DE102020113975A1 - Update of map data - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for selectively updating map data for a vehicle comprises steps of updating map data in a geographic area including a geographic position of the vehicle; determining a route to a destination that is out of range; determining traffic information relating to a geographic course of the route; and updating the map data along the route.

Description

The invention relates to the updating of map data, in particular with active route guidance of a vehicle in the context of current traffic information.

A vehicle comprises a map memory with map data of a predetermined geographic area. The vehicle can have a positioning device by means of which its own geographical position can be determined. On the basis of the map data and a predetermined travel destination, a route can be determined on which the vehicle can be guided in order to reach the travel destination. The route can be determined, for example, in terms of minimum length, minimum travel time or minimized emissions when traveling on the route.

The map data recorded in the map memory become obsolete over time. They can be updated completely or in part, which usually involves transferring significant amounts of data. For example, all map data relating to Germany can be renewed in the vehicle approximately every quarter. Smaller parts or more frequent updates are possible, but require moving larger amounts of data as a whole, which can be associated with increased costs.

The route guidance usually also takes traffic information on the route into account. The traffic information can be based, for example, on TMC information which is organized in predetermined location tables, a location table covering a smaller or even larger area of the map data than is updated in one piece. In addition, the boundaries of the subdivided map data usually do not coincide with the boundaries of the location tables. The traffic data then possibly relate to map data in a version that is not available. Such a version conflict can arise in particular if the map data of a route have different versions in sections.

An object on which the present invention is based is to provide an improved technique for providing map data and traffic information on board a vehicle in such a way that improved navigation is made possible. The invention achieves the object by means of the subjects of the independent claims. Subclaims reproduce preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for selectively updating map data for a vehicle comprises steps of updating map data in a geographic area that includes a geographic position of the vehicle; determining a route to a destination that is out of range; determining traffic information relating to a geographic course of the route; and updating the map data along the route.

The method can be used to improve the provision of current navigation information in a relevant area. The navigation information can be recorded by a person on board the vehicle and used as a basis for navigation; alternatively, route guidance can also be provided along the route.

The destination can be determined in different ways. For example, a person on board the vehicle can manually enter or select the destination. The destination can also be determined semi-automatically, for example on the basis of previous journeys by the vehicle or a person on board. Furthermore, the destination can be determined on the basis of a road network being traveled on. If the vehicle drives onto a motorway, for example, a destination along the motorway can be determined. The destination can be updated as the journey progresses.

The map data in the area can be updated continuously. It can be ensured that current navigation information relating to map data and traffic information is always available on board the vehicle within the area around one's own position. The traffic information can relate to the current version of the map data so that existing information fits together. If the destination lying outside the area is determined, then relevant traffic information with a geographical reference can be determined quickly, since practically only directly relevant information is recorded, which can then only require a small volume of data. Updating the map data along the route may take longer than downloading the traffic information. In particular, updated map data can also be downloaded successively as the route is followed. The traffic information on the route to the destination can still be available quickly and completely.

The map data can be available for a predetermined geographic area that includes the area and the route. In particular, map data may be available at the beginning of the procedure, some of which are not up-to-date. The route can still be based on the existing map data can be determined as these are inherently consistent. To ensure that parts of map data that adjoin one another are compatible with one another, a known procedure can be used which, for example, specifies for a map part which adjoining map part must be present in which version.

The map data are preferably organized in predetermined geographic tiles. The updating of the map data can include downloading tiles that relate to a predetermined geographic area or a predetermined geographic course. For example, a tile can cover a geographic area of approximately 1 km x 1 km; other tile sizes are also possible. Adjacent tiles can partially overlap, for example to compensate for a projection error of a geoid. In order to update map data relating to the particular geographic area, tiles can be downloaded which cover at least part of the geographic area. In order to update map data relating to the particular geographic route, tiles can be downloaded which cover at least a section of the route. Geographical referencing means that the tiles can be selected quickly and easily. An order in which the tiles are downloaded can easily be determined depending on the order in which the vehicle travels through them.

The route can be re-determined based on updated map data along the route. This determination can be carried out successively for a section of the route to be traveled or for the entire route. To do this, the map data used must be downloaded beforehand. In this way, the route can be improved as a function of the map data that has become known. Geographical traffic information can again be selectively determined for the newly determined route.

It is preferred that traffic information relating to the geographic area is determined. This determination can be made continuously. Since the area only has a predetermined extent, any data sources can be used and it can be ensured that the navigation information is up-to-date and relevant. In particular, due to the restriction to the geographical area, processing expenditure and / or data expenditure can be justifiable. A processing device on board the vehicle can provide the navigation information with little processing power

The traffic information can include a portion of the area that includes the geographic position. In other words, the area can be larger than is covered by a coherent part of the traffic information. The map data can be updated when the route is a first distance from the current position; while the traffic information can be updated up to a second distance from the current position, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Both distances can include geometric distances.

