DE102016218287A1 - Method for operating a group of motor vehicles, method for operating a motor vehicle and associated motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (2, 10, 13, 16-18), comprising a navigation device (4) with at least one stored distance section (3, 11, 14, 19, 21), a speed control system (12) which is designed for this purpose to control an actual speed of the motor vehicle (2, 10, 13, 16-18) to a desired speed and a communication device (5, 8) adapted to receive and / or transmit at least one traffic information, the traffic information comprising Traffic density on the at least one section (3, 11, 14, 19, 21) describes and the target speed of the motor vehicle (2, 10, 13, 16-18) is determined in dependence of the received traffic information.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, comprising a navigation device having at least one stored section, a cruise control system which is adapted to control an actual speed of the motor vehicle to a desired speed and a communication device which is adapted to receive at least one traffic information and / or to send.

Such motor vehicles and methods for their operation are well known from the prior art. These have a speed control system, by means of which a target speed can be set, to which the actual speed of the motor vehicle is controlled. If the cruise control system is thus activated, the actual speed of the motor vehicle is regulated to the specified setpoint speed. Furthermore, it is known that modern motor vehicles have navigation devices in which a plurality of sections are stored, so that by means of a communication device traffic information can be sent and / or received from the motor vehicle, which relate to a traveled or forward section. Thus, it is possible, for example, for the driver to be notified or reported a traffic jam on a section of road ahead. The driver then has the opportunity to reschedule the route, so that the traffic jam can be avoided.

From the document DE 10 2015 011 048 A1 a method for operating a motor vehicle is known in which at a detected traffic congestion a congestion warning to the driver can be issued and the activation of autonomous driving is recommended. For this purpose, the motor vehicle is connected to an external data processing unit, which is designed to detect the traffic jam, so that the driver can be issued the congestion warning.

In DE 10 2014 202 509 A1 is a control of a highly or fully automatic driving function described in which the speed of the motor vehicle with the speed of preceding vehicles is compared, so that the activation of the highly automatic or fully automatic driving function is prevented if the speed of at least one of the leading vehicles is outside a predetermined speed interval ,

Furthermore, it is off DE 10 2011 085 167 A1 a method and an apparatus for operating a congestion assistance system of a motor vehicle, in which a discharge phase for a driver during autonomous driving in a congestion situation can be extended. In this situation, the driver can engage in other activities and does not need to actively intervene in the vehicle guidance.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for operating a motor vehicle, which is improved in contrast.

To solve this problem, it is provided according to the invention in a method of the type mentioned that the traffic information describes a traffic density on the at least one section and the target speed of the motor vehicle is set in dependence of the received traffic information.

As traffic density is understood in the context of this application, a number of motor vehicles on a defined section of the route. In other words, the traffic density indicates how many vehicles are on a fixed route section and can be used as a measure of whether there is a traffic jam or an area with increased traffic.

According to the invention, traffic information is accordingly received by the communication device, by means of which a desired speed for the motor vehicle is determined. The actual speed of the motor vehicle is then controlled to the specified target speed. As a result, it is advantageously achieved that the setpoint speed can be set in such a way that the motor vehicle is not moved faster than the traffic information required for the corresponding route section. In particular, if there is a traffic jam on the corresponding route section depending on the traffic density, the desired speed can be reduced accordingly.

Thus, it is advantageously avoided that the motor vehicle is moved at unnecessarily high speed and then has to drive slower due to the increased traffic density on the preceding section in slow-moving traffic or comes to a halt in a traffic jam. Instead, it is possible to set the target speed based on the received traffic information such that a dwell time in the corresponding route section is reduced. In particular, this can be avoided that unnecessarily much fuel is consumed because the speed of the motor vehicle can be reduced, so that the corresponding section is reached later. Furthermore, it is achieved that the route section or the area with the increased traffic density is not unnecessarily extended because the motor vehicle, which rises to the traffic jam or the areas of increased traffic density moves slower and thus achieved later. In addition to reducing fuel consumption, the comfort of the vehicle occupants is improved because they prefer to drive at reduced speed, but evenly, than to be moved in congested traffic or in stop-and-go traffic or to be stuck in traffic.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that the traffic information is detected by at least one device of the motor vehicle and / or at least one device of at least one further motor vehicle and / or at least one device associated with a central server and transmitted to the communication device of the motor vehicle ,

