DE102017001288A1 - Method and system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling the running of a vehicle (1) on a road (R), comprising the step of determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The method includes the steps of: determining external conditions including weather conditions and / or road conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road (R); and taking measures based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road (R) to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts (GL, GR). The present invention also relates to a system for controlling the running of a vehicle on a road. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

When many vehicles, such as trucks, buses, cars, etc., ride on a road, eventually ruts form on the surface of the road due to the wear caused by the vehicles. These ruts can affect the driving behavior of the vehicles.

It is known to detect wheel tracks on the road caused by vehicles driving on the road.

The EP 2325064 discloses a method in which wheel tracks / ruts are detected and calculations are made to generally drive the vehicle on the wheel tracks.

The JP 2015184747 also discloses detecting wheel tracks and determining how to ride on those wheel tracks.

However, there is a need to improve the control of driving a vehicle on a road in consideration of ruts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road that improves safety.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road that improves safety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, system, vehicle, computer program, and computer program product as set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and system are defined in the appended dependent claims.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by a method of controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road. The method includes the step of determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The method further includes the steps of: determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road; and taking action based on the particular external circumstances to enable the control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts.

The ruts thus determined are grooves caused by the wear on the surface of the road caused by the many vehicles on the road.

The ruts may be continuous or intermittent based on detecting the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, using any suitable detection means comprising one or more lidar units, i. H. Laser scanner units, and / or one or more camera units and / or one or more radar units, which are arranged in the vehicle includes, are determined. Information about ruts on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, obtained by detecting the surface of the road, may be used / processed while the vehicle is running. Information about ruts on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, obtained by detecting the surface of the road, may be stored in any suitable storage means, including any suitable internal storage means of the particular vehicle and / or any suitable external storage means, such as a server unit or the like. Other vehicles may also provide information about the ruts to external storage means accessible to other vehicles. This stored information about ruts is stored as map data along with map data for that road and the extent of the road concerned. This stored information about ruts are, in one embodiment, accessible to other vehicles via map data.

The particular ruts may include information about the extent of the grooves, that is, whether the grooves are relatively deep, e.g. B. because it is a long time ago that new asphalt or the like was applied to the road, and because too many vehicles Worn out road, or if the grooves are not particularly deep, or somewhere in between.

The weather conditions may be determined by weather sensors including any suitable rain sensor disposed, for example, in connection with the windshield, any suitable temperature sensor, any suitable wind sensor. The weather conditions can be determined from external weather data from any external vendor / server with which the vehicle, i. H. a control unit / server unit or the like of the vehicle, contact can be determined.

The road conditions may be determined by any suitable detection means including any suitable detector unit for detecting the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, such as one or more camera units and / or one or more laser scanner units and / or one or more Radar units include, be determined. Road conditions can be determined from external data from any external vendor / server with which the vehicle, i. H. a control unit / server unit or the like of the vehicle, contact can be determined.

The weather conditions thus determined may include rain and the extent of rain, snow and the extent of snow, the current temperature, wind conditions or the like. The road conditions thus determined can be a smooth road, for example, due to ice on the road, snow on the road, oil on the road, grit on the road, water on the road, curves of the road or other road conditions that affect driving on the road Road may include.

By thus determining the ruts of the road on which the vehicle is traveling and determining the weather conditions and / or road conditions and taking measures based on the ruts and current conditions, safety is enhanced by an accident risk such as hydroplaning due to water in the grooves, can be prevented.

The measures taken may vary based on current conditions.

With some degree of precipitation, the measures taken may include reducing the speed of the vehicle and changing the lateral position of the vehicle so that the wheels of the vehicle do not ride in the grooves but beside the grooves, such a measure being the width of the track is dependent, since the track must be wide enough so that you can drive safely next to the ruts include. For a non-independent vehicle, d. H. a vehicle in which an operator drives the vehicle may also alert the operator of the vehicle about the risk of aquaplaning and possible recommended actions, such as reducing vehicle speed and / or positioning the vehicle so that it does not enter the vehicle Ruts drive, be provided.

