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WO2003106219A1 - Method and device for controlling the diffusion of light in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Method and device for controlling the diffusion of light in a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003106219A1
WO2003106219A1 PCT/EP2003/004441 EP0304441W WO03106219A1 WO 2003106219 A1 WO2003106219 A1 WO 2003106219A1 EP 0304441 W EP0304441 W EP 0304441W WO 03106219 A1 WO03106219 A1 WO 03106219A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
light distribution
image processing
processing system
headlights
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2003/004441
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Wolfgang Hahn
Thomas Weidner
Original Assignee
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority to EP03725114A priority Critical patent/EP1513705A1/en
Publication of WO2003106219A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003106219A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/18—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights being additional front lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/085—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/11—Linear movements of the vehicle
    • B60Q2300/112—Vehicle speed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/12—Steering parameters
    • B60Q2300/122—Steering angle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/32—Road surface or travel path
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/40—Indexing codes relating to other road users or special conditions
    • B60Q2300/45—Special conditions, e.g. pedestrians, road signs or potential dangers

Definitions

  • the invention relates in particular to a method and a device according to the preamble of the relevant independent claim.
  • a known headlight system of a motor vehicle allows the light distribution to be changed by pivoting the headlights. This pivoting depends on the steering wheel angle of the vehicle. This allows earlier detection of potential obstacles in the travel path of the motor vehicle.
  • the object of the invention is to improve such a method or such a device.
  • An essential aspect of the invention is the implementation of the following measures for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle.
  • the driving environment in front of the vehicle is detected by a camera system provided on the vehicle. This is preferably done in the dark and / or in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, which are associated with a poorer view.
  • the digital data provided by the camera system are fed to an image processing system provided in the vehicle.
  • the image processing system checks whether the detected object or the detected objects are potential obstacles in and / or on the edge of the current travel path of the vehicle. If the image processing system classifies the detected object or objects as a potential obstacle, the image processing system causes a change in the light distribution in a third step. at least a vehicle headlight to illuminate or illuminate the potential obstacle.
  • the camera system has a detection range that is greater than the range of at least the current light distribution of the headlights of the vehicle. This leaves enough time to recognize a potential obstacle with the help of the image processing system and to illuminate it in time or to change the light distribution accordingly.
  • the camera system detecting near infrared, far infrared, preferably a combination of visually visible light and far infrared or also a combination of visually visible light and near infrared.
  • near infrared infrared radiation with a wavelength in the range from approx. 800 nm to approx. 2.5 ⁇ m
  • far infrared infrared radiation with a wavelength of approx. 7 to 14 ⁇ m, preferably approx. 10.5 ⁇ m.
  • Inexpensive sensors or camera systems are available for the detection of infrared or thermal radiation, the detection range of which is sufficiently large in the aforementioned sense.
  • CCD sensor charge-coupled device
  • the camera system detects objects on the basis of the thermal radiation emitted by them and determines their position in relation to the lane of the vehicle.
  • the lane can be determined, for example, by road boundary lines visible in the infrared image and a corresponding pattern comparison by the image processing system according to the invention recognized or determined.
  • human or animal objects on the right-hand side of the roadway are also detected by the camera system on the basis of the heat radiation they emit.
  • the corresponding digital data are analyzed by the image processing system according to the invention with regard to the temperature and / or other characteristic properties, such as the outline. Possibly. the image processing system classifies the object or objects according to a temperature and / or pattern comparison as human and / or animal objects and causes them to be illuminated or illuminated.
  • the light distribution of the vehicle is influenced alternatively or additionally by at least one vehicle dynamics variable.
  • This can be, in particular, the speed of the vehicle and / or its steering angle and / or a variable dependent on the vehicle position.
  • the vehicle position can be determined, for example, using a satellite navigation system, such as a GPS system in the vehicle.
  • the consideration of one or more dynamic driving variables leads to a further improvement in the light distribution, in particular a faster adaptation to the current driving conditions.
  • the light distribution of a headlight or both headlights can be influenced or controlled in the manner described by the image processing system according to the invention and / or a corresponding control.
  • the headlight (s) can be, for example, a vehicle headlight that has a specially designed reflector or a specially designed reflector area.
  • the specially designed reflector or reflector area can, for example, be pivotable and / or have an array or field of (individually) electrically “pivotable” micromirrors that are influenced by the image processing system according to the invention or a control system cooperating therewith for the aforementioned purpose
  • the desired light distribution or the desired illumination or illumination of the potential obstacle can be achieved.
  • a reflector of a vehicle headlight having a micromirror is known.