The traffic information relating to the area can alternatively be related to the geographic area or to a route in the area. For this purpose, traffic information based on the TMC standard or the OpenLR standard comes into consideration. Data according to TMC are organized according to fixed location tables, the entries of which relate to a section of a route. This data can be high-performance and small in scope. However, routes that are less important in terms of traffic may be less well covered. Data according to OpenLR are not related to routes, but to geographical locations, so that information can be expressed for routes of any size or size. However, this data can be larger or require more complex processing. Other systems are also conceivable that are based either on location tables like TMC or on geographic coordinates like OpenLR; such systems can be treated accordingly.

Both TMC and OpenLR data can be processed for the geographic area. In a particularly preferred embodiment, TMC data are first processed for the area; and OpenLR data are only added when needed.

Traffic information relating to the geographical course of the route is further preferably referenced exclusively geographically. In particular, OpenLR data can be used for the course of the route. This means that the traffic information can be completely determined even for a longer route without having to download or process large amounts of data.

The geographical area can in particular comprise a circular area with a predetermined radius around the geographical position of the vehicle. In this way, geographical positions that lie within the area can be determined easily and quickly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention comprises an apparatus for Use on board a vehicle of a data memory for map data; a positioning device for determining a geographical position of the vehicle; a communication device for updating map data in a geographic area which includes the geographic position; and a processing device. In this case, the processing device is set up to determine a route to a destination that is outside the area; Determine traffic information relating to a geographic course of the route; and update map data along the route.

The processing device can be set up to carry out a method described herein in whole or in part. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.

The device can furthermore comprise an output device for providing a predetermined section of the map data. In particular, updated navigation information can be provided in the geographic area or along the geographic course of the route. The information can be provided to a person on board the vehicle and relate, for example, to a graphic representation or instructions for route guidance. The information can also be fed to an automatic control of a longitudinal or transverse movement of the vehicle.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes an apparatus as described herein.

• 1 ein System;
• 2 ein Fahrzeug in einem Gebiet; und
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens

illustriert.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a system;
• 2 a vehicle in an area; and
• 3 a flow chart of a method

illustrated.

1 shows a system 100 that is a vehicle 105 , a first external position 110 and a second external body 115 includes. The vehicle 105 can in particular comprise a motor vehicle, for example a motorcycle, a passenger car, a truck or a bus.

The external bodies 110 , 115 are usually set up separately from each other. The first external position 110 is set up to provide updated map information and the second external location 115 is set up to provide traffic information. As will be explained in more detail below, several second external bodies can be used 115 be provided that provide different types of traffic information. An external body 110 , 115 usually comprises a processing device 120 , a data store 125 and a communication device 130 for communication with the vehicle 105 . The data storage 125 are each set up to keep map or traffic information for a predetermined area ready. The processing facilities 120 are each set up to provide locally available information in response to a request or also proactively. The communication facilities 130 are preferably wireless and can, for example, use a cellular network, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication or a sideband of a VHF radio transmission.

On board the vehicle 105 is a device 135 attached, which is set up to carry navigation information on board the vehicle 105 provide. The navigation information preferably includes map information and traffic information. The map information relates in particular to the geographic courses of routes on which the vehicle is traveling 105 can drive, as well as preferably further information about the routes, for example a road class, a permissible maximum speed, a number of lanes, turning or stopping options or the like. Traffic information usually relates to temporary information about a traffic flow or an obstacle on a route.

The device 135 preferably comprises a processing device 140 , a data store 145 and a communication device 150 for communication with one of the external bodies 110 , 115 . For different external bodies 110 , 115 can use dedicated communication facilities 150 be provided. The data store 145 is set up to record map information about a predetermined area. By means of the processing device 140 the map information can be partially replaced by information from the first external device 110 be updated. Traffic information from the second external facility 115 can also be stored in the data memory 145 be included.

In addition, the device comprises 135 preferably a positioning device 155 and an interface 160 . The positioning device 155 is set up a current geographical position of the vehicle 105 to be determined, for example on the basis of a global satellite-based navigation system or an environment sensor and a SLAM method. Via the interface 160 can certain navigation information on board the vehicle 105 to be provided. The information can be sent to a human driver or to a control system on board the vehicle 105 be directed.

2 shows a vehicle 105 in a predetermined geographic area 205 . The vehicle 105 is at a geographic position 210 . To the position 210 around is an area 215 predetermined, in particular as a circular area with a predetermined radius around the position 210 . Another circular area with a slightly smaller radius can be used as an additional area 220 be predetermined.

The area 215 can be a few kilometers in diameter, for example. The area 205 can be assumed to be of any size for the present consideration; usually includes the area 205 one or more countries.

It is assumed that on board the vehicle 105 Map data relating to the entire area 205 are present. The map data are preferably subdivided into tiles of predetermined geographical sizes and positions in the manner of a chessboard. For example, the map data can be in the NDS (Navigation Data Standard) format, with several layers of tiles of different sizes being able to be provided.

It is suggested that tiles that at least partially cover the area 215 around the vehicle 105 concern, in the device 135 be charged on board the vehicle. Tiles that have already been loaded can be checked for up-to-dateness at predetermined time intervals and updated if necessary. Will the vehicle 105 moves in a restricted geographical area, map data for this area can be kept up-to-date. Be preferred for the area 215 or the slightly smaller area 220 additional traffic information provided. Traffic information is generally much less extensive and can be accessed more quickly from a second location 115 as map-related data for a comparable area from the first external location 110 downloaded.

