DE102018131080A1 - Method, digital map, system and computer program for determining one or more road condition values for a lane location - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for determining one or more road condition values for a lane location, comprising: determining one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions for one or more first road locations, determining information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value on one or more road locations in the vicinity of the first road location from one or more parameters of a boundary condition in the past, - predicting one or more lane condition values for the lane position, depending on the information determined and on the one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions.

Description

The invention relates to a method, a digital map, a system and a corresponding computer program for determining one or more road condition values for a roadway location.

Depending on the influence of external factors such as e.g. Precipitation, temperature, humidity vary widely. This has an impact on the safety of various road users, e.g. Pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, etc. The condition of the road surface, e.g. a coefficient of friction on a road is vital. According to the state of the art, the measurement of a road surface condition before a vehicle is driven onto a road cannot be carried out with sufficient precision or reliability in practice.

An object of the invention is to provide a method, apparatus and computer program for determining, in particular predicting, one or more road condition values for one or more specific road locations.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are characterized in the subclaims.

According to a first aspect, the invention is characterized by a method and a corresponding device for determining one or more road condition values for a road location.

• - Ermitteln eines oder mehrerer Parameter einer oder mehrerer Randbedingungen für eine oder mehrere erste Fahrbahnstellen,
• - Ermitteln einer Information kennzeichnend eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts an einer oder mehrerer Fahrbahnstellen in der Umgebung der ersten Fahrbahnstelle von einem oder mehreren Parameter einer Randbedingung in der Vergangenheit,
• - Prädizieren eines oder mehrerer Fahrbahnzustandswerte für die Fahrbahnstelle, abhängig von der ermittelten Information und von dem einen oder den mehreren Parameter einer oder mehrerer Randbedingungen.

The process includes the following steps:

• Determining one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions for one or more first roadway points,
• Determining information characterizing a dependency of a roadway condition value at one or more roadway locations in the vicinity of the first roadway location on one or more parameters of a boundary condition in the past,
• - Predicting one or more road condition values for the road location, depending on the information determined and on the one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions.

In particular, qualitative information and / or quantitative information characterizing the dependence of a road condition value at one or more road locations in the vicinity of the first road location on one or more (qualitative and / or quantitative) parameters of a boundary condition in the past is determined.

The area around the first lane point can be a radius of 0, 1, 2, 10, 50, 100 meters. The one or more respective parameters or further values for intermediate roadway locations can be interpolated or extrapolated in the method.

Predicting one or more lane condition values for the lane location may preferably determine a portion of a map with a distribution of the lane condition values for multiple lane locations, e.g. within a certain lane section in connection with the lane positions. This can relate to a certain, in particular (from the point of view of an existing or hypothetical user) ahead road section and / or a (certain) ahead time interval.

For example, a section of a risk map, characterizing one or more specific risks in connection with the road condition values or the distribution of the road condition values when driving on a road section, can be determined and provided (in the same or in another step of the method).

The one or more road condition values or a map section can (at the time of the prediction) take place on the roadway locations that are not (yet) visible or (yet) sensible from the perspective of an existing or hypothetical user.

From the one or more predicted road condition values or from the map section, further information, e.g. to operate a, in particular predictive, predictive, user functionality. For example, an at least partially automated and / or remote-controlled vehicle can be operated depending on the predicted road condition values or on the map section. The invention therefore also includes one or more user functionalities or vehicle functionalities that can be operated on the basis of the information provided.

The said boundary conditions can be various environmental parameters, for example weather. These can be boundary conditions that apply to a current and / or preceding time interval. These can be determined in a greatly simplified manner from a weather map and / or weather forecast. These can be measured at least in part by the user (vehicle, smartphone) and / or from another card or Map layer of a map can be determined or predicted. The at least one boundary condition (in contrast to the information determined) can be determined essentially in real time, for example during or shortly before the use of a (certain) roadway location by at least one user, for example a road user, a vehicle.

The information characterizing a dependency of a road surface friction value on one or more road surface locations can preferably be determined from corresponding long-term history data. This can be different, e.g. can also be determined and handled as a learnable map layer.

The road condition is characterized in particular by one or more qualitative and / or quantitative road condition values. Under the term "road condition value" within the scope of this document e.g. an identifier for a road surface friction value or range of values of a road surface friction value (μ) and / or a further road surface condition values can be understood. As an alternative or in addition to a road surface friction value, a road surface condition can comprise, in an analogous manner, one or more (possibly very different) road surface condition values. For example, a road condition value may indicate a measure of contamination, icing, a tendency or risk of aquaplaning or another effect. In particular, a road condition value includes one or more finely graduated quantitative measures, e.g. in 4 - 16 gradations.

The one or more road condition values for the lane location can, but do not have to have an explicit value, e.g. do not correspond to an explicit value of a coefficient of friction. Alternatively or additionally, one or more road condition values (in particular a plurality of the road condition values for different road locations) can be a measure of a risk, e.g. mark for insufficient friction force.

A road condition value can also (only) include a corresponding category value. In one example, at least one step or feature of the method can be carried out if a roadway condition value fulfilling a predetermined condition, e.g. a generally and / or for a certain user (vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist) is determined or predicted critically.

In particular, the road condition value is a local, e.g. applicable within dimensions of up to 10, 50, 100, 200, 3000 centimeters, value.

