Passing zone advisory systems and methods

A road type module, based on a present location of the vehicle, determines whether the vehicle is traveling on a single lane road. The single lane road includes passing zones and no passing zones. The single lane road has only a first lane designated for travel in one direction and a second lane designated for travel in an opposite direction. A passing zone module, when the vehicle is traveling on the single lane road, determines whether the vehicle is located in one of the passing zones or in one of the no passing zones. A display module selectively displays at least one of: a driving distance to a next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in a direction of travel of the vehicle; and an estimated driving period to the next one of the passing zones.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicles and more particularly systems and methods of displaying passing zone information to vehicle occupants.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles generally travel on roads, but can also travel off-road. Paved roads often include one or more lanes for travel in each direction. For example, some lanes have two or more lanes for travel in each direction. When traveling on roads with two or more lanes of travel in a direction, slower moving traffic often stays toward one side of the road (e.g., the right in the United States), which allows faster moving traffic to pass the slower moving traffic.

Single lane roads, however, include only one lane for travel in each direction. To pass a slower moving vehicle traveling in the same direction on a single lane road, the passing vehicle passes the slower moving vehicle using the lane for travel in the opposite direction. Single lane roads therefore may include dedicated passing zones where passing is allowed and dedicated no passing zones where passing is not allowed.

SUMMARY

In a feature, a passing zone display system of a vehicle includes a road type module that, based on a present location of the vehicle, determines whether the vehicle is traveling on a single lane road, the single lane road including passing zones and no passing zones, and the single lane road having only two lanes for vehicles, the two lanes including a first lane designated for travel in one direction and a second lane designated for travel in an opposite direction. A passing zone module, when the vehicle is traveling on the single lane road, based on the present location of the vehicle determines whether the vehicle is located in one of the passing zones or in one of the no passing zones. A display module, when the vehicle is in one of the no passing zones on the single lane road, selectively displays, on a display located within a passenger cabin of the vehicle, at least one of: a driving distance to a next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in a direction of travel of the vehicle; and an estimated driving period to the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to receipt of user input to display the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, an input module generates the user input in response to user touching of the display.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the driving distance being less than a predetermined driving distance while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the estimated driving period being less than a predetermined period while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and a driving length of the one of the no passing zones being greater than a predetermined distance.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and the driving distance is greater than a predetermined distance.

In further features, the display module displays the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and the estimated driving period is greater than a predetermined period.

In further features, when the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road, the display module selectively displays, on the display located within the passenger cabin of the vehicle, at least one of: a second driving distance to a location where the single lane road turns into a road having two or more lanes for travel in the direction of travel of the vehicle; and a second estimated driving period to the location where the single lane road turns into a road having two or more lanes for travel in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In further features, the display module displays both: the driving distance to the location of the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle; and the estimated driving period to the location of the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In a feature, a passing zone display method includes: based on a present location of the vehicle, determining whether the vehicle is traveling on a single lane road, the single lane road including passing zones and no passing zones, and the single lane road having only two lanes for vehicles, the two lanes including a first lane designated for travel in one direction and a second lane designated for travel in an opposite direction; when the vehicle is traveling on the single lane road, based on the present location of the vehicle, determining whether the vehicle is located in one of the passing zones or in one of the no passing zones; and, when the vehicle is in one of the no passing zones on the single lane road, selectively displaying, on a display located within a passenger cabin of the vehicle, at least one of: a driving distance to a next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in a direction of travel of the vehicle; and an estimated driving period to the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to receipt of user input to display the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, the passing zone display method further includes generating the user input in response to user touching of the display.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the driving distance being less than a predetermined driving distance while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the estimated driving period being less than a predetermined period while the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and a driving length of the one of the no passing zones being greater than a predetermined distance.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and the driving distance is greater than a predetermined distance.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying the at least one of the driving distance and the estimated driving period in response to the vehicle entering the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road and the estimated driving period is greater than a predetermined period.

