DE102010027899A1 - Method for operating information or assistance system, involves providing time signal, which comprises absolute time, and receiving signal, which comprises absolute time information and information by identification of signaling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing a time signal, which comprises an absolute time, and receiving a signal, which comprises absolute time information and information by an identification of a signaling system (104) and switching data that has the signaling system. The information is evaluated by the identification and the switching data that has the signaling system corresponding to the time signal. An independent claim is also included for a system comprises an information or assistance system.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating in particular an information and / or assistance system, a corresponding system, in particular an information and / or assistance system and a system comprising in particular such an information and / or assistance system.

Information and / or assistance systems, in particular in vehicles, can use information about switching states of signaling systems, such as the status of a traffic signal (traffic light), for example, to display the status to the driver of the vehicle. Conventionally, short-distance communication systems, for example WLAN or infrared, are used to transmit the switching states from the signaling system to the vehicle. In this case, due to the short range of the communication technologies used, which is approximately a maximum of 300 meters with free line of sight, and the associated transmission frequencies at each signal system a corresponding transmitter must be installed. Also in the vehicle, an additional corresponding device must be present, which allows short-distance communication.

It is desirable to provide a method and system that is inexpensive and effective.

The invention is characterized by a method and a corresponding system which is suitable for carrying out the method.

In one embodiment, a time signal is provided that includes an absolute time. At least one signal is received, which includes absolute time information and information about an identification of at least one signaling system and switching data of the at least one signaling system. The information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signal system are evaluated as a function of the time signal.

By receiving an absolute time information and evaluating the information about the identification and the switching states of the signaling system as a function of the provided absolute time, it is possible to evaluate and use information about the signaling system regardless of the relative or absolute position of the signal system. The provided absolute time serves as a reference for the received absolute time information.

The signal system comprises in particular a traffic signal system or several traffic light systems (traffic lights), one or more variable traffic signs such as, for example, an alternating route and / or gantries with variable speed information and / or dialing information. For example, the signal system includes a plurality of traffic lights whose switching positions are dependent on each other, in particular the traffic lights of an intersection in mutually different directions. The identification includes, for example, the local position (Geobezug) of the signal system and / or further information on the accurate detection of the signal system is possible.

In particular, the information is received by a vehicle or an information and / or assistance system of the vehicle, which continues to use the received information. For example, a vehicle can also be displayed at an early stage from remote signal systems, the shift positions in the vehicle. In a further embodiment, one or more operating modes, for example a recuperation, of the vehicle are selected as a function of the switching position of one or more signal systems. When approaching a red traffic light, for example, the recuperation of the vehicle is activated early.

In one embodiment, the switching data comprise timings of switching positions of the at least one signal system. In a further embodiment, the switching data comprise at least one switching position of the at least one signal system. The shift data in one embodiment includes current shift positions. The switching data comprise in a further embodiment future switching positions. The switching data comprise in a further embodiment past switching positions.

Thus, in one embodiment, information about the current switch position of the signaling system will be received in real time. Furthermore, it is possible to receive information as to when the shift position will change. In a further embodiment, alternatively or additionally, information about a repetitive time sequence of switching positions is received. This is possible, for example, in traffic lights, in which information about a regularly repeating period of three positions in the received timing are included, as well as the beginning of the first cycle and the respective duration of the switch positions. Alternatively or additionally, information about future timings is received. For example, the future timing has more or fewer shift positions than the current timing. For example, in the future timing, the duration is the individual switching positions different from the current timing. For example, in the future timing, the order of the individual shift positions is different from the current timing.

In one embodiment, the switching data comprises switch positions of a plurality of signal installations in a predetermined geographical area. For example, the switching data include the switching positions of signal systems in a city. The switching data comprise in a further embodiment, the switching data or the switching positions of signaling equipment on a predetermined route. Thus, the earliest possible comprehensive information of the switching positions of the plurality of signal systems can be taken into account as early as possible.

In one embodiment, the identification of a first signal installation of the plurality of signal installations is dependent on the identification of a second signal channel of the plurality of signal installations. For example, the position of the first signal system is specified as the distance relative to the position of the second signal system.

In one embodiment, information about a predetermined distance on which the at least one signal system is arranged is provided. The information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signal system are evaluated as a function of the predetermined distance and the time signal. For example, a current position is determined on the given route. Furthermore, a distance, in particular of the vehicle, is determined for the at least one signal system on the predetermined path. The anticipated switching position of the at least one signal system upon reaching the at least one signal system is determined, in particular as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Thus, it is precisely determined at which distance, for example, the vehicle from the signal system is or will be, if a change in the switching position of the signal system takes place and / or which switch position the signal system has the probable arrival at the signal system after the distance was traveled on the route ,

In one embodiment, the switching data comprise information about switch positions of the signal system to at least two mutually different directions. For example, the switching data comprise switching positions of the traffic lights of an intersection in all four directions. The system is set up to evaluate the information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signal system as a function of information provided over a predetermined distance and the switching positions of one of the at least two mutually different directions associated with the predetermined distance. This is how the system receives 102 Although, for example, the switching data of the traffic lights of an intersection, also from the traffic lights to directions in which the vehicle does not drive. The system is set up to determine the traffic light that is relevant for the given route and to process only the shift positions of this traffic light.

