Method for detecting traffic jams using a wireless vehicle to vehicle communication system

A method for queue recognition by wireless vehicle to vehicle communication, in which an ego vehicle (A), in which the method for queue recognition is performed, receives speed and position values from surrounding vehicles (5.x) situated in the reception area of the vehicle to vehicle communication, the method comprising:

• checking a relevance for surrounding vehicles (5.x) from which the ego vehicle (A) receives messages by a comparison with relevance criteria and establishing a relevance if the relevance criteria are satisfied;
• selecting the speed and position values that are associated with relevant surrounding vehicles (5.x) and have the speed values indicating a direction of travel (3) that is the same as the direction of travel of the ego vehicle (A);
• defining at least one first virtual vehicle (B, C) to which mean values of at least one portion of the, or all, selected speed and position values are allocated as speed and position values for the at least one first virtual vehicle (B, C);
• recording a time profile of the speed and position values of the at least one first virtual vehicle (B, C);
• recording, as at least one change value, the time profile of changes in the speed and position values of the at least one first virtual vehicle (B, C);
• and
• comparing the change value with at least one prescribed queue criterion.