EP3997418A1

EP3997418A1 - Method to process navigation information for road circulation and device to process and display such information

Info

Publication number: EP3997418A1
Application number: EP20750728.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano MAFFEI; Massimo BIANCHINI; Gianni GARAGUSO
Original assignee: Politecnico di Milano
Current assignee: Politecnico di Milano
Priority date: 2019-07-09
Filing date: 2020-07-08
Publication date: 2022-05-18
Also published as: IT201900011280A1; WO2021005524A1

Abstract

A method for processing navigation information for road traffic comprising the steps of setting up a point of departure (A) and a point of destination (B): selecting a transport mode from the point of departure (A) to the point of destination (B); calculating at least a route according to the selected transport mode; selecting a single route for reaching the point of destination (B) from the point of departure (A); guiding a user, along the selected route according to the geometry of the road and/or crossroads that make up the route; said method further comprising the additional steps of identifying risk points (R) associated with the selected route; acquiring first data (D1) representative of one or more elements of danger along said route where said elements of danger mainly comprise the road geometry with the structure of the connected risk points (R) and/or traffic and/or weather conditions as additional elements that can act dynamically on this structure; calculating a parameter of danger (K) for each risk point (R) according to said first data (D1); when the user reaches a predefined distance from a risk point (R), sending a signal (S) representative of the respective parameter of danger (K) to warn the user of the danger of the respective risk point and draw the user's attention to the road;

Description

Title:“Method to process navigation information for road circulation and device to process and display such information”

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a method for processing navigation information for road circulation. The present invention also relates to a device for processing and displaying navigation information for road circulation.

The present invention is usefully used as a means of assistance to a user in road circulation. The user can be a cyclist, a motorcyclist, or more, for example, it can be equipped with an electric scooter or an electric kick scooter.

Description of the prior art

Methods and devices are known in the state of the art for processing navigation information for road circulation and presenting such information, for example by displaying it on a display through a suitable software.

For example, document WO 2017/046 773 shows a portable device, suitable for being installed on the handlebar of a bicycle, which guides the user along a selected route. The aforementioned document also presents a method for guiding the user along the route selected via said portable device.

The device comprises a map and a display, which allow to provide road indications as the user proceeds along the route. Road indications, such as left/right turning, are delivered to the user via a display ring, configured so as to light up and/or colour inside the display. In particular, the road indications are displayed by lighting and/or colouring portions of said display ring corresponding to the directions suggested to the user.

US documents 2013/311081 and US 2012/232787, on the other hand, relate to methods for navigation on the road, in particular in cars. US 2013/311081 describes a method which recognizes, based on the behaviour of various users, if a turn is intentionally missed and if therefore it is not easy or difficult for a driver. In this way, when a second driver is travelling on a road who plans to make that same turn, the method provides for reprocessing the route to avoid that stretch of road.

The document US 2012/232787 discloses a method that proposes, once a driver has set a destination, the easiest route for the driver himself, taking into account various factors, such as for example the weather conditions. For example, in the presence of a very sunny day, the shadiest route is suggested among the various available routes.

Disadvantageous^, the navigation systems available in the state of the art do not provide any indication of any risk points, such as for example dangerous junctions, possibly present along the route.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a method and a device for processing navigation information which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for processing navigation information and a device for processing and displaying such information, capable of delivering a higher degree of safety to the user.

The specified technical task and objects are substantially achieved by a method and a device comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

The method and the device according to the present invention solve the technical problem in that they allow to define the risk points present in a route and associate them with any elements of danger. In particular, the method and the device according to the present invention allow to warn the user of the presence of such risk points.

Advantageously, it is possible to provide navigation indications but also to draw the user's attention that a particularly risky stretch is approaching.

