DE102019009079A1 - Method and navigation device for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a navigation device (100) for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle (302). In the method, a country of origin of the driver is estimated and a current country in which the vehicle (302) is located is determined. If the current country differs from the country of origin, a traffic rule of the current country is determined which does not apply in the country of origin, and if the vehicle (302) is in a traffic situation (300) in which the determined traffic rule is relevant, a message based on the determined traffic rule is output to the driver.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a navigation device for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle. The vehicle can be a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft or a robot that can be moved along a path.

A navigation device is able to calculate a route that leads from a starting position to a destination position. The target position is usually derived from a target that a user of the navigation device enters into the navigation device via an operating unit. Alternatively, the target position can also be estimated, for example from routes covered in the past. The starting position can also be derived from an input by the user. Alternatively, the start position can correspond to a current position of the navigation device. Such a position is mostly determined using a satellite navigation system, for example using GPS, GLONASS, COMPASS or GALILEO. The positions mentioned (starting position, target position, current position) are each a geographical position.

Furthermore, a route can be displayed on a display unit of a navigation device in a map display. As a result, a user of the navigation device can develop a spatial idea of the course of the route and plan maneuvers in advance. A maneuver is understood to mean a movement that a movable object (for example a vehicle, an animal or a person) executes in order to follow a route.

Furthermore, a navigation device can output route guidance based on a route to a user. “Route guidance” is a process in which the user is guided along the route. During route guidance, route guidance information is issued to the user. Such a route guidance instruction can, for example, prompt the user to prepare or carry out a maneuver or a series of maneuvers. The route guidance information can be output visually or acoustically.

In addition, a navigation device can support a driver of a vehicle in complying with traffic regulations. For this purpose, the navigation device can output traffic information based on traffic rules to the driver in relation to the situation. Such a traffic information can also be combined with a route guidance information, so that both information are output together.

Traffic rules apply to a specific country, with different traffic rules in different countries. This applies in particular to right-of-way rules, speed restrictions and overtaking bans. In addition, most countries drive on the right, but in some countries drive on the left. There is therefore a risk that a foreign driver of a vehicle will violate a traffic rule because he does not know the traffic rule from his country of origin.

The object of the invention is to support a foreign driver of a vehicle in complying with traffic rules without unnecessarily distracting the driver.

• - Schätzen eines Herkunftslandes des Fahrers,
• - Bestimmen eines aktuellen Landes, in dem sich das Fahrzeug befindet, und, wenn das aktuelle Land von dem Herkunftsland verschieden ist,
• - Ermitteln einer Verkehrsregel des aktuellen Landes, die in dem Herkunftsland nicht gilt, und, wenn sich das Fahrzeug in einer Verkehrssituation befindet, in der die ermittelte Verkehrsregel relevant ist,
• - Ausgeben eines auf der ermittelten Verkehrsregel basierenden Hinweises an den Fahrer.

The object is achieved with a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle according to the invention, which method is carried out with a navigation device. The procedure has the following procedural steps:

• - estimate a country of origin of the driver,
• - Determining a current country in which the vehicle is located and, if the current country is different from the country of origin,
• - Determination of a traffic rule of the current country that does not apply in the country of origin and, if the vehicle is in a traffic situation in which the determined traffic rule is relevant,
• Output of a message based on the determined traffic rule to the driver.

A traffic rule of a country in which a driver is located with a vehicle is thus determined. The traffic rule is characterized by the fact that it does not apply in a presumed country of origin of the driver. Therefore, it is assumed that the driver does not know the traffic rule, so that there is a risk that the driver violates the traffic rule. Therefore, if necessary, i.e. in the event of a relevant traffic situation, a message based on the traffic rule is output to the driver. This ensures that the driver complies with the traffic rules. Consequently, the method supports the driver in complying with traffic rules.

Furthermore, the output of a notice based on a traffic rule of the current country, which also applies in the country of origin, is dispensed with. This prevents the driver from being unnecessarily disturbed or being distracted from the traffic situation. Because such a traffic rule should be known to the driver.

Furthermore, there is an indication of a traffic rule for the current country being output waived as long as there is no traffic situation for which the traffic rule is relevant. This also prevents the driver from being unnecessarily disturbed or being distracted from the traffic situation.

