DE102016113940A1 - Optical sensor device for a motor vehicle comprising a solar sensor, driver assistance system, motor vehicle and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical sensor device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one solar sensor (12, 12 ') for providing solar sensor data (20, 20') describing a radiation power of solar radiation (4), wherein the at least a solar sensor (12, 12 ') for the solar radiation (4) has an angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity, with a computing device (24) for determining the radiation power impinging on an occupant (5) of the motor vehicle (1) as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data ( 20, 20 ') and at least one light-sensitive element for providing light sensor data (22) describing the solar radiation (4), the computing device (24) being adapted to compensate the solar sensor data (20, 20') for compensating the incident angle-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor (12, 12 ') on the basis of the light sensor data (22) to adapt and on the occupant (5) tr To determine effende radiant power using the adjusted solar sensor data (23, 23 ').

Description

The present invention relates to an optical sensor device for a motor vehicle having at least one solar sensor for providing solar sensor data describing a radiation power of solar radiation, wherein the at least one solar sensor for the solar radiation has an angle-dependent sensitivity, with a computing device for determining the on an occupant of the motor vehicle meeting radiant power as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data and with at least one light-sensitive element for providing light sensor data which describe the solar radiation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for operating an optical sensor device for a motor vehicle.

From the prior art optical sensor devices are already known, which can be arranged for example on a windshield of the motor vehicle. Such optical sensor devices can have at least one solar sensor or a sun position sensor, with which a radiation power from the solar radiation, which impinges on an occupant of the motor vehicle, can be determined. With the help of the solar sensor, a heating of the interior can be determined by the incident in the interior of solar radiation. Based on the heating of the interior detected by the solar sensor, for example, an air-conditioning device for air-conditioning the interior can be controlled. Thus, a temperature in the interior of the motor vehicle can be kept constant at a preset value by an occupant.

The solar sensors usually have the disadvantage that their sensitivity is dependent on an angle of incidence of solar radiation. Thus, it may happen, for example, that different solar sensor values which describe the radiation power are detected by the optical sensor device, despite the same radiant power radiated by the sun, for different angles of incidence of the solar radiation. This directional sensitivity may also be due to the fact that a blackened area or a black print is present on the windshield in order to curtail the sensitivity of the solar sensor in certain areas. Also, if the optical sensor device is not ideally adjusted to this black imprint during assembly, directional sensitivity may also result.

In addition, optical sensor devices are known from the prior art, which have other sensors in addition to a solar sensor. Such a sensor may for example be a light sensor, which can detect the brightness in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. In addition, the optical sensor device may comprise as a further sensor, for example, a rain sensor, by means of which a precipitate on the windshield of the motor vehicle can be detected. Such a rain sensor may have a transmitting element which emits electromagnetic radiation into the area of the windshield to be considered. At least part of the emitted radiation is reflected from the area to be observed onto a receiving element of the rain sensor. The intensity of the received radiation is dependent on a number of drops of moisture in the area of the windscreen to be considered.

This describes the DE 100 05 127 A1 a use of a rain sensor for motor vehicles for measuring the ambient brightness. In this case, the rain sensor may have at least one light source, the light of which is at least partially reflected on a surface of a transparent pane which is wettable by rain, wherein at least part of the reflected light falls on a light sensor. In addition, the rain sensor may have a compensation circuit for compensating the additional incident on the light sensor ambient light.

In addition, from the DE 10 2007 049 877 A1 a sensor module with a rain sensor unit for detecting raindrops and / or moisture in a region of a windshield of a motor vehicle described. In addition, an optical direction sensor is integrated in the sensor module, which is designed to determine an incident direction of light rays incident on the direction sensor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution, as an optical sensor device for a motor vehicle of the type mentioned can be operated reliably.

This object is achieved by an optical sensor device, by a driver assistance system, by a motor vehicle and by a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous developments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment, an optical sensor device for a motor vehicle comprises at least one solar sensor for providing Solar sensor data, which describe a radiation power of solar radiation, wherein the at least one solar sensor, in particular for the solar radiation has an angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity. In addition, the optical sensor device preferably comprises a computing device for determining the radiation power striking an occupant of the motor vehicle as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data. In addition, the optical sensor device in particular comprises at least one light-sensitive element for providing light sensor data which describe the solar radiation. The computing device is preferably designed to adapt the solar sensor data for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor on the basis of the light sensor data and to determine the radiation power impinging on the occupant based on the adjusted solar sensor data.

