Method for creating a communication link between a traffic system and a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating a communication link (22) between a traffic system (10) and a vehicle (14), wherein the traffic system (10) has a communication system (20) and the vehicle has a communication device (30) for establishing a communication link (22), wherein a plurality of communication models (36) for establishing a communication link (22) are available for the communication system (20) and the communication device (30), wherein the method involves the following steps: - registering the vehicle (14) with the traffic system (10), in particular by sending a request from the communication device (30) to the communication system (20); - assigning a communication model (36) for the communication link (22) between the communication system (20) and the communication device (30) while the vehicle (14) is driving over the traffic area (12), in particular for the entire stay on the traffic area (12); - establishing a communication link (22) and maintaining the communication link (22) between the communication system (20) and the communication device (30) via the specified communication model.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for establishing a communication link between a traffic system and a vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for establishing a communication link between a traffic system and a vehicle.

[0004] Vehicle traffic systems are known from the prior art in which a permanent communication link is established and maintained between the vehicle and the traffic system while the vehicle is within the traffic system. Information can be exchanged between the vehicle and the traffic system via this communication link. In traffic systems where the system partially or completely takes over the control of the vehicle, driving instructions or control commands are sent to the vehicle via this communication link. Such traffic systems use direct communication, meaning a separate communication link is established with each vehicle, allowing individualized information, driving instructions, and control commands to be sent to and received from each vehicle.

[0005] Various communication technologies are available for establishing communication connections, such as local or global communication networks, mobile communication or transmission standards, each with a defined communication bandwidth. Within this communication bandwidth, different communication channels can be defined for the respective communication technology, each utilizing a portion of this bandwidth.

[0006] Since a multitude of communication links must be established between the various vehicles and the traffic system within a traffic system, these links must be distributed across existing communication technologies, particularly the various communication channels, to prevent excessive utilization of any single channel. Dynamic methods are known in the art for this purpose, in which channel utilization is monitored during operation and, if necessary, an existing communication link is switched from one channel to another. However, such channel switching is very resource-intensive. Furthermore, channel switching introduces latency, which can lead to a slight delay in the transmission of information, driving instructions, or control commands.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a method for establishing a communication link between a traffic system and a vehicle that enables a simple and reliable establishment of a permanent communication link between the traffic system and a vehicle.

[0008] To solve the problem, a method for establishing a communication link between a traffic system and a vehicle is provided, wherein the traffic system has a communication system and the vehicle has a communication device for establishing a communication link, wherein several communication models are available for the communication system and the communication device for establishing a communication link, and wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0009] - Registering the vehicle with the traffic system, in particular by sending a request from the communication device to the communication system,

[0010] - Assigning a communication model for the communication link between the communication system and the communication device during the vehicle's passage through the traffic area, in particular for the entire time spent on the traffic area, - Establishing a communication link and maintaining the communication link between the communication system and the communication device via the specified communication model.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of ​​avoiding costly channel switching and latency caused by changing communication models by assigning a single communication model for each user within the traffic system. To prevent over-congestion of a communication channel or model, or to minimize mutual interference between communication links, the traffic system centrally assigns the communication model according to predefined criteria. In particular, the communication models are assigned in such a way as to ensure a consistent utilization of the available communication models throughout the entire operation of the traffic system, and to prevent excessive utilization of individual communication models or interference between communication links.

[0012] For example, communication models are communication channels within a communication technology, and the selection of the communication model includes the selection of the communication channel. Within a communication technology, a certain communication bandwidth is available, which is typically divided into various communication channels, each utilizing a portion of this bandwidth. Distributing the bandwidth across different communication channels ensures that it is used as efficiently as possible. In particular, care is taken to minimize mutual interference between the communication connections of the individual communication channels.

[0013] Optionally or additionally, the communication models can also include multiple communication technologies, with the selection of the communication model encompassing the selection of the communication technology. For example, various mobile communication or transmission standards, or different communication networks, may be available, and the assignment of the communication model takes into account the distribution across the different communication technologies as well as the utilization of each individual communication technology. In particular, multiple communication channels may exist within a single communication technology, and the assignment of the communication model encompasses the number and type of communication channels of each communication technology.

[0014] Preferably, the communication model is the same throughout, so that no switches between communication models are necessary. Therefore, complex technologies or procedures to maintain the communication link and ensure the required transmission speed and security during such a switch are not required.

[0015] Preferably, the communication models can be defined for specific areas of the traffic surface, and a switch between two communication models can be planned and implemented at defined transfer points between these areas. These transfer points are selected to allow for a fast and reliable change of communication link between the two communication technologies. In particular, the transfer points are chosen so that a slight delay in information or signal transmission is tolerable and, especially, not critical for safety. Assigning communication models to defined areas can have the advantage of allowing the selection of the best possible communication model for each area.Furthermore, the utilization of all available communication models can be defined for each area, thus enabling better utilization of all communication models across the entire transport system. For example, the assignment of a communication model depends on the existing communication connections of the individual communication models. This means that the distribution of existing communication connections across the available communication models and / or the utilization of the available communication models by the existing communication connections are taken into account.