The one or more road condition values can (but do not have to) be assigned to a user or the use of the road section by a particular road user or a class of road user (a vehicle, in particular a car, truck, motorcycle), a pedestrian, a cyclist, etc. .) Respectively. In particular, the one or more road condition values can relate to a measure of a risk in relation to a road user other than the user or an ego vehicle that may be present. For example, information can be generated for the user as to how or how critical a road condition for another, e.g. is or is likely to be road users located in its vicinity. The section of the carriageway can be a section of the carriageway with a dimension of approx. 10, 20, 50 centimeters, 1, 2, 5, 10, 100 meters (e.g. a specific carriageway location).

The prediction can extend to a preceding time interval, e.g. of a few seconds or minutes, and / or for a section of road ahead, e.g. for the next few meters, hundreds of meters, a few kilometers, one of the next bends, etc.

Various information determined during the procedure, e.g. Parameters of the boundary conditions, road condition values, identifications, etc., can, but do not have to correspond to the respective absolute or explicit values. These can e.g. as reciprocal values, values characterizing a respective deviation or change, e.g. Difference, factor, and / or values appropriately coded, e.g. as 4 - 16 respective value ranges.

According to an optional embodiment, in the method, the information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on one or more boundary conditions is determined on the basis of data from a large number of users from one or more first time intervals.

• In einem Beispiel kann das Verfahren umfassen:
  • - Ermitteln einer oder mehreren Kennungen einer mathematischen Funktion, nach der ein Maß eines Fahrbahnzustandswert an einer Anzahl unterschiedlicher Fahrbahnstellen von einem oder mehreren Parameter zumindest einer Randbedingung abhängt (z.B. in vielen ersten Zeitintervallen abhängig war),
  • - Zuordnen der Kennungen der Anzahl der mathematischen Funktionen zu einer Kennung der einen oder mehreren jeweiligen Fahrbahnstellen, und
  • - Ermitteln eines oder mehreren Fahrbahnzustandswerte für eine oder mehrere bestimmte Fahrbahnstellen (z.B. für ein zweites Zeitintervall) abhängig von den Kennungen der Anzahl der ermittelten mathematischen Funktionen für die Fahrbahnstellen und einem oder mehreren Parameter einer oder mehrerer Randbedingungen, die für den betreffenden zweiten Zeitintervall gilt oder gelten wird.

For example, this information can be determined as follows:

• In one example, the method may include:
  • Determining one or more identifiers of a mathematical function according to which a measure of a roadway condition value at a number of different roadway locations depends on one or more parameters of at least one boundary condition (for example, was dependent in many first time intervals),
  • - Assign the identifiers of the number of mathematical functions to an identifier of the one or more respective carriageway locations, and
  • - Determining one or more road condition values for one or more specific roadway locations (e.g. for a second time interval) depending on the identifiers of the number of mathematical functions determined for the roadway locations and one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions that apply to the relevant second time interval or will apply.

A mathematical function, according to which a measure of a road condition value at a number of different road locations depends on one or more parameters of a boundary condition, can be determined on the basis of a plurality of the road condition values, each with several different parameters of the one or more boundary conditions in the past have applied. These can be determined depending on several trips (possibly with one vehicle or with a number or a large number of different vehicles).

The determination of one or more road condition values can be an update of such values, e.g. in comparison to pre-stored or at a time interval in the past measured road friction (e.g. as a correction factor or an "update factor"), and / or a prediction of one or more road condition values for one or more (certain) current or future (second ) Time intervals.

The identifier of the carriageway location can provide information about a type or class of the carriageway location and / or position information, e.g. Coordinates to include the lane location. Such an identifier can e.g. for a road surface with a dimension of 10, 50, centimeters or 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 50 meters. In other words, the information can be treated with a high spatial resolution.

In a simplified example, a lane location identifier may include a lane location type, e.g. whether it is on a bridge, a suspension bridge, in a valley, on a mountain, above a shaft of a subway or above or near an infrastructure facility, whether it is artificially heated or not. In a simplified example, a classification of the roadway locations with regard to their reaction to a change in a boundary condition, for example a jump or gradient of a measure of a boundary condition, can be carried out and taken into account. For example, a class (for example: category) of a lane location can be determined and taken into account.

In a very simplified example, for several lane locations on a digital map that corresponds to a specific lane location type (eg "bridge", "normal", "particularly protected", "critical", "well predictable", "poorly predictable"), information is assigned which is characteristic of how quickly the road surface becomes smooth with decreasing temperatures and / or at certain wind speeds or how it frees itself from a slickness again.

According to a further optional embodiment, depending on the information determined, one or more performance features or parameters of a vehicle functionality are released, restricted, changed, in particular adapted.

The release, blocking or adaptation for certain routes, time intervals and / or vehicles can be carried out dynamically in particular.

For example, anticipated braking distances and / or curve radii for speed ranges and / or speed values for certain transverse accelerations, curve radii or certain curves can be determined. A (still permissible, safe) distance to other road users and / or speed for certain road curves can be determined (in advance) with particular preference.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one said vehicle functionality can include signaling the vehicle to the outside. For example, depending on the information provided, an external effect of the vehicle, in particular a signaling of the vehicle to the outside, can be initiated or changed. For example, depending on the information provided, e.g. if it is at a critical value of a road surface friction, e.g. Predictively indicates that the vehicle is signaled to the outside, in particular in a certain direction, e.g. forwards, backwards, to the side or to a specific road user. One or more criteria according to which the signaling is triggered or (dynamically) controlled can be selected or adapted.

