DE102007005245A1 - Method for operating a driver assistance system e.g. for motor vehicle, involves using display instrument to show relevant traffic information at given time point - Google Patents

Abstract

A driver assistance system (4) involves detecting first traffic information, such as speed information from a traffic road sign (3) by a detection device (8) for displaying to the driver (11) via display instruments (7,7a,7b).The display instrument is operated so as to display the first traffic information at a time point (t0) ahead of the time point (t1) at which the vehicle reaches the relevant traffic road sign. An independent claim is given for a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for operating a Driver assistance system in a motor vehicle by indicated on traffic signs first traffic-related information, such as a speed information, recognized by a recognition device and the driver by means of a display instrument.

Farther the present invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a recognition device for recognizing traffic-relevant Information; a display instrument for displaying the traffic-relevant Information; and a control unit for driving the display instrument, to display the traffic-related information.

Driver assistance systems for vehicles are known per se. These are vehicle longitudinal control systems, the speed of a motor vehicle at a speed or set speed control the predetermined speed value or limit or distance to a preceding vehicle regulate. Such systems are also known as cruise control, Limiter, Adaptive Curve Control (ACC) or Adaptive Curve Control (ACC).

at the integration of location-dependent Speed information, in particular of prescribed speed limits in driver assistance systems or for the presentation of such information to the driver of the motor vehicle is to note that the driver not the feeling he is allowed to get an "omniscient" system in front of him. Mandatory speed limits along a road, eg permissible maximum speeds, can online from camera based, optical systems which have the appropriate Capture and evaluate traffic signs, or digital data Maps as they are used for navigation, or from one Merger of both sources. Especially when using the current, permissible top speed From digital maps, the information is with a certain likelihood not correct, either because it was captured incorrectly or not at all or because the permissible Top speed since changed the acquisition Has. This circumstance can be if the driver is directly on the Driver assistance system leaves, lead to reduced driving safety.

Out For this reason, it is necessary to provide the driver with such information in a form that he does not feel this would be always correct. He should also have the possibility of such Check information.

Farther it is necessary to give the driver the decision on setting the new top speed in the integration of such information into a longitudinal control system for a motor vehicle. It should be noted that he may be due to the often wrong information is not "annoyed" by the driver assistance system.

A generic method or a generic system is known from DE 10 2004 042 382 A1 known. There traffic signs are detected by means of image capture means and displayed as the first traffic-related information in the vehicle. In order to avoid false information about the validity of traffic signs, the traffic-relevant information is displayed only during a limited display duration as a function of a driving state of the motor vehicle.

From the DE 298 02 953 U1 Furthermore, a method for displaying traffic-related information is known, wherein the traffic-related information related to speed restrictions, overtaking bans, one-way streets, restrictions on driving heights, skidding, sharp turns and other important traffic signs and are determined by a traffic sign recognition. The traffic-relevant information is brought to the first detection by repeated flashing, the re-detection by simply flashing and then permanently displayed, as long as it is not repealed by a new traffic sign. It is proposed, after detecting a speed limit, to automatically adjust the possibly too high vehicle speed to the speed limit by throttling the engine power.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a method or a driver assistance system of the type mentioned in each case to the effect to develop that increased Operating comfort together with increased driving safety in operation the driver assistance system according to the invention given is.

The object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned above in that the display instrument is driven after the detection of the first traffic-related information for displaying the first traffic-related information, wherein the control takes place at a time which is a first time period before the time, in which the motor vehicle indicates a relevant traffic information item Road sign reached.

The Task is in a driver assistance system of the aforementioned Kind solved by that the detection device, the indicating instrument and the control unit to perform a method according to the invention are formed.

advantageous Further embodiments are the subject of subclaims, whose Wording hereby incorporated by reference into the present specification is added to unnecessary To avoid repeated text.

