target speed to deviate from the maximum speed limit by a certain speed offset in the future if the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for proactively changing the settings of a cruise control system of a vehicle upon detecting a repeated pattern of vehicle driver behavior. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computing device for a cruise control system of a vehicle for performing such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable (storage) medium and a cruise control system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Cruise control systems, especially so-called adaptive cruise control (ACC), are the most commonly used driver assistance systems in vehicles. Such cruise control systems regulate the vehicle's speed to a pre-set target speed. They can also adjust the target speed to control the distance to the vehicle ahead. Modern cruise control systems now also utilize traffic sign recognition methods. This allows the cruise control system to detect maximum speed limits and adopt them as the new target speed automatically and / or after confirmation by the driver.

[0003] The widespread acceptance of cruise control systems with traffic sign recognition has been largely due to the speed offset feature, which allows the driver to specify a speed tolerance or speed offset that is added to the maximum speed limit. For example, if the speed offset is set to 5 km / h, the new target speed will always be the maximum speed limit + 5 km / h.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle equipped with a cruise control system that, in principle, controls the target speed to the most recently set speed set by the driver each time, and a speed limit system that, in principle, prevents the maximum speed set each time from exceeding the most recently set maximum speed. In this case, a device that acts as a bridge between the cruise control system and the speed limit system is provided so that the maximum speed of the speed limit system can be used as the target speed of the cruise control system instead of the set speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012211967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a solution as to how a driver of a vehicle equipped with a cruise control system and traffic sign recognition means can be assisted in operating the cruise control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method, a computing device, a computer-readable (storage) medium and a cruise control system with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] A method for proactively changing settings of a vehicle's cruise control system upon repeatedly detecting a certain pattern of vehicle driver behavior includes activating the vehicle's cruise control system and causing the cruise control system to control the vehicle's speed to a target speed. Additionally, the method includes receiving traffic sign data describing a maximum speed limit for a road segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The method further includes adopting the maximum speed limit as a target speed for the cruise control system. Finally, the method detects a target speed modification operation, where the target speed modification operation indicates a change in target speed by the vehicle's driver. A driver behavior pattern is then recognized, where the behavior pattern indicates a change in target speed due to adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. Additionally, upon repeatedly detecting the behavior pattern, a suggestion to change settings proactively is presented to the driver. By accepting the suggestion to change settings proactively, if the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed, the target speed will deviate from the maximum speed limit by a certain speed offset in the future.

[0009] This method is used to change the settings of the cruise control system when a certain behavioral pattern of the driver is repeatedly detected. For example, if it is determined that after adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed of the cruise control system, the driver always modifies the target speed, for example, increasing it by 5 km / h, the method can suggest to the vehicle driver that such a change be always incorporated into future calculations. This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle driver is unaware of the speed offset function of the cruise control system. It is also advantageous when the vehicle driver cannot find an appropriate setting in the cruise control system. In other words, the speed offset is recognized as a driver request and is permanently adopted. The speed offset may then be a constant speed value (e.g., 5 km / h, 10 km / h, 15 km / h). However, the speed offset may also then be a percentage value of the maximum speed limit (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%). The speed offset may also vary depending on the maximum speed limit. For example, if the maximum speed limit is 30 km / h, the speed offset may be 5 km / h, while if the maximum speed limit is 130 km / h, the speed offset 20 may be 20 km / h.

[0010] The method can be performed, for example, by a computing device. The computing device here can be configured, for example, as at least one electronic control unit of a vehicle, which electronic control unit includes one or more programmable processors. Furthermore, the computing device comprises a computer-readable (storage) medium on which a computer program is stored. The computer program can be executed on the computing device to perform appropriate process steps, such as recognizing driver behavior patterns. The computing device can also be part of a cruise control system.

[0011] A vehicle's cruise control system may be any assistance system that controls the vehicle's operation at least in the direction of travel. In particular, the cruise control system may be a so-called adaptive cruise control system (ACC). However, it is also conceivable that the cruise control system is part of an automated driving function. The automated driving function may be automated driving with any level of automation. Examples of automation levels include driver assistance, partial automation, conditional automation, highly automated driving, and fully automated driving. The five automation levels mentioned above correspond to SAE Levels 1 to 5 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers) as of April 30, 2021.

[0012] Traffic sign data describing the maximum speed limit for a section of road that the vehicle is traveling on and / or will travel on in the future may be provided, for example, by a camera. Such a camera may be configured, for example, to detect and recognize / classify traffic signs in the vehicle's surroundings. However, it is also conceivable that the traffic sign data may be provided, for example, by a navigation system or general map data.

