Method and device for reducing the target speed of a speed controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for reducing the target speed of a speed controller of a motor vehicle, wherein the device is configured to determine that the target speed of the speed controller of the motor vehicle is to be reduced to an updated target speed. The device is also configured to ascertain traffic information relating to the traffic behind the motor vehicle and to decelerate the motor vehicle on the basis of the traffic information in order to reduce the driving speed of the motor vehicle to the updated target speed of the speed controller.

Description

[0001] Method and device for reducing the target speed of a speed controller

[0002] The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device designed to reduce the target speed of the cruise control of a motor vehicle.

[0003] A vehicle may be equipped with one or more driver assistance systems, each designed to automatically control the vehicle longitudinally and / or laterally. In particular, the vehicle may have a speed and / or stationary control system (e.g., adaptive cruise control, ACC, assistance system) configured to set, in particular regulate, the vehicle's speed (when traveling without a vehicle in front) to a target speed, and / or to set, in particular regulate, the distance between the vehicle and a vehicle directly in front to a target distance. The target speed and / or the target distance may be set by the user, in particular the driver, of the vehicle via the vehicle's user interface.Alternatively or additionally, the target speed can be automatically determined based on a speed limit and / or the signaling status of an upstream signaling unit, in particular an upstream traffic light system.

[0004] This document addresses the technical task of increasing the comfort and / or safety of a vehicle's cruise control system.

[0005] The problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, inter alia, in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a claim dependent on an independent claim, without the features of the independent claim itself or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent claim, can constitute a separate invention independent of the combination of all features of the independent claim, which can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can constitute an invention independent of the features of the independent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a device for reducing the target speed of a motor vehicle's cruise control is described. The cruise control can be configured to automatically adjust, and in particular regulate, the vehicle's speed according to the set target speed. The cruise control can be used to achieve automated longitudinal control of the vehicle.

[0007] The device can be configured to determine that the target speed of the vehicle's cruise control should be reduced to an updated target speed. This can be detected automatically, for example, based on sensor data from one or more environmental sensors (e.g., one or more cameras, radar sensors, lidar sensors, and / or ultrasonic sensors) of the vehicle and / or based on a digital map of the road network traveled by the vehicle.

[0008] The device can, for example, be configured to detect an upcoming section of the roadway being traveled by the vehicle where a speed limit applies (where the speed limit is lower than the vehicle's current speed and / or lower than the set target speed of the cruise control, e.g., by 10% or more or 20% or more). The updated target speed of the cruise control can then be automatically determined based on the speed limit. The target time and / or target position at which the vehicle's speed should correspond to the updated target speed can be the point of entry into the section with the detected speed limit.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to detect an upstream signaling unit, such as an upstream traffic signal, which has a signal state indicating that the vehicle must stop at the signaling unit's stop position. The signaling unit can be located, for example, at a traffic junction, such as an intersection. Based on this, the updated target speed can then be set to zero. The target time and / or target position at which the vehicle speed is to correspond to the updated target speed can be the stop position of the signaling unit.

[0010] The device is further configured to gather traffic information relating to traffic behind the vehicle. This traffic information may relate in particular to a vehicle behind the vehicle that is partially or completely behind it in relation to the vehicle's direction of travel (and which may be in the same lane or track as the vehicle). The vehicle behind the vehicle may be another (motor) vehicle. The traffic information may be gathered based on sensor data from one or more rear-facing environmental sensors (e.g., one or more cameras, radar sensors, lidar sensors, and / or ultrasonic sensors) of the vehicle.

[0011] For example, it can be used as traffic information to determine whether there is a rear-facing road user or not who is partially or completely behind the motor vehicle in relation to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (and who may be in the same lane or track as the motor vehicle).

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, traffic information can be obtained relating to one or more characteristics of a rear-facing road user who is partially or completely behind the motor vehicle in relation to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (and who may be located in the same lane or track as the motor vehicle).

