EP3631779A1

EP3631779A1 - Method, devices, and computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for determining applicable traffic regulations for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3631779A1
Application number: EP18720587.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kai Franke; Stephan Max; Peter Baumann
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2018-04-26
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: CN110622228A; DE102017208854A1; CN110622228B; WO2018215156A1; US11538341B2; US20200143679A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, devices and a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for determining applicable traffic regulations for a motor vehicle. Firstly, the position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle are determined (10). The position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle are then transmitted to a backend by a transmission device of the motor vehicle (11). In response to the information transmitted to the backend, information concerning traffic regulations applicable to the position of the motor vehicle are received by the transmission device (12). The position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle are transmitted (11) to the backend in a cyclical manner or in accordance with information concerning the validity of the traffic regulations which is included in the information concerning the traffic regulations applicable at the position of the motor vehicle.

Description

description

METHOD, DEVICES AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR DETERMINING APPLICABLE TRANSPORT RULES FOR ONE

MOTOR VEHICLE

The present invention relates to methods, apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium having instructions for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle in which a

Inventive method or apparatus according to the invention can be used.

In modern vehicles, the driver often receives information about roadside traffic signs or about currently applicable speed limits or

Obtaining prohibitions, for example, by being displayed on a screen instrument or a head-up display in the vehicle. In addition, these can

Information can also be used by a variety of control devices in the vehicle, for example, to automatically control the vehicle speed or warning of unauthorized overtaking maneuvers. In terms of autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, the reliable availability of such information is essential.

At present, there are essentially two approaches for providing information about traffic signs or traffic rules currently applicable to a vehicle. A first approach is based on the use of navigation maps in which traffic signs are noted. A second approach is to detect traffic signs using camera systems.

For example, DE 10 2013 013 799 A1 describes an assistance system that assists a vehicle driver in an overtaking procedure by using the vehicle

Difference speed to a vehicle to be overtaken, as well as including the remaining Überhostrecke determined whether the overtaking can be safely completed. The determination of the remaining overtaking distance can by means of

Traffic sign recognition or GPS-based map material done.

DE 10 2007 034 505 A1 describes a method for traffic sign recognition.

Based on provided image data is a traffic sign recognition

carried out, with a country-specific traffic signs database with at least partially country-specific classification characteristics or at least partially

country-specific classification method is used. Rejects that Traffic sign recognition on a low quality, is stored with the help of

Image regions with detected traffic signs repeats the traffic sign recognition with another alternative country-specific traffic sign database

carried out. This is repeated until the result of the traffic sign recognition has a sufficient quality. The country-specific traffic sign database is then preset for further traffic sign detections, for which in the

Traffic sign recognition at least a sufficient quality has been determined.

From DE 10 2008 043 756 A1 a method for providing a

Traffic sign information known. In a first step, traffic sign data is stored in the vehicle. Subsequently, stored traffic sign data is assigned to a current position of a vehicle. Finally, based on the traffic sign data associated with the current position of the vehicle, a

Traffic sign information provided. The traffic sign data can

be queried in sections based on a position information of the vehicle from an online service.

A disadvantage with camera-based solutions is their limited range, i. a predictive detection of traffic signs is only possible to a limited extent. In addition, the reliability of detection decreases with increasing vehicle speed.

A disadvantage of solutions based on navigation maps is that these maps must always be up-to-date, so the maps must be continuously updated, for example by online updates. The required cards cause license costs and are usually only sold together with a navigation function. The user incurs additional costs.