First exemplary traffic information is organized as TMC data that are organized in predetermined location tables. An entry in a location table relates to a route or a section of it. Second exemplary traffic information is organized as OpenLR data and geographically referenced. For the area 220 the first traffic information is preferably used; if necessary, the second traffic information can be used.

It is determined that the vehicle 105 to a destination 225 is to be driven that is out of range 220 - and outside of the updated tiles - then a route can first be created 230 on the basis of for the area 205 existing map data can be determined. A geographical course of the route 230 can be determined and second traffic information from the second external location can be used for the course 115 downloaded. Updated map data can be from the first place 110 loaded if necessary. For example, while driving the vehicle 105 along the route 230 Always tiles are downloaded that cover a predetermined distance along the route 230 cover. The loaded map data always match the already loaded traffic information, so that no version conflict can occur.

3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 . It is assumed that at the beginning of the procedure 300 already map data of the area 205 on board the vehicle 105 are present. In a first step 305 can be the current geographic position 210 of the vehicle 105 to be determined. In one step 310 can the area 215 be determined by the vehicle 105 surrounds preferably in the manner of a circular disk with a predetermined radius.

In one step 315 can map data showing geographic positions within the geographic area 215 concern, be updated. For this purpose, corresponding tiles with map information are preferably downloaded. In one step 320 will be traffic information for the same area 215 or a slightly smaller area 220 who is the position 210 of the vehicle 105 contains, provided. This traffic information can alternatively be related to a location table which includes a route on which the vehicle is located 105 currently located, or to geographical positions within the area 215 .

In one step 325 can be determined that none is out of range 215 lying destination for the vehicle 105 is known and the steps that have been carried out so far can be carried out again.

Otherwise, it is determined that one is from the scope 215 distant destination 225 known can be done in one step 330 one to the destination 225 leading route 230 to be determined. For geographic points on this route 230 can in one step 335 Traffic information can be downloaded. Only traffic information related to a location table is not downloaded, only information relating to the geographical positions along the specific route 230 cover. The traffic information can be used for the entire remaining route 230 to the destination 225 to be provided.

You can also do this in one step 340 Map data will be updated along the specified route 230 lie. It should be noted that it may be sufficient to have map data within a predetermined distance from the current position 210 along the route 230 to determine. Additional map data can be determined when the vehicle is on 105 further along the route 230 moved. Optionally, the route can be based on the known traffic information 230 be redefined. In one step 345 The updated map data and the specific traffic information can be merged and sent to a driver or a system on board the vehicle 105 to be provided.

List of reference symbols

100

system

105

vehicle

110

first external position

115

second external body

120

Processing facility

125

Data storage

130

Communication facility

135

contraption

140

Processing facility

145

Data storage

150

Communication facility

155

Positioning device

160

Interface / output device

205

area

210

geographical position

215

area

220

further area

225

Destination

230

route

300

procedure

305

Determine position

310

Determine the area

315

Update card details

320

Traffic information based on TMC / OpenLR

325

Destination known?

330

Determine route

335

Traffic information based on OpenLR

340

Update card details

345

Provide navigation information

Claims (12)

A method (300) for selectively updating map data for a vehicle (105); wherein the method (300) comprises the following steps: - Updating (320) map data in a geographic area (215) which comprises a geographic position of the vehicle (105); - determining (330) a route (230) to a destination (225) which is outside of the area (215); - Determination (335) of traffic information relating to a geographical course of the route (230); and - Updating (340) the map data along the route. Method (300) according to Claim 1 wherein map data is available for a predetermined geographic area (205) comprising the area (215) and the route (230). Method (300) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the map data is organized in predetermined geographic tiles; and the updating (320, 340) of the map data comprises downloading tiles relating to a predetermined geographic area (215) or a predetermined geographic course (230). The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the route (230) is re-determined (345) on the basis of updated map data along the route (230). The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising determining (320) traffic information relating to the geographic area. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic information comprises a portion (220) of the area (215) which comprises the geographical position (210). Method (300) according to Claim 5 or 6th , with the traffic information alternatively on the geographical area (215) or to a route in the area (215). Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic information relating to the geographical course of the route (230) is referenced exclusively geographically. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the geographic area (215) comprises a circular area with a predetermined radius around the geographic position of the vehicle (105). Device (235) on board a vehicle (105); the apparatus comprising: - a data memory (145) for map data; - A positioning device (140) for determining a geographical position of the vehicle (105); - A communication device (150) for updating map data in a geographical area which includes the geographical position (210); - a processing device (140) which is set up to determine a route (230) to a destination (225) which lies outside the area (215); Determine traffic information relating to a geographic course of the route (230); and update map data along the route (230). Device (235) after Claim 10 , further comprising an output device (160) for providing a predetermined portion of the map data. A vehicle (105) comprising a device (235) according to Claim 10 or 11 .

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