With slippery roads and / or strong crosswinds and / or strong bends, the measures taken may include reducing the speed of the vehicle and maintaining a lateral position of the vehicle so that the wheels of the vehicle ride in the grooves, with the grooves in such a situation To help keep the vehicle on the road, include. For a non-independent vehicle, d. H. a vehicle in which an operator drives the vehicle may also alert the operator of the vehicle about the risk of slippery road and / or strong crosswind and / or strong bends, and about possible recommended actions, such as reducing vehicle speed and / or positioning the vehicle so that it travels in the ruts.

The vehicle may be any vehicle that travels on a road, including a truck, a bus, or a car. The vehicle could also be a motorcycle, where a motorcycle may require that other measures, such. As a better avoidance of ruts, are taken.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling includes the step of detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts. Detecting the surface of the road, in one embodiment, includes detecting the width of the lane of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. Detecting the surface of the road and the width of the lane of the road on which the vehicle travels includes detecting the relative position of the ruts along the lane and the possibility that the vehicle can safely travel on the left side of the ruts, ie Positioning the vehicle such that the left wheels are on the left side of the left wheel lane and the right wheels are on the left side of the right wheel lane, and / or on the right side of the ruts, ie, positioning the vehicle, so that the left wheels are on the right side of the left wheel lane and the right wheels are on the right side of the right wheel lane. Detecting the surface of the road and thus detecting the possible presence of ruts is a very efficient way of determining the presence of the track grooves with high accuracy of the position of the track grooves. The tracking of the ruts may be accomplished by any suitable means of detection, as previously mentioned. Information / data about the track grooves thus detected may be stored in any suitable internal and / or external storage means, as previously mentioned. By thus detecting the surface of the road, it may be possible to detect road conditions such as ice on the road, snow on the road, water on the road or the like, and it is also possible according to one embodiment to include water in to detect the ruts, ie it is possible to detect the ruts, even if they are filled with water.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprises the steps of: determining the current position of the vehicle; and extracting map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. As a result, information about ruts for a vehicle can be obtained, which is not equipped with detection means for detecting ruts. This information about ruts can be achieved earlier, z. B. before it is possible to detect the ruts by means of detection means which are arranged in the vehicle, so that the measures can be taken earlier and thus the risk of accidents / accidents, such as by aquaplaning due to heavy rainfall and water in the grooves, further reduce.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of taking actions based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road to be controlled in consideration of the determined ruts comprises one or more of the following steps: adjusting the speed of the vehicle, adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, warning a possible operator of the vehicle. These measures improve the safety and the control of the driving behavior of the vehicle on the road.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of communicating information about a possible risk based on the current external conditions and the ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and / or to an infrastructure within a vehicle -to-infrastructure communication arrangement. By communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement, other vehicles equipped with such a vehicle-to-vehicle arrangement will become , informed about the risk and may take appropriate measures, such as reducing the speed and / or changing the lateral position with respect to the ruts in case of aquaplaning risk due to precipitation. However, vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be directed to vehicles behind the vehicle but also to oncoming vehicles. Thus, the security is improved. By communicating information about a potential risk based on current external conditions and ruts on the road to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement, other vehicles can be informed of the risk by the infrastructure. The infrastructure may include electronic signs that are located in connection with the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The infrastructure may include external servers or the like configured to communicate infrastructure-to-vehicle information about the current risk to other vehicles. The infrastructure may include external servers or the like configured to provide a traffic alert via radio.

According to an embodiment of the method, if the determined external conditions include weather conditions that include rainfall on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the step of taking measures comprises reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or changing the lateral position of the vehicle Vehicle, so that the vehicle wheels run next to the ruts, and / or warning the operator of the vehicle from risk by aquaplaning. This will allow safer driving of the vehicle by reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

In particular, an object of the invention is fulfilled by a system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road. The system includes means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is driving. The system further comprises means for determining the external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road; and means for taking action based on the determined external circumstances to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts.

According to one embodiment of the system, the means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprise means for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts.

According to one embodiment of the system, the means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprise means for determining the current position of the vehicle; and means for extracting map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

According to one embodiment of the system, the means for taking actions based on the determined external circumstances to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts comprise one or more of: means for adjusting the speed of the vehicle, means for Adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, means for alerting a potential operator of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the system further comprises means for communicating information about a possible risk based on the current external conditions and the on-road ruts to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and / or means for communicating information about possible risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement.

