EP4054912A1

EP4054912A1 - Control system and control method for detection and reaction of a zipper process for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4054912A1
Application number: EP20804192.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Meuresch
Original assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Current assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Priority date: 2019-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2022-09-14
Also published as: WO2021089753A1; US20220371595A1; CN114641418A; DE102019217099A1

Abstract

A control system (10) is suitable for use in a subject motor vehicle (12) and is configured and intended to determine from the provided surroundings data a position and a speed of a first motor vehicle (28) which is travelling directly ahead of the subject motor vehicle (12) in a first lane (36), wherein the subject motor vehicle (12) is located in the first lane (36). The control system is configured and intended to determine from the provided surroundings data a position and a speed of a second motor vehicle (30) which is travelling in an adjacent lane (38), which is adjacent to the first lane (36). The control system is configured and intended to detect from the provided surroundings data whether a zipper situation is present. The control system is configured and intended to increase a setpoint distance of the subject motor vehicle (12) from the first motor vehicle if an absolute value of a relative speed of the second motor vehicle (30) relative to the subject motor vehicle (12) or relative to the first motor vehicle (28) is lower than a previously determined first value when the second motor vehicle (30) is located in a longitudinal direction, extending along the adjacent lane (38), between the subject motor vehicle (12) and the first motor vehicle (20), and if it has been detected that the zipper situation is present.

Description

Control system and control method for recognition and response of a slide fastener method for an automobile

description

Background of the invention

A control system and a control method for determining a zipper situation in road traffic are described here. The control system and the control process react according to the road situation.

The zip fastener method is used when it is not possible to drive continuously on a lane on a street with several lanes or when a lane ends. The zip fastener method enables vehicles that are prevented from continuing to travel to the adjacent, continuing lane in such a way that these vehicles can alternate between a vehicle driving on the continuous lane immediately before the start of the narrowing (using a zip fastener). The zipper method only applies if a track is lost. If, for example, a broken-down vehicle blocks the lane so that it is necessary to change lanes, the zip operation does not apply. In such a case, the unblocked lane has priority. The changing driver may therefore have to wait. In addition, the zipper method does not apply to the speeding lane of a motorway. Anyone driving onto a motorway must pay attention to the right of way of the continuous lane. The entering vehicle has to wait here and may only be integrated into the continuous lane with the greatest care.

Traffic jams often occur in traffic situations that require a zippered driving style. A traffic jam can be defined based on the speed of the vehicles. A traffic jam occurs when several vehicles travel at less than 20 km / h for at least five minutes on average, over a length of at least one kilometer. A vehicle speed of 20 to 40 km / h can be described as stuck traffic.

State of the art

So far, in so-called ACC systems (Adaptive Cruise Control), an automatic speed control of the motor vehicle is based on the speed of a vehicle ahead Motor vehicle adapted. A fixed distance from the vehicle driving ahead should always be maintained. For this purpose, systems of this type determine a direction of movement and / or a speed of the motor vehicle driving ahead in order to avoid the motor vehicle crossing the path of the motor vehicle driving ahead in such a way that a critical situation arises. This concerns on the one hand lane changes or turning maneuvers and on the other hand rear-end collisions.

From the document DE 10 2016 011 893 A1 a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle when changing lanes from a current lane to an adjacent target lane is known. The method provides that the driver of the vehicle is informed of an end of the current lane on a threading strip as the current lane, if a zip fastener method is provided, the driver being additionally advised to remain in the current lane until the end and then to change lanes.

From the document DE 10 2009 023 444 A1, a method and a device for assisting a driver when changing lanes from a current lane to an adjacent target lane are known. The method provides that a possible lane change to the target lane is determined on the basis of the detected traffic situation and signaled to the driver. The signaling takes place by means of a haptically perceptible steering wheel vibration.

Underlying problem

In road traffic there is a regular situation that requires a zipper procedure. Either two lanes are merged into one lane or there is an obstacle in one of the lanes. With the zip fastener method, motor vehicles should alternately continue to drive on the continuing lane, one motor vehicle from the ending lane and one motor vehicle from the continuing lane. This requires a specific behavior of motor vehicles in the ending and the continuing lane. Motor vehicles in the ending lane should approach this lane to the end or obstacle and then switch to the next lane. Motor vehicles which were already in the continuing lane at the beginning should each allow a motor vehicle to cut in from the ending lane.

In order for an autonomous or semi-autonomous driver assistance system to be able to drive the motor vehicle correctly in the situation that requires moving the zip fastener, it is necessary that the situation is correctly recognized. Particularly in the case of obstacles such as accidents, it is difficult for the (partially) autonomous driver assistance system to identify the accident situation as such recognize and take the right action from it. Otherwise, each situation requiring a zipper process is different.

