Assistance system for driver support in vehicles

p0001The invention relates to an assistance system for driver assistance in vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for assisting the driver in accordance with the preamble of claim 11. In addition, the invention relates to a computer program according to claim 12 and a computer program product according to claim. 13

State of the art

p0002The invention relates to an assistance system for driver support after class of the independent claim. Further, the invention relates to a method, a computer program and a computer program product according to category of the independent claims.

p0003From the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="DE10238215A1"><text>DE 102 38 215 A1</text></patcit> are an apparatus and a method of driver information to the reaction lane departure is known, the driver information and / or a vehicle intervention takes place as a reaction if the vehicle threatens to leave the lane, wherein at least one boundary of the lane is detected. Generally there are driver assistance systems usually consist of a function that assists the driver in performing his driving task and a suitable sensor system - for example, a video sensor - including a measurement method that the function the necessary information about the vehicle environment provides - for example, the calculated distance from the edge of the road on which the distance to be the host vehicle automatically set and maintained (Lanekeeping). In the prior art to sensors and their measurement programs developed so that they can be used in many countries, in particular, often video functions are to be used worldwide. Due to the large number of different rules, regulations, rules and country-specific details the functions and measurement programs for driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly complex. The driver assistance systems are correspondingly complex and expensive because the computing power or the required development effort for a corresponding regulation increases because of rising complexity. The complexity increases in proportion with the number of country variants to which must support the system.

Disclosure of the Invention

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

p0004The assistance system according to the invention for driver assistance in vehicles that recognizes site-specific, traffic line relevant characteristics such as traffic signs, pavement marking, statutory traffic regulations and the like with an identification device and uses associated data from a data memory for driver information and / or influencing of the vehicle is, <b>characterized in that</b> are associated in the data store specific records with corresponding data of different countries, regions or other areas that the detection device detects the crossing of a territorial limit or reaching a region and the corresponding data set is used with the data for driver assistance in the recognized area. Here, the data is arranged for driver support in data sets, wherein each area, country or region, a record of all relevant data or a subset thereof is formed. In this way does not have to be used for driver support the entire data storage with all the traffic line relevant data, but it can target smaller records from the sum of the records to be sought out, from which the corresponding data can be used. In this way, less processing power is required and the support is provided in a shorter reaction time. The system includes in addition the device also suitable means for implementing the method verwendetet here. For example, the method may be implemented for driver support in a computer program. The computer program can be stored on a computer program product. Driving over a field boundary can occur before, during anticipated and / or after reaching the respective area or be recognized, so that faster reaction times are possible.

p0005The inventive method for driver assistance in vehicles by means of an assistance system, comprising the steps of: recognizing area-specific, traffic line relevant characteristics such as traffic signs, road markings, statutory traffic regulations and the like associated with a detection device and using data from a data memory for driver information and / or influencing of the vehicle is, <b>characterized in that</b> further steps are comprised of: assigning respective data of different countries, regions or other areas in the data storage with specific records, recognizing a driving over a field boundary and / or reaching the territory by the recognition device and use the corresponding data with the data for driver assistance in the identified area. By associating in records the data from the data store can be retrieved more quickly and process it accordingly. Thus, with this method, a faster driver support feasible.

p0006The inventive computer program comprises program code means for performing all the steps of the invention when the program is executed on a computer. The computer program can thus install and run in different systems. A simple retrofit and quick updates are possible via corresponding data line, for example, via wireless links.

p0007The computer program product according to the invention comprises program code means stored on a computer readable medium to perform the inventive method when the program product runs on a computer. Thus can be on the computer program product, the program code means simple transfer of relevant customers.

p0008The measures specified in the dependent claims, advantageous refinements and improvements of the devices specified in the independent claims, methods, computer programs and computer program products are also possible.

