EP1054371B2 - Automatic alertsystem for vehicles - Google Patents

Automatic alertsystem for vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1054371B2
EP1054371B2 EP00106898A EP00106898A EP1054371B2 EP 1054371 B2 EP1054371 B2 EP 1054371B2 EP 00106898 A EP00106898 A EP 00106898A EP 00106898 A EP00106898 A EP 00106898A EP 1054371 B2 EP1054371 B2 EP 1054371B2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
emergency call
motor vehicle
relative speed
vehicle
distance
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EP00106898A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1054371A1 (en
EP1054371B1 (en
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Hans-Wilhelm Dr. Rühl
Jauke Van Roekel
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/20—Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
    • G08G1/205—Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an emergency call system of a motor vehicle with a transmitter present in the motor vehicle for automatically transmitting an emergency call to an external receiving station and a signal generator, wherein the transmitter and the signal transmitter are connected to a computing unit which activates the emergency call in the presence of a corresponding signal of the signal generator, and a method for automatically transmitting an emergency call by a transmitter from a motor vehicle to a receiving station.
  • Such an emergency call system is known from WO 90/03899.
  • a signal from a signal generator triggers an automatic emergency call.
  • the signal generator may be an airbag, an alarm system or a temperature or gas sensor.
  • the system can therefore trigger an alarm via a mobile device depending on the signal generator used in a collision or theft of the vehicle.
  • the emergency call system includes a navigation device for determining and transmitting the position of the vehicle together with the emergency call. With the emergency call further information, such as vehicle-specific data, vehicle type, dangerous goods class, the phone number, an accident report, a fire alarm and the number of passengers can be transmitted.
  • the disadvantage of this system however, that in the event of a collision, the emergency call device can be damaged and therefore u.U. is incapable of functioning. This has the consequence that the emergency call can not be sent out.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide an emergency call system which avoids this disadvantage and ensures a safe transmission of the emergency call.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically transmitting an emergency call from a motor vehicle to a receiving station.
  • the first object is achieved by an emergency call system with the features of claim 1.
  • the emergency call system as a signal generator with the arithmetic unit connected to measuring means for determining the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle to another vehicle or an obstacle, wherein in the arithmetic unit, a comparison between the determined relative to the measuring means relative speed and a maximum value of the relative speed in the measured distance is feasible and the emergency call is activated at a given distance when exceeding the maximum permissible relative speed.
  • the emergency call is thus already activated before an accident or a collision of the motor vehicle with another vehicle or an obstacle.
  • the inventive method is characterized in that the distance and the relative speed of the motor vehicle is determined to another vehicle or an obstacle, the determined relative speed is compared with a set maximum permissible relative speed for the determined distance and an emergency call is triggered when the determined relative speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the specified maximum permissible relative speed.
  • the emergency call is only sent out when a collision is registered by a sensor.
  • the airbag signal is used.
  • the emergency call can therefore be activated even before the collision occurs, i. at a time when the emergency call system is still operational.
  • the relative speed of the motor vehicle to another vehicle or an obstacle is determined as well as the distance of the motor vehicle to the other vehicle or obstacle. If the relative speed exceeds a given value for a given distance, it can be assumed that a collision is unavoidable.
  • a maximum permissible limit value for the relative speed is set.
  • This limit value can be determined in the arithmetic unit via a determination equation for the respective distance.
  • limit values for the maximum permissible relative speed may be present. These can, for example, take into account the road condition. For example, a higher limit is permissible on dry roads than on wet roads or on snow-covered roads. To determine the road condition, appropriate sensors must be present in the vehicle. For example, a distinction can be made between the dry and the wet roadway optically via the light component reflected by the roadway.
  • a navigation system known per se is provided in the vehicle in particular, wherein the position determination can take place both via satellite navigation (GPS navigation) and via dead reckoning in a known manner.
  • GPS navigation satellite navigation
  • dead reckoning a navigation system known per se is provided in the vehicle in particular, wherein the position determination can take place both via satellite navigation (GPS navigation) and via dead reckoning in a known manner.
  • GPS navigation satellite navigation
  • dead reckoning a navigation system known per se.
  • the emergency call system only the position of importance, but not the route calculation. Therefore, for example, it is also sufficient to use only a receiver with evaluation unit for GPS navigation instead of a full-fledged navigation system.
  • the arithmetic unit of the emergency call system with at least one sensor for detecting an accident.
  • the emergency call system also includes a timer connected to the computing unit, which is started with the activation of the emergency call. If there is no sensor signal indicating a collision at the time the timer expires, the emergency call is automatically revoked.
  • the sensor for detecting an accident may in particular be an acceleration sensor or a temperature sensor. Since acceleration sensors are already present for triggering the airbag in motor vehicles, it is particularly advantageous if the emergency call system is connected to them. Thus, if the airbag is not triggered until the end of the timer, it is assumed that no collision has occurred and the emergency call is revoked. To make the withdrawal of the emergency call not dependent on the signal of a single sensor, several sensors may be present. In the presence of a temperature sensor, in particular, a vehicle fire can be registered.
  • the arithmetic unit of the emergency call system is connected to seat occupancy sensors, so that the number of occupied vehicle seats can be transmitted with the emergency call.
  • An essential part of the emergency call system are the measuring means for determining the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle from another vehicle or an obstacle.
  • these measuring means are based on the evaluation of a transmitted and received reflected radar signal.
  • radar systems are not yet used as standard in motor vehicles, they are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • Walliser u.a . electronics in the automotive industry, 2nd edition, expert-Verlag, Renningen-Malsheim 1997, pages 308 to 331 describes the use of radar systems for distance warning and distance control in motor vehicles. Radar systems have the advantage over optical or acoustic methods that the attenuation due to rain and fog is low. Possible frequencies are 35 GHz and 78 GHz.
  • WO 94/16340 describes a computerized radar method for measuring distances and relative speeds between a vehicle and obstacles in front of it.
  • This radar signals are emitted, which are reflected by another vehicle or an obstacle.
  • the reflected radar signals are in turn collected and evaluated.
  • the relative speed between the motor vehicle in which the system is located and another vehicle or obstacle is determined on the basis of the Doppler shift of the frequency of the transmitted and reflected signal. Since the radar signal is emitted in pulses, the distance between the motor vehicle and the vehicle or obstacle reflecting the radar pulse can be determined from the transit time of the pulse.
  • the method described in the aforementioned patent application can be used.
  • any known radio system can be used. In order to ensure a secure transmission of the emergency call, this should, however, be available nationwide. Due to the already very widespread use of GSM systems in Europe based on the GSM standard, these systems, as well as systems according to the newer UMTS standard, are particularly preferred there. These may be, for example, the known D and E networks. Appropriate systems are well known to those skilled in the art and also introduced for use in the motor vehicle, so that they need not be described in detail here.
