DE102011007132A1 - Method for energy-saving operation control of motor car, involves outputting signal for adaption of travel course in particular velocity of car such that threshold value of spacing is not exceeded - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining a travel course of a motor car (105) in an upcoming period. A message is received by other motor cars (110-135). The travel history of the latter cars is determined in the period based on the message. Estimated driving course for the former car is determined in such that a prospective spacing between positions of the two of the latter cars lies in the period above a predetermined threshold. A signal is output for an adaption of the travel course in particular velocity of the former car such that threshold value of the spacing is not exceeded. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program product comprising a set of instructions for energy-saving operation control of a motor car (2) a device for energy-saving operation control of a motor car.

Description

The invention relates to an energy-saving operation control. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for energy-saving speed control of a motor vehicle.

State of the art

Navigation systems on board motor vehicles are known in various forms. In general, a navigation system assists the driver of the motor vehicle in planning and tracking a route from a starting point to a destination point on a road network. About broadcast or mobile dynamic traffic information, for example via TMC (traffic message channel) can be received and included in the route determination, for example, to avoid a traffic incident. A pollutant emissions of the motor vehicle, which is associated with the movement from the starting point to the destination point, can be reduced thereby.

DE 102 24 872 A1 proposes to transmit a message wirelessly to the motor vehicle from potential danger spots, such as a construction site or a moving emergency vehicle with special signal by means of Nahstreckenfunk. The driver of the motor vehicle receives a warning when his own planned route crosses the danger zone.

DE 102 42 126 A1 describes a method for transmitting position data from a motor vehicle to a following motor vehicle to enable a route guidance of the following motor vehicle to a dynamic target of the leading motor vehicle.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and a device by means of which an energy-saving operation of the motor vehicle, taking into account dynamic information about other road users and traffic facilities (eg., Traffic lights) is possible.

The invention solves this problem by means of a method and a device having the features of the independent patent claims. Subclaims give preferred embodiments again.

An inventive method for energy-saving operation control of a motor vehicle comprises steps of determining an anticipated driving course of the motor vehicle in an upcoming time interval, receiving a message from another vehicle and determining an expected course of the other vehicle in the upcoming period on the basis of the received message. Furthermore, an anticipated speed profile for the motor vehicle is determined such that an anticipated distance between the positions of the two motor vehicles in the upcoming time interval is above a predetermined threshold value. In addition, a signal for adjusting the course of the journey, in particular the speed of the motor vehicle, is output in such a way that the threshold value of the distance is not undershot. In a preferred embodiment, the operation control relates to a speed control of the motor vehicle.

According to the invention, the course of the speed is also determined such that avoidable energy-inefficient braking processes are avoided. This can be done for example by exploiting the inertia of the motor vehicle and early initiation of a coasting phase. In this case, for example, an energy-efficient recuperator system can be activated on the basis of the signal. The method can thus help to operate the motor vehicle energy-saving. The energy-saving operation can also be associated economic benefits.

In a preferred embodiment, the indication is issued such that an acceleration of the motor vehicle is limited in order to avoid braking operations. As a result, an energy saving during operation of the motor vehicle can be achieved.

It is also possible to receive messages from traffic infrastructure, for example traffic lights, which enable an energy-saving adaptation of the course of the journey.

While receiving the message, the other vehicle or the traffic infrastructure may be outside of an area viewable by the driver of the motor vehicle. Thus, an extended perception range for the driver can be supported by the method, which allows him to adapt his own driving style and in particular the choice of the speed of the motor vehicle to a wider range of relevant boundary conditions in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, than him alone because of his immediate perception it is possible.

The message may include at least one of a position, a direction of movement, a speed, and a planned route of the other vehicle. Based on this information, a prediction of an upcoming movement of the other vehicle can be made. The prediction can be done with improved accuracy and / or extended prediction range if information from the other vehicle is available that relates to different points in time.

