Notification to motor vehicle drivers

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle, the apparatus being configured to obtain a first surrounding map, the first surrounding map describing an area around the motor vehicle at a first time point, obtain a second surrounding map, the second surrounding map describing an area around the motor vehicle at a second time point, the second time point temporally following the first time point, obtain or identify a location of the motor vehicle, recognize changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in the area around the location of the motor vehicle, and notify a driver of the motor vehicle of the changes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] When human drivers drive on familiar stretches of road, they gradually lose track of infrastructure features, such as traffic signs, because they assume these features will always be there. This is not the case, however. Traffic signs, in particular, change regularly, although not frequently.

[0003] As a result, unwanted or even dangerous situations can arise, as drivers who believe they are aware of the traffic rules that apply in a certain location may violate traffic rules that have unknowingly changed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of claims dependent on an independent patent claim, either without the features of the independent patent claim or in combination with only some of the features of the independent patent claim, can form an independent invention independent of the combination of all the features of the independent patent claim, which can be the subject of an independent patent claim, a divisional application or a subsequent application. The same applies to technical teachings given in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claim.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle.

[0007] The apparatus then obtains a first surroundings map, the first surroundings map configured to describe an area around the vehicle at a first point in time.

[0008] Such surrounding maps are already known in the prior art and have been used in navigation systems for many years. The level of detail of these surrounding maps has increased considerably by now, and they no longer only include the road network, but also information about the surrounding buildings and even infrastructure, such as traffic signs. These kinds of surrounding maps are often called "high-precision maps." These surrounding maps are no longer static (unchanging). Instead, they are constantly updated by the existing fleet of vehicles. For this purpose, the vehicles recognize their surroundings using sensors (e.g., cameras, radar, lidar) and compare them with stored map information. If the surroundings recognized by the sensors differ from the information in the surrounding map, the surrounding map is updated.

[0009] The surrounding map is then typically also updated via a backend across the entire fleet, resulting in the first vehicle distributing the surrounding map update to the other vehicles in the fleet, although in practice a single vehicle would not yet initiate a map change that would later be redistributed to the fleet. Depending on the change identified, the map provider may wait for the change to come from multiple vehicles, reducing the chance of a vehicle being misidentified. Sometimes, the map provider may attempt to direct its own exploration vehicle to the location if the fleet's data is insufficient or contradictory.

[0010] The device also acquires a second surrounding map, the second surrounding map describing the area around the vehicle at a second time point, the second time point being configured to occur in time after the first time point.

[0011] For example, the device may be configured to obtain a second surroundings map from a map provider or from a backend, and the device may also be configured to obtain a second surroundings map itself, for example, from another device in the vehicle that is configured to generate its own second surroundings map.

[0012] The second point in time may here, for example, be a predetermined period of time after the first point in time, or alternatively, the second point in time may be introduced in an event-controlled manner, for example by the vehicle requesting an update of a surrounding map of the geographical area or part of the geographical area in which the vehicle is next scheduled to travel.

[0013] Moreover, the device is configured to obtain or determine the location of the vehicle, for example, using a GPS.

[0014] Additionally, the device is configured to recognize changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in an area around the vehicle's location. In particular, the device is configured to recognize changes in infrastructure on the maps.

[0015] The area around the position of the vehicle is in particular an area around the vehicle, for example a circle or a square around the vehicle. Alternatively, the area around the position of the vehicle is an area ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel, for example a circular area ahead of the vehicle or an area section along which the planned route of the vehicle extends.

[0016] Furthermore, the device is configured to notify (inform) the driver of the vehicle, for example audibly or visually, of the change.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map are changes that affect drivers of vehicles, in particular the addition, modification (e.g., no parking and no stopping, speed limits) or removal of traffic signs.

[0018] In yet another advantageous embodiment, a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the traffic rules that apply in the area around the change, for example, due to a change in traffic signs or road markings or parking lot markings in the surrounding map.

[0019] In yet another advantageous embodiment, a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the road priority rules that apply in the area around the change.

[0020] In yet another advantageous embodiment, a change in the second surroundings map relative to the first surroundings map results in a change in the parking rules that apply in the area around the change.

[0021] In yet another advantageous embodiment, the device is configured to find out what a driver of the vehicle is intending to do when operating the vehicle, and to notify the driver of the vehicle of said changes if said changes relate to what the driver of the vehicle is intending to do when operating the vehicle.

