DE102015223657A1 - Method for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle (3). The method is characterized by analyzing a lane-accurate road map of an area to identify impurities (2) having multiple lane options in the area, modeling traffic conditions at the at least one fault (2) thus identified, and recognizing a lane to be preferred (20, 21, 23, 24) at the defect (2) a trace recommendation is generated on the basis of the modeling result. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lane recommendation system (1) for determining a lane recommendation for a vehicle. The lane recommendation system (1) is characterized in that the lane recommendation system (1) has at least one map unit (10), at least one fault location analysis unit, (11) at least one modeling unit (16) and at least one recommendation generation unit (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle.

To assist a driver of a vehicle, navigation systems are known in which the driver is guided along a route to his destination. In this case, a current traffic situation, for example a traffic jam, can be taken into account. The driver is instructed by the navigation system to initiate direction changes, in particular turning maneuvers. For this purpose, the driver, for example, on a multi-lane road, a lane, for example, right turn lane, are given, should be on the driver should drive to turn. The drawback associated with these types of navigation systems is that there is usually no accounting for traffic on individual lanes.

However, especially in city traffic situations often occur in bound traffic with multiple lanes in each direction, in which one progresses faster on one track than on the other tracks. With local knowledge and foresight, the driver can timely select the cheap of the lanes and traverse the traffic congestion faster. Without local knowledge, you can easily miss the cheap track change time and then drive on a slower track.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution by means of which a track recommendation can be determined in a simple manner that indicates the driver most favorable lane for him.

The invention is based on the finding that this object can be achieved by using a two-stage method in which the road topology is taken into account in a first step and in a second step modeling and in particular simulating traffic conditions at identified points.

The object is therefore achieved by a method for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle. The method is characterized by analyzing a lane-accurate road map of an area to identify defects having multiple lane options in the area, modeling the traffic conditions at the at least one fault location thus identified, and tracking upon detecting a preferable lane at the fault location the basis of the modulation result is generated.

As an information service for a vehicle is preferably understood a service by means of which the driver of a vehicle directly or indirectly information that assist in driving, are provided. In particular, in the information service according to the invention a lane recommendation can be made available. As a recommendation to track the indication of the most favorable for the driver lane, that is, the track on which the fastest possible progress is expected to be understood. Alternatively or additionally, a lane change instruction can also be understood as lane recommendation, for example the instruction change to the left lane.

As a lane-exact road map is understood in particular according to the invention a digital road map, in addition to the road and the individual lanes are included and preferably also the direction of travel for the lane is included. According to the invention, the region of the lane-accurate road map is a section which comprises several streets, and the area particularly preferably represents the section of the road map covering a city area or covering a district.

According to the invention, analysis is understood as the examination of map data by means of which defects in the area can be identified. For this purpose, in particular a comparison can be made with parameters by which an impurity is defined. The definition of the defect can also be present as a pattern and be referred to, for example, as a blocking pattern.

As an impurity a locally limited area of the road course is designated, in which at least one direction of travel track options may be present. As track options, the present invention does not refer to the presence of more than one possible track. Rather, impurities with multiple lane options include locations where the possible travel speed on different lanes is different. A fault with track option is also referred to as a road in which traffic can be expected to stop on one of the lanes and a drive is still possible on at least one further lane.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the traffic conditions are modeled on the at least one identified defect. Different types of modeling can be used. In particular, modeling may be used in which a new model is created and modeled based thereon. According to a preferred embodiment, however, the expected traffic flow is simulated. This meant that an existing model would be used. In the modeling modeling conditions are used according to the invention, for example, specify the expected traffic, indicate local conditions, such as traffic lights, or include the temporal information, such as the time of day.

The following essentially refers to the simulation of traffic conditions as a type of modeling. The invention is not limited to the simulation of traffic conditions.

According to the invention, when modeling the traffic conditions, at least in the case of a modeling condition, a track to be preferred is recognized at the fault location, so a track recommendation is generated on the basis of the modeling result. The modeling result is, in particular, the recognition of a lane on which the conditions are more favorable than on another lane. The preferred track is a track on which, in a given direction of travel, the highest possible driving speed or the least possible hindrance exists.

According to one embodiment, an impurity is therefore identified according to the inventive method, a model formation or modeling, for example, performed by simulation for different modeling conditions and evaluated the modeling result and generates a trail recommendation if necessary.

