DE102012013602A1 - Signaling of an emergency stop method of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a signaling (50) of an emergency stop procedure for a motor vehicle (10), during which a hazard warning signal (54) is given. It is provided that a lane change signal (60) is given when the intention to change lane is (56). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (10) with rear lights (14, 16) which have light elements (42) arranged next to one another in a direction transverse to the vehicle, an emergency stop system and a rear display (26) Signaling (50) is suitable.

Description

The present invention relates to a signaling of an emergency stop method of a motor vehicle to the environment of the motor vehicle and a motor vehicle, which is adapted to carry out the signaling according to the invention.

Emergency stopping methods are known in which an assistance system of a motor vehicle automatically changes into an autonomous driving mode when a driver is unfit to drive and performs an emergency stop. This emergency stopping method includes the approach to the edge of the road or, where appropriate, highways the change of one or more lanes to the hard shoulder, if the traffic situation allows, and the stopping of the motor vehicle. Known solutions lead to an environment monitoring, for example by means of radar sensors, in order to monitor in particular the rearward traffic and to assess the traffic situation. An evaluation unit determines based on the data of the environment monitoring, if and when a safe lane change is feasible.

The known emergency stop assistants activate the hazard warning system of the motor vehicle for signaling the other road users or make other lighting devices of the motor vehicle flash, as in FIG JP 7076235 A shown.

The invention is based on the object to improve the signaling of emergency stop method of the aforementioned type.

This object is achieved with an emergency stop system according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to claim 9. Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

It is envisaged that in a signaling of an emergency stop method of a motor vehicle, in which a hazard warning signal is given, according to the invention in a lane change intention, a lane change signal is given.

Lane change signal in the sense of this invention means that in addition to a conventional flashing additional signals are generated and / or that a distinguishable from conventional flashing flashing is generated.

Subsequent traffic will be referred to an emergency situation in an understandable manner by the present invention. The lane change intent is clarified and delimited from normal lane changes by the particular sequence of process steps. The procedure according to the invention makes it possible to communicate the vehicle and the neighboring road users with the traffic and the situation in question. The intention of an emergency stop is thus clearly expressed. The signaling according to the invention makes it possible for the following traffic to react earlier and better to the automatically executed driving maneuver.

In a preferred embodiment of the signaling according to the invention it is provided that at the rear, in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, juxtaposed lighting elements in several groups or individually be lit one after the other lights.

This is advantageous generates a distinguishable from conventional flashing flashing, which indicates the following road users to a particular situation. After a certain spread of the system, other road users will know that it is an autonomous driving maneuver and an emergency could be present.

In a further preferred embodiment of the signaling according to the invention it is provided that the lighting elements are illuminated filling, so starting with an inner light-emitting element or an inner group of lighting elements are successively brought to the outside to shine, the already lit inner light elements remain illuminated, as long as one outside lighting element or a group of external lighting elements is lit, then go out all lighting elements and the process begins again.

Alternatively, it is provided that the lighting elements are continuously lit, so starting with an inner lighting element or an inner group of lighting elements are successively brought to the outside, the already lit inner lighting elements are turned off again, as long as an outer lighting element or a Group is illuminated by external lighting elements, then the outermost lighting elements or the outermost group of lighting elements goes out and the process starts again. This signaling is also possible inversely.

As a further alternative, it is provided that the lighting elements are turned off, so lighting up all lighting elements and the lighting elements are then turned off, starting with an inner light element or an inner group of light elements successively outward, the already turned off inner light elements off remain until an outer light-emitting element or a group of outer light-emitting elements is turned off, then light up all lighting elements and the process begins again.

Advantageously, various possibilities of signaling are thus provided which, in addition to the position of the lighting elements, have an effect pointing in one direction, which makes clear to other road users the intention of pivoting in a certain direction. These dynamic signals are also characterized by an increased attention generation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the signaling according to the invention it is provided that in addition an emergency signal is given.

An additional acoustic or visual signal further increases the level of attention-getting excitation. In particular, an acoustic signal sharpens the alertness of the neighboring road users.

In a further preferred embodiment of the signaling according to the invention, it is provided that an image is generated on a rear display as an emergency signal.

This offers over a purely acoustic distress signal, in particular over a horn signal, the advantage that a larger amount of information can be output to the other road users. A combination of acoustic and optical signals is possible according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment of the signaling according to the invention, it is provided that the hazard warning is carried out with a frequency which is increased in comparison to a conventional hazard warning flashing.

This embodiment also offers the opportunity to attract additional attention and to point out a particular situation.

The signaling according to the invention is preferably carried out with a motor vehicle with taillights, which have luminous elements arranged side by side in a transverse direction to the vehicle, an emergency stop system and a rear indicator.

