DE102006012336B4 - Automotive environment detection system and method for acquiring image information - Google Patents

Abstract

A motor vehicle environment detection system comprising: detection means for detecting an object located in a vicinity of a motor vehicle and for providing a corresponding sensor signal; - A detection device (8) for detecting an image information; and - a control device for controlling the detection device (8) as a function of the sensor signal, characterized in that - the detection device comprises a touch detection device having a touch sensor (1), and in that - the motor vehicle environment detection system further comprises an on-board evaluation device (2) which is electrically coupled to the touch sensor (1), wherein by the evaluation device (2) when touching the touch sensor (1) with an object at least the sensor signal can be generated, - the detection device (8) has an image recording device (3), which is formed such that its angular orientation, their image width and / or their sharpness is controllable in dependence of the sensor signal.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle environment detection system and a method for acquiring image information.

From the DE 299 02 607 U1 is a device arrangement for the detection of traffic offenders known, the damage caused by so-called parking bumpers or damage caused by intrusions on the vehicle. In this case, a vibration sensor triggers a camera, which is arranged in the rear parcel shelf of the vehicle and is intended to capture the vibration generator pictorially.

From the EP 0 962 359 A2 a recording apparatus is known for a state immediately after an accident and for people breaking into the vehicle. This condition is documented after detection of a shock with an optical recording and recording device. The same applies to the detection of people breaking into the vehicle.

From the literature, a piezoelectric paint is known, which is arranged to generate a voltage pulse in a switch under a keyboard. The piezoelectric lacquer is produced in such a way that piezoelectric crystals are introduced into the lacquer in order to obtain a printable material mixture. To produce the switches, printed conductors for connecting the switches to insulating films are printed, and the piezoelectric paint is then applied selectively to the conductor positions. The piezoelectric material is then still to be polarized by applying a voltage to the conductors after the switch has been assembled. Such switches are able to replace membrane-like, galvanic switching switching elements with a contact stroke and capacitive switching elements.

To avoid cable lines and associated coupling elements between a movable handle and the associated vehicle is in the DE 103 09 148 A1 proposed to integrate in the handle at least one transmitting unit and in the vehicle, the associated receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit, the transmission energy from a piezoelectric element, for example, a mounted in the handle piezoelectric paint relates. A piezoelectric paint is also part of the seat occupancy sensor according to the DE 103 33 986 A1 ,

A method for monitoring an object parked outdoors, such as aircraft or motor vehicle, is the subject of DE 33 15 831 A1 , The method is based on a capacitive touch detection circuit for detecting a change in frequency when the object is touched. The assistance device in a vehicle for setting various vehicle components according to the user profile of the respective driver detects the specific characteristics of a person sitting on the associated driver's seat via a camera and / or via a speech processor.

From the DE 102 57 125 A1 is a safety device for the protection of pedestrians and cyclists on impact with a front hood of a passenger car to take as known, in which the actuators are controlled to adjust the front cover via a signal of a piezoelectric film sensor.

DE 35 42 697 A1 describes a recording device for a collision with a camera, which is activated by an accelerometer when exceeding a predetermined acceleration value. In the traffic accident documentation system according to the DE 299 18 812 U1 the activation takes place by a shock sensor. The detection device according to the DE 102 23 123 A1 includes at least one sensor for detecting collision with a vehicle and a camera device for optically detecting the subject vehicle. In contrast, this is from the DE 197 02 363 A1 known camera system due to vehicle condition automatically or manually activated.

Also the DE 101 11 421 A1 relates to a vehicle monitoring system comprising an image pickup device for generating image information corresponding to at least a region of an environment of the vehicle, a sensor device for generating sensor information characterizing the state and / or the environment of the vehicle, and a control device which, based on the sensor information, at least holding with image information related data on a storage medium for subsequent evaluation.

In the DE 103 09 148 A1 a device for actuating an electric locking system for vehicles described. To avoid cable lines and associated coupling elements between the movable handle and the vehicle is proposed to realize the communication via a transmitter located in the handle, which draws its energy from piezoelectric elements. The pressure sensor is applied as a piezoelectric paint on the handle. This allows the piezo element to be easily adapted to any handle geometry. The amount of energy can be adjusted via the area size.

The DE 10 2005 012 290 A1 describes a safety device for a vehicle, which is intended to prevent people from entering a vehicle without authorization. It is therefore proposed to detect unauthorized persons on the vehicle by a corresponding sensor and to inform an external receiver with a corresponding note. Sensors supply input signals to the safety device. These sensors include, for example, a touch sensor made of piezo varnish.

The DE 202 17 446 U1 describes a device for property protection of vehicles with an optical sensor for imaging the nearer vehicle environment, a touch sensor for detecting mechanical effects on a surface of the vehicle and with a control circuit which, responsive to a touch signal output from the touch sensor, a signal to trigger the image capture to the emits optical sensor.

The DE 103 33 988 A1 describes a device for image recording of an object in the vicinity of a vehicle, which performs the image recording by means of at least one camera in response to a signal of a piezo cable, which is arranged in the outer region of the vehicle.