By initially analyzing the road map according to the invention, the determination of the lane recommendation can be restricted to those points at which disability on at least one lane is to be expected, that is to say the fault locations. The determination of the lane recommendation can thus be faster than in a method in which the traffic conditions on the entire route of a vehicle must be determined. In addition, by taking into account at least one traffic condition at the at least one identified defect in the modeling, the lane recommendation can be adapted dynamically and take into account in particular different traffic conditions.

According to one embodiment, at least the step of analyzing the road map is performed independently of the position of the vehicle. In particular, the analyzing is carried out before the start of the driving of the vehicle. In either case, it is preferable to analyze the road map at a time prior to initiation of the information service by the driver. Initiation can be taken to mean the commissioning of a unit on the vehicle which at least serves to output track recommendations. According to the invention, for example, a road map of a country can be subdivided into sub-sections, for example into cities, and in the subsection the analysis, that is to say the search for impurities, can be carried out. In this embodiment, in which the position where the vehicle of the driver who wants to use the information service is not taken into consideration, the analysis result, that is, in particular, the identified defect (s) are stored in a database. When the information service is initiated on the vehicle, the database is then accessed and, as a result, defects in the surroundings of the vehicle can be identified. The identification of the impurities in the environment of the vehicle is carried out in particular by comparing the position of the vehicle with the one or more positions of the impurity (s), which are stored in the database. By means of this embodiment, the method according to the invention can be accelerated, since it is possible to resort to previously determined defects when driving the vehicle. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to carry out the analysis step while the vehicle is traveling, that is to say in real time. In this embodiment, the portion of the road map in which defects are searched is preferably selected so that it lies in the direction of travel of the vehicle and covers its route.

According to a further embodiment, the modeling of the traffic conditions at a fault before the initiation of the information service on a vehicle takes place. In this embodiment, at least the modeling result is stored in a database. Particularly preferably, the modeling result is stored together with at least one track recommendation condition in a database. After the driver of the vehicle has initiated the information service, a lane recommendation can then be generated for the identified defect (s) on the basis of the modeling result, or a lane recommendation deposited for the defect (s) can be used. According to the invention, it is possible for the lane recommendation to be stored in the database for the defect (s). As a result, the track recommendation can be output directly for a specific fault. Preferably, in addition to identifying the impurity, the modeling conditions used for the modeling, such as simulation, and / or track recommendation conditions are also at least partially compared to the actual conditions. Thus, the quality of the track recommendation can be further improved.

As a modeling conditions, for example, the traffic conditions, such as Traffic, a traffic light circuit and, for example, the time of day or the date or the day of the week used. According to one embodiment, the modeling of the at least one defect is carried out in advance, that is to say before the initiation of the information service. This is advantageous because it takes account of boundary conditions which can be used as modeling conditions and in particular simulation conditions and which, if necessary, change rapidly. In addition, the sensitivity of the result obtained results from the variation of the modeling conditions, in particular environmental conditions. This fact can also be taken into account with the advance modeling of the defects.

As a track recommendation condition, in particular, a distance between the position of the vehicle and the defect can be used. This can ensure that the driving recommendation is issued to the driver as early as possible. In addition, a threshold value for the speed difference of the travel speeds on different lanes can also represent a lane recommendation condition. Thus, for example, the output of a lane recommendation or lane change recommendation can be dispensed with if the speed difference between the lanes is too low.

Preferably, the impurities are identified according to road topology, that is, based on road topologies. The road topology here is preferably not only the road course of a road, but also includes the adjacent to the road conditions. In particular, according to the invention, for example, an intersection as well as obstacles provided on the branching roadway (s), such as a pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian crossing, are taken into account. In particular, a blockage pattern can be defined which specifies road courses in which different lane speeds can be expected on different lanes. Thus, for example, within the map to be searched for places where a turning point on the road is given or where there is a double turn lane. Since in such places with a certain volume of traffic usually on one of the tracks a higher traffic density or at least a lower driving speed of vehicles is to be expected, these places are identified as impurities with several track options.

According to the invention, the defects can be determined on the basis of road topologies which lie outside the main traffic direction at the defect. In particular, in this embodiment, as a road topology that is outside the route of the vehicle, a pedestrian traffic light may be considered, to which a right turn lane leads on the route of the vehicle. With this topology, it can be assumed that as soon as a vehicle turns right, the following traffic will be hindered, that is, at least slowed down. It can therefore be given a trail recommendation to use another, for example, the middle lane. Correspondingly, for example, in the case of a branch serving as a turning point, it can be assumed that the following traffic is slowed down when a vehicle turns off.