In further features, the passing zone display method further includes, when the vehicle is in the one of the no passing zones on the single lane road, selectively displaying, on the display located within the passenger cabin of the vehicle, at least one of: a second driving distance to a location where the single lane road turns into a road having two or more lanes for travel in the direction of travel of the vehicle; and a second estimated driving period to the location where the single lane road turns into a road having two or more lanes for travel in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In further features, the selectively displaying includes displaying both: the driving distance to the location of the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle; and the estimated driving period to the location of the next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A navigation system of a vehicle generally displays a vehicle location on a display within a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The navigation system may also display roads and/or other features that are within a predetermined area, such as within the predetermined area centered at the vehicle location. A user may increase or decrease the predetermined area, for example, to provide less detailed information or more detailed information, respectively.

Some roads are single lane roads having one lane for vehicle travel in each direction. On a single lane road, passing is only allowed in designated passing zones. Passing is not allowed outside of designated passing zones (i.e., in no passing zones) on single lane roads. On single lane roads, a driver utilizes the lane designated for vehicle travel in the opposite direction to pass one or more slower moving vehicles traveling in the lane designated for vehicle travel in the same direction as the driver's vehicle.

Some geographical areas have more single lane roads than others. For example, over 90 percent of all of the paved roads in the country of Brazil are single lane roads. Drivers may attempt to pass despite being within a no passing zone when stuck behind a slower moving vehicle (e.g., a truck) on a single lane road.

According to the present disclosure, the navigation system determines a location of a next (closest) passing zone on the single lane road that the vehicle is currently traveling on. When in a no passing zone, the navigation system selectively displays a distance or estimated period until the vehicle will reach the next passing zone.

The navigation system may display the distance or estimated period to the next passing zone, for example, in response to receipt of user input indicative of a request for the distance or estimated period to the next passing zone. Additionally or alternatively, the navigation system may display the distance or estimated period when the vehicle is within a no passing zone that is longer than a predetermined distance or period, when the vehicle is behind a vehicle on a single lane road for a predetermined period, and/or when the distance or estimated period to the next passing zone becomes less than a predetermined distance or period. Based on the knowledge of the distance or estimated period to the next passing zone, the driver may refrain from attempting to pass in no passing zones.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a functional block diagram of an example vehicle system100is presented. While a vehicle system for a hybrid vehicle is shown and will be described, the present disclosure is also applicable to non-hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and other types of vehicles.

An engine102combusts an air/fuel mixture to generate drive torque. An engine control module (ECM)106controls the engine102. For example, the ECM106may control actuation of engine actuators, such as a throttle valve, one or more spark plugs, one or more fuel injectors, valve actuators, camshaft phasers, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, one or more boost devices, and other suitable engine actuators.

The engine102may output torque to a transmission110. A transmission control module (TCM)114controls operation of the transmission110. For example, the TCM114may control gear selection within the transmission110and one or more torque transfer devices (e.g., a torque converter, one or more clutches, etc.).

The vehicle system100may include one or more electric motors. For example, an electric motor118may be implemented within the transmission110as shown in the example ofFIG. 1. An electric motor can act as either a generator or as a motor at a given time. When acting as a generator, an electric motor converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy can be, for example, used to charge a battery126via a power control device (PCD)130. When acting as a motor, an electric motor generates torque that may be used, for example, to supplement or replace torque output by the engine102. While the example of one electric motor is provided, the vehicle may include zero or more than one electric motor.

A power inverter control module (PIM)134may control the electric motor118and the PCD130. The PCD130applies (e.g., direct current) power from the battery126to the (e.g., alternating current) electric motor118based on signals from the PIM134, and the PCD130provides power output by the electric motor118, for example, to the battery126. The PIM134may be referred to as a power inverter module (PIM) in various implementations.

An electronic brake control module (EBCM)150may selectively control brakes154of the vehicle. A user interface module (UIM)158may provide one or more driver inputs to a controller area network (CAN)162. The CAN162may also be referred to as a car area network. For example, the CAN162may include one or more data buses. Various parameters read by a given control module may be made available to other control modules via the CAN162.

