Method for operating an assistance system of a vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system (10) of a vehicle (12) in order to find possible parking spaces (14). In a method in which the future surroundings of a parking space are taken into account when selecting a parking space, it is provided that, in order to select a parking space (14), the future duration taken by a vehicle user to traverse the distance from a destination (16) to the parking space (14) is estimated, wherein in order to select the parking space (14), a future travel time required to exit a parking area (18) in which the parking space (14) is located is estimated, and in order to select the parking space (14), the future driving time required to reach another destination after leaving the parking area (18) is estimated, a parking space (14) in the parking area (18) being selected by the assistance system (10) while taking into account the future surroundings of the parking area (18) in such a way that the required total time of all the estimations is minimized.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Methods for operating a vehicle assistance system and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system of a motor vehicle for finding possible parking spaces.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one assistance system.

[0005] Methods and devices for assisting the driver in parking a motor vehicle into a parking space are already in use in motor vehicles known from the prior art. Such parking assistants are equipped with environmental sensors that collect data about the immediate surroundings of the motor vehicle and use this data to determine possible parking spaces. The necessary environmental sensors are based, for example, on ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, or imaging sensors, i.e., cameras or video cameras.

[0006] Furthermore, parking assistants are in use to assist with parking a vehicle, making parking easier. For example, parking assistants are known that automatically maneuver a vehicle to a parking space and park it at the driver's request, without requiring the driver to perform any action other than activating the parking process. Other methods display the vehicle's trajectory to the driver during the parking process, allowing the driver to correct the maneuver. Additionally, methods are known that provide the driver with instructions, such as "turn the steering wheel to the left," while the vehicle is being parked in a garage or parking space.

[0007] One goal when fine-tuning the parking function is to make the parking process more human-like, giving occupants a sense of security and control. This is achieved by considering factors such as the number of maneuvers required, the duration of the parking process, the number of corrections needed, and the off-center nature of the trajectory. Besides the way the parking process is carried out (dynamics, trajectory, etc.), the choice of parking position also plays a crucial role, especially in larger parking lots and multi-story car parks.

[0008] US Patent 2020 / 0011671A1 discloses a processing system that includes at least one processor capable of receiving a parking request for a vehicle to park in a parking facility and offering a plurality of parking spaces in the parking facility to the vehicle, wherein at least one of the plurality of parking spaces offered is a parking space that is predicted to be available, and wherein the offer includes presenting information regarding the predicted occupancy of an adjacent parking space of the at least one of the plurality of parking spaces for the duration of an intended stay of the vehicle in the parking facility.

[0009] US 2023 / 0137256 A1 discloses navigation device configurations that include a probabilistic evaluation of parking routes near a destination, which can be generated and compared, optionally weighted with various factors, to identify a parking route with parking opportunities that have a high probability of free spaces compared to other parking routes, which can be presented to the user and / or appended to a current route of an autonomous vehicle.

[0010] US 2020 / 0327808 A1 relates to a parking management device, a parking management method, and a non-temporary storage medium. Disclosed is a parking management device that guides a vehicle to an available parking position upon entry and warns a vehicle attempting to park in an incorrect location using a warning device.

[0011] German patent DE 102014224454 B4 relates to a method for operating a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is configured to perform a driving maneuver autonomously, and wherein the vehicle exchanges information about available parking spaces by means of communication with other vehicles and / or with a central unit. The invention further relates to a computer program, a mobile device, and a vehicle configured to execute the method.

[0012] In everyday life, the problem often arises that a suitable parking space must first be found. Finding a parking spot is becoming increasingly difficult. Especially during large events, where high traffic volumes are expected in the parking areas after the event ends, it is difficult to find a parking space that is suitable for future traffic conditions.

[0013] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a method for operating a vehicle assistance system for finding parking spaces and a corresponding vehicle with an assistance system in which a future environment of the parking space is taken into account when selecting a parking space.

[0014] This problem is solved in the present invention by the features of claim 1, firstly by estimating the future duration of a vehicle user's journey from a destination to the parking space in order to select a parking space, wherein the future travel time required to leave a parking area on which the parking space is located is estimated in order to select the parking space, and wherein the future travel time required after leaving the parking area to reach a further destination is estimated in order to select the parking space, wherein the assistance system selects a parking space on the parking area, taking into account a future environment of the parking area, in such a way that the total time required for all estimations is minimized.

[0015] A potential parking space is a section of road where it is possible to park a vehicle. Various criteria can be used to define a potential parking space. These include, among other things, the accessibility and size of the section and, if applicable, a comparison with the vehicle's dimensions.

