Method for detecting precipitation information on a route of a two-wheeled vehicle, and evaluation unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an evaluation unit for detecting precipitation information on a route of a two-wheeled vehicle. The method comprises the steps of detecting an upcoming route of the two-wheeled vehicle, and detecting at least one further road user, wherein the further road user is located on the upcoming route or within a defined distance from the upcoming route. It also comprises detecting an activation state of at least one windscreen wiper of the at least one further road user and detecting precipitation on the upcoming route when an activated windscreen wiper of the further road user is detected.

Description

[0001] R. 417646

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Method for recording precipitation information on a two-wheeled vehicle route and evaluation unit

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] State of the art

[0009] The present invention relates to a method for recording precipitation information along a two-wheeled route. The present invention also relates to an evaluation unit for recording precipitation information along a two-wheeled route.

[0010] Navigation devices capable of generating a route for a vehicle journey are known from the prior art. Weather information services are also known, which provide weather information. In this way, a motorcyclist can obtain weather information along their planned route.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, a method with the features of the independent claim is provided. Such a method offers the advantage that an occurring precipitation event can be reliably predicted on a preceding route of a two-wheeler or, depending on the position of the preceding route, also on the route of a two-wheeler. R. 417646

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[0014] more reliably than can be determined using methods known from the state of the art.

[0015] The inventive method for detecting precipitation information on a two-wheeler's route comprises a step of detecting the two-wheeler's upcoming route. It further comprises detecting at least one other road user, wherein the other road user is located on the upcoming route or within a defined distance of the upcoming route. The method further comprises detecting the activation state of at least one windshield wiper of the at least one other road user and recognizing precipitation on the upcoming route upon detecting an activated windshield wiper of the other road user.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] It should be noted here that a defined distance to the preceding route refers to a perpendicular distance to the route on both sides. To illustrate, this results in a left boundary and a right boundary, each running parallel to the preceding route at a distance corresponding to the defined distance. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the detection of an activation state of at least one windshield wiper also includes the possibility of detecting inactivity. The activation state could, for example, be recorded as "not active." It can also be assumed that there is no precipitation if no active windshield wiper is detected.

[0018] Other road users include vehicles that may be equipped with a windshield wiper system, such as cars or trucks.

[0019] It is advantageous if the method includes recording the activation duration of the activated windshield wiper of another road user and detecting precipitation if the recorded activation duration exceeds a specified duration. R. 417646

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[0021] This includes, in particular, periods longer than one minute. In this way, erroneous recording of precipitation can be reliably avoided, for example, if a driver activates a windshield cleaning function that also briefly activates the windshield wipers.

[0022] In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the distance to the preceding route, within which at least one other road user is detected, is set to a value smaller than the length of the preceding route. This ensures that only road users who are at a meaningful distance from the preceding route with regard to any precipitation are detected. In other words, only precipitation events are detected where it can be assumed that the motorcyclist is, or could be, driving into them if they continue their journey unchanged.

[0023] It is advantageous if the method includes detecting a first number of additional road users without activated windshield wipers and detecting a second number of additional road users with at least one activated windshield wiper. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the method includes detecting precipitation when the ratio of the second number to the sum of the first number and the second number is greater than a specified value, in particular greater than a value of 0.5, for example a value of 0.75, and preferably a value of 0.9. In this way, the detection accuracy of a precipitation event can be increased by requiring a minimum proportion of vehicles with activated windshield wipers to be detected before a precipitation event is recorded.

[0024] It is also conceivable that other road users could be classified and, for example, divided into distance classes. In this scenario, road users could be divided into separate groups with varying distances to the road ahead, and a precipitation event could be recorded for each group individually. Based on the route length and speed of the two-wheeler, it could then be determined whether, when, and where the rider of the two-wheeler is likely to encounter a precipitation event. Furthermore, distance information could also be provided, indicating how far the respective groups are from the road ahead. (R. 417646)

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[0026] the distance of the preceding route and / or the bicycle itself. This allows the distance of the bicycle to the precipitation event to be determined.

