DE102024207561A1 - Method and device for promoting a desired driving behavior of drivers of motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for promoting desired driving behavior in motor vehicles (1), wherein information (34, 36, 38, 40) relating to a journey in the motor vehicle (1) is displayed to a driver by means of a display device (12), in particular in the form of a head-up display (HUD), wherein at least one of these pieces of information (34) is characteristic of a route to be traveled by the motor vehicle, and wherein at least one piece of information characteristic of the current journey of the motor vehicle is further captured by means of at least one detection device (14). According to the invention, virtual bonuses (20) are displayed to the driver by means of augmented reality and by means of the display device (12), which the driver can win and collect, in particular, by means of a predetermined driving style.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for promoting desired driving behavior in motor vehicle drivers and a corresponding motor vehicle. It is well known that motor vehicle drivers have individual and different styles for driving a motor vehicle in road traffic. Certain behaviors can either promote or hinder the flow of traffic.

For example, vehicles on highways should not use the overtaking lane if the right-hand lane is unoccupied. Similarly, specific driving behavior when merging in traffic jams or on single-lane sections can improve traffic flow.

Certain behaviors in road traffic are known to be punishable as administrative offenses with penalty points. The present invention, however, pursues a different approach, namely one that promotes or encourages compliant or advantageous behavior on the part of a motor vehicle driver.

From the US 2014/0342790 A1 A device and a method for conducting a game that promotes safe driving are known. In this game, a route is recommended to the driver. More precisely, a route is suggested to the driver via a head-up display based on information relating to the route. The distance to other vehicles can also be measured.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In an inventive method for promoting desired driving behavior in motor vehicle drivers, information relating to a journey in the motor vehicle is displayed to the driver by means of a display device (in particular in the form of a head-up display). At least one of these pieces of information is characteristic of a route to be traveled by the motor vehicle. Furthermore, at least one piece of information characteristic of the current journey of the motor vehicle (and preferably several such pieces of information) is captured by means of at least one detection device.

According to the invention, virtual bonuses are displayed to the driver using augmented reality and the display device, which the driver can win and collect, in particular, through a predetermined driving style.

These virtual bonuses are displayed in a particularly advantageous way, allowing the driver to win and, in particular, collect them by guiding the vehicle along a desired route.

Preferably, a (target) route is determined, particularly based on a determined vehicle position and/or a future route, which, when used, promotes traffic flow and/or road safety compared to other routes. For example, such a (target) route on highways could be the right-hand lane if it is unoccupied. If a turn from a road is imminent, this (target) route could be a corresponding turning lane, to which the vehicle should move early. The (target) route could also be an alternative route, for example, to bypass a traffic jam.

It is therefore proposed that, in particular, both a route ahead of the driver or the ego-vehicle (e.g., by means of a navigation system) and another value characteristic of the journey, such as a specific position of the vehicle, like the lane of a motorway, should be taken into account.

These bonuses and/or a position of these bonuses are displayed particularly advantageously depending on at least one value recorded by the recording device.

The invention relates to a method for using an augmented reality display to influence the driver's driving behavior, preferably in a playful manner, and in particular to reward this with digital awards. Data from the detection device, for example an external camera, and the current location are also preferably evaluated in this process.

Therefore, it is preferable to record the current location or (actual) position of the motor vehicle.

Head-up displays (HUDs) are already standard technology in modern vehicles. They allow the display of driving and navigation information. Head-up displays (head-up displays) preferably project information (such as speed and/or navigation instructions) into the user's or driver's field of vision, allowing the user to maintain their gaze and thus their head position. This information is preferably displayed via optical projection (especially into the user's eye) using a projector (and preferably a mirror optic installed in the vehicle). A glass surface (such as the windshield) serves as the reflective or projection surface. While driving information (such as the current speed) is often static or changes only slightly, navigation information can also be displayed dynamically and projected, for example, onto a road.

Preferably, the windshield of the vehicle is designed as a head-up display. However, it would also be conceivable for (at least) one or more side windows and/or the rear window of the vehicle to be designed as a head-up display. This could, for example, promote shoulder checks and/or desired driving behavior when reversing.

However, it would also be possible to indicate coin collection acoustically or on the conventional display without a head-up display. It should therefore be noted that the present invention is also feasible with a display device other than a head-up display. However, the use of a head-up display offers advantages, as the driver is not distracted from the road.

This display can, for example, create the impression that the path indicating a left or right turn is floating on the corresponding turning lane. The driver therefore does not have to take their eyes off the road to read information about the next such maneuver.

