Method and apparatus for controlling an emergency call device for a single-track vehicle, and emergency call system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an emergency notification device (115) for a single-track vehicle (100). [Solution] The method includes reading at least one sensor signal (104) from an interface (121) to at least one sensor device (102) of the vehicle (100). The at least one sensor signal (104) represents driving dynamics data of the vehicle (100) and / or operational input data of a driver of the vehicle (100). The method also includes determining a severity (125) of the driver of the vehicle (100) in the event of an accident of the vehicle (100) using the at least one sensor signal (104). The method further includes processing the severity (125) to generate a control signal (127) for controlling an emergency call device (115). The control signal (127) includes an activation command for activating an emergency call by the emergency call device (115) immediately after the accident event or after a predefined waiting time delay. The method further includes providing the control signal (127) to

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention is based on devices or methods falling within the scope of the independent claims. Computer programs are also subject matter of the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, for vehicle emergency call systems, standards and regulations may prescribe a voice connection between the involved vehicle and a rescue command center. Such an emergency call may be initiated automatically or manually, among other things. To avoid unnecessary rescue operations for motorcycle accidents, a waiting period of, for example, 20 to 30 seconds may be prescribed, during which the uninjured driver can still cancel the alarm. However, such a system may be criticized by many rescue teams, as they believe that time is of the essence and that an automatic emergency call should be made without delay. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this background, the approach proposed here proposes a method, as well as an apparatus for applying said method, and finally a corresponding computer program, respectively, according to the main claims. Advantageous developments and improvements of the apparatus according to the independent claims are possible by the measures set out in the dependent claims.

[0004] In particular, according to the embodiment, the severity of the motorcyclist can be estimated or determined in the event of an accident, and depending on this, it can be determined or decided whether an automatic emergency call is made without delay or after a waiting time intended for optional cancellation of the emergency call is activated and made. This can be done, for example, for any single-track vehicle equipped with a so-called eCall device and in which the driver and the vehicle may separate in an accident event. For example, in an accident event in which the driver's severity is high, an automatic emergency call can be made without delay, and otherwise, a waiting time for the automatic emergency call can be set in order to offer the option of canceling the emergency call in an accident event in which the driver's severity is low.

[0005] Advantageously, the embodiments provide improved safety and protection for vehicle drivers, particularly of single-track vehicles, and optionally also for passengers, in accident situations. For example, in cases of high severity, rescue teams can be made available earlier, since a waiting time on the part of the driver to cancel an emergency call can be eliminated. On the other hand, unnecessary alarms or emergency calls can be avoided, particularly in accident situations of low severity, since a waiting time can be provided in such cases for an optional cancellation of an automatic emergency call. In this way, a means can be created for assessing or classifying accident situations as to whether the risk of a high severity is so great that a delayed alarm is inappropriate, and otherwise the delay or waiting time for issuing an emergency call or warning can be maintained.

[0006] A method for controlling an emergency call device for a single-track vehicle is proposed, the method comprising the steps of:

[0007] At least one sensor signal is read from an interface to at least one sensor device of the vehicle, the at least one sensor signal representing driving dynamics data of the vehicle and / or operational input data of a driver of the vehicle;

[0008] determining a severity of a driver of the vehicle in a vehicle accident event utilizing the at least one sensor signal;

[0009] the severity is processed to generate a control signal for controlling an emergency notification device, the control signal including an activation instruction for activating an emergency notification by the emergency notification device without delay or with a predefined waiting time delay after the accident event;

[0010] A control signal is provided for output to an interface to an emergency notification device.

[0011] The method may be implemented, for example, as software or hardware, or as a combination of software and hardware, for example, in a controller or device. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, such as a truck, a motorbike, a motorcycle, or the like. The driver may be a vehicle operator or a passenger in the vehicle. The accident event may represent a collision between the vehicle and a collision object, and may additionally or alternatively result in a loss of control, a rollover, or a tilting process of the vehicle. The severity may also include information related to the type of accident event. The severity may be determined as a numerical value or a set of numerical values. The determining step may also determine the severity using a determination rule. The determination rule may include at least one physical association between the driving dynamics data and, additionally or alternatively, the operation input data and the severity. The waiting time may be, for example, approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The emergency call may be automatically executed by the emergency call device. Whether a control signal including an activation command for an emergency call without delay or a control signal including an activation command for delayed activation is generated is determined or judged depending, inter alia, on the severity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reading step can read at least one sensor signal, which represents at least one acceleration value of the acceleration of the vehicle relative to at least one spatial axis, the tilt angle of the vehicle about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the deceleration rate, and additionally or alternatively the vehicle speed as driving dynamics data, and additionally or alternatively the current position of the throttle lever or throttle grip, the brake pressure, the steering angle, and additionally or alternatively the occupancy state of at least one handgrip of the vehicle by the driver's hand as operation input data. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that a reliable and accurate determination of the severity can be realized based on the sensor data of the vehicle sensors.