In accordance with an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, it is also possible to calculate an index of riskiness, associated with each route, which takes into account the overall number of risk points and elements of danger present along the entire route. In particular, it is possible to select the least risky route from a plurality of routes. This selection can be automatic or can be made by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a method for processing navigation information for road circulation and a device for processing and displaying said information, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the present invention installed on a bicycle;

Figure 2 shows a top view of a first unit, forming part of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a second unit, forming part of the device of Figure i ;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the operation of the device of

Figure 1; and

Figure 5 shows some examples of crossroads to which a step of the method according to the present invention is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention comprises a device 1 configured to process and display navigation information for road circulation.

The device 1 is preferably portable and is configured to be mounted on a means of transport 15 or, alternatively, to be held by a user, in the hand or on the wrist. In the rest of the present description, reference will be made to the installation on a means of transport 15, in particular on a bicycle, without however losing its generality.

Preferably, the device 1 is configured to be mounted on a bicycle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a first 11 and a second unit 12, in signal communication with each other. Preferably, the two units 11, 12 are in signal communication via wireless connection. Even more preferably, via Bluetooth connection.

Preferably, the first unit 11 controls the second unit 12. In particular, the second unit 12 is configured to switch on when the first unit 11 is switched on. In greater detail, the first unit 11 is configured to be arranged frontally on the means of transport 15 so as to be accessible to the user, while the second unit 12 is configured to be placed on the means of transport 15 behind the user, in such a way that it is visible to other vehicles and/or road users.

In accordance with an embodiment, the device 1 according to the present invention also comprises signalling means 7, to signal to the other road users the presence of the means of transport 15.

With particular reference to the case of a bicycle, the signalling means 7 take the form of direction indicators 61, bell (not shown), front position (not shown) and rear 36 lamps. The direction indicators 61 take the form of two rings of LED elements, each placed on a respective unit 11, 12. The front position lamp and the bell are placed on the first unit 11, while the rear position lamp 36 is placed on the second unit 12. If the transport means 15 comprises a brake device, the signalling means 7 can also comprise a brake light 17, in particular placed on the second unit 12.

In greater detail, the first unit 11 further comprises a first battery (not shown), a power button 2, first battery lights 33 and connection lights 35.

In more detail, the connection lights 35 are configured to light up when the device 1 is connected to a mobile device 3, to give the user a visual indication of the successful connection.

The first battery lights 33 are configured to light up so as to provide an indication of the battery charge. In particular, the first battery lights 33 are configured to be all on when the first battery is fully charged and all off when the first battery needs recharging.

The second unit 12 further comprises a second battery (not shown) and second battery lights 34. The second battery lights 34 operate in the same way as the first battery lights 33 described above, but indicate the charge status of the second battery.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second batteries are configured to be charged by induction.

The device 1 comprises a processing unit 40, in particular inserted inside the first unit 11.

With particular reference to Figure 4, the processing unit 40 can optionally comprise a memory module 41, in particular of the non-volatile type. This memory module 41 can contain navigation data N, representative of road maps, preloaded during the production of the device 1 and/or by the user.

The processing unit 40 further comprises an acquisition module 43, configured for acquiring navigation data N. Such navigation data N can be acquired from the memory module 41 if present and/or from a wireless network 16.

Furthermore, the acquisition module 43 is configured for acquiring first data D'. Further details on the type and use of the first data D’ will be provided in a later part of this description. Also in this case, the first data D' can be acquired from the memory module 41 and/or from a wireless network 16.

The navigation data N and the first data D', if acquired from the wireless network 16, can be saved permanently and/or temporarily in the memory module 41.

The processing unit 40 also comprises a calculation module 44 in signal communication with the acquisition module 43.

The processing unit 40 further comprises an activation module 45 placed in signal communication with the calculation module 44. It should be noted that the signalling means 7 described above are placed in signal communication with the activation module 45.

Further details on the operation of the memory module 41 , of the acquisition module 43, of the calculation module 44 and of the activation module 45 will be provided later in the present description.