This technology is used in this invention to project content typically found in video games onto the road, thereby playfully influencing a user's driving behavior. It is also possible to share high scores and awards with other players, as described in more detail below.

Information relevant to a motor vehicle journey can include, for example, the vehicle's speed, distance, and similar data, including information about other vehicles (especially those ahead or in adjacent lanes). It can also include an imminent route, such as a motorway exit or a right or left turn from a main road. Furthermore, it can include the vehicle's precise position, such as the lane it is currently in.

Preferably, several of these pieces of information are used to display the augmented reality objects to the driver, such as the vehicle's exact current position, its speed, its acceleration, and a distance to a vehicle ahead or to a vehicle traveling in the same direction in another lane.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that participants or drivers could collect awards at special locations, for example, when crossing national borders. In this way, the use of a motor vehicle can be specifically promoted.

In addition, bonuses characteristic of specific regions can be collected preferentially, such as bonuses typical of driving in Italy. Furthermore, it would also be possible to collect certain bonuses for specific drives, such as driving on winding mountain roads.

The invention is therefore based on the concept of promoting correct or advantageous driving behavior through rewards.

This invention specifically proposes virtual rewards. However, it would also be possible to link these rewards to real benefits, such as discounts on future refueling or charging of the vehicle (especially at certain gas stations), or the possibility of special offers such as free drinks at gas stations, and the like.

In addition, it would also be possible to collect points or bonuses if the driver drives in a particularly environmentally conscious manner, for example by minimizing their fuel or electricity consumption.

In another preferred method, at least one piece of information characteristic of the bonuses, and in particular of accumulated bonuses, is stored. This may, in particular, be the number of bonuses and/or the value of different bonuses.

More precisely, bonuses of varying values could be awarded. This would allow bonuses to be collected individually by different drivers of the same vehicle. For this purpose, multiple accounts for multiple drivers could ideally be created for a single vehicle. This would be particularly relevant for company cars used by several drivers. For example, the vehicle could automatically register a specific driver, or a driver could log in to a specific vehicle.

It is also possible, preferably, to link a specific points or bonus balance to a particular driver. This allows the driver to continue this points balance in another vehicle equipped with the same technology. In this way, bonuses could also be accumulated with rental or leased vehicles, for example.

In addition, it would be possible to display leaderboards or rankings, for example, via a display system. This would allow users to compare themselves with other users who are also collecting bonuses with the same vehicle, or with other vehicles.

It is particularly desirable to save the time or period during which collected bonuses were collected along with the bonus(s). Additionally, the location where the bonus(s) were collected can also be saved. Furthermore, other data such as the vehicle's instantaneous speed at the location where the bonus was collected can also be saved.

In another preferred method, the bonuses are displayed in such a way that the driver can earn them by switching to a defined route or adhering to a defined route. For example, the bonuses can be displayed in such a way that the driver must "drive over" them to collect them.

In another preferred method, the bonuses are displayed in such a way that they appear to the driver as if floating above the road. This is particularly possible through the use of a head-up display (HUD).

In this way, the driver can be motivated to adhere to certain driving routes, for example, to move into the right lane on a motorway where the right lane is clear.

Bonuses could also be awarded for other driver behaviors. For example, if a driver is traveling at a slightly excessive speed, faded bonuses could be displayed, which cannot be collected if the driver maintains that speed. These bonuses can become collectable once the driver is within the speed limit. Additionally, the driver could be informed that the relevant bonuses can be collected if the speed is reduced.

This can encourage drivers to adhere to the prescribed speed. However, it would also be possible to reduce a driver's bonus balance in this context. For example, if a speed limit is exceeded, "penalties" could be incurred, which would deduct previously collected bonuses.

Therefore, it is preferable to display both collectable bonuses and bonuses that can only be collected by changing the driving style.

Similarly, faded bonuses or bonuses that cannot be collected under a specific driving style could be displayed if the vehicle is too close to a vehicle in front. Once a minimum distance is maintained, the relevant bonuses can be collected again.

Preferably, at least two categories of bonuses can be represented, whereby a first category can be collected by a user and thus preferably leads to an increase in a score, and the other category is visible but not collectable, but becomes collectable in particular when the driver switches to a predetermined driving behavior.

Furthermore, it would be possible to use such bonuses, for example in the form of collectible coins, to direct a driver to a specific detour route, perhaps in the case of a traffic jam.

In another preferred method, the defined route is selected from a group of defined routes, which includes a predetermined lane of a highway, a route serving as a lane change route, a route serving as a merging route in a traffic jam or at a road narrowing, an alternative route with respect to a determined route, a change to a turning lane, and the like. For example, a driver can be encouraged to take the shortest possible route. to change to a designated lane early.