The driver inputs may include, for example, an accelerator pedal position (APP)166. A brake pedal position (BPP)170may be provided to the EBCM150. A position174of a park, reverse, neutral, drive lever (PRNDL) may be provided to the TCM114. An ignition state178may be provided to a body control module (BCM)180. For example, the ignition state178may be input by a driver via an ignition key, button, or switch. At a given time, the ignition state178may be one of off, accessory, run, or crank.

The vehicle system100also includes a navigation module182. The navigation module182may include a global position system (GPS) that determines a location of the vehicle. The navigation module182may, on a display184, display a map including one or more roads and the location of the vehicle. The navigation module182may also receive inputs and display other things, such as video and/or images captured using one or more vehicle surroundings sensors. One example vehicle surrounding sensors includes a forward facing camera188that captures images of in front of the vehicle. While the example of the forward facing camera188is shown, the vehicle may include other types of vehicle surroundings sensors, such as side rear view cameras, backward facing cameras, sonar sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, etc.

The vehicle may include one or more additional control modules that are not shown, such as a chassis control module, a battery pack control module, etc. The vehicle may omit one or more of the control modules shown and discussed.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a functional block diagram of an example implementation of the navigation module182is presented. The navigation module182includes a communication module204that communicates with other modules of the vehicle via the CAN162.

A display module208displays images and video on the display184and receives user input for what to display on the display184via an input module212. The display module208may display images, video, overlays, data, etc. based on the user input. In various implementations, the display184may be a touchscreen display and transmit signals to the input module212. In the example of the display184being a touch screen display, the input module212generates signals indicative of user input to the display184. Additionally or alternatively, the input module212may generate signals indicative of user input further based on signals from one or more other user input devices, such as one or more buttons, switches, knobs, etc.

A GPS module216determines a location220of the vehicle (“vehicle location”) based on signals from a satellite system received via one or more antennas. The vehicle location220may include, for example, coordinates (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the vehicle. The GPS module216may update the vehicle location220, for example, each predetermined period. While the example of GPS location based vehicle location is provided, the vehicle location may be obtained in another way, such as wirelessly from terrestrial wireless networks or wirelessly from a mobile device, such as a cell phone.

A heading module224determines a heading228of the vehicle (“vehicle heading”). For example, the heading module224may determine the vehicle heading228based on a change between consecutive instances of the vehicle location220. As another example, the heading module224may determine the vehicle heading228based on signals from a compass of the vehicle. The vehicle heading228may be, for example, North, North East, East, South East, South, South West, West, or North West.

The display module208may display a map on the display184based on the vehicle location220. For example, the display module208may display a map including features, such as roads and other points of interest, located within a predetermined area centered at the vehicle location220. The display module208may also display an indicator of the vehicle on the map with the indicator pointing in a direction of the vehicle heading228. In various implementations, the predetermined area may be centered at another location different than the vehicle location220. For example, a different center location may be used in response to user input. The predetermined area may be in terms of one or more straight line distances from a center location. In various implementations, the one or more straight line distances may be varied, for example, in response to user input. The display module208may determine the features to include on the map using data stored in a mapping database232. The mapping database232may include, for example, data indicative of locations for roads, points of interest, and other features, respectively.

A road type module236determines whether the vehicle is currently located on a single lane road. The road type module236may determine whether the vehicle is currently located on a single lane road, for example, based on the vehicle location220using data stored in a road database240. The road database240may include a listing of locations (e.g., coordinates) and associated indicators of whether roads at the locations, respectively, are single lane roads or not. Single lane roads have one lane for traffic travelling in each direction. An example listing is provided below.

Location (e.g.,Indicator of Whether SingleLatitude, Longitude)Lane Road at Location(Lat 1, Long 1)Y(Lat 2, Long 2)N(Lat 3, Long 3)N...(Lat X, Long X)Y
X corresponds to a total number of entries of the listing. In various implementations, the road database240may be implemented together with the mapping database232.

The road type module236indicates whether the vehicle is currently located on a single lane road via a road signal244. For example, the road type module236may set the road signal244to a first state when the vehicle is currently located on a single lane road. The road type module236may set the road signal244to a second state when the vehicle is not currently located on a single lane road.