It should be noted that the reference can include the text of the traffic rule from the road traffic regulations, an explanation of the traffic rule and / or an instruction on how to comply with the traffic rule in the traffic situation.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the country of origin is estimated taking into account a registration country in which the vehicle was registered for road traffic. It can be assumed that the country of registration corresponds to the country of origin of the driver. The country of registration can be called up from a memory unit of the vehicle, a central server, a data cloud or electronic document belonging to the driver.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the driver's country of origin is estimated on the basis of a language setting of the navigation device. It can be assumed here that the language set for the navigation device corresponds to the language spoken in the driver's country of origin, so that the country of origin can be deduced from the language.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the country of origin is estimated taking into account the number, duration and / or route length of trips that were carried out in a country with the vehicle. It can be assumed here that a country in which a particularly large number of journeys, particularly long journeys or journeys with a particularly long distance were carried out with the vehicle corresponds to the country of origin. In order to determine the country, the number, duration or distance of journeys by the vehicle in several countries can be compared with one another. This information can inter alia from a storage unit of the navigation device, from an external server or. retrieved from a data cloud.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the country of origin is estimated taking into account the number, duration and / or route length of journeys that were carried out with the vehicle in a country without active route guidance. It can be assumed here that a country in which a particularly large number of journeys, particularly long journeys or journeys with a particularly long route length were carried out with the vehicle without active route guidance corresponds to the country of origin. In order to determine the country, the number, duration or distance of journeys by the vehicle without active route guidance in several countries can be compared with one another. This information can be retrieved from a memory unit of the navigation device, from an external server or from a data cloud, among other things.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the country of origin is converted into a number, duration or distance of journeys, taking into account the ratios of the number, duration and / or route length of trips that were carried out in a country without active route guidance with the vehicle in the country without active route guidance with the vehicle are estimated. It can be assumed here that a country in which such a ratio is particularly large corresponds to the country of origin. In order to determine the country, such ratios of several countries in which the vehicle has been driven can be compared with one another. The information on which the relationships are based can, among other things, be called up from a memory unit of the navigation device, from an external server or from a data cloud.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the country of origin, taking into account the ratios of a number, duration and / or route length of trips made in one country with the vehicle, becomes a number, duration or route length of trips made in other countries carried out on the vehicle. It can be assumed here that a country for which such a ratio is particularly large corresponds to the driver's country of origin. In order to determine the country, such ratios of several countries in which the vehicle has been driven can be compared with one another. The information on which the relationships are based can, among other things, be called up from a memory unit of the navigation device, from an external server or from a data cloud.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of traffic rules of the current country that do not apply in the country of origin are determined, and the traffic rule on which the information is based is selected from the plurality of traffic rules based on the traffic situation. In particular, the plurality of traffic rules can include all traffic rules of the current country that do not apply in the country of origin.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the traffic rules determined are stored in a memory unit of the navigation device, on a central server or in a data cloud. This enables quick access to one of the traffic rules as soon as a relevant traffic situation occurs. If the determined traffic rules are stored on a central server or in a data cloud, they can also be called up from other vehicles.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the traffic situation is determined as a function of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling. This takes into account that driving on a multi-lane carriageway poses a particular risk of accidents.

• - eine Recheneinheit, die zum Schätzen eines Herkunftslandes des Fahrers, Bestimmen eines aktuellen Landes, in dem sich das Fahrzeug befindet, und, wenn das aktuelle Land von dem Herkunftsland verschieden ist, Ermitteln einer Verkehrsregel des aktuellen Landes, die in dem Herkunftsland nicht gilt, eingerichtet ist, und
• - eine Ausgabeeinheit, die zum Ausgeben eines auf der ermittelten Verkehrsregel basierenden Hinweises an den Fahrer, wenn sich das Fahrzeug in einer Verkehrssituation befindet, in der die ermittelte Verkehrsregel relevant ist, eingerichtet ist.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved with a navigation device for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle according to the invention. The navigation device has the following components:

• - an arithmetic unit that is used to estimate a country of origin of the driver, to determine a current country in which the vehicle is located and, if the current country is different from the country of origin, to determine a traffic rule for the current country that does not apply in the country of origin, is set up, and
• an output unit which is set up to output a message based on the determined traffic rule to the driver when the vehicle is in a traffic situation in which the determined traffic rule is relevant.