According to one embodiment of the system, the means for taking measures comprise means for reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or means for changing the lateral position of the vehicle, so that the vehicle wheels ride alongside the ruts, and / or means for alerting the operator of the vehicle risk of aquaplaning, if the particular external conditions include weather conditions that include rainfall on the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road is suitable for carrying out the methods as set forth herein.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a system as set forth herein.

In particular, an object of the invention is fulfilled by a computer program for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road, the computer program comprising program code which, when executed on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform the procedures as set forth herein.

In particular, an object of the invention is fulfilled by a computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the several views. Show it:

1 schematically a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention;

2a schematically a plan view of a road with two tracks with ruts in the surface of the road;

2 B schematically a profile of a lane of the road in 2a ;

2c schematically the profile of the track in 2 B with a vehicle positioned laterally within the ruts;

2d schematically the profile of the track in 2 B with a vehicle positioned laterally next to the ruts;

3 schematically a block diagram of a system for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 schematically a block diagram of a method for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

5 schematically a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the term "connection" refers to a communication connection, which may be a physical connection, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical connection, such as a wireless connection, such as a radio or radio frequency link.

Hereinafter, the term "ruts" refers to grooves along the lanes of the road, which are generally caused by many vehicles on the road having traveled in substantially the same lateral position, causing wear on the road surface to be creased along the road, d. H. along the respective lane of a street. The term "ruts" refers to substantially parallel grooves running along the road, i. H. along a lane of a road, wherein the distance between the substantially parallel grooves generally corresponds to the distance between the wheels of the vehicles driven on the road. The term "ruts" refers to concave wear on the surface of the road.

1 schematically forms a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplary vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any suitable vehicle, such as a bus or a car or a motorcycle. The vehicle according to the present invention could be a self-contained vehicle. The vehicle includes a system I for controlling the driving of the vehicle 1 on a road R according to the present invention.

2a schematically illustrates a plan view of a road R with two tracks L1, L2 with ruts GL, GR in the surface RS of the road R from.

The respective lanes L1, L2 have ruts caused in the surface of the road due to the wear caused by driving vehicles on the road R over time. The lane L1 of the road has a left groove GL and a right groove GR, with the left and right grooves GL, GR corresponding to the left and right wheels of the vehicles that created the ruts.

A vehicle 1 drives on the road R on the track L1. The vehicle includes a system I for controlling the driving of the vehicle 1 on the road R according to the present invention. The vehicle 1 is laterally positioned on the track L1 such that the wheels of the vehicle drive into the ruts.

The vehicle 1 , ie the system I, comprises means for determining the ruts GL, GR. The means for determining the ruts GL, GR may mean 112 for detecting the road R and thus the grooves. The vehicle 1 That is, the system I, includes means for determining the weather conditions, such as precipitation, and the road conditions associated with the road on which the vehicle is traveling 1 moves. The vehicle 1 That is, the system I includes means for taking action based on the determined external circumstances to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts.

The vehicle is provided, in one embodiment, with detection means for detecting the surface of the road to detect ruts. The detection means may comprise any suitable detector unit comprising any suitable camera unit and / or any suitable laser scanner unit and / or any suitable radar unit. The detector unit is also configured to detect the width of the track L1 according to one embodiment.

2 B schematically forms a profile of a track L1 of the road in 2a from. The track L1 has a width W, which is based on the detector unit of the vehicle 1 can be determined.

2c forms schematically the profile of the track in 2 B from where a vehicle is positioned laterally within the ruts.

2d forms schematically the profile of the track in 2 B from where a vehicle is positioned laterally next to the ruts.

3 schematically forms a system I for controlling the driving of a vehicle 15 on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100 ,

The system I comprises means 110 for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The means 110 The means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprise means 112 for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts. The means 112 for detecting the surface of the road are arranged to detect ruts in the surface of the road. The means 112 for detecting the surface of the road are arranged according to an embodiment to detect the width of the track of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The means 112 for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts comprise any suitable detector unit. The means 112 For detecting the surface of the road, and thus the ruts in the road, according to one embodiment comprise one or more lidar units, ie laser scanner units, and / or one or more camera units and / or one or more radar units. The means 112 for detecting the surface of the road and thus the ruts in the road are arranged in the vehicle that travels on the road.

The means 110 For determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, according to one embodiment, based on the current position of the vehicle and on taken map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The means 110 The means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprise means 114 for determining the current position of the vehicle.