For the business of vehicle longitudinal control systems can local speed limits or changes from such restrictions to be from prey. Instead of the driver such traffic-related information in terms of indicate the prescribed speed directly and / or continuously (e.g., as an image of a traffic sign in an instrument cluster), can him so available provided that he had the opportunity has to verify it. This means that the driver according to the invention, for example, information about the Change of a permissible maximum speed displayed as the first traffic-related information at the moment when he is looking straight through the windshield the possibility has to differ from the correctness of the displayed traffic To convince information (ie close to the occurrence of the speed limit). The display time can be designed so that the driver the information already before reaching a relevant traffic sign gets provided. This informs him of the fact that he can look for a road sign or look should to check the information displayed.

in the In a further development of the method according to the invention, the aim is that the driver will continue to talk about such things for a while after passing by traffic-related information, such as a new maximum speed limit, is taught. The duration of the display before and after one Road sign can be different according to the invention: they can each be a fixed period of time or a fixed distance before and after the road sign. The beginning and the end the ad must be here not in the same proportion to the relevant traffic sign, that is with respect to a Place of the road sign to be symmetrical. For example, a Display time duration five Seconds before and five Seconds after the road sign or, for example, 100 meters before Road sign up to 200 m after.

It is also possible in development of the method according to the invention, the Display areas or display periods in dependence on a distance setting the vehicle longitudinal control, for example, depending on one over a pitch wheel of an ACC system set target time interval, to set, so that the display at large target intervals earlier, at small nominal distances but shorter before reaching the speed limit indicating Road sign done.

The Display of the prescribed speed limit can also dependent on the speed of the motor vehicle or depending the direction of a change the prescribed speed limit. For example can when leaving a village where a maximum speed 50 km / h, a new top speed of 100 km / h, for example, already 100 m before the new top speed indicative road sign will be displayed and after that happen the road sign, for example, at a distance 30 m behind be hidden from the road sign. Conversely, in the opposite case, if the motor vehicle is from an area with 100 km / h speed limit moved to an area with 50 km / h speed limit, can display in a time range of, for example, 5 s passing the road sign up to 6 s after passing done the road sign.

The Alternatively, first traffic-related information can also be permanent be displayed as long as they are valid is, e.g. after passing the road sign indicating the information, until it is updated or canceled by a new traffic sign.

in the In another embodiment of the present invention a simple integration of the new recognized traffic relevant Information, in particular a new maximum speed limit, into one (active) longitudinal control function (cruise control, ACC, limiter) using an existing control and display concept be achieved by the newly recognized, current speed limit as setting speed proposal and the current setting speed (target setting) or the first and second traffic-related information be displayed alternately by means of the indicating instrument. For this this can be achieved by alternately displaying in a further development of the method according to the invention both information or speeds after the given display concept done.

To the foregoing it is the first and / or second traffic-related information in particular, information, prescribed speed limits, so-called speed-limit information affect. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention is but not limited to such information.

Around a distinction between a set current value of Setting speed, the second traffic-related information corresponds, and one of the first traffic-related information corresponding proposed new value of the set speed (Setting speed suggestion) can be made in the display instrument a driver assistance system according to the invention different colors or different brightnesses use find, or respective display durations to display the first and second traffic-related information, i. the display durations of the setting speed proposal and the current setting speed, may be different To be long. Thus, e.g. alternately first the new setting speed proposal while 1 s, then for 0.5 s the current setting speed and so on. It is also conceivable to insert a short break, in which no speed display is displayed. In addition, can also the flashing frequency the first and second traffic-related information differently be set. For example, the new set speed flashes, v_new, in a period 2 times, the current setting speed, v_actual, however, only once (v_neu-pause-v_neu-pause-v_aktuell-pause etc.), or only the new setting speed flashes, or one the traffic-related information does not flash and the other one flashes.

At the ACC system can for example, along a speed scale of the speed of the motor vehicle indicating instrument a segment wreath provided with several designed as light emitting elements segments and two different segments of the segment wreath are flashing, if there is no preceding vehicle as a leading vehicle, the the vehicle can follow at a controlled distance. The two flashing segments mark on the speed scale the position of the current setting speed or the position of the setting speed proposal. Alternatively, a can also Section of the segment wreath on the speed scale the range between the current setting speed and the new one Set speed suggestion, flashing. If available lead vehicle and a current speed below the set speed then, for example, the segment segments blink alternately in Range from the current setting speed to the speed of the preceding vehicle and the segment sections in the area between the new set speed proposal and the speed of the preceding vehicle.

