Method in connection with the movement of vehicles, and a user device, system and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method (100) in connection with the movement of vehicles (EgoF, F1, F2, F3), comprising: ascertaining (101) at least one item of external vehicle information in relation to one or more other vehicles (F1, F2, F3) in the surroundings of an ego vehicle (EgoF), the at least one item of external vehicle information relating to: - a driving behaviour, a driving mode and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more other vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and / or - at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and initiating (102) at least one measure in the ego vehicle (EgoF) based on the ascertained at least one item of external vehicle information.

Description

[0001] Methods related to the movement of vehicles, as well as a user device, system and computer program product

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method related to the movement of vehicles, as well as a user device, a system, and a computer program product. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an information technology method.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The development of driver assistance functions is constantly gaining importance. For example, it is now possible to network vehicles for information exchange in order to coordinate driving maneuvers, avoid collisions, and thus increase road safety, etc. The comprehensive implementation of such networking among vehicles is currently hampered in practice by various obstacles. For example, implementing it only within new vehicles of one brand would be insufficient to make such a process practical, especially since most vehicles in the vicinity would be of other brands and / or older vehicles.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method related to the movement of vehicles, a user device, a system, and a computer program product that enable improved information exchange with respect to multiple vehicles and / or novel functionalities. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to increase road safety and enable improved predictive measures.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. It is pointed out that additional features of a patent claim dependent on an independent patent claim can form a separate invention, independent of the combination of all features of the independent patent claim, without the features of the independent patent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent patent claim, which invention can be made the subject matter of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method is specified in connection with the movement of vehicles. The method comprises determining at least one piece of third-party vehicle information relating to one or more other vehicles in the vicinity of an ego vehicle; and initiating at least one measure in the ego vehicle depending on the determined at least one piece of third-party vehicle information. The at least one piece of third-party vehicle information (determined from one or more other vehicles) relates to, in particular characterizes (also to be understood as representing, characterizing) a driving behavior, a driving style, and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more other vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one piece of third-party vehicle information relates to at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles.

[0009] The other vehicle information can characterize the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of a respective driver in a qualitative and / or quantitative manner, in particular as measures, patterns, codes, and / or (corresponding) probability measures. The probability measures can refer to a near future of a few seconds or to the measures expected at that time.

[0010] The determination and transmission of at least one piece of information from another vehicle using the user devices carried in the respective vehicles enables a significant increase in the number of road users who are compatible with each other, so that advantageous functionalities create the threshold for market introduction.

[0011] To determine and / or transmit information about other vehicles, tools that essentially every driver carries in their vehicle, equipped with the latest software, can be used, such as user devices (smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) with the appropriate IT infrastructure. This can achieve a sufficiently large proportion (a "critical mass") of vehicles that support the process, so that it can (initially) become established. Furthermore, users of old vehicles (vehicles that were delivered before the process was announced and / or do not have the appropriate technical tools) can also benefit from the process.

[0012] In one example, the ego vehicle is driving in a city at night, and an oncoming vehicle is driving without headlights, signal lights, or turn signals. Based on the transmitted information about the other vehicle, a smartwatch belonging to the ego vehicle driver can then vibrate and optionally display the situation and / or a recommended course of action.

[0013] To determine the other vehicle information, the user devices' own sensors and / or data access to the respective vehicles can be used. This can be done in such a way that only minimal or even no resources of the (other) vehicles are used to determine the other vehicle information. In particular, the user devices can execute the functionalities described in this document quickly and efficiently. This makes it possible to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure with older vehicles or older vehicle electronics (e.g., older than 5, 10, or 15 years and / or vehicles without electronics and / or interfaces). For advantageous functionality, for example, OBD interfaces (= on-board diagnostics) to the on-board computer, in particular via Bluetooth or another wireless interface, can be used as resources of the older vehicles.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the at least one item of information relating to other vehicles relates to a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more other vehicles. For example, the ego vehicle and / or a user device of an occupant of the ego vehicle can receive information when drivers of other vehicles are inadequately performing their respective driving activities (regardless of the presence of the ego vehicle). This also occurs when the driving performance of the other driver does not (yet) affect the ego vehicle or its driver and / or when the other vehicle is not (yet) perceptible and / or when the other vehicle cannot (yet) be detected by vehicle sensors. The other vehicle information can therefore be information determined within the other vehicle orThis could be internal information and / or information concerning the identity of the driver of the other vehicle and / or information that is not yet recognizable from the outside or is not yet useful (e.g., precise and / or economically viable). This allows the user device to react to a situation that is not yet recognizable to the driver of the other vehicle or has not yet become apparent to the other vehicle.

[0015] In a second embodiment, which can be combined with the first embodiment, the at least one piece of information about other vehicles relates to at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles. For example, the host vehicle and / or a user device of an occupant of the host vehicle can receive information regarding which features and / or function settings are available and / or currently active in the surrounding other vehicles. These can be, but are not limited to, performance features of driver assistance functions, safety functions, and / or lighting functions of the respective other vehicles.

[0016] In all embodiments of the invention, which can be combined with each other, the external vehicles can be vehicles that do not (yet) interact with the ego vehicle (e.g. no or still a vehicle in front, a vehicle behind, a maneuver partner, an obstacle, etc.) and / or are not visible and / or cannot be detected by sensors.

[0017] In particular, within the scope of the present disclosure, such other vehicles can be considered which, with an increased probability and / or a probability exceeding a certain value, will be in the immediate vicinity of the ego vehicle in the near future (e.g., a few seconds or minutes) and / or will interact with the ego vehicle as part of a maneuver (e.g., as a crossing vehicle, a vehicle behind, a vehicle in front, a vehicle to be overtaken, a vehicle giving way to or having the right of way of a vehicle being overtaken, etc.).

[0018] The third-party vehicles may also be vehicles whose driving behavior, driving style, and / or performance cannot be determined externally. The driver performance determined within the framework of the procedure may, in particular, also relate to actions or driver actions in the third-party vehicle that do not, in themselves, have a significant impact on the interaction of the respective vehicle with the ego vehicle or in general.

[0019] The other-vehicle information may include or be statistical information (e.g., information concerning the past minutes or hours), such as a result of processing data from a (respective) other vehicle (e.g., from a current time interval and / or from one or more time intervals from the past). Therefore, in some embodiments, the other vehicle may not react to a specific action of the other driver, but rather adapt to the previously collected and / or processed data. This also fundamentally distinguishes the method from known car-to-car applications.

