DE102016202717A1 - System, wireless communication terminal, means of locomotion and method of assisting a user in navigation - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, a wireless communication terminal, a means of transportation, and a method of assisting a user in navigation are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: recognizing that the user deviated from a predefined route (3) at a position (2) and in response thereto - treating a section (4) of the predefined route (3 ) as unsuitable.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a system, a wireless communication terminal, a means of locomotion, and a method of assisting a user in navigation. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic detection of a blockage of a route section of a predefined route and an increase of the user comfort during the navigation.

When navigation is enabled with the specification of a destination, in current systems the active route is always calculated based on the current vehicle position. Therefore, you can not block the original route from which you have departed due to a road closure. In other words, the prior art systems are capable of assisting in disabling the active route from the current vehicle position in response to user input. However, there is no known approach which assists the user to IT-define a lock that coincided with the vehicle position at an earlier time. Currently, only navigation solutions are known in which you can lock the current route still to be traveled. In the event of a road closure, the driver of a vehicle usually has to react at short notice and follow a possibly redirected diversion. He does not have the time to reprogram the navigation at that moment. The navigation then first attempts to return it to the original route, which puts additional stress on the driver while driving. Only driving the detour route, the driver can enter a new route in the navigation system in a driving situation with little distraction potential.

DE 10 2008 037 286 A1 discloses a method for controlling a navigation system in which a route guidance is activated as a function of traffic information. Thus, it is possible that the user in case of occurring traffic obstructions, such as traffic jams and road closures, alternative route recommendations are issued.

DE 198 59 078 A1 discloses a method for guiding a driver of a vehicle in which information received via TMC is used for information-technical definition of blocked route sections.

DE 100 17 427 A1 discloses a method for route calculation in a navigation device in which a user input characterizes a forward route segment as "locked".

Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide the best possible and user-friendly support in the case of impassable or unsuitable route sections.

Disclosure of the invention

The above object is achieved by a method for assisting a user in a navigation. The navigation can be understood as information-technically supported route guidance, in which the user optical and / or acoustic commands for driving a predefined route are output. First, it is recognized that the user has deviated from a predefined route at a position. The position is therefore characterized in that the predefined route is left by the user, wherein in particular no other motivation than a preceding, unsuitable route section is recognizable. In response to this, a portion of the predefined route that follows (previously unused) is treated as unsuitable. Generally speaking, therefore, it is not required to expect the user to drive on this subsequent section or even recommend. This can be caused, for example, by a road closure, a traffic jam, an accident or the like. In contrast to the prior art, not a user input (ie one in the action with the user interface of the navigation system) is taken as a reason for the information technology-documented road closure, but already ignoring the previously issued predefined route. While other causes for the deviation from the route (eg user error or misunderstood navigation instruction, etc.) come into question, according to the invention at least the impassability of the following section of the predefined route is considered and - as described in detail below described - used to increase the user comfort.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

For example, the treatment of the portion of the predefined route may be acknowledged as inappropriate by a query of feedback from the user, to which the user categorizes a length of the route portion from the position as inappropriate. In other words, the user is asked to quantify the supposed (or actual) length of the section. For example, an entry in the unit "kilometers" can be requested. This can be done at least for a predefined period of time (eg 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds or the like) until a The predefined value is assumed in the system and the route calculation is carried out again on the basis of this value. In this way, the route calculation can take better account of the actual conditions.

The handling of the subsequent route section as unsuitable may preferably be accompanied by a message to the user, according to which the predefined route from the position of leaving the route on a predefined length is treated as unsuitable. Thus, the user is taken the uncertainty, why he is not immediately sent back to the just left predefined route. In particular, the user knows at short notice through the message which boundary conditions the navigation system emanates from.

The fact that the user has deviated from the predefined route at the position can be determined, for example, by means of a user's turn which has taken place in the absence of a corresponding navigation instruction.

Alternatively or additionally, the turning operation may have taken place in a direction opposite to the last navigation instruction. For example, the last navigation instruction may have read "right now" while the user is actually turning left.

Alternatively or additionally, the user can turn without a corresponding navigation instruction, ie drive the predefined route from the position in the opposite direction.

For example, the length which is used as the default for a current lock may depend on a current category of a road traveled to the position. For this purpose, the category of the road used in front of the position can be determined by information technology (eg, read out from the map material) and, depending on the category determined, a memory value assigned to the category can be used to define the length of the road closure. This can be done either immediately or after the expiration of a predefined time without user input. Particularly preferably, the route recalculation can also take place on the basis of the preset value for the length of the route blockage and be automatically restarted with a value entered by the user, provided that a corresponding user input is received. As a result, a delay of a route recalculation and corresponding navigation instructions is avoided, so that the user quickly regains confidence in the route proposed by the navigation system.

