DE102015225094A1 - Apparatus and method for providing a notification signal and apparatus and method for determining traffic data - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a notification signal (116) representing a traffic situation of a vehicle (100). The method has a step of processing sensor data (106) acquired by at least one sensor device (102, 104) associated with the vehicle (100), which represent at least one partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle (100) in order to receive the notification signal (116) produce. The method also has a step of outputting the indication signal (116) to an interface (108) to at least one vehicle-external device (150, 160).

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on a device or a method according to the preamble of the independent claims. The subject of the present invention is also a computer program.

For example, standard vehicle navigation systems do not take into account weather conditions. If a driver encounters a dangerous or surprising situation on a road or route, other drivers would be notified or warned manually and, if necessary, with delay.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, methods, furthermore a device which uses one of the methods and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims are presented. The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous refinements and improvements of the independent claim device are possible.

In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle-based sensor network for real-time environmental monitoring, a sensor network for vehicles, for example, to support weather-based navigation, to predict road conditions and possible vehicle failures, and additionally or alternatively a network of so-called smart devices to support weather-based navigation, can be used to predict states be provided on a road ahead. In particular, an infrastructure and a service may be provided to collect, analyze, and predict, for example, geospatially related spatial data and other environmental data that may be used, for example, by government agencies and companies to improve environmental conditions for vehicles. In particular, real-time data can be used which is obtained without additional sensors or sensors already present in vehicles and made available for shared use. In other words, it is possible in particular to realize a real-time image of a traffic situation by jointly using linked vehicle data from, for example, standard automotive sensors already provided in vehicles.

Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, for example, traffic information, route planning and improvement of an infrastructure state can be performed on the basis of current data as well as in a simple, reliable, fast and accurate manner. In particular, a vehicle situation can be detected in real-time or near-real-time, and based thereon, statements about on-site conditions can be derived to generate informational messages, alerts, and the like. Thus, traffic safety and comfort can be increased.

A method is presented for providing a notification signal representing a traffic situation of a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
Processing sensor data acquired by at least one sensor device associated with the vehicle, which sensor data represent at least one partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle in order to generate the notification signal; and
Outputting the indication signal to an interface to at least one vehicle-external device.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car, a truck or another commercial vehicle. The traffic situation may represent a situation of the vehicle and additionally or alternatively a situation of an environment of the vehicle. The situation of the environment may also affect at least one other vehicle. The indication signal may include data obtained by analyzing the sensor data. In this case, the notification signal may include the sensor data and hint data representing a result of the processing of the sensor data. In the step of outputting, the indication signal can be output to the at least one off-vehicle device using the interface in a wireless manner, for example by radio. The at least one vehicle-external device may comprise a server, a database and additionally or alternatively an application for signal processing.

According to one embodiment, in the step of processing, the sensor data, position data and additionally or alternatively time data related to the traffic situation of the vehicle may be combined, linked, referenced and additionally or alternatively fused in order to generate the notification signal. The processing can be carried out using statistical methodology. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that temporally and additionally or alternatively locally related sensor data or sensor data with temporal and additionally or alternatively local reference can be provided a reliability and validity of the notification signal can be increased.

Also, in the step of processing, sensor data from at least one vehicle sensor for acquiring vehicle data, an in-vehicle environment sensor for acquiring surrounding environment of the vehicle, a user input sensor for detecting user input of a vehicle occupant, and additionally or alternatively a device sensor of an electronic device disposed in the vehicle are processed. The electronic device may be detachably or permanently installed in the vehicle. The electronic device may be a so-called smart device, an intelligent electronic device. The electronic device may be at least partially autonomous with respect to data processing and additionally or alternatively a power supply related to the vehicle. The electronic device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet or another portable electronic device. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the sensor data can be meaningful and varied, with a multiplicity of possible scenarios and measured variables being able to be mapped.

In this case, the at least one vehicle sensor may have an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor and additionally or alternatively an activity sensor for detecting an activity of at least one vehicle function, safety function and additionally or alternatively comfort function of the vehicle. Furthermore, the at least one environmental sensor may include an on-board camera, a microphone, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a weather sensor, a road condition sensor, a radiation sensor, a pollen sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a rain sensor, a light sensor, a parking sensor and additionally or alternatively have a vehicle position sensor. In addition, the at least one user input sensor may have a key position sensor, a switch position sensor and additionally or alternatively a status sensor for detecting an operating state of at least one vehicle function. The at least one device sensor can also have a camera, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor and additionally or alternatively a temperature sensor. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that both sensors which are standard in a vehicle and also optionally additionally provided sensors can be used in order to collect sensor data which is readily available in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

Environmental data acquired as sensor data in the step of processing and additionally or alternatively vehicle data may be processed, which may include spatial geodata, vehicle function data, weather data, position data, vehicle operating data, temperature data, vehicle motion data, road condition data, object recognition data, assistance system data, alert data, emergency data and additionally or alternatively signal quality data , Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the traffic situation can be safely, promptly and accurately mapped.

Specifically, in the step of outputting, the indication signal may be output using an electronic device arranged in the vehicle. In this case, the notification signal can be output using a so-called smart device. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a function of transmission with increased transmission power as well as bandwidth can also be retrofitted by the electronic device in the vehicle.

