DE102019117072A1 - Assistance system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle, method and use for this - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assistance system (1) for a motor vehicle (3) for signaling that the motor vehicle (3) is searching for a parking space. The assistance system (1) has a control device (5) and a signaling device (7) connected to the control device (5). The signaling device (7) is set up to be activated by receiving an activation signal and, after activation, to generate an optical and / or acoustic output (9) that is perceptible to other road users and by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled. It is provided that - the assistance system (1) has an operating device (25) which is connected to the control device (5) and is set up to issue a dedicated activation command from a user (23) of the assistance system (1) to activate the signaling device ( 7), and the control device (5) is set up to send the activation signal to the signaling device (7) when the activation command has been received via the operating device (25), and / or the motor vehicle (3) is autonomous or partially autonomous driving motor vehicle and the control device (5) is set up to automatically recognize the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3) without a dedicated activation command from a user being required and to send the activation signal to the signaling device (7) when the Parking lot search process of the motor vehicle (3) was recognized.

Description

The invention relates to an assistance system for a motor vehicle for signaling that the motor vehicle is searching for a parking space. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with such an assistance system.

The invention also relates to a method for operating such an assistance system. The invention also relates to the use of such an assistance system.

The motor vehicle can in particular be a passenger car or some other motor vehicle such as a truck, a semitrailer or a tractor. The motor vehicle can, however, also be a motorcycle, for example.

A user is generally understood to mean a person who uses the assistance system. The user can e.g. B. be a driver of the motor vehicle, a passenger of the motor vehicle or another occupant of the motor vehicle.

A road user in the sense of the present application can be any person who participates in road traffic. Such a road user can be, for example, the driver of a motor vehicle or a cyclist or a pedestrian.

The search for a parking space can be an upcoming and / or an ongoing search for a parking space.

The density of motorized individual traffic has been increasing worldwide for decades and has led to a pronounced shortage of parking spaces, especially in large cities and metropolitan areas. This development is accompanied by an increasing importance of traffic searching for a parking space, which in many large cities and metropolitan areas now accounts for a considerable proportion of motorized individual traffic.

Motor vehicles that are in a search for a parking space, i. are looking for a suitable parking space, are in many cases a source of irritation in road traffic, as they behave unexpectedly for other road users. The unexpected behavior of motor vehicles that are looking for a parking space is a frequent cause of accidents, especially rear-end collisions.

The present invention is based on the knowledge that a main cause of the emergence of irritations and the resulting accidents in connection with the search for a parking space of motor vehicles is that other road users do not recognize that the respective motor vehicle is searching for a parking space and therefore its behavior cannot correctly anticipate.

In order to avoid accidents in road traffic, it is known from the prior art that vehicles can exchange and process vehicle-related data using radio-supported vehicle-to-vehicle communication, in order in this way to determine the driver's perception horizon and the sensors installed in the vehicle expand. For example, from the DE 10 2008 036 131 A1 a method for recognizing the traffic situation in a vehicle environment is known, which is used to improve driver assistance systems. It is provided that the vehicle dynamics data of the vehicle is determined by means of a sensor system installed in the respective vehicle and exchanged with other vehicles through radio-supported vehicle-to-vehicle communication. This achieves a reliable detection of the traffic situation in the vehicle environment, which can be used for the driver assistance system, for example for automatic distance control or generally to avoid accidents.

Such methods and systems based on radio-supported vehicle-to-vehicle communication allow a considerable improvement in the safety and efficiency of road traffic and can in principle also be used to avoid irritations and accidents in connection with the search for a parking space by motor vehicles. A major disadvantage of implementing assistance functions on the basis of radio-supported vehicle-to-vehicle communication, however, is that the effects achieved therewith only affect those road users or vehicles that are equipped with a corresponding communication system. A transmission of information to road users who are not appropriately equipped is not possible in this way.