[0022] In such cases, the change may be relevant to what the driver of the vehicle intends to do, for example, if, when operating the vehicle, the driver must take into account the changed circumstances and navigate safely and / or according to the rules.

[0023] In yet another advantageous embodiment, the device is adapted to calculate the significance of the change and to notify the driver of the vehicle depending on the calculated significance.

[0024] In this case, the invention is based on the realization that some changes, if not noticed, may be annoying but have no serious consequences: for example, if a driver ignores changed parking space signs, he may at most risk a fine, whereas if a driver ignores changed priority rules, he may risk an accident that could result in death.

[0025] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle.

[0026] One step of the method is to obtain a first surroundings map, the first surroundings map describing the area around the vehicle at a first point in time.

[0027] A further step of the method is to obtain a second surrounding map, the second surrounding map describing the area around the vehicle at a second time point, the second time point coming after the first time point in time.

[0028] A further step in the method is to determine or obtain the location of the vehicle.

[0029] A further step of the method is to recognize changes in the second surroundings map relative to the first surroundings map in the area around the vehicle's location.

[0030] A further step in the method is to notify the driver of the vehicle about the change.

[0031] The above description of the inventive device according to the first aspect of the invention applies correspondingly to the inventive method according to the second aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the inventive method not explicitly mentioned here or in the claims correspond to the advantageous embodiments of the inventive device mentioned above or claimed.

[0032] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary traffic situation at a first point in time. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary traffic situation at a second point in time. [Figure 3] 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] 1 shows an exemplary traffic situation at a first point in time, where the vehicle EGO is located at a so-called T-junction with merging points 100, 110, and 120.

[0035] The car is traveling to enter a T-junction at junction 100.

[0036] Since this T-junction is not marked, in accordance with the traffic rule that "right gives way to left", car EGO is considered to have the right of way at all times, regardless of whether there are other traffic participants at junctions 110 and 120.

[0037] This unsigned T-junction is stored, for example, in a first neighborhood map.

[0038] 2 shows an exemplary traffic situation at a second point in time, where the vehicle EGO is located at the same T-junction with merging points 100, 110, and 120.

[0039] However, the traffic infrastructure at this intersection has changed in the meantime, and a "yield" sign 130 has been installed next to the junction 100.

[0040] In this case, the car EGO no longer always has the right of way when entering a T-junction.

[0041] This T-junction with the sign is stored, for example, in a second neighborhood map.

[0042] The device SV according to the invention is configured to obtain a first surroundings map from the back end in order to inform the driver of the vehicle, the first surroundings map describing the area around the vehicle EGO at a first point in time.

[0043] Furthermore, the device SV according to the invention is configured to obtain a second surrounding map from the backend, the second surrounding map describing the area around the vehicle EGO at a second point in time, the second point in time coming after the first point in time.

[0044] Furthermore, the device SV is adapted to determine the position of the motor vehicle EGO, for example as the position at which the motor vehicle EGO passes through the junction 100 and enters the T-junction.

[0045] Furthermore, the device SV is configured to recognize changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in the area around the position of the motor vehicle EGO, i.e., that a "give way" sign 130 has previously been installed.

[0046] Furthermore, the device SV is arranged to inform the driver of the motor vehicle EGO about the change, for example by means of a visual signal on the instrument panel of the motor vehicle and / or an audible warning sound.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the device SV according to the invention.

[0048] The device SV for notifying the driver of the motor vehicle EGO is configured to obtain a first peripheral map, the first peripheral map describing the area around the motor vehicle EGO at a first time point, and to obtain a second peripheral map, the second peripheral map describing the area around the motor vehicle EGO at a second time point, the second time point being temporally subsequent to the first time point.

[0049] Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to obtain or determine the location of the motor vehicle EGO.

[0050] The device SV is further adapted to recognize changes of the second surroundings map relative to the first surroundings map in the area around the position of the motor vehicle EGO using a change recognition unit 210.

[0051] Furthermore, the device SV is configured to use a change classification unit 220 to determine whether the recognized change in the second surrounding map is related to an attempt by the driver of the vehicle to do something that the driver would normally do, such as turning, parking or stopping at a "yield" sign 130.

[0052] Furthermore, the device SV is adapted to find out, by means of an intention recognition unit 230, what the driver of the vehicle EGO intends to do when maneuvering the vehicle EGO.

[0053] Furthermore, the device SV is configured to check, using an intention checking unit 240, whether the driver's intention (what the driver is trying to do), which has actually been detected using the intention recognition unit 230, is related to the change.