The activation module 45 is configured to activate and/or deactivate the signalling means 7. In particular, the user can send signals to the activation module 45 to activate and/or deactivate the signalling means 7 via the user interface 4. For example, the user interface comprises keys 6 for activating and/or deactivating the signalling means 7. Preferably, the keys 6 comprise first keys 6a and second keys 6b. Even more preferably, the first keys 6a are two. Preferably, the second keys 6b are also two. The direction indicators 61 can be activated/deactivated by means of the first keys 6a present on the device 1 , while the bell can be activated by means of one of the second keys 6b. According to a preferred embodiment, by simultaneously pressing the first keys 6a, the user activates/deactivates a constant flashing of the direction indicators 61, i.e. the user activates the "four arrows" mode. According to a further embodiment, by simultaneously pressing the second keys 6b, the user activates/deactivates, in addition to the bell, a constant flashing of the front and rear position lamps 36. According to one embodiment, the bell is configured to emit a more or less loud sound if activated with both keys 6b or with a single key 6b.

According to a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 40 also comprises a communication module 46, in signal communication with the acquisition module 43. Preferably, the communication module 46 is configured to enter into signal communication with the aforementioned mobile device 3. According to an embodiment, the mobile device 3 is a smartphone.

Optionally, the device 1 also comprises means for geolocation G to detect the user's position. If present, said means for geolocation G are placed in signal communication with the processing unit 40, in particular with the acquisition module 43. In the event that the device 1 is connected with a mobile device 3, the user's position can be acquired therethrough. In this case, the means for geolocation G are not necessary, and can be omitted from device 1.

The device 1 according to the present invention comprises a user interface 4, placed in signal communication with the acquisition module 43 and/or with the activation module 45. Via user interface 4, the user can set a point of departure A and point of destination B for calculating a route. According to a preferred embodiment, the user interface 4 allows to perform other functions which will be illustrated in a later part of the present description.

According to an embodiment, the user interface 4 comprises a screen 5 and keys 6. Preferably, the screen 5 is a common touchscreen. Both the screen 5 and the keys 6 are inserted in the first unit 11.

It should be noted that, if the mobile device 3 is connected with the processing unit 40, all the functions of the user interface 4 or part of them can be performed through the mobile device 3. The device 1 according to the present invention can also comprise sensing means 42, configured to receive signals from the outer environment and placed in signal communication with the acquisition module 43. Advantageously, it is possible to acquire the first data D' or part of them through said sensing means 42. For example, the sensing means 42 can comprise an optical sensor. Said sensing means 42 can comprise an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope for detecting the user's speed.

The device 1 further comprises warning means 30 placed in signal communication with the activation module 45. The function of the warning means 30 will be illustrated in a later part of the present description.

According to a preferred embodiment, the warning means 30 comprise lighting means 31, but can also comprise sound warning means such as for example a loudspeaker.

The lighting means 31 comprise first LED bulbs 32. According to a preferred embodiment, the first LED bulbs 32 are configured to light up with different colours.

The present invention also comprises a method for processing navigation information for road circulation.

Said method can be applied, through appropriate software, to existing navigation systems.

The method according to the present invention comprises a first step in which the user sets up a point of departure A and a point of destination B.

The method therefore comprises a selection phase, preferably through the user interface 4, of a transport mode, i.e. of how the user intends to move from the point of departure A to the point of destination B. Optionally, the user can be provided with a means of transport 15, such as for example a bicycle, a motorcycle, a scooter or other. Alternatively, the user can specify that he will move on foot. Preferably, the method applies to road navigation where the mode of transport provides for a means of transport 15. Said means of transport 15 is preferably a bicycle.

It follows a step of calculation of at least one route according to the selected transport mode. In other words, the different possible itineraries suitable to be travelled with the selected means of transport 15 are calculated. The calculation of the routes is carried out by the calculation unit 44 or, if the device 1 is connected to the mobile device 3, by the mobile device 3 itself. Said calculation can be carried out according to modalities known per se to the person skilled in the art, and therefore will not be further described.

The method therefore comprises a step of selecting a single route for reaching the point of destination B from the point of departure A and a subsequent step of guiding the user along said route.

