Method and apparatus for guiding drivers of motor vehicles, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for guiding drivers of motor vehicles (1), comprising the steps of: - detecting the occurrence of a traffic situation deviating from a normal traffic situation; - detecting a position of the motor vehicle (1) in relation to a road being travelled on; - outputting a visually perceptible instruction (A1, A2) to the driver for a lane change or a departure from the current lane, characterized in that the visually perceptible instruction (A1, A2) is output in a traffic field of vision (2) of the driver in which the driver has the road traffic in front of the motor vehicle (1) in view.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and device for instructing drivers of motor vehicles and motor vehicles

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for guiding drivers of motor vehicles or to an assistance system and a vehicle with such an assistance system.

[0004] Various driver assistance systems are known from the state of the art, designed to guide a driver towards specific driving behavior. For example, parking aids are known that show the driver how to maneuver into a parking space. In addition, driver assistance systems are known that guide the driver towards specific traffic behavior. It has also long been known in the state of the art to guide a driver through visual cues, for example, by giving instructions to move into a specific lane.

[0005] A particularly difficult traffic situation arises, for example, during traffic jams on highways when an emergency lane needs to be created for emergency vehicles. In practice, road users are obligated to form emergency lanes when traffic jams occur. This should ideally be completed before emergency vehicles approach. In practice, however, drivers are often surprised by the approach of emergency vehicles and panic because the emergency lane hasn't been formed and speed is now essential.

[0006] German patent DE 102018 001 583 A1 discloses a method and a device for detecting and displaying at least one special signal emanating from an emergency vehicle. This allows the driver to be alerted to the approach of an emergency vehicle. The vehicle's surroundings are captured by means of at least one camera and at least one microphone.

[0007] DE 102014223 881 A1 describes a warning system for a vehicle and a method for operating such a warning system. This includes a signaling device for issuing a warning to the driver. Furthermore, DE 102016.0012071 discloses a motor vehicle which can issue warning information to a driver by means of light sources.

[0008] Existing warning systems have the disadvantage of distracting the driver from the road, for example, because they are displayed on screens inside the vehicle. This requires the driver to actively look at the displays or take their eyes off the road. This can be particularly detrimental in traffic jams, as sudden braking by vehicles ahead is always a possibility.

[0009] In addition, existing warning systems are limited to specific routes such as highways or highway-like roads.

[0010] In addition, it would be advantageous to create a way to use existing systems in motor vehicles accordingly.

[0011] The aforementioned problems are solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0012] In a method according to the invention for instructing drivers of motor vehicles, the following steps are carried out:

[0013] First, the system detects the occurrence of a traffic situation that deviates from a normal traffic situation. This could be, for example, an accident or a traffic jam. Detection is possible, for instance, using a front camera or through C2X communication with a vehicle ahead. Additionally, an (unusual) vehicle speed can be recorded and considered an indicator of an unusual traffic situation, such as when the vehicle is traveling at less than 50 km / h on a highway.

[0014] A traffic situation that deviates from a normal traffic situation can also include a situation with a significantly slowed or even completely stopped traffic flow (compared, for example, to a traffic flow for which the capacity of the roads is sufficient or designed). A traffic situation that deviates from a normal traffic situation can also be caused, for example, by a (particularly temporary) traffic obstruction, such as a bottleneck, roadworks, an accident, and / or a (temporary) event, such as adverse weather conditions like icy roads (or the risk thereof), or flooded road sections.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle's position relative to a (currently) traveled road is recorded. For example, the lane the vehicle is in can be determined. This can be done using GPS systems or by monitoring the vehicle's surroundings with cameras or distance sensors.

[0016] Furthermore, a visually perceptible instruction to the driver to change lanes or leave the current lane is issued.

[0017] According to the invention, the visually perceptible instruction is displayed within the driver's field of vision, in which the driver has or maintains a view of the road traffic in front of the vehicle. Preferably, the visually perceptible instruction is thus perceptible to the driver without requiring them to take their eyes off the traffic situation (especially in front of the vehicle).