[0013] In the determination step, the kinetic energy of the driver that will be reduced in the accident event can also be determined as the severity. In this case, the determination step can utilize at least one signal value that exists at the time or time period determined to be key to the accident event among at least one sensor signal. In this way, the severity can be determined accurately, reliably, and in a manner that is appropriate for the specific accident event.

[0014] In this case, the determining step can utilize at least one sensor signal to determine the onset of a collision between the vehicle and the impact object as a key time or time period in relation to the accident event. For determining the onset of the collision, the at least one sensor signal can represent driving dynamics data, in particular the acceleration of the vehicle relative to at least one spatial axis. This embodiment offers the advantage that the severity of an accident event in which a collision between the vehicle and the impact object has occurred and contact between the vehicle and the driver has been established at the onset of the collision can be determined easily and with high reliability.

[0015] In this case, the determining step can also determine separation between the vehicle and the driver as a key moment or time period in relation to the accident event using at least one sensor signal. Separation can be determined using an analysis of the alternation between precession and centripetal force. For determining separation, the at least one sensor signal can represent, in particular, a steering angle as actuation input data. This embodiment provides the advantage that, in the case of an accident event in which the driver is separating from the vehicle, the severity of such an accident event can be determined based on a proper data basis regarding the driver.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processing step can perform a severity comparison with predefined biomechanical comparison values ​​and, additionally or alternatively, with information derived from an accident data bank. Additionally or alternatively, the processing step can perform a check as to whether a driver was present or absent from the vehicle at the end of the accident event. A control signal can then be generated depending on the result of the comparison and, additionally or alternatively, depending on the result of the check. Such an embodiment provides the advantage of being able to reliably and accurately determine whether an emergency call should be activated immediately or with a delay.

[0017] Furthermore, the approach proposed herein creates an apparatus configured to perform, control, or otherwise implement the steps of one aspect of the method proposed herein in a corresponding device. Such an embodiment of the invention in the form of an apparatus also allows for the rapid and efficient solution of the problem posed by the invention.

[0018] To this end, the device may have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one storage unit for saving signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals to the actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, etc., and the storage unit may be a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic memory unit. The communication interface may be configured for wireless and / or wired reading or outputting data, and a communication interface capable of reading or outputting data wired may read or output such data from or to a corresponding data transmission line, for example, electrically or optically.

[0019] In this context, a device can be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals depending on the sensor signals. The device can have an interface that can be configured as hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware configuration, the interface can be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC that includes various functions of the device. However, it is also possible for the interface to be a separate integrated circuit or to be at least partially composed of discrete components. In the case of a software configuration, the interface can be, for example, a software module that resides on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0020] An emergency notification system for single-track vehicles is also proposed, which includes the following components:

[0021] an embodiment of the device listed above; and

[0022] Emergency call device. The emergency call device and the present device are connected to each other so as to have signal transmission capabilities.

[0023] The device can be preferably used or employed in connection with an emergency call system for controlling the execution or implementation of an emergency call by an emergency call device, where the device can be configured in particular to trigger immediate or delayed activation of an emergency call depending on the actual accident event, in particular depending on the severity of the driver's condition.

[0024] Also preferred is a computer program product or computer program, which may be stored on a machine-readable medium or storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, hard disk memory or optical memory, and which has a program code that is used to execute, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular when the program product or program is run on a computer or device.

[0025] An example of the proposed approach is illustrated in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a single-track vehicle having an emergency notification system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method of controlling according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an accident event. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an accident event. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, elements that are shown in different figures and have similar functions will be designated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0028] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a single-track vehicle 100 having an emergency call system 110 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 100 is a motorized vehicle, specifically a motorbike, particularly a motorcycle. Of the vehicle 100, only the sensor device 102 and the emergency call system 110 are shown in the drawing of FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes.

[0029] The sensor devices 102 and the emergency notification system 110 are connected to each other with signal transmission capabilities. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of sensor devices 102. Each of the or at least one of the sensor devices 102 is configured to detect driving dynamics data of the vehicle 100 and / or operational input data of a driver of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, each of the or at least one of the sensor devices 102 is configured to output or provide at least one sensor signal 104 representative of the driving dynamics data and / or the operational input data.