The method according to the present invention also comprises the steps of identifying the risk points R associated with the selected route. In particular, the risk points R are defined, by the calculation unit, in relation to the parameters relating to the roads that make up the selected route, related to the geometry of the road and/or crossroads. In particular, the risk points R are defined according to the structure of the road and/or the crossroads that make up the route. In detail, the step of identifying the risk points R comprises the sub-steps of identifying roads and/or crossroads within the route, and of acquiring second data D", representative of the roads.

Preferably, the risk points R are defined at the crossroad points at the level between two or more roads, or at sharp curves or curves with limited visibility, i.e. having a shape that is dangerous. In other words, the risk points R are points of the route identified on a map, for example at a roundabout with several entrances or narrow curves with poor visibility.

A value will then be attributed to each risk point R that is representative of how effectively dangerous the risk point R is. This value is defined in the present description as a parameter of danger K. The method therefore comprises a step of attributing a parameter of danger to each risk point R. More details regarding the parameter of danger are illustrated below.

The method also comprises a step of acquiring the first data D'. Said first data D' are representative of one or more elements of danger along said selected route.

The elements of danger will be compared with and associated with the risk points R already identified on the basis of the geometry of the route to attribute the respective parameter of danger K to each risk point R.

Elements of danger, in the context of the present description, mean elements referring to road conditions, intrinsic and extrinsic, which represent a potential danger.

For example, intrinsic conditions comprise the structure of risk points R, such as the number of arms that define a junction, the presence of a road with an overhang and more.

Accordingly, once a risk point R has been defined at a junction, based on the number of arms that define said junction, a specific danger will be attributed to the risk point R. In other words, two roundabouts where there is a different number of entrances/exits will both be identified as risk points R, but will have two different parameters of danger K.

To attribute the respective parameter of danger to each risk point R, the method comprises a step of calculating the parameter of danger K for each risk point R.

Preferably, said calculation step is carried out by identifying a number of points of conflict. These points of conflict represent the maximum number of collisions that can take place at a risk point R. Therefore, when the user crosses the risk point R, he must pay more attention in case of a high number of points of conflict.

The calculation phase comprises pre-saving in the memory module 41 a database of arbitrary numerical values, each prefixed for each type of risk point according to its road structure. For example, a three-way junction will have a numerical value n, a four-way junction will have a value greater than n while a five- way junction will have an even greater value than that of the four- way junction. In this case, the calculation step of the parameter of danger comprises identifying the type of risk point R and attributing the corresponding numerical value to this risk point R.

With particular reference to Figure 5, purely by way of example, different types of crossroads 200 should be noted. Each crossroad 200 constitutes a risk point R. In detail, the structure of the risk points R mentioned above is assessed on the basis of the points of conflict 100. With particular reference to the case in which the user is equipped with a means of transport 15, the points of conflict 100 represent the maximum number of collisions that can take place when the means of transport 15 enters the crossroad 200. According to an embodiment, the first data D' relate to the points of conflict 100. The number of points of conflict 100 for a crossroad 200 depends on the possible manoeuvres that a means of transport 15 can carry out within it. Therefore, the number of points of conflict 100 is defined as a function of the structure of the crossroad 200 itself. For example, the points of conflict 100 depend on the number of arms 101 or on the type of crossroad 200 (whether it is a roundabout or junction). In the case of a junction, if there is a traffic light 102 to regulate the traffic, for the same number of arms 101 the points of conflict 100 decrease.

Intrinsic conditions can also comprise information about the type of road, for example if it is a state, provincial, one-way or two-way road. The first data D' also comprise the lighting conditions of a road, the topography thereof, the sizing of the roadway and the pavement thereof (cobblestones, asphalt, off-road), but also much more.

Extrinsic conditions, on the other hand, can include traffic, weather conditions, the presence of road works, and much more.

As already mentioned, the acquisition module 43 downloads the first data D' from the network 16 and/or from the memory module 41.

In greater detail, for example, the first data D' inherent with extrinsic conditions can be downloaded each time from the network 16, so that they are always updated. The first data D' inherent with the intrinsic factors, on the other hand, can be pre-saved in the memory module 41. Optionally, the first data D' or part thereof can also be acquired through the sensing means 42. For example, street lighting can be assessed via optical sensors.