At the Operation of a driver assistance system with continuous display the setting speed can the previous setting speed and the new setting speed suggestion as a numeric display alternately, or it just blinks the new setting speed proposal or the setting speed and the setting speed suggestion are in different Colors displayed. Alternatively, the speed indicator can also be used of the indicating instrument between the values of the previous setting speed and the set speed suggestion.

in the In another development of the invention, the driver during the activation of segments of the indicating instrument described above, especially during flashing a new allowable top speed representing setting speed suggestion, by means of a control element, e.g. by means of an operating lever, the setting speed proposal take over as new setting speed (new setpoint setting). This is in the course of a preferred embodiment of the invention only use the corresponding operating lever (ACC "reactivate"). With the upstairs or down Press of the operating lever (lever positions "plus" or "minus") can be used as the setting speed suggestion displayed new allowed top speed by a predetermined (adjustable) value of e.g. 10 km / h at Push upwards elevated and analogously when pushing down be reduced. Alternatively, the current set speed in changed as usual become. In the presence of a two-stage control lever can above operation with the steps 1 km / h or 10 km / h, depending on the lever deflection, respectively.

With an operation the operating element, such as the operating lever, can display of the new setting speed proposal. As well can with the deactivation of the driver assistance system or the transition of Driver assistance system in a passive system state in which no System intervention made the display abort.

However, the present invention is not limited to vehicles with active longitudinal control. An analogous procedure can be carried out in the development of the invention also in "passive longitudinal control" (that is, manual throttle). In such a method, the first traffic-relevant information can be used as a speed threshold for setting a warning threshold to output a visual and / or audible and / or haptic driver information to the driver when the speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the warning threshold. Thus, the driver can be warned against exceeding the maximum speed limit. Advantageously, the driver is offered the opportunity to specify an offset for shifting the warning threshold, so that he can adjust the triggering of the driver information to his needs.

at Another development of the method according to the invention can be a differential speed set as the offset to the new maximum permissible speed, i.e. the set speed proposal, added or from this is subtracted. This differential speed can be considered firmer or an example about several levels of variable value (e.g., -10 to 10 km / h, etc.) or in percent to the new maximum speed (e.g., + 8%) and can be an error correction, for example, to compensate a leading speedometer, serve. The driver can then do this in the course of a corresponding development of the method according to the invention or the driver assistance system according to the invention in a corresponding menu item in Select display instrument (instrument cluster). An alternative to fixed loading of the setting speed proposal with the Differential speed is that the set speed proposal at a first actuation of the takeover the setting speed proposed operating element initially unchanged as Setting speed adopted and only at a short time, for example, within 1 Second, on the first actuation following second operation of the control element is varied by the differential speed. For example, the driver can set a differential speed of 10 km / h as desired Offset over an input menu in Enter instrument cluster of the motor vehicle and a displayed set speed proposal of 100 km / h, for example, by using the operating lever once as unchanged take over as setting speed or by quickly pressing the control twice take the offset corrected value of 90 km / h as setting speed. The display value of the first traffic information is not affected.

The Driver assistance system regulates or limits the speed of the Motor vehicle then on the acquired and possibly to the Offset corrected new value of the set speed.

If If there is no current speed limit, the Operation of the longitudinal control function as usual.

With corresponding setting options in the menu of the instrument cluster the driver in a development of the present invention choose whether the setting speed proposal or, if necessary, the differential speed corrected setting speed proposal automatically adopted as setting speed should be, as well as for which the longitudinal control functions (ACC, cruise control, limiter) this should happen. In addition, can a maximum speed can be selected, which then possibly up Highways without prescribed maximum speed as setting speed is applied.

If no longitudinal control function is active (that is ACC or Limiter or cruise control are deactivated), can be analogous to proceed above representation. Instead of the current setting speed (set speed) then occurs the current vehicle speed as the second traffic-related information.

As a general rule In a further development of the method according to the invention, a new prescribed Speed limit (maximum speed allowed) as the first traffic-relevant information displayed only if they by a certain, preferably adjustable amount of the currently set in cruise control or ACC operation setting speed differs. The minimum difference may be e.g. 10% of the set speed be. Or speed characteristics are used.

Above a preferably adjustable speed difference threshold between actual speed and setting speed suggestion may additionally be an acoustic or visual warning, for example in the form of a warning tone, a voice or an optical indication. This too can the driver preferably by means of a menu item in the instrument cluster configure. Alternatively, a common offset value for the regulation and the warning will be set.

