DE102022210916A1 - Warning of imminent accident - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (14) for warning road users (12) of dangerous situations, comprising: an input interface (24) for receiving environmental sensor data with information about a road user in the environment of one's own vehicle (18) and vehicle data with information about a movement of one's own vehicle; an evaluation unit (26) for determining whether a minimum distance between one's own vehicle and the road user will be undershot, based on the environmental sensor data and the vehicle data; an adaptation unit (28) for determining a parameter of a signal output unit (16) of the vehicle for outputting a warning signal to the road user based on the environmental sensor data if the minimum distance is undershot; and an output unit (30) for controlling the signal output unit based on the determined parameter in order to output the warning signal. The present invention further relates to a system (10) and a method.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for warning road users of dangerous situations. The present invention also relates to a method and a system for warning road users of dangerous situations. The present invention also relates to a corresponding computer program product.

Modern vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) have a variety of sensors (radar, lidar, camera, ultrasound, etc.) that provide information to a driver or a vehicle control system. Such environmental sensors record the vehicle's surroundings, objects in this environment (infrastructure objects, moving objects, etc.) and other road users (other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.). Based on the data recorded, a model of the vehicle's environment can be created and changes in this vehicle environment can be responded to. In particular, a driver can be warned of dangers or a driving function of the vehicle can be carried out partially or fully autonomously. An Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is a device in a motor vehicle that supports the driver in certain driving situations and/or carries out individual driving functions fully automatically.

One challenge associated with more or less advanced driving automation is that objects and other road users are not detected by the environmental sensors or are only detected late. This can lead to dangerous situations. For example, other road users who suddenly move onto the road may not be seen until late, which may lead to an accident. This can harm both other road users and the vehicle's occupants if an emergency braking maneuver has to be initiated or another driving maneuver has to be carried out. In particular, there are situations in which a collision or accident is unavoidable and can no longer be prevented by a driving maneuver of the vehicle itself, for example.

In this context, for example, EN 10 2021 202 592 A1 discloses a vehicle safety system and method for implementing a weighted active-passive impact mode classification. The method includes determining a passive safety impact mode classification in response to impact signals. The method further includes determining an active safety impact mode classification in response to active safety signals received prior to the occurrence of the impact event. The method further includes determining an active safety confidence factor for the active safety impact mode classification. The method further includes determining the weighted impact mode classification as the active impact mode classification in response to the active safety confidence factor not exceeding a predetermined confidence value.

There are various other similar approaches that trigger a reaction from the vehicle after determining that a collision is unavoidable. For example, seat belt tensioners or other safety devices are activated to minimize the consequences of the collision or accident as much as possible. The disadvantage of these approaches is that they only act within the sphere of the driver's own vehicle. The effects of the accident are thus minimized with regard to the driver's own vehicle or the occupants of the vehicle. Another road user who may have been involved in the accident is not included in this assessment. In other words, previous approaches do not take into account other road users who may have been involved in the accident.

Based on this, the present invention aims to provide an approach for minimizing the effects of accidents. In particular, the effects of an accident on both one's own vehicle and on other road users involved in the accident should be minimized. Traffic safety should be improved. Accidents should be minimized in their impact, in particular in their impact on the living beings involved.

• einer Eingangsschnittstelle zum Empfangen von Umgebungssensordaten mit Informationen zu einem Verkehrsteilnehmer in einer Umgebung eines eigenen Fahrzeugs und von Fahrzeugdaten mit Informationen zu einer Bewegung des eigenen Fahrzeugs;
• einer Auswerteeinheit zum Ermitteln, ob ein Mindestabstand zwischen dem eigenen Fahrzeug und dem Verkehrsteilnehmer unterschritten werden wird, basierend auf den Umgebungssensordaten und den Fahrzeugdaten;
• einer Anpassungseinheit zum Ermitteln eines Parameters einer Signalausgabeeinheit des Fahrzeugs für eine Ausgabe eines Warnsignals an den Verkehrsteilnehmer basierend auf den Umgebungssensordaten, wenn der Mindestabstand unterschritten werden wird; und
• einer Ausgabeeinheit zum Ansteuern der Signalausgabeeinheit basierend auf dem ermittelten Parameter, um das Warnsignal auszugeben.

