DE202013007354U1 - Computer program product and traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Computer program product which, when executed on a computing unit (1), instructs the computing unit (1) to carry out the following steps: - Determine whether at least one traffic sign (2) is arranged in the area of a current environment (3) of a vehicle (4) is based on data determined by at least one optical camera (5), - if it is determined that at least one traffic sign (2) is arranged in the area of the current environment (3) of the vehicle (4), determine whether the at least one is determined Traffic sign (2) corresponds to a predetermined type of traffic sign, based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera (5), the predetermined type of traffic sign being a traffic sign with tourist information relating to an object located in the vicinity of the traffic sign, - If it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign (2) corresponds to the predetermined type of traffic sign, Ermit the information contained on the traffic sign (2) relating to an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign (2), based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera (5) and outputting the information contained on the traffic sign (2) Information on the object by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device (6).

Description

The application relates to a computer program product, a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle and a computer readable medium.

From the US Pat. No. 6,671,615 B1 is a navigation system with traffic sign assistance known. In this case, additional information about traffic signs can be provided to a driver of a vehicle while driving through the navigation system. The additional information may be provided automatically or in response to a request from the driver. The additional information may include a translation of the traffic sign text into a selected language, additional information about the object of the traffic sign, commercial information about the object of the traffic sign, or other types of information.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a computer program product, a vehicle traffic sign recognition system, and a computer readable medium that enable further improved provision of information about objects in the range of a current environment of the vehicle.

• – Ermitteln, ob zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich einer momentanen Umgebung eines Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist, basierend auf von zumindest einer optischen Kamera ermittelter Daten,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich der momentanen Umgebung des Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist, Ermitteln, ob das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen einer vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten, wobei die vorbestimmte Verkehrszeichen-Art ein Verkehrszeichen mit touristischen Informationen zu einem, im Bereich einer Umgebung des Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt ist,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen der vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht, Ermitteln von auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu einem im Bereich einer Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten und Ausgeben der ermittelten auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt mittels zumindest einer optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is specified which, when executed on a computing unit, instructs the computing unit to carry out the following steps:

• Determining whether at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of a current environment of a vehicle, based on data determined by at least one optical camera,
• If it is determined that at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of the current surroundings of the vehicle, determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a predetermined traffic sign type, based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera, wherein the predetermined traffic signs -Art is a traffic sign with tourist information about an object in the vicinity of the traffic sign,
• If it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to the predetermined traffic sign type, determining information contained on the traffic sign to an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera and outputting the determined information contained on the traffic sign to the object by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

The computer program product according to the aforementioned embodiment enables a further improved provision of information about objects in the area of a current environment of the vehicle. This is done in particular by determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a traffic sign with tourist information and determining information contained on the traffic sign to an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, each based on the at least one optical camera determined data and outputting the determined information contained on the traffic signs to the object. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle, can be alerted to objects of major importance to tourism which are displayed on such traffic signs. This is particularly advantageous in situations in which the drivers of the vehicle, for example, due to an increased traffic volume does not perceive the corresponding traffic sign, since he focuses his attention exclusively on the traffic or the view of the traffic sign is covered by other road users. Determining whether the at least one traffic sign corresponds to a traffic sign with tourist information, as well as determining the information contained in the traffic sign to the object, takes place in an advantageous manner based on data, which of a particular in-vehicle sensors in the form of at least one optical camera can be determined. In particular traffic signs can be determined, which may not yet be stored in databases.

• – Identifizieren des im Bereich der Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekts, basierend auf den auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt,
• – Abrufen von in einer Speichervorrichtung abgelegten Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is additionally instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign,
• Retrieving information stored in a storage device about the identified object.

As a result, in addition to the information on the object contained on the traffic sign, further information about this can advantageously be retrieved and made available or offered to the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign includes retrieving information stored in the memory device based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign. This allows a further improved identification of the object by means of information stored in the memory device.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system for the identified object. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle, can be provided with a large number of additional information about the identified object. The vehicle-external storage device is, for example, part of a server.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system based on the information contained on the traffic sign the object. In such storage devices, information about tourist objects is typically deposited, whereby the identification of the object can be further improved. The tourist objects represent, for example, a certain type of so-called POIs (POI, point of interest).

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is additionally instructed to execute the following steps: outputting the retrieved information about the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. As a result, the additional information about the identified object can be displayed to the occupants of the vehicle or output in audible form. In particular, the outputting of the retrieved information about the identified object can take place automatically as soon as the information has been retrieved from the storage device. Furthermore, the outputting of the retrieved information can be effected in dependence on the retrieved information. For example, the retrieved information may include an opening time of the identified object and the outputting of the retrieved information depending on the opening times may occur or be omitted, d. h., the retrieval of the retrieved information occurs if the identified object is currently open or accessible and omitted, if the identified object is not currently open or not accessible.

• – Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe weiterer Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is also instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Outputting a user query for outputting further information on the identified object,
• Determining whether there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object,
• - wherein the outputting of the retrieved information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device takes place, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object.

