DE102016006324A1 - Method and system for operating a warning device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a warning device for a motor vehicle (10). For this purpose, at least one flying object (14) is provided in the motor vehicle (10). Furthermore, an emergency event of the motor vehicle (10) is detected. After detecting the emergency event, the at least one flying object (14) is removed from the motor vehicle (10). Subsequently, the at least one flying object (14) outputs a warning signal (W) to at least one vehicle-external object (12) within a predefinable area around the motor vehicle (10) for securing the motor vehicle (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a warning device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also includes a system for operating a warning device according to the preamble of claim 8.

Monitoring systems are known from the general state of the art which are adapted to observe an interior of the motor vehicle in order to contact an emergency call center in the case of an emergency situation in which a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle is at risk.

This suggests, for example, the DE 10 2014 206 708 A1 a device for monitoring a motor vehicle interior. For monitoring the interior of the motor vehicle, the device comprises a media data recording device which receives media data from the motor vehicle interior. Furthermore, the device comprises a position-determining device, which detects position information of the motor vehicle, and a drone for data transmission. The device for monitoring the motor vehicle interior is set up to transmit the recorded media data of the motor vehicle interior together with the position information of the motor vehicle by means of the drone to a remote receiver.

An alternative monitoring system is in the US 2015/0102154 A1 described which monitors an environment of the motor vehicle. Such a monitoring system comprises an unmanned flying object arranged on a landing platform of a motor vehicle. The unmanned aerial object is coupled via a supply line to the motor vehicle. The unmanned aerial object can be supplied with electricity and fuel via the supply line. The unmanned flying object is used to record environmental information in an environment of the motor vehicle. If an entering accident situation of the motor vehicle is detected, then the flying object is decoupled from the motor vehicle. The unmanned aerial object is then set up to fly to an emergency call center and deliver the environmental information to the emergency call center.

Instead of using flying objects for monitoring, they can also be used to obtain information about an emergency situation. This suggests the US 2015/0148988 A1 For example, a method for assistance in an emergency situation before. In the method, to provide assistance, a drone is sent from an emergency base to an emergency situation.

A disadvantage of such systems is that these flying objects, either as a communication interface or for obtaining information, take an especially long time to either arrive at the emergency situation in order to be able to estimate an emergency situation or to seek help at all.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a method and a system for operating a warning device.

The object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the features of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for operating a warning device for a motor vehicle. In the motor vehicle, at least one flying object is provided for this purpose. By means of the motor vehicle an emergency event is detected. After detecting the emergency event, the at least one flying object is removed from the motor vehicle. Subsequently, the at least one flying object issues a warning signal to at least one vehicle-external object in a predefinable area around the motor vehicle in order to protect the motor vehicle. The at least one flying object is therefore set up to protect the motor vehicle by emitting or emitting a warning signal. In other words, the at least one flying object can make a provision for securing the motor vehicle. The vehicle-external object may be, for example, at least one further road user, such as a motor vehicle, and / or a passerby.

The invention is based on the finding that after the occurrence of an emergency event of a motor vehicle, consequential accidents can occur, since further road users, for example, are made aware of the emergency event too late. This is the case, for example, when the emergency event has occurred behind a curve and subsequent road users can not see the emergency event behind the curve.

The invention provides the advantage that additional road users in a vicinity of the motor vehicle are particularly quickly and reliably pointed to an emergency situation of the motor vehicle and can respond in a timely manner. This can increase traffic safety. In addition, the other road users by the warning signal in a closer environment of the motor vehicle are encouraged to get help.

In the present invention, therefore, at least one flying object is used for emitting a warning signal after detection of an emergency event. In other words, the at least one flying object moves away from the motor vehicle after detecting the emergency event. Subsequently, a warning signal within a predefinable area is output by the at least one flying object. By "predeterminable range" is meant here an area or area within a predetermined radius around the motor vehicle. For example, the area may extend in a radius of 1 meter to 500 meters around the motor vehicle.

Preferably, a plurality of flying objects can also be arranged on the motor vehicle. The at least one flying object can be designed, for example, as a drone and / or as a balloon and / or as a rocket, in particular as a signal rocket. Preferably, the at least one flying object is arranged on a roof and / or on a rear sill and / or on a front sill and / or on an underbody and / or on an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. Due to the multiple arrangement of flying objects in the motor vehicle in different vehicle areas, the probability increases that at least one of a vehicle area, a flying object can be sent out.