[0030] For example, the driving dynamics data represented by the sensor signal 104 is at least one acceleration value of the acceleration of the vehicle 100 relative to at least one spatial axis, the tilt angle of the vehicle 100 about its longitudinal axis, the deceleration rate of the vehicle 100, and / or the speed of the vehicle 100. The operating input data represented by the sensor signal 104 is, for example, the current position of a throttle lever or throttle grip of the vehicle 100, the brake pressure of the vehicle 100, the steering angle of a steering column or steering rod of the vehicle 100, and / or the occupancy state of at least one handgrip of the vehicle 100 by the driver's hands.

[0031] The emergency call system 110 includes an emergency call device 115 for making an emergency call and a control device 120, or a device 120 for controlling the emergency call device 115. The emergency call device 115 and the device 120 are connected to each other in a signal transmission manner. The emergency call device 115 is configured to transmit an emergency notification or an emergency message to a recipient located outside the vehicle 100, for example, by radio, to make the emergency call. The device 120 includes a reading device 122, a determining device 124, a processing device 146, and a providing device 128. The device 120 also includes an input interface 121 and an output interface 129. The device 120 is connected to at least one sensor device 102 in a signal transmission manner via the input interface 121. The device 120 is connected to the emergency call device 115 in a signal transmission manner via the output interface 129.

[0032] The reading device 122 of the apparatus 120 is configured to read at least one sensor signal 104 from an input interface 121 to the at least one sensor device 102 of the vehicle 100. The reading device 122 is also configured to transfer the at least one sensor signal 104 to a determining device 124 of the apparatus 120. The determining device 124 is configured to determine a severity 125 of a driver of the vehicle 100 based on the at least one sensor signal 104 under an accident event of the vehicle 100. The determining device 124 is also configured to transfer the determined severity 125 to a processing device 126 of the apparatus 120 in the form of a signal.

[0033] The processing device 126 is configured to process the severity 125 determined by the determining device 124 to generate a control signal 127 for controlling the emergency call device 115. The processing device 126 is configured to process the severity 125 to generate the control signal 127 such that the control signal 127 includes an activation command that causes the emergency call device 115 to activate an emergency call without delay or after a predefined waiting time delay after the accident event. The processing device 126 is further configured to forward the generated control signal 127 to the providing device 128. The providing device 128 of the apparatus 120 is further configured to provide the generated control signal 127 to be output to an output interface 129 to the emergency call device 115.

[0034] The emergency call device 115 is configured, in response to the control signal 127, to make an emergency call immediately or with a delay, depending on the activation instructions contained in the control signal 127.

[0035] In one embodiment, the processing device 126 is configured to perform a comparison of the severity 125 with predefined biomechanical comparison values ​​and / or with information derived from an accident data bank, wherein the processing device 126 is additionally or alternatively configured to check whether a driver was present or absent on the vehicle 100 at the end of the accident event, wherein the processing device 126 is further configured to generate a control signal 127 depending on the result of the comparison and / or the result of the check.

[0036] Specifically, the determination device 124 is configured to determine the kinetic energy of the driver that will decrease during the accident event as a severity 125. In one embodiment, the determination device 124 is also configured to utilize at least one signal value of the at least one sensor signal 104 that was present at a time determined to be key to the accident event or that was present during a time period determined to be key to the accident event. In one embodiment, the determination device 124 is configured to utilize the at least one sensor signal 104 to determine the onset of a collision between the vehicle 100 and a collision object as a key time or time period to the accident event. This will be described in more detail below, particularly with reference to FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the determination device 124 is also configured to utilize the at least one sensor signal 104 to determine a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver as a key time or time period to the accident event. In one embodiment, the determination device 124 is configured to utilize the at least one sensor signal 104 to determine a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver as a key time or time period to the accident event. In one embodiment, the determination device 124 is configured to determine a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver as a key time or time period to the accident event by analyzing the alternation between precession and centripetal force, which can be measured using the at least one sensor signal 104. This is explained in more detail below, with particular reference to FIG.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a control method 200 according to one embodiment. The control method 200 may be implemented to control or activate an emergency notification device for a single-track vehicle, where the control method 200 may be implemented by or utilizing the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or a similar apparatus. The control method 200 may be implemented in association with the emergency notification system shown in FIG. 1 or a similar emergency notification system and / or in association with the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 or a similar vehicle. The control method 200 includes a reading step 210, a determining step 220, a processing step 230, and a providing step 240.