In particular, a system comprises an information and / or assistance system as well as at least one signaling system and a synchronization device, which is set up to provide the absolute time information. For example, both the absolute time information assigned to the signal system and an in-vehicle clock which provides the time signal are dependent on the synchronization device.

Further advantages, features and developments will become apparent from the following in connection with the 1 to 3 explained examples.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment,

2 1 is a schematic representation of timings of switching positions according to an embodiment,

3A and 3B a plurality of signaling systems according to an embodiment and associated timings according to an embodiment.

Identical, similar and equally acting elements can be provided in the figures with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their proportions to each other are basically not to be regarded as true to scale, but individual elements such as signal systems and vehicles, for better representability and / or for better understanding can be exaggerated small or large dimensions.

1 schematically shows a system 100 , The system 100 To summarizes a plurality of signal systems 104 each with associated control 105 , The system 100 further comprises a transmitting device 101 ,

The sending device 101 is set up, in each case information about an identification of the signal system 104 and switching data of the signaling system 104 to provide or to send. The sending device 101 is also set up to receive a synchronization signal. The sending device 101 is also furnished, a Synchronization signal for at least one of the controllers 105 provide.

The synchronization signal is from a synchronization device 103 provided. In particular, the synchronization signal comprises an absolute time.

The system 100 also includes a system 102 For example, in a vehicle 108 ( 3A ) is arranged. The system 102 is set up, the signals of the transmitting device 101 to receive, for example via a, in particular wireless, communication network 106 , The system 102 is further set up, the synchronization signal of the synchronization device 103 to recieve. The system 102 is set up, the signals of the transmitting device 101 for internal use to further process, for example, to decode. For example, an internal time of the system 102 depending on the received absolute time of the synchronization device 103 set.

The system 100 still has an ad 107 on, on the of the system 102 evaluated information about the majority of signaling equipment 104 be represented as a function of the absolute time information T _UT or as a function of the internal time. In addition, if a current position of the vehicle is known, for example via a location system, the information can be displayed depending on the current position.

The signal systems 104 , which are for example traffic lights, have mutually different switching positions S0, S1, S2 ( 2 ) on. For example, the switching position S2 corresponds to a red light signal, the switching position S1 a yellow light signal and the switching position S0 a green light signal. The signal system 104 In other embodiments, a variable traffic sign dynamically indicating different character combinations.

The signal system 104 comprises in a further embodiment a Wechselwegweiser. For example, the Wechselwegweiser two switch positions S0 and S1, wherein in the switching position S0 of the Wechselwegweiser a turn in a predetermined direction is prohibited and is released in the switching position S1 a turn in the predetermined direction. The signal system 104 has in embodiments more than three mutually different switching positions, for example four or more switching positions.

The switch positions S0, S1, S2 of the signal systems 104 be from the respective controller 105 controlled. In addition, the signal systems 104 each one identification. In particular, the identification has a geo-reference, for example, a coordinate pair on a road map. In a further embodiment, the identification comprises an index which is representative of a signaling system. For example, from a table in which the key figures are stored, the location of the signal system can be determined with the help of the code.

The identification of the respective signal system 104 as well as the switching data of the respective signaling system 104 are the transmitter 101 known. In addition, the transmitting device 101 with the synchronization device 103 coupled, so that the transmitting device 101 has the synchronization signal, in particular the absolute time. The sending device 101 is set up to determine from the absolute time the absolute time information T _UT , which corresponds to a predetermined switching position or a change in the switching position of the signaling system 104 belongs. The sending device 101 is further configured to combine the interdependent information on the absolute time T _UT , on the identification of the signaling system and the switching data of the signaling system.

In one embodiment, the switching data of the signaling system 104 with respect to one or more times in the transmitting device 101 saved. For example, the times are stored, when and for what duration the switch position S0 of the signal system 104 is switched. Furthermore, the time is stored when and for what duration the switch position S1 is switched. Likewise, the time and the duration are stored when the switch position S2 is switched.

In a further embodiment, a time sequence T _{U of} the switch positions is stored and a time when the switching sequence T _U begins. The time sequence T _U includes information for what duration the switch position S0 of the signal system 104 is switched. Furthermore, the time sequence T _U for which duration the switching position S1 is connected likewise includes the time sequence T _U, the duration for which the switching position S2 is connected. The time sequence T _U also includes information about the order of the switching positions S0, S1, S2 to each other.