To achieve this object, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a device for warning road users of dangerous situations, comprising:

• an input interface for receiving environmental sensor data with information about a road user in an environment of one's own vehicle and vehicle data with information about a movement of one's own vehicle;
• an evaluation unit for determining whether a minimum distance between the vehicle and the road user will be undercut, based on the environmental sensor data and the vehicle data;
• an adaptation unit for determining a parameter of a signal output unit of the vehicle for outputting a warning signal to the road user based on the environmental sensor data if the minimum distance is exceeded; and
• an output unit for controlling the signal output unit based on the determined parameter to output the warning signal.

• einer Vorrichtung wie zuvor beschrieben;
• einer Signalausgabeeinheit zum Ausgeben eines Warnsignals, die vorzugsweise an dem eigenen Fahrzeug angeordnet ist.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system for warning road users of dangerous situations, comprising:

• a device as previously described;
• a signal output unit for outputting a warning signal, which is preferably arranged on the vehicle itself.

Further aspects of the invention relate to a method designed in accordance with the device for warning road users of dangerous situations and to a computer program product with program code for carrying out the steps of the method when the program code is executed on a computer. In addition, one aspect of the invention relates to a storage medium on which a computer program is stored which, when executed on a computer, causes the method described herein to be carried out.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the device, the system, the method and the computer program product can be designed in accordance with the embodiments defined for the device and the system in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, environmental sensor data from an environmental sensor system and vehicle data with information on a movement of the own vehicle are received via an input interface. Based on this data, it is determined whether a minimum distance between the own vehicle and the road user will be undercut. In particular, a predefined minimum distance can be used as a basis. This predefined minimum distance can also be zero, so that it is determined whether a collision or contact is imminent. If it is determined that the minimum distance is undercut, a parameter of a signal output unit is determined in the adaptation unit. This parameter is then used to control the signal output unit of the vehicle and to output the warning signal to the road user. In other words, a signal output unit is controlled to warn another road user if it is determined that an accident with this other road user is about to occur.

In comparison to previous approaches to reacting to imminent accidents or collisions, the invention does not adapt the behavior of the driver's own vehicle in the sense of a driving maneuver, but rather issues a warning to the other road user involved in the accident. This warning is adapted to the respective situation depending on the road user in order to be able to generate a warning signal that is appropriate to the situation. By warning the other road user, it is possible for them to react to the impending collision. For example, it may be possible that a collision can still be prevented if a warning signal is issued to the other road user. It is also possible that the effects of the collision can be reduced if the other road user is informed of the impending collision before it occurs. For example, in the case of a vehicle, the other road user can still initiate a driving maneuver or it is possible for a pedestrian to adopt a protective position to minimize the effects of a collision with a vehicle. The safety of both the driver's own vehicle and the other road user is improved. The effects of accidents and collisions are reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to determine whether the minimum distance can be prevented from being exceeded by a driving maneuver of the vehicle. In addition, the adaptation unit is designed to determine the parameter if the minimum distance cannot be prevented from being exceeded. In particular, it is advantageous to first determine whether the accident is unavoidable. Only in this case is the warning issued in order to minimize the number of unnecessary warnings. Warnings are only issued when this is necessary and contributes to improving the safety of those involved.

In a preferred embodiment, the adaptation unit is designed to determine a parameter of a light projection onto a background, a parameter of a voice output, a parameter of a display and/or a parameter of a light. The output unit is designed to control a light projection unit on the vehicle, a sound and voice output unit on the vehicle, a display on the vehicle and/or a light on the vehicle. In particular, a dedicated signal output unit can be provided on the vehicle in addition to the conventional signal output units, such as horn, lighting, etc. By providing such an additional signal output unit, the attention of the road user can be drawn more quickly to the impending collision in order to enable a reaction. The safety of the own vehicle and of other road users is improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a detection unit for determining a position, a type and/or a movement of the road user based on the environmental sensor data. The adaptation unit is designed to determine the parameter based on the determined position, type and/or movement of the road user. In particular, it is advantageous if an evaluation is carried out first with regard to the other road user.

