System for predicting a driver's intention to change lanes

US9159023B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Sven Bone · Offenbach am Main, DE
• Hermann Winner · Bietigheim, DE
• Stefan Habenicht · Roßdorf, DE
• Jan-Christoph Goos · Frebershausen, DE
• Fabian Regh · Dolgesheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 22, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2554/801
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Provided is a system for predicting a driver's intention to change lanes at a high accuracy involving a minimum amount of time delay. A driver's intention to change lanes is predicted by a prediction unit (9) by comparing motivators and inhibitors (7, 8) which may be determined from the speed of the traffic in particular the vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle and the traffic in the adjacent lanes in relation to the traveling speed of the ego vehicle by using an ego vehicle sensor (1) and an environmental sensor (3, 4, 5) that may comprise a radio wave, optical or acoustic radar. The criteria for the motivators and inhibitors may be empirically or statistically determined, preferably by conducting a large number of tests on roads. As they can be determined before the vehicle operator starts a lane changing maneuver, the prediction made by the prediction unit may be used on a real time basis in a warning system or steering/acceleration assist system.