p0009In an advantageous embodiment of the assistance system is provided that the detection device comprises at least one detection unit, which detects the relevant art from the area-specific, traffic line relevant characteristics. The detection can be done in various ways, for example optical, acoustic, haptic, via a manual input, via signals and the like. Territorial, traffic management characteristics such as traffic signs are designed differently in different countries. When the driver support, for example, these traffic signs are detected and only the actual driving information, as here, the maximum allowable speed, are detected simultaneously, the area-specific information from the different representation of the traffic sign. Thus, for example, at a traffic sign next to a maximum speed from the country-specific form of the traffic sign also recognize which country the vehicle is currently located.

p0010A further preferred embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention provides that the detection device comprises at least one detection unit, which detects the relevant territory in accordance with broad, chargeable or free of susceptible signals of the respective territory. With generally, pay or free receptive signals all receivable signals are meant as traffic signs, radio frequencies or radio waves, pavement markings, and the like. Also included are GPS, radio or mobile phone signals, therefrom not necessarily traffic line relevant characteristics can be detected, however, area-specific characteristics which give an insight about the area in which the vehicle is currently located. Accordingly, the receptive signal can be used for selecting the required data set. After selecting the relevant data set, the system can identify and isolate the detected traffic line relevant characteristics faster because the detected signals with a smaller amount of data to be compared and assigned.

p0011Yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the detection unit comprises at least one sensor selected from the group of sensors for detecting optical signals, haptic signals, acoustic signals, radar signals, satellite signals, radio signals, GPRS-signals, UMTS-signals, radio signals and the like. In this way, a multitude of information. The detection unit may win country-specific information and / or traffic management information based on the detected signals. Thus, for example, congestion information, construction information, and the like process.

p0012Yet another preferred embodiment provides, include that the data stored in the data records Data Automotive Technical and / or traffic control variables such as speed, distance to other road users, traction, brightness, Thoroughfare texture, Road Marking, tire pressure, traffic conditions, weather conditions, road distance, and the like. Due to the reduced processing power requirement due to the subdivision in country-specific records more features may be included in the assistance system, without leading to reaction time delays.

p0013A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the support is indirect means of signal indicators, a signal can be displayed visually, audibly, haptic and / or olfactory. The vehicle support is here indirectly by a driver is told what steps he has initiated. The necessary steps directs the driver actively himself a, for example, by pressing a corresponding actuator.

p0014Alternatively or in combination therewith provides another preferred embodiment that the driver support is provided directly by influencing the vehicle. This can be done, for example, as the ABS antilock braking system by the driver, only the task of the brakes, pretending and the object is achieved due to the control by supporting an assistance system. In particular, this system can therefore also be used if the driver, for example, is inattentive or asleep, at least for a short time. Thus, it can effectively reduce the risk of traffic.

p0015Yet another advantageous embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention provides that the selection of an area-specific data set is accelerated by a pre-selection of possible records by possible area transitions are stored and data sets are provided with a priority level. In this way it is possible to apply the corresponding applicable, site-specific record from a relative to the total amount of data smaller subset. For example, may be pre-selected at a land-border crossing, for example, of the Netherlands, the records for Belgium and Germany, as due to the geographical arrangement of the Netherlands no other land-based border crossing is possible.

p0016Yet another preferred embodiment provides that the assistance system comprises a man-machine interface to allow human-operated data entry. Data entry can be performed manually or for example by means of speech recognition and the like. Thus, the assistance system can also use then, just when no signal is received to.

p0017Last but not least, a further embodiment is that the data of the current zone are stored in a memory, so they can be read at a restart and used without redetection. The relevant data and / or the corresponding record of the current area are stored persistently or non-volatile in a data store. When the system is restarted, these data are read from the data store and are available to the system thus available. To ensure rapid support, this data retrieved from the memory data can be used immediately without a new identification of the area must be done.

