WO2018069306A1

WO2018069306A1 - Method and control device for operating a vehicle and method and device for providing environmental data for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2018069306A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/075790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marlon Ramon EWERT
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-10-12
Filing date: 2017-10-10
Publication date: 2018-04-19
Also published as: DE102016219820A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle (130). The method has a step of receiving at least one sensor signal (115) from a communication unit (132) of the vehicle (130). The at least one sensor signal (115) represents environmental data of a geographical region in which the vehicle (130) is located or through which the vehicle route passes at least in part. The method also has a step of generating at least one control parameter (145) for controlling at least one vehicle sensor (134) and/or at least one actuator (134) of the vehicle (130) using the at least one sensor signal (115).

Description

description

title

Method and control device for operating a vehicle, and method and device for providing environmental data for vehicles

State of the art

The invention is based on a device or a method according to the preamble of the independent claims. The subject of the present invention is also a computer program.

In vehicles, for example, safety functions, assistance functions and the like can be dependent on environmental conditions with regard to their sensors, in particular of temperature, air pressure, etc.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, a method for operating a vehicle, a control unit that uses this method, a method for providing environmental data for vehicles, a device that uses this method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims presented. The measures listed in the dependent claims are advantageous developments and improvements in the independent

Claim specified device possible.

According to embodiments, in particular a transmission of

Environmental data to a vehicle, for example by means of a so-called car-to-X communication interface, and additionally or alternatively use of such environmental data in a vehicle control unit and additionally or Alternatively, a vehicle sensor can be realized. Advantageously, according to embodiments, for example, using such

Environmental data traffic safety can be increased. Another advantage lies in particular in a performance improvement of sensors or

Control units in vehicles through the environmental data. For example, such sensors and additionally or alternatively control devices may use internal data with received environmental data from a surrounding infrastructure or

Vehicle infrastructure, as a supplement to the internal data use and additionally or alternatively only on the received

Resort to environmental data. In this way, in particular a

Improved performance in the sensors and control units can be achieved and the traffic safety can be increased. Also, for example, costs can be saved on the sensor or control unit side by the sensors or control units can be designed slimmer due to the receipt of environmental data. For example, it is optionally possible to dispense with measurements of environmental data in the vehicle.

A method for operating a vehicle is presented, wherein the method has at least the following steps:

Receiving at least one sensor signal from a communication unit of the vehicle, wherein the at least one sensor signal represents environmental data of a geographical area in which the vehicle is arranged or whose route at least partially runs; and

Generating at least one control parameter for controlling at least one vehicle sensor and / or at least one actuator of the vehicle using the at least one sensor signal.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit. Among environmental data can include a

Ambient temperature, one humidity, one absolute pressure, one

Rain probability, a position of the sun, a wind speed, a Wind direction and additionally or alternatively further environmental data are understood.

According to one embodiment, in the step of receiving

Sensor signal provided according to one embodiment of a method for providing

Represents environmental data. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a precise and situation-based data basis for operating the

Vehicle can be used.

The method may also include a step of forwarding the at least one sensor signal received in the step of receiving and additionally or alternatively the at least one generated in the step of generating

Have control parameters to the at least one vehicle sensor and additionally or alternatively to the at least one actuator. Here, the step of generating by means of the communication unit, by means of a

Generating device, by means of the at least one vehicle sensor and additionally or alternatively by means of the at least one actuator to be executed. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, irrespective of where the at least one sensor signal is to be used, at least partial signal processing, depending on the application, can be made adaptable in at least one of different devices.

Furthermore, in the step of generating, the at least one control parameter can be generated using at least one vehicle sensor signal. Here, the vehicle sensor signal by means of at least one other

Vehicle sensor detected the vehicle to represent other environmental data. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that reliability of operation of the vehicle can be further increased by redundantly detected environmental data.

In this case, in the step of generating a comparison of the at least one

Sensor signal and the at least one vehicle sensor signal to be performed. In this case, depending on a result of the comparison, the at least one control parameter can be determined using the at least one Sensor signal and additionally or alternatively using the at least one vehicle sensor signal are generated. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an error detection with regard to the at least one vehicle sensor as well as a plausibility check of the environmental data or the further environmental data can be realized.

Also, in the step of generating a fusion, a formation of a weighted sum, a median formation and additionally or alternatively an averaging of the at least one sensor signal and the at least one vehicle sensor signal can be performed. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the operation of the vehicle can be done safely and reliably based on robust environmental data.