A method for determining traffic data is also presented, the method comprising the following steps:
Reading a plurality of indication signals provided from an interface to at least one vehicle according to an embodiment of the above method; and
Fusion of read in warning signals to determine the traffic data.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit. The method of determining may be advantageously carried out in connection with an embodiment of the aforementioned method of providing. The traffic data may represent a traffic situation that affects at least one vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the traffic data determined in the step of merging may represent a prediction, a real-time mapping and additionally or alternatively a warning regarding a weather situation, a road condition and additionally or alternatively a traffic situation. Here, the traffic situation can optionally also represent the weather situation and additionally or alternatively the road condition. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that reliable and helpful, in particular safety-relevant, information can be provided for road users and persons affected by traffic situations.

Also, in the step of merging, indication signals may be fused which have a have predefined geographic and additionally or alternatively temporal correlation with each other. In other words, indication signals related to a common geographic region and additionally or alternatively to a common time period may be merged. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that statements about actual prevailing local conditions or traffic situations can be simplified. In addition, a plausibility of information represented by notice signals can be checked easily and quickly.

Furthermore, in the step of merging, the indication signals can be statistically processed and additionally or alternatively subjected to a plausibility check. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the traffic data can be determined on a reliable and accurate data basis.

In addition, the method may include a step of outputting traffic data to an interface to at least one vehicle, road users and additionally or alternatively information service. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a presence and a change of traffic situations and the like can be promptly and reliably reacted to improve safety, comfort and, additionally or alternatively, an infrastructure state.

Here, the information service may include a weather forecasting service, a route planning service, a fleet management service, an agricultural information service, an energy forecasting service, an Internet of Things service, and additionally or alternately a road maintenance service. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that existing information about traffic situations, weather and additionally or alternatively infrastructure conditions can be supplemented, corrected and concretised by the traffic data.

The approach presented here also creates a device that is designed to perform the steps of a variant of a method presented here in appropriate facilities to drive or implement. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form of a device, the object underlying the invention can be solved quickly and efficiently.

Correspondingly, an apparatus for providing a notification signal may have a processing device that is configured to process sensor data detected by at least one sensor device associated with the vehicle, which represent at least one partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle, in order to generate the notification signal, and to have an output device , which is designed to output the indication signal to an interface to at least one vehicle-external device.

A device for determining traffic data may accordingly comprise a read-in device which is designed to read in a plurality of indication signals provided according to the method of one of the preceding claims from an interface to at least one vehicle and to have a merging device which is designed to receive read-in indication signals to merge to determine the traffic data.

For this purpose, such a device can at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals the actuator and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The arithmetic unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller or the like, wherein the memory unit may be a flash memory, an EPROM or a magnetic memory unit. The communication interface can be designed to read or output data wirelessly and / or by line, wherein a communication interface that can read or output line-bound data, for example, electrically or optically read this data from a corresponding data transmission line or output to a corresponding data transmission line.

In the present case, a device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals in dependence thereon. The device may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based embodiment, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains a wide variety of functions of the device. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

Of advantage is also a computer program product or computer program with Program code that may be stored on a machine-readable medium or storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory, and used to perform, implement, and / or control the steps of the method of any of the embodiments described above, especially if the program product or program running on a computer or device.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment;

2 a flowchart of a method for providing according to an embodiment;

3 a flowchart of a method for determining according to an embodiment;

4 a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment;

5 a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment; and

6 a schematic representation of a traffic situation according to an embodiment.

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment. Here is in 1 a vehicle 100 shown, the example only a vehicle camera 102 or on-board camera 102 , an acceleration sensor 104 an interface 108 or data transmission device 108 and a delivery device 110 or device 110 for providing.

The vehicle camera 102 and the acceleration sensor 104 are examples of the vehicle 100 associated sensor devices. The vehicle camera 102 and the acceleration sensor 104 are trained to sensor data 106 provide at least a partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle 100 represent. Here is the vehicle camera 102 designed to be an environment of the vehicle 100 capture. The acceleration sensor 104 is trained to put one on the vehicle 100 to detect acting acceleration.

The delivery device 110 is capable of data transmission or signal transmission capability with the vehicle camera 102 and the acceleration sensor 104 as well as the interface 108 connected. The delivery device 110 is formed, a warning signal 116 to provide a traffic situation of the vehicle 100 represents. Here is the provisioning device 110 trained to the sensor data 106 from the sensor devices or the vehicle camera 102 and the acceleration sensor 104 read. In other words, the provisioning device 110 designed to be using the sensor data 106 the warning signal 116 to create.

The delivery device 110 has a processing device 112 and an output device 114 on. In this case, the processing device 112 trained to the sensor data 106 to process the warning signal 116 to create. The output device 114 which is signal transmitting with the processing device 112 is connected, is adapted to the indication signal 116 to the interface 108 issue.

the interface 108 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 to at least one vehicle-external device 150 transferred to. In particular, the interface 108 executed as a radio interface. the interface 108 may according to one embodiment, a part of the provisioning device 110 be.