  • the emergency call system illustrated in FIG. 1 contains, as a central element, the arithmetic unit 1, which consists of a microcomputer and associated memory elements and interfaces. Connected to the computing unit 1 is a radar system 2 which determines the relative speed of the motor vehicle and the distance to another vehicle or obstacle in the manner described above. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit is connected to a mobile phone 3. In a memory element of the arithmetic unit 1, a determination equation is stored for calculating a limit value of the maximum permissible relative speed at a given distance. The current distance of the motor vehicle from an obstacle is transmitted from the radar system 2 to the arithmetic unit 1. Because of this distance value, the permissible limit value for the relative speed is determined in the arithmetic unit 2.
  • the current relative speed also transmitted by the radar system 2 to the arithmetic unit 1 is compared with this limit value. If the current relative speed of the motor vehicle is greater than the limit value, it is assumed that a collision is unavoidable. In this case, an emergency call is transmitted by the mobile phone 3 to a receiving station, not shown by the arithmetic unit 1. In order to be able to transmit the position of the motor vehicle to the receiving station at the same time as the emergency call, the arithmetic unit 1 is furthermore connected to a navigation system 4.
  • the arithmetic unit 1 is in connection with a timer (timer) 5. With activation of the emergency call by the arithmetic unit 1, the timer 5 is started simultaneously. The runtime of the timer is typically only a few seconds. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1 is connected to the airbag system 6 of the motor vehicle. If a collision of the motor vehicle with the obstacle takes place, then at least one airbag is triggered. The triggering of the airbag is registered in the arithmetic unit 1. If there is no signal in the arithmetic unit 1 at the end of the timer 5 which signals a triggering of the airbag, then it is assumed that no collision has taken place. In this case, another paging is activated by the arithmetic unit 1 via the mobile phone 3 or the remaining connection is used to transmit a revocation of the emergency call.
  • timer timer
  • FIG. 2 shows the known components of a radar system for determining the relative velocity and the distance in a simplified block form.
  • the radar system includes a high-frequency part 7 and a signal processing part 8.
  • a pulsed microwave signal is generated, which is transmitted via a transmitting / receiving antenna 9.
  • the microwave signal is reflected at a preceding vehicle 10.
  • the reflected portion is partially captured by the transmitting / receiving antenna 9 and in turn fed to the high-frequency part 7.
  • the transmission signal and the reception reflected signal are separately and separately supplied to a mixer.
  • the signal processing part 8 an analog / digital conversion is performed and then the digital signals are processed in a signal processor.
  • the transfer of the specific distance of the motor vehicle from the vehicle 10 traveling ahead and the relative speed to the arithmetic unit 1 of the emergency call system takes place.
  • FIG. 3 shows in more detail a navigation system for determining the vehicle position.
  • an operating unit 11 which is connected to a microprocessor 12
  • settings of system parameters of the navigation system can be made.
  • the desired form of representation of the information on the display unit 13 can be selected.
  • the destination may be entered or selected from a list of possible destinations displayed on the display unit 13.
  • the operating unit 11 and the display unit 13 can also be designed as a combined operating / display unit.
  • the input and output of information can also be done in a manner not shown via acoustic means of voice input or output.
  • the navigation system further includes a reader 14, with which on a CD-ROM 15 or a similar storage medium stored digitized map data can be read into the microprocessor 12.
  • 12 further components for determining the position of the vehicle by means of dead reckoning and / or GPS navigation are connected to the microprocessor. It is a GPS receiver 16, which is equipped to receive signals from the GPS satellite system and can determine the position of the vehicle based on the received signals. However, as the GPS signals may u. are not receivable in valleys or in cities, the navigation system further comprises a direction sensor 17 and a Wegumblensensor 18 for performing a dead reckoning.
  • the vehicle position determined by the navigation system is transmitted via the interface 19 to the computing unit 1 of the emergency call system.
  • the navigation system can be connected in a manner not shown with the mobile phone or an audio system, the mobile phone or audio system current traffic information is transmitted to the navigation system, which are taken into account in the route planning. In this respect, it is a known navigation system. Of the various functions of the navigation system is for the emergency call system only the determination of the vehicle position of importance.
  • a radar system a navigation system and a mobile phone via the computing unit 1 in the inventive Way linked. Except in the arithmetic unit 1 therefore 4 microprocessors are present both in the radar system 2 and in the navigation system. In a more highly integrated embodiment of the emergency call system according to the invention, however, the function of these individual microprocessors can also be shifted into a common microprocessor.
  • FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention as a flow chart.
  • the distance d and the relative speed V rel of the motor vehicle to a preceding vehicle or an obstacle are continuously determined.
  • the navigation system constantly determines the current vehicle position.
  • the current relative speed of the motor vehicle is compared with the applicable for the current distance of the motor vehicle limit value V limit of the relative speed. If the current relative speed V rel at a given distance is greater than the limit speed V grenz , it is assumed that a collision is unavoidable and an emergency call is transmitted.
  • a timer is started. When the timer expires, it is checked whether a sensor which detects a collision of the motor vehicle, for example the airbag sensor, has been activated. If this is not the case, then it is assumed that no collision has taken place and the emergency call is revoked.
  • a timer is started as shown in FIG. 5 in the receiving station on receipt of the emergency call, since the emergency call can still be revoked.
  • the runtime of the timer will again be only a few seconds. If the emergency call has been revoked by the end of the timer, the alarming procedure is aborted without an alarm having already occurred. If the emergency call was not revoked until the timer expires, the alarm is finally triggered. By doing so, the personnel in the receiving station are not constantly put on alert by received emergency calls, which are subsequently revoked. On the other hand, due to the delay of the alerting, which lasts only a few seconds, no disadvantageous effect is to be expected.
  • the emergency call system according to the invention has been described with reference to an embodiment. Since the emergency call system also includes per se known motor vehicle components, such as a speed and distance measuring system, a navigation system and a mobile phone, a variety of embodiments is possible. For example, an infrared system can also be used for speed and distance measurement. Furthermore, no complete mobile phone is required. For the emergency call system according to the invention a transmitter is sufficient, so that the keypad, the microphone and the speaker of the mobile phone for the emergency call system according to the invention are not required. For determining the vehicle position, in addition to the described navigation system, for example, a system is conceivable in which the position is transmitted by Baaken at the edge of the vehicle in the motor vehicle.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Notrufsystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einem im Kraftfahrzeug vorhanden Sender zur automatischen Übermittlung eines Notrufs an eine externe Empfangsstation und einem Signalgeber, wobei der Sender und der Signalgeber mit einer Recheneinheit verbunden sind, die den Notruf bei Vorliegen eines entsprechenden Signals des Signalgebers aktiviert, sowie ein Verfahren zur automatischen Übermittlung eines Notrufs durch einen Sender von einem Kraftfahrzeug zu einer Empfangsstation.The invention relates to an emergency call system of a motor vehicle with a transmitter present in the motor vehicle for automatically transmitting an emergency call to an external receiving station and a signal generator, wherein the transmitter and the signal transmitter are connected to a computing unit which activates the emergency call in the presence of a corresponding signal of the signal generator, and a method for automatically transmitting an emergency call by a transmitter from a motor vehicle to a receiving station.

