Device and method for oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention

Abstract

 The invention relates to the prevention of oncoming traffic congestion. In particular, the invention relates to an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) for a first vehicle (100) driving on a first lane. The oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device is configured for receiving first data about a traffic obstruction from a second, oncoming vehicle and for generating second data on the basis of the first data. This second data is then transmitted to a third vehicle that is travelling behind the second vehicle, in the same direction as the second vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for preventing a traffic congestion on an oncoming lane and to a program element.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the prevention of oncoming-traffic congestions. In particular, the invention relates to an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device, to a method for preventing a traffic congestion on an oncoming lane and to a program element.

Technical background

[0002] Roads with a high traffic volume are often prone to traffic congestions. For example, if there is a traffic obstruction on a road, e.g. a slow vehicle, there is the risk that other vehicles drive with a high velocity into the traffic obstruction which may lead to a traffic congestion.

[0003] Other vehicles can be warned about such traffic congestions using the traffic message channel (TMC) or classic radio broadcasts. These protocols can also be used to provide alternative routes such that the traffic congestion can be dissolved.

Summary of the invention

[0004] There may be a need for providing an improved prevention of traffic congestions. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide a more reliable prevention of traffic congestions where the amount of transmitted data is reduced.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device for a first vehicle driving on a first lane in a first direction. The oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device comprises a receiving unit, a transmitting unit and a processing unit. The receiving unit is configured for receiving first data about a traffic obstruction on a second lane from a second vehicle driving on the second lane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured for generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit is configured for transmitting the second data to a third vehicle driving on the second lane when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0006] In other words, the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device is configured for transporting information about a traffic obstruction on the oncoming lane from the second vehicle to the third vehicle which is driving behind the second vehicle, wherein this information is transported over at least one kilometer.

[0007] In this way, a decentralized method for transporting the information about the traffic obstruction from the second vehicle to the third vehicle is provided. Furthermore, the amount of transmitted data is reduced since the first vehicle transports the information about the traffic obstruction over at least one kilometer.

[0008] The invention is based on the knowledge that traffic congestions could be avoided or at least minimized if vehicles coming from behind become aware about the traffic congestion. In particular, it was recognized that it is advantageous that vehicles coming from behind could also be informed about the average speed of vehicles in front. Thus, it was recognized that traffic congestions could be avoided by informing vehicles coming from behind to slow down in advance. By slowing down to an advised velocity, vehicles coming from behind could also have a lower fuel consumption and produce less air pollution, meanwhile giving time for the traffic congestion to dissolve.

[0009] The inventors also recognized that it may be advantageous to use a decentralized system, i.e. car-to-car (C2C) communication, since centralized systems as TMC or other protocols may adapt too slowly. In particular, it could be the case that the route recommended by TMC is already congested.

[0010] The first, second, third vehicle or any other vehicle described in the context of the invention may be any kind of road vehicle, for example, a motor vehicle, an automobile, a car, a motorcycle or a truck. The second vehicle may be part of the traffic obstruction, for example, may be located in the traffic congestion if the traffic obstruction is a traffic congestion. Furthermore, the second vehicle may be an oncoming vehicle of the first vehicle. It may be understood that the third vehicle is driving on the same lane as the first vehicle, i.e. in the same direction as the first vehicle, but behind the first vehicle. For example, the third vehicle may be driving one kilometer or more behind the second vehicle. The second data may thus be transmitted to the third vehicle after the first vehicle was driving for one kilometer or more.

[0011] The first and second lanes may be lanes of the same road, the same highway or the same motorway, wherein the traffic on the first lane drives in the opposite direction than the traffic on the second lane. In other words, the first lane is the oncoming lane of the second lane and vice versa. The traffic obstruction may relate to different kinds of traffic obstructions, for example, to a traffic congestion, or to another kind of danger zone.