In one embodiment, the motor vehicle and the vehicle are in the area of a road network, and the prospective positions of the vehicle are determined based on traffic control of the road network. The prediction of the probable course of the journey of the motor vehicle and of the other vehicle can be improved by the consideration of the traffic regulation. Based on the traffic control, the threshold of the minimum distance between the two vehicles may also be changed. If it is determined, for example, that the other vehicle is required to pay the vehicle, the threshold value can be lowered to a smaller value, for example of the order of magnitude of a vehicle width.

On the basis of a moving state of the vehicle, a likelihood of disregard of the traffic control by the respective driver may also be determined, and the associated route may be determined on the assumption of disregard of the traffic control. This can prevent a situation which, on the one hand, involves the risk of a collision between the two vehicles and, on the other hand, may require an emergency maneuver to avoid the collision, which should already be avoided for reasons of energy saving, for example full braking.

On the basis of the available information about the two vehicles, it can be determined in each case how far a prognosis of the course of the respective vehicle in the future can reach, without the probability of a wrong prognosis rising above a predetermined threshold value. Due to the course of the road and physical boundary conditions such as the inertia of the vehicle, the predictability of the course of the journey decreases with the distance from the current point in time. The range in which a vehicle approaches itself at a time within the prediction period with a probability above the o. G. Threshold is also called the confidence interval. By this measure, a reliability of the method or the method according to the output signal can be increased.

For example, the message may include a time indication, and the upcoming time may be determined based on a difference between a current time and the time. As a result, for example, a transmission duration of the message from the other vehicle can be taken into account.

A computer program product with program code means for carrying out the described method can run on a processing device or be stored on a computer-readable data carrier.

A device according to the invention for the energy-saving operation control of a motor vehicle comprises a determination device for determining an imminent period and a probable course of the motor vehicle in this period, a receiving device for receiving a message from another vehicle and a processing device for determining the probable course of the other vehicle in the forthcoming Period based on the received message. In this case, the processing device is set up to determine a course of the journey for the motor vehicle such that not absolutely necessary braking operations are avoided and the necessary safety distance between the positions of the two vehicles in the upcoming period is maintained at all times. Furthermore, the device comprises an output device for outputting a signal, for example for adapting the speed of the motor vehicle to the specific course of the journey.

The output device may be directed to the driver of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the driving course of the motor vehicle can be influenced directly by the signal being directed, for example, at an engine control or a driver assistance system influencing the engine control, such as cruise control. The determined speed is usually below a current speed of the motor vehicle; however, in a further embodiment, the determined speed may be above it.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

1 an exemplary road network with vehicles;

2 a device for energy-saving operation control; and

3 a method for energy-saving operation control represents.

Detailed description of embodiments

1 shows a road network 100 with vehicles. In the lower part of 1 there is a motor vehicle 105 from whose perspective the rest 1 will be explained below.

Except the vehicle 105 There are other vehicles 110 to 135 on the road network 100 , The vehicles 105 to 135 are preferably motor vehicles. The road network 100 includes a first intersection 140 and a second intersection 145 , At the crossroads 140 . 145 are signs 150 arranged for traffic control.

An area 155 represents a virtual horizon, that of the section of the road network 100 forms, for controlling the course of the journey, in particular the speed of the vehicle 105 is considered relevant. The road network 100 is usually in a card memory aboard the vehicle 105 stored. With the help of a position determination unit becomes a current position of the vehicle 105 determined and based on the determined position and the path network stored in the card memory 100 the virtual horizon 155 educated. Preferably, a planned route 160 of the vehicle 105 known and the determination of the virtual horizon 155 takes place in an area around an upcoming section of the planned route 160 , In a further embodiment, a permitted or actual movement speed of the vehicle 105 used to determine the size of said area. The virtual horizon typically includes at least a portion of the road network 100 that is for a driver of the vehicle 105 is not immediately visible, such as an area to the right or left of the planned route 160 ,

The vehicle 105 receives from the other vehicles 110 to 135 wireless messages, the movement information of other vehicles 110 to 135 affect. To do this, each of the other vehicles sends 110 to 135 wirelessly messages comprising at least one of a current position, a direction of movement, a movement speed, a planned route and a determination time of at least one of these data. The information may be encoded in the messages according to a known method, for example AGORA-C. the other vehicles 110 to 135 only messages that contain information that relates to the other vehicle 110 to 135 refer a forwarding of received information by the vehicles 105 to 135 usually does not take place.