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a possibility with which irritations and accidents caused by motor vehicles looking for a parking space can be avoided.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an assistance system for a motor vehicle for signaling a search for a parking space of the motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

It is proposed that the assistance system has a control device and a signaling device connected to the control device. The signaling device is set up to receive the activation signal. The signaling device is also set up to be activated by receiving the activation signal and, after its activation, ie upon receipt of the activation signal, to generate an optical and / or acoustic output that is perceptible to other road users and by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled.

A first embodiment of the invention provides that the assistance system has an operating device that is connected to the control device and is set up to receive a dedicated activation command for activating the signaling device from a user of the assistance system, and that the control device is set up to do the To send the activation signal to the signaling device when the activation command has been received via the operating device.

In this way, the control device is able to recognize the vehicle's search for a parking space on the basis of the activation command received via the operating device.

A dedicated activation command is understood to mean a user input, the sole purpose of which is to activate the assistance system according to the invention for signaling the search for a parking space.

An activation and a deactivation are understood to mean a transition into the activated state or into the deactivated state. An activated state of the assistance system is understood to mean a state in which the signaling device is activated, i. H. a state in which the signaling device generates the visual and / or acoustic output that can be perceived by other road users.

A deactivated state of the assistance system is understood to mean a state in which the signaling device is not activated; H. a state in which the signaling device does not generate the optical and / or acoustic output that can be perceived by other road users.

The signaling device can be set up to be activated independently of other devices of the motor vehicle, in particular independently of the direction indicators of the motor vehicle.

It is thus proposed that the assistance system has an operating device via which a user, e.g. the driver of the motor vehicle can activate the assistance system according to the invention for signaling the search for a parking space when the search for a parking space is imminent or has already started. For this purpose, the operating device is set up to receive the dedicated activation command in the form of a user input. The operating device can e.g. have the shape of a switch or button and / or be designed as an operating element on a touchscreen and / or be integrated into the entirety of the other devices for operating the motor vehicle. For example, a button integrated in the center console of the motor vehicle is conceivable. However, it is also conceivable, for example, that the operating device is set up to receive voice commands and / or for gesture control.

The operating device can in particular be a dedicated operating device. A dedicated operating device is understood to mean an operating device which is intended exclusively for operating the assistance system for signaling the search for a parking space.

The motor vehicle can in particular be a motor vehicle that can be controlled by a driver. In this case it is particularly expedient if the assistance system is designed with an operating device in the manner explained above.

An embodiment of the invention of the type explained above, in which the assistance system has an operating device for receiving an activation command from a user, offers the advantage that it is simple and therefore inexpensive to implement and at the same time allows reliable detection of the vehicle's search for a parking space.

As an alternative or in addition to the previously explained embodiment of the assistance system with an operating device, the invention provides that the motor vehicle is an autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicle and the control device is set up to automatically recognize the vehicle's search for a parking space without a dedicated activation command from a User is required, and to send the activation signal to the signaling device when the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle has been recognized.

A motor vehicle that drives autonomously or partially autonomously is understood to mean a motor vehicle that is set up to carry out at least the search for a parking space autonomously or partially autonomously.

In the case of such autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicles that are set up to complete the parking space search process autonomously or partially autonomously, the information that a parking space search process is imminent or has already started is in the control system of the autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicle, e.g. in a vehicle computer available. The automatic detection of the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle can therefore take place, for example, by sending a corresponding activation command from the control system of the autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle to the control device of the assistance system according to the invention in order to activate the assistance system to signal the search for a parking space. As an alternative or in addition to this, it is, for example, conceivable to automatically recognize the vehicle's search for a parking space by evaluating the driving state parameters of the vehicle, for example with the aid of suitable sensors. Such driving state parameters can be, for example, steering movements of the motor vehicle, accelerations of the motor vehicle, decelerations of the motor vehicle and / or the activation of direction indicators of the motor vehicle.