The parameter of danger K for each risk point R is calculated taking into account the first data D' inherent with the intrinsic and/or extrinsic elements. Said step is carried out by the calculation module 44 on the basis of the navigation data N and/or the first data D' downloaded to the memory module 41.

By way of example, for each risk point R the parameter of danger K can be calculated as a percentage, taking into account a first parameter k, assigned to the risk point R, and a predetermined parameter of maximum danger k_max. k_max can be associated with various intrinsic conditions. For example, considering the structure of the risk points R, the parameter of danger K for a crossroad 200 is calculated by comparing the number of points of conflict 100, i.e. k, present at the crossroad 200 itself, with the maximum number of points of conflict 100 that a crossroad 200 can present, i.e. kmax. By convention, the value of k_max is equal to the value of k in a four-arm junction 101 (thirty -two points of conflict 100, therefore k_max= 32). The calculation formula of K is shown below. 100

Alternatively, the parameter of danger K is also calculated in relation to a second parameter f, associated with the various extrinsic or intrinsic conditions of the road and, specifically, of the single risk point R. Also in this case, to obtain the parameter of danger K, a prefixed parameter f_{? a} , which is representative of maximum danger conditions, is taken into account. For example, f is a function of traffic and can vary between 0 and 20, where f_?hac=20 in case of very heavy traffic. The calculation also comprises an adjustment factor a, relative to the extrinsic or intrinsic condition, as shown below: 100

where the factor a is an angle in radians.

More in detail, with exemplifying, but not limiting, reference to the flow of traffic, a is the angular coefficient of the straight line obtained by approximating the traffic to a trend with linear increase, expressed as a function of the dangers.

The parameter of danger K is then calculated by approximating the route to an ideal route, in which the traffic has a linear danger increase.

Optionally, the angle a can be used to calculate the impact of other intrinsic or extrinsic conditions, such as for example weather conditions, or a combination of them. In this case, the function f will be different from the one used considering only the flow of traffic.

When the user reaches a predetermined distance from a risk point R, a signal S is sent to the user. In particular, the signal S is sent by the activation module 45.

It should be noted that the predetermined distance can be a length, or it can be an arrival time at the risk point R estimated as a function of the current speed. Optionally, it is possible to choose and set the predetermined distance at which the signal S is sent.

According to a preferred embodiment, the signal S is representative of the respective parameter of danger K of the risk point R. The step of sending a signal S comprises activating the warning means 30 mentioned above.

Advantageously, the user's attention is drawn to the road near the risk points R.

The signalling to the user of a risk point R with a signal S representative of the parameter of danger K advantageously allows the user to be warned so that the latter prepares to cross the respective risk point R by adopting a particularly prudent behaviour. In particular, in the presence of risk points R whose parameter of danger K is high, the user will be able to pay more attention to the road.

Advantageously, the user is more prepared to react in the presence of a danger. Preferably, the step of sending the signal S comprises the activation, by the activation module 45, of the lighting means 31 to display a representation of the signal S. Preferably, the lighting means 31 light up in different ways according to the parameter of danger K of the risk point R. In particular, the lighting means 31 are configured to emit a light signal having a colour selected from a group of predefined colours. Preferably, the parameters of danger K are grouped in intervals according to their value. Accordingly, preferably each predefined colour is associated with a respective interval of the index of danger K of the risk point R. For example, in the presence of risk points R having higher indices of danger K, the lighting means 31 light up red.

Alternatively, the lighting means 31 are configured to emit a light signal having different intensities as a function of the respective interval of the index of danger K of the risk point R.

The step of sending the signal S may also alternatively or jointly comprise the activation of the sound warning means to signal these risk points R according to the respective parameter of danger.

It should be noted that the step of selecting a single route mentioned above can comprise the sub-step of calculating an index of riskiness Z for each route, as a function of the number of risk points R present within each route and the respective parameter of danger K. Subsequently, each route is presented to the user together with the respective index of riskiness Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the index of riskiness Z is calculated by the calculation module 44 by summing up all the parameters of danger K present in the route.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the selection of the route is carried out according to the various indexes of riskiness Z, for example by choosing the route with the lowest index of riskiness Z. Therefore, the step of calculation of the index of riskiness Z is carried out before the step of selecting the route.