For emitting the at least one flying object, the motor vehicle may have, for example, a control device. In this case, the control device can be set up to signal a departure time to the at least one flying object, so that the at least one flying object independently moves away from the motor vehicle. However, the control device can also be adapted to actuate a mechanism which decouples the flying object from the motor vehicle, for example catapulted away.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the emergency event is detected by at least one sensor element of the motor vehicle signals a crash and / or a detection device of the motor vehicle signals an imminent crash and / or an emergency call control element of the motor vehicle is actuated. If the emergency event is detected by the at least one sensor element of the motor vehicle signaling a crash, this can be realized by an accident sensor in an airbag. In other words, the emergency event is detected when, for example, an airbag in the vehicle trips. If a signal is preferably provided to the control device by the crash sensor, the emergency event has already occurred. If a crash has not yet occurred, but is imminent, this form of emergency event can be detected by a precrash detector. In other words, the emergency event is detected by a detection device as precrash detector signals an imminent crash. If the emergency event detected by the emergency call control element of the motor vehicle is actuated, then, for example, a driver of the motor vehicle in the vehicle accidentally operate, for example, a push button or switch as an emergency call control. The emergency call control element can be arranged in a location accessible to the driver, for example on a center console. This has the advantage that an emergency event is recorded in a particularly simple and fast manner.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the warning signal is output to the at least one vehicle-external object when the at least one vehicle-external object is detected by the at least one flying object. For example, the flying object after removal from the motor vehicle can move or stay within the predetermined range. Once the at least one flying object then detects the at least one vehicle-external object, the at least one flying object can output the warning signal to the vehicle-external object. For detecting, the at least one flying object may comprise a detection device, such as a camera. The camera can be set up to detect or detect an object external to the vehicle in an environment of the motor vehicle. If the at least one flying object does not detect an object external to the vehicle, then preferably there is no warning signal. Finally, from the at least one flying object after the detection of the vehicle-external object, a warning signal is output to the at least one vehicle-external object. This results in the advantage that a warning signal can be provided to the at least one vehicle-external object in a particularly reliable manner as soon as it is detected. As a result, the energy of the flying object can also be saved if it does not continuously output a warning signal, but only at a given time. Alternatively, the warning signal can be permanently output to the at least one vehicle-external object. A permanent emission of the warning signal facilitates the detection of the at least one vehicle-external object. As a result, the vehicle-external object can also be detected particularly quickly.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one flying object for detecting the at least one vehicle-external object makes a distance flight along an already traveled by the motor vehicle route or travels until it detects the at least one vehicle-external object, which is located on the traveled by the motor vehicle route. This is of particular importance when an accident has occurred directly behind a curve and future road users can not recognize or perceive the accident in advance. Alternatively, the at least one flying object can also remain stationary or stay above the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the at least one flying object can ascend upwards into an air space in an environment of the motor vehicle and remain there or float in one place. As a result, more road users can be warned in a particularly fast and reliable way and the accident site to be secured.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that by means of an output device of the flying object, a light signal and / or a sound signal is output as a warning signal. As soon as the detection device detects, for example, the at least one vehicle-external object, a control device of the at least one flying object can be set up to control the output device. For example, the output device for outputting the audio signal may comprise a microphone. The output device of the at least one flying object can be set up to output, for example, a wording and / or a siren signal as a sound signal. The wording can be output by means of the output device a spoken text, such as "Caution" or "Caution accident". Additionally or alternatively, the output device may have a display unit for outputting the light signal as a warning signal. The display unit may be, for example, a digital display and / or a light means such as a lamp. By means of the digital display, for example, a logo, such as the words "Caution" or "Caution accident" are displayed. Alternatively, a symbol, such as a warning triangle, can be displayed by means of the digital display. In other words, the at least one flying object can preferably act as a flying warning triangle. This results in the advantage that the other road users can be warned particularly reliably by optical and acoustic warning signals.

Advantageously, emergency data can be provided to the at least one flying object after detection of the emergency event, wherein the flying object transmits the emergency data as a warning signal via a radio link to the at least one vehicle-external object. The emergency data may, for example, be a geoposition of the motor vehicle, such as GPS data of the motor vehicle.

To provide the emergency data, the motor vehicle may have a control device which transmits the emergency data to the at least one flying object. The emergency data can for example be stored in a memory of the at least one flying object. The emergency data is preferably transmitted to the at least one vehicle-external object. In other words, the warning signal in the manner of a car-to-car communication (English for "vehicle-to-vehicle communication") can be transmitted to the vehicle-external object. A car-to-car communication refers to the exchange of information and data, in this case the emergency data. Only that here is not the communication or the transmission of emergency data between two vehicles, but between the flying object and the at least one vehicle external object takes place. As already explained, the vehicle-external object may be a foreign vehicle, that is, another motor vehicle. The flying object may have a radio module for transmitting the emergency data. To receive the emergency data, the foreign vehicle may also have a radio module. Via a radio link, the two radio modules are preferably in communication with each other. Communication takes place, for example, via a WLAN standard or Wifi standard. By the flying object so more road users can not only be visually or acoustically pointed to an emergency event, but obtained by the emergency data and a precise location to the place of action. It can also encourage other road users to seek help.