Ein solches Notrufsystem ist aus der WO 90/03899 bekannt. Durch ein Signal eines Signalgebers wird ein automatischer Notruf ausgelöst. Bei dem Signalgeber kann es sich um einen Airbag, eine Alarmanlage oder einen Temperatur- bzw. Gassensor handeln. Das System kann daher abhängig vom eingesetzten Signalgeber bei einer Kollision oder einer Entwendung des Fahrzeuges einen Alarm über eine Mobilfunkeinrichtung auslösen. Ferner enthält das Notrufsystem ein Navigationsgerät zur Bestimmung und Übermittlung der Position des Fahrzeuges zusammen mit dem Notruf. Mit dem Notruf können weitere Informationen, wie beispielsweise fahrzeugspezifische Daten, Fahrzeugtyp, Gefahrgutklasse, die Rufnummer, eine Unfallmeldung, eine Feuerwarnmeldung und die Anzahl der Fahrzeuginsassen, übermittelt werden. Nachteilig ist bei diesem System jedoch, daß im Falle einer Kollision die Notrufeinrichtung beschädigt werden kann und daher u.U. funktionsunfähig ist. Dies hat zur Folge, daß der Notruf nicht mehr ausgesendet werden kann.Such an emergency call system is known from WO 90/03899. A signal from a signal generator triggers an automatic emergency call. The signal generator may be an airbag, an alarm system or a temperature or gas sensor. The system can therefore trigger an alarm via a mobile device depending on the signal generator used in a collision or theft of the vehicle. Furthermore, the emergency call system includes a navigation device for determining and transmitting the position of the vehicle together with the emergency call. With the emergency call further information, such as vehicle-specific data, vehicle type, dangerous goods class, the phone number, an accident report, a fire alarm and the number of passengers can be transmitted. The disadvantage of this system, however, that in the event of a collision, the emergency call device can be damaged and therefore u.U. is incapable of functioning. This has the consequence that the emergency call can not be sent out.

Aus dem alteren, jedoch nach veröffentlichen Dokument WO 00/63867 ist eine Notrufeinrichtung bekannt die bei einer von Sensoren ermittelten kritischen Fahrsituation, noch bevor es zu einem Umfall gekommen ist, einer Notrufmeldung aussendet.From the older, but according to published document WO 00/63867 an emergency call device is known in a detected by sensors critical driving situation, even before it has come to a fall, sends an emergency message.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein Notrufsystem anzugeben, das diesen Nachteil vermeidet und eine sichere Aussendung des Notrufs gewährleistet. Eine weitere Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, ein Verfahren zur automatischen Übermittlung eines Notrufs von einem Kraftfahrzeug zu einer Empfangsstation anzugeben.The object of the invention is therefore to provide an emergency call system which avoids this disadvantage and ensures a safe transmission of the emergency call. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically transmitting an emergency call from a motor vehicle to a receiving station.

Die erstgenannte Aufgabe wird durch ein Notrufsystem mit dem Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The first object is achieved by an emergency call system with the features of claim 1.

Insbesondere enthält das Notrufsystem als Signalgeber mit der Recheneinheit verbundene Meßmittel zur Bestimmung der Relativgeschwindigkeit und des Abstandes des Kraftfahrzeuges zu einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis, wobei in der Recheneinheit ein Vergleich zwischen der mit den Meßmitteln bestimmten Relativgeschwindigkeit und einem maximal zulässigen Wert der Relativgeschwindigkeit bei dem gemessenen Abstand durchführbar ist und der Notruf bei Überschreiten der maximal zulässigen Relativgeschwindigkeit bei gegebenem Abstand aktivierbar ist. Der Notruf ist somit bereits vor einem Unfall bzw. einer Kollision des Kraftfahrzeuges mit einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis aktivierbar.In particular, the emergency call system as a signal generator with the arithmetic unit connected to measuring means for determining the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle to another vehicle or an obstacle, wherein in the arithmetic unit, a comparison between the determined relative to the measuring means relative speed and a maximum value of the relative speed in the measured distance is feasible and the emergency call is activated at a given distance when exceeding the maximum permissible relative speed. The emergency call is thus already activated before an accident or a collision of the motor vehicle with another vehicle or an obstacle.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Abstand und die Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeuges zu einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis ermittelt wird, die ermittelte Relativgeschwindigkeit mit einer festgelegten maximal zulässigen Relativgeschwindigkeit für den ermittelten Abstand verglichen wird und ein Notruf ausgelöst wird, wenn die bestimmte Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeugs die festgelegte maximal zulässige Relativgeschwindigkeit überschreitet.The inventive method is characterized in that the distance and the relative speed of the motor vehicle is determined to another vehicle or an obstacle, the determined relative speed is compared with a set maximum permissible relative speed for the determined distance and an emergency call is triggered when the determined relative speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the specified maximum permissible relative speed.

Bei dem eingangs beschriebenen bekannten Notrufsystem wird der Notruf erst dann ausgesendet, wenn von einem Sensor eine Kollision registriert wird. Dazu wird beispielsweise das Airbagsignal verwendet. Im Gegensatz dazu kann mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Notrufsystem bereits vor Eintreten der Kollision festgestellt werden, daß diese nicht mehr zu verhindern ist. Als Folge kann der Notruf daher auch bereits vor Eintreten der Kollision aktiviert werden, d.h. zu einem Zeitpunkt, zu dem das Notrufsystem noch funktionsfähig ist. Hierzu wird die Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeuges zu einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis ebenso bestimmt wie der Abstand des Kraftfahrzeuges zu dem anderen Fahrzeug oder Hindernis. Übersteigt die Relativgeschwindigkeit bei gegebenem Abstand einen vorgegebenen Wert, so kann davon ausgegangen werden, daß eine Kollision unvermeidbar ist.In the known emergency call system described above, the emergency call is only sent out when a collision is registered by a sensor. For this example, the airbag signal is used. In contrast, it can be determined with the emergency call system according to the invention even before the collision occurs that it can no longer be prevented. As a result, the emergency call can therefore be activated even before the collision occurs, i. at a time when the emergency call system is still operational. For this purpose, the relative speed of the motor vehicle to another vehicle or an obstacle is determined as well as the distance of the motor vehicle to the other vehicle or obstacle. If the relative speed exceeds a given value for a given distance, it can be assumed that a collision is unavoidable.