For example, said signaling to the outside can include: a light signal in a specific spatial direction, a sound signal in a specific spatial direction, displaying, in particular projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic, displaying a moving display, for example an animation, image sequence, arranging for a display of a section of a Figure and / or a fragment of a virtual reality for at least one road user. For example, signaling to or for a road user can take place in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example for a vehicle traveling next to the user or following.

The method can preferably also include one or more functions of the vehicle which are operated on the basis of the determined data and which are dependent on a respectively valid or local road surface friction value, in particular road surface friction value adaptive functions.

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one performance feature of a functionality is released, restricted, changed and / or blocked in relation to one or more specific driving routes and / or time intervals.

Planning of the degree of automation for operating an at least partially automated and / or remote-controlled operation of a vehicle can be carried out particularly preferably on the basis of the determined data.

For example, a limit value can be determined, in particular determined, for a degree of automation and / or degree of remote control for the movement of a vehicle (e.g. under certain conditions, for example regarding safety, comfort, etc.).

According to a further optional embodiment, the vehicle functionality relates to an at least partially automated and / or an at least partially or temporarily remote-controlled movement of the vehicle.

The vehicle functionality can include driving, parking, parking, maneuvering, a (manual, at least partially automated and / or remote-controlled) execution of a maneuver, e.g. a maneuver of a certain type (for example: lane change maneuvers, evasive maneuvers, reeving, entry and exit maneuvers, etc.).

This can (but does not have to) carry out an automated and / or remote-controlled intervention in the chassis of the vehicle. It can also be a functionality for remote support or information for the user of the vehicle "via remote", e.g. also act out of sight.

In particular, a degree of automation of the functionality and / or a specific action (e.g. a specific at least partially automated maneuver) for a road section and / or a time interval can be activated, blocked or, in particular, dynamically adapted depending on the information provided.

It is also possible to release, block a route and / or determine at least one requirement for driving on at least one particular route, in particular for one or more specific vehicles, certain route (including the said lane locations), and / or certain time intervals depending on the information provided . For example, an executability of a functionality and / or action can be linked to one or more specific conditions, depending on the information provided. For example, the at least one edition can be a condition, e.g. Attention, an operation, a presence of a driver ready to drive in the vehicle. For example, an identifier or measure of a necessary or recommended edition can be determined in the method.

According to a further optional embodiment, the information is determined to determine a dependency of a road surface friction value at one or more road surface locations on one or more boundary conditions, from a digital map or from a database connected (e.g. linked) to a digital map.

For example, a large number of the identifiers of the mathematical functions that apply to various roadway locations, in particular position information, can be assigned, in particular linked or linked, to a digital map, in particular a so-called layer, to a digital map. Such an identifier can e.g. 10, 50, centimeters or 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 50 meters. Values can also be interpolated.

In particular, a corresponding layer of the digital map (or for at least one digital map) can be determined and / or made available for use, in particular depending on the corresponding need. This can be the respective identifiers that indicate a dependency of a road surface friction value on a number of different road surface locations, for (respective) position information, e.g. Include coordinate information.

In other words, these identifiers can have a kind of "spatial extension", for example, over / along the lanes, tracks. When using the data (e.g. only when a user is driving or intends to drive), a map (or a suitable section of a map) that is more or less explicit can be used for this Time interval of driving valid distribution of the local road condition values, eg friction values are determined. For example, a coefficient of friction map that is valid (for the immediately preceding time interval and / or for a preceding section of the road to be traveled) can be determined, particularly taking into account a new boundary condition that may not be sufficiently known or predictable at the time the map layer was determined.

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents an ambient temperature and / or a specific change in the ambient temperature, preferably a change function of a physical variable dependent on the ambient temperature.

An identifier of the ambient temperature and / or a change in temperature can preferably be taken into account in the mathematical function within a time interval before the point in time at which a road surface coefficient of friction is or was valid.

In particular, the mathematical function can be described as a specific differential equation with specific coefficients or an approximation to the result of a differential equation, for example by means of a mathematical series.

The mathematical function preferably comprises one or more specific mathematical dependencies on a time variable.

In one example, a road surface friction value is determined that is at a specific time interval, e.g. was or will be valid at a second time interval in the future (or in the past), depending on how the at least one boundary condition has changed (or at least is likely to change) over time. In particular, a feature of a function of changing the at least one parameter of the boundary condition from a time variable (simplified: weather forecast) can be determined and taken into account.

In a simplified example, a road surface coefficient of friction is determined that corresponds to a certain time interval, e.g. was or will be valid at a second time interval in the future (or in the past), depending on two or more parameter values of the at least one boundary condition at at least two different time intervals.

Preferably, can be around a current time interval or for a time interval in the near future of e.g. a few hours to determine the current road surface friction at a road surface, a function of the change in temperature, air humidity and / or precipitation from the past, e.g. of a few hours, and / or a corresponding forecast for the near future.