The object is therefore to provide a control system and a control method for a motor vehicle which recognizes a situation which requires a zip fastener method and which controls the own motor vehicle in accordance with the situation.

Recommended solution

This object is achieved by a control system with the features of claim 1 and a control method with the features of claim 12.

Preferred embodiments are evident from the subclaims 2 to 11 and 13 and the description below.

One aspect relates to a control system which is set up and intended for use in a motor vehicle. Based on environment data obtained from at least one environment sensor (s) assigned to the motor vehicle, this control system detects lanes, lane boundaries, lane markings, other motor vehicles and / or objects in an area in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind the motor vehicle.

The at least one environment sensor is set up to provide an electronic controller of the control system with the environment data reproducing the area in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind the motor vehicle.

The control system is at least set up and intended to determine a position and a speed of a first motor vehicle from the provided environment data, which is driving directly ahead of the own motor vehicle in a first lane, the own motor vehicle being in the first lane.

Furthermore, the control system is at least set up and intended to use the environmental data provided to determine a position and a speed of a second motor vehicle which is traveling in an adjacent lane which is adjacent to the first lane.

Furthermore, the control system is at least set up and intended to recognize from the environmental data provided whether a zip situation exists. Furthermore, the control system is at least set up and determined when an amount of a relative speed of the second motor vehicle relative to the own motor vehicle or relative to the first motor vehicle is less than a predetermined first value when the second motor vehicle is in a longitudinal direction which is moving extends along the adjacent lane, between your own motor vehicle and the first Motor vehicle is and if it has been recognized that the zipper situation exists, to increase a target distance of the own motor vehicle to the first motor vehicle.

The control system is thus able to control one's own motor vehicle in the first continuing lane in such a way that it should increase the distance to the first motor vehicle. This allows the second motor vehicle to cut in between its own motor vehicle and the first motor vehicle in the course of the zip fastener method.

The control system can comprise a partially autonomous driver assistance system, such as an ACC system, for example, or be part of it. It is also possible for the control system to be part of an autonomous driver assistance system. Driving comfort is increased, especially with semi-autonomous driver assistance systems such as the ACC system. The driver does not have to actively increase the (target) distance. It is also possible that the control system, in addition to increasing the target distance, also sends a signal to the driver which indicates that the target distance has been increased. This signal can be, for example, a light signal (signal lamp) and / or a signal tone.

The first lane and the adjacent lane are preferably set up and intended for a traffic flow in the same direction. The traffic flow can represent the general direction of travel of the motor vehicles. If a motor vehicle “drives directly ahead” of another motor vehicle, this is to be understood in particular as the fact that there is no other motor vehicle between the one and the other motor vehicle.

The existence of the zipper situation can be recognized by the control system. It is possible that the control system is a binary variable or a continuous (probability) value for the existence of the zipper situation. In the case of a continuous value, it is possible that the setpoint distance is only increased if the continuous value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The existence of the zipper situation can also be calculated from other factors / criteria.

In addition to / instead of the criterion that the second motor vehicle must be located in the longitudinal direction between your own and the first motor vehicle, it may also be sufficient that the second motor vehicle is a little (e.g. less than 30% based on the length of the gap ) is behind or in front of this position. This can be particularly advantageous if the second motor vehicle is faster than your own motor vehicle (if the second motor vehicle drives in the longitudinal direction behind the gap) or is slower than the first motor vehicle (if the second motor vehicle drives in the longitudinal direction in front of the gap).

It is also possible that there are further necessary conditions for increasing the target distance. For example, it may also be necessary for the second motor vehicle to have a lane change signal (eg blinker) which indicates that it is in the first lane wants to and / or will change. It can also be the case that the target distance is not increased when the first motor vehicle is accelerating and the own motor vehicle has already reached its maximum speed and the distance between the own motor vehicle and the first motor vehicle has thus already increased. In order to increase the setpoint distance, it may also be necessary for the current distance between one's own motor vehicle and the first motor vehicle to be less than a limit value. This limit value can be predetermined or dependent on the length (in the direction of travel) and / o the speed of the second motor vehicle. In order to increase the target distance, it may also be possible that not all conditions have to be met, but only a majority of the conditions. A necessary number of the majority of the conditions and / or a rating of the conditions for the necessary threshold can be determined in advance.

The target distance can be increased immediately or after a time offset and / or continuously. It is also possible to take into account how quickly and with what distance the vehicles that drive behind you drive behind your own motor vehicle (behind your own motor vehicle). For example, in a case in which a motor vehicle that drives directly behind your own motor vehicle drives faster than your own motor vehicle and / or very close to your own motor vehicle, the target distance cannot immediately be increased to the full extent. Thus, the risk of an accident can be reduced. The target distance can also be increased more strongly if the second motor vehicle is larger.