[0016] Furthermore, a sequence can be defined for the communication models, in which the assignment of the communication models takes place, and the communication connections are cyclically assigned to the communication models in the defined sequence. For example, known or expected interactions between different communication models, such as between adjacent communication channels, are taken into account when defining the sequence. In particular, the sequence initially selects those communication models whose interaction with each other is minimal. Only when these communication models are occupied by communication connections are the remaining communication models used.In particular, the sequence can also take into account a higher allocation of communication links between different communication models, for example certain communication technologies, if more communication links without mutual influence are possible for this communication model than for another communication model.

[0017] Optionally, several can initially be included within a communication model or within a communication technology.

[0018] Communication connections are established before switching to a different communication model or technology. Preferably, a threshold for the number of communication connections is defined for each communication model, and connections are allocated to that model until the threshold is reached. This allows one communication model to be fully utilized while another is held in reserve in case additional connections are needed.

[0019] Preferably, the assignment of a communication model depends on minimizing or keeping the impact on existing communication links low.

[0020] In particular, the vehicle's planned route can be taken into account when assigning the communication model. This means considering the areas the vehicle will travel through and / or the expected travel time. Specifically, considering the route allows for an estimation of the period for which a communication link must be maintained, thus enabling an estimation of when the selected communication model will no longer be occupied by that link. For example, a communication model whose connection is expected to end soon can be reassigned to a new one.In particular, communication models for different communication links can be considered if, based on the selection of the vehicle route, it is determined that the distance between the route and thus the distance between the transmitting devices for the respective communication links is sufficiently large to prevent mutual interference between the communication links.

[0021] In particular, the assignment of the communication model to the existing communication links of the individual communication models along the planned route can be taken into account. For example, communication models along a planned route can be reserved so that they are not available to other vehicles. Specifically, the communication links for different sections of the route can be selected, which may enable faster handovers between the communication models. In particular, impending interference between the communication links can be anticipated and thus avoided, for example, by selecting the route appropriately or by handing over to another communication model in a timely manner.

[0022] When assigning the communication model, the routes of the vehicles to which a communication link exists and the communication models used for these communication links can also be taken into account.

[0023] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the attached drawings. These show:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a transport system;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a representation of the communication models available for the traffic system between the traffic system and a vehicle;

[0026] Figure 3 shows a flowchart for selecting a communication model for communication between a vehicle and the traffic system.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a traffic system 10. The traffic system 10 has a traffic area 12 on which vehicles 14 can move, as well as several monitoring sensors 16 that can detect the entire traffic area 12 and the vehicles 14 and road users moving within it. Furthermore, the traffic system 10 has a control unit 18 and a communication device 20 for establishing separate communication links 22 to each of the vehicles 14.

[0028] In the embodiment shown here, traffic area 14 is a parking area and traffic system 10 is a parking system for vehicles. Traffic area 14 has parking spaces 24 and driving lanes 26 via which vehicles 12 can access the parking spaces.

[0029] Based on the information about the traffic area 12 and the vehicles 14 moving within it, acquired by the monitoring sensors 16, the control unit 18 can determine a route 28 within the traffic area 12 for each vehicle 14 and generate corresponding driving instructions or control commands for the vehicles 14. These driving instructions or control commands can be sent to the vehicles 14 via the communication link 22.

[0030] Each of the vehicles 14 has a communication unit 30 for establishing a communication link 22 with the communication device 20. Via the communication unit 30 or the communication link 22, the vehicles 14 can receive control commands and forward them to a vehicle control unit 32. The vehicle control unit 32 can execute the control commands so that the vehicles 14 are moved through the traffic area 12 by the traffic system 10, in particular remotely.

[0031] The traffic system 10 also has a transfer area 34. A vehicle user can hand over their vehicle 14 to the parking system in the transfer area 34. The parking system then establishes a communication link 22 with the vehicle 14, whereby the vehicle is uniquely identified, particularly in the transfer area 34, and subsequently controls it remotely by sending control commands to a parking space 36 in the parking area 24.

[0032] If the vehicle user wishes to use their vehicle 14, a communication link 22 is re-established with the vehicle 14, and the vehicle 14 is driven to the handover area 34 via corresponding control commands, where the vehicle user can take possession of their vehicle 14. The traffic system 10 monitors the vehicles 14 within the traffic area 12 with the monitoring sensors 16 and, based on the information from the monitoring sensors 16, can correct the control commands or driving instructions for the vehicles 14 if necessary, for example, to ensure that the vehicles 14 move along the determined routes 28 or to react to critical situations or prevent their occurrence.

