DE102018006752A1 - Device, method and system for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle in the environment of its own vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (18) for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle (16) in the environment of one's own vehicle (12), comprising: an input interface (22) for receiving a sensor signal from an environment sensor (38), the sensor signal being information to the other vehicle; an identification unit (24) for determining type data on the basis of the sensor signal, the type data comprising information on a vehicle type of the other vehicle; and a communication interface (26) for communicating with a central database (14) in order to transmit the type data and to receive at least one vehicle parameter of the other vehicle associated with the vehicle type of the other vehicle. The present invention further relates to a corresponding system (10) and method.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle in the vicinity of a vehicle of its own, and to a corresponding method and a system. The invention further relates to a vehicle control unit and a vehicle.

Modern vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) include a large number of driver assistance systems that provide the driver with information and control individual functions of the vehicle in a partially or fully automated manner. Sensors record the surroundings of the vehicle and other road users. A model of the vehicle environment can be generated based on the recorded data. Due to the progressive development in the field of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, the influence and scope of driver assistance systems are increasing. The development of ever more precise sensors makes it possible to record the surroundings and traffic and to control individual functions of the vehicle more or less without driver intervention. Driver assistance systems can in particular contribute to increasing safety in traffic and improving driving comfort.

With regard to autonomous driving, the detection of other vehicles in the vicinity of your own vehicle is of crucial importance. Using environmental sensors, such as radar, lidar and camera sensors, data is recorded and other road users or vehicles are identified. Based on the recorded data, an adequate reaction of your own vehicle in traffic can then be determined. Reliability in the detection of other vehicles is of great importance, especially with regard to safety-relevant functions.

In this context, the DE 10 2016 216 738 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle. Danger point information, which represents at least one danger point in the vicinity of the vehicle, and proximity information, which represents an approach of at least one other vehicle traveling next to the vehicle to the vehicle, are read. At least one collision parameter of a collision between the vehicle and the further vehicle is determined using the approximation information. Finally, a control signal is generated using the collision parameter and the danger point information in order to steer the vehicle in a direction away from the danger point.

A disadvantage of previous approaches to recognizing other vehicles is that by recognizing the presence of another vehicle, statements about its behavior can only be made to a certain extent. Different vehicle types often have different driving characteristics, so that when forecasting behavior, inaccuracies often have to be taken into account. A worst-case scenario often has to be assumed, which can trigger unnecessary reactions from your own vehicle

Proceeding from this, the following invention has the problem of providing an approach for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle in an environment of the own vehicle. It should enable a more precise determination of the driving characteristics of other vehicles compared to previous approaches. In this way, a partially or fully autonomous reaction of the own vehicle can take place that is appropriate to the situation.

• -einer Eingangsschnittstelle zum Empfangen eines Sensorsignals eines Umgebungssensors, wobei das Sensorsignal Informationen zu dem anderen Fahrzeug umfasst;
• -einer Identifikationseinheit zum Ermitteln von Typdaten auf Basis des Sensorsignals, wobei die Typdaten Informationen zu einem Fahrzeugtyp des anderen Fahrzeugs umfassen; und einer Kommunikationsschnittstelle zum Kommunizieren mit einer zentralen Datenbank, um die Typdaten zu übermitteln und mindestens einen dem Fahrzeugtyp des anderen Fahrzeugs zugeordneten Fahrzeugparameter des anderen Fahrzeugs zu empfangen.

To achieve this object, the present invention relates to a device for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle in the environment of its own vehicle, with:

• an input interface for receiving a sensor signal from an environmental sensor, the sensor signal comprising information about the other vehicle;
• an identification unit for determining type data on the basis of the sensor signal, the type data comprising information on a vehicle type of the other vehicle; and a communication interface for communicating with a central database in order to transmit the type data and to receive at least one vehicle parameter of the other vehicle associated with the vehicle type of the other vehicle.

Type data is understood to mean any type of information that enables identification of a vehicle type. Type data can in particular be features that have been extracted from the raw sensor data (sensor signal). A vehicle type denotes a unique identification of a type of vehicle. A vehicle type can include a corresponding specification of a manufacturer and a model. A vehicle parameter is information that is assigned to a vehicle type. For example, a vehicle parameter is information that is identical for the different individual vehicles of the same type.