[0013] Examples of characteristics of a rear-facing road user include,

[0014] • the type of vehicle approaching from behind (e.g. car, truck, bus, motorcycle and / or bicycle);

[0015] • the distance of the rear-facing road user from the motor vehicle;

[0016] • the speed of the vehicle approaching from behind; and / or

[0017] • the value of a positive or negative acceleration of the reverse

[0018] The device is further configured to decelerate the motor vehicle based on traffic information in order to (automatically) reduce the vehicle's speed to the updated target speed of the cruise control. The cruise control can, for example, operate at a preset target speed before it is recognized that the target speed needs to be reduced. The preset target speed can be, for example, 10% or more, or 20% or more, higher than the updated target speed. The vehicle's speed then essentially corresponds to the preset target speed. This means the vehicle can be automatically maintained at the preset target speed. Furthermore, the vehicle's speed can be automatically reduced to the updated target speed.Furthermore, following the reduction of the driving speed, it can be ensured that the speed controller is operated with the updated target speed, and that the vehicle is automatically guided longitudinally at the updated target speed.

[0019] By taking rear traffic into account when reducing the target speed of the cruise control (from a fixed target speed to an updated target speed), the comfort and safety of automated longitudinal control of the motor vehicle (using a cruise control) can be increased, especially for rear traffic.

[0020] The device can be configured to generate a first speed profile of the vehicle's speed in order to reduce the vehicle's speed (from an initial speed, e.g., corresponding to the previously set target speed) to the updated target speed of the cruise control when there is no vehicle approaching from behind. Furthermore, the device can be configured to generate a second speed profile of the vehicle's speed in order to reduce the vehicle's speed (from an initial speed, e.g., corresponding to the previously set target speed) to the updated target speed of the cruise control when there is a vehicle approaching from behind. Each speed profile can indicate the vehicle's speed as a function of position and / or time.

[0021] The first and second speed profiles are typically different. In particular, the second speed profile may, at least temporarily and / or on average, show a smaller absolute deceleration of the vehicle than the first speed profile. Alternatively or additionally, when using the second speed profile, the vehicle may travel a greater distance and / or require a longer period of time than when using the first speed profile to reduce its speed from the initial speed to the updated target speed.

[0022] By implementing different speed profiles for reducing the target speed of the cruise control, the comfort and safety of the cruise control can be significantly increased.

[0023] The device can be configured to determine the target time and / or position at which the vehicle's speed should or must reach the updated target speed. As explained above, these can correspond to entering a speed-limited area and / or the stop position of a traffic signal. The device can be configured to begin reducing the speed from the initial speed at a first time and / or position if there are no other vehicles approaching from behind. Alternatively, the device can be configured to begin reducing the speed from the initial speed at a second time and / or position if there are other vehicles approaching from behind.In this process, the second time point is preferably prior to the first time point and / or the second position is preferably prior to the first position. This can significantly increase the comfort and safety of the cruise control (if the updated target speed is to be reached at a specific target time and / or at a specific target position).

[0024] The device can be configured to generate a (second) speed profile of the vehicle in order to reduce its speed to the updated target speed of the cruise control, wherein the (second) speed profile depends on one or more characteristics of the vehicle behind. Based on these characteristics, for example, the typical deceleration behavior of the vehicle behind can be determined and taken into account when setting the (second) speed profile of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the second speed profile can be increasingly approximated to the first speed profile as the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle increases.By taking into account one or more characteristics of the vehicle behind, the comfort and safety of the cruise control system can be further enhanced. The device can be configured, based on traffic information relating to one or more characteristics of the vehicle behind and assuming a standard speed profile (e.g., the initial speed profile), to reduce the vehicle's speed to the updated target speed, and to determine the time and / or distance until a potential collision between the vehicle behind and the vehicle.The standard speed profile can be adjusted based on the determined time and / or distance traveled until a potential collision (particularly to avoid a collision) in order to determine the desired (second) speed profile of the vehicle. Performing a time-to-collision (TTC) calculation for the speed profile can further enhance the comfort and safety of the cruise control system.