[0013] The maximum speed limit indicated by the traffic sign data can then be adopted as the target speed for the cruise control system. This adoption may be performed, for example, by driver input. In this case, for example, the vehicle driver may be shown the maximum speed limit and then operate a SET button. However, the adoption of the maximum speed limit as the target speed for the cruise control system may also be performed automatically, without the driver's input.

[0014] The following example specifically illustrates the detection of a target speed modification operation. When a vehicle driver is driving a vehicle while operating a cruise control system that controls the vehicle speed to, for example, 70 km / h as a target speed, and the driver passes a traffic sign indicating a maximum speed limit of, for example, 50 km / h, the driver may adopt the maximum speed limit of 50 km / h as the target speed of the cruise control system (instead of 70 km / h). However, there may be various reasons for modifying the maximum speed limit as the target speed. For example, strictly adhering to the maximum speed limit often impedes traffic flow and / or causes the vehicle to become an obstacle to traffic flow. Another reason may be that the driver is conscious of the speedometer displaying a speed that is slightly higher than the actual vehicle speed and does not want to adopt the maximum speed limit as the target speed of the cruise control system. Here, a speedometer displaying a speed that is slightly higher than the actual vehicle speed. Regardless of the above reasons, the driver may increase the target speed from 50 km / h, which was set due to the maximum speed limit, to, for example, 55 km / h. In other words, the driver of the vehicle adds a speed offset of 5 km / h, and the addition of the speed offset may correspond to the detection of a target speed correction operation.

[0015] A pattern of driver behavior, i.e., a change in target speed due to adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed, can be recognized, for example, by using a counter to count the number of occurrences of this sequence. If this pattern of driver behavior is repeatedly recognized, the driver can be presented with a suggestion to proactively change the settings on the cruise control system.

[0016] For example, if this driver behavior pattern can be repeatedly recognized, it is possible that the vehicle driver is unaware that the currently set speed offset can be permanently set. The function can be suggested to the vehicle driver by issuing a suggestion to change the setting proactively. In addition, the corresponding setting change can be made immediately. In this way, the vehicle driver can be assisted when setting or operating the cruise control system. The suggestion to change the setting proactively is then particularly clear to the driver and takes into account the driver's behavior.

[0017] The speed offset can be set permanently by accepting the proposal to change the setting to proactive. If the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed of the cruise control system in the future, the speed offset is added to the maximum speed limit. In other words, the target speed will deviate from the maximum speed limit by the speed offset in the future. The speed offset here can be positive or negative in sign. A negative sign here can mean lowering the target speed.

[0018] It would be advantageous if the recognition of a behavioral pattern were premised on the assumption that a change in target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit occurs within a predetermined time period. In other words, it would be advantageous if a change in target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit could be associated (in time) with the consequences of adopting the maximum speed limit. This would ensure reliable recognition of behavioral patterns. For example, such a predetermined time period could be 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc. A change in target speed that does not occur within a predetermined time period after adopting the maximum speed limit would not be associated with a behavioral pattern. This would ensure that changes in target speed due to some other reason than adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed are not taken into account.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to recognize a behavioral pattern based on the premise that a change in the target speed represents a specific speed value. In other words, a behavioral pattern may be a specific change in the target speed. For example, a vehicle driver may always increase the target speed by 5 km / h or a specific speed value due to adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. However, if the vehicle driver increases the target speed by 3 km / h on another occasion, this pattern will not be associated with a behavioral pattern.

[0020] It can be particularly advantageous if the speed offset, by which the target speed deviates from the maximum speed limit in the future, is equal to the above-mentioned specific speed value. This allows for individual adaptation to the driver's behavior patterns. Proactive setting changes can generally be proposed with various speed offsets. However, if the target speed change is always a specific speed value, it is possible to individually adapt to the driver's wishes, such as always adding 5 km / h to the maximum speed limit as the new target speed.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the target speed is increased by the target speed correction operation, i.e., it is advantageous if the speed offset is always positive, thereby ensuring that the vehicle does not unintentionally cause a traffic jam.

[0022] However, it may also be advantageous if the target speed is lowered by the target speed correction operation. Some drivers have safety requirements, particularly when the maximum speed limit is high, and the target speed may be lowered. In this regard, the maximum speed limit described by the traffic sign data can also be taken into account when recognizing the driver's behavior pattern. For example, if a maximum speed limit of 130 km / h is adopted and the vehicle driver always lowers the target speed by approximately 10 km / h, this special behavior pattern can be recognized. In this way, the driver's safety requirements can be individually and clearly addressed.