According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of

Transmitting the at least one received in the step of receiving

Sensor signal and additionally or alternatively of at least one generated in the step of generating control parameter to at least one other vehicle. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that other vehicles can also benefit from the environmental data or control parameters.

The approach presented here also creates a control unit which is designed to carry out or to implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here for operating in corresponding devices. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form of a control device, the object underlying the invention can be achieved quickly and efficiently.

For this purpose, the control unit can have at least one arithmetic unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or a

Actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting control signals to the actuator and / or at least one

Communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The arithmetic unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller or the like, wherein the storage unit may be a flash memory, an EEPROM or a magnetic storage unit. The communication interface can be designed to read or output data wirelessly and / or by line, wherein a communication interface which can read or output line-bound data, for example, electrically or optically read this data from a corresponding data transmission line or output in a corresponding data transmission line.

In the present case, a control device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals in dependence thereon. The control unit may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In a hardware training, the interfaces may for example be part of a so-called system ASICs, the various functions of the

Control unit includes. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit performs a control of at least one vehicle sensor, at least one actuator and / or at least one control device of the vehicle. For this purpose, the control unit, for example, to the sensor signals and additionally or alternatively the

Access vehicle sensor signals.

There is also provided a method of providing environmental data for vehicles for use in an embodiment of the foregoing

Method for operating presented, wherein the method has at least the following steps:

Reading at least one sensor signal from at least one environmental sensor, wherein the at least one sensor signal represents environmental data of a geographical area; and Outputting the at least one sensor signal via at least one

Communication interface to at least one vehicle, which in the

geographical area or whose route is at least partially in the geographical area.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a device. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of

Processing the at least one read in the step of reading sensor signal to allocate the at least one sensor signal of the at least one communication interface in the geographical area. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that sensor signals, for example, can be detected decentrally, collected centrally and distributed to communication interfaces in respective geographical areas.

Also, the method may include a step of collecting the environmental data for the geographical area. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable extraction of reliable environmental data can be realized.

The approach presented here also provides a device which is designed to implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here for

Provision to implement, control or implement in appropriate facilities. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form of a device, the object underlying the invention can be solved quickly and efficiently. For this purpose, the device can at least one arithmetic unit for processing

Signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals to the actuator and / or at least one

Have communication interface for reading in or outputting data, which are embedded in a communication protocol. The arithmetic unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller or the like, wherein the memory unit may be a flash memory, an EEPROM or a magnetic memory unit. The communication interface can be designed to read or output data wirelessly and / or by line, wherein a communication interface which can read or output line-bound data, for example, electrically or optically read this data from a corresponding data transmission line or output in a corresponding data transmission line.

In the present case, a device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals in dependence thereon. The device may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based embodiment, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains a wide variety of functions of the device. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device is used to control at least one infrastructure unit. For this purpose, the device can access, for example, the sensor signals. An output of the sensor signals to vehicles or a retrieval of sensor signals by vehicles takes place, for example, via a so-called car-to-infrastructure interface or the like. According to one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one

Environmental sensor for collecting environmental data for the geographical area. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that regionally distributed infrastructure units with environmental data collection capability and

Data transmission capability can be provided to vehicles. The device can also be arranged stationary in at least one infrastructure unit and additionally or alternatively in another vehicle. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an extraction of

Environmental data infrastructure side and additionally or alternatively vehicle-side can be realized.

An embodiment of the above-mentioned method of providing may be advantageously carried out in connection with an embodiment of the aforementioned method of operation, in particular in connection with an environmental data system comprising an embodiment of the aforementioned control device and an embodiment of the aforementioned device.

Also of advantage is a computer program product or computer program with program code which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and for carrying out, implementing and / or controlling the steps of a method according to one of the above

described embodiments, in particular when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device. Also advantageous is a machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

Embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

1 is a schematic representation of an environmental data system with a control device and a device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of operation according to FIG

Embodiment;

3 is a flow chart of a method for providing according to an embodiment; and 4 shows a schematic representation of a data exchange between a vehicle and an infrastructure unit or a foreign vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

Before describing advantageous embodiments of the present invention below, first of all, the background and principles relating to exemplary embodiments will be discussed.

