DE102015219461A1 - Method for generating warning signals for the driver of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating information signals (H) for the driver of a motor vehicle with a driver's seat (1), in which an actuatable by means of an actuator seat adjustment (5, 6, 7, 8) is installed, wherein in case of detection of a Event the seat adjustment is actuated to output a haptic indication signal (H) to the driver. One or more of the following events are detected: a blind spot event (TE) coupled to a detection of an object in a blind spot of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle; A parking event (PE) coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between an outer surface of the motor vehicle and objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle; A start-up event (ANE), which is coupled to a detection of the crossing of a distance between the stationary motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle; A collision event (AUE) coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between the traveling motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the traveling motor vehicle; - A traffic light event (AE), which is coupled to a detection of the switching of a traffic light on which the motor vehicle is on green; A wrong-way event (FE), which is coupled to a detection of the driving of the motor vehicle on a traffic lane for oncoming traffic.

Description

The invention relates to a method for generating warning signals for the driver of a motor vehicle.

Driver assistance systems in today's motor vehicles generate a large number of warning signals in order to warn the driver of the motor vehicle of dangerous driving situations. Usually, such danger warnings are output as optical and / or acoustic signals. Often a variety of optical and acoustic signals is generated, which lead to an excessive demand or blunting of the driver. An obvious and perceptible to all passengers warning may also be uncomfortable for the driver. As a result, driver assistance functions in motor vehicles are often deactivated by the driver.

From the publication DE 10 2012 014 297 A1 is a vehicle seat with a warning element integrated therein described. This warning element may include as a danger warning signal a changed force, adjustment or temperature of a seat.

From the document DE 10 2013 220 551 A1 a method for adapting the body support of a person sitting in a vehicle seat is described, in which data from environment sensors of the vehicle are evaluated. This publication discloses, inter alia, that the driver's seat is adapted for haptic indication in the detection of predetermined dangerous situations.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for generating warning signals for the driver of a motor vehicle, with which the driver discrete indication signals are given in the detection of certain events.

This object is solved by the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The method according to the invention generates notification signals for the driver of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising a driver's seat with a driver located thereon. In the driver's seat operable by means of an actuator seat adjustment is installed. In this case, in the event of detection of a predetermined event, the seat adjustment is automatically actuated via the actuators to output a haptic indication signal to the driver.

• – ein Totwinkel-Ereignis, welches an eine Detektion eines Objekts (z.B. eines Kraftfahrzeugs) und insbesondere eines von hinten herannahenden Objekts in einem toten Winkel eines Rückspiegels des Kraftfahrzeugs gekoppelt ist;
• – ein Park-Ereignis, welches an eine Detektion des Unterschreitens eines Abstands zwischen einer Außenfläche des Kraftfahrzeugs und Objekten in der Umgebung des Kraftfahrzeugs gekoppelt ist;
• – ein Anfahr-Ereignis, welche an eine Detektion des Überschreitens eines Abstands zwischen dem stehenden Kraftfahrzeug und einem vor dem Kraftfahrzeug befindlichen Fahrzeug gekoppelt ist;
• – ein Auffahr-Ereignis, welches an eine Detektion des Unterschreitens eines Abstands zwischen dem fahrenden Kraftfahrzeug und einem vor dem fahrenden Kraftfahrzeug befindlichen Fahrzeug gekoppelt ist;
• – ein Ampel-Ereignis, welches an eine Detektion des Umschaltens einer Ampel, an der das Kraftfahrzeug steht, auf Grün gekoppelt ist;
• – ein Falschfahr-Ereignis, welches an eine Detektion des Fahrens des Kraftfahrzeugs auf einer Fahrspur, welche gesperrt oder für entgegenkommenden Verkehr vorgesehen ist, und/oder des Annäherns des Kraftfahrzeugs an diese Fahrspur gekoppelt ist.

In the method according to the invention, one or more of the following predetermined events are detected:

• A blind spot event, which is coupled to a detection of an object (eg a motor vehicle) and in particular of an object approaching from behind in a blind spot of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle;
• A park event coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between an outer surface of the motor vehicle and objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle;
• A start-up event coupled to a detection of the crossing of a distance between the stationary motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle;
• A collision event coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between the traveling motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the traveling motor vehicle;
• - A traffic light event, which is coupled to a detection of the switching of a traffic light, where the motor vehicle is on green;
• A false driving event, which is coupled to a detection of the driving of the motor vehicle on a lane which is blocked or intended for oncoming traffic, and / or the approach of the motor vehicle to this lane.