An optical sensor device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises at least one solar sensor for providing solar sensor data, which describe a radiation power of solar radiation, wherein the at least one solar sensor for the solar radiation has an angle-dependent sensitivity. In addition, the optical sensor device comprises a computing device for determining the radiation power striking an occupant of the motor vehicle as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data. Furthermore, the optical sensor device comprises at least one light-sensitive element for providing light sensor data which describe the solar radiation. In this case, the computing device is designed to adapt the solar sensor data for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor based on the light sensor data and to determine the incident on the occupant radiation power based on the adjusted solar sensor data.

The optical sensor device can be arranged for example in an interior of the motor vehicle on the windshield of the motor vehicle. With the help of the optical sensor device, the radiation power of the sun's rays, which meet from the environment of the motor vehicle to an occupant of the motor vehicle, can be determined. In other words, this means that the optical sensor device is used for determining an irradiation intensity perceived by the driver. For detecting the radiation power, the optical sensor device has the at least one solar sensor or a sun position sensor, which may comprise, for example, a photodiode. With the aid of the solar sensor, light or radiation in the visible wavelength range and / or in the near infrared wavelength range can be detected. With the at least one solar sensor solar sensor data are provided which describe the incident on the occupants of the motor vehicle radiation power. In particular, the solar sensor data describe the radiation power as a function of angle of incidence.

The sensitivity or sensitivity of the solar sensor is incident angle-dependent, that is dependent on an angle of incidence of solar radiation. In other words, this means that the radiation power detected by the solar sensor is dependent on the direction of incidence from which the solar radiation from the environment impinges on the solar sensor. As a result of the sensitivity dependent on the angle of incidence, the solar sensor has a directional characteristic that is uneven over the predefined angle of incidence range. This uneven directional characteristic may be due, for example, to the fact that the solar sensor is arranged on a region of the windshield which is correspondingly blackened or has a black imprint. This black print can absorb solar radiation and can serve to curtail or limit the sensitivity of the solar sensor to certain angles of incidence. Furthermore, the direction-dependent or incident-angle-dependent sensitivity of the solar sensor may result from the fact that the solar sensor is not aligned during assembly exactly to the black print on the windshield.

According to the invention, it is now provided that the light sensor data of at least one light-sensitive element of the optical sensor device be used to compensate for the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the solar sensor. The light-sensitive element is a sensor or a part of a sensor that is usually already present in the optical sensor device. With the help of the light-sensitive element, the light sensor data can be provided, which describe the solar radiation. These light sensor data are now used to adjust the solar sensor data so that the incident angle-dependent sensitivity of the solar sensor can be compensated. For this purpose, the optical sensor device to a computing device, which may be formed for example by a processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor or the like. On the one hand, the solar sensor data from the at least one solar sensor and the light sensor data from the light-sensitive element are fed to this computing device. The computing device can now adapt the solar sensor data as a function of the light sensor data of the light-sensitive element. For example, the solar sensor data and the light sensor data can be determined by means of the Computing be fused to compensate for the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the solar sensor. Thus, the light sensor data from the light-sensitive element, which is usually part of the optical sensor device can be used to compensate for the directional dependence or Einwinkelwinkelabhängigkeit of the solar sensor. This enables overall reliable operation of the optical sensor device.

In one embodiment, the computing device is configured to adjust the solar sensor data to compensate for the incident angle dependent sensitivity in a predetermined range of azimuthal angle of the solar radiation. The azimuthal angle or a horizontal angle here is an angle which the sun has in a horizontal plane, for example in a plane spanned by a vehicle longitudinal axis and a vehicle transverse axis, with respect to a vehicle longitudinal axis. In this case, the solar sensor can have the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity with respect to the azimuthal angle range. This directional sensitivity with respect to the azimuthal angle range can be compensated for by the use of the light sensor data. In principle, it can also be provided that the predetermined incident angle range has a predetermined elevation angle range, and the computing device is designed to compensate the solar sensor data for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity in the predetermined elevation angle range. The elevation angle here is an angle which the sun has in a vertical plane, for example in a plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal axis and a vehicle vertical axis, with respect to the horizon.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one solar sensor has a shaded area as a function of the angle of incidence, in which the at least one solar sensor has a lower sensitivity than a region other than the shaded area, and which has at least one light-sensitive element in the shadowed area Range has a substantially angle of incidence independent sensitivity. The light sensor data of the light-sensitive element can therefore be used in particular to compensate for the solar sensor data which describe the shaded area. The shaded area represents the area in which the solar sensor has a reduced sensitivity. This shaded area can be caused for example by the design of the solar sensor itself, by the design of the aforementioned black print on the windshield and / or the orientation of the solar sensor to the black print. It is advantageous if the light-sensitive element in this shaded area provides substantially isotropic light sensor data. In other words, the light-sensitive element in the shaded area may have a substantially isotropic sensitivity. This makes it possible to reliably detect the radiation power in the shaded area with the aid of the light-sensitive element and thus to compensate for the solar sensor data of the solar sensor.

