DE102013226773A1 - Apparatus, method and computer program for assisting a course change of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs for assisting a course change of a vehicle (1) as well as vehicles having such a device. An apparatus for assisting a course change of a vehicle (1) comprises a detection device (10) for detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle (2) rearward of the vehicle (1) and a display device (11A, 11B, 11C) for displaying a vehicle Note the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle (2).

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, methods, and computer programs for assisting a course change of a vehicle, as well as vehicles having such a device.

Lane changes in vehicles, especially at high speeds, in poor visibility conditions such as rain or night driving, often carry the risk that neither the distance nor the speed of vehicles approaching from behind, be assessed correctly. Such misjudgments can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Therefore, for many types of vehicles, especially for motor vehicles (motor vehicles), e.g. Passenger cars (cars) or trucks (trucks) developed systems that facilitate a lane driver with a lane change with the vehicle.

A device, such as for example US Pat. No. 5,917,666 or JP 58 105 105 A1 is known, has admitted in a car various passive rear-view mirror indicators in a mirror glass, which can close due to the size of the rear vehicle shown in the mirror at its distance. However, the driver receives only a rough information about the distance of the rear vehicle.

Other known lane change assistants have an environment sensor system which detect sufficient lanes in the destination lane for a lane change and output driving recommendations to the vehicle driver or automatically perform a braking or acceleration process depending on the case. These and similar devices are made, for example DE 10 2007 007 507 A1 . DE 43 13 568 C1 . DE 101 34 367 A1 known.

However, it is the desire of many vehicle operators to make decisions independently of such driving recommendations based on their own observations of traffic and driving sensation. So on the one hand the driving pleasure can be increased. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the driver wants or must make a decision that contradicts the driving recommendation for reasons specific to the situation. In such situations, it is desirable that the driver as much information of the surrounding traffic are available.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for assisting a course change of a vehicle.

This object is achieved by a device, a method and a computer program each having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, embodiments include an apparatus for assisting a course change of a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle. The device comprises a detection device for detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle to the rear vehicle. The rear vehicle is located in a rear space behind the vehicle. Furthermore, the device comprises a display device for indicating an indication of the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle.

The indication may be displayed in or on the vehicle and be interpreted as a multi-level or continuous course or lane change indicator. The course change indicator may preferably represent a variable based on a correlation of speed and distance.

By means of embodiments, a driver can be signaled how far away a rearward vehicle is and at what speed it approaches. By displaying a course change indicator which is dependent on the speed and the distance of the rearward vehicle, the driver can also base the information conveyed thereby on his driving decision on a continuous basis. As a result, the security of a course change can be increased without reducing the driving pleasure of the driver. The representation of the multi-level indicator or reference can be done both digitally, analogously, mechanically or in a mixed form. "Multi-level" is to be understood in the following as meaning that the hint does not merely comprise binary information, such as e.g. "Lane change possible / not possible", but the hint has more than just two levels of information. The hint may indicate distance and / or speed or a correlation thereof continuously.

The detection device can determine the distance as well as the speed of the at least one rearward vehicle based on conventional concepts. For example, concepts are conceivable which can determine the distance and the speed via transit time measurements of sensor signals of the detection device. Examples of sensor signals are ultrasonic signals, radio signals (signals in the radio frequency range) or light signals (signals in the optical frequency range). The detection device can, for example, in Rear area, in particular in the bumper, the vehicle are mounted to detect rear traffic. The detection device may in some embodiments also include a rearward camera coupled to the display device.

The display device may basically display the indication of the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle in numerous ways. Examples are visual, audible or audiovisual adverts. For this purpose, the display device can be coupled, for example, with a so-called infotainment system of the vehicle. A visual display can be made in some embodiments via an infotainment display or a so-called head-up display. In other embodiments but also dedicated ads in the interior or exterior of the vehicle are possible.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the device may include or be coupled to at least one reflective element. The reflection element can be designed in particular as a mirror, for example as a side mirror or a rearview mirror of a vehicle. The display device may further include a visually detectable display, which is arranged relative to the reflection element such that it is visually detectable in particular by a driver or vehicle operator together with the reflection element. Thus, with a view of the reflection element, for example, when providing the device in a vehicle, on the one hand a rearward vehicle can be detected, whereby the driver can draw conclusions about the position of the vehicle through his trained experience. In addition, the driver can at the same time detect the hint or the indicator on the rear vehicle, which provides more detailed information about the rear vehicle. So the driver can merge the various information and make a driving decision. This can reduce an accident risk due to insufficient traffic information.

In further embodiments, the display device may further be configured to display the hint regarding the rear vehicle in the form of a color indicator. This color indicator can be displayed in the form of a color gradient, which is dependent on the detected distance, the detected speed or a correlation of the detected distance and the speed of the rear vehicle. By such a color scheme, the driver can be a faster and safer driving decision allows.

Thus, in some embodiments, the color indicator may be configured such that, at least in the case where a distance or a speed of the rear vehicle are determined that lie in a non-critical range, or their correlation with each other in a non-critical range, at least a first color, such as green or blue, is displayed. Furthermore, at least then the color indicator can display at least one second color, for example red, if the determination of the distance and the speed or their correlation with each other is in a critical area. Similarly, in a monochromatic embodiment, a number of displayed segments may indicate the noncritical region and a different number of displayed segments the critical region.

The term "uncritical" means a parameter range in which the distance of a following vehicle on the targeted by the course change track is so large that a lane change in front of the rear vehicle at its approach speed a sufficiently large safety distance and a sufficiently high response time for granted to the driver of the rear vehicle. In contrast, "critical" refers to a parameter field of distance and speed, in which a course change involves falling below the safety distance and only a shortened reaction time for the driver of the rear vehicle. In this case, a certain accident risk could be present. With a corresponding color indication, the reference to the rear vehicle can thus enable the driver to respond even faster and more intuitively to the traffic. This can reduce an accident risk.

In addition, it is conceivable in further embodiments that the intensity of the indication of the rearward vehicle is varied depending on the distance-speed correlation and / or the intrinsic speed and / or other relevant driving parameters. Thus, the driver can be transmitted to another easily captured information.

Of course, it is also possible that a plurality of colors, for example the entire color spectrum or a section of the color spectrum, is used to represent the indication of the rear vehicle for the different-critical distance-speed ranges. Combinations with acoustic warning signals are also possible.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the display device may be configured to provide a clearance and / or indicates a speed of the at least one moving object numerically. As a result, the driver can directly record the data relevant for a course or lane change. This may allow an even more accurate assessment of the traffic situation.

Again, in some embodiments of the invention, an apparatus may be provided which further comprises eye-tracking means. View acquisition means may have one or more cameras, which allow a recording and analysis of eye movements of the driver. The eye detection means may be used to determine which rear vehicle an observer, preferably the driver, is aiming at in the reflective element. Thus, the driver can easily, without further action, select for which vehicle the hint or the distance and / or the speed is to be displayed when several moving rear vehicles are recognizable. In particular, the driver does not have to use a hand to select, so that even when making a selection, the hand can remain at the wheel.

Of course, embodiments are also possible in which a plurality of detected rearward vehicles can be displayed, for example via an infotainment system, and selected individually, for example via a touch-sensitive display (touchscreen).

In some embodiments, the display device may be configured to display the object being targeted or selected by the viewer and / or the rear vehicle corresponding to the vehicle sighted by the viewer.

For example, the device according to the invention may also contain other display devices provided at other positions relative to a viewer than those already described. Thus, a display device can be arranged independently of a reflection element, which may allow the information to be made available to a viewer without having to look at the reflection element, for example, when looking straight ahead.

Also, in some embodiments, the reflective element may include an active display. In this case, the reflection element may be formed so that by means of the active display of the reference to the rear vehicle and / or the speed and / or the distance from at least one rearward vehicle can be displayed so that it can be assigned to the illustrated rearward vehicle. This assignment is preferably unambiguous, so that the driver can get the data of different objects at a glance. This in turn can increase a perception of the traffic situation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle having a device according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

In some embodiments of such a vehicle, a visual indication of the display device may be formed as part of the reflection means. Thus, detection of an image on the reflecting member and the indication of the rear vehicle or the speed and / or the distance of rear vehicles and the like for the driver can be facilitated.

In some embodiments, the reflective means may be formed as a mirror of the vehicle. This may advantageously be at least one side mirror or a rearview mirror of the vehicle. Also, in some embodiments, the reflective element may include both at least a side mirror and a rearview mirror. In this way, the driver can be provided with the additional information in the side mirror or rear-view mirror during the routine view. This can reduce a time that the driver needs to assess a traffic situation.

In some embodiments, at least one visual display of the display device may be integrated with the vehicle interior. Thus, an arrangement of the display device can be made such that it is recognizable only during use. Thus, unwanted visual perception of the display by the driver may be reduced or avoided.

In some embodiments, a visual display of the display device may be provided, for example, in the A-pillar, in the center console, or in the range of the speedometer of the vehicle. Of course, it is also conceivable that a plurality of displays is provided, which are provided at various locations. Also, various parts of the display, such as course change indicator, speed value or distance value, may be provided separately at different locations in the vehicle interior or in the area of the exterior mirror housings. Thus, the most relevant information can be given to a driver at the most suitable position, which can increase ride comfort.

• • Erfassen eines Abstands und einer Geschwindigkeit wenigstens eines zu dem Fahrzeug rückwärtigen Fahrzeugs; und
• • Anzeigen eines Hinweises auf den erfassten Abstand und die erfasste Geschwindigkeit des rückwärtigen Fahrzeugs.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of supporting a lane change of a vehicle includes the steps of:

• • detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle rearward to the vehicle; and
• • Display of an indication of the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle.

In this case, the distance and the speed of the rear vehicle relative to the vehicle can be detected. The detected speed and the detected distance can be correlated. The indication may be displayed in a predetermined manner for the determined distance-speed correlation.

With such a method, a driving assistance can be provided, which allows a driver to perform a course change, with a security in the course change, especially in a lane change, can be increased.

In some embodiments, the method further includes an optional step of capturing an object targeted by a viewer in a reflective element. Thus, the comfort in dealing with the Kurswechselunterstützung can be further increased.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer program with a program code for carrying out the method according to the third aspect is provided when the computer program runs on a programmable hardware component.

It is further to be noted that in the embodiments according to one of the mentioned aspects of the invention, it is possible for data such as the course change indicator, speed and / or distance with respect to a moving object, in particular a rear vehicle, to be permanently displayed in the display , However, it is also conceivable that a display of these data is activated only on the basis of a separate request or coupled with a preparation of a change of direction, for example with the setting of a turn signal in a vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 an exemplary embodiments underlying driving situation;

2A a device according to a first embodiment;

2 B a device according to a second embodiment;

2C a device according to a third embodiment;

3 a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers and / or regions may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

In the following description of the attached figures, which show only some exemplary embodiments, like reference characters may designate the same or similar components. Further, summary reference numerals may be used for components and objects that occur multiple times in one embodiment or in a drawing but are described together in terms of one or more features. Components or objects which are described by the same or by the same reference numerals may be the same, but possibly also different, in terms of individual, several or all features, for example their dimensions, unless otherwise explicitly or implicitly stated in the description.

Although embodiments may be modified and changed in various ways, exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures as examples and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but that embodiments are intended to cover all functional and / or structural modifications, equivalents and alternatives that are within the scope of the invention. Like reference numerals designate like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures.

Note that an element referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. However, when an item is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another item, there are none intermediate elements present. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar fashion (eg, "between" versus "directly in between,""adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "a," "an," and "the" are also meant to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms such as e.g. "Including," "including," "having," and / or "having," as used herein, indicates the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but the presence or addition of a resp one or more features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly assigned to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Further, it should be understood that terms, e.g. those that are defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless this is so is explicitly defined.

1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiments underlying driving situation.

1 shows a moving first vehicle 1 and one to the first vehicle 1 Rear second vehicle 2 , The second vehicle is thus located in a rear space behind the first vehicle 1 , This is the first vehicle 1 on a first lane 3 shown. The second vehicle 2 is located in the rear area of the vehicle 1 on a second lane 4 ,

For a lane change of the first vehicle 1 this is equipped with a device for supporting the track or course change. The device comprises a detection device 10 for detecting a distance and a speed of the at least one rearward vehicle 2 , Whose speed can be relative to the vehicle 1 be recorded. In the according to 1 the example shown is the detection device 10 in the rear area of the first vehicle 1 in the bumper, for example. The detection device 10 can the rear vehicle 2 , in particular its distance and (relative) speed, for example by means of radar signals, laser signals, ultrasonic signals or the like detect. In the example shown, the distance between the two vehicles is measured 1 and 2 at 475 meters.

The device further comprises a display device for displaying an indicator 5 on the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle 2 , The hint 5 can be considered as a multi-step change indicator. In the example according to 1 includes the course change indicator 5 a multi-level gradient 6 and a numeric display 7 the determined distance. The gradient shows here by way of example that the rear vehicle 2 distance and speed is located in a "green" area in which a lane change is classified as uncritical. In one embodiment, the display device could display the hint, for example in the form of the in 1 View displayed image, eg by means of a display in the vehicle 1 ,

Other embodiments will be described below with reference to FIGS 2A - 2C described.

The 2A shows an embodiment of the present invention as an implemented example in a vehicle. It is understood that the device according to the invention can also be used in other means of transportation on land, water and in the air and in other ways than those shown.

In the 2A is a section of a vehicle 1 shown from a position of a vehicle driver. In the field of view shown is on an outside of the vehicle 1 an exterior mirror housing 12 provided, which extends from the vehicle to the outside. In the exterior mirror housing 12 is a mirror element, in short mirror, 12A arranged. The mirror 12A is aligned in a direction opposite to the driver's direction, so that the driver is a view through optical reflection against the direction of travel on the backward traffic is possible. The mirror 12A thus serves as a reflection element.

Moreover, in the in 2A shown embodiment of the exterior mirror housing 12 an active ad 11A for the presentation of the multistage course change indicator 5 arranged. This display 11A is present as part of the mirror housing 12 educated. In alternative embodiments, this display may 11A but also be provided as a separate component that with the mirror housing 12 directly or indirectly connected. Here is the ad 11A at one of the vehicle 1 facing side of the exterior mirror housing 12 arranged. The ad 11A However, it can be equally at the vehicle 1 opposite side of the exterior mirror housing 12 , Be provided on the top or on the underside thereof, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The ad 11A is formed in the embodiment shown here as a multiple active light segments comprehensive display. The individual segments can each shine in the same or in different colors. In particular, they can be monochromatic luminous segments. The color perception caused by monochromatic light in the visible spectral range is called its spectral color. The segments of the ad are according to 2A provided so as to extend over each other in a vertical direction. According to the invention, a varying number of segments can be controlled or illuminated, depending on location and speed data of a rear vehicle 2 , For example, it might behave such that a lane change is considered to be more secure, the more segments of the display 11A are active or light up.

In addition shows 2A a steering wheel 16 of the vehicle 1 and a trip information display 15 which indicates, for example, a speedometer, a tank level indicator, etc. Positions here and below are to be understood in such a way that components which are arranged "in the area" relative to one another can be detected visually at the same time. An indicator or indicator display in the range of the speed indicator is thus to be understood such that the speed indicator and this indicator indicator can be detected at a glance.

In an area between the steering wheel 16 and the exterior mirror housing 12 In addition, in a vertical direction, which is inclined in the direction of travel, a column extends 18 , the so-called A-pillar, of the vehicle 1 ,

2 B shows a further embodiment of the present invention. This is an outside mirror housing 12 shown. At the vehicle 1 facing side of the exterior mirror housing 12 is a course change indicator 11B educated. The ad 11B differs from the previously described ad 11A especially in that - similar to 1 - a color indicator 6 as a course change indicator 5 is provided. In the particular embodiment shown, the color indicator includes 6 three different colors, depending on the distance and speed of a rear vehicle 2 are displayed. An uncritical assessment of distance and speed of the rear vehicle 2 can be represented with a predetermined color, such as green or blue. A somewhat critical but still acceptable range of distance - speed correlation may be represented by a second color, such as yellow or orange. A critical area, which may for example indicate an increased probability of occurrence of accidents, is characterized by a third color, for example red. The color classification and the classification of the different types of traffic surveys may of course vary and are in no way to be considered as limiting.

The ranges mentioned are analogous to those in 2A shown embodiment, again divided into individual segments to allow a differentiated perception of the traffic situation.

Furthermore, in 2 B by way of example also a numeric display for other embodiments 7 for a distance of a rear vehicle 2 shown. This numeric display 7 may also be an indication of speed, or an alternate display of distance and speed. In addition, two numerical displays could be provided, one display shows the speed, the other display the distance. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a display is provided and a display mode is selected on request, for example, the driver.

As further example of 2 B is shown, the device according to the invention in the outer mirror housing, an eye detection means 19 (Eye tracker). With the eye detection means 19 can the position, and thus the line of sight, of a pupil 19A an eye, for example, the driver are detected. From the viewing direction determined in this way it can be determined to which area 13 the look in the mirror 12A is directed. The trip information can then only for that in the area 13 targeted vehicle, here the rear vehicle 2 , being represented. By changing the viewing direction to a second area 14 Thus, another or other vehicle can be selected automatically for which the course change indicator is to be displayed.

The eye-detecting agent 19 can in the outside mirror housing 12 , behind the mirror 12A , which may be at least partially semi-transparent, or at any other point of the mirror housing 12 or of Vehicle interior, as long as a detection of at least one of the pupils is possible.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the mirror itself may comprise a display which superimposes, for example, the mirror image to be recognized and displays the relevant information, such as the course change indicator, the distance and / or speed of one or more rear vehicles.

Although the exterior mirror housing 12 in the in 2 B As shown in the embodiment shown on the side of a passenger, it is understood that the above descriptions may also be implemented on the part of the driver. In this respect, the embodiments of the mirror differ according to 2A and 2 B only in that the display has a different configuration. Position, function and additional features apply to the corresponding other embodiment as also possible.

In 2C another possible embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the description of the same or similar features that have already been described is omitted. In the in 2C shown embodiment is a display 11C to display the course change indicator 5 in the A-pillar 18 of the vehicle 1 integrated. This may in particular be provided such that the display is coated with a transparent material, the color, structure and / or feel the material of the inner lining of the column 18 equivalent.

As apparent from the above-described embodiments, a display can be made 11A . 11B , respectively. 11C in a vehicle 1 be provided so that they can be seen in the field of vision of the driver, while this performs the typical for a lane change control views.

It is also conceivable in other embodiments that, for example, a display is provided in a center console. It is also conceivable that in addition to the embodiments described above, one or more further displays are provided. Such a display could include, in addition to the heading change indicator, a location of a plurality of detected vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 represent, for example in the form of a sketch representation, a simulated projection or with the help of a camera image. 1 In addition to the descriptions above, it can also be regarded as an example of how such a display could be displayed in a vehicle interior.

It is also conceivable that such an environment display has means which comprises a manual selection of the vehicles to be detected. This could include, for example, a touch-sensitive display or, as described above, an eye-detection unit. The present invention is therefore not limited solely to the embodiments described by way of example. Alternatively to the described eye-detection means 19 A selection of one of several rear vehicles could also be made by manual operation, for example via a touch screen, which displays the detected off-value traffic, for example in the form of 1 represents.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the appended claims and the appended figures may be taken to be and effect both individually and in any combination for the realization of an embodiment in its various forms.

3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

After the procedure, as in 3 is shown, in a first step 100 the distance of the rear vehicle 2 relative to the leading vehicle and the speed, determined as relative or absolute speed. If only the absolute speed of the rear vehicle 2 determined, then in a further step, the speed of your own vehicle 1 detected by the relative speed to the rear vehicle 2 be determined. In the vehicle 1 For this purpose, corresponding data processing means (not shown) may be provided. Of course, but also without an intermediate step, the relative speed of the rear vehicle 2 to the vehicle 1 be determined.

Devices for performing such a measurement of the rear vehicle 2 are known and may include, for example, sound measurement methods such as ultrasound, optical measurement methods such as laser measurements and / or other electromagnetic measuring methods such as radar measurements.

The detected speed and the detected distance may be in another optional step 101 correlated with each other to determine a course change indicator as described above. This can be done in a control device, not shown. It can, as out 1 you can see the rear space behind the vehicle 1 divided into different zones. The zone distribution can depend on the speed of the backward vehicle 2 , in particular the relative speed of the rear vehicle 2 , to be grouped. Also, other driving parameters, such as the airspeed, visibility or the like can be observed. For example, a necessary for a safe Ausscheren distance from the front vehicle 1 to the rear vehicle 2 the higher the (relative) speed to the front vehicle, the greater it will be 1 is. Accordingly, a necessary for a safe Ausscheren distance from the front vehicle 1 to the rear vehicle 2 the smaller, the lower its relative speed to the front vehicle 1 is. So there can be a proportional relationship between distance and speed.

In a lane change at a higher relative speed, ie a faster approach of the rear vehicle, a correspondingly greater distance must be maintained in order to change the track safely. The course change indicator can do this by the approach speed of the rear vehicle 2 be weighted to make a more reliable change indication.

Depending on how far away from the leading vehicle 1 So, in which of the divided sectors, the rear vehicle 2 and depending on its speed, the notes or course change indicator 5 then displayed in a corresponding manner (step 102 ).

Thus, a vehicle driver can be provided with reliable information regarding the approach behavior of the rear vehicle.

In summary, for example, in an overtaking / lane change (e.g., highway), embodiments allow an indicator to be visualized in the interior indicating how far ahead a car is ahead of the lane change and what speed it is approaching. This can be done in the form of a color display in the interior and with an indication in meters and speed. The position and integration of the indicator for displaying the distance and speed measurement can be implemented in different positions depending on the design. It can e.g. be completely digitally designed, or physically positioned in a designated space. A possible place for it could be: A-pillar, in the outside wing mirror, at the inside rear view mirror, etc.

The indicator shows from when you can start the overtaking process or should wait until the vehicle to be passed has passed. The display can be displayed as a color or numeric code, or both in combination. Furthermore, it can be recognized on the side mirror which car one has targeted in the form of an eye tracking to define, for example, whether one wants to capture the first or the following vehicle for the calculation. The detection of different vehicles for calculation with respect to the initiation of the overtaking process can be done via the side mirrors and the rearview mirror mounted in the interior.

The ability to display the time, distance and speed can make overtaking easier, especially when driving on the highway at night, where you only recognize two or one headlight in the rearview mirror, making it difficult to estimate the distance and speed without assistance. Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it will be understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be performed using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-Ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or FLASH memory, a hard disk, or other magnetic disk or optical memory are stored on the electronically readable control signals, which can cooperate with a programmable hardware component or cooperate such that the respective method is performed.

A programmable hardware component may be integrated by a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) Circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit), a system on chip (SOC) system, a programmable logic element or a field programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array) may be formed.

The digital storage medium may therefore be machine or computer readable. Thus, some embodiments include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. One embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer readable medium) on which the program is recorded for performing any of the methods described herein.

In general, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product having program code or data, the program code or data operative to perform one of the methods when the program resides on a processor or a computer programmable hardware component expires. The program code or the data can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier. The program code or the data may be present, inter alia, as source code, machine code or bytecode as well as other intermediate code.

Another embodiment is further a data stream, a signal sequence, or a sequence of signals that represents the program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data stream, the signal sequence or the sequence of signals can be configured, for example, to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet or another network. Embodiments are also data representing signal sequences that are suitable for transmission over a network or a data communication connection, the data representing the program.

For example, a program according to one embodiment may implement one of the methods during its execution by, for example, reading or writing one or more data into memory locations, optionally switching operations or other operations in transistor structures, amplifier structures, or other electrical, optical, magnetic or caused by another operating principle working components. Accordingly, by reading a memory location, data, values, sensor values or other information can be detected, determined or measured by a program. A program can therefore acquire, determine or measure quantities, values, measured variables and other information by reading from one or more storage locations, as well as effect, initiate or execute an action by writing to one or more storage locations and control other devices, machines and components ,

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• US 5917666 A [0004]
• JP 58105105 A1 [0004]
• DE 102007007507 A1 [0005]
• DE 4313568 C1 [0005]
• DE 10134367 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Device for assisting a change of course of a vehicle ( 1 ), comprising: a detection device ( 10 ) for detecting a distance and a speed of at least one to the vehicle ( 1 ) rearward vehicle ( 2 ); and a display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) to display a note ( 5 ) to the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle ( 2 ). Device according to claim 1, wherein the device additionally comprises at least one reflection element ( 12A ) and wherein the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) comprises a visually detectable display relative to the reflective element ( 12A ) is arranged in such a way that together with the reflection element ( 12A ) is visually detectable. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ), the note ( 5 ) in the form of a color indicator with a dependent on the detected distance and / or the detected speed gradient. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the color indicator is designed such that in the case of a determination of the distance and the speed at least in a predetermined non-critical range at least a first color is displayed and / or in the case of a determination of the distance and the speed at least in a predetermined critical area at least a second color can be displayed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ), the detected distance and / or the detected speed of the at least one rearward vehicle ( 2 ) numerically. Device according to one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein the device further comprises eye detection means ( 19 ) for determining one of a viewer in the reflection element ( 12A ) aimed at the rear vehicle ( 2 ) having. Device according to claim 6, wherein the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) is formed, the rear of the viewer vehicle ( 2 ) and / or the rear vehicle targeted by the viewer ( 2 ) corresponding note ( 5 ). Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the reflection element ( 12A ) comprises an active display and wherein by means of the active display the indication ( 5 ) and / or the speed and / or the distance of at least one moving object ( 2 ) so on the reflection element ( 12A ) can be represented that it is the illustrated rear vehicle ( 2 ) can be assigned. Vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle ( 1 ) at least one reflection means ( 12A ) and wherein a visual display of the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) as part of the reflection means ( 12A ) is trained. Vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the reflection means ( 12A ) a mirror of the vehicle ( 1 ). Vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one visual display of the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) is integrated in the vehicle interior. Vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one visual display of the display device ( 11A . 11B . 11C ) in the A-pillar ( 18 ) and / or in the center console and / or in the area of the speedometer ( 15 ) of the vehicle is provided. Method for supporting a course change of a vehicle ( 1 ), comprising the following steps: detecting a distance as well as a speed of at least one to the vehicle ( 1 ) rearward vehicle; and displaying a note ( 5 ) to the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle ( 2 ). A method according to claim 14, wherein, when detected, a distance and a velocity of a signal from a viewer in a reflection element ( 12A ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) aimed at the rear vehicle ( 2 ).

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