p0018Further advantages result from the following description of embodiments or from the dependent claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

p0019The invention will be further explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.<dl id="dl0001"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>schematically shows a block diagram of an inventive assistance system.</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>schematically shows the signal provided by a detection device image of a road sign in different countries.</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>schematically shows how the implementation of land-based border crossings will be integrated into the assistance system. It shows<figref idrefs="f0001">3a</figref> a common European map and <figref idrefs="f0002">3b</figref> the deduced schematic representation with land-border crossings.</dd></dl>

p0020<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> schematically shows a block diagram of an assistance system 100 for driver assistance in vehicles. Vehicles include all motor vehicles such as cars, airplanes, ships and the like. The assistance system 100 includes after<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> a central module 1. The module 1 is coupled to a plurality of sensors or detection units 5-12. Next, the module 1 is coupled to a database 4, in which country-specific assigned datasets stored with the corresponding country-specific data. Next, the module 1 is coupled to a control unit 2, which regulates the appropriate driver support. The scheme 2 in turn is coupled to a human-machine interface 3, can be output or input through which information, so that a communication between man and machine is realized. The assistance system 100 operates as follows: Use the sensors 5 to 12 the required information such as area-specific, traffic line relevant characteristics including traffic signs, pavement marking, statutory traffic regulations and the like are recorded. The sensors 5 to 12 can be designed differently. The sensor 12 is embodied here as a telematics system / emergency call system eCall as etc. Here over to appropriate country-specific signals can be received, so that a corresponding record from the database 4 can be selected. The sensor 11 represents, for example, a car phone, which detected signals over GSM, GRPS, UMTS or the like. These received by the sensor 11 signals are used primarily for the detection of the relevant territory in which the vehicle is currently located. However, it may also be traffic-related data on this signal be sent. The sensor 10 is a radio that receives corresponding radio signals. Based on the signals received by the radio can be both the current area in which the vehicle is located, as well as traffic-related data such as congestion, bypass options and the like detect. The sensor 9 is in this case a vehicle sensor, which detects the vehicle data such as speed, air pressure, tire pressure, acceleration and the like. Using the data from the vehicle sensor, for example, can be made a target-actual comparison between the actual driving data and the permitted driving data. The sensor 8 is presently a radar sensor, the radar signals sends and receives. About this radar signals can be information about other road users, grasp the driving distance and the like. For example, such a distance from other road users or traffic density etc. can be measured. The sensor 7 is in this case a video sensor that can receive optical signals. For example, the video sensor traffic signs and the like detect. The detected signals can be compared with those in the records and then a detection can be performed. Based on the detected signals, the driver support is then realized. The sensor 6 represents in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> a navigation device. About the sensor 6, the field data indicate. The sensor 5 is present is a location sensor which receives for example the GPS, Galileo or any other transmitter data for location. In this way, the position of the vehicle can be detected globally.

p0021All these sensors are used to detect traffic-related and country-specific data. The data is forwarded to the central module. 1 The module 1 now evaluates these signals and assigns them to the parent in the database 4 country-specific data arranged sets. the corresponding country data set is transferred to the module 1 from the database. 4 Based on the country-specific data, the control is carried out in cooperation between the module 1 and the control 2. The control unit 2 may intervene directly in the vehicle or forward indirectly via the man-machine interface 3 the driver a signal to regulate.

p0022<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> shows the different country-specific versions of a tempo 60 km / h sign 13 in different countries, as for example from the video sensor 7 to <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is detected. Based on this traffic sign, the module 1 deduced firstly that the vehicle must be moved no faster than 60 km / h. On the other hand can be based on the different versions of a traffic sign by country meet. With the country assignment of the appropriate site-specific record is selected and next to the pace information other country-specific information is preloaded in the module. It may already have been hit by specific records a preselection.

p0023<figref idrefs="f0001">3a</figref> shows a Europe Map and <figref idrefs="f0002">3b</figref> showing of <figref idrefs="f0001">3a</figref> derived schematic representation with land-border crossings. When a vehicle, for example, in the Netherlands 14 is located is based after the map<figref idrefs="f0001">3a</figref> and the implementation by <figref idrefs="f0002">3b</figref> to realize that there are only two neighboring countries, the country attached to the vehicle can be achieved, namely Belgium 15 and Germany 16. According to the records for Belgium 15 and Germany so that when you leave the Netherlands 14 16 are provided with a higher priority level, the newly arrived field and the corresponding data is not from the records for all European countries but only one of the two sets of data for Belgium and Germany must be 15 16 selected. This preselection with appropriate priority level allows a simple way to increase the speed of detection, since only detected data must be compared with data from two datasets.