In a further embodiment, the optical sensor device comprises a rain sensor for detecting a precipitate on a transparent pane of the motor vehicle, the rain sensor having a transmitting element for emitting electromagnetic radiation and a receiving element for receiving at least a part of the emitted radiation, wherein the at least one light-sensitive element is formed by the receiving element of the rain sensor. The translucent pane of the motor vehicle may in particular be the windshield of the motor vehicle. As the electromagnetic radiation, the transmitting element of the rain sensor can emit, for example, light in the visible wavelength range or in the infrared wavelength range. On the basis of the proportion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, which is reflected back to the receiving element, the intensity of the precipitate can be determined. In turn, the intensity is dependent on the number of drops of moisture on the windshield, which are located in a detection range of the rain sensor. As drops of moisture, for example raindrops, dew drops, mist droplets, melted snowflakes or the like can be detected. The receiving unit of the rain sensor may, for example, be a photodiode, which is in particular designed to receive optical radiation in the infrared wavelength range. With this receiving element, the radiation power of solar radiation can be detected and used to compensate for the solar sensor data of the solar sensor.

It is preferably provided that the receiving element of the rain sensor is arranged in a central region of the optical sensor device. The fact that the receiving element is arranged centrally or centrally on or in the optical sensor device, it can be guaranteed that the receiving element of the rain sensor with respect to the predetermined incident angle range has no or only slightly formed shaded areas. In other words, it can be achieved by the central arrangement of the receiving element of the rain sensor that the sensitivity is substantially independent of is the angle of incidence. This allows a reliable compensation of the directional dependence of the solar sensor.

According to a further embodiment, the optical sensor device comprises a light sensor for detecting a brightness in an environment of the motor vehicle and the at least one light-sensitive element is formed by the light sensor. The optical sensor device may comprise at least one light sensor, by means of which light in the visible wavelength range in the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected. In this case, the light sensor may have a detection area, which is oriented along the vehicle vertical direction. This light sensor can be used to determine whether the brightness in the environment falls below a predetermined threshold and it is required that the low beam of the motor vehicle is automatically activated. The optical sensor device can also have a light sensor whose detection area is oriented along a vehicle longitudinal axis. With the help of this light sensor, for example, tunnels and / or bridges in the direction of travel can be detected in front of the motor vehicle. The light sensor can also be designed to detect radiation or light in the infrared wavelength range. As an alternative or in addition to the data of the receiving element of the rain sensor, the light sensor data of the at least one light sensor of the optical sensor device can therefore also be used to compensate for the directional dependence of the solar sensor.

In a further embodiment, the optical sensor device has a first solar sensor for detecting the radiation power in an area assigned to a driver of the motor vehicle and a second solar sensor for detecting the radiation power in a region assigned to a passenger of the motor vehicle. In this case, each of the solar sensors can have the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity. Each of the solar sensors may provide solar sensor data which is then adjusted based on the light sensor data of the at least one light-sensitive element.

In a further refinement, the computing device is designed to weight the light sensor data with a predetermined weighting factor and to determine the adapted solar sensor data from the solar sensor data and the weighted light sensor data by means of an overlay function. To determine the adjusted solar sensor data, the light sensor data may first be multiplied by a factor. Thus, it can be achieved that the solar sensor data and the light sensor data have similar amplitudes or similar intensity values. The adjusted solar sensor data may be determined from the solar sensor data and the weighted light sensor data based on a predetermined overlay function. Thus, the computing device, to which both the solar sensor data and the light sensor data are supplied, determine the adjusted solar sensor data within a short computing time and thus compensate for the directional dependence of the solar sensor.

