DE102014209198A1 - Road vehicle and method for maintaining a travel network - Google Patents

Abstract

There is proposed a road vehicle and a method of supporting a plurality of road vehicles (1, 2, 3) for preserving a travel network. The method comprises the steps: - Defining the road vehicles (1, 2, 3) of the travel network, - Determining relative distances (A, B, C) between a first road vehicle (1, 2, 3) and a second road vehicle (1, 2, 3), - determining a measure for the preservation of the travel network, and in response thereto - automatically adjusting a setting speed for a speed control system of a road vehicle (1, 3) for the preservation of the travel network.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a road vehicle and a method for supporting a plurality of road vehicles in the preservation of a travel network. In particular, the present invention relates to the enhancement of comfort and road safety when traveling in a relaxed travel network.

Both navigation systems for route guidance and driver assistance systems for maintaining a predefined distance between a vehicle in front and an ego vehicle are known in the prior art. In the case of the latter, for example, a distance to a vehicle in front is determined by means of a radar transceiver unit, and the longitudinal guidance of the ego vehicle is partially automatically carried out to maintain the distance. For trucks (trucks) systems for producing a partially automated maintained column are also known.

DE 10 2008 026 686 A1 discloses an electronic drawbar, by means of which a reduction of the safety distances is possible between running in a column truck. By accelerating the vehicles of the group an exact target value of the distance between two consecutive vehicles is realized.

However, due to the reduction in the safety margin between the successive vehicles, it is not possible to scissor non-column vehicles.

DE 10 2008 039 832 A1 discloses a system for communication between a first motor vehicle and at least one second motor vehicle in which the positions of members of a travel network are displayed on a display unit of the vehicles and a voice communication connection is established manually or in response to the occurrence of a disruption event to hold the travel network together.

DE 10 2009 007 177 A1 discloses the automatic establishment of a communication voice connection between two vehicles. For this purpose, the user of a vehicle can compile a list of vehicles, which can then communicate with each other via a communication voice connection. Foreign vehicles, on the other hand, are excluded from the communication language connection.

It is an object of the present invention to allow the preservation of a travel network comfortable and secure.

Disclosure of the invention

The above object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and by a road vehicle with the features of claim 10. The method includes defining the road vehicles of the travel network. In other words, in a first step, those road vehicles are linked with each other in terms of information technology, which should belong to the travel association. Such a process is also referred to in the art as a "handshake" between two future communication partners. In the context of the present invention, a "travel network" is understood to mean a group of individual road vehicles whose objective is to carry out a joint (partial) route while maintaining a minimum distance, without adhering to a predefined sequence of vehicles. For example, the purpose of forming a travel network may be to spend breaks together, to share information about substantially concurrent events in the environment, and to need no more than a pre-defined short period of time for mutual assistance or exchange of resources, if necessary. Explicitly excluded from the term "travel network" a convoy to maintain a permanent order or to reduce fuel consumption by falling below normal safety distances between the members. In a second step, a relative distance between a first road vehicle and a second road vehicle is determined. The relative distance can also be understood as a "distance", so that either the distance to be traveled or the straight-line between the first and the second road vehicle, optionally also both, are determined. Subsequently, a measure to preserve the travel network is determined. For example, it can be recognized that a relative distance between the road vehicles exceeds a predefined maximum value and a reduction of the distance or the distance is therefore required. In response thereto, a setting speed for a speed control system of the first road vehicle or the second road vehicle for preserving the travel association is automatically adjusted. This means that a basic target speed for the relevant road vehicle is increased or decreased and written as a new value in the speed control system. Depending on the situation of the road vehicle so a change in the cruising speed is made, if that Speed control system (or other driver assistance systems of the road vehicle) allow this. An exemplary embodiment of a speed control system as might be used in the context of the present invention is a so-called adaptive cruise control (ACC). In this way, a loose travel network is made possible by the present invention comfortable and safe driving safety.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Positions of road vehicles of the travel association are preferably displayed on a display unit of at least one of the road vehicles. The user is thereby given a simple and intuitive orientation to the current whereabouts of the members. Optionally, the positions may be labeled by predefined or free-defined text boxes to identify the displayed positions with the vehicles or their occupants. In this case, a link to contact data stored in an address book of the road vehicle can preferably take place, so that in addition to or as an alternative to the text fields, photos of the occupants can be displayed on the display. Further optionally, the text boxes, the photos or the positions can be linked with phone numbers stored in the address book in such a way that an interaction (for example a touch gesture) with the position for establishing a mobile communication connection can be used. In this way, the feeling of traveling together is strengthened for the members of the travel network and the contact and orientation about the positions of the members is considerably simplified.