From the DE 100 52 882 A1 goes out a vehicle system for monitoring a vehicle. In the vehicle system, a plurality of cameras are arranged for detecting a portion of the outer skin and a vicinity of the vehicle on the vehicle, and there is provided a recording apparatus for storing image signals of the cameras and a housing for break-proof and tamper-proof recording of the recording apparatus. Furthermore, a motion detector for detecting movements in the vicinity of the vehicle and / or at least one microphone for detecting noise in the vicinity of the vehicle and a signal processing and control unit is provided, wherein the signal processing and control unit after detecting a movement or a noise in the vicinity of the vehicle controls the recording device to a storage of the image signals of the camera in a predetermined period of time.

In the DE 101 59 006 A1 a device for monitoring a vehicle is described. The device can be connected to a sensor which is arranged on the vehicle. The sensor is evaluated in a first operating mode of the vehicle and not evaluated in a second operating mode of the vehicle. The first operating mode is activated when the vehicle is parked.

The DE 10 2004 051 638 A1 describes a method for operating a sensor in a security system. The sensor sends an electrical reaction signal to a central system unit and the central system unit excites an excitation signal as a reversible electromechanical system.

From the US 5,467,080 A goes out a safety arrangement for opening and closing a door of a motor vehicle.

In the generic DE 43 36 288 C1 a device for monitoring the rear or front space of a parking motor vehicle is described. The device comprises a video camera installed in the rear or in the front of the motor vehicle and a visual and control device connected to the video camera in the field of vision of the vehicle driver. The video camera further comprises means for pivoting in response to electrical drive signals. In addition, the device has an ultrasound or light-based measuring system. The electrical control signals of the ultrasound or light-based measuring system control the camera side, the means for pivoting the camera.

In the DE 11 52 627 B An arrangement for automatically triggering control functions in a vehicle is described. In this case, the arrangement comprises a directed in the vehicle in the direction of travel lens whose focal length is dimensioned such that it draws a limited distance range sharp. In this case, the image distance of the lens and thus the distance range in which the lens is sharply, so changed in dependence on the speed of the vehicle, that the distance of the lens to the beginning of the depth of field at each speed corresponds approximately to the braking distance.

The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle environment detection system and a method for acquiring image information for a motor vehicle in order to provide improved monitoring and / or recording of the cause of a contact of a motor vehicle. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved touch-detection device for a keyless entry system. A keyless entry system is out of the EP 1 120 518 A1 known.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the subclaims.

The above object is achieved by a motor vehicle environment detection system for Detecting image information comprising detection means for detecting an object located in a vicinity of the vehicle and providing a corresponding sensor signal, detection means for detecting image information, and control means for controlling the detection means in response to the sensor signal, the detection means comprising touch detection means a touch sensor. The motor vehicle environment detection system further has an on-board evaluation device, which is electrically coupled to the touch sensor, wherein at least the sensor signal can be generated by the evaluation device when the touch sensor touches an object. According to the invention, the detection device has an image recording device which is designed such that its angular orientation, its image width and / or its sharpness can be controlled by a control device as a function of the sensor signal. In this way, the quality of the images, which are recorded via a vehicle environment detection system according to the invention, can be improved.

The detection device can advantageously have a piezo film designed as a contact sensor and / or a structure-borne sound sensor designed as a contact sensor. This ensures a high sensitivity in the detection of the object and thus an advantageous control of the detection device.

In an advantageous manner, the touch sensor is embodied as a piezoelectric coating applied to a motor vehicle part and electrically contacted by the evaluation device, and the evaluation device generates at least one output signal when touching the piezoelectric paint with an object, which makes it possible to form the complete paint surface of the vehicle as a sensor surface. It is of course also possible to form only parts of the vehicle as a sensor surface. These signals of these sensor sub-surfaces converge in the evaluation device and lead to an output signal, which triggers an action on the basis of the location of the touch, for example the triggering of a camera recording in the direction of the location of the touch. In the output signal, the location information (same place of contact or contact area on the vehicle) for further processing for other control devices are available. In an existing painting process, the piezoelectric paint is applied during the production of the motor vehicle. Piezoelectric coating areas to be contacted later are left free in the subsequent painting steps or are arranged in areas in which no further normal paint is applied. It is also conceivable that the electrical contact is attached via at least one electrical insulating layer to a vehicle part and then the piezoelectric paint is applied, so that the electrical connection contacts are sprayed with the piezoelectric paint and thereby each an electrical contact is made. Advantage of the proposed touch detection device is that this type of sensor consumes no quiescent current to be kept in standby. Thus, the proposed touch detection device is optimally usable for a motor vehicle, which contains a limited in a vehicle battery energy reserve.

In order to evaluate a voltage pulse of the piezoelectric touch sensor, a downstream evaluation device can be woken up, for example, from a stand-by mode with low energy consumption in order to be able to carry out the further evaluation. Thus, monitoring of the vehicle can be ensured with the lowest energy consumption.