The means 114 for determining the position of the vehicle, in one embodiment, a global positioning system, GPS, for constantly determining the position of the vehicle on the road on which it is traveling.

The means 110 The means for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprise means 116 for taking out map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The means 116 For extracting map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, according to an embodiment, comprise a map information unit that includes map data that includes information about the course of the road on which the vehicle travels, including information about ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle drives belong.

The system I according to one embodiment comprises storage means 120 for storing data from detected ruts. The storage means 120 According to one embodiment, they are configured to provide data about the degree of danger the detected ruts may be, e.g. B. how deep the ruts are to save.

The storage means 120 include internal storage means 122 on board the vehicle. The internal storage means 122 may be any suitable means for storing information, such as a control unit, a computer or the like. The internal storage means 122 are in one embodiment in the electronic control unit 100 contain.

The storage means comprise external storage means 124 outside the vehicle. The external storage means 124 may be any suitable external storage means, such as a server unit, a computer, a tablet, or the like. Other vehicles may use the external storage means 124 also provide information about the ruts. The external storage means 124 are thus accessible according to an embodiment for other vehicles. This stored information about ruts is stored as map data along with map data for that road and the extent of the road concerned. This stored information about ruts are, in one embodiment, accessible to other vehicles via map data.

The means 116 for extracting map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle travels are configured, according to an embodiment, to retrieve map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling from the external storage means 124 refer to. The means 116 for extracting map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle travels are configured, according to an embodiment, to obtain map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling from the internal storage means 122 refer to.

The system I further comprises means 130 for determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road.

The means 130 for determining external relationships include means 132 for determining weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road.

The means 132 For determining weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road may include any suitable means for determining weather conditions.

The means 132 weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road include one or more weather sensor units. The weather sensor units may include one or more rain sensor units. The weather sensor units may comprise one or more temperature sensor units. The weather sensor units may include one or more wind sensor units.

The means 132 For determining weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road, in one embodiment, means for extracting external weather data from one or more external weather data units comprising any suitable external server unit. The means 132 weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road include one or more external weather data units.

The weather conditions thus determined may include rain and the extent of rain, snow and the extent of snow, the current temperature, wind conditions or the like.

The means 130 for determining external relationships include means 134 for determining road conditions in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road.

The means 134 for determining road conditions in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include means for detecting road conditions in connection with the vehicle running on the road. The means for detecting road conditions include any suitable detector unit for detecting the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, such as one or more camera units and / or one or more laser scanner units and / or one or more radar units. The means 134 For determining road conditions in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road, according to one embodiment, the means 112 to detect the surface of the road. Thus, the means 112 for detecting the surface of the road according to an embodiment arranged to detect road conditions.

The means 134 for determining road conditions in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include means for extracting information about road conditions from one or more external units comprising any suitable server unit.

The road conditions thus determined can be a smooth road, for example due to ice on the road, snow on the road, oil on the road, grit on the road, water on the road, bends of the road or other road conditions that affect driving on the road may include.

The system I comprises means 140 for determining the speed of the vehicle. The means 140 For determining the speed of the vehicle, in one embodiment, the speedometer of the vehicle.

The system I further comprises means 150 to take action based on the particular external circumstances to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts.

The means 150 for taking actions based on the determined external circumstances to enable the driving on the road to be controlled in consideration of the particular ruts include one or more of: means for adjusting the speed of the vehicle, means for adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect on the particular ruts, means for warning a possible operator of the vehicle.

The means 150 Means include taking measures based on the particular external circumstances to enable control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts 152 to adjust the speed of the vehicle.

The means 152 for adjusting the speed of the vehicle, means for reducing the speed.

The means 152 for adjusting the speed of the vehicle comprises means for controlling the brakes of the vehicle. The means for controlling the brakes of the vehicle may include one or more electronic control units. The means for controlling the brakes include some activation of the brakes to reduce the speed of the vehicle. The means for controlling the brakes of the vehicle may be the electronic control unit 100 include or be included therein.

The means 152 for adjusting the speed of the vehicle comprises means for controlling the torque demand for the drive means, e.g. As an internal combustion engine, the vehicle. The torque demand control means may comprise one or more electronic control units. The means for controlling the torque demand may be the electronic control unit 100 include or be included therein.

The means 150 Means include taking measures based on the particular external circumstances to enable control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts 154 for adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts.