[0012] The receiving unit and the transmitting unit may be separate units of the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device. However, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit may also be realized in the same unit, i.e. may be comprised by one transceiving unit. Moreover, the receiving unit and/or the transmitting unit may also be a unit of another component of the first vehicle, for example of a navigation system of the first vehicle.

[0013] The first data may be received directly or indirectly from the second vehicle and the second data may be transmitted directly or indirectly to the third vehicle. In other words, the first data may be transmitted from the second vehicle to an intermediate vehicle and from the intermediate vehicle to the first vehicle. Analogously, the second data may be sent from the second vehicle to an intermediate vehicle and from the intermediate vehicle to the third vehicle.

[0014] Moreover, the first vehicle may be configured to determine whether the second vehicle is an oncoming vehicle such that data received from vehicles that are not oncoming may be neglected. Moreover, also data coming from cars located in parking areas or in gas stations may be neglected. The second vehicle may also be configured to discard the information about the traffic obstruction, for example, after 5 kilometers, preferably after 10 kilometers, more preferably after 20 kilometers.

[0015] The information about the traffic obstruction may comprise a position and/or a length of the traffic obstruction. Furthermore, the information about the traffic obstruction may also comprise a velocity of vehicles located in the traffic obstructions, for example, an average velocity.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transmitting unit is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle only if the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0017] In other words, the second data is not transmitted if the first vehicle is located less than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0018] In this way it is ensured that the second data is only transmitted if the third vehicle has enough time to adapt to the traffic obstruction. Thus, the second data is not transmitted to the third vehicle if the third vehicle has not the possibility to react to the traffic obstruction. In this way, the amount of transmitted data is reduced.

[0019] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transmitting unit is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle only if the first vehicle has passed an entry to an alternative route of the second lane. For example, the entry to the alternative route may be an exit of a highway on the second lane on which the second vehicle and the third vehicle are driving. In this way, the second data is only transmitted to the third vehicle if the third vehicle has the possibility to take an alternative route for avoiding the traffic obstruction. This also leads to a reduction of the amount of transmitted data.

[0020] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the transmitting unit is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than 5 kilometers, preferably more than 10 kilometers, more preferably more than 20 kilometers, away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0021] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit are configured for receiving/transmitting data using a car-to-car communication channel, respectively.

[0022] Car-to-car (C2C) communication may relate to a direct communication between two vehicles. Furthermore, car-to-car communication may also refer to a communication channel which is defined by the Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Consortium. The car-to-car communication channel may, however, also comprise other forms of direct communication between two vehicles, for example by WLAN or by WiFi-Direct.

[0023] The two units involved in communication between two vehicles, e.g. two oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-devices, may connect to each other without having a wireless access point in order to achieve a direct C2C communication, also called Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication. In the context of the invention the WiFi-Direct protocol can be used for the C2C communication. Some advantages of using WiFi-Direct may be:

• communication may be done at standard WiFi speeds and distances;
• existing WiFi radio devices can be used;
• it is not necessary that all devices involved in the P2P pairing must support WiFi-Direct;
• WiFi-Direct may provide a secure C2C communication, e.g. by using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) and a predefined algorithm for calculating the PIN.

[0024] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit is configured for receiving the first data of a plurality of second vehicles. Furthermore, the processing unit is configured for generating the second data comprising an additional information about the traffic obstruction based on the first data received by the plurality of second vehicles.

[0025] In other words, the receiving unit may be configured for receiving a data unit of the first data kind of every vehicle of the plurality of second vehicles, respectively. Thus, the receiving unit may be configured to receive data of each vehicle of the plurality of second vehicles. The additional information may be determined on the basis of the plurality of data units and may for example comprise a length of the traffic obstruction, a distance to the traffic obstruction and/or a velocity, preferably an average velocity, of the traffic obstruction.

[0026] In this way, additional information about the traffic obstruction can be determined by analyzing first data which is received by a plurality of second vehicles. The length of the traffic obstruction may for example be measured by receiving first data of the first vehicle and the last vehicle of the traffic obstruction and by calculating the distance between the first and the last vehicle of the traffic obstruction.