A driving characteristic of a vehicle here means in particular a behavioral characteristic of a vehicle when driving. A Driving characteristic refers to a technical characteristic of a motor vehicle that emerges when driving.

An environment of a vehicle is understood to be an immediate environment. In particular, the environment denotes an area that is in a field of vision from a vehicle. A sensor signal can in particular correspond to the raw data of a sensor. In particular, a sensor signal can be an image signal. The sensor signal can be available continuously or at a time.

Furthermore, one aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle control device with a device as described above. In addition, one aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a device as described above or with a vehicle control device and an environmental sensor, which is preferably designed as a camera.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system with a device, with a vehicle control unit or with a vehicle as described above; and a central database, which is preferably designed as an Internet database.

Further aspects of the invention relate to a method designed in accordance with the device and a computer program product with program code for carrying out the steps of the method when the program code is executed on a computer, and a storage medium on which a computer program is stored, which if it is on a computer is carried out, the method described herein is carried out.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, it is provided that a sensor signal from an environmental sensor preferably attached to the vehicle, such as a radar, lidar camera or ultrasound sensor, is received. The sensor signal includes information about another vehicle that is in the vicinity of the own vehicle. Type data are determined based on the received sensor signal. The type data includes information about a vehicle type of the other vehicle.

A central database, that is to say a database that is not located in the vehicle, is contacted by means of a communication interface. The determined type data are transmitted to the central database in order to receive a vehicle parameter assigned to the other vehicle. To this extent, the vehicle type is identified in the database on the basis of the type data. In the database, the corresponding vehicle type is assigned vehicle parameters of the other vehicle, which have been stored, for example, by the manufacturer and can be queried. One or more vehicle parameters are transmitted to the own vehicle and allow an assessment of the driving characteristics of the other vehicle.

According to the invention, another vehicle can be identified. It is made possible that specific properties of another vehicle, which are reflected in vehicle parameters of the other vehicle, can be taken into account in assistance systems of the own vehicle. These specific properties cannot be determined directly based on your own environmental sensor. By including this additional information, a precise reaction to the behavior of other vehicles can take place. A better understanding of the driving characteristics of the other vehicle can improve the safety of your own vehicle. It is possible for a reaction of the own vehicle to be coordinated with the other vehicle.

Compared to that in the DE 10 2016 216 738 A1 The approach described is achieved by incorporating a central database, that is to say a database that is not located in the vehicle itself and that can be updated due to its centrality, a much more precise determination of the driving characteristics of the other vehicle. The safety of your own vehicle can be increased. Driving comfort can also be increased because unnecessary evasive action or other maneuvers are avoided. In the event of an accident, an accurate assessment of the behavior of the other vehicle can be made in order to plan the reaction of the own vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication interface is designed to receive a mass of the other vehicle and a further vehicle parameter. The further vehicle parameters can include a dimension, a maximum number of passengers, an age, a motorization, tires, a trailer load, a bumper height, a drive axle, a body strength, a body structure, an engine arrangement, a tank position, a battery position and / or a safety function equipment of the describe another vehicle. By taking the mass into account alone, it is already possible to estimate the driving behavior of the other vehicle. By taking a further vehicle parameter into account, a more precise determination of the Driving property of the other vehicle. A further improvement in the safety of your own vehicle and driving comfort is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the identification unit is designed to determine accessory data on the basis of the sensor signal. The accessory data includes information about an accessory of the other vehicle. Furthermore, the communication interface is designed to transmit the accessory data and to receive at least one accessory parameter of the other vehicle associated with the accessory.

In addition to determining the vehicle type, information about an accessory of the other vehicle is accordingly determined. An accessory can in particular designate a part that is connected to the vehicle but can be replaced or exchanged, for example a trailer, a roof rack but also a rim etc. First, an accessory is identified. Additional information (accessory parameters) is then determined by querying the central database and cannot be determined directly based on the sensor signal of the environmental sensor. By taking the accessories parameter into account, safety can be further improved and driving comfort can be further increased. A reliable and precise determination of a driving characteristic of the other vehicle can take place.