According to this embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the traffic information can be detected by the ego motor vehicle or at least one further motor vehicle or by at least one central server or a device associated therewith. Of course, it is also possible that the individual devices collect the traffic information cumulatively.

Particularly preferably, in the method according to the invention, it can further be provided that the traffic information comprises a position indicating the beginning of a traffic jam on the at least one route section, the target speed being determined as a function of the distance of the motor vehicle to the position.

The target speed of the motor vehicle can thus be determined taking into account the distance of the motor vehicle to the position at which the traffic jam or the area with slow-moving traffic begins. Thus, depending on how far away the motor vehicle is from the corresponding position, it can be determined how fast the motor vehicle is to be moved on the route section, so as not to unnecessarily prolong the traffic jam or the congested traffic area and not by the faster travel to consume fuel unnecessarily in order to stay longer in the area with slow-moving traffic or in traffic jams. Of course, the setpoint speed can be calculated and updated in real time depending on the traffic information, that is to say ultimately in dependence on the position of the start of the dust. For this purpose, the current position of the motor vehicle can be monitored in real time. In addition, it can be taken into account whether the congestion will continue to be extended and, depending on how the congestion or the area with increased traffic density develops, the setpoint speed of the motor vehicle will be adjusted accordingly. Thus, the target speed of the motor vehicle can be further reduced or, if the congestion reduces or dissolves, the target speed of the motor vehicle can be increased again.

A development of the method according to the invention provides that the traffic information is generated by a fusion of a plurality of traffic information acquired by different devices. Accordingly, it is provided that there is a multiplicity of sources from which the traffic information can be obtained. In particular, this may be a plurality of motor vehicles, which is located on the same stretch of road. Furthermore, it is also possible for one or more central detection devices to collect the traffic information, for example in the form of traffic cameras or other devices that determine the number and / or the speed of the motor vehicles on the route section. Of course, a combination is possible.

Particularly preferred may be as a parameter for generating the traffic information, a number of vehicles on the at least one section and / or on the at least one section in the direction of travel ahead section and / or the actual speed of the motor vehicle and / or an actual speed of the plurality of vehicles on the section and / or on a route section ahead of the at least one route section and / or the road class into which the at least one route section is divided.

The traffic information which, as described above, particularly indicates the traffic density on the corresponding route section, can therefore preferably be generated by several or a combination of several parameters. Accordingly, from the number of motor vehicles that are currently located on the corresponding section, a conclusion on the flow of traffic on the section can be made. Alternatively or additionally, the actual speed of the motor vehicle or of the motor vehicles which are located on the route section can be evaluated. In this case, the actual speed can be averaged in several vehicles. This results in the traffic flow on the corresponding route section or it can be concluded whether there is a traffic jam or an area with slow-moving traffic. The number of motor vehicles on the route section or its speed is preferably via the navigation device of the motor vehicles, in particular a Device for determining position, such as GPS, determined. In particular, the positions of the individual motor vehicles on the route section can be transmitted in real time to a central server device, so that the actual speed of the individual motor vehicles or the group of motor vehicles on the route section and their number and position can be determined in real time. Of course, this also applies to a section of track ahead, so that always relevant for the motor vehicle sections can be considered. The term "group of motor vehicles" in the context of this application also covers a fleet of vehicles or a vehicle fleet, ie, a certain number of vehicles, which are grouped together and communicate centrally or decentrally with one another. These may, for example, all vehicles of a manufacturer, a same model or a same class of vehicles belong. Furthermore, the fleet can be limited limited to a certain direction of travel or certain sections of the route. Of course, any combination thereof is possible.