p0024The central point of the invention is thus the adaptation of driver assistance system and its functions to country-specific situation. A country-specific situation might be, for example, the different design of traffic signs or the different embodiments of road markings in different countries. The system determines the country's situation from connected sensors 5 to 12 and / or get the currently valid national situation explicitly - by driver input via a man-machine interface 3 predefined. However, the different countries have different properties, which is stored in a country definition that is stored in a database. The content of the database 4, for example, various traffic signs styles, different lane line designs, car registration, radio station, network phone service provider name, permissible operating modes (for example, right / left) include, etc., which are valid in the respective countries. The determination of the current country situation or the currently driven country are from one or more of the following sensors 5 to 12 carried out: The location transmitter 5, the current position of the vehicle is determined, for example the GPS, Galileo or similar information. Together with stored state positions, including the boundary lines then the country information is generated. By means of the navigation device 6, which can determine the current state along with the location sensor 5 and, for example, a digitally stored map, the country's situation can be determined. A video sensor 7 which can generate from detected objects and / or situation and / or modes of operation and / or other specific country-specific characteristics conclusion on the actually traveled the country, is also used to determine country situation. A radar sensor 8 which can generate conclusions about the currently traveled country recognized objects and / or situations and / or modes of operation, also contributes to the determination of the country situation. Other vehicle sensors can also assist countries situational awareness, which can produce conclusions on the currently traveled country recognized objects and / or situation and / or control strategies. A radio receiver 10 can produce conclusions on the currently traveled the country from the received radio program. A car telephone 11 can produce conclusions on the currently traveled the country from the received cellular networks. A telematics system 12 may consist of received services (eg, eCall) produce conclusions on the currently traveled country. To determine the current country absolutely special sensor systems are not required. The example of the in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> Traffic sign recognition described in detail, for example, the determination of the country's situation is already out of the video sensor 7 possible. This is possible because the verschienenen countries define different traffic signs Layouts / Designs, such as in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> indicated. These differences can be perceived by the video sensor 7, which then causes the module 1 can calculate the corresponding country situation. The determination of the country's situation, which is already possible video is based can be up to 12 supported or supplemented by other advantageous sensors 5, of course. Thus, including combinations of different sensors 5 to 12 are possible.

p0025When determining the country's situation can be used on the possible state transitions and implicit knowledge. Using the example of European countries and their position to one another (see. For example,<figref idrefs="f0001 f0002">figure 3</figref>) Result only a finite number of possible transitions from country to country. In<figref idrefs="f0002">3b</figref> for example, indicated some possible state change for Europe, the vehicle should be moving by land.

p0026Once the country information available, it can be used advantageously to improve efficiency of the monitoring programs of the sensor by restrictions to probable cases or less computational complexity and increase the reliability of detection of surroundings.

p0027The assistance system 100 is thereby more reliable, simpler and less expensive to implement. About the man-machine interface 3 the driver can be shown that speed in the country is permitted, also depending on various road types, such as highways, roads, highways and the like, also can be adapted warning thresholds for the different countries. Furthermore, display allowable driving maneuvers, such as turning, right overtaking and the like. In each country can be on the man-machine interface 3, the allowable tonnage and associated maximum speeds show. Accordingly, an automatic switching on and off of the vehicle and / or high beam can be realized when z. B. during the day there is a light bid, as in the case of Denmark.

p0028Finally, the adaptation of the driving instruction can be deposited on certain country-specific types of roads and display.

p0029The behavior of the driver assistance system 100 can thus be adapted automatically, such as setting the cruise control and / or the ACC target speed (ACC = Adaptive Cruise Control), the light and / or turn signal operation, the radio operator (station search, similar transmitter profiles in various countries) and the telephone service (also selection of low wireless providers).