The control system can furthermore be set up and determined at least to determine, from the provided environment data, a position of a third motor vehicle which is driving directly ahead of the first motor vehicle in the first lane.

Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to determine a position and a speed of a fourth motor vehicle from the provided environment data, which is driving ahead of the second motor vehicle in the adjacent lane and / or which has driven ahead a short time beforehand.

Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to recognize from the provided environment data whether a traffic jam situation exists. Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to recognize that the fourth motor vehicle from the adjacent lane to the first lane into a gap between the first motor vehicle and the third motor vehicle and when it was recognized that the traffic jam situation exists Zipper situation exists.

This has the advantage that the control system can recognize a zipper situation without having to recognize an obstacle or an end of the adjacent lane. This also means that the alternating threading sequence is automatically adhered to. With the fourth motor vehicle, which is driving ahead of the second motor vehicle in the adjacent lane and / or has driven ahead a short time beforehand, the motor vehicle means that it was (directly) ahead of the second motor vehicle before it reached the obstacle or the end of the adjacent one Lane has come and therefore has to cut into the first lane. The control system can still recognize the fourth motor vehicle as such when it is already in the process of changing lanes.

The existence of the traffic jam situation can be recognized by the control system. It is possible that the control system is a binary variable or a continuous (probability) value for the existence of the zipper situation. In the case of a continuous value, it is possible that the target distance is only increased if the continuous value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The existence of the congestion situation can also be calculated from other factors / criteria.

The existence of the zipper situation and / or the traffic jam situation can also be recognized by one or more received radio signal (s) (or other electromagnetic signal (s)). This signal (s) can / can be sent out to inform the (partially) autonomous driver assistance systems.

It is also possible that the fourth motor vehicle does not cut in between the first and third motor vehicle, but that the fourth motor vehicle cuts in between the third motor vehicle and a motor vehicle driving directly ahead of the third motor vehicle. In this case, there can be another motor vehicle between the second and fourth motor vehicle or there can be no other motor vehicle there. In either case, the control system would recognize the existence of a zipper situation. It is also possible that the control system can also know the existence of the zipper situation if the fourth motor vehicle cuts in between other motor vehicles driving further ahead of the third motor vehicle (with several vehicles in between, up to the own motor vehicle).

Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to determine a position and a speed of a fourth motor vehicle from the provided environment data, which is driving ahead of the second motor vehicle in the adjacent lane.

Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to recognize from the provided environment data whether a traffic jam situation exists. Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined from the provided environment data to determine a lane change probability, which indicates a probability that the fourth motor vehicle will cut into a gap between the first motor vehicle and the third motor vehicle from the adjacent lane to the first lane.

Furthermore, the control system can at least be set up and determined to recognize that the zipper situation exists when the lane change probability is greater than a predetermined probability value and when it has been recognized that the traffic jam situation exists.

Also when taking into account the lane change probability for the existence of the zipper situation, it is possible that the control system takes into account a lane change probability of a (fourth) motor vehicle which is driving in the adjacent lane and wants to cut in between two motor vehicles in front of the third motor vehicle.

The control system can determine the lane change probability using at least one of the following factors: a speed and / or an acceleration of the fourth motor vehicle, a position in the lateral direction of the fourth motor vehicle in the adjacent lane, a lateral direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and / or a distance between the first motor vehicle and the third motor vehicle.

The speed and / or acceleration of the fourth motor vehicle can influence a calculation of the lane change probability insofar as a low (e.g. less than a threshold value) relative speed of the fourth motor vehicle relative to the first or third motor vehicle increases the lane change probability. The relative speed can be measured, for example, for 0.2 - 1.5 seconds, e.g. 400 ms (milliseconds). The acceleration of the fourth motor vehicle can increase the likelihood of changing lanes when the acceleration is low. It is also possible that a positive acceleration of the fourth motor vehicle increases the probability of changing lanes. It is also possible for the control system to differentiate between lateral and longitudinal speed or acceleration.

The lateral position of the fourth motor vehicle can increase the likelihood of changing lanes if the fourth motor vehicle drives close to the first lane, that is to say close to the lane marking dividing the lanes. A lane change signal (e.g. blinker) from the fourth motor vehicle, which indicates a (planned) lane change to the first lane, can also increase the likelihood of changing lanes. Turning in the fourth motor vehicle and / or adjusting the tires in the direction of the first lane can also increase the likelihood of changing lanes.

The distance between the first and third motor vehicle can increase the lane change probability if this distance is at least greater than the length of the fourth Motor vehicle is. This distance can further increase the likelihood of changing lanes if the distance is even greater. This increase in the probability of changing lanes can also correlate proportionally, stepwise or otherwise monotonically with the distance between the first and third motor vehicle. A (lateral) distance between the fourth and third motor vehicle can also influence the probability of changing lanes.

