DE102020126286A1 - System and method for occupant protection for automated vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for occupant protection for automated vehicles, comprising: a receiving unit that is set up to receive location-based epidemiological data; a detection unit that is set up to detect position and/or route data of the vehicle; and at least one processor unit configured to: determine a maximum number of people that can be transported simultaneously with the vehicle based on the location-related epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle; and provide a number of seats in the vehicle equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a system for occupant protection for automated vehicles, a vehicle with such a system, a method for occupant protection for automated vehicles, and a storage medium for executing the method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a variable interior space for fully automated vehicles due to a position-based risk of infectious diseases.

State of the art

Driver assistance systems for automated driving are becoming increasingly important. Automated driving can take place with different degrees of automation. Exemplary degrees of automation are assisted, partially automated, highly automated or fully automated driving. These degrees of automation were defined by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) (see BASt publication "Research compact", issue 11/2012). For example, vehicles with level 4 can drive autonomously in city traffic.

Fully automated vehicles can be used as public transport for passenger transport, such as taxis. Since public transport of this type can be used by different people at the same time and/or one after the other, there is an increased risk of transmitting infectious diseases. In certain situations, such as during a pandemic, it is therefore not possible to transport people safely.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to specify a system for occupant protection for automated vehicles, a vehicle with such a system, a method for occupant protection for automated vehicles and a storage medium for executing the method that a number of people who are Vehicle can be transported, can be adjusted variably. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to reduce a health risk for vehicle occupants.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are specified in the dependent claims.

According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for occupant protection for automated vehicles, in particular fully automated or autonomously driving motor vehicles, is specified. The system includes a receiving unit configured to receive location-based epidemiological data; a detection unit configured to detect (or obtain or determine) position and/or route data of the vehicle; and at least one processor unit. The at least one processor unit is set up to determine a maximum number of people that can be transported simultaneously with the vehicle based on the location-based epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle; and providing or providing for a number of seats in the vehicle equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people.

According to the invention, a number of available seats or seats is variably adapted to a current situation. For example, the vehicle can independently analyze a planned route and adjust the number of available seats or seats based on a coupling of its position and/or route with epidemiological data on infectious diseases. This enables safe transport of people, for example in risk areas. In addition, existing infection protection guidelines can be adapted so that the vehicle is always ready for use while adhering to them.

The receiving unit and/or the detection unit and/or the at least one processor unit can be implemented in a common software and/or hardware module. As an alternative to this, the receiving unit and/or the detection unit and/or the at least one processor unit can each be implemented in separate software and/or hardware modules.

The at least one processor unit is a programmable arithmetic unit, ie a machine or an electronic circuit, which controls other elements in accordance with the commands that have been passed, thereby promoting an algorithm (process).

The epidemiological data relate to health-related conditions and events in populations or populations. For example, the epidemiological data can be based on or derived from epidemiological indicators. Epidemiological indicators describe, for example, the spread of a specific disease. An exemplary epidemiological indicator is the prevalence. The prevalence of a disease generally indicates the proportion of sick people in a population under consideration.

If a key figure exceeds a certain level, specific measures can be taken. Defined situations are fought with defined actions. Such a measure can be the adjustment of the number of seats that can be occupied in automated vehicles, as is described in the embodiments of the present document.

The epidemiological data can include data on risk areas, for example, and can be provided by databases with reported cases of infection. The basis for this can be, for example, universities, state/medical institutions such as health authorities, but are not limited to these.

Furthermore, the epidemiological data are location-based epidemiological data. The term "location-based" thus takes into account the fact that an infection process can vary locally or be different. For example, based on the epidemiological data, areas can be defined to which a corresponding risk can be assigned. Adjusting the number of seats that can be occupied can be based on the risk, for example. For example, a trip originating and/or terminating in a high risk area may have a smaller number of occupancy seats than a trip originating and/or terminating in a high risk area has low risk.

The at least one processor unit is set up to determine a maximum number of people that can be transported in the vehicle at the same time based on the location-related epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle. The position data can be current position data, such as GPS data of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is in a risk area and receives a user request for transportation, the number of available seats can be determined and adjusted based on the vehicle's current position. The route data may correspond to a (planned) route from a starting location to a destination. The starting point and the destination can be specified by the user, for example, and known route planning methods can be used to determine the route. For example, if the starting point and/or destination is in a risk area, the number of available seats can be determined and adjusted accordingly.

The receiving unit can include or be a communication unit. The communication unit can be set up for a communication connection between the system according to the invention and a central unit. For example, the central unit can provide the location-based epidemiological data. In some embodiments, the communication between the system according to the invention and the central unit takes place via a mobile network, such as an LTE network or 5G network.

The detection unit is preferably set up to detect a GPS position of the vehicle.

Preferably, the at least one processor unit is further set up to carry out or adapt route planning for the vehicle based on the location-related epidemiological data. For example, a route can be defined in such a way that intermediate stops in a risk area are avoided.

