Method and control unit for operating a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle, wherein attention (102) of a driver of the vehicle is monitored using attention criteria (100) and a distance (106) from a vehicle in front is monitored, wherein a system intervention (110) for attracting the driver's attention (102) is actuated if it is detected that it is approaching (108) the vehicle in front and inattention (104) of the driver is detected, wherein the system intervention (110) is suppressed for a predefined attention span (112) if the approach (108) is detected and attention (102) is detected, wherein the attention span (112) is lengthened if a direction indicator (116) of the vehicle is activated.

Description

[0001] R. 416254

[0002] Description

[0003] title

[0004] Method and control unit for operating a vehicle

[0005] Field of invention

[0006] The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle, a corresponding control unit and a corresponding computer program product.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] A vehicle can be equipped with driver assistance systems to relieve the driver. For example, acceleration can be distance-controlled. The acceleration can be reduced as the vehicle approaches a vehicle in front. Once a speed-dependent minimum distance is reached, the vehicle can brake automatically to prevent excessive or even dangerously close proximity.

[0009] Before the vehicle brakes automatically, a noticeable system intervention, such as a brake jolt and / or an interruption or noticeable reduction of drive torque, can be triggered to draw the driver's attention to the collision, so that the driver can react to the collision himself.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces a method for operating a vehicle, a corresponding control unit, and a corresponding computer program product in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and improvements of the approach presented here-

[0012] KU:GR R. 416254

[0013] The second approach results from the description and is described in the dependent claims.

[0014] Advantages of the invention

[0015] In the approach presented here, system intervention is suppressed when driver attention is detected, as it is assumed that the driver is intentionally approaching the vehicle in front. For example, the system ends its intervention in the longitudinal control as soon as the driver increases the throttle. The duration of the suppression is increased if, in addition to the driver's attention being detected, the vehicle's turn signal is activated, since the activation of the turn signal can indicate an impending overtaking maneuver or a turn.

[0016] The approach presented here makes it possible to suppress system intervention, particularly before a turning or overtaking maneuver announced by the activation of the turn signal, since it can be assumed that the driver in such a situation deliberately drives towards a vehicle in front in order to then either turn in front of it, wait behind it or drive past it.

[0017] A method for operating a vehicle is proposed, wherein the attention of the driver of the vehicle is monitored using attention criteria and the distance to a vehicle ahead is monitored, wherein a system intervention to arouse the driver's attention is triggered when a collision with the vehicle ahead is detected and driver inattention is detected, wherein the system intervention is suppressed for a predefined attention span when the collision is detected and attention is detected, wherein the attention span is extended when a direction indicator of the vehicle is activated.

[0018] Ideas for embodiments of the present invention can be considered to be based, among other things, on the thoughts and findings described below. R. 416254

[0019] 3 -

[0020] A vehicle can be a multi-track vehicle or a single-track vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a two-wheeler, such as a motorcycle. A motorcyclist, in particular, can exploit the narrow width of their two-wheeler to pull out just behind a vehicle to be overtaken and, with a safety system detecting this at a late stage, initiate the overtaking maneuver.

[0021] A driver's attentiveness can be detected, for example, by monitoring the vehicle's controls. Attention criteria can include acceleration requests via an accelerator pedal, throttle lever, or throttle grip. Similarly, deceleration requests via a brake pedal or brake lever can be considered an indicator of attentiveness.

[0022] The distance to a vehicle ahead can be monitored using a sensor system on the vehicle. This sensor system can be, for example, camera-based and / or radar-based.

[0023] A system intervention can, for example, be a reduction of drive torque with a predefined gradient or a predefined jerk. Alternatively or additionally, the system intervention can be the provision of braking torque with a predefined gradient or a predefined jerk.

