CN115303294A - Steering assist method and system for vehicle and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a steering assist method for a vehicle, the steering assist method including at least the steps of: s10: identifying a steering demand of the vehicle, wherein the steering demand indicates that the vehicle is about to need to be steered according to vehicle navigation information; and S20: in response to the steering demand, a steering reminder is issued to the driver by means of movement of a steering wheel (30) of the vehicle and/or an optical display on the steering wheel (30). The invention also provides a corresponding controller and a steering auxiliary system. Through the movement of the steering wheel and/or the optical display on the steering wheel, the driver can intuitively and obviously feel the steering reminding through touch sense and/or vision, so that the driver is effectively and reliably reminded to execute the correct steering operation. Thus, the driver can be reminded of the steering operation in a safe and reliable manner.

Description

Steering assistance method and system and controller for vehicle

technical field

The invention relates to the driving field of vehicles, in particular to a steering assist method, a controller and a steering assist system.

Background technique

At present, vehicles are usually equipped with a navigation device, so as to assist the driver in planning the driving route, and prompt the driver to drive according to the planned driving route. The navigation device can, for example, utilize a vehicle positioning system and an electronic map to realize the navigation function. The navigation device can usually display navigation information on the display screen, and remind the driver to perform corresponding driving operations in the form of voice broadcast.

For example, when the vehicle is about to drive to an intersection and the vehicle needs to turn right at the intersection according to the planned driving route, the vehicle can remind the driver to make a right turn at the intersection in advance by way of voice broadcast.

However, the driver may fail to receive the reminder due to inattention or the voice announcement function being turned off. This may lead to the driver not being able to operate the vehicle into the correct lane in time, or even hastily turning from the wrong lane near the intersection. This may induce illegal driving behavior, and may even cause safety accidents. In addition, the vehicle may also waste a lot of time or delay the journey due to missing the high-speed entrance and exit.

The prior art still has deficiencies in aspects such as safety in the vehicle steering process.

Contents of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved steering assist method and system for a vehicle and a corresponding controller, so as to remind the driver to perform steering operation in a safe and reliable manner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering assistance method for a vehicle, wherein the steering assistance method at least includes the following steps:

S10: identifying a steering requirement of the vehicle, the steering requirement indicates that according to the vehicle navigation information, the vehicle will soon need to perform a steering operation; and

S20: Responding to the steering request, send a steering reminder to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel of the vehicle and/or the optical display on the steering wheel.

Through the movement of the steering wheel and/or the optical display on the steering wheel, the driver can intuitively and obviously feel the steering reminder through touch and/or vision, thereby effectively and reliably reminding the driver to perform the correct steering operation. In addition, the steering notification via movements of the steering wheel and/or an optical display on the steering wheel is particularly advantageous for drivers with hearing impairments.

In an exemplary embodiment, in step S20, the operative connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels of the vehicle is inhibited by at least one of the following methods: increasing the steering ratio of the vehicle; disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering wheels operative link between.

In an exemplary embodiment, in step S20 , in case a steering reminder is given to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the operative connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels of the vehicle is inhibited. In particular, a turning reminder can be sent to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel of the vehicle in the following manner: According to the steering demand, the steering wheel is made to perform a rotational movement in the same direction as the steering demand.

By inhibiting the operative connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels of the vehicle, at least the sensitivity of the steering wheels to the movement of the steering wheel can be reduced, thereby avoiding the steering reminder issued by the steering wheel from directly changing the driving direction of the vehicle. According to the present invention, a steering reminder can be issued to the driver through the movement of the steering wheel, so that the driver can perform a corresponding steering operation after receiving the steering reminder, instead of directly manipulating the vehicle through the movement of the steering wheel. The vehicle is still controlled by the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, in step S20, a steering wheel reminder is issued to the driver by means of an optical display on the steering wheel by means of a light emitting device integrated on the steering wheel. The light emitting device, for example, issues a turning reminder in at least one of the following ways:

According to the turning demand, selectively light up the light emitting devices located at different positions in the steering wheel, so that the positions of the light emitting devices in the steering wheel correspond to the steering direction of the turning demand;

According to the turning demand, the light emitting device emits dynamically changing light, wherein the direction of the dynamic change is the same as the turning direction of the turning demand;

According to the turning demand, the light emitting device is turned on in an arrow pattern, wherein the direction of the arrow is the same as the turning direction of the turning demand.