Determining the measure for the preservation of the travel network can also include determining an exceeding of a predefined maximum number of foreign vehicles (no participants in the travel network) between a first road vehicle and a second road vehicle of the travel network. In this way, regardless of a geometric distance between the members and a perceived distance or a hurdle for short-term inclusion of visual contact in the preservation of the travel network is taken into account. Alternatively or additionally, a predefined maximum travel time between the current positions of a first road vehicle and a second road vehicle of the travel network can be made and taken into account in the measure for the preservation of the travel network. For example, the travel time for immediately consecutive members of the travel network and / or for a preceding (first) member and a tail light (last vehicle) of the travel network may be predefined. The aforementioned conditions can be used alternatively or cumulatively to each other. Alternatively or additionally, a departure from a predefined route of a first road vehicle of the travel association can be determined and lead to the triggering of a measure for the preservation of the travel association. By means of such a maneuver, for example, the previously calculated expected arrival time can be changed in order to correct which adjustment of the travel speed of the members of the travel association is required. In another example, the modified route may suggest the use of a ferry or pass road authorized only for certain times of the day. An adjustment of the speed of setting for the members of the travel network can thus facilitate a timely achievement of the respective infrastructure.

The relative distances between the road vehicles can be determined by means of a communication of the vehicle positions between the road vehicles. This is preferably done via a direct wireless communication link between the members of the group, which is also referred to as Car2Car communication. Such Car2Car communication can be carried out in a particularly suitable manner according to the standard 802.11p (WLAN standard). This is particularly suitable with a low latency, a high bandwidth and no connection fees. Such radio links may e.g. Overcome distances of several hundred meters.

If a predetermined type of maneuver of a first road vehicle of the travel association is detected, corresponding information (eg, in the form of a maneuver or a mileage destination can be sent to a second road vehicle of the travel association.) For example, driving off of a rest stop, a car park, or a parking lot may occur Positioning unit of the first road vehicle detected and sent to the preservation of the travel network, a corresponding information to the other members, which allows manual or automatic adjustment of the route guidance.This way, also essentially spontaneous and not yet co-ordinated with the other members opportunities for route optimization can be used without compromising the survival of the travel network.

The communication between the members of the travel network can be facilitated according to the invention. For example, in response to a predefined operating step, a speech connection to several, preferably all, road vehicles of the travel network can be set up. The operating step may, for example, be a tapping of a corresponding symbol a map representation of the travel network be prompted. Previously, individual members of the association for the speech connection can be selected (eg by means of a jog gesture on the positions of the other members) and the speech connection then established by pressing the aforementioned symbol. Accordingly, additionally or alternatively, a sending of a text message to several / all road vehicles of the travel network is possible. For this purpose, text modules such as "Let's stop at the nearest rest stop", "I have to refuel at the next gas station", "Attention, danger!" Or similar. be predefined. In this way, it is possible to react spontaneously and without the expenditure of time when using a mobile phone to current insights and events.