For the first time, the method according to the invention makes it possible to generate a haptic warning signal in order to discreetly alert the driver to certain traffic situations by means of a seat adjustment of the driver's seat. The detection of the above predetermined events as well as the events mentioned below can be performed easily with today's driver assistance systems. The term used above and also below for the coupling of an event to a corresponding detection is to be understood such that the detection is a necessary criterion for the presence of the event, but possibly not a sufficient criterion for it. In other words, if necessary, further conditions must be fulfilled so that the event actually exists.

For haptic indication different types of seat adjusters can be used. In a preferred variant, a pneumatic seat adjustment is actuated with a plurality of integrated in the driver's seat elastic air bubbles to output the notification signal. Nonetheless, the seat adjustment may alternatively or additionally include other elements for indication. In particular, an electromechanical seat adjustment with a plurality of electric servomotors integrated in the driver's seat can also be actuated to output the notification signal.

• – der Fahrer betätigt den Blinker auf der Seite des Kraftfahrzeugs, auf der das Objekt im toten Winkel des Rückspiegels detektiert wird;
• – der Innengriff einer oder mehrerer Türen im Kraftfahrzeug wird berührt oder betätigt, wobei die Tür oder Türen auf der Seite des Kraftfahrzeugs liegen, auf der das Objekt im toten Winkel des Rückspiegels detektiert wird;
• – der Fahrer dreht seinen Kopf in Richtung zur Fahrertür (sofern das Objekt im toten Winkel des Rückspiegels auf der Seite der Fahrertür detektiert wird).

In a preferred embodiment, the blind spot event is present if, in addition to the detection of an object in a blind spot of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle, one or more of the following actions are also detected:

• - The driver operates the turn signal on the side of the motor vehicle, on which the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror;
• - The inner handle of one or more doors in the motor vehicle is touched or operated, the door or doors are on the side of the motor vehicle, on which the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror;
• - The driver turns his head towards the driver's door (if the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror on the side of the driver's door).

In this way, it is ensured that a blind spot event only leads to a haptic warning if there is actually the risk that the driver changes lanes or opens the driver's door.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in the event of a blind spot event, the driver's seat is narrowed on the side closer to the side of the motor vehicle on which the object is detected in the blind spot's blind spot. This intuitively conveys to the driver on which side of the vehicle objects are present.

In a further preferred variant of the method according to the invention, the region of the outer surface of the motor vehicle with the smallest distance to objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle is displayed in the case of a parking event by means of a corresponding position selection of the actuation of the seat adjustment. In other words, the positional choice of the actuation of the seat adjustment correlates with the location of the smallest distance. For example, if this location is to the right of the driver's seat, the right-hand area of the driver's seat is also actuated.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a start-up event is present if, in addition to the detection of the crossing of a distance between the stationary vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle, the course of a predetermined time interval is detected in the still standing motor vehicle since this detection. In this way, the reaction time of the driver is taken into account when determining the start-up event.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a traffic light event is present if, in addition to the detection of the changeover of the traffic light to green, the course of a predetermined time interval is also detected when the motor vehicle continues to be stationary since this detection. Also in this variant, the reaction time of the driver is considered suitable.

In a further preferred embodiment, in the case of a start-up event and / or a collision event and / or a traffic light event and / or a wrong-driving event, a warning signal in the form of a contour change in the central region of the backrest and / or the seat of the driver's seat.

In addition to the events just described, a narrowing event can also be detected in the method according to the invention, which is coupled to a narrowing of the lane width before and / or next to the moving motor vehicle. Preferably, furthermore, the criterion must be satisfied that a predetermined speed of the motor vehicle is exceeded. The constriction event can be displayed haptically, for example, by the driver's seat being closed on both sides of the seat.

Likewise, in the method according to the invention, it is also possible if necessary to detect a lateral distance event which is coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between the moving motor vehicle and objects situated laterally next to the motor vehicle. As another criterion of the lateral distance event, it can be considered that the speed of the motor vehicle exceeds a certain value. For haptic hinting, preferably the side of the driver's seat is narrowed, for which the distance below the distance is detected.

Preferably, further, a lane departure event may be detected, which is coupled to a detection of the lane departure by the motor vehicle. As a criterion for this event can also be considered that the driver has not set the turn signal to leave the lane. This event is preferably indicated by an adjustment of the driver's seat on the side of the vehicle on which the departure of the lane occurs.