For example, the signal output can be made dependent on the position, type and/or movement of the road user. In particular, it is advantageous if the position of the other road user is taken into account when issuing the warning signal, for example, the signal can be directed to a specific position. It is also advantageous if the type of other road user is taken into account, for example whether it is another vehicle, an animal, a pedestrian, a cyclist, etc. Depending on the type of other road user, an adapted warning signal can be issued. The safety of all those involved is further improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit is designed to determine whether the road user is an animal and what type of animal it is. The adaptation unit is designed to determine the parameter based on the type of animal determined. For example, the volume or the direction of the signal output can be made dependent on whether and what type of animal the other road user is. Influencing the behavior of a wild boar may require a different warning signal than influencing the behavior of a deer. Depending on the type of animal, a volume or a form of the warning signal can be set that promises the greatest possible effect. This results in a further improvement in safety.

In a preferred embodiment, the adaptation unit is designed to determine a movement prediction of the road user based on the environmental sensor data and to determine the parameter based thereon. In particular, it is advantageous if a movement of the road user is predicted or predicted. The movement prediction corresponds to a prediction of the movement in the very near future. For example, a probable trajectory can be extrapolated. This information can then be used to determine the parameter of the signal output. For example, a light signal can be projected onto a point on the road user's future trajectory. This makes it possible to efficiently warn the road user in advance of the impending collision and, if necessary, to influence the road user's behavior.

In a preferred embodiment, the adaptation unit is designed to determine a volume of an auditory output signal, the volume being above a pain threshold of the road user. It is therefore accepted that a pain threshold will be exceeded in order to attract the attention of the road user with a high degree of probability and to warn them of the impending collision. In this respect, a balancing of interests takes place. The collision or accident is more likely to be prevented or its effects limited.

In a preferred embodiment, the adaptation unit is designed to determine parameters for a simultaneous and coordinated visual and auditory signal output, in particular a signal output coordinated in frequency. A coordinated and simultaneous visual and auditory signal output is more likely to attract the attention of the road user. It may be possible for the road user to correct their own behavior in good time before the accident in order to minimize the effects of the accident or even prevent the accident. This results in an improvement in safety.

In a preferred embodiment, the input interface is designed to receive the environmental sensor data from a radar, lidar, ultrasound and/or camera sensor. In particular, the environmental sensor system can be designed based on sensors already present in the vehicle and their data can be processed accordingly. In this respect, cost advantages arise from using the sensor data for different requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the input interface is designed to receive a current position of the vehicle and a map of the surroundings with information about a danger spot in the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle. The adaptation unit is designed to check whether the vehicle is at the danger spot based on the current position in the map of the surroundings and to determine the parameter based on information stored for the danger spot. The signal output of the warning signal is therefore also made dependent on the current position of the vehicle. Depending on the position of the vehicle, an adapted signal output may be required in order to enable the road user to be warned as efficiently as possible. This results in a further improvement in safety.

In a preferred embodiment of the system, the signal output unit comprises a light projection unit for projecting onto a surface, a sound and voice output unit for outputting speech, a display for displaying information and/or a light. The use of signal output units in addition to the conventional signal output units of a vehicle (horn, lighting, indicators, etc.) enables the attention of road users to be attracted more efficiently. The safety of all road users involved is further improved.