The modeling of the identified location preferably takes into account the traffic volume per lane. In this way, predicates that have been identified can be predicted as to which is the favorable track and an appropriate recommendation issued.

According to a preferred embodiment, time-dependent parameters are used for the modeling, in particular for the simulation. As time-dependent parameters, for example, the time of day, day of the week, holiday time and the like are referred to. By taking these parameters or data into account in the modeling, different traffic conditions can be accommodated at different times. Preferably, the time-dependent parameters are used as modeling conditions. In particular, the traffic flow can be simulated, for example, for the morning, for lunch and for the evening. In this case, previously measured values can be used. By using time-dependent parameters, which are preferably stored together with the modeling result in a database, the track recommendation can be further improved. Thus, in the event that a driver takes advantage of the information service in the morning, the modeling result determined, for example, with the morning simulation condition can be used to generate the lane recommendation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modeling includes calculating a likelihood of increased traffic on a lane. This calculation may be based on previously acquired data or assumptions. Alternatively, the modeling can also be purely based on previously acquired data, without that a probability is calculated.

According to one embodiment, during or after the initiation of the information service, at least the current position of the vehicle is compared with database entries for defects. at In this embodiment, the analysis of the road map has already been performed before the initiation of the information service. In addition, the modeling of the traffic conditions at the one or more impurities can also be done before the initiation of the information service. In this case, the database entries are the modeling results that are preferably stored in the database with modeling conditions and, more preferably, in addition to track recommendation conditions. In addition to the modeling results, it is also possible to store track recommendations, which are preferably likewise stored with the modeling conditions and / or track recommendation conditions. If an area of disturbance is determined for the surroundings of the current position of the vehicle or for a route of the vehicle from the current position and if modeling conditions and / or lane recommendation conditions match the current states, a lane recommendation is output. In modeling, therefore, conditions, in particular modeling conditions and / or lane recommendation conditions, are defined that must be met for a lane recommendation output.

According to a preferred embodiment, the defects in the vicinity of the vehicle are determined using data of the navigation system of the vehicle. In particular, the route determined in a navigation system will be taken into account. In navigation systems, the destination is usually entered and the shortest or fastest route is calculated. By taking such information into consideration when determining whether an impurity will be passed, the method of the present invention can be further optimized since it is not necessary to verify the presence of impurities in a map part that is outside the route of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the lane recommendation is output to the driver of the vehicle. For this purpose, an optical or acoustic output unit may be provided on the vehicle. Preferably, an output unit already provided in the vehicle is used to output the lane recommendation here. For example, a head-up display or another output unit of a driver assistance system can be used to output the lane recommendation.

According to one embodiment, the lane recommendation is fed into a navigation system. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since recommendations and instructions to the driver are already output via the navigation system. In this embodiment, the tracking recommendation determination unit is integrated in the navigation system or at least connected to it.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a lane recommendation system for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle. The lane recommendation system is characterized in that the lane recommendation system has at least one map unit, at least one fault location analysis unit, at least one modeling unit and at least one recommendation generation unit.

Advantages and features that are described or have been described with regard to the method according to the invention apply - as far as applicable - correspondingly to the trace recommendation system according to the invention and vice versa and may be mentioned only once.

The trace recommendation system has at least one map unit. The map unit can represent a database in which road maps are stored. Preferably, the map unit is designed so that road maps can be viewed at a zoom level. In particular, a track-accurate digital map can be edited at a zoom level in a map section that corresponds, for example, to a city.

As a further unit, the trace recommendation system comprises at least one defect analysis unit. The impurity analysis unit may be a software-based unit. Finally, the track recommendation system comprises at least one simulation unit. The modeling unit can also represent a software-based unit. The impurity analysis unit and the modeling unit can be combined in a common unit.

Furthermore, the lane recommendation system comprises at least one recommendation generation unit. In this unit, in particular, the data obtained from the modeling unit or from a corresponding database is processed with a lane recommendation. For this purpose, a comparison of stored data, in particular position information and current position information, can first be carried out in the recommendation generation unit. In addition, conditions stored in the recommendation generation unit may be compared with current conditions.