[0020] The following are embodiments of the present disclosure which may be used individually or in combination with the general concept set out in the independent claims.

[0021] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance (indicated in the third-party vehicle information) of the respective driver of one or more other vehicles (third-party vehicles) does not or does not yet affect the ego vehicle.

[0022] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver affects one or more road users who are not involved in a possible approach and / or interaction of the other vehicle and the ego vehicle.

[0023] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver is determined based on data from the respective other vehicle and / or data from a user device carried in the respective other vehicle, for example, using pattern recognition and / or data analysis. The term "user device" includes, in particular, smartphones, but also other mobile phones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, notebooks, smart watches, smart glasses, etc.

[0024] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver relates to a time interval of 1 to 5 minutes before a possible approach of the other vehicle and the vehicle, for example an approach of the other vehicle and the ego vehicle predicted at least with a certain degree of probability.

[0025] Further exemplary characteristics of the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the vehicles, in particular deviations from an optimum of the other drivers, are listed below:

[0026] Examples of different types of driver error can be: a forgotten indicator (once or more than once), an indicator in the wrong direction, an indicator not being switched off; a missing or too late look in a certain direction, e.g. towards an exit, priority road or towards another road user; a missing, incorrect, particularly exaggerated or understated action by the driver, in particular an inappropriate reaction to a situation, e.g. in the surroundings of the vehicle and / or inside the vehicle; a driving situation; and / or an action of another road user.

[0027] The driver error may in particular be a driver error due to a distraction, for example by another road user, an event near the vehicle or due to overlooking or almost overlooking another road user or an incorrect assumption about the movement of another road user.

[0028] - Additionally or alternatively, a driver action can be a sequence of driver actions and / or maneuver phases. Such a sequence can include or be: a reduction in vehicle speed, signaling, turning or merging in the direction of the signal, etc. The driver error can include or be, for example, the omission of a part of such a sequence and / or a sequence that is not compliant with the rules, in itself and / or inappropriate to the driving situation, and / or an incorrect order or inappropriate time intervals between individual parts of the sequence.

[0029] The term "driving situation" in the context of this document can be understood, for example, as a situation characterized by an arrangement, action, or interaction of road users or by certain driving parameters of road users. In particular, the meaning of the term "situation" or "driving situation" differs from the frequently used colloquial meaning of the term "traffic situation," which rather refers to general categories such as "free traffic," "heavy traffic," "slow-moving traffic," "traffic jam," "end of a traffic jam," etc. A driving situation is rather characterized by the influences of specific road users or the specific movements of road users (not just their statistical quantity or entropy). In addition, a driving situation is characterized by a specific pattern (also to be understood as a data pattern), e.g.a pattern characterizing the arrangement and / or speed of the objects and / or a pattern of the parameters of the driving situation. The driving situation can also be characterized by a spatial pattern of the so-called free spaces in the vehicle's surroundings. For example, a trigger condition can refer to such features or corresponding parameters of the driving situation.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one driving situation can be characterized by one or more of the following features: a (specific) spatial distribution of the road users and / or the movement parameters of the road users, in particular an arrangement pattern of the road users in the surroundings of the (real) vehicle; and / or a (specific) spatial distribution of immobile objects in the surroundings of the vehicle; and / or a relative position and / or a relative movement parameter to certain types of lane markings, traffic signs, traffic lights (not necessarily to specific traffic lights), etc.; and / or information about the right of way of the vehicle, in particular with regard to certain road users and / or road users who actually or at least potentially come or can come from certain directions, e.g. a crossing road from the right or from the left; and / or information about a e.g.an action by a road user in the vicinity of the vehicle that exceeds a limit, such as honking, flashing headlights, pushing, overtaking the vehicle, attempting to overtake, and the like.

[0031] Furthermore, the at least one driving situation can be characterized by one or more parameters in connection with relevant traffic rules, traffic signs, right of way, traffic lights and / or traffic light phases.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one driving situation may, for example, be a driving situation that exceeds certain limit values ​​or a driving situation characterized by parameters that exceed certain limit values. In this case, the method can only be executed when there is a need (exceeding a certain threshold or acute). For example, the method comprises detecting one or more driving situations that exceed limit values ​​and / or correspond to one or more specific patterns (data patterns). One or more steps of the method can be controlled and / or varied depending on the detected information.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one driving situation may be a driving situation with an undesirable and / or dangerous approach to an object or to a road user with an acceleration value that, for example, exceeds a limit value.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one driving situation can be, for example, a comparatively rare special situation or a dangerous driving situation, such as a driving situation for which an increased risk is determined or assumed. Preferably, the at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to the at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles is characteristic of and / or is determined depending on: a list of performance features present, non-present, active performance features and / or inactive performance features in the respective other vehicle; and / or active operating modes, settings and / or operating parameters; and / or a performance measure of the at least one performance feature, in particular with regard to uninvolved road users.

[0035] For example, the performance measure can be a time interval, e.g., from 1 to 5 minutes before a possible approach of the other vehicle and the vehicle, e.g., an approach of the other vehicle and the ego vehicle predicted at least with a certain probability measure.

[0036] Preferably, the determination of at least one item of information about a foreign vehicle is carried out by means of a user device carried in the respective further vehicle.

[0037] Preferably, the determination of at least one piece of information about a third-party vehicle is carried out by means of a user account of a user of the respective vehicle.

[0038] In some embodiments, determining at least one piece of third-party vehicle information is performed depending on the data associated with the user account of the user of the respective vehicle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the determination of at least one piece of information about a third-party vehicle is carried out based on an aggregation of the determined data with the user account data and / or with the data associated with the user account of the user of the respective vehicle. For example, the method (e.g., one or more steps or intermediate steps of the method described in this document) can be carried out based on a membership of the user and / or based on the data associated with the user. For example, terms of use, calculations and / or issuance of benefits, payments, data protection regulations, and / or settings can be implemented / executed based on the membership, in particular based on the data associated with the user.In this case, one or more steps or intermediate steps of the process, in particular the parameters, logic and / or settings to be applied, can be executed, in particular adapted, depending on the user account and / or the data associated with the user account.

[0040] The user account may be a user account on a social network and / or messenger service, or may be an account linked to a user account on a social network and / or messenger service.

[0041] User devices and / or user accounts compatible with and / or configured with current software have significantly higher market penetration than new user devices and / or user accounts or those that comply with a new standard. Therefore, the effectiveness of the respective functionalities resulting from the process can be significantly increased.

[0042] The user device can comprise or be a portable, mobile user device or gadget, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart clothing, etc. The user device can further comprise or be a retrofit device (e.g., one that can be installed and / or retrofitted in the vehicle). For example, the user device can be a retrofit device configured to carry out at least part of the method. The retrofit device can be a special-purpose retrofit device or one that serves multiple different purposes.

[0043] Carrying the user device in the respective vehicle means that the user device is located inside the vehicle (e.g., car, truck, van, etc.) (e.g., operated in a holder), is attached to the outside of the vehicle (e.g., motorcycle, scooter, moped), for example, using a holding device, and / or is worn by the user of the vehicle (e.g., a scooter, electric board, etc.), e.g., on the body. The user devices can be linked or connected to the vehicles using suitable data, for example, according to a mathematical relationship or pattern.

[0044] Preferably, the initiation of an action in the ego vehicle is carried out depending on the determined other vehicle information by means of a user device carried in the respective vehicle.

[0045] Preferably, the initiation of an action in the ego vehicle is carried out depending on the determined third-party vehicle information using a user account of the user of the vehicle.

[0046] In some embodiments, initiating an action in the ego vehicle is carried out depending on the determined third-party vehicle information depending on the data associated with the user account of the user of the vehicle.

[0047] In some embodiments, initiating an action in the ego vehicle is carried out depending on the determined third-party vehicle information depending on an aggregation of the determined data with the user account data and / or with the data associated with the user account of the user of the respective vehicle.

[0048] Preferably, the measure relates to one or more performance features of a driver assistance function of the ego vehicle. In addition or alternatively, the measure relates to one or more performance features of an active safety function of the ego vehicle. In addition or alternatively, the measure relates to one or more performance features of a passive safety function of the ego vehicle. For example, the measure can relate to a specific selection of performance features or features of the driver assistance function or can be applied to them. For example, the measure can include or be: an at least partial activation and / or setting of one or more performance features, in particular a selection of performance features; and / or an offer to the respective driver of the respective vehicle to activate and / or set these, in particular at least a suggestion for one or more specific settings (e.g.Parameterization) of one or more performance features.

[0049] Depending on the information gathered about the other vehicle, a specific selection, particularly a combination of features and / or settings (e.g., all at once, as a "package") can be offered. The offer can be activated by the respective driver upon confirmation or if no other decision has been made (e.g., change or cancel).

[0050] The measure may be applied to one or more of the following functionalities or systems and / or be carried out by their respective means:

[0051] Pre-filling the brake system, reducing the distance between the brake pads and the brake disc, actuating before pre-filling; and / or

[0052] Pre-tensioning one or more safety devices of the respective vehicle or activating a belt tensioner; and / or

[0053] Pre-configure one or more airbags.

[0054] Preferably, the measure can be a forward-looking measure and / or a preliminary measure.

[0055] In some embodiments, a (possibly safety-relevant) intervention in an actuator of the vehicle cannot be initiated or controlled directly by the user device. Preferably, one or more parameters of the intervention and / or an activation condition for such an intervention are influenced. The intervention itself can, for example, only take place when a predetermined condition is met. Preferably, the vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles is a driver assistance system of the one or more further vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles is an active safety system of the one or more further vehicles, or the vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles is a passive safety system of the one or more further vehicles.

[0056] In this context, the term “system” can also be understood as a subsystem and / or functionality of the respective vehicle.

[0057] Preferably, the at least one item of information about other vehicles is determined in relation to one or more other vehicles (e.g. primarily, only or essentially only) if the driving behavior, the driving style and / or the driving performance of the driver of the respective other vehicle has a parameter exceeding a limit value and / or a specific or cross-border pattern.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one piece of information about other vehicles is determined with respect to one or more other vehicles (e.g., primarily, only, or essentially only) if the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the driver of the respective other vehicle exhibits a frequency and / or severity that exceeds a threshold and / or is increased. The increased frequency can be understood, in particular, as a statistically significantly increased frequency and / or a frequency that exceeds a threshold.

[0059] In some embodiments, depending on the other vehicle information, the following action can then be carried out:

[0060] Maintaining or regulating a longitudinal distance, in particular increasing a minimum distance (e.g. ACC distance); and / or Maintaining or regulating a lateral distance, in particular increasing a minimum lateral distance to the other vehicle (e.g. lateral collision avoidance, etc.); and / or

[0061] Executing maneuvers in relation to the other vehicle, such as avoiding and / or overtaking the other vehicle and / or parking near the other vehicle.

[0062] Preferably, the measure is performed based on a distance between the ego vehicle and the one or more other vehicles.

[0063] Preferably, the measure is carried out based on a time in which a distance between the ego vehicle and the one or more other vehicles can be overcome, in particular taking into account a current and / or possible speed of the respective vehicles.

[0064] Preferably, one or more parameters of the at least one measure, in particular a sequence of several measures, are determined and / or adapted in the ego vehicle depending on: a number of other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle, in particular for which at least one predetermined criterion applies; and / or active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the vehicles; and / or a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of the respective driver of the respective vehicle.

[0065] Preferably, initiating the at least one measure comprises or is a determination and / or adaptation, in particular a predictive determination and / or adaptation, of one or more parameters of the measure.

[0066] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters of the measure include one or more trigger parameters of a vehicle function; and / or an intensity and / or duration of a trigger of a vehicle function; and / or an output of information to the driver.

[0067] For example, the activation of a driver assistance function and / or safety function is not, or not necessarily, initiated. Instead, the activation parameters appropriate for an upcoming situation and / or time interval and / or the intensity and / or duration of the activation, for example, are determined and / or adjusted. This allows for better compliance with the vehicle's safety standards, even when using commercially available user devices.

[0068] Preferably, the determination of at least one piece of information about another vehicle in relation to one or more further vehicles and / or the consideration of at least one piece of information about another vehicle in the method, in particular a selection of the measure, for example from at least two different measures and / or a determination and / or adaptation of one or more parameters of the measure and / or a suspension of an otherwise due measure are carried out depending on at least one criterion.

[0069] In some embodiments, the at least one criterion relates to a relative position, distance, speed, and / or movement time; and / or a proximity probability of the ego vehicle and one or more of the other vehicles.

[0070] In a simplified case, a radius search can be carried out, for example within a distance and / or with respect to an at least probable approach of the ego vehicle and at least one other vehicle (e.g. mutual or one-sided approach).

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, a probability criterion and / or a route criterion can be applied. For example, depending on a (input or recognized) first route of the ego vehicle and / or a second route of one or more of the other vehicles, it can be determined whether and / or with what probability the involvement or involvement of the vehicles in a certain driving situation is possible or likely, for example, a unilateral or mutual interference, a right-of-way situation, and / or another interaction.

[0072] Depending on the determined other vehicle information, the following can be carried out:

[0073] Determining, not determining, or determining (e.g., only certain or limited) other vehicle information in relation to one or more other vehicles; and / or taking into account or not taking into account (e.g., only certain or limited) other vehicle information, or taking into account other vehicle information in a certain way.

[0074] In some cases, this makes it possible to selectively omit several steps or intermediate steps of the process, or to carry out the process in a simplified or less complex form.

[0075] Preferably, the one or more user devices are each a device that can be worn on the body of the respective user or is at least partially integrated into the body of the user.

[0076] Preferably, a device that can be worn on the body of the respective user or that is at least partially integrated into the body of the user is controlled.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device wearable on the body of the respective user or at least partially integrated into the body of the user is controlled in the context of determining the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the device wearable on the body of the respective user or at least partially integrated into the body of the user is controlled in the context of initiating the at least one measure in the ego vehicle. For example, the user device can be a wearable and can in particular be designed to be worn on the body of the user (such as a smart watch or smart clothes) and / or to be at least partially connected to the body of the user (e.g. at least partially integrated into the body of the user).

[0078] In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether the user, in particular the wearer of the user device, is in and / or driving a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include determining a type of vehicle (e.g., car, truck, van, scooter, bicycle). Additionally or alternatively, the method may include determining whether the user of the user device is the driver or passenger of the vehicle.

[0079] Preferably, the measure comprises, for example, a tactilely perceptible effect on the body of the user of the application device. The effect can, for example, be a vibration signal or be triggered by a vibration signal.

[0080] In some embodiments, the tactilely perceptible influence can refer to further (actual) driver information. For example, such influences can be triggered by a smartwatch and / or smart-close devices.

[0081] In some embodiments, multiple tactile inputs (e.g., in terms of their intensity, frequency, and / or pattern) can be initiated and / or can be distinguished by the user. Different meanings can be assigned to each of these inputs.

[0082] Preferably, the at least one measure comprises at least a temporary influence on one or more route selection criteria of the ego vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one measure comprises at least a temporary avoidance and / or bypassing of one or more specific road sections, intersections, roundabouts, entrances, and / or exits. For example, one or more road sections where the ego vehicle and one of the other vehicles may or are likely to come close to each other can be bypassed.

[0083] Preferably, the ego vehicle and / or a user device carried in the ego vehicle and one or more other vehicles and / or user devices carried in one or more of the other vehicles are set up to exchange data with a server for executing the method

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one step of the method, in particular a data exchange with or via the server, is activated and / or decrypted when one or more specific criteria are met.

[0085] For example, at least some of the data (e.g., regarding INPUT) can be determined at least partially in advance or in advance, but not yet actively used. This particularly benefits the reduction of required bandwidth and / or improved compliance with data protection or personal rights of the people involved. These features further improve the practical suitability of the method.

[0086] Preferably, a data exchange (to be understood as: transmitting the data at least in one direction), in particular a particularly active and / or frequent data exchange, only takes place when one or more specific criteria are met and / or already determined or transmitted data is decrypted for use in the method. The specific criterion can include or be a criterion that is predetermined and / or adjustable at least within certain limits (e.g. by a user of the method). The server can be different from a vehicle backend or backend of the vehicle manufacturer or operator of the vehicles (e.g. related to the manufacturer, brand and / or operator of a vehicle fleet). Rather, it can be a server that connects users of vehicles of different brands, operators, registration years, fleets, etc. and / or is at least partially, preferably predominantly, independent of such.This can achieve a fundamental advantage.

[0087] Preferably, the specific criterion relates to one or more entries from the following list: a distance between the ego vehicle and one or more other vehicles; and / or a time in which the distance between the ego vehicle and one or more of the other vehicles can be overcome, in particular taking into account the current and / or possible speed of the respective vehicles; and / or active performance features of a driver assistance function, in particular a safety function of the vehicles; and / or a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of the respective driver of the vehicles.

[0088] For example, the one or more criteria may relate to one or more threshold values ​​for the parameters of the one or more conditions listed above and / or a ratio of the parameters of the one or more conditions listed above (to each other).

[0089] In a further example, a (e.g. mathematical) relationship (e.g. a logical operation, formula, coefficients of a formula, curve, family of curves, etc.) between the respective parameters can be determined and one or more steps of the method, in particular the data exchange and / or the decryption of the (e.g. previously exchanged) data, can be carried out depending on the determined result.

[0090] Preferably, the at least one measure comprises or is an output of driver information to the driver of the vehicle, wherein the driver information preferably indicates a relative position and / or movement of the ego-vehicle and one or more other vehicles. In some embodiments, the position and / or movement of the ego-vehicle and one or more other vehicles can be in particular in relation to each other and / or in relation to one or more (other) objects in the environment.

[0091] In some embodiments, the driver information may include or be a section of a map and / or a graphical representation of the respective surroundings.

[0092] In some embodiments, the driver information can represent the ego vehicle and one or more other vehicles and / or other, particularly distinctive, objects in the environment. These can be objects that can be relatively easily and / or clearly identified, for example, using a symbol and / or their schematic representation. Objects can be so-called distinctive objects. Preferably, such objects can be selected and / or depicted that occur only once in the environment and / or are distinguishable from other objects, for example, by qualitative characteristics.

[0093] In some embodiments, the objects in the environment may include or be: roadway arrangements (e.g., intersections, roundabouts, entrances, exits, etc.); and / or

[0094] Lanes, lane markings, road markings (e.g. crash barriers); and / or traffic signs; and / or

[0095] Trees and / or buildings, and / or

[0096] The term “characterizes” in the context of this document is to be understood in particular as representing, characterizing, or referring to the corresponding values ​​with a predetermined code or link.

[0097] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a user device is specified. The user device is configured to execute at least part of the method described in this document as the user device that can be carried in the host vehicle and / or as the user device that can be carried in one of the other (respective) vehicles.

[0098] The (respective) user device can be configured, in particular together with one or more further user devices and / or a vehicle in which it is carried, to carry out the method according to one or more embodiments described in the present document.

[0099] The (respective) user device can be configured to establish a (unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional) IT connection with one or more other user devices. Furthermore, the user device can be configured to provide and / or implement a portion of the system described in this document, in particular together with one or more other user devices and / or vehicles.

[0100] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system is specified, in particular comprising an ego vehicle and / or a user device that can be carried in the ego vehicle, a server, and / or other vehicles and / or user devices that can be carried in other vehicles. The system is configured to:

[0101] Determining at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to one or more other vehicles in the environment of an ego vehicle; and

[0102] Initiating at least one action in the ego vehicle depending on the at least one other vehicle information determined.

[0103] The at least one piece of information from another vehicle relates to a driving behavior, a driving style, and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more other vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one piece of information from another vehicle relates to at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles. According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer program and / or data for executing the computer program is specified, wherein the computer program product is designed to execute one or more steps of the method described in this document when executed on at least one computing unit.

[0104] A plurality of computer programs or a computer program product comprising a plurality of computer programs can be provided, which can be run, for example, on different computing units of the device or on a plurality of devices (e.g. the user device, the vehicle and / or the backend), in order, for example, to execute together in an information technology operative connection at least one of the methods described in this document.

[0105] The computer program product can be designed as an update of a previous computer program, which, for example, comprises the parts of the computer program or the corresponding program code as part of a functional extension, for example, as part of a so-called "remote software update." The computer program product comprises, in particular, a medium readable by the data processing device on which the program code is stored, or at least an encrypted file.

[0106] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0107] Brief Description of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below without limiting the scope of the invention. They show:

[0108] Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0109] Figure 2 schematically illustrates vehicles and user devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0110] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method related to the movement of vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] Embodiments of the disclosure

[0112] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0113] Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 schematically shows vehicles and user devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method related to the movement of vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] The method 100 comprises, in block 110, determining at least one piece of foreign vehicle information relating to one or more other vehicles F1, F2, F3 in an environment of an ego vehicle EgoF; and, in block 120, initiating at least one measure in the ego vehicle EgoF depending on the determined at least one piece of foreign vehicle information.

[0115] The at least one piece of information from other vehicles relates to a driving behavior, a driving style, and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one piece of information from other vehicles relates to at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3.

[0116] In this case, the driving behavior, driving style, and / or mileage of the respective driver of one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3, in particular, does not affect the ego vehicle EgoF or (e.g., at the time of recording and / or evaluating the other vehicle information) does not yet affect it. It may be a driving behavior, driving style, and / or mileage of the respective driver of one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 that has no or no impact on the ego vehicle EgoF.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, it may be a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of the respective driver of one or more of the other vehicles Fl, F2, F3, which does not or does not necessarily correspond to the general driving skills and / or driving profile of the respective drivers.

[0118] In particular, this may involve, for example, a driving behavior, driving style, and / or mileage dependent on the driver's current cognitive and / or emotional and / or physical condition. In particular, this may involve a (e.g., temporary) deviation from the typical driving behavior, driving style, and / or mileage of the respective driver of one or more of the other vehicles Fl, F2, F3.

[0119] The driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3 can be determined in particular as a measure of the difference (e.g. factor, difference, etc.) in relation to a general driving profile or to his (e.g. general or long-term) driving profile.

[0120] As will be explained in more detail later in this document, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 can preferably be detected by a user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3.

[0121] Modern user devices have numerous means (e.g., position determination, one or more cameras, acceleration sensors, navigation function, etc.). These and other means can be used or used concurrently according to the invention to determine at least part of the data for determining the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3. Furthermore, the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 can be configured to evaluate, in particular analyze, the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3.

[0122] In some embodiments, the other vehicle information can be determined entirely or partially by means of the respective further vehicle F1, F2, F3 and / or entirely or partially by means of the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective further vehicle F1, F2, F3. For example, an evaluation of the sequence of positions (e.g., GEO positions, GPS positions and / or positions in relation to lane boundaries, lane markings, traffic lights, zebra crossings, traffic signs, etc.) that the further vehicle F1, F2, F3 assumes within a time interval (e.g., 10 to 120 seconds) can be carried out. Furthermore, the data from one or more acceleration sensors, a compass and / or a digital map can be determined and taken into account, preferably evaluated, in particular analyzed, together with the further data.

[0123] Already on the basis of such data, preferably in combination with further data, a conclusion can be drawn about correct (in particular precise) or incorrect (in particular imprecise) conspicuous driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3. Preferably, the data determined using the means (e.g. sensors, computing units, functionalities) of the respective additional vehicle Fl, F2, F3 can be combined, in particular processed together, with the means (e.g. sensors, computing units, functionalities) of the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective additional vehicle Fl, F2, F3. This allows more precise and / or more reliable information about other vehicles to be determined. For example, so-called false positives (simplified: unnecessary or excessive measures) can be reduced in this way.

[0124] In some embodiments, the data determined from the respective vehicle (e.g. data determined using vehicle means) can be read out and processed (e.g. in the respective user device) using the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective vehicle.

[0125] In some embodiments, it can be determined entirely or partially by means of the respective further vehicle Fl, F2, F3 and / or entirely or partially by means of the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective further vehicle Fl, F2, F3 that: one or more further vehicles Fl, F2, F3 are precisely following their respective lanes or are moving with an increased deviation in relation to the lane centers and / or lane boundaries, a so-called ideal line (in particular an optimal trajectory within the roadway or lane); and / or the (longitudinal and / or lateral) acceleration, in particular with regard to value ranges, a temporal progression and / or patterns (e.g.change pattern), particularly in relation to the respective road course, is normal or deviates from an expected course; and / or an approach to red traffic lights, prohibition signs and / or other road users corresponds to the norm or deviates significantly from the norm.

[0126] It should be noted here that such an evaluation can preferably relate to the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3, e.g., a few minutes before a possible approach to the ego vehicle EgoF and / or at a distance of several hundred meters (e.g., more than 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000 meters). It can therefore be assumed with increased probability that the driving behavior, driving styles and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 will be relevant (e.g., temporary, day-dependent, etc.); and / or that (currently) active, in particular operational, performance characteristics of a vehicle system (with current parameters) of the one or more of the additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 will also be relevant in the event of an approach to or interaction with the ego vehicle EgoF.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, third-party vehicle information relating to the performance characteristics of a vehicle system of one or more of the additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 can be determined and taken into account. This can be taken into account depending on an activation status (e.g. state of activation or deactivation; list of existing, non-existent, active and / or inactive performance characteristics), operating parameters and / or a performance of the one or more vehicle systems (e.g. driver assistance systems and / or active safety systems) of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3. The operating parameters can, for example, relate to (currently active) warning thresholds, intervention thresholds, target values ​​and / or controlled variables (e.g. starting levels) of the vehicle system of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3.

[0128] The information regarding the performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 can be determined using means of the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective (third-party) vehicle Fl, F2, F3. This can be done in such a way that the user device AG1, AG1', AG2, AG2', AG3 determines the data relating to the activation status, the operating parameters and / or the performance of the one or more vehicle systems of the respective vehicle (e.g. via WLAN or Bluetooth and / or by means of a request). Alternatively or additionally, the information regarding the performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 can be determined more or less directly using means (e.g. cameras, position detection, etc.) of the user device (e.g. by evaluating the movement of the vehicle in relation to other objects).

[0129] Preferably, the other vehicle information relating to the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 is determined and / or the measure in the vehicle is initiated depending both on (first) information relating to respective active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 and on (second) information relating to the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3. Said first information and the second information can be processed by applying a specific mathematical relationship (e.g. logic, function, parameters, characteristic curves, coefficients of a predetermined formula, etc.).

[0130] The resulting third-party vehicle information can be determined depending on the processing of the first information concerning respective active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3 together with the (second) information concerning the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3. This information can indicate the need for an action for the ego vehicle EgoF more precisely and / or reliably than each of these pieces of information would allow individually.

[0131] For example, by taking both pieces of information into account, the selection and / or intensity of the measures can be reduced or dispensed with, in particular if: despite a driving behaviour, driving style and / or performance of the respective driver of the one or more respective additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 that does not fully correspond to a norm and / or deviates from an average, a sufficient functionality of the performance characteristics of the one or more vehicle systems of the respective additional vehicle can be expected; and / or

[0132] - despite deactivation, unavailability and / or insufficient performance of the performance characteristics of one or more vehicle systems of the respective additional vehicle, an above-average or high-performance driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more respective additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 is determined.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, by taking both pieces of information into account, the intensity of the measures can be increased or brought forward, in particular if: a driving behavior, driving style and / or performance of the respective driver of the one or more of the respective additional vehicles Fl, F2, F3 that deviates from the norm and / or an average, as well as a deactivation, unavailability and / or lack of performance of one or more performance features of one or more vehicle systems of the respective additional vehicle is detected.

[0134] In other words, in this way the current human ability of the drivers of the other vehicles Fl, F2, F3 to react to the ego vehicle EgoF or to handle the ego vehicle EgoF correctly (e.g. without causing any disruption, dissatisfaction, etc.) and / or the current technical ability, operating mode or setting of the vehicle systems of the other vehicles F1, F2, F3 to react to the ego vehicle EgoF or to handle the ego vehicle EgoF correctly can be estimated. The said information can be considered individually or in combination with other data. Particularly preferably, both pieces of information (for each other vehicle) are taken into account, since they have an at least partially complementary influence on the expectations regarding handling of the ego vehicle EgoF.The initiated measure can take into account (at the latest in the final result) that the human capabilities and the capabilities of the vehicle systems complement each other. In some embodiments, the respective other vehicle information indicates a result of the evaluation of the active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles and / or the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more other vehicles F1, F2, F3, for example, within a respective time interval of approximately 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 minutes. This allows more precise and meaningful other vehicle information to be determined.

[0135] The respective vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles F1, F2, F3 can in particular comprise or be a driver assistance function and / or a safety function, as described below.

[0136] The driver assistance function may include or be a function for assisted or at least partially automated longitudinal guidance and / or lateral guidance and / or maneuver execution of the vehicle.

[0137] The driver assistance function can relate to driving and / or parking (including, in particular, parking, reversing and / or maneuvering).

[0138] The safety function may, for example, include or be an active safety function and / or a passive safety function. In other words, the safety function may include performance features that are effective before a potential collision, e.g., serving to avoid the collision or reduce its consequences, and / or performance features that are effective after the collision, e.g., restraint functions.

[0139] The driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of a driver can, in particular, include or be a (statistical) driving style aggregated over a certain driving distance and / or duration and / or a driver-specific (personal) driving habit of the driver. The driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance can relate to a driving action or a driving action of a specific type (e.g., an incorrect, missing, forgotten, and / or inappropriate driving action, particularly one that is inappropriate to the respective situation). The driving action can be an action of the driver in relation to the vehicle or an interaction of the driver with the vehicle.

[0140] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance should be understood in particular as corresponding qualitative and / or quantitative measures. In particular, these can be relative and / or comparative measures. For example, these can be determined and / or taken into account as a difference (e.g. factor, difference, etc.) to (predetermined) standard measures, average measures, to the measures according to the (general, generalized) profile of the driver or a class (e.g. a professional driver, experienced driver, inexperienced drivers). In this case, deviations caused, for example, by the day's form can also be taken into account. This does not necessarily have to involve poor driving behavior, poor driving style and / or poor driving performance. Information that the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of one or more drivers of the other vehicles, for example,is particularly or above average good can be taken into account.

[0141] Preferably, driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance are abstracted from specific or individual driver actions. For example, driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance can characterize one or more statistical and / or cumulative measures.

[0142] For example, the determined other vehicle information can identify or take into account: a frequency of a certain driving behavior, a driving style and / or a mileage (e.g. exceeding one or more specific thresholds) and / or a measure characterizing the driving behavior, the driving style and / or the mileage (e.g. the quality and / or deviation from an optimum and / or a pronouncedness of a certain driving behavior, a driving style and / or a mileage).

[0143] Driving behavior, driving style, and / or performance can be measured according to a specific mathematical relationship, in particular according to a predetermined formula and / or one or more evaluation criteria. The measure (also: parameter) of driving behavior, driving style, and / or performance can be determined in relation to several different (e.g., aforementioned) criteria.

[0144] In some embodiments, the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance can be determined, for example, over a specific time interval and / or using several different evaluation criteria. For example, the vehicle and / or user device can provide corresponding functionalities for determining the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance.

[0145] In some embodiments, a (particularly) good and / or (particularly) poor driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the drivers of the other vehicles F1, F2, F3 can be determined and taken into account as such. For example, the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance can refer to values ​​typical for the respective driver (e.g., their statistical value) and / or currently valid values ​​(e.g., values ​​determined within a recent time interval and / or during the current trip).

[0146] For example, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance may indicate a driver-specific (typical) and / or current, particularly related to certain driving situations, responsiveness and / or tendency to driver errors.

[0147] For example, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of one or more of the further vehicles F1, F2, F3 relates to: a perception, assessment and / or interpretation of a (driving) situation; and / or vehicle guidance, in particular a so-called trajectory guidance of the vehicle, e.g. steering, braking or acceleration; and / or a controlling action or a controlling intervention, e.g. by a pedal and / or the steering wheel; and / or a control of a driver assistance system, e.g. initiating, changing, overriding or terminating an action carried out at least partially automatically by the driver assistance system; initiating a signal, in particular a signal that is audible and / or visible in the vicinity of the vehicle, e.g. to other road users.

[0148] The driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance may be indicative of driver errors (e.g., type and / or severity and / or frequency and / or consequence) of the respective driver (e.g., typical for the individual and / or within a certain time interval and / or during the current trip). These may be driver errors with characteristics of so-called human error or failure.

[0149] Such driving behaviour, driving style and / or driving performance may concern (e.g. exceeding a limit parameter and / or pattern):

[0150] Compliance with traffic regulations; and / or

[0151] - Commuting (e.g. as an above-average and / or unnecessary and / or non-counterproductive lateral movement) within one's own lane, frequent leaving of one's own lane; and / or

[0152] Signaling to the outside, especially deviating from the norm; and / or failing to maintain a certain distance to one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicle in front, road user traveling to the side, etc.) and / or increasing the risk of an accident, particularly a near-miss. This situation may involve the ego vehicle and at least one other (possibly uninvolved and not involved in the process) road user (pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle). The situation may include or be a driving situation.

[0153] The method may include transmitting information dependent on the other vehicle information to the ego vehicle EgoF. For example, information dependent on the other vehicle information may be transmitted directly or indirectly, in particular via a server SN, MS, or a backend BE.

[0154] The method preferably comprises data processing of the other-vehicle information, in particular together with further information. The method is preferably related to the movement of a vehicle. Various information relating to the movement of the vehicle in relation to its surroundings, in particular to various conditions and / or objects, can be evaluated. The method can be activated or executed in connection with the guidance of a vehicle, in particular a path guidance.

[0155] Preferably, the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more further vehicles Fl, F2, F3 are determined at least partially by means (e.g. camera, position sensors, acceleration sensors, computing unit, etc.) of a user device AG1, AGE, AG2, AG2', AG3 carried in the respective vehicle.

[0156] For example, data from a first, second and third user in the other vehicles is only processed accordingly when they are within a radius (e.g. of 200, 100 or 50 meters) and / or are moving towards each other (with their navigation routes or MPR (= Most Probable Route). In this case, it is recognized, for example, using smartwatches and / or smart closes alone) that they are traveling in vehicles of a certain type. The other vehicle information particularly preferably comprises an automated data analysis with regard to the data relating to active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3 and / or relating to the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more other vehicles Fl, F2, F3. The data analysis can comprise a recognition of patterns with regard to the corresponding aspects mentioned.

[0157] An action can then be initiated in the ego vehicle EgoF depending on the other vehicle information determined on the basis of the data analysis.

[0158] Initiating an action in the Ego vehicle EgoF can include or be:

[0159] Selection of a measure, in particular from at least two possible measures (e.g. from measures of different types); and / or

[0160] Determining and / or adjusting one or more parameters of the measure; and / or

[0161] Suspension of a measure (which would otherwise be due or without the procedure).

[0162] The initiation of the at least one measure can be carried out according to a predetermined dependency on the other vehicle information determined in the method, in particular according to a stored and / or adjustable logic, a formula, a parameter, etc.

[0163] Preferably, the measure can be initiated according to a predetermined function with respect to a number of other vehicles Fl, F2, F3 in the vicinity of the ego vehicle EgoF, for which at least one predetermined criterion (e.g. exceeding certain value limits) applies with respect to (i) active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the vehicles and / or (ii) the driving behavior, the driving style and / or the driving performance of the respective driver.

[0164] In some embodiments, the method comprises executing a simulation relating to a possible, in particular predicted, approach and / or interaction of the one or more further vehicles Fl, F2, F3 and the ego vehicle EgoF. In particular, the determination of the active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles Fl, F2, F3 and / or the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more further vehicles Fl, F2, F3, in particular the initiation (e.g. request and / or trigger) for determining said information, can be carried out depending on the execution of the simulation.

[0165] Initiating an action in the ego vehicle EgoF based on the determined third-party vehicle information can (also) only or primarily only be carried out using a user device EgoAG, EgoAG', carried in the ego vehicle EgoF. Several corresponding examples are explained in this document.

[0166] Particularly preferably, the at least one measure is also initiated depending on data from the ego vehicle EgoF. The measure (particularly also to be understood as a parameter of the measure) can be initiated in a manner appropriate to the situation of the vehicle, the context of the vehicle, etc.

[0167] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) related to the movement of vehicles (EgoF, Fl, F2, F3), comprising: Determining (101) at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3) in an environment of an ego vehicle (EgoF), the at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to: a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and / or - at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and Initiating (102) at least one measure in the ego vehicle (EgoF) depending on the determined at least one piece of other vehicle information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the one or more additional vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) does not or does not yet affect the ego vehicle (EgoF), and / or the driving behavior, driving style, and / or driving performance of the respective driver: affects one or more road users who are uninvolved in relation to a possible approach and / or interaction of the additional vehicle (Fl, F2, F3) and the ego vehicle (EgoF); and / or is determined depending on data from the respective additional vehicle (Fl, F2, F3) and / or depending on data from a user device (AG1, AG2, AG3) carried in the respective additional vehicle (Fl, F2, F3), in particular by means of pattern recognition and / or data analysis; and / or a time interval of 1 to 5 minutes before a possible approach of the additional vehicle (Fl, F2, F3, ...)) and the ego vehicle (EgoF), in particular one with at least a certain degree of probability. predicted approach of the other vehicle (Fl, F2, F3) and the ego vehicle (EgoF).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one piece of information relating to another vehicle is characteristic of the at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3) and / or is determined as a function of: a list of performance features present in the respective other vehicle, performance features not present, active performance features and / or inactive performance features; and / or active operating modes, settings and / or operating parameters; and / or a performance measure of the at least one performance feature, in particular with regard to uninvolved road users.

4. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the determination (101) of at least one item of information about a third-party vehicle is carried out: by means of a user device (AG1, AG2) carried in the respective further vehicle (F1, F2, F3); and / or by means of a user account of a user (N, N', N", N"') of the respective vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'"), in particular: depending on the data associated with the user account of the user (N, N', N", N"') of the respective vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'"); and / or depending on an aggregation of the determined data with the user account data and / or with the data associated with the user account of the user (N, N', N", N"') of the respective vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'").

5. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the initiation (102) of a measure in the vehicle (EgoF) is carried out depending on the determined other vehicle information: by means of a user device (AG1, AG2) carried in the respective vehicle; and / or by means of a user account of the user (N, N', N", N"') of the vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'"), in particular: depending on the data associated with the user account of the user (N, N' , N", N" ') of the vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'"); and / or depending on an aggregation of the determined data with the user account data and / or with the data associated with the user account of the user (N, N', N", N"') of the respective vehicle (1, 1', 1", 1'").

6. Method according to one or more preceding claims, wherein the measure relates to: one or more performance features of a driver assistance function of the ego vehicle (EgoF); and / or one or more performance features of an active safety function of the ego vehicle (EgoF); and / or one or more performance features of a passive safety function of the ego vehicle (EgoF).

7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) is: a driver assistance system of the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3); and / or an active safety system of the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3); and / or a passive safety system of the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3).

8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one item of information relating to another vehicle (F1, F2, F3) is determined primarily, only or essentially only if the Driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the driver of the respective other vehicle (Fl, F2, F3) exhibits: a parameter exceeding a limit value and / or a specific or limit-exceeding pattern; and / or a frequency and / or severity exceeding a limit value and / or increased.

9. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one measure is carried out based on: a distance between the ego vehicle (EgoF) and the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3); and / or a time in which a distance between the ego vehicle (EgoF) and the one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) can be overcome, in particular taking into account a current and / or possible speed of respective vehicles (EgoF, Fl, F2, F3).

10. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more parameters of the at least one measure, in particular a sequence of several measures, are determined and / or adapted in the ego vehicle (EgoF) depending on: a number of other vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) in the vicinity of the vehicle (EgoF), in particular for which at least one predetermined criterion applies; and / or active performance characteristics of a vehicle system of the vehicles (Fl, F2, F3); and / or a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of the respective driver of the respective vehicle (Fl, F2, F3).

11. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the initiation of the at least one measure comprises determining and / or adapting, in particular a predictive determination and / or adaptation of one or more parameters of the measure, in particular of: one or more triggering parameters of a vehicle function; and / or an intensity and / or duration of a triggering of a vehicle function; and / or an output of information to the driver.

12. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: determining at least one piece of information about another vehicle relating to one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) and / or taking into account at least one piece of information about another vehicle in the method, in particular selecting the measure, for example from at least two different measures, and / or determining and / or adapting one or more parameters of the measure, and / or suspending an otherwise due measure, is carried out depending on at least one criterion relating to: a relative position, distance, speed, and / or movement time; and / or a probability of approach of the ego vehicle and one or more of the further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3).

13. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more user devices (EgoAG, AG1, AG2, AG3) are each a device that can be worn on the body of the respective user (N, N', N", N"') or at least partially integrated into the body of the user (N, N', N", N"'); or a device that can be worn on the body of the respective user (N, N', N", N"') or at least partially integrated into the body of the user (N, N', N", N"') is controlled, in particular: in the context of determining the driving behavior, driving style and / or driving performance of the respective driver of the vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and / or in the context of initiating the at least one measure in the ego vehicle (EgoF).

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the measure comprises an effect, in particular a tactile perceptible effect, on the body of the user (N, N', N", N"') of the user device (EgoAG, AG1, AG2, AG3), in particular a vibration signal.

15. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one measure comprises or includes: an at least temporary influence on one or more route selection criteria of the ego vehicle (EgoF) and / or an at least temporary avoidance and / or bypassing of one or more specific road sections, intersections, roundabouts, entrances and / or exits.

16. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the ego vehicle (EgoF) and / or a user device (EgoAG) carried in the ego vehicle and one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) and / or user devices (AG1, AG2, AG3) carried in one or more of the further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) are set up for data exchange with a server (BE, SN, MS) for carrying out the method, wherein at least one step of the method, in particular a data exchange with or via the server (BE, SN, MS), is activated and / or decrypted when one or more specific criteria are met.

17. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one measure is or comprises an output of driver information to the driver of the vehicle (EgoF), wherein the driver information preferably characterizes a relative position and / or movement of the ego vehicle (EgoF) and one or more further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3).

18. User device (EgoAG, AG1, AG2, AG3), wherein the user device (EgoAG, AG1, AG2, AG3) is configured to implement at least part of the method according to one or more of the preceding claims as the device that can be carried in the ego vehicle (EgoF). User device (Ego AG) and / or as the user device (AG1, AG2, AG3) that can be carried in one of the other vehicles (Fl, F2, F3).

19. System, in particular comprising an ego vehicle (EgoF) and / or a user device (EgoAG) that can be carried in the ego vehicle (EgoF), a server (BE, SN, MS) and / or further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3) and / or user devices (AG1, AG2, AG3) that can be carried in further vehicles (Fl, F2, F3), wherein the system is set up to: Determining (101) at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3) in an environment of an ego vehicle (EgoF), the at least one piece of other vehicle information relating to: a driving behavior, a driving style and / or a driving performance of a respective driver of the one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and / or - at least one active performance feature of at least one vehicle system of the one or more further vehicles (F1, F2, F3); and Initiating (102) at least one measure in the ego vehicle (EgoF) depending on the determined at least one piece of other vehicle information.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program and / or data for executing the computer program, wherein the computer program product is designed to execute one or more steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17 when executed on at least one computing unit.

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