For autonomously or partially autonomously driving motor vehicles, as already explained at the beginning, effective and reliable signaling of the search for a parking space is of particular importance. This is due, among other things, to the fact that, in the case of autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicles, there is no possibility of the driver communicating with other road users by gestures and / or verbally to signal the search for a parking space. In addition, the behavior of an autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicle in road traffic can deviate from the (expected) behavior of a human driver. Since the other road users are generally unable to clearly recognize the intention of the autonomous or partially autonomous driving vehicle, the interaction between autonomous or partially autonomous driving vehicles and other road users is particularly prone to misunderstandings.

Against this background, an embodiment of the invention of the type explained above, in which the control device is set up to automatically recognize the search for a parking space, offers the particular advantage that the assistance system according to the invention can also be used for autonomously or partially autonomously driving vehicles. Since it is not possible here for the driver to manually, i.e. Automatic recognition of the search for a parking space is expedient by a user input that activates the assistance system to signal the search for a parking space.

The assistance system according to the invention is designed to be arranged in the motor vehicle and / or to be arranged on the motor vehicle, i. H. to be mechanically connected to the motor vehicle. In particular, all components of the assistance system are designed to be arranged in the motor vehicle and / or to be arranged on the motor vehicle, i. H. to be mechanically connected to the motor vehicle.

The invention is based on the knowledge that a main cause of irritations and accidents in connection with the search for a parking space of motor vehicles is that the other road users do not recognize that the motor vehicle is searching for a parking space and therefore the behavior of the motor vehicle or cannot correctly anticipate its driver. In conventional motor vehicles, a search for a parking space is basically only noticeable in that the motor vehicle reduces its driving speed and possibly activates a direction indicator (blinker). If necessary, the drivers of motor vehicles can - insofar as the ambient conditions permit - communicate with hand signals and / or verbally in order to signal the search for a parking space to other road users. However, all of these signaling options are not sufficiently effective and are therefore susceptible to irritation and misunderstandings, which can result in accidents. In problematic traffic situations, many motor vehicle drivers therefore prefer not to find a parking space if they would otherwise have to brake suddenly, which would be accompanied by an increased risk of an accident.

The problem of irritations caused by the search for a parking space and the resulting risk of accidents will be exacerbated in the future by the fact that autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles can complete the search for a parking space autonomously. There is an increased need for effective communication options between the autonomously or partially autonomously driving motor vehicle and the other road users, since the above-mentioned possibility of non-verbal and / or verbal communication between the driver and the other road users does not apply.

The present invention provides a possibility of effectively and unambiguously informing other road users that the motor vehicle or its driver is looking for a parking space. This is of particular importance for other road users, especially vehicles that are on the Follow the search for a parking space. In this way, the other road users are informed that the motor vehicle is searching for a parking space and that there may therefore be an abrupt braking process when a suitable parking space is found. The other road users, in particular the drivers of vehicles following behind, are thus informed that a sufficient safety distance from the vehicle in front must be maintained in order to avoid a rear-end collision.

The output generated by means of the signaling device can be an optical output. In this case, the search for a parking space is made visible to other road users, i.e. perceptible to the human eye, signals. The output generated by means of the signaling device can, however, also be an acoustic output. In this case, the search for a parking space is audible to the other road users, i.e. perceptible to the human ear, signaled. The output generated by means of the signaling device can also be designed as an optical and acoustic output. In this case the output is a combination of visual and acoustic output, i.e. the output generated by the signaling device contains both optical and acoustic output elements.

A particular advantage of the visual and / or auditory signaling of the search for a parking space is that in this way road users who do not have a suitable assistance system can also be informed about the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle. The invention allows simple, intuitive and unmistakable signaling of the search for a parking space and offers direct added value also for the drivers of conventional motor vehicles, for cyclists, for pedestrians and for other road users.

In an advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the signaling device comprises at least one optical signal output device in the form of a display and is set up to generate the optical output on the display. The display can in particular be an LED display.

It is therefore proposed that the optical output is generated on the display, by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled. The output does not have to take place exclusively optically, but the optical output can be part of an optical and acoustic output, i.e. the optical output can also be combined with an acoustic output in this advantageous development of the invention.