The means 154 for adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts. The means for adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts comprise means for controlling the steering of the vehicle. The means for controlling the steering of the vehicle may include one or more electronic control units. The means for controlling the steering of the vehicle may be the electronic control unit 100 include or be included therein.

The means 150 Means include taking measures based on the particular external circumstances to enable control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts 156 to warn a possible operator of the vehicle. The means 156 To warn an operator to warn the operator of the risk due to the ruts and the current external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions. The means 156 alerting an operator, in one embodiment, providing recommendations based on the current situation.

The means 156 for alerting an operator of the vehicle include visual visual warning means. The visual alerting means, according to one embodiment, include one or more display units on the dashboard, for example, a windscreen display on the windshield or the like to display the alert including risk information due to the ruts and current external conditions. The visual alerting means, in one embodiment, includes one or more projection units for alerting the operator of the vehicle by projecting a light source, wherein the projecting is according to a variant on the ground surface in communication with the vehicle. The projection unit for alerting the operator of the vehicle by projecting a light source may be configured to project light sources into the ruts, ie, over a certain extent of the ruts in front of the vehicle, and / or to project light sources adjacent the ruts, wherein is a recommendation on where the vehicle should go, if the external conditions are such that it is safer to drive next to the ruts, z. In precipitation and when the lane of the road is wide enough.

The means for alerting an operator of the vehicle, according to one embodiment, comprises audible alerting means such as an alarm, a voice message or the like.

The means for alerting an operator of the vehicle, according to one embodiment, includes haptic means, such as vibrating / moving the operator's seat, steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal or the like, to alert the operator to the risk due to the ruts and the current one to draw attention to external conditions. The haptic means may be a supplement to the visual means and / or the audible means to attract the attention of the operator of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the system I, the means comprise 150 to take action the means 152 for reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or the means 154 for changing the lateral position of the vehicle such that the vehicle wheels are traveling alongside the ruts, and / or the means 156 to alert the operator of the vehicle to aquaplaning risk if the means 130 To determine external conditions, determine weather conditions that include rainfall on the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The system I further comprises means 160 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle, V2V, communication arrangement. The other vehicle can mean 200 for receiving and communicating information, e.g. As an electronic control unit or the like.

The system I further comprises means 170 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and the on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I, communication arrangement. The infrastructure can mean 300 for receiving and communicating information, e.g. As an electronic control unit, an electronic sign or the like, include.

The means 170 to communicate information about a potential risk based on current external conditions and on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure Communication arrangements include, in one embodiment, communicating the information to an electronic sign disposed in communication with the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The means 170 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and the on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement, according to one embodiment, communicating the information to external servers or the like that are configured to communicate infrastructure-to-vehicle information about the current risk to other vehicles. The infrastructure may include external servers or the like configured to provide a traffic alert via radio.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 10 with the means 110 for operatively connecting ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 10 set up by the means 110 receive a signal representing data about ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 10 with the means 110 for operatively connecting ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 10 set up by the means 110 receive a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 12 with the means 112 for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts, operably connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 12 set up by the means 112 receive a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 14 with the means 114 operatively connected to determine the current position of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 14 set up by the means 114 receive a signal representing data for the current position of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 16a with the means 116 for removing map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, operatively connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 16a set up to go to the center 116 send a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 16b with the means 116 for removing map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, operatively connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 16b set up by the means 116 receive a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 16b with the means 116 for removing map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, operatively connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 16b set up by the means 116 receive a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 20 with the means 120 operatively connected to store data from detected ruts. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 20 set up to go to the center 120 to send a signal representing data for detected ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 22 with the internal storage means 122 operatively connected on board the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 22 set up to the internal storage means 122 to transmit on board the vehicle a signal representing data for detected ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 24a with the external storage means 124 operatively connected on board the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 24a set up to the external storage means 124 to send a signal representing data for detected ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 24b with the external storage means 124 operatively connected on board the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 24b set up to receive from the external storage means 124 receive a signal representing data for ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 30 with the means 130 operatively connected to determine external conditions. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 30 set up by the means 130 to receive a signal that has data for external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, represents.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 32 with the means 132 for determining weather conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road, operatively connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 32 set up by the means 132 Receive a signal representing data for weather conditions, such as rain conditions, wind conditions, temperature conditions.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 34 with the means 134 for determining road conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road, operatively connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 34 set up by the means 130 to receive a signal representing data for road conditions.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 40 with the means 140 operatively connected to determine the speed of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 40 set up by the means 140 receive a signal representing data for the current speed of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 50 with the means 150 to operatively connect to action based on the particular external circumstances to enable control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 50 set up to go to the center 150 to transmit a signal representing data for taking action including data for adjusting the speed and / or data for adjusting the lateral position and / or data for alerting an operator of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 52 with the means 152 operatively connected to adjust the speed of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 52 set up to go to the center 152 send a signal representing data for adjusting the speed of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 54 with the means 154 operatively connected to adjust the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 54 set up to go to the center 154 to send a signal representing data for adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 56 with the means 156 operatively connected to warn a possible operator of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 56 set up to go to the center 156 to transmit a signal representing data for warning an operator of the vehicle, including visual warning data and / or audible warning data and / or haptic warning data.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 60a with the means 160 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road operatively connected to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement V2V. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 60a set up to go to the center 160 to send a signal representing data on a possible risk based on the current external conditions and on-road ruts to be communicated to other vehicles.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 60b with the means 160 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road operatively connected to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement V2V. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 60b set up by the means 160 receive a signal representing data of a possible risk based on the current external conditions and on-road ruts to be communicated to other vehicles.