It is an object of the invention to provide solutions for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle, which allow a reliable provision of the desired information, without having to be kept in the car a map.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 or 3, by a computer-readable storage medium with instructions according to claim 11 and by an apparatus having the features of claim 12 or 13. preferred

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle comprises the steps of:

- Transmitting at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle to a back end by a transmission device of the motor vehicle; and

- receiving information about traffic regulations at the position of the motor vehicle by the transmission device;

wherein transmitting at least one position and a direction of movement of the

Motor vehicle to the back end cyclically or in response to information on a validity of the traffic rules contained in the information on the prevailing at the position of the motor vehicle traffic rules takes place.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps to determine applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle:

wherein transmitting at least one position and a direction of movement of the

The term computer is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes

Controllers and other processor-based data processing devices.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a device for determining valid traffic rules for a motor vehicle comprises:

A transmission device for transmitting at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle to a backend and for receiving information about traffic regulations which are applicable at the position of the motor vehicle; and

- a data processing unit for evaluating the information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle;

wherein the transmission device is set up, the transmission of at least one position and a movement direction of the motor vehicle to the backend cyclically or in

Dependence on information on a validity of the traffic rules specified in the information to the traffic rules in force at the position of the motor vehicle.

With regard to a method that can be used in a motor vehicle, or a device that can be installed in a motor vehicle, only position and direction of movement are detected in the vehicle and transmitted to a backend. Based on this information, information is provided by the backend on the prevailing traffic rules, which are then transmitted to the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle therefore requires neither a sensor system for detecting traffic signs nor special, always up-to-date map information, which leads to significant cost savings. The query of

Traffic rules can optionally be cyclic, i. in regular time or space intervals, or depending on information on a validity of the traffic rules. In this way, only manageable amounts of data have to be transmitted, so that the data transmission between motor vehicle and backend is very efficient.

According to one aspect of the invention, a history of positions of the motor vehicle is transmitted to the backend. The history of positions, i. a trace from past waypoints is extremely helpful for correctly assigning the vehicle position to a road, especially to the correct lane in the case of multi-lane roads.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle comprises the steps of:

Receiving at least one position and one direction of movement of the

Motor vehicle;

- determining information on traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle; and

- transmission of information on the position of the motor vehicle

Traffic rules to the motor vehicle;

the information relating to the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle includes information on the validity of the traffic rules.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps to determine applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle: - Receiving at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle;

- transmission of information on the position of the motor vehicle

Traffic rules to the motor vehicle;

The term computer is also to be understood broadly here. In particular, it also includes

Workstations, distributed systems and other processor-based

Data processing devices.

- A transmission device for receiving at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle and for transmitting information on applicable at the position of the motor vehicle traffic rules to the motor vehicle; and

An arithmetic unit for determining the information on the position of the

Motor vehicle traffic rules;

wherein the arithmetic unit is set up, the information on the at the position of

Motor vehicle traffic rules with information on the validity of the

To provide traffic rules.

With regard to a method that can be used in a backend, or a device that can be installed in a backend, only the position and direction of movement of a motor vehicle are received by the backend. Based on this information, information is provided by the backend on the prevailing traffic rules, which are then transmitted to the motor vehicle. To the required

Data volume to be kept low, information on the validity of the traffic rules are also determined by the backend and transmitted to the motor vehicle. A query of the traffic rules by the motor vehicle can then take place based on the validity, so that no more queries than necessary received at the backend.

According to one aspect of the invention, the determination of the information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle comprises the steps:

- assigning the position of the motor vehicle to a road in a road network; - determining traffic rules for the road at the position of the motor vehicle; and

- Identification of at least one distance in the road network until a change in the applicable traffic rules.

After the assignment of the position of the motor vehicle to a road in a road network, i. in a map, the desired information on the traffic rules can be taken directly from the map data. In addition, the route can be used to check possible routes for changes in the traffic rules. This makes it easy to determine up to which future vehicle positions no further query the

Traffic rules required by the motor vehicle.

According to one aspect of the invention, the validity information includes the

Traffic rules include an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent to an intersection area. For transmitting position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle to the backend is at

Presence of the indicator preferably used an increased cycle frequency. This approach increases the reliability of the described solutions in intersection areas.