It is possible that one or more of the criteria just mentioned influence the lane change probability exclusively or with other criteria (not even explicitly mentioned).

The control system can furthermore be set up and determined, if a difference between an average speed of motor vehicles in the first lane and an average speed of motor vehicles in the adjacent lane is less than a predetermined second value, to recognize that the traffic jam situation exists.

The control system can also use other criteria to determine the existence of the traffic jam situation. For example, the detection of one or more hazard warning lights of motor vehicles driving ahead can be such a further criterion. Recognition of street signs or display boards that warn of traffic jams can also be a further criterion.

It is also possible that the control system does not first determine an (intermediate) value for the existence of a traffic jam situation, but uses the criteria that are used to determine the existence of the traffic jam situation directly to calculate the existence of the zipper situation .

The control system can also omit the calculation of the (intermediate) value of the existence of the zipper situation and instead use the criteria required for this calculation directly as conditions for increasing the target distance (between own and first motor vehicle).

The control system can also at least be set up and determined if a number of motor vehicles that are in the adjacent lane and that pass your own motor vehicle or are passed by your own motor vehicle is less than a predetermined third value in a predetermined time, to know that there is a traffic jam.

The control system can also recognize whether an increasing number of motor vehicles that are in the overtaking lane (left lane in Germany) are being overtaken by their own motor vehicle relative to the first lane in which their own motor vehicle is driving. Should If the control system recognizes this, this can additionally increase the probability (of recognizing) the traffic jam situation.

In a similar way, the control system can also detect whether more and more motor vehicles are overtaking their own motor vehicle from a lane that should travel more slowly (in Germany, the right lane) relative to the first lane. This, too, can increase the probability (of recognizing) the traffic jam situation.

The control system can furthermore be set up and determined at least to recognize that the zipper situation exists when an obstacle in the adjacent lane is ahead in a direction of travel of one's own motor vehicle.

This can be advantageous if there is no third and / or fourth motor vehicle in the previous sense. The control system nevertheless recognizes that there is a zipper situation and therefore increases the target distance to the first motor vehicle in order to allow the second motor vehicle to cut in (/ in).

It is also possible for the control system to recognize a traffic sign which requires the zip fastener to be carried out. The control system can also recognize that the adjacent lane is ending. This would also enable the control system to recognize that a zipper situation exists.

The control system can increase the target distance of the own motor vehicle from the first motor vehicle to a lesser extent if the second motor vehicle is faster than the own motor vehicle.

The control system can increase the setpoint distance between the own motor vehicle and the first motor vehicle to a greater extent if the second motor vehicle is slower than the own motor vehicle.

As a result, the (longitudinal) change in distance between one's own and the second motor vehicle due to the relative speed is taken into account.

In the control system, the first value can be proportional to a speed of the own motor vehicle.

The first value is a threshold value which the amount of the relative speed of the second motor vehicle relative to one's own motor vehicle or relative to the first motor vehicle must be undercut so that the target distance is increased.

The first value can also depend on the speed of the first or second motor vehicle.

The control system, wherein the zipper situation is a situation in which one of two lanes that are adjacent to each other is preferably the adjacent one Lane ends at a point that is ahead in a direction of travel of one's own motor vehicle and / or is no longer passable, the two lanes both being set up and intended for traffic in the same direction, and in which motor vehicles of the two lanes are located should arrange on the other, continuing lane that a motor vehicle that was originally in one lane and a motor vehicle that was originally in the other lane should be located one behind the other in alternating order.

The next lane is preferably the first lane. The neighboring lane can run to the left or right of the first lane. There can also be other driving lanes.

Another aspect relates to a control method that is used in a motor vehicle based on environment data obtained from at least one environment sensor (s) assigned to the motor vehicle, lanes, lane boundaries, lane markings, other motor vehicles and / or objects in an area in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind Motor vehicle recognizes. The control method is carried out in particular by means of the preceding control system. The control procedure comprises at least the following steps:

Determining a position and a speed of a first motor vehicle from the environmental data provided, the first motor vehicle driving directly ahead of the own motor vehicle in a first lane, with the own motor vehicle being in the first lane,

Determining a position and a speed of a second motor vehicle from the environment data provided, the second motor vehicle traveling in an adjacent lane which is adjacent to the first lane,

Recognize from the provided environment data whether a zipper situation exists,

Increasing a target distance of one's own motor vehicle to the first motor vehicle if an amount of a relative speed of the second motor vehicle relative to one's own motor vehicle or relative to the first motor vehicle is less than a predetermined first value when the second motor vehicle is in a longitudinal direction, wel che extends along the adjacent lane, is located between the own motor vehicle and the first motor vehicle and if it has been recognized that the zipper situation exists.

