DE102014203361B3 - Bicycle distance scanning device and system for the detection of accident areas in traffic - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Fahrradabstandsabtastvorrichtung to avoid road accidents and a system for the detection of accident areas in traffic. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive device that can be easily mounted on the one hand in a conventional bicycle and on the other hand increases the safety of the cyclist on the road. The bicycle distance sensing device (15) according to the invention comprises a distance sensor which is adapted to be releasably locked to a bicycle (10) and to determine a distance of an approaching object (12, 14), wherein a signal generating means is provided which falls below a distance limit value is activated and outputs a signal.

Description

The present invention relates to a Fahrradabstandsabtastvorrichtung to avoid road accidents and a system for the detection of accident areas in traffic.

State of the art

To increase the active and passive safety of cyclists in road traffic, different measures are known. For example, the safety of cyclists can be increased by separate from the road bike paths or on the lanes themselves by marked bicycle strips. However, many roads are so limited in width that separate bicycle lanes or marked bicycle lanes are not feasible. In addition, it is not guaranteed in marked bike lanes or directly adjacent to a roadway bike paths that a prescribed minimum distance to a cyclist of 1.5 to 2 m of overtaking vehicles is actually met.

In particular, on lanes without a separate bicycle lane or marked wheel lane, it is often the case that vehicles pass very close to, or even touch, cyclists, which severely compromises cyclists' safety.

Device for increasing the safety of bicycles are WO 2012/080799 A1 . US 6,731,202 B1 and DE 20 2008 006 083 U1 known.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive device that can be easily mounted on the one hand in a conventional bicycle and on the other hand increases the safety of the cyclist on the road.

In addition, a system is to be proposed that allows cyclists to detect accidents and traffic hazards in traffic prior to departure, which can also increase the safety of the individual road users.

These objects are achieved by the features of claims 1 and 5. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

The idea of the present invention according to a first aspect is to propose a bicycle distance sensing device comprising a distance sensor which can be releasably locked to a bicycle. The device is able to determine a distance of an approaching object, such as a vehicle, with the aid of the distance sensor. According to the invention, the device further comprises a signal generating device which is activated when a distance limit value is undershot and outputs a signal and means for determining the time interval of a first transit time of a first approaching from the first direction object and a second transit time of a second approaching from the second direction Object and means for determining a lane width, wherein the signal generating means is activated when falling below a Transitzeitpunktabstandsgrenzwert and falls below a lane width limit value and outputs a signal.

Thus, it is possible to know the respective transit times before the vehicles have actually overtaken or passed the bicycle. Experience has shown that a particular dangerous situation arises when the vehicle overhauling a bicycle can not dodge sufficiently on the oncoming lane because there is also a vehicle there and thus a collision with a vehicle from oncoming traffic would have to be feared. It is therefore particularly advantageous to approximate or determine a second transit time of a second vehicle in oncoming traffic already during the approach on the one hand a first transit time of a vehicle approaching from the rear, which also travels in the direction of travel of the bicycle.

Experience has shown that there is a particularly high risk for a cyclist who is overtaken by a vehicle on his own lane, when at the same time a vehicle passes in oncoming traffic and the road is particularly narrow, since in this situation both vehicles and the cyclist side by side at a time are located on the roadway.

This allows the cyclist to adjust his own driving behavior to the appropriate situation, without having to turn back or use a rearview mirror, which would each lead to an unwanted distraction of the cyclist.

A preferred spacing limit is 2 meters, more preferably 1.75 meters, more preferably 1.5 meters, more preferably 1.25, more preferably 1.0 meters, more preferably 0.75 meters and even more preferably 0.50 meters.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, the signal generating device is designed to generate an optical signal which gives the cyclist information about which minimum distance the approaching vehicle or the vehicle passing the cyclist has. Such an optical signal can be realized, for example, by a display which indicates the minimum distance of the object (in meters or centimeters) in real time. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange a plurality of LEDs in the field of view of the driver, which are activated in each case as a function of the distance. Then, the number of LEDs that is activated is a measure of the distance of the vehicle approaching (from behind). However, it is also possible to provide further optical signaling means. So it is conceivable, for example, that the signal generating device with the bicycle lights (front and rear lights) is connected by signal technology and this activated when falling below the distance limit. Thus, the bicycle lights can be made to flash when falling below the distance limit, which signals a state of increased danger similar to a hazard warning lights of a car. This is advantageous, for example, because vehicles that pass the cyclist at too short a distance receive an (optical) indication of this and can adapt their future driving behavior accordingly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the signal generating device generates an acoustic signal.