According to one aspect of the invention, the information on the validity of the traffic rules describes a spatial validity, in particular a spatial validity dependent on a travel route. The transmission of at least one position and a movement direction of the motor vehicle to the backend is performed again in this case at the expiration of the spatial validity. This approach uses a very small number of queries, so that the volume of data is very small. In addition, is not permanent

Data connection required. The spatial validity can be defined for example by the minimum distance up to a change of the traffic rules, but also several distances can be transmitted for different possible routes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the information about the traffic rules that apply at the position of the motor vehicle include detailed information about at least one intersection. With the help of detail information, e.g. an intersection model or an intersection network, a certain look-ahead can be achieved in the case of latencies in the request to the backend, so that the reliability of the method is further increased.

According to one aspect of the invention, the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle describe a speed limit, a right of way or a prohibition on passing. This covers typical cases of traffic rules that go beyond longer road sections are valid and are therefore particularly suitable for the application of the solutions described.

Preferably, a method according to the invention or a device according to the invention are used in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the figures.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a method for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle from the perspective of the motor vehicle;

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a device for determining applicable

Traffic rules for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a motor vehicle;

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a device for determining

applicable traffic regulations for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a motor vehicle;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle in which a solution according to the invention is realized;

5 schematically shows a method for determining valid traffic rules of a motor vehicle from the perspective of a backend;

FIG. 6 shows further details for determining the indications of the position at the

Motor vehicle traffic rules;

Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of a device for determining applicable

Traffic rules for a motor vehicle that may be installed in a backend;

Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of a device for determining

applicable traffic regulations for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a backend; 9 illustrates a system for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle;

Fig. 10 illustrates two advantageous algorithms that may be implemented in the system of Fig. 9;

Fig. 1 1 shows a crossing model, which in the context of information to applicable

Traffic rules can be transmitted to a motor vehicle;

Fig. 12 illustrates a first iteration step of a determination of a

Validity distance of a speed limit;

Fig. 13 illustrates a second iteration step of determining a

Validity distance of a speed limit; and

FIG. 14 illustrates an end result of determining a validity distance of a

Speed limit.

For a better understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that the features described can also be combined or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a method for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle from the perspective of the motor vehicle. First, position and

Direction of movement of the motor vehicle 10 determined position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle are then transmitted by a transmission device of the motor vehicle to a backend 1 1. It can be provided to transmit a history of positions of the motor vehicle to the backend. Finally, in response to the information sent to the backend, information is given about the position of

Motor vehicle traffic rules received by the transmission device 12, for example, information on a speed limit, a right of way or a no-overtaking. The transmission 1 1 of the position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle to the backend takes place cyclically or in dependence on information on a validity of the traffic rules in the information on the at the position of Motor vehicle traffic rules are included. The validity information may include, for example, an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent an intersection area. The query of the valid traffic rules at the backend can then take place in the presence of the indicator with an increased cycle frequency. Likewise, the validity information may describe a spatial validity, in particular a spatial validity dependent on a travel route. The query of the applicable traffic rules at the backend is preferably carried out again in this case only at the expiration of spatial validity. In addition, the information on the applicable at the position of the motor vehicle

Traffic rules include detailed information about intersections.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 20 for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle, which may be installed in a motor vehicle. The device 20 has an input 21 for receiving information about the position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle, for example from a navigation system, or data that allow a determination of position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle. A tracking unit 22 extracts or detects the position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle from the received data and selects those data which are to be transmitted to a backend. A transmission device 23 transmits the selected data, ie position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle, to the backend. It can be provided that the transmission device 23 transmits a history of positions of the motor vehicle to the backend. In addition, the transmission device 23 receives from the backend information on applicable at the position of the motor vehicle traffic rules, such as information on a speed limit, a right of way or a no-overtaking. The transmission device 23 is set up to carry out the transmission of the position and direction of movement of the motor vehicle to the backend cyclically or as a function of information about a validity of the traffic rules contained in the information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle. The validity information may include, for example, an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent an intersection area. The query of the valid traffic rules at the backend can then take place in the presence of the indicator with an increased cycle frequency. Likewise, the validity information may describe a spatial validity, in particular a spatial validity dependent on a travel route. The query of the applicable traffic rules at the backend is preferably carried out again in this case only at the expiration of spatial validity. In addition, the information on the at the Position of the motor vehicle traffic rules detailed information on intersections. A data processing unit 24 evaluates the received information about the traffic rules that apply at the position of the motor vehicle. The of the