In another embodiment, the overlay function describes a transition between the solar sensor data and the weighted light sensor data. For example, it may be provided that the adjusted solar sensor data is determined from the maximum of the light sensor data and the solar sensor data. To prevent jumps in the transitions between the solar sensor data and the weighted light sensor data, the overlay function may describe a corresponding transition between the solar sensor data and the weighted light sensor data. This allows a reliable compensation of the directional dependence of the solar sensor.

The invention also relates to a driver assistance system having an optical sensor device according to the invention. In particular, the driver assistance system has an air-conditioning device, for example an air-conditioning system. A control device of the driver assistance system is preferably designed to control the air conditioning device as a function of the detected radiation power.

A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a driver assistance system according to the invention. The motor vehicle is designed in particular as a passenger car. It is further provided in particular that the optical sensor device is arranged on a side facing the interior of the windshield of the motor vehicle. For example, the optical sensor device can be arranged in a region of the interior mirror of the motor vehicle. On the windshield of the motor vehicle, a corresponding black print can be provided, wherein the black print can absorb the solar radiation. In addition, the black print can limit a corresponding translucent area of the windshield, through which the solar radiation strikes the solar sensor and the light-sensitive element.

An inventive method is used to operate an optical sensor device for a motor vehicle. In this case, solar sensor data are provided by means of at least one solar sensor, which describe a radiation power of solar radiation, wherein the at least one Solar sensor for solar radiation has an angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity. In addition, by means of a computing device, the radiation power striking an occupant of the motor vehicle is determined as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data. Furthermore, light sensor data describing the solar radiation is provided by means of at least one light-sensitive element. Furthermore, the solar sensor data are adapted by means of the computing device for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor on the basis of the light sensor data, and the radiation power impinging on the occupant is determined on the basis of the adapted solar sensor data.

The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the optical sensor device according to the invention and their advantages apply correspondingly to the driver assistance system according to the invention, the motor vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim. Moreover, embodiments and combinations of features, in particular by the embodiments set out above, are to be regarded as disclosed, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the back references of the claims.

The invention will now be described with reference to preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Showing:

1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention in a side view, wherein the motor vehicle has a driver assistance system with an optical sensor device;

2 a schematic representation of the motor vehicle from 1 in a plan view;

3 the optical sensor device in a plan view;

4 a schematic representation of the optical sensor device according to 3 which is arranged offset to a black print on a windshield of the motor vehicle;

5 a schematic representation of a directional characteristic of solar sensors of the optical sensor device;

6 a schematic representation of a directional characteristic of a receiving element of a rain sensor of the optical sensor device;

7 a history of an overlay function for determining adjusted solar sensor data; and

8th a schematic representation of a directional characteristic of the adapted solar sensor data.

In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a side view in a zy plane. The car 1 is designed here as a passenger car. In this case, a vehicle longitudinal axis L of the motor vehicle runs 1 along a y-direction and a vehicle vertical axis of the motor vehicle 1 along the z-direction. The car 1 includes a driver assistance system 2 , which in turn is an optical sensor device 3 having.

The optical sensor device 3 serves to detect solar radiation 4 the sun S. The solar radiation 4 which from an environment 9 of the motor vehicle 1 for example, by a windshield 6 of the motor vehicle 1 in an interior 8th of the motor vehicle 1 falls, heats the interior 8th of the motor vehicle 1 on. By warming the interior 8th also becomes one in the motor vehicle 1 sitting inmate 5 heated. At the occupant 5 In the present case, this is a driver of the motor vehicle 1 , The optical sensor device 3 , is designed to provide a radiant power of solar radiation 4 which on the inmates 5 meets, determine. As explained in more detail below, the optical sensor device 3 at least one solar sensor 12 . 12 ' on, with which the radiant power of solar radiation 4 can be determined.

With the help of the optical sensor device 3 can the radiant power of solar radiation 4 be detected at different solar states S1 to S6 of the sun S. The position of the sun can be represented by an elevation angle θ and an azimuthal angle φ (see 2 ). The elevation angle θ is measured in the zy plane and related to a horizon H. The azimuthal angle φ is measured in the xy plane and related to the vehicle longitudinal axis L. The elevation angle θ and the azimuthal angle φ form a vertical component and a horizontal component of an angle of incidence, under which the solar radiation 4 on the optical sensor device 3 meets.