[0025] The device can be configured to determine, based on traffic information, whether at least one rear-facing road user should be taken into account (or is being taken into account) when reducing the vehicle's speed to the updated target speed set by the cruise control. Furthermore, the device can be configured to issue a notification to the user, particularly the driver, via a user interface (of the vehicle) when it is determined that at least one rear-facing road user should be taken into account (or is being taken into account) when reducing the vehicle's speed to the updated target speed set by the cruise control. This further enhances the comfort and safety of the cruise control system.According to another aspect, a (road) motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle) is described that includes the device described in this document.

[0026] According to another aspect, a procedure for reducing the target speed of a motor vehicle's cruise control is described. The procedure involves determining that the target speed of the motor vehicle's cruise control (from a current target speed) should be reduced to an updated target speed. Furthermore, the procedure involves gathering traffic information regarding the traffic behind the motor vehicle, particularly concerning other road users. The procedure also includes decelerating the motor vehicle based on this traffic information in order to reduce its speed to the updated target speed of the cruise control.

[0027] It should be noted that the aspects described in connection with the device, in particular the claims described in connection with the device, are also applicable to the method as corresponding process features.

[0028] Another aspect described is a software (SW) program. The SW program can be configured to run on a processor (e.g., on a vehicle's control unit) and thereby execute the procedure described in this document.

[0029] According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium can include a software program configured to run on a processor and thereby execute the method described in this document. 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 aspect of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. Features listed in parentheses are to be understood as optional features.

[0030] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 shows exemplary components of a vehicle;

[0032] Figure 2a shows an example of a driving situation of the vehicle;

[0033] Figure 2b shows exemplary speed profiles for reducing the target speed of the vehicle's cruise control; and

[0034] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for reducing the target speed of a vehicle's cruise control.

[0035] As stated at the outset, this document deals with increasing the comfort and / or safety of a vehicle's cruise control system. In this context, Fig. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 100 with one or more environmental sensors 102, each configured to acquire sensor data (also referred to as environmental data) relating to the vehicle 100's surroundings. Examples of environmental sensors 102 include a camera, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.

[0036] A (control) device 101 of the vehicle 100 can be configured to evaluate environmental data, e.g., to detect one or more objects (e.g., other vehicles) in the (front and / or rear) vicinity of the vehicle 100. The device 101 can further be configured to effect automated longitudinal and / or lateral control of the vehicle 100 based on the environmental data, in particular based on the one or more detected objects. For this purpose, one or more longitudinal and / or lateral control actuators 103 (e.g., a drive motor, a braking device, and / or a steering device) of the vehicle can be controlled.

[0037] The automatic longitudinal guidance of vehicle 100 can be achieved, for example, by a speed and / or distance controller. Based on environmental data, the current distance of vehicle 100 to a vehicle directly in front of it can be determined. Furthermore, the distance controller can adjust, and in particular regulate, this current distance to a predefined target distance. The target distance can be set by the user, for example, via a user interface 104 of vehicle 100.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the driving speed of vehicle 100 can be automatically determined depending on a target speed when traveling freely without a vehicle in front, whereby the target speed may have been set by the user via the user interface 104 of vehicle 100.

[0039] During operation of the cruise control, a situation may arise in which the target speed of the cruise control is reduced, in particular significantly reduced, e.g., by 10% or more, or by 20% or more (based on the previously set target speed). This reduction may have been initiated by the user via the user interface 104. Alternatively or additionally, the reduction may have been caused automatically by a change in the speed limit on the roadway being traveled by the vehicle 100, or by the signal status of an upstream signaling device, in particular an upstream traffic signal.Reducing the target speed of the cruise control may impair the comfort and / or safety of one or more road users following the vehicle at 100 on the currently traveled lane, especially if the target speed of the cruise control is achieved with a relatively high deceleration value.

[0040] Fig. 2a shows an exemplary driving situation in which vehicle 100 is traveling on lane 230 towards a traffic sign 220 indicating a speed limit that applies from the traffic sign 220 onwards on lane 230. The device 101 can be configured to recognize the traffic sign 220 based on camera data from a surround-view camera 102 of vehicle 100 and to determine the speed limit based on this camera data. Furthermore, the device 101 can be configured to determine an updated target speed for the cruise control based on the speed limit. The updated target speed can then be used as the new setpoint for the cruise control, so that the driving speed of vehicle 100 is automatically adjusted to the updated target speed.