Upon completion of the vehicle, the piezoelectric coating releases at least one electrical pulse upon contact with or upon application of a force due to the piezoelectric properties, which pulse is relayed to an evaluation device and analyzed there. Depending on the type of contact, the evaluation device then generates at least one output signal which is dependent on an amplitude and / or a location and / or on a time profile of the vehicle's contact. Since, in particular, sheet metal parts yield resiliently to vehicles when subjected to a force, at least one voltage pulse is also generated, provided that a contact takes place outside the piezoelectric paint, which, however, also leads to a force application of the piezoelectric paint. Thus, the entire vehicle outer surface does not have to be provided with a piezoelectric paint in order to detect contact of the vehicle. Since, for example, wind and rain exert forces on vehicle parts, they can be hidden or filtered in the evaluation device by their characteristic features.

In particular, in a parked vehicle in which there are no occupants, it is often impossible to determine after a parking bump, who or what has caused a damaging touch of the vehicle. Parkrempler is understood in this application a slight damage to a vehicle by a parking, further vehicle. With the proposal according to the invention also touches of the motor vehicle can be detected, which, for example, by parking bumps with very low speed take place without significant shocks. These parking bumps often lead to dents, especially in flat sheet metal parts (eg side doors). The presence of a vibration sensor is thus not required. Also caused by vandalism on the vehicle damage can be detected by the voltages generated in the piezoelectric paint. These include, for example, paint scratches caused by sharp objects. The parking of objects on a hood, such as shopping cartons, is detectable with the proposed device. Cartons can cause scratching of the paint when put down or dislodged by metallic clips, sand particles, etc. Even a touch with a shopping cart, a bicycle or scooter, the leaning of people or objects to the vehicle or the jumping of animals on the vehicle (eg cats on hoods) are detectable with the device according to the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output signal is generated as a function of the driving situation by the detection device. Thus, the force detection can be deactivated, for example, while driving, whereas the detection is reactivated when stationary or when parking the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, the detection can be activated, for example, only after a defined waiting time to hide touches of the vehicle occupants at or shortly after getting out of the vehicle.

Due to the fact that at least one image acquisition device arranged on and / or in the vehicle records at least one image due to the output signal, it is easy to understand who or what has caused a contact. The touch and possibly damage is detected and stored with an image recording device. The image recording device can document the process continuously or at defined time intervals after touching. It may be useful to have a current time, e.g. to store a received radio time with date and / or location from a navigation system (possibly in a tamper-proof manner) in order to have comprehensive documentation data available. If several cameras are arranged on or in the vehicle (eg rear-view camera, front-view camera, side-view camera, occupant recognition camera, etc.), the camera records at least one image, which determines the location or area of the touch In other words, the camera records primarily an image in which the location of the touch or causation of the touch is best seen on the image. This location or a contact area can be determined by the evaluation device by, for example, electrically distinguishable piezolack zones are present whose electrical signals can be detected individually by the evaluation. It is also possible to use a camera which is able to make a 360 ° recording, so that the entire vehicle environment can be detected. In this case, the camera can also generate a composable panoramic image, which records overlapping or adjacent images of the environment, or it can also be a video film recording generated within a short time (to capture the origin or cause of the contact as quickly as possible) a 360 °. Recording produced.

In addition, if audio signals are recorded via at least one sound recording device, for example a microphone, further information is available for the procedure derivation, tracking and identification of persons or motor vehicles or in general for the plausibility check. For this example, an already existing in the vehicle for a speakerphone microphone can be used.

If the evaluation device detects a touch, in an advantageous embodiment a signal transmission device can emit a signal from the motor vehicle on the basis of the output signal. If, for example, a parking bump detected, so the signal transmission device, for example, make a telephone call over an existing telephone system, send an SMS text message (Short Message Service) or email. In this context, a signal transmission device is also understood as meaning a light source on the vehicle, which is switched on, for example, on the basis of the output signal. The signal transmission device can additionally also record the recorded image and / or sound and / or location data, e.g. via a radio or telephone connection. It is also possible that the strength of a touch is transmitted with.

The piezoelectric paint can be arranged or integrated not only on, between or under at least one further paint layer of the vehicle, it is also conceivable that a piezoelectric paint layer is arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle outer skin. As a result, the paint layer is optimally protected, does not disturb the visual appearance of the vehicle and can be contacted in a simple manner electrically, without the electrical connections are visible. The forces occurring during deformation of a sheet metal part can also be measured on the vehicle interior side, that is, the side facing away from the vehicle outside sheet side.

Characterized in that the evaluation device due to a detected touch of the generates an output signal with piezoelectric paints, with the at least one preconditioning of at least one vehicle safety system is feasible and / or performed, can be set in an early collision phase with an object optimal occupant protection. In the case of a pedestrian, this also applies to a pedestrian protection measure, provided that this makes sense from the point of contact. The employment of a hood to reduce the consequences of accidents when colliding a moving vehicle with a pedestrian makes sense only if there is a chance to reduce the consequences of accidents. This is dependent on the location of the contact by the pedestrian. Since the contact is detectable immediately upon contact, the piezoelectric coating can respond much earlier than other collision sensors, such as acceleration sensors. The time advantage can thus be used to provide or trigger further protective measures.