The fact that the user does not intend to automatically enter a length of the road closure can be determined, for example, from the expiration of a predefined time since leaving the position and, alternatively or additionally, by completing a predefined distance since leaving the position. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned circumstances may be calculated since the issuing of a message issued due to the deviation to the user. Thus, for example, from the detection and reporting of the recognition of the departure of the predefined route, the elapsed travel time or traveled distance is determined, and when a respective predefined reference value is reached, the length of the blocked route is automatically determined on the basis of a storage value.

The memory values which are used to determine the length of the blocked route sections can be changed or defined for the first time by the user in a configuration menu. The change may refer to a factory default length. For this purpose, the user can enter appropriate durations and / or distance lengths in a configuration menu and activate them for future use in corresponding situations. This allows a user-specific, inventive treatment in the case of predefined routes deviating maneuvers.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for automatically assisting a user in navigation is proposed. Corresponding systems are also commonly referred to as "navigation system". The system comprises a position determination unit, by means of which, for example, satellite-based transmitted position data and time stamps can be evaluated for location. A data store enables the system to access map material and to calculate a route corresponding to predefined criteria and to issue corresponding instructions to the user. An evaluation unit (eg in the manner of a programmable processor or an electronic control unit) is provided for the electronic data processing. The aforementioned components enable the system according to the invention to carry out a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The features, combinations of features and the advantages resulting from these correspond to those of the process according to the invention, which can be seen clearly Avoiding repetition is referred to the above statements.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a wireless communication terminal including a navigation system according to the second aspect of the invention. The wireless communication terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation (eg, a car, van, truck, motorcycle, air and / or water vehicle) is proposed which comprises a navigation system according to the second aspect of the invention. In this way, the wireless communication terminal and the means of transport according to the invention also realize the features, feature combinations and advantages of the method according to the invention in a corresponding manner.

• – Die ursprüngliche Route soll bis zur nächsten Autobahnauffahrt als gesperrt behandelt werden (Dies kann eine voreingestellte und besonders leicht zu bestätigende Option darstellen).
• – Die ursprüngliche Route wird für eine vom Fahrer zu definierende Anzahl von Autobahnauffahrten als gesperrt behandelt.
• – Die ursprüngliche Route wird beibehalten. Optional kann eine Ausgabe von Navigationsanweisungen bis zur Rückkehr auf die ursprüngliche Route ausgesetzt oder fortgesetzt werden.
• – Die Navigation wird beendet.

The following is an example of a process flow according to the present invention:
First, the driver programs a destination into his navigation system. The navigation system then calculates an (original) route to the destination. The driver starts the journey on the calculated route. At a location initially unknown to the navigation system, the driver leaves the (original) route due to a blockage or other circumstance. The navigation system recognizes the departure of the original route, whereby the vehicle is no longer on the initially calculated route. According to the navigation system stores the not yet traveled (original) route. In addition, the navigation system stores the place of leaving the (original) route at the position. Due to the circumstances (situation) and / or due to a user input, the navigation system determines that the route was deliberately left. Subsequently, the navigation system asks the driver to select a way of reacting the navigation system to deliberately leaving the (original) route:

• - The original route should be treated as locked until the next motorway entrance (this can be a pre-set option that is particularly easy to confirm).
• - The original route is treated as locked for a number of motorway ramps to be defined by the driver.
• - The original route is retained. Optionally, an output of navigation instructions may be suspended or continued until return to the original route.
• - The navigation is stopped.

In response to the output of the above options, the navigation system starts a "selection time" timer. If the driver selects a displayed option, the timer is terminated. If no selection is made by the driver, the preset option is activated automatically when the timer expires. According to the invention, the navigation system treats the route section of the original route starting from the place of departure (position) according to the selection. The navigation system then recalculates the route based on the current position and the blocked section of the originally calculated route. The driver drives the new route and arrives at the destination more relaxed than in the state of the art.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, individual aspects of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a means according to the invention with an embodiment of a system according to the invention for assisting a user in the navigation;

2 a schematic representation of components of an embodiment of a wireless communication terminal according to the invention with an embodiment of a system according to the invention for supporting a user in the navigation;

3 a schematic diagram of a plan view of a navigation situation with a route blocking, in which the user applies;

4 a schematic diagram of a plan view of a navigation situation with a route blockage, in which the user disregards an instruction of the navigation system;

5 a schematic diagram of a plan view of a navigation situation with a route blockage, in which the user leaves the predefined route in the absence of an instruction of the navigation system; and

6 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for assisting a user in a navigation.