Accessory data is understood to mean, in particular, information about an object or equipment element that is detachably connected or individually selectable to a vehicle. A central database is central insofar as it is not individually assigned to a single vehicle, but can be queried by a large number of vehicles.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises an evaluation unit for determining at least one individual parameter of the other vehicle assigned to the other vehicle. The individual parameter is determined based on the sensor signal and the at least one vehicle parameter and / or accessory parameter. The individual parameter can be, for example, an acceleration and / or a loading state of the other vehicle. The vehicle parameters and / or accessory parameters received from the central database are further processed in conjunction with the data from the environment sensor in order to further improve the determination of the driving properties of the other vehicle. The individual parameter accordingly relates to a property that is specifically assigned to the currently identified other vehicle and that cannot be taken directly from the signal from the environment sensor. The reliability in assessing the movement of the other vehicle is further increased. This can improve the safety and driving comfort of your own vehicle.

An individual parameter is information that differs from vehicle to vehicle, even if it concerns vehicles of the same vehicle type. For example, an individual parameter can denote a property of a vehicle that is different between two different vehicles of the same vehicle type. Both a vehicle parameter and an individual parameter can be specified in the form of a single value or a value vector or in another way.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a control unit for controlling a functional unit of the own vehicle based on the at least one vehicle parameter and / or the at least one individual parameter. Here, the control unit is preferably designed to control a brake assistant, a lane departure warning system, an airbag ignition, an airbag deployment, a belt tightening, a seat adjustment and / or a longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the own vehicle. The determined vehicle and / or individual parameters are processed directly in order to adapt the behavior of the own vehicle. In the event of an accident, for example, a safety-relevant function can be controlled and configured accordingly. However, it is also possible for another control function to be influenced. The direct feedback allows immediate processing of the precise information received on the vehicle type and on the individual design of the other vehicle. The accuracy in determining the driving characteristics of the other vehicle is further improved.

In a further embodiment, the identification unit is designed to determine the type data and / or the accessory data based on a feature extraction. The use of a feature extraction means that only an excerpt of the sensor data of the environmental sensor has to be transmitted. An efficient query of the database is made possible. The vehicle parameter assigned to the other vehicle can be detected quickly and reliably.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the communication interface is designed for mobile communication with the central database on an Internet server. The central database is preferably understood to be a database accessible via the Internet. Via a mobile Communication unit in the vehicle, an Internet connection can be established to query the Internet database. An efficient query is achieved. A reliable detection of the vehicle parameters of the other vehicle is made possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the input interface is designed to receive the sensor signal from a camera directed at the surroundings of the vehicle. The sensor signal comprises an image of the other vehicle, preferably an image of a vehicle front of the other vehicle. A camera is preferably used as the environmental sensor. So-called face detection can be carried out by detecting a vehicle front. The vehicle fronts of vehicles mostly have characteristic features that enable identification of the vehicle type of the other vehicle. The other vehicle can be identified precisely and reliably. The driving characteristics of the other vehicle can be determined reliably and efficiently.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the identification unit is designed to determine image features in the image of the other vehicle. Feature extraction of image features usually takes place. Then these determined characteristics are used to query the vehicle parameters to the central database. An efficient query can take place. Fast processing and thus a quick reaction to the behavior of the other vehicle is made possible.

The device, the interfaces and the system can be partially or completely implemented in hardware and / or software.

The computer program can be stored / distributed on a non-volatile data carrier, for example on an optical memory or on a semiconductor drive (SSD). A computer program can be distributed together with hardware and / or as part of hardware, for example by means of the Internet or by means of wired or wireless communication systems.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Ermitteln einer Fahreigenschaft eines anderen Fahrzeugs;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugs;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens; und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is described and explained in more detail below on the basis of a few selected exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle;
• 2 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention;
• 4 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention;
• 5 a schematic representation of a method according to the invention; and
• 6 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a method according to the invention.

In 1 is a system according to the invention 10 shown schematically for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle. The system 10 includes your own vehicle 12 that with a central database 14 is in communication. Your own vehicle 12 has an environmental sensor with which another vehicle 16 is recorded. Based on the captured sensor data, in your own vehicle 12 Type data of the other vehicle 16 determined, which then to the central database 14 , which can be designed as an Internet database, for example. The transmitted type data serve the vehicle type of the other vehicle 16 identify assigned vehicle parameters and then send them to your own vehicle 12 to transmit.

The system according to the invention 10 allows it to be inside your own vehicle 12 data of the other vehicle 16 to be supplemented by data obtained from outside. In particular, it enables vehicle parameters of the other vehicle 16 to be determined, which cannot be taken directly from the sensor signal of the environmental sensor.

In the 2 is schematically a device according to the invention 18 to determine a driving characteristic of another vehicle. The device 18 can be executed in hardware and / or software and, for example, in a vehicle control unit 20 of your own vehicle. The device 18 includes an input interface 22 , an identification unit 24 as well as a communication interface 26 , Furthermore, the device can optionally, as indicated by the dashed line, an evaluation unit 30 as well as a control unit 32 include.

The input interface 22 is used to detect a sensor signal from an environmental sensor. In particular, an image signal of a camera, a signal of a radar sensor, a signal of a lidar sensor, a signal of an ultrasonic sensor or a combination of data from different sensors can be received. The sensor signal can be the raw data of the sensor or also include preprocessed data. For this, the input interface 22 In particular, be connected to a sensor of your own vehicle and receive and, if necessary, (pre) process its sensor data.

Preferably, the use of a camera as an environmental sensor is possible, from which an image signal is received as the sensor signal, which shows another vehicle in the environment of the own vehicle. An image of a vehicle in the vicinity of the own vehicle is therefore received. The sensor signal includes information on the other vehicle insofar as data on the weight, size, speed, type, appearance, etc. of the other vehicle can be taken from the sensor signal. The input interface 22 can, for example, be connected to a corresponding bus system within the vehicle and connected to the corresponding sensors of the vehicle. It is also possible for the input interface to receive data from several sensors and, if necessary, to pre-process them.

In the identification unit 24 the received sensor signal is processed and type data are determined. In particular, the identification unit 24 be designed to perform a feature extraction based on the received sensor signal. If an image signal is received as a sensor signal, appropriate image processing can be carried out in order to ascertain unique identifiers of the other vehicle. The identification unit 24 In this respect, it preferably corresponds to a processor.

Preferably in the identification unit 24 a vehicle front of the other vehicle is analyzed in the image. The front can be recognized by a so-called face detection and the vehicle type can be identified on the basis of this. Based on the fact that the vehicle front has characteristic features for a specific vehicle model, corresponding features can be extracted from the image (type data).

The determined type data are over the communication interface 26 transmitted to the central database. An assignment to a specific vehicle type is made in the central database. Vehicle parameters are assigned to the vehicle type and can be queried from the database. The vehicle parameters in the database and the required comparison values for the type data can come from the vehicle manufacturers, for example. At least one vehicle parameter assigned to the vehicle type of the other vehicle is transmitted via the communication interface 26 the device 18 received from the database. As a result, the vehicle parameter is then available as additional information within the own vehicle.

This vehicle parameter corresponds to additional information insofar as it cannot be taken directly from the sensor signal of the environment sensor. For example, a vehicle parameter can be a mass, a dimension, a number of seats, a production period or age, a possible motorization, permissible tires, a maximum trailer load, a height of a bumper, a driven axle, a rigidity of a body, a structure , a position of the engine (front, middle, rear engine), a position of a tank or a battery in an electric vehicle, equipment with safety functions (as far as known), such as airbags, ESP, ABS, AEB etc., a knowledge about crash behavior, crash severity prediction, optimized emergency rescue and other information. This information allows a statement about a driving characteristic of the other vehicle.