In 1 is also an example of an off-board device 150 shown. Here is the vehicle external device 150 in particular, away from the vehicle 100 arranged, for example, more than 10 m, 100 m, 1 km, 10 km or more. The vehicle-external device 150 merely shows an example of a transmission interface 152 and a detection device 160 on. The investigative device 160 is capable of data transmission or signal transmission capability with the transmission interface 152 connected.

The transmission interface 152 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 from the vehicle 100 and further warning signals 116 to receive from other vehicles. According to one embodiment, the indication signal 116 via at least one intermediate station between the vehicle 100 and the vehicle-external device 150 be transmitted.

The investigative device 160 has a read-in device 162 and a fusion device 164 on. The investigative device 160 is designed to be detected using strobe signals 116 traffic data 166 to determine or generate. Here is the read-in device 162 configured to receive a plurality of strobe signals 116 from the vehicle 100 and optionally other vehicles via the transmission interface 152 read. The fusion device 164 is designed to receive the read signals 116 to merge to traffic data 166 to investigate.

According to one embodiment, the determining device 160 also trained to traffic data 166 to the transmission interface 152 to the vehicle 100 issue. Additionally or alternatively, the determining device 160 be trained to traffic data 166 to the transmission interface 152 to spend at least one other vehicle, a road user and / or information service.

This in 1 The traffic information system shown has the provisioning device 110 and the investigator 160 on. Optionally, the traffic information system additionally includes, by way of example only, the vehicle camera 102 , the accelerometer 104 and the interfaces 108 such as 152 on.

2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for providing according to an embodiment. The procedure 200 is executable to provide an indication signal representing a traffic situation of a vehicle. Here is the procedure 200 for providing using or in connection with the provisioning device or the traffic information system 1 or a similar device or a similar system executable. In particular, the method 200 executable to the alert signal 1 or to provide a similar indication signal.

The procedure 200 for providing has one step 210 processing sensor data sensed by at least one sensor device associated with the vehicle to generate the indication signal. The sensor data represent at least a partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle. Also, the procedure assigns 200 to provide a step 220 of issuing the in step 210 processing signal generated at an interface to at least one vehicle external device.

In particular, in step 210 the processing combines the sensor data, position data and / or time data related to the traffic situation of the vehicle, linked, referenced and / or merged to generate the indication signal. According to one embodiment, in step 210 the processing processed as sensor data detected environmental data and / or vehicle data. These include geospatial data, vehicle function data, weather data, position data, vehicle operating data, temperature data, vehicle movement data, road condition data, object recognition data, assistance system data, warning data, emergency data and / or signal quality data.

According to one embodiment, in step 210 processing sensor data from at least one vehicle sensor for acquiring vehicle data, an in-vehicle environment sensor for acquiring surroundings data of an environment of the vehicle, a user input sensor for detecting a user input of a vehicle occupant and / or a device sensor of an electronic device arranged in the vehicle. In this case, the at least one vehicle sensor has an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor and / or an activity sensor for detecting an activity of at least one vehicle function, safety function and / or comfort function of the vehicle. The at least one environmental sensor comprises an on-board camera, a microphone, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a weather sensor, a road condition sensor, a radiation sensor, a pollen sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a rain sensor, a light sensor, a parking sensor and / or a vehicle position sensor. The at least one user input sensor has a key position sensor, a switch position sensor and / or a state sensor for detecting an operating state of at least one vehicle function. The at least one device sensor has a camera, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

According to a further embodiment is in step 220 outputting the strobe signal using an electronic device disposed in the vehicle. The electronic device is, for example, a so-called smart device.

3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for determining according to an embodiment. The procedure 300 is executable to detect traffic data. Here is the procedure 300 for determining in connection with the method of providing 2 or a similar method. Further, the method 300 for determining using or in conjunction with the determining device or the traffic information system 1 or a similar device or a similar system executable.

The procedure 300 to determine has a step 310 reading in a plurality of indication signals from an interface to at least one vehicle. In this case, the indication signals are or will be provided by the method for providing 2 or a similar method. Further, the method has 300 to determine a step 320 the merging of step 310 of the read-in sent signals to determine the traffic data.

According to one embodiment, the method 300 to the one step 330 outputting traffic data to an interface to at least one vehicle, road user and / or information service. For example, the information service may represent or include a weather forecasting service, a route planning service, a fleet management service, an agricultural information service, an energy forecasting service, an Internet of Things service, and / or a road maintenance service.

According to one embodiment, in step 320 merging notice signals having a predefined geographic and / or temporal correlation with each other. Additionally or alternatively, in step 320 merging the indication signals statistically processed and / or subjected to a plausibility check. The traffic data determined in the step of merging may represent a prediction, a real-time mapping and / or a warning regarding a weather situation, a road condition and / or a traffic situation.

4 shows a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment. The traffic information system here is the in 1 shown traffic information system similar or corresponds to the in 1 shown traffic information system except that a different number and type of facilities is shown.

Shown is a vehicle 100 with a delivery device 110 as the provisioning device 1 for sensor fusion on vehicle level, an advertisement 420 or display device 420 , a navigation system 422 or a navigation device 422 , a driving stability device 424 or ESP device 424 (ESP, Electronic Stability Program), at least one other sensor 426 , a GPS device 428 for determining time and position via GPS (Global Positioning System), a driver assistance system 430 and from a driver 400 operated switches 432 , such as for windscreen wipers, fog lights, air conditioning etc.