According to an embodiment, the user selects, via the user interface 4, the route directly having the indexes of riskiness Z available.

According to a further embodiment, the route selection is made by the device 1, configured to carry out the method according to the present invention, which automatically selects the route which shows the lowest index of riskiness Z.

Claims

1. A method for processing navigation information for road circulation comprising the steps of:

- setting up a point of departure (A) and a point of destination (B);

- selecting a transport mode from the point of departure (A) to the point of destination (B);

- calculating at least a route according to the selected transport mode; said route comprising a plurality of points;

- selecting a single route for reaching the point of destination (B) from the point of departure (A);

- guiding a user, along the selected route;

characterised in that it comprises the additional steps of:

- identifying risk points (R) between said points forming part of the selected route according to the geometry of the road and/or crossroads that make up the route;

- acquiring first data (D¹) representative of one or more elements of danger along said route; said elements of danger comprising the structure of the risk points (R) and/or traffic and/or weather conditions;

- calculating a parameter of danger (K) for each risk point (R) according to said first data

(o');

- when the user reaches a predefined distance from a risk point (R), generating a signal (S) representative of the respective parameter of danger (K) to warn the user of the danger of the respective risk point (R) and draw the user's attention to the road.

2. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of acquiring first data (D¹) is performed by downloading said first data from a wireless network (16) and/or from a non-volatile memory module (41) and/or by sensing means (42) configured to receive signals from the outer environment.

3. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of identifying risk points (R) comprises the steps of:

- identifying roads and/or crossroads within said route;

- acquiring second data (D") representative of parameters relative to said roads and/or said crossroads;

- identifying said risk points (R) according to said second data (D").

4. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the step of selecting a single route comprises the sub steps of:

- calculating an index of riskiness (Z) for a plurality of routes based on the number of risk points (R) present within each route and the respective parameter of danger (K);

- presenting each route along with the respective index of riskiness (Z) to the user.

5. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said step of sending a signal comprises the step of:

- activating warning means (30), said step of activating warning means (30) comprising the sub-step of:

- activating lighting means (31) for displaying a representation of said signal (S).

6. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mode of transport is bicycle transport.

7. The method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of calculating the parameter of danger (K) for each risk point (R) comprises identifying points of conflict (100) representing the maximum number of collisions that can take place at a risk point (R).

8. A device (1) for implementing the method according to claim 1, said device (1) comprising:

- a processing unit (40), configured to identify the risk points (R) according to the geometry of the road and/or crossroads that make up the route, said processing unit (40) comprising:

- an acquisition module (43) configured for acquiring navigation data (N) representative of road maps and/or said first data (D¹), said first data (D¹) being representative of one or more elements of danger comprising the structure of the risk points (R) and/or the traffic and/or the weather conditions;

- a calculation module (44), configured to calculate at least the parameters of danger (K) for each risk point (R);

- an activation module (45), configured to send a signal (S) representative of the respective parameter of danger (K) when the user reaches a predefined distance from a risk point (R) to warn the user of the danger of the respective risk point (R) and draw the user's attention to the road;

said device (1) further comprising warning means (30) in signal communication with the activation module (45), said activation module (45) being configured to activate the warning means (30) when the user reaches a predefined distance from a risk point (R).

9. The device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said processing unit (40) comprises:

- a communication module (46) associated to said acquisition module (43) and configured to enter into signal communication with a mobile device (3), said acquisition module (43) being configured to acquire said navigation data (N) and/or said first data (D¹) from the mobile device (3).

10. The device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the warning means (30) comprise lighting means (31) configured to emit a light signal having a colour selected from a group of predefined colours, each predefined colour being associated with a respective interval of the index of danger (K) of the risk point (R).

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said device (1) is portable and is configured to be mounted on a bicycle.