DE102016113913A1 - Communication device for a vehicle, in particular for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Communication device for a vehicle (1), in particular for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle (1), comprising means for generating light signals which inform non-autonomous road users about the state of the vehicle (1) and / or the identity of the vehicle (1 ) and / or planned or possible movements of the vehicle (1) can transmit.

Description

The present invention relates to a communication device for a vehicle, in particular for an autonomous or teilautautonomes vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular an autonomous or teilautonomes vehicle, with such a communication device and a communication method for a vehicle, in particular for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

Autonomous driving will play an important role in the future. However, since not all vehicles are controlled autonomously at the same time and motorcycles, pedestrians or cyclists also do not move autonomously, it will always be the case that autonomous and non-autonomous road users have to work together in traffic. The fact that the vehicle occupant no longer takes over the control of the vehicle itself, the communication with the driver falls away. However, this is particularly necessary if confusing traffic situations require communication among the vehicles involved.

With the introduction of autonomous vehicles, a new type of communication between autonomous vehicles and non-autonomous road users will become necessary because the vehicle occupant can no longer take over them. The reason for this is that it is no longer an active road user as soon as the vehicle masters the task itself. In the course of the development of autonomous driving, communication functions are needed for better communication between man and machine. Also, to improve communication between manual, semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles, additional functions are needed.

For example, show current brake lights to the vehicles located behind a vehicle to decelerate the speed. In this case, however, it is not suggested whether the vehicle only reduces the speed or a stop position is sought. In particular, preceding road users can not assess what the braking vehicle will undertake. The estimation of whether a collision occurs is thus hardly possible. There are also disadvantages or problems that occur during autonomous driving. These are, on the one hand, the lack of communication between man and machine and, on the other, the driver's lack of confidence in fully autonomous processes in the automobile, for fear of being unable to intervene in the process. In order to avoid these disadvantages, new communication channels should be created which allow information to be provided to the vehicle occupants in the case of different usage scenarios of the autonomous driving process. Other road users should also be informed about the further course of an autonomous vehicle. Thus, information should be given to the vehicle occupants as well as surrounding road users in order to achieve a one-to-one situation description and a sense of action in humans and the interpreted processes at the machine. Many drivers, in the case of (partially) autonomous driving due to the mistrust in the technology missing a feedback channel to give the control of autonomous driving with a clear conscience out of hand.

Furthermore, it is usually not clear which vehicle moves autonomously and which is controlled manually. This can lead to misunderstandings or possibly frighten other road users. Depending on the degree of automation, it may happen that the control has to be taken over by the driver within a short period of time. If this does not happen, the vehicle brakes in a non-critical state. This, for manually controlled road users unpredictable, deceleration can lead to rear-end collisions.

Furthermore, in the development of autonomous vehicles, no or only insufficient concepts for integration into road traffic have been developed, which address the interaction, in particular the communication between autonomous and non-autonomous road users. In particular, there is no feedback to nonautonomous road users that an autonomous vehicle has detected the road user and will treat it accordingly according to the Highway Code. This means, in particular, the feedback to the non-autonomous vehicle that the autonomous vehicle will give priority. Particularly in the case where there is no clear right of way, for example, when a vehicle is waiting at each right-to-left intersection at each of the four intersections, it is necessary to communicate with each other so that other road users can know how to proceed autonomously become.

Furthermore, for example, turn signals can sometimes be difficult to interpret and, in particular, be perceived only when looking directly into the light modules on the vehicle. So the use of the direction indicator is not always clear when changing lanes. Here, the target lane often can not be clearly interpreted. This can lead to misunderstandings lead, especially when two vehicles from the right and left simultaneously want to change to a middle lane.

The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a communication device of the type mentioned above, which enables more effective communication between road users, in particular between an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle on the one hand and non-autonomous vehicles or other road users such as cyclists or pedestrians. Furthermore, a vehicle is to be specified with such a communication device. Furthermore, the invention is based on the problem to provide a communication method of the type mentioned, which allows more effective communication between road users, especially between an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle on the one hand and non-autonomous vehicles or other road users such as cyclists or pedestrians.

