DE102019205166A1 - System and method for outputting height information for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The presented invention relates to an output system (100) for outputting height information of a vehicle (101). The output system comprises at least one output unit (105) and at least one processing unit (103). The output system (100) is configured to be located in the vehicle (101). The at least one computing unit (103) is configured to determine a current configuration of the vehicle (101) and to determine a value of a current height (h) of the vehicle (101) based on the configuration of the vehicle (101). The at least one output unit (105) is configured to output at least the value of the current height (h) of the vehicle (101) as height information to a user of the vehicle (101).

Description

The presented invention relates to an output system for outputting height information of a vehicle and a method for outputting height information of a vehicle.

Vehicles such as trucks or passenger cars can be optimized for different tasks through different configurations. E.g. A configuration can include a particularly high spring travel setting and / or the use of external accessories, such as a roof rack. Such configurations change a current or actual height of a vehicle so that a height specified in the vehicle registration no longer corresponds to the actual height of the vehicle, which can lead to safety-relevant situations, particularly when entering tunnels.

The DE 10 2013 209 873 A1 describes a device and a method for collision avoidance for vehicle loads and vehicle superstructures by comparing a sensor-measured vehicle height with a sensor-measured headroom.

The DE 10 2011 085 311 A1 describes a vehicle assistant with an electronic control device for checking a passage for a motor vehicle. A total vehicle height to be provided manually is displayed to a driver, and the driver is warned if a passage that is less than the total vehicle height occurs.

The EP 31 38 723 A1 relates to a device for the schematic display of an altitude of a motor vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable altitude collision warning for vehicles with a variety of possible configurations.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims.

An output system for outputting height information of a vehicle is thus presented. The output system comprises at least one output unit and at least one processing unit. The output system is configured to be located in a vehicle. The at least one processing unit is configured to determine a current configuration of the vehicle and to determine a value of a current height of the vehicle based on the current configuration of the vehicle. The at least one output unit is configured to output at least the value of the current height of the vehicle as height information to a user of the vehicle.

Refinements of the presented invention emerge from the description and the dependent claims.

The presented output system is used in particular for configuration-dependent altitude collision warning. For this purpose, it is provided that a current configuration of a respective vehicle is determined by means of the computing unit provided according to the invention, for example by reading out the current configuration from a control device of the vehicle or reading out an identifier of the vehicle from the at least one control device and using the identifier of the vehicle current configuration of the vehicle is read out from a database, which can be arranged in a cloud server, for example.

The computing unit, the output unit and the control device can each be in communicative connection with one another. Alternatively, the control device can be in a communicative connection with the computing unit, which in turn is in a communicative connection with the output unit. A respective communicative connection can be wireless, wired or partly wireless, partly wired.

In the context of the present invention, a configuration of a vehicle is understood to mean a state of a vehicle that can be changed, for example, by different settings of the vehicle, in particular by different settings of a vehicle height change system or an air pressure system or by attaching or removing external accessories.

A location in a vehicle is to be understood in the context of the presented invention as an arrangement in a vehicle or a physical connection to a vehicle. In particular, a location can include a communicative connection with a communication interface of a vehicle.

On the basis of the current configuration of a vehicle, by means of the presented output system, for example using the database or a comparison table stored there, in which the respective configurations are assigned respective height values, an altitude value corresponding to the current configuration, i.e. H. a value of the height of the vehicle can be determined.

As soon as the current value of the height of the vehicle has been determined, it can be compared with a currently upcoming or to be driven clearance height, which is stored on a digital map or is determined by sensors, for example, in order to output a collision warning signal if necessary. As an alternative or in addition, the presented output system can provide measures such as, for example, the activation of a height regulation to avoid a height collision.

In one possible embodiment of the output system presented, it is provided that the output system further comprises at least one optical sensor. The at least one computing unit is configured to use image information determined by the optical sensor to determine a maximum height permitted for a route ahead of the vehicle and to compare the determined maximum permitted height with the value of the current height of the vehicle and in the event that the value the current altitude is greater than or equal to the permissible maximum altitude, to transmit a warning signal, such as a height collision warning signal, to the output unit.