Here, the environment of a vehicle is understood to mean in particular its immediate surroundings. In particular, the environment of the vehicle corresponds to an area that can be perceived by the vehicle's environmental sensors. A minimum distance can also be zero. When determining whether a minimum distance will be undercut, it is determined whether the probability of the minimum distance being undercut is above a predefined threshold, insofar as an accident cannot be prevented with almost absolute certainty. In particular, this means that the minimum distance will be undercut, regardless of the reaction of the vehicle. In other words, an accident can no longer be prevented by braking or another driving maneuver. A parameter of a signal output unit can, for example, be an indication of a value in relation to a predefined scale, for example to specify a volume and/or a tone of an acoustic signal output or to specify a light intensity and/or color of a light signal. However, a parameter can also be an abstract position indication or another value that enables a signal output to be adjusted. Road users can be pedestrians and cyclists in particular, but also other vehicles and animals. An environment map corresponds to a representation of an environment or an area in terms of roads, cycle paths, footpaths, etc. An environment map can be in any format. An environment map can, for example, be made available in saved form.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Warnen von Verkehrsteilnehmern vor Gefahrensituationen;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Warnen von Verkehrsteilnehmern vor Gefahrensituationen;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs mit einem erfindungsgemäßen System;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Warnvorgangs mittels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung; und
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is described and explained in more detail below using some selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. They show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for warning road users of dangerous situations;
• 2 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for warning road users of dangerous situations;
• 3 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a system according to the invention;
• 4 a schematic representation of a warning process by means of a device according to the invention; and
• 5 a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

In the 1 A system 10 according to the invention for warning road users 12 of dangerous situations is shown schematically. The system 10 comprises a device 14 and a signal output unit 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is arranged on a vehicle 18. The illustration is to be understood as a schematic bird's-eye view of a traffic situation.

The vehicle 18 approaches the road users 12, who in the illustrated embodiment are pedestrians standing behind trees 20 and are about to cross the road 22. According to the invention, a warning signal is issued by means of the signal output unit 16 when a minimum distance between the vehicle 18 and a road user 12 is undercut. In particular, a warning is to be issued when a collision can no longer be avoided. The aim of issuing a warning signal that is specifically adapted to the situation is to enable the road user 12 to prepare for the impending collision. If, for example, a collision with a pedestrian is imminent, the pedestrian should be given the opportunity to adopt a protective position before the collision or to avoid the collision if necessary. if necessary, by moving quickly. It is important that the collision or the failure of the vehicle to maintain the minimum distance and a driving maneuver by the vehicle can no longer be prevented.

Particularly in the area of autonomous vehicles, systems can assess whether a collision will occur. This collision is then prevented as far as possible by a driving or braking maneuver. However, if this is no longer possible, the invention proposes issuing a warning signal. The issuing of the warning signal should therefore help to defuse a dangerous situation. The behavior of other road users towards vehicles, especially towards autonomous vehicles, should be influenced in such a way that dangers are reduced.

In the 2 a device 14 according to the invention for warning road users is shown schematically. The device 14 comprises an input interface 24, an evaluation unit 26, an adaptation unit 28 and an output unit 30. Finally, the device 14 comprises an optional detection unit 32. The various units and interfaces can be implemented completely or partially in software and/or hardware. In particular, the units can be designed as processors, processor modules or also as software for a processor. The device 14 can be designed in particular in the form of a control unit or a central computer of an autonomous or partially autonomous vehicle or as software for such a control unit or such a central computer. For example, the device 14 can be implemented in software that is executed on a central computer of a vehicle and is connected via corresponding interfaces to sensors or communication devices or also signal output devices of the vehicle. It is also possible for the device 14 to correspond to a mobile device or to be designed as a mobile device that is carried in or on a vehicle, for example.

Environmental sensor data and vehicle data are received via the input interface 24. The environmental sensor data can be received in particular from environmental sensors such as radar, lidar, ultrasound and/or camera sensors. The input interface 24 can be connected to a corresponding vehicle bus system to which the environmental sensors are also connected. The received environmental sensor data can be preprocessed to enable efficient further processing. In particular, the received environmental sensor data includes information about other road users in the vicinity of the vehicle. In other words, other road users in the vicinity of the vehicle can be recognized based on the environmental sensor data and associated properties can be determined.

The vehicle data includes information about the movement of the vehicle. The vehicle data can also be received via a vehicle bus system, for example. For example, the vehicle data can be received by a control unit of an autonomous vehicle or a corresponding trip planning unit. It is also possible that data about a speed and a direction of movement are received directly from corresponding sensors. It is also possible that the vehicle data already includes a prediction about a movement of the vehicle that can be expected in the very near future.

