EP3113979A1 - Vehicle headlight with a device for determining road conditions and a system for monitoring road conditions - Google Patents

Vehicle headlight with a device for determining road conditions and a system for monitoring road conditions

Info

Publication number
EP3113979A1
EP3113979A1 EP14707755.6A EP14707755A EP3113979A1 EP 3113979 A1 EP3113979 A1 EP 3113979A1 EP 14707755 A EP14707755 A EP 14707755A EP 3113979 A1 EP3113979 A1 EP 3113979A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle
headlight
vehicle headlight
light
road conditions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14707755.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Axel SCHMITZ-HÜBSCH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
G Lufft Mess und Regeltechnik GmbH
Original Assignee
G Lufft Mess und Regeltechnik GmbH
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 G Lufft Mess und Regeltechnik GmbH filed Critical G Lufft Mess und Regeltechnik GmbH
Publication of EP3113979A1 publication Critical patent/EP3113979A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • B60Q1/0017—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function
    • B60Q1/0023—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W40/00—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models
    • B60W40/02—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models related to ambient conditions
    • B60W40/06—Road conditions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W40/00—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models
    • B60W40/02—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models related to ambient conditions
    • B60W40/06—Road conditions
    • B60W40/068