In an exemplary embodiment, the steering assistance method further includes step S30, wherein, in response to the steering request, a steering reminder is issued by means of a vibrating motion of a driver's seat of the vehicle. In particular, according to the steering demand, the seat vibration device integrated in different positions in the driver's seat is selectively activated, so that the position of the activated seat vibration device in the driver's seat corresponds to the steering direction of the steering demand Corresponding.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle navigation information is provided by means of a high-precision map module.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for a vehicle, wherein the controller includes a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor , the processor can execute the steering assistance method according to the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering assistance system for a vehicle, wherein the steering assistance system at least includes: a controller according to the present invention; a navigation device configured to provide vehicle navigation information; a steering wheel , which is operatively connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle; and a steering wheel movement device, which is configured to drive the steering wheel to move under the control of the controller. In particular, the navigation device can provide vehicle navigation information by means of a GPS positioning module and/or a high-definition map module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the steering assist system further includes at least one of the following: a steering clutch mechanism configured to disconnect the operative connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheel; a steering ratio adjustment mechanism configured to into the ability to change the steering ratio of the vehicle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the steering assistance system further includes at least one of: a lighting device integrated into a steering wheel; a seat vibration device integrated into a driver's seat of the vehicle.

Description of drawings

Hereinafter, the principles, features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood by describing the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The attached drawings include:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a steering assist system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a steering assistance method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A to 3C schematically show that a turning reminder is issued through the movement of the steering wheel in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate turning reminders issued in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; and

Fig. 5 schematically shows that a steering reminder is issued through the vibrating motion of the driver's seat in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects to be solved by the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a steering assist system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the steering assistance system may include a controller 10 , a navigation device 20 , a steering wheel 30 and a steering wheel movement device 40 .

The controller 10 is implemented, for example, as an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle. The controller 10 may include a memory storing a computer program which, when executed by the processor, is able to perform, for example, a steering assistance method for a vehicle, and a processor. The computer program product may be stored on a computer readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may include, for example, high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk, internal memory, plug-in hard disk, smart memory card, secure digital card, flash memory card, at least one magnetic disk storage device, Flash memory devices, or other volatile solid-state storage devices. The processor may be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, and the like. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like. The controller 10 may be a dedicated controller 10 configured specifically to remind the driver to perform a manual takeover operation. The controller 10 can also be integrated in the central controller 10 of the vehicle, or the controller 10 can be implemented as said central controller 10 .

The navigation device 20 is capable of providing vehicle navigation information. For example, the navigation device 20 may provide vehicle navigation information based on the GPS positioning module and/or the high-precision map module according to the user's input information. The vehicle navigation information may include, for example, the current location of the vehicle, the lane where the vehicle is located, a predetermined driving route, or a driving operation to be performed. Generally, the navigation device 20 can present the vehicle navigation information to the driver through the vehicle's display device (such as a central control panel) and/or a voice device, thereby reminding the driver to perform corresponding driving operations. Here, the navigation device 20 may be communicatively connected to the controller 10, so that the controller 10 can accurately and timely identify the steering requirement of the vehicle.

The steering wheel 30 is operatively connected to the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle such that the deflection angle of the steering wheel 100 can be varied according to the angular position of the steering wheel 30 . Thus, the driver can control the traveling direction of the vehicle through the steering wheel 30 . To this end, the steering wheel 30 may be connected to the steered wheels 100 via a steering shaft, a steering gear, etc., so that the steering action exerted by the driver on the steering wheel 30 is transmitted to the steered wheels 100 . The steering wheel moving device 40 is configured to drive the steering wheel 30 to move under the control of the controller 10 . Steering wheel movement device 40 may include, for example, an electric motor and an optional reduction mechanism.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a steering assistance method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The steering assistance method can be executed by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1 , for example.

The steering assistance method includes the steps of:

S10: identifying a steering requirement of the vehicle, the steering requirement indicates that according to the vehicle navigation information, the vehicle will soon need to perform a steering operation; and

S20: Responding to the steering request, send a steering reminder to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel 30 of the vehicle and/or the optical display on the steering wheel 30 .

Thus, through the movement of the steering wheel 30 and/or the optical display on the steering wheel 30 , the driver can intuitively and clearly feel the steering reminder through touch and/or vision, thereby effectively and reliably reminding the driver to perform a correct steering operation. In addition, a steering reminder via a movement of the steering wheel 30 and/or an optical display on the steering wheel 30 is particularly advantageous for a hearing-impaired driver.

The fact that the vehicle is about to perform a steering operation may indicate, for example, that the vehicle needs to perform a steering operation after a predetermined distance (for example, 40 meters), or that the vehicle will need to perform a steering operation after a predetermined time while driving at the current speed. The predetermined distance and/or the predetermined time may be preset as fixed values, for example. Alternatively, the predetermined distance and/or the predetermined time may be determined according to the speed of the vehicle and/or the type of road on which the vehicle is located. For example, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, the predetermined distance may be set to 800 meters, and when the vehicle is traveling on a city road, the predetermined distance may be set to 40 meters.

