METHOD FOR THE AT LEAST ASSISTED CROSSING OF A JUNCTION BY A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A method for the at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle. The method includes: receiving signals from the surroundings, which represent surroundings of the motor vehicle that at least partially include a junction, generating remote control signals for remotely controlling a lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the signals from the surroundings in such a way that when remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals, the motor vehicle crosses the junction in an at least assisted manner, outputting the generated remote control signals. A device, a computer program, and a machine-readable memory medium, are also described.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method for an at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: receiving signals from surroundings, which represent surroundings of the motor vehicle that at least partially include a junction; generating remote control signals for remotely controlling a lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the signals from the surroundings in such a way that when remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals, the motor vehicle crosses the junction in an at least assisted manner; outputting the generated remote control signals.

22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising: receiving safety condition signals, which represent at least one safety condition that has to be met, so that the motor vehicle may be remotely controlled; and checking whether the at least one safety condition is met; wherein the remote control signals are generated based on a result of the check of whether the at least one safety condition is met.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein the at least one safety condition is in each case an element selected from the following groups of safety conditions: presence of a predetermined safety integrity level or automotive safety integrity level of at least the motor vehicle and of an infrastructure, including a communication path and/or communication component for remotely controlling a motor vehicle, with respect to systems in the motor vehicle and in the infrastructure; presence of a maximum latency period of a communication between the motor vehicle and a remote control unit for remotely controlling the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals; presence of a predetermined computer protection level of a device for carrying out the steps of the method; presence of predetermined components and/or algorithms and/or communication options, which are used for carrying out the steps of the method; presence of a redundancy and/or diversity in predetermined components and/or in algorithms and/or in communication options, which are used for carrying out the steps of the method; presence of predetermined availability indications, which indicate an availability of predetermined components and/or of algorithms and/or of communication options; presence of predetermined quality criteria of the predetermined components and/or of algorithms and/or of communication options; presence of a plan that includes measures for reducing errors and/or measures in case of failures of predetermined components and/or of algorithms and/or of communication options and/or measures for error analyses and/or measures in case of misinterpretations; presence of one or of multiple fall-back scenarios; presence of a predetermined function, presence of a predetermined traffic situation; presence of predetermined weather; maximum possible time for respectively carrying out or executing one or multiple steps of the method; presence of a check result that elements or functions that are used for carrying out the method are presently function correctly.

24. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein the remote control signals are generated only when the at least one safety condition is met.

25. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein the check of whether the at least one safety condition is met is carried out before and/or after and/or during one or multiple predetermined method steps.

26. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein after outputting the remote control signals, a remote control of the motor vehicle based on the output remote control signals is checked in order to detect an error, (i) the remote control being aborted upon detection of an error, or (ii) emergency remote control signals being generated and output in a case of emergency for remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle.

27. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein identification signals are received, which represent a respective identification of at least one of: (i) the motor vehicle, (ii) an owner of the motor vehicle, (iii) a driver of the motor vehicle, the remote control signals being generated based on the respective identification.

28. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein at least one motor vehicle parameter of the motor vehicle is received, the remote control signals being generated based on the at least one motor vehicle parameter.

29. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein lacking a reception of at least one motor vehicle parameter, the remote control signals are generated based on a motor vehicle standard parameter corresponding to the at least one motor vehicle parameter.

30. The method as recited in claim 28, wherein the at least one motor vehicle parameter is in each case an element selected from the following group of motor vehicle parameters: a maximum possible motor vehicle speed, a maximum possible motor vehicle acceleration, an instantaneous motor vehicle load and/or an instantaneous motor vehicle weight, a length, a width, a height, a maximum possible steering angle, a wheelbase, a turning circle radius and/or a turning circle diameter.

31. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein the junction is an intersection or a T-junction.

32. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein the crossing includes a left turn or a right turn.

33. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein driving maneuver signals are received, which represent an instantaneous and/or a planned driving maneuver by at least one road user in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, the remote control signals being generated based on the driving maneuver signals.

34. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein one or multiple method steps of the method except for the steps of generating and outputting the remote control signals are carried out on board the motor vehicle and/or one or multiple of the method steps are carried out off board the motor vehicle in an infrastructure, the infrastructure being a cloud infrastructure.

35. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein one or multiple of the method steps are documented in a block chain.

36. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein control signals for controlling a traffic guidance system are generated and output based on the signals from the surroundings and based on the remote control signals, to guide traffic in the surroundings of the motor vehicle using the traffic guidance system, to aid the motor vehicle in crossing the junction.

37. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein it is checked whether a totality made up of motor vehicle and infrastructure involved in the method including a communication between the infrastructure and the motor vehicle, is secure, so that the motor vehicle and/or a local and/or a global infrastructure and/or a communication between a motor vehicle and an infrastructure is/are checked accordingly.

38. A device configured for an at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle, the device configured to: receive signals from surroundings, which represent surroundings of the motor vehicle that at least partially include a junction; generate remote control signals for remotely controlling a lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the signals from the surroundings in such a way that when remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals, the motor vehicle crosses the junction in an at least assisted manner; output the generated remote control signals.

39. A non-transitory machine-readable memory medium on which is stored a computer program for the at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle, the computer program, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to perform the following steps: receiving signals from surroundings, which represent surroundings of the motor vehicle that at least partially include a junction; generating remote control signals for remotely controlling a lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the signals from the surroundings in such a way that when remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals, the motor vehicle crosses the junction in an at least assisted manner; outputting the generated remote control signals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for that at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a machine-readable memory, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows a junction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for the at least assisted crossing of a junction by a motor vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The method includes the following steps:

[0086] receiving 101 signals from the surroundings, which represent surroundings of the motor vehicle that at least partially include a junction, generating 103 remote control signals for remotely controlling a lateral guidance and/or a longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the signals from the surroundings in such a way that when remotely controlling the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the remote control signals, the motor vehicle crosses the junction in an at least assisted manner,

[0087] outputting 105 the generated remote control signals.

[0088] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that safety condition signals are received, which represent at least one safety condition that must be met so that the motor vehicle may be remotely controlled, it being checked whether the at least one safety condition is met, the remote control signals being generated based on a result of the check whether the at least one safety condition is met.

[0089] The result of the check whether the at least one safety condition is met indicates, for example, that the at least one safety condition is met.

[0090] The result of the check whether the at least one safety condition is met indicates, for example, that the at least one safety condition is not met.

[0091] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the remote control signals are generated and output only when the result of the check whether the at least one safety condition is met indicates that the at least one safety condition is met.

[0092] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that a generation and output of remote control signals is dispensed with if the result of the check whether the at least one safety condition is met indicates that the at least one safety condition is not met.

[0093] According to one specific embodiment, the method according to the first aspect includes a remote controlling of the lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the output remote control signals.

[0094] FIG. 2 shows a device 201.

[0095] Device 201 is configured to carry out all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0096] Device 201 includes an input 203, which is configured to receive the signals from the surroundings.

[0097] Device 201 includes a processor 205, which is configured to generate the remote control signals based on the signals from the surroundings.

[0098] Device 201 further includes an output 207, which is configured to output the generated remote control signals.

[0099] For example, the outputting of the generated remote control signals according to one specific embodiment includes sending the remote control signals via a communication network, in particular, via a wireless communication network, to the motor vehicle.

[0100] In general, signals that are received, are received with the aid of input 203. Input 203 is thus configured, in particular, to receive the corresponding signals.

[0101] In general, signals that are output, are output with the aid of output 207. Output 207 is thus configured, in particular, to output the corresponding signals.

[0102] According to one specific embodiment, instead of the one processor 205, multiple processors are provided.

[0103] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that processor 205 is configured to carry out the steps of generating and/or of checking and/or of determining, described previously and/or below.

[0104] Device 201 is, for example, part of an infrastructure, in particular, a cloud infrastructure.

[0105] FIG. 3 shows a machine-readable memory medium 301.

[0106] A computer program 303, which includes commands which, upon execution of computer program 303 by a computer, prompt the computer to carry out a method according to the first aspect, is stored on machine-readable memory medium 301.