[0041] The initial speed 211 of vehicle 100, which corresponds, for example, to the previously set target speed of the cruise control, can be significantly higher than the updated target speed. Alternatively or additionally, the distance 212 remaining for vehicle 100 to reduce its speed to the updated target speed can be relatively short. This can result in a relatively strong deceleration of vehicle 100 by the cruise control, which could affect a following road user 200 traveling behind vehicle 100 in the same direction of travel. The device 101 of vehicle 100 can be configured to determine traffic information regarding traffic behind vehicle 100 based on sensor data from one or more (rear-facing) environmental sensors 102. The traffic information can indicate

[0042] • whether another road user 200 is positioned behind vehicle 100 on the current carriageway 230, in particular on the current lane of vehicle 100;

[0043] • the type of following road user 200, e.g. cyclist, motorcycle, bus, truck and / or car;

[0044] • the distance of the following road user 202 from the vehicle 100;

[0045] • the current speed of the following road user 201; and / or

[0046] • a positive or negative acceleration of the following road user 200.

[0047] The device 101 of the vehicle 100 can further be configured to reduce the vehicle 100's speed from the initial speed 211 to the updated target speed of the cruise control, depending on the traffic information. For example, a lower deceleration can be used to reduce the speed when there is a following road user 200 behind the vehicle 100 than when there is no following road user 200 behind the vehicle 100.

[0048] Fig. 2b shows exemplary time profiles of the driving speed 250 for reducing the driving speed 250 from the initial speed 211 to the updated target speed 251 of the speed controller. The first profile 261 of the driving speed 250 exhibits a relatively large deceleration, so that only a relatively short distance and / or a relatively short time is required to reach the updated target speed 251. The second profile 262 of the driving speed 250 exhibits a relatively small deceleration, so that a relatively long distance and / or a relatively long time is required to reach the updated target speed 251.

[0049] The device 101 can be configured to effect the first phase 261 of the driving speed 250 if the traffic information indicates that no other road user 200 is behind the vehicle 100. Conversely, the device 101 can be configured to effect the second phase 261 of the driving speed 250 (with the reduced deceleration) if the traffic information indicates that another road user 200 is behind the vehicle 100. This increases comfort and safety for the following road user 200.

[0050] Figure 2b shows the vehicle speed 250 of vehicle 100 as a function of the time-based and / or distance-based driving progress 240. A driving progress 240 can correspond to a time and / or a position of vehicle 100 during a journey. Figure 2b shows that vehicle 100 requires a smaller driving progress interval 271 for the first path 261 than for the second path 262 (driving progress interval 272).

[0051] The device 101 can be configured to determine whether the vehicle's speed 250 at a specific stage of progress, particularly at a specific target position and / or time, must correspond to the updated target speed 251. When the vehicle 100 approaches a speed-limited area or a red light stop, its speed 250 at the entrance to the speed-limited area or at the red light stop typically must or should correspond to the updated target speed 251.

[0052] The device 101 can be configured to assign the final travel progress 242, 243 of the respective speed profile 261, 262 to the specific target position and / or target time at which the travel speed 250 of the vehicle 100 must correspond to the updated target speed 251. Based on this, the initial travel progress 241 for the respective speed profile 261, 262 can be determined, from which the travel speed 250 of the vehicle 100 must be reduced in order to reduce the travel speed 250 according to the respective speed profile 261, 262. It can thus be ensured that the travel speed 250 is reduced relatively early when using the second profile 262 (if there is a following road user 200 behind the vehicle 100).On the other hand, it can be ensured that the driving speed 250 is reduced relatively late when using the first course 261 (if there is no following road user 200 behind the vehicle 100).

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the device 101 can be configured to use the same initial speed progression 241 for the first and second speed profiles 261, 262, particularly when the updated target speed 251 does not need to be reached at a specific target position and / or at a specific target time. This can significantly increase comfort and safety.