The chronological sequence T _U comprises in particular information about future switching positions. The time sequence T _U includes, for example, information for what duration the switch position S0 of the signal system 104 is switched. Furthermore, the time sequence T _U for which duration the switching position S1 is switched. Similarly, the time sequence T _U includes the duration for which the switching position S2 is switched. The time sequence T _U includes also information about the future sequence of switching positions S0, S1, S2 to each other.

In a further embodiment, the transmitting device 101 with the signal system 104 or with the controller 105 the signal system 104 coupled. For example, these signal systems 104 dynamically controlled and have no fixed switching sequences. The switching positions of this signaling system are controlled by the controller 105 the transmitting device 101 communicated.

In a further embodiment, the transmitting device 101 from the controller 105 communicated when the switch position will change. In a further embodiment, the transmitting device 101 from the controller 105 communicated when the timing of the switch positions will change. Furthermore, the transmitting device 101 how long a switch position will be maintained over time.

In one embodiment, the controller is 105 configured to receive the synchronization signal and the information about the switching positions in connection with the absolute time information to the transmitting device 101 to convey.

The synchronization device 103 is set up to provide an absolute time. For example, long-wave radiated time signals (DCF77) are provided. In another embodiment, the time signal is provided by location satellites such as GPS, Galileo, Glonass, and / or Compass.

The communication network 106 is set up to transmit medium or long range digital data, such as mobile and / or digital broadcasting.

The system 102 is set up the absolute time of the synchronization device 103 to recieve. Furthermore, the system is 102 set up over the communications network 106 Information of the transmitting device 101 to recieve. The internal time of the system 102 is therefore as close as possible to the time provided by long wave (DCF77) and / or positioning satellites. In particular, the respective time is correct for a plurality of systems 102 in each of the systems as closely as possible. In particular, the respective time of the transmitting device is correct 101 , the controller 105 and the system 102 as exactly as possible.

By doing that the system 102 the absolute time is known and the information about the signal systems 104 are encoded with the absolute time information, are the time information provided by the transmitting device 101 to the system 102 be transmitted by the system as accurately as possible, for example, to the second. This allows the system 102 For example, by comparing the received absolute time with the received absolute time information T _UT check whether received information on switching data are obsolete and then prevent further processing and / or understand by switching the absolute time information T _UT all switching positions of each signal system to the second.

From this second-precise knowledge of the switching data or switching positions are in one embodiment, different displays on the display 107 shown. In a further embodiment, control data for a driver assistance system are determined from the knowledge of the switching data which is accurate to the second. For example, an energy recovery is started from the second-precise knowledge of the switching phase. The energy recovery is started earlier than without the system 100 because, for example, it is already known in advance when a vehicle is approaching a red traffic light.

In one embodiment, the transmitting device comprises 101 a plurality of sub-devices. For example, the transmitting device comprises 101 a sub-device that is set up, the switching data of the signaling system 104 to control or with the help of the controller 105 the switching data of the signaling system 104 are known. For example, the sub-device of the timing T _{U of} the switch positions is known and a time when the switching sequence T _U begins. For example, the transmitting device comprises 101 a further sub-device, which is arranged to relate the switching data (together with the temporal information) with the identification, for example the position, of the switchgear. For example, the transmitting device comprises 101 another sub-device configured to process the switching data with the identification so as to be transmitted from the wireless communication network 106 can be transmitted.

2 schematically shows switching data of the signaling system 104 , In addition to the site (identification), the absolute time information T _{UT is} received, to which the first switching sequence T _U begins. Attached thereto is information about the durations t1 _S2 , t2 _S1 , t3 _S0 , t4 _{S1 of} the respective switch positions S0, S1, S2. From this information is for the system 102 as a function of the internal time can be determined when switching positions S0, S1 and S2 is connected and when a change of the switching position is completed. In a further embodiment, more than receive four durations, for example, six or more durations of the respective switching positions. In another embodiment, less than four durations are received, for example three or fewer durations of the respective switch positions.

3A shows the majority of signaling equipment 104 and a signal system 109 , The signal systems 104 and the signal system 109 are coupled, for example, the switching positions of the signal systems are switched in dependence on each other so that when driving on the road at a certain speed each signal system has its green signal position (green wave). The identification of the signal system 109 is in this case over a distance d1 to the position of the signal system 104 certainly.

The system 102 that in the vehicle 108 is arranged, for example, receives the respective identification and the respective switching data of the plurality of signal systems 104 and the signal system 109 For example, all traffic lights of a city at once. At intersections, information on up to four directions is received individually.

3B shows the timing of the coupled signal systems as in connection with 3A explained. The information on the switching positions is determined based on the absolute time information T _UT via delays t _d1 , t _d2 , t _d3 . Thus, as a function of the distances d1, d2 and d3, the delay is determined as the absolute time information T _UT . In a further embodiment, more than three delays or distances are taken into account, for example five or more delays or distances. In another embodiment, less than three delays or distances are received, for example, two or fewer delays.