Yet another aspect relates to a motor vehicle that includes a control system as described above. Compared to conventional driver assistance systems, the solution presented here shows how to recognize a zip fastener situation and how to react to it. The zipper situation is reliably recognized, either at an obstacle, at the end of a lane or the behavior of the other motor vehicles.

Driving comfort is increased by increasing the setpoint distance from the vehicle in front as a reaction. With semi-autonomous driver assistance systems, the driver no longer has to take any active precautions in order to carry out the zipper process. The zip fastener method is also adhered to in that sufficient space is made for the second motor vehicle to be reeved.

It is evident to the person skilled in the art that the aspects and features described above can be combined as desired in a control system and / or a control method. Although some of the features described above were described in relation to a control system, it is understood that these features can also apply to a control method. In the same way, the features described above in relation to a control method can apply in a corresponding manner to a control system.

Brief description of the drawing

Further goals, features, advantages and possible applications emerge from the following description of non-restrictive exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawings. All of the features described and / or shown in the figures show the subject matter disclosed here individually or in any combination. The dimensions and proportions of the components shown in the figures are not to scale here. Identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference symbols.

Figure 1 shows schematically a motor vehicle according to embodiments, which has a control system and at least one environment sensor.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary zip fastener situation. FIG. 3 shows schematically the architecture for the decision-making process to increase the target distance according to exemplary embodiments. Detailed description of the drawings

In the context of the following disclosure, aspects are primarily described with reference to the control system. However, these aspects are of course also valid within the framework of the disclosed control method, which can be carried out, for example, by a central control device (ECU) of a motor vehicle. This can be done by making suitable write and read accesses to a memory assigned to the motor vehicle. The control method can be implemented within the motor vehicle both in hardware and in software and also in a combination of hardware and software. This also includes digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays and other suitable switching and arithmetic components.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a dedicated motor vehicle 12 that includes a control system 10. The control system 10 is coupled to at least one environment sensor 14, 16, 18 located on the own motor vehicle 12 in order to receive environment data from the at least one sensor 14, 16, 18. The control system 10 can include an electronic control ECU (Electronic Control Unit; not shown in the figure). For example, the present control system 10 with the aid of the ECU and / or further electronic control systems can at least be set up and intended to recognize a zip situation and to increase a target distance. For this purpose, the ECU receives signals from the environment sensors 14, 16, 18, processes these signals and the associated environment data and generates corresponding control and / or output signals.

In the figure 1 three environment sensors 14, 16, 18 are shown, which send corresponding signals to the control system 10 or the electronic control ECU. In particular, at least one environment sensor 14 which is directed forward in the direction of travel of one's own motor vehicle 12 and which detects an area 22 in front of one's own motor vehicle 12 is arranged on one's own motor vehicle 12. This at least one environment sensor 14 can be arranged, for example, in the area of a front bumper, a front lamp and / or a front radiator grill of one's own motor vehicle 12. As a result, the environment sensor 14 detects an area 22 directly in front of the own motor vehicle 12.

At least one additional or alternative environment sensor 16, likewise directed forward in the direction of travel of one's own motor vehicle 12, is shown in the area of a windshield of one's own motor vehicle 12. For example, this environment sensor 16 can be net angeord between an inner rearview mirror of one's own motor vehicle 12 and its front window. Such an environment sensor 16 detects an area 24 in front of one's own motor vehicle 12, whereby, depending on the shape of one's own motor vehicle 12, an area 24 directly in front of motor vehicle 12 cannot be detected due to the front section (or its geometry) of one's own motor vehicle 12. Furthermore, at least one environment sensor 18 can be arranged laterally on and / or on the rear of one's own motor vehicle 12. This optional environment sensor 18 detects an area 26 which is to the side and / or in the direction of travel of the own motor vehicle 12 behind the own motor vehicle 12. For example, the data or signals of this at least one environment sensor 18 can be used to verify information captured by the other environment sensors 14, 16 and / or to determine a curvature of a lane traveled by one's own motor vehicle 12.

The at least one environment sensor 14, 16, 18 can be implemented as desired and comprise a front camera, a rear camera, a side camera, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and / or an inertial sensor. For example, the environment sensor 14 can be implemented in the form of a front camera, a radar, lidar, or ultrasound sensor. A front camera is particularly suitable for the higher-lying environment sensor 16, while the environment sensor 18 arranged in the rear of one's own motor vehicle 12 can be implemented in the form of a rear camera, a radar, lidar or ultrasound sensor.

The electronic control ECU processes the environment data obtained from the environment sensor (s) 14, 16, 18 located on the own motor vehicle 12 in order to obtain information regarding the static environment (immovable objects in the environment such as lane boundaries, stationary obstacles) and the dynamic environment (moving Surrounding objects such as other motor vehicles or road users) of their own motor vehicle 12 to receive.

