IT201900011280A1 - Method for processing navigation information for road use and device for processing and displaying this information. - Google Patents

Description

"Method for processing navigation information for road use and device for processing and displaying this 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 finds useful use as a means of assisting a user in road traffic. The user can be a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, or more.

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.

For example, document WO 2017/046773 shows a portable device, suitable to be installed on the handlebar of a bicycle, which guides the user during a selected path. The aforementioned document also presents a method to guide the user through the selected path through this portable device.

The device includes a map and a display, which allow you to provide driving directions as the user proceeds along the route. Driving directions, such as left / right turns, are provided to the user via a display ring, configured to light up and / or color on the display. In particular, the driving directions are displayed by lighting and / or coloring portions of this display ring corresponding to the directions suggested to the user.

Disadvantageously, the navigation systems available in the state of the art do not provide any indication of any risk points, such as for example dangerous intersections, 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 overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for processing navigation information and a device for processing and displaying such information, capable of providing a greater degree of security to the user.

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

The method and the device according to the present invention solve the technical problem since they allow to define the risk points present in a path and associate them with any dangerous elements. 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 directions but also to draw the user's attention when approaching a particularly risky stretch.

In accordance with an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, it is also possible to calculate a risk index, associated with each path, which takes into account the total number of risk points and elements of danger present along the entire path. In particular, it is possible to select the least risky path among a plurality of paths. 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 of a device for processing and displaying such information. 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, part of the device of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows a top view of a second unit, part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the operation of the device of Figure 1; And

Figure 5 shows some examples of road intersections 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 the user, in the hand or on the wrist. In the rest of this description, reference will be made to the installation on a means of transport 15, in particular on a bicycle, without however losing generality.

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 turn on when the first unit 11 is turned on. In greater detail, the first unit 11 is configured to be arranged at the front 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 as to be visible to other vehicles and / or road users.

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

With particular reference to the case of a bicycle, the signaling means 7 take the form of direction indicators 61, bell (not shown), front (not shown) and rear position lights 36. The direction indicators 61 take the form of two rings of LED elements, each located on a respective unit 11, 12. The front position light and the bell are located on the first unit 11, while the rear position light 36 is located on the second unit 12.

If the means of transport 15 comprises a brake device, the signaling means 7 can also comprise a brake light 17, in particular located on the second unit 12.

In greater detail, the first unit 11 further comprises a first battery (not shown), an ignition key 2, first battery lights 33 and connection lights 35. More in detail, the connection lights 35 are configured to illuminate when the device 1 is connected to a mobile device 3, to give the user a visual indication of successful connection.

The first battery lights 33 are configured to light up 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 to be recharged.

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 state of charge 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 also comprises an acquisition module 43, configured to acquire the navigation data N. Such navigation data N can be acquired from the memory module 41 if present and / or from a wireless network 16.

In addition, the acquisition module 43 is configured to acquire the first data D '. More 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 includes a calculation module 44 in signal communication with the acquisition module 43.

The processing unit 40 also comprises an activation module 45 placed in signal communication with the calculation module 44. Note that the signaling means 7 described above are placed in signal communication with the activation module 45.

More 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 signaling means 7. In particular, the user can send signals to the activation module 45 to activate and / or deactivate the signaling means 7 through the user interface 4 For example, the user interface comprises keys 6 for activating and / or deactivating the signaling means 7. Preferably, the keys 6 comprise first keys 6a and second keys 6b. Even more preferably, the first 6a frets 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, ie the user activates the "four arrows" mode. According to a further embodiment, by pressing the second keys 6b simultaneously, the user activates / deactivates, in addition to the bell, a constant flashing of the front and rear position lights 36. According to an 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 device mobile 3 mentioned above. According to an embodiment, the mobile device 3 is a smartphone.

Optionally, the device 1 also includes means for geolocation G to detect the user's position. If present, such geolocation means 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 position of the user can be acquired through it. 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. Through the user interface 4, the user can set a point of departure A and an arrival point B for the calculation of a route. According to a preferred embodiment, the user interface 4 allows you to perform other functions that will be illustrated in a subsequent part of this description.

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

Note 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 sensor means 42, configured to receive signals from the external 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 such sensor means 42. For example, the sensor means 42 can comprise an optical sensor. These sensor means 42 may comprise an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope to detect 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 subsequent part of the present description.

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

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

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

The method according to the present invention includes a first phase in which the user sets a starting point A and a destination point B.

The method therefore comprises a selection step, preferably via the user interface 4, of a transport mode, i.e. how the user intends to move from the starting point A to the destination point B. Optionally, the user can be provided of a means of transport 15, such as for example a bicycle, a motorcycle, a scooter or the like. Alternatively, the user can specify that he will move on foot.

This is followed by a phase of calculating at least one route according to the selected transport mode. In other words, the various possible itineraries suitable for being traveled with the selected means of transport 15 are calculated. The calculation of the routes is carried out by the computing unit 44 or, if the device 1 is connected to the mobile device 3, by the mobile device 3 itself. This calculation can be performed according to methods known per se to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be further described.

The method therefore includes a phase of selecting a single path to move from the starting point A to the destination point B and a subsequent phase of guiding the user along this path.

The method according to the present invention also comprises the steps of identifying the risk points R associated with the selected path. In particular, the risk points R are defined, by the calculation unit, in relation to parameters relating to the roads that make up the selected route, for example relating to the geometry of the road and / or road intersections. In detail, the phase of identifying the risk points R includes the sub-phases of identifying the roads and / or road intersections within the route, and the acquisition of second D 'data, representative of the parameters relating to the roads.

Purely by way of example, the risk points R are defined in correspondence with points of intersection at level between two or more roads, or in correspondence of sharp bends or curves with limited visibility, or having a shape such as to be dangerous.