Furthermore, in particular the road class can be taken into account, in which the at least one route section is divided. Obviously, for the number of motor vehicles on the section and for their actual speed other requirements depending on the class of road on which they are located or in which the section is divided. For example, for the street class "city", ie in city traffic, a higher density of motor vehicles is given on a section of the route without a traffic jam being present than on a highway, a country lane or a freeway. Furthermore, the actual speed of the motor vehicle or the group of vehicles in city traffic is also lower than on a highway or a highway. Consequently, the road class can advantageously be taken into account, so that a more precise generation of the traffic information can take place.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be further developed such that the determination of the desired speed is performed decentrally in a control device of the motor vehicle or of the plurality of motor vehicles or centrally in a central server. Accordingly, it is possible on the one hand that the target speed is determined depending on the received traffic information for each motor vehicle itself in a control device of the motor vehicle or alternatively, it is possible to perform the determination of the target speed for each motor vehicle centrally in a central server.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the specified target speed can be displayed in an at least partially autonomous mode motor vehicle and the actual speed of the motor vehicle by means of the cruise control system are controlled to the desired speed and / or the specified target speed can be displayed in a manual mode.

It is therefore possible, in a mode of the motor vehicle, which allows an at least teilautonomous control of the motor vehicle, for example, to control the actual speed of the motor vehicle to a desired speed, the specified setpoint speed additionally display. The occupants of the motor vehicle are thus informed that the target speed has been reduced or set in accordance with the traffic information concerning a preceding route section, so that the journey continues at reduced speed in order to avoid unnecessary dwell time in congested traffic avoid. In a manual mode in which the driver of the motor vehicle determines the actual speed of the motor vehicle himself, a display of the set desired speed can take place in this embodiment. The driver is therefore indicated, which speed would be favorable taking into account the traffic situation on the preceding sections. Due to the display of the set target speed, the driver has the opportunity to set the actual speed of the motor vehicle accordingly, so that a consumption-optimized driving, in which a service life or a residence time can be reduced in an area with increased traffic density, is possible.

In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a navigation device with at least one stored link, a detection device for detecting at least one traffic information, a communication device, which is adapted to transmit the at least one traffic information to at least one external communication device and / or such traffic information from at least one external communication device to receive and a speed control system, which is adapted to an actual speed of Motor vehicle to regulate to a desired speed, wherein the motor vehicle is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a group of motor vehicles, wherein each of the motor vehicles, a navigation device, a cruise control system, which is adapted to control an actual speed of the motor vehicle to a desired speed and a communication device, which is adapted to at least one traffic information at least one of the motor vehicles carries out the method according to the invention, wherein for at least one motor vehicle from the group of motor vehicles which is located on the section of road affected by the traffic information or a section of track ahead in the direction of travel the traffic information is set a target speed.

The method according to the invention for operating a group of motor vehicles therefore provides that one or more motor vehicles, as described above, acquire traffic information and centralize or decentralize this traffic information for establishing a target speed for at least one motor vehicle, in particular each motor vehicle from the group of motor vehicles, is made available. Thus, it is possible that at least one motor vehicle, in particular a plurality of motor vehicles, which are located on the same section, a traffic information detected or detected and this is either transmitted to a central server or traffic information over a network in which preferably each of the motor vehicles from the group of motor vehicles is distributed to the other motor vehicles. This can be done for example by means of Car2Car communication or another wireless network. Subsequently, each motor vehicle decentralized for itself or the central server for all motor vehicles from the group set a target speed for each motor vehicle individually to which the actual speed of the respective motor vehicle can be controlled.

Of course, all the details, advantages and features of the method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle, the associated motor vehicle and the method for operating a group of motor vehicles can be combined with one another or interchanged with one another.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. The figures are schematic representations and show:

1 a traffic situation according to a first embodiment; and

2 a traffic situation according to a second embodiment.