Description of preferred embodiments

1 shows a car 10 as a means of transportation in which an embodiment of a system according to the invention 9 is installed for navigation support. About an antenna 5 as a position detection unit is an electronic control unit 8th as an evaluation unit capable of a current position of the car 10 to be determined and based on a via a touch screen 7 Destination defined as a user interface to predefine a suitable route. A data store 6 puts the electronic control unit 8th able to determine digital data for the route calculation and according to the position determined corresponding instructions via a speaker 14 and the touch screen 7 to the user 1 issue.

2 shows a smartphone 20 as an embodiment of a wireless communication terminal according to the invention with a system 9 for navigation assistance, in which an antenna 5 as a position detection unit a microprocessor 8th as an evaluation unit, based on a data memory 6 held ready digital map data route calculation and appropriate instructions via a touch screen 7 and a speaker 14 as user interface to the user.

3 shows a schematic representation of a navigation situation in which a user from a start location 11 to a destination 12 would like to drive. The illustrated predefined route 3 is however (at first unrecognized by the navigation system) at a position 13 blocked. At a position 2 turns the driver, as indicated by the arrow P. Since a corresponding instruction has not been issued to the driver, the deviation from the predefined route 3 According to the invention interpreted such that the position 2 subsequent section of the predefined route 3 treated as inappropriate / locked. The user therefore does not have to make a corresponding input via the user interface since the blocking is automatically detected.

4 shows a schematic representation of a navigation situation in which the user from a starting point 11 via a predefined route 3 to a destination 12 would like to drive. At a position 13 is the predefined route 3 locked, which is why the user (for example, a traffic information message or a signpost following) initially according to the arrow P1 right turn the instruction "now turn left" of the navigation system contrary and subsequently also makes no move back to the predefined route 3 but, according to a second arrow P2, another maneuver for removal from the predefined route 3 undertakes. According to the invention, in the scenario described here, the navigation system can automatically recognize that the predefined route 3 behind the position 2 is locked, without a corresponding user input would be required for this purpose.

5 shows a schematic representation of a navigation situation in which a user from a start location 11 via a predefined route 3 to a destination 12 would like to drive. Due to the knowledge of the blockage 13 the user gives way at the position 2 without a corresponding instruction from the predefined route 3 by leaving them through a left turn maneuver. Due to deviation from the predefined route 3 closes the inventively designed navigation system on the presence of the blockage 13 and, after elapse of a predefined period of time without user input to define the length of the locked route section, calculates an alternative route taking into account a lock of a predefined length.

6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for assisting a user in a navigation. In step 100 a user input is received, by means of which a category of a road is assigned a length on which the predefined route is to be treated as unsuitable starting from the position of leaving the predefined route. In other words, a default value configuration is executed, by means of which a large number of different road categories (eg, federal highway, main road, country road, closed town, etc.) are respectively filed with mean lengths for unsuitable route sections. In step 200 it is recognized that the user has deviated from the predefined route at a position. In other words, the current vehicle guidance does not match the route guidance provided by the navigation system. In step 300 For this purpose, a turning operation of the user is determined in the absence of a corresponding navigation instruction. In step 400 a category of a road used immediately before the position is determined. Therefore, in step 500 a message is issued to the user that the predefined route from the position on a predefined length is treated as unsuitable. In step 600 automatically a length on which a position following the position of the predefined route is to be treated as unsuitable is automatically selected. Finally, in step 700 one of the position following section of the predefined route with one in step 600 defined length treated as inappropriate / locked.

• – Der Fahrer wendet ohne Anweisung des Navigationssystems auf freier Strecke (keine Abzweigung).
• – Der Fahrer biegt ohne erkennbaren Zusammenhang zu einer Aufforderung des Navigationssystems von der ursprünglichen Route ab.
• – Der Fahrer biegt an einer Abzweigung nach Aufforderung des Navigationssystems zunächst vermeintlich falsch ab, folgt dann aber auch nicht den weiteren Aufforderungen des Navigationssystems, um auf die ursprüngliche Route zurück zu gelangen, sondern folgt einer von der ursprünglich vordefinierten Route unterschiedlichen Route.

It is an object of the present invention to automatically calculate a new route in the navigation system that takes into account a route blockage of a predefined or user definable length as the cause. The basis for this may be that it is first recognized that driving on the original route is no longer possible. This can be done for example in different ways:

• - The driver turns without direction of the navigation system on free route (no diversion).
• - The driver turns without any apparent connection to a request of the navigation system from the original route.
• - The driver turns at a turn to the request of the navigation system initially supposedly wrong, but then does not follow the other requests from the navigation system to get back to the original route, but follows a different route from the originally predefined route.