Data processing unit 24 generated data are preferably provided via an output 26 of the device 20 for further use. The tracking unit 22, the transmission device 23 and the data processing unit 24 can be controlled by a control unit 25. Via a user interface 28 can

if necessary, settings of the tracking unit 22, the transmission device 23, the data processing unit 24 or the control unit 25 are changed. The data obtained in the device 20 can be stored in a memory 27 of the device 20, for example, for later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 20. The tracking unit 22, the transmission device 23, the data processing unit 24 and the control unit 25th can be implemented as dedicated hardware, such as integrated circuits. Of course, they may also be partially or fully combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU. The input 21 and the output 26 may be implemented as separate interfaces or as a combined bidirectional interface.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device 30 for determining applicable traffic regulations for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a motor vehicle. The device 30 has a processor 32 and a memory 31. For example, device 30 is a computer or controller. In the memory 31 are stored instructions that the

Cause device 30, when executed by processor 32, to perform the steps according to one of the described methods. The filed in the memory 31

Instructions thus embody a program executable by the processor 32 which realizes the method according to the invention. The device has an input 33 for receiving information, for example data that has been detected by a sensor system of the motor vehicle. Data generated by the processor 32 is provided via an output 34. In addition, they can be stored in the memory 31. The input 33 and the output 34 can become a bidirectional interface

be summarized.

The processor 32 may include one or more processing units, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, or combinations thereof. The memories 27, 31 of the described embodiments can have both volatile and non-volatile memory areas and a wide variety of memory devices and

Storage media include, for example, hard disks, optical storage media or semiconductor memory.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 40 in which a solution according to the invention is realized. The motor vehicle 40 has inter alia a navigation system 41 and an environment sensor system 42, for example a camera system. The data acquired by the navigation system 41 and, if appropriate, the surroundings sensor 42 are transmitted via a network 43 to a device 20 for determining applicable traffic regulations for the motor vehicle. In addition, they can be stored in a memory 44 of the motor vehicle 40. If necessary, the data from the device 20 by means of a

Communication unit 45 transmitted to a backend for evaluation. The data transmitted by the backend in response to the data transmitted to the traffic rules applicable to the motor vehicle are communicated to the driver by means of a user interface 47, for example an infotainment system with a display device. In addition, they can be made available to a driver assistance system 46 of the motor vehicle 40, for example for the automatic regulation of the vehicle speed.

5 schematically shows a method for determining valid traffic rules for a motor vehicle from the perspective of a backend. In a first step, at least one position and one direction of movement of the motor vehicle are received 50. Based on the received information, information about traffic rules applicable to the position of the motor vehicle is then determined 51, for example information about one

Speed limit, right of way or no overtaking. The information on the traffic rules that apply at the position of the motor vehicle include information on the validity of the traffic rules. The validity information may include, for example, an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent an intersection area. Likewise, the validity information may describe a spatial validity, in particular a spatial validity dependent on a travel route. In addition, the information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle may include detailed information about intersections. The information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle are finally transmitted to the motor vehicle 52.