[0018] This means that the information is not displayed on a screen, as is sometimes the case with older technology, which the driver has to look at, thus preventing them from taking their attention away from the road. In this way, driving safety can be maintained, especially in more critical situations such as traffic jams or the occurrence of traffic jams.

[0019] In a preferred method, the visually perceptible instruction is an instruction to form an emergency lane.

[0020] Therefore, an assistance system for motor vehicles that works via optical means is proposed, which also alerts the user to the approach of an emergency vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, both an instruction to form an emergency lane and information characteristic of an emergency vehicle are displayed. For example, the distance between the emergency vehicle and the other vehicle, or the speed of the emergency vehicle, can be shown. In a particularly preferred method, the traffic situation deviating from the normal traffic situation is a traffic jam or a traffic accident.

[0022] However, other traffic situations are also conceivable, especially in urban areas, such as slow-moving traffic or, more generally, a situation in which space needs to be created, for example for an emergency vehicle to pass, such as a police car or ambulance.

[0023] In another preferred method, the visually perceptible instruction is displayed via at least a section of the windshield and / or via at least one exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. These display positions have the advantage that the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road. In particular, portions of the windshield remain visible to the driver, as do any light or warning signals on the exterior mirrors.

[0024] In addition, existing technology in a vehicle can be used to implement the invention. For example, vehicles in the prior art often already have light elements in the exterior mirrors that are suitable for displaying warning messages.

[0025] In another preferred method, the instruction is issued via the vehicle's head-up display (HUD). Here, too, the driver preferably does not need to take their eyes off the road.

[0026] In a further preferred method, the visually perceptible instruction is displayed via at least two, preferably spaced-apart, sections of the windshield and / or via two exterior mirrors of the vehicle and / or two spaced-apart sections of a head-up display (HUD). These areas are preferably perceptible to the driver, for example, at the upper or lower edge of the windshield. Alternatively, the instructions can also be displayed at the side edges of the windshield.

[0027] In another preferred method, the presence and / or approach of an emergency vehicle is detected, preferably using a C2X method. This allows for communication, particularly with neighboring vehicles and / or a control center.

[0028] These emergency vehicles could include, for example, police cars, fire engines, paramedics, or ambulances. It is particularly desirable for the user to receive information about an approaching vehicle and / or its position, for example, visually.

[0029] For example, it is possible that a control center sends information about such vehicles and that this information is used by the vehicle system.

[0030] In Germany, forming an emergency lane is generally required by law. However, it is not always immediately obvious that and when such a lane is needed. Early warnings or requests to form an emergency lane reduce stress for drivers and allow emergency vehicles to reach their destination more quickly thanks to the already established lane.

[0031] Instructions to the driver and information about the approach of an emergency vehicle are preferably conveyed via various display devices. For example, information about an approaching vehicle can be displayed on a screen in the center console and / or a cockpit display.

[0032] In another preferred method, other road users are also alerted to the situation. Particularly preferred is the precise recording of the aforementioned vehicle's position; for example, it can be determined with lane-level accuracy using a GPS system.

[0033] In another preferred method, the vehicle's speed is also detected and taken into account when issuing the instruction. For example, if the speed on a motorway or expressway is below a certain threshold, an instruction can be given to immediately form an emergency lane. For instance, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane can be instructed to move to the left or right lane. A driver in the right lane can be instructed to pull over onto the hard shoulder. If a speed above a certain threshold is detected, the driver can first be instructed to reduce their speed.

[0034] In another preferred method, such an instruction is given via a light or smart light integrated into a section of the windshield. This light can, for example, illuminate to the left or right depending on the situation, thus indicating to the driver in which direction to leave their current lane. Systems that warn the driver of hazardous situations, such as approaching vehicles, are already known. For example, light sources are already installed in side mirrors that provide drivers with information about approaching speed limits or vehicles.