Zu jedem Abstand des Kraftfahrzeuges zu einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis ist daher ein maximal zulässiger Grenzwert für die Relativgeschwindigkeit festgelegt. Dieser Grenzwert kann in der Recheneinheit über eine Bestimmungsgleichung für den jeweiligen Abstand bestimmt werden. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, mehrere Wertepaare jeweils eines Abstandes und einer zugehörigen maximal zulässigen Relativgeschwindigkeit in einem Speicherelement abzuspeichern, wobei das Speicherelement mit der Recheneinheit in Verbindung steht. Die Recheneinheit ruft dann die dem aktuellen Abstand nächstgelegenen Wertepaare ab und bestimmt daraus beispielsweise mittels Interpolation die maximal zulässige Relativgeschwindigkeit des Fahrzeuges.For each distance of the motor vehicle to another vehicle or an obstacle, therefore, a maximum permissible limit value for the relative speed is set. This limit value can be determined in the arithmetic unit via a determination equation for the respective distance. However, it is also possible to store a plurality of value pairs of a respective distance and an associated maximum permissible relative speed in a memory element, wherein the memory element is in communication with the arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit then retrieves the value pairs closest to the current distance and determines therefrom, for example by means of interpolation, the maximum permissible relative speed of the vehicle.

Weiterhin können verschiedene solcher Grenzwerte für die maximal zulässige Relativgeschwindigkeit vorhanden sein. Diese können beispielsweise die Fahrbahnbeschaffenheit berücksichtigen. So ist bei trockener Fahrbahn beispielsweise ein höherer Grenzwert zulässig als bei nasser Fahrbahn oder schneebedeckter Fahrbahn. Zur Bestimmung der Fahrbahnbeschaffenheit müssen im Fahrzeug entsprechende Sensoren vorhanden sein. Beispielsweise kann auf optischem Wege über den von der Fahrbahn reflektierten Lichtanteil zwischen trockener und nasser Fahrbahn unterschieden werden.Furthermore, various such limit values for the maximum permissible relative speed may be present. These can, for example, take into account the road condition. For example, a higher limit is permissible on dry roads than on wet roads or on snow-covered roads. To determine the road condition, appropriate sensors must be present in the vehicle. For example, a distinction can be made between the dry and the wet roadway optically via the light component reflected by the roadway.

Obwohl es prinzipiell auch möglich ist, das einen Notruf aussendende Kraftfahrzeug zu orten, wird vorzugsweise zusammen mit dem Notruf die Fahrzeugposition an die Empfangsstation übermittelt. Hierzu ist im Fahr zeug insbesondere ein an sich bekanntes Navigationssystem vorgesehen, wobei die Positionsbestimmung sowohl über Satelliten-Navigation (GPS-Navigation) als auch über Koppelnavigation in bekannter Weise erfolgen kann. Von den verschiedenen Funktionen eines Navigationssystems ist für das Notrufsystem lediglich die Positionsbestimmung von Bedeutung, nicht jedoch die Routenberechnung. Daher ist es beispielsweise auch ausreichend anstatt eines vollwertigen Navigationssystems lediglich einen Empfänger mit Auswerteeinheit für GPS-Navigation einzusetzen.Although it is also possible in principle to locate the vehicle sending an emergency call preferably transmitted together with the emergency call the vehicle position to the receiving station. For this purpose, a navigation system known per se is provided in the vehicle in particular, wherein the position determination can take place both via satellite navigation (GPS navigation) and via dead reckoning in a known manner. Of the various functions of a navigation system is for the emergency call system only the position of importance, but not the route calculation. Therefore, for example, it is also sufficient to use only a receiver with evaluation unit for GPS navigation instead of a full-fledged navigation system.

Um Fehlalarmierungen zu verhindern, ist in einer besonderen Ausführungsform vorgesehen, daß die Recheneinheit des Notrufsystems mit mindestens einem Sensor zur Detektion eines Unfalls ist. Das Notrufsystem enthält weiterhin einen mit der Recheneinheit verbundenen Zeitgeber (Timer), der mit der Aktivierung des Notrufs gestartet wird. Liegt zum Zeitpunkt des Ablaufs des Timers kein eine Kollision signalisierendes Signal des Sensors vor, so wird der Notruf automatisch widerrufen.In order to prevent false alarms, it is provided in a particular embodiment that the arithmetic unit of the emergency call system with at least one sensor for detecting an accident. The emergency call system also includes a timer connected to the computing unit, which is started with the activation of the emergency call. If there is no sensor signal indicating a collision at the time the timer expires, the emergency call is automatically revoked.

Gelingt es einem Fahrer beispielsweise, trotz einer oberhalb des Grenzwertes liegenden Relativgeschwindigkeit ein Hindernis noch zu umfahren und damit eine Kollision zu vermeiden, so wird durch den Widerruf des Notrufs eine Alarmierung von Hilfskräften vermieden. Bei dem Sensor zur Detektion eines Unfalls kann es sich insbesondere um einen Beschleunigungssensor oder um einen Temperatursensor handeln. Da Beschleunigungssensoren bereits zur Auslösung des Airbags in Kraftfahrzeugen vorhanden sind, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das Notrufsystem mit diesen verbunden ist. Wird somit bis zum Ablauf des Timers der Airbag nicht ausgelöst, so wird davon ausgegangen, daß keine Kollision stattgefunden hat und der Notruf wird widerrufen. Um den Widerruf des Notrufs nicht vom Signal eines einzelnen Sensors abhängig zu machen, können mehrere Sensoren vorhanden sein. Bei Vorhandensein eines Temperatursensors kann insbesondere auch ein Fahrzeugbrand registriert werden.If, for example, a driver succeeds in avoiding an obstacle despite avoiding a relative speed above the limit value and thereby avoiding a collision, the revocation of the emergency call avoids the alarming of auxiliary personnel. The sensor for detecting an accident may in particular be an acceleration sensor or a temperature sensor. Since acceleration sensors are already present for triggering the airbag in motor vehicles, it is particularly advantageous if the emergency call system is connected to them. Thus, if the airbag is not triggered until the end of the timer, it is assumed that no collision has occurred and the emergency call is revoked. To make the withdrawal of the emergency call not dependent on the signal of a single sensor, several sensors may be present. In the presence of a temperature sensor, in particular, a vehicle fire can be registered.