[0027] It is advantageous if the procedure additionally includes recording the wiper interval of the other road user's activated windshield wiper and estimating the amount of precipitation, such that the amount of precipitation is estimated to be greater during the first wiper interval than during the second, with the first wiper interval being shorter than the second. Knowing the amount of precipitation allows the motorcyclist to be provided with a basis for deciding whether to continue their journey.

[0028] In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the method includes a step of disseminating information about precipitation detected on the upcoming route to a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists are generally not surrounded by a protective body and are directly exposed to precipitation; information about precipitation on the upcoming route allows a motorcyclist to change their route or interrupt their journey to avoid the precipitation. Furthermore, a wet road surface results in reduced traction, which particularly negatively affects the handling of motorcyclists. Knowledge of road conditions can also reduce the risk of accidents for a motorcyclist.

[0029] It is also advantageous if the procedure includes a step of determining an alternative route, where no precipitation is detected or less precipitation is estimated than on the original route, as well as a step of providing the rider of the two-wheeler with the alternative route. This way, the rider does not have to adjust their route themselves and is spared the effort of replanning independently.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the information provided to the rider of the two-wheeler also includes a warning regarding reduced road grip. This can increase driving safety by allowing the rider to adapt their driving style to the prevailing conditions, particularly a wet road surface. R. 417646

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[0032] The present invention also relates to an evaluation unit for a two-wheeler. This unit comprises a first interface configured to detect the two-wheeler's upcoming route, and a second interface configured to detect another road user on the upcoming route or within a defined distance of the upcoming route. It further comprises a third interface configured to detect the activation state of at least one windshield wiper of at least the other road user. It also comprises a logic unit configured to detect precipitation on the upcoming route when an activated windshield wiper of the other road user is detected, and an output unit configured to output information about precipitation detected on the upcoming route to the driver of the two-wheeler.This evaluation unit can be part of the bicycle's control unit, making the system integrable into any bicycle. It is also conceivable that the evaluation unit could be part of a device, such as a display unit or a bicycle computer, that can be detached from the bicycle.

[0033] Short

[0034]

[0035] the

[0036]

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description.

[0038] Figure 1 schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0039] Figure 2 schematic representation of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a driving situation, which serves as the basis for explaining the procedure with possible additions.

[0041] Figure 1 schematically shows a process sequence according to an embodiment of the invention. The process begins with step 100. In step 101, a preceding route 1010 of the two-wheeler 1000 is detected. The route 1010 can be determined from R. 417646

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[0043] The data is recorded or made available by an internal navigation device of the two-wheeler 1000 or an online map service. In step 102, the procedure detects another road user 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 on the preceding route 1010 or within a defined distance 1011 of the preceding route 1010. It is conceivable that the road users 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 are detected using their GPS position, which is transmitted, for example, via a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol. In step 103, the activation state of at least one windshield wiper of the other road user 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 is recorded. In step 104, the procedure detects a precipitation event (3000) on the preceding route (1010) upon detection of an activated windshield wiper of the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). The procedure ends with step 105 and can be repeated.

[0044] Figure 2 schematically shows a process flow according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0045] After the process is started in step 100 and a preceding route 1000 is recorded in step 101, a distance 1011 can be defined in step 110, within which a road user 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 is recorded in step 102. If the activation state of at least one windshield wiper of the other road user 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 is recorded in step 103, an activation duration of the windshield wiper can be recorded in step 111 and a wiping interval of the windshield wiper can be recorded in step 112. If precipitation is detected in step 104 based on steps 103, 111 and 112, information can be output to a driver of the two-wheeler 1000 in step 113, for example via a display unit of the two-wheeler 1000. The procedure ends with step 105 and can be repeated.

[0046] Figure 3 schematically shows a two-wheeler 1000 with a route 1010 ahead. A distance 1011 is also shown, corresponding to a perpendicular distance from route 1010, resulting in a left boundary 1012 and a right boundary 1013. Within these boundaries 1012 and 1013, other road users 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004 are recorded. Road user 2005 on route 2010, however, is located outside boundaries 1012 and 1013R. 417646

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[0048] and is therefore not detected by the procedure. The other road users 2002, 2003, and 2004 are on routes 2010 and 2020 and are detected by the procedure, although they are not traveling on the preceding route 1010 of the two-wheeler 1000, but are within the detection boundaries 1012 and 1013. Furthermore, a precipitation event 3000 is displayed. The road users 2001, 2002, and 2003 located within this precipitation event have activated their windshield wipers. Based on these activated windshield wipers, the procedure can now detect that a precipitation event 3000 is taking place and provide the driver of the two-wheeler 1000 with information about this event 3000. Additionally, a distance classification of the road users 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 can take place.For example, a first detection radius of 3001 around the two-wheeler 1000 can be chosen, assigning road users 2000 and 2005 to a first group. Vehicles 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, on the other hand, are detected outside radius 3001 and within radius 3002 and assigned to a second group. For each of these groups, the occurrence of a precipitation event can now be recorded separately, and thus the distance of the two-wheeler 1000 to the precipitation event can be determined. Two radii, 3001 and 3002, are shown here, which allow for grouping into three groups. These three groups consist of a group of road users within radius 3001, a group of road users outside radius 3001 but within radius 3002, and a group of road users outside radius 3002. However, it is conceivable to introduce further radii and form a larger number of groups.

[0049] Furthermore, the method can also determine the proportion of road users 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 who lie within a detection area and for whom at least one activated windshield wiper is recorded. In Figure 3, road users 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 are recorded in one group, with road users 2001, 2002, and 2003 having an activated windshield wiper. The proportion of road users with activated windshield wipers for this group is 75%. Depending on the desired forecast accuracy, the threshold above which a precipitation event 3000 is recorded can be chosen accordingly. However, the threshold can also be chosen depending on the absolute number of other road users recorded. Thus, in a R. 417646

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[0051] In regions with a low number of other road users, a value of, for example, 50% could be chosen.

Claims

R. 417646 - 9 - Claims 1. Method for recording precipitation information on a route (1010) of a two-wheeler (1000), comprising • Detecting a future route (1010) of the two-wheeler (1000), • Detecting at least one other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), wherein the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) is on the preceding route (1010) or within a specified distance (1011) of the preceding route (1010), • Detecting an activation state of at least one windshield wiper of the at least one other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) • Detection of precipitation (3000) on the route ahead (1010) upon detection of an activated windscreen wiper of the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005).

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising detecting the activation duration of the activated windscreen wiper of the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) and detecting precipitation (3000) when the detected activation duration is greater than a specified duration, in particular greater than one minute.

3. A method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising setting the distance (1011) to the preceding route (1010) within which at least one other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) is detected to a value that is less than the length of the preceding route (1010).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising detecting a first number of further road users (2000, 2004, 2005) without activation-R. 417646 - 10 - ten windshield wipers and detection of a second number of further road users (2001, 2002, 2003) with at least one activated windshield wiper and detection of precipitation (3000), if the ratio of the second number to the sum of the first and the second number is greater than a specified value, in particular greater than a value of 0.5, for example a value of 0.75 preferably a value of 0.9 .

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising detecting a wiping interval of the activated windscreen wiper of the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) and estimating a precipitation amount such that the precipitation amount is estimated to be greater at a first wiping interval than at a second wiping interval, wherein the first wiping interval is shorter than the second wiping interval.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising outputting information about the precipitation (3000) detected on the preceding route (1010) to a driver of the two-wheeler (1000).

7. Method according to claim 6 comprising determining an alternative route, wherein no precipitation (3000) is detected on the alternative route or a lower amount of precipitation is estimated than on the preceding route (1010) and outputting the alternative route to the driver of the two-wheeler (1000).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information to the driver of the two-wheeler (1000) additionally includes a notice regarding reduced road grip.

9. Evaluation unit for a two-wheeler (1000), comprising a first interface designed to detect a preceding route (1010) of the two-wheeler, a second interface designed to detect another road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) on the preceding route (1010), or within a specified distance (1011) of the preceding route. R. 417646 - 11 - Genden Route (1010), a third interface designed to detect an activation state of at least one windscreen wiper of at least one other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), a logic unit trained to detect precipitation (3000) on the preceding route (1010) upon detection of an activated windscreen wiper of the other road user (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) and an output unit which is trained to output information about precipitation (3000) detected on the preceding route (1010) to a driver of the two-wheeler (1000).

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