As mentioned above, vehicle navigation information can be provided by means of a high-definition map module. Through the high-precision map module, more accurate and richer vehicle navigation information can be provided. This facilitates more precise and reliable steering reminders to the driver. For example, based on the information about the lane the vehicle is in provided by the high-definition map module, it can be determined whether the vehicle needs to change lanes to the turning lane in advance. If the vehicle is not in the correct turning lane, the steering reminder needs to be issued relatively early so that the driver can have sufficient time to drive the vehicle to change lanes to the correct turning lane and then turn; if the vehicle is already driving in the correct turning lane above, the steering reminder can be issued relatively late.

It is particularly advantageous to inhibit the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steered wheels 100 of the vehicle in the event of a steering reminder to the driver by means of a movement of the steering wheel 30 of the vehicle. In this way, at least the sensitivity of the steering wheel 100 to the movement of the steering wheel 30 can be reduced, thereby avoiding the steering reminder issued by the steering wheel 30 from directly changing the driving direction of the vehicle. According to the present invention, a steering reminder can be issued to the driver through the movement of the steering wheel 30 so that the driver can perform a corresponding steering operation after receiving the steering wheel 30 instead of directly controlling the vehicle through the movement of the steering wheel 30 . In other words, the vehicle is still controlled by the driver.

Optionally, in step S20, the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle can be inhibited by: increasing the steering ratio of the vehicle; or disconnecting the steering wheel 30 and the steering wheel 100 Operative connection. Thus, it can effectively avoid the steering reminder sent by the steering wheel 30 from directly changing the driving direction of the vehicle, so as to ensure safety.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in order to increase the steering ratio of the vehicle to inhibit the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steering wheels 100 of the vehicle, the steering assist system preferably includes a steering ratio adjustment mechanism 50 . The steering ratio adjustment mechanism 50 is configured to be able to change the steering ratio of the vehicle. The steering ratio adjustment mechanism 50 is, for example, implemented as a mechanical steering ratio adjustment mechanism, which can adjust the steering ratio by changing the transmission ratio of the rack and pinion steering gear. In other embodiments, the steering ratio adjustment mechanism 50 may also be implemented in other forms. By increasing the steering ratio of the vehicle, a small rotation of the steering wheel 30 can hardly affect the driving direction of the vehicle. In this case, the driver's active steering operation on the steering wheel with a larger angle can still change the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In further embodiments, the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steered wheels 100 of the vehicle may be inhibited by disconnecting the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steered wheels 100 . To this end, the steering assist system may include a steering clutch mechanism capable of breaking and engaging the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steering wheels 100 of the vehicle. The steering clutch mechanism can be connected between the steering wheel 30 and the steering shaft of the vehicle, for example, and can control the connection state of the steering wheel 30 and the steering shaft. The steering clutch mechanism can also be arranged elsewhere in the steering system of the vehicle, for example integrated in the steering shaft.

FIGS. 3A to 3C schematically show a turning reminder issued by a movement of the steering wheel 30 in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Preferably, in step S20, according to the steering requirement, the steering wheel 30 is rotated in the same direction as the steering requirement, so as to send a steering reminder to the driver. FIG. 3A shows the initial position of the steering wheel 30 before a turning reminder is issued. FIG. 3B schematically shows that the steering wheel 30 is turned rightward by a predetermined angle when a right turn demand is recognized. FIG. 3C schematically shows that the steering wheel 30 is turned leftward by a predetermined angle when a left turn demand is identified. Thus, an intuitive steering reminder can be provided to the driver through the movement of the steering wheel 30 . The predetermined angle is, for example, preset as a smaller angle, such as less than 15° or less than 10°.

Step S20 may further include: returning the steering wheel 30 to the initial position after the steering wheel 30 rotates in the same direction as the steering demand; and restoring the operative connection between the steering wheel 30 and the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle.

Return to Figure 2 below. In step S20 , in response to the steering request, alternatively or additionally to the movement of the steering wheel 30 of the vehicle, an optical display on the steering wheel 30 may issue a steering reminder to the driver. Specifically, in step S20 , the light emitting device 60 integrated on the steering wheel 30 may be used to send a turning reminder to the driver by means of an optical display on the steering wheel 30 .

For example, in step S20, the light emitting devices 60 located at different positions in the steering wheel 30 can be selectively illuminated according to the steering requirements, so that the positions of the illuminated light emitting devices 60 in the steering wheel 30 are consistent with the steering direction of the steering requirements. Corresponding. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B schematically show the turning reminder issued in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 4A shows that when a right turn requirement is recognized, the light emitting device 60 located on the right half of the steering wheel 30 lights up, so that the driver can intuitively receive the prompt information that the vehicle is about to turn right. Similarly, FIG. 4B shows that the light emitting device 60 located at the left half of the steering wheel 30 lights up when a left turn demand is recognized.