Motor vehicle traffic rules. In a first step, an assignment 60 of the Position of the motor vehicle to a road in a road network. Subsequently, the traffic rules are determined 61, which apply at the position of the motor vehicle for the road. In addition, at least one validity distance is determined 62, ie a distance in

Road network up to a change of the valid traffic rules.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 70 for determining valid traffic rules for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a backend. The device 70 has a first interface 71, via which a transmission device 72 can receive information about at least one position and one direction of movement of the motor vehicle. Via the first interface, the transmission device 72 can also transmit information about traffic regulations applicable at the position of the motor vehicle to the motor vehicle, for example information about a speed limit, a right of way or an overtaking prohibition. On the basis of the information received by the transmission device 72, a location unit 73 locates the motor vehicle in a map. The card may be provided from an external database via a second interface 76. Based on the location, a computing unit 74 determines the desired information about the traffic rules that apply at the position of the motor vehicle. The arithmetic unit 74 is set up, the information on the applicable at the position of the motor vehicle

To provide traffic rules with information on a validity of the traffic rules. The validity information may include, for example, an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent to a vehicle

Crossing area is located. Likewise, the validity information may describe a spatial validity, in particular a spatial validity dependent on a travel route. In addition, the information on the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle may include detailed information about intersections. The transmission device 72, the location unit 73 and the arithmetic unit 74 can be controlled by a control unit 75. If necessary, settings of the transmission device 72, the location unit 73, the arithmetic unit 74 or the control unit 75 can be changed via a user interface 78. The data accumulating in the device 70 can thereby be stored in a memory 77 of the device 70, for example for later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 70. The transmission device 72, the location unit 73, the arithmetic unit 74 and the control unit 75 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, such as integrated circuits. Of course, they may also be partially or fully combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU. The first interface 71 and the second interface 76 can be implemented as separate interfaces or as a combined interface.

FIG. 8 shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device 80 for determining valid traffic rules for a motor vehicle which may be installed in a backend. The device 80 includes a processor 82 and a memory 81. For example, device 80 is a computer or workstation. In the memory 81 instructions are stored, which cause the device 80 when executed by the processor 82, the steps according to one of

to carry out the described method. The instructions stored in the memory 81 thus embody a program which can be executed by the processor 82 and implements the method according to the invention. The device has an entrance 83 to the

Receiving information, for example, from a data packet from a

Motor vehicle was transmitted. Data generated by the processor 82 is provided via an output 84. In addition, they can be stored in memory 81. The input 83 and the output 84 can become a bidirectional interface

be summarized.

The processor 82 may include one or more processing units, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, or combinations thereof.

The memories 77, 81 of the described embodiments can have both volatile and non-volatile memory areas and a wide variety of memory devices and

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to FIGS 9 to 14. In the example, a speed limit is determined for the vehicle. However, the same principle can also be used, for example, for right-of-way regulations or overtaking bans. In the case of the application for right-of-way rules, no currently valid speed is transmitted, but the status of the road, for example parent or child, and the validity distance. Regarding of

No overtaking is permitted, the permissibility of overtaking and the validity distance is transferred, for example permissible, inadmissible, inadmissible for certain vehicle classes or inadmissible with exceptions. 9 illustrates a system for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle 40. The system includes the motor vehicle 40 and a back end 90. In addition to a device 20 for determining applicable traffic rules, the motor vehicle 40 includes a navigation system 41, a driver assistance system 46, and a user interface 47 on. The backend includes at least one device 70 for determining applicable ones

Traffic rules and a database 91 with map data and traffic control information. The maps may be in NDS format, for example (NDS: Navigation Data Standard, Navigation Data Standard). The motor vehicle 40 sends its current position with a trace, i. with at least one waypoint of the past, and its direction to the backend 90. This data may be provided by the navigation system 41, for example. The backend 90 uses this information to associate the motor vehicle 40 with a road. For this purpose, the map material from the database

91 of the device 70 for determining applicable traffic rules provided. Based on the assignment, the currently valid speed limit for the motor vehicle 40 is determined and transmitted to the motor vehicle 40. In addition, a validity distance for the speed limit and at least one subsequent speed limit can also be determined and transmitted. This can be done in particular taking into account possible route decisions. The of the

Device 20 from the received data determined current speed limit can be displayed on a display of the user interface 47. In addition, the speed limit and possibly also subsequent

Speed limits are provided to the driver assistance system 46. If the subsequent speed limits are route-dependent, information on the route selected in each case can be supplied by the navigation system 41 as needed. In addition, the navigation system 41 can be instructed to

Reboot the position tracking as soon as a request for valid traffic rules has been sent to the backend 90.