[0035] However, it is also possible that a warning about an approaching emergency vehicle is issued in a different color than other warnings, for example in red or the like.

[0036] Additionally, it is possible for further information to be displayed to the driver via another display device. For example, a message can be displayed as text in the vehicle's cockpit display.

[0037] In addition, it is also possible that a central display shows a camera image or a stylized representation (such as in a parking assistant) with an indication of a suitable alternative route (for example for city traffic and / or with C2X communication).

[0038] In addition, a warning message (especially in text form or as an acoustic speech output) or a warning tone can be emitted.

[0039] Information about emergency vehicles is preferably transmitted via a C2X system. This allows an incident commander to send information that, for example, identifies the position of an emergency vehicle. This information can then be received by the vehicle, for example, via a C2X interface.

[0040] In response to such a received instruction, the vehicle can issue warnings to the driver, for example, to form an emergency lane or to change lanes. Information can also be displayed via the vehicle's infotainment system, such as the notification that an emergency vehicle is approaching.

[0041] In addition, the information can also be used in the vehicle's sound management system, for example to give the driver an audible instruction to form an emergency lane or a warning about the approach of an emergency vehicle.

[0042] In addition, as mentioned above, the vehicle's Smart Light function can also provide appropriate information to the driver.

[0043] In addition to the display output described here via the windshield (e.g., as a head-up display) or via the windshield's lighting system, it is also possible to use the existing systems on the exterior mirrors. For example, a pulsating warning signal can be emitted from one of the two exterior mirrors, prompting the driver to leave their lane in a specific direction (e.g., by flashing the right-hand exterior mirror).

[0044] It is therefore possible that this signaling element on a side mirror activates differently than when indicating the presence of another road user, such as approaching vehicles. For example, the light might pulse instead of flickering or flashing, thus indicating a different situation than would normally be possible with blind spot detection.

[0045] In addition, as mentioned, it would also be possible to use a different color to indicate approaching emergency vehicles. Furthermore, as mentioned, a warning could be displayed as text in the cockpit display and / or on a console display.

[0046] A central display can show a camera image or a stylized representation indicating a suitable alternative location.

[0047] Vehicles currently on the market often feature (at least) a controllable light strip, for example, at the base of the windshield (also known as smartlight). Certain vehicles can use smartlights to alert the driver to specific situations, particularly within the driver's line of sight. For instance, a current system uses a sweeping light to indicate the direction of a turn. This informs the driver within their line of sight without requiring them to take their eyes off the road.

[0048] In another preferred method, the vehicle's ambient lighting is used to provide the visually perceptible instruction to the driver. This can be done in addition to or as an alternative to the use of the (at least one) controllable light strip, for example in the base of the windshield (Smartlight), and / or in addition to or as an alternative to the use of a signal element on an exterior mirror.

[0049] Using current lane information, the invention makes it possible to control the light activation so that an emergency lane is formed at the correct location. Preferably, information from other road users, such as those in the vicinity of the vehicle, is also used to issue the instruction. Furthermore, it is also possible to warn other road users of an approaching emergency vehicle while traffic is flowing.

[0050] Detecting the current lane on the motorway makes it advantageous to indicate to the driver the correct side for forming an emergency lane by activating a light system on the left or right side.

[0051] For vehicles without Smartlight, as mentioned above, a warning and setup instruction can also be implemented via a small spot assistant (lane change assistant). The driver can initially be alerted to a situation by a rapid flashing of the lights in the side mirrors. Subsequently, a pulsing light in the left or right side mirror can indicate the correct direction for forming the emergency lane. As mentioned, the surrounding traffic situation can also be used; for example, it can be checked which side makes forming the emergency lane easier or on which side of the driver's own lane there is sufficient space to pull over.