Um eine ausreichende Zahl von Rettungskräften zu aktivieren, ist in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ferner vorgesehen, daß die Recheneinheit des Notrufsystems mit Sitzbelegungssensoren verbunden ist, so daß mit dem Notruf die Anzahl der besetzten Kraftfahrzeugplätze übermittelt werden kann.In order to activate a sufficient number of rescue workers, it is further provided in a preferred embodiment that the arithmetic unit of the emergency call system is connected to seat occupancy sensors, so that the number of occupied vehicle seats can be transmitted with the emergency call.

Ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des erfindungsgemäßen Notrufsystems sind die Meßmittel zur Bestimmung der Relativgeschwindigkeit und des Abstandes des Kraftfahrzeuges von einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis. Vorzugsweise beruhen diese Meßmittel auf der Auswertung eines ausgesendeten und empfangenen reflektierten Radarsignals. Solche Radarsysteme werden zwar noch nicht serienmäßig in Kraftfahrzeugen eingesetzt, sie sind dem Fachmann jedoch bekannt. In Walliser u.a.: Elektronik im Kraftfahrzeugwesen, 2. Auflage, expert-Verlag, Renningen-Malsheim 1997, Seiten 308 bis 331 wird der Einsatz von Radaranlagen zur Abstandswarnung und Abstandsregelung in Kraftfahrzeugen beschrieben. Radaranlagen haben gegenüber optischen oder akustischen Methoden den Vorteil, daß die Dämpfung durch Regen und Nebel gering ist. Als mögliche Frequenzen werden 35 GHz und 78 GHz angegeben.An essential part of the emergency call system according to the invention are the measuring means for determining the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle from another vehicle or an obstacle. Preferably, these measuring means are based on the evaluation of a transmitted and received reflected radar signal. Although such radar systems are not yet used as standard in motor vehicles, they are known to the person skilled in the art. In Walliser u.a .: electronics in the automotive industry, 2nd edition, expert-Verlag, Renningen-Malsheim 1997, pages 308 to 331 describes the use of radar systems for distance warning and distance control in motor vehicles. Radar systems have the advantage over optical or acoustic methods that the attenuation due to rain and fog is low. Possible frequencies are 35 GHz and 78 GHz.

Weiterhin wird in der WO 94/16340 ein computerisiertes Radarverfahren zur Messung von Abständen und Relativgeschwindigkeiten zwischen einem Fahrzeug und vor ihm befindlichen Hindernissen beschrieben. Hierbei werden Radarsignale ausgesendet, die von einem anderen Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis reflektiert werden. Die reflektierten Radarsignale werden wiederum aufgefangen und ausgewertet. Die Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen dem Kraftfahrzeug, in dem sich die Anlage befindet, und einem anderen Fahrzeug oder Hindernis wird aufgrund der Dopplerverschiebung der Frequenz des ausgesendeten und reflektierten Signals bestimmt. Da das Radarsignal pulsweise ausgesendet wird, kann aus der Laufzeit des Pulses die Entfernung zwischen dem Kraftfahrzeug und dem den Radarpuls reflektierenden Fahrzeug oder Hindernis ermittelt werden. Zur sicheren Unterscheidung zwischen tatsächlichen Hindernissen und Scheinhindernissen kann beispielsweise das in der zuvor genannten Patentanmeldung beschriebene Verfahren zur Anwendung kommen.Furthermore, WO 94/16340 describes a computerized radar method for measuring distances and relative speeds between a vehicle and obstacles in front of it. This radar signals are emitted, which are reflected by another vehicle or an obstacle. The reflected radar signals are in turn collected and evaluated. The relative speed between the motor vehicle in which the system is located and another vehicle or obstacle is determined on the basis of the Doppler shift of the frequency of the transmitted and reflected signal. Since the radar signal is emitted in pulses, the distance between the motor vehicle and the vehicle or obstacle reflecting the radar pulse can be determined from the transit time of the pulse. For a reliable differentiation between actual obstacles and apparent obstacles, for example, the method described in the aforementioned patent application can be used.

Zur Übermittlung des Notrufs ist jedes bekannte Funksystem verwendbar. Um eine sichere Übermittlung des Notrufes zu gewährleisten, sollte dieses jedoch flächendeckend vorhanden sein. Aufgrund der bereits sehr weiten Verbreitung von Mobilfunksystemen in Europa, die auf dem GSM-Standard beruhen, werden diese Systeme ebenso wie Systeme nach dem neueren UMTS-Standard dort besonders bevorzugt. Hierbei kann es sich beispielsweise um die bekannten D- und E-Netze handeln. Entsprechende Systeme sind dem Fachmann hinreichend bekannt und auch zur Verwendung im Kraftfahrzeug eingeführt, so daß sie hier nicht näher beschrieben werden müssen.To transmit the emergency call any known radio system can be used. In order to ensure a secure transmission of the emergency call, this should, however, be available nationwide. Due to the already very widespread use of GSM systems in Europe based on the GSM standard, these systems, as well as systems according to the newer UMTS standard, are particularly preferred there. These may be, for example, the known D and E networks. Appropriate systems are well known to those skilled in the art and also introduced for use in the motor vehicle, so that they need not be described in detail here.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels und der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Figur 1:
die wesentlichen Komponenten des Notrufsystems,
Figur 2:
die Komponenten eines Radarsystems,
Figur 3:
die Komponenten eines Navigationssystems,
Figur 4:
den Ablauf des Verfahrens,
Figur 5:
den Ablauf des Verfahrens zur Vermeidung von Fehlalarmierungen in der Empfangsstation.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment and the drawing. Show it
FIG. 1:
the essential components of the emergency call system,
FIG. 2:
the components of a radar system,
FIG. 3:
the components of a navigation system,
FIG. 4:
the course of the procedure,
FIG. 5:
the sequence of the procedure for the prevention of false alarms in the receiving station.