First, a so-called car-to-X communication is briefly explained. Under car-to-car communication (Car2Car or C2C), an exchange of

Information and data between motor vehicles understood. One of the aims of this data exchange is, among other things, to report critical and dangerous situations to a driver at an early stage. In addition, you can

vehicle-specific data is exchanged via such an interface between vehicles. The vehicles concerned collect data, such as ABS interventions (ABS = anti-lock braking system), steering angle, position, direction and

Speed, and send this data over radio (WLAN, U MTS etc.) to other road users. The aim is to extend the driver's "visibility" by electronic means Car-to-Infrastructure Communication (C2I) is an exchange of data between a vehicle and a surrounding infrastructure (eg traffic lights, etc.) -to-X communication is based on an interaction of sensors of different traffic partners and uses procedures of

Communication technology for the exchange of information.

Now briefly on peripheral airbag sensors in vehicles will be discussed. For detection of pedestrian accidents built-in sensors used in vehicle bumpers for example. There are systems based on two or more acceleration sensors (PCS - Pedestrian Collision Sensor). There are also pressure hose based systems (PTS - Pressure Tube Sensor) available. In both the acceleration-based and the pressure hose-based systems, the impact of an object in the relevant area of the bumper leads to an increase in signal within the detecting sensor system. An amplitude of the detected signals is among other things of the mass and the speed of the impinging object dependent. For detecting a side impact, for example, either pressure or acceleration sensors are used. These are, for example, on a B, C or D pillar of the vehicle

(Acceleration sensors) or in a vehicle door (pressure sensors) arranged. An amplitude of the detected signals depends among other things on the mass and the speed of the incident object. In particular, for the detection of frontal collisions

Acceleration sensors used. These are, for example, in a central control unit and in addition along a bending cross member of the

Vehicle arranged. Signals output by the sensors are further processed within algorithms within an airbag control unit. If the algorithm detects that a pedestrian impact, side impact or frontal impact has taken place, it will depend on this

Tripping decision active restraining means (eg airbag) activated in the vehicle to pedestrian in a pedestrian impact or in a collision

Protect vehicle occupants.

It is also briefly on a peripheral sensor interface or in particular the so-called Peripheral Sensor Interface (PSI) 5 or PSI5 received, which is an open standard. Based on a so-called PAS4 protocol, PSI5 also supports applications in which up to four sensors per

Bus nodes can be queried in different configurations. Also bidirectional communication for sensor configuration and diagnosis is provided. In airbag systems, for example, data from pressure or acceleration sensors are evaluated via current-modulated two-wire buses, which communicate with the control unit, for example, via a Manchester-coded protocol. The standard also defines possible operating modes. These initially differ in synchronous and asynchronous operating modes. Depending on the interconnection of the sensors with the control unit, the synchronous operating modes result in the three operating modes: Parallel BUS Mode (all sensors are connected in parallel), Universal BUS Mode (serial connection of the sensors) and Daisy Chain BUS Mode. Combined with other parameters, such as a total number of time slots, one data rate, one

Data word length, a parity / CRC monitoring, allows the PSI5 standard different realization possibilities. Widely used is a use of a data word length of 10 bits.

Finally, it will be discussed on environmental sensors installed in vehicles. For example, a vehicle distance between a separate vehicle and other road users already in production vehicles with the help of

Distance sensors (eg radar, ultrasound, LI DAR) determined and adjusted so that a collision with a preceding vehicle can be avoided. In this case, a minimum distance is determined by a measured distance of the vehicles and their relative speed to each other. A related driver assistance system may intervene in the

Traffic occurs when a calculated minimum distance is exceeded, and possibly performs an emergency stop. As a result, for example, rear-end collisions can be avoided. In addition, image-based environment sensors, such as camera systems, are used in vehicles to detect objects such. As pedestrians to recognize in front of a vehicle. These objects can be classified using camera information. Information about detected objects are used, for example, within control units in the vehicle, for example, to perform emergency braking.

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention are for the in the various figures

represented and similar elements acting the same or similar

Reference numeral used, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic illustration of an environmental data system with a control device 140 and a device 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the control device 140 is disposed in a vehicle 130, wherein the device 120 in a

Infrastructure unit 110 is arranged. Furthermore, only one other vehicle 150 is shown in FIG. 1 by way of example. The infrastructure unit 110 is stationary. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the infrastructure unit 110 is arranged in a common geographic region with the vehicle 130 and, for example, the foreign vehicle 150. In this case, the infrastructure unit 110 has the device 120, by way of example only an environmental sensor 112 and by way of example only a communication interface 114.