Based on the environmental sensor data and the vehicle data, the evaluation unit 26 determines whether a minimum distance between the vehicle and the road user will be exceeded. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 26 can determine a movement prediction of the road user or of the vehicle. The corresponding data is used to determine how the road user and the vehicle will move in the very near future. Based on this, the probability of a collision or of a minimum distance being exceeded can then be determined. If this probability is above a predefined or adjusted threshold value, it is determined that a collision or a minimum distance being exceeded cannot be avoided. It is also possible for the evaluation unit 26 to determine whether this falling below the minimum distance can still be prevented by the driver's own driving maneuver. If this is not the case, the collision or falling below the minimum distance is classified as unavoidable.

The adaptation unit 28 is designed to determine a parameter for the output unit 30 for controlling the signal output unit if it is determined that the minimum distance will not be maintained. The parameter is determined based on the environmental sensor data and is therefore tailored to the road user. The parameter is determined depending on the road user. For example, the adaptation unit 28 can be designed to predict the movement of the road user and to adjust a parameter accordingly. Depending on where the road user is going, the warning signal can then be parameterized accordingly. It is particularly advantageous if the adaptation unit 28 is designed to determine the parameter only in the case that preventing the minimum distance from being exceeded by a driving maneuver of the own vehicle can no longer be achieved, so that the collision or the failure to fall below the minimum distance is unavoidable.

Advantageously, the adaptation unit 28 is designed to determine the parameter based on the type or availability of the signal output unit.

The signal output unit is then controlled via the output unit 30. The output unit 30 can also be connected to a corresponding vehicle bus system.

The optional detection unit 32 is intended to determine a position, a type and/or a movement of the road user. The detection unit 32 can then make this information available to the adaptation unit 28 in order to enable it to determine the parameter based on it. For example, it is possible for the detection unit 32 to determine whether the road user is an animal and what type of animal it is. Depending on the type of animal, a corresponding parameter can be determined, which then enables a signal output specifically tailored to this animal or animal type.

In the 3 A vehicle 18 with a system 10 according to the invention for warning road users of dangerous situations is shown schematically. In addition to the device 14, the system 10 comprises a light projection unit 34, a sound and voice output unit 36 and a display 38.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light projection unit 34 is arranged in a front area of the vehicle 18. However, it is understood that it is also possible for several light projection units 34 to be arranged around the vehicle 18 at the front, rear and sides. The light projection unit 34 can be used to generate a light projection onto a surface, which can be used to warn road users. For example, symbols, pictograms, abstract representations, lines and/or text can be projected onto the road to inform road users or to signal to road users that a collision is imminent if they do not react. The projection system or light projection unit 34 comprises in particular a light source as well as apertures and mirrors to generate shapes and colors. A laser diode or LED or halogen headlight can be used as the light source. The light processing can function in a similar way to a laser projector, for example.

Furthermore, a light 40 can be provided on the vehicle 18. This light 40 can be, for example, a simple RGB LED, in which a larger light emission angle is achieved, if necessary, via a lens or a mirror. For example, different colors can be set in order to determine the warning signal and also to easily attract the attention of the road user. The parameter can also be used, for example, to adapt to a current time, in particular a time of day or night.

Videos, symbols, pictograms, abstract representations, lines and/or text can be shown on the display 38. The brightness, resolution and viewing angle can be adjusted to the current situation using the parameter. Further adjustments can be made depending on the time of day and night. The display 38 can provide road users with visual information or a visual warning signal directly. First responders or emergency personnel can be provided with recorded or current data via the display 38.

The sound and voice output unit 36 can be implemented in particular in the form of a loudspeaker. In particular, it is possible for the sound and voice output unit 36 to emit an auditory signal whose volume is above the level of pain experienced by the road user. In this respect, it is consciously accepted that the road user will be caused pain in order to warn them as urgently as possible of the impending failure to maintain the minimum distance or of the impending collision.