  • a headlight separate from the front headlights which has a reflector which is pivoted by the image processing system or a control cooperating therewith.
  • a headlamp with micromirrors as described above, which are “pivoted” by the image processing system according to the invention or a control system cooperating therewith for the aforementioned purpose.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the diffusion of light in a motor vehicle. The inventive method comprises the following steps for early recognition of potential obstacles: the surroundings located ahead of the vehicle are detected by a camera system, the detection range of said camera system being at least greater than the range of the actual light being diffused by the headlights of the vehicle; the digital data of the detected surroundings of the vehicle is processed by an image-processing system which is located inside the vehicle in order to recognize potential obstacles that lie outside the range of the actual light diffused by the headlights; and the diffusion of light of at least one headlight is modified such that at least some parts of the potential obstacle are illuminated by the headlight of the vehicle.

Description

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Steuerung der Lichtverteilung eines Kraftfahrzeugs Method and device for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle
Die Erfindung betrifft insbesondere ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des betreffenden unabhängigen Patentanspruchs.The invention relates in particular to a method and a device according to the preamble of the relevant independent claim.
Ein bekanntes Scheinwerfersystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs gestattet die Veränderung der Lichtverteilung durch Verschwenken der Scheinwerfer. Diese Verschwenkung ist abhängig vom Lenkradeinschlag des Fahrzeugs. Dies erlaubt eine frühere Erkennung von potentiellen Hindernissen im Fahrweg des Kraftfahrzeugs.A known headlight system of a motor vehicle allows the light distribution to be changed by pivoting the headlights. This pivoting depends on the steering wheel angle of the vehicle. This allows earlier detection of potential obstacles in the travel path of the motor vehicle.
Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht in der Verbesserung eines solchen Verfahrens bzw. einer solchen Vorrichtung.The object of the invention is to improve such a method or such a device.
Die Aufgabe der Erfindung wird durch den entsprechenden, unabhängigen Anspruch verfahrensmäßig bzw. vorrichtungsmäßig gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den zugeordneten, abhängigen Patentansprüchen angegeben.The object of the invention is achieved in terms of method and device in accordance with the corresponding independent claim. Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the associated, dependent patent claims.
Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Erfindung besteht in der Durchführung folgender Maßnahmen zur Steuerung der Lichtverteilung eines Kraftfahrzeugs. In einem ersten Schritt wird die vor dem Fahrzeug befindliche Fahrumgebung durch ein am Fahrzeug vorgesehenes Kamerasystem detektiert. Dies geschieht bevorzugt bei Dun- kelheit und/oder bei widrigen Witterungsverhältnissen, wie Regen oder Nebel, die mit einer verschlechterten Sicht verbunden sind. In einem zweiten Schritt werden die von dem Kamerasystem bereitgestellten digitalen Daten einem im Fahrzeug vorgesehenen Bildverarbeitungssystem zugeführt. Das Bildverarbeitungsystem prüft, ob es sich bei dem detektierten Objekt oder den detektierten Objekten um potentielle Hindernisse im und/oder am Rand des gegenwärtigen Fahrwegs des Fahrzeugs handelt. Stuft das Bildverarbeitungssystem das detektierte Objekt oder die detektierten Objekte als potentielles Hindernis ein, so veranlasst das Bildverarbeitungssystem in einem dritten Schritt eine Veränderung der Lichtverteilung min- destens eines Fahrzeugscheinwerfers zur Beleuchtung bzw. Anstrahlung des potentiellen Hindernisses.An essential aspect of the invention is the implementation of the following measures for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle. In a first step, the driving environment in front of the vehicle is detected by a camera system provided on the vehicle. This is preferably done in the dark and / or in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, which are associated with a poorer view. In a second step, the digital data provided by the camera system are fed to an image processing system provided in the vehicle. The image processing system checks whether the detected object or the detected objects are potential obstacles in and / or on the edge of the current travel path of the vehicle. If the image processing system classifies the detected object or objects as a potential obstacle, the image processing system causes a change in the light distribution in a third step. at least a vehicle headlight to illuminate or illuminate the potential obstacle.
Durch diese Maßnahmen wird die Aufmerksamkeit des Fahrers auf das potentielle Hindernis gelenkt bzw. dieses überhaupt erst sichtbar gemacht, wie z.B. im Fall von Fußgängern, die außerhalb der Reichweite der Frontscheinwerfer des Fahrzeugs am rechten Fahrbahnrand einer dunklen Landstrasse gehen.These measures draw the driver's attention to the potential obstacle or make it visible in the first place, e.g. in the case of pedestrians walking outside the range of the vehicle's headlights on the right-hand side of a dark country lane.