Das in Figur 1 dargestellte Notrufsystem enthält als zentrales Element die Recheneinheit 1, die aus einem Mikrocomputer und zugeordneten Speicherelementen und Schnittstellen besteht. Mit der Recheneinheit 1 ist ein Radarsystem 2 verbunden, das in der zuvor beschriebenen Weise die Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeuges und den Abstand zu einem anderen Fahrzeug oder Hindernis ermittelt. Ferner ist die Recheneinheit mit einem Mobiltelefon 3 verbunden. In einem Speicherelement der Recheneinheit 1 ist eine Bestimmungsgleichung abgelegt zur Berechnung eines Grenzwertes der maximal zulässigen Relativgeschwindigkeit bei gegebenem Abstand. Der aktuelle Abstand des Kraftfahrzeuges von einem Hindernis wird von dem Radarsystem 2 an die Recheneinheit 1 übermittelt. Aufgrund dieses Abstandswertes wird in der Recheneinheit 2 der zulässige Grenzwert für die Relativgeschwindigkeit bestimmt. Die von dem Radarsystem 2 ebenfalls an die Recheneinheit 1 übermittelte aktuelle Relativgeschwindigkeit wird mit diesem Grenzwert verglichen. Ist die aktuelle Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeuges größer als der Grenzwert, so wird davon ausgegangen, daß eine Kollision unvermeidbar ist. In diesem Fall wird durch die Recheneinheit 1 ein Notruf durch das Mobiltelefon 3 an eine nicht dargestellte Empfangsstation übermittelt. Um mit dem Notruf gleichzeitig auch die Position des Kraftfahrzeuges an die Empfangsstation übermitteln zu können, ist die Recheneinheit 1 weiterhin mit einem Navigationssystem 4 verbunden.The emergency call system illustrated in FIG. 1 contains, as a central element, the arithmetic unit 1, which consists of a microcomputer and associated memory elements and interfaces. Connected to the computing unit 1 is a radar system 2 which determines the relative speed of the motor vehicle and the distance to another vehicle or obstacle in the manner described above. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit is connected to a mobile phone 3. In a memory element of the arithmetic unit 1, a determination equation is stored for calculating a limit value of the maximum permissible relative speed at a given distance. The current distance of the motor vehicle from an obstacle is transmitted from the radar system 2 to the arithmetic unit 1. Because of this distance value, the permissible limit value for the relative speed is determined in the arithmetic unit 2. The current relative speed also transmitted by the radar system 2 to the arithmetic unit 1 is compared with this limit value. If the current relative speed of the motor vehicle is greater than the limit value, it is assumed that a collision is unavoidable. In this case, an emergency call is transmitted by the mobile phone 3 to a receiving station, not shown by the arithmetic unit 1. In order to be able to transmit the position of the motor vehicle to the receiving station at the same time as the emergency call, the arithmetic unit 1 is furthermore connected to a navigation system 4.

Zusätzlich steht die Recheneinheit 1 in Verbindung mit einem Zeitgeber (Timer) 5. Mit Aktivierung des Notrufes durch die Recheneinheit 1 wird gleichzeitig der Timer 5 gestartet. Die Laufzeit des Timers beträgt typischerweise nur wenige Sekunden. Weiterhin ist die Recheneinheit 1 mit dem Airbagsystem 6 des Kraftfahrzeuges verbunden. Findet eine Kollision des Kraftfahrzeuges mit dem Hindernis statt, so wird mindestens ein Airbag ausgelöst. Das Auslösen des Airbags wird in der Recheneinheit 1 registriert. Liegt bei Ablauf des Timers 5 in der Recheneinheit 1 kein Signal vor, das eine Auslösung des Airbags signalisiert, so wird davon ausgegangen, daß keine Kollision stattgefunden hat. In diesem Falle wird durch die Recheneinheit 1 ein weiterer Funkruf über das Mobiltelefon 3 aktiviert bzw. die noch bestehende Verbindung benutzt, um einen Widerruf des Notrufes zu übermitteln.In addition, the arithmetic unit 1 is in connection with a timer (timer) 5. With activation of the emergency call by the arithmetic unit 1, the timer 5 is started simultaneously. The runtime of the timer is typically only a few seconds. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1 is connected to the airbag system 6 of the motor vehicle. If a collision of the motor vehicle with the obstacle takes place, then at least one airbag is triggered. The triggering of the airbag is registered in the arithmetic unit 1. If there is no signal in the arithmetic unit 1 at the end of the timer 5 which signals a triggering of the airbag, then it is assumed that no collision has taken place. In this case, another paging is activated by the arithmetic unit 1 via the mobile phone 3 or the remaining connection is used to transmit a revocation of the emergency call.

In Figur 2 sind die an sich bekannten Komponenten eines Radarsystems zur Bestimmung der Relativgeschwindigkeit und des Abstandes in vereinfachter Blockform dargestellt. Das Radarsystem beinhaltet einen Hochfrequenzteil 7 und einen Signalverarbeitungsteil 8. Im Hochfrequenzteil 7 wird ein gepulstes Mikrowellensignal erzeugt, das über eine Sende-/Empfangsantenne 9 ausgesendet wird. Das Mikrowellensignal wird an einem vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug 10 reflektiert. Der reflektierte Anteil wird von der Sende-/Empfangsantenne 9 teilweise aufgefangen und wiederum dem Hochfrequenzteil 7 zugeführt. Im Hochfrequenzteil werden das Sendesignal und das empfangende reflektierte Signal getrennt und getrennt einem Mischer zugeführt. Im Signalverarbeitungsteil 8 wird eine Analog/Digitalwandlung durchgeführt und die dann digitalen Signale werden in einem Signalprozessor weiterverarbeitet. An einer Schnittstelle 19a erfolgt die Übergabe des bestimmten Abstandes des Kraftfahrzeuges vom vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug 10 und der Relativgeschwindigkeit an die Recheneinheit 1 des Notrufsystems.FIG. 2 shows the known components of a radar system for determining the relative velocity and the distance in a simplified block form. The radar system includes a high-frequency part 7 and a signal processing part 8. In the high-frequency part 7, a pulsed microwave signal is generated, which is transmitted via a transmitting / receiving antenna 9. The microwave signal is reflected at a preceding vehicle 10. The reflected portion is partially captured by the transmitting / receiving antenna 9 and in turn fed to the high-frequency part 7. In the high frequency part, the transmission signal and the reception reflected signal are separately and separately supplied to a mixer. In the signal processing part 8, an analog / digital conversion is performed and then the digital signals are processed in a signal processor. At an interface 19a, the transfer of the specific distance of the motor vehicle from the vehicle 10 traveling ahead and the relative speed to the arithmetic unit 1 of the emergency call system takes place.