The at least one processor unit is preferably also set up to provide the number of seats in the vehicle by means of a mechanical seat adjustment. The mechanical seat adjustment can take place automatically or independently by the vehicle. The term "mechanical" also includes pneumatic (partial) systems for seat adjustment.

Preferably, the mechanical seat adjustment includes, or is, extending, retracting, stowing, locking and/or adjusting at least one seat. For example, a seat may be stowed/stowed/sunk in a floor of the vehicle such that the seat is unusable. Similarly, a seat can be deployed from the floor of the vehicle so that the seat is usable. In another example, a seat may be blocked, for example, by an extendable object, such as a pole, such that the seat is unusable. In yet another example, a backrest of a seat may be reclined (e.g., reclined) such that the seat is unusable.

Preferably, the at least one seat of the vehicle is selected from or consisting of the group consisting of a driver's seat, at least one front passenger's seat and at least one rear seat.

Preferably, the at least one processor unit is further set up to provide the number of seats in the vehicle by means of at least one partition that can be positioned in an interior of the vehicle. The partition wall can be set up, for example, to divide the vehicle interior into at least two areas (eg front and rear) essentially transversely to a longitudinal extension of the vehicle. In addition or as an alternative, the partition wall can be set up to divide the vehicle interior into at least two areas (eg left and right; driver's and passenger's side, etc.) essentially parallel to a longitudinal extent of the vehicle. In this way, areas in the interior of the vehicle can be blocked off or partitioned off so that they cannot be used by occupants.

Preferably, the at least one partition is made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic.

The at least one processor unit is preferably also set up to provide the specific number of seats in the vehicle to a potential user of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can use the communication unit to transmit information relating to the available number of seats to a mobile terminal device of the potential user.

The mobile end device can communicate directly with the vehicle wirelessly or communicate indirectly wirelessly via a server connection (e.g. cloud). The term mobile end device includes smartphones in particular, but also other mobile telephones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, smartwatches and all current and future electronic devices that are equipped with technology for loading and running apps.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle includes a driver assistance system for automated driving and the occupant protection system for automated driving vehicles according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The term vehicle includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

Preferably the vehicle is public transport such as a taxi. A taxi is a form of public transport for occasional passenger transport (occasional transport), whereby the passenger is transported directly to the desired destination for a fee.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to commercial application and the vehicle may be a personal vehicle.

The driver assistance system of the vehicle is set up for automated driving.

In the context of the document, the term "automated driving" can be understood as driving with automated longitudinal or lateral guidance or autonomous driving with automated longitudinal and lateral guidance. Automated driving can be, for example, driving on the freeway for a longer period of time or driving for a limited time as part of parking or manoeuvring. The term "automated driving" includes automated driving with any degree of automation. Exemplary degrees of automation are assisted, partially automated, highly automated or fully automated driving. These degrees of automation were defined by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) (see BASt publication "Research compact", issue 11/2012).

With assisted driving, the driver constantly performs longitudinal or lateral guidance, while the system takes over the other function within certain limits. With semi-automated driving (TAF), the system takes over longitudinal and lateral guidance for a certain period of time and/or in specific situations, whereby the driver has to constantly monitor the system, as with assisted driving. With highly automated driving (HAD), the system takes over longitudinal and lateral guidance for a certain period of time without the driver having to constantly monitor the system; however, the driver must be able to take control of the vehicle within a certain period of time. With fully automated driving (VAF), the system can automatically handle driving in all situations for a specific application; a driver is no longer required for this application.

The four levels of automation mentioned above correspond to SAE levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering). For example, highly automated driving (HAF) corresponds to level 3 of the SAE J3016 standard. Furthermore, SAE J3016 also provides SAE Level 5 as the highest degree of automation, which is not included in the BASt definition. SAE Level 5 corresponds to driverless driving, in which the system can automatically handle all situations like a human driver throughout the journey; a driver is generally no longer required.

The vehicle or the driver assistance system of the present disclosure is preferably set up for automated driving in accordance with SAE level 4 or SAE level 5.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for occupant protection for vehicles driving in an automated manner, in particular fully automated or autonomously driving motor vehicles, is specified. The method includes receiving location-based epidemiological data; detecting position and/or route data of the vehicle; determining a maximum number of people that can be carried simultaneously by the vehicle based on the location-based epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle; and providing a number of seats in the vehicle that is equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people.

The method can implement the aspects of the occupant protection system for automated vehicles described in this document.

According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be set up to be executed on one or more processors and to thereby execute the method for occupant protection for automated vehicles, in particular fully automated or autonomous vehicles, described in this document.

According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium can include a SW program which is set up to be executed on one or more processors and to thereby execute the method described in this document for occupant protection for automated vehicles, in particular fully automated or autonomous vehicles.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code for carrying out the method for occupant protection for vehicles driving in automated fashion is to be executed if the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

character list

• 1 schematisch ein Fahrzeug mit einem Fahrassistenzsystem zum automatisierten Fahren gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung,
• 2 schematisch ein System zum Insassenschutz für automatisiert fahrende Fahrzeuge gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung, und
• 3 ein Flussdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Insassenschutz für automatisiert fahrende Fahrzeuge gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Show it:

• 1 schematically a vehicle with a driver assistance system for automated driving according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 2 schematically a system for occupant protection for automated vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and
• 3 a flow chart of a method for occupant protection for automated vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the Disclosure

Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used below for the same elements and those with the same effect.