In the following, an energy-saving operation control is exemplified with respect to the vehicle 105 described. This will be the other vehicles 110 to 135 individually with regard to their influence on the speed selection of the vehicle 105 discussed.

The vehicle 110 is inside the virtual horizon 155 and moves counter to the direction of travel of the vehicle 105 , Due to the in the area of the road network 100 In accordance with the applicable legal requirement, the course of the journey overlaps that of the other vehicle during a forecast period 110 unlikely. Become at a later date, more data from the other vehicle 110 receive, for example, a course change of the other vehicle 110 point out, so can the other vehicle 110 be reassessed. The course of the other vehicle 110 can be predicted based on the received information. The prediction may be limited to an upcoming period whose duration is based on the quality of the other vehicle 110 received data is limited. The more common and the more detailed the one about the other vehicle 110 information available, the longer the duration of the prediction range can be. It is assumed that upcoming positions of the other vehicle 110 not on the planned route 160 of the vehicle 105 lie, so that the course of the vehicle 105 not based on the other vehicle 110 existing information must be changed.

The other vehicle 115 is also within the virtual horizon 155 , The other vehicle 115 plans to turn right and use the same road in the same direction as the vehicle 105 , Due to traffic regulations in the area of the first intersection 140 is the other vehicle 115 but waiting for the vehicle 105 , Can be assumed that the driver of the other vehicle 115 the traffic regulation in the area of the first intersection 140 respected, so must the course of the journey and in particular the speed of the vehicle 105 because of the other vehicle 115 received information will not be changed.

For example, approaches the other vehicle 115 at high speed the first intersection 140 , it can be determined that a disregard of the traffic control by the driver of the other vehicle 115 is to be expected. In this case, it is determined that with unchanged planned course of the vehicle 105 at one time the distance to the other vehicle 115 will be below a predetermined threshold. A signal for changing the course of the journey, in particular the speed of the vehicle 105 is spent to energy loss by minimizing braking and the safety of the vehicle 105 to ensure. The predetermined threshold may be based on the speeds of the vehicle 105 and the other vehicle 115 be determined. The change in the course of the vehicle 105 usually involves a reduction in speed. The reduction can be effected by rolling out or braking. The earlier before the said time point the necessity of a speed change can be determined, the more energy-saving the speed change measures can be used.

Also the other vehicle 120 is inside the virtual horizon 155 but the vehicle is 105 opposite the other vehicle 120 waiting fee. The speed of the vehicle 105 can now be reduced to a complete stop in the area of the second intersection 145 to avoid. Depending on the speeds of the vehicle 105 and the other vehicle 120 and the respective distances from the second intersection 145 can the speed of the vehicle 105 also be increased to the second intersection 145 already happen before the other vehicle 120 arrives there.

The other vehicle 125 is inside the virtual horizon 155 and plans to turn right, the vehicle 105 drive towards and then in the area of the first intersection 140 Turn left where it is the planned route 160 of the vehicle 105 can cross. In the area of the second intersection 145 there is no risk of collision with the vehicle because of the legal driving requirement 105 , In the area of the first intersection 140 is the other vehicle 125 with respect to the vehicle 105 waiting, so that is similar to the above with respect to the other vehicle 115 described a collision with the vehicle 105 is not to be feared. The speed of the vehicle 105 must therefore because of the other vehicle 125 received information can not be adjusted.

The other vehicle 130 is outside the virtual horizon 155 , Information from the other vehicle 130 be received, affect the speed control of the vehicle 105 therefore not at first. Should get more information from the other vehicle 130 if this is already within the virtual horizon 155 If necessary, the previously received information can also be taken into account.

The other vehicle 135 has the virtual horizon 155 leave. Information previously relating to the other vehicle 135 are received, are therefore deleted. Hysteresis may be provided to frequently store and clear information from one in rapid succession to the virtual horizon 155 entering and exiting another vehicle 110 to 135 to avoid.