[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first data comprises a velocity of the second vehicle, an average velocity of the second vehicle, and/or coordinates of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located.

[0028] The second vehicle may determine the coordinates of the traffic obstruction using its GPS or navigation system. In this way, information about the traffic obstruction is communicated to a first vehicle and can thus also be communicated to the third vehicle.

[0029] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second data comprises a velocity of the second vehicle, an average velocity of the second vehicle, a distance to the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located, a length of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located, an average speed of a plurality of vehicles located in the traffic obstruction in which the first vehicle is located, a density of vehicles driving into the traffic obstruction and/or coordinates of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located.

[0030] The length of the traffic obstruction (L) can for example be determined by determining the time between receiving first data of the last vehicle of the traffic obstruction (T₂) and receiving first data of the first vehicle of the traffic obstruction (T₁) and by multiplying this time with the average velocity of the first vehicle (v_1,a):

[0031] The distance to the traffic obstruction (D) may for example be determined by determining the time between transmitting the second data to the third vehicle (T₃) and receiving the first data of the last vehicle of the traffic obstruction (T₂) and by multiplying this time with the average velocity of the first vehicle:

[0032] Furthermore, the second data may also comprise an advised velocity for the third vehicle (v_3,adv) which may be calculated as follows:

wherein v_c,a is the average velocity of the traffic congestion.

[0033] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit is configured for receiving third data comprising an information about a traffic obstruction and for forwarding the third data to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured for generating a signal on the basis of the third data.

[0034] It may be understood that the third data is of the same kind as the second data. In this way, the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device is also configured to be informed about a traffic obstruction located in front on the same lane. In other words, an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device may also be comprised by the third vehicle.

[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device comprises a human-machine-interface. The processing unit is configured for transmitting the signal to the human-machine-interface. The human-machine-interface is configured for outputting an information on the basis of the signal in such a way that a driver of the first vehicle is informed about the traffic obstruction.

[0036] The human-machine-interface may for example be a display, an audio device and/or a device for outputting haptic information, for example, a vibration.

[0037] The outputted information may for example be a warning or an information comprising a distance to the traffic obstruction. Furthermore, the outputted information may comprise an advised velocity as explained above. The outputted information may also comprise an instruction to take the next possible exit in order to avoid the traffic obstruction.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device comprises a navigation system. The processing unit is configured for sending the signal to the navigation system and the navigation system is configured to determine a route of the first vehicle on the basis of the signal.

[0039] The determined route may for example be an alternative route which avoids the traffic obstruction. In this way, the traffic obstruction may be avoided such that a traffic congestion is prevented

[0040] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the processing unit is configured for determining, whether the first vehicle is located in a traffic obstruction. Furthermore, the processing unit is configured for generating fourth data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the fourth data to the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit is configured for transmitting the fourth data to a fourth vehicle.

[0041] It may be understood that the fourth data is of the same kind as the first data. In this way, the first vehicle can inform other vehicles about a traffic obstruction in which the first vehicle is located such that vehicles coming from behind can slow down or can avoid the traffic obstruction. In other words, the second vehicle may comprise an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device.

[0042] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the processing unit is configured for determining that the first vehicle is located in a traffic obstruction by determining that the velocity of the first vehicle is below a threshold velocity.

[0043] The threshold velocity may for example correspond to half an advised velocity.

[0044] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for preventing a traffic congestion on an oncoming lane by a first vehicle. The method comprises the step of receiving first data about a traffic obstruction on a second lane from a second vehicle driving on the second lane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit. The method further comprises the step of generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to the transmitting unit. The method also comprises the step of transmitting the second data to a third vehicle driving on the second lane when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0045] It has to be noted that the method may also comprise further steps that are described with respect to the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device described herein. Furthermore, the method steps may be carried out in the order described in herein, in another order or parallel to each other.