It is possible that a general background noise is initially generated via the sound and voice output unit 36 in order to warn the road user. If a critical situation occurs, the road user can be warned. In this case, specific information can be transmitted via voice output. If it is recognized that the road user is a child, a simplified language can be used, for example, which can also be understood by this child. It is also possible to set a corresponding By setting the parameter, it is possible for music or a melody to be output. The output can be adjusted based on the criticality of the situation.

It is also possible that, in addition to the signal output via a signal output unit provided separately on the vehicle, an additional output is made via output units already present on the vehicle, such as a horn, an indicator, etc.

Advantageously, a synergistic use of several signal outputs can be made. The various visual and auditory signals can therefore be used synergistically. A more impressive message for the recipient can be achieved by combining at least two signals, for example a combination of a sound output via the sound and voice output unit 36 with a light projection output via the light projection unit 34. For example, a pulsed light output can be made in combination with a sequence of tones at the same frequency.

A signal can also be output in the event of an occlusion. If the vehicle 18 detects that an occlusion is occurring in front of it, a signal can be output to warn any pedestrians, cyclists, etc. and to draw attention to its own presence. An occlusion can be any type of obscuration that can be caused by static or dynamic objects.

When signaling animals, a species-specific signal can be emitted. For example, high tones can be used for dogs, blue light can be used for lights, or stroboscopic or very bright lights can be used for wild animals on the road.

In addition, it is possible that if the vehicle 18 detects that a physical violent attack on the vehicle 18 is imminent/being carried out, either from outside or from inside the vehicle 18 or on the occupants of the vehicle 18, the system 10 detects this. The type of attacker must first be identified and then, in a further step, a probable target and the attacker's approach must be recorded. It is then possible for the system 10 to send an emergency call to the immediate vicinity or to an emergency call center.

If a severe weather event occurs (thunderstorm, heavy rain, tornado), a system failure occurs or other triggers lead to a so-called Minimum Risk Maneuver (MRM) having to be carried out, the system can emit 10 signals to warn other road users. The signal output should preferably be used in addition to conventional hazard lights, horns, etc.

In the case of a wrong-way driver who is recognized as another road user, the vehicle 18 can also warn other road users in the area and then send a scenario-specific warning to the wrong-way driver himself. The vehicle type, vehicle movement and a movement prediction must first be determined. Assuming that the wrong-way driver is acting unintentionally, the situation can be defused in this way.

An emergency call function can be provided if occupants of the vehicle 18 are ill/injured. If, for example, a vehicle occupant suffers a heart attack, a stroke, faints or circulatory collapse, the journey must be terminated. In highly automated vehicles, an MRM must therefore first be carried out, with the corresponding signals being issued. Furthermore, another road user can be called or requested to provide first aid via the signal output. A voice output and/or a light signal output can also be used for this purpose. It is also possible for the system 10 to be used to analyze illnesses or injuries of those involved in an accident. For example, in the case of a motorcyclist, awareness can be raised that there may be a fracture of the cervical vertebra, so that the helmet of the person who has fallen should not be removed. Such information can also be transmitted via the signal output unit.

In the 4 an example of a dangerous situation is shown schematically. Two pedestrians are standing as road users 12 behind trees 20 and are about to enter the road 22. The vehicle 18 comprises a system 10 according to the invention with a device 14 and a light projection unit 34. Firstly, a movement prediction of the road users 12 is carried out and, based on this, a location for a light projection is determined as a parameter. Based on this parameter, a red bar 42 is projected as a light projection onto the road in the area in front of the pedestrians via the light projection unit 34. This light projection 42 may make it possible for a collision which, from the perspective of the vehicle 18, can no longer be prevented after all, because the road user 12 changes his or her behavior and does not step onto the road 22.

In the 5 is a schematic of an inventive method for warning traffic participants from dangerous situations. The method comprises steps of receiving S10 environmental sensor data, determining S12 whether a minimum distance will be undercut, determining S14 a parameter of a signal output unit and controlling S16 the signal output unit.

The method can be implemented in particular in the form of software that is executed on a processor of a vehicle or a vehicle control unit or a central computer of a vehicle. It goes without saying that the method can also be implemented as a smartphone app.

The invention has been fully described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, the disclosure and the following claims.