For example, the environment data obtained from the environment sensor (s) 14, 16, 18 located on your own motor vehicle 12 are processed by the electronic control system in order to identify a lane traveled by the motor vehicle 12 with a first and a second lateral lane delimitation before the own motor vehicle 12 to capture. In addition, the electronic control ECU processes the environment data obtained from the environment sensor (s) 14, 16, 18 located on the own motor vehicle 12 in order to identify a lane occupied by another object (which is adjacent to the lane used by the (own) motor vehicle , whereby further lanes can also be included) as well as their lateral lane boundaries in front of, laterally next to and / or behind one's own motor vehicle 12. The other object can be one (or more) further motor vehicle (s) that is moving along the lane adjacent to the lane of one's own motor vehicle, or any other possible obstacle in the lane in front of this other one Motor vehicle.

For this purpose, the environment sensors 14, 16, 18 of the electronic control ECU provide the environment data reproducing the area in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the control system 10 is available via at least one data ka na I or bus (in Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines) connected to the at least one environment sensor 14, 16, 18. The data ka na I or bus can be implemented by means of cables or ka at los.

As an alternative or in addition, the control system 10 or its electronic control ECU can also receive data from one or more other assistance systems 20 or another controller 20 of one's own motor vehicle 12 that show the traffic lanes of one's own motor vehicle 12, another motor vehicle and other motor vehicles indicate with their lateral lane boundaries, or can be derived from it. Thus, data and information already determined by other systems can be used by the control system 10.

The driver assistance system 20 or the electronic controller 20 can also be set up and intended to control the motor vehicle (part) autonomously. In this case, the control system 10 is set up and intended to output data to the driver assistance system 20 or the electronic controller 20 for autonomous driving. In particular, the control system 10 (or its ECU) can increase data, a setpoint distance (to a motor vehicle driving ahead) and output this information to the component 20. The data can also be wired via a data channel or bus or transferred without delay.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary zipper situation in which the control system 10 controls the own motor vehicle 12 in such a way that the target distance is increased. In addition to the own motor vehicle 12, the first motor vehicle 28, the second motor vehicle 30, the third motor vehicle 32 and the fourth motor vehicle 24 can be recognized. The own motor vehicle 12, the first motor vehicle 28 and the third motor vehicle are in the first lane 36. The second motor vehicle is in the adjacent lane 38. The first lane 36 and the adjacent lane 38 are separated from one another by the lane marking 40 . To the outside, the first lane 36 is bounded by the lane marking 42 and the second lane 38 by the lane marking 44 be. The fourth motor vehicle 34 is currently changing from the adjacent lane 38 to the first lane 36 and thereby crosses the lane marking 40. This is also indicated by the gray arrow in the fourth motor vehicle 34. The double arrow 46 indicates an (actual) distance between the own motor vehicle 12 and the first motor vehicle 28. The lane marking 48 shows that the adjacent lane 38 can no longer be used.

The zip fastener method can also be recognized from FIG. In an alternating sequence, the motor vehicles arrange themselves on the continuing, first lane 36.

The third motor vehicle 32, which was also driving on the first lane 36 before, drives first. The fourth motor vehicle 34 then shears from the adjacent lane 38 onto the first lane 36 and is thus classified as the second. Then comes the first Motor vehicle 28, which was already driving on first lane 36, and is thus classified as third. This is followed by the second motor vehicle 30, which is still driving in the adjacent lane 38, but will soon cut in between the first motor vehicle 28 and one's own motor vehicle 12 and will thus be ranked fourth. Then comes the own motor vehicle, which was previously in its own lane 36 and is classified as fifth. The motor vehicles are thus arranged in an alternating order.

The control system 10 of the own motor vehicle 12 can recognize from the provided surrounding field data that the fourth motor vehicle 34 is cutting into a gap between the first motor vehicle 28 and the third motor vehicle 32. If there is also a congestion situation, the control system 10 recognizes that there is a zipper situation. The control system 10 can already have analyzed beforehand whether there is a traffic jam situation. It can, for example, have measured over a fixed elapsed time (e.g. last 10 seconds / 30 seconds / 1 minute or similar) how many motor vehicles in the adjacent lane have overtaken one's own motor vehicle 12 or have been overtaken by it. If this value is low, the control system 10 can recognize that a congestion situation exists. Alternatively, the control system can also recognize the existence of a traffic jam situation from the fact that the average speed of the adjacent lane is equal to or close to the average speed of the first lane.

The control system 10 can also recognize that the gap between the first motor vehicle 28 and the third motor vehicle 32 is large enough for the fourth motor vehicle 34 to be able to cut into it. This fact can increase the likelihood (of detecting) a zipper situation.

