DE102015110381A1 - Method for operating a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle with representation of an optical warning signal on a display element of a steering handle, driver assistance system and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance system (2) for a motor vehicle (1), in which a presence of a dangerous situation is determined by means of a detection device (4) and an optical warning signal is output in the presence of the dangerous situation, wherein the optical warning signal a display element (15) of an operating device (10) is output, which is arranged on a steering handle (11) of the motor vehicle (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle, in which by means of a detection device, a presence of a dangerous situation is determined and in the presence of the dangerous situation, an optical warning signal is output. In addition, the present invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle. Finally, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a driver assistance system.

Driver assistance systems are known in numerous designs from the prior art. Driver assistance systems represent additional electronic devices in the motor vehicle, which serve to assist the driver in certain driving situations. In this case, it can be checked, for example, by means of a corresponding detection device, whether a dangerous situation, which may affect the motor vehicle itself or objects in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, is present. If such a dangerous situation is detected, with the driver assistance system, for example, a teilautonomer or autonomous intervention in the drive, the brake and / or the steering can be made. Driver assistance systems are also known in which a warning signal is output to the driver of the motor vehicle in the presence of a dangerous situation.

In this context, for example, driver assistance systems are known, which are designed as a parking aid. In this case, the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected, for example, by means of ultrasound sensors or cameras. If a collision with an obstacle threatens, a corresponding warning signal can be issued. Furthermore, so-called emergency brake assist devices are known from the state of the art which, in the event of a danger, for example reaching a jam end, assist emergency braking of the motor vehicle or initiate it automatically. Furthermore, so-called lane change assistants are known from the prior art, which warn the driver of an impending collision during a lane change. Furthermore, driver assistance systems are known in which, for example, a driver's attention is monitored. For this purpose, for example, the line of sight of the driver can be monitored. In this context, optical warning systems are also used, by which an attempt is made to direct the driver's gaze to traffic-relevant events. Such warning systems may include, for example, running lights, which are located in the area of the dashboard of the motor vehicle.

This describes the DE 36 02 463 A1 a safety device for the automatic activation of a hazard warning lights during certain braking operations, such as emergency braking. For example, a longer uninterrupted braking cycle automatically activates the hazard warning lights.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution as to how a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle can be operated more safely in the presence of a dangerous situation.

This object is achieved by a method by a driver assistance system and by a motor vehicle with the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

An inventive method is used to operate a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle. In this case, a presence of a dangerous situation is determined by means of a detection device. In addition, an optical warning signal is output in the presence of the dangerous situation. The visual warning signal is output by means of a display element of an operating device, which is arranged on a steering handle of the motor vehicle.

The driver assistance system serves, in particular, to assist the driver in guiding the motor vehicle in certain driving situations. In this case, it is checked by means of a detection device whether a dangerous situation exists. This dangerous situation can for example affect the motor vehicle itself. This is for example the case when the motor vehicle or parts thereof are not functional or damaged. Alternatively or additionally, the dangerous situation may also relate to objects or other road users in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The dangerous situation may exist if a collision of the motor vehicle with another road user threatens. If the presence of the dangerous situation is detected with the detection device, an optical warning signal is output. This visual warning signal serves to alert the driver of the motor vehicle to the presence of the dangerous situation.

In the present case, the visual warning signal is output by means of a display element of an operating device. This operating device is arranged on and / or in a steering handle or a steering wheel of the motor vehicle. The operating device can, for example, corresponding Have operating elements by means of which the driver can make an operator input. In addition, the operating device has a display element on which a display can be provided. For example, the operating device may comprise a touch-sensitive screen. This display element now also outputs the visual warning signal. In particular, the display element or the operating device is arranged on the steering handle such that the display element lies in a peripheral field of vision of the driver when he looks through the windshield on the road. In this way it can be achieved that the visual warning signal can be perceived by the driver in his peripheral field of vision. In this way, the driver can be informed of the presence of a dangerous situation without his having to avert his gaze from the roadway.

For determining the presence of the dangerous situation, a distance between the motor vehicle and an object in the surroundings of the motor vehicle is preferably detected by means of an environment sensor of the detection device, and the optical warning signal is output if the detected distance falls below a predetermined threshold value. The detection device may comprise, for example, one or more environmental sensors with which objects in the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected. Furthermore, the environmental sensors can be designed to determine a distance between the motor vehicle and the object. The detection device may comprise, for example, a camera, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor and / or an ultrasound sensor. If the detected distance between the motor vehicle and the object falls below a predetermined threshold value, the warning signal can be output on the steering handle. It can also be provided that the current speed and / or the current direction of travel of the motor vehicle is detected and taken into account in determining the presence of the dangerous situation. For example, it can thus be determined whether there is a risk of a collision between the motor vehicle and the object.

