METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTONOMOUSLY DRIVING PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Abstract

A method and to a device for controlling an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle. The driving behavior of the passenger transport vehicle is adapted to an ascertained passenger situation. When the vehicle is empty, driving may be rather aggressive, whereas in the case of there being occupants in the vehicle, more attention may be paid to their comfort and safety.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A method for controlling an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: ascertaining a passenger situation; and adapting a driving behavior of the passenger transport vehicle to the ascertained passenger situation.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein: in a first passenger situation, a first autonomous driving behavior is implemented, the first autonomous driving behavior being configured in such a way that a comfort and/or the safety of a passenger is optimized; and in a second passenger situation, a second autonomous driving behavior is implemented, the second autonomous driving behavior being configured in such a way that a speed and/or efficiency of the advancement of the passenger transport vehicle is optimized.

15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes place taking at least one piece of information with respect to a passenger cabin of the passenger transport vehicle into consideration.

16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes into consideration whether at least one passenger is present in the passenger cabin.

17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes into consideration in what position a passenger is situated.

18. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes into consideration a physical state of a passenger.

19. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes into consideration a mental state of a passenger.

20. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes all passengers into consideration including a physical state and/or a positional state and/or mental state, of each individual passenger.

21. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ascertainment of the passenger situation takes place in an automated manner.

22. A device configured to control an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle, the device configure to: ascertaining a passenger situation; and adapt a driving behavior of the passenger transport vehicle to the ascertained passenger situation.

23. A non-transitory machine-readable memory medium on which is stored a computer program for controlling an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle, the computer program, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to perform the following steps: ascertaining a passenger situation; and adapting a driving behavior of the passenger transport vehicle to the ascertained passenger situation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] It shall be noted that the features listed individually in the description may be combined with one another in an arbitrary, technically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the present invention. Further features and the expediency of the present invention may be derived from the description of exemplary embodiments below based on the accompanying figures.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a passenger situation in a passenger transport vehicle.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a representation of the method steps of one specific embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a passenger situation in an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle. Shown is passenger cabin 2 in an autonomously driving passenger transport vehicle 1. It has six passenger seats 3. Two of passenger seats 3 are occupied by sitting passengers 7a. Furthermore, a standing passenger 7b is present in passenger cabin 2, as well as a standing passenger 7c who is holding on to a holding device. In addition, a passenger 7d is lying on the floor after a tumble. Passenger cabin 2 is monitored with the aid of a passenger compartment camera 4. The data of passenger compartment camera 4 are evaluated with the aid of a control unit 5 for ascertaining the passenger situation. The driving behavior of passenger transport vehicle 1 is adapted with the aid of a control unit 6 based on the ascertained passenger situation. In the identified present situation, the vehicle is stopped, for example. In addition, continued driving may initially be suppressed due to the identified situation of the fallen passenger. It is also possible that, thereafter, the driving behavior, in the form of a learning system, is further adapted, for example by slower and smoother automated driving, as long as the previously fallen passenger is on board.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a representation of the method steps of one specific embodiment of the present invention. After the start of the method, a check is carried out in a first step S1 as to whether passengers are present in the passenger cabin. If this is the case, it is ascertained in a second step S2 in what position the passengers are situated. In the process, it is ascertained whether all passengers are sitting on passenger seats or whether, at least some, are standing. If standing passengers are identified, it may be taken into consideration whether they are standing in a stable position, for example leaning against the vehicle wall. It is also checked whether standing passengers are holding on to a holding device. In a further step S3, the physical state of the passengers is checked. This may be carried out both for the sitting and, in particular, the standing passengers. In the process, for example, physical deficits and frailty may be ascertained, for example old age, the use of a walker or wheelchair. In a further step S4, the mental state of the passengers is checked. In the process, feelings and emotions of the passengers are to be ascertained. In the process, in particular the behavior of the passengers is monitored and analyzed. From the behavior of the passengers (for example sharp intake of breath, screaming, falling asleep, impatient harrumphing), feelings and emotions of the passengers with respect to the traffic situation and the instantaneous driving behavior may be derived. In a next step S5, a suitable driving behavior is defined, which meets the present needs. This defined driving behavior is accordingly implemented in step S6 during the autonomous driving operation. The method steps may be continuously repeated to define the respective suitable driving strategy during the entire autonomous driving operation. The method steps may be arranged and executed both sequentially and parallel to one another. For example, a simultaneous execution of steps S2, S3 and S4 is possible. The method is ended, for example, when the planned target position of the passenger transport vehicle has been reached.