Since the location of the touch is known, depending on the location of the touch and the driving situation, optimal preconditioning or triggering can take place. If, for example, a lateral contact is detected while driving, the side airbag systems can be preconditioned or - if necessary - triggered. The touch signal can also be used to improve the validity of Precrashsystemen. If a precrash system classifies a collision as probable, however, a triggering of a non-reversible protection system can not take place before the collision for safety reasons, this protection system can trigger immediately if, for example, a contact in the area of the predicted collision and possibly also in the predicted time window he follows. The detection of the contact by the piezoelectric paint is then evaluated as confirmation of the predicted collision, so that then a triggering can take place immediately. For the purposes of this application, any collision of the vehicle with an object (accident) can first be detected as touching the piezoelectric paint.

Currently, there are several keyless vehicle access systems on the market. Although the driver still has a key, this is available, for example, in electronic form and can be wireless and contactless, e.g. via a radio connection, queried and possibly exchanged. This query is not constantly, but only if the vehicle side a desire of the driver is detected to open the vehicle. For this purpose, for example, switches or inductive or capacitive proximity sensors are present in the region of the vehicle handle. As soon as the vehicle driver actuates the door handle, the radio interrogation is started and if the existing electronic key authorizes the vehicle to be opened, that is, if the further requirements for keyless access of the motor vehicle are met, the vehicle is unlocked completely or only the respective vehicle opening is unlocked. It is conceivable that the vehicle opening is unlocked only when the driver touches the piezoelectric paint in the region of the door handle. But it is also conceivable that the driver can touch the piezoelectric paint at any point of the vehicle for unlocking.

A further possibility for detecting a contact of a vehicle with an object is provided by the motor vehicle environment detection system according to the invention with at least one structure-borne sound sensor. With the at least one structure-borne sound sensor, a vibration on at least one component of the vehicle, for example on a part of the vehicle body or on a decorative strip, can be detected. As a result, structure-borne sound sensors have high sensitivity, high resistance to moisture damage, and good heat resistance. Thus, a pressure, a contact point and / or a time profile of the contact by the at least one structure-borne sound sensor can be detected.

For example, an alarm device can be activated as a function of the sensor signal. By activating the alarm, thieves or vandalists can be deterred. Structure-borne sound sensors can also be used for early-crash sensors. In addition, a signal transmission device can be coupled to the structure-borne sound sensors in such a way that it immediately transmits an SMS to the mobile phone or a warning message to the ID transmitter when a shock is detected on the vehicle.

If the touch detection device has a piezo film as a touch sensor, the piezo film can be arranged on the vehicle such that a force can be transmitted to the piezo film when the vehicle is in contact with the object and a corresponding sensor signal can be provided by the touch detection device. A touch detection device with a piezo film ensures the already mentioned advantages of a touch detection device with at least one piezoelectric paint area. In addition, piezo films have the advantage that they can be attached easily and quickly to a vehicle component. The shape of a piezo foil can be adapted to the corresponding component. The piezo foils can be arranged nationwide on a vehicle interior facing side of a body part. Pro body part but can even a long, narrow strip of a piezo film can be used for detection. A piezo foil strip can also be protected by a decorative strip of weather.

In many commercially available piezoelectric films, the electrodes required for detecting a voltage signal of the piezoelectric film are already attached. This can be used for a cost-saving simplification in the manufacture and installation of a vehicle environment detection system.

Furthermore, a capacitive object detection device for detecting the object in an environmental region of the vehicle and for providing a corresponding sensor signal is described. In this case, a capacitive object detection device guarantees the owner of a vehicle the possibility that the vehicle surroundings detection system reacts to a theft attempt or attempted vehicle damage even before contact of the vehicle by a person or an object.

In particular, a size, a position, a course of movement and / or an object type of the object can be detected by the capacitive object detection device. The information determined therefrom can be used by the vehicle environment detection system. For example, a capacitive object detection device may distinguish between an adult, a child, an animal, a non-conductive object, and / or a metallic object in the surrounding area of the vehicle. This information can be used for a corresponding reaction of the vehicle environment detection system. For example, a vehicle alarm may be activated at a first warning level by the vehicle surroundings sensing system as soon as a person with a larger metallic object approaches the vehicle.

Likewise, a sound recording device is described, wherein an angular orientation and / or a degree of amplification of the sound recording device can be controlled by the control device as a function of the sensor signal. Thus, the sound recordings of a vehicle environment detection system can be improved.

In a vehicle having a keyless entry system, the detection device may include an antenna device for detecting an ID transmitter. The radio information provided by the detection device is, for example, the detection of an ID transmitter or a lack of an ID transmitter in a person approaching the vehicle. A vehicle environment detection system according to the invention can thus also be used to improve touch detection in a keyless entry system.

Advantageously, a vehicle surroundings detection system can also be equipped with an information transmission device for transmitting at least part of the acquired image information to a mobile phone and / or an ID transmitter. For example, the images taken with an image recording device of the vehicle can be transmitted to the owner of the vehicle on his mobile phone or a display of his ID transmitter. Thus, even an absent driver has the opportunity to respond to a theft attempt or vandalism on his vehicle. For example, the driver can inform the police in a corresponding situation on his cell phone.