For further processing of the via the communication interface 26 received vehicle parameters can an evaluation unit 30 be provided. The evaluation unit 30 preferably also corresponds to a processor which is designed to execute various evaluation algorithms. In the evaluation unit 30 Both the sensor signal of the environment sensor and the received at least one vehicle parameter are further processed. For example, a dimension of the other vehicle (received vehicle parameter) and a mono-camera image (sensor signal from the environment sensor) can be used to calculate back to a distance and an orientation of the other vehicle.

Based on this, a back calculation based on vehicle dynamics data, such as speed, acceleration, jerk, loading (via a nick-wank gear frequency) can then be carried out. An improved prediction of a vehicle movement of the other vehicle is made possible. The evaluation unit 30 is designed to determine an individual parameter based on the sensor signal and the vehicle parameter. An individual parameter is a property that is specifically assigned to an individual vehicle and can differ between two vehicles of the same vehicle type.

Furthermore, it is possible that the device according to the invention 18 a control unit 32 includes. The control unit is used to control a functional unit or a function of one's own vehicle on the basis of the vehicle parameter and / or the individual parameter. The control unit 32 preferably also corresponds to one Processor that is designed to control a functional unit of your own vehicle. This makes it possible, based on the improved prediction of the vehicle behavior, to carry out an optimized activation or deactivation of active vehicle functions, such as longitudinal and lateral dynamics, a braking assistant, a lane departure warning system or an active accident assistant. For example, an airbag ignition can be controlled in an improved manner, an airbag deployment can be regulated, a belt tightening can be initiated and / or a seat adjustment to a presafe position can be initiated in the event of an impending accident.

This is the control unit 32 connected to a corresponding functional unit of your own vehicle. Both the input interface 22 as well as the communication interface 26 and the control unit 32 can, for example, be connected to a vehicle bus system of the vehicle or can also be connected directly to corresponding other units. Inside the device 18 a bus system can also be provided for connecting the various units and interfaces.

In the 3 is a schematic of a vehicle according to the invention 12 shown. The vehicle comprises the device described above 18 , In the embodiment shown, the vehicle further comprises a functional unit 34 , a communication unit 36 as well as an environmental sensor 38 ,

The environmental sensor 38 corresponds in particular to a camera in a front area of your own vehicle 12 is attached to detect oncoming and passing other vehicles. The functional unit 34 can also be integrated in a vehicle control unit. The communication unit 36 may include an antenna for mobile communication over a GMS, UMTS and / or LTE network.

In the 4 is a further embodiment of a system according to the invention 10 shown schematically. In addition to detecting the other vehicle 16 can use the device in your own vehicle 12 continue to be trained to be an accessory 40 of the other vehicle 16 capture. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the other vehicle has 16 a trailer that the accessories 40 equivalent. Here, the trailer shown is only an example of an accessory 40 to understand. Other vehicle details, which can also be identified as accessories based on the received sensor signal, are tires, attachments (e.g. spoilers), a towbar, a roof rack, a bike rack on the roof or on the towbar, a color of the vehicle, an interior of the Vehicle (for example, a material of the interior to determine a coefficient of friction to occupants), lowering, other conversions, etc.

If the sensor signal information about an accessory 40 of the other vehicle, the identification unit of the device according to the invention can be designed to also determine accessory data analogously to the determination of the type data. This accessory data can also be accessed via the communication interface with the central database 14 to be communicated to by this one of the accessories 40 receive assigned accessory parameters. For example, a length, a width and a height of the trailer can be determined as accessory data based on the sensor signal. This accessory data can then be used to query the database 18 to obtain a permissible total mass of the trailer as an accessory parameter.

It is also possible that characteristic features such as color, shape etc. are identified in an image of the trailer, which can then serve as the basis for a database query. The determined additional parameter can be used to determine the individual parameter for the other vehicle 16 and be taken into account in the corresponding control of the functional unit. It goes without saying that a vehicle with a loaded trailer, for example, has completely different driving properties than a vehicle without or with an unladen trailer.

In the 5 a method according to the invention is shown schematically. The method includes the steps of receiving S10 a sensor signal, the determination S12 of type data based on the sensor signal and communication S14 with a central database. The method can in particular be implemented as software that extends the functionality of an existing driver assistance system and that uses the sensor and control technology that is already present in a vehicle. It is therefore possible to use sensors and communication means already present in the vehicle, so that a hardware change is not necessary.