FIG. 10 illustrates two advantageous algorithms 92, 93 that may be implemented in the system of FIG. 9. A first algorithm 92 is implemented in the database 91. However, it may also be performed by the device 70 for determining applicable traffic rules or by a dedicated component of the backend 90. In the algorithm

92 is a search algorithm. This determines the applicable at the position of the motor vehicle 40 speed limit. In addition, the

Search algorithm to be able to determine a minimum, possibly also route-dependent minimum distance to a change in the speed limit. This will be explained below with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Another algorithm 93 is in the arranged in the motor vehicle 40 device 20 for determining applicable traffic rules implemented. This algorithm 93 can alternatively be executed by a dedicated component of the motor vehicle 40. In particular, the algorithm performs the selection of those past waypoints to be transmitted to the backend 90. Preferably, the past positions are stored in a ring memory, so that the newest waypoint always the oldest already

saved waypoint replaced. In this way, little space is needed and at the same time a continuous trace to the current position provided. The past waypoints should have a certain minimum distance to be meaningful. Particularly interesting for the correct assignment of the vehicle position to a road, and in particular to the correct lane in the case of multi-lane roads, are waypoints immediately before and after a lane change. Such waypoints are therefore preferably transmitted to the backend 90. Since cornering well based on the

In addition, information about the course of the steering angle can be provided. Particularly interesting are positions with

Steering angle changes, such as a curve entrance, a vertex or a

Corner exit. It is also possible to transmit the path curvature, which can be calculated from the steering angle, for each waypoint. In addition, the recognized lane markings (dashed, solid, double line, none) can also be transmitted. With this information, the assignment can be further improved.

Querying the applicable traffic rules at the backend 90 can be accomplished in several ways, some of which are explained below.

According to a first implementation variant, the vehicle 40 cyclically asks the backend 90 for the current speed limit. In this case, the cyclic polling can take place at a constant frequency, for example at 1 Hz, or at a constant distance, for example every 0.5 m. This ensures that the vehicle is always informed about the current speed limit, but causes a not insignificant

Data volume and also requires a nearly permanent data connection.

According to a second implementation variant, the vehicle 40 also cyclically asks the backend 90. However, when the vehicle 40 is in an intersection or near an intersection, the back end 90 sends an indicator indicative of an intersection in addition to the speed limit. In this case, the vehicle 40 will ask the backend 90 for higher frequency until the indicator is reset. This variant increases the reliability in crossing areas, but causes a slightly larger volume of data than the first implementation variant. In addition, a nearly permanent data connection is needed here as well.

According to a further realization variant, the vehicle 40 initially asks the backend 90 for the current speed limit. The backend 90 uses the search algorithm 92 to determine both the current speed limit and the minimum distance up to a change in speed limit. Both information is transmitted to the vehicle 40. The vehicle 40 tracks the distance traveled, for example, using vehicle sensors, and again asks the back-end 90 when the transmitted minimum distance is reached

Speed limit from. This variant manages with a very small number of queries, so that the resulting data volume is very low. In addition, no permanent data connection is necessary. Instead of the minimum distance up to a change of the speed limit also several distances for different possible routes can be transmitted. In other words, the shortest distance to a change in the speed limit is stored under the direction condition of the first encountered intersection. To give an example, when the vehicle 40 turns left at the first intersection in 500 m, the next change is in one

Distance from 525 m. When the vehicle 40 drives straight on at the first intersection in 500 m, the next change is at a distance of 751 m. If that

Vehicle 40 turns right at the first intersection in 500 m, the next change is at a distance of 612 m. In this case, the vehicle 40 monitors not only the distance traveled but also the selected route.