The means 160 to communicate information about a possible Risk due to current external conditions and ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle, V2V, communication arrangement are by the means 200 for communicating, ie for sending and / or receiving information about connections, operably connected, wherein the means 200 Means for one or more vehicles.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 70a with the means 170 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and the on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I, communication arrangement. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 70a set up to go to the center 170 send a signal representing data on a possible risk based on the current external conditions and on-road ruts to be communicated to an infrastructure.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 70b with the means 170 for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I communication arrangement. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 70b set up by the means 170 receive a signal that represents data about a potential risk based on the current external conditions and on-road ruts communicated by an infrastructure.

The means 170 communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure V2I communication arrangement is by the means 300 for communicating, ie sending and / or receiving information about connections, operably connected.

4 FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for enabling the driving of a vehicle on a road in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment, the method of enabling the driving of a vehicle on a road includes a step S1. In this step, ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling are determined.

According to the embodiment, the method of enabling the driving of a vehicle on a road includes a step S2. In this step, the external conditions including weather conditions and / or road conditions are determined in association with the vehicle traveling on the road.

According to the embodiment, the method of enabling the driving of a vehicle on a road includes a step S3. In this step, measures are taken based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts.

The ruts thus determined are grooves caused by the wear on the surface of the road caused by the many vehicles on the road.

The ruts may be constantly or intermittently detected by detecting the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling by any suitable detection means.

Information about ruts on the road on which the vehicle runs, obtained by detecting the surface of the road, may be stored in internal storage means on board the vehicle and / or in external storage means such as a server unit or the like. Other vehicles may also communicate information about the ruts to an external storage means.

The step of determining the ruts may include determining the extent of the grooves, i. H. whether the grooves are relatively deep, for example, because it has been a long time since new asphalt or the like has been applied to the road, and because many vehicles have worn the road, or if the grooves are not particularly deep or somewhere in between.

The weather conditions can be determined by weather sensors. The weather conditions can be determined by external weather data from any external provider / server.

The road conditions can be determined by any suitable detection means. The road conditions can be determined by external data from any external provider / server.

The weather conditions thus determined may include rain and the extent of rain, snow and the extent of snow, the current temperature, wind conditions or the like. The road conditions thus determined can be a smooth road, due to, for example, ice on the road, snow on the road, oil on the road, grit on the road, water on the road, turns of the road or other road conditions that affect driving on the road may include.