In the 6 an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown. In addition to the steps of receiving S10 , Investigating S12 and communicating S14 is a step of discovery S16 of accessory data provided. In the communicating step S14 additional accessory parameters are received. The received parameters are processed in a step of determining at least one of the other Individual parameters assigned to the vehicle based on the sensor signal and the at least one vehicle parameter and / or accessory parameter.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

system

12

Own vehicle

14

central database

16

other vehicle

18

contraption

20

Vehicle control unit

22

Input interface

24

identification unit

26

Communication Interface

30

evaluation

32

control unit

34

functional unit

36

communication unit

38

environment sensor

40

equipment

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016216738 A1 [0004, 0018]

Claims (14)

Device (18) for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle (16) in the vicinity of a vehicle (12), comprising: an input interface (22) for receiving a sensor signal from an environmental sensor (38), the sensor signal comprising information about the other vehicle; an identification unit (24) for determining type data on the basis of the sensor signal, the type data comprising information on a vehicle type of the other vehicle; and - a communication interface (26) for communicating with a central database (14) in order to transmit the type data and to receive at least one vehicle parameter of the other vehicle associated with the vehicle type of the other vehicle. Device (18) after Claim 1 , wherein the communication interface (26) is designed to receive a mass of the other vehicle (16) and a further vehicle parameter, in particular a dimension, a maximum number of passengers, an age, a motorization, tires, a trailer load, a bumper height, a drive axle , a body stiffness, a body structure, an engine assembly, a fuel position, a battery position and / or a safety function equipment of the other vehicle. Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - The identification unit (24) is designed to determine accessory data on the basis of the sensor signal, the accessory data comprising information about an accessory (40) of the other vehicle (16); and - The communication interface (26) is designed to transmit the accessory data and to receive at least one accessory parameter associated with the accessory of the other vehicle. Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, with an evaluation unit (30) for determining at least one individual parameter of the other vehicle assigned to the other vehicle based on the sensor signal and the at least one vehicle parameter and / or accessory parameter, the evaluation unit (30) preferably for Determining a position, a speed, an acceleration and / or a loading state of the other vehicle (16). Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, with a control unit (32) for controlling a functional unit (34) of the own vehicle (12) based on the at least one vehicle parameter and / or the at least one individual parameter, the control unit preferably for controlling one Brake assist, a lane departure warning, an airbag ignition, an airbag deployment, a belt tension, a seat adjustment and / or a longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the own vehicle is formed. Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification unit (24) is designed to determine the type data and / or the accessory data based on a feature extraction. Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface (26) for mobile communication with the central database (14) is designed on an Internet server. Device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - The input interface (22) is designed to receive the sensor signal from a camera aimed at the surroundings of the vehicle (12); and the sensor signal comprises an image of the other vehicle (16), preferably an image of a vehicle front of the other vehicle. Device (18) after Claim 8 , wherein the identification unit (24) is designed to determine image features in the image of the other vehicle (16). Vehicle control device (20) with a device (18) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (12) with: - a device (18) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 or with a vehicle control unit (20) Claim 10 ; and an environmental sensor (38), which is preferably designed as a camera. System (10) for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle (16) in the surroundings of a vehicle (12) comprising: a device (18) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , a vehicle control unit (20) Claim 10 or a vehicle Claim 11 ; and a central database (14), which is preferably designed as an Internet database. Method for determining a driving characteristic of another vehicle (16) in the vicinity of a vehicle (12) which has a device Claim 1 to 9 has, with: - Receiving (S10) a sensor signal from an environmental sensor (38), the sensor signal comprising information about the other vehicle; Determining (S12) type data based on the sensor signal, the type data comprising information on a vehicle type of the other vehicle; and communicating (S14) with a central database (14) in order to transmit the type data and to receive at least one vehicle parameter of the other vehicle associated with the vehicle type of the other vehicle. Computer program product with program code for performing the steps of the method according to Claim 13 if the program code is executed on a computer.

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