The emergency data can be transmitted via the radio link from the at least one flying object to the further motor vehicle as a vehicle-external object. The further motor vehicle may, for example, have a display device which is set up to display the emergency data. The display device may be, for example, a touchscreen. The display device may be part of a navigation system of the further motor vehicle. On the display device can then be displayed to a driver of the other motor vehicle, for example, a Geoposition of the accident motor vehicle. As a result, the vehicle-external object can be pointed to a emergency event of another road user in a particularly reliable manner.

In an advantageous manner, the at least one flying object can transmit an emergency signal to an emergency call center via a further radio link. For this purpose, the flying object can be set up to detect the further radio network. For detecting the further radio network, the at least one flying object can, for example, enter an airspace ascend above the motor vehicle. The radio network may be, for example, a UMTS or LTE or GSM radio network. For detecting the further radio network, the flying object can have a further radio module. If a radio network is detected by the flying object, a radio link to the detected radio network is established. After establishing the radio connection, the emergency signal is sent to the radio network to the emergency call center. As an emergency signal, the emergency data that has already been transmitted to the vehicle external object can be transmitted simultaneously to the emergency call center. The emergency call center can then as emergency data not only a geoposition of the motor vehicle, but also, for example, a number of occupants of the motor vehicle and / or motor vehicle-specific data and / or sensor data of the sensor and / or prediction data accident prediction and / or a text message and / or a voice message and / or a camera image are transmitted. By motor vehicle-specific data, for example, a type of motor vehicle and / or a license plate and / or a fuel type of the motor vehicle is meant. The number of occupants can be detected, for example, by a person detection device. The person detection device may be, for example, a camera and / or a seat occupancy sensor. To record a voice message as an emergency call signal, the motor vehicle may comprise, for example, a microphone. A driver of the motor vehicle, for example, can record the voice message and describe the emergency situation. To enter a text message, the motor vehicle may have a touch screen. For receiving the camera image or a video message, the motor vehicle may have a camera which is directed to an interior of the motor vehicle. This embodiment has the advantage that data for the emergency data set can be provided by already known interior equipment elements of the motor vehicle.

This results in the advantage that the motor vehicle for providing the emergency signal is not tied to the local availability of a radio network at the position of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, not only the vehicle-external object can be warned by means of the at least one flying object, but also help can be obtained at the same time. The emergency call center can in turn be set up to inform other road users about the emergency event of the motor vehicle.

The invention also includes the said system for providing a warning signal to at least one vehicle-external object. The system includes a motor vehicle that is configured to detect an emergency event. Furthermore, the system comprises at least one flying object which is provided in the motor vehicle, wherein the at least one flying object is set up to move away from the motor vehicle after detection of the emergency event. Subsequently, the at least one flying object is set up to output a warning signal to at least one vehicle-external object within a predefinable area in order to protect the motor vehicle.

The invention also includes further developments of the system according to the invention which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the system according to the invention will not be described again here.

In the following an embodiment of the invention is described. For this purpose, the single FIGURE (FIG.) Shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention for operating a warning device.

The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment in each case represent individual features which are to be considered independently of one another, each of which further develops the invention independently of one another and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

The figure shows a motor vehicle 10 , In the motor vehicle 10 For example, it may be a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

The car 10 is in an emergency situation in the illustrated example. In this example, the motor vehicle 10 an accident.

In the example, an off-vehicle object moves 12 in the direction of the motor vehicle 10 , which is in an emergency situation. In the vehicle external object 12 it is another motor vehicle. A driver of the accident vehicle 10 approaching motor vehicle 12 can the accident vehicle 10 not see because of the confusing curve.

So that the vehicle external object 12 in time for the accident vehicle 10 is pointed or warned, is of the motor vehicle 10 after detecting an emergency event of the motor vehicle 10 a flying object 14 sent out. At the flying object 14 This is a drone in this embodiment. The flying object 14 but can also be designed as a balloon or rocket. In the motor vehicle 10 can also be more than a flying object 14 be arranged. The respective flying objects 14 can be at different places on the motor vehicle 10 be arranged. For example, the flying object 14 on a roof and / or on a rear sill and / or on a front sill and / or on an underbody and / or an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle 10 be arranged.