By thus determining the ruts of the road on which the vehicle is traveling and determining the weather conditions and / or road conditions and taking measures based on the ruts and the current conditions, the safety is improved by reducing the risk of accidents such as by aquaplaning due to water in the grooves, can be prevented. The measures taken may vary based on current conditions.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step S1 of determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling includes the step of detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts. Detecting the surface of the road, in one embodiment, includes detecting the width of the lane of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. Thus, by detecting the surface of the road, it may be possible to detect road conditions such as ice on the road, snow on the road, water on the road or the like, and it is also possible according to one embodiment, water in the ruts ie it is possible to detect the ruts even when filled with water.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step S1 of determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprises the following steps: determining the current position of the vehicle; and extracting map information from ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. As a result, information about ruts for a vehicle can be obtained, which is not equipped with detection means for detecting ruts. Thereby, information about ruts can be obtained earlier, for example, before it is possible to detect the wheel tracks by means of detection means arranged in the vehicle, so that measures can be taken earlier and thus the risk of accidents / accidents, such as aquaplaning due to heavy precipitation and water in the grooves, further reduced.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step S3 of taking actions based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road to be controlled in consideration of the determined ruts comprises one or more of the following steps: adjusting the speed of the vehicle, adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, warning a possible operator of the vehicle. These measures improve the safety and control of driving the vehicle on the road.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of communicating information about a possible risk based on the current external conditions and the ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and / or to an infrastructure within a vehicle -to-infrastructure communication arrangement. By communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement, other vehicles equipped with such a vehicle-to-vehicle arrangement will become , informed about the risk and may take appropriate measures, such as reducing the speed and / or changing the lateral position with respect to the ruts in case of risk due to aquaplaning due to rain. However, vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be directed to vehicles behind the vehicle but also to oncoming vehicles. Thus, the security is improved. By communicating information about a potential risk due to current external conditions and on-road ruts to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement, other vehicles may be informed of the risk via an infrastructure. The infrastructure may include electronic signs arranged in association with the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The infrastructure may include external servers or the like configured to communicate infrastructure-to-vehicle information about the current risk to other vehicles. The infrastructure may include external servers or the like configured to provide a traffic alert via radio.

According to an embodiment of the method, if the determined external conditions include weather conditions that include rainfall on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the step S3 of taking action comprises reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or changing the lateral position of the vehicle, so that the vehicle wheels run alongside the ruts, and / or warning the operator of the vehicle of aquaplaning. This will allow safer driving of the vehicle by reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

Regarding 5 becomes a diagram of a device 500 shown. The control unit 100 related to 3 According to one embodiment, the device 500 include. The device 500 includes a non-volatile memory 520 , a data processing device 510 and a read / write memory 550 , The non-volatile memory 520 has a first storage section 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored to the function of the device 500 to control. Furthermore, the device includes 500 a bus controller, a serial communication port, I / O means, an A / D converter, a unit for inputting and transmitting time and date, an event counter and an interruption controller (not shown). The non-volatile Storage 520 also has a second memory section 540 on.

A computer program P is provided that includes routines for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention. Program P includes routines for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The program P includes routines for determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle driving on the road. The program P includes routines for taking actions based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts. The routines for determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include routines for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts. The routines for determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include routines for determining the current position of the vehicle; and for retrieving map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. As a result, information about ruts for a vehicle can be obtained, which is not equipped with detection means for detecting ruts. The routines for taking actions based on the determined external circumstances to enable the control of driving on the road taking into account the particular ruts include one or more routines for: adjusting the speed of the vehicle, adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle with respect on the specific ruts, warning a possible operator of the vehicle. Program P includes routines for communicating information about a potential risk based on the current external conditions and on-road ruts to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and / or infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure -Kommunikationsanordnung. The computer program P may be executable or compressed in a separate memory 560 and / or in the random access memory 550 get saved.

When it is said that the data processing device 510 performs a certain function, it is understood that the data processing device 510 a certain part of the program that is in the separate memory 560 is stored, or some of the program that is in the read / write memory 550 is stored, executes.

The data processing device 510 can via a data bus 516 with a data communication port 599 communicate. The non-volatile memory 520 is for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 513 suitable. The separate memory 560 is for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 511 suitable. The read / write memory 550 for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 515 suitable. The connections to the control units 100 can be connected, for example, to the data communication port 599 be connected.