[0054] The device 101 can be configured to provide the second speed profile 262, which is used when there is a following road user 200 behind the vehicle 100, depending on the determined traffic information, in particular depending on • the type of following road user 200 (and an associated standard deceleration of the respective road user type);

[0055] • from the distance of the following road user 202, from the vehicle 100;

[0056] • of the current speed of the following road user 201; and / or

[0057] • to adjust the value of the positive or negative acceleration of the following road user to 200. This can significantly increase comfort and safety.

[0058] The device 101 can thus be configured to adapt the deceleration dynamics (in particular the deceleration lower limit) and / or the target point achievement for the updated target speed 251 to the rear traffic, in particular to a rear traffic participant 200.

[0059] For example, a vehicle 200 approaching from behind can be detected, traveling at a relatively high speed 201. Furthermore, traffic information can be obtained to determine whether the approaching vehicle is in the same lane as vehicle 100 or in a different lane (particularly a right-hand lane in a right-hand traffic system) of roadway 230. It may be detected that the speed 201 of the approaching vehicle 200 is higher than the updated target speed 251. Additionally, it may be detected that the distance 202 of the approaching vehicle 200 is equal to or less than a distance threshold. In this case, the minimum deceleration threshold can be increased (to a smaller absolute value, e.g., to a coasting deceleration, as if the driver of vehicle 100 were releasing the accelerator).As a result, the speed profile 262 is extended to reduce the driving speed 250 (so that the updated target speed 251 may only be reached after entering the area with a speed limit).

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the device 101 can be configured to perform a TTC (Time-to-Collision) calculation for a possible collision between the following road user 200 and the vehicle 100. It can be assumed that the vehicle 100 decelerates with a certain deceleration, e.g., that its speed 250 is reduced according to the initial speed profile 261. Furthermore, it can be assumed that the following road user 200 maintains its current speed 201. Depending on the calculated TTC, the vehicle 100 can then be decelerated.

[0061] For example, a speed profile 262 can be planned that takes into account the updated target speed 251, possibly with a specific speed offset. The speed profile 262 can be planned in such a way that it does not exhibit any deceleration and / or acceleration plateau.

[0062] The device 101 can be configured to inform the user, in particular the driver, of the vehicle 100 about the consideration of rear traffic when adjusting the target speed of the cruise control, e.g. by issuing a message via the user interface 104. The user can be informed in particular why a new speed limit may not be observed immediately upon entering the speed limit area.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the user can be enabled to activate or deactivate the consideration of rear traffic when adjusting the target speed of the cruise control via the user interface 104. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a (possibly computer-implemented) method 300 for reducing the target speed of the cruise control of a motor vehicle 100. The method 300 can be executed by a control device 101 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0064] Procedure 300 comprises determining 301 that the target speed of the cruise control of motor vehicle 100 must be reduced to an updated target speed 251. For example, it can be detected that the motor vehicle 100 is approaching an area with a speed limit lower than the currently set target speed of the cruise control. Alternatively or additionally, it can be detected that the motor vehicle 100 is approaching a signaling device, such as a traffic light, which has a stop position where the motor vehicle 100 must stop. In this case, the updated target speed can be automatically set to zero. Alternatively or additionally, it can be detected that the target speed of the cruise control has been reduced by the user, in particular the driver, of the motor vehicle 100 via the user interface 104.

[0065] The procedure 300 further includes the determination 302 of traffic information relating to the traffic behind the vehicle 100. The traffic information can, for example, indicate whether another road user 200 is positioned behind the vehicle 100. Alternatively or additionally, the traffic information can indicate one or more characteristics of another road user 200. The traffic information can be determined based on the sensor data from one or more (rear) environmental sensors 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the procedure 300 includes decelerating 303 of the motor vehicle 100, depending on the traffic information, to reduce the vehicle's speed 250 to the updated target speed 251 of the cruise control. The amount of deceleration of the motor vehicle 100 can be adjusted depending on the traffic information. The deceleration of the motor vehicle 100 can be automated, i.e., within the framework of automated longitudinal control and / or within the framework of cruise control. Following the reduction of the vehicle's speed 250, the cruise control can automatically maintain longitudinal control at the updated target speed 251.