Um eine rechtzeitige Warnung vor potentiellen Hindernissen zu ermöglichen, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das Kamerasystem eine Detektionsreichweite hat, die größer als die Reichweite zumindest der aktuellen Lichtverteilung der Frontscheinwerfer des Fahrzeugs ist. So bleibt genügend Zeit, um ein potentielles Hindernis mit Hilfe des Bildverarbeitungssystems zu erkennen und dieses rechtzeitig zu beleuchten bzw. die Lichtverteilung entsprechend zu verändern.In order to enable timely warning of potential obstacles, it is particularly advantageous if the camera system has a detection range that is greater than the range of at least the current light distribution of the headlights of the vehicle. This leaves enough time to recognize a potential obstacle with the help of the image processing system and to illuminate it in time or to change the light distribution accordingly.
Eine frühzeitige Detektion potentieller Hinweise lässt sich erfindungsgemäß erreichen, indem das Kamerasystem nahes Infrarot, fernes Infrarot, bevorzugt eine Kombination aus visuell sichtbarem Licht und fernem Infrarot oder auch eine Kombination aus visuell sichtbarem Licht und nahem Infrarot detektiert. Unter nahem Infrarot soll Infrarot-Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge im Bereich von ca. 800 nm bis ca. 2,5 μm und unter fernem Infrarot soll Infrarot-Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge von ca. 7 bis 14 μm, bevorzugt ca. 7,5 - 10,5 μm, verstanden werden. Zur Detektion von Infrarot- bzw. Wärmestrahlung stehen kostengünstige Sensoren bzw. Kamerasysteme zur Verfügung, deren Detektionsreichweite ausreichend groß im vorge- nannten Sinn ist. An der kombinierten Detektierung sowohl von visuell sichtbarem Licht, z.B. durch einen CCD-Sensor (Charge-Coupled Device) bzw. eine solche Kamera, als auch von fernem Infrarot ist von Vorteil, dass man sich ergänzende Bildinformationen erhält, die im jeweils anderen Spektralbereich nicht enthalten sind.Early detection of potential indications can be achieved according to the invention by the camera system detecting near infrared, far infrared, preferably a combination of visually visible light and far infrared or also a combination of visually visible light and near infrared. Under near infrared, infrared radiation with a wavelength in the range from approx. 800 nm to approx. 2.5 μm and under far infrared, infrared radiation with a wavelength of approx. 7 to 14 μm, preferably approx. 10.5 μm. Inexpensive sensors or camera systems are available for the detection of infrared or thermal radiation, the detection range of which is sufficiently large in the aforementioned sense. On the combined detection of both visually visible light, e.g. by means of a CCD sensor (charge-coupled device) or such a camera, as well as from far infrared, it is advantageous that additional image information is obtained which is not contained in the other spectral range.
Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung erfasst das Kamerasystem Objekte anhand der von ihnen ausgehenden Wärmestrahlung und ermittelt deren Position in Bezug auf die Fahrspur des Fahrzeugs. Die Fahrspur kann beispielsweise durch im Infrarot-Bild sichtbare Fahrbahn-Begrenzungslinien und einen entsprechenden Mustervergleich durch das erfindungsgemäße Bildverarbeitungssystem erkannt bzw. ermittelt werden. Menschliche oder tierische Objekte am rechten Fahrbahnrand werden bei einer ergänzenden oder alternativen Ausführungsform der Erfindung ebenfalls aufgrund der von ihnen abgegebenen Wärmestrahlung von dem Kamerasystem erfasst. Die entsprechenden digitalen Daten werden von dem erfindungsgemäßen Bildverarbeitungssystem im Hinblick auf die Temperatur und/oder sonstige charakteristische Eigenschaften, wie z.B. der Umriss, analysiert. Ggf. klassifiziert das Bildverarbeitungssystem das oder die Objekte nach einem Temperatur- und/oder Mustervergleich als menschliche und/oder tierische Objekte und veran- lasst, dass diese beleuchtet bzw. angestrahlt werden.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the camera system detects objects on the basis of the thermal radiation emitted by them and determines their position in relation to the lane of the vehicle. The lane can be determined, for example, by road boundary lines visible in the infrared image and a corresponding pattern comparison by the image processing system according to the invention recognized or determined. In a supplementary or alternative embodiment of the invention, human or animal objects on the right-hand side of the roadway are also detected by the camera system on the basis of the heat radiation they emit. The corresponding digital data are analyzed by the image processing system according to the invention with regard to the temperature and / or other characteristic properties, such as the outline. Possibly. the image processing system classifies the object or objects according to a temperature and / or pattern comparison as human and / or animal objects and causes them to be illuminated or illuminated.
Bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist alternativ oder ergänzend die Beeinflussung der Lichtverteilung des Fahrzeugs durch mindestens eine fahrdynamische Größe des Fahrzeugs vorgesehen. Hierbei kann es sich insbesondere um die Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs und/oder dessen Lenkwinkel und/oder eine fahrzeugpositi- onsabhängige Größe handeln. Die Fahrzeugposition kann bspw. anhand eines Satelliten-Navigationssystems, wie ein im Fahrzeug befindliches GPS-System, ermittelt werden. Die Berücksichtigung von einer oder mehreren fahrdynamischen Größen, führt zu einer weiteren Verbesserung der Lichtverteilung, wie insbesondere eine raschere Anpassung an die aktuellen Fahrbedingungen.In a further embodiment, the light distribution of the vehicle is influenced alternatively or additionally by at least one vehicle dynamics variable. This can be, in particular, the speed of the vehicle and / or its steering angle and / or a variable dependent on the vehicle position. The vehicle position can be determined, for example, using a satellite navigation system, such as a GPS system in the vehicle. The consideration of one or more dynamic driving variables leads to a further improvement in the light distribution, in particular a faster adaptation to the current driving conditions.
Bei einer ersten Ausführungsform ist die Lichtverteilung eines Frontscheinwerfers oder beider Frontscheinwerfer durch das erfindungsgemäße Bildverarbeitungssystem und/oder eine entsprechende Steuerung in der beschriebenen Weise beeinfluß- bzw. steuerbar. Bei dem oder den Frontscheinwerfern kann es sich bspw. um einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer handeln, der einen besonders gestalteten Reflektor oder einen besonders gestalteten Reflektor-Bereich aufweist. Der besonders gestaltete Reflektor oder Reflektorbereich kann bspw. verschwenkbar sein und/oder ein Array bzw. Feld aus (einzeln) elektrisch „verschwenkbaren" Mikrospiegeln aufweisen, der oder die von dem erfindungsgemäßen Bildverarbeitungssystem oder einer damit kooperierenden Steuerung zum vorgenannten Zweck beeinflusst werden. Hierdurch kann die gewünschte Lichtverteilung bzw. die gewünschte Beleuchtung oder An- strahlung des potentiellen Hindernisses erreicht werden. Ein Mikrospiegel aufweisender Reflektor eines Fahrzeugscheinwerfers ist bekannt. Daher wird hierauf nicht näher eingegangen. Bei einer zweiten Ausführungsform ist ein zu den Frontscheinwerfern separater Scheinwerfer vorgesehen, der einen Reflektor aufweist, der von dem Bildverarbeitungssystem oder einer damit kooperierenden Steuerung verschwenkt wird. Bevorzugt handelt es sich jedoch um einen Scheinwerfer mit Mikrospiegeln, wie zuvor beschrieben, die von dem erfindungsgemäßen Bildverarbeitungssystem oder einer damit kooperierenden Steuerung zum vorgenannten Zweck „verschwenkt" werden. In a first embodiment, the light distribution of a headlight or both headlights can be influenced or controlled in the manner described by the image processing system according to the invention and / or a corresponding control. The headlight (s) can be, for example, a vehicle headlight that has a specially designed reflector or a specially designed reflector area. The specially designed reflector or reflector area can, for example, be pivotable and / or have an array or field of (individually) electrically “pivotable” micromirrors that are influenced by the image processing system according to the invention or a control system cooperating therewith for the aforementioned purpose The desired light distribution or the desired illumination or illumination of the potential obstacle can be achieved. A reflector of a vehicle headlight having a micromirror is known. In a second embodiment, a headlight separate from the front headlights is provided, which has a reflector which is pivoted by the image processing system or a control cooperating therewith. However, it is preferably a headlamp with micromirrors, as described above, which are “pivoted” by the image processing system according to the invention or a control system cooperating therewith for the aforementioned purpose.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Verfahren zur Steuerung der Lichtverteilung eines Kraftfahrzeugs, gekenn- zeichnet durch1. Method for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle, characterized by
- die Detektion der vor dem Fahrzeug liegenden Fahrumgebung durch ein Kamerasystem, dessen Detektionsreichweite mindestens größer als die Reichweite der aktuellen Lichtverteilung der Frontscheinwerfer des Fahr- zeugs ist,the detection of the driving environment in front of the vehicle by a camera system whose detection range is at least greater than the range of the current light distribution of the headlights of the vehicle,
- die Verarbeitung der digitalen Daten der detektierten Fahrumgebung durch ein im Fahrzeug vorgesehenes Bildverarbeitungssystem zur Erkennung von potentiellen Hindernissen außerhalb der Reichweite der aktuellen Lichtvertei- lung der Frontscheinwerfer, undthe processing of the digital data of the detected driving environment by an image processing system provided in the vehicle for the detection of potential obstacles outside the range of the current light distribution of the headlights, and
- die Veränderung der Lichtverteilung mindestens eines Fahrzeugscheinwerfers derart, dass das potentielle Hindernis zumindest teilweise von dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer beleuchtet wird.- The change in the light distribution of at least one vehicle headlight such that the potential obstacle is at least partially illuminated by the vehicle headlight.
Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kamerasystem nahes Infrarot, fernes Infrarot, bevorzugt eine Kombination aus visuell sichtbarem Licht und fernem Infrarot oder auch eine Kombination aus visuell sichtbarem Licht und nahem Infrarot detektiert.A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera system detects near infrared, far infrared, preferably a combination of visually visible light and far infrared or a combination of visually visible light and near infrared.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kamerasystem menschliche und/oder tierische Objekte am rechten Fahrbahnrand aufgrund der von ihnen ausgehenden Wärmestrahlung erfasst und diese anhand ihrer Temperatur oder sonstiger charakteristischer Eigenschaften, wie dem Umriss, von dem Bildverarbeitungssystem, insbesondere durch Temperatur- und/oder Mustervergleich, als solche erkannt und als potentielles Hindernis klassifiziert und beleuchtet werden. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the camera system detects human and / or animal objects on the right edge of the roadway due to the heat radiation emanating from them and this based on their temperature or other characteristic properties, such as the outline, of the image processing system, in particular by temperature - and / or pattern comparison, recognized as such and classified and illuminated as a potential obstacle.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kamerasystem menschliche und/oder tierische Objekte am rechten Fahrbahnrand aufgrund ihrer visuell erfassbaren Eigenschaften erfasst und diese anhand charakteristischer Eigenschaften, wie dem Umriss, von dem Bildverar- beitungssystem, insbesondere durch Mustervergleich, als solche erkannt und als potentielles Hindernis klassifiziert und beleuchtet werden.4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the camera system detects human and / or animal objects on the right-hand side of the road on the basis of their visually detectable properties and these on the basis of characteristic properties, such as the outline, of the image processing system, in particular by comparing patterns, recognized as such and classified and illuminated as a potential obstacle.
5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels des Kamerasystems und des Bildverarbeitungssystems potentielle Hindernisse in der Fahrspur des Fahrzeugs und/oder in einer hierzu benachbarten Fahrspur erkannt werden.5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that potential obstacles in the lane of the vehicle and / or in a lane adjacent thereto are detected by means of the camera system and the image processing system.
6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lichtverteilung des mindestens einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfers zusätzlich zur vorgenannten Steuerung durch das Bildverarbeitungssystem durch mindestens eine fahrdynamische Größe des Fahrzeugs, wie insbesondere dessen Geschwindigkeit und/oder dessen Lenkwinkel, beeinflusst wird.6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light distribution of the at least one vehicle headlight in addition to the aforementioned control by the image processing system is influenced by at least one dynamic driving variable of the vehicle, such as in particular its speed and / or its steering angle.
7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der mindestens eine Fahrzeugscheinwerfer zusätzlich zu den Frontscheinwerfern des Fahrzeugs vorgesehen wird.7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one vehicle headlight is provided in addition to the headlights of the vehicle.
8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der mindestens eine Fahrzeugscheinwerfer durch mindestens einen der Frontscheinwerfer des Fahrzeugs gebildet ist.8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one vehicle headlight is formed by at least one of the headlights of the vehicle.
9. Vorrichtung zur Steuerung der Lichtverteilung mindestens eines Kraftfahrzeugs, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 ausführt.9. Device for controlling the light distribution of at least one motor vehicle, characterized in that it carries out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Kraftfahrzeug, wie insbesondere ein Pkw, gekennzeichnet durch eine Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9. 10. Motor vehicle, in particular a car, characterized by a device according to claim 9.
PCT/EP2003/004441 2002-06-18 2003-04-29 Method and device for controlling the diffusion of light in a motor vehicle WO2003106219A1 (en)

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DE2002127170 DE10227170A1 (en) 2002-06-18 2002-06-18 Method and device for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle
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