[0038] In a reading step 210, at least one sensor signal is read from an interface to at least one sensor device of the vehicle. The at least one sensor signal represents vehicle driving dynamics data and / or vehicle driver operation input data. Then, in a determining step 220, a severity of the vehicle driver's accident event is determined using the at least one sensor signal. The accident event is recognized using the at least one sensor signal, optionally recognized by the apparatus or another controller. Then, in a processing step 230, the severity is processed to generate a control signal for controlling an emergency call device. The control signal includes an activation command for activating an emergency call by the emergency call device immediately after the accident event or after a predefined waiting time delay. Then, in a providing step 240, the control signal is provided for output to the interface to the emergency call device.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an accident event. The essence of the accident event shown in Figure 3 is a collision between a collision object 300 and a vehicle 100, specifically, when the vehicle 100 hits an obstacle or collision object 300, for example in the form of another vehicle, while traveling in a straight line. It is assumed here that the driver of the vehicle 100 is on the vehicle 100 during the accident event. The vehicle 100 may be the vehicle shown in Figure 1 or a similar vehicle having an emergency call system as shown in Figure 1 or a similar emergency call system.

[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a time axis t on which two time points, namely, a first time point t=-x and a second time point t=0, are plotted. The first time point t=-x is located before the onset of the collision. The second time point t=0 indicates the onset of the collision. The initial attitude can be determined by the device shown in FIG. 1 or a similar device from data on at least one sensor signal, such as the tilt angle or tilt position, the deceleration rate or deceleration, the throttle lever position or throttle grip position, the brake pressure, and / or the driver's hands on the steering wheel. When the vehicle 100 and the driver collide with an obstacle or collision object 300, the deceleration and residual speed before the collision or the onset of the collision can reliably determine the kinetic energy that will be lost in the accident event and, therefore, the severity of the driver's injury. Therefore, the criteria for whether to call the emergency services immediately or with a delay are, for example, the vehicle speed and deceleration rate at the onset of the collision. From the biomechanical comparison values ​​and from information derived from accident data banks, it is possible to determine whether an immediate or immediate emergency call is made or whether a delayed emergency call is made.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an accident event. The essence of the accident event shown in Figure 4 is the vehicle 100 going around a curve with a loss of control of the vehicle 100 on the part of the driver. Here, the diagram in Figure 4 distinguishes between a first case 401, in which the driver of the vehicle 100 remains on the vehicle 100 during the accident event, and a second case 402, in which a separation between the vehicle 100 and the driver occurs during the course of the accident event. The vehicle 100 is the vehicle shown in Figure 1 or a similar vehicle having an emergency call system shown in Figure 1 or a similar emergency call system.

[0042] In Figure 4, a time axis t is plotted on which two points in time are plotted, namely a first point in time t = -x and a second point in time t = 0. The first point in time t = -x clearly separates the first case 401 from the second case 402. Thus, in the second case 402, at the first point in time t = -x, a separation occurs between the vehicle 100 and the driver. At the second point in time t = 0, in the first case 401, the driver is on top of the vehicle 100.

[0043] In the accident scenario shown in FIG. 4, the device shown in FIG. 1 or a similar device determines when or whether the driver has left the vehicle 100. In the first case 401, at the second time t=0, the activation of the emergency call is delayed by a waiting time of, for example, 20 seconds. In the second case 402, at the second time t=0, the activation of the emergency call is performed without delay. When the vehicle 100 is in its final position, here at the second time t=0, if the driver is in contact with or on the vehicle 100, as in the straight-line driving of FIG. 3, the measurement values ​​detected by at least one sensor device are used to determine whether an activation or release delay is acceptable. If the driver is leaving the vehicle 100 at the first time t=-x, the kinetic energy at this first time t=-x is important for determining the severity. The first time t=-x for the second case 402 can be determined by the device shown in FIG. 1 and / or by implementing the method shown in FIG. 2.

[0044] Next, each embodiment will be summarized and described in different terms with reference to the drawings described above.

[0045] The driver's severity 125 is determined based on the energy lost on or within the driver's body when the driver rolls over or crashes into the vehicle 100. If the driver separates from the vehicle 100 before striking the impact object 300, the speed at the time of separation is a measure of the driver's kinetic energy lost during the accident event. Therefore, in one embodiment, the device 100 or the method 200 recognizes these key moments and responds accordingly with an emergency notification strategy. This discussion assumes that the driver and passengers are not equipped with any sensors. To distinguish between various situations or scenarios of an accident event, particular attention is paid to the overall history of driving dynamics data and / or operational input data represented by at least one sensor signal 104.

[0046] The dynamic and controlled course of motion of a vehicle 100 in the form of a two-wheeled vehicle with a rider on board is a continuous series of compensations of forces or moments. In this context, mention may be made of cornering forces, leaning attitude and speed, as well as centrifugal and centripetal forces. Centrifugal forces are represented by F zf =mv 2 / r, where v represents the belt speed, r represents the assumed constant radius, and m represents the constant mass. The centripetal force equivalent to the cornering force is F zp =mω 2 The transition from such a controlled process to a simple physical process, such as a rollover, or to a chaotic process, such as a somersault, is assessed as the moment of driver loss of control.