[0016] A parking area, in turn, is a separate area where parking spaces are grouped together, for example, a parking lot. The surroundings of the parking area refer primarily to the parking area itself, but also to access roads and exits around the parking area.

[0017] The object of the invention is to optimize a parking assistance function that incorporates the context of the future environment into the selection of a suitable parking space. The aim is not to improve the parking trajectory or dynamics, but rather the selection of a parking space and, furthermore, the position within that selected space.

[0018] The factors described above are particularly important when it comes to getting to the event. However, for large events, the traffic situation after the event is especially crucial and should be considered when planning parking areas. Depending on the transport connections, the distribution of parking spaces, and the duration of the event, for example, after the end of a (large) event, there will be a significantly increased volume of traffic around the event location at the macro level (traffic outside the chosen parking area). At the micro level (parking area), the choice of parking space and the time after the event can also significantly affect the time it takes to leave the parking area, depending on its characteristics (occupancy rate, parking lot size (number of spaces), access / exit options, barriers or open exit). Therefore, choosing a parking space in advance can lead to a considerable time saving on the return journey.

[0019] Due to the time difference, the information regarding departure can only be approximated with a certain degree of uncertainty. This is implemented in three steps: estimating the route to the parking area; estimating the travel time required to leave the parking area; and estimating the travel time after leaving the parking area.

[0020] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0021] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, a parking space is selected taking into account an event taking place in the vicinity of the parking space. The focus here is particularly on large events where a high volume of traffic is expected in the parking areas and around the event center after the event has ended. Often, the parking garage or parking lot is unknown, and it is unclear to the driver how the traffic will flow after the event. Structured parking areas, in which parking spaces and access routes are clearly marked, are particularly suitable. The use of an assistance function generally only makes sense if there are no parking attendants (e.g., in temporary grassy parking areas).The aim is not, as previously known, to optimize arrival purely based on position (as close as possible to the event venue), but to take into account the future traffic flow after the event when searching for parking spaces.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the travel time to the destination is estimated and the parking space is selected by the assistance system in such a way as to minimize the travel time. For the journey, the approximation can be based on a precise estimate of the route, including the current traffic situation and an estimate for the remaining distance on foot or by public transport, as well as an approximate time required to park the vehicle.

[0023] Any factors influencing arrival at a parking space can be easily determined using standard navigation systems or online services. Statistical analysis can be performed to estimate the time required to park a vehicle after entering a parking area. For example, the GPS position upon entering a parking space can be used as a trigger condition, starting a stopwatch that stops when the vehicle is finally parked. Conditions such as a specific time interval after the engine is switched off, or the detection that all occupants have exited the vehicle, can be used for this purpose. This statistical analysis can be combined with time of day or contextual information (e.g., major events) to allow for valid conclusions to be drawn after a sufficient number of parking attempts have been recorded.This allows the journey to be optimized, or the journey to be planned in such a way that a parking space can be chosen whose position facilitates a later departure.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cost of a parking space is estimated, with the parking space being selected by the assistance system in such a way as to minimize the parking time costs. Cost information for available parking spaces is also available online and can be retrieved for each potential parking area. Thus, an additional selection criterion for choosing a parking space can be included in the evaluation. Parking costs should not be underestimated. Just because a parking space is very close to an event venue does not mean that every vehicle user is willing to pay a higher price for it.

[0025] It is conceivable that further optimization criteria could be used when searching for parking spaces. Users could, for example, optionally select or deselect these criteria. Possible criteria would include, for instance, whether the parking area or parking space is covered, and / or whether a security concept exists in the parking area, such as surveillance by camera or a security service, and / or whether charging stations for electric vehicles are available. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is also provided that a vehicle user can weight the assessments that are considered when selecting a parking space, and / or select maximum values ​​for these assessments. Especially in the context of large events, an optimized selection of a parking space can improve the overall experience.In the context of decision-making, different factors (time (T) and costs) can be weighted (Wn) and included.

[0026] Suitable parking areas are determined as follows:

[0027] P opt — VV1 [T[Arrival]]min + VV2[T[Departure]]min + VV3[€[Parking Space]]min

[0028] Furthermore, subcategories can be weighted:

[0029] T [Arrival] - WI,-|T[Car] + Wl ,2T[Walking, Public Transport] + W-| ,3T[Car, Parking Area]

[0030] or

[0031] T [Departure] - W2,1T[Vehicle, Parking Area] + W2,2T[Vehicle, Street] + W2,3T[Footpath, Public Transport]

[0032] The weighting can be set initially, individually adjusted by customers, or learned from a previous selection of parking spaces. Dynamic parameterization of the weights is also conceivable. For example, travel time could be weighted more heavily if little buffer time has been planned before the event start.