The invention will be explained below in embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Show it:

1 an inventive motor vehicle in a rear view;

2 the motor vehicle in a plan view;

3 a right tail lamp of the motor vehicle and

4 a flowchart of an inventive signaling an emergency stop process.

1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention 10 in a rear view. This motor vehicle 10 is suitable, a signaling according to the invention 50 to perform an emergency procedure, described in more detail in 4 ,

The motor vehicle has pairs, symmetrically arranged tail lights 12 and 14 on: A left tail light 12 , located on the left side of the vehicle viewed in the direction of travel, and a right tail lamp 14 , arranged on the right side of the vehicle viewed in the direction of travel. The right tail light 14 will be more detailed in 3 shown.

The car 10 has as a further tail lamp a third brake light 16 on, the middle of the rear of the vehicle above the rear window 32 is placed. The third brake light 16 can also be positioned at any other legally compliant location.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle according to the invention 10 with a tail indicator 26 fitted. In the 1 illustrated rear view 16 located on a rear window 32 , For this purpose, the motor vehicle according to the invention 10 for example, with a projector in the interior of the motor vehicle 10 provided a picture as an emergency signal 58 on the rear window 32 yourself or on one in front of the rear window 32 projected projection projected, which can be seen by the following road users. The projection surface is, for example, in the manner of a roller blind in front of the rear window in the interior of the motor vehicle 10 clamped.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable according to the invention that the emergency signal 58 is produced by a film, for example an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) film. The film is on an inner side of the rear window 32 on the rear window 32 applied or spaced to the rear window 32 in front of the rear window 32 aufspannbar, for example in the manner of a roller blind. A combination of the two mentioned imaging techniques is possible according to the invention.

As a picture, a pictogram is preferably generated according to the invention, which signals a medical emergency, for example, a red cross and / or Äskulapetab. It is also possible that a lettering is displayed that indicates the particular situation and / or calls for cooperative behavior of subsequent road users. Displays such as "EMERGENCY STOP" and / or "AUTOPILOT" and / or "ATTENTION" and / or "KEEPING SPACE" and / or "HELP" are possible. The display of directional arrows is inventively possible to signal an intended change in direction, especially in a lane change, in the appropriate direction. In addition, it is also possible according to the invention to display the different symbols alternately or simultaneously. Furthermore, the pictograms and / or logos and / or arrows can be flashing or flickering superimposed in order to focus more attention on the other road users. The illustrated arrows can also be displayed filling, dismantling or continuous.

Alternatively, the rear display 26 also in one or more of the taillights 12 . 14 and / or the third brake light 16 be integrated. The lights 12 . 14 . 16 in this case have individually or in several groups controllable bulbs, especially LED (Light Emitting Diode), which can represent the corresponding pictograms or logos.

In addition to a visual signal as a distress signal 58 Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, an acoustic signal can also be generated, in particular by means of an unillustrated horn of the motor vehicle 10 ,

The motor vehicle according to the invention 10 is also equipped with a driver monitoring system, not shown, and an environment monitoring system. The environment monitoring system encompasses environmental monitoring sensors 34 which, for example, in part in the rear bumper of the motor vehicle 10 can be arranged. A likewise not shown assistance system of the motor vehicle continuously evaluates the data of the driver monitoring system and detects a driving inability of the driver. The data of the environment monitoring system are available to the assistance system to the motor vehicle 10 to stop in an autonomous driving mode. Depending on the location and traffic situation, this includes an autonomous lane change to an adjacent lane or to a hard shoulder or to the edge of the lane. In areas with right-hand traffic, a lane change usually takes place to the right and in areas with left-hand traffic to the left. Such emergency stop systems per se are state of the art.

2 shows the motor vehicle 10 in a top view. In addition to the rear tail lights 12 and 14 has the motor vehicle 10 front, paired headlights 28 . 30 on, one on the viewed in the direction of travel left vehicle side left headlight 28 and a right-hand headlight arranged on the vehicle right side viewed in the direction of travel 30 , Shown are also two outside mirrors 18 . 20 , a right side mirror 18 and a left side mirror 20 ,

In the 2 shown components, so the tail lights 12 and 14 , the headlights 28 and 30 and the exterior mirrors 18 and 20 , serve the motor vehicle according to the invention 10 preferred for receiving direction indicators 36 . 38 . 40 , Thus, the motor vehicle front direction indicator 36 in the headlights 28 . 30 , lateral direction indicator 38 in the exterior mirrors 18 . 20 and rear direction indicators 40 in the tail lights 12 . 14 on. Alternatively, an arrangement of the direction indicators 36 . 38 . 40 at other suitable locations of the motor vehicle 10 , as separate lights, possible.

The arranged on the right side of the vehicle in the direction of travel direction indicator 36 . 38 . 40 serve an indication or announcement of a change in direction of the motor vehicle 10 to the right and arranged on the left side of the vehicle in the direction of travel direction indicator 36 . 38 . 40 an indication or announcement of a change in direction of the motor vehicle 10 to the left. The direction indicators 36 . 38 . 40 glow in a prescribed color, in Europe in a yellow shade. In normal driving mode, the direction indicators flash 36 . 38 . 40 on the respective vehicle side in phase with a frequency of 1.5 Hz ± 0.5 Hz after appropriate operation of a direction switch by the driver. In the normal driving mode, all bulbs that are part of the respective direction indicators light up 36 . 38 . 40 are on, at the same time. In a hazard warning function or double flashing function, the direction indicators flash 36 . 38 . 40 both sides of the vehicle in common mode.

According to the invention, the motor vehicle 10 in addition to the tail lights 12 and 14 , the headlights 28 and 30 and the side direction indicators in the exterior mirrors 18 . 20 further lighting devices, such as fog lights and / or daytime running lights have.

3 shows a right tail light 14 of the motor vehicle 10 in a sketch. The taillight 14 preferably has a rear direction indicator 40 on. The rear direction indicator 40 In a special embodiment, a plurality of lighting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle transverse direction 42 , The lighting elements 42 are in a special embodiment light-emitting diodes (LED).

In addition to the light elements shown 42 the rear direction indicator 40 has the right tail light 14 preferably further, not shown here lighting elements for the lighting functions parking light, brake light, tail light, rear fog light and / or reversing light on. According to the invention, it is also possible that at least some lighting elements 42 fill in several of the mentioned lighting functions.

In a normal turn initiated by the driver, the light elements flash 42 of the respective direction indicator 40 all of them in sync after operation of the turn signal lever. In order to now display an autonomous lane change, it is inventively provided that additional signals are generated and / or that a distinguishable from conventional flashing flashing is generated. This signaling is used in this document lane change signal 60 called.

When blinking is distinguishable from the conventional blinking, the lighting elements become 42 For example, the right tail light 14 , when a lane change to the right, individually or in several groups turned on one after the other, leaving a special, outward 44 is generated in the direction of the desired lane-looking effect.

In a special embodiment, the lighting elements 42 that can both the lighting elements 42 of the direction indicator as well as all other present in the tail lamp lighting elements, filling, running or dismantling turned on.

Filling in it means that as the first an inner luminous element 42 or an inner group of lighting elements 42 is turned on and then one out 44 adjacent luminous element 42 or one outwards 44 adjacent group of lighting elements 42 is turned on, without the previously switched on lighting elements 42 go out as long as the outermost luminous element 42 or the outermost group of lighting elements 42 shines and the process then begins again.

Continuously means that the first is an inner luminous element 42 or an inner group of lighting elements 42 is turned on and then one out 44 adjacent luminous element 42 or one outwards 44 adjacent group of lighting elements 42 is turned on, with the previously switched on lighting elements 42 go out.

Passing through is also possible inversely, with all lighting elements 42 shine and first an inner light element 42 or an inner group of lighting elements 42 is switched off and then one outwards 44 adjacent luminous element 42 or one outwards 44 adjacent group of lighting elements 42 is switched off and the previously switched off lighting element 42 or the previously switched off group of lighting elements 42 again shines.

Diminishing means that at first all the lighting elements 42 shine and first an inner light element 42 or an inner group of lighting elements 42 is switched off and then one outwards 44 adjacent luminous element 42 or one outwards 44 adjacent group of lighting elements 42 is switched off, without the previously switched on lighting elements 42 light up again until the outermost luminous element 42 or the outermost group of lighting elements 42 is switched off and the process begins again.

Also the side direction indicator 38 and / or front lighting elements of the headlights 28 . 30 , in particular the front direction indicator 36 and / or front daytime running lights are switched in a similar embodiment of the invention. In addition, the lane change signals can be visualized 60 through impressions of emergency signals 58 on the tail indicator 26 of the motor vehicle 10 become.

4 shows a signaling according to the invention 50 an emergency stop procedure in a flowchart. If an emergency stop maneuver is initiated by an assistance system, this assistance system also switches the signaling. With the start of the emergency stop maneuver also the signaling begins 50 with the start 52 , The next step is to activate the hazard warning lights 54 , In the following step will depend on whether a lane change intent 56 if yes, a lane change signal 60 if not, the hazard warning lights remain activated 54 until the end of the signaling 62 , Will be a lane change signal 60 given, the process is run from the second step again until the motor vehicle 10 has arrived on the target lane or at the edge of the lane and no lane change intent 56 more exists. The motor vehicle is brought to a standstill by the assistance system on the destination lane.

The lane change signal 60 includes one to the outside 44 pointing effect. It is flashing in the simplest case. Preferred according to the invention is a filling, continuous or de-energizing illumination of the direction indicators 36 . 38 . 40 and / or other vehicle lights, such as taillights and / or brake lights.

Optionally, the issuing of an emergency signal 58 possible. The expression of the distress signal 58 is in the description too 1 played. The distress signal 58 can at a lane change intention 56 be used to ask the backward road users for increased cooperation. If no lane change, the distress signal 58 be used to inform the other road users about the autonomous driving condition of the motor vehicle.

The signaling according to the invention 50 Can take into account different situations during an autonomous emergency stop. In particular, four different situations can be distinguished from each other.

The first situation concerns a cooperative lane change. This means that a lane change is possible due to high traffic density only with a cooperative behavior of the neighboring road users. Here, it is inventively possible, for example, two times a hazard warning 54 , so a double-sided flashing, perform before a lane change signal 60 is given. In a special embodiment of the signaling according to the invention 50 become distress signals 58 given to increase the willingness of other road users to cooperate. If the motor vehicle 10 the lane change has completed, again hazard warning lights 54 given.

The second situation concerns lane changes in moderate to weak traffic, which can be carried out by the Emergency Response Assistant without special actions by neighboring road users. On emergency signals 60 , which can increase a willingness to cooperate with the other road users can be omitted here.

The third situation concerns a stop on the current lane. There is no lane change intent 56 because the traffic situation does not allow this, for example in the case of extremely high traffic volumes. A lane change signal 60 will not be given. Instead, it is possible to use the lighting elements 42 both sides of the vehicle opposite the lane change signal 60 to migrate inside.

The fourth situation concerns a stop on the hard shoulder. Here, according to the invention, the same signals are given as in the third situation. An increased frequency of the hazard warning lights is also possible. When the motor vehicle has come to a standstill, according to the invention the normal activation of the hazard warning lights is provided, as is usually done in similar situations, such as at the ends of stoppers. Alternatively, an alternating flashing of at least some of the lighting elements 42 a vehicle side with some of the lighting elements 42 the other side of the vehicle. In order to warn oncoming traffic, especially on rural roads, it is provided according to the invention in a particular embodiment, the high beam of the motor vehicle 10 to activate or to activate in intervals, so to let flashing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

motor vehicle

12

left tail light

14

right tail light

16

Third Stoplight

18

left side mirror

20

right side mirror

26

rear display

28

left headlight

30

right headlight

32

rear window

34

Environment monitoring sensors

36

front direction indicator

38

lateral direction indicator

40

rear direction indicator

42

lighting elements

44

Outward direction

50

signaling

52

Start of signaling

54

warning sign

56

Lane change intention

58

distress

60

Lane change signal

62

End of signaling

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 7076235 A [0003]

Claims (9)

Signaling ( 50 ) an emergency procedure of a motor vehicle ( 10 ), in which a hazard warning signal ( 54 ), characterized in that when a lane change intention ( 56 ) a lane change signal ( 60 ) is given. Signaling according to claim 1, characterized in that at the rear, in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) side by side arranged light elements ( 42 ) in several groups or one after the other lit up. Signaling according to claim 2, characterized in that the lighting elements ( 42 ) fill in, so starting with an inner light element ( 42 ) or an inner group of light elements ( 42 ) one after the other ( 44 ), whereby the already illuminated inner lighting elements ( 42 ) remain lit until an outer light element ( 42 ) or a group of external light elements ( 42 ), then all the lighting elements ( 42 ) go out and the process starts again. Signaling according to claim 2, characterized in that the lighting elements ( 42 ) are illuminated continuously, ie starting with an inner luminous element ( 42 ) or an inner group of light elements ( 42 ) one after the other ( 44 ), whereby the already illuminated inner lighting elements ( 42 ) are switched off again, as long as an outer light element ( 42 ) or a group of external light elements ( 42 ), then the outermost light elements ( 42 ) or the outermost group of luminous elements ( 42 ) goes off and the process starts again. Signaling according to claim 2, characterized in that the lighting elements ( 42 ) are turned off, so in the beginning all lighting elements ( 42 ) and the lighting elements ( 42 ) starting with an inner luminous element ( 42 ) or an inner group of light elements ( 42 ) one after the other ( 44 ) are turned off, with the already switched off inner light elements ( 42 ) remain switched off until an outer light element ( 42 ) or a group of external light elements ( 42 ) is switched off, then all lighting elements ( 42 ) and the process starts again. Signaling according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in addition an emergency signal ( 58 ) is given. Signaling according to claim 6, characterized in that as an emergency signal ( 58 ) a picture on a rear display ( 26 ) is produced. Signaling according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hazard warning ( 54 ) is performed with a frequency increased compared to a conventional hazard warning flashing. Motor vehicle ( 10 ) with taillights ( 14 . 16 ), which in a transverse direction to the vehicle side by side arranged lighting elements ( 42 ), an emergency stop system and a rear display ( 26 ), characterized in that the motor vehicle ( 10 ) for carrying out a signaling ( 50 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is suitable.

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