[0067] The measures described in this document can increase the comfort and safety of road users 200 in connection with the operation of a vehicle's cruise control 100. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices, and systems by way of example.

Claims

Claims 1) Device (101) for reducing the target speed of a cruise control of a motor vehicle (100); wherein the device (101) is configured, - to determine that the target speed of the motor vehicle's cruise control (100) is to be reduced to an updated target speed (251); - To determine traffic information relating to the reverse traffic of the motor vehicle (100); and - to decelerate the motor vehicle (100) depending on the traffic information in order to reduce the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control. 2) Device (101) according to claim 1, wherein the device (101) is configured, - to determine as traffic information whether there is a rear-facing road user (200) or not who is positioned partially or completely behind the motor vehicle (100) in relation to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle (100); - to effect an initial speed profile (261) of the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) in order to reduce the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control when there is no following road user (200); and - to effect a second speed profile (262) of the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) in order to adjust the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control to reduce when there is a rear-facing road user (200); where the first and second speed profiles (261, 262) are different. 3) Device (101) according to claim 2, wherein - the second speed profile (262) exhibits a lower absolute deceleration at least temporarily and / or on average than the first speed profile (261); and / or - the motor vehicle (100) travels a longer distance and / or takes a longer time to reduce the driving speed (250) from an initial speed (211) to the updated target speed (251) when using the second speed profile (262) than when using the first speed profile (261). 4) Device (101) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the device (101) is configured, - to determine a target time and / or target position at which the driving speed (250) should or must reach the updated target speed (251); - to begin reducing the speed (250) from an initial speed (211) at a first point in time and / or at a first position if there is no road user (200) behind; and - to begin reducing the speed (250) from the initial speed (211) at a second time and / or position if there is a road user (200) approaching from behind; wherein the second time is before the first time and / or the second position is before the first position. 5) Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured, - to ascertain traffic information relating to one or more characteristics of a rear-facing road user (200) who is positioned partially or completely behind the motor vehicle (100) in relation to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle (100); and - to effect a speed profile (262) of the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) in order to reduce the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the speed controller, which depends on one or more characteristics of the rear road user (200). 6) Device (101) according to claim 5, comprising one or more properties of the rear-facing road user (200), - one type of rear-facing road user (200); - a distance (202) of the rear road user (200) from the motor vehicle (100); - a driving speed (201) of the following road user (200); and / or - a value of a positive or negative acceleration of the rear-facing road user (200). 7) Device (101) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the device (101) is configured, - based on traffic information relating to one or more characteristics of the rear road user (200) and assuming a standard speed profile (261) to reduce the speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251), a time duration and / or a distance traveled until a possible collision of the to determine the rear road user (200) with the motor vehicle (100); and - to adapt the standard speed profile (261) depending on the determined time duration and / or the determined distance traveled until a possible collision in order to determine the speed profile (262) to be effected of the driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100). 8) Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured, - to identify an upcoming section of a roadway (230) travelled by the motor vehicle (100) for which a speed limit applies; and - to determine the updated target speed of the cruise control based on the speed limit; and / or - to detect an upcoming signaling unit that has a signaling state indicating that the motor vehicle (100) must stop at a stop position of the signaling unit; and - based on that, to set the updated target speed to zero. 9) Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to determine traffic information based on sensor data from one or more rear environment sensors (102) of the motor vehicle (100). 10) Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101) is configured to determine, based on traffic information, whether at least one rear-facing road user (200) should reduce the The vehicle's speed (250) (100) is to be taken into account in relation to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control; and - to issue a notification to a user of the motor vehicle (100) via a user interface (104) when it is determined that at least one rear-facing road user (200) must be taken into account when reducing the speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control. 11) Method (300) for reducing the target speed of a cruise control system of a motor vehicle (100); wherein the method (300) comprises, - Determine (301) that the target speed of the motor vehicle's cruise control (100) is to be reduced to an updated target speed (251); - Determining (302) traffic information relating to a rear traffic of the motor vehicle (100); and - Deceleration (303) of the motor vehicle (100) depending on the traffic information in order to reduce a driving speed (250) of the motor vehicle (100) to the updated target speed (251) of the cruise control.

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