In a further variant, a speed-exceeding event is detected in the inventive method, which is coupled to a detection that the moving motor vehicle exceeds the maximum speed allowed for the section on which the motor vehicle is currently located. The signaling may e.g. similar to the constriction event done by the fact that the driver's seat is set closer on both sides.

• – vom Kraftfahrzeug erzeugte Warnhinweise (z.B. wichtige Störungsmeldungen, Aufforderung zum Lesen des Displays);
• – der Eingang von Anrufen oder Nachrichten im Kraftfahrzeug (z.B. SMS-Nachrichten);
• – Hinweise eines Navigationssystems des Kraftfahrzeugs auf eine bevorstehende Abzweigung oder einen bevorstehenden Spurwechsel entsprechend der Route, entlang der das Navigationssystem gerade navigiert;
• – eine Aufforderung des Kraftfahrzeugs zum Anlegen eines Gurts.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the following information is also signaled to the driver by the automatic actuation of the seat adjustment:

• - warnings generated by the motor vehicle (eg important fault messages, request to read the display);
• The receipt of calls or messages in the motor vehicle (eg SMS messages);
• - Hints of a navigation system of the motor vehicle on an impending turn or an imminent lane change according to the route along which the navigation system is currently navigating;
• - A request of the motor vehicle for creating a belt.

In a further preferred variant of the method according to the invention, a condition of the driver is also detected and, depending on the condition of the driver, the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the output of the haptic signal are adjusted. As the condition of the driver, e.g. his degree of fatigue and / or his degree of distraction from driving events are detected. This type of driver state detection is known per se. Preferably, the intensity and / or duration of the output of the haptic signal is increased when the degree of fatigue or the degree of deflection exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In a further variant of the method according to the invention, an acoustic and / or visual indication signal is emitted simultaneously with the haptic indication signal, in order to warn the driver of this in a particularly dangerous situation.

In addition to the method described above, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a driver's seat, in which an actuatable by means of an actuator seat adjustment is installed, wherein the motor vehicle for implementing the method according to the invention or one or more preferred variants of the method is set up.

An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached 1 described in detail. This figure shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention for a haptic indication by means of a pneumatic seat adjustment of a driver's seat.

Hereinafter, a variant of the method according to the invention will be described with reference to a pneumatic seat adjustment with a plurality of air cushions in a driver's seat. In 1 is a schematic representation of the driver's seat 1 with headrest 2 , Backrest 3 and seat or seat cushion 4 shown. The line of sight in 1 is from the steering wheel to the seat. In the driver's seat a variety of elastic air bubbles is integrated. In particular, the driver's seat contains in the backrest 3 five massage bubbles 6 of which three are arranged in an upper region of the backrest and two in a lower region of the backrest. In addition, there are two massage bubbles 8th in the seat cushion 4 the driver's seat integrated. Further, in the driver's seat, two elongated side-blowing bladders 5 at the edges of the backrest 3 as well as two further side stops 7 at the edges of the seat cushion 4 intended.

By means of an actuator comprising a compressed air supply and suitable valves seat adjustment is achieved by filling and venting the air bubbles over a contour change of the surfaces of the backrest and the seat cushion. As a result, a suitable adaptation of the seat to the body shape of the driver or other comfort functions, such as a massage on the said massage bubbles, realized. It is now essential to the invention that the air bubbles additionally assume the function of outputting a haptic indication to the driver for specific events. For this purpose, the occurrence of specific events is monitored via existing and known driver assistance systems. This monitoring is in 1 indicated by the box B. Examples of driver assistance systems are Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Distance Sensors, Emergency Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Sensors.

The monitored events are a blind spot event TE, a park event PE, a skip event ANE, a skip event AUE, a traffic light event AE, and a false trip event FE. At the detection of these events, the output of certain haptic indication signals via the pneumatic seat adjustment is coupled, these warning signals in 1 are denoted by H. About the arrow P is in 1 the transition of a driver's seat without output of a haptic indication signal (left driver's seat) is shown in a state in which a haptic indication signal is output (right driver's seat). By way of example, the operation of various air bubbles is indicated. The actuated air bubbles are represented by thick edges. In particular, the right massage bubble 6 in the upper row of the backrest 3 , the left massage bubble 6 in the lower row of the backrest 3 , the right side retaining bladder 5 in the backrest 3 as well as both side blowing bubbles 7 in the seat cushion 4 actuated. Depending on the type of notification signal, other or additional bubbles may be actuated.

