DE102019003169A1 - Vehicle communication device of a first vehicle for communication with a further vehicle within sight with a vehicle communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical data interface (5) for a vehicle communication device (1) for communication between two vehicles (10, 2, 3) within sight, which is characterized in that a) the optical data interface (5) is such it is designed such that it is equipped with at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart from one another, andb) the data information transmission (5.4) originating from the at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart from one another is composed of at least two temporally offset data information (5.5) , andc) an optical sensor (5.1) is provided as a receiver for receiving the at least two temporally offset data information (5.5).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle communication device of a first vehicle for communication with a further vehicle in sight with a vehicle communication device, to achieve secure vehicle assignability, and an optical data interface along with components for vehicle communication Device, and a method for a vehicle communication device.

The topic of "connectivity" (digitization) describes a megatrend of future vehicle technology, since networking the vehicles with each other and with the infrastructure is a basic requirement for semi-autonomous or autonomous driving.

To enable autonomous driving, this requires not only networking as such, but also very fast data transmission so that functions in online mode can also be carried out safely in the higher vehicle speed range.

But not only fast data transmission is important for autonomous driving, but also safe and unambiguous assignment of the vehicles, between which a car-to-car connection is / was established.

To better understand the problem, the 1 referred.

As from the 1 there is a problem or challenge in the way in which the first vehicle ( 10 ) to be able to determine which of the two oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) a car-to-car connection has been established, or which of the two oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) closer to the ego vehicle ( 10 ) is located.

• Aufgrund des geringen Abstandes zwischen den beiden entgegenkommenden Fahrzeugen (2, 3) ist es für die Kommunikationseinrichtung (z.B. auf Basis empfangener GPS-Positionsdaten) im Fahrzeug (10) nicht ganz eindeutig, mit welchem der beiden Fahrzeuge (2, 3) eine car-to-car-Kommunikation (4) hergestellt wurde, bzw. welches der beiden Fahrzeuge (2, 3) den geringeren Abstand zum Fahrzeug (10) aufweist (dem Fahrzeug (10) näher ist).

In other words:

• Due to the small distance between the two oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) it is for the communication device (e.g. based on received GPS position data) in the vehicle ( 10 ) not quite clear with which of the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) car-to-car communication (4) was established, or which of the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) the closer to the vehicle ( 10 ) has (the vehicle ( 10 ) is closer).

Various solutions are known from the prior art in order to achieve better vehicle assignability of car-to-car communication between vehicles.

From the unpublished script DE 10 2018 210 399 A1 A communication device for receiving first and second vehicle-relevant data is known, two different / divergent transmission media being used to secure the transmitted data, the first transmission medium being a radio-based interface, and the second one Transmission medium is an interface based on optics.

From the unpublished script DE 10 2018 209 495 A1 a communication device is also known, which is comparable to writing DE 10 2018 210 399 A1 discloses a communication device for receiving first and second route information, two different / divergent transmission media being used to secure the transmitted data, the first transmission medium being a radio-based interface, and the second transmission medium is an interface based on optics.

From Scripture DE 10 2015 202 028 A1 A device and a method for recognizing (verifying) the existence of a car-to-car radio connection of a first vehicle with a second vehicle located directly in front of the first vehicle is known, which is characterized as follows: a sensor for detecting a vehicle identifier of the direct second vehicle in front of the first vehicle; a radio interface for receiving vehicle data of at least one vehicle different from the first vehicle; a control unit for recognizing the existence of a car-to-car radio connection of the first vehicle with the second vehicle located directly in front of the first vehicle, if the vehicle data received by the radio interface contains an identifier which corresponds to the vehicle identifier of the sensor immediately before the first Vehicle located second vehicle corresponds.

The disclosure content of the above-mentioned three documents is fully part of the present application, in particular with regard to the definitions / explanations of what is to be understood by the terms “a radio-based data interface” and “an optics-based data interface”.

The frequency range of radio-based data interfaces lies in the frequency band for the so-called cooperative Vehicle communication in a frequency range of 30 MHz in the 5.9 GHz band, as defined by the European Commission as a uniform frequency band across the EU. WLAN and mobile radio (5G) are examples of possible transmission protocols for the radio-based interface.

The frequency range or the wavelength of a data interface based on optics lies in the spectrum of typically 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers, whereby the adjacent ultraviolet and infrared ranges can also be used.

As above (with reference to the 1 ), it may be due to the small distance between the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) for the communication device in the vehicle ( 10 ) not quite clear (e.g. due to the blurriness of the transmitted GPS position data) with which of the two oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) car-to-car communication (4) was established, or which of the two oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) the closer to the vehicle ( 10 ) has (the vehicle ( 10 ) is closer).