For detecting the emergency event, the motor vehicle 10 Have sensors. The sensors can be designed, for example, as an accident sensor and / or as a precrash detector. If the emergency event is detected by the sensor, is a control device of the motor vehicle 10 set up to the flying object 14 to signal a departure time. Alternatively, the controller may also be configured to provide a mechanism for decoupling the flying object 14 from the motor vehicle 10 trigger. The flying object 14 is for example via a magnet, in particular an electromagnet, which on the motor vehicle 10 is arranged, coupled. The control device can be used to decouple the flying object 14 activate the electromagnet.

After detecting the emergency event by the sensor, the flying object moves away 14 from the motor vehicle 10 , The flying object 14 then moves within a predetermined range to the motor vehicle 10 ,

In the figure, the flying object sets 14 a cross-country flight along an already from the motor vehicle 10 traveled route back. For example, the flying object 14 cover a flight distance of 10 to 500 meters. The route with which the flying object 10 from the motor vehicle 10 removed, for example, corresponds to a distance from the accident vehicle 10 in which a warning triangle must be set up. The cross-country flight in the figure is by the arrow 16 clarified.

The flying object 14 is further adapted to the at least one vehicle external object 12 to warn. In this case, the flying object gives 14 a warning signal W to the vehicle external object 12 out. As a warning signal W gives the flying object 14 a flare signal to the vehicle external object 12 out. This is indicated by the flying object 14 an output device. The output device comprises a display unit 18 , At the display unit 18 For example, it is a digital ad. By means of the digital display can be a warning triangle 20 are displayed. So that a driver of the vehicle external object 12 also on the warning triangle 20 can be made attentive, the output device may further comprise a microphone for outputting a sound signal. As a sound signal, for example, a siren signal can be output.

The flying object 20 In addition or as an alternative to this, it is possible to set up emergency data as a warning signal W to the vehicle-external object 12 to transmit or transmit. The emergency data can be, for example, GPS data of the accidented motor vehicle 10 act. The emergency data may be available to the flying object after detecting the emergency event 14 from the motor vehicle 10 to be provided. The emergency data can be stored in a memory of the flying object 14 deposited or saved. The flying object 14 then transmits the emergency data via a radio link to the at least one vehicle external object 12 , To transmit the emergency data, the flying object has a radio module. To receive the emergency data has the vehicle external object 12 also a radio module. The radio module of the flying object 14 is adapted to a radio connection to the radio module of the vehicle external object 12 manufacture.

In the figure, the warning signal from the flying object 14 to the further motor vehicle as a vehicle external object 12 transmitted. If, for example, GPS data is transmitted to the further motor vehicle as a warning signal, then the further motor vehicle can have a display device of a navigation system, on which the driver of the further motor vehicle on a navigation map can see the accident location of the accident vehicle 10 is shown. For this purpose, for example, a control device of the further motor vehicle 12 be set up after the warning signal W or the GPS data through the further motor vehicle 12 show a geo position on the navigation map.

As the figure can be seen, is the flying object 14 not just set up the vehicle external object 12 to warn, but also an emergency call S to an emergency call center 22 issue. This is especially the case when the motor vehicle 10 even unable to do so.

The motor vehicle in the illustrated example has a so-called eCall system.

By means of the eCall system can by the motor vehicle 10 the emergency call signal S, the so-called eCall (Emergency Call), be discontinued. The emergency call signal S is from the motor vehicle 10 over an existing radio network 24 to the emergency call center 22 transmitted. As shown in the figure, the radio network becomes 24 from a radio mast 26 provided. The emergency call signal S can be used with the eCall system either automatically discontinued or its transmission manually, for example by the driver of the motor vehicle 10 , to be triggered. So that the emergency signal S can be automatically discontinued, the eCall system is for this purpose to various sensors and safety techniques of the motor vehicle 10 coupled. A possible sensor is, for example, an accident sensor in the airbag of the motor vehicle 10 , A control device of the motor vehicle 10 is designed to evaluate the signal of the sensor or the button and send out a distress signal S via a radio module. For manual triggering of the emergency call signal S, the driver of the motor vehicle 10 Press a button which is arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle.

The car 10 is in an emergency situation in the illustrated example. So that the motor vehicle 10 can deliver an eCall, the motor vehicle has 10 a radio module, which is adapted to receive or output a signal. Further, the motor vehicle 10 equipped with the emergency call control element, which is designed for example as a push button or switch.