Alternatively or additionally, in step S20, according to the turning requirement, the light emitting device 60 is turned on in an arrow pattern, wherein the direction of the arrow is the same as the turning direction of the turning requirement. Referring to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, when a right turn requirement is recognized, the lit light emitting device 60 presents an arrow pointing to the right; Arrow to the left.

In addition, the light emitting device 60 can also be made to emit a dynamically changing light, wherein the direction of the dynamic change is the same as the turning direction of the turning demand.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the steering assistance method optionally further includes step S30. In step S30, in response to the steering request, a steering reminder is issued by means of vibration of the driver's seat of the vehicle. Step S30 can be performed synchronously with step S20, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a seat vibrating device 70 may be integrated in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the seat vibrating device 70 may be activated by the controller 10 in response to a steering demand. The seat vibration device 70 may include, for example, a vibration module driven by a motor. In particular, seat vibrating devices 70 may be integrated on the left and right sides of the driver's seat, respectively. According to the steering demand, the seat vibration device 70 integrated in different positions in the driver's seat can be selectively activated, so that the position of the activated seat vibration device 70 in the driver's seat is consistent with the steering direction of the steering demand Corresponding. It should be understood that the seat vibrating device 70 can be integrated in the seat cushion part of the driver's seat, and can also be integrated in the backrest part of the driver's seat.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, these have been presented for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various alternatives, changes and modifications can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A steering assistance method for a vehicle, wherein the steering assistance method at least comprises the following steps: S10: identifying a steering requirement of the vehicle, the steering requirement indicates that according to the vehicle navigation information, the vehicle will soon need to perform a steering operation; and S20: Responding to the steering demand, send a steering reminder to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel (30) of the vehicle and/or the optical display on the steering wheel (30). 2. The steering assist method according to claim 1, wherein: In step S20, suppressing the operative connection between the steering wheel (30) and the steering wheel (100) of the vehicle in case a steering reminder is issued to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel (30) of the vehicle, Wherein the operative connection between the steering wheel (30) and the steering wheels (100) of the vehicle is inhibited in particular by at least one of the following: Increase the steering ratio of the vehicle; The operative connection between the steering wheel (30) and the steering wheel (100) is disconnected. 3. The steering assistance method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In step S20, a steering reminder is sent to the driver by means of the movement of the steering wheel (30) of the vehicle in the following manner: According to the steering demand, the steering wheel (30) is made to perform a rotational movement in the same direction as the steering demand. 4. The steering assistance method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein: In step S20, the light-emitting device (60) integrated on the steering wheel (30) is used to send a turning reminder to the driver by means of an optical display on the steering wheel (30), wherein the light-emitting device (60) uses at least one of the following methods The user sends a steering reminder: According to the turning demand, the light emitting devices (60) at different positions in the steering wheel (30) are selectively turned on, so that the position of the light emitting device (60) that is turned on in the steering wheel (30) is consistent with the turning direction of the turning demand Corresponding; According to the steering requirement, the light emitting device (60) is made to emit dynamically changing light, wherein the direction of the dynamic change is the same as the steering direction of the steering requirement; According to the steering requirement, the light emitting device (60) is turned on in an arrow pattern, wherein the direction of the arrow is the same as the steering direction of the steering requirement. 5. The steering assistance method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein: The steering assistance method further includes step S30, wherein, in response to the steering request, a steering reminder is issued by means of a vibration motion of a driver's seat of the vehicle; Wherein, the seat vibration device (70) integrated in different positions in the driver's seat is selectively activated, especially according to the steering demand, so that the activated seat vibration device (70) in the driver's seat The position corresponds to the steering direction of the steering request. 6. The steering assistance method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The vehicle navigation information is provided by means of a high-precision map module. 7. A controller (10) for a vehicle, wherein the controller (10) includes a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program, when the computer program is executed by the processor, The processor is capable of executing the steering assistance method according to any one of claims 1-6. 8. A steering assist system for a vehicle, wherein the steering assist system comprises at least: A controller (10) according to claim 7; A navigation device (20), which is configured to provide vehicle navigation information, wherein the navigation device (20) provides vehicle navigation information especially by means of a GPS positioning module and/or a high-precision map module; a steering wheel (30) operatively connected to the steering wheels (100) of the vehicle; and A steering wheel movement device (40), which is configured to drive the steering wheel (30) to move under the control of the controller (10). 9. The steering assist system according to claim 8, wherein: The steering assistance system also includes at least one of the following: a steering clutch mechanism configured to disconnect the operative connection between the steering wheel (30) and the steering wheel (100); A steering ratio adjusting mechanism (50), configured to change the steering ratio of the vehicle. 10. The steering assistance system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The steering assistance system also includes at least one of the following: a light emitting device (60) integrated into the steering wheel (30); A seat vibration device (70) integrated into a driver's seat of a vehicle.

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