In the course of another development of the present invention, the driver also has the option of setting a repeat cycle via a menu item in the instrument cluster in order to cyclically receive a reminder of the remaining differences in speed (actual to setpoint speed). The repetition period can be specified in minutes or kilometers, ie as a time interval or as a route. However, a repetition only takes place when a preferably adjustable differential speed threshold is exceeded. To determine the speed difference, instead of the actual speed, the current setting speed can also be used.

Instead of a segment wreath on the display instrument can in development of the method according to the invention or the system according to the invention any other Use symbols. Likewise, instead of an operating lever one or more switches are used as control element (s). The use of different units (km / h and mph) leads to none restriction the method according to the invention or system.

At the Change from a route with prescribed speed limit on a route without speed limit can be in training of the inventive method as Set speed proposal a given upper speed limit of the longitudinal control system be used. Alternative embodiments may be a use of a specified in vehicle specifications or in a vehicle registration document maximum vehicle speed, one for operation with the current used tires Top speed, a speed stored in the combination instrument, a country-specific, road type dependent speed or trailer operation one for the trailer towing maximum permissible top speed Provide without the preceding list exhaustive would have. Possibly. can these speed limits come into force earlier, namely, if she and not the recognized current speed limit the route represent the actual limit.

at fast speed limit changes, such as at speed funnels before construction sites or curves, the current display may benefit an upcoming speed limit is aborted prematurely. Speed limit signs follow each other at short intervals (for example at speed tunnels before construction sites or curves) then you can directly with the speed limit further ahead with the lowest altitude proposed and by appropriately driving the display instrument be displayed.

Additionally or alternatively, to display information in local correlation with the Appearance of traffic signs can be a marker in the form of a triangle or arrow or other symbol, also a given symbol with changeable color, used for continuous display. This flag then changes with the change of traffic-related information, for example a prescribed speed limit, its color or Shape to the driver over the change to inform. The traffic-relevant information can be found in the system be stored in memory and may be actuated by the driver, e.g. consult of the control lever or by pressing a other control element for display or as a set speed be set. The driver is thus able at any time, the last traffic-relevant information recognized by the system for display to bring it to read and when needed or directly with to take over the call as a new setting speed.

The functionality can in training the method according to the invention also to a be limited to certain speed range, so for example at "30 km / h" signs never one Reaction takes place. Or the functionality is by road type or Not limited to areas such as "city" or "out of town" activated or activated. On highways can thus the least Speed that is proposed or displayed For example, be 80 km / h. In urban areas, the function be passive.

At takeover the new setting speed as a new target setting due manual operation by the driver or in the course of a fully automatic operation of the Driver assistance system can after the regulation of this speed an acceleration setpoint input from a characteristic in dependence from the current speed or the target speed or the differential speed, what the control unit at a development of the driver assistance system according to the invention is designed accordingly. Due to the regular knowledge of the Distance to the new speed limit sign can the Einregelung also be made such that at the height of the traffic sign the Speed is just adjusted. It can with one at the time the takeover Constant acceleration for adjusting the setpoint speed be accelerated to the traffic sign. Alternatively, at huge Distances first with a small amount of acceleration and at a short distance with an acceleration of magnitude be accelerated.

at huge Speed differences can in the development of the method according to the invention at least for example 10% deviation when reaching the traffic sign be managed. Alternatively it can be provided that after a pre-determined distance after the traffic sign the target speed is reached.

In case of a detected, ahead plate to cancel a speed limit tion can, in addition to the above-mentioned methods, also on the last used setting speed, which was used on comparable routes (last set speed on freeways without speed limit or on rural roads the maximum speed allowed on rural roads), including in particular a development of the driver assistance system according to the invention a correspondingly effective storage unit is equipped.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. The only figure shows:
a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of the driver assistance system according to the invention.

The figure shows schematically a motor vehicle 1 that on a street 2 at a speed V in the direction of the arrow. By the roadside, that is next to the road 2 is a road sign 3 For example, with a speed limit, where on the road sign 3 indicated traffic-relevant information in the present case is also referred to as the first traffic-related information. In the present case, the first traffic-related information is a speed information about a permissible maximum speed. Alternatively or additionally, however, the present invention is also applicable without limitation to the generality to situations in which the first traffic-related information is another information, for example an overtaking prohibition or the like.

At a time t0 is the motor vehicle 1 at a location marked in the figure with a correspondingly designated line. Depending on the speed v reaches the motor vehicle 1 at a later time t1 the location of the road sign 3 and at an even later time t2, a further location correspondingly marked in the figure.