[0046] A further aspect of the invention relates to a program element, which, when it is executed by a processor, instructs the processor to carry out a method described in the context of the present invention.

[0047] The program element may for example be a program element of an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device described in the context of the present invention. Moreover, the program element may also be an update, which enables an existing program element to carry out the described method.

[0048] The aspects described above and further aspects, features and advantages of the invention may also be found in the example embodiments which are described in the following with reference to the appended drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

[0049] 

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle with an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a traffic situation in which the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is applied.

Figs. 3A and 3B show traffic situations in which methods according to exemplary embodiments of the invention are applied.

Fig. 4 shows a traffic obstruction and a vehicle approaching the traffic obstruction in which the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is applied.

Fig. 5 shows a flow-chart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0050] The figures are schematically drawn and not true to scale. If identical or similar elements are shown in different figures, they may be marked with the same reference signs. However, same or similar elements may also be marked with different reference signs.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 100 with an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device 101. The vehicle 100 may for example be the first vehicle described in the context of the present invention. The vehicle 100 is driving on a first lane in a first direction.

[0052] The oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device 101 comprises a receiving unit 102 that is configured for receiving first data about the traffic obstruction on a second lane from a second vehicle driving on the second lane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit 104. The processing unit 104 is configured for generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to a transmitting unit 103 of the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device 101. The transmitting unit 103 is configured for transmitting the second data to a third vehicle driving on the second lane when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0053] The receiving unit 102 is further configured for receiving third data, which is of the same kind as the second data, comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for forwarding the third data to the processing unit 104, wherein the processing unit 104 is configured for generating a signal on the basis of the third data. The processing unit 104 is further configured for transmitting the signal to a human-machine-interface 106 of the vehicle 100, which can be a display, an audio device or a haptic device. The human-machine-interface 106 is configured for outputting information on the basis of the signal in such a way that the driving of the first vehicle 100 is informed about the traffic obstruction. Furthermore, the processing unit 104 is also configured for sending the signal to a navigation system 105 of the vehicle 100 such that the navigation system can determine a route of the first vehicle on the basis of this signal, for example an alternative route.

[0054] The processing unit 104 is furthermore configured for determining whether the first vehicle 100 is located in a traffic obstruction and for generating fourth data, which is of the same kind as the first data, comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the fourth data to the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit 103 is configured for transmitting the fourth data to a fourth vehicle.

[0055] In the following, although it is not explicitly shown that the vehicles comprise an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device described herein the shown vehicles comprise an oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device. Thus, it may be understood that the vehicles may correspond to the vehicle shown in Fig. 1.

[0056] In Fig. 2, a traffic situation on a highway comprising two lanes 201 and 202 is shown. On the first lane 201, a first vehicle 203, 204, 205 is driving in a first direction, wherein the reference signs 203, 204 and 205 refer to different positions of the first vehicle, i.e. of the same vehicle, at different times. On the second lane 202, a plurality of second vehicles 206, 207 which are located in a traffic congestion 214 as well as a third vehicle 208 that is located behind the traffic congestion are driving in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The second vehicle 206 is the first vehicle of the traffic congestion 214 and the second vehicle 207 is the last vehicle of the traffic congestion 214. The vehicles 203-207 are equipped with oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-devices described in the context of the invention.

[0057] In this traffic situation, the method for preventing oncoming traffic congestion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. Simply said, the first vehicle 203, 204, 205 is used for transporting information about the traffic congestion 207 from the second vehicles 205, 206 to the third vehicle 208 in order to warn the third vehicle.