In the claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units mentioned in the claims. An element, unit, interface, device and system can be partially or completely implemented in hardware and/or software. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims is not to be understood as meaning that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. A computer program can be stored/distributed on a non-volatile data carrier, for example on an optical memory or on a solid state drive (SSD). A computer program can be distributed together with hardware and/or as part of hardware, for example via the Internet or via wired or wireless communication systems. Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting.

Reference symbols

10

system

12

Road users

14

contraption

16

Signal output unit

18

vehicle

20

Tree

22

Street

24

Input interface

26

Evaluation unit

28

Adjustment unit

30

Output unit

32

Detection unit

34

Light projection unit

36

Sound and voice output unit

38

Display

40

lamp

42

Light projection

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102021202592 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Device (14) for warning road users (12) of dangerous situations, with: an input interface (24) for receiving environmental sensor data with information about a road user in the environment of one's own vehicle (18) and vehicle data with information about a movement of one's own vehicle; an evaluation unit (26) for determining whether a minimum distance between one's own vehicle and the road user will be undercut, based on the environmental sensor data and the vehicle data; an adaptation unit (28) for determining a parameter of a signal output unit (16) of the vehicle for outputting a warning signal to the road user based on the environmental sensor data if the minimum distance is undercut; and an output unit (30) for controlling the signal output unit based on the determined parameter in order to output the warning signal. Device (14) according to Claim 1 , wherein the evaluation unit (26) is designed to determine whether the undershooting of the minimum distance can be prevented by a driving maneuver of the own vehicle (18); and the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine the parameter if the undershooting of the minimum distance cannot be prevented. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine a parameter of a light projection (42) onto a background, a parameter of a voice output, a parameter of a display (38) and/or a parameter of a light (40); and the output unit (30) is designed to control a light projection unit (34) on the vehicle (18), a sound and voice output unit (36) on the vehicle, a display on the vehicle and/or a light on the vehicle. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, with a recognition unit (32) for determining a position, a type and/or a movement of the road user (12) based on the environmental sensor data, wherein the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine the parameter based on the determined position, type and/or movement of the road user (12). Device (14) according to Claim 4 , wherein the recognition unit (32) is designed to determine whether the road user (12) is an animal and what type of animal it is; and the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine the parameter based on the determined type of animal. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine a movement prediction of the road user (12) based on the environmental sensor data and to determine the parameter based thereon. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine a volume of an auditory output signal, wherein the volume is above a pain threshold of the road user (12). Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation unit (28) is designed to determine parameters for a simultaneous and coordinated visual and auditory signal output, in particular a frequency-coordinated signal output. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (24) is designed to receive the environmental sensor data from a radar, lidar, ultrasonic and/or camera sensor. Device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (24) is designed to receive a current position of the vehicle (18) and a map of the surroundings with information about a danger spot in the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle; and the adaptation unit (28) is designed to check whether the vehicle is located at the danger spot based on the current position and the map of the surroundings and to determine the parameter based on information stored for the danger spot. System for warning road users (12) of dangerous situations, with: a device (14) according to one of the preceding claims; and a signal output unit (16) for outputting a warning signal, which is preferably arranged on the vehicle (18). System according to Claim 11 , wherein the signal output unit (16) comprises a light projection unit (34) for projecting onto a surface, a sound and voice output unit (36) for outputting speech, a display (38) for displaying information and/or a light (40). Method for warning road users (12) of dangerous situations, comprising the steps of: Receiving (S10) environmental sensor data with information about a road user in the environment of one's own vehicle (18) and vehicle data with information about a movement of one's own vehicle; Determining (S12) whether a minimum distance between one's own vehicle and the road user will be undercut based on the environmental sensor data and the vehicle data; Determining (S14) a parameter of a signal output unit (16) of the vehicle for outputting a warning signal to the road user based on the environmental sensor data if the minimum distance will be undercut; and Controlling (S16) the signal output unit based on the determined parameter in order to output the warning signal. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the steps of the method according to Claim 13 when the program code is executed on a computer.

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