When the vehicle is currently located on a single lane road (e.g., when the road signal244is in the first state), a passing zone module248determines whether the vehicle is currently located in a passing zone or in a no passing zone. The passing zone module248may determine whether the vehicle is currently located in a passing zone or in a no passing zone, for example, based on the vehicle location220using data stored in a passing zone database252. The passing zone database252may include a listing of locations (e.g., coordinates) and associated indicators of whether passing is allowed (i.e., passing zone) or not (i.e., no passing zone) on the single lane roads at the locations, respectively. An example listing is provided below.

Location (e.g.,Indicator of Whether Passing ZoneLatitude, Longitude)on Single Lane Road at Location(Lat 1, Long 1)Y(Lat 2, Long 2)N(Lat 3, Long 3)N...(Lat W, Long W)Y
W corresponds to a total number of entries of the listing. In various implementations, the passing zone database252may be implemented together with the road database240and/or the mapping database232. Zones may refer to stretches of road between end points. For example, a passing zone may refer to a stretch of road between two locations where passing (utilizing the lane designated for vehicle travel in the opposite direction) is allowed between the two locations according to traffic laws. A no passing zone may refer to a stretch of road between two locations where passing is not allowed according to traffic laws.

The passing zone module248indicates whether the vehicle is currently located in a passing zone (on a single lane road) via a passing zone signal256. For example, the passing zone module248may set the passing zone signal256to a first state when the vehicle is currently located in a passing zone. The passing zone module248may set the passing zone signal256to a second state when the vehicle is currently located in a no passing zone.

When the vehicle is currently in a no passing zone on a single lane road, the passing zone module248determines a location of a next passing zone on the single lane road that the vehicle is on in the direction that the vehicle is heading. The next passing zone is the closest passing zone to the vehicle on the single lane road in the direction that the vehicle is traveling. The next passing zone may be a designated passing zone or where the single lane road transitions to a non-single lane road having two or more lanes designated for travel in the same direction as the vehicle is travelling.

For example, the passing zone module248may determine the location of the next passing zone based on the vehicle location220and the vehicle heading228using data stored in the passing zone database252. The passing zone database252may also include a listing of locations (e.g., coordinates) of endpoints (e.g., start and end locations) of passing zones indexed by single lane road. An example listing is provided below.

Using data stored in the passing zone database252, the passing zone module248may identify the locations of all of the passing zones that on the single lane road that the vehicle is currently on. From these locations, the passing zone module248may select one of the locations (endpoints) that is closest to the vehicle location220given the vehicle heading228on the single lane road. The selected one of the locations is the location where the vehicle will next enter a passing zone on the single lane road. The location where the vehicle will next enter a passing zone at a given time will be referred to as the location of the next passing zone.

When the vehicle is currently in a no passing zone on a single lane road, the passing zone module248determines next passing zone data260based on the location of the next passing zone. The next passing zone data260may include a driving distance (via the single lane road) to the location of the next passing zone and/or an estimated travel period (from the present time) until the vehicle will reach the location of the next passing zone. The passing zone module248may determine the driving distance, for example, based on the driving distance between the vehicle location220and the location of the next passing zone. The passing zone module248may determine the estimated travel period to the location of the next passing zone, for example, based on the driving distance to the location of the next passing zone and a vehicle speed264. For example, the passing zone module248may set the estimated travel period based on or equal to the driving distance divided by the vehicle speed264. The vehicle speed264may be measured, for example, using one or more wheel speed sensors of the vehicle. For example, the ECM106may set the vehicle speed264based on or equal to an average of one or more of the measured wheel speeds. Driving distances are different than straight line distances. While the GPS module216, the heading module224, the road type module236, and the passing zone module248are shown and discussed as being implemented within the navigation module182, part or all of the functionality of the GPS module216, the heading module224, the road type module236, and the passing zone module248(and the associated databases used) may be implemented remotely from the vehicle (e.g., at one or more remote servers) and the respective data may be transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle.