• - ob das mit der Kamera erfasste entgegenkommende Fahrzeug auch tatsächlich das Fahrzeug ist,
• - mit diesem Fahrzeug eine car-to-car-Kommunikation hergestellt wurde, oder
• - ob mit einem dem entgegenkommenden Fahrzeug (2) nachfolgendem Fahrzeug (3) die car-to-car-Verbindung hergestellt wurde (da Fahrzeug (2) evtl. gar keine Kommunikationseinheit besitzt, bzw. die beiden Fahrzeuge (2, 3) nur einen sehr geringen Abstand zueinander haben, und so eine räumliche Differenzierung nicht möglich ist).

In the case of autonomous driving, in addition to car-to-x communication, the environment or the traffic scenario is also monitored by cameras, it being very important to know for safety reasons (to have knowledge of this),

• - whether the oncoming vehicle recorded with the camera is actually the vehicle,
• - car-to-car communication has been established with this vehicle, or
• - whether with an oncoming vehicle ( 2nd ) following vehicle ( 3rd ) the car-to-car connection was established (since vehicle ( 2nd ) may have no communication unit at all, or the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) have only a very small distance from each other, so spatial differentiation is not possible).

If a vehicle ( 10 ) several vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ), it is for the vehicle ( 10 ) very important to know which of the oncoming vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) is the "lead vehicle" (2) because this oncoming vehicle ( 2nd ) the vehicle ( 1 ) is closest (never to be neglected / "overlooked").

• - mittels Kommunikation zwischen der „Fahrzeugpaarung“ (10, 3) ein Fahrszenario abgestimmt wird,
• - jedoch im Fahrzeug (10) davon ausgegangen wird, dass die Abstimmung vermeintlich zwischen der „Fahrzeugpaarung“ (10, 2) erfolgt ist.

For example, imagine that

• - a driving scenario is coordinated by means of communication between the "vehicle pairing" (10, 3),
• - but in the vehicle ( 10 ) it is assumed that the coordination between the "vehicle pairing" ( 10 , 2nd ) has taken place.

• - da sich das Fahrzeug (2) überhaupt nicht derart verhält,
• - wie dies irrtümlicherweise zwischen der „Fahrzeugpaarung“ (10, 3) abgestimmt wurde.

In this case, there would be an increased risk of accidents between the vehicles ( 10 , 2nd ) consist,

• - since the vehicle ( 2nd ) doesn't behave at all
• - how this is erroneously between the "vehicle pairing" ( 10 , 3rd ) was voted.

Object of the invention:

The object of the invention can be seen in providing a solution by means of which it is important to further optimize a car-to-car communication connection compared to the prior art, so that a car-to-car communication connection is clearly a specific “vehicle -Pairing ”can be assigned, provided that due to a narrow geographical situation (and the current blurring of GPS position data) several vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) as potential vehicles / "communication partners" for this purpose (see 1 ).

Solution of the task:

The object is achieved by a vehicle communication device and an optical data interface with components for a vehicle communication device and a method for a vehicle communication device according to the independent claims 1 , 5 , 8th and 10 . Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims, including combinations that are not described in more detail or resulting logical further developments that are obvious to the person skilled in the art.

1. a) eine erste Datenschnittstelle zum Austausch von ersten Informationen;
2. b) einer mit der ersten Datenschnittstelle verbundenen Steuerungseinrichtung, welche zur Kommunikation eingerichtet ist;
3. c) eine von der ersten Datenschnittstelle unabhängigen zweiten Datenschnittstelle zum Austausch von zweiten Informationen;
4. d) einer mit der zweiten Datenschnittstelle verbundenen Steuerungseinrichtung, welche zur Kommunikation eingerichtet ist,

und sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass

• e) es sich bei der ersten Datenschnittstelle um eine auf Funk basierende Datenschnittstelle handelt,
• f) es sich bei der zweiten Schnittstelle um eine auf Optik basierende Datenschnittstelle handelt,
• g) bei der Etablierung einer car-to-car-Kommunikation mittels der ersten Datenschnittstelle zwischen zwei sich in Sichtweite befindlichen Fahrzeugen,
• h) mittels Zuhilfenahme der zweiten Datenschnittstelle eine Verifikation ausführbar ist,
• i) um zu verifizieren, ob die etablierte car-to-car-Kommunikation mittels der ersten Datenschnittstelle tatsächlich zwischen den beiden Fahrzeugen, welche sich in Sichtkontakt zueinander befinden, hergestellt ist.

According to the invention, a vehicle communication device of a first vehicle is provided for communication with a further vehicle in sight with a vehicle communication device, the vehicle communication device comprising at least:

1. a) a first data interface for exchanging first information;
2. b) a control device connected to the first data interface and configured for communication;
3. c) a second data interface, which is independent of the first data interface, for exchanging second information;
4. d) a control device which is connected to the second data interface and is set up for communication,

and is characterized in that

• e) the first data interface is a radio-based data interface,
• f) the second interface is an optics-based data interface,
• g) when establishing car-to-car communication using the first data interface between two vehicles in sight,
• h) a verification can be carried out with the aid of the second data interface,
• i) to verify whether the established car-to-car communication is actually established by means of the first data interface between the two vehicles, which are in visual contact with one another.

The control device with which the second data interface is connected can be the same control device with which the first data interface is connected, that is to say a common control device for both interfaces, this being an option but not absolutely necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle communication device is characterized in that the second data interface is designed in such a way that it is equipped and / or implemented with at least two transmission sources spaced apart from one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, the vehicle communication device is distinguished in such a way that a data information transmission originating from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources is composed of at least two temporally offset data information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the vehicle communication device is characterized in that a camera arranged on the vehicle is set up and / or acts as an optical sensor, in particular a receiver, for the second data interface and is connected to a / the control device .

1. a) die optische Datenschnittstelle derart ausgebildet ist, dass diese mit mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen ausgestattet ist, und
2. b) die Daten-Informationsübertragung von den mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen stammend, aus mindestens zwei zeitlich versetzten Daten-Informationen zusammensetzt ist, und
3. c) ein optischer Sensor als Empfänger zum Empfang der mindestens zwei zeitlich versetzten Daten-Informationen vorgesehen ist.

According to the invention, an optical data interface for a vehicle communication device for communication between two vehicles within sight is further proposed, which is characterized in that

1. a) the optical data interface is designed such that it is equipped with at least two spaced-apart transmission sources, and
2. b) the data information transmission originating from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources, is composed of at least two temporally offset data information, and
3. c) an optical sensor is provided as a receiver for receiving the at least two temporally offset data information.

In a preferred embodiment, the optical data interface is characterized in that the data transmission signal is controlled by means of a control device which controls the two spaced-apart transmission sources in such a way that the data-information transmission can be split up and fed to the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources at different times .

In a further preferred embodiment, the optical data interface is distinguished in such a way that the signal reception strength of the data transmission information, which is divided and transmitted at different times by the at least two transmission sources spaced apart, is compared on the receiver side.

1. a) die optische Datenschnittstelle derart ausgebildet ist, dass diese aus mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten und voneinander unabhängigen Sendequellen besteht,
2. b) sodass eine Daten-Informationsübertragung ermöglicht wird, bei dieser die Daten-Informationsübertragung von den mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen stammend,
   1. a. unabhängig zueinander ansteuerbar und/oder aus-sendbar sind, und
   2. b. aus mindestens zwei zeitlich versetzten Daten-Informationen zusammengesetzt ist.

According to the invention, further optical vehicle components of the vehicle lighting device, in particular headlights and / or rear lights, are proposed, which are characterized in that, in addition to the task of vehicle lighting and / or light signal display, the optical vehicle components are additionally designed as an optical data interface, in particular as transmission sources

1. a) the optical data interface is designed in such a way that it consists of at least two mutually spaced and independent transmission sources,
2. b) so that data information transmission is made possible, in which the data information transmission originates from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources,
   1. a. can be controlled and / or transmitted independently of one another, and
   2. b. is composed of at least two temporally staggered data information.

1. a) die Daten-Informationsübertragung von den mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen stammend, aus mindestens zwei zeitlich versetzten Daten-Informationen zusammensetzt ist,
2. b) wobei die Sendesignal-Ansteuerung mittels einer Steuerungseinrichtung erfolgt, welche die zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen derart ansteuert, dass
3. c) die Daten-Informationsübertragung aufgeteilt und zeitlich versetzt den beiden zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen zugeführt wird.

According to the invention, a method for a vehicle communication device for communication between two vehicles in sight is further proposed, the vehicle communication device having an optical data interface which is designed in such a way that it is equipped with at least two transmission sources spaced apart from one another , and is characterized in that

1. a) the data information transmission originating from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources is composed of at least two temporally staggered data information,
2. b) the transmission signal being controlled by means of a control device which controls the two spaced-apart transmission sources in such a way that
3. c) the data information transmission is divided and fed to the two spaced-apart transmission sources at different times.

1. a) ob die etablierte car-to-car-Kommunikation mittels der ersten Datenschnittstelle tatsächlich zwischen den beiden Fahrzeugen, welche sich in Sichtkontakt zueinander befinden, hergestellt wurde,
2. b) empfangsseitig ein Vergleich der Signalempfangsstärken erfolgt, indem die jeweilige Signalempfangsstärke von den mindestens zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen ermittelt wird, und
3. c) mittels Vergleichs der resultierenden Signalempfangsstärken die Verifikation positiv bewertet wird, wenn die resultierenden Signalempfangsstärken relativ zueinander keine Abweichungen von größer einen vorgebbaren Wert und/oder einen vorgebbaren Prozentsatz (z.B. < 10%, oder < 20 %, oder < 30 %) aufweisen.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that for verification,

1. a) whether the established car-to-car communication was actually established between the two vehicles, which are in visual contact with one another, using the first data interface,
2. b) at the receiving end, the signal reception strengths are compared by determining the respective signal reception strength from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources, and
3. c) by comparing the resulting signal reception strengths, the verification is assessed positively if the resulting signal reception strengths have no deviations relative to one another of greater than a predeterminable value and / or a predefinable percentage (for example <10%, or <20%, or <30%).

In the following the invention is based on the 1 to 8th exemplified in more detail. The figures and the values stated / to be taken from them (if available) are only examples and serve for easier understanding.

All figures are only schematic representations (not to scale).

• 1: ein Fahrszenario gemäß dem Stand der Technik mit drei Fahrzeugen, die miteinander mittels einer car-to-car-Kommunikation in Verbindung sind;
• 2: ein weiteres Fahrszenario mit drei Fahrzeugen, die miteinander mittels einer car-to-car-Kommunikation in Verbindung sind;
• 3: eine schematische Darstellung des Wellenlängenspektrums einer auf Optik basierenden Schnittstelle;
• 4: ein weiteres Fahrszenario mit drei Fahrzeugen, die miteinander mittels einer car-to-car-Kommunikation in Verbindung sind;
• 5: ein weiteres Fahrszenario mit drei Fahrzeugen, die miteinander mittels einer car-to-car-Kommunikation in Verbindung sind;
• 6: eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 7: eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, insbesondere der Sendesignal-Stärke-Auswertung;
• 8: eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

They show schematically:

• 1 a driving scenario according to the prior art with three vehicles that are connected to one another by means of car-to-car communication;
• 2nd : Another driving scenario with three vehicles that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication;
• 3rd : a schematic representation of the wavelength spectrum of an interface based on optics;
• 4th : Another driving scenario with three vehicles that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication;
• 5 : Another driving scenario with three vehicles that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication;
• 6 : a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention;
• 7 : a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention, in particular the transmission signal strength evaluation;
• 8th : a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention;

The 1 shows a driving scenario according to the prior art, in this on a road ( 9 ) three vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd ) the roadway ( 9 ) drive with the vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) the vehicle ( 10 ) to accommodate. As from the 1 is further evident, there is between vehicles ( 10 , 2nd ), as well as the vehicles ( 10 , 3rd ), a car-to-car communication connection, which each functions as a radio-based data interface ( 4th ) is carried out to transmit a data information ( 4.3 ) to realize.

As from the 1 is further visible (shown symbolically), the vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd ) for communication between vehicles, or for car-to-car communication (4,3), or data information transmission ( 4.3 ) using a (first) radio-based data interface ( 4th ), one transmitting and one receiving device ( 4.1 , 4.2 ).

As from the 1 can be seen, the first vehicle ( 10 ) with an optical sensor ( 5.1 ), which is preferably designed as a camera, with its detection area ( 5.2 ) capture or monitor the traffic area in the direction of travel.

As from the 1 can be seen further, it is due to the small distance between the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) for the communication device ( 4th ) in (the vehicles 2nd and 3rd oncoming) first vehicle ( 10 ) not quite clear with which of the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) car-to-car communication ( 4th ) was manufactured, or which of the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) the closer to the vehicle ( 10 ) has (the vehicle ( 10 ) is closer).

The 2nd shows another driving scenario with 3 vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd ) that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication. Complementary to the 1 , show the 2nd an additional / second interface based on optics ( 5 ). As from the 2nd can be seen further, the data information transfer takes place ( 5.4 ) using a second data interface ( 5 ), in the second vehicle ( 2nd ) a broadcasting source ( 5.3 ) and in the first vehicle ( 10 ) an optical sensor ( 5.1 ) with a detection area ( 5.2 ) available.

In order to achieve uniqueness of the assignment of a radio-based car-to-car communication (4), an optical interface ( 5 ) consulted.

By means of the "optical" interface ( 5 ) in the second vehicle ( 2nd ) on the part of the vehicle ( 2nd ) - when establishing the car-to-car communication link between the vehicles involved ( 10 , 2nd ) - a coded information is transmitted, by means of which radio-based car-to-car communication ( 4th ) clearly a specific vehicle ( 2nd , 3rd ), or a specific vehicle pairing ( 10 , 2nd ) can be assigned.

The verification takes place, for example, in such a way that with the first radio-based interface ( 4th ) a "request" is sent, which is then correspondingly with the second optically-based interface ( 5 ) "Answered".

The 3rd shows a schematic representation of the wavelength spectrum of an interface based on optics. As from the 3rd can be seen, for the optical interface ( 5 ) uses a frequency range in which the electromagnetic waves correspond approximately to the wavelength of the visible spectral range (400 nm to 700 nm).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is precisely this region that is excluded and instead, the adjacent region (s) below or above (ultraviolet and infrared regions) of these wavelengths is used. This has the advantage that communication using the optically based interface ( 5 ) is not perceptible to the human eye, and therefore does not represent a "disturbance" for a "viewer".

In this case, the camera which acts in the direction of travel is preferably used as the receiver of the “optical” interface and, in addition to the sensitivity in the visible spectral range, is additionally equipped with a sensitivity in the range above and / or below the visible spectral range.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, this range with the wavelength of the visible spectral range (400 nm to 700 nm) is used. This has the advantage over the previously mentioned solution that existing "light emitters" (eg vehicle headlights, vehicle rear lights) and "light receivers" (eg optical sensors / standard cameras for environmental detection) for the optical interface ( 5 ) can be used. So that in this case communication via the optically based interface ( 5 ) is not significantly perceptible to the human eye, when transmitting using the headlight ( 7 ) and / or the rear lights ( 8th ) as a "replica" of the source ( 5.3 ) make sure that a signal control logic is used, at which the idle level corresponds to the current switching status of the vehicle lighting ( 7 , 8th ) corresponds, and the data transmission takes place by means of an inverted control.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, this principle of verifying the car-to-car communication-vehicle pairing is also possible between two vehicles moving in the same direction of travel, instead of using the headlights ( 7 ), the rear lights ( 8th ) with a send functionality ( 5.3 ) can be equipped (see the 4th ). This scenario is always applicable, for example, when a vehicle ( 10 ) coming from behind, at a higher speed to one or more (slower) vehicles in front ( 2nd , 3rd ) approximates.

The 4th shows another driving scenario with 3 vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd ) that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication. Complementary to the 2nd , show the 4th a driving scenario in which the second vehicle ( 2nd ) and the third vehicle ( 3rd ) are moved in the same direction as the first vehicle ( 1 ).

As from the 4th can be seen further, the data information transfer takes place ( 5.4 ) additionally by means of a second data interface ( 5 ), in the second vehicle ( 2nd ) a broadcasting source ( 5.3 ) in the area of the rear lights ( 8th ) and in the first vehicle ( 10 ) an optical sensor ( 5.1 ) with a detection area ( 5.2 ) available. As from the 4th is further apparent, the additional / second interface is based ( 5 ) on an optical principle.

In order to achieve uniqueness of the assignment of a radio-based car-to-car communication (4), an optical interface ( 5 ) consulted.

By means of the "optical" interface ( 5 ) in the second vehicle ( 2nd ) on the part of the vehicle ( 2nd ) - when establishing the car-to-car Communication link between the vehicles involved ( 10 , 2nd ) - a coded information is transmitted, by means of which the radio-based car-to-car communication (4) is clearly sent to a specific vehicle ( 2nd , 3rd ), or a specific vehicle pairing ( 10 , 2nd ) can be assigned.

The 5 shows another driving scenario with 3rd Vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd ) that are connected to each other by means of car-to-car communication. Complementary to the 2nd , show the 4th a driving scenario in which both the second vehicle ( 2nd ) and the third vehicle ( 3rd ) an optical interface ( 4th ) in the form of an optical transmission source ( 5.3 ) in the area of the headlights ( 7 ) exhibit.

As from the 5 further emerges, it can nevertheless occur under certain circumstances that due to the spatial proximity of the second vehicle ( 2nd ) and the third vehicle ( 3rd ) to each other, a clear assignment is not possible.

Using an "optical" interface ( 5 ) in the second vehicle ( 2nd ) on the part of the vehicle ( 2nd ) - when establishing the car-to-car communication link between the participating vehicles - a coded information is transmitted, by means of which the car-to-car communication ( 4th ) clearly a specific vehicle ( 2nd , 3rd ), or a specific vehicle pairing ( 1 , 2nd ) should be assignable, provided that an optical signal ( 5.4 ) from both vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) is sent at the same time due to the small distance between the two vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) to each other, but problems can nevertheless arise with the clear assignment of the car-to-car communication connection.

This problem always occurs, for example, if, due to the small distance between the second vehicle ( 2nd ) and third vehicle ( 3rd ) to each other, by means of the position-determining data (e.g. GPS position data) no clear differentiability is possible, and by means of the additional optical interface ( 5 ) no clear assignment can be guaranteed.

• Trotz unterstützender optischer Schnittstelle (5) kann es bei der Zuordnung einer car-to-car-Kommunikationsverbindung dennoch zu Problemen kommen, sofern aufgrund einer engen geographischen Situation mehrere Fahrzeuge (2, 3) als potentielle Fahrzeuge / „Kommunikationspartner“ hierfür in Frage kommen (siehe 5) .

In other words:

• Despite the supporting optical interface ( 5 ) problems can nevertheless arise when assigning a car-to-car communication connection, provided that due to a narrow geographical situation, several vehicles ( 2nd , 3rd ) as potential vehicles / "communication partners" for this purpose (see 5 ).

1. a) bei der Etablierung einer car-to-car-Kommunikation zwischen zwei (sich entgegenkommenden / annähernden) Fahrzeugen (10, 2, 3)
2. b) mittels Zuhilfenahme einer „optischen“ Schnittstelle (5) eine Verifikation stattfindet,
3. c) ob die car-to-car-Kommunikation mit einer funkbasierten Schnittstelle (4) (via Funk) tatsächlich zwischen den beiden Fahrzeugen (10, 2), welche sich in Sichtkontakt zueinander befinden hergestellt wurde,

wobei

• d) die optische Schnittstelle (5) derart ausgebildet ist, dass diese über zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen (5.3) verfügt, und
• e) die Informationsübertragung (5.4) (von den beabstandeten Sendequellen (5.3) stammend) sich aus zwei zeitlich versetzten Signal-Informationen (5.5) zusammensetzt (siehe 6) ist.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes that

1. a) when establishing car-to-car communication between two (oncoming / approaching) vehicles ( 10 , 2nd , 3rd )
2. b) by means of an "optical" interface ( 5 ) verification takes place,
3. c) whether the car-to-car communication with a radio-based interface ( 4th ) (via radio) actually between the two vehicles ( 10 , 2nd ), which were in visual contact with each other,

in which

• d) the optical interface ( 5 ) is designed in such a way that it uses two spaced-apart transmission sources ( 5.3 ), and
• e) the transfer of information ( 5.4 ) (from the distant broadcast sources ( 5.3 ) originating from two temporally staggered signal information ( 5.5 ) composed (see 6 ) is.

The 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention. As from the 6 can be seen from this, the data information transmission ( 5.4 ) using the optical interface ( 5 ) realized in such a way that the data information transmission ( 5.4 ) divided into two temporally staggered data information ( 5.5 ) using two spaced-apart transmission sources ( 5.3 ) is sent out.

The 6 shows part of the driving scenario from the 5 , in an enlarged view.

As from the 6 it can be seen, it is based on the information transmission (originating from the spaced transmission sources), in which the information consists of two temporally offset signal information ( 5.5 ), very easy to determine which of the two vehicles driving closely behind one another ( 2nd , 3rd ) is the "lead vehicle" and which is the "follow vehicle".

• ➱ Setzt sich das empfangene Informationsübertragungsprotokoll aus zwei Teilsignalen (5.5) zusammen, bei diesen die beiden Teilsignale in etwa dieselben Empfangsstärken aufweisen, so stammt das Signal von einem „Führungs-Fahrzeug“ (2) - da keine Sichteinschränkung besteht, und die beiden Teilsignale ungehindert ausgesendet werden können;
• ➱ Setzt sich das empfangene Informationsübertragungsprotokoll aus zwei Teilsignalen (5.5) zusammen, bei diesen die beiden Teilsignale stark unterschiedliche Empfangsstärken aufweisen, so stammt das Signal von einem „Folge-Fahrzeug“ (3) - da eine Sichteinschränkung durch vorausfahrendes Fahrzeug (2) besteht, und da zumindest eines der beiden Teilsignale nicht ungehindert ausgesendet werden kann.

The determination in the first vehicle ( 10 ) with the optical receiver ( 5.1 ), follows the following logic:

• ➱ Does the received information transfer protocol consist of two partial signals ( 5.5 ) together, in these the two partial signals have approximately the same reception strengths the signal comes from a "lead vehicle" (2) - since there is no restriction of vision, and the two partial signals can be transmitted unhindered;
• ➱ Does the received information transfer protocol consist of two partial signals ( 5.5 ) together, in which the two sub-signals have very different reception strengths, the signal comes from a "following vehicle" (3) - since there is a view restriction due to the vehicle in front ( 2nd ) exists, and since at least one of the two partial signals cannot be transmitted unhindered.

The following shows an illustration 7 to the driving scenario of 5 and 6 suitable, the corresponding signal reception strengths, such as those in the first vehicle ( 10 ) are recorded.

As from the 6 further emerges, both partial protocol signals ( *1 ) an information transfer ( 5.4 );

• Die Informationsübertragung setzt sich aus zwei zeitlich versetzten Signalen (5.5) von zwei unterschiedlichen Sendequellen (5.1) (Scheinwerfern) stammend zusammen.

In other words:

• The information transmission consists of two signals with a time offset ( 5.5 ) from two different broadcast sources ( 5.1 ) (Headlights) coming together.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, either the lower adjacent area or the upper adjacent area for both transmission sources ( 5.1 ) used (two partial signals with identical wavelength).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, both the lower adjacent area and the upper adjacent area for the two transmission sources ( 5.1 ) used (two partial signals with different wavelengths).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a wave spectrum in the visible spectral range for the two transmission sources ( 5.1 ) is used, whereby the two transmission sources ( 5.1 ) by means of an identical and / or different wavelength, the optical signal ( 5.4 ) can send out.

1. a) (*1) Von Fahrzeug (3) stammend, insbesondere von der „linken“ Sendequelle
2. b) (*2) Von Fahrzeug (3) stammend, insbesondere von der „rechten“ Sendequelle
3. c) (*3) Von Fahrzeug (2) stammend, insbesondere von der „linken“ Sendequelle
4. d) (*4) Von Fahrzeug (2) stammend, insbesondere von der „rechten“ Sendequelle

The 7 shows a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention in addition to 6 , especially the transmission signal strength evaluation.
They show, or the transmission signals are sent by:

1. a) (* 1) From vehicle ( 3rd ) originating, in particular from the "left" broadcast source
2. b) (* 2) From vehicle ( 3rd ) originating, especially from the "right" source
3. c) (* 3) From vehicle ( 2nd ) originating, in particular from the "left" broadcast source
4. d) (* 4) From vehicle ( 2nd ) originating, especially from the "right" source

• ➱ Setzt sich das empfangene Informationsübertragungsprotokoll aus zwei Teilsignalen (5.5) zusammen, bei diesen die beiden Teilsignale in etwa dieselben Empfangsstärken aufweisen, so stammt das Signal von einem „Führungs-Fahrzeug“ (2) - da keine Sichteinschränkung besteht, und die beiden Teilsignale ungehindert ausgesendet werden können;
• ➱ Setzt sich das empfangene Informationsübertragungsprotokoll aus zwei Teilsignalen (5.5) zusammen, bei diesen die beiden Teilsignale stark unterschiedliche Empfangsstärken aufweisen, so stammt das Signal von einem „Folge-Fahrzeug“ (3) - da eine Sichteinschränkung durch vorausfahrendes Fahrzeug (2) besteht, und da zumindest eines der beiden Teilsignale nicht ungehindert ausgesendet werden kann.

The evaluation is carried out, for example, in the simplest way as follows:

• ➱ Does the received information transfer protocol consist of two partial signals ( 5.5 ) together, in which the two partial signals have approximately the same reception strengths, then the signal comes from a “guide vehicle” (2) - since there is no restriction of vision and the two partial signals can be transmitted unhindered;
• ➱ Does the received information transfer protocol consist of two partial signals ( 5.5 ) together, in which the two sub-signals have very different reception strengths, the signal comes from a "following vehicle" (3) - since there is a view restriction due to the vehicle in front ( 2nd ) exists, and since at least one of the two partial signals cannot be transmitted unhindered.

The 8th shows a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention similar to that 6 . Complementary to the 6 , show the 8th schematically the hardware components for realizing the invention, in particular the optical interface ( 5 ).

1. a) die zu realisierende optische Schnittstelle (5) derart ausgebildet ist, dass diese aus zwei zueinander beabstandeten Sendequellen (5.1) besteht, und
2. b) die Informationsübertragung (von den beabstandeten Sendequellen stammend) derart erfolgt, dass sich diese aus zwei

zeitlich versetzten Signal-Informationen (5.5) zusammensetzt.As from the 8th to this end, optical components (for example headlights and / or rear lights) spaced apart on the vehicle are designed to transmit information signals, wherein

1. a) the optical interface to be implemented ( 5 ) is designed such that it consists of two spaced-apart transmission sources ( 5.1 ) exists, and
2. b) the information transmission (originating from the spaced-apart transmission sources) takes place in such a way that it consists of two

time-shifted signal information ( 5.5 ) composed.

As from the 8th it can be seen further in order to implement the “optical” interface according to the invention ( 5 ) a control device ( 6 ) necessary, by means of which the spaced optical components (headlights and / or rear lights) are controlled with time-shifted "information part-signal areas", the time-shifted "information part-signal areas" resulting in the information transmission.

Reference list

1

Vehicle communication facility

2nd

Second vehicle

3rd

Third vehicle

4th

First data interface / radio connection

4.1

Transmitting and receiving device of a first data interface

4.2

Transmitting and receiving device of a first data interface

4.3

Data information transmission using a first data interface

5

Second data interface / light connection

5.1

Optical sensor (designed as a receiver) of a second data interface

5.2

Detection area of a second data interface

5.3

Transmission source of a second data interface (optical emitter)

5.4

Data information transmission using a second data interface

5.5

Two time-shifted data information

6

Control device

7

Headlights

8th

tail lights

9

Roadway / roadway trajectory ahead

10th

First vehicle / ego vehicle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102018210399 A1 [0009, 0010]
• DE 102018209495 A1 [0010]
• DE 102015202028 A1 [0011]

Claims (10)

Vehicle communication device (1) of a first vehicle (10) for communication with a further vehicle (2, 3) that is in sight with a vehicle communication device (1), with at least: j) a first data interface (4 ) to exchange initial information; k) a control device (6) which is connected to the first data interface (4) and is set up for communication; 1) a second data interface (5) independent of the first data interface (4) for exchanging second information; m) a control device (6) which is connected to the second data interface (6) and is set up for communication, characterized in that n) the first data interface (4) is a radio-based data interface, o) it is the second interface (5) is an optics-based data interface, p) when establishing car-to-car communication by means of the first data interface (4) between two vehicles (10, 2, 3) in sight, q ) a verification can be carried out with the aid of the second data interface (5), r) to verify whether the established car-to-car communication by means of the first data interface (5) is actually between the two vehicles (10, 2, 3), which are in visual contact with each other. Vehicle communication device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the second data interface (5) is designed such that it is equipped and / or implemented with at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart from one another. Vehicle communication device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2nd , characterized in that a data information transmission originating from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources (5.3) is composed of at least two temporally staggered data information (5.5). Vehicle communication device (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that a camera arranged on the vehicle (10) is set up as an optical sensor (5.1), in particular receiver, for the second data interface (5) and / or is active, and is connected to the control device (6). Optical data interface (5) for a vehicle communication device (1) for communication between two vehicles (10, 2, 3) within sight, characterized in that d) the optical data interface (5) is designed such that it is equipped with at least two mutually spaced transmission sources (5.3), and e) the data information transmission (5.4) originating from the at least two mutually spaced transmission sources (5.3) is composed of at least two temporally staggered data information (5.5), and f ) an optical sensor (5.1) is provided as a receiver for receiving the at least two temporally staggered data information (5.5). Optical data interface (5) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the data transmission signal is controlled by means of a control device (6) which controls the two mutually spaced transmission sources (5.3) in such a way that the data information transmission (5.4) is divided and offset in time (5.5) between the at least two spaced transmission sources (5.3) can be fed. Optical data interface (5) according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that on the receiver side the signal reception strength of the data transmission information, which is divided and transmitted at different times (5.5) by the at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart, is compared with one another. Optical vehicle components (7, 8) of the vehicle lighting device, in particular headlights (7) and / or rear lights (8), characterized in that the optical vehicle components (7, 8) in addition to the task of vehicle lighting and / or light signal display, additionally as an optical data interface ( 5), in particular in the form of transmission sources (5.3), c) the optical data interface (5) being designed in such a way that it consists of at least two spaced apart and independent transmission sources (5.3), d) so that data information transmission (5.4 ) enables the data information transmission (5.4) to come from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources (5.3), a. can be controlled and / or transmitted independently of one another, and b. is composed of at least two temporally staggered data information (5.5). Method for a vehicle communication device (1) for communication between two vehicles (10, 2, 3) that are in sight, the vehicle communication device (1) having an optical data interface (5), which is designed such that it is equipped with at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart from one another, characterized in that d) the data information transmission (5.4) originating from the at least two transmission sources (5.3) spaced apart from one another, from at least two temporally offset data sources Information (5.5) is composed, e) the transmission signal being controlled by means of a control device (6) which controls the two spaced-apart transmission sources (5.3) in such a way that f) the data information transmission (5.4) is divided and shifted in time (5.5 ) is fed to the two mutually spaced transmission sources (5.3). Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that for verification, d) whether the established car-to-car communication was actually established between the two vehicles (10, 2, 3) which are in visual contact with one another by means of the first data interface (4), e) at the receiving end, the signal reception strengths are compared by determining the respective signal reception strengths from the at least two spaced-apart transmission sources (5.3), and f) by comparing the resulting signal reception strengths, the verification is assessed positively if the resulting signal reception strengths do not show any deviations of greater than one another have a predeterminable value and / or a predeterminable percentage.

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