Subsequently, the first D 'data are acquired. These first data D 'are representative of one or more dangerous elements along this selected path.

By dangerous elements, in the context of this description, we mean elements referring to the road conditions, intrinsic and extrinsic, which represent a potential danger.

For example, the intrinsic conditions may include the structure of the risk points R, such as the number of arms that define an intersection, the presence of an overhanging road and more.

With particular reference to Figure 5, by way of example only, note different types of road intersections 200. Each road intersection 200 constitutes a risk point R. In detail, the structure of the risk points R mentioned above is evaluated as a function of points points of conflict 100. These points of conflict 100 represent the maximum number of collisions that can take place when a means of transport 15 enters the road intersection 200. According to one embodiment, the first data D 'relate to the points of conflict 100. The number of conflict points 100 for a road intersection 200 depends on the possible maneuvers that a means of transport 15 can carry out within it. Therefore, the number of conflict points 100 is defined according to the structure of the road intersection 200 itself. For example, the conflict points 100 depend on the number of arms 101 or the type of road intersection 200 (whether it is a roundabout or an intersection). In the case of an intersection, if there is a traffic light 102 to regularize the traffic, for the same number of arms 101 the points of conflict 100 decrease.

The intrinsic conditions may also include information about the type of a road, for example whether it is a state, provincial, one-way or two-way road. The first data D 'also include the lighting conditions of a road, its topography and its pavement (cobblestones, asphalt, dirt), but also more.

Extrinsic conditions, on the other hand, can include traffic, weather conditions, the presence of road works, and 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 to the extrinsic conditions can be downloaded from the network 16 each time, so that they are always updated. The first data D 'inherent to the intrinsic factors, on the other hand, can be saved in the memory module 41. Optionally, the first data D' or part of them can also be acquired through the sensor means 42. For example, street lighting it can be evaluated by optical sensors.

Taking into account the first data D ', the method comprises a phase of calculation of a hazard parameter K for each risk point R. This phase is carried out by the calculation module 44 on the basis of the navigation data N and / or of the first data D 'downloaded in the memory module 41.

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

Alternatively, the hazard parameter K is also calculated in relation to a second parameter ϕ, 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 predetermined parameter is taken into account which is representative of maximum dangerous conditions. For example, ϕ is a function of traffic and can vary between 0 and 20, where in case of very heavy traffic. The calculation also includes an adjustment factor α, relating to the extrinsic or intrinsic condition, as shown below:

where the factor α is an angle in radians.

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

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

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

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.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the signal S is representative of the respective hazard parameter K of the risk point R.

The step of sending a signal S comprises activating the aforementioned warning means 30.

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

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 depending on the hazard index K of the risk point R.

This phase may also include, alternatively or jointly, the activation of the sound warning means to signal such points of risk R.

Note that the phase of selecting a single path mentioned above can include the sub-phase of calculating a risk index Z for each path, depending on the number of risk points R present within each path and the respective hazard parameter K Subsequently, each path is presented to the user together with the respective risk index Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the risk index Z is calculated by the calculation module 44 by adding all the hazard parameters K present in the path.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the selection of the path is carried out according to the various risk indices Z, for example by choosing the path with the lowest risk index Z. Therefore, the calculation phase of the Z risk index is carried out before the path selection phase.

According to one embodiment, the user selects, through the user interface 4, directly the path having available the risk indexes Z.

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

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Method for processing navigation information for road circulation comprising the steps of: - set a starting point (A) and a destination point (B); - select a transport mode from the departure point (A) to the destination point (B); - calculate at least one route according to the selected mode of transport; said path comprising a plurality of points; - select a single route to get from the starting point (A) to the destination point (B); - guide a user along the selected route; characterized by understanding the additional steps of: - identify risk points (R) between said points part of the selected route; - acquire first data (D ') representative of one or more elements of danger along said path; - calculate a hazard parameter (K) for each risk point (R) based on said first data (D '); - when the user reaches a predetermined distance from a risk point (R), generate a signal (S) representative of the respective hazard parameter (K). 2. Method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to the previous claim in which the step of acquiring first data (D ') is carried out by downloading said first data from a wireless network (16) and / or from a non-volatile memory (41) and / or through sensor means (42) configured to receive signals from the external environment. Method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of identifying risk points (R) comprises the steps of: - identify roads and / or road intersections within said route; - acquire second data (D ') representative of parameters relating to said roads and / or said road intersections; - identify said risk points (R) as a function of said second data (D ''). Method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the step of selecting a single route comprises the sub-steps of: - calculate a risk index (Z) for a plurality of routes according to the number of risk points (R) present within each route and the respective hazard parameter (K); - present each path to the user together with the respective risk index (Z). Method for processing navigation information for road circulation according to any one of the preceding claims in which said step of sending a signal comprises the step of: - activating warning means (30), said step of activating warning means (30) comprising the sub-phase of: - activating lighting means (31) to display a representation of said signal (S). 6. Device (1) for carrying out the method according to claim 1, said device (1) comprising: - a processing unit (40), configured to identify risk points (R), called processing unit (40) comprising: - an acquisition module (43) configured to acquire navigation data (N) representative of road maps and / or said first data (D '); - a calculation module (44), configured to calculate at least the hazard parameters (K) for each risk point (R); - an activation module (45), configured to send a signal (S) representative of the respective hazard parameter (K) when the user reaches a predetermined distance from a risk point (R). Device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said processing unit (40) comprises: - a communication module (46) associated with 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 (D ') from the mobile device (3). 8. Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7 comprising sensor means (42), configured to receive signals from the external environment. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 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 predetermined distance from a risk point (R). Device according to the preceding claim wherein the warning means (30) comprises lighting means (31).