The control system 10 can also recognize that the distance between the own motor vehicle 12 and the first motor vehicle 28 is not large enough for the second motor vehicle 30 to cut into it. The control system 10 also determines the relative speed of the second motor vehicle 30 relative to the own motor vehicle 12 or to the first motor vehicle 28. The control system 10 can recognize these factors from the environmental data provided and, as a reaction, the target distance between the own motor vehicle 12 and the first Motor vehicle 28 increase. The second motor vehicle is driving close to the lane marking 40 and is likely to want to change lanes. This can also be recognized and have an impact on decision-making.

In cases in which the environment sensors 14, 16, 18 of the own motor vehicle 12 cannot directly (optically, linearly) recognize / detect the fourth motor vehicle 34, it is possible that the fourth motor vehicle 34 is blocked by reflected rays (which e.g. Motor vehicle 28 are reflected on the ground) is recognized / detected. The reflected rays come from the fourth motor vehicle 34, are reflected on the ground (under the first motor vehicle 28) and recognized by a sensor in the own motor vehicle. This is possible, for example, with the radar sensor. The third motor vehicle 32 can also be recognized / detected in a similar manner.

Figure 3 shows schematically the architecture of the decision-making play according to exemplary embodiments. The rectangles (square and rounded) and the ellipse indicate steps. The arrow leading away in each case points to a subsequent step that follows when all the criteria that are "upstream" from an arrow are met (such as the "yes" decision).

The rectangle S1 represents a query that checks whether a lane change of the fourth motor vehicle 34 has been recognized. Alternatively, S1 could also inquire whether a lane change probability of the fourth motor vehicle 34 is greater than a predetermined probability value. The rectangle S2 represents a query that asks whether the distance between the first and third motor vehicle 28, 32 is large enough for the fourth motor vehicle 34 to be able to cut into it. If the conditions of the rectangles S1 and S2 are fulfilled, then the condition of the rectangle S3 is queried. In S3 it is checked whether the fourth motor vehicle 34 cuts into the gap between the first and third motor vehicle.

The rectangle S4 represents a query that checks whether a traffic jam situation has been recognized. This can be done, for example, using a calculated congestion probability and a threshold value. Other methods, some of which have been described above, are also possible. If the conditions of the rectangles S3 (also S1 and S2) and S4 are met, the control system recognizes a zipper process / zipper situation according to the ellipse S5. S5 is shown as an ellipse because no further criterion (apart from the "upstream" criteria) is checked. Either a value for the zipper situation is calculated or set, or the ellipse S5 is just a placeholder and goes into the ellipse S5 the arrows could point directly to the rectangle S8 (without the ellipse S5).

The rectangle S6 represents a query that checks whether the second motor vehicle 30 is located in the lateral direction between the own and the first motor vehicle 12, 28. The rectangle S7 represents a query that checks whether a relative speed of the second motor vehicle 30 is low relative to the own motor vehicle 12 or to the first motor vehicle 28. If all the prerequisites from S5, S6 and S7 (i.e. effectively S1 to S7) are met, the target distance is adapted, which is represented in the rectangle S8. Nothing is checked in this step (S8). This should be shown using the rounded corners of the rectangle S8.

It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments explained above are not conclusive and do not restrict the subject matter disclosed here. In particular, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art that he has the features of the various embodiments can combine with one another and / or can omit various features of the embodiments without deviating from the subject matter disclosed here.

Claims

Expectations

1. Control system (10), which is set up and intended for use in one's own motor vehicle (12), based on environment data obtained from at least one environment sensor / s (14, 16, 18) assigned to the motor vehicle, lanes, lane boundaries, lane markings to detect further motor vehicles and / or objects in an area (22, 24, 26) in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind the own motor vehicle (12), the at least one environment sensor being set up to enable electronic control of the control system ( 10) provide the environment data reproducing the area in front of, to the side next to and / or behind the motor vehicle (12), and wherein the control system (10) is at least set up and intended to use the environment data provided to provide a position and a speed of a first motor vehicle (28) to determine which vehicle is driving directly ahead of one's own motor vehicle (12) in a first lane (36), with one's own force t vehicle (12) is located in the first lane (36) to determine a position and a speed of a second motor vehicle (30) which is in an adjacent lane (38) which is adjacent to the first lane (36) from the environment data provided , drives to recognize from the provided environment data whether a zipper situation exists, if an amount of a relative speed of the second motor vehicle (30) relative to the own motor vehicle (12) or relative to the first motor vehicle (28) is less than a predetermined first value, if the second motor vehicle (30) is located in a longitudinal direction, which extends along the adjacent lane (38), between the own motor vehicle (12) and the first motor vehicle (28) and if it was known that the zipper situation exists, to increase a target distance of the own motor vehicle (12) to the first motor vehicle (28).