In Figur 3 ist ein Navigationssystem zur Bestimmung der Fahrzeugposition näher dargestellt. Über eine Bedieneinheit 11, die mit einem Mikroprozessor 12 verbunden ist, können Einstellungen von Systemparametem des Navigationssystems vorgenommen werden. Beispielsweise kann die gewünschte Darstellungsform der Informationen auf der Anzeigeeinheit 13 gewählt werden. Ferner kann der Zielort eingegeben oder aus einer Liste von möglichen Zielorten, die auf der Anzeigeeinheit 13 dargestellt sind, ausgewählt werden. Die Bedieneinheit 11 und die Anzeigeeinheit 13 können auch als eine kombinierte Bedien-/Anzeigeeinheit ausgeführt sein. Ferner kann die Ein- und Ausgabe von Informationen auch in nicht dargestellter Weise über akustische Mittel der Sprachein- bzw. -ausgabe erfolgen. Das Navigationssystem enthält ferner ein Lesegerät 14, mit dem auf einer CD-ROM 15 oder einem ähnlichen Speichermedium abgespeicherte digitalisierte Landkartendaten in den Mikroprozessor 12 eingelesen werden können.FIG. 3 shows in more detail a navigation system for determining the vehicle position. Via an operating unit 11, which is connected to a microprocessor 12, settings of system parameters of the navigation system can be made. For example, the desired form of representation of the information on the display unit 13 can be selected. Further, the destination may be entered or selected from a list of possible destinations displayed on the display unit 13. The operating unit 11 and the display unit 13 can also be designed as a combined operating / display unit. Furthermore, the input and output of information can also be done in a manner not shown via acoustic means of voice input or output. The navigation system further includes a reader 14, with which on a CD-ROM 15 or a similar storage medium stored digitized map data can be read into the microprocessor 12.

Ferner sind mit dem Mikroprozessor 12 weitere Komponenten zur Positionsbestimmung des Fahrzeuges mittels Koppelnavigation und/oder GPS-Navigation verbunden. Es handelt sich dabei um einen GPS-Empfänger 16, der zum Empfang von Signalen des GPS-Satellitensystems ausgerüstet ist und aufgrund der empfangenen Signale die Position des Fahrzeuges bestimmen kann. Da die GPS-Signale jedoch u.U. in Tälern oder in Städten nicht empfangbar sind, weist das Navigationssystem weiterhin einen Richtungssensor 17 und einen Wegstreckensensor 18 zur Durchführung einer Koppelnavigation auf. Die durch das Navigationssystem ermittelte Fahrzeugposition wird über die Schnittstelle 19 an die Recheneinheit 1 des Notrufsystems übermittelt. Das Navigationssystem kann in nicht dargestellter Weise mit dem Mobiltelefon oder einem Audiosystem verbunden sein, wobei vom Mobiltelefon bzw. Audiosystem aktuelle Verkehrsinformationen an das Navigationssystem übermittelt werden, die bei der Routenplanung berücksichtigt werden. Insofern handelt es sich um ein bekanntes Navigationssystem. Von den verschiedenen Funktionen des Navigationssystems ist für das Notrufsystem ausschließlich die Bestimmung der Fahrzeugposition von Bedeutung.Furthermore, 12 further components for determining the position of the vehicle by means of dead reckoning and / or GPS navigation are connected to the microprocessor. It is a GPS receiver 16, which is equipped to receive signals from the GPS satellite system and can determine the position of the vehicle based on the received signals. However, as the GPS signals may u. are not receivable in valleys or in cities, the navigation system further comprises a direction sensor 17 and a Wegstreckensensor 18 for performing a dead reckoning. The vehicle position determined by the navigation system is transmitted via the interface 19 to the computing unit 1 of the emergency call system. The navigation system can be connected in a manner not shown with the mobile phone or an audio system, the mobile phone or audio system current traffic information is transmitted to the navigation system, which are taken into account in the route planning. In this respect, it is a known navigation system. Of the various functions of the navigation system is for the emergency call system only the determination of the vehicle position of importance.

In der beschriebenen Ausführungsform werden ein Radarsystem, ein Navigationssystem und ein Mobiltelefon über die Recheneinheit 1 in der erfindungsgemäßen Weise verknüpft. Außer in der Recheneinheit 1 sind daher sowohl im Radarsystem 2 als auch im Navigationssystem 4 Mikroprozessoren vorhanden. In einer höher integrierten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Notrufsystems kann die Funktion dieser einzelnen Mikroprozessoren jedoch auch in einen gemeinsamen Mikroprozessor verlagert werden.In the described embodiment, a radar system, a navigation system and a mobile phone via the computing unit 1 in the inventive Way linked. Except in the arithmetic unit 1 therefore 4 microprocessors are present both in the radar system 2 and in the navigation system. In a more highly integrated embodiment of the emergency call system according to the invention, however, the function of these individual microprocessors can also be shifted into a common microprocessor.

In Figur 4 ist eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens als Flußdiagramm dargestellt. Im Kraftfahrzeug werden fortlaufend der Abstand d und die Relativgeschwindigkeit Vrel des Kraftfahrzeuges zu einem vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug oder einem Hindernis bestimmt. Femer wird über das Navigationssystem ständig die aktuelle Fahrzeugposition bestimmt. Die aktuelle Relativgeschwindigkeit des Kraftfahrzeuges wird mit dem für den aktuellen Abstand des Kraftfahrzeuges geltenden Grenzwert Vgrenz der Relativgeschwindigkeit verglichen. Ist die aktuelle Relativgeschwindigkeit Vrel bei gegebenem Abstand größer als die Grenzgeschwindigkeit Vgrenz, so wird davon ausgegangen, daß eine Kollision unvermeidbar ist und ein Notruf wird ausgesendet. Gleichzeitig wird ein Timer gestartet. Bei Ablauf des Timers wird geprüft, ob ein Sensor, der eine Kollision des Kraftfahrzeuges detektiert, beispielsweise der Airbagsensor, aktiviert wurde. Ist dies nicht der Fall, so wird davon ausgegangen, daß keine Kollision stattgefunden hat und der Notruf wird widerrufen.FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention as a flow chart. In the motor vehicle, the distance d and the relative speed V rel of the motor vehicle to a preceding vehicle or an obstacle are continuously determined. Furthermore, the navigation system constantly determines the current vehicle position. The current relative speed of the motor vehicle is compared with the applicable for the current distance of the motor vehicle limit value V limit of the relative speed. If the current relative speed V rel at a given distance is greater than the limit speed V grenz , it is assumed that a collision is unavoidable and an emergency call is transmitted. At the same time, a timer is started. When the timer expires, it is checked whether a sensor which detects a collision of the motor vehicle, for example the airbag sensor, has been activated. If this is not the case, then it is assumed that no collision has taken place and the emergency call is revoked.