As a result, the additional information about the identified object can be advantageously displayed to the occupants of the vehicle only in the cases in which the occupants of the vehicle so desire.

Based on the information retrieved from the storage device, in a further embodiment, in particular a position of the identified object relative to the vehicle can be determined and output by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. In particular, by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device can be output in which direction and / or at which distance the identified object is relative to the vehicle.

• – Ermitteln einer ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels einer Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Ermitteln einer Fahrtroute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts mittels in der Speichervorrichtung des Navigationssystems abgelegten Kartendaten,
• – Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product in which retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving a position of the identified object, the arithmetic unit is further instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Determining a first instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of a position-determining device,
• Determining a travel route from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object by means of Storage device of the navigation system stored map data,
• - Issuing the determined route by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

As a result, the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle, can advantageously be provided or offered a route to the identified object in an advantageous manner.

• – Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ermitteln der Fahrtoute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts und das Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is also instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Outputting a user query for outputting a route to the identified object,
• Determining whether there is a user request to output a route to the identified object,
• - wherein the determination of the route from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object and the output of the determined route takes place, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting a route to the identified object.

Thus, the route to the object can be displayed in an advantageous manner only in cases or issued in an acoustic form, in which this is what the occupants of the vehicle want.

• – Ermitteln zumindest eines, eine mögliche Müdigkeit eines momentanen Fahrers des Fahrzeugs kennzeichnenden Parameters,
• – Ermitteln eines Grades der Müdigkeit des Fahrers basierend auf dem zumindest einen ermittelten Parameter,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe der Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt erfolgt, falls der ermittelte Grad der Müdigkeit des Fahrers einen vorbestimmten Schwellenwert überschreitet und wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zudem ein Ausgeben einer, einen erhöhten Müdigkeitsgrad des Fahrers kennzeichnenden Warnmeldung beinhaltet.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is also instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Determining at least one parameter characterizing possible tiredness of a current driver of the vehicle,
• Determining a degree of driver fatigue based on the at least one determined parameter,
• Wherein issuing the user query to output the route to the identified object occurs if the determined degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a predetermined threshold and wherein outputting the user query further includes outputting a warning indicative of increased driver fatigue.

Thus, the driving safety can advantageously be further increased by the fact that the driver of the vehicle with an increased degree of fatigue, the insertion of a break in the identified object offered automatically and a corresponding route proposal is provided.

The at least one parameter characterizing a possible tiredness of the current driver of the vehicle is for example selected from the group consisting of a closing frequency of at least one eyelid of the driver, a closing speed of the at least one eyelid of the driver, a body temperature of the driver, a pulse frequency of the driver, a frequency of steering movements performed by the driver and a timing of steering movements performed by the driver. The said parameters can be determined, for example, based on data determined by an optical camera and / or a steering angle sensor, wherein the optical camera is arranged in the vehicle so that a detection range of the optical camera at least partially includes the seated position of the driver. The parameters mentioned make it possible to determine the degree of driver fatigue to the greatest extent possible.

• – Ermitteln einer zweiten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels der Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Ermitteln, ob sich die zweite momentane Position in einem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass sich die zweite momentane Position in dem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet, wiederholtes Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt und/oder Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the computer program product, the arithmetic unit is also instructed to carry out the following steps:

• Determining a second instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of the position-determining device,
• Determining whether the second instantaneous position is in a predetermined range around the position of the identified object,
• If it is determined that the second instantaneous position is in the predetermined range around the position of the identified object, repeatedly outputting the retrieved information to the identified object and / or outputting further information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or or acoustic output device.

As a result, upon reaching the identified object, the additional information about this can be repeatedly output and / or further information about the object can be provided.

• – zumindest eine optische Kamera, wobei die zumindest eine optische Kamera zum Erfassen von Objekten ausgebildet ist,
• – zumindest eine optische und/oder akustische Ausgabevorrichtung,
• – eine Recheneinheit,
• – ein Computerprogrammprodukt nach einer der genannten Ausführungsformen.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle comprising

• At least one optical camera, wherein the at least one optical camera is designed to detect objects,
• At least one optical and / or acoustic output device,
• A computing unit,
• - A computer program product according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

The traffic sign recognition system according to the said embodiment has the advantages already mentioned in connection with the corresponding computer program product, which of this location will not be listed again to avoid repetition.

In one embodiment, the traffic sign recognition system is part of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment, the traffic sign recognition system is part of a mobile telephone, for example a smartphone, which is arranged in the vehicle for this purpose.

Moreover, another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to one of said embodiments.

The computer-readable medium according to the mentioned embodiment has the advantages already mentioned in connection with the corresponding computer program product, which are not listed again at this point in order to avoid repetitions.

The vehicle is for example a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a truck.