According to one embodiment, to determine the presence of the dangerous situation by means of a viewing direction detection unit of the detection device, a viewing direction of a driver of the motor vehicle is detected and it is checked whether the viewing direction is directed to the object. In the interior of the motor vehicle, a viewing direction detection unit may be arranged, which comprises, for example, a camera. By means of appropriate image processing, the current viewing direction of the driver can be determined. The outputting of the optical warning signal may then be effected in dependence on whether the driver directs his gaze to the object or not. For example, if the driver is not looking at the object, the visual warning may be issued earlier than when the driver is looking at the subject. Thus, the driver can be warned depending on the situation by the visual warning signal.

In a further refinement, the optical warning signal is adapted as a function of the detected distance between the motor vehicle and the object and / or as a function of the detected viewing direction. For example, the appearance of the visual warning may be adjusted as the distance between the motor vehicle and the object decreases. In particular, the optical warning signal can be displayed in a time-variable manner. For example, a representation of the warning symbol may vary with time. Here, for example, you can switch between a positive and a negative display of the warning symbol. If a collision between the motor vehicle and the object threatens, the display frequency can be increased. This applies equally to the case when the driver averts his gaze from the object with which a collision threatens.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a position of the object is determined by means of the environmental sensor and the optical warning signal describes the specific position of the object. In other words, as the visual warning signal, a warning symbol pointing in the direction of the object can be displayed. The visual warning signal may for example comprise an arrow pointing in the direction of the detected object. In this case, the representation may also be designed in the manner of a running light, which moves in the direction of the object. This is particularly suitable when it has been detected that the driver averts his gaze from the object. By displaying the warning symbol, the driver's attention can be focused on the object.

Preferably, a steering movement for deflecting the object is determined by means of the driver assistance system and the visual warning signal describes a steering direction and / or a steering speed for performing the specific steering movement. With the detection device or the at least one environment sensor, the object with which a collision threatens, and other objects or obstacles in the environment of the motor vehicle can be detected. Thus, it can be determined, for example, whether the motor vehicle can avoid the object by carrying out a steering movement. For this purpose, for example, depending on the current vehicle speed and / or the current direction of travel of the motor vehicle, a steering movement or a driving trajectory to dodge the object are determined. As the warning symbol, the driver can then be represented on the display unit corresponding symbols which describes the steering movement to be performed and / or the steering speed with which the steering handle is to be operated. For example, corresponding arrows can be displayed on the display element.

In a further embodiment, a time-varying display is displayed on the display unit for outputting the optical warning signal. In this case, it is taken into account that temporally variable representations in the peripheral field of view can be perceived particularly well by the driver. It can also be provided that a color in which, for example, a warning symbol is displayed is changed. As the visual warning signal, for example, a warning symbol may be displayed that has the shape of a triangle or warning triangle. Such a symbol is known to the driver in connection with a dangerous situation. It can also be provided that different danger levels with respect to the dangerous situation are determined and the representation of the optical warning signal is adjusted as a function of the specific warning level.

According to a further embodiment, an operating state of the motor vehicle is detected by means of the detection device for determining the presence of the dangerous situation. In particular, it can be detected with the detection device whether the motor vehicle is currently functional or not. If there is damage or a breakdown, the driver can receive the visual warning signal. Such a dangerous situation may be present, for example, if the motor vehicle has remained lying down or is in a so-called emergency program. Furthermore, such a dangerous situation may exist if a fuel tank is empty or in an electric vehicle, the battery is discharged.

In a preferred embodiment, the visual warning signal comprises a button, as a result of an actuation of the button, a hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle is activated. The operating device is designed in particular as a touch-sensitive screen or touchscreen. As the visual warning, for example, a warning symbol having the shape of a triangle may be displayed. This warning symbol can also represent a button that can be operated by the driver of the motor vehicle, for example by the touch with at least one finger. As a result of the operation, a hazard warning system of the motor vehicle can then be activated. Such a provision of a button is suitable, for example, in the case in which an object is detected in the environment of the motor vehicle. In particular, the hazard warning system of the motor vehicle can thus be activated when a jam end is reached with the motor vehicle. In addition, in the event of a faulty operating state, the hazard warning system can be activated by means of the button. In both cases, it is not necessary that the driver takes his hands off the steering handle or the steering wheel to activate the hazard warning lights. In addition, the driver does not have to search for the corresponding control element for activating the hazard warning system, which is arranged, for example, on the dashboard or the center console. Thus, a particularly safe operation of the motor vehicle can be made possible.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in addition to the visual warning signal, an audible and / or haptic warning signal is output by means of the operating device. The operating device may comprise, for example, a corresponding signal source or a loudspeaker with which an additional acoustic warning signal can be output. Furthermore, the operating device may comprise a corresponding actuator, with which, for example, as a haptic warning signal vibration on the steering wheel, in particular on the steering wheel rim, is issued. Thus, the driver can be reliably informed of the presence of the dangerous situation.