The environmental sensor 112 is configured to acquire environmental data of the geographical area. Further, the environmental sensor 112 is configured to be

Sensor signal 115 to provide the detected environmental data

represents.

The device 120 or a provision device 120 is designed to provide environmental data for vehicles, such as for the vehicle 130 and optionally for the foreign vehicle 150. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 120 has a read-in device 122, a processing device 124 and an output device 126. The read-in device 122 is designed to receive the sensor signal 115 from the

Read in environmental sensor 112. The processing device 124 is designed to process the sensor signal 115 read in by means of the read-in device 122 in order to allocate the sensor signal 115 to the communication interface 114. The output device 126 is designed to output the sensor signal 115 via the communication interface 114 for at least one vehicle that is located in the geographical area or whose route leads at least partially through the geographical area. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the output device 126 is designed to apply the sensor signal 115 to the device via the communication interface 114

Vehicle 130 and optionally to the other vehicle 150 spend.

The communication interface 114 is designed to transmit the sensor signal 115 or to provide it for transmission. It is the

Communication interface 114, for example, as a radio interface or the like. In one embodiment, device 120 may include only read-in device 122 and output device 126. According to another embodiment, the device 120 may also include the

Have environmental sensor 112. Optionally, the device 120 may be distributed to a plurality of infrastructure units and additionally or alternatively arranged in another vehicle.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, vehicle 130 has control unit 140, a communication unit 132, a vehicle unit 134, which represents at least one vehicle sensor and / or at least one actuator, and a further vehicle sensor 136.

The communication unit 132 is designed to read in, receive or retrieve the sensor signal 115 from the infrastructure unit 110 or the communication interface 114 or the device 120. It is the

Communication unit 132 as a radio interface or the like executed.

The control unit 140 is designed to functionally operate the vehicle 130 at least partially or to control at least partial functions of the vehicle 130. The control device 140 has a receiving device 142 and a supply device 144.

The receiving device 142 is designed to receive the sensor signal 115 from the communication unit 132. The generator 144 is configured to generate at least one control parameter 145 for controlling the vehicle unit 134 using the sensor signal 115. In this case, the control unit 140 is designed to connect the control parameter 145 to the

Forward vehicle unit 134.

According to an alternative embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to forward the sensor signal 115 directly to the vehicle unit 134 without further processing. In this case, the control parameter 145 in the vehicle unit 134 may be generated or the generator 144 may be arranged in the vehicle unit 134.

The further vehicle sensor 136 is designed to detect further environmental data. Also, the further vehicle sensor 136 is configured to be

Provide vehicle sensor signal 137, which represents the other environmental data. In the case of a vehicle sensor as a vehicle unit 134, additionally or alternatively, the vehicle unit 134 is designed to detect further environmental data and to provide a vehicle sensor signal 137 representing the further environmental data. According to one

In the exemplary embodiment, the generation device 144 is designed to generate the control parameter 145 also using the vehicle sensor signal 137. In this case, the generation device 144 is designed, for example, to perform a comparison of the sensor signal 115 and the vehicle sensor signal 137. In this case, the supply device 144 is optionally designed to generate the control parameter 145 using the sensor signal 115 and / or the vehicle sensor signal 137, depending on a result of the comparison. Additionally or alternatively, the supply device 144 according to an embodiment is designed to perform a fusion of the sensor signal 115 and the vehicle sensor signal 137, in particular by a

Formation of a weighted sum, a median formation and / or a

Averaging calculation.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device 140 also has a transmission device 146. The transmission device 146 is designed to transmit the sensor signal 115 and / or the control parameter 145 via the communication unit 132, for example, to the other vehicle 150. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method 200 for operating according to one exemplary embodiment. The method 200 is executable to operate a vehicle or to control an operation of a vehicle. In this case, the method 200 can be executed for operation in conjunction with the vehicle from FIG. 1 or a similar vehicle and / or in conjunction with the infrastructure unit from FIG. 1 or a similar infrastructure unit. The procedure 200 for operating is executable by means of the control unit of FIG. 1 or a similar control unit. Also, the method 200 is for operating in

Connection with the device of FIG. 1 or a similar device executable. Further, method 200 may be practiced for operation in conjunction with the method of providing FIG. 3 or a similar method.

In a step 210 of receiving, the method 200 receives at least one sensor signal from a communication unit of the vehicle. The at least one sensor signal represents environmental data of a geographical

Area in which the vehicle is arranged or whose route is at least partially. In particular, in step 210, the receive is entered

Receive sensor signal representing environmental data provided by executing the method of Fig. 3 or a similar method.