In order to ensure wireless communication between the members of the travel association, a tearing off of a communication between two members not directly following one another in succession can be prevented by forwarding information / messages within the travel association between members traveling between the potential communication partners. In principle, this can be done in such a way that each member who receives a message not addressed to himself forwards it to the original recipient (s) again. In order to reduce the communication effort, the need for forwarding can first be determined in such a way that the transmitter and the addressed receiver are at a higher distance from one another than the transmitter and the actual receiver. This can be determined, for example, by the actual receiver or by the transmitter by requesting the location of the addressed receiver (e.g., from it). If the sender determines that the addressed receiver is (possibly) out of range of the wireless communication link, it may provide the message with a forwarding indication. For example, a flag within the message may be set by the sender indicating to the actual recipient that he should retransmit the message. This can remove the flag, for example, before forwarding the message, if a redirect either not required or not possible (in the case of only three members in the travel network) is. In this way, the spatial extent of the travel network can be significantly greater than the range of the wireless communication connection, so that the advantages of the wireless standard used can be enjoyed regardless of its range.

To define the travel network, a temporally coherent user input in the desired road vehicles can be detected. For example, pressing a button may need to be done within a predefined time period to successfully add the road vehicle to the travel network. For example, the predefined period may begin with a first press of the button by a member of the travel association. Alternatively or additionally, a group password can be agreed, which must enter each of the future members of the travel network in a user interface. For example, this process is used when connecting between Bluetooth-enabled devices. Alternatively or additionally, a selection of a public communication channel may be made from a plurality of public communication channels to at least reduce the likelihood of inadvertent recipients of messages and information.

Preferably, an automatic recognition of a traffic sign by a first road vehicle of the travel network can be done and the importance of the detected traffic sign in the adjustment of the set speed for a second road vehicle are taken into account. For example, after leaving a speed-limited construction site, the first road vehicle can recognize that subsequent vehicles are only allowed to travel at a higher cruising speed with a time delay. In response to this, the first road vehicle leaving the construction site may initially leave its own setting speed unchanged until a second member or all members have also left the construction site.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a road vehicle is proposed which has a wireless communication unit, a position determination unit, an automatic speed control system (eg ACC) and an evaluation unit. The wireless communication unit may be configured for the exchange of voice signals and / or text messages. In particular, digital wireless connections according to the standard 802.11p (WiFi) come into question. The position determination unit may comprise a satellite-based location unit (eg GPS, GLONASS, etc.). The cruise control system may be configured as cruise control and / or as adaptive cruise control (ACC). The evaluation unit may comprise an electronic control unit, which is preferably also used for other tasks in the vehicle electrical system. This improves the utilization of the hardware used or reduces the hardware complexity for implementing the present invention. The features, combinations of features and the advantages resulting therefrom correspond to those set forth in connection with the abovementioned method according to the invention in such a way that Avoiding repetition is referred to the above statements.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

1 a schematic overview of a travel network of road vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 an overview of components of an embodiment of a road vehicle according to the invention; and

3 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows three cars 1 . 2 . 3 as road vehicles, which are traveling in a loose travel network. During the middle car 2 and the last car 3 at a distance B to each other still on the first street 4 are on the way, is the first (leading) car 1 , which is the middle car 2 a distance A and the last car 3 a distance C, meanwhile on a second street 6 bent. The middle car 2 share the other car 1 . 3 through a voice message 13 with, that he wants a fast refueling. The illustrated distances A, B, C are in the form of distances between the car 1 . 2 . 3 to understand and can be determined to preserve the travel network and automatically adjusted by setting the set speed of at least one vehicle-based cruise control system.

2 shows a detailed view of a car 1 as a road vehicle, which has an antenna 8th as a wireless communication unit, a GPS module 9 as a position determination unit and an electronic control unit 7 as evaluation unit. In addition, in the dashboard of the car 1 a display unit 12 admitted. A wheel sensor 11 is set up as part of a cruise control system, the electronic control unit 7 To convey information about a currently driven speed. Such wheel sensors are often used as components of vehicle dynamics control systems in cars.