The output unit can, for example, be designed as a screen and / or loudspeaker.

Image information from, for example, traffic signs can be recorded and processed by means of an optical sensor, so that, in contrast to a sensor-based determination of a possible clearance height, a permissible or legally prescribed clearance height can be determined. Correspondingly, by using such an optical sensor, sensitive fines, which are due when driving into restricted areas with an impermissible vehicle height, can be avoided.

In a further possible embodiment of the output system presented, it is provided that the at least one computing unit is configured to supply at least one height-regulating device of the vehicle, in particular a suspension, in the event that the value of the current height is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable height Use to reduce the current height of the vehicle below the maximum allowable height.

By providing measures to reduce the current height of a respective vehicle, such as activating a height control or issuing instructions for manually operating a height control or dismantling roof structures, a collision of the vehicle with a route delimitation, such as for example a tunnel.

In a further possible embodiment of the output system presented, it is provided that the at least one processing unit is configured to establish a communicative connection with at least one control unit of the vehicle, to read out the current configuration of the vehicle from the at least one control unit or to identify the vehicle from the at least read out a control device and, using the identification of the vehicle, read out the current configuration of the vehicle from a database on a server, in particular a cloud server. Furthermore, the at least one processing unit is configured to compare the current configuration of the vehicle with a list, such as a database of altitude values, and thereby to infer the value of the current altitude of the vehicle.

For communication with a memory, such as a cloud server, the output system presented can comprise a communication interface, such as a wired interface or a radio interface, in particular a cellular radio interface. Alternatively or additionally, the presented output system can comprise a system interface to a respective vehicle or a communication unit, such as a smartphone, through which the output system exchanges data with a respective server comprising the database.

In a further possible embodiment of the output system presented, it is provided that the computing unit is configured to determine the presence of at least one accessory element on the vehicle using a message signal to be transmitted wirelessly by the at least one accessory element, in particular by radio signal or RFID signal, and in the event that the presence of at least one accessory element is determined, to correct the value of the current height of the vehicle on the basis of information about the at least one accessory element.

In order to recognize external accessory elements and to include them when determining the current vehicle height, the wireless transmission of a signal from a respective accessory element to the output system is suitable. For this purpose, a transmitter or transponder, such as an “RFID tag” or any other technically suitable wireless transmitter can be arranged on a respective accessory element, such as a roof rack. The accessory element can use the transmitter to transmit its presence or an associated current configuration of the vehicle to the output system. Alternatively, the output system can, for example, in response to a control command or automatically at regular intervals Send out request signal, the respective transmitter located in the vicinity of the output system configured to transmit a message to the output system. In particular, using an RFID transponder as a transmitter on the accessory element, the energy with which the output system sends the request signal can be used by the transmitter of the accessory element to transmit the message to the output system, so that the transmitter of the accessory element can rely on an independent energy supply can be dispensed with.

In a further possible embodiment of the output system presented, it is provided that the at least one arithmetic unit is configured to determine a value of a current air resistance of the vehicle, to compare the determined value of the current air resistance of the vehicle with a predetermined value and in the event that the determined value of the current air resistance of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined value to report the presence of a structural element on the vehicle by means of the at least one output unit.

To determine a current air resistance of a respective vehicle, the output system presented can include a sensor and / or access sensor values of the vehicle in order, for example, to infer the current air resistance of the vehicle from current fuel consumption. For this purpose, the output system can, for example, use an assignment table to assign respective sensor values to a respective air resistance value. A configuration of the vehicle and a corresponding altitude value can then be assigned to a respective air resistance value on the basis of a further assignment table.

A configuration can be, for example, a vehicle according to the delivery state with a roof rack and an air suspension that is deflected upwards by 3 cm. Accordingly, the output system presented will correct the value of the height of the vehicle in this configuration by the height of the roof rack and the 3 cm upward deflection of the air suspension.