2 shows a device 200 for energy-saving operation control, in particular speed control, of the vehicle 105 out 1 , The device 200 is preferably in the vehicle 105 arranged. The device 200 comprises a processing device 205 connected to a position-determining device 210 , a receiving antenna 215 , a time base 220 , a card store 225 , an interface 230 and an output device 235 connected is. Parts of the device 200 can be covered by a navigation system.

The position determination device 210 preferably comprises a satellite navigation receiver. In this case, the time base 220 from the position-determining device 210 includes his. The time base 220 is preferably synchronized with time bases onboard the other vehicles 110 to 135 are installed and the time information regarding information provided by the other vehicles 110 to 135 to the vehicle 105 be transmitted. Received messages can be set so accurately and reliably in a temporal relation.

The reception of messages from the other vehicles 110 to 135 takes place wirelessly by means of the receiving antenna 215 , In a further embodiment, a bidirectional antenna may also be used 215 be used, the device 200 is designed to provide appropriate information regarding their own position and, where appropriate, movement information to one of the other vehicles 110 to 135 to convey.

the interface 230 is optional and designed to receive information from a subsystem onboard the vehicle 105 In particular, the information is a current or forthcoming state of motion of the vehicle 105 include. For example, by means of the interface 230 an actual or upcoming acceleration or deceleration, a steering angle, a planned route and further information are received.

The output device 235 can be any combination of an optical, acoustic and haptic output to a driver of the vehicle 105 include. Additionally or alternatively, an interface to another subsystem of the vehicle 105 be included, wherein the further subsystem is adapted to the course of the journey, in particular the speed of the vehicle 105 to influence. In particular, the subsystem may include an engine control or a driver assistance system, in particular for speed control, so that the speed of the vehicle 105 through the device 100 can be influenced.

3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for energy-saving speed control of the vehicle 105 out 1 ,

In a first step 305 is the procedure 300 in the starting state. Subsequently, in one step 310 a state of motion and an upcoming trip, in particular a route of the vehicle 105 certainly. As previously described, this determination may be based on information from a variety of different sources. Result of the step 310 is at least a probable course of the vehicle 105 in a predetermined period of time.

In one step 315 is from at least one of the other vehicles 110 to 135 receive a message containing information relating to a current or planned movement of the respective other vehicle 110 to 135 clues. The information of the other vehicle 110 to 135 are saved first. In an object-oriented system, this can be done in the form of creating a dynamic object that is the other vehicle 110 to 135 represents. The step 315 may in another embodiment also before the step 310 be performed.

In a subsequent step 320 is for each stored vehicle 110 to 135 Check if the vehicle 110 to 135 within the virtual horizon 155 located. If this is not the case, then the corresponding information in one step 325 deleted.

In one step 330 will be for every vehicle 105 to 135 taking into account the traffic regulation in the area of the road network 100 in 1 a likely upcoming maneuver determined. The traffic control is preferably together with topographical information of the road network 100 in the card memory 225 from 2 stored. That particular maneuver gets in one step 335 plausibility. For this purpose, the available information about the state of motion of the respective vehicle 105 to 135 with the topographic information of the road network 100 and the traffic control information to determine whether disregard for traffic control is or even predictable. Subsequently, for each of the vehicles 105 to 135 at least one prospective position known at an upcoming time. Preferably, a determination is made of a plurality of prospective positions in an upcoming time interval whose length may be predetermined or determined on the basis of the information available. It is also possible to determine a trajectory.

In one step 340 is an estimated course of the vehicle 105 assuming that it is possible to determine the position, direction and speed for each time in a preceding time interval. Subsequently, in one step 345 for all other vehicles 110 to 135 checks whether the assumed itineraries intersect or overlap and there is a time at which a predetermined minimum safety distance to the vehicle 105 is fallen short of. If this is the case, it will be in one step 350 the planned journey of the vehicle 105 modified so that the safety margin is maintained and energy consumption is minimized by avoiding acceleration and braking. The step 345 for all other vehicles 110 to 135 will be run again. There is no further need to adjust the course of the vehicle 105 or if it is determined that an adaptation of the speed does not lead to a definite result, then the step is 345 completed.