This is inventively achieved by a communication device having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having the features of claim 10 and a communication method having the features of claim 12. The subclaims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

According to claim 1 it is provided that the communication device comprises means for generating light signals that can transmit information to non-autonomous road users about the state of the vehicle and / or the identity of the vehicle and / or planned or possible movements of the vehicle. This can be done, for example, a replacement of non-verbal communication between former drivers by light signals on the autonomous vehicle or the autonomous vehicle. In particular, an individual notification of information to another road user, for example, depending on its relative position and trajectory to the autonomous vehicle done. In particular, the means for generating light signals may contribute to the clarification of ambiguous foreground situations at intersections. There is a possibility that information such as "I saw you!", "I grant you right of way!", "I have right of way and drive!" Is communicated by the means for generating light signals. Information such as "I did not see you!" Can also be transmitted, for example by issuing a permanent signal in the event that a road user was not detected.

It can be provided that the means for generating light signals can project light into the surroundings of the vehicle, in particular onto the roadway, whereby markings, lanes, symbols or text can preferably be projected into the surroundings of the vehicle. In this case, the light signals can be directed in particular by the vehicle in the direction of travel to the front and / or to the rear and / or to one or both sides. This results in a variety of new communication options.

There is a possibility that the light signals projected on the roadway may be a future position of the vehicle or a planned traveling direction or a braking distance or a shunting area or a protected area. In particular, it may be the visualization of one's own lane or the planned lane for other road users.

For example, with the aid of the means for generating light signals, a desired holding position or a holding path of the vehicle can be displayed. This marking is intended to give the driver and especially the pedestrians security and uninvolved persons to send the information that this vehicle will stop in the marked area. Furthermore, the holding position can be emphasized to give bystanders and other vehicles the opportunity to assess the action of the decelerating vehicle. About, in particular colored, patterns on the floor, the braking process can be visually transmitted. Thus, the driver is signaled when intervention on his part becomes necessary. For example, lighting only the areas where the vehicle will move during braking will reveal to the driver and other road users that there will be no collision with surrounding objects.

Such measures improve the communication with other road users in later highly automatic and fully automatic situations in order to be able to better assess the procedure of the autonomous vehicle. With the help of the visual feedback on the process and the area of use of the vehicle, double occupancy of active and passive road users can be prevented from the outset and potential collisions avoided. This creates confidence in (partially) autonomous driving. The visual feedback for surrounding road users for the early detection of the further procedure increases the anticipatory driving. Overall, there is an increase in the safety and protection of several Road users, for example, by communication of the braking distance and the stop position instead.

Further, for example, a target lane may be actively reserved by projecting the vehicle contour in the context of an animation onto the target lane.

Even with undercuts or confusing intersections early recognition of a light signal through the direction indicator is necessary and can be realized by the light signal of the direction indicator is projected into the vehicle apron. These all-round projections continue to actively contribute to the management of confusing traffic situations. Thus, in Rechtsabbiegevorgängen in which a cyclist or pedestrian whose lane must be crossed, the corresponding road user will be signaled by a projection that the vehicle will grant priority. This can be communicated for example by straight arrow arrows, the representation of a cycle path or by text.

It may further be provided that the lane of the autonomous vehicle can be projected into the vehicle apron. This can also be implemented when reversing. Here it is much more difficult to estimate the future lane of the vehicle, since the turning angle of the front wheels is not always apparent in a backward setting out of a narrow lane. Furthermore, the projection can now be recognized by other road users rather than the rear of the resetting vehicle.

For parking operations, for example, 360 ° projectors can be used to mark areas of protection in which the vehicle will move during an ongoing parking operation or any other driving maneuver. This function can also be used for large commercial vehicles to visualize the swing-out area of the rear. These projections are now actively warning against dangerous areas around the vehicle.

By deliberately using protection areas around the vehicle, the environment can be kept deliberately at a distance. Due to the resolution of the projectors, this protection area can be specifically canceled. This may be necessary in order to communicate to pedestrians or other road users that they are now allowed to consciously cross the protected area of the vehicle, for example to change lanes. In this case, the protection zone can be removed via green light and the pedestrian can be walked on.