In a further embodiment, the system comprises 102 a satellite positioning, for example via a GPS system, and is set up, the whereabouts, the direction of travel and including a digital road map the most probable route of the vehicle 108 to determine. In a route guidance and / or a route estimator, the road ahead is very precisely known. Thus, for example, the switching positions of the signal systems that lie on this route, from the system 102 receive. From the system 102 It also takes into account information from signaling equipment that is even further away on the route ahead. In particular, the system 102 Consider switching data from signal installations farther from the vehicle than the range of short-range communication systems, for example farther from the vehicle than 300 meters.

Depending on the location and the direction of travel of the vehicle and depending on the identification of the signal systems, the next on the route signal systems are determined in one embodiment. Depending on the information received at the absolute time and the switching data with associated absolute time information is from the system 102 in which distance the vehicle is 108 from the signal system or a marking belonging to the signaling system is or will be, if a change of the switching position takes place.

In one embodiment, depending on the time signal and the signal, the absolute time information (TUT) as well as the information on the identification of the signal conditioning ( 104 ) and the switching data of the signaling system ( 104 ), the speed of the vehicle regulated, for example by a cruise control system.

In one embodiment, depending on the time signal and the signal, the absolute time information (TUT) as well as the information on the identification of the signal conditioning ( 104 ) and the switching data of the signaling system ( 104 ), in an automatic start / stop of the vehicle, the engine of the vehicle switched off early or early. For example, the engine is already switched on just before the traffic light switches to the green signal position.

In one embodiment, depending on the time signal and the signal, the absolute time information (TUT) as well as the information on the identification of the signal conditioning ( 104 ) and the switching data of the signaling system ( 104 ), optimized a route calculation between a predetermined starting position and a predetermined target position.

In one embodiment, depending on the time signal and the signal, the absolute time information (TUT) as well as the information on the identification of the signal conditioning ( 104 ) and the switching data of the signaling system ( 104 ) which activates recuperation. For example, when driving on a traffic light with switching position red electric motor braked.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

101

transmitting device

102

receiving device

103

synchronizer

104

signals

105

control

106

Communication network

107

display

108

motor vehicle

109

signals

d1, d2, d3

distance

T _UT

Absolute time

T _U

shifting sequence

S0, S1, S2

switch position

t1 _S2

Duration of switching position S2

t2 _S1

Duration of switching position S1

t3 _S0

Duration of switching position S0

t4 _S1

Duration of switching position S1

t _d1

delay

t _d2

delay

t _d3

delay

Claims (12)

Method, comprising, - providing at least one time signal that includes an absolute time, - receiving at least one signal, the absolute time information (T _UT ) and information about an identification of at least one signaling system ( 104 ) and switching data of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ), - evaluation of the information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) depending on the time signal. Method according to Claim 1, in which the switching data have time sequences (T _U ) of switching positions (S0, S1, S2) of the at least one signal system ( 104 ). Method according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the switching data comprise at least one switching position (S0, S1, S2) of the at least one signal system ( 104 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the switching data switch positions (S0, S1, S2) of a plurality of signal systems ( 104 ) in a given geographic area. Method according to Claim 4, in which the identification of a first signal system ( 109 ) of the plurality of signal systems is dependent on the identification of a second signaling system ( 104 ) of the plurality of signal systems. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: providing information about a predetermined distance, on which the at least one signaling system ( 104 ), evaluation of the information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) depending on the given distance and the time signal. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which - the switching data contain information about switching positions of the signal system ( 104 ) comprise at least two mutually different directions, and - the information about the identification and the switching data of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) are evaluated in dependence on information provided over a predetermined distance and the switching positions of one of the at least two mutually different directions, which is associated with the predetermined distance. Method according to claim 6 or 7, comprising: determining a current position on the predetermined path, determining a distance to the at least one signal system 104 ) on the given route, - determination of the anticipated switching position of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) when reaching the at least one signaling system ( 104 ). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which information about an identification contains information about a geo-reference of the signal system ( 104 ). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which, depending on the received signals, information about the switching position of the at least one signal system ( 104 ) are displayed to a user and / or at least one predetermined operating mode of a motor vehicle ( 108 ) is selected. System which is designed: for the provision of at least one time signal, which comprises an absolute time, for the reception of at least one signal, an absolute time information T _UT and information about an identification of at least one signal system 104 ) and switching data of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) for evaluating the information about an identification and the switching data (S0, S1, S2) of the at least one signaling system ( 104 ) depending on the time signal. System comprising: - at least one system according to claim 11, - at least one signaling system ( 104 ), and - a synchronization device 103 , which is set up to provide the absolute time information T _UT .

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