[0024] An attention span can be a predefined time period. For example, the attention span can be between two and ten seconds. Once attention is detected, a system intervention that would otherwise be triggered without attention can be suppressed for the predefined duration. If attention is detected again during the attention span, the attention span can restart. If no further attention is detected before the end of the attention span, the attention span can end, and thus the previously suppressed system intervention can be triggered, provided the reason for the system intervention still exists. R. 416254

[0025] 4 -

[0026] If the situation escalates into a collision risk while the driver is alert, for example because the vehicle in front brakes abruptly, the system intervention can be triggered during that time. Alternatively or additionally, braking intervention can be initiated to prevent the collision.

[0027] The attention span can be extended by a predefined period of time. For example, the attention span can be extended by a few seconds. Specifically, the attention span can be extended by between one and five seconds.

[0028] The attention span can be extended by a predefined factor. For example, the attention span can be extended by between 10 percent and 50 percent.

[0029] Attention span can be extended from the moment the turn signal is activated. The turn signal can also be called a flashing indicator. It can be activated, for example, by the driver manually operating a control. Attention span can be extended if the turn signal is activated while the driver is still paying attention. Alternatively or additionally, attention span can be extended if the turn signal is activated less than a predefined time before attention is detected. Activating the turn signal can also be used retrospectively to extend attention span. In this case, the predefined time interval can be between one and five seconds.

[0030] The method is preferably computer-implemented and can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a hybrid form of software and hardware, for example in a driver assistance system.

[0031] The approach presented here further creates a control unit in the form of a driver assistance system for a vehicle, wherein the driver assistance system is trained to carry out, control, or implement the steps of a variant of the procedure presented here in appropriate devices. R. 416254

[0032] 5 -

[0033] The control unit or driver assistance system can be an electrical device with at least one processing unit for processing signals or data, at least one storage unit for storing signals or data, and at least one interface and / or a communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The processing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a so-called system ASIC, or a microcontroller for processing sensor signals and outputting data signals depending on the sensor signals. The storage unit can be, for example, flash memory, an EPROM, or a magnetic storage device. The interface can be configured as a sensor interface for reading sensor signals from a sensor and / or as an actuator interface for outputting data signals and / or control signals to an actuator.The communication interface can be configured to read or output data wirelessly and / or via a wired connection. The interfaces can also be software modules, such as those found on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0034] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular if the program product or program is executed on a computer or device.

[0035] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features of the control unit and the method can be suitably combined, adapted, or exchanged to arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Brief description of drawing R. 416254

[0037] 6 -

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, whereby neither the drawing nor the description is to be interpreted as limiting the invention.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a process according to an implementation example.

[0040] The figure is merely schematic and not to scale. Identical reference symbols denote identical or equivalent features.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a procedure according to an implementation example. Attention criteria 100 are evaluated to detect the attention 102 or inattention 104 of a vehicle driver. The attention criteria 100 can be, for example, inputs from the driver via an accelerator pedal or throttle and / or a brake pedal or brake lever of the vehicle.

[0043] In parallel, a distance 106 between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead is monitored in order to detect a collision 108 with the vehicle ahead.

[0044] If a collision (108) is detected while inattention (104) is also detected, a system intervention (110) is triggered to generate the driver's attention (102). This system intervention (110) could, for example, be a brief, slight, or gentle reduction in drive torque and / or the application of a brief, low braking torque.

[0045] However, if the collision 108 is detected within an attention span 112 after attention 102 is recognized, the system intervention 110 is suppressed. If the collision 108 is still detected after the attention span 112 has ended, the system intervention 110 is triggered. R. 416254

[0046] 7 -

[0047] If, shortly before the recognition of attention 102 or during the attention span 112, an activation 114 of a direction indicator 116 or turn signal of the vehicle is detected, the attention span 112 is extended.

[0048] The attention span (112) can be extended by a percentage or by a fixed period of time.

[0049] Possible embodiments of the invention are summarized below or presented using slightly different wording.

[0050] An extension of the time period for suppressing the system intervention of the Dynamic Drive Assist (DDA) / Riding Distance Assist (RDA) function based on the turn signal signal is presented.

[0051] Currently, vehicles are equipped with various driver assistance systems that offer the driver increased comfort and safety (such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Highway Assist (HWA)). Furthermore, other assistance systems enhance safety through distance warnings and emergency braking interventions.