[0033] For implementation, all parameters (T) ( ... ),€<...)) of the above equation to determine / approximate potential parking spaces within a radius (hard boundary: e.g., maximum walking distance / maximum time after leaving the vehicle / maximum price) around the event venue. For travel to the event, the approximation can be based on a precise estimate of the driving distance (including the current traffic situation and an estimate for the remaining distance on foot or by public transport, as well as an approximate time required to park the vehicle):

[0034] The first two factors WI,IT[KFZ] + Wi,2T[F UThe distances required for parking (e.g., public transport) can be easily determined using standard navigation systems or online services. Statistical methods can be used to analyze the approximate time needed to park a vehicle after entering the parking area (e.g., WI,3T [vehicle, parking area]).

[0035] For example, the GPS position when entering a parking area can be used as a trigger condition that starts a stopwatch, which is stopped when the vehicle is finally parked.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one estimation is performed using swarm data, and the assistance system generates a heatmap of suitable parking spaces. This heatmap is then used to select a suitable parking space. Such a heatmap makes it easy to identify areas containing parking spaces that meet the criteria described above, or to differentiate between areas containing particularly suitable or unsuitable parking spaces. Especially in large parking areas, there is rarely just one parking space that meets the criteria. Therefore, the system can display areas to the vehicle user where they can choose parking spaces that all meet the previously defined criteria.

[0037] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle user is notified that a delay in departure is likely if they choose a parking space that does not correspond to the one selected by the assistance system. If the "good" parking spaces are already occupied, a message can be sent to the vehicle user, for example, as a notification to their smartphone or after the parking process is complete, indicating that the parking position is likely to result in an approximate delay of n minutes in the journey home.

[0038] At the same time, a recommendation can also be given, for example, that a quick return to the parking space is recommended after the event, or that possible extras of the major event should be skipped if a quick departure is still desired.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, a further embodiment of the inventive method provides that the assistance system issues navigation instructions for exiting the parking area, thus minimizing the travel time required to leave. This effectively supports the vehicle user. Large parking areas often have multiple exits, but these do not all flow at the same speed. If the driver chooses the "wrong" exit and direction, they may end up stuck in traffic longer than expected. The assistance system can offer parking lot navigation to help find the correct exit. The system can learn which exit is optimal for each parking lot from swarm data, analogous to the previous description.For example, if vehicles can exit a parking area to the left or right, and the time required to leave the parking area via the right exit is consistently longer, then the left exit should be suggested to the driver via driving instructions. It would also be conceivable to use a backend system to determine the fastest exit trajectory for the vehicle's current location, in order to offer further assistance such as "time-optimized, trained parking."

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the vehicle user can set preferred departure times, which are taken into account by the assistance system when selecting a parking space. For example, if the driver tends to stay longer after the end of an event, this can be factored into the planning. To minimize the time required, this means that a parking space located somewhat further away from the event venue might be more suitable, since traffic around the venue regularly becomes congested later after the event has ended.

[0041] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one assistance system. The assistance system is designed and configured to carry out a method according to the invention. The preceding descriptions concerning the method according to the invention also apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0042] Electronic or electrical devices, for example, the assistance system, which may include control units and / or storage units, and / or other relevant devices or components according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein, can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be housed on an integrated circuit (IC) or on separate IC chips. Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be mounted on a flexible printed circuit board, a

[0043] The various components of these devices can be implemented on a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a single substrate. Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be a process or thread running on one or more processors in one or more computer devices, executing computer program instructions, and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described here. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in a computer device using standard memory, such as main memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored on other non-transferable, computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM, a

[0044] Flash drive or similar. A competent person should also recognize that the functionality of different computer devices can be combined or integrated into a single computer device, or that the functionality of a particular computer device can be distributed among one or more other computer devices without deviating from the scope of application of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0046] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0047] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of various steps of a method for selecting a parking space, in a block diagram, as well as an exemplary heatmap for implementing a method according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a further schematic representation of various steps of a procedure for selecting a parking space in a block diagram.

[0049] Figure 1 shows various steps of a procedure for operating a vehicle assistance system 10 for finding potential parking spaces 14. To select a parking space 14, the system estimates the future travel time required for a vehicle user to travel from a destination 16 to the parking space 14. Furthermore, it estimates the future travel time required to leave a parking area 18 where the parking space 14 is located, and additionally, it estimates the future travel time required to reach another destination after leaving the parking area 18. The assistance system 10 then selects a parking space 14 within the parking area 18, taking into account the future surroundings of the parking area 18, in such a way as to minimize the total time required for all estimations.