In another preferred method, information about bonuses won and/or to be won is transmitted to other road users, and in particular to other road users who are in the vicinity of the ego-vehicle.

Preferably, at least one other motor vehicle is recorded, which is located in the vicinity of the ego-vehicle. In particular, the position of this other motor vehicle is recorded, and especially its relative position to the ego-vehicle.

Bonuses that can be collected are also preferentially awarded based on the presence and/or position of this additional vehicle. In this way, the driver can be encouraged to adopt a specific behavior, taking other road users into account. For example, the driver can be encouraged to drive offset from other vehicles in narrowed lanes.

In another preferred method, other motor vehicles and/or road users are also displayed to the driver via the display device. Preferably, these other motor vehicles are also displayed to the driver using augmented reality.

In particular, Car2X communication is used for this transmission with other motor vehicles.

It would also be possible for the display device to show several other road users. In this way, the driver can be encouraged to behave in a desired manner while taking other road users into account.

In addition, it's possible, for example, to display the score of a neighboring driver to a driver (of the ego-vehicle). It would also be possible to introduce a league system for drivers, such as a gold, silver, or bronze league, as is known from other games.

In another preferred method, the bonuses are displayed to the driver as individual elements arranged along a target route, wherein these elements are particularly preferably selected from a group of elements containing coins, stars, treasure chests and the like.

It is also possible that these elements reflect different values. For example, a treasure chest could be worth the same as ten coins.

Preferably, the number of collected bonuses can also be displayed to a driver and, even more preferably, also displayed to other drivers, especially those located near the ego vehicle.

In another preferred method, the driver is shown at least a section of a route determined by a navigation system, and this route is displayed in particular by means of the display device. However, it would also be possible for this route to be displayed via a different display device or, for example, to be output in an audible manner.

Preferably, the detection device is selected from a group of detection devices that includes distance measuring devices, external cameras, lidar, radars, ultrasonic sensors, infrared cameras, and the like. Preferably, several such detection devices are provided.

In this way, the exact position of a vehicle, especially the ego vehicle, can be recorded, for example, its movement in the left lane of a motorway.

In another preferred procedure, a driver, and in particular the driver of the ego vehicle, is shown information about the driving behavior of other road users and/or about bonuses achieved by other road users.

It is conceivable that information about the driver and their awards could be shared with other participants via Car2X communication. This could involve displaying the awards above the other participating vehicle (especially using augmented reality), similar to what is seen in video games. For example, a driver's score could then be visible to other participants.

Preferably, the detection device, in particular the camera systems of the (ego) vehicle, analyzes the environment (of the ego vehicle). For example, if the ego vehicle determines that it is on a highway and the If drivers disregard the rule to drive on the right, playful incentives are preferentially created to encourage them to comply. For example, coins can be displayed on the right-hand lane, which the driver can "collect" by changing lanes.

The number of collected coins (or information about them) can be shared with other participants to create a competitive incentive. It is also conceivable that as coins are collected, rarer and more valuable objects will appear, which can then be collected as well.

This technology can also be used to prevent or mitigate traffic jams. Vehicles communicate with each other via Car2X, giving their drivers individual incentives to leave their lane or even their entire route to optimize traffic flow. Especially in the city centers of metropolitan areas, drivers often fail to change lanes in time, which can lead to accidents. This technology can prompt drivers to move into the correct lane early on.

In another preferred method, information about the driving behavior of other road users and/or bonuses achieved by other road users is displayed to the driver (of the ego vehicle).

The present invention further relates to a device for influencing the driving behavior of motor vehicles, comprising a display device (in particular in the form of a head-up display (HUD)) by means of which information relating to a journey with the motor vehicle can be displayed, wherein at least one of these pieces of information is characteristic of a route to be traveled by the motor vehicle, and comprising a detection device by means of which at least one piece of information characteristic of the current journey of the motor vehicle can be detected.

According to the invention, the motor vehicle and/or the device has a generation unit for generating augmented reality information, which is in a communication connection with the display device and which is designed in such a way that virtual bonuses can be displayed by means of the display device, which the driver can win and collect, in particular, through a predetermined driving style.

Preferably, the device includes a detection device to detect other motor vehicles and, in particular, motor vehicles located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (also referred to above as the ego vehicle).

The aforementioned bonuses may preferably be paid out taking into account other motor vehicles and, in particular, taking into account the positions of other motor vehicles.

Preferably, the device for influencing and, in particular, promoting driving behavior is configured, suitable, and/or intended to execute the method described above, as well as all process steps already described above in connection with the method, individually or in combination. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all features described within the context of the device for influencing driving behavior, individually or in combination.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a device as described above for influencing and/or promoting the driving behavior of a vehicle according to one embodiment. The vehicle may in particular be a (motorized) road vehicle.