The delivery device 110 is designed to receive data about a planned route from the navigation system 422 as well as further data or sensor data from the driving stability device 424 , the at least one other sensor 426 , the GPS setup 428 , the driver assistance system 430 and the switches 432 to read or receive. The delivery device 110 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 provide. The navigation system 422 is trained to work with a route planner 434 to interact. A block 436 represents the possibility that the navigation system 422 Part of the vehicle 100 or regardless of the vehicle 100 can be.

Furthermore, in 4 an off-vehicle device 150 like the vehicle external device 1 represented as a network-based or Internet-based data storage and data processing device, for example, the so-called cloud. The vehicle-external device 150 has a detection device 160 like the investigator device 1 as well as other services 470 on. The investigative device 160 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 from the delivery device 110 read. Further, the determining device 160 trained to traffic data 166 to determine and issue. Here is the detection device 160 trained to traffic data 166 for example in the form of a warning signal to the display device 420 of the vehicle 100 and, for example, in the form of real-time location-based weather data to the navigation system 422 issue. In addition, the investigative device 160 trained to traffic data 166 to the other services 470 issue. The other services 470 stand in connection with a road maintenance, for example 472 and a fleet management system 474 ,

5 shows a schematic representation of a traffic information system according to an embodiment. The traffic information system here is the in 1 respectively. 4 shown traffic information system similar or corresponds to the in 1 respectively. 4 shown traffic information system except that a different number and type of facilities is shown.

Shown is a vehicle 100 that is a driving stability device 424 or ESP device 424 (ESP, Electronic Stability Program), by a driver 400 operated switches 432 such as for windscreen wipers, fog lights, air conditioning, etc., other systems 540 , an electronic device 510 or smart device 510 and a bridge device 545 between a vehicle bus and the electronic device 510 or a smartdevice vehicle bus bridge 545 having. The electronic device 510 is designed to over the bridge device 545 Sensor data from the driving stability device 424 , from the counters 432 and from the other systems 540 to recieve.

The electronic device 510 has a delivery device 110 like the provisioning device 1 as an application of the electronic device 510 for preprocessing data, an advertisement 520 or display device 520 , at least one camera 502 or vehicle camera 502 , a navigation system 522 or a navigation device 522 , at least one other sensor 526 , an acceleration sensor 504 or accelerometer 504 , a GPS device 528 for determining time and position via GPS (Global Positioning System) and a driver assistance system 530 on.

The delivery device 110 is designed to receive data about a planned route from the navigation system 522 and further data or sensor data from the at least one vehicle camera 502 , the navigation system 522 , the at least one other sensor 526 , the accelerometer 504 , the GPS setup 528 and the driver assistance system 530 to read or receive. The delivery device 110 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 provide.

Furthermore, in 5 an off-vehicle device 150 like the vehicle external device 1 respectively. 4 represented as a network-based or Internet-based data storage and data processing device, for example, the so-called cloud. The vehicle-external device 150 has a detection device 160 like the investigator device 1 respectively. 4 as well as other services 470 , a traffic information service 576 and a navigation service 578 on. The navigation service 578 receives input from a route planner 434 , The investigative device 160 is trained to receive the warning signal 116 from the delivery device 110 read. Further, the determining device 160 trained to traffic data 166 to determine and issue. Here is the detection device 160 trained to traffic data 166 for example in the form of a warning signal to the display device 520 of the electronic device 510 and, for example, in the form of real-time location-based weather data to the navigation system 522 of the electronic device 510 issue. In addition, the investigative device 160 trained to traffic data 166 to the other services 470 , the traffic information service 576 and the navigation service 578 issue. The vehicle-external device 150 is in connection with a road maintenance, for example 472 and a fleet management system 474 ,

Hereinafter, main elements of the traffic information system will become 5 and summarizing their role during operation of the system, and in other words again.

The vehicle 100 can be any vehicle that is connected to the system and possibly moving. The vehicle 100 has the electronic device 510 or the smart device 510 , the bridge device 545 or connecting device 545 by the driver 400 operated switches 432 , the driving stability device 424 and the other systems 540 which have at least one other system connected to the vehicle communication bus.

The electronic device 510 usually has at least one ad 520 , at least one camera 502 , a GPS device 528 , an accelerometer 504 , more sensors 526 , a driver assistance system 530 , a navigation system 522 and the delivery device 110 as a smartdevice application. The camera 502 or cameras 502 provide mono or stereo images of a road in the direction of travel and possibly the driver 400 , The images of the road ahead are later used to obtain road condition information, for example, by color and pattern analysis. They are also in the vehicle external device 150 compared with previous images of the same position, and thus a road condition can be detected from the changes of the images. The GPS device 528 provides information about position, speed and time. The accelerometer 504 provides data about changes in movement of the vehicle 100 , A fusion of this data with GPS and navigation system information and possibly with the driver assistance system data 530 can provide information about the behavior of the vehicle 100 with reference to road conditions. For example, a vehicle that slips when braking or in a curve. The other sensors 526 represent other internal and external sensors connected to the electronic device 510 are connected. For example, a temperature sensor inside or with a wired or wireless connection. The navigation system 522 is responsible for route planning based on a destination of the driver 400 , Preferences of the driver 400 , a state of vehicle 100 , current and expected road conditions on the possible routes (obtained from the cloud) and current and expected traffic information on the possible roads (obtained from the cloud). Alternatively, the navigation system 522 a proxy or proxy for the navigation service 578 be realized externally. The delivery device 110 Smartdevice application 110 is responsible for a sensor data fusion, for information extraction at the vehicle level and for data transmission to and from the vehicle-external device 150 ,