In 1 For example, three different solar states S1, S2 and S3 are shown. At a first position of the sun S1, the sun S has a first elevation angle θ1 with respect to the horizon H, which may be 5 °, for example. In a second position of the sun S2, the sun S has a second elevation angle θ2 relative to the horizon H, which may be 45 °, for example. In the case of a third sun position S3, the sun S has a third vertical angle θ3 relative to the horizon H, which may be 90 °, for example. The solar radiation hits here 4 at the first sun position S1 from a first partial area E1 with an angle of incidence with the first elevation angle θ1 as the vertical component frontally through the windshield 6 on the inmates 5 , The inmates 5 or the driver at the first position of the sun S1 striking radiation power has a first value. The solar radiation 4 At the second sun position S2 from a second partial area E2 having an angle of incidence with the second, the elevation angle θ2 as the vertical component likewise strikes the occupant 5 , The inmates 5 at the second position of the sun S2 striking radiation power has a second value, which corresponds approximately to the first value. The solar radiation 4 at the third sun position S3 from a third portion E3 having an angle of incidence with the third elevation angle θ3 as the vertical component hardly hits the occupant 5 because the inmate 5 is switched off here by a roof of the motor vehicle, which the solar radiation 4 blocked. The inmates 5 At the third position of the sun S3, the incident radiation power thus has a smaller third value than the first and second values.

The driver assistance system 2 is designed, depending on the respective detected value of the radiation power, an air conditioning device 7 of the driver assistance system 2 for air conditioning the interior 8th head for. The air conditioning device 7 For example, the interior 8th of the motor vehicle 1 Cool more at the first position of the sun S1 and the second position S2 of the sun than in the third position S3. Thus, by the air conditioning device 7 one example from the occupant 5 for the interior 8th predetermined temperature are kept at a constant value.

2 shows the motor vehicle 1 in a plan view in the xy plane. A vehicle transverse axis of the motor vehicle 1 runs along the x-direction. Here again three sun states S4, S5 and S6 are shown at different azimuthal angles φ of the sun S. In a fourth position of the sun S4, the sun S has a first azimuthal angle φ1 with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis L, which may amount to +90 °, for example. In a fifth position of the sun S5, the sun S has a second azimuthal angle φ2 relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis L, which may amount to 0 °, for example. In a sixth position of the sun S6, the sun S has a third horizontal angle φ3 relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis L, which may be, for example, -90 °. At the fourth position of the sun S4, the solar radiation strikes 4 from a fourth subregion E4 having an angle of incidence with the first azimuthal angle φ1 as the horizontal component on the occupant 5 through a driver side window 10 of the motor vehicle 1 , The the driver or occupants 5 at the fourth position of the sun S4 radiant radiation has a fourth value. In the fifth position of the sun S5, the solar radiation from a fifth portion E5 with an angle of incidence with the second azimuthal angle φ2 as the horizontal component hits through the frontal windshield 6 of the motor vehicle 1 on the inmates 5 , The inmates 5 At the fifth position of the sun S5, the radiation power has a fifth value, which is equal to the fourth value. At the sixth position of the sun S6 the solar radiation hits 4 from a sixth partial area E6 having an angle of incidence with the third azimuthal angle φ3 as the horizontal component, in particular not the driver of the motor vehicle 1 but one in the interior 8th sitting passenger of the motor vehicle 1 through the passenger-side side window 11 of the motor vehicle 1 , The inmates 5 The radiation power from the sixth subarea E6 at the sixth position of the sun S6 thus has a smaller sixth value than the fourth and fifth values.

3 shows a schematic representation of the optical sensor device 3 in a top view. In this case, the optical sensor device comprises 3 a first solar sensor 12 , with which the radiant power of solar radiation 4 can be detected in an area of the driver. About that In addition, the optical sensor device includes 3 a second solar sensor 12 ' , with which the radiant power of solar radiation 4 can be recorded in one area of the passenger. With the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' Solar sensors are used 20 . 20 ' provided, which the radiation power of solar radiation 4 describe. These solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' become a purely schematically illustrated computing device 24 the optical sensor device 3 fed, which the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' evaluated accordingly. With the help of the computing device 24 can the on the inmates 5 appropriate radiant power to be determined.