An inventive driver assistance system for a motor vehicle comprises a detection device for determining a presence of a dangerous situation, wherein the driver assistance system is designed to output an optical warning signal in the presence of the dangerous situation. In this case, the driver assistance system has an operating device with a display element for outputting the optical warning signal, wherein the operating device is arranged on a steering handle of the motor vehicle. The operating device in particular comprises a touch-sensitive screen or a touchscreen.

A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a driver assistance system according to the invention. The motor vehicle is designed in particular as a passenger car.

The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the method according to the invention and their advantages apply correspondingly to the driver assistance system according to the invention and to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the Figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

The invention will now be described with reference to preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Showing:

1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a driver assistance system;

2 a steering handle of the motor vehicle, which comprises two operating devices;

3 Warning symbols which are displayed on display elements of the operating devices in the presence of a dangerous situation;

4 Warning symbols according to another embodiment, which alert a driver to an obstacle;

5 Warning symbols according to another embodiment, which indicate a direction of steering movement to the driver; and

6 Warning symbols according to another embodiment, which indicate the direction of the steering movement.

In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a plan view. The car 1 is designed in the present case as a passenger car. The car 1 includes a driver assistance system 2 , The driver assistance system 2 comprises a control device 3 , for example, by an electronic control unit (ECU - Electronic Control Unit) of the motor vehicle 1 can be formed.

In addition, the driver assistance system includes 2 a detection device 4 , With the detection device 4 the existence of a dangerous situation can be determined. This dangerous situation can be the motor vehicle 1 itself or, for example, other road users. The detection device 4 includes at least one environment sensor 5 , The environment sensor 5 is designed to be an object 6 in an environment 7 of the motor vehicle 1 capture. The environment sensor 5 may be, for example, a radar sensor, a laser sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

In the present embodiment, the environment sensor 5 trained as a camera. With the environment sensor 5 can be a relative position between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 6 in the neighborhood 7 of the motor vehicle 1 be determined. Furthermore, the environment sensor 5 in particular adapted to a distance between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 6 to determine. The with the environment sensor 5 captured data representing the object 6 Describe will be sent to the controller 3 transfer. The control device 3 In addition, information may be present, the current driving speed and / or the current direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1 describe. This data can be determined, for example, by means of odometry.

Thus, by means of the control device 3 determines whether a collision between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 6 threatening.

In addition, the detection device comprises 4 a sight line detection unit 8th , The sight line detection unit 8th For example, it may have a camera and a corresponding image processing unit. With the sight line detection unit 8th can the current line of sight of a driver of the motor vehicle 1 be recorded. Also with the sight line detection unit 8th captured data is sent to the controller 3 transfer. Thus, the control device 3 For example, determine if the driver is looking at the with the environment sensor 5 detected object 6 directed or averted from this.

Furthermore, the detection device comprises 4 a condition detection unit 9 , With the condition detection unit 9 can the current operating condition of the motor vehicle 1 be checked. For this purpose, for example, the engine control units of the motor vehicle 1 be read out. With the condition detection unit 9 For example, it can be determined whether the motor vehicle 1 is in a so-called emergency program and thus is not roadworthy. Also the data of State detection unit 9 be to the controller 3 transfer.

The control device 3 can be based on the data of the environmental sensor 5 , the viewing direction detection unit 8th and / or the condition detection unit 9 determine whether a dangerous situation exists or not. Such a dangerous situation exists, for example, when a collision between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 6 threatening. For this purpose, the current distance between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 6 be determined. Furthermore, it can be considered whether the driver has his view of the object 6 directed or not. A dangerous situation also exists when the motor vehicle 1 currently not or only partially operable. If the danger situation by means of the control device 3 has been detected, a corresponding control signal to an operating device 10 issued, the on and / or in a steering handle 11 or a steering wheel of the motor vehicle 1 is arranged.

2 shows a schematic representation of the steering handle 11 , The steering handle 11 includes a steering wheel rim 12 , a baffle 13 and steering wheel spokes 14 , In the present embodiment, the steering handle comprises 11 two operating devices 10 in the area of the steering wheel spokes 14 are arranged. The operating devices 10 are formed in the present embodiment as a touch-sensitive screens or touch screens. On the display unit 15 the operating device 10 can be an optical warning signal or a warning symbol 16 being represented.