As the figure can be seen, the eCall system of the motor vehicle 10 no emergency call signal S to the emergency call center 14 transmit, since, for example, the radio module of the motor vehicle 10 is damaged.

So in this emergency situation of the motor vehicle 10 Nevertheless, the emergency signal S can be discontinued, the motor vehicle 10 the flying object 14 on.

As already explained, the motor vehicle has 10 a control device which is adapted to emergency data to the flying object 14 provide.

After detecting the emergency event by the sensor, the flying object moves away 14 with the stored emergency call record from the motor vehicle 10 , Then the flying object gives 10 as shown in the figure, a warning signal W to the vehicle external object 12 from. At the same time, the flying object 14 to be set up the radio network 24 to detect an emergency call signal S to the emergency call center 22 to be able to deliver.

Has the flying object 14 the radio network 24 detected, it is designed to be a radio link 28 to the radio network 24 and the emergency call signal S to the radio network 12 send out. As emergency signal S, the flying object 14 the emergency call data to the emergency call center 22 to transfer. So that the flying object 14 As already explained, the radio network can be detected and the emergency call data transmitted via the radio module. Are the emergency call data to the radio network 24 can be sent out, the emergency data via the radio mast 26 to the emergency call center 22 be transmitted.

Overall, an e-call remote system is thus shown. In a motor vehicle, one or more miniature drones are integrated. The miniature drones are installed as "crash drones" at defined points in the motor vehicle, which are released in the event of an accident from the motor vehicle, ascend, make an emergency call and transmit the vehicle position to an emergency call center. These miniature drones can be integrated, for example, in the underbody, in the exterior mirrors, in the front or rear area or on the roof of the motor vehicle, for example in the antenna module.

Triggering the uncoupling of the drone after detected accident and trigger the E-Call system. Also, the driver can manually trigger the drone and so make the rescuers faster, for example, in a sudden illness to attract attention.

In a further additional function, the drone can be equipped with a light and sound signal, which reminds rescuers or passing persons of the accident or the patient.

The drone can also be extended with car-to-car functionality to warn other vehicles in the event of an accident.

The drone can also ensure the communication between the rescue center and the accident vehicle or the sick person in poor mobile connection.

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 102014206708 A1 [0003]
• US 2015/0102154 A1 [0004]
• US 2015/0148988 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method for operating a warning device for a motor vehicle ( 10 ), comprising the steps: - providing at least one flying object ( 14 ) in the motor vehicle ( 10 ); Detecting an emergency event of the motor vehicle ( 10 ); After the emergency event has been detected, removing the at least one flying object ( 14 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ); characterized by outputting a warning signal (W) by the at least flying object ( 14 ) to at least one vehicle-external object ( 12 ) within a predeterminable area around the motor vehicle ( 10 ) for securing the motor vehicle ( 10 ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the emergency event is detected by at least one sensor element of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) signals a crash and / or a detection device signals an imminent crash and / or an emergency call control element of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is pressed. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the warning signal only to the at least one vehicle external object ( 12 ) is output if the at least one vehicle-external object ( 12 ) by the at least one flying object ( 14 ) is detected or the warning signal is permanently output to the at least one vehicle external object. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one flying object ( 14 ) for detecting the at least one vehicle-external object ( 12 ) a route along an already from the motor vehicle ( 10 ) traveled within the predetermined range, until it is the at least one further vehicle-external object ( 12 ), which is located on that of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) traveled route, or remains stationary above the motor vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of an output device of the at least one flying object, a light signal and / or a sound signal is output as a warning signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flying object ( 14 ) emergency data is provided after detecting the emergency event, wherein the at least one flying object ( 14 ) as a warning signal (W) the emergency data via a radio link to the at least one vehicle external object ( 12 ) transmitted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flying object ( 14 ) after removal from the motor vehicle ( 10 ) transmits an emergency call signal (S) to an emergency call center via another radio connection. System for providing a warning signal (W) to at least one vehicle-external object ( 12 ) comprising: - a motor vehicle ( 10 ), which is set up to detect an emergency event, - at least one flying object ( 14 ), which is provided in the motor vehicle, characterized in that the at least one flying object ( 14 ) is arranged to transmit the warning signal (W) to at least one vehicle-external object ( 12 ) within a predefinable area for securing the motor vehicle ( 10 ). The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one flying object ( 14 ) is designed in each case as a drone and / or balloon and / or rocket. System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one flying object ( 14 ) is arranged on a roof and / or on a rear sill and / or on a front sill and / or on an underbody and / or on an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle.

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