2. Control system (10) according to claim 1, which is also at least set up and intended to determine a position of a third motor vehicle (32) from the provided environment data, which the first motor vehicle (28) on the first lane (36) directly vor drives to determine a position and a speed of a fourth motor vehicle (34) from the provided environment data, which is driving ahead of the second motor vehicle (30) in the adjacent lane (38) and / or has driven a short time beforehand, from the environment data provided to recognize whether there is a traffic jam situation when the fourth motor vehicle (34) cuts into the first lane (36) from the adjacent lane (38) into a gap between the first motor vehicle (28) and the third motor vehicle (32) and if so it was recognized that the traffic jam situation exists, to recognize that the zipper situation exists.

3. Control system (10) according to claim 1, which is also at least set up and intended to determine a position of a third motor vehicle (32) from the provided environment data, which the first motor vehicle (28) on the first lane (36) directly before drives out, from the provided environment data, to determine a position and a speed of a fourth motor vehicle (34) which is driving ahead of the second motor vehicle (30) in the adjacent lane (38), from the provided environment data to recognize whether a traffic jam situation exists, to determine a lane change probability from the provided environment data, which indicates a probability that the fourth motor vehicle (34) from the adjacent lane (38) to the first lane (36) in a gap between the first motor vehicle (28) and the third Motor vehicle (32) will cut in if the probability of changing lanes is greater than a predetermined probability is worth and if it has been recognized that the traffic jam situation exists, to recognize that the zipper situation exists.

4. Control system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the lane change probability is determined using at least one of the following factors: a speed and / or an acceleration of the fourth motor vehicle (34), a position in the lateral direction of the fourth motor vehicle (34) on the adjacent th lane (38), a lateral direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a distance between the first motor vehicle (28) and the third motor vehicle

(32).

5. Control system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, which is further set up and determined if there is a difference between a speed of motor vehicles in the first lane (36) and an average speed of motor vehicles on the adjacent lane (38) is smaller than a predetermined second value, it can be seen that the traffic jam situation exists.

6. Control system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, which is further set up and intended, if a number of motor vehicles which are in the adjacent lane (38) and which pass the own motor vehicle (12) or from be passed by one's own motor vehicle (12), is less than a predetermined third value in a predetermined time, to recognize that the traffic jam situation exists.

7. Control system (10) according to claim 1, which is also at least set up and intended to if there is an obstacle in the adjacent lane (38) in a direction of travel of the own motor vehicle (12), to recognize that the zipper situation exists.

8. Control system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target distance of the own motor vehicle (12) to the first motor vehicle (28) is increased less when the second motor vehicle (30) is faster than the own motor vehicle (12) .

9. Control system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target distance of the own motor vehicle (12) to the first motor vehicle (28) is enlarged larger when the second motor vehicle (30) is slower than the own motor vehicle (12) .

10. Control system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first value is proportional to a speed of the own motor vehicle (12).

11. Control system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the zipper situation is a situation in which one of two lanes that are adjacent to each other be, preferably the adjacent lane (38), at a point that is in a direction of travel own motor vehicle (12) is ahead, ends and / or is no longer drivable, the two lanes are both set up and intended for traffic in the same direction, and in which motor vehicles of the two lanes are arranged on the other, continuing lane should that one motor vehicle that was originally located in one lane and a motor vehicle that was originally located in the other lane should be located one behind the other in alternating order.

12. Control method that is carried out in a motor vehicle (12) based on environment data obtained from at least one environment sensor (s) (14, 16, 18) assigned to the motor vehicle (12), lanes, lane boundaries, lane markings, other motor vehicles and / or objects in one Detects the area in front of, to the side, next to and / or behind the motor vehicle (12), the control method being carried out in particular by means of a control system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and the control method comprising at least the following steps:

Determining a position and a speed of a first motor vehicle (28) from the provided environment data, the first motor vehicle (28) driving directly ahead of the own motor vehicle (12) on a first lane (36), the own motor vehicle (12) being on the first lane (36) is located,

Determination of a position and a speed of a second motor vehicle (30) from the provided environment data, the second motor vehicle (30) traveling in an adjacent lane which is adjacent to the first lane (36), Recognize from the provided environment data whether a zipper situation exists,

Increasing a target distance of the own motor vehicle (12) to the first motor vehicle (28) if an amount of a relative speed of the second motor vehicle (30) relative to the own motor vehicle (12) or relative to the first motor vehicle (28) is less than a predetermined first value is when the second motor vehicle (30) is in a longitudinal direction, which extends along the adjacent lane (38), between the own motor vehicle (12) and the first motor vehicle (28) and when it has been recognized that the zipper situation consists.

13. Motor vehicle comprising a control system according to one of claims 1 to 11.