The impurity analysis unit and modeling unit are preferably provided in a central processing unit, which for example represents a server. The central processing unit may be connected to the card unit be or have this. The recommendation generation unit can also be provided in the central processing unit. However, according to the invention it is also possible for the recommendation generation unit to be provided on the vehicle. The information from the central processing unit, in particular fault information, modeling conditions and / or lane recommendation conditions can be transmitted from the central processing unit to the vehicle or retrieved from the vehicle by the central processing unit. In particular, this information could be queried by the recommendation generation unit or transmitted to it.

According to a preferred embodiment, the trace recommendation system has at least one database for defect search criteria, at least one database for identified defects and / or a database for conditions on defects, in particular modeling conditions and / or lane recommendation conditions. These databases can also be provided in the central processing unit. The databases can be at least partially combined.

According to one embodiment, the trace recommendation system comprises at least one output unit. The output unit is preferably provided on the vehicle and may be integrated, for example, in a driver assistance system. The output unit is in communication with the other units of the trace recommendation system. In particular, the recommendation generation unit can receive or query track recommendations for output.

According to a preferred embodiment, the trace recommendation system comprises at least one interface to a navigation system. Alternatively, the trace recommendation system may also be at least partially integrated in a navigation system. In particular, information about the route of the vehicle is obtained from the navigation system on the track recommendation system according to the invention. Furthermore, information, in particular lane recommendations, can be transmitted from the lane-recommendation system to the navigation system or fed into it and output via the navigation system.

The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the track recommendation system according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of a road topology at a discrete location; and

3 a schematic flow diagram of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the track recommendation system according to the invention 1 shown. The track recommendation system 1 includes a map unit 10 , which is formed in the illustrated diagram as a database. Furthermore, the lane recommendation system includes 1 an impurity analysis unit 11 , a modeling unit, which in the illustrated embodiment, for example, a simulation unit 16 and a recommendation generation unit 18 , The track recommendation system 1 also has an output unit 13 on. In the illustrated embodiment, a navigation system 12 as part of the lane recommendation system 1 shown. However, it is also possible that the navigation system 12 is configured separately and only with other units of the track recommendation system 1 connected is. The output unit 13 can, as shown, be designed separately or alternatively in the navigation system 12 be integrated. In the track recommendation system 1 In addition, other databases are included or are thus units of the track recommendation system 1 connected so that they can be accessed. In particular, a database 14 provided, are stored in the identified impurities, in particular, for example, position information and / or Blockademuster are stored for the identification of impurities. There is also a database 15 provided in the modeling conditions and in particular simulation conditions are deposited. Finally, a database 17 provided that may be deposited in the track recommendation conditions. The databases 14 . 15 . 17 can also be summarized in a database.

In 2 is shown a section of a road map that is an impurity 2 includes. A main street 200 has four tracks in the illustrated embodiment. The left tracks 20 . 21 are only intended for straight-ahead traffic. Right Lane 23 is a pure right turn lane and the second lane 22 from the right is a second right turn, but can also be driven straight ahead. The right tracks 22 . 23 So go into the cross street 25 above. At the crossroads 25 is a pedestrian traffic light 24 intended. A vehicle 3 that to a destination 4 can drive, can at this point of failure 2 thus between the tracks 20 . 21 and 22 choose. Since it is in right turners, especially in a traffic light circuit in which the pedestrian light is switched to green, to a backwater or at least to reduce the possible Driving speed on the track 22 can come in the inventive method to the driver of the vehicle 3 given a trail recommendation. This can be, for example, that the driver on the track 21 should change.

In 3 is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for determining a track recommendation shown.

In a first step, a digitally accurate map is used to search for possible defects in a map section. The map section may correspond, for example, to a city. On the basis of Blockademustern, such as turning points, double turn lane with coupled pedestrian lights and the like, for example, in the database 14 is then deposited in the impurity analysis unit 11 decided if it is an impurity 2 acts, that is, whether an impurity 2 is present. If this is not the case, the next map section is examined. But becomes an impurity 2 recognized, that is identified, so this can be in the database 14 be saved or it will be immediately in the simulation unit 16 the traffic conditions at the fault 2 simulated. For this purpose, simulation conditions are either in the simulation unit 16 defined or from a database 15 queried. In particular, measured or otherwise recorded information, such as traffic lights, in the database 15 be deposited. In addition, information about traffic density at different times in the database 15 be deposited.

From the simulated traffic flow is then determined whether there is a lane that is cheaper for the driver than another. If such a cheaper lane exists, it is preferably stored. For example, the favorable lane in the database for impurities can be stored together with the position information on the fault. In addition, track recommendation conditions are preferably also stored in this or another database.