[0058] Hereby, first data 211, 212 is sent from the plurality of second vehicles 207, 207 to the first vehicle 203, 204. In other words, at a first point in time, the first data 211 is sent from the second vehicle 206 to the first vehicle 203 and at a second point in time, the first data 212 is transmitted from the second vehicle 207 to the first vehicle 204. The processing unit of the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device of the first vehicle 203, 204, 205 calculates the length of the traffic congestion 214 by multiplying the time between the receiving the first data 211 and receiving the first data 212 with the average velocity of the first vehicle 203, 204, 205. The processing unit of the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device of the first vehicle 203, 204, 205 generates second data on the basis of the first data 211, 212. After a distance 210, the first vehicle 205 crosses the third vehicle 208 that is driving behind the traffic congestion 214. The first vehicle 205 then transmits the second data 213 to the third vehicle 208 for informing the third vehicle about the traffic congestion 214 such that the third vehicle 208 may for example take the next exit for avoiding the traffic congestion 214. The second information 213 may for example comprise the length 209 of the traffic congestion 214 and/or the distance to the traffic congestion 210. This second data 213 is for example transmitted from the first vehicle 205 to the third vehicle 208 when the distance 210 is at least one kilometer.

[0059] As can be seen, the first vehicle 203, 204, 205 is used for transporting the information about the traffic congestion 214 from the second vehicles 206, 207 to the third vehicle 208 in order to warn or inform the third vehicle 208 about the coming traffic congestion 214.

[0060] Fig. 3A shows a traffic situation in a road having two oncoming lanes. In the traffic situation, a second vehicle 301 which had an accident is shown, i.e. a traffic obstruction is located on the second lane. The second vehicle 301 then transmits first data 305 comprising an information about the traffic obstruction, i.e. about the accident to a first vehicle 302 that is travelling on the first lane in an opposite direction. At the later point in time, the first vehicle 303 crosses a third vehicle 304 and transmits second data about the traffic obstruction to the third vehicle 304 for informing the third vehicle about the coming traffic obstruction, i.e. about the accident of the second vehicle 301.

[0061] In Fig. 3B, a similar traffic situation on a road having two opposite lanes is shown, where a second vehicle 301 has an accident. The second vehicle 301 transmits first data 305 to a first vehicle 302 travelling in the opposite direction. The first vehicle 302, 303 then arrives at a traffic congestion comprising vehicles 307, 308 and 309. The second data generated by the processing unit of the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device of the first vehicle 302, 303 can then be transmitted to the vehicles 307, 308, 309. In other words, the second data 301, 311, 312 can hop forward. The vehicle 309 then transmits the second information 313 to the third vehicle 304 such that the third vehicle is warned about the accident of the second vehicle 301. Thus, the second data is indirectly set to the third vehicle 304. In the same way, the first data 305 may also be indirectly sent to the first vehicle 302.

[0062] In Fig. 4, a traffic congestion 400 with a first second vehicle 401 and a last second vehicle 402 is shown. The vehicle 401 is driving with a velocity 404 and the vehicle 402 is driving with a velocity 405. The average velocity of the traffic congestion (v_c,a) 400 is designated by the reference sign 406. Furthermore, a third vehicle 403 driving into the traffic congestion with a velocity 407 is depicted. The length of the traffic congestion (L) is designated with the reference sign 408 and the distance from the third vehicle 403 to the traffic congestion 400 (D) is designated by the reference sign 409.

[0063] The advisable velocity for the third vehicle (v_3,adv) 403 may be calculated in such a way such that the distance 408 + 409 is covered by the third car 403 in the same time as the last second car 402 takes for driving through the traffic congestion 400.

[0064] For example, if the congestion has an average velocity (v_c,a) of 20 km/h, a length (L) of 1 km, the third vehicle is located 3 km behind the congestion (D), the advised velocity for the third vehicle (v_3,adv) will be 80 km/h.

[0065] In Fig. 5, a flow-chart for a method for preventing a traffic congestion on an oncoming lane by a first vehicle driving on a first lane in a first direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The method comprises the step S1 of receiving first data about the traffic congestion on a second lane from a second vehicle driving on the second lane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit. Furthermore, the method comprises the step S2 of generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to the transmitting unit. The method further comprises the step S3 of transmitting the second data to a third vehicle driving on the second lane when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

[0066] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The reference numerals in the claims are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) for a first vehicle (100, 203, 204, 205) driving on a first lane (201) in a first direction, the oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device comprising:

a receiving unit (102);

a transmitting unit (103);

a processing unit (104);

wherein the receiving unit (102) is configured for receiving first data (211, 212) about a traffic obstruction (214) on a second lane from a second vehicle (206, 207) driving on the second lane (202) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit (104);

wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to the transmitting unit (103); and

wherein the transmitting unit (103) is configured for transmitting the second data (213) to a third vehicle (208) driving on the second lane (202) when the first vehicle is located at a position (205) which is located more than one kilometer away from the position (203, 204) at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

2. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to claim 1,
wherein the transmitting unit (103) is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle only if the first vehicle is located at a position (205) which is located more than one kilometer away from the position (203, 204) at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

3. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to claims 1 or 2,
wherein the transmitting unit (103) is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle (208) only if the first vehicle has passed an entry to an alternative route of the second lane.

4. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the transmitting unit (103) is configured for transmitting the second data to the third vehicle (208) when the first vehicle is located at a position (205) which is located more than five kilometers away from the position (203, 204) at which the first data was received by the first vehicle.

5. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the receiving unit (102) and the transmitting unit (103) are configured for receiving/transmitting data using a car-to-car communication channel, respectively.

6. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the receiving unit (102) is configured for receiving the first data (211, 212) of a plurality of second vehicles (206, 207); and
wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for generating the second data comprising an additional information about the traffic obstruction (214) based on the first data received by the plurality of second vehicles.

7. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first data comprises a velocity of the second vehicle, an average velocity of the second vehicle, and/or coordinates of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located.

8. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the second data comprises a velocity of the second vehicle, an average velocity of the second vehicle, a distance to the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located, a length of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located, an average speed of a plurality of vehicles in the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located, a density of vehicles driving into the traffic obstruction and/or coordinates of the traffic obstruction in which the second vehicle is located.

9. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the receiving unit (102) is configured for receiving third data comprising an information about a traffic obstruction and for forwarding the third data to the processing unit; and
wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for generating a signal on the basis of the third data.

10. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to claim 9, comprising:

a human-machine-interface (106);

wherein the processing unit is configured for transmitting the signal to the human-machine-interface; and

wherein the human-machine-interface is configured for outputting an information on the basis of the signal in such a way that a driver of the first vehicle is informed about the traffic obstruction.

11. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to claims 9 and 10, comprising:

a navigation system (105);

wherein the processing unit is configured for transmitting the signal to the navigation system; and

wherein the navigation system is configured to determine a route of the first vehicle on the basis of the signal.

12. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for determining, whether the first vehicle is located in a traffic obstruction;
wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for generating fourth data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the fourth data to the transmitting unit; and
wherein the transmitting unit (103) is configured for transmitting the fourth data to a fourth vehicle.

13. Oncoming-traffic-congestion-prevention-device (101) according to claim 9,
wherein the processing unit (104) is configured for determining that the first vehicle is located in a traffic obstruction by determining that the velocity of the first vehicle is below a threshold velocity.

14. Method for preventing a traffic congestion on an oncoming lane by a first vehicle driving on a first lane in a first direction, the method comprising the steps:

receiving first data about a traffic obstruction on a second lane from a second vehicle driving on the second lane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and for transmitting the first data to the processing unit (S1);

generating second data comprising information about the traffic obstruction and for transmitting the second data to the transmitting unit (S2); and

transmitting the second data to a third vehicle driving on the second lane when the first vehicle is located at a position which is located more than one kilometer away from the position at which the first data was received by the first vehicle (S3).

15. Program element, which, when it is executed by a processor, instructs the processor to carry out the method according to claim 14.

Drawing