EP1962257A1 - Method and device for improving the traffic safety of means of transport - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining a current position (11) and a current direction (12) at specified intervals in a transport device (1). Geographical description data is retrieved for an exclusion zone and a danger area from a control center (40) via a communication unit (15). Collision calculation (20) is performed for the zone and area for the determined position, direction and the data. A warning message (23) is issued upon receiving a warning condition, where the condition is selected to prevent intrusion into the zone and the danger area by way of appropriate counter maneuvering. An independent claim is also included for a device for improving traffic safety of a transport device.

Description

In aviation, dangerous situations arise again and again as aircraft unintentionally fly into restricted military zones or into the approach lanes of airports. This applies in particular to general aviation aircraft, which are not subject to air traffic control. Since no traffic signs can be mounted in the air, as in traffic, maps with the information shown therein are currently the only source of information for the pilots. Maps only allow a 2D representation. Some exclusion zones such as However, entry lanes only apply at certain altitudes; above and sometimes under it may be flown.

A similar situation is in shipping. Here outside the shore area traffic signs can only be realized as buoys. Otherwise, only the map remains as a source of information.

From the publication
http://www.siemens.com/index.jsp?sdc p = cfi103168510mno1262263 ps5uz3 & sdc bcpath = 1327899.s 5% 2C1034230.s 5% 2C1031937.s 5% 2C & sdc sid = 23466753061 &) For example, a proof is known that "Virtual traffic signs" make driving safer. This known concept provides as supplement to existing signs and guidance systems, the driver to transmit individual information by inserting the windshield, such as references to the current speed limit or short-term construction sites or accidents. The transmission medium from a central traffic management system to the vehicle can be mobile radio or DVB (Digital Video Broadcast).

From the publication
http://www.siemens.com/index.jsp?sdc p = cfi103168510mno1241443 ps5uz3 & sdc bcpath = 1327899.s 5% 2C1034230.s 5% 2C1031937.s 5% 2C & sdc sid = 510140024 &) is also known, for example, a method to display information to individual users as they approach a particular location associated with the information.

The object underlying the invention is now to specify a method and a device for improving road safety in aviation and shipping in road traffic.

This object is achieved in terms of the method by the features of claim 1 and in terms of the device by the features of claim 7 according to the invention.

The other claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the method.

The invention consists essentially in the fact that traffic safety in aviation and shipping as well as in road traffic, is improved in a simple and cost-effective manner by determining a current position and current direction at certain intervals, geographic description data for at least one lock. or hazard area is retrieved from a control center and from these data with the aid of a warning condition at least one warning is generated, if the warning condition is met, the warning condition is chosen so that an intrusion into the at least one restricted or dangerous area by a corresponding counter-maneuver safely is avoidable.

Figur 1

eine Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Erfindung im Falle von Flugzeugen und Schiffen,

Figur 2

eine Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Erfindung im Falle von Straßenfahrzeugen,

Figur 3

eine Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Leitsystems im Falle von Straßenfahrzeugen und

Figur 4

eine Darstellung zur Erläuterung Warnungsausgabe im Falle von Straßenfahrzeugen.

The invention will be explained with reference to embodiments shown in the drawing.
Showing:

FIG. 1

a representation to illustrate the invention in the case of aircraft and ships,

FIG. 2

a representation to illustrate the invention in the case of road vehicles,

FIG. 3

a representation for explaining the control system in the case of road vehicles and

FIG. 4

a representation for explaining warning issue in the case of road vehicles.

plane

In FIG. 1 an aircraft-mounted device according to the invention 1 is shown, which constantly determines the current position 11 of the aircraft via a satellite-based position determination system 30, such as GPS. From the values of successive position determinations, the current flight direction 12 is calculated.

The device 1 according to the invention has at least one digital map 14 of the area to be overflight, in which the current restricted or dangerous areas are noted.

Prior to departure and optionally also during the flight as required, the device 1 receives information from a control center 40 about temporary or short-term set-up restricted or danger areas which are located in the vicinity of its planned flight route. This can e.g. be an overflight ban because of an event. This updating is done, for example, via cellular, e.g. GSM / GPRS or UMTS or other wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi or WiMAX. For this purpose, device 1 is equipped with a communication unit 15.

In one embodiment of the invention, a land or flight map with the current environment of the aircraft is displayed on a display 3 in the aircraft cockpit. The current position and orientation of the aircraft is displayed in the map. In the map are also the current ones Barrier or danger areas indicated. Optionally, the scale of the displayed map section can be selected by the pilot here.

During flight, a component for collision calculation 20 constantly checks the danger of possible entry into a restricted area using the information about the current position 11 and direction 12 of the aircraft as well as the topography of the terrain and the location of the restricted areas from a map interface 13 or the map 14th

When the aircraft approaches a restricted area during the flight, it is automatically alerted by the device 1 by an acoustic signal without the need for communication with a control center or other monitoring point outside the aircraft. For the acoustic signal, an audible warning 22 is assembled and output via a speaker 2 in the cockpit. In addition, a corresponding warning 23 is inserted in the map display and output on the display 3 in the cockpit.

Optionally, the warning is also displayed by projection by means of a head-up display 4 in the windshield of the aircraft cockpit. In the windshield, the three-dimensional restricted area is represented with techniques of augmented reality in such a way that from the pilot's point of view it appears to be embedded precisely in the landscape offered by the windshield. In addition, the distance to the restricted area and, when flying over or below, the expected height above or below the restricted area are displayed in text form.

Optionally, the warnings 23 are amplified as the aircraft continues to approach the restricted area and would enter the restricted area if its current direction is maintained.

If the aircraft has already penetrated into the restricted area, optionally suitable information is generated and displayed in order to leave the restricted area as quickly as possible and without additional dangers.

For example, during flight, the pilot may receive individualized instructions from an air traffic controller from the control center 40, e.g. to take a certain altitude or turn off in a certain direction. These instructions are implemented by the device 1 in corresponding maneuvering instructions, such as "fall to 500 meters", "course 185" o. Ä., And monitored their implementation and with comments, such as. "Target height reached" o. Ä. , Mistake.

For non-autopilot aircraft, this technique can also be used to monitor compliance with a planned or assigned flight route and altitude and to provide corrective guidance.

ship

An analogous application of this method is possible in shipping: the current position and direction of the ship is constantly being determined. On a display, the current position and orientation of the ship is displayed in a nautical chart. The coastal formation, restricted areas, obstacles and shallows are noted in the map. In addition, the system knows the current, depending on the loading draft of the ship.

Temporary or short-term restricted areas or obstacles, e.g. Restricted areas due to a regatta or due to an accident, along the planned route receives the ship before the departure or if necessary also during the journey over radio.

Approaching the ship to a location where, due to its current draft and current external conditions, z. As tides, wave height and wind, could lead to an accident, a corresponding warning is automatically issued: acoustically, by text message in a display and by marking the danger point in the map.

road vehicle

In road traffic, this procedure warns a driver of hazards and problems, such as black ice, traffic jams at a specific location, temporary construction sites and speed limits. This will be explained below FIG. 2 explained in more detail.

The invention is similar to that already described above. Device 1 sends at certain intervals its current position to the control system 40, which takes place, for example, after every kilometer covered or in the inner city area more often than, for example, on the highway.

This in FIG. 3 In this case, guidance system 40, which is shown in more detail, knows danger zones or danger areas in its area of responsibility. These are stored in a hazardous location memory 45 of the control system. The danger spots or danger areas are assigned to a geographical location. They can have a certain extent. For example, in the case of traffic jams, you can limit yourself to one direction of the road.

If the control system 40 receives a position message 43 of a vehicle via a communication interface 41, then it checks in a relevance check component 44 whether danger points in the vicinity of this position are contained in its hazard location memory 45. If this is the case, the corresponding information is sent via the communication link 41 to the device 1 in the vehicle and stored there.

The device 1 in the vehicle continues to determine its current position and speed. If it now approaches the locally stored danger point further, this is detected by its component 20 and it is an audible warning 22 is generated and output via the speaker 2 to the driver. At the same time, this warning can also be generated optionally in textual or graphic form and displayed on a display in cockpit 3 or in the display of any navigation system present. Optionally, this warning can also be displayed by projection by means of a head-up display 4 in the windshield of the vehicle.

If the vehicle has a navigation system with a map display, the danger point can optionally be displayed in the map as soon as it has been transmitted from the control system 40 to the device 1 in the vehicle.

If danger spots are no longer present, e.g. because a traffic jam has dissolved, the control center 40 sends a corresponding message to the device 1 in the vehicle. The reference to the danger point is then deleted in the map display and the driver is no longer warned when he approaches the spot.

If the driver discovers a danger point that is not yet known in the control system, he can optionally detect it with the detection component 26 via an input medium 6 and notify the control system 40 via the communication connection 41.

In addition, information about danger spots on a PC 50 can optionally be created with the aid of the web interface 47 and stored in the hazard location memory 45. In the same way, information about danger points in the hazard location memory can be modified or deleted.

FIG. 4 shows when the information about a point of danger transmitted to the device 1 and when the warning is issued. On a road 60 an accident has occurred here, for example, at a point 61. A vehicle at position 62 is approaching the scene of the accident. The vehicle sends its current position to the control system 40 at a certain distance, eg every kilometer. As soon as the vehicle transmits a position to the control system which is located in an outer circle 63, the so-called transmission radius, the information about the accident is first transmitted transmitted from the control system 40 to the device 1. The vehicle continues to determine constantly, ie, for example, every second, its current position. As soon as it detects a position which lies in an inner circle 64, the so-called indicator radius, the warning is issued.

The distance between the actual danger point and the point at which the driver is warned is speed-dependent; at high speed, e.g. on highways, the warning is given already at a greater distance before the danger spot than in the city area.

In addition to information about danger spots, the control system can manage any other location-related information and transmit it to the device 1 in terms of time and situation.

Motorists can be warned about dangers in a timely and precise manner with this solution. This alert is much more helpful than a broadcast alert such as: B. "Accident on Highway A .. between junctions B .. and C ... The tail end is behind a bend."

Claims (7)

Method of improving the traffic safety of means of transport, in which at least one current position (11) and one current direction (12) are determined at certain intervals in the means of transport, - in which geographical description data for at least one restricted or danger area is retrieved from a control system (40) via a communication unit (15), in which at least one of the position, the direction, the description data for the at least one restricted or hazardous area and a warning condition is a collision or warning area calculation (20) and at least one warning (22, 23, 24) is generated, if the warning condition is met, wherein the warning condition is chosen so that an intrusion into the at least one restricted or dangerous area by a corresponding counter-maneuver is reliably avoidable. Method according to claim 1, - where the description data for the at least one restricted or hazardous area is currently available at regular intervals. Method according to claim 1, in which the current position is sent to the control system (40) by the means of transport at certain intervals and, as soon as a position lying within a specific outer circle (63) belonging to the restricted area or hazard zone is transmitted to the control system for the first time, the information about at least one restricted or hazardous area is transmitted back to the means of transport by the control system (40) and - Wherein continues the current position means of transport is determined and as soon as a position is detected, which is in an area belonging to the containment or danger area inner circle (64), the warning is generated. Method according to claim 3, - Wherein the at least one warning (22, 23, 24) contains instructions for the counter maneuver. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, - In which the radius of the inner circle (64) is determined depending on the speed, wherein at high speed, a larger radius is set than at low speed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, - in which at least one of the warnings is reinforced, unless a corresponding counter-maneuver is initiated. Device for improving the traffic safety of means of transport, in which a navigation unit is present in such a way that a current position (11) and a current direction (12) can be determined at certain intervals, in which a communication unit (15) is present in such a way that geographical description data for at least one restricted or dangerous area can be called up from a control center (40), - In which a unit for collision calculation (20) is provided such that from the position, the direction, the description data for at least one restricted or hazardous area and a warning condition, a warning (22, 23, 24) can be generated, if the warning condition is satisfied.

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