In a further preferred embodiment, the acoustic signal is generated by a (piezo) loudspeaker (Buzzer), which is preferably integrated in a bicycle helmet. This speaker is preferably connected by cables to an evaluation unit and preferably emits a warning signal of different frequency - rising frequency at a smaller distance - from. Alternatively, this can also be wireless, z. B. by a Bluetooth connection.

For example, it can be signaled by honking the passing vehicle that it has fallen below the allowable minimum distance to the bike. When using the Fahrradabstandsabtastvorrichtung invention in a variety of bicycles would be expected that drivers adapt their driving behavior in the future in order to avoid falling below the minimum distance. A motivation for the driver would be, in particular, not to be made aware by an optical or acoustic signal during transit of a bicycle to have fallen below the corresponding minimum distance.

According to a particularly preferred variant, only moving objects and their distance are detected by the sensor. The background is that non-moving objects represent a significantly lower risk for the cyclist, so that only the moving objects are displayed acoustically or optically in order to avoid a flood of information. The associated advantage is to provide the cyclist primarily the information essential for his safety.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided to provide a camera device which is activated when falling below the distance limit and generates an image of the distance limit below the object (vehicle). For example, it is possible to document the license plate of a vehicle that does not comply with the minimum distance so that the driver can be determined later, if necessary. It is advantageous if, in addition to the photo, the minimum distance during the overtaking process (transit) as well as the date and time are recorded.

Preferably, the distance sensor is also designed to determine the approach speed in addition to the minimum distance. Preferably, the approaching speed is displayed to the cyclist.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance sensor is further configured to determine the distance (and preferably also the approach speed) of another object approaching from a second direction (oncoming traffic). For the purposes of the present invention, the first direction is the direction extending in the rear space of the bicycle, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the bicycle beyond the rear end of the bicycle. The second direction is preferably a direction opposite to the first direction. Preferably, the distance sensor is configured with respect to the first and second directions, not only to determine the minimum distance to an approaching or cycling object, but also its approaching speed.

According to the invention, the device is designed both to determine the speed and the distance of the approaching objects (vehicles) both in the rear space and in front of the bicycle and from the determined values a transit time (time in which the respective vehicle passes the bicycle at constant speed ). This determination preferably takes place in real time and represents an approximation. Thus, it is possible to know the respective transit times before the vehicles Bike actually overtook or happened. Experience has shown that a particular dangerous situation arises when the vehicle overhauling a bicycle can not dodge sufficiently on the oncoming lane because there is also a vehicle there and thus a collision with a vehicle from oncoming traffic would have to be feared. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to approximate or determine a first transit time of a vehicle approaching from the rear, which also travels in the direction of travel of the bicycle, as well as a second transit time of a second vehicle in oncoming traffic during the approach Signal (warning signal) to be output if the time interval between the two transit times falls below a certain limit value. Preferably, this transit time interval limit is less than 5 seconds, more preferably less than 4 seconds, more preferably less than 3 seconds, and even more preferably less than 2 seconds. The transit times are preferably determined so early that the vehicles are still at a distance of at least 20 m, more preferably 40 m, more preferably 60 m, more preferably 80 m and even more preferably 100 m. As the approach progresses, a repeated determination of the transit times and, if necessary, a correction can take place.

It is further provided in a preferred embodiment, to determine the width of the lane by means of a camera device. Particularly preferably, a warning sound is output when, on the one hand falls below a Transitzeitpunktabstandsgrenzwertes (bike is also overhauled by a vehicle in its own direction and passed by a vehicle in oncoming traffic) takes place as well as falls below a lane width limit. This lane width limit is preferably less than 10 m, more preferably less than 9 m, more preferably less than 8 m, more preferably less than 7 m, and even more preferably less than 6 m. Experience has shown that there is a particularly high risk for a cyclist who is overtaken by a vehicle on his own lane, when at the same time a vehicle passes in oncoming traffic and the road is particularly narrow, since in this situation both vehicles and the cyclist side by side at a time are located on the roadway.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the distance sensor is designed not only to determine a distance to an approaching object, but also to determine the (absolute) speed of the approaching object itself. Preferably, the determination of the object speed may be determined from the time change of the distance as well as the speed with which the bicycle is traveling. Preferably, a warning signal is generated and output when a comparison of the determined speed of the approaching object with a maximum permissible speed in the respective area results that the approaching vehicle is traveling at an excessive speed. Experience has shown that there is a particular risk for cyclists if they are overtaken by vehicles with excessive speed, as the safety of the cyclist guaranteeing driving behavior on the part of the overtaking vehicle then no longer exists.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided for the different scenarios (vehicle has too small a distance in passing, the transit time of the approaching from the rear of the vehicle is completely or nearly coincident with a transit time of a vehicle in oncoming traffic, a from reverse or approaching vehicle moves at excessive speed) to output different signals so that the cyclist knows which scenario is involved.