The bridge device 545 Smartdevice vehicle bus bridge 545 Realizes safe and reliable one-way communication from a vehicle bus or, alternatively, another vehicle communication system to the electronic device 510 , This allows the provisioning device 110 on the electronic device 510 the use of data among other systems 540 in the vehicle 100 , The driver 400 operated switches 432 may be simple switches, their position and / or status for the delivery device 110 may be relevant. The public or currently secret variables / signals of the ESP facility 424 are potentially relevant for deriving useful information about weather and road conditions.

The vehicle-external device 150 houses the investigative device 160 for cloud-level fusion, the traffic information service 576 , the navigation service 578 and other or further services 470 , For example, during the cloud-level merge, information arriving from the same location from different vehicles at the same time is used to validate the data of each vehicle. The fusion of information from different vehicles from different locations at the same time can reveal road condition patterns. The fusion of information from vehicles of the same position and different times can reveal trends in road conditions. The traffic information service 546 is responsible for merging position data of the vehicles and possibly the data of external traffic-related services (stationary cameras) in order to obtain data on the traffic conditions of the possible routes. The navigation service 578 is for a route planning for the route planner 434 responsible, based on a destination of the route planner 434 , Preferences of the route planner 434 , a condition of the vehicle 100 of the route planner 434 , current and expected road conditions on the possible routes and current and expected traffic information on possible roads. The other or other services 470 For example, any other services that use data merged at the vehicle level or at the cloud level represent each other.

6 shows a schematic representation of a traffic situation according to an embodiment. The traffic situation is related to the traffic information system from one of 1 . 4 and 5 or a similar traffic information system or with a method 2 respectively. 3 or a similar procedure.

In the traffic situation drives a vehicle 100 on a road at an example uncut field 600 with high pollen concentration over. The vehicle is the vehicle from one of the 1 . 4 and 5 or a similar vehicle. The vehicle 100 has a pollen sensor 601 on. The pollen sensor 601 is designed to control the pollen concentration in an environment of the vehicle 100 capture. Data from the pollen sensor 601 and / or an environment sensor are from the vehicle 100 to one through a block 680 represented device for collecting, analyzing and predicting environmental data operating mode environment data transfer. An arrow 685 from the block 680 to a block 690 represents a query of environmental data and a location of a possible pollen source. The block 690 for example, represents an internet service. An arrow 695 represents an order to clear the pollen source or inform the owner of the unmown field 600 , Thus, a pollen record and / or pollen reduction can be achieved.

With reference to the 1 to 6 In the following, exemplary embodiments will be summarized and explained in other words.

Various sensors already installed on vehicles can be used and optional special, non-standard sensors can be used, such as Geiger-Müller counters, pollen sensors, etc. In the case of non-standard sensors, one advantage is that it is sufficient installing such sensors in a small number of vehicles, such as taxis in cities or public transport and trucks in the countryside.

Other possibilities and advantages of embodiments include, for example, an anonymous real-time data collection associated with GPS data, a real-time mapping of the environment with various sensors of the vehicle 100 , an export of data to other Internet of Things (IoT) services, a cover of much of our environment, city and country, due to a large number of moving Vehicles and sensor information, even if only a small percentage of road users with the devices 110 and sensors such as taxis or public transport, as well as sufficient installation of specialized, non-standard sensors in a limited number of commonly used vehicles such as taxis and public transport, and finally low cost implementation since most sensors are already in use Vehicles of the current or next generation are available.

Possible application areas and sensor information in connection with exemplary embodiments include radiation dose, detection of radiation, for example by means of a Geiger-Müller counter, UV radiation, UV warning of the population, tracking of the ozone hole, for example by means of a UV sensor, localization of weather fronts on the ground, for example by means of a pressure sensor , Temperature sensor, rain sensor, windscreen wiper adjustment of the vehicle 100 , Warning of extreme temperature conditions, for example by means of outside temperature sensor, air conditioning settings, etc., localized fog warnings, for example by means of activation / deactivation of fog lights, driver assistance sensors or the like, for example by means of a camera, noise level, noise source identification, noise planning for the population, for example by means of noise sensors, microphones, etc., pollen / Pollen origin identification, localization etc. for example by means of pollen sensor, road surface information, for example icing, slipping hazard, poor road condition, etc., fast real-time prediction for drivers and the population, for example, based on an activation of the ESP and / or ESP acceleration sensors, on-board camera, etc., and frequent or current presence of animals such as dogs, cats, deer and the like, for example by means of an on-board camera.

According to one embodiment, in particular sensor data 106 as real-time data related to weather or road conditions for shared use by an electronic device 510 or smartdevice 510 used on which an application for driver assistance or navigation is executed or executable. Implementation does not require deep integration into an infrastructure of the vehicle 100 An optional connection further improves performance.