1 shows a group 1 of motor vehicles 2 that are on a stretch of road 3 are located. Each of the motor vehicles 2 has a navigation device 4 , a communication device 5 , a detection device 6 and a controller 7 on. The navigation device 4 includes several stored sections and the communication device 5 is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one traffic information and the detection device 6 is designed to capture the at least one traffic information.

Further, each of the navigation devices 4 of every motor vehicle 2 from the group 1 of motor vehicles 2 capable of the position of the respective motor vehicle 2 and its actual speed, to be determined in this exemplary embodiment by means of GPS. The detection device 6 of every motor vehicle 2 recorded in the in 1 illustrated situation that the stretch of road 3 the road class "highway" is assigned. This is done for example via a camera and a downstream image analysis. The road class into which the at least one route section is divided may alternatively or additionally be in the navigation device 4 be deposited.

From the collected parameters, in particular the actual speed of each motor vehicle 2 as well as the total number of motor vehicles 2 that are on the stretch of road 3 ie the motor vehicle density and the road class of the route section 3 , is used by each of the motor vehicles 2 generates traffic information. The traffic information of motor vehicles 2 is through the communication facilities 5 to a communication device 8th a central server 9 Posted. The individual traffic information provided by each motor vehicle 2 charged and to the communication device 8th of the central server 9 can be sent in the central server 9 be merged, so that for the stretch of road 3 gives averaged traffic information.

It is evident in the section of the route 3 Traffic congestion or traffic density. The one from the group 1 of motor vehicles 2 in the section of track 3 collected traffic information by the central server 9 is averaged, by means of the communication device 8th of the central server 9 to a motor vehicle 10 which is also the group 1 listened to and thus with the communication device 8th and the communication facilities 5 the motor vehicles 2 communicates. The car 10 has the same structure as the motor vehicles 2 so that the same reference numerals are used for the same components. The car 10 is located on a stretch of road 11 that the track section 3 ahead in the direction of travel.

Due to the detection device 6 or the navigation device 4 of the motor vehicle 10 is it possible to change the distance between the motor vehicle 10 and the motor vehicles 2 to determine. Depending on the traffic information sent to the communication device 5 of the motor vehicle 10 has been transmitted sets the controller 7 of the motor vehicle 10 a target speed fixed to the actual speed of the motor vehicle 10 by means of a cruise control system 12 is regulated. The set target speed may further the occupant of the motor vehicle 10 be displayed by means of a display device, not shown. The target speed of the motor vehicle 10 is therefore reduced to the residence time or the service life on the stretch 3 reduce consumption while reducing consumption. This avoids the increased traffic density in the section of the route 3 is further increased and it is further prevented that unnecessary fuel is consumed.

In 1 is also a motor vehicle 13 shown that the basic construction after the motor vehicles 2 . 10 equivalent. Therefore, like reference numerals are used for like components. The car 13 is located on a stretch of road 14 , the track sections 3 . 11 ahead in the direction of travel. In other words, the route section is located 14 in front of the track sections 3 . 11 on which the motor vehicles 2 . 10 so that the motor vehicle 13 the sections of the route 3 . 11 still ahead. The traffic information can be from the central server 9 by means of the communication device 8th to the communication device 5 of the motor vehicle 13 be transmitted. Accordingly, for the motor vehicle 13 a desired speed in the control device 7 of the motor vehicle 13 or alternatively in the central server 9 established. Since the motor vehicle 13 further from the section of the route 3 is located as the motor vehicle 10 can for the motor vehicle 13 another set speed can be set.

Of course, it is possible depending on the development of traffic density on the route section 3 by means of the traffic information according to the target speeds, for the individual motor vehicles 10 . 13 be set to influence. This is preferably done in real time.

2 shows a traffic situation according to a second embodiment of the invention. In 2 is a group 15 of motor vehicles 16 . 17 and 18 shown. On the stretch of track 19 There are several motor vehicles 16 in one area 20 with increased traffic density. The car 17 closes in the situation illustrated to the motor vehicles 16 on, wherein the detection device 6 of the motor vehicle 17 a traffic information due to the increased traffic density due to the plurality of motor vehicles 16 generated.