The navigation device enables the method according to the invention to be carried out with the advantages mentioned above.

• 1 ein Blockdiagramm einer Ausführungsform der Navigationseinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,
• 2 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,
• 3 eine Verkehrssituation zum Erläutern der Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show:

• 1 a block diagram of an embodiment of the navigation device according to the invention,
• 2 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention,
• 3 a traffic situation to explain the embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the navigation device according to the invention. The navigation device 100 has the following functional units: a position determination unit 102 , an arithmetic unit 104 , a storage unit 106 , a control unit 108 and an output unit 110 . In addition, the navigation device 100 a transmitting and receiving unit (not shown) which is provided for data exchange with a central server or a data cloud and via a bidirectional data connection with the processing unit 104 is coupled. In addition, the navigation device 100 still have further functional units.

The navigation device 100 is permanently installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the navigation device 100 be carried as a portable device or part of a portable device in the vehicle.

The position determination unit 102 is set up to determine a current position of the vehicle. To this end, the position determination unit 102 a GPS receiver equipped with a GPS antenna (not shown). Alternatively, instead of the GPS receiver, a GALILEO receiver, a GLONASS receiver or another satellite receiver that is equipped with an associated antenna can be used. The position determination unit 102 can receive satellite signals and from them obtain position coordinates that represent the current position and via a unidirectional data connection to the processing unit 104 to transfer.

The arithmetic unit 104 is set up to estimate a country of origin of the driver. The arithmetic unit can do this 104 various data on which the estimate is based from the storage unit 106 recall. The data can include a country of registration in which the vehicle was registered for road traffic, a language setting for the navigation system, the number, duration and distance of journeys made with the vehicle in several countries, as well as the activation status of route guidance belong during the rides. As an alternative to the storage unit 106 can the arithmetic unit 104 retrieve the data from a central server or a data cloud.

Furthermore, the computing unit is set up to determine a current country in which the vehicle is located. The arithmetic unit can do this 104 a current position of the vehicle from the position determining unit 102 retrieve and using in the storage unit 106 assign saved map data to the current country. The arithmetic unit 104 can also check whether the current country corresponds to the country of origin or is different from the country of origin.

Furthermore, the arithmetic unit is 104 for determining traffic rules of the current country that do not apply in the country of origin when the current country is different from the country of origin. The processing unit calls for this 104 the traffic rules from a central server or a data cloud by the processing unit 104 sends the country of origin and the current country with the sender and receiver unit to the central server or the data cloud. A database is available there in which the traffic rules that apply in the current country, but not in the country of origin, are stored for several combinations of a country of origin and a current country. Instead of the central server or the data cloud, the computing unit 104 the traffic rules from the storage unit 106 recall. Optionally, the arithmetic unit 104 the determined traffic rules in a traffic rule database of the storage unit 106 from.

Alternatively, the arithmetic unit wins 104 the traffic rules themselves, in that the processing unit calls up the traffic rules of the country of origin and the current country from a central server or a data cloud and compares them with one another. Instead of the central server or the data cloud, the computing unit 104 the traffic rules of the country of origin and the current country from the storage unit 106 recall. The arithmetic unit also sets 104 the determined traffic rules in the memory unit 106 from. In addition, the computing unit 104 Send the determined traffic rules to a central server or a data cloud, where the traffic rules are stored in a traffic rule database that is also accessible from other vehicles.

Furthermore, the processing unit is set up to check whether the vehicle is in a traffic situation for which one of the determined traffic rules is relevant. For this purpose, in addition to position coordinates from the position determination unit, the arithmetic unit can 102 and map data from the storage unit 106 receive and process various vehicle data from vehicle sensors of the vehicle. Such vehicle sensors are, for example, cameras, radar sensors and lidar sensors.

Used with the arithmetic unit 104 found that the vehicle is in a traffic situation for which one of the determined traffic rules is relevant, the processing unit can send an indication of the traffic rule to the output unit via a unidirectional data connection 110 send so that the notice with the output unit 110 is issued.

In order to carry out the activities mentioned, the processing unit has a processor (CPU, central processing unit) and a working memory (RAM, random access memory) which is used for the volatile storage of variables and intermediate results. A computer program is executed with the processor.