The above object is also solvable by a method for acquiring image information about an object located in a vicinity of a vehicle with a detection device by detecting a contact of the vehicle with the object by means of the detection device, wherein the detection device comprises a touch detection device comprising a touch sensor Providing a corresponding sensor signal and controlling the detection device of the motor vehicle for detecting the image information by a control device in response to the sensor signal, generating the sensor signal by means of an on-board evaluation when touching the touch sensor to the object, wherein the evaluation device is electrically coupled to the touch sensor, controlling an angular orientation, an image width and / or a sharpness of an image recording device of the detection device in dependence of Sensor signal.

Advantageously, a contact of the motor vehicle is detected by the object by means of the touch detection device, which has a piezo film and / or a structure-borne noise sensor. In particular, upon detection of the object in a first position of the surrounding area, the detection device can be pre-activated and, upon detection of the object in a second position of the surrounding area, the detection device can be activated. By way of example, the detection device is adjusted as soon as an object approaches, so that it can be activated immediately if the minimum distance between the object and the vehicle is exceeded. This ensures a faster response to a theft attempt or damage to the vehicle.

The automotive environment detection systems described in this application additionally have a reduced quiescent current consumption. A reduction of the energy requirement in the parked state of the vehicle can be achieved if the detection device is not activated or activated until a touch of the vehicle by an object or detection of an object within an environmental region of the vehicle.

The sensor devices described in this application for detecting a contact of a vehicle by an object or for detecting an object in an environmental region of the vehicle can also be combined with each other. For example, a vehicle may have piezoelectric paint areas as well as piezo films on its body. Likewise, a vehicle may be equipped both with a structure-borne sound sensor and with a capacitive object detection sensor.

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below:

1 : Top view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas;

2 : Side view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas;

3 : Block diagram of the touch detection device;

4 : Top view of a motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

5 : Front side view of the motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

6 : Rear side view of motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

7 : Top view of a motor vehicle with structure-borne sound sensors;

8th and 9 : Top view of a motor vehicle with capacitive object detection sensors; and

10 : Block diagram of a multilevel vehicle monitoring with capacitive object detection sensors.

In 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas B shown. These include sections of motor vehicle exterior parts, namely subregions of the front and rear bumpers, sections of the doors and fenders. When the force is applied to the piezoelectric lacquer areas, at least one voltage pulse is generated which corresponds to a voltage pulse 3 shown evaluation 2 is supplied. In this case, a contact outside the piezoelectric paint areas can be detected, if this contact leads to a force application of the piezoelectric paint area.

In the motor vehicle, an image recording device K1, for example a CCD camera, is arranged which carries out at least one image recording after touch detection. In this case, an image, a sequence of images with defined time intervals between the images or a video film can be created. In addition, via a sound recording device 4 For example, a microphone M a arranged in the vehicle telephone handsfree, an audio signal are recorded. In this case, the sound recording device 4 be arranged outside the vehicle cab. The purpose of sound recording is to determine more precisely the cause or the cause of the contact by providing further data, which can be used, for example, for a plausibility check. So that the records can be assigned to exact times and locations, the location data of the navigation system (location of the vehicle), the date and time, which originate, for example, from the reception data of an in-vehicle radio clock, are also recorded.

If further image recording devices 3 are present on the vehicle, also record these pictures. Thus, for example, the data of a front-view camera K4 or K2, the data of a rear-view camera K3 and also side-view cameras K5, K6 can be used for recording. The image recording device K1 is designed in the embodiment as a 360 ° rotatable camera and takes in a horizontal rotation images on.

2 represents the side view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas B, which are shown in dashed lines. It can be seen in this exemplary embodiment that the piezoelectric paint areas B are subareas of the doors, the fenders and the bumpers. It is not necessary that these paint areas are arranged on the outside of the vehicle or the vehicle outer skin. An arrangement on the side facing away from the vehicle exterior side for signal detection is possible.

3 shows a block diagram of the touch detection device, which cooperates with other vehicle control devices. An evaluation device 2 become electrical signals from touch sensors 1 fed as the piezoelectric paint areas B are executed on motor vehicle parts. If a person touches the vehicle, it is first checked whether the vehicle should be unlocked. For this purpose, for example, an electronic vehicle key is queried, which carries the touching with him. If this key is recognized as an on-vehicle key, ie as a key with which an opening of the vehicle may be performed, the vehicle is controlled by the vehicle control unit 6 unlocked.

If the vehicle key is not detected, at least one image recording device is present on or in the vehicle 3 and at least one sound recording device 4 Signals on and transmits this optionally to a signal transmission device 5 , The signal transmission device 5 informs the vehicle owner about an automatic telephone call about the process, for example a parking bump, and transmits the recorded data. It is possible that the evaluation 2 Depending on the type of touch and possibly also depending on the location performs different actions. If only a slight touch is detected, which usually leads to no damage, only an in-vehicle recording is initiated. For stronger touches a first call is made, which informs, for example, a service center and / or the vehicle owner. In the case of stronger touches, which led to greater damage, it is also possible, for example, to automatically inform a service or security company or a police station. The individual information levels are defined by threshold values and / or signal characteristics in the evaluation device.