Furthermore, the optical sensor device comprises 3 a rain sensor 13 , The rain sensor 13 in the present case comprises four transmitting elements 14 for emitting electromagnetic radiation and a receiving element 15 by means of which at least part of the emitted electromagnetic radiation can be received. Based on the proportion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, with the receiving element 15 It can cause a rainfall on the windshield 6 be recorded. Here is the receiving element 15 centered in the optical sensor device 3 arranged. Present with the receiving element 15 also light sensor data 22 provided the solar radiation 4 describe. Also this light sensor data 22 are sent to the computing device 24 transfer. Furthermore, the optical sensor device comprises 3 a light sensor 16 with which a brightness in the environment 9 of the motor vehicle 1 can be detected. The optical sensor device 3 also includes a fastener 17 , by means of which it can be attached to a holding element. This retaining element can on the windshield 6 to be ordered.

4 shows a schematic representation of the optical sensor device 3 on the windshield 6 , Here are of the optical sensor device 3 the areas highlighted which the first solar sensor 12 , the second solar sensor 12 ' and the receiving element 15 of the rain sensor 13 assigned. In addition, the windshield 6 represented, which have a black print 18 having. This black print 18 For example, in a space between the two laminated glass panes of the windshield 6 be upset. The black print 18 can be formed by a corresponding color layer and absorbs solar radiation 4 , The black print 18 limits a translucent area 19 the windshield 8th to which the optical sensor device 3 is aligned. In the example shown here, the optical sensor device is 3 shifted to the translucent area 19 arranged.

5 shows by way of example a respective directional characteristic of the first solar sensor 12 and the second solar sensor 12 ' , which here about the azimuthal angle φ of solar radiation 4 is plotted at a fixed elevation angle of θ = 65 °. In this case, a respective intensity I _{S of} the solar sensor data 20 of the first solar sensor 12 from the second solar sensor data 20 ' of the second solar sensor 12 ' as a function of the azimuthal angle φ. It can be seen that the first solar sensor data 20 in a first shaded area 21 have a reduced intensity I _S. In addition, the second solar sensor data 20 ' in a second shaded area 21 ' a decreased intensity I _s. The shaded areas 21 . 21 ' describe those areas of the azimuthal angle φ in which the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' have a reduced sensitivity. This reduced sensitivity is due to the black print 18 on the windshield 6 or by the orientation of the optical sensor device 3 to the black print 18 or the translucent area 19 founded.

6 shows the directional characteristic of the light sensor data 22 that of the receiving element 15 of the rain sensor 13 be provided, wherein the light sensor data 22 on the azimuthal angle φ of the solar radiation 4 is plotted at a fixed elevation angle of θ = 65 °. It can be seen here that the course of the light sensor data 22 in the shaded areas 21 and 21 ' the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' is substantially isotropic. An intensity I _{R of} the light sensor data 22 is as in the shaded areas 21 . 21 ' essentially independent of the angle of incidence of solar radiation 4 , This is the light sensor data 22 of the receiving element 15 of the rain sensor 13 suitable for this, the directional dependence of the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' to compensate. In essence, the characteristics of the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' but the collapse in solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' through the black print 18 through the light sensor data 22 of the receiving element 15 can replace, between the Solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the light sensor data 22 be interpolated. From the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the light sensor data 22 can be customized solar sensor data 23 . 23 ' (please refer 8th ). In this case, an intensity I of the adapted solar sensor data 23 . 23 ' be determined according to the following formula: I = I _s ∙ F (-I _S + I _R ) + c ∙ I _R ∙ F (I _S + I _R ).

In this case, c describes a weighting factor with which the intensity I _{R of} the light sensor signal 22 is multiplied. To the intensity I from the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the weighted light sensor data 22 or from the intensities I _S and I _R to determine the superposition function F is used. The intensity I can be determined for predetermined azimuthal angles φ. The overlay function F is given by the following formula: F (u) = [exp (u / a) + 1] ^-1 .

The course of the overlay function F is schematically shown in FIG 7 shown. In this case, the parameter μ is plotted on the abscissa and the superposition function F (u) is plotted on the ordinate. The overlay function F can assume values between 0 and 1. In this case, parameter a is the value which determines the superimposition between the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and controls the weighted light sensor data. If a against 0 goes, the signal or intensity I goes into: I = max (I _S , c · I _R ).

This means that in the simplest case, the intensity I from the maximum of the intensity I _{S of} the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the weighted intensity I _{R of} the light sensor data 22 is determined. To leaps between the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the weighted light sensor data 22 To avoid this, the parameter a can be chosen to be greater than 0.