• – Anzahl zu sperrender Autobahnauf/-abfahrten.
• – Wegstrecke in Kilometern.
• – Ursprüngliche Route beibehalten.

If a possible blocking of the original route has been detected by the navigation system, the point of deviation and the original route can be stored in the navigation system. Now the driver can be offered a choice in which way the original route is blocked or should be treated as locked. In this case, a meaningful "default" value is to be selected which blocks the route for the shortest meaningful section. In the case of a motorway, for example, this would be up to the next motorway junction / exit. In the case of a federal highway that would be, for example, to the intersection with another federal highway. In addition, further options can be output:

• - Number of motorway exits / exits to be blocked.
• - Distance in kilometers.
• - Preserve the original route.

After the expiry of a preset period of time ("selection time"), the default value is automatically selected. A corresponding blockage of the original route is made and a new route to the previous destination is calculated on this data basis and depending on the current position of the vehicle.

In contrast to the prior art, it is not the route calculated on the basis of the current vehicle position that is treated as locked on the original route at the actual position of departure from the predefined route. On the other hand, the driver does not have to worry about reprogramming the navigation, as this is done automatically via the default selection.

• – Autobahn: Ausfahrten.
• – Bundesstraße: Kreuzende Bundesstraße.
• – Landstraße: Kreuzende Landstraße.

The options available when blocking is detected can be adjusted according to the type of road used at the position.

• - Highway: exits.
• - Bundesstraße: intersecting federal highway.
• - Highway: Cruising Highway.

As a result, the driver is not distracted or stressed while driving because he does not have to reprogram the navigation system himself and the navigation system does not attempt to return him to the original route.

Although the aspects and advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments explained in connection with the accompanying drawings, modifications and combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments are possible for the skilled person, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection the appended claims are defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

user

2

Position of leaving the predefined route

3

Predefined route

4

Inappropriate section of the predefined route

5

antenna

6

data storage

7

Touch Screen

8th

Controller / microprocessor

9

system

10

car

11

Point of departure

12

destination

13

blocking

14

speaker

20

Smartphone

100 to 600

steps

P

arrow

P1, P2

arrow

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 102008037286 A1 [0003]
• DE 19859078 A1 [0004]
• DE 10017427 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method for supporting a user ( 1 ) in a navigation comprising the steps - detecting ( 200 ) that the user ( 1 ) at a position ( 2 ) from a predefined route ( 3 ), and in response - Treat ( 700 ) one of the position ( 2 ) following section ( 4 ) of the predefined route ( 3 ) as unsuitable. Method according to claim 1 further comprising - querying a response from the user ( 1 ), on which length from the position the section ( 4 ) is considered unsuitable. The method of claim 1 or 2 further comprising - outputting ( 500 ) a message to the user ( 1 ) that the predefined route ( 3 ) from the position ( 2 ) is treated as inappropriate on a predefined length. The method of any preceding claim, wherein recognizing that the user ( 1 ) at the position ( 2 ) from the predefined route ( 3 ), comprises - determining ( 300 ) of a user's turn ( 1 ) - in the absence of a navigation instruction and / or - with a direction contradicting a last navigation instruction, and / or - turning the user ( 1 ) without a corresponding navigation instruction. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - determining ( 400 ) of a category immediately before the position ( 2 ) and depending on the category - automatic selection ( 600 ) of a length on which one of the position ( 2 ) the following section ( 4 ) of the predefined route ( 3 ) is considered unsuitable. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - determining that - a predefined period of time and / or - a distance of a predefined length since - the deviation from the predefined route ( 3 ) and / or - outputting a message issued due to the deviation to the user ( 1 ) and in response thereto - automatically determining a length from the position on which the section ( 4 ) of the predefined route ( 3 ) is considered unsuitable. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - receiving ( 100 ) a user input, by means of which a category of a road is assigned a length on which the predefined route ( 3 ) starting from the position ( 2 ) is considered unsuitable. System for supporting a user ( 1 ) in a navigation comprising - a position determination unit ( 5 ), - a data memory ( 6 ), - a user interface ( 7 ) and - an evaluation unit ( 8th ) the system ( 9 ) is arranged to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Wireless communication terminal ( 20 ) comprising a system ( 9 ) according to claim 8. Means of transport comprising a system ( 9 ) according to claim 8.

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