• – Ermitteln, ob zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich einer momentanen Umgebung des Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist, basierend auf von zumindest einer optischen Kamera ermittelter Daten,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich der momentanen Umgebung des Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist, Ermitteln, ob das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen einer vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten, wobei die vorbestimmte Verkehrszeichen-Art ein Verkehrszeichen mit touristischen Informationen zu einem, im Bereich einer Umgebung des Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt ist,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen der vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht, Ermitteln von auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu einem im Bereich einer Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten und Ausgeben der ermittelten auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt mittels zumindest einer optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

• Determining whether at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of a current environment of the vehicle, based on data determined by at least one optical camera,
• If it is determined that at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of the current surroundings of the vehicle, determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a predetermined traffic sign type, based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera, wherein the predetermined traffic signs -Art is a traffic sign with tourist information about an object in the vicinity of the traffic sign,
• If it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to the predetermined traffic sign type, determining information contained on the traffic sign to an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera and outputting the determined information contained on the traffic sign to the object by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

The method according to the aforementioned embodiment has the advantages already mentioned in connection with the corresponding computer program product, which are not listed again at this point in order to avoid repetitions.

• – Identifizieren des im Bereich der Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekts, basierend auf den auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt,
• – Abrufen von in einer Speichervorrichtung abgelegten Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are also carried out:

• Identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign,
• Retrieving information stored in a storage device about the identified object.

In a further embodiment of the method, identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign includes retrieving information stored in the memory device based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign.

In a further embodiment of the method, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system for the identified object.

In a further embodiment of the method, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system based on the information contained on the traffic sign the object.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are additionally carried out: outputting of the retrieved information about the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

• – Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe weiterer Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are also carried out:

• Outputting a user query for outputting further information on the identified object,
• Determining whether there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object,
• - wherein the outputting of the retrieved information to the identified object by means of optical and / or acoustic output device, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object.

• – Ermitteln einer ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels einer Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Ermitteln einer Fahrtroute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts mittels in der Speichervorrichtung des Navigationssystems abgelegten Kartendaten,
• – Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the method, in which retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving a position of the identified object, the following steps are also performed:

• Determining a first instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of a position-determining device,
• Determining a travel route from the first instantaneous position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object by means of map data stored in the storage device of the navigation system,
• - Issuing the determined route by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

• – Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ermitteln der Fahrtoute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts und das Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are also carried out:

• Outputting a user query for outputting a route to the identified object,
• Determining whether there is a user request to output a route to the identified object,
• - wherein the determination of the route from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object and the output of the determined route takes place, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting a route to the identified object.

• – Ermitteln zumindest eines, eine mögliche Müdigkeit eines momentanen Fahrers des Fahrzeugs kennzeichnenden Parameters,
• – Ermitteln eines Grades der Müdigkeit des Fahrers basierend auf dem zumindest einen ermittelten Parameter,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe der Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt erfolgt, falls der ermittelte Grad der Müdigkeit des Fahrers einen vorbestimmten Schwellenwert überschreitet und wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zudem ein Ausgeben einer, einen erhöhten Müdigkeitsgrad des Fahrers kennzeichnenden Warnmeldung beinhaltet.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are also carried out:

• Determining at least one parameter characterizing possible tiredness of a current driver of the vehicle,
• Determining a degree of driver fatigue based on the at least one determined parameter,
• Wherein issuing the user query to output the route to the identified object occurs if the determined degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a predetermined threshold and wherein outputting the user query further includes outputting a warning indicative of increased driver fatigue.

The at least one parameter characterizing a possible tiredness of the current driver of the vehicle is for example selected from the group consisting of a closing frequency of at least one eyelid of the driver, a closing speed of the at least one eyelid of the driver, a body temperature of the driver, a pulse frequency of the driver, a frequency of steering movements performed by the driver and a timing of steering movements performed by the driver. The said parameters can be determined, for example, based on data determined by an optical camera and / or a steering angle sensor, wherein the optical camera is arranged in the vehicle so that a detection range of the optical camera at least partially includes the seated position of the driver.

• – Ermitteln einer zweiten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels der Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Ermitteln, ob sich die zweite momentane Position in einem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet,
• – falls ermittelt wird, dass sich die zweite momentane Position in dem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet, wiederholtes Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt und/oder Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are also carried out:

• Determining a second instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of the position-determining device,
• Determining whether the second instantaneous position is in a predetermined range around the position of the identified object,
• If it is determined that the second instantaneous position is in the predetermined range around the position of the identified object, repeatedly outputting the retrieved information to the identified object and / or outputting further information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or or acoustic output device.

• – Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich einer momentanen Umgebung eines Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist, basierend auf von zumindest einer optischen Kamera ermittelter Daten,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen einer vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten, wobei die vorbestimmte Verkehrszeichen-Art ein Verkehrszeichen mit touristischen Informationen zu einem, im Bereich einer Umgebung des Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt ist, falls ermittelt wird, dass zumindest ein Verkehrszeichen im Bereich der momentanen Umgebung des Fahrzeugs angeordnet ist,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln von auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu einem im Bereich einer Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekt, basierend auf den von der zumindest einen optischen Kamera ermittelten Daten und Mittel zum Ausgeben der ermittelten auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt mittels zumindest einer optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung, falls ermittelt wird, dass das zumindest eine ermittelte Verkehrszeichen der vorbestimmten Verkehrszeichen-Art entspricht.