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the road moisture and / or a measure of the air humidity, in particular an integral value of the air humidity.

• - diese den Fahrbahnreibwert (nach einer gewissen Zeit) aufgrund einer möglichen Kondensation, Vereisung oder Sublimation als Eis beeinflusst, und/oder
• - ein Wärmeaustauschprozess zwischen der Fahrbahn und der Luft stark von der Luftfeuchtigkeit abhängt.

Taking humidity into account according to the invention can lead to a more precise result because:

• - This affects the road surface friction (after a certain time) due to possible condensation, icing or sublimation as ice, and / or
• - A heat exchange process between the road and the air is heavily dependent on the air humidity.

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the air movement and / or an integral value of the air measures with certain cumulative values for temperature and / or air humidity.

• - diese den Fahrbahnreibwert (nach einer gewissen Zeit) aufgrund einer möglichen Kondensation, Vereisung oder Sublimation als Eis beeinflusst, und/oder
• - ein Wärmeaustauschprozess zwischen der Fahrbahn und der Luft stark von der Luftbewegung abhängt.

Taking air movement into account according to the invention can lead to a more precise result because:

• - This affects the road surface friction (after a certain time) due to possible condensation, icing or sublimation as ice, and / or
• - A heat exchange process between the road and the air depends heavily on the air movement.

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of precipitation and / or an integral value of precipitation with certain cumulative values.

Different road surfaces can react very differently to the same rainfall. This can also depend on a (very complex) geometric shape of the roadway, roadway profile, the environment. Instead of taking these (arbitrarily complex) factors into account individually, their impact can be taken into account here by the identifiers (overall).

• - Ermitteln einer oder mehrerer Kennungen, die eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts von einem oder mehreren Parameter einer Randbedingung anzeigen, an einer Anzahl von Fahrbahnstellen zu einem oder mehreren ersten Zeitintervallen,
• - Ermitteln einer Zuordnung zwischen der einen oder den mehreren ermittelten Kennungen zu einer oder mehreren Kennungen einer bestimmten Fahrbahnstelle, und
• - Ermitteln und Bereitstellen einer Information kennzeichnend eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts an einer oder mehreren Fahrbahnstellen auf Basis der ermittelten Zuordnung.

According to a further optional embodiment, the method comprises:

• Determining one or more identifiers, which indicate a dependency of a roadway condition value on one or more parameters of a boundary condition, at a number of roadway locations at one or more first time intervals,
• - Determining an association between the one or more identifiers ascertained and one or more identifiers of a specific roadway location, and
• - Determining and providing information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on the basis of the determined assignment.

The boundary conditions include, for example, boundary conditions that apply or have applied to a current and / or earlier time interval. These can be from a long period of weeks, months, years.

The identifiers are preferably determined as a function of a (certain, sufficient, a certain dimension exceeding) change in the one or more boundary conditions. These can be or are related to environmental conditions (in a simplified example, weather data and the like).

The one or more identifiers can preferably be identifiers (coefficients, formulas, characteristic curves, etc.) of a mathematical function, of which a measure of a road condition (road condition value, e.g. a local road friction value) at a number of different road locations from one or more parameters of at least one boundary condition In other words, the identifiers can at least predominantly, primarily, primarily about the legality of a change in the road surface values, for example in response to the boundary conditions, for example a change in the external influences, can also indicate one or more absolute values , or values that characterize absolute road friction values.

The provision of the assigned (cleared) information can be sent to a backend and / or to a computing unit of a user, e.g. a mobile user device.

In exceptional cases, the information can also be stored and made available in the same vehicle.

In other words, the said assigned information can be or include “meta data”, so to speak, from which information (also real-time capable, with a comparatively small computing line) can be ascertained, in particular predicted, in connection with a roadway condition.

The associated information can relate to one or more specific first time intervals. These can be aggregated in various ways (e.g. in the backend).

According to a further optional embodiment, the at least one road condition value indicates a measure of a road friction, a degree of soiling, a tendency to aquaplaning, and / or a measure of a risk in the event of driving or walking on the road section.

The one or more road condition values for the lane location can, but do not have to have an explicit value, e.g. do not correspond to an explicit value of a coefficient of friction or a degree of pollution. Alternatively or additionally, one or more road condition values (in particular a plurality of the road condition values for different road locations) can be a measure of safety or of a risk, e.g. mark in connection with a sufficient or insufficient or reduced friction force on a corresponding road section.

In particular, the road condition value can indicate one or more respective, explicit (absolute or relative) measures of the road properties mentioned. Alternatively or additionally, mathematically modified, coded values and / or respective reciprocal values can be displayed. These can, for example, be coded in 4 - 16 steps.
It should be emphasized that no explicit values (eg for the coefficient of friction “µ”) are required. A road condition value can include, for example, a measure of an (additional) risk or an “abstract” code value. The functions described below can already be implemented with this value.

According to a further optional embodiment, a display of a mobile user device of a mobile user, in particular of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle driver, is generated and output depending on the information provided.

The ad doesn't necessarily have to show explicit values either. This can be a risk warning or all-clear, recommended action, requirement, e.g. in connection with a certain process etc.