Such a development of the invention offers the advantage that it allows particularly effective and unmistakable signaling of the search for a parking space.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the display is arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the display is arranged in the area of the rear window of the motor vehicle.

Such developments of the invention, in which the display is arranged at the rear and / or in the area of the rear window of the motor vehicle, offer the advantage that in this way those road users who are following a motor vehicle looking for a parking space, in particular the drivers of other motor vehicles following, the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle can be signaled effectively and reliably. This is of particular importance because there is a particular risk of accidents for following road users, namely a particular risk of rear-end collisions.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the at least one display is integrated in one or more rear lights of the motor vehicle.

The at least one display can advantageously be integrated, in particular, in one or more brake lights of the motor vehicle.

It is conceivable that the signaling device comprises a single display that is integrated into precisely one rear light of the motor vehicle. However, it is also conceivable that the signaling device has several displays which are each integrated into a rear light of the motor vehicle. In principle, it is also conceivable that several displays are integrated into a single rear light of the motor vehicle. In addition, it is of course also possible for the signaling device to comprise several displays, one or more displays being integrated into one or more rear lights of the motor vehicle and one or more other displays being arranged in some other way, in particular in the area of the rear window of the motor vehicle .

Such developments of the invention, in which a display is integrated in a rear light of the motor vehicle, offer the advantage that The search for a parking space of the vehicle ahead can be signaled particularly effectively and reliably to subsequent road users. This is due to the fact that road users are usually used to paying attention to the brake lights of the vehicle in front, which are part of the tail lights.

In addition, such developments offer the advantage that they are particularly simple in terms of construction and therefore can be implemented cost-effectively. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the voltage supply required for the display is already available in the area of the rear lights of the motor vehicle, and, on the other hand, to the fact that modern rear lights are implemented on the basis of LEDs so that they can be converted into an LED Let the display expand, which generates the optical output according to the invention.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the optical output is a graphic output, e.g. in the form of a pictogram and / or a symbol. Alternatively, the optical output can be designed as a textual output. Alternatively, the optical output can also be used as a combination of graphical and textual output, e.g. in the form of a pictogram and / or a symbol in connection with a text.

Such a development of the invention offers the advantage that it allows the other road users an intuitive understanding of the optical output and thus enables particularly reliable signaling of the search for a parking space. This is due to the fact that road users are used to traffic signs that information e.g. be conveyed on traffic signs in graphic and / or textual form.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the optical output shows a traffic sign that indicates a parking space and / or a parking permit.

The traffic sign can advantageously be a traffic sign specified by a legal standard. The traffic sign can include, for example, the capital letter “P”. The traffic sign can in particular be designed as a light capital letter “P” against a dark, in particular square, background, in particular designed as a capital letter “P” in white color against a background in blue color, in particular a square background in blue color. The traffic sign can in particular be designed as a directional sign 314 “Parking” of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) of the Federal Republic of Germany or as a comparable traffic sign.

Such a development of the invention, in which the optical output shows a traffic sign indicating a parking space and / or a parking permit, offers the advantage that the signaling of the search for a parking space is particularly intuitive and therefore reliable for other road users can be done. This is due to the fact that road users are used to traffic signs that indicate a parking space and / or a parking permit and can therefore intuitively and directly interpret the optical output of the signaling device as an indication of the search for a parking space.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the optical output is designed as a combination of graphical and textual output and, in addition to the traffic sign, shows a textual reference to the search for a parking space.

Such a development of the invention offers the advantages that, on the one hand, the reliability of the signaling of the search for a parking space can be further improved by the additional textual indication and, on the other hand, supplementary information on the search for a parking space can be signaled by the textual indication.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the signaling device comprises at least one acoustic signal output device and is set up to generate the acoustic output by means of the acoustic signal output device.

It is therefore proposed that the acoustic output is generated by means of the acoustic signal output device, by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled. The acoustic signal output device can be designed as a loudspeaker, for example. The output does not have to be exclusively acoustic, but can be part of an optical and acoustic output, i.e. the acoustic output can also be combined with an optical output in this advantageous development of the invention.