3 shows the two operating devices 10 the steering handle 11 in a first mode of operation. This is done on the respective display devices 15 a warning symbol 16 represented, which has the shape of a triangle or a warning triangle. This warning symbol 16 can be represented, for example, when the collision with the object 6 in the neighborhood 7 threatening. This is for example the case when the motor vehicle 1 approaching a traffic jam on a highway. This warning symbol 16 can also be displayed when the motor vehicle 1 or a drive motor of the motor vehicle 1 currently not functional. The driver standing on the lane in front of the motor vehicle 1 can then perceive the visual warning signal in its peripheral field of vision. It can also be provided that a representation of the warning symbol 16 is changed on the display unit as a function of time.

In particular, it is envisaged that in addition to the representation of the warning symbol 16 at the same time a button 17 provided. The button 17 can with the warning symbol 16 be superimposed on the operating device 10 or the display element 15 is pictured. The driver can press the button 17 operate and thus a hazard warning system of the motor vehicle 1 activate. It can also be provided that the hazard warning lights by pressing the button 17 can be disabled. The button 17 can be operated by the driver touching the button with a finger. The driver of the motor vehicle 1 So can in a dangerous situation without the hands of the steering handle 11 to take the hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle 1 drive.

4 shows the controls 10 in a further embodiment. These include the respective warning symbols 16 Arrow elements. These arrow elements point in the direction of the object 6 that with the environment sensor 5 was recorded. For this purpose, the control device 3 based on the data of the environment sensor 5 the position of the object 6 certain. Such a display is particularly suitable, if based on the data of the sight line detection unit 8th it was recognized that the driver of the motor vehicle 1 his view of the object 6 turns away. By the warning symbols 16 moving in the direction of the object 6 The driver can point to the object 6 be pointed out. The arrow elements of the warning symbol 16 be presented in the manner of a running light.

Thus, the driver can be particularly reliable on the presence of the object 6 and its position.

The control device 3 may also be designed based on the detected position of the object 6 as well as the current vehicle speed and / or the current direction of travel to determine a steering movement, by their implementation, the motor vehicle 1 the object 6 can dodge. In this case, as the warning symbols 16 corresponding arrow-like elements are displayed, which describe a steering direction and / or a steering speed. This shows 5 a first embodiment of a display of warning symbols 16 , which are designed as arrow elements. These point out the driver that he is the steering handle 11 or turn the steering wheel to the left.

6 shows an alternative representation of warning symbols 16 which includes corresponding arrows. Such a display of warning symbols 16 For example, during the parking of the motor vehicle 1 be used. Thus, the driver can be displayed in which direction he the motor vehicle 1 must steer to one Avoid collision with a parked vehicle.

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 3602463 A1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Method for operating a driver assistance system ( 2 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), in which by means of a detection device ( 4 ) a presence of a dangerous situation is determined and in the presence of the dangerous situation an optical warning signal is outputted, characterized in that the visual warning signal by means of a display element ( 15 ) an operating device ( 10 ) is output, which at a steering handle ( 11 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is arranged. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that for determining the presence of the dangerous situation, a distance between the motor vehicle ( 1 ) and an object ( 6 ) in the neighborhood ( 7 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) by means of an environment sensor ( 5 ) of the detection device ( 4 ) is detected and the visual warning signal is output if the detected distance falls below a predetermined threshold. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that for determining the presence of the dangerous situation by means of a sight line detection unit ( 8th ) of the detection device ( 4 ) a viewing direction of a driver of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is checked and it is checked whether the viewing direction of the object ( 6 ). A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the optical warning signal in dependence on the detected distance between the motor vehicle ( 1 ) and the object ( 6 ) and / or adjusted as a function of the detected viewing direction. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that by means of the environment sensor ( 5 ) a position of the object ( 6 ) and the visual warning signal determines the specific position of the object ( 6 ) describes. Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that by means of the driver assistance system ( 2 ) a steering movement to avoid the object ( 6 ) and the visual warning signal describes a steering direction and / or a steering speed for performing the determined steering movement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for outputting the optical warning signal a time-variable display on the display unit ( 15 ) is pictured. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for determining the presence of the dangerous situation by means of the detection device ( 4 ) an operating state of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual warning signal is a button ( 17 ), wherein as a result of an actuation of the button a hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is activated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the visual warning signal, an audible and / or haptic warning signal by means of the operating device ( 10 ) is output. Driver assistance system ( 2 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), with a detection device ( 4 ) for determining a presence of a dangerous situation, wherein the driver assistance system ( 2 ) is designed to emit an optical warning signal in the presence of the dangerous situation, characterized in that the driver assistance system ( 2 ) an operating device ( 10 ) with a display element ( 15 ) for outputting the optical warning signal, wherein the operating device ( 10 ) on a steering handle ( 11 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is arranged. Driver assistance system ( 2 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the operating device ( 10 ) comprises a touch-sensitive screen. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a driver assistance system ( 2 ) according to claim 11 or 12.

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