• - Anwendbar auf eine Vielzahl diverser Funktionalitäten. Diese können für Fahrzeuge, Fußgänger, landwirtschaftliche Maschinen sein.
• - Daten zum verlässlicheren Betrieb der Funktionen auch von automatisierten und/oder ferngesteuerten Fahrzeugen. Dabei ein Sicherheitsvorteil und/oder ein funktionaler Vorteil.
• - Prädiktion gefährlicher Phänomene, z.B. Blitz-Eis, Glätte, Aquaplaning, etc.
• - Streckenmanagement, z.B. Streckenfreigabe für automatisiert und/oder ferngesteuert betreibbare Fahrzeuge (da sonst entweder hohe Risiken bei einem unbekannten Fahrbahnzustandswert oder zu strenge Sperrung der Funktionalität oder unzumutbar niedrige Verfügbarkeit resultieren würde).
• - Durch das Verfahren können künftige denkbare gesetzlichen Anforderungen bzw. Homologationskriterien für automatisiert und/oder ferngesteuert fahrbare Fahrzeuge erfüllt werden.
• - Effiziente ressourcenschonende Berechnung (auch on-Demand). Besonders die Rechenressourcen beim Nutzer (Smartphone, Fahrzeug, Maschine) werden geschont.
• - Bündelung der Rechenoperation und Datenaggregationen im Backend. Hier wird faktisch der „universelle Teil“ der Daten ermittelt und verteilt, z.B. gestreamt.
• - Das Verfahren basiert größtenteils auf Datenverarbeitung und IT, somit kann es ggf. auch auf bereits in Serie befindlichen Fahrzeuge und Funktionen ausgerollt bzw. aktualisiert werden.
• - Anwendung für Fußgänger, z.B. Glätteerkennung und/oder für die Landwirtschaft (Bodenfrost, Bodenfeuchtigkeit, etc.).

In summary, the following applications and advantages result from the invention:

• - Applicable to a variety of diverse functionalities. These can be for vehicles, pedestrians, agricultural machines.
• - Data for more reliable operation of the functions of automated and / or remote-controlled vehicles. A safety advantage and / or a functional advantage.
• - Prediction of dangerous phenomena, e.g. lightning ice, smoothness, aquaplaning, etc.
• - Route management, e.g. route approval for vehicles that can be operated automatically and / or remotely (as this would otherwise result in either high risks with an unknown road condition value or too strict blocking of functionality or unacceptably low availability).
• - The method enables future conceivable legal requirements or homologation criteria for automated and / or remote-controlled vehicles to be met.
• - Efficient resource-saving calculation (also on-demand). The computing resources of the user (smartphone, vehicle, machine) are particularly protected.
• - Bundling the computing operation and data aggregation in the backend. Here the “universal part” of the data is actually determined and distributed, eg streamed.
• - The process is largely based on data processing and IT, so it can also be rolled out or updated on vehicles and functions that are already in series production.
• - Application for pedestrians, eg smoothness detection and / or for agriculture (ground frost, soil moisture, etc.).

According to a further aspect, the invention is characterized by a digital map, comprising a data structure, on the basis of the information determined. The feature “comprising a data structure” can also mean comprehensively assignment information to a database with the data structure.

A corresponding cloud functionality also belongs to the invention, e.g. a functionality for providing a corresponding map or the said map layer. The cloud functionality can e.g. Predict a need of the user for the use of a specific road section and / or for a specific section of a data structure assigned (or contained in the map) to the digital map.

According to a further aspect, the invention is characterized by a system having at least one device provided in a computing unit of a movable user and / or a computing unit in a backend, the device being designed to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

It is also part of the invention that the road condition value, e.g. local road surface friction value (also regardless of which vehicles) is carried out in a user's mobile user device (smartphone, smart-close, smart-watch etc.). This can also use the road surface friction as a surface friction, e.g. also for pedestrians or for sports, e.g. determine the jogging. A section of a sidewalk, a so-called off-road route, possibly also a staircase, aisle can also be understood as a lane.

The computing unit of the movable user can include a smartphone, a tablet PC, a piece of clothing with a suitable electronic device, a smart watch and / or a portable navigation device and so on.

According to a further aspect, the invention is characterized by a computer program, in particular a computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program being designed to carry out essential steps of the method of the first aspect when it is executed on a computing unit.

The computer program product can be designed as an update of a previous computer program, which includes the parts of the computer program or the corresponding program code, for example as part of a functional expansion, for example as part of a so-called “remote software update”.

• 1 Ein Ablaufdiagramm zum Bereitstellen einer Information für einen Nutzer.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below without restricting generality on the basis of the schematic drawing. It shows:

• 1 A flow chart for providing information to a user.

The program can be processed by one device or distributed over several devices. For this purpose, the device comprises, in particular, a computing unit, a program and data memory, and for example one or more communication interfaces.

The program is in one step S1 started, in which variables can be initialized if necessary.

In one step S3 one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions for one or more first carriageway points are determined.

One or more boundary conditions of the boundary condition explicitly described here or other boundary conditions can be determined. At least two parameters of two boundary conditions of different types are preferred, e.g. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, a measure of the stress on the carriageway area by traffic, information about a temporary measure, e.g. Spreading of the road section (e.g. with grit, salt, etc.) can be determined and taken into account.

For example, at least two or three parameters of two or more different boundary conditions or boundary conditions of different types can be determined for one or more first roadway points and processed in the method. A combination of at least two different boundary conditions (which in turn have a different, e.g. reinforcing or weakening) effect can be taken into account.