[0033] The control of the vehicles 14 within the traffic area 12 is completely taken over by the traffic system 10. The traffic system 10 is responsible for both monitoring the vehicles 14 and the traffic area 12, as well as controlling the vehicles 14.

[0034] The control of the vehicle 14 includes sending driving instructions and / or control commands, which are implemented by the vehicle 14, in particular semi-automatically or automatically, as well as monitoring the vehicle 14 and its movements within the traffic space 12. That is, the traffic system 10 also detects the surroundings of the vehicles 14 and sends corresponding control commands to swerve or stop a vehicle 14 if there are hazards or obstacles for the vehicle or other road users within the traffic space 12.

[0035] The control of the vehicles 14 takes place in a closed-loop system in which the position and direction of movement of the vehicles 14 are repeatedly checked by the monitoring sensors 16 and the control unit 18 and compared with the control commands and the determined travel distance 28. If the position and / or direction of movement of a vehicle 14 deviates from the determined travel distance 28, or if the journey along the travel distance 28 cannot be continued, for example, due to obstacles or hazards, appropriately corrected control commands can be sent to the vehicle 14. If several vehicles 14 are in the parking system 10, the travel distances 28 are calculated for them so that they do not overlap. Alternatively, the traffic system can also send the determined travel distance 28 to vehicle 12, and vehicle 12 moves autonomously along this travel distance 28.Even in this embodiment, the vehicle and its movements are continuously monitored by the traffic system 10 with the monitoring sensors 16. If the vehicle 12 deviates from the transmitted route 28, a corrected route 28 is determined and sent to the vehicle 12, or a warning message is sent to the vehicle 12.

[0036] Various communication models 36 (see Figure 2) are available for establishing the communication connection 22. In the embodiment shown here, several communication channels 40 of different communication technologies 38 are available as communication models 36.

[0037] Communication technologies 38 can be, for example, global or local communication networks that use existing known transmission technologies, such as mobile communication standards, WLAN standards or special standards developed for communication within a transport system.

[0038] Within a communication technology, the available bandwidth for the transmission of information can be divided into different communication channels 40, whereby several separate communication connections 22 can also be established within a communication channel 40.

[0039] In particular, within these communication models 36, a unique, direct, and discrete communication link 22 can always be established with a vehicle 14. That is, a separate communication link 22 is established with each vehicle 14, so that communication via the communication link 22 is only possible with that specific vehicle 14.

[0040] This requires a large number of communication links when there are multiple vehicles.

[0041] Typically, 10 transmitting devices 42 are provided within the traffic system for the various communication technologies 36. Within the traffic system 10, it must always be ensured that an established communication link 22 is maintained in order to be able to quickly send driving instructions to the vehicle 14, especially in dangerous situations.

[0042] Therefore, when a vehicle 14 travels over the traffic area 12, the communication link 22 is transferred from one transmitting device 42 to the next transmitting device 42.

[0043] Typically, the transmitting devices 42 can dynamically distribute the communication links 22 required in their transmission range among the available communication models 36. In particular, the utilization of the respective communication models 36 can be taken into account for each transmitting device 42. This means that a change of communication model 36 can occur when a transmission device 42 is handed off to another. However, these dynamic changes of communication models 36 can lead to latencies, which can result in minor, undesirable delays in the control loop of the traffic system.

[0044] To avoid these disadvantages, vehicle 14, particularly in the transfer area 34, is assigned a communication model 36 for the communication link 22, which is maintained throughout the entire journey of vehicle 14 within the traffic system 10. After the assignment of the communication model 36, a communication link 22 to vehicle 14 is established in the transfer area 34 via this communication model 36, and vehicle 14 is controlled via this communication link 22.

[0045] The selection of the communication model 36 can include both the selection of a communication technology 38 and a communication channel 40, whereby the selection takes into account the utilization of all communication models 36 in the traffic system 10. In particular, the control unit 18 assigns the communication models 36 in such a way that a substantially equal utilization of all communication models 36 and / or the lowest possible mutual interference of the existing communication links 22 is always ensured.

[0046] Preferably, the assignment of the communication model 36 includes an assignment of the communication model for the entire stay within the traffic system 10. Furthermore, different communication models 36 can also be assigned to different areas of the traffic area 14 during the initial assignment, if this is necessary for the even utilization of the communication models 36 or to ensure the safety and reliability of the communication link 22. In particular, fixed transfer points 44 can be defined within the traffic area 12, at which a transfer from one communication model 36 to a second communication model 36 can take place. These transfer points 44 are specifically positioned and planned in such a way that any latencies that may occur at these transfer points 44 are tolerable. Furthermore, such latencies can be further reduced by the planned transfer process.In any case, the allocation and planning of the handover takes place before the initial establishment of a communication link.

[0047] The allocation of communication models 36 can be carried out in various ways. For example, a sequence of communication models 36 can be defined, such as a specific order in which the communication connections 22 are distributed among the communication models 36. Within this sequence, the communication connections 22 are allocated cyclically to the individual communication models 36, ensuring that all communication models 36 are always assigned approximately the same number of communication connections 22. In particular, the maximum number of communication connections 22 for each communication model 36 can be considered when creating the sequence. For example, communication models 36 with a higher maximum number of communication connections 22 are considered more frequently in the sequence.

[0048] Furthermore, within this sequence of communication models, 36 threshold values ​​for the number of communication connections 22 can be assigned to each communication model. Within a communication model, 36 communication connections are assigned until the threshold for that model is reached. Subsequently, the connections are assigned to the next communication model in the sequence until its threshold is reached. In particular, multiple threshold values ​​can be assigned to the communication models. The assignment of communication models can, for example, be cyclical and continue until a first or subsequent threshold is reached. If a subsequent communication model is already occupied by an existing communication connection 22, that model can be skipped during the assignment process.

[0049] Furthermore, when assigning communication models 36, existing or anticipated mutual interference between existing communication links 22, in particular between the different communication models 36, can be taken into account. For example, communication channels 38 whose frequency ranges are as far apart as possible can be considered first. Both frequency ranges or the distance between frequency ranges, as well as existing utilization of the communication models 36 by existing communication links 22, can be considered as criteria here. In addition, the route 28 determined for the vehicle 14 can be taken into account when assigning the communication models 36.In this context, it can be taken into account, in particular, that a communication model 36 can be used continuously along the route 28, or that a change between two communication models 36 only takes place within a transfer point 44. In particular, the routes 28 of all other vehicles 14 on the traffic area 12 can also be taken into account. In particular, it can be taken into account at what time the communication connections 22 of the vehicles 14 are established via the individual transmitting devices 42. In particular, the assignment of the communication models 36 is carried out such that the number of communication connections 22 within a communication model 36 at the individual transmitting devices 42 is always below a defined limit.

[0050] In particular, when considering the routes 28 or the utilization of the individual communication models 36, the information to be sent via communication link 22 can also be taken into account. For example, only a few control commands may be required for certain routes 28, so that the selected communication model 36 is only minimally utilized by the communication link 22.

[0051] Furthermore, the transmitting device 42 can send information about its utilization by the various communication models 36, as well as any interference caused by other communication models 36 or other, particularly external, communication technologies, to a control unit 20. This information can be taken into account when assigning a communication model 36 to a vehicle 14, ensuring that the most reliable communication connection 22 to the vehicle 14 is always established. Additional factors can also be considered to ensure the most even utilization of the communication models 36 and the most reliable communication connections 22.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for establishing a communication link (22) between a traffic system (10) and a vehicle (14), wherein the traffic system (10) has a communication system (20) and the vehicle has a communication device (30) for establishing a communication link (22), wherein several communication models (36) for establishing a communication link (22) are available for the communication system (20) and the communication device (30), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Registration of the vehicle (14) with the traffic system (10), in particular by sending a request from the communication device (30) to the communication system (20), - Assigning a communication model (36) for the communication link (22) between the communication system (20) and the communication device (30) during the passage of the vehicle (14) on the traffic area (12), in particular for the entire time spent on the traffic area (12), - Establishing and maintaining a communication link (22) between the communication system (20) and the communication device (30) via the specified communication model (36).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication models (36) comprise communication channels (40) of a communication technology (38), wherein the selection of the communication model (36) comprises the selection of the communication channel (40).

3. A method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the communication models (36) are several communication technologies (38), wherein the selection of the The communication model (36) includes the selection of the communication technology (38).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication model (36) is consistently the same communication model (36).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication model (36) is defined for defined areas of the traffic area (12) and a change between two communication models (36) is planned and carried out at defined transfer points (42) between the areas.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assignment of the communication model (36) is carried out depending on the existing communication connections (22) of the individual communication models (36).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sequence is assigned to the communication models (36) and the communication connections (22) are cyclically assigned to the communication models (36) in the specified sequence.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each communication model (36) a threshold value for the number of communication links (22) is set and the communication links (22) are assigned to the communication models (36) until the respective threshold value is reached.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assignment of a communication model (36) is made depending on minimizing the influence on existing communication links (22).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the route (28) intended for the vehicle (14) is taken into account when assigning the communication model (22).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that when assigning the communication model (36) the existing communication links (22) of the individual communication models (36) along the intended route are taken into account.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that when assigning the communication model (36), the routes (28) of the vehicles (14) to which a communication link (22) exists and the communication models (36) used for these communication links (22) are taken into account.

Images