Furthermore, the presented invention relates to a method for outputting height information of a vehicle using the presented output system. The method includes determining a current configuration of the vehicle, determining a value of a current altitude of the vehicle using the current configuration of the vehicle, and outputting the value of the current altitude of the vehicle on an output unit.

The computing unit and the output unit are in a communicative connection with one another and can exchange data with one another. For this purpose, the computing unit and the output unit are communicatively connected via an interface, such as, for example, a cable or a wireless interface.

The presented method is used in particular to operate the presented output unit.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine mögliche Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabesystems.
• 2 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine weitere mögliche Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Ausgabesystems.
• 3 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung einen Ablauf einer möglichen Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is shown schematically on the basis of embodiments in the drawings and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows a possible embodiment of the dispensing system according to the invention in a schematic representation.
• 2 shows in a schematic representation a further possible embodiment of the dispensing system according to the invention.
• 3 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In 1 is an output system 100 shown. Here is the output system 100 in a vehicle 101 arranged.

The issuing system 100 includes a computing unit 103 and an output unit 105 .

The arithmetic unit 103 and the output unit 105 are in communicative connection with each other and can exchange data with each other. For this purpose are the arithmetic unit 103 and the output unit 105 Communicatively connected via an interface, such as a cable or a wireless interface.

The arithmetic unit 103 is configured to have a current configuration of the vehicle 101 to be determined and based on the current configuration of the vehicle 101 a value of a current height h of the vehicle 101 to determine.

To determine the current configuration of the vehicle 101 can the computing unit 103 via a communication interface 107 with a control unit 109 of the vehicle 101 connected, and information about the current configuration of the vehicle 101 , especially about a setting a height adjustment system of the vehicle 101 Interrogate.

Once the current configuration of the vehicle 101 has been determined can, for example, based on a stored in the database and from the computing unit 103 A current or actual height value h of the vehicle can be retrieved from the assignment table of the current configuration 101 be assigned. The database can, for example, be localized on a cloud server and from the processing unit 103 can be read out via a wireless interface.

The current height value is obtained from the computing unit by means of the output unit 105 output as height information. For this purpose, the height information can be shown, for example, as a schematic representation on a display unit of the output unit 105 are issued.

In 2 is an output system 200 shown. The issuing system 200 includes the components of the dispensing system 100 according to 1 and an optical sensor 201 .

The arithmetic unit 103 , the optical sensor 201 and the output unit 105 are in communicative connection with each other and can exchange data with each other. For this purpose are the arithmetic unit 103 , the optical sensor 201 and the output unit 105 Communicatively connected via an interface, such as a cable or a wireless interface. The computing unit is used in particular 103 as a relay station for communication between the optical sensor 201 and the output unit 105 .

The optical sensor 201 , which can be designed as a camera, for example, detects a road ahead. Based on by the optical sensor 201 Determined image signals can provide information about a permissible vehicle height, for example from traffic signs, and a user of the output system 200 as part of the altitude information.

Furthermore, in 2 an external accessory 203 shown in the form of a roof rack. The accessory element 203 increases the current height h of the vehicle 101 on h '.

On the external accessory 203 is a transmitter 205 arranged, by means of which the external accessories to the dispensing system 200 a notification signal is transmitted so that the output system 200 Knowledge of the external accessory 203 attained. The notification signal can be, for example, in response to a manual activation of a user interface, such as, for example, a button, or in response to one of the output system 200 sent query signal are sent.

Once the output system 200 Knowledge of the external accessory 203 updates the output system 200 the current vehicle height taking into account the external accessory 203 , its height, for example, with the message signal to the output system 200 is transmitted or based on an identifier of the external accessory element 203 is read out from an assignment table stored in a database, and gives correspondingly updated height information h 'on the output unit 105 out.

Furthermore, the height information can contain instructions for adjusting the height of the vehicle 101 , such as, for example, instructions for lowering an air suspension of the vehicle 101 include. A user of the vehicle can do this 101 For example, a position of a user interface for controlling the air suspension of the vehicle can be output as part of the height information.

In 3 is a flow chart 300 shown.

In a first determination step 301 is made using e.g. the dispensing system 200 according to 2 a current configuration of a respective vehicle 101 determined.

In a second determination step, using the in the first determination step 301 determined configuration a height of the vehicle 101 determined.

In one output step 305 becomes the in the second determination step 303 determined height of the vehicle 101 on an output unit 105 issued.

List of reference symbols

100

Output system

101

vehicle

103

Arithmetic unit

105

Output unit

107

Communication interface

109

Control unit

200

Output system

201

optical sensor

203

Accessory element

205

Channel

300

Flow chart

301

first determination step

303

second determination step

305

Output step

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102013209873 A1 [0003]
• DE 102011085311 A1 [0004]
• EP 3138723 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Output system (100, 200) for outputting height information of a vehicle (101), the output system (100, 200) comprising: - at least one output unit (103), - At least one processing unit (105), the output system (100, 200) being configured to be located in a vehicle (101), the at least one processing unit (105) being configured to display a current configuration of the vehicle (101) and to determine a value of a current height of the vehicle (101) based on the current configuration of the vehicle (101), and wherein the at least one output unit (103) is configured to display at least the value of the current height (h) of the vehicle ( 101) to be output to a user of the vehicle (101) as height information. Output system according to Claim 1 , wherein the output system (100, 200) further comprises: - at least one optical sensor (201), wherein the at least one computing unit (103) is configured to use image information determined by the optical sensor (201) to generate an image information for the vehicle ( 101) to determine the distance ahead and to compare the ascertained permissible maximum height with the ascertained value of the current height of the vehicle (101) and, in the event that the value of the current height is greater than or equal to the permissible maximum height, a warning signal to the output unit (105) to be transmitted. Output system according to Claim 2 , wherein the at least one computing unit (103) is configured to use at least one height-regulating device of the vehicle (101), in particular a suspension, in the event that the value of the current height (h) is greater than or equal to the permissible maximum height in order to reduce the current height of the vehicle (101) below the permissible maximum height. Output system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processing unit (103) is configured to establish a communicative connection with at least one control device (109) of the vehicle (101), and the current configuration of the vehicle (101) from the at least one control device (109) to read out or an identifier of the vehicle (101) from the at least one control device (109) and to read the current configuration of the vehicle (101) from a memory, in particular a cloud server, using the identifier of the vehicle (101), and wherein the at least one computing unit (103) is further configured to compare the current configuration of the vehicle (101) with a list of altitude values and thereby infer the value of the current altitude of the vehicle (101). Output system according to Claim 3 or 4th , wherein the at least one computing unit (103) is configured to use the at least one height-regulating device of the vehicle (101) in that the device is controlled by the at least one computing unit (103) or by the computing unit (103) using the at least one Output unit (105) provides instructions for manual operation of the device. Dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one computing unit (103) is configured to detect the presence of at least one accessory element (203) on the vehicle (101) using one of the at least one accessory element (203) wirelessly, in particular by radio signal or RFID signal, to determine the transmitted message signal and, in the event that the presence of at least one accessory element (203) is determined, to correct the value of the current height of the vehicle (101) based on information about the at least one accessory element (203). Output system according to Claim 6 wherein the computing unit (103) is configured to download the information about the at least one accessory element (203) from a memory of the at least one accessory element (203) or from a memory of the vehicle (101) or from a cloud server. Output system according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th wherein the at least one arithmetic unit (103) is configured to determine a value of a current air resistance of the vehicle (101), to compare the determined value of the current air resistance of the vehicle (101) with a predetermined value and in the event that the determined The value of the current air resistance of the vehicle (101) is greater than the predefined value, to report the presence of an accessory element (203) on the vehicle (101) by means of the at least one output unit (105). Dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration of the vehicle (101) comprises an extended state of a suspension system of the vehicle (101). Method (300) for outputting height information of a vehicle (101) using an output system (100, 200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) determining (301) a current configuration of the vehicle (101), b) determining (303 a value of a current altitude (h) of the vehicle (101) using the current configuration of the vehicle (101), c) outputting (305) the value of the current altitude (h) of the vehicle (101) on the Output unit (105).

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