The car 1 has an inventive driver assistance system 4 on, which according to the embodiment shown, at least one operating element 5 , a control unit 6 , a gauge 7 that can be designed in particular as a combination or instrument cluster, a detection device 8th and a storage unit 9 includes. The at a steering device 10 of the motor vehicle 1 placed driver is in the figure with reference numerals 11 designated. The control unit 6 has according to the embodiment shown a longitudinal control function 6a on, with the on a driving behavior of the motor vehicle 1 in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow V can be acted, for example by changing the speed and / or a distance of the motor vehicle 1 to a preceding vehicle (not shown).

According to the present embodiment, the recognizer is 8th of the driver assistance system 4 for recognizing the first traffic-related information based on stored information formed in one in the memory unit 9 stored digital map are included. For this purpose, the driver assistance system according to the invention 4 continue to have a suitable locating device, such as a GPS unit (not shown), so that the driver assistance system 4 at any time, the first traffic-related information in dependence on a current location of the motor vehicle 1 to recognize or determine.

Alternatively, the detection device 8th Also be designed such that it is capable of the first traffic-related information in dependence on a location of the motor vehicle 1 directly (visually, visually) to determine. In this context, the detection device 8th For example, have a camera, with the help of the first traffic-relevant information by watching the road sign 3 is determined directly.

After the detection device 8th the first traffic-related information detected in the manner described above, it transmits a corresponding detection signal to the control unit 6 , The control unit 6 then controls the display instrument 7 such that in a first display area 7a of the indicating instrument 7 the recognized first traffic-related information is displayed. According to the invention, this takes place at a point in time t0, which is a first time period t1-t0 before the point in time in which the motor vehicle is moving 1 The traffic sign 3 , which indicates the first traffic-related information reached. Subsequently, the display instrument 7 during a second time period t2 - t1 after reaching the traffic sign 3 continue to display the first traffic-related information in the first display area 7a through the control unit 6 driven.

According to the present embodiment, the indicating instrument 7 a second display area 7b on, in which simultaneously or alternately with the described first traffic-related information, a second traffic-related information is displayed. The displayed second traffic-relevant information may in particular be information for displaying a current actual state of the motor vehicle 1 act, for example at its actual speed. Alternatively, the displayed second traffic-related information may be a current desired setting of the driver assistance system 4 act, for example when this type of cruise control (longitudinal control function 6a ) is used for the longitudinal control of the vehicle handling behavior.

Displaying the first and second traffic-related information by the display instrument 7 advantageously takes place such that the first and second traffic-related information with respect to at least one display technical feature are displayed differently, for example by alternately flashing the respective displays, by different colors, different patterns or by different Anzeigerhythmen in addition to the exemplary shown spatial separation by means of the display areas 7a . 7b , In this case, the first and second display periods may be different and in particular each depend on external conditions, such as a distance to a (not shown) preceding motor vehicle.

The driver 11 is then in the course of a development of the driver assistance system according to the invention 4 able by operating the control element 5 the displayed first traffic-related information to a new target setting of the driver assistance system 4 making either the current setpoint setting of the driver assistance system displayed on the basis of the second traffic-related information 4 replaced or a complete resetting of the driver assistance system 4 is effected.

In any case, the driver is 11 by the time t0 compared with the time of reaching the road sign 3 (Time t1) advanced ads of the first traffic-related information in a position to verify the displayed information itself, which is particularly advisable when the first traffic-related information from previously stored data (digital map in the memory device 9 ), since such information can easily be faulty, in particular obsolete.

At the instrument cluster, the driver can continue to make certain inputs to the operation of the driver assistance system 4 to control, as explained in detail above.

Claims (37)