The dead angle event TE is detected in the motor vehicle when an object is obliquely behind the motor vehicle, such as a overtaking vehicle when changing lanes, but also rear traffic when disembarking at the edge of the road. As a consequence, in the embodiment described here, the driver's seat is narrowed on the side of the object. This can be achieved in particular by filling a side-retaining bladder in the seat cushion or a side-holding bladder in the backrest or one of the massage blisters on the corresponding side on which the object is located.

The park event PE is detected when approaching the motor vehicle when parking an obstacle. Attention is also drawn to the location of the next obstacle by the appropriate filling of one or more such air bubbles which are closest to the obstacle (e.g., filling a massage bladder or a side-stopping bladder).

The starting event ANE is detected when a distance between the stationary motor vehicle and a vehicle in front of the stationary vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a haptic signal, at least one front seat bladder can be filled in the driver's seat.

The collision event AUE is detected when a distance between the moving motor vehicle and a vehicle in front of the moving vehicle falls below a predetermined threshold. As a haptic signal, in turn, at least one front seat bladder can be filled in the driver's seat.

A traffic light event AE is detected when the motor vehicle standing in front of a red traffic light does not proceed after switching the traffic light to green after a predetermined period of time. This correlates with the fact that the driver has not perceived the switching of the traffic light. After exceeding a usual reaction time then the corresponding haptic signal is generated to make the driver aware of the switching of the traffic light. The haptic signal in this case may e.g. filling a central bladder, such as a lordosis blister or a massage bladder. Alternatively, this event can also be signaled by emptying one or both lateral holding bladders in the backrest and / or in the seat cushion. This presupposes that these bubbles have been previously filled, at least partially, either by the driver as part of the individual adaptation of the seat or automatically when stopping at a traffic light.

A wrong-way event FE is detected when the motor vehicle is approaching a road section that is not allowed to travel in one direction, such as a road. a one-way street. The approach to such a road section may e.g. be detected via the navigation system of the motor vehicle or via traffic data or a traffic sign recognition in the motor vehicle. A haptic signaling can be done in the front area of the seat by filling a front air bubble.

In addition to the events mentioned, other traffic situations may also be detected and appropriate haptic signals output via the pneumatic seat adjustment. In particular, a construction site passage on the highway can be detected. If the driver travels too fast for the available lane width, the driver's seat is laterally narrowed, which results in e.g. can be achieved by filling bilateral side blowing. In addition, it can be detected that a lateral distance is too low in column drive or construction site passage. If the driver drives with clearly asymmetrical lateral distance to vehicles or borders on both sides of the vehicle, the driver's seat is narrowed on the side with the smaller distance, which in turn is e.g. can be displayed on the filling of a side retaining bladder.

Furthermore, if necessary, a haptic signal can be output when the vehicle leaves a lane. In this case, the driver approaches or passes through a lane boundary without signs of intended lane change or turning (e.g., flashing). In this case, the driver's seat is set closer to the boundary-facing side and may additionally vibrate, which can be represented by filling one of the side-stopping blow-holes and optionally by means of an unbalance motor.

In addition, if necessary, a speed violation can be signaled by a haptic signal. In this case, the driver drives much faster than allowed on the current road section, which can be detected via the navigation system of the motor vehicle or via traffic data or traffic sign recognition in the motor vehicle. Signaling may then be e.g. take place analogously to the construction site passage described above.

The embodiments of the invention described above have a number of advantages. In particular, an existing seat adjustment can be used or suitably modified or supplemented in order to generate haptic signals for the driver. If necessary, the signals can also be used to generate location or direction information (eg left / right / front / rear). The haptic signals are linked to events that are to be processed intuitively and / or which are discreet to be transmitted exclusively to a driver. If necessary, it is also possible to output audible and / or visual warnings simultaneously with the haptic signals, in particular if there is an increasing urgency of the signaling.

Moreover, in specific embodiments, it is also possible to adapt the haptic signals depending on a recognized driver condition (e.g., fatigue). If fatigue of the driver is detected, the intensity and duration of the haptic signals can be increased. If appropriate, it can also be detected that the driver is visually distracted, whereby in this case too the haptic signals are output over a longer duration or with greater intensity.

The invention is not limited to an actuator in the form of pneumatic bubbles, but it can also be used adjusting motors for haptic indication by the driver's seat. In this case, different types of haptic indications can be generated via different control patterns (for example, continuous / short-time control, single / multiple activation, activation frequency, activation intensity, etc.).

In contrast to a purely optical or acoustic signaling haptic signals have the advantage that they can be discreetly conveyed to the driver and are hardly perceived by riders. In addition, a suitable haptic signal is intuitively processed by the driver. This allows a quick and already unconscious correct reaction of the driver, especially if the signals contain directional information. The driver is thus exposed to a smaller number of acoustic and optical signals whose processing also distracts him from the driving.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

AEN

Driving Event

AUE

Driveway event

AE

Traffic light event

FE

False driving event

PE

Park Event

TE

Blind Spot Event

B

box

H

haptic warning signal

1

driver's seat

2

headrest

3

backrest

4

seat cushions

5, 7

Lateral support bladders

6, 8

Massa blown

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

• DE 102012014297 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013220551 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Method for generating warning signals (H) for the driver of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a driver's seat ( 1 ), on which the driver sits and in which an actuatable by means of an actuator seat adjustment ( 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ), wherein in case of detection of a predetermined event, the seat adjustment ( 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) is automatically actuated via the actuators for outputting a haptic indication signal (H) to the driver, characterized in that one or more of the following predetermined events are detected: a blind spot event (TE) which is indicative of a detection of an object in a blind spot of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle is coupled; A parking event (PE) coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between an outer surface of the motor vehicle and objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle; A start-up event (ANE), which is coupled to a detection of the crossing of a distance between the stationary motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle; A collision event (AUE) coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between the traveling motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the traveling motor vehicle; - A traffic light event (AE), which is coupled to a detection of the switching of a traffic light on which the motor vehicle is on green; - A wrong driving event (FE), which is coupled to a detection of the driving of the motor vehicle in a lane, which is blocked or intended for oncoming traffic, and / or the approach of the motor vehicle to this lane. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that for outputting the haptic indication signal (H) to the driver, a pneumatic seat adjustment ( 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) with a plurality of in the driver's seat ( 1 ) integrated elastic air bubbles is actuated. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the output of the haptic indication signal (H) to the driver an electromechanical seat adjustment with a plurality of in the driver's seat ( 1 ) integrated electric actuators is actuated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blind spot event (TE) is present when, in addition to the detection of an object in a blind spot of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle further one or more of the following actions are detected: - the driver actuates the Indicator on the side of the motor vehicle on which the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror; - The inner handle of one or more doors in the motor vehicle is touched or operated, the door or doors are on the side of the motor vehicle, on which the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror; - The driver turns his head towards the driver's door. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a blind spot event (TE) the driver's seat is placed closer to the side which is closer to the side of the motor vehicle on which the object is detected in the blind spot of the rearview mirror. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a parking event (PE) by means of a corresponding position selection of the actuation of the seat adjustment of the area of the outer surface of the motor vehicle with the smallest distance to objects in the vicinity of the motor vehicle is displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a start-up event (ANE) is present if, in addition to the detection of exceeding a distance between the stationary motor vehicle and a vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle and the expiry of a predetermined time interval in still standing motor vehicle since this detection is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a traffic light event (AE) is present if, in addition to the detection of switching the traffic light to green, the course of a predetermined time interval is detected when the motor vehicle continues to stand since this detection. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a start-up event and / or a collision event and / or a traffic light event and / or a wrong-driving event, a haptic indication signal (H) in the form of a contour change in middle area of the backrest ( 3 ) and / or the seat surface ( 4 ) of the driver's seat ( 1 ) is output. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further one or more of the following predetermined events are detected: A constriction event, which is coupled to a narrowing of the lane width before and / or next to the moving motor vehicle; A side-clearance event coupled to a detection of the undershooting of a distance between the traveling motor vehicle and objects located laterally next to the motor vehicle; A lane departure event coupled to a detection of the lane departure by the motor vehicle; A speed-over event coupled to a detection that the traveling motor vehicle exceeds the maximum allowed speed for the section of the road on which the motor vehicle is currently moving. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the automatic actuation of the seat adjustment ( 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) the driver is further signaled the following information: - warnings generated by the motor vehicle; The receipt of calls and / or messages in the motor vehicle; - Hints of a navigation system of the motor vehicle on an impending turn or an imminent lane change according to the route along which the navigation system is currently navigating; - A request of the motor vehicle for creating a belt. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a condition of the driver is detected and the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the output of the haptic signal (H) is adjusted depending on the condition of the driver. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that is detected as the driver's condition, its degree of fatigue and / or its degree of deflection from the driving events. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that simultaneously with the haptic indication signal (H) an acoustic and / or visual indication signal is output. Motor vehicle comprising a driver's seat ( 1 ), in which an actuatable by means of an actuator seat adjustment ( 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) is installed, characterized in that the motor vehicle for implementing a method according to one of claims 1 to 14 is set up.

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