The triggering module268may set the display signal272to the first state, for example, in response to a user input request276to display the next passing zone data260. Additionally or alternatively, the triggering module268may set the display signal272to the first state each time that the vehicle enters a no passing zone on a single lane road. In various implementations, the triggering module268may set the display signal272to the first state each time that the vehicle enters a no passing zone of at least a first predetermined driving distance and/or a first predetermined travel period. For example only, the first predetermined driving distance may be approximately 15 miles or another suitable distance and the first predetermined travel period may be approximately 15 minutes or another suitable period of travel. The driving distances of no passing zones may also be stored in the passing zone database252and determined from the passing zone database252.

Additionally or alternatively to the above, the triggering module268may set the display signal272to the first state when the driving distance to the next passing zone is less than a second predetermined driving distance and/or the estimated travel period to the next passing zone is less than a second predetermined period. For example only, the second predetermined driving distance may be approximately 5 miles or another suitable distance that is less than the first predetermined driving distance and the second predetermined travel period may be approximately 5 minutes or another suitable period of travel that is less than the first predetermined travel period.

Additionally or alternatively to the above, the triggering module268may set the display signal272to the first state when the vehicle has traveled for at least a third predetermined period behind another vehicle on a single lane road. The third predetermined period may be, for example, approximately 10 minutes or another suitable period of travel.

A vehicle detection module280may determine whether the vehicle is traveling behind another vehicle, for example, using images captured using the forward facing camera188. For example, the vehicle detection module280may determine that the vehicle is traveling behind another vehicle when an image captured using the forward facing camera188includes a predetermined shape of a vehicle. While the example of use of the forward facing camera188is provided, the vehicle detection module280may determine whether the vehicle is traveling behind another vehicle via signals from one or more other forward facing sensors, such as a forward facing radar, sonar, or LIDAR sensor. The vehicle detection module280tracks a period that the vehicle is traveling behind another vehicle on a single lane road and may set a trailing signal284to a first state when the vehicle has traveled behind another vehicle for at least the third predetermined period continuously. Otherwise, the vehicle detection module280may set the trailing signal284to a second state. In various implementations, the vehicle detection module280may track the period that the vehicle is traveling behind another vehicle on a single lane road in a no passing zone and may set the trailing signal284to the first state when the vehicle has traveled behind another vehicle for at least the third predetermined period continuously. While the vehicle detection module280is shown and discussed as being implemented within the navigation module182, the vehicle detection module280may be implemented separately, such as with the forward facing camera188.

FIG. 3is a flowchart depicting an example method of displaying next passing zone information on the display184. Control may begin with304when the vehicle is on. At304, the GPS module216obtains the vehicle location220, and the heading module224determines the vehicle heading228.

At308, the road type module236may determine and indicate whether the vehicle is presently on a single lane road. The road type module236may determine whether the vehicle is presently on a single lane road, for example, based on the vehicle location220using data stored in the road database240. If308is false, the triggering module268may not trigger the display module208, and the display module208may not display the next passing zone data260, such as the driving distance to the next passing zone and/or the estimated travel period to the next passing zone, on the display184at312. If308is true, control may continue with316.

The passing zone module248may determine whether the vehicle is currently located within a no passing zone at316. The passing zone module248may determine whether the vehicle is presently located within a no passing zone, for example, based on the vehicle location220using data stored in the passing zone database252. If316is false, the triggering module268may not trigger the display module208, and the display module208may not display the next passing zone data260on the display184at312. If316is true, control may continue with320.

At320, the passing zone module248may determine the next passing zone data260. For example, the passing zone module248may determine the location of the next passing zone, determine the driving distance from the vehicle location220to the location of the next passing zone, and determine the estimated travel period to the location of the next passing zone.

The triggering module268may additionally or alternatively trigger the display module208to display the next passing zone data260on the display184when the vehicle speed264has been continuously less than a speed limit (or less than the speed limit by at least a predetermined amount) at that vehicle location on the single lane road for greater than the predetermined period. Traveling at speeds less than the speed limit may indicate that the vehicle is traveling behind a slower moving vehicle. The speed limits may be stored by vehicle location in a database and may be determined for a location using the vehicle location220.

At328, the display module208displays the next passing zone data260, such as the estimated travel period to the next passing zone and/or the driving distance to the next passing zone, on the display184. While control is shown as ending after328or312, control may return to304.