Generally speaking, there is an advantage of having multiple different sensor data 106 and driver inputs are related to one another to condense certain road condition information, which is indicative 116 in the vehicle external device 150 or cloud 150 to be uploaded. Such referencing is done, for example, using statistical methods. The cloud 150 For example, it is designed to carry out plausibility checks and forecasts at a higher level in order to obtain the traffic data determined 166 For example, to generate a real-time map of different road conditions. Such an image may then be used for alert purposes and / or navigation purposes, but may also represent input to other systems, such as weather forecasting, fleet management 474 , Agriculture, energy forecast, services of the Internet of Things etc.

Traffic in general is particularly sensitive to changing weather conditions. In other words, for example, there is a correlation between adverse weather conditions and congestion. According to embodiments, means are provided for responsively taking into account the current weather information as well as predictions about changing weather conditions when planning routes. Sensor data to use 106 from an electronic device 510 For example, a smartphone has camera data, accelerometer sensor data, real-time online data, etc. The following sensor data 106 can be considered or shared without additional hardware: the measured ambient temperature, rain sensor data, fog lamp activation, by the driver assistance system 430 . 530 (Cameras / Radar / Lidar / etc.) Conditions, animal detection data, windscreen wiper settings, ESP / MSR / ABS activity, light sensor data, air conditioning settings, seat heating and / or seat ventilation, microphone data, parking sensor data, image data from other cameras, internal signal qualities of various driver assistance data and warnings and / or activations of safety and comfort functions, etc.

Thus, ways are described, such as the information or sensor data mentioned 106 from a vehicle bus, which can be delivered via vehicle control units, are available. Any of the above information, which has one with the electronic device 510 connected Bluetooth bus port can be an input to the provisioning device 110 represent. In this regard, in the case of a lack of vehicle bus availability, some of the information mentioned may be collected in different ways, such as by sensors entering the electronic device 510 are installed. For example, fog, windshield wiper activity, fog lamp activation, game movement through the camera 502 of electronic device 510 be grasped, with chutes and sudden braking of the vehicle 100 through an analysis of the accelerometer 504 of the electronic device 510 can be derived, taking speed and position through the GPS device 528 of the electronic device 510 can be provided, wherein a traffic information and an outside temperature of online services can be provided, wherein the traffic information by the camera 502 of the electronic device 510 can be validated.

Road conditions can be compared by merging a current view of a road and temperature data from the cloud 150 with stored reference views of the road, wherein a reference database can be generated by storing color / pattern information of the road in dependence on temperature and windshield wiper activity. Each of the aforementioned sensor information or sensor data 106 along with location data and timestamps, can provide anonymous raw data to the cloud 150 can be uploaded, with a preprocessing of such information is advantageous. With sufficient preprocessing, real-time weather data, for example, can be used as sensor data 106 can be collected and can be detected using alert signals 116 the traffic data 166 warnings about fog, rain, ice, slipping, wetness on the roads, debris, and changes in temperature (using light sensors can even track cloud movements). This may also allow predicting a change in road conditions not only in geographic location but also in time. Trends in the weather and road conditions can also be detected by postprocessing the information and allowing for predicting the change in road conditions.

Raw and / or preprocessed sensor data 106 can through an electronic device 510 can be uploaded and the bulk of the calculations can be in the cloud 150 take place before plausible warnings are sent to data subjects and / or bodies. Such raw or preprocessed sensor data 106 can be done on the spot or locally by the vehicle 100 uploaded, where a network connection may be required while referencing and further processing or calculations in the cloud 150 can be made before, for example, plausible warnings as traffic data 166 be sent back.