In 3 is still a signal connection to a motor vehicle security system 7 shown. If a contact with an object is detected, a preconditioning or triggering of a wide variety of safety systems (reversible, irreversible) can be carried out by the vehicle safety system depending on the driving situation. These may be, for example, airbags, belt tensioners, pedestrian protection measures (eg employment of the hood) etc. A preconditioning in the sense of this application is for example from the DE 103 25 163 A1 known.

In the 4 to 6 is another vehicle with a touch detection device according to the invention in plan view, front side view and rear side view shown. As contact sensors, the vehicle has piezo film strips C on. All relevant components of the vehicle body, such as the doors, the side panels, the bumper, the hoods, the roof and the exterior mirrors, are glued on their sides facing the vehicle interior with these piezo film strips C. Alternatively, the piezo film strips C can also be arranged on the outside behind the decorative or protective strips.

The arrangement of the piezo film strip C on the associated body parts is chosen so that as possible any contact of the vehicle body by an object or a person triggers a signal in at least one piezo foil tire. This at least one signal can then be detected by an evaluation device. The threshold of a piezo film strip C, i. the relationship between the pressure of a touch and the signal provided therefrom by the piezo film strip C can be adjusted differently with respect to the location of attachment depending on the expected actions.

Upon contact of a body part with an object, the evaluation device can recognize on which body part the contact has taken place. Likewise, the evaluation device in the example of 4 to 6 assign a damage level to every touch contact. A distinction is made here between a weather-related touch, such as raindrops falling on the roof, a non-hazardous touch of the body part by a vehicle accidentally grazing the person and a touch that leads to high probability of damage to the vehicle. The vehicle damaging touches can be subdivided into further damage levels. For example, the evaluation device detects a scratching of a pointed object on the vehicle paint. A distinction is also made between touches which cause a slight deformation of a body part, for example a door strike of a vehicle parked next to the vehicle or in the event of a crash with a shopping cart, and those in which the vehicle is severely damaged. The reaction of the evaluation device to a detected contact corresponds to the damage level measured in the process. The already in 3 presented possibilities for responding to a detected contact on a vehicle are also possible in a vehicle with piezo film strips C as touch sensors.

For example, the evaluation device can be an image recording device 3 and / or a sound recording device 4 activate. The image-recording device 3 like in the 1 to 3 already described a 360 ° pivotable camera K1 in the exterior or interior, which pivots immediately after their activation by the evaluation to the location of the touch contact and receives this. Likewise, the image recording device 3 several Cameras K1 to K6 at different positions of the vehicle, for example on the exterior mirrors include. The cameras K1 to K6 of the image recording apparatus 3 can also be used for other functions, such as rear view cameras. In addition, the evaluation device can be a signal transmission device 5 activate, so that the driver of the vehicle SMS or image is sent to his cell phone or his identifiable as a smart-key ID transmitter.

In a vehicle with a keyless entry system, after detecting a touch on a vehicle door or door handle, the keyless entry procedure is started. For this purpose, it is first checked whether the vehicle is still closed. If this is true, an electronic vehicle key, often referred to as an ID transmitter, is interrogated. If the ID transmitter is detected in a partial environment of a vehicle door, then the relevant vehicle door can be opened by the vehicle control unit 6 be unlocked.

This in 7 The vehicle shown in plan view has a touch detection device, in which structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 are used as touch sensors. A structure-borne sound sensor D1 or D2 can be embodied, for example, as a contact microphone or as a structure-borne sound microphone. The structure-borne sound sensor D1 or D2 accordingly receives no room sound, but a body vibration that propagates within at least one vehicle body part, on.

In this case, the individual structure-borne noise sensors D1 can be arranged as satellites on selected body parts, such as, for example, the doors, the fenders and / or the bumper cross members. The arrangement of the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 is preferably chosen so that a contact of an object on a part of the entire vehicle body can be detected by at least one of the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1. As a supplement or as an alternative, a central structure-borne sound sensor D2 is also possible. The attachment position of the central structure-borne sound sensor D2 is preferably selected such that a transmission of structure-borne noise by a body part to the central structure-borne sound sensor D2 is possible.

To evaluate their signals, the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 and the central structure-borne sound sensor D2 are connected to an evaluation device. The evaluation device can also be integrated in the central sound sensor D2.

In this way, a touch of the body by a person or an object on the thereby triggered structure-borne noise can be detected by the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2. The sensitivity of the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 is preferably chosen so that a distinction can be made between a weather-related touch, such as raindrops falling on the vehicle roof, accidental contact by accidental stripping of the body and a shock against the vehicle body. In addition, the evaluation device can detect, via the signals of the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2, the extent to which they are damaged in the event of a collision against the vehicle body.

In the 7 drawn detection device 8th represents a camera as a possibility for responding to a detected touch. As an alternative or in addition to a pivotable camera are as a detection device 8th also the image recording devices already described in the present invention 3 and / or sound recording devices 4 applicable. Likewise, in the case of a detected contact with a corresponding contact strength, the signal transmission device already described in terms of its function 5 to be activated.