[0050] Advantageously, the data can be collected in such a way that a manufacturer's fleet size is leveraged to access large data pools. In a first step, the time elapsed between leaving a large event and starting the ignition of vehicle 12 is determined. This time can be recorded via a smartphone, for example, if the user has authorized the use and processing of location information in a corresponding app provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Since the exact position of vehicle 12 is known after it is parked, a corresponding analysis can be performed in an open-air parking lot using GPS, pinpointing the exact parking location. In a parking garage, this can be achieved via indoor localization based on a parking garage map (or alternatively, dead reckoning navigation).

[0051] Furthermore, the time after the event has ended is also recorded to allow for the analysis of elapsed time into clusters (e.g., end, end + 5 min, end + 10 min, ...). This allows, for example, delays resulting from overcrowded public transport to be taken into account. Another subcategory could be, for example, the occupancy rate of the event venue.

[0052] In a second step, the time required to leave the parking area from the start of the ignition is determined. The goal is to generate a heatmap that takes into account an approximate time for each parking position until the vehicle leaves the parking area. The time after the event has ended and the occupancy of the parking area can be considered as sub-conditions.

[0053] In a final step 104, an estimate is made from leaving parking space 18 to the desired destination. For planning the parking space, the destination after the event, for example, the journey home, should already be queried in order to take this into account in the optimization of the proposed parking space 18 or parking position. Figure 2 schematically shows various steps of a procedure for finding a parking space 14 in a block diagram. In the vehicle 12, the assistance system is integrated via a suitable interface, preferably via a voice assistant, which is implemented, for example, using an LLM (Large Language Model). However, it is also conceivable to implement the corresponding queries or inputs by the customer via the existing interface in production vehicles.

[0054] In step 200, the customer specifies that they are attending a large event for navigation purposes. The assistant is then tasked with finding a suitable parking area near the event location.

[0055] In step 202, weighting metrics (Wn) are determined, adaptively based, for example, on the time until the event starts or on certain customer preferences. For example, the customer might prioritize an affordable parking space or minimizing the walking distance from the parking spot.

[0056] Step 204 then asks what the destination after the event will be, in order to approximate the return journey and to consider a suitable positioning for the return trip. If this is not specified, the corresponding parameter is omitted.

[0057] In the next step, section 206, proposals for the parking area are made, ideally in different categories. The following subdivisions would be conceivable:

[0058] - As close as possible to the event (P1)

[0059] - Good compromise between price and time (P2)

[0060] - Maximum speed departure (P3)

[0061] After a parking space has been selected and the vehicle has driven to it, step 208 determines an optimized parking position based on the selected parking space. Since the heatmap provides a position-accurate assignment of the approximate time between starting the engine and leaving the parking space after the event has ended, the assistance system in the parking lot serves as a guidance system to find an optimized parking space for a quick exit. (Reference symbol list)

[0062] Assistance system

[0063] vehicle

[0064] Parking space

[0065] Destination

[0066] Parking area

[0067] Heatmap

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating an assistance system (10) of a vehicle (12) for finding possible parking spaces (14), where, in order to select a parking space (14), a future duration of the journey of a vehicle user from a destination (16) to the parking space (14) is estimated, wherein, for the selection of the parking space (14), a future travel time required to leave a parking area (18) on which the parking space (14) is located is estimated and where, in order to select the parking space (14), a future travel time required after leaving the parking area (18) to reach another destination is estimated, wherein the assistance system (10) selects a parking space (14) on the parking area (18) taking into account a future environment of the parking area (18) in such a way that the total time required for all estimations is minimized.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a parking space (14) is selected taking into account an event taking place in the vicinity of the parking space (14).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a travel time to the destination (16) is estimated and wherein the parking space (14) is selected by the assistance system (10) such that the travel time is minimized.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cost of a parking space (14) is estimated and wherein the parking space (14) is selected by the assistance system (10) in such a way that the cost of a parking duration is minimized.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a vehicle user weights the estimates that are taken into account when selecting the parking space (14), and / or wherein a vehicle user selects maximum values ​​when considering the estimates that are taken into account when selecting the parking space (14).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one estimate is made using swarm data and wherein the assistance system generates a heatmap (20) with respect to suitable parking spaces (14), wherein the generated heatmap (20) is used to select a suitable parking space (14).

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a vehicle user is signaled that a likely delay in departure will occur if the vehicle user selects a parking space (14) that does not correspond to the parking space selected by the assistance system (10).

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the assistance system (10) provides navigation instructions for leaving the parking area (18) in order to minimize the travel time required to leave the parking area (18).

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein preferred departure times can be set by the vehicle user, which are taken into account by the assistance system (10) when selecting the parking space (14).

10. Vehicle (12), in particular motor vehicle, with at least one assistance system (10), wherein the assistance system (10) is designed and configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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