1 FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 with a driver assistance system 100 for automated driving according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In automated driving, the vehicle 10 is guided longitudinally and laterally automatically. The driver assistance system 100 thus takes over the vehicle guidance. For this purpose, driver assistance system 100 controls drive 20, transmission 22, hydraulic service brake 24 and steering 26 via intermediate units (not shown).

In order to plan and implement automated driving, environmental information from an environmental sensor system that monitors the vehicle environment is received by driver assistance system 100 . In particular, the vehicle can include at least one surroundings sensor 12 which is set up to record surroundings data which indicate the surroundings of the vehicle. The at least one environment sensor 12 can include, for example, one or more LiDAR systems, one or more radar systems, one or more ultrasound systems, one or more laser scanners and/or one or more cameras.

2 FIG. 12 schematically shows a system 200 for occupant protection for automated vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The system 200 comprises a receiving unit 210 set up to receive location-based epidemiological data; a detection unit 220 which is set up to determine position and/or route data of the vehicle; and at least one processor unit 230. The at least one processor unit is set up to, based on the location-related epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle, a maximum number of people to determine which can be carried at the same time as the vehicle; and provide a number of seats in the vehicle equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people.

The location-based epidemiological data can include, for example, data on risk areas and can be provided by databases with reported cases of infection. The basis for this can be, for example, universities, state/medical institutions such as health authorities, but are not limited to these.

If a route or parts of the route are located in a high-risk area, the number of seating options in the vehicle may be reduced (e.g. from four facing seats to one seat). To reduce the number of seats in the vehicle, seats can be stowed away in the seat base, for example using a mechanical mechanism. The number of seats can thus be adapted to the planned route. In some embodiments, the capacity of the vehicle may be communicated and displayed to potential users (e.g. via a route planning app).

3 FIG. 3 schematically shows a flow chart of a method 300 for occupant protection for vehicles driving automatically, in particular motor vehicles, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Method 300 may be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

The method 300 includes, at block 310, receiving location-based epidemiological data; in block 320 a detection of position and/or route data of the vehicle; in block 330, determining a maximum number of people that can be carried simultaneously by the vehicle based on the location-based epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle; and at block 340, providing a number of seats in the vehicle that is equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people.

According to the invention, a number of available seats or seats is variably adapted to a current situation. For example, the vehicle can independently analyze a planned route and adjust the number of available seats based on a link to its position with epidemiological data on infectious diseases. This enables safe transport of people, for example in risk areas. In addition, existing infection protection guidelines can be adapted so that the vehicle is always ready for use while adhering to them.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the protective scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a large number of possible variations exist. It is also understood that the exemplary embodiments given are really only examples and should not be construed as limiting in any way the scope, applications or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to concretely implement the exemplary embodiments, whereby the person skilled in the art, knowing the disclosed inventive concept, can make a variety of changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without having to Leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims (10)

System (200) for occupant protection for automated vehicles (10), comprising: a receiving unit (210) set up to receive location-based epidemiological data; a detection unit (220) which is set up to detect position and/or route data of the vehicle (10); and at least one processor unit (230) arranged to: based on the location-related epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle (10) to determine a maximum number of people that can be transported simultaneously with the vehicle (10); and provide a number of seats in the vehicle (10) equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people. The system (200) after claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor unit (230) is further set up to plan a route for the vehicle (10) based on the location-based epidemiological data. The system (200) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one processor unit (230) is further set up to provide the number of seats in the vehicle (10) by means of a mechanical seat adjustment. The system (200) after claim 3 , wherein the mechanical seat adjustment comprises extending, retracting, stowing, locking and/or adjusting at least one seat. The system (200) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the at least one processor unit (230) is further set up to provide the number of seats in the vehicle (10) by means of at least one partition that can be positioned in an interior of the vehicle (10). The system (200) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the at least one processor unit (230) is further set up to provide the specific number of seats in the vehicle (10) to a potential user of the vehicle (10). Vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a driver assistance system (100) for automated driving and the system (200) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 . The vehicle (10) after claim 7 , wherein the vehicle is a means of public transport, in particular a taxi. Method (300) for occupant protection for automated vehicles, comprising: receiving (310) location-based epidemiological data; acquiring (320) position and/or route data of the vehicle; determining (330) a maximum number of people that can be carried simultaneously by the vehicle based on the location-based epidemiological data and the position and/or route data of the vehicle; and providing (340) a number of seats in the vehicle equal to or less than the determined maximum number of people. Storage medium comprising a software program arranged to be executed on one or more processors, and thereby the method (300) according to claim 9 to execute.

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