According to another variant, the backend 90 transmits in addition to the current one

Speed limit and distances to change the

Speed limit a simple crossing model. An example of such a crossing model is shown in FIG. 11. The intersection is represented by a circle representing the intersection. The outgoing crossing arms are represented by their position on the annulus and by the direction of the arm.

For example, the position on the annulus is determined by the position in degrees

Cross point is indicated, while for the direction of the arm the direction in degrees is used. The vehicle 40 can decide from its own direction, which crossing arm is driven. An alternative intersection model uses GPS points to represent the intersection arms. By comparing the vehicle position with the GPS points, the vehicle 40 may determine belonging to a crossing arm. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the backend 90 is an intersection network for transmitted a defined radius. The vehicle 40 then locates independently within this network and determines therefrom the current speed limit. With the help of the intersection models or the intersection network can be achieved in the case of latencies in the request to the backend a certain perspective, so that the

Reliability of the procedure is increased.

Fig. 12 illustrates a first iteration step of a determination of a

Validity distance of a speed limit. Shown is a section of a road network, where the roads are represented by continuous and dashed lines. The type of dashes represents the associated

Speed limit. Roads with a solid line represent those roads that are irrelevant to the given position of the vehicle. The

Searches carried out in the road network correspond to a tree search. The road network splits in many directions. It will be the shortest path to one

Speed changes searched in this network. The vehicle is at a position P represented by a circle. The arrow in the circle represents the

Direction of travel. Another circle VP illustrates a previous position of the vehicle. Currently, the vehicle is on a road section between two intersections "1" and "2", which may be possible future positions ZP of the vehicle. The

Speed limit on this section of road is 30 km / h. The distance to the next intersection "1" in the direction of travel is first determined, and the distance to the next intersection "2" is determined counter to the direction of travel, assuming a turning maneuver at the next intersection "1" in the direction of travel.

The distance to the intersection "1" in the example is 150 m, the distance to the intersection "2" 450 m. On the road sections to the two intersections, the speed limit does not change. The minimum distance up to a change in the speed limit is therefore greater than 150 m in any case. The current

Road section is now marked as already used for the search.

Fig. 13 illustrates a second iteration step of determining a

Validity distance of a speed limit. Since no change in the

Speed limit is found will continue the search for other intersections where the speed limit could change. Starting from the intersections found in the first iteration, five more intersections "1" to "5" can be achieved. Already used road sections are ignored in the search, if the speed limit applies to both directions and the current distance is shorter than the distance already used. The distance to the intersections "1", "2" and "5" is 200 m, the distance to the intersection "3" 250 m, the distance to the intersection "4" 270 m The minimum distance up to a change of the speed limit is thereby in any case larger than 350 m, ie as the

Distance from the starting position P to the intersections "1" or "2". The current road sections are now marked as already used for the search.

FIG. 14 illustrates an end result of determining a validity distance of a

Speed limit. After a few iterations, the search results are as follows: At the intersection "1", the speed limit changes to 60 km / h after a total of 550 m. At the intersection "3", the speed changes

Speed limit after a total of 700 m to 50 km / h. At the intersection "4" the speed limit changes to 50 km / h after a total of 720 m At the intersection "5" the speed limit changes after a total of 650 m to 5 km / h.