8th shows a schematic representation of the directivity of the adapted first solar sensor data 23 and the adapted second solar sensor data 23 ' , where the adjusted solar sensor data 23 . 23 ' via the azimuthal angle φ of the solar radiation 4 is plotted at a fixed elevation angle of θ = 65 °. The course of the intensity I is from the intensity I _{S of} the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' and the weighted intensity I _{R of} the light sensor data 22 determined according to the formula described above. It can be seen that by the compensation of the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' in the shaded areas 21 . 21 ' through the light sensor data 22 the directionality of the solar sensors 12 . 12 ' can be compensated. This enables overall reliable operation of the optical sensor device 3 and a precise control of the air conditioning device 7 ,

In the present case was the compensation of the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' based on the light sensor data 22 of the receiving element 15 of the rain sensor 13 described. In principle, another light-sensitive element of the optical sensor device can also be used 3 to be used, the solar sensor data 20 . 20 ' adapt. For example, this may be the data of the light sensor 16 be used.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• DE 10005127 A1 [0005]
• DE 102007049877 A1 [0006]

Claims (13)

Optical sensor device ( 3 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), with at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) for providing solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ), which radiate a radiation power of solar radiation ( 4 ), wherein the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) for solar radiation ( 4 ) has an angle of arrival-dependent sensitivity, with a computing device ( 24 ) for determining an occupant ( 5 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) radiant power as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) and with at least one light-sensitive element for providing light sensor data ( 22 ), which the solar radiation ( 4 ), characterized in that the computing device ( 24 ) is designed to monitor the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) based on the light sensor data ( 22 ) and that on the occupants ( 5 ) matching radiant power based on the adapted solar sensor data ( 23 . 23 ' ). Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing device ( 24 ) is designed to monitor the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) for compensating the incident angle-dependent sensitivity in a predetermined range for an azimuthal angle (φ) of solar radiation ( 4 ). Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) depending on the angle of incidence a shaded area ( 21 . 21 ' ), in which the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) compared to one of the shaded areas ( 21 . 21 ' ) has a lower sensitivity, and the at least one light-sensitive element in the shadowed region has a substantially angle of incidence-independent sensitivity. Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor device ( 3 ) a rain sensor ( 13 ) for detecting a precipitate on a translucent panel of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), wherein the rain sensor ( 13 ) a transmitting element ( 14 ) for emitting electromagnetic radiation and a receiving element ( 15 ) for receiving at least a portion of the emitted radiation, wherein the at least one light-sensitive element by the receiving element ( 15 ) of the rain sensor ( 13 ) is formed. Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving element ( 15 ) of the rain sensor ( 13 ) in a central area of the optical sensor device ( 3 ) is arranged. Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor device ( 3 ) a light sensor ( 16 ) for detecting a brightness in an environment ( 9 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) and the at least one light-sensitive element by the light sensor ( 16 ) is formed. Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor device ( 3 ) a first solar sensor ( 12 ) for detecting the radiation power in a driver of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) and a second solar sensor ( 12 ' ) for detecting the radiant power in a passenger of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) has associated area. Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computing device ( 24 ) is adapted to the light sensor data ( 22 ) with a predetermined weighting factor and the adjusted solar sensor data ( 23 . 23 ' ) from the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) and the weighted light sensor data ( 22 ) by means of an overlay function (F). Optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the overlay function (F) provides a transition between the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) and the weighted light sensor data ( 22 ) describes. Driver assistance system ( 2 ) with an optical sensor device ( 3 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Driver assistance system ( 2 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the driver assistance system ( 2 ) an air conditioning device ( 7 ) and a control device of the driver assistance system ( 2 ) is designed, depending on the detected radiation power, the air conditioning device ( 7 ) head for. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a driver assistance system ( 2 ) according to claim 10 or 11. Method for operating an optical sensor device ( 3 ) for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), in which by means of at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) Solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) providing a radiation power of solar radiation ( 4 ), wherein the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) for solar radiation ( 4 ) has an angle-dependent sensitivity, by means of a computing device ( 24 ) on an occupant ( 5 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) radiant power as a function of an angle of incidence on the basis of the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ), and by means of at least one light-sensitive element light sensor data ( 22 ) are provided, which the solar radiation ( 4 ), characterized in that the solar sensor data ( 20 . 20 ' ) by means of the computing device ( 24 ) for compensating the angle of incidence-dependent sensitivity of the at least one solar sensor ( 12 . 12 ' ) based on the light sensor data ( 22 ) and to the inmates ( 5 ) matching radiant power based on the adapted solar sensor data ( 23 . 23 ' ) is determined.

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