[0054] In this case, the device SV is arranged to inform the driver of the motor vehicle EGO about the change by means of the information unit 250. This application relates to the invention described in the claims, but the disclosure of this application also includes the following: 1. A device (SV) for notifying a driver of a vehicle (EGO), - obtaining a first surrounding map, the first surrounding map describing an area around the vehicle (EGO) at a first point in time; obtaining a second peripheral map, the second peripheral map describing an area around the vehicle (EGO) at a second time point, the second time point temporally following the first time point; - Obtain or identify the location of the vehicle (EGO), - recognizing changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in an area around the position of the vehicle (EGO); -Inform the driver of the vehicle (EGO) about the change The device being configured. 2. The device (SV) according to claim 1, wherein the change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map is a change that affects the driver of the vehicle (EGO). 3. 3. A device (SV) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the traffic rules that apply in the area around said change. 4. 4. A device (SV) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the road priority rules that apply in the area around the change. 5. 4. A device (SV) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the parking rules that apply in the area around the change. 6. 6. The device (SV) according to any one of 1 to 5 above, -Find out what the driver of the car (EGO) is trying to do when operating the car (EGO), - a device (SV) configured to inform the driver of the motor vehicle (EGO) about said changes if said changes are relevant to what the driver of the motor vehicle (EGO) intends to do when operating the motor vehicle (EGO). 7. 7. The device (SV) according to any one of 1 to 6 above, -Calculate the importance of the change, -Notify the driver of the vehicle (EGO) according to the calculated importance The device (SV) being configured. 8. 1. A method for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle (EGO), comprising: below: obtaining a first surrounding map, the first surrounding map describing an area around the vehicle at a first time; obtaining a second surrounding map, the second surrounding map describing an area around the vehicle at a second time point, the second time point temporally following the first time point; - Identifying or obtaining the location of the vehicle (EGO), - recognizing changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in an area around the position of the vehicle (EGO); -Inform the vehicle driver (EGO) about the change A method having the steps.

Claims

1. A device (SV) for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle (EGO), - obtaining or determining the current location of the vehicle (EGO); - retrieving from outside the device a first surroundings map stored outside the device for informing the driver of the motor vehicle (EGO), the first surroundings map describing the area around the motor vehicle (EGO) at a first point in time and at a first point in space at which the current position of the motor vehicle (EGO) was obtained or determined, the first point in time being a time when the motor vehicle (EGO) was previously present in the same area; - obtaining a second surroundings map from outside the device for informing the driver of the vehicle (EGO), the second surroundings map describing the area around the vehicle (EGO) at a second point in time and spatially at which the current position has been obtained or determined, the second point in time following the first point in time; - recognizing changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in the area around the current position of the acquired or identified vehicle (EGO); - Notify the driver of the vehicle (EGO) about the change The device being configured.

2. 2. The device (SV) according to claim 1, wherein the change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map is the addition, modification or removal of a traffic sign.

3. 3. A device (SV) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change of the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change of the traffic rules that apply in the area around said change.

4. 4. A device (SV) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the road priority rules that apply in the area around the change.

5. 4. A device (SV) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a change in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map results in a change in the parking rules that apply in the area around the change.

6. 6. A device (SV) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - Find out what the driver of the vehicle (EGO) is trying to do when operating the vehicle (EGO), a device (SV) configured to inform the driver of the vehicle (EGO) about said changes, if said changes are relevant to what the driver of the vehicle (EGO) intends to do when operating the vehicle (EGO).

7. 7. A device (SV) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: - Calculate the importance of the change, - Notify the driver of the vehicle (EGO) according to the calculated importance The device (SV) being configured.

8. 1. A method for notifying a driver of a motor vehicle (EGO), comprising:

8. The device (SV) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - determining or obtaining the current location of the vehicle (EGO); - retrieving from outside the device a first surroundings map stored outside the device for informing the driver of the motor vehicle (EGO), the first surroundings map describing the area around the motor vehicle at a first point in time and at a first point in space where the current position of the motor vehicle (EGO) has been obtained or determined, the first point in time being a point in time when the motor vehicle (EGO) was previously present in the same area; - obtaining a second surroundings map from outside the device for informing the driver of the vehicle (EGO), the second surroundings map describing the area around the vehicle at a second point in time and at a second point in time, the second point in time following the first point in time, - recognizing changes in the second surrounding map relative to the first surrounding map in the area around the current position of the acquired or identified vehicle (EGO); - Inform the vehicle driver (EGO) about the change How to perform the step.

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