In a subsequent step 220 of generating, the method 200 generates at least one control parameter for controlling at least one vehicle sensor and / or at least one actuator of the vehicle using the at least one sensor signal received in step 210 of receiving.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the method 200 also includes a step 230 for forwarding the at least one sensor signal received in step 210 of receiving and / or the at least one control parameter generated in step 220 to the at least one vehicle sensor and / or the at least one actuator on.

In a further embodiment, the method 200 for operating comprises a step 240 of transmitting the at least one sensor signal received in step 210 of the receiving and / or the at least one in

Step 220 of generating generated control parameter to at least one other vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for providing according to one exemplary embodiment. In doing so, method 300 is executable to Provide environmental data for vehicles. Specifically, the method 300 is executable to provide environmental data for vehicles for use in the method of operation of FIG. 2 or a similar method. In this case, the method 300 for providing in conjunction with the infrastructure unit from FIG. 1 or a similar infrastructure unit and / or in conjunction with the vehicle from FIG. 1 or a similar vehicle can be executed. The method 300 for providing is executable by means of the device of Fig. 1 or a similar device. Also, the method 300 may be practicable for providing in conjunction with the controller of FIG. 1 or a similar controller. Further, method 300 may be practiced for providing in conjunction with the method of operation of FIG. 2 or a similar method.

In a step 310 of reading in the method 300, at least one sensor signal is read in by at least one environmental sensor. The at least one sensor signal represents environmental data of a geographical area. In a subsequent step 320 of the output, in the method 300, the at least one sensor signal is transmitted via at least one

Output communication interface to at least one vehicle, which is located in the geographical area or whose route is at least partially in the geographical area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method 300 for providing also comprises a step 330 of processing the at least one sensor signal read in step 310 of the read in, in order to allocate the at least one sensor signal to the at least one communication interface in the geographical area. Additionally or alternatively, the providing method 300 further includes a step 340 of collecting the environmental data for the geographical area.

4 shows a schematic representation of a data exchange between a vehicle 130 and an infrastructure unit 110 or a

Foreign vehicle 150 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 130 corresponds or resembles the vehicle from FIG. 1. The infrastructure unit 110 corresponds or resembles the infrastructure unit from FIG. 1. The data exchange between the vehicle 130 and the infrastructure unit 110 or a surrounding infrastructure or the other vehicle 150 takes place, for example, by means of a car-to-X communication interface 405. In FIG. 4, possible types of interfaces are defined via which the data exchange by means of car to-X communication can be done. The data exchange takes place via radio links, such as NFC (Near Field Communication;

Near field communication), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), mobile radio, Internet or a so-called cloud.

With reference to the above figures, embodiments and / or examples of application of the aforementioned embodiments will be explained below in other words and / or in summary.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the device 120 or the method 300 for providing, the environmental data are recorded for a specific area in which the vehicle 130 is located, for example by means of weather stations. The environmental data collected will be sent directly to the

Infrastructural unit 110 and vehicle infrastructure forwarded, which is located in a minimum distance M to the vehicle 130. This happens, for example, via a cable and / or radio-based

Communication interface. The environmental data is then received in the infrastructure unit 110 and, for example, via the

Communication interface 114 and a car-to-infrastructure communication interface to the vehicle 130 forwarded. Optionally, the collection of environmental data also takes place directly in the

Infrastructural unit 110 built-in environmental sensors 112 and weather sensors. This has the advantage that the environmental data has actually been detected immediately around the vehicle 130. Thus, the environmental data then fit exactly to the surroundings of the vehicle 130. The forwarding of the environmental data via the communication interface 114 or car-to-infrastructure communication interface then ensues directly, as already described. According to an exemplary embodiment of the control unit 140 or of the method 200 for operating, the environmental data in the vehicle 130 is received via the communication unit 132 or a receiving device and possibly preprocessed. Subsequently, the received environmental data in the vehicle 130 is used. The environmental data are either forwarded directly to the vehicle control unit and used there or there is a forwarding and use of environmental data to a vehicle unit 134 and a vehicle sensor 134. The transmission of the data takes place cable and / or radio-based, for example via a PSI5- Interface. In the case of using the environmental data in a vehicle sensor 134, these may

Data additionally or alternatively first to the control unit 140 and preprocessed and / or forwarded directly from the control unit 140 to the vehicle sensor 134, or the environmental data are alternatively from the communication unit 132 or receiving device directly to the

Vehicle sensor 134 transmitted.