The storage unit 106 has a non-volatile memory, which is designed, for example, as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Alternatively, the storage unit 106 also have another type of memory, for example a flash EEPROM or a hard disk. In particular, the memory unit 106 have several of the named memories. The storage unit 106 is with the arithmetic unit 104 connected via a bidirectional data connection.

The storage unit 106 is set up to store a map database which contains a large number of map data. The map data represent objects that are located in a specific geographic area. The objects include, for example, streets, paths, squares, railroad lines, rivers, buildings, bridges, landforms, national borders, rest stops, energy consumption stations, traffic regulations and localities. In particular, the map database can have information on several countries, for example on the languages spoken there. As an alternative to the storage unit 106 the map database can be stored on a central server or in a data cloud.

In addition, in the storage unit 106 a trip database can be stored which contains data on trips made by the vehicle in the past. For the data, among other things, a country of registration in which the vehicle was registered for road traffic, a language setting of the navigation device 100 , Number, duration and / or route length of trips that have been made with the vehicle in several countries, as well as the activation status of route guidance during the trips. As an alternative to the storage unit 106 the trip database can be stored on a central server or in a data cloud.

Optionally, in the storage unit 106 a traffic rules database can be stored which contains traffic rules for several countries and / or determined traffic rules for several combinations of a country of origin and a current country. As an alternative to the storage unit 106 the traffic rule database can be stored on a central server or in a data cloud.

In addition, in the storage unit 106 a registration country in which the vehicle was registered for road traffic and / or one for the navigation system 100 the set language must be saved.

The control unit 108 can have, in addition to mechanical operating elements, a voice input unit, a touch-sensitive screen and / or a touch pad. The control unit 108 is used, among other things, to enter operating commands and destinations into the navigation device 100 by a user of the navigation device 100 and is with the arithmetic unit 104 connected via a unidirectional data link.

The output unit 110 is for receiving a reference to a determined traffic rule from the processing unit 104 and outputting the information when the vehicle is in a traffic situation in which the traffic rule is relevant. The output unit 110 have a display unit, which is designed, for example, as a screen or a head-up display. With the display unit, the information can be given visually to a user of the navigation device 100 output. In addition, the output unit 110 have a voice output unit which has an audio amplifier and a loudspeaker. The message can be output acoustically to the user with the voice output unit.

2 shows a flow chart 200 an embodiment of the method according to the invention for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle with the method steps 201 to 206 . The procedure is with the navigation device 100 executed referring to 1 has been described.

At the first step 201 is with the arithmetic unit 104 the navigation device 100 a country of origin of the driver appreciated. The processing unit calls for this 104 various data on which the estimate is based from the storage unit 106 from. For the data, among other things, a country of registration in which the vehicle was registered for road traffic, a language setting of the navigation device 100 , Number, duration and / or route length of trips that have been made with the vehicle in several countries, as well as the activation status of route guidance during the trips. As an alternative to the storage unit 106 can the arithmetic unit 104 retrieve the data from a central server or a data cloud.

Furthermore, the country of origin is determined from the retrieved data using a predefined algorithm. The algorithm can be based, among other things, on an artificial intelligence method.

The estimation assumes, for example, that the country of origin corresponds to the country of approval. Alternatively, or in addition, it is assumed that the country of origin corresponds to a country in which the set language is spoken.

Another alternative is based on the assumption that the country of origin corresponds to a country in which most of the journeys, the longest journeys and / or the journeys with the longest distance were made with the vehicle.

Another alternative is based on the assumption that the country of origin corresponds to a country in which most of the journeys, the longest journeys and / or the journeys with the longest route were made with the vehicle without active route guidance.

In a further alternative, it is assumed that the country of origin corresponds to a country which has the greatest ratio of the number, duration and / or route length of trips made in the country with the vehicle without active route guidance to the number, duration or route length of Has journeys that were made in the country with the vehicle with active route guidance.

In a further alternative, it is assumed that the country of origin corresponds to a country which has the greatest ratio of the number, duration and / or distance of trips made in the country to the number, duration or distance of trips that outside of the country with the vehicle.

Another alternative is based on the assumption that the country of origin corresponds to a country which has the greatest ratio of the number, duration and / or distance of trips made in the country with the vehicle without route guidance to the number, duration or distance of trips that were carried out outside the country with the vehicle without route guidance.