List of Reference Numerals Determine position and direction of movement

Transmitting position and direction of movement

Receive information about applicable traffic rules device

entrance

tracking unit

transmission equipment

Data processing unit

control unit

output

Storage

User interface

contraption

Storage

processor

entrance

output

motor vehicle

navigation system

ambient sensor

network

Storage

communication unit

Driver assistance system

User interface

Receiving position and direction of movement

Determine information about applicable traffic rules Submit information about applicable traffic rules Assign the position to a road

Determine road traffic rules

Determining a validity distance of the applicable traffic rules device

First interface

transmission equipment

positioning unit 74 arithmetic unit

75 control unit

76 Second interface

77 memory

78 user interface

79 database

80 device

81 memory

82 processor

83 entrance

84 output

90 backend

91 database

92 search algorithm

93 Algorithm P position

VP Previous position

ZP Future position

Claims

claims

1 . A method of determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle (40), comprising the steps of:

- transmitting (1 1) at least one position and one direction of movement of the

Motor vehicle (40) to a back end (90) by a transmission device (23) of the motor vehicle (40); and

- Receiving (12) of information on at the position of the motor vehicle (40) valid traffic rules by the transmission device (23);

characterized in that transmitting (1 1) at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle (40) to the back end (90) cyclically or in dependence on information on a validity of the traffic rules in the information on the at the position of the motor vehicle (40) are applied.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a history of positions of the motor vehicle (40) is transmitted to the back end (90) (1 1).

3. A method for determining valid traffic rules for a motor vehicle (40), comprising the steps of:

- Receiving (50) of at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle (40);

- determining (51) information about traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle (40); and

- transmitting (52) the information relating to the traffic rules at the position of the motor vehicle (40) to the motor vehicle (40);

characterized in that the information on the at the position of

Motor vehicle (40) traffic rules include information on the validity of the traffic rules.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein determining (51) the indications of the traffic rules prevailing at the position of the motor vehicle (40) comprises the steps of:

- Assigning (60) the position of the motor vehicle (40) to a street in one

Road network;

- determining (61) traffic rules applicable to the road at the position of the motor vehicle (40); and - Identification (62) of at least one distance in the road network until a change in the applicable traffic rules.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the traffic rules validity information includes an indicator indicating that the position of the motor vehicle is in or adjacent an intersection area.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein for transmitting (1 1) at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle (40) to the back end (90) an increased cycle frequency is used when the position of the motor vehicle (40) in one or located adjacent to a crossing area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information on the validity of the traffic rules describe a spatial validity, in particular a dependent of a route spatial validity.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the transmission (1 1) of at least one position and a movement direction of the motor vehicle (40) to the back end (90) is carried out again at the expiration of the spatial validity.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information on the at the position of the motor vehicle (40) valid traffic rules include detailed information about at least one intersection.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at the position of the motor vehicle (40) applicable traffic rules describe a speed limit, a right of way or a no-overtaking.

1 1. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions that, when executed by a computer, the computer for performing the steps of a method according to one of claims 1 to 10 for determining applicable traffic rules for a

Induce motor vehicle (40).

12. Apparatus (20) for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle (40), comprising:

- A transmission device (23) for transmitting (1 1) at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle (40) to a back end (90) and to Receiving (12) information about traffic rules in place at the position of the motor vehicle (40); and

- A data processing unit (24) for evaluating the information on the at the position of the motor vehicle (40) traffic rules;

characterized in that the transmission device (23) is arranged to transmit (1 1) at least one position and a movement direction of the

Motor vehicle (40) to the back end (90) cyclically or in dependence on

Information on the validity of the traffic rules contained in the information on the traffic rules in force at the position of the motor vehicle (40).

13. A device (70) for determining applicable traffic rules for a motor vehicle (40), comprising:

- A transmission device (72) for receiving (50) of at least one position and a direction of movement of the motor vehicle (40) and for transmitting (52) of information on at the position of the motor vehicle (40)

Traffic rules to the motor vehicle (40); and

- A computing unit (74) for determining (51) the information on the at the position of the motor vehicle (40) traffic rules;

characterized in that the arithmetic unit (74) is set up with the information about the traffic rules applicable at the position of the motor vehicle (40)

Provide information about a validity of the traffic rules.

14. motor vehicle (40), characterized in that it comprises a device (20) according to claim 12 or is adapted to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 2 or 5 to 10 for determining applicable traffic rules.