Example scenarios that may arise in an implementation of embodiments and that can provide advantages at a low cost for the generation of alert signals 116 are set out below. These examples are presented in the following format: (measured state 1) & (measured state 2) & (driver setting 1) & etc. -> [preprocessing / cross checking of these states, for example, in a vehicle control device to generate an indication signal 116 or flag with GPS data and timestamp to generate] -> warning signal 116 or flag "road condition = x" for sending to the cloud 115 for further processing.
(Fog detected by driver assistance camera) & (previous flag indicates no fog) + GPS + time -> Flag "onset of fog - level 1" is sent to Cloud.
(Front fog lamp of own vehicle detected or ON) & (fog detected by camera) + GPS + Time -> Flag "Start of fog - Level 2" is sent to Cloud.
(rear fog lamps of preceding vehicles and front fog lights of oncoming vehicles detected ON) & (front fog lamps of own vehicle ON) & (fog detected by camera) + GPS + time -> Flag "onset of fog - stage 3" lights up Cloud sent.
(rear fog lamps ahead vehicles and front fog lamps oncoming vehicles are not detected or OFF) & (front fog lamps of own vehicle OFF) & (fog detected by camera) & (previous flag is "start of fog - stage X") + GPS + time -> Flag "End of Fog - Level 2" is sent to Cloud.
(Fog light of own vehicle OFF) & (Camera does not detect fog) & (previous flag is "Start of Fog - Level X" or "End of Fog - Level 2") + GPS + Time -> Flag "End of Fog Level 1".
(rear fog lamps ahead vehicles and front front fog lamps are detected or ON) & (rain detected by rain sensor [if present]) & (no fog detected by camera) & (windshield wiper at maximum level or active) & (vehicle speed is reduced) + GPS + Time -> Flag "Start of Heavy Rain / Snow / Storm" for shipping.
(rear fog lights ahead vehicles and front fog lamps oncoming vehicles detected or ON) & (rain detected by rain sensor [if present]) & (no fog detected by camera) & (lower level or active windscreen wipers) & (vehicle speed is increased) + GPS + Time -> Flag "End of Heavy Rain / Snow / Storm" for shipping.
(Vehicle speed is reduced) & (Temperature <4 ° C) & (Road through camera seen as white) + GPS + Time ->"Start of snowy road - Level 1".
(ESP activated or vehicle slip detected by accelerometers) & (temperature < 4 ° C) & (windscreen wiper OFF or no windscreen wiper activity detected) + GPS + time ->"icy road - level 2".
(ESP enabled or slipping of the vehicle detected by accelerometers) & (temperature <4 ° C) & (road seen through camera as white) + GPS + time ->"Beginning of snowy road - Level 2".
(ESP enabled or vehicle slip detected by accelerometers) &(Temperature> 4 ° C) & (Wiper ON or Wiper activity detected) + GPS + Time ->"Wet Road Start - Level 2".
(Driver assistance camera [if available] or Smartdevice camera detects an animal) & (vehicle speed is reduced) + GPS + time ->"typicalgame" or "game - occasionally".
GPS + (rain detected) + (windscreen wiper active or ON) + (frequent ESP activation in a turn) -> curve could be dangerous in wet weather conditions -> place additional safety devices or use trademarks to protect drivers without ESP Make the curve generally safer.
(GPS) + (time) + (driver assistance system often shows poor internal signal quality over road infrastructure / traffic signs and no apparent reason, no fog / rain / snow or known system restriction) -> poor general infrastructure quality (-> inform road maintenance).
(GPS) + (time) + (driver assistance system shows frequent warning / activation) -> location to be examined (for example dangerous crossing).

This would only require low and occasional processing power at the vehicle level. Such flags or warning signals 116 be to the cloud 150 which would require only low bandwidth and occasional communication. Further processing could be in the cloud 150 done to a plausibility of multiple input signals or strobe signals 116 to check out the same area at the same time. If a certain "road condition indication signal" is plausible, traffic data may 166 as warnings and / or notifications on the electronic device, for example 510 be displayed, the driver 400 For example, when approaching fog, rain, slippery roads or typical debris, it can be notified in advance to reduce speed and be prepared or traffic data 166 as a semi-intelligent pull message based on location or navigation to the nearby vehicles, where vehicles can request road condition information about a road ahead to meet low bandwidth or latency, for larger bandwidth services such as For example, a mobile phone, a push notification is conceivable.

This represents a possible support for an improved way of planning routes, because a navigation of the vehicle 100 or electronic device 510 can already consider a general snapshot or a general forecast with respect to the road conditions ahead. With such alerting signals as "Start of ...", "End of ..." Etc. with position and time stamping and plausibility checks, the vehicle-external device 150 with the traffic data 166 For example, generate a real-time mapping of certain road conditions and it can, enough sensor data 106 and notification signal 116 provided that cautious forecasts are made as to when and where, for example, rainy or snowy zones or ice-covered roads end, what exactly should be avoided or what time a journey should be laid.

Rides can be made safer if the driver 400 and / or the vehicle 100 be warned about changing road conditions, for example, the vehicle 100 automatically prepare the brakes, lower the speed, turn on the fog lights, etc., before an animal actually crosses the road, in front of a typical wild-zone. Using sensor data 106 With regard to an air conditioning setting, seat heating, seat ventilation and the like, temperature measurements, light sensor data, etc., more details can be determined for the above-explained road condition image, in particular, internal settings can be automatically managed in the sense of a comfort / eco function. Frequent warnings and / or activations of driver assistance systems can also generate traffic data 166 be won. Frequent activation of an emergency braking system may indicate a dangerous intersection, frequently unattended pedestrians near, for example, a school or the like. Frequent use of an overtaking assistant may represent an indication that the location in question is frequently being used for overtaking, such as after a long overtaking ban, and oncoming traffic and its driver assistance systems may be warned to be more cautious, etc. From driver assistance systems (also known as Smartdevice application), frequent collision warnings may indicate that a "dangerous crossing / frequent unattended pedestrian" alert signal (for example, near a school) is or may be uploaded.

If the driver assistance system 430 . 530 generally showing poor internal signal qualities for no apparent reason (such as fog) at a given location, for example bad boundary signal quality, unrecognized traffic signs, etc., then the collected data may be in the cloud 150 can be processed and in the given example, the responsible Straßenmeisterei 472 be notified in order to improve an infrastructure of the road, for example to renew road markings or to replace or change traffic signs or to adjust their orientation.