3 shows steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. In step 100 is a travel network defined from a variety of road vehicles. This can be done, for example, by entering a password. Such a definition process is also called "hand-shake". In step 200 Relative distances between a first road vehicle and a second road vehicle of the travel network are determined and the positions of the road vehicles in the step 300 displayed on a display unit of at least one of the road vehicles. In step 400 it is determined that there is currently no direct wireless communication connection between the first road vehicle and the third road vehicle, as the wireless signals can bridge the distance between them unreconstructably. In response, it will be in step 500 Receive a signal from the first road vehicle of the travel network in a second road vehicle of the travel network and forwarded by this to the third road vehicle. This process is also known as Car2Car "multihopping". In step 600 the requirement of a measure to preserve the travel association is identified and in response to it in the step 700 a respective set speed for a speed control system of a first and / or a second and / or a third road vehicle to preserve the travel network automatically adjusted.

Although the aspects and advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments explained in connection with the accompanying drawings, modifications and combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments are possible for the skilled person, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection the appended claims are defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 2, 3

car

4

first Street

6

second Street

7

electronic control unit

8th

antenna

9

GPS receiver

11

wheel sensor

12

display unit

13

voice message

100-700

 steps

A, B, C

Distances / distances between the cars 1 . 2 . 3

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 102008026686 A1 [0003]
• DE 102008039832 A1 [0005]
• DE 102009007177 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Method for supporting a plurality of road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) while preserving a travel network comprising the steps - Defining ( 100 ) of road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the Travel Association, - Determine ( 200 ) of relative distances (A, B, C) between a first road vehicle ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) and a second road vehicle ( 1 . 2 . 3 ), - Determine ( 600 ) of a measure for the preservation of the travel association, and in response thereto - automatic adjustment ( 700 ) a setting speed for a speed control system of a road vehicle ( 1 . 3 ) to preserve the travel network. The method of claim 1, further comprising - displaying ( 300 ) of positions of road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the plurality of road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) on a display unit ( 12 ) one of the road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein determining the measure for the preservation of the travel network - a determination of an excess of a predefined maximum distance between a first road vehicle ( 1 ) and a second road vehicle ( 3 ) of the network, and / or - determining an excess of a predefined maximum number of foreign vehicles between a first road vehicle ( 1 ) and a second road vehicle ( 3 ) of the travel association, and / or - determining an excess of a predefined assumed travel time between current positions of a first road vehicle ( 1 ) and a second road vehicle ( 3 ) of the travel association, and / or - determining a leaving of a predefined route of a first road vehicle ( 1 ) of the travel network. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining ( 200 ) of relative distances (A, B, C) between the road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) communication of vehicle positions between the road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) via Car2Car communication, in particular according to the 802.11p standard. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a maneuver of the first road vehicle ( 1 . 2 . 3 ), in particular leaving a currently traveled road or remaining on a currently traveled road, recognized and as a maneuver or way point to the second road vehicle ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) is sent. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a predefined operating step, in response to which - a speech connection ( 13 ) to several, preferably all, road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the travel association, and / or - a text message, in particular based on a predefined text module, to several, preferably all, road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the travel association is sent. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step - receiving ( 500 ) of a signal from a first road vehicle ( 1 ) of the travel association in a second road vehicle ( 2 ) of the travel association and forwarding the signal to a third road vehicle ( 3 ) of the travel association, the method comprising in particular the step - determining ( 400 ) a non-existent wireless communication link between the first road vehicle ( 1 ) and the third road vehicle ( 3 ), and only in response to the signal passing through the second road vehicle ( 2 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the defining ( 100 ) of road vehicles ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the travel association - detecting a time coherent user input, and / or - verifying a group password, and / or - a selection of a public communication channel from a plurality of public communication channels. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step - automatic recognition of a traffic sign by a first road vehicle ( 1 ) of the travel association, and - taking account of one by the traffic sign for a second road vehicle ( 2 . 3 ) existing restriction in adjusting the setting speed. Road vehicle comprising - a wireless communication unit ( 8th ), - a position determination unit ( 9 ), - a speed control system ( 11 ), and - an evaluation unit ( 7 ), the road vehicle ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) is arranged to participate in a method for the preservation of a travel association according to one of the preceding claims.

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