A motor vehicle can be, in particular, a driver-operated vehicle ("driver only"), a semi-autonomous vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (for example, at autonomy levels 3, 4, or 5 (according to the SAE J3016 standard)), or a self-driving vehicle. Autonomy level 5 refers to fully automated vehicles. These vehicles can still be controlled by a driver.

Furthermore, the vehicle may be a road vehicle, an air taxi, an airplane, or another means of transport or vehicle type, such as an aircraft, watercraft, or rail vehicle.

The present invention further relates to a computer program or computer program product, comprising program means, in particular a program code, which represents or encodes at least some of the and preferably all of the process steps of the method according to the invention and preferably one of the described preferred embodiments and is designed for execution by a processor device.

The invention is further directed to a computer program product for promoting a The desired driving behavior of drivers of motor vehicles can be achieved by means of augmented reality in connection with a vehicle which includes a display device and at least one detection device for capturing at least one piece of information characteristic of the current driving of the motor vehicle, in order to carry out a method described above according to a preferred embodiment.

The present invention further relates to a data storage device on which at least one embodiment of the computer program according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the computer program is stored.

Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings:

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung zu einer der Erfindung zugrundeliegenden Motivation;
• 2a-c drei Darstellungen von Anwendungsfällen der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm für die vorliegende Erfindung;
• 4 ein weiteres Anwendungsbeispiel für die vorliegende Erfindung; und
• 5 eine Darstellung der Erfindung in einem Kraftfahrzeug.

It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of one of the motivations underlying the invention;
• 2a -c three representations of applications of the present invention;
• 3 a flowchart for the present invention;
• 4 another application example for the present invention; and
• 5 a representation of the invention in a motor vehicle.

1 Figure 1 illustrates two scenarios, S1 and S2, for the application of the present invention, particularly in the event of a traffic jam. Scenario S1 proposes ways to alleviate a traffic jam. For example, the invention can improve the distribution of vehicles across multiple lanes, thereby relieving congested lanes.

In addition, the driver(s) can be instructed, for example, to perform a zipper procedure when a lane narrows or to form an emergency lane.

In addition, as shown in scenario S2, the driver can also be motivated to bypass a traffic jam on less busy roads.

2a This illustrates a procedure for relieving traffic congestion. The individual vehicles primarily communicate via a Car2X method. In the illustration, the right lane is heavily congested. The middle vehicle is therefore prompted to move to the left lane by the display of coins.

2b This illustrates another possible approach using the invention. In this approach, the vehicle traveling in the left lane is instructed to remain in the left lane for as long as possible before turning into the right lane.

The vehicle behind in the right lane, or rather its driver, is encouraged to reduce the distance to the vehicle in front. The in 2a The situation described is also conceivable without the use of Car2X communication.

At the in 2c In the depicted situation, several drivers are encouraged to form an emergency lane. Coins to be collected are displayed on the left edge of the left lane and on the right edge of the right lane. To collect these coins, drivers must drive either on the far left of the left lane or on the far right of the right lane.

3 shows a possible implementation of traffic congestion control on a primary route.

An initialization process is preferably provided. This initialization process can utilize map data or data from a navigation system, particularly to consider a future route for the vehicle. In addition, further data can be collected, such as information about the vehicle's current position or speed. This data can be obtained using detection devices like external cameras.

In addition, data from other vehicles can also be taken into account, primarily obtained via Car2X communication. Furthermore, target values can be compared with actual values, for example to assess traffic congestion.

Several options are now conceivable for reacting to a traffic jam. 3 Examples include relieving congested lanes (R1), supporting a zipper merge (R2) or forming an emergency lane (R3).

To relieve congested lanes, Car2X communication with other vehicles can be used. For example, this allows vehicles to be distributed across several different routes and/or lanes based on their travel route. In particular, the detected lane occupancy of the individual lanes can be used, for example by evaluating camera data or sensor data.

As a reaction, for example, coins can be displayed on a lane that the driver is about to travel in.

To implement a zipper merge, for example, coins can be displayed up to the end of a lane, or coins can be used to maintain a target distance to other vehicles.

As mentioned above, coins can be displayed at the respective edges of the road when an emergency lane needs to be formed.

4 This illustrates another application example of the invention. Here, possible routes are displayed, for example, via a navigation system. A blocked route RB and a free route RF are shown. Even if, under normal conditions, the blocked route RB would be the shorter route, the driver is instructed to switch to the free route RF.