Such a development of the invention, in which an acoustic output to signal the search for a parking space is generated by means of an acoustic signal output device, offers the advantage that in this way the search for a parking space can be reliably signaled to another road user even in such situations where optical signaling does not work reliably. This includes, for example, situations in which the other road user is completely or partially blocked from seeing the motor vehicle looking for a parking space, as well as situations in which the other road user cannot see an optical signal for other reasons, e.g. due to unfavorable solar radiation.

Another advantageous development of the invention provides that the acoustic output is generated in the form of verbal acoustic signals.

It is therefore proposed that the search for a parking space be passed on to other road users by means of a voice output, i.e. is signaled by spoken words that are output via the acoustic signal output device. An acoustic output in the form of verbal acoustic signals to signal the search for a parking space has the advantage that in this way the signaling of the search for a parking space is particularly intuitive for the other road users, so that the search for a parking space can be reliably signaled to the other road users.

As an alternative or in addition to this, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the acoustic output is generated in the form of non-verbal acoustic signals.

Such non-verbal acoustic signals can e.g. be designed as signal tones in a frequency range perceptible to the human ear. Such an acoustic output in the form of non-verbal acoustic signals offers the advantage that a comparatively large range of signaling can be achieved in this way, since e.g. High-frequency signal tones can be perceived by the human ear even in the presence of loud ambient noises or in the acoustically dampened interior of a motor vehicle.

In a further advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the assistance system or parts thereof are set up to be subsequently installed in the motor vehicle.

It is therefore proposed that components of the assistance system or the entire assistance system are designed for retrofitting motor vehicles to signal the search for a parking space. With regard to the comparatively long service life of motor vehicles, such a development of the invention offers the valuable advantage that motor vehicles already on the market can be equipped with the functionality of the assistance system according to the invention and thus be able to reliably signal other road users that they are looking for a parking space.

The object mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by a motor vehicle with an assistance system of the type described above.

• - mittels der Bedieneinrichtung der dedizierte Aktivierungsbefehl zur Aktivierung der Signalisierungseinrichtung von dem Benutzer des Assistenzsystems entgegengenommen wird, und mittels der Steuereinrichtung das Aktivierungssignal an die Signalisierungseinrichtung gesendet wird, wenn der Aktivierungsbefehl über die Bedieneinrichtung entgegengenommen wurde, und/oder
• - mittels der Steuereinrichtung der Parkplatzsuchvorgang des Kraftfahrzeugs automatisch erkannt wird, ohne dass hierfür ein dedizierter Aktivierungsbefehl von einem Benutzer erforderlich ist, und das Aktivierungssignal an die Signalisierungseinrichtung gesendet wird, wenn der Parkplatzsuchvorgang des Kraftfahrzeugs erkannt wurde.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for operating an assistance system of the type explained above. It is provided that the signaling device is activated by receiving the activation signal and, after its activation, generates an optical and / or acoustic output that can be perceived by other road users. by means of which the search for a parking space is signaled to other road users. It is also provided that

• - The dedicated activation command for activating the signaling device is received by the user of the assistance system by means of the operating device, and the activation signal is sent to the signaling device by means of the control device when the activation command has been received via the operating device, and / or
• the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle is automatically recognized by means of the control device without a dedicated activation command being required from a user, and the activation signal is sent to the signaling device when the motor vehicle's search for a parking space has been detected.

With regard to the advantages of such a method for operating the assistance system, reference can be made to the statements relating to the assistance system according to the invention.

The object mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by using an assistance system of the type explained above for signaling a search for a parking space of a motor vehicle to other road users.

With regard to the advantages of such a use of the assistance system, reference can also be made to the statements relating to the assistance system according to the invention.