With the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 also a pulling on a door handle can be detected. For a vehicle with a "keyless entry" system, the keyless entry procedure described above can then be started.

Another way to activate an image recording device 3 , a sound recording device 4 , a signal transmission device 5 , a motor vehicle safety system 7 or a vehicle control device 6 for a "keyless entry" system is in the 8th to 10 shown. In the A and C pillars of the vehicle 8th antennas are installed as capacitive object detection devices E. These capacitive object detection devices E serve to detect an object within the antenna fields F. The antenna fields F generated by the capacitive object detection devices E are therefore often referred to as capacitive fields. Of course, another installation location can be chosen in addition to or as an alternative to the attachment of the capacitive object detection devices E according to the vehicle geometry.

As in the example out 8th If the antenna fields F of the capacitive object detection devices E overlap, the evaluation device can use triangulation to determine the exact position P1 or P2 of a person or of a conductive object from the signals of the capacitive object detection devices E. This offers the possibility of an image recording device 3 and / or a sound recording device 4 , as already presented in this application, to focus on the exact position P1 or P2 of an object approaching the vehicle.

The 9 and 10 introduce a multi-stage security concept for monitoring a vehicle, which can be realized by attaching capacitive object detection devices E to a vehicle. At the vehicle off 9 For example, the non-drawn capacitive object detection devices E were arranged such that a surrounding area G is defined around the vehicle as a "protection corridor". Within this environment region G, an object, for example a person or a conductive object, can be detected by the capacitive object detection devices E. The evaluation device for evaluating the signals of the individual capacitive object detection devices E is programmed so that it determines the exact position P1 or P2 of the object when detecting an object within the surrounding area G. In this way, for example, a position P1 can be determined, in which the object penetrates into the surrounding area G defined as a "protective corridor". Likewise, a position P2 can be determined, in which a contact of the object with the vehicle takes place.

The multi-level safety concept is started by the driver turning off the vehicle engine after parking. When the motor is switched off, the capacitive object detection devices E and the evaluation device are automatically activated. For monitoring the vehicle, however, initially only the capacitive object detection devices E and the evaluation device are activated. All other components of the protection system of the vehicle, such as an interior monitor, cameras K1 to K6, microphones M or a "keyless entry" system for detecting an ID transmitter are disabled for the time being. In this way, it is ensured that the energy demand of the vehicle, which is often also referred to as quiescent current, is very low in this phase. A discharge of the vehicle battery must therefore not be feared during a longer parking time.

In one process step 11 of the block diagram of 10 an object, for example a person or a conductive object, penetrates into the surrounding area G defined as a "protective corridor". The evaluation device immediately detects the exact position P1 or P2 of the object via the signals of the capacitive object detection devices E and starts in the method step 12 with a pre-activation of the protection system of the vehicle, for example via a signal to the CAN vehicle bus (Controller Area Network). The protection system can be an image recording device 3 , a sound recording device 4 , a signal transmission device 5 , a vehicle control unit 6 , a motor vehicle safety system 7 and / or include an alarm device. In this "waking up" of the individual components of the protection system, these are put into operational readiness, but not yet fully activated. The components of the protection system are switched in such a way that they can immediately perform their functions in response to a signal. For example, during this phase, a pivotable camera K1 can already be set in such a way that the object which has penetrated into the surrounding area G is in its detection area. Likewise, the alarm system can be switched to a first stage. For example, in this first stage, the turn signals of the vehicle are activated. In this way, it is possible to indicate to a person approaching the vehicle that the vehicle has a protection system.

In a vehicle with a "keyless entry" system, a detection device for detecting an ID transmitter can be activated before preactivation of the protection systems. In this way, it can be determined whether a person approaching the vehicle carries an ID transmitter with him. If this is the case, it may indicate activation of the image recording device 3 , the sound recording device 4 , the signal transmission device 5 and / or the alarm device are dispensed with. Instead, the vehicle control unit 6 switched so that it unlocks the vehicle door, which approaches the person with the ID transmitter.

In the process step 13 of the 10 the evaluation determines that the object touches the vehicle, although no ID transmitter was determined within the surrounding area G. This immediately solves the subsequent process steps 14 . 15 and 16 out. In the process step 14 the already pre-activated location-independent protection systems, such as the alarm device triggered.

At the same time, in the process step 15 determines the exact position P2 of the object. Subsequently, in a further process step 16 the particular position P2 is forwarded to the location-resolved protection systems and the location-resolved protection systems are activated. For example, in this way, the setting of a camera or a microphone M with respect to the position P2 can be optimized. The data recorded by the camera K1 to K6 or a microphone M are immediately stored on a data storage unit. At the same time, the preactivated signal transmission device 5 be activated to send a message to the vehicle owner. In this case, data that is just taken with the camera K1 to K6, immediately be forwarded to the vehicle owner.

On the other hand, if the object leaves again the surrounding area G without any contact with the vehicle, all the preactivated protective systems are deactivated again. In this way, the power consumption of the vehicle protection systems is kept as low as necessary.