It is also preferable to provide warning lights and / or winkers which are activated in response to a distance limit, an approach speed limit, an approaching vehicle speed absolute limit, or any of the other scenarios described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a traffic accident avoidance system comprising a data processing device and a plurality of bicycle distance sensing devices according to the present invention, wherein the bicycle distance sensing devices are configured to determine location coordinates (preferably GPS coordinates) below the limit and apply those coordinates to the vehicle Data processing device to transmit.

In a further preferred embodiment variant, the distance data determined by the sensor are stored every 10 ms on a storage medium (preferably an SD card). In addition to the distance data, it is also possible to record additional data. Instead of an ongoing transmission, it would be sufficient for an evaluation of the danger areas, if only after a route the cached data during the journey data are transmitted.

Alternatively, transmission may also be wireless and accomplished, for example, by means of an internet enabled mobile phone connected to the bicycle distance sensing device become. According to the invention, the data processing device is designed to make the spatial coordinates transmitted to the latter available on a geographical map. Thus, the data processing device can be formed, for example, by a server, which graphically displays the transmitted location coordinates on a map, wherein the graphical representation is preferably retrievable via the Internet.

A particular advantage of such a system according to the invention is that accident focuses are known in advance, since they are characterized by a frequent drop below a minimum distance of a vehicle to a cyclist. In particular, it is possible for cyclists when using the system according to the invention to adapt their routes such that special danger spots can be avoided with a frequent underrun of the minimum distance. Another advantage is that cyclists, even if they choose routes with danger spots, that is, with a frequent underrun of the minimum distance, can attract a particularly high attention due to the prior knowledge of the hazard areas, so possibly accidents avoid.

In order to obtain a meaningful differentiation with respect to the dangers of passing vehicles, it is preferably provided that the system provides not only location coordinates, but also the respective minimum distances between the passing vehicles retrievably available, since this can draw concrete conclusions about the actual danger ,

In a further preferred embodiment, provision is made, in addition to the location coordinates, in particular to make available a photographic image of the object (vehicle) which falls below the minimum distance. As a result, a deterrent effect can advantageously be achieved in that a documentation of those vehicles takes place (conclusion to the vehicle owner possible), which have committed a shortfall of the minimum distance. After establishing such a system, it is expected that vehicle drivers will pay increased attention to keeping the minimum distance to cyclists in order to avoid such documentation of their misconduct, which can significantly increase the safety of cyclists on the road. Other information that can be made available in addition to the location coordinates, for example, date, time, the speed of the passing vehicle, the width of the lane and the speed of the bicycle.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a fixed to a bicycle distance sensing according to the invention in a predetermined traffic situation,

2 a schematic representation of the values measured by a sensor integrated in a distance scanning device according to the invention, and

3 a schematic representation of the measured values of an integrated sensor and their evaluation.