The traffic information provided by the detection device 6 of the motor vehicle 17 has been generated, by means of the communication device 5 of the motor vehicle 17 to the communication device 8th of the central server 9 be transmitted. Alternatively, by means of the communication device 5 the motor vehicles 16 - 18 a wireless network can be built or used or fed on which the traffic information can be transmitted. Thus, it is possible the traffic information either via the communication device 8th of the central server 9 or directly from the communication device 5 of the motor vehicle 17 to the motor vehicle 18 , in particular the communication device 5 of the motor vehicle 18 , transferred to. The car 18 is located on a stretch of road 21 that the track section 19 precedes.

Thus, for the motor vehicle 18 a desired speed in the control device 7 of the motor vehicle 18 or through the external server 9 be determined. This makes it possible for the traffic information generated by the motor vehicle 17 was detected, a target speed for the motor vehicle 18 can be set, so that the consumption of the motor vehicle 18 can be reduced and in addition can prevent the area 20 increased traffic density on the section of the route 19 is further increased.

Of course, the individual embodiments can be combined with each other, if this makes sense technically.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102015011048 A1 [0003]
• DE 102014202509 A1 [0004]
• DE 102011085167 A1 [0005]

Claims (9)

Method for operating a motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ), comprising a navigation device ( 4 ) with at least one stored stretch of track ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ), a cruise control system ( 12 ), which is adapted to an actual speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) to regulate to a desired speed and a communication device ( 5 . 8th ), which is designed to receive and / or transmit at least one traffic information, characterized in that the traffic information has a traffic density on the at least one route section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) and the target speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) is determined depending on the received traffic information. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the traffic information of at least one device ( 6 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) and / or at least one device ( 6 ) at least one further motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) and / or at least one central server ( 9 ) and to the communication device ( 5 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) is transmitted. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the traffic information comprises a position indicating the beginning of a traffic congestion on the at least one section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ), wherein the setpoint speed as a function of the distance of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) is set to the position. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traffic information is obtained by a fusion of a plurality of different devices ( 4 . 6 ) is generated traffic information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as parameters for generating the traffic information a number of motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) on the at least one section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) and / or on at least one section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) ahead in the direction of travel section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) and / or the actual speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) and / or an actual speed of the plurality of motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) on the section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) and / or on at least one section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) ahead in the direction of travel section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) and / or the road class into which the at least one section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the desired speed is decentralized in a control device ( 7 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) or several motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) or centrally in a central server ( 9 ) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined setpoint speed in an at least partially autonomous mode of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) and the actual speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) by means of the cruise control system ( 12 ) is controlled to the specified target speed and / or that the specified target speed is displayed in a manual mode. Motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ), comprising a navigation device ( 4 ) with at least one stored stretch of track ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ), a detection device ( 6 ) for detecting at least one traffic information, a communication device ( 5 ,), which is designed to transmit the at least one traffic information to at least one external communication device ( 5 . 8th ) and / or such traffic information from at least one external communication device ( 5 . 8th ) and a cruise control system ( 12 ), which is adapted to an actual speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) to a target speed, characterized in that the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) is designed for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a group ( 1 . 20 ) of motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ), each of the motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) a navigation device ( 4 ), a cruise control system ( 12 ), which is adapted to an actual speed of the motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) to regulate to a desired speed and a communication device ( 5 ), which is designed to receive and / or transmit at least one traffic information, characterized in that at least one of the motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) performs a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein for at least one motor vehicle ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) from the group ( 1 . 20 ) of motor vehicles ( 2 . 10 . 13 . 16 - 18 ) located on the section of road affected by traffic information ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) or a section of this route ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) ahead in the direction of travel section ( 3 . 11 . 14 . 19 . 21 ) is located in dependence of the traffic information, a target speed is set.

Images