[0052] Another driver-oriented assistance function, “Dynamic Drive Assist” (DDA), can largely relieve the driver of braking via the pedal, but leave the accelerator pedal to him.

[0053] The DDA function can be explicitly activated by the driver (similar to ACC). In some cases, however, automatic activation is also conceivable.

[0054] The function can also be used for two-wheelers, but with the main focus being to warn the rider of a possible collision (in case of rider inattention) by means of a "gentle" deceleration. This function can be referred to as Riding Distance Assist (RDA).

[0055] The main objective for two-wheelers is to warn an inattentive rider of a potential collision with the vehicle in front by means of a "gentle" deceleration. This is achieved by means of a system intervention in the rider's control. R. 416254

[0056] 8 - The requested engine torque and / or brakes are applied. If the driver does not react to the vehicle ahead, the engine torque or power is reduced, and if necessary, the system decelerates the vehicle by applying the brakes.

[0057] Since this is a driver assistance system (and not an automated or autonomous system), it is crucial not to override the driver all the time, but only when the driver is highly likely to be inattentive. The criteria for determining the probability of attention or inattention can vary. For example, changes in throttle position and / or brake application can be used.

[0058] As a further criterion for the probability that the driver is attentive, the activation of the turn signal is used in the approach presented here. Unlike assistance functions such as ACC, however, activation of the turn signal does not result in acceleration or a reduction in deceleration. Therefore, the DDA / RDA function does not directly infer driver attentiveness from the activation of the turn signal. However, if driver attentiveness has been detected based on other criteria, this probability should be maintained for at least a defined (configurable) period due to the activated turn signal.

[0059] The activation of the turn signal here does not serve to indicate that the driver is attentive. The probability of the driver being attentive is determined using other criteria. If the driver's attention has been detected and the turn signal is activated, or if it has not been activated for longer than a (configurable) predefined period, the detected attention is maintained in the system for a (configurable) minimum duration.

[0060] The approach presented here can prevent unnecessary system interventions, especially unnecessary delays.

[0061] When the turn signal is activated, it can be assumed that either an overtaking or turning maneuver will take place. However, the actual cancellation of the system intervention by the DDA / RDA function only occurs when R. 416254

[0062] 9 - the driver's attention was confirmed based on other criteria, such as an increase in throttle position.

[0063] If, for example, an overtaking maneuver is then carried out, the approach presented here can ensure that system intervention only occurs after the overtaking maneuver and not in between.

[0064] In the approach presented here, the system intervention is not deactivated / suppressed solely due to the activation of the turn signal when the function (DDA / RDA) is activated. Instead, if the system intervention is already suppressed, the duration of the suppression is extended due to the activation of the turn signal (in contrast to a deactivated turn signal).

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "indicating", "comprehensive", etc. do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as

[0066] The terms "one" or "an" do not exclude multiple forms. Reference numerals in claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

R. 416254 10 - Claims 1. Method for operating a vehicle, wherein the attention (102) of the driver of the vehicle is monitored using attention criteria (100) and the distance (106) to a vehicle ahead is monitored, wherein a system intervention (110) is triggered to arouse the driver's attention (102) when a collision (108) with the vehicle ahead is detected and inattention (104) of the driver is detected, wherein the system intervention (110) is suppressed for a predefined attention span (112) when the collision (108) is detected and attention (102) is detected, wherein the attention span (112) is extended when a direction indicator (116) of the vehicle is activated.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the attention span (112) is extended by a predefined duration.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the attention span (112) is extended by a predefined factor.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attention span (112) is extended from the point of activation of the direction indicator (116).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attention span (112) is extended if the direction indicator (116) is activated during the attention span (112) and / or if the direction indicator (112) has been activated for less than a predefined time period before the attention (102) is recognized. R. 416254 11 - 6. Control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute, implement and / or control the method according to one of the preceding claims in appropriate facilities.

7. Computer program product configured to instruct a processor, when the computer program product is executed, to execute, implement and / or control the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program product according to claim 7 is stored.

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