[0047] Stable cornering depends on speed and cornering force, which can be detected metrologically for a defined radius of curvature by a sensor device 102 in the form of an inertial sensor on the vehicle 100. To unambiguously recognize the driver's presence on the vehicle 100, the working range between the driver and the vehicle 100 is determined via the steering of the vehicle 100.

[0048] A steering movement of each of the front wheels of the vehicle 100 with a steering angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the ground contact point causes the wheel to tilt, which in turn results in a rotational impulse with a forced precession. The vehicle 100 is forced into a circular orbit in the opposite direction. A centripetal force acting at the center of gravity of the whole vehicle causes a moment that acts opposite to the precession. The alternation between the individual effects is determined by the driver. Straight driving is defined here as driving around a curve with an infinite radius.

[0049] If the range of influence between the driver and the vehicle 100 is lost or is no longer detectable, the driver can be considered to have left the vehicle 100. If the device 120 confirms this condition, it determines the energy that will be lost and therefore the severity 125 through a relationship between the speed and the typical mass of the driver. This leads to a decision regarding the delay in releasing the emergency call. In the case where the driver is trapped under the vehicle 100, the straight-line driving condition applies.

[0050] When an example includes an "and / or" conjunction between a first feature and a second feature, this should be interpreted as the example having both the first feature and the second feature in one embodiment, and having only the first feature or only the second feature in another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 100 vehicles 102 Sensor Devices 104 Sensor Signal 110 Emergency Call System 115 emergency call device 120 equipment 121 Interface 122 Reading Device 124 Judgment Device 126 Processing Device 127 Control Signals 128 Offering Devices 125 Severity 129 Interface 200 ways 210 Loading 220 Verdict 230 Processing 240 offers 300 Colliding object

Claims

1. A method (200) for controlling an emergency notification device (115) for a single-track vehicle (100), said method (200) comprising the steps of: At least one sensor signal (104) is read (210) from an interface (121) to at least one sensor device (102) of the vehicle (100), the at least one sensor signal (104) representing driving dynamics data of the vehicle (100) and / or operational input data of a driver of the vehicle (100); A severity (125) of a driver of the vehicle (100) is determined (220) under an accident event of the vehicle (100) utilizing at least one of the sensor signals (104); The severity (125) is processed (230) to generate a control signal (127) for controlling the emergency call device (115), the control signal (127) including an activation instruction for activating an emergency call by the emergency call device (115) immediately after the accident event or after a predefined waiting time delay; providing (240) the control signal (127) for output to an interface (129) to the emergency call device (115); In the step of determining (220), the kinetic energy of the driver that will be reduced under the accident event is determined as the severity (125), and in the step of determining (220), at least one signal value of the at least one sensor signal (104) that was present at a time or time period determined to be key for the accident event is utilized; In the step of determining (220), a separation (t=-x) between the vehicle (100) and the driver is determined as a key point or time period with respect to the accident event using at least one of the sensor signals (104), and the separation is determined using an analysis of the progression of the change in the turning center of the vehicle.

2. 2. The method (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the reading step (210) at least one sensor signal (104) is read, which sensor signal represents at least one acceleration value of the acceleration of the vehicle (100) relative to at least one spatial axis, the inclination angle of the vehicle (100) around its longitudinal axis, the deceleration rate, and / or the vehicle speed as driving dynamics data, and / or the current position of the throttle lever or throttle grip, the brake pressure, the steering angle, and / or the occupancy state of at least one handgrip of the vehicle (100) by the driver's hands as operating input data.

3. A method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (230) of processing, a comparison of the severity (125) is performed with predefined biomechanical comparison values ​​and / or with information derived from an accident data bank, and / or a check is performed as to whether the driver was present or absent in the vehicle (100) at the end of the accident event, and a control signal (127) is generated depending on the result of the comparison and / or the result of the check.

4. An apparatus (120) set up to perform and / or control each step of the method (200) described in any one of claims 1 to 3 with corresponding units (122, 124, 126, 128).

5. An emergency notification system (110) for a single-track vehicle (100), the emergency notification system (110) comprising the following components: An apparatus (120) according to claim 4; and an emergency call device (115), wherein the emergency call device (115) and the apparatus (120) are connected to each other so as to have a signal transmission capability.

6. A computer program set up to implement and / or control each step of the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program described in claim 6 is stored.

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