5 Figure 1 shows an illustration of the implementation of the invention with a display device 12 of a motor vehicle. The display device is a head-up display (HUD). A variety of information 34, 36, 38, 40, characteristic of the driver's current journey, is displayed to the driver via this display device.

Information 34, for example, could come from a navigation system and tell the driver to turn left in 80 meters. Information 36 could be the actual current speed, and information 38 a target speed. Information 40 indicates a maximum permissible speed.

Reference numeral 14 roughly schematically identifies a detection device that records data characteristic of a (precise) position of the motor vehicle. This detection device could, for example, be an external camera of the vehicle.

Reference sign 18 indicates a navigation system which, in particular, determines a future route for the motor vehicle.

Reference symbol 10 designates a generation unit for creating augmented reality information. This generation unit 10 can, in particular, generate bonuses 20 in the form of coins, which motivate the driver to follow a specific route. These bonuses 10 are displayed here in such a way that they appear to the driver to be floating above the road.

In addition, augmented reality can be used to display another vehicle 2, in this case a vehicle driving ahead, or to display data characteristic of this vehicle, such as its speed or distance to this vehicle 2. Rectangle 22 can be added here using augmented reality.

Information items 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 can display information relating to collected or yet-to-be-collected bonuses. For example, image 24 could be an avatar or a chosen image of the driver.

Information 26 could be the driver's name or nickname. Information 28 could be the level the driver has reached in collecting bonuses.

Information 30 and 32 can indicate specific events or achievements, such as driving in Great Britain (32) or crossing a border into another country (30).

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Reference symbol list

1

(Ego) motor vehicle

2

other motor vehicle

10

Augmented Reality generation unit

12

Display device

14

Recording device

18

Navigation system

20

Bonuses

22

Information about another motor vehicle

24

Image representation of a user

26

Username

28

level achieved by a user

34

Information about future route

36

Actual speed

38

Target speed

40

Maximum permissible speed

S1, S2

Scenarios

R1, R2, R3

Reactions to traffic jams

RB

blocked route

RF

free route

Car2X

Communication between vehicles

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2014/0342790 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for promoting desired driving behavior of drivers of motor vehicles (1), wherein information (34, 36, 38, 40) relating to a journey with the motor vehicle (1) is displayed to a driver by means of a display device (12), in particular in the form of a head-up display (HUD), wherein at least one of these pieces of information (34) is characteristic of a route to be traveled by the motor vehicle, and wherein at least one piece of information characteristic of the current journey of the motor vehicle is recorded by means of at least one detection device (14), characterized in that virtual bonuses (20) are displayed to the driver by means of augmented reality and by means of the display device (12), which the driver can win and collect, in particular by means of a predetermined driving style. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one piece of information (28, 30, 32) characteristic of the bonuses (20) and in particular of collected bonuses (20) is stored, wherein this information is characteristic of a number of the bonuses (20) or a value of the bonuses. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bonuses (20) are displayed in such a way that the driver can win them by switching to a defined route or adhering to a defined route and/or the bonuses (20) are displayed in such a way that they are perceived by the driver as hovering above a road. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the defined route is selected from a group of defined routes, which includes a predetermined lane of a motorway, a route serving for a lane change, a route serving for merging in a traffic jam, an alternative route with respect to a determined route, a change to a turning lane, and the like. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information about bonuses won and/or to be won is transmitted to other road users, wherein in particular Car2X communication is used for this transmission. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bonuses (20) are displayed as individual elements which are arranged along a target travel distance, wherein preferably these elements are selected from a group of elements which includes coins, stars, treasure chests and the like. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver is shown at least section by section a route determined by means of a navigation system (18) and this route is shown in particular by means of the display device (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (14) is selected from a group of detection devices (14) which includes distance measuring devices, external cameras, lidar, radars and the like. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information about the driving behavior of other road users and/or about bonuses (20) achieved by other road users is displayed to the driver. Device for promoting desired driving behavior of drivers of motor vehicles (1), comprising a display device (12), in particular in the form of a head-up display (HUD), by means of which information (34, 36, 38, 40) relating to a journey with the motor vehicle (1) can be displayed, wherein at least one of these pieces of information is characteristic of a route (34) to be traveled by the motor vehicle (1), comprising a detection device (14) by means of which at least one piece of information characteristic of the current journey of the motor vehicle (1) can be detected, characterized in that the motor vehicle (1) has a generation unit (10) for generating augmented reality information, which is in a communication connection with the display device (12) and which is designed such that virtual bonuses (20) can be displayed by means of the display device (12), which the driver can win and collect in particular by means of a predetermined driving style.