• 1 - eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Assistenzsystems für ein Kraftfahrzeug;
• 2 - eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Assistenzsystems mit einer optischen Signalausgabeeinrichtung in deaktiviertem Zustand;
• 3 - eine schematische Darstellung der ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Assistenzsystems mit der optischen Signalausgabeeinrichtung in aktiviertem Zustand;
• 4 - eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Assistenzsystems mit einer optischen Signalausgabeeinrichtung in aktiviertem Zustand.

The invention is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 - A schematic representation of an assistance system according to the invention for a motor vehicle;
• 2 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention with an optical signal output device in the deactivated state;
• 3 a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention with the optical signal output device in the activated state;
• 4th a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention with an optical signal output device in the activated state.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an assistance system according to the invention 1 for a motor vehicle 3 .

It can be seen that the assistance system 1 a control device 5 and one with the controller 5 connected signaling device 7th having. The signaling device 7th is set up to be activated by receiving an activation signal and after its activation, ie after receiving the activation signal, to generate an optical and acoustic output perceptible to other road users, by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled.

The 1 also shows that the signaling device 7th in this embodiment both an optical signal output device 11 in the form of a display as well as an acoustic signal output device 13th in the form of a loudspeaker. The signaling device 7th is set up to generate the optical output on the display, by means of which the search for a parking space is signaled to the other road users, and by means of the loudspeaker 13th to generate the acoustic output, which is used to signal the search for a parking space to other road users. In this exemplary embodiment, the acoustic output is generated in the form of verbal and non-verbal acoustic signals. The signaling device 7th is set up to do this independently of other devices in the motor vehicle 3 , in particular independent of the direction indicators of the motor vehicle 3 to be activated.

Furthermore, the 1 recognize that in this embodiment the motor vehicle 3 by a user, namely a driver 23 , can be controlled and the assistance system 1 one with the control device 5 connected operating device 25th has, which in this embodiment as in the center console of the motor vehicle 3 arranged button is formed. With the help of the control unit 25th the driver can activate the assistance system according to the invention for signaling the search for a parking space. The operating device 25th In this exemplary embodiment, it is designed as a dedicated operating device which is used exclusively for operating the assistance system 1 is intended to signal the search for a parking space. The control device is for this purpose 25th set up for this purpose, a dedicated activation command in the form of a user input from the driver 23 or another user, and the control device 5 is set up to start the vehicle's search for a parking space 3 using the via the control unit 25th to recognize the received activation command and the activation signal to the signaling device 7th to be sent when the activation command via the operating device 25th was received. After the activation command via the operating device 25th was transmitted, the control device sends 5 the activation signal to the signaling device 7th , which by means of the display 11 and the speaker 13th generates the optical and acoustic output to signal the search for a parking space.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the control device 5 be set up to search for a parking space of the motor vehicle 3 to be recognized automatically, without a dedicated activation command from a user being required for this, and the activation signal to the signaling device 7th to send when the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle 1 was recognized. This is particularly advantageous when the motor vehicle 1 is an autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicle.

The 2 shows a first embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention 1 with an optical signal output device 11 . The 2 provides the assistance system 1 in a deactivated state, which is present when the motor vehicle 3 not looking for a parking space.

The 2 shows that the signaling device of the assistance system is an optical signal output device 11 in the form of a display, which is designed as a color display in this embodiment. the display 11 is at the stern 19th of the motor vehicle 3 arranged. In the in the 2 and 3 The first embodiment shown is the display 11 in the area of the rear window 21st of the motor vehicle 3 arranged. The 2 does not leave any optical output on the display 11 recognize as the assistance system 1 is deactivated.

The 3 shows in accordance with the 2 the second embodiment of the assistance system according to the invention 1 with a display 11 that in the area of the rear window 21st of the motor vehicle 3 is arranged. In contrast to 2 is in the 3 however, the activated state of the assistance system is shown. The signaling device therefore generates on the display 11 an optical output 9 , by means of which the other road users can search for a parking space in the vehicle 3 is signaled.

In the embodiment shown here, the optical output is 9 designed as a graphic output and shows a traffic sign that indicates a parking space and a parking permit, namely the sign 314 of the road traffic regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany. The optical output 9 accordingly shows the capital letter P in white color against a square background in blue color.