Furthermore, another aspect of the application relates to an apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle, comprising:

• Means for determining whether at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of a current surroundings of a vehicle, based on data determined by at least one optical camera,
• - means for determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a predetermined traffic sign type, based on the determined by the at least one optical camera data, wherein the predetermined traffic sign type a traffic sign with tourist information to one, in the region of an environment of the traffic sign is located, if it is determined that at least one traffic sign is arranged in the region of the current environment of the vehicle,
• - means for determining information contained in the traffic sign to an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera and means for outputting the determined information contained on the traffic sign to the object by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device, if it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign of the predetermined traffic sign type corresponds.

By means of said device for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle, as already explained, a further improved provision of information about objects in the region of a current environment of the vehicle is made possible.

• – Mittel zum Identifizieren des im Bereich der Umgebung des ermittelten Verkehrszeichens befindlichen Objekts, basierend auf den auf dem Verkehrszeichen enthaltenen Informationen zu dem Objekt,
• – Mittel zum Abrufen von in einer Speichervorrichtung abgelegten Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt.

In another embodiment, the apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises:

• Means for identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign,
• - Means for retrieving information stored in a storage device to the identified object.

As a result, in addition to the information on the object contained on the traffic sign, further information about this can advantageously be retrieved and made available or offered to the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment of the device, identifying the object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign includes retrieving information stored in the memory device based on the information on the object contained on the traffic sign. This allows a further improved identification of the object by means of information stored in the memory device.

In a further embodiment of the device, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system for the identified object. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle, can be provided with a large number of additional information about the identified object. The vehicle-external storage device is, for example, part of a server.

In a further embodiment of the device, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the object includes retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system based on the information contained on the traffic sign the object. In such storage devices, information about tourist objects is typically deposited, whereby the identification of the object can be further improved. The tourist objects represent, for example, a certain type of so-called POIs (POI, point of interest).

In a further embodiment, the device for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises: means for outputting the retrieved information about the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. As a result, the additional information about the identified object can be displayed to the occupants of the vehicle or output in audible form.

• – Mittel zum Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe weiterer Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In another embodiment, the apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises:

• Means for outputting a user query for outputting further information on the identified object,
• Means for determining whether there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object,
• - wherein the outputting of the retrieved information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device takes place, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object.

As a result, the additional information about the identified object can be advantageously displayed to the occupants of the vehicle only in the cases in which the occupants of the vehicle so desire.

• – Mittel zum Ermitteln einer ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels einer Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln einer Fahrtroute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts mittels in der Speichervorrichtung des Navigationssystems abgelegten Kartendaten,
• – Mittel zum Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the device, in which retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object includes retrieving a position of the identified object, the device further comprises:

• Means for determining a first instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of a position-determining device,
• Means for determining a route from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object by means of the map stored in the memory device of the navigation system,
• - Means for outputting the determined route by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

As a result, the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver of the vehicle, can advantageously be provided or offered a route to the identified object in an advantageous manner.

• – Mittel zum Ausgeben einer Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt,
• – wobei das Ermitteln der Fahrtoute von der ersten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs zu der Position des identifizierten Objekts und das Ausgeben der ermittelten Fahrtroute erfolgt, falls ermittelt wird, dass eine Nutzeranforderung zum Ausgeben einer Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt vorliegt.

In another embodiment, the apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises:

• Means for outputting a user query for outputting a route to the identified object,
• Means for determining whether a user request exists for outputting a route to the identified object,
• - wherein the determination of the route from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object and the output of the determined route takes place, if it is determined that there is a user request for outputting a route to the identified object.

Thus, the route to the object can be displayed in an advantageous manner only in cases or issued in an acoustic form, in which this is what the occupants of the vehicle want.

• – Mittel zum Ermitteln zumindest eines, eine mögliche Müdigkeit eines momentanen Fahrers des Fahrzeugs kennzeichnenden Parameters,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln eines Grades der Müdigkeit des Fahrers basierend auf dem zumindest einen ermittelten Parameter,
• – wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zur Ausgabe der Fahrtroute zu dem identifizierten Objekt erfolgt, falls der ermittelte Grad der Müdigkeit des Fahrers einen vorbestimmten Schwellenwert überschreitet und wobei das Ausgeben der Nutzerabfrage zudem ein Ausgeben einer, einen erhöhten Müdigkeitsgrad des Fahrers kennzeichnenden Warnmeldung beinhaltet.