If the driver now starts the information service, first the position of the vehicle is determined. Furthermore, the route of the vehicle is preferably determined from the navigation system. This information is compared with entries in the database for defects. If it is found that there is an impurity on the route of the vehicle, it is checked whether the lane recommendation conditions are currently met. If so, this is the case by the recommendation generation unit 18 generates a trail recommendation or stored in a database trail recommendation to the output unit 13 transmitted to be displayed, for example, on a display in the vehicle or to be acoustically output in the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the lane recommendation to the navigation system 12 be transmitted and output via this.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

In one embodiment, a software-based process systematically undergoes a track-accurate digital map, tile-based, at a zoom level in an application area, such as a city. Within the tile is then searched on the map for one of the specific predefined Blockademuster, such as turning points, double turn lanes with coupled pedestrian lights, etc. Such identified locations are extracted from the map and passed as a graph to another software process, which can also be referred to as a modeler. With the aid of modeling, and preferably a simulation, these locations are then subjected to different traffic conditions, e.g. Traffic flows, traffic lights, etc. examined and conditions (for example, traffic density on links around the point considered) defines from when a track recommendation is pronounced at this point. These trail recommendations are then stored in a database. If a condition is observed in traffic, the recommendation is sent to the driver using the information service on the route under consideration.

With the present invention, the traffic situation, in combination with the road topology, which may result in individual lanes being blocked rather than others being taken into account in a simple and reliable manner. In contrast to recommended tracks, for example, based on measured downtime at standstill or the principle that as early as possible on the corresponding turn or straight-line lane, is based in the present invention on traffic conditions which are topologically explainable parked.

The present invention has, inter alia, the advantage that the driver knows and can drive even without local knowledge or "gut feeling" always the most favorable lane for him at the cheapest change time.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Track referral system

10

card unit

11

Störstellenanalyseeinheit

12

navigation system

13

output unit

14

Database impurities

15

Database simulation conditions

16

simulation unit

17

Database track recommendation conditions

18

Recommendation generating unit

2

impurity

200

Main road

20

lane

21

lane

22

lane

23

lane

24

crossroad

25

pedestrian crossing

3

vehicle

4

destination

Claims (16)

Method for determining a lane recommendation for an information service for a vehicle ( 3 ), characterized in that a lane-exact road map of a region is analyzed to detect impurities ( 2 ) with several lane options in the area, the traffic conditions at the at least one fault location thus identified ( 2 ) and when recognizing a preferable track ( 20 . 21 . 23 . 24 ) at the defect ( 2 ) a track recommendation is generated on the basis of the modeling result. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the step of analyzing the road map is independent of the position of the vehicle ( 3 ), at least the search result in a database ( 14 ) and when initiating an information service on a vehicle ( 3 ), to the database ( 14 ) is accessed and thus impurities ( 2 ) in the vicinity of the vehicle ( 3 ) be determined. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the modeling of the traffic conditions at an impurity ( 2 ) prior to initiating the information service on a vehicle ( 3 ) and at least the modeling result is stored in a database. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the impurities ( 2 ) are determined on the basis of road topologies. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that impurities ( 2 ) in the vicinity of the vehicle ( 3 ) using navigation data from a navigation system ( 12 ) of the vehicle are determined. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the impurities ( 2 ) are determined on the basis of road topologies which are located outside the main traffic 2 ) lie. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that time-dependent variables are used for the modeling. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the modeling the calculation of the likelihood of increased traffic on a lane ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 23 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that during or after the initiation of the information service at least the current position of the vehicle ( 3 ) is compared with database entries for defects. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that conditions are determined in the modeling, which must be met for a track recommendation output. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the track recommendation is issued to the driver of the vehicle. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the track recommendation is fed into a navigation system. Lane recommendation system for determining a lane recommendation for a vehicle, characterized in that the lane recommendation system ( 1 ) at least one card unit ( 10 ), at least one impurity analysis unit, ( 11 ) at least one modeling unit ( 16 ) and at least one recommendation generation unit ( 18 ) having. Trace recommendation system according to claim 13, characterized in that this at least one database for impurity search criteria ( 14 ), at least one database for identified impurities ( 14 ) and / or a database of conditions for impurities ( 14 ) having. Trace recommendation system according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one output unit ( 13 ). Trace recommendation system according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized that this at least one interface to a navigation system ( 12 ) having.

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