[0107] According to one specific embodiment, device 201 includes a remote control unit, which is configured to remotely control the motor vehicle based on the generated remote control signals.

[0108] According to one specific embodiment, an infrastructure or an infrastructure system is provided, which includes, for example, the device according to the second aspect.

[0109] The infrastructure includes, for example, a junction.

[0110] FIG. 4 shows an intersection 401 as an example of a junction.

[0111] Multiple surroundings sensors 403 are situated spatially distributed in the intersection area, which detect their respective surroundings.

[0112] Respective surroundings sensors 403 provide surroundings sensor data corresponding to the respective detection. For example, surroundings sensors 403 transmit their surroundings sensor data as signals from the surroundings to the device according to the second aspect. This means, therefore, that according to one specific embodiment, the device according to the second aspect receives surroundings sensor data as signals from the surroundings.

[0113] The surroundings sensor data are processed, for example, in order to detect a motor vehicle that is approaching intersection 401.

[0114] Such a motor vehicle is shown in FIG. 4 with reference numeral 405. An arrow with reference numeral 407 marks a driving direction of the motor vehicle, which extends from left to right with respect to the paper plane.

[0115] For example, it is provided according to one specific embodiment that upon detection of a motor vehicle approaching intersection 401, it is determined that a motor vehicle is to cross intersection 401.

[0116] For example, it is then provided that a communication link between a device according to the second aspect (not shown) and motor vehicle 405 is established.

[0117] Via this communication link, it is then possible to transmit the remote control signals generated by the device to motor vehicle 405 for remote controlling a lateral guidance and/or longitudinal guidance of motor vehicle 405, as described above and/or below.

[0118] For example, it is provided according to one specific embodiment that motor vehicle 405 sends a request to the device according to the second aspect that it wishes to be assisted when crossing intersection 401.

[0119] In response to a receipt of such a request, it is then determined according to one specific embodiment that a motor vehicle is to cross intersection 401.

[0120] The remote control signals are then transmitted accordingly to motor vehicle 405 via the communication link.

[0121] According to one specific embodiment, a permanent communication link exists between motor vehicle 405 and the device.

[0122] A light signaling system 409 is provided essentially centrally above intersection 401, which directs or regulates traffic that intends to cross intersection 401.

[0123] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that control signals for controlling light signaling system 409 are generated and output, these control signals being of the type that when controlling light signaling system 409 based on the control signals, light signaling system 409 signals motor vehicle 405 visually using a green signal that it has free passage and light signaling system 409 signals cross traffic visually using a red signal that the cross traffic must stop.

[0124] Thus, by using a light signaling system, the assisted crossing of an intersection by a motor vehicle may be efficiently aided.

[0125] According to one specific embodiment, it is checked whether an instantaneous traffic situation allows an intervention, i.e., in particular, a remote control in order, for example, to prevent other road users in the surroundings of the motor vehicle from being injured.

[0126] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the process, i.e., the method, in other words, the method steps, are documented in a forgery-proof and comprehensible manner, for example, documented in a block chain.

[0127] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that a driver of the motor vehicle is informed that an intervention in the driving operation of the motor vehicle has taken place or is taking place, i.e., that the motor vehicle has been remotely controlled or is being remotely controlled.

[0128] Thus, this means, in particular, that communication signals are generated and output, which represent a corresponding communication. For example, the communication signals are output to a human-machine interface of the motor vehicle, so that the driver is informed of the intervention or of the remote control based on the communication signals with the aid of the human-machine interface.

[0129] According to one specific embodiment, a requirement for the remote control or for the intervention is that the remote control is safe. The German word “Sicker” means within the context of the description, in particular, “safe” and “secure.”

[0130] These two English terms are normally translated into German as “sicker.” Nevertheless, these terms in English have partially different meanings.

[0131] The English term “safe” is directed, in particular, to the issue of accidents and accident avoidance. A remote control that is “safe” ensures that a probability of an accident or of a collision is less than or less than-equal to a predetermined probability threshold value.

[0132] The term “secure” is directed, in particular, to the issue of computer protection or hacker protection, i.e., in particular, how securely is a (computer) infrastructure and/or a communication infrastructure, in particular, a communication path between a motor vehicle and a remote control unit for remotely controlling a motor vehicle safeguarded from unauthorized accesses or from data manipulation by third parties (“hackers”).

[0133] Thus, a remote control that is “secure” has, in particular, as a basis an appropriate and sufficient computer protection or hacker protection.

[0134] According to one specific embodiment, for example, it is checked whether the totality made up of motor vehicle and infrastructure involved in the method according to the first aspect, including a communication between infrastructure and motor vehicle, is instantaneously secure for the concept “intervention in the motor vehicle for critical actions” described herein. Thus, this means, in particular, that the motor vehicle and/or a local and/or a global infrastructure and/or a communication is/are checked accordingly. The remote control signals are generated based, in particular, on a result of the check.

[0135] Thus, this means, in particular, that the components that are used when carrying out the method according to the first aspect are checked for safety, i.e., whether these meet particular safety conditions before the intervention into the driving operation is carried out, i.e., the motor vehicle is remotely controlled.

[0136] Important and related criteria are, for example, one or multiple of the previously described safety conditions.

[0137] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that on the one hand the entire system (motor vehicle, infrastructure, communication path, cloud, etc.) is checked with respect to the safety condition.

[0138] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the individual parts are also checked with respect to meeting the safety condition. This, in particular, before remotely controlling the motor vehicle.

[0139] The step or steps of checking in this case are carried out in one specific embodiment on board the motor vehicle and/or off board the motor vehicle, in particular, in an infrastructure.

[0140] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the step or steps of checking is or are checked subsequently, i.e., at a later point in time, for example, regularly. For example, the step or steps of checking is or are checked subsequently at a predetermined frequency, for example, every 100 ms.

[0141] For example, this check, i.e., the check whether the at least one safety condition is met, according to one specific embodiment takes place before and/or after and/or during one or multiple predetermined method steps.

[0142] According to one specific embodiment, the check is carried out or executed in the case of problems.

[0143] In one specific embodiment, notification signals are received, which represent a notification for an at least assisted crossing of a junction with the aid of a motor vehicle.

[0144] In one specific embodiment, request signals are received, which represent a request for an at least assisted crossing of a junction with the aid of a motor vehicle.

[0145] The request signals and/or notification signals are, for example, sent by the motor vehicle via a wireless communication network.

[0146] The request and/or the notification relate according to one specific embodiment to a specific junction.

[0147] The request and/or the notification relate according to one specific embodiment to junctions in general.

[0148] This means, for example, that the motor vehicle emits request signals or notification signals constantly, i.e. continuously, in particular, repeatedly at a predefined frequency via a wireless communication network.

[0149] The remote control signals according to one specific embodiment are generated automatically when the motor vehicle, for example, approaches the specific junction or a junction, and is therefore situated at a predefined distance to the junction.

[0150] In one specific embodiment, an establishment of a communication link between motor vehicle and infrastructure is provided, which includes, in particular, the device according to the second aspect.

[0151] The infrastructure according to one specific embodiment includes a local infrastructure, for example, a junction.

[0152] The infrastructure according to one specific embodiment includes a global infrastructure, for example, a cloud infrastructure.

[0153] In one specific embodiment, it is checked whether the functionality “assisted crossing of a junction” may be provided.

[0154] In one specific embodiment, it is checked whether the infrastructure is functionally ready and/or is available for the assisted crossing of a junction.

[0155] In one specific embodiment, it is checked whether the motor vehicle is functionally ready and/or is available for the assisted crossing of a junction.

[0156] In one specific embodiment, it is checked whether the service or the functionality “assisted crossing of a junction” is made available for the motor vehicle (or driver or owner) requesting the functionality. This both, in particular, at the motor vehicle level, at the infrastructure level, at the service level. For example, it is provided that a provider of the functionality “assisted crossing of a junction” no longer allows the requesting motor vehicle or its owner and its driver due to fees not paid in the past or due to abuses.

[0157] In one specific embodiment, an ascertainment and/or a reception (and, in particular, a transfer) of motor vehicle possibilities (the motor vehicle parameters described previously and below) (for example, maximum possible acceleration and/or speed, etc.) is/are provided. For example, motor vehicle parameters are sent by the motor vehicle. Thus, this means that, for example, motor vehicle parameters sent by the motor vehicle are received.

[0158] For example, motor vehicle parameters are sent from the cloud, in particular, by a cloud server. Thus, this means that, for example, motor vehicle parameters sent by the cloud, in particular, by a cloud server are received.

[0159] If this is not possible (for example, due to missing data), a defined standard configuration (preferably an emergency configuration) is then used.

[0160] In one specific embodiment, it is provided that data signals are received, which represent respective data of the motor vehicle or from at least one further road user, in particular, a further motor vehicle. The data include, for example, pieces of traffic surroundings information or traffic surroundings functions. The data are used, for example, in order to support or to improve an evaluation or processing of the surroundings sensor data of surroundings sensor 403. Thus, this means, in particular, that an evaluation or processing is carried out on the basis of the data. The data are sent, for example, by the motor vehicle or by the at least one further road user via a, in particular wireless, communication network.

[0161] In one specific embodiment, a check is provided whether the traffic situation allows for the motor vehicle to be able to cross the junction in an assisted manner. This check runs preferably continuously, i.e. permanently—this means even prior to a corresponding request, i.e., regardless of a request.

[0162] Other road users in one further specific embodiment preferably also send—if possible—via V2X their instantaneous and planned driving maneuvers to the motor vehicle and/or to the cloud server.

[0163] In one specific embodiment, a calculation or ascertainment is provided whether an at least assisted crossing of the junction by the motor vehicle is possible.

[0164] The calculation or ascertainment is/are carried out, for example, in the motor vehicle and/or in the infrastructure. If this is carried out in both the motor vehicle as well as in the infrastructure, a redundancy may be advantageously ensured, which may increase a safety.

[0165] If the at least assisted crossing is possible, the motor vehicle is distantly remotely controlled, for example. The guidance of the motor vehicle is thus taken over by the infrastructure. Intelligence, decision and control lie with the infrastructure.

[0166] The motor vehicle thus travels, in particular, remotely controlled over the junction, i.e., crosses the latter. The crossing includes, for example, a left turn or a right turn.

[0167] The process of crossing in this case preferably continues to be checked.

[0168] The check is carried out in this case according to one or to multiple of the following possibilities:

[0169] In the motor vehicle, in the infrastructure or in both the motor vehicle as well as in the infrastructure, the latter being able to advantageously ensure a redundancy, which may increase a safety.

[0170] The entire process starts preferably very early, so that the motor vehicle does not have to stop before the junction. This means the speed does not have to be reduced, for example, because not all notification processes/analysis processes (checking steps) are completed.

[0171] In one specific embodiment, the entire traffic in the surroundings of the motor vehicle is automatically regulated or organized in a coordinated manner by the infrastructure using a traffic guidance system that includes, in particular, traffic system(s), in particular, light signaling system(s), in such a way that an optimal process (optimal at least assisted crossing) is achieved or ensured for the motor vehicle and for further motor vehicles, that are able to be at least semi-automatically driven, in particular, able to be remotely controlled, and/or for further motor vehicles that are not able to be at least semi-automatically driven, in particular, not able to be remotely controlled.

[0172] This means that precisely when according to one specific embodiment, in addition to the motor vehicle, the infrastructure also takes control of further motor vehicles that are able to be at least semi-automatically driven, in particular, able to be remotely controlled, the entire traffic is regulated in such a way that an optimal traffic flow is achieved.

[0173] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the step or steps of checking is or are checked subsequently, i.e., at a later point in time, for example, regularly. For example, the step or steps of checking is or are checked subsequently at a predetermined frequency, for example, every 100 ms.

[0174] For example, this check, i.e., the check whether the at least one safety condition is met, according to one specific embodiment takes place before and/or after and/or during one or multiple predetermined method steps.

[0175] According to one specific embodiment, the check is carried out or executed in the case of problems.