p0030Countries situation, depending on clarity of information 5 to 12 a special unique country that places a number of countries to choose from, a country region (for example, Western Europe, Eastern Europe), and the like, or give an undefined situation. The indication of the country situation may optionally include a reliability of the currently determined countries situation.

p0031Countries definition may contain as individual designs and / or appearance of objects: traffic signs, lane lines, signage ways Ortsschilder, place names, names of countries crossings, border stations, car brands whose design and frequency in countries, special personal characteristics (people with turbans in Oriental countries) and the same.

p0032Furthermore, meta information can be given to the countries, such as boundary information in the country, possible border crossings between countries, language definitions, naming conventions and allowed vehicle speeds.

p0033Furthermore, the driving style and the driving instruction can be given, such as left- or right-hand traffic, allowing turning maneuvers and the like.

p0034Furthermore, stations can adapt as available stations per country, RDS station codes per country, frequencies of radio stations, geographical positions of radio stations, voice information from radio stations, transmission power of radio stations.

p0035Also allows the mobile operator to integrate adaptive, such as available channels per country, GSM provider codes per country, frequencies of GSM transmitters geographical positions of mobile transmitters, voice information from mobile towers, transmission power of mobile stations, cell codes of mobile stations and the like.

p0036Countries listed properties according to above can be optional supplement, modify or enhance for example, by a software update during a vehicle inspection or other downloads by suitable methods. They can be used by the respective sensor systems according to the detection of a country.

p0037The location sensor 5 can compare the measured geographic position with country positions and conduct a national provision.

p0038The navigation device 6 can carry out a comparison of the current position detection with a digital map and determine the country accordingly.

p0039The video sensor 7 can determine the country from various exemplary object properties and / or situations, such as the appearance and / or the frequency of transport drawing, the appearance and / or the size and / or the spacing and / or the frequency of road markings and delineators, the appearance and / or the frequency of vehicles and / or vehicle types and / or persons, the appearance and / or frequency of vehicle registration number and driven driving speeds can be used to the state determination.

p0040The radar sensor 8 may determine the country from various exemplary object properties and / or situations: About Mileage vehicle trajectories and driven vehicle speeds the country determination can be made.

p0041Other vehicle sensors 9 as driving dynamics sensors, which are used among other things for an ESP, the land can be determined from various object properties and / or situations: Mileage vehicle trajectories, driven vehicle speeds and the like. A ferry can be seen from the vehicle moving at a standstill. The roll and yaw motions of the vessel can be determined with frequently existing accelerometers.

p0042The radio unit 10, which is equipped with RDS receiver, can also be used to determine the country's situation: An existing system in the 100 list with RDS receive code example NDR2 supplies than any country code, for example, Germany. In border areas between countries different country allocations are calculated. Here the signal strength or frequency of signals can possibly serve to distinguish.

p0043A Mobile phone books itself into a network of the network operator. Are the possible network operator known to the system and their allocation to countries, so the land can be determined in which the vehicle is located or the mobile phone. This option may be especially advantageous for mobile assistance systems 100 in which the assistance system 100 is in a mobile phone.

p0044In the telematics system 12 also are often present information for a positioning (GPS) and / or information from a navigation system 6 and / or a mobile phone. For example, emergency services such as the setting in 2010 in Europe at the start eCall system, information about a location module and access to mobile networks (through the emergency would discontinued). Since these systems will have in the future a high market penetration, their information may also be used advantageously in assistance systems 100th

p0045Multiple sensor information can also be advantageously used in combination with each and / or fusion to increase the reliability of the country's determination. Each sensor information may determine a reliability of the country's statement and from all individual reliabilities may have an overall reliability will be charged.

p0046Can not be uniquely determined a country, then there is a possibility that a list of countries is calculated with an order to countries whose selection is most likely based on the information.

p0047To calculate the country's situation and possible boundary change by land or by sea can be considered. The distinction between land and sea can be realized by driving dynamics sensors 9, among others. By sea supply through the ship's motion, the acceleration sensors of the vehicle axles signals without the motion sensors detect movement.