According to one embodiment, environmental data in the form of an ambient temperature, for example in an airbag control unit of the

Vehicle 130 used. The ambient temperature is, for example, of the built-in vehicle rearview mirror temperature sensors as another

Vehicle sensors 136 determined. The ambient temperature is then used within an airbag control unit to make algorithm thresholds more sensitive or robust depending on the ambient temperature. Thus, a triggering performance of restraining means (eg airbag) can be influenced over wide temperature ranges. In conjunction with the control unit 140, this ambient temperature determination can now additionally or alternatively be effected by the received ambient temperature from the environmental data of the sensor signal 115 in the airbag control unit. Either it is for the calculations in the control unit exclusively on the received

Ambient temperature used from the environmental data, or it takes place

Adjustment of the received ambient temperature with the received in the control unit further temperature from the rearview mirror sensor. The adjustment can be done by subtraction. If the difference lies within a certain range, then the rear-view mirror sensor or more functions

Vehicle sensor 136 as specified. However, if the difference is too large, you can choose from a faulty rear-view sensor are assumed and the

Rear-view mirror is switched off or entered an error in the airbag control unit. Optionally, then only the use of the received with the sensor signal 115 ambient temperature in the airbag control unit. In addition, a fusion of the ambient temperature received with the sensor signal 115 and the measured in the rearview mirror sensor

Ambient temperature example, by forming a weighted sum, median formation or averaging done. This data fusion results in a more accurate determination of the ambient temperature in the airbag control unit and threshold adjustments as a function of the ambient temperature take place in algorithms in more detail.

According to one embodiment, an absolute pressure from the environmental data is used within an airbag pressure sensor. The absolute pressure is already determined today with the aid of measuring elements in airbag pressure sensors. In this case, an outwardly open cavity is arranged in the sensor, whereby the ambient pressure for the sensor can be determined. In conjunction with the control unit 140, this absolute pressure determination can now additionally or alternatively be effected by the absolute pressure received from the sensor data 115 from the environmental data in the sensor. Either the calculations in the sensor are based exclusively on that received with the sensor signal 115

Absolute pressure from the environmental data used, or there is a comparison of the absolute pressure received with the sensor signal 115 in the measured in the sensor or other vehicle sensor 136 absolute pressure. The adjustment can be done by subtraction. If the difference is within a certain range, the sensor works as specified. However, if the difference is too large, it can be assumed that a faulty sensor and the sensor is switched off or sends an error to an airbag control unit. Optionally, then only the use of the with the

Sensor signal 115 received absolute pressure in the pressure sensor. In addition, a fusion of the absolute pressure received by the sensor signal 115 and the absolute pressure measured in the sensor, for example, by forming a weighted sum, median formation or averaging done. Through this data fusion in the sensor, a more accurate determination of the Absolute pressure in the sensor and the sensor calculations, such as the calculation of a relative pressure to the absolute pressure, become more accurate.

According to one embodiment, environmental data in the form of a position of the sun and / or a sun orientation in a vehicle camera of the

Vehicle 130 used. Here, a forwarding of a position of the sun and / or a sun orientation as a sensor signal 115 to a

Vehicle camera done. For the determination of the sun orientation relative to the vehicle 130, it is possible to take into account a knowledge of a direction of travel which can be determined, for example, by means of a position determination system of the vehicle

Vehicle 130 is determined and is also transmitted to the vehicle camera. The position of the sun can be a particularly in deep sun

Be a challenge for the vehicle camera, as this could then be blinded by the sun. With the help of the sensor signal 115, which the

Sun position and the sun orientation relative to the vehicle camera represents a sensitivity of the camera sensor can be adjusted depending on the sunlight. This will improve the performance of the

Improved object detection within the camera, for example by setting the sensitivity in direct sunlight in the camera sensor to a lower value.

According to one embodiment, environmental data in the form of a rain probability and / or a humidity within a

Vehicle radars and / or vehicle lidars used. This can be a

Forwarding of rain probability and / or humidity as

Sensor signal 115 to a vehicle radar and / or vehicle lidar of the vehicle 130 take place. Rain as well as a high humidity can a

Challenge for the vehicle radar and / or vehicle lidar, as these may then be limited in their object detection. With the help of

Sensor signal 115, which the rain probability and / or

Humidity represents a sensitivity of the vehicle radar and / or Fahrzeuglidars depending on the rain probability and / or humidity set. As a result, a performance of the object recognition of the vehicle radar and / or vehicle lid is improved by the sensitivity in the event of rain and / or increased air humidity in the vehicle radar and / or For example, vehicle lidar is set to a lower value.