With the help of the control unit 25th (in the 2 and 3 not shown) the driver can 23 the optical output 9 on the display 11 activate and deactivate.

The 4th shows a second embodiment of an assistance system according to the invention in the activated state. In this second embodiment, the signaling device of the assistance system comprises two optical signal output devices 11 in the form of LED displays and is set up on the displays 11 to generate the optical output, which is used to signal the search for a parking space to other road users. In contrast to the one in the 2 and 3 The first embodiment shown are the two displays 11 in the in the 4th shown second embodiment of the assistance system, however, in the two taillights 17th of the motor vehicle integrated.

In addition, with regard to the 4th Embodiment shown on the comments on the 1 to 3 to get expelled.

List of reference symbols

1

Assistance system

3

Motor vehicle

5

Control device

7th

Signaling device

9

output

11

optical signal output device (display)

13

acoustic signal output device (loudspeaker)

17th

Taillight

19th

Rear of the motor vehicle

21st

Rear window of the motor vehicle

23

driver

25th

Control device

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102008036131 A1 [0010]

Claims (13)

Assistance system (1) for a motor vehicle (3) for signaling a search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3), comprising a control device (5) and a signaling device (7) connected to the control device (5), the signaling device (7) being set up to to be activated by receiving an activation signal and, after activation, to generate an optical and / or acoustic output (9) that is perceptible to other road users and by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled, wherein - The assistance system (1) has an operating device (25) which is connected to the control device (5) and is set up to receive a dedicated activation command for activating the signaling device (7) from a user (23) of the assistance system (1), and the control device (5) is set up to send the activation signal to the signaling device (7) when the activation command has been received via the operating device (25), and / or - The motor vehicle (3) is an autonomous or partially autonomous motor vehicle and the control device (5) is set up to automatically recognize the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3) without a dedicated activation command from a user being required for this, and the activation signal on to send the signaling device (7) when the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3) has been recognized. Assistance system (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the signaling device (7) comprises at least one optical signal output device (11) in the form of a display and is set up to generate the optical output (9) on the display. Assistance system (1) Claim 2 , characterized in that the display is arranged at the rear (19) of the motor vehicle (3), in particular in the area of the rear window (21) of the motor vehicle (3). Assistance system (1) Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the at least one display is integrated in one or more rear lights (17) of the motor vehicle (3). Assistance system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the optical output (9) is designed as a graphical output or as a textual output or as a combination of graphical and textual output. Assistance system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that the optical output (9) shows a traffic sign that indicates a parking space and / or a parking permit. Assistance system (1) Claim 6 , characterized in that the optical output (9) is designed as a combination of graphic and textual output and, in addition to the traffic sign, shows a textual reference to the search for a parking space. Assistance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device (7) comprises at least one acoustic signal output device (13) and is set up to generate the acoustic output by means of the acoustic signal output device (13). Assistance system (1) Claim 8 , characterized in that the acoustic output is generated in the form of verbal and / or non-verbal acoustic signals. Assistance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assistance system (1) or parts thereof are set up to be installed subsequently in the motor vehicle (3). Motor vehicle (3) with an assistance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating the assistance system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the signaling device (7) is activated by receiving an activation signal and, after its activation, generates an optical and / or acoustic output (9) perceptible to other road users, by means of which the other road users are informed that the search for a parking space is signaled, whereby - by means of the Operating device (25) the dedicated activation command for activating the signaling device (7) is received by the user of the assistance system (1), and the activation signal is sent to the signaling device (7) by means of the control device (5) when the activation command is sent via the operating device ( 25) has been received, and / or - by means of the control device (5), the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3) is automatically recognized without a dedicated activation command from a user being required, and the activation signal to the signaling device (7 ) is sent when the search for a parking space of the motor vehicle (3) has been recognized. Use of an assistance system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 for signaling a search for a parking space of a motor vehicle (3) to other road users.

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