[0023] In other words, maximum speed limits may also be explicitly considered in the behavioral patterns, such that a speed offset for a proposed proactive change in settings may be added only if the maximum speed limit recognized by the traffic sign data matches the maximum speed limit for the corresponding behavioral pattern.

[0024] Finally, it may be advantageous if the suggestion to change settings to a proactive one is issued only if the behavioral pattern is repeatedly detected at least a predetermined minimum number of times. For example, the predetermined minimum number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or more. That is, if the behavioral pattern is repeatedly detected, for example, three times, the suggestion to change settings to a proactive one is issued. This ensures that the driver's behavioral pattern is a pattern in the true sense of the word.

[0025] A computing device for a vehicle according to the present invention is configured to activate the vehicle's cruise control system, the cruise control system being configured to control the vehicle's speed to a target speed. The computing device is also configured to receive traffic sign data describing a maximum speed limit for a road segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The computing device is further configured to adopt the maximum speed limit as a target speed for the cruise control system and detect a target speed modification operation, the target speed modification operation indicating a change in the target speed by a driver of the vehicle. The computing device is configured to recognize a driver behavior pattern indicative of a change in the target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed, and to issue a proactive setting change suggestion if the behavior pattern is repeatedly detected. Finally, the computing device is configured to detect acceptance of the proactive setting change suggestion and, in accordance with the suggestion, deviate the target speed from the maximum speed limit by a speed offset in the future when adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. The computing device may, for example, be formed as an electronic control unit having one or more programmable processors.

[0026] A computer-readable (recorded) medium according to the present invention includes instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to activate a cruise control system of a vehicle and cause the cruise control system to control the vehicle's speed to a target speed. The computer-readable (recorded) medium further includes instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to receive traffic sign data describing a maximum speed limit for a road segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The computer-readable (recorded) medium also includes instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to adopt the maximum speed limit as a target speed for the cruise control system, detect a target speed modification operation, where the target speed modification operation indicates a change in the target speed by a driver of the vehicle. The computer-readable (recorded) medium herein includes instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to recognize a driver behavior pattern, where the behavior pattern indicates a change in the target speed due to adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed, and, if the behavior pattern is repeatedly detected, provide a suggestion to proactively change the setting. Finally, the computer-readable (recorded) medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to detect acceptance of a proposal to proactively change settings and, in accordance with the proposal, take action such that, if the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed, the target speed deviates from the maximum speed limit by a speed offset in the future.

[0027] A cruise control system for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a computing device according to the present invention, a display device configured to output a suggestion to proactively change settings, and an input device configured to detect acceptance of the suggestion to proactively change settings.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments when the program is executed by a computing device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, which may in particular be configured as a passenger car, having a cruise control system according to the invention.

[0029] The preferred embodiments and advantages presented in relation to the method according to the invention also apply to the computing device according to the invention, the computer-readable (recording) medium according to the invention and the cruise control system according to the invention.Furthermore, the preferred embodiments and advantages presented in relation to the method according to the invention also apply to the computer program according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention.

[0030] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the drawings and the description in conjunction with the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description and those mentioned later in the description in conjunction with the figures and / or shown only in the drawings can be implemented not only in each combination described, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method according to the present invention for proactively changing the settings of a vehicle's cruise control system upon the repeated detection of a pattern of vehicle driver behavior; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] FIG. 1 shows the process steps of a method according to the present invention for proactively changing the settings of a vehicle's cruise control system upon repeatedly detecting a certain behavioral pattern of the vehicle's driver. In step S1, the vehicle's cruise control system is activated. The cruise control system controls the vehicle speed to a target speed. In step S2, traffic sign data can be received. The traffic sign data can be provided, for example, from a vehicle camera. The camera can be configured to recognize traffic signs or maximum speed limits. However, the traffic sign data can also be provided from a navigation system or, more generally, a map database. In step S3, the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed for the cruise control system. In step S4, a target speed modification operation is detected. The target speed modification operation can indicate that the vehicle driver has changed the target speed.

[0034] For example, in step S2, traffic sign data may be received stating that the maximum speed limit is 100 km / h. In step S3, the maximum speed limit of 100 km / h may be adopted as the target speed for the cruise control system. In other words, the cruise control system thereby controls the vehicle speed to the adopted maximum speed limit or target speed. In step S3, the vehicle driver may, for example, increase the target speed of 100 km / h to 110 km / h. Steps S3 and S4 represent driver behavior pattern 1. Behavior pattern 1 here shows a change in target speed due to the adoption of the additional maximum speed as the target speed.