Detailed description of the drawings

1 shows a typical traffic situation, which is a significant potential danger for one on the bike 10 harbors cyclists. The bike 10 is in the present embodiment on the right lane side of the road 16 near the lane boundary 18 in the forward direction (arrow 22 ) traveling at a speed in the range between 10 and 30 km / h. At the time shown, the bike 10 at the same time from a first vehicle 12 in that it is also in the forward direction on the road (arrow 24 ), while at the same time a second vehicle 14 , which is in the opposite lane (direction of travel by arrow 26 marked) passes. In the situation mentioned, therefore, there is an increased risk potential for the cyclist of the bicycle 10 because all three vehicles 10 . 12 . 14 at the same time next to each other on the road 16 are located, so the first vehicle 12 due to the oncoming traffic vehicle 14 is unable to dodge the oncoming lane. In such a traffic situation drivers take it often in purchase, the minimum distance (between 1,5 to 2 m) to the bicycle 10 to fall below. According to the invention, the bicycle 10 a bicycle distance sensing device 15 comprising a distance sensor and a signal generating device. In the present embodiment, the distance sensor is formed, the distance between the approaching vehicles 12 . 14 detect in real time. So can the vehicles 12 . 14 and their distances already at a distance of 100 m to the bike 10 detected and their approach speed to the (also moving) bike 10 be determined. Furthermore, the distance scanning device 15 of the bicycle 10 a means of determining the lane width 32 on. Such a means may be formed, for example, by a photographic camera and a corresponding evaluation unit. Furthermore, the bicycle distance sensing device has 15 a means for pre-determining a first transit time in which the vehicle 12 on the bike 10 passes by. Such a determination of the first transit time can, for example, due to a continuous detection of the distance 28 of the approaching vehicle 12 as well as its change. From this, as already stated, the approach speed and from this the transit time can be determined or approximated. Advantageously, the temporal change of the approach speed is included in the determination or approximation of the transit time. The distance sensor of the distance scanning device 15 is further formed, the approach speed of the oncoming traffic vehicle 14 and to determine a second transit time in which the vehicle 14 on the bike 10 passes, ie the time in which the vehicle 14 probably a minimum distance 30 to the bike 10 will have. In other words, the vehicle is 12 in the first transit time at a minimum distance 28 to the bike 10 and the vehicle 14 in a second transit time at a minimum distance 30 to the bike 10 , Since the transit times are already determined during the approach of the vehicles, ie before the arrival of the vehicles at the cyclist, the cyclist has enough time in the event of an expected danger situation to adjust his driving behavior if necessary. Based on the determined roadway width 32 Also, a prediction can be made as to whether on the roadway 16 in case of a simultaneous transit of the vehicles 12 . 14 There is enough space for both the vehicles 12 and 14 as well as the bike 10 can be located side by side on the road, without falling below the minimum distance of, for example, 1.5 m of the vehicle 12 to the bike 10 must be mandatory. In particular, if a simultaneous transit of the vehicles 12 and 14 on the bike 10 is predicted, it is provided according to the invention that the signal generating device generates a corresponding signal, from which the cyclist can close during the approach of the vehicles that it is very close to the road in a few moments and his driving behavior can adapt accordingly. In particular, in the event that the approach speed of one of the vehicles is above the permitted maximum speed, which can be determined for example by referencing a GPS signal with a corresponding traffic map on which the maximum speeds are stored, it is provided according to the invention that a special warning signal for the cyclist is issued, because in this case is a particular hazard (especially at low roadway width) most likely.

The 2 and 3 show measured values of a distance sensor with a sampling interval of 10 ms. The horizontal axis shows the time in ms and the vertical axis a corresponding sensor value. It can now be easily determined from the sensor values when, for example, a vehicle has traveled past a bicycle with a corresponding bicycle distance scanning device according to the invention at a very small distance, and corresponding warning signals can be output. Possibly. existing interference signals can be filtered out in a known manner. The actual sampling frequency may be greater than 100 Hz, but it is sufficient to evaluate or store measured values of the distance sensor at intervals of 10 ms. As a result, an efficient use of a storage medium is possible on which the measured values of the distance sensor are optionally stored or temporarily stored.

How out 3 can be seen, can be done from the measured distance values with knowledge of the speed of the bicycle, which can be done in a known manner, the calculation of the speed of the approaching object (vehicle) in a simple manner.

Claims (6)

A bicycle distance sensing apparatus, comprising: a distance sensor configured to be releasably locked to a bicycle and to determine a distance of an approaching object, wherein a signal generating device is provided, which is activated when a distance limit value is undershot and outputs a signal, and the distance sensor is further configured to determine the approaching speed of a further object approaching from a second direction, marked by Means for determining the time interval of a first transit time of a first approaching from the first direction object and a second transit time of a second approaching from the second direction object and means for determining a lane width, wherein the signal generating means falls below a Transitzeitpunktabstandsgrenzwert and falls below a lane width limit is activated and outputs a signal. A bicycle distance sensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said distance limit is less than or equal to 2 m. A bicycle distance sensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal generating means is arranged to generate an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal. Fahrradabstandsabtastvorrichtung according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a camera device is provided, which is activated when falling below the distance limit value and generates an image of the object of the distance limit below the object. A system comprising data processing means and a plurality of bicycle distance sensing apparatuses according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle distance sensing means are arranged to determine and transmit to the data processing means location coordinates when the distance limit falls below a distance limit, and wherein the data processing means is adapted to retrieve the transmitted location coordinates on a geographic map to provide. The system of claim 5, wherein further information is transmitted and retrievably provided, wherein the further information is at least one element selected from the group consisting of: minimum distance of the detected object, date, time, speed of the detected object during transit, photographic image of the detected object before, during and / or after transit, road width and speed of the bicycle included.

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