In the second step 202 is with the arithmetic unit 104 determines a current country in which the vehicle is located. The processing unit calls for this 104 a current position of the vehicle from the position determining unit 102 and assigns the current country to the position using map data stored in the map database.

In the third process step 203 is used by the arithmetic unit 104 checked whether the current country is different from the country of origin. In this case, the fourth step is 204 executed. Otherwise, the second process step 202 be carried out again, for example after a predetermined period of time or a restart of the vehicle.

In the fourth step 204 are with the arithmetic unit 104 determines one or more traffic rules of the current country that do not apply in the country of origin. The processing unit calls for this 104 the traffic rules from a central server or a data cloud by the processing unit 104 sends the country of origin and the current country to the central server or the data cloud. Instead of the central server or the data cloud, the computing unit 104 the traffic rules from the storage unit 106 recall.

In the fifth step 205 is used by the arithmetic unit 104 checked whether the vehicle is in a traffic situation in which one of the determined traffic rules is relevant. If that is the case, then the sixth step is 206 executed. Otherwise, the fifth step is 205 executed again, for example after a predetermined period of time. To check whether the vehicle is in the traffic situation, the computing unit can, in addition to position coordinates, from the position determining unit 102 and map data from the storage unit 106 receive and process various vehicle data from vehicle sensors of the vehicle.

3 shows an example of a traffic situation 300 in which the vehicle is 302 and in which one of the traffic rules determined is relevant. The traffic rule is a right-hand overtaking ban on motorways, which does not apply in the driver's country of origin. The vehicle 302 drives in the right lane 304 a two-lane highway 306 at a first rate 303 . In the left lane 308 is driving another vehicle 310 at a lower second speed 311 ahead. The traffic situation is determined by the processing unit 104 detected by the computing unit, in addition to position coordinates and map data, various vehicle data from vehicle sensors of the vehicle 302 receives and processes. The computing unit also generates 104 an indication of the traffic rule and sends the indication to the output unit 110 .

At the sixth step 206 comes with the output unit 110 the note to the driver of the vehicle 302 output visually and acoustically.

After carrying out the sixth process step 206 the procedure can be terminated. Alternatively, the method with the second method step 202 or the fifth step 205 be continued.

Claims (10)

Method for supporting a driver in driving a vehicle (302) by means of a navigation device (100), with the following method steps: - Estimating a driver's country of origin, - determining a current country in which the vehicle (302) is located and, if the current country is different from the country of origin, - Determination of a traffic rule of the current country that does not apply in the country of origin, and when the vehicle (302) is in a traffic situation (300) in which the determined traffic rule is relevant, Output of a message based on the determined traffic rule to the driver. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the country of origin is estimated on the basis of a registration country in which the vehicle (302) was registered for road traffic and / or a language setting of the navigation device (100). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the country of origin is estimated on the basis of a number, duration and / or distance of journeys that have been made in a country with the vehicle (302). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the country of origin is estimated on the basis of a number, duration and / or route length of trips that were carried out in a country with the vehicle (302) without active route guidance. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the country of origin based on ratios of the number, duration and / or Route length of trips made in a country with the vehicle (302) without active route guidance is estimated for the number, duration or route length of trips made in the country with the vehicle (302) with active route guidance. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the country of origin is based on ratios of the number, duration and / or route length of trips made in a country with the vehicle (302) to the number, duration or route length of trips outside the country with the vehicle (302) is estimated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of traffic rules of the current country that do not apply in the country of origin are determined, and the traffic rule on which the indication is based is selected from the plurality of traffic rules on the basis of the traffic situation (300). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic rules determined are stored in a memory unit (106) of the navigation device (100), on a central server or in a data cloud. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic situation is determined as a function of a lane of a multi-lane roadway in which the vehicle (302) is traveling. Navigation device (100) for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle (302), comprising: - An arithmetic unit (104) for estimating a country of origin of the driver, determining a current country in which the vehicle (302) is located, and, if the current country is different from the country of origin, determining a traffic rule of the current country which does not apply in the country of origin, is established, and - An output unit (110) which is set up to output a message based on the determined traffic rule to the driver when the vehicle (302) is in a traffic situation (300) in which the determined traffic rule is relevant.

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