CONCEPT FOR DATA PROCESSING FOR AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY AUTOMATED GUIDANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle. Provision is made to adapt available processing resources for carrying out data processing to a determined demand for processing resources. An apparatus, a computer system, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium are also described.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: receiving parameter signals that represent at least one parameter influencing processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; receiving processing resource signals that represent available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle; determining a demand for required processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, based on the at least one parameter and based on the available processing resources; and outputting demand signals, which represent the determined demand and/or a discrepancy between the determined demand and the available processing resources, when the available processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted, based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one parameter is a respective element selected from the following group of parameters: (i) size of an infrastructure within which motor vehicles are being and/or are to be at least partly automatedly guided; (ii) number of motor vehicles currently being at least partly automatedly guided within the infrastructure; (iii) number of other traffic participants, other than at least partly automatedly guided motor vehicles, which are currently present within the infrastructure; (iv) environmental parameters of the infrastructure including weather data, and/or light data, and/or visibility data, and/or motor-vehicle-internal processing resources, and/or infrastructure-internal processing resources, and/or performance parameters of a surroundings sensor of the infrastructure; (v) processing resources of a computer and/or of a computer network; (vi) current reliability requirement with regard to reliable at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; (vii) current reliability requirement with regard to reliable processing of the data, a current reliability requirement indicating a number of redundant processing steps utilizing the data.

14. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the determination of the demand includes a determination of a demand time that indicates how long the determined demand will be required, the demand signals additionally representing the determined demand time.

15. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the determination of the demand includes a determination of a functional demand for processing resources for a predetermined function that is to be performed for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, the demand signals additionally representing the determined functional demand.

16. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein in reaction to the outputting of the demand signals, the available processing resources are adapted based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

17. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the data includes one or several elements of the following group of data: (i) sensor data of a surroundings sensor; (ii) weather data; (iii) navigation data; (iv) position data; (v) control data for controlling transverse and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle; (vi) traffic data; (vii) result data of a result of a calculation for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle; (viii) diagnostic data of a sensor of the motor vehicle.

18. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein one or more of the steps of the method is outsourced to a computer network that is part of a cloud infrastructure.

19. An apparatus configured to determine a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, the apparatus configured to: receive parameter signals that represent at least one parameter influencing processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; receive processing resource signals that represent available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle; determine a demand for required processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, based on the at least one parameter and based on the available processing resources; and output demand signals, which represent the determined demand and/or a discrepancy between the determined demand and the available processing resources, when the available processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted, based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

20. A computer system, comprising: a computer network that has several networked computers is part of a cloud infrastructure; and an apparatus configured to determine a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, the apparatus configured to: receive parameter signals that represent at least one parameter influencing processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, receive processing resource signals that represent available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, determine a demand for required processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, based on the at least one parameter and based on the available processing resources, and output demand signals, which represent the determined demand and/or a discrepancy between the determined demand and the available processing resources, when the available processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted, based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

21. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium on which is stored a computer program for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, the computer program, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to perform the following steps: receiving parameter signals that represent at least one parameter influencing processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; receiving processing resource signals that represent available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle; determining a demand for required processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle, based on the at least one parameter and based on the available processing resources; and outputting demand signals, which represent the determined demand and/or a discrepancy between the determined demand and the available processing resources, when the available processing resources for carrying out the processing of data for the at least partly automated guidance of the motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted, based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] FIG. 3 shows a machine-readable storage medium, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 4 shows a computer system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] FIG. 5 shows an infrastructure, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a further method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] FIG. 7 shows a portion of the figure in accordance with FIG. 5, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] FIGS. 8 to 10 each show a computer network, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Identical reference characters may be used below for identical features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0117] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle is furnished, encompassing the following steps: [0118] receiving 101 parameter signals that represent at least one parameter influencing processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; [0119] receiving 103 processing resource signals that represent available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle; determining 105 a demand for required processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, based on the at least one parameter and based on the available processing resources; [0120] outputting 107 demand signals, which represent the determined demand and/or a discrepancy between the determined demand and the available processing resources, if the available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

[0121] In an embodiment of the present invention, provision is made that demand signals are outputted only when the available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are not sufficient. In other words, no demand signals are outputted if the available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are sufficient.

[0122] In an embodiment, provision is made that demand signals are outputted even when the available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are sufficient.

[0123] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus 201.

[0124] Apparatus 201 is configured to execute all steps of the method in accordance with the first aspect.

[0125] Apparatus 201 encompasses an input 203 that is configured to receive the parameter signals and the processing-resource signals.

[0126] Apparatus 201 further encompasses a processor 205 that is configured to determine the demand for required processing resources.

[0127] Apparatus 201 further encompasses an output 207 that is configured to output the demand signals if the available processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are not sufficient to allow the available processing resources to be adapted based on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

[0128] In an embodiment, provision is made that the demand signals are outputted only if the available processing resources are not sufficient for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0129] This therefore means that if the available processing resources are sufficient for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle, an output of demand signals is omitted.

[0130] In an embodiment, provision is made that the demand signals are outputted in all cases. This therefore means in particular that the demand signals are outputted regardless of whether the available processing resources are sufficient or insufficient.

[0131] The available processing resources are adapted based on the outputted demand signals, i.e., based in particular on the determined demand and/or on the discrepancy.

[0132] In an embodiment, provision is made that the discrepancy is determined, for instance, by way of the processor.

[0133] FIG. 3 shows a machine-readable storage medium 301.

[0134] A computer program 303 is stored on the machine-readable storage medium 301.

[0135] Computer program 303 encompasses instructions that, upon execution of computer program 303 by a computer, cause the latter to execute a method in accordance with the first aspect.

[0136] FIG. 4 shows a computer system 401.

[0137] Computer system 401 encompasses a computer network 403.

[0138] Computer network 403 encompasses several networked computers 405.

[0139] Computer system 401 further encompasses apparatus 201 in accordance with FIG. 2.

[0140] Apparatus 201 is connected via a communication network 407 to computer network 403.

[0141] In an embodiment that is not shown, provision can be made that apparatus 201 is part of computer network 403.

[0142] Provision is made, for instance, that one of computers 405 is configured to execute all steps of the method in accordance with the first aspect.

[0143] FIG. 5 shows an infrastructure 501.

[0144] Infrastructure 501, for instance, is encompassed by a parking facility or is a parking facility.

[0145] Infrastructure 501 is monitored by way of several surroundings sensors 503.

[0146] Depicted by way of example are a motor vehicle 505 guided in at least partly automated fashion, and a person 507, which are present inside infrastructure 501.

[0147] The several surroundings sensors 503 detect their respective surroundings and transmit surroundings data, corresponding to the respective detection, to a computer network 509 that is part of a cloud infrastructure 511.

[0148] Computer network 509 encompasses several networked computers 513.

[0149] The surroundings data of surroundings sensors 503 are analyzed by way of computers 513 of computer network 509.

[0150] Computers 513 can furthermore, for instance, carry out path planning for motor vehicle 505 in order to plan a path that guides motor vehicle 505 around person 507.

[0151] The corresponding path plan can then be conveyed to a remote-control device 515, remote-control device 515 being part of infrastructure 501.

[0152] Based on the path plan, remote-control device 515 can correspondingly remotely control motor vehicle 505.

[0153] This therefore means that provision is made, for instance, that one or several or all data processing steps in the context of processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle are outsourced to a computer network that is part of a cloud infrastructure.

[0154] This therefore means that, for instance, infrastructure 501 itself no longer needs to keep on hand one or several of its own computers that perform those data processing steps.

[0155] Provision can of course be made, for instance, that infrastructure 501 itself also encompasses one or several of its own computers, which can carry out processing steps analogously to computer network 509.

[0156] Also provided is apparatus 201 in accordance with FIG. 2, which receives from computer network 509 processing-resource signals that represent processing resources which can be made available by way of computer network 509. The processing-resource signals therefore represent available processing resources of computer network 509.

[0157] Apparatus 201 is furthermore connected to the several surroundings sensors 503.

[0158] For instance, apparatus 201 likewise receives the surroundings data of surroundings sensors 503. Based on those surroundings data, apparatus 201 can determine, for instance, a number of traffic participants within infrastructure 501.

[0159] The surroundings data are therefore one of the parameters described above and/or hereinafter.

[0160] Provision can furthermore be made, for instance, that surroundings sensors 503 each determine, based respectively on their own surroundings data, a number of traffic participants detected by them, and convey that number to apparatus 201.

[0161] For instance, apparatus 201 can then decide whether the available processing resources of computer network 509 are sufficient for carrying out path planning for motor vehicle 505 in a sufficiently short time, despite a possibly large number of further or other traffic participants.

[0162] If the processing resources available here are then not sufficient, the apparatus requests more processing resources from computer network 509 by outputting corresponding demand signals to it.

[0163] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a further method for determining a demand for processing resources for carrying out processing of data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0164] In a step 601, as described above and/or hereinafter, parameter signals and processing-resource signals are received.

[0165] Step 601 further encompasses a determination of the demand for required processing resources, based on the parameters and on the available processing resources.

[0166] A step 603 checks whether the available processing resources must or should be adapted.

[0167] This therefore means that if the determined demand is less than, or less than or equal to, the available processing resources, a decision is made in step 603 that no adaptation of the available processing resources needs to be carried out or, in an embodiment that is not shown, that the available processing resources are to be adapted, i.e., decreased, so as advantageously to economize on or efficiently utilize processing resources.

[0168] The method then begins again with step 601.

[0169] If the determined demand is greater than the available processing resources, however, a decision is made that the available processing resources must be adapted.

[0170] Provision is then made for adaptation of the available processing resources in a step 605.

[0171] The method then continues in step 601.

[0172] This therefore means that the concept described here provides for calculation of a necessary computing performance (demand for required processing resources).

[0173] Provision is made, for instance, that the demand encompasses a future demand for required processing resources.

[0174] This therefore means, for instance, that for a predetermined period of time in the future, a determination is made as to what the demand for processing resources will then be.

[0175] This can be carried out, for instance, based on the predicted parameters.

[0176] Provision is made according to an embodiment, for instance, that a required time (demand time) is determined for the determined demand. This therefore means in particular that a required time, within which the requested computing performance or the required computing performance must be furnished, is indicated.

[0177] In particular, a continuous adaptation of the calculations and of the adaptation takes place.

[0178] FIG. 7 shows a portion of the drawing in accordance with FIG. 5.

[0179] Be it noted at this juncture that the number of computers 513 of computer network 509 can be variable.

[0180] This therefore means that whereas only three computers 513 are shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, more or fewer than three computers can be provided in embodiments that are not shown.

[0181] The number of computers of a computer network can be varied or adapted based on the determined demand and/or based on the discrepancy.

[0182] FIG. 8 shows a computer network 801.

[0183] Computer network 801 encompasses a first computer 803, a second computer 805, and a third computer 807.

[0184] These three computers constitute a first assemblage 815 of computers which process data for a predetermined function that is to be performed for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0185] These three computers, for example, perform an analysis or evaluation of surroundings data.

[0186] Computer network 801 further encompasses a fourth computer 809, a fifth computer 811, and a sixth computer 813, which constitute a second assemblage 817 of several computers.

[0187] The computers of second assemblage 817, for example, process data for a further predetermined function that is to be performed for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0188] For example, the computers of second assemblage 817 handle path planning for a motor vehicle guided in at least partly automated fashion, that path planning being carried out, for example, based on the evaluation or analysis of the computers of first assemblage 815.

[0189] A number of computers of first assemblage 815 and of second assemblage 817 can vary here as well, in particular depending on the determined demand or on the discrepancy.

[0190] FIG. 9 shows a further computer network 901.

[0191] Computer network 901 is constituted in part identically to computer network 801 in accordance with FIG. 8.

[0192] Computer network 901 additionally encompasses a seventh computer 901 that, for instance, carries out processing of data for yet another predetermined function.

[0193] This therefore means that within a computer network in accordance with the concept described here, different computers can process data for different predetermined functions.

[0194] FIG. 10 shows a further computer network 1001.

[0195] Computer network 1001 encompasses a first assemblage 1003 of three computers 1005 that process data for a first predetermined function.

[0196] Computer network 1001 encompasses a second assemblage 1007 of two computers 1005 that process data for a second predetermined function.

[0197] Computer network 1001 encompasses a third assemblage 1009 made up of four computers 1005 that process data for a third predetermined function.

[0198] Computer network 1001 furthermore encompasses further computers 1113, 1115, 1117, and 1119 that can process data for at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle.

[0199] A determination as to whether available processing resources must be adapted is made, for instance, based on a computation time that represents a time required by the computers to carry out the calculations and/or partial calculations. For instance, if the computation time is above a predetermined computation time threshold value, the number of computers is, for instance, increased.

[0200] A determination as to whether available processing resources must be adapted is carried out, for example, based on reliability requirements for the computers. Reliability requirements encompass, for instance, an indication of the maximum permitted duration of an outage time of a computer.

[0201] The calculations for scalability (i.e., as to whether or not adaptation must occur) can be carried out in the computer network itself and/or in an external system and/or, in order to ensure performance/functionality, in several systems, for instance several computer networks.

[0202] In general, the algorithm or the function is predefined on the computers. In other words, the procedure is not to modify the algorithm or function, but to request or acquire the computer performance required for it (but, in particular, no more) so that, in particular, costs and simultaneously performance can be optimized based on an adaptation to current boundary conditions.

[0203] The above-described assemblages made up of several computers can, for instance, each perform a predetermined function, in particular in parallel.

[0204] In accordance with an embodiment, provision is furthermore made that the determination of the demand is made based on one or several parameters.

[0205] One such parameter describes, for instance, current reliability requirements with respect to “safety” (current reliability requirement with respect to safe at least partly automated guidance of a motor vehicle). Current reliability requirements encompass or are, for instance: number of redundant calculations; scope of the results of redundant calculations (for example, consideration is given to the question of how different results are to be handled; with different results, for instance, additional calculations must be carried out, for example calculations must be repeated); safe distances between motor vehicles as specifications, which can have an influence on the required computing performance.

[0206] One such parameter describes, for instance, current reliability requirements with respect to “security” (current reliability requirement with respect to secure processing of surroundings data), e.g., hacking security, new defense mechanisms, etc.

[0207] The reliability requirements described above have an influence in particular on the demand for processing resources, so that a determination of the demand can be made efficiently in consideration of one or several of the reliability requirements.

[0208] For instance, if more redundant calculations (i.e., processing steps utilizing the data) need to be carried out, the demand, for instance, increases.