Method for operating a driver assistance system ( 4 ) in a motor vehicle ( 1 ), on which traffic signs ( 3 ) indicated first traffic-related information, such as a speed information, by a detection device ( 8th ) and the driver ( 11 ) by means of a display instrument ( 7 . 7a . 7b ) are displayed, characterized in that the display instrument is driven after detecting the first traffic-relevant information for displaying the first traffic-relevant information at a time (t0), which is a first time period before a time (t1), in which the motor vehicle concerned road sign reached. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicating instrument ( 7 . 7a . 7b ) after reaching the relevant traffic sign ( 3 ) continues to be driven for displaying the first traffic-related information during a second time period. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the first and second periods are different. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first time duration as a function of the instantaneous speed of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the first time duration depending on the information content of the first traffic-related information is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the first period of time depends on the type of section of the route being traveled, is determined, in particular depending on whether it is at the section around a local road, a Highway or a highway. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second time duration depending on a for the driver assistance system ( 4 ) is determined as a target time interval of predetermined distance to a vehicle in front. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicating instrument ( 7 . 7a . 7b ) is driven to display the first traffic-related information and a second traffic-related information. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that that the first traffic-relevant information and the second traffic-relevant Information will be displayed alternately. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first or the second traffic-relevant Information permanently until the next traffic-related information is detected are displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that when exceeded one of the first traffic-relevant information corresponding speed threshold, in particular a permissible one Top speed, an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic driver advice is issued to the driver. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that that a differential speed can be predetermined by the driver the one hint threshold for the trigger the output of the driver information by one of the differential speed Offset is shifted. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized that the note cyclically after each expiration of a predetermined Duration or after passing through a predeterminable distance is repeated. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized that the notice is issued permanently. Method according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized that the first and second traffic-related information in color display different representation. Method according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized that the traffic-relevant information by controlling Segments one along a speed scale of a speed gauge arranged segmented wreath are displayed or that to display Number representations, bars, triangles or other symbols used become. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that that the driver's advice in the same form of presentation as the traffic-relevant Information is output. Method according to one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the second traffic-relevant information is a currently valid information, in particular a current target setting of the driver assistance system ( 4 ), in particular a longitudinal control function ( 6a ) of the driver assistance system, or an actual state of the vehicle ( 1 ) corresponds. Method according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterized that the first and second traffic-related information regarding at least a display technical feature are displayed differently. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that upon actuation of a control element ( 5 ) of the driver assistance system ( 4 ) is the first traffic-related information to a new target setting of the driver assistance system during the display of the first traffic-related information. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that that an offset for the desired setting of the driver assistance system can be set by the driver can. Method according to claim 21, characterized that the offset for the warning threshold and the offset for the target setting are identical. A method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that upon actuation of the operating element ( 5 ) of the driver assistance system ( 4 ) is applied to the new target setting of the driver assistance system with the offset for the target setting. Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized that the target setting only with a deviation to the traffic-relevant Information taken over can be. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized that the target setting by a winter tire limitation or speed limit for one Operation with trailer or a last driven speed on highways without Speed limit or a minimum or maximum set speed the driver assistance system is limited. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first traffic-relevant information detected by a digital map. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first traffic-relevant information by means of an optical detection device ( 8th ) is recognized. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that at least the first traffic-relevant information by means of an optical recognition device and a digital map is recognized. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized characterized in that supplementary as the first traffic-related information implicit, country-specific Speed information can be used, in particular country-specific changes or abolition of speed limits in local entrances / exits, on motorways or on country roads. Method according to claim 29, characterized that a country recognition by means of a digital map. A method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized that the implicit country specific Speed information stored in a memory unit are. Method according to one of claims 12 to 31, characterized that one setting option exists for the setting of the offset for Note threshold and / or the target setting, for switching on / off the Driver advice and / or for one Activation / deactivation of the takeover the target setting or the offset setting applied to the offset. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the system behavior of the driver assistance system in terms its longitudinal dynamics is influenced by the traffic-related information. Method according to claim 33, characterized that a desired acceleration as a function of the first traffic-relevant Information is determined and that the driver assistance system a Acceleration control with the target acceleration as a reference variable performs. A method according to claim 33 or 35, characterized that the longitudinal dynamics the driver assistance system by the first traffic-related information in which a target braking on the position or an offset-loaded value to the position of the first traffic-relevant Information indicating road sign is performed. Driver assistance system ( 4 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), comprising: - a recognition device ( 8th ) for identifying traffic-relevant information; - a display instrument ( 7 . 7a . 7b ) for displaying the traffic-related information; A control unit ( 6 ) for driving the display instrument to display the traffic-related information; characterized in that the detection device, the indicating instrument and the control unit are designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Driver assistance system according to claim 36, characterized in that means for setting the offset for the alert threshold and / or the desired setting and / or for switching on / off the driver information and / or for switching on / off the assumption of the target setting are provided, and that further a control unit for the acquisition the first traffic-relevant information as a new target setting is provided.