[0035] When behavior pattern 1 is repeatedly detected (as indicated by arrow 2), a suggestion to change settings proactively can be issued. Repeated detection of behavior pattern 1 may indicate that the vehicle driver consistently desires a speed offset. Such a speed offset can be suggested to the vehicle driver as part of a suggestion S5 to change settings proactively.

[0036] It may be advantageous for behavior pattern 1 to also include receiving traffic sign data. This is represented by 1' in Figure 1. For example, it may be advantageous for behavior pattern 1 to always be associated with a certain maximum speed limit. In other words, it may be useful for a speed offset to be added only at a particular maximum speed limit.

Claims

1. A method for changing the settings of a vehicle's cruise control system to a pre-configured type when a certain behavioral pattern (1,1') of the vehicle's driver is repeatedly detected, - The cruise control system of the vehicle is activated, and the cruise control system controls the vehicle speed to the target speed. - Receive traffic sign data describing the maximum speed limit in the road section on which the vehicle is traveling, - The aforementioned maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed of the cruise control system, - Detects a target speed correction operation, and indicates that the target speed has been changed by the driver of the vehicle as a result of the target speed correction operation. In a method having steps, - The driver's behavior pattern (1,1') is recognized, and the behavior pattern (1,1') indicates a change in the target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. - If the aforementioned behavior pattern (1,1') is repeatedly detected, the driver is given a suggestion to change the setting to a pre-response type. - By accepting the proposal to change the setting to a pre-configured type, if the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed, the target speed will deviate from the maximum speed limit by a certain speed offset in the future. A method characterized by the following:

2. In the method according to claim 1, The recognition of the aforementioned behavioral pattern (1,1') is premised on the assumption that any change in the target speed resulting from adopting the aforementioned maximum speed limit as the target speed will occur within a predetermined period. A method characterized by the following:

3. In the method according to claim 1, The recognition of the behavior pattern (1,1') is premised on the fact that the change in the target speed represents a specific speed value. A method characterized by the following:

4. In the method according to claim 3, The speed offset, which causes the target speed to deviate from the maximum speed limit in the future, is equal to the specific speed value. A method characterized by the following:

5. In the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The target speed is increased by the aforementioned target speed correction operation. A method characterized by the following:

6. In the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The target speed is reduced by the aforementioned target speed correction operation. A method characterized by the following:

7. In the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The proposed change to a pre-configured setting is issued only when the behavioral pattern is detected repeatedly at least a minimum number of times predetermined. A method characterized by the following:

8. A computing device for vehicles, - The vehicle's cruise control system is activated, and the cruise control system controls the vehicle speed to the target speed. - Receive traffic sign data describing the maximum speed limit in the road section on which the vehicle is traveling, - The aforementioned maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed of the cruise control system, - Detects a target speed correction operation, and indicates that the target speed has been changed by the driver of the vehicle as a result of the target speed correction operation. In a computing device configured as follows, - The driver's behavior pattern (1,1') is recognized, and the behavior pattern (1,1') indicates a change in the target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. - If the aforementioned behavior pattern (1,1') is repeatedly detected, a suggestion will be made to change the setting to a pre-response type. - If acceptance of the proposal to change the setting to a pre-configured type is detected, and the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed in accordance with this proposal, the target speed will deviate from the maximum speed limit by a certain speed offset in the future. A computing device characterized by being configured in such a way.

9. A computer-readable (recording) medium, which, when executed by a computing device, is stored in the computing device. - The vehicle's cruise control system is activated, and the cruise control system controls the vehicle speed to the target speed. - Receive traffic sign data describing the maximum speed limit in the road section on which the vehicle is traveling, - The aforementioned maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed of the cruise control system, - Detects a target speed correction operation, and indicates that the target speed has been changed by the driver of the vehicle as a result of the target speed correction operation. In a medium containing instructions for performing an action, the computing device, - The driver's behavior pattern (1,1') is recognized, and the behavior pattern (1,1') indicates a change in the target speed resulting from adopting the maximum speed limit as the target speed. - If the aforementioned behavior pattern (1,1') is repeatedly detected, a suggestion will be made to change the setting to a pre-response type. - If acceptance of the proposal to change the setting to a pre-configured type is detected, and the maximum speed limit is adopted as the target speed in accordance with this proposal, the target speed will deviate from the maximum speed limit by a certain speed offset in the future. A computer-readable (recording) medium characterized by its ability to perform operations.

10. A support system for vehicles, - The computing device according to claim 8, - A display device configured to output the proposal to change the settings to a pre-configured type, - An input device configured to detect acceptance of the proposal to change the settings to a pre-configured type and A support system that has [this feature].

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