When data is at the data port 599 are received, they temporarily become in the second memory section 540 saved. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing device becomes 510 set up to execute the execution of code as described above. The signals connected to the data port 599 can be received from the device 500 for determining ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The signals connected to the data port 599 can be received from the device 500 for determining external conditions to which weather conditions and / or road conditions associated with the vehicle traveling on the road belong. The signals connected to the data port 599 can be received from the device 500 to take action based on the specific external circumstances, to control driving on the road, taking into account the particular ruts to be used. The signals used to determine the external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include signals used to detect the surface of the road to determine ruts , The signals used to determine external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road include signals used to determine the current position of the vehicle; and for retrieving map information of ruts in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. As a result, information about ruts for a vehicle can be obtained, which is not equipped with detection means for detecting ruts. The signals used to establish actions based on the particular external conditions to enable control of driving on the road in consideration of the particular ruts include one or more signals used to: adjust the speed of the vehicle , Adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, warning a possible operator of the vehicle. The signals connected to the data port 599 can be received from the device 500 for communicating information about a potential risk based on the current external conditions and the on-road ruts to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and / or infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement.

Parts of the methods described herein may be used by the device 500 on the basis of the data processing device 510 running the program that runs in the separate memory 560 or the read / write memory 550 is stored. When the device 500 executing the program, portions of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many variations and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications, thereby enabling one skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications suitable for the intended use.

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

• EP 2325064 [0004]
• JP 2015184747 [0005]

Claims (15)

Method for controlling the driving of a vehicle ( 1 ) on a road (R), comprising the step of determining (S1) ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, characterized by the steps of: - determining (S2) from external Conditions, which include weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle driving on the road (R); and - taking measures (S3) based on the determined external conditions to enable control of driving on the road (R) taking into account the particular ruts (GL, GR). The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road (R) on which the vehicle is traveling includes the step of detecting the surface of the road to track ruts (GL, GR ). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road (R) on which the vehicle is traveling comprises the steps of: determining the current position of the vehicle; and taking out map information of ruts (GL, GR) in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of taking measures based on the determined external conditions to allow the control of the driving on the road (R) taking into account the particular ruts (GL, GR), one or more the steps of: adjusting the speed of the vehicle, adjusting the lateral position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, warning a possible operator of the vehicle. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of communicating information about a possible risk due to the current external conditions and the ruts (GL, GR) on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle ( V2V) communication arrangement and / or to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, if the determined external conditions include weather conditions, the precipitation on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the step of taking measures reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or changing the lateral position of the vehicle such that the vehicle wheels are traveling alongside the ruts and / or warning the operator of the vehicle of aquaplaning risk. System (I) for controlling the driving of a vehicle ( 1 ) on a road (R) comprising means ( 110 ) for determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road (R) on which the vehicle travels, characterized by means ( 130 ) for determining external conditions, including weather conditions and / or road conditions, in connection with the vehicle traveling on the road (R); and funds ( 150 ) to take action based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road (R) to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts (GL, GR). A system according to claim 7, wherein the means ( 110 ) for determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road (R) on which the vehicle is traveling, means ( 112 ) for detecting the surface of the road to determine ruts. System according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means ( 110 ) for determining ruts (GL, GR) in the surface (RS) of the road (R) on which the vehicle is traveling, means ( 114 ) for determining the current position of the vehicle; and funds ( 116 ) for extracting map information from ruts (GL, GR) in the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. System according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the means ( 150 ) for taking actions based on the determined external conditions to enable the driving on the road (R) to be controlled taking into account the particular ruts (GL, GR), one or more of: means ( 152 ) for adjusting the speed of the vehicle, means ( 154 ) for adjusting the position of the vehicle with respect to the particular ruts, means ( 156 ) to warn a possible operator of the vehicle. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising means ( 160 ) for communicating information about a potential risk based on the current external conditions and the ruts (GL, GR) on the road to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication arrangement and / or means ( 170 ) for communicating information about a potential risk due to the current external conditions and ruts (GL, GR) on the road to an infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication arrangement. A system according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein, if the determined external conditions include weather conditions, the precipitation on the road on which the vehicle is traveling comprises, the means ( 150 ) to take measures ( 152 ) for reducing the speed of the vehicle and / or means ( 154 ) for changing the lateral position of the vehicle so that the vehicle wheels ride alongside the ruts, and / or means ( 156 ) to warn the operator of the vehicle of aquaplaning risk. Vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a system (I) according to any one of claims 7 to 13. Computer program (P) for controlling the driving of a vehicle on a road, the computer program (P) comprising program code which, when stored on an electronic control unit ( 100 ) or another computer ( 500 ) connected to the electronic control unit ( 100 ), causes the electronic control unit to carry out the steps of claims 1 to 6. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium carrying the computer program of claim 14.

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