In another embodiment, the apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises:

• Means for determining at least one parameter characterizing possible tiredness of a current driver of the vehicle,
• Means for determining a degree of fatigue of the driver based on the at least one determined parameter,
• Wherein issuing the user query to output the route to the identified object occurs if the determined degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a predetermined threshold and wherein outputting the user query further includes outputting a warning indicative of increased driver fatigue.

Thus, the driving safety can advantageously be further increased by the fact that the driver of the vehicle with an increased degree of fatigue, the insertion of a break in the identified object offered automatically and a corresponding route proposal is provided.

The at least one parameter characterizing a possible tiredness of the current driver of the vehicle is for example selected from the group consisting of a closing frequency of at least one eyelid of the driver, a closing speed of the at least one eyelid of the driver, a body temperature of the driver, a pulse frequency of the driver, a frequency of steering movements performed by the driver and a timing of steering movements performed by the driver. The said parameters can be determined, for example, based on data determined by an optical camera and / or a steering angle sensor, wherein the optical camera is arranged in the vehicle so that a detection range of the optical camera at least partially includes the seated position of the driver. The parameters mentioned make it possible to determine the degree of driver fatigue to the greatest extent possible.

• – Mittel zum Ermitteln einer zweiten momentanen Position des Fahrzeugs mittels der Positionsermittlungsvorrichtung,
• – Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob sich die zweite momentane Position in einem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet,
• – Mittel zum wiederholten Ausgeben der abgerufenen Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt und/oder Mittel zum Ausgeben von weiteren Informationen zu dem identifizierten Objekt mittels der zumindest einen optischen und/oder akustischen Ausgabevorrichtung, falls ermittelt wird, dass sich die zweite momentane Position in dem vorbestimmten Bereich um die Position des identifizierten Objekts befindet.

In another embodiment, the apparatus for operating a traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle further comprises:

• Means for determining a second instantaneous position of the vehicle by means of the position-determining device,
• Means for determining whether the second instantaneous position is within a predetermined range around the position of the identified object,
• - Means for repeatedly outputting the retrieved information on the identified object and / or means for outputting further information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device, if it is determined that the second current position in the predetermined range located around the location of the identified object.

As a result, upon reaching the identified object, the additional information about this can be repeatedly output and / or further information about the object can be provided.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows a flowchart of a method that is performed by means of a computing unit;

2 shows an example of a traffic situation in which a method that is executed by means of a computing unit can be used;

3 shows a traffic sign recognition system according to an embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a flowchart of a method that is carried out by means of a computing unit when a computer program product according to one of the above embodiments is performed on the computing unit.

In one step 40 a determination is made of at least one traffic sign arranged in the region of a current environment of a vehicle based on data determined by at least one optical camera. The at least one optical camera may in particular be part of the vehicle or of a mobile telephone arranged in the vehicle.

In one step 50 is determined if at least one traffic sign in the area of the current environment of the vehicle is determined, based on the in the step 40 ascertained data determines whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a predetermined traffic sign type. The predetermined traffic sign type is a traffic sign with tourist information about an object located in the vicinity of the traffic sign, for example the traffic sign no. 386 from the traffic sign catalog of the Highway Code. Determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to a traffic sign with tourist information, that is to say classifying the determined traffic sign, can in particular be done by pattern recognition and / or by determining dimensions of the determined traffic sign and / or determining a position of the determined traffic sign take place relative to a road used by the vehicle.

Will in the step 50 determines that the at least one determined traffic sign does not correspond to the predetermined traffic sign type, the steps become in the shown embodiment 40 and 50 repeatedly executed.

If, in contrast, in the step 50 it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign corresponds to the predetermined traffic sign type, takes place in one step 60 determining information contained on the traffic sign for an object located in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign, based on the data determined by the at least one optical camera. This may include in particular a determination of characters contained on the traffic sign by means of a text recognition.

In one step 70 is done based on the one in the step 60 determined, contained on the traffic sign information about the object, an identified located in the vicinity of the detected traffic sign object. For this purpose, in particular based on those in the step 60 determined, contained on the traffic sign information about the object information that is stored in a storage device retrieved. Retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the object may include retrieving information stored in an off-board storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system to the object based on the information contained on the traffic sign to the object.

After the object in the step 70 has been identified takes place in one step 80 retrieving information stored in the storage device about the identified object. In this case, retrieving the information stored in the storage device about the identified object may in turn include retrieving information stored in a vehicle-external storage device and / or information stored in a storage device of a navigation system about the identified object. In this case, the retrieval of the information can take place in such a way that only information is retrieved which corresponds to an in-vehicle specification. For example, only information can be retrieved, which are written in an on-board language.

In one step 90 will be in the step 60 determined, contained on the traffic sign information about the object output by at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. The at least one optical and / or acoustic output device may be part of the vehicle and be arranged in particular in the region of a combination instrument of the vehicle. Furthermore, the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device can be part of an information and entertainment system of the vehicle. Furthermore, the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device may be part of a mobile telephone which is arranged in the vehicle. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, in the step 90 outputting a user query by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device, if an output of further information about the identified object is to take place.

The user query is output in a further embodiment, in which a degree of fatigue of a driver of the vehicle by means of a corresponding driver assistance system is determined if the determined degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a predetermined threshold. In said embodiments, issuing the user query also includes outputting a warning message indicative of an increased degree of driver fatigue.

In one step 100 it is determined whether within a predetermined period of time, for example 10 seconds, there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object. The user request can take place, for example, by means of a user input by actuating an operating element, in particular by means of an input on a touchscreen.

Will in the step 100 determines that there is no user request for outputting further information on the identified object within the predetermined period of time, the outputting of the ascertained information on the object contained on the traffic sign is ended and the steps 40 and 50 and optionally 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 and 100 repeatedly executed.

If, in contrast, in the step 100 it is determined that within the predetermined period of time there is a user request for outputting further information on the identified object, in a step 110 the information retrieved from the storage device is outputted to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, in the step 110 an output of another user query as to whether an output of a route leading to the identified object should occur. Based on the information retrieved from the storage device, in a further embodiment, a position of the identified object, in particular a position of the identified object relative to the vehicle, determined and in the step 110 be output by the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device. For example, by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device can be output at which distance the identified object is relative to the vehicle. In particular, the driver of the vehicle can thus easily decide whether the identified object is located at a distance from the vehicle which is appropriate for the driver and thus an output of a route leading to the identified object is to be made or if the identified object is to is far away from the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle therefore does not want to drive it, which can be omitted in the latter case, the issuing of a route leading to the identified object.

In one step 120 it is determined whether within a predetermined period of time, for example 10 seconds, there is a user request for outputting a route to the identified object.

Will in the step 120 determines that there is no user request to output a route to the identified object, the outputting of the information retrieved from the storage device to the identified object is terminated, for example, after a predetermined period of time and the steps 40 and 50 and optionally 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 and 100 and, if appropriate, continue 110 and 120 are repeatedly executed.

If, in contrast, in the step 120 it is determined that there is a user request for outputting a route to the identified object, takes place in one step 130 determining and outputting a route to the identified object. For this purpose, a first instantaneous position of the vehicle is determined by means of a position-determining device of a navigation system, and a travel route is determined from the first current position of the vehicle to the position of the identified object by means of map data stored in a storage device of the navigation system. The position of the identified object can be retrieved in particular from the storage device of the navigation system and / or an off-board storage device.

In a further step, which is not shown in further detail, after determining and outputting the travel route, a second instantaneous position of the vehicle can be determined by means of the position-determining device, and it can also be determined whether the second instantaneous position is within a predetermined range around the position of the identified object , In this case, if it is determined that the second instantaneous position is in the predetermined range around the position of the identified object, in the mentioned embodiments a repeated outputting of the retrieved information to the identified object and / or outputting of further information to the identified object takes place the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device.

By means of the embodiment shown, it is thus possible, for example, to identify the traffic sign with the number 386 in the traffic sign catalog of the Highway Code, in particular the signs 386.1, 386.2 and 386.3, for example by means of vehicle sensors in the form of a front camera, an identification via a text recognition and an assignment to the to perform on the road sign mentioned attraction and related information for the vehicle occupants in textual, audio and / or visual form and to offer navigation to the relevant attraction.

A corresponding traffic sign recognition system thus recognizes the traffic signs or traffic signs, for example by means of the front camera of the vehicle and identifies by means of a text recognition algorithm in conjunction with stored or downloaded information called on the respective road sign or traffic sign and shows them for example in an infotainment system of Vehicle, possibly by means of a pop-up display. Furthermore, by means of the traffic sign recognition system, additional information about the identified attraction can for example be downloaded from the Internet, for example by means of a UMTS communication unit of the vehicle, and the occupants of the vehicle the retrieval of further information about the sight in textual, audio and / or visual form offered and continue a route, in particular a navigation route to be proposed for the achievement of the attraction. Furthermore, upon reaching the point of interest, the previously displayed information and / or further information can be provided again.

The system also provides the driver in a further embodiment, the ability to execute pauses while driving at places worth seeing on request or plan before driving or in the detection of fatigue of the driver by the vehicle a break at a place worth seeing with all the information to the attraction as well as with a suggested route to offer.

The named embodiment makes it possible to provide a cost-effective additional feature of a traffic sign recognition system, since in addition to the optical camera already typically present in the vehicle no further additional sensor system is required. Furthermore, comprehensive information of the passengers about sights is advantageously made possible. In addition, pause suggestions can be issued at touristically interesting places, especially in connection with a fatigue detection.

2 shows an example of a traffic situation in which a method which is executed by means of a computing unit, in particular that associated with 1 explained method can be used.

In the traffic situation shown drives a vehicle 4 in the form of a passenger car in a direction schematically represented by an arrow A direction of travel on a first lane or a first lane 14 a roadway 15 , The roadway 15 points next to the first lane 14 another lane or another lane 16 on. The roadway 15 is for example part of a motorway.

The vehicle 4 has an optical camera 5 on, which in the situation shown in the region of an interior mirror of the vehicle 4 is arranged and a front camera of the vehicle 4 forms. The optical camera 5 is for detecting objects in the area of a current environment 3 of the vehicle 4 within a schematically represented detection area 13 educated.

A traffic sign 2 which is adjacent to the first lane 14 the roadway 15 is located at least partially within the detection range 13 the optical camera 5 , The traffic sign 2 forms a road sign with tourist information to one, in the area of an environment of the traffic sign 2 in the situation shown the "castle Eltz", which in 2 not shown in detail. The traffic sign 2 contains pictorial information 18 in the form of a schematic representation of the tourist object as well as information 19 in text form, which name the depicted object.

As will be explained in more detail in connection with the following figure, in the situation shown on the traffic sign 2 information contained in the area around the traffic sign 2 located object, in particular the information 19 in text form, based on the optical camera 5 determined data and by means of a in 2 not shown optical and / or acoustic output device of the vehicle 4 be issued. Furthermore, the tourist object can be based on the traffic sign 2 contained information about the object to be identified and by means of a communication unit 17 of the vehicle 4 Information about the identified object from an in 2 not shown in detail external vehicle storage device can be retrieved, as will also be explained in more detail in connection with the following figure.

In addition shows 3 a traffic sign recognition system 11 of in 2 shown vehicle 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. For clarity, the vehicle is 4 in 3 only shown schematically.

The traffic sign recognition system 11 In the embodiment shown, in addition to that in FIG 2 shown optical camera 5 an output device 6 on, with the output device 6 is designed as an optical and / or acoustic output device. The output device 6 can in particular as a display device of an information and entertainment system of the vehicle 4 be educated.

In addition, the traffic sign recognition system has 11 an arithmetic unit 1 on. The arithmetic unit 1 has a computer readable medium 12 and a processing unit 20 on. The processing unit 20 For example, it can be designed as an electronic processor, in particular as a microprocessor, microcontroller or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The computer-readable medium 12 can be configured, for example, as flash memories. On the computer readable medium 12 is stored a computer program product according to one of the above embodiments, which, when it is on the computing unit 1 is executed, the arithmetic unit 1 to carry out the steps explained in connection with the above-mentioned embodiments.

The arithmetic unit 1 is via a signal line 27 with the optical camera 5 connected. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1 via a signal line 29 with the in 2 represented communication unit 17 of the vehicle 4 connected. By means of the communication unit 17 , which may be formed in particular as a mobile communication unit, may be in a vehicle external storage device 7 stored information about the identified object can be retrieved. The off-board storage device 7 is for example part of a server 26 , Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1 via a signal line 30 with a navigation system 9 of the vehicle 4 as well as via a signal line 31 with the output device 6 connected. This can be done in a storage device 8th of the navigation system 9 stored information about the identified object can be retrieved. The navigation system 9 moreover has a position detecting device 10 on, by means of which a current position of the vehicle 4 For example, satellite-based can be determined.

The output device 6 has a touch screen in the embodiment shown 21 on, being in a first area 22 of the touchscreen 21 the determined information contained on the traffic sign is output to the object. In a second area 23 of the touchscreen 21 is a user query to output more information about the object contained on the traffic sign as well as in a third area 24 a user query issued to output a route to the object.

If there is a user request for outputting further information on the object contained on the traffic sign, for example by touching the corresponding second area 23 of the touchscreen 21 , those from the storage device 7 and / or the storage device 8th retrieved information by means of the output device 6 output. If there is a user request to output a route to the object, for example by touching the corresponding third area 24 of the touchscreen 21 , is by means of the navigation system 9 a current position of the vehicle 4 and a travel route from the current position of the vehicle 4 to the position of the object by means of in the storage device 8th of the navigation system 9 stored map data, wherein the position of the object, for example, from the vehicle external storage device 7 is retrieved. By means of the output device 6 The determined route can then be issued. The output device 6 is via a signal line 32 with the navigation system 9 connected.

In the embodiment shown, the traffic sign recognition system 11 also another optical camera 25 on, which is so in an interior of the vehicle 4 arranged is that in 3 not shown driver of the vehicle 4 at least partially within a detection range of the optical camera 25 is arranged. Based on the optical camera 25 Ascertained data can thus be a degree of fatigue of the driver of the vehicle 4 and, if the determined degree of driver fatigue exceeds a predetermined threshold, a user query for outputting a route to the identified object by the output device 6 outputting the user query in said situation further includes outputting a warning message indicative of an increased degree of driver fatigue. The optical camera 25 is via a signal line 28 with the arithmetic unit 1 connected.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the foregoing description, various changes and modifications may be made. The above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a plan for practicing at least one example embodiment, wherein numerous Changes in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

computer unit

2

road sign

3

Surroundings

4

vehicle

5

camera

6

output device

7

storage device

8th

storage device

9

navigation system

10

Position-determining device

11

Traffic sign recognition system

12

medium

13

detection range

14

lane

15

roadway

16

lane

17

communication unit

18

information

19

information

20

processing unit

21

touchscreen

22

Area

23

Area

24

Area

25

camera

26

server

27

signal line

28

signal line

29

signal line

30

signal line

31

signal line

32

signal line

40

step

50

step

60

step

70

step

80

step

90

step

100

step

110

step

120

step

130

step

A

arrow

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely 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.

Cited patent literature

• US 6671615 B1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Computer program product that, when stored on a computer unit ( 1 ) is executed, the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) to carry out the following steps: determining whether at least one traffic sign ( 2 ) in the area of a current environment ( 3 ) of a vehicle ( 4 ) is arranged, based on at least one optical camera ( 5 ), if it is determined that at least one traffic sign ( 2 ) in the area of the current environment ( 3 ) of the vehicle ( 4 ), determining whether the at least one determined traffic sign ( 2 ) corresponds to a predetermined traffic sign type, based on the of the at least one optical camera ( 5 ), wherein the predetermined traffic sign type is a traffic sign with tourist information about an object located in the vicinity of the traffic sign, if it is determined that the at least one determined traffic sign ( 2 ) corresponds to the predetermined traffic sign type, determining on the traffic sign ( 2 ) contained in an area of an environment of the determined traffic sign ( 2 ) based on that of the at least one optical camera ( 5 ) and outputting the determined on the traffic sign ( 2 ) information about the object by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ). Computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is also instructed to carry out the following steps: identifying the area of the detected traffic sign ( 2 ), based on the traffic sign ( 2 ) information about the object, - fetching in a storage device ( 7 . 8th ) stored information about the identified object. A computer program product according to claim 2, wherein the identifying in the vicinity of the determined traffic sign ( 2 ) in the storage device (FIG. 7 . 8th ) stored information based on the traffic sign ( 2 ) contains information about the object. A computer program product according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the retrieval of data in the storage device ( 7 . 8th stored information on the identified object retrieving in an off-board storage device ( 7 ) stored information and / or in a storage device ( 8th ) of a navigation system ( 9 ) contains stored information about the identified object. A computer program product according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said retrieving in the memory device ( 7 . 8th ) stored information about the object in a vehicle external storage device ( 7 ) stored information and / or in a storage device ( 8th ) of a navigation system ( 9 ) stored information about the object based on the traffic sign ( 2 ) contains information about the object. Computer program product according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is further performed to execute the following steps: outputting the retrieved information on the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ). Computer program product according to claim 6, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is further instructed to perform the steps of: - issuing a user query to output further information on the identified object, - determining whether there is a user request to output further information on the identified object, - outputting the retrieved information to the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ), if it is determined that there is a user request to output further information on the identified object. The computer program product of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein retrieving the data in the memory device ( 7 . 8th ) contains information about the identified object, retrieving a position of the identified object, and wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is instructed to carry out the following steps: determining a first instantaneous position of the vehicle ( 4 ) by means of a position-determining device ( 10 ), - determining a travel route from the first current position of the vehicle ( 4 ) to the position of the identified object by means of in the memory device ( 8th ) of the navigation system ( 9 ) stored map data, outputting the determined travel route by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ). Computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is additionally instructed to carry out the following steps: issuing a user query for outputting a route to the identified object, determining whether a user request exists for outputting a route to the identified object, Wherein determining the travel route from the first current position of the vehicle ( 4 ) to the position of the identified object and outputting the determined travel route, if it is determined that there is a user request for issuing a travel route to the identified object. Computer program product according to claim 9, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is guided by the following steps: determining at least one possible fatigue of a current driver of the vehicle ( 4 characterizing parameter, - determining a degree of driver fatigue based on the at least one determined parameter, - outputting the user query to output the travel route to the identified object if the determined degree of driver fatigue exceeds a predetermined threshold, and wherein outputting the user query further includes outputting a warning message indicative of increased driver fatigue. Computer program product according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 1 ) is instructed to carry out the following steps: determining a second instantaneous position of the vehicle ( 4 ) by means of the position-determining device ( 10 ), - determining whether the second current position is in a predetermined range around the position of the identified object, - if it is determined that the second current position is in the predetermined range around the position of the identified object, repeatedly outputting the retrieved Information on the identified object and / or output of further information on the identified object by means of the at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ). Traffic sign recognition system for a vehicle ( 4 ), comprising - at least one optical camera ( 5 ), wherein the at least one optical camera ( 5 ) is designed for detecting objects, - at least one optical and / or acoustic output device ( 6 ), - a computing unit ( 1 ), - a computer program product according to any one of the preceding claims. Traffic sign recognition system according to claim 12, wherein the traffic sign recognition system ( 11 ) Part of the vehicle ( 4 ). The traffic sign recognition system of claim 12, wherein the traffic sign recognition system is part of a mobile telephone. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images