It can be provided that the light signals that can be projected onto the roadway signal a route from the point of view of a user of a vehicle to the vehicle. In particular, the possibility of illuminating the vehicle environment, preferably the entire vehicle environment, via projections also results in applications outside direct road traffic. Thus, a welcome carpet can be rolled out by locating the remote key when the driver wants to get into his vehicle. This welcome carpet now lights up the best way and allows a boarding, in which the entire attention of the vehicle is directed to the driver.

Another use case arises in connection with car sharing. Here, a free vehicle is searched via a smartphone application, which draws attention to its availability by rolling out a greeting carpet.

By the projection of light signals on the roadway so many benefits can be achieved. In particular, these advantages can be a gain in security, a gain in convenience, an increase in traffic flow, an increase in the acceptance of autonomous vehicles by means of clear communication, the filling of the communication gap between autonomous and non-autonomous road users via projections and confidence in (partially) autonomous driving.

There is the possibility that light signals can be emitted by the communication device in at least two different directions, wherein the light signals are preferably colored and in particular in each of the directions light signals of different colors can be emitted, for example in green and red. In this case, the communication device may include sensor means for detecting the position of other road users, in particular non-autonomous road users such as cyclists or pedestrians. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device in the vehicle use existing sensor means for detecting the position of other road users, especially non-autonomous road users such as cyclists or pedestrians. In particular, the communication device can be designed such that targeted a light signal can be output in the direction of a detected road user.

These light signals can be perceived differently depending on the viewing angle, for example, by unambiguous addressing in the room and using different colors. In particular, this allows a road user, who is in a certain solid angle to Vehicle is transmitted via a light signal information that is not seen by other people who are in a different solid angle to the vehicle. Furthermore, the means for generating light signals can emit different colors depending on the viewing angle. This solves the problem that autonomous vehicles have so far been able to communicate only with other autonomous vehicles and were dependent on symbolic representations or lettering on displays for communication with non-autonomous road users. The communication device can do without text and thereby implement intuitive lighting functions only through the use of different appearance colors. This marking is intended to convey safety to non-autonomous road users such as the pedestrian, the cyclist or the motorcyclist and to provide the information that this vehicle has detected the corresponding road user. This provides the opportunity to assess the action of the autonomous vehicle. Thus, the communication device may be able to dynamically emit different wavelengths at different emission angles, such as a lighthouse.

It can be provided that the means for generating light signals include display means on the vehicle, which can indicate the state of the vehicle or an imminent change of state, wherein the display means can in particular indicate whether the vehicle is being controlled autonomously or manually. There is the possibility that the display means are designed as a light bar, as an illuminated decorative strip or as a light strip. Furthermore, a display, an LED array or a projector are possible.

The display means make it possible to differentiate autonomously from non-autonomously controlled vehicles from the outside. Even in the case of a transfer of the control of the autonomous vehicle to the driver, this can be made clear to the outside. Even a possible deceleration can be displayed. These ads can help to establish autonomous driving and increase its acceptance.

Claim 10 provides that the vehicle comprises a communication device according to the invention.

Claim 12 provides that the communication method comprises a method step in which at least one light signal is generated, which transmits to a non-autonomous road user information about the state of the vehicle and / or the identity of the vehicle and / or a planned or possible movement of the vehicle ,

In this case, the method can be carried out with a communication device according to the invention.

Reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is explained in more detail below.

Showing:

1 A schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle, which is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projected forward a holding path of the vehicle and a theoretically calculated stop position on the road;

2 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle that is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projected forward wavefronts on the road through which a reduction in the speed of the vehicle to be signaled;

3 a schematic sketch of a vehicle with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention comprising a display on which a control transfer is signaled to a driver;

4 a schematic sketch of the vehicle according to 3 , on whose display a possible impending braking is signaled;

5 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, are indicated in the signaling in four different directions;

6 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, are indicated in the signaling in two different directions;

7 a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention comprising movable mirrors;

8th a schematic side view of a vehicle with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which is integrated in a B pillar of the vehicle;

9 a schematic plan view of a road and the vehicle according to 8th whose communication devices selectively transmit light signals to persons standing on the street;

10 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle that with a Embodiment of a communication device according to the invention is equipped, which projects a Rangierbereich of the parking vehicle on the road;

11 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle that is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projects a protection area for passing road users on the road;

12 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle, which is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, said wavefronts projected onto the road through which a Ausparkvorgang is to be visualized;

13 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle, which is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projects an arrow on the road through which a reverse drive is to be visualized;

14 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle that is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projects a conflict area with a driving on the same road road users in a planned turn on the road;

15 a schematic sketch of a road with a vehicle that is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projects a conflict area with a driving on a cross road road users in a planned turn on the road;

16 a schematic sketch of a parking lot with several vehicles, one of which is equipped with an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention, which projects a path from the viewpoint of a user of the vehicle to the vehicle on the parking lot.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 and 2 each show a vehicle 1 , which is provided with a non-illustrated embodiment of a communication device according to the invention. This communication device allows human-machine communication during a manual, semi-autonomous or fully autonomous braking operation. About a projection system is the braking distance 2 including stop position 3 in the street 4 visually displayed (see 1 ). In particular, the silhouette of the vehicle 1 on the holding position to be taken 3 projected.

The displayed braking distance 2 and the displayed stop position 3 on the road should correspond to the theoretically calculated braking distance and the calculated stopping position of the vehicle. To determine the current braking distance only the information of the current speed and the current delay are required. These can be done via a CAN bus of the vehicle 1 be tapped.

When reducing the speed can be via visualized wavefronts 5 in the street 4 information about the speed reduction can be given (see 2 ). Alternatively, the braking distance can be displayed, for example, via tire tracks. By visualizing the vehicle occupant or the outside user should also in front of the vehicle 1 be informed about the braking process. The information can be projected into the vehicle apron with a suitable projection system. However, this system could be combined with other communication units, since for autonomous driving further human-machine interactions and machine-machine interactions are needed that are currently not available in the vehicle.

The visualizations can be realized by means of a projection system, for example a DMD or LCD projection system or a scanning system. Since each braking distance can be different, the retaining path should be dynamizable illuminated by the projector system. Accordingly, a suitable arithmetic unit should reassign the projection to the front in real time and adjust the projected area until the braking operation is completed. Such a system is needed anyway with ever-increasing autonomous driving functions, since the interaction between man-machine and machine-engine must be ensured around the vehicle. Accordingly, it should be feasible to integrate this system presented here in such future needed system. The display of a reduction in the speed can also be transmitted via this system (see 2 ). About the distance of the individual wavefronts 5 , other patterns / symbols or a colored marking, the degree of intensity of the braking can be additionally transmitted.

In the 1 and 2 shown visualizations allow from the outside a visual perception of a braking operation. These Visualisations are intended to convey safety to the driver and, above all, the pedestrians, and to provide information to uninvolved persons that this vehicle 1 in the marked stop position 3 will stop. Furthermore, the holding position 3 be highlighted to allow bystanders and other vehicles the possibility of the action of the decelerating vehicle 1 assess. The braking process can be visually transmitted via colored patterns on the ground. Thus, the driver is signaled when intervention on his part becomes necessary. Because only the areas are illuminated, on which the vehicle 1 During the braking process is moving, it is clear to the driver and other road users that there will be no collision with surrounding objects.

There is a possibility that further information can be displayed by coloring the visualizations as well as by projecting other symbols or patterns. In addition to a speed reduction, this can also be information that expresses that the visualized braking distance is insufficient to avoid a collision. Accordingly, the road users can prepare for an impact.

3 shows a vehicle 1 , on the back of which serves as a display means display 6 is arranged that over the entire rear of the vehicle 1 protrudes. Instead of a display 6 It is also possible to provide a light strip, a lighted decorative strip or a light band or an LED array or a beamer.

symbols 7 on the display 6 make clear that the responsibility of the autonomously moving robot is given to the driver. The hands that grab the steering wheel are animated, so that the message is non-verbally understandable. 4 shows the same vehicle 1 in which the symbols 7 on the display 6 illustrate a possible impending braking.

The display means make it possible to differentiate autonomously from non-autonomously controlled vehicles from the outside. Even in the case of a transfer of the control of the autonomous vehicle to the driver, this can be made clear to the outside. The current state of autonomous driving is communicated so that the intention of the autonomous vehicle is communicated at an early stage.

Also in the in the 5 to 9 Illustrated embodiments of communication devices and equipped with these vehicles, a new type of communication between man and machine in the integration of autonomous vehicles in the non-autonomous traffic events are made possible. In particular, a complete environment model available to the vehicle with information relevant for the driving task about road users and their positions as well as intentions can be assumed. For this, a sensor-data fusion can be used from any environment sensors such as radar, lidar, infrared camera, camera in the visible range or laser scanner as well as stored maps. An arithmetic unit, which is fed with this environment data, now determines in which radiation angles, which road users reside and whether a communication to understanding and better coping with an imminent traffic situation is necessary. Necessary emission angles for light signals with appropriate coloration are now transported via an in-vehicle network and transmitted to the means configured for example as a light module for generating light signals. This light module makes it possible to transmit different light signals in different directions, so that only road users who are in corresponding solid angles can perceive the light signal. The parallel driving of several solid angles with different information is possible. Thus, the light module appears in different colors depending on the viewing angle. Green can signal that the autonomous vehicle has detected the corresponding road user. Red may indicate that the road user has been detected, but he has to grant the autonomous vehicle right of way. If a person who has to board the autonomous vehicle as part of car sharing is to be alerted to the correct vehicle into which it wishes to board, the light module makes it possible to specifically address the person with a light signal. The light module can be placed anywhere on the vehicle. One possibility is, for example, in the placement on the A, B or C or D pillar. But also the splitting of the solid angle to be used in two or more light modules, so that, for example, each a 90 ° range can be covered, is conceivable here.

The light module has several features. For the first, discrete emission angles should be realized. The module should therefore be able to shine from different angles in different colors. For this purpose, various technical concepts can be used. An example of the implementation of discrete radiation angles is the use of a, in particular designed as a reflector aperture, aperture 8th in 5 shown. For each room angle is then a separate light source 9 used. The aperture 8th Make sure the particular light source 9 can only be seen from certain solid angles. In 5 is a Cut the aperture 8th shown. As light sources 9 In this example, laser fibers with scattering elements are used. So the light can be performed as a light bar. Each solid angle is thus by its own light source 9 and a separate aperture 8th implemented. By selective switching on and off now areas are controlled. By introducing different lasers into the laser fiber via a coupler, different colors can be converted. In addition to the use of laser fibers can also be LED strips, OLEDs or any other conceivable light source 9 be used.

Another possibility is the use of a pinhole / slotted aperture 10 (please refer 6 ). There is also the possibility that the pinhole / slotted aperture is designed as a dynamic aperture, for example as an LCD screen. Again, each beam angle is a separate light source 9 , how to use an area of an LED matrix or an area of an LCD. About the pinhole 10 Ensures that different pixels of the light source 9 can only be seen from certain solid angles. In this solid angle thus becomes visible to the observer light beam 11 emitted as a light signal.

Instead of a plurality of light sources 9 and a pinhole / slotted aperture 10 can also only light source 9 a plurality of variable pinhole / slotted aperture 10 be provided, which may be formed, for example, as a shutter or as LC.

Furthermore, a mechanical conversion via polygon mirror is conceivable. The operating principle is in 7 shown. Next to a polygon mirror 12 with a plurality of mirror surfaces 13 is formed as a light module light source 9 arranged. Here an LED array, a laser fiber or an LCD can be used. The polygon mirror 12 rotates about its longitudinal axis and directs it through the light source 9 on the polygon mirror 12 thrown light as rays of light 11 in different solid angles. The advantage of this concept over static structures is that continuous solid angles can be controlled by hardware. The determination of the solid angle is no longer limited discretely by the light module.

In this case, it is necessary to synchronize the mirror drive and the light modules, so that the light is switched on only when it is just deflected so that the desired solid angle is illuminated. In addition, the mirror surfaces 13 be angled or bulged in the vertical to increase the vertical beam angle or targeted to address here, then by individual light sources 9 the light bar are controlled.

The described embodiments serve to increase the acceptance of autonomous vehicles by eliminating the communication deficit between autonomous vehicles and people such as pedestrians, cyclists, non-autonomous drivers or motorcyclists. There is no need for a sensor to interpret the communication, as would be the case for communication between autonomous vehicles.

The means, especially designed as a self-luminous light module, for generating light signals require no interpretation by reading texts, but are based on intuitive understanding. This results in an optical feedback for surrounding road users for early detection of further action and to maintain the flow of traffic. This increases the security and protection of multiple road users through communication. In particular, the light module that can be defined in a definable solid angle and characteristically enables unambiguous addressing of the observer, who then perceives the light module as self-luminous.

In 8th is shown as the self-luminous light module 14 trained means for generating light signals act on an observer who is addressed, for example, with green light. The use of any other, any color is possible. The light module 14 is in the B-pillar 15 of the vehicle 1 integrated.

The in one of the light module 14 addressed observer see the vehicle 1 with a green glowing B-pillar. Furthermore, this illustration emphasizes that it is the light module 14 makes it possible to address several people simultaneously via a light signal. It becomes clear that each light module 14 an approximately 180 ° large area can be covered. Alternatively, the emission ranges can be divided into two light modules each. In this case, the first can be implemented in the A-pillar, whereas a second light module is integrated into the C or D-pillar and can be used for the rear area.

9 illustrates the precise addressing of several pedestrians 16 by one light module in each of the two B-pillars one on a street 4 moving vehicle 1 , The light modules each send light beams 11 precisely to the pedestrians 16 For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the light beams are green can be to the pedestrians 16 to signal that they have been seen and taken into account.

Also in the in the 10 to 16 Illustrated embodiments of communication devices and vehicles equipped with these functions of a lighting concept are described, which communicates with the environment, for example by means of projectors on side mirrors, exterior body panels or other conceivable locations on the vehicle. In particular, the entire solid angle around the vehicle with 360 ° and a radius of up to 15 m be covered. The projectors can be controlled by a central computer. This is supplied in particular with the environment information with which the autonomous driving task is handled. The central computer can thus have a comprehensive environment model available, which should be at least partially assumed in the next steps.

The advantages are that the autonomous vehicle has new opportunities to communicate with other road users through the additional projections. So a new man-machine interface is created.

10 exemplifies how to get on the road 4 and the adjacent parking area projected protection area 17 can look like. In this case, the scope of protection results 17 through the maneuvering area of the vehicle 1 during the parking process. In the case of a turning semitrailer with ausschwenkendem rear another application would be given for a critical Rangierbereich a vehicle.

In 11 is a protected area 17 for passing road users like cyclists 18 clarified. Furthermore, the protection areas can also be displayed in parking situations, for example when road users such as cyclists 18 drive very close to the parked vehicle. In this case, the active projection from a parked vehicle continues to serve as theft protection and deterrent, since it is now communicated that the vehicle is attentively observing the environment.

Furthermore, over a projection 19 , in particular a 360 ° projection, an imminent Ausparkvorgang be visualized. This is in 12 shown. Instead of the wavefronts depicted there, any other projections can be used to visualize the imminent parking operation.

Also mentioned is the projection of the imminent driveway of the autonomous vehicle 1 , which provides added value, especially when reversing (see 13 ). Reversing vehicles 1 make it difficult to predict their angle of attack when the front wheels are covered by surrounding objects. An arrow adapted to the steering angle and projected onto the road 20 to signal the reverse driving can communicate here quickly the missing information. This arrow 20 can be shown curved in particular depending on the steering angle of the steering wheel.

Through an additional projection 19 when using the direction indicators, upcoming turns can not be perceived only by persons looking at the vehicle. In addition, people, such as cyclists 18 , attentive to the turning process, which monitor by inattentive driving only their own infrastructure (see 14 ). About the projection 19 Now the route of the inattentive person is illuminated. Furthermore, in the case of an autonomous driving operation, additionally the upcoming traffic conflict can be remedied by informing the road user about the projection that the turning vehicle is passing through the projection 1 the road user, such as cyclists 18 , will happen first. This can be realized, for example, by the projection of a cyclist or pedestrian symbol and / or an arrow on the apron of the participating road user. A buildup of eye contact with the vehicle occupants is now superfluous.

For undercuts, the direction indicator can only be recognized and interpreted by a self-illuminating light module if the front part of the car, which contains the light module, is already in the intersection 21 protrudes. In 15 It becomes clear how the projection of the direction indicator into the vehicle apron at undercuts provides a clear safety advantage. That through the house wall 22 (Undercut) covered vehicle 1 , who wants to turn, can by the second vehicle relationship, the cyclist 18 not yet seen. About additional projection 19 The intention of turning into the vehicle apron becomes the cyclist 18 but even before direct eye contact with the turning vehicle 1 informed about an upcoming turning maneuver. The diffuse radiation of the projection now makes possible a turn-around lighting.

In 16 is a so-called welcome carpet 23 illustrated by the communication device of a vehicle 1 is projected onto a parking lot. The welcome carpet 23 is doing so, especially up to the pedestrian 16 sketched driver, projected that he is the best possible way of the pedestrian 16 to the vehicle 1 shows and illuminates. It is also possible to use a smartphone application to influence the appearance of the carpet. In addition, by special coloring of the carpet in certain areas impassibilities can be highlighted, which were determined for example via a topographic environmental scan. Furthermore, the activation of the greeting carpet may depend on whether it is recognized that the driver is in a certain radius around the vehicle 1 located. This can be z. B. be detected by optical sensors. Alternatively or cumulatively, this can also be detected by a signal of a radio key or a mobile phone or the like. Furthermore, in this way, the direction in which the greeting carpet 23 is projected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

stopping distance

3

hold

4

Street

5

wavefront

6

display

7

symbol

8th

cover

9

light source

10

Aperture / slot aperture

11

beam of light

12

polygon mirror

13

mirror surface

14

light module

15

B-pillar

16

pedestrian

17

the scope

18

bike-rider

19

projection

20

arrow

21

crossing

22

housewall

23

welcome carpet

Claims (13)

Communication device for a vehicle ( 1 ), in particular for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle ( 1 ), comprising means for generating light signals which inform non-autonomous road users about the condition of the vehicle ( 1 ) and / or the identity of the vehicle ( 1 ) and / or planned or possible movements of the vehicle ( 1 ). Communication device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means for generating light signals emit light into the surroundings of the vehicle ( 1 ), in particular on the roadway, wherein preferably markings, lanes, symbols or text in the environment of the vehicle ( 1 ) can be projected. Communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the light signals from the vehicle ( 1 ) are directed in the direction of travel to the front and / or to the rear and / or to one or both sides. Communication device according to one of Claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the light signals which can be projected onto the roadway represent a future position of the vehicle ( 1 ) or a planned direction of travel or a braking distance ( 2 ) or a maneuvering area or a protected area ( 17 ) are. Communication device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the light signals which can be projected onto the roadway form a path from the point of view of a user of a vehicle ( 1 ) to the vehicle ( 1 ) signal. Communication device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the communication device light signals can be emitted in at least two different directions, the light signals are preferably colored and in particular in each of the directions light signals of different colors can be emitted, for example in green and red. Communication device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the communication device sensor means for detecting the position of other road users, in particular non-autonomous road users such as cyclists ( 18 ) or pedestrians ( 16 ), or that the communication device in the vehicle ( 1 ) existing sensor means for detecting the position of other road users, especially non-autonomous road users such as cyclists ( 18 ) or pedestrians ( 16 ), can use. Communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication device is designed such that targeted in the direction of a detected road user, a light signal can be output. Communication device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the means for generating light signals display means on the vehicle ( 1 ) indicating the condition of the vehicle ( 1 ) or an imminent change of state, wherein the display means can in particular indicate whether the vehicle ( 1 ) is controlled autonomously or manually. Vehicle ( 1 ), in particular autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle ( 1 ), comprising a communication device according to one of claims 1 to 9. Vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the vehicle ( 1 ) Sensor means for detecting the position of other road users, in particular non-autonomous road users such as cyclists ( 18 ) or pedestrians ( 16 ). Communication method for a vehicle ( 1 ), in particular for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle ( 1 ), comprising a method step in which at least one light signal is generated, which informs a non-autonomous road user about the state of the vehicle ( 1 ) nd / or the identity of the vehicle ( 1 ) and / or a planned or possible movement of the vehicle ( 1 ) transmitted. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the method is carried out with a communication device according to one of claims 1 to 9.

Images