A parameter of a boundary condition can also identify as a specific change in a parameter of the boundary condition. For example, a parameter of a boundary condition, e.g. a factor, difference, a gradient (related to time unit and / or space unit), e.g. a certain course of a gradient, an abrupt change can be a parameter of the boundary condition.

In one step S5 there is a determination of information characterizing a dependency of a roadway condition value on one or more roadway locations in the surroundings (e.g. within a radius of 0, 1, 10, 50 meters) of the first roadway location (or directly at the first roadway location) on one or more parameters of a boundary condition in the past.

In one step S7 there is a prediction of one or more road condition values for the road location, depending on the information determined and on the one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions.

In one step S9 the program is ended and, if necessary, you can go back to the step S1 be started.

• Einen Schritt bei dem die Information kennzeichnend eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts an einer oder mehreren Fahrbahnstellen von einer oder mehrerer Randbedingungen, auf Basis von Daten einer Vielzahl von Nutzern aus einem oder mehreren ersten Zeitintervallen ermittelt wird.

The method can optionally include one or more of the following steps:

• A step in which the information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on one or more boundary conditions is determined on the basis of data from a large number of users from one or more first time intervals.

A step in which one or more performance features or parameters of a vehicle functionality and / or a specific action (e.g. a manual or at least partially maneuverable) are released, restricted, changed, in particular adapted, depending on the information determined.

A step in which a release, restriction, change and / or blocking of the at least one performance feature and / or a specific action of a functionality takes place depending on one or more specific routes and / or time intervals. For example, an executability of a functionality and / or action can be linked to one or more specific requirements.

A step in which the vehicle functionality relates to an at least partially automated and / or at least temporarily remote-controlled movement of the vehicle.

A step in which the information identifying a dependency of a road surface friction value at one or more road surface locations on one or more boundary conditions is determined from a digital map or a database connected to a digital map.

A step in which the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents an ambient temperature and / or a specific change in the ambient temperature, preferably a change function of a physical variable dependent on the ambient temperature.

A step in which the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the roadway moisture and / or a measure of the air humidity, in particular an integral value of the air humidity.

A step in which the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the air movement and / or an integral value of the air measures with certain cumulative values for temperature and / or air humidity.

A step in which the at least one parameter of the boundary condition is a measure of a precipitation and / or an integral value of a Represented precipitation with certain cumulative values.

• - Ermitteln einer oder mehrerer Kennungen, die eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts von einem oder mehreren Parameter einer Randbedingung anzeigen, an einer Anzahl von Fahrbahnstellen zu einem oder mehreren ersten Zeitintervallen,
• - Ermitteln einer Zuordnung zwischen der einen oder den mehreren ermittelten Kennungen zu einer oder mehreren Kennungen einer bestimmten Fahrbahnstelle, und
• - Ermitteln und Bereitstellen einer Information kennzeichnend eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts an einer oder mehreren Fahrbahnstellen auf Basis der ermittelten Zuordnung.

Comprehensive one step:

• Determining one or more identifiers, which indicate a dependency of a roadway condition value on one or more parameters of a boundary condition, at a number of roadway locations at one or more first time intervals,
• - Determining an association between the one or more identifiers ascertained to one or more identifiers of a specific roadway location, and
• - Determining and providing information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on the basis of the determined assignment.

A step in which the at least one road condition value indicates a measure of a road friction, a degree of pollution, a tendency to aquaplaning, and / or a measure of a risk in the event of driving on or walking on the road section.

A step in which, depending on the information provided, an advertisement is generated and output by a mobile user device of a mobile user, in particular a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle driver.

• Es kann ein Layer zum Verlinken mit einer digitale Karte vorab berechnet werden, der die Eigenschaften und Gesetzmäßigkeiten kennzeichnet, nach welchen sich die Fahrbahnreibwerte an unterschiedlichen Fahrbahnstellen verhalten (stark vereinfacht: die Änderungscharakteristik dieser Werte). Dieser Layer kann (muss aber nicht zwingenderweise) auch absolute Fahrbahnreibwerte, beispielsweise maximale und minimale bisher gemessene Werte, kennzeichnen. Vielmehr kennzeichnet das besagte Layer der digitalen Karte die Veränderungsfunktionen, z.B. als Koeffizienten der Funktionen, nach welchen sich die Fahrbahnzustandswerte an bestimmten Fahrbahnstellen verändern.

In other words, the method comprises the following exemplary embodiment:

• A layer for linking to a digital map can be calculated in advance, which identifies the properties and principles according to which the road friction values behave at different road locations (greatly simplified: the change characteristics of these values). This layer can (but does not necessarily have to) identify absolute road friction values, for example maximum and minimum values measured so far. Rather, the said layer of the digital map identifies the change functions, for example as coefficients of the functions according to which the road condition values change at certain road locations.

The said map layer particularly preferably comprises information (for example a matrix of mathematical functions or coefficients) characterizing how the road friction values at different road locations depend on certain boundary conditions, in particular depending on a local temperature, the local road moisture, and / or change from the local humidity. It can be functions related to time and / or space.

Such a layer layer can be created using long-term data, e.g. can be calculated on the basis of the respective coefficients for predetermined equations. Briefly summarized, a (long-term) acquisition of one or more pieces of information characterizing a dependency of a road condition on one or more specific boundary conditions takes place. These are identified with the one or more identifiers for certain lane locations (intersections, curves, pedestrian crossings, motorway entrances, bridges), e.g. linked to position information. The above method can also be "offline", i.e. run independently of user vehicles.

Later in the context of using the data or the map layer with a user, the following can be done:

A suitable data section for a spatial distribution of the boundary conditions, e.g. for a current and / or in the past and / or in the near future time interval is read. This can e.g. a respective section of an available weather map and / or weather forecast. This means that data can be used (comparatively well available or available with a comparatively high quality).

The two sections of the two cards or corresponding sections of the corresponding layers of the two cards can then be offset. In other words, the user (the vehicle or a mobile user device, such as a smartphone) can actually be “on demand” for a relevant route interval and / or time interval, e.g. access through data retrieval or reception from a backend. Again, this is much more efficient than if all values are calculated "for all locations and all times".

A comparison or determination of a road surface friction value for a current time interval or for a time interval lying in the near future can be dependent on a movement, movement planning, the route or at least a probable route, in particular the so-called MPR route (MPR = Most Probable Route) of the user. As a result, a course of the current or predicted road friction values, e.g. along a route and / or over time of a movement, e.g. can be determined directly at the user with low resources and / or practically in real time.

• - eine Art des Nutzers, z.B. ein Kathegoriewert des Verkehrsteilnehmers (Fußgänger, Zweiradfahrer, PKW, LKW, etc),
• - ein Parameter der Bereifung (Winterreifen, Sommerreifen, Zustand der Reifen) bzw. eines Schuhwerks des Nutzers,
• - ein aktueller Anwendungsfall, eine Aktion, eine Betätigung einer Funktionalität ermittelt, insbesondere prädiziert werden.

Another freely combinable with the features described in this document For example, one or more of the following information or corresponding identifiers is determined:

• - a type of user, e.g. a category value of the road user (pedestrians, two-wheelers, cars, trucks, etc.),
• a parameter of the tires (winter tires, summer tires, condition of the tires) or footwear of the user,
• - A current application, an action, an activation of a functionality is determined, in particular predicted.

The information to be provided can then be calculated differently (in each case appropriately), different (in each case expedient) information to be provided, and / or the information provided can be taken into account differently.

For example, it can be determined that a certain user, in particular a road user of a certain category, e.g. with one or more parameters described above, an action, in particular maneuvers of a certain type, e.g. to overtake. Furthermore, it can be determined that the action will take place (at least probably) in a certain lane section and / or time interval. Then one or more of the current parameters of the one or more boundary conditions can be determined, in particular predicted. Provided information can also be determined (at least with regard to the specific lane section and / or time interval), in particular read. A roadway condition, in particular a roadway condition value for the roadway section and / or a measure of the safety or risk for the action, and / or a parameter for executing the action can then be determined and taken into account.

In a further example which can be freely combined with the features described in this document, the user's need for information in connection with a road condition is determined. Such a need can preferably relate to a certain section of road, e.g. a lane section currently used or lying ahead for the user, and / or at a specific time interval, e.g. get a current or previous time interval. A corresponding section of the information provided, e.g. depending on the road section and / or time interval can be determined.

Information relating to a roadway condition, in particular one or more roadway condition values or information which is dependent on the roadway condition values, can then be determined on the basis of the information for a user.
This can be done, so to speak, "on demand", in particular taking into account information about a specific user, for example his vehicle type, movement data, comfort or safety requirements.

For example, the information for a user based on the assignment can be a “recipe” that is valid locally (for a specific roadway location) for determining further information, which in turn more or less explicitly indicates or predicts a roadway condition. Furthermore, a map layer can be determined (and provided) based on a large number of such recipes, e.g. for various locations, sections, traces of a road, road network.

The information for the at least one user on the basis of the assignment can be provided as map information. This can, but does not have to, contain absolute, explicit values for the condition of the road. The map or the map layer described here does not have to include a “coefficient of friction map”. However, this can be predicted (much more precisely and in relation to certain time intervals, a change in the boundary conditions that has already been carried out or has not yet been carried out).

In addition, in the invention, a division of a (otherwise sensorally and arithmetically hardly real-time method) into a first comparatively complex part of the (comparatively complex, not real-time calculation procedures includes), the first part for a large number of users (so to speak, municipal ) is executable, which does not have to be real-time capable, which also does not have to be carried out with mobile or non-automotive means, as well as in a second part, the second part being user-specific, predominantly according to a current need and / or only for certain route sections can be carried out, and / or can be carried out comparatively in real time. As a result (from the user's point of view) a real-time capable or predictive method for determining a roadway condition map, in particular a coefficient of friction map, can be carried out.

As a result, a current or a digital map or map layer related to a specific time interval can be determined with the determined, in particular predicted, road surface friction values for a section of area, a route, a road network (essentially in real time).

It is also part of the invention that the digital map or map layer (depending on the desire or specific need) can be changed, readable, displayed in a temporal dimension. In other words, the map can be “scrolled” in a temporal dimension, so to speak. For example, a real or virtual control element can be provided in the invention with which a time dimension of a map, in particular the map layer described here, changes, e.g. in the past and / or in the future, e.g. changed in certain time steps, quasi scrolling.

Said digital map can be set up in particular to operate a user function depending on the data structure. Any user function, e.g. a smartphone or an app of the user can be operated depending on the digital map. Depending on the sections of the data structure, the particular positions, e.g. correspond to the position, destination or route of the user (with or without taking into account the corresponding time intervals) (assigned to them or linked to them).

In a further example, an active measurement of a first road friction in a first (non-dangerous) road section can be carried out by means of a test braking with a vehicle and then, by comparing the measured road friction and the data read in, determining a second road friction in a second road section ahead ( eg in an intersection or in a curve where an active measurement would be too dangerous or where it would be too late to measure something).

• Ermitteln eines oder mehrerer Parameter einer oder mehrerer Randbedingungen für eine oder mehrere erste Fahrbahnstellen,
  • - Ermitteln einer Information kennzeichnend eine Abhängigkeit eines Fahrbahnzustandswerts an einer oder mehrerer Fahrbahnstellen in der Umgebung der ersten Fahrbahnstelle von einem oder mehreren Parameter einer Randbedingung in der Vergangenheit,
  • - Zuordnen der ermittelten Information zu einer digitalen Karte,
  • - Betreiben einer Nutzerfunktionalität abhängig von der digitalen Karte.

In another example that can be combined with all the features described in this document, the method comprises:

• Determining one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions for one or more first roadway points,
  • Determining information characterizing a dependency of a roadway condition value at one or more roadway locations in the vicinity of the first roadway location on one or more parameters of a boundary condition in the past,
  • Assigning the determined information to a digital map,
  • - Operation of a user functionality depending on the digital map.

Said digital map and / or means for handling the digital map can be set up in particular for operating a user function depending on the data structure described in this document.

The user function can be any user function, e.g. a smartphone or an app of the user can be operated depending on the digital map. Depending on the sections of the data structure, the particular positions, e.g. correspond to the position, destination or route of the user (assigned to them or linked to them).

In an additional step, the invention encompasses the use of values obtained in this way, in particular in the case of automated and / or remote-controlled movement of the vehicle. For example, depending on the determined, in particular predicted, road surface friction values, a (sectionally and / or temporarily) release or adaptation of the usable, manually or automatically activatable and / or deactivatable functionality can take place per route, time interval or for certain conditions.

The one or more parameters of the at least one boundary condition for a road section (in particular the time interval of use) (in contrast to the information to be provided) can be essentially in real time, e.g. be determined during or shortly before the use or a possible or expected use of a roadway location by at least one user (road user, vehicle, etc.).

As a result, a real-time capable or predictive determination of a roadway condition map, in particular a coefficient of friction map, can be carried out (from the user's perspective).

Claims (16)

A method for determining one or more road condition values for a lane location, comprising: Determining one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions for one or more first roadway points, Determining information characterizing a dependency of a roadway condition value at one or more roadway locations in the vicinity of the first roadway location on one or more parameters of a boundary condition in the past, - Predicting one or more road condition values for the road location, depending on the information determined and on the one or more parameters of one or more boundary conditions. Procedure according to the Claim 1 , in which the information characterizes a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on one or more Boundary conditions are determined on the basis of data from a large number of users from one or more first time intervals. Procedure according to the Claim 2 , in which one or more performance features or parameters of a vehicle functionality are released, restricted, changed, in particular adapted, depending on the information determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one performance feature of a vehicle functionality and / or a specific action of the vehicle is released, restricted, changed and / or blocked in relation to one or more specific driving routes and / or time intervals. Procedure according to the Claim 4 , in which the vehicle functionality and / or the at least one action relates to an at least partially automated and / or at least temporarily remote-controlled movement of the vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information identifying a dependency of a road surface friction value at one or more road surface locations on one or more boundary conditions, is determined from a digital map or a database connected to a digital map. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents an ambient temperature and / or a specific change in the ambient temperature, preferably a change function of a physical variable dependent on the ambient temperature. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the road moisture and / or a measure of the air humidity, in particular an integral value of the air humidity. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of the air movement and / or an integral value of the air measures with certain cumulative values for temperature and / or air humidity. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter of the boundary condition represents a measure of precipitation and / or an integral value of precipitation with certain cumulative values. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Determining one or more identifiers, which indicate a dependency of a roadway condition value on one or more parameters of a boundary condition, at a number of roadway locations at one or more first time intervals, - Determining an association between the one or more identifiers ascertained and one or more identifiers of a specific roadway location, and - Determining and providing information characterizing a dependency of a road condition value at one or more road locations on the basis of the determined assignment. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one road condition value indicates a measure of a road friction, a degree of pollution, a tendency to aquaplaning, and / or a measure of a risk in the event of driving or walking on the road section. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, depending on the information provided, a display of a mobile user device of a mobile user, in particular a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle driver, is generated and output. Digital map, comprising a data structure, based on the determined information according to one of the preceding claims. System, comprising at least one device provided in a computing unit of a movable user and / or a computing unit in a backend, the device being designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising a computer program, the computer program being designed to be executed on one, in particular to the system Claim 15 belonging computing unit, one or more steps of the method according to one or more Claims 1 to 13 to execute.

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