Claims (27)

A motor vehicle environment detection system comprising: detection means for detecting an object located in a vicinity of a motor vehicle and for providing a corresponding sensor signal; A detection device ( 8th ) for acquiring image information; and a control device for controlling the detection device ( 8th ) in response to the sensor signal, characterized in that - the detection device comprises a touch detection device which comprises a touch sensor ( 1 ), and in that - the motor vehicle environment detection system further comprises an on-board evaluation device ( 2 ), which with the touch sensor ( 1 ) is electrically coupled, wherein by the evaluation device ( 2 ) when touching the touch sensor ( 1 ) can be generated with an object at least the sensor signal, wherein - the detection device ( 8th ) an image recording device ( 3 ), which is designed such that its angular orientation, its image width and / or its sharpness can be controlled as a function of the sensor signal. Motor vehicle environment detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device as a touch sensor ( 1 ) formed piezo film (C) and / or as a touch sensor ( 1 ) has trained structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2). Automotive environment detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the touch sensor ( 1 ) as an applied on a motor vehicle part of the motor vehicle and electrically with the evaluation device ( 2 ) contacted piezoelectric paint is formed and by the evaluation device ( 2 ) When touching the piezoelectric paint with an object at least the sensor signal can be generated. Motor vehicle environment detection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the piezoelectric paint is disposed on, between or under at least one further paint layer of the motor vehicle or integrated in this. Motor vehicle environment detection system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the piezoelectric paint is mounted on a side opposite to a vehicle outer skin of the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle environment detection system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the electrical contacting of the piezoelectric paint outside the outer field of view of the motor vehicle is made. Motor vehicle environment detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor vehicle environment detection system with an information transmission device ( 5 ) is designed to transmit at least a part of the captured image information to a mobile phone and / or to an ID transmitter. Automotive environment detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection device ( 8th ) has an antenna device for detecting the ID transmitter. Method for acquiring image information, comprising the following steps: detecting an object located in a vicinity of a motor vehicle by means of a detection device of the motor vehicle; - Providing a corresponding sensor signal; and - controlling a detection device ( 8th ) of the motor vehicle for capturing the image information by a control device as a function of the sensor signal, characterized by the following steps: detecting a contact of the motor vehicle with the object by means of the detection device, wherein the detection device has a touch detection device which comprises a touch sensor ( 1 ) having; Generating the sensor signal by means of an on-board evaluation device ( 2 ) when touching the touch sensor ( 1 ) with the object, wherein the evaluation device ( 2 ) with the touch sensor ( 1 ) is electrically coupled; Controlling an angular orientation, an image width and / or an image sharpness of an image recording device ( 3 ) of the detection device ( 8th ) in dependence of the sensor signal.,  A method according to claim 9, characterized by detecting a contact of the motor vehicle by the object by means of the touch detection device, which has a structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) and / or a piezo film (C). Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the touch sensor ( 1 ) applied to a motor vehicle part of the motor vehicle and electrically connected to the evaluation device ( 2 ) contacted piezoelectric paint and by the evaluation device ( 2 ) is generated on contact of the piezoelectric paint with the object at least the sensor signal. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one opening of the motor vehicle is unlocked keyless on the basis of the sensor signal as soon as a contact of the piezoelectric paint is detected and an authorization for keyless access of the motor vehicle by a vehicle control unit ( 6 ). Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the sensor signal depends on a time profile of the touch of the motor vehicle from the evaluation device ( 2 ) is produced. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the sensor signal depending on the amplitude and / or a location of the touch on the motor vehicle from the evaluation device ( 2 ) is produced. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that an image is recorded in the direction of the touch location or area by the image recording device (K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6). Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that based on the sensor signal, the location and / or the time profile of the contact is determined and / or stored. Method according to one of claims 10, characterized in that a pressure, a contact point and / or a time profile of the contact by the at least one structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) is detected.  Method according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized by detecting the object in a surrounding area (G) of the motor vehicle by means of a capacitive object detection device (E) of the detection device. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that when detecting the object in a first position (P1) of the surrounding area (G), the detection device ( 8th ) is pre-activated and when detecting the object in a second position (P2) of the surrounding area (G), the detection device ( 8th ) is activated. A method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that a size, a position, a course of movement and / or an object type of the object by the capacitive object detection device (E) is detected. Method according to one of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that the sensor signal is generated depending on the driving situation. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 21, characterized in that at least one image is recorded by the image recording device (K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6) arranged on and / or in the motor vehicle on the basis of the sensor signal. Method according to one of claims 9 to 22, characterized in that at least one signal transmission device ( 5 ) emits a signal from the motor vehicle due to the sensor signal. Method according to one of claims 9 to 23, characterized in that the evaluation device ( 2 ) generates an output signal with which at least one preconditioning of at least one vehicle safety system ( 7 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 9 to 24, characterized in that the evaluation device ( 2 ) generates an output signal with which at least one vehicle safety system ( 7 ) is triggered alone or together with other vehicle sensor signals. Method according to one of claims 10 or 17, characterized in that by the arranged on the motor vehicle structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) a vibration on at least one component of the motor vehicle is detected and a corresponding sensor signal is generated. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 26, characterized in that an alarm device is activated as a function of the sensor signal.

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