In a first embodiment of the method 300 will the speed of the vehicle 105 directly influenced by in one step 355 the predetermined speed is output as a reference value to an engine control or a speed-influencing driver assistance system such as cruise control.

In a second embodiment, in step 355 a signal to a driver of the vehicle 105 output indicative of the predetermined speed. The signal can also be output only when the predetermined speed of the current speed of the vehicle 105 differs by more than a predetermined amount. The output can be optical, acoustic and / or haptic and also in addition to the direct influence on the first embodiment described above.

Subsequently, the process returns 300 back to the step 310 and can go through again.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10224872 A1 [0003]
• DE 10242126 A1 [0004]

Claims (12)

Procedure ( 300 ) for the energy-saving operation control of a motor vehicle ( 105 ), comprising the following steps: - determining ( 345 ) of the probable course of the journey of the motor vehicle ( 105 ) in an upcoming time interval; - Receive ( 315 ) a message from another vehicle ( 110 - 135 ); - Determine ( 345 ) of a probable course of the other vehicle ( 110 - 135 in the upcoming time interval based on the received message; characterized by - determining ( 350 ) of the estimated speed profile for the motor vehicle ( 105 ) such that a probable distance between the positions of the two motor vehicles ( 105 - 135 ) is above a predetermined threshold in the upcoming time interval; and - spend ( 355 ) a signal for adjusting the course of the journey, in particular the speed of the motor vehicle ( 105 ), such that the threshold value of the distance is not undershot. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 1, wherein the notice is issued ( 355 ), that an acceleration of the motor vehicle ( 105 ) is minimized. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during receiving ( 315 ) the message the other motor vehicle ( 110 - 135 ) outside one by a driver of the motor vehicle ( 105 ) is visible. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the message comprises at least one of a position, a direction of movement, a speed and a planned route of the other vehicle ( 110 - 135 ). Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle ( 105 ) and the other vehicle ( 105 - 135 ) in the area of a road network ( 100 ) and the course of the vehicles ( 105 - 135 ) taking into account traffic control ( 150 ) of the road network ( 100 ). Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 5, wherein on the basis of a course of the journey of the other vehicle ( 105 - 135 ) a probability of failure of traffic control ( 150 ) by a driver of the vehicle ( 105 - 135 ) and determining the assigned position assuming disregard of the traffic control ( 345 ) becomes. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upcoming time is determined such that the probability with which both vehicles ( 105 - 135 ) which occupy respective assigned prospective positions at that time, are above a predetermined threshold. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 7, wherein the message comprises a time indication and the upcoming time is determined on the basis of a difference between a current time and the time. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sender of the message includes a traffic infrastructure and the course of the journey is adapted to the effect that a braking process is energy-saving. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sender of the message comprises a traffic infrastructure and the route is adapted so that an existing or imminent green phase can be used to save energy by an acceleration process. Computer program product with program code means for carrying out the method ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, when stored on a processing device ( 205 ) or stored on a computer-readable medium. Contraption ( 100 ) for the energy-saving operation control of a motor vehicle ( 105 ), comprising the following elements: a determination device ( 205 ) for determining an imminent course of the journey of the motor vehicle ( 105 ) in an upcoming time interval; A receiving device ( 215 ) for receiving a message from another vehicle ( 110 - 135 ); A processing device ( 205 ) for determining the probable course of the other vehicle ( 110 - 135 in the upcoming time interval based on the received message; - wherein the processing device ( 205 ) is set up to provide a route for the ( 105 ) Motor vehicle to be determined such that a probable distance between the positions of the two vehicles ( 105 - 135 ) is above a predetermined threshold in the upcoming time interval, and - an output device ( 235 ) for outputting a signal for adjusting the course of the drive of the motor vehicle ( 105 ) to the specific journey.

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