Um auch in der Empfangsstation nicht sofort mit Eingang des Notrufes eine Alarmierung auszulösen, wird gemäß Fig. 5 auch in der Empfangsstation bei Eingang des Notrufs ein Timer gestartet, da der Notruf noch widerrufen werden kann. Die Laufzeit des Timers wird wiederum nur wenige Sekunden betragen. Ist bis zum Ablauf des Timers der Notruf widerrufen worden, so wird das Alarmierungsverfahren abgebrochen, ohne daß bereits eine Alarmierung stattgefunden hat. Wurde der Notruf bis zum Ablauf des Timers nicht widerrufen, so wird schließlich die Alarmierung ausgelöst. Durch diese Verfahrensweise wird das Personal in der Empfangsstation nicht ständig durch empfangene Notrufe in Alarmbereitschaft versetzt, die anschließend widerrufen werden. Andererseits ist durch die nur wenige Sekunden dauernde Verzögerung der Alarmierung kein nachteiliger Effekt zu erwarten.In order not to trigger an alarm at the receiving station immediately upon receipt of the emergency call, a timer is started as shown in FIG. 5 in the receiving station on receipt of the emergency call, since the emergency call can still be revoked. The runtime of the timer will again be only a few seconds. If the emergency call has been revoked by the end of the timer, the alarming procedure is aborted without an alarm having already occurred. If the emergency call was not revoked until the timer expires, the alarm is finally triggered. By doing so, the personnel in the receiving station are not constantly put on alert by received emergency calls, which are subsequently revoked. On the other hand, due to the delay of the alerting, which lasts only a few seconds, no disadvantageous effect is to be expected.

Das erfindungsgemäße Notrufsystem wurde anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels beschrieben. Da das Notrufsystem auch an sich bekannte Kraftfahrzeugkomponenten, wie beispielsweise ein Geschwindigkeits- und Abstandsmeßsystem, ein Navigationssystem und ein Mobiltelefon beinhaltet, ist eine Vielzahl von Ausführungsformen möglich. Beispielsweise kann zur Geschwindigkeits- und Abstandsmessung auch ein Infrarotsystem eingesetzt werden. Weiterhin ist kein komplettes Mobiltelefon erforderlich. Für das erfindungsgemäße Notrufsystem ist ein Sender ausreichend, so daß die Wähltastatur, das Mikrofon und der Lautsprecher des Mobiltelefons für das erfindungsgemäße Notrufsystem nicht erforderlich sind. Zur Bestimmung der Fahrzeugposition ist neben dem beschriebenen Navigationssystem beispielsweise auch ein System denkbar, bei dem die Position durch Baaken am Fahrzeugrand in das Kraftfahrzeug übermittelt wird.The emergency call system according to the invention has been described with reference to an embodiment. Since the emergency call system also includes per se known motor vehicle components, such as a speed and distance measuring system, a navigation system and a mobile phone, a variety of embodiments is possible. For example, an infrared system can also be used for speed and distance measurement. Furthermore, no complete mobile phone is required. For the emergency call system according to the invention a transmitter is sufficient, so that the keypad, the microphone and the speaker of the mobile phone for the emergency call system according to the invention are not required. For determining the vehicle position, in addition to the described navigation system, for example, a system is conceivable in which the position is transmitted by Baaken at the edge of the vehicle in the motor vehicle.

Claims (17)

  1. Emergency call system for a motor vehicle, having a transmitter (3), provided in the motor vehicle, for automatically transmitting an emergency call to an external receiving station, and having at least one signal generator, the transmitter and the signal generator being connected to an arithmetic and logic unit (1) which activates the emergency call if there is an appropriate signal from the signal generator, characterized in that
    the emergency call system contains, as the signal generator, measuring means (2) connected to the arithmetic and logic unit for determining the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle in relation to another vehicle (10) or an obstacle, where the emergency call system contains means for determining a probability level for an imminent accident using the signals from the signal generator, and the arithmetic and logic unit (1) performs a comparison between the relative speed determined using the measuring means (2) and a maximum permissible value for the relative speed at the measured distance in order to determine the probability level, and the emergency call is activated if a limit value for the probability level is exceeded, which limit value is determined by the maximum permissible relative speed for a given distance.
  2. Emergency call system according to Claim 1, characterized in that means connected to the arithmetic and logic unit for determining the vehicle position (4) are provided and the vehicle position can be transmitted to the receiving station with the emergency call.
  3. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arithmetic and logic unit is connected to at least one sensor (6) for detecting an accident, and the emergency call system also contains a timer (5) which is connected to the arithmetic and logic unit (1) and is started when the emergency call is activated, and the emergency call can be automatically revoked when the timer (5) has run out if no signal signalling an accident has been transmitted to the arithmetic and logic unit (1) by the sensor (6) by the time the timer (5) has run out.
  4. Emergency call system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the sensor (6) for detecting an accident is an acceleration sensor, particularly for releasing an air bag, or a temperature sensor.
  5. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arithmetic and logic unit is connected to seat-occupancy sensors, and the number of occupied motor vehicle seats can be transmitted with the emergency call.
  6. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring means for determining the relative speed and the distance are based on the evaluation of a transmitted and received, reflected radar signal.
  7. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitter is an integral part of a mobile communication device, particularly of a digital mobile radio system.
  8. Emergency call system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the mobile radio system is based on the GSM standard or on the UMTS standard.
  9. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the means for determining the position are a navigation system for the motor vehicle.
  10. Emergency call system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the motor vehicle is determined using dead-reckoning navigation and/or GPS navigation.
  11. Method for automatically transmitting an emergency call from a motor vehicle to a receiving station using a transmitter (3), in which
    - the distance and the relative speed of the motor vehicle in relation to another vehicle (10) or an obstacle are ascertained,
    - the relative speed ascertained is compared with a defined, maximum permissible relative speed for the distance ascertained, and
    - an emergency call is triggered if the particular relative speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the defined, maximum permissible relative speed.
  12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that, in addition, the position of the vehicle is determined and the position data is transmitted to the receiving station with the emergency call.
  13. Method according to Claim 12, according to the position of the vehicle is ascertained using dead-reckoning navigation and/or GPS navigation.
  14. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the collision between the motor vehicle and the other vehicle or obstacle is detected by means of a sensor (6), and the emergency call can be automatically revoked if no collision has been detected by the sensor within a predetermined time period after transmission of the emergency call.
  15. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the number of occupied seats in the motor vehicle is transmitted with the emergency call.
  16. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the relative speed and the distance of the motor vehicle are determined using a radar system.
  17. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the emergency call is made using a mobile communication device, in particular a digital mobile radio system.
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EP1054371B1 (en) 2004-05-19
DE19922730A1 (en) 2000-11-23
DE50006457D1 (en) 2004-06-24
US6339370B1 (en) 2002-01-15

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