It is also conceivable that the vehicle radar and / or vehicle lidar is switched off automatically at too high a rain probability and / or high humidity.

The described scenarios are only examples. It is merely intended to illustrate the principle of transmitting environmental data to a vehicle 130 via, for example, a car-to-infrastructure communication interface and the use of such environmental data in a vehicle controller 140 and / or vehicle sensor 134 to increase traffic safety. Additionally or alternatively, an exchange of received environmental data between vehicles 130 and 150 of an environment within a minimum distance M can take place. The environmental data are provided by the

Transfer infrastructure unit 110 via the communication interface 114 or car-to-infrastructure communication interface at least to the vehicle 130 and transmitted from the vehicle 130 via a car-to-car communication interface to the other vehicle 150 or another vehicle. Alternatively, an exchange of environmental data determined in the vehicle 130 with the other vehicle 150 takes place. This may be, for example, an exchange of outside mirror temperatures of the

Vehicles 130 and 150 act with each other. The use of

exchanged environmental data in the vehicle sensors 134 or

Vehicle control devices 140 then takes place as already described.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

claims

A method (200) for operating a vehicle (130), wherein the

Method (200) has at least the following steps:

Receiving (210) at least one sensor signal (115) from a communication unit (132) of the vehicle (130), the at least one sensor signal (115) representing environmental data of a geographical area in which the vehicle (130) is located or at least partially its route runs; and

Generating (220) at least one control parameter (145) for controlling at least one vehicle sensor (134) and / or at least one actuator (134) of the vehicle (130) using the at least one sensor signal (115).

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, wherein in step (210) of the

Receiving a sensor signal (115) representing environmental data provided according to the method (300) of any one of claims 9 to 11.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: (230) forwarding the at least one sensor signal (115) received in the step (210) of receiving and / or the at least one generated in the step (220) of generating

Control parameter (145) to the at least one vehicle sensor (134) and / or the at least one actuator (134).

4. The method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (220) of generating the at least one

Control parameter (145) using at least one Vehicle sensor signal (137) is generated, wherein the

Vehicle sensor signal (137) by means of at least one other

Vehicle sensor (134; 136) of the vehicle (130), represented further environmental data.

Method (200) according to claim 4, wherein in the step (220) of generating a comparison of the at least one sensor signal (115) and the at least one vehicle sensor signal (137) is performed, wherein depending on a result of the comparison, the at least one control parameter (145 ) using the at least one

Sensor signal (115) and / or the at least one

Vehicle sensor signal (137) is generated.

The method (200) according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein in the step (220) of generating a fusion, a formation of a weighted sum, a median formation and / or an averaging of the at least one sensor signal (115) and the at least one

Vehicle sensor signal (137) is performed.

Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (240) of transmitting the at least one sensor signal (115) received in the step (210) of receiving and / or the at least one generated in the step (220) of generating

Control parameter (145) to at least one other vehicle (150).

A controller (140) arranged to execute steps of the method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims in respective units.

Method (300) for providing environmental data for vehicles (130; 150) for use in a method (200) for operating according to one of Claims 1 to 7, the method (300) having at least the following steps: Reading (310) at least one sensor signal (115) from at least one environmental sensor (112), wherein the at least one sensor signal (115) represents environmental data of a geographical area; and

Outputting (320) the at least one sensor signal (115) via at least one communication interface (114) to at least one vehicle (130; 150) which is arranged in the geographical area or whose route runs at least partially in the geographical area.

The method (300) according to claim 9, comprising a step (330) of

Processing the at least one read sensor signal (115) read in step (310) to allocate the at least one sensor signal (115) to the at least one communication interface (114) in the geographical area.

The method (300) according to one of claims 9 to 10, comprising a step (340) of collecting the environmental data for the geographical area.

Apparatus (120) arranged to execute steps of the method (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 in respective units.

Device (120) according to claim 12, comprising at least one

Environmental sensor (112) for collecting the environmental data for the

geographical area.

Device (120) according to one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the device (120) is arranged in at least one infrastructure unit (110) stationary and / or in another vehicle.

A computer program adapted to perform a method (200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims.