WO2015091024A2

WO2015091024A2 - Device, method and computer programme for supporting a course change of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2015091024A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/076722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sükrü CENGIL
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-05
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Also published as: WO2015091024A3; DE102013226773A1

Abstract

Embodiments relate to devices, methods and computer programmes for supporting a course change of a vehicle (1) and to vehicles comprising such a device. A device for supporting a course change of a vehicle (1) has a detection device (10) for detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle (2) that is located to the rear of vehicle (1), and a display device (11A, 11B, 11C) for displaying an information regarding the detected distance and speed of the rear vehicle (2).

Description

description

Apparatus, method and computer program for supporting a course change of a

vehicle

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs for assisting a course change of a vehicle, as well

Vehicles with such a device.

Lane changes in vehicles, especially at high speeds, in bad

Visibility conditions, such as rain or night driving, often carry the risk that neither the distance nor the speed of vehicles approaching from behind, are estimated 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, as known for example from US Pat. No. 5,917,666 A or JP 58 105 105 A1, has embedded in a motor vehicle various passive rearview mirror indicators in a mirror glass, which, owing to the size of the rear view mirror shown in FIG

Close the vehicle 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 known for example from DE 10 2007 007 507 A1, DE 43 13 568 C1, DE 101 34 367 A1.

However, it is the aspiration of many drivers regardless of such

Driving Recommendations to make decisions based on own observations of traffic and driving experience. So on the one hand the driving pleasure can be increased. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the driver from situational reasons one of the recommended driving wants or has to make a conflicting decision. 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

Assist a course change of a vehicle to provide.

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 multistage indicator or reference can be carried out either digitally, analogously, mechanically or in a mixed form

In the following, it will be understood that the hint not only has binary information, such as "lane change possible / not possible", but the hint more as having only two information levels. 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 run time measurements of sensor signals of

Detecting device can determine the distance and speed. 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 be mounted, for example, in the rear area, in particular in the bumper, of the vehicle in order to detect rear traffic. The detection device can in some

Embodiments also include a rear camera, with the

Display device is coupled.

The display device may include the indication of the detected distance and the detected

Basically indicate 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 comprise a visually detectable display, which is arranged relative to the reflection element such that it in particular by a driver together with the

Reflection element is visually detected. 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 can the driver will 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 at least a second color, for example red, indicate when 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 between 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 granted to the driver of the rear vehicle, in contrast, with "critical" one

Parameter field from distance and speed designates, with which a course change brings a falling below the safety distance and only a shortened reaction time for the driver of the rear vehicle with itself. 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 numerically display a distance and / or a speed of the at least one moving object. This allows the driver for a Kursbzw. Track change relevant data immediately capture. 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 detection means can have one or more cameras, which a

Allow 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 uniquely, so that the driver can get at a glance the data of various objects provided. This in turn can increase a perception of the traffic situation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle

Device according to 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 such be made that this 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, for example, in the A-pillar, in the center console, or in the field of

Speed indicator of the vehicle may be provided. Of course, it is also conceivable that a plurality of displays is provided, which are provided at various locations. Also, in different places in the vehicle interior or in the area of

Exterior mirror housing various parts of the display, such as course change indicator, speed value or distance value to be provided separately from each other. Thus, the most relevant information can be given to a driver at the most suitable position, which can increase ride comfort.

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 hint 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:

Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiments underlying driving situation;

2A shows a device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2B shows a device according to a second embodiment; FIG.

2C shows a device according to a third embodiment;

3 shows a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary 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, only a few

Exemplary embodiments show the same reference numerals may designate the same or similar components. Further, summary reference numbers may be used for components and objects that occur multiple times in an embodiment or in a drawing, but with respect to one or more features be described together. Components or objects which are described by the same or by the same reference numerals may be identical in terms of individual, several or all features, for example their dimensions, but may also be different if the description does not explicitly or implicitly make reference to 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 that

Rather, embodiments should be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but embodiments should 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. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly in between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain

Embodiments 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. Further, it should be understood that the terms such as "including,""including,""having," and / or "having," as used herein, indicate the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components. but does not preclude the presence or addition of 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. It should also be made clear that expressions, for example those used in general

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 expressly defined herein.

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiments underlying driving situation.

FIG. 1 shows a moving first vehicle 1 and a second vehicle 2 rearward relative to the first vehicle 1. The second vehicle is thus situated in a rear space behind the first vehicle 1. The first vehicle 1 is shown on a first traffic lane 3. 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 provided with a device for

Support the track or course change equips. The device comprises a

Detecting device 10 for detecting a distance and a speed of the at least one rearward vehicle 2. Its speed can be detected relative to the vehicle 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the detection device 10 is located in the rear region of the first vehicle 1, for example in its bumper. The detection device 10 may be the rear vehicle 2, in particular its distance and (relative) speed, for example by means of radar signals,

Capture laser signals, ultrasonic signals or the like. In the example shown, the distance between the two vehicles 1 and 2 is 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 reference 5 can be regarded as a multi-level course change indicator. In the example according to FIG. 1, the course change indicator 5 comprises a multilevel color gradient 6 and a numeric display 7 of the determined distance. The color gradient indicates here by way of example that the rearward vehicle 2 is located in distance and speed in a "green" area in which a lane change is classified as uncritical Embodiment, the display device could display the hint, for example in the form of the image shown in Fig. 1, for example by means of a display in the vehicle. 1

Further embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 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.

FIG. 2A shows a section of a vehicle 1 from a position of a vehicle

Vehicle driver seen from. In the field of view shown is on an outside of the

Vehicle 1, an outer mirror housing 12 is provided, which extends from the vehicle to the outside. In the outer mirror housing 12, a mirror element, in short mirror 12A is arranged. The mirror 12A is in one of the driver's viewing direction

Aligned in opposite directions, giving the driver a look through optical

Reflection against the direction of travel on the backward traffic is possible. The mirror 12A thus serves as a reflection element.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, an active display 1 1A for displaying the multistage course change indicator 5 is arranged on the exterior mirror housing 12. This display 1 1 A is in this case formed as part of the mirror housing 12. In alternative embodiments, this display 1 1A may also be provided as a separate component, which is connected directly or indirectly to the mirror housing 12. In the present case, the display 1 1A is arranged on a side of the outer mirror housing 12 facing the vehicle 1. However, the display 1 1A can equally be provided on the side facing away from the vehicle 1 of the outer mirror housing 12, at the top or at the bottom, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The display 1 1A is in the embodiment shown here as one more active

Lighting segments comprehensive display formed. 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 display are provided as shown in FIG. 2A so as to be in a vertical direction extend over each other. 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 could behave such that a lane change is classified the safer, the more segments of the display 1 1 A are active respectively.

come on.

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

In addition, in a region between the steering wheel 16 and the outer mirror housing 12, a pillar 18, the so-called A pillar, of the vehicle 1 extends in a vertical direction, which is inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of travel.

Fig. 2B shows another embodiment of the present invention. There is one

Exterior mirror housing 12 is shown. At the vehicle 1 side facing the

Outside mirror housing 12 is a course change indicator 1 1 B is formed. The display 1 1 B differs from the previously described display 1 1 A in particular in that - similar to Fig. 1 - a color indicator 6 is provided as a course change indicator 5. In the specific embodiment shown, the color indicator 6 includes three different colors that are displayed depending on the distance and speed of a rear vehicle 2. An uncritical assessment of the distance and speed of the rear vehicle 2 can be represented with a predetermined color, for example 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 regions mentioned are, in analogy to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, in turn divided into individual segments, in order to enable a differentiated perception of the traffic situation.

Furthermore, a numerical display 7 for a distance of a rear vehicle 2 is shown by way of example also for other embodiments in FIG. 2B. This numerical display 7 may also be an indication of the 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 illustrated by the example of FIG. 2B, the device according to the invention can have an eye detection means 19 (eye tracker) in the outside mirror housing. With the eye detection means 19, the position, and thus the viewing direction, of a pupil 19A of an eye, for example, of the vehicle driver can be detected. From the viewing direction determined in this way, it can be determined on soft area 13 the view is directed in the mirror 12A. The travel information can then be displayed only for the vehicle targeted in the area 13, in this case the rear vehicle 2. By changing the viewing direction to a second area 14, a further or different vehicle can thus be automatically selected for which the course change indicator is to be displayed.

The eye detection means 19 can be arranged in the outer mirror housing 12, behind the mirror 12A, which may be at least partially semi-transparent, or at any other location of the mirror housing 12 or the 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 outside mirror housing 12 is shown on the side of a passenger in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, it will be understood that the above descriptions may be made by the driver of the vehicle. In that respect, the difference Embodiments of the mirror according to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B only in that the display has a different configuration. Position, function and additional features apply to the corresponding other embodiment as also possible.

In Fig. 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 embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, a display 1 1 C for displaying the heading change indicator 5 is integrated in the A-pillar 18 of the vehicle 1. This can be provided in particular such that the display is covered with a transparent material which corresponds in color, structure and / or feel to the material of the inner lining of the column 18.

As is apparent from the embodiments described above, a display 1 1 A, 1 1 B, or 1 1 C may be provided in a vehicle 1 such that these in the field of view of the

Vehicle driver can be seen while performing the typical for a lane change control views.

It is also conceivable in other embodiments that, for example, in a

Center console an indication is provided. It is also conceivable that in addition to the embodiments described above, one or more further displays are provided. Such a display could represent, in addition to the course change indicator, a position of a plurality of detected vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, for example in the form of a sketch representation, a simulated projection or with the aid of a camera image. In addition to the above descriptions, FIG. 1 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 be a

touch-sensitive display or, as described above, include an eye detection unit. The present invention is therefore not limited solely to the embodiments described by way of example. As an alternative 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 represents the detected backward traffic, for example in the form of Fig. 1. 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.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to FIG

Embodiment of the present invention.

According to the method, as shown in FIG. 3, in a first step 100, the distance of the rear vehicle 2 relative to the leading vehicle and the speed is determined as relative or absolute speed. Will be only the absolute

Speed of the rearward vehicle 2 is determined, it can be detected in a further step, the speed of the own vehicle 1 detected by the relative speed to the rear vehicle 2. In the vehicle 1 corresponding data processing means, not shown, may be provided for this purpose. Of course, however, the relative speed of the rear vehicle 2 to the vehicle 1 can also be determined without an intermediate step.

Devices for carrying out such a measurement of the rear vehicle 2 are known and can, for example, sound measurement methods such as ultrasound, optical

Measuring methods such as laser measurements and / or other electromagnetic measuring methods such as radar measurements include.

The detected speed and the detected distance may be correlated with each other in a further optional step 101 to determine a heading change indicator as described above. This can be done in a control device, not shown. It can, as can be seen from Fig. 1, the rear space behind the

Vehicle 1 are divided into different zones. The zone distribution can depend on the speed of the rear vehicle 2, in particular the

Relative speed of the rear vehicle 2, to be divided. 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 its (relative) speed to the front vehicle 1 is. Accordingly, a necessary for a safe Ausscheren distance from the front vehicle 1 to the rear vehicle 2 all the more be 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 safely change the lane. The heading change indicator may be weighted by the approach speed of the rearward vehicle 2 to provide a more reliable heading change indication.

Depending on the distance from the leading vehicle 1, that is, in which of the divided sectors, the rear vehicle 2 is located and depending on its speed, the clues or course change indicator 5 can then to a

be presented accordingly (step 102).

Thus, a vehicle driver reliable information regarding the

Approach behavior of the rear vehicle to be delivered.

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 the calculation with regard to the initiation of the overtaking process can be done on the side mirrors and mounted in the interior rearview mirror.

The ability to display the time, distance and speed, the

Make overtaking easier, especially when driving on the highway at night, where in the rearview mirror only two or one headlight recognizes and thus the distance and speed can estimate without help difficult.

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 such that a block or device of a device may also be referred to as a device

corresponding process step or as a feature of a process step is to be understood. Likewise, aspects related to or as related to one another

Also, a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device is described.

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 implemented by a processor, a

A computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit) A system on chip (SOC) system, a programmable logic element or a field programmable gate array with a

Be formed microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array).

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 being interfaced with a programmable computer system or computer programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. An embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the

Program for performing any of the methods described herein is recorded.

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. Exemplary embodiments are thus also data representing

Signal sequences that are for transmission over a network or a

Data communication connection are suitable, wherein the data represent 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 values and other information by reading from one or more storage locations, as well as effecting, initiating or executing an action by writing to one or more storage locations and other devices, machines and

Control components. The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is 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 following claims and not by the specific

Details limited to the description and explanation of the embodiments herein are limited.

Claims

claims

A device for assisting a course change of a vehicle (1), comprising:

detection means (10) for detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle (2) rearward of the vehicle (1); and a display device (1 1 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) for displaying an indication (5) of the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device also at least one

Reflective element (12A) and wherein the display device (1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) comprises a visually detectable display, which is arranged relative to the reflection element (12A) such that they can be detected visually together with the reflection element (12A) is.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device (1 1 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) is formed, the hint (5) in the form of a color indicator with one of the detected distance and / or the detected speed dependent Show color gradient.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the color indicator is designed such that in the case of determining the distance and the speed at least in a predetermined uncritical region 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.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) is formed, the detected distance and / or the detected

Speed of the at least one rearward vehicle (2) numerically

display.

The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the apparatus further comprises eye detecting means (19) for determining one of a viewer in the

Reflection element (12A) sighted rear vehicle (2).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the display device (1 1 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C)

is configured to display the rearward vehicle (2) and / or the corresponding to the rear of the vehicle targeted by the viewer (2) hint (5) from the viewer.

8. 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 of the hint (5) and / or the speed and / or the distance of at least one moving object (2) so can be represented on the reflection element (12A) that it can be assigned to the illustrated rearward vehicle (2).

9. vehicle (1) comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims.

A vehicle (1) according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle (1) comprises at least reflection means (12A) and wherein a visual indication of the display means (1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) is formed as part of the reflection means (12A) is.

1 1. A vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the reflection means (12A) is a mirror of the vehicle (1).

12. Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 9 to 1 1, wherein at least one visual

Display of the display device (1 1 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) is integrated into the vehicle interior.

13. Vehicle (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one visual display of

Display device (1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C) in the A-pillar (18) and / or in the center console and / or in the range of the speedometer (15) of the vehicle is provided.

14. A method for supporting a course change of a vehicle (1), with the following

steps:

Detecting a distance and a speed of at least one vehicle to the rear of the vehicle (1); and Displaying an indication (5) of the detected distance and the detected speed of the rear vehicle (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in detecting a distance and a

Speed of a rear vehicle (2) aimed at by an observer in a reflection element (12A) of the vehicle (1).