Another use may be the uploaded data or strobe signals 116 continuously check and with a plausible prediction of the cloud 150 to derive functional inadequacies. If a particular vehicle 100 and / or electronic device 510 continuous and independent of position, time and conditions 116 With extreme data uploading, a mistake on the vehicle level is likely, so the driver 400 can be warned. For example, an old tire can lead to incorrect measurements and thus to incorrect uploaded data in strobe signals 116 For example, significantly more ESP activations compared to the average, where the driver 400 could be warned about the vehicle 100 to be checked.

The above are just a few examples of how beneficial information based on existing vehicle sensors and simple logical checks on the vehicle level are indicative 116 could be delivered. Thus, for example, a driver assistance or navigation application on an electronic device 510 be extended. A preprocessed collection of warning signals 116 could be in the cloud 150 be further processed to more sophisticated and more reliable information, even for other systems and services 470 . 472 . 474 . 576 and or 578 , in the form of traffic data 166 provide.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

Claims (15)

Procedure ( 200 ) for providing a notification signal ( 116 ), which is a traffic situation of a vehicle ( 100 ), the method ( 200 ) comprises the following steps: processing ( 210 ) of at least one vehicle ( 100 ) associated sensor device ( 102 . 104 ; 422 . 424 . 426 . 428 . 430 . 432 ; 502 . 504 . 522 . 526 . 528 . 530 . 540 ) recorded sensor data ( 106 ) covering at least a partial aspect of the traffic situation of the vehicle ( 100 ) to display the warning signal ( 116 ) to create; and spend ( 220 ) of the notification signal ( 116 ) to an interface ( 108 ) to at least one vehicle-external device ( 150 . 160 ). Procedure ( 200 ) according to claim 1, wherein in step ( 210 ) of the processing on the traffic situation of the vehicle ( 100 ) sensor data ( 106 ), Position data and / or time data are combined, linked, referenced and / or fused in order to generate the alert signal ( 116 ) to create. Procedure ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step ( 210 ) of processing sensor data ( 106 ) of at least one vehicle sensor ( 104 ; 424 . 426 . 430 ; 540 ) for detecting vehicle data, an in-vehicle environment sensor ( 102 ; 422 . 428 ) for acquiring surrounding data of an environment of the vehicle ( 100 ), a user input sensor ( 432 ) for detecting a user input of a vehicle occupant ( 400 ) and / or a device sensor ( 502 . 504 . 522 . 526 . 528 . 530 ) one in the vehicle ( 100 ), electronic device ( 510 ) are processed. Procedure ( 200 ) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one vehicle sensor ( 104 ; 424 . 426 . 430 ; 540 ) an acceleration sensor ( 104 ), a speed sensor and / or an activity sensor ( 424 . 430 ) for detecting an activity of at least one vehicle function, safety function and / or comfort function of the vehicle ( 100 ), wherein the at least one environment sensor ( 102 ; 422 . 428 ) an on-board camera ( 102 ), a microphone, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a weather sensor, a road condition sensor, a radiation sensor, a pollen sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a rain sensor, a light sensor, a parking sensor and / or a vehicle position sensor ( 422 . 428 ), wherein the at least one user input sensor ( 432 ) has a key position sensor, a switch position sensor and / or a state sensor for detecting an operating state of at least one vehicle function, wherein the at least one device sensor ( 502 . 504 . 522 . 526 . 528 . 530 ) a camera ( 502 ), a position sensor ( 522 . 528 ), an acceleration sensor ( 504 ) and / or has a temperature sensor. Procedure ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step ( 210 ) of the processing as sensor data ( 106 ) Environmental data and / or vehicle data are processed, the spatial geodata, vehicle operating data, weather data, position data, vehicle operating data, temperature data, vehicle movement data, road condition data, object recognition data, assistance system data, warning data, emergency data and / or signal quality data have. Procedure ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step ( 220 ) of issuing the indication signal ( 116 ) using one in the vehicle ( 100 ), electronic device ( 510 ) is output. Procedure ( 300 ) for determining traffic data ( 166 ), the process ( 300 ) has the following steps: reading in ( 310 ) a plurality of according to the method ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims provided indicative signals ( 116 ) from an interface ( 152 ) to at least one vehicle; and merging ( 320 ) read in warning signals ( 116 ) to the traffic data ( 166 ) to investigate. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 7, wherein in step ( 320 ) traffic data ( 166 ) represent a prediction, a real-time mapping and / or a warning regarding a weather situation, a road condition and / or a traffic situation. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein in step ( 320 ) of merging notice signals ( 116 ), which have a predefined geographic and / or temporal correlation with each other. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein in step ( 320 ) of merging the indication signals ( 116 ) are statistically processed and / or subjected to a plausibility check. Procedure ( 300 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10, with a step ( 330 ) of outputting traffic data ( 166 ) to an interface ( 152 ) to at least one vehicle ( 100 ), Road users and / or information service ( 470 . 472 . 474 ; 576 . 578 ). Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 11, wherein the information service ( 470 . 472 . 474 ; 576 . 578 ) a weather forecast service, a route planning service ( 578 ), a fleet management service ( 474 ), an agricultural information service, an energy forecasting service, an Internet of Things service and / or a road maintenance service ( 472 ) having. Contraption ( 110 . 160 ), which is set up to take steps of a procedure ( 200 ; 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units. Computer program adapted to perform the procedure ( 200 ; 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims.  A machine readable storage medium storing the computer program of claim 14.

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