[0052] Advantageously, in both cases (with or without Smartlight), a notification of the approaching emergency vehicle is displayed on the screens (e.g., in the central control area or the driver's display). When used in urban or rural traffic, the surround-view camera can also be used to identify a suitable location to which the vehicle can pull over. This can be done similarly to finding a parking space, which can be displayed on a central screen. Here, too, a notification of an approaching emergency vehicle is preferably displayed. This information can also be implemented via a guidance system using C2X.

[0053] It is specifically proposed that existing vehicle infrastructure be used to display or signal warning messages. As mentioned above, this could include, for example, smart lights or a lane change assistant. Preference is given to considering and integrating not only the information but also the visual representation within the driver's line of sight.

[0054] This minimizes driver distraction. An extension to include the use of smart lights and / or blind spot monitoring is proposed. Furthermore, the system can be extended to utilize features applicable to road traffic. Additionally, the system can be extended to include the use of surround-view cameras to identify alternative parking spaces, for example, in urban areas.

[0055] By using the smartlight or the lights in the side mirrors, the driver is alerted to the situation while remaining focused on the road ahead. Looking inside the vehicle (and potentially adjusting their eyes to the light conditions) is unnecessary. Other road users can also be prompted to form an emergency lane, for example, through additional communication devices. This feature is suitable for both urban and rural driving, covering all road categories.

[0056] In a further preferred method, the driver is therefore given at least a notification of the presence or approach of an emergency vehicle. Preferably, this is done via an additional display device, for example a monitor in the vehicle or a monitor in the driver's cockpit area.

[0057] In another preferred approach, at least one piece of information relevant to a different traffic situation is displayed to the driver via an additional display device. This information is also preferably visually perceptible. As mentioned, this could be the approach of an emergency vehicle or instructions for changing lanes. In addition, the type of emergency vehicle can also be indicated. This can be important, for example, if the emergency vehicle is a very large vehicle such as a fire engine or a smaller vehicle such as a police car.

[0058] In another preferred method, the immediate surroundings of the motor vehicle are recorded. This recording can be carried out using cameras, distance sensors, lidar, radar, and the like.

[0059] Preferably, at least one parameter characteristic of the immediate surroundings of the motor vehicle is used to issue instructions to the driver. For example, the presence of another vehicle to the right of the motor vehicle can be detected, and the driver can be instructed to let this vehicle pass before changing lanes, or (depending on the situation) to pass this vehicle (with their own vehicle).

[0060] The present invention further relates to a device for guiding drivers of motor vehicles with a detection device which is suitable and intended to detect the occurrence of a traffic situation deviating from a normal traffic situation and (furthermore suitable and intended) to output at least one signal which is characteristic of this occurrence.

[0061] In addition, a position detection device is provided, which is suitable and intended to detect the position of the motor vehicle with respect to a road travelled on, and an output device, which is suitable and intended to issue a visually perceptible instruction to the driver, for example to change lanes or to leave the current lane.

[0062] According to the invention, the visually perceptible instruction can be displayed within the driver's field of vision, in which the driver has a view of the road traffic in front of the vehicle. Preferably, the device includes a further detection device which is suitable and intended to detect at least one parameter that is characteristic of an emergency vehicle and, in particular, an emergency vehicle approaching the vehicle. This further detection device preferably includes a C2X communication device.

[0063] Preferably, the device described above for guiding drivers is configured, suitable, and / or intended to execute the method described above, as well as all process steps already described above in connection with the method, individually or in combination. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all features described within the framework of the projection device, individually or in combination.

[0064] The present invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the above-described device for guiding drivers according to a (preferred) embodiment. The vehicle may in particular be a (motorized) road vehicle.

[0065] A vehicle can be a motor vehicle, which is in particular a driver-operated vehicle ("driver only"), a semi-autonomous vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (for example, at autonomy levels 3, 4, or 5 (according to the SAE J3016 standard)), or a self-driving vehicle. Autonomy level 5 refers to fully automated vehicles. The vehicle can also be a driverless transport system. In this case, the vehicle can be driven by a driver or drive autonomously. Furthermore, in addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can also be an air taxi, an aircraft, or another means of transport or vehicle type, such as an aircraft, watercraft, or rail vehicle.

[0066] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings:

[0067] It shows:

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation to illustrate the formation of alleys;

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows the operation of the device according to the invention; and

[0070] Fig. 4 shows another representation of a motor vehicle and a device according to the invention.

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation illustrating a procedure using a device according to the invention. The three images each depict three consecutive vehicles in three adjacent lanes. An arrow indicates the direction in which a vehicle should move to create or facilitate the creation of an emergency lane. In the top image, the driver is instructed to move to the left from the left lane. In the middle image, the driver is instructed to move to the right from the middle lane, and in the bottom image, the driver is instructed to move to the right from the right lane, approximately onto a hard shoulder.

[0072] The device according to the invention instructs the driver of a motor vehicle accordingly to form an emergency lane or to enable the formation of an emergency lane.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a part of a motor vehicle with a device 10 according to the invention. This device has a viewing area 2, which may be provided by a windshield 4. The viewing area is understood to be the area visible to the driver (not shown) driving the vehicle, i.e., without the driver having to take their eyes off the traffic (which is in front of the motor vehicle).

[0074] Reference numerals A1 and A2 denote instructions that guide the driver to leave their current lane to the right or to the left. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, two sections 42 and 44 of the windshield 4 are provided in which these instructions A1 and A2 can be displayed. Preferably, these sections are located at a lower (or preferably – not shown – upper) edge of the windshield 2, but still within the driver's field of vision. Instruction A1 is preferably a left-hand direction indicator, i.e., an instruction to the driver to move into the lane to the left of their current lane. Instruction A2 is preferably a right-hand direction indicator, i.e., an instruction to the driver to move into the lane to the right of their current lane or, for example, a hard shoulder.

[0075] Reference symbol twelve roughly schematically designates a detection device that is suitable and intended to detect the occurrence of a traffic situation that deviates from a normal traffic situation. Furthermore, this detection device can output a signal that is characteristic of such a situation. For example, it can indicate an accident or a traffic jam.

[0076] Reference numeral 14 designates a detection device suitable and intended for recording the position of a motor vehicle, for example, its movement in a right-hand or center lane. This detection device can, for example, use a GPS system to record the vehicle's precise position.

[0077] Reference numeral 16 identifies a display device located in the area of ​​the vehicle's steering wheel. This display device 16 can, for example, output textual information indicating that an emergency vehicle is approaching.

[0078] Reference sign 18 designates a further display device suitable, for example, in urban or rural traffic, to indicate the approach of an emergency vehicle and to instruct the driver in which direction to swerve. This display device can also indicate other vehicles located near the motor vehicle.

[0079] Preferably, a warning can be displayed on the left or right side of the vehicle's dashboard, depending on the situation.

[0080] In addition, it would also be possible to flash a light that is already present in the state of the art, for example to warn the driver about approaching speed limits.

[0081] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a specific color could be used to indicate an approaching emergency vehicle. In addition, a corresponding warning could also be displayed via the instrument cluster 16, i.e., the cockpit display. The central display 18 could also show a camera feed or a stylized representation. This could be implemented in a similar manner to existing parking assistance systems.

[0082] In addition, a suggestion can be made to a suitable alternative route, for example in the case of urban traffic and for example using C2X communication or preferably using other detection devices.

[0083] In addition, audible warnings can be issued.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows a representation of the implementation of a method according to the invention. An operations control center 30 is provided, which can output information, for example, concerning emergency vehicles 34 (such as their position). The motor vehicle 1 can be addressed via a C2X communication interface 36. It can then issue instructions to the driver via operating displays, such as the displays mentioned above or the display fields in the windshield. Furthermore, it would also be possible for the vehicle communication system to output infotainment 38, sound management 35, or the smart lights mentioned above, or the instructions A1 and A2.

[0085] Fig. 4 shows another representation of the motor vehicle according to the invention. Here, the instructions are not displayed via the windshield, but via the existing indicators 62 and 64 on the two side mirrors. Thus, a flashing indicator 62 on the left mirror can instruct the driver to leave the current lane to the left, and an indicator 64 can instruct the driver to leave the current lane to the right.

[0086] Furthermore, it would be possible, for example, to issue a pulsating blind spot warning using display elements 62 and 64 on the left and right respectively, depending on the situation.

[0087] A pulsating light could be used instead of a flickering or flashing display. Additionally, the indicators could display information about situations other than usual.

[0088] Here too, it is possible to use a custom color to indicate an approaching emergency vehicle. As in the embodiment shown above, an additional message can be displayed as text in the cockpit display. Furthermore, a camera feed or a stylized representation (similar to a parking assistant) can also be displayed in the central display 18.

[0089] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

[0090] Reference symbol list

[0091] 1 motor vehicle

[0092] 2 Viewing area

[0093] 4 Windscreen

[0094] 10 Device

[0095] 12 Recording device

[0096] 14 Detection device (for position determination)

[0097] 16 Display device

[0098] 18 Display device

[0099] 30 Operations Control Center

[0100] 34 emergency vehicles

[0101] 35 Motor vehicle sound management

[0102] 36 Communication device

[0103] 38 Infotainment

[0104] 42 Section of the windshield for instruction A1

[0105] 44 Section of the windshield for instruction A2

[0106] 62 Display or light in the left side mirror

[0107] 64 Display or light in the right side mirror

[0108] A1, A2 instruction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Procedure for instructing drivers of motor vehicles (1) comprising the steps: - Detecting the occurrence of a traffic situation that deviates from a normal traffic situation; - Determining the position of the motor vehicle (1) with respect to a road travelled on; - Issuance of a visually perceptible instruction (A1, A2) to the driver to change lanes or to leave the current lane, characterized in that the visually perceptible instruction (A1, A2) is issued in a traffic vision area (2) of the driver in which the driver has a view of the road traffic in front of the motor vehicle (1).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the optically perceptible instruction (A1 , A2) is an instruction to form an emergency lane.

3. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traffic situation deviating from the normal traffic situation is a traffic jam and / or a traffic accident.

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optically perceptible instruction (A1 , A2) is issued via at least one section (42, 44) of the windshield (4) and / or via at least one exterior mirror (62, 64) of the motor vehicle (1).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the optically perceptible instruction (A1, A2) is transmitted via at least two, in particular spaced-apart, sections (42, 44) of the windshield (4) and / or via two exterior mirrors (62, 64) of the motor vehicle are issued.

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the presence and / or approach of an emergency vehicle is detected, wherein this detection is in particular carried out by means of a C2X method, wherein preferably at least a notification of the presence or approach of the emergency vehicle is issued to the driver.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one piece of information relevant to the differing traffic situation is output to the driver by means of a further display device.

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an immediate environment of the motor vehicle (1) is detected and preferably a parameter characteristic of this immediate environment of the motor vehicle (1) is also used to output the instruction (A1, A2) to the driver of the motor vehicle (1).

9. Device (10) for guiding drivers of motor vehicles (1) comprising a detection device (12) which is suitable and intended to detect the occurrence of a traffic situation deviating from a normal traffic situation and to output at least one signal which is characteristic of this occurrence, a position detection device (14) which is suitable and intended to detect a position of the motor vehicle (1) with respect to a road traveled on and an output device (16) for issuing an optically perceptible instruction (A1, A2) to the driver to change lanes or to leave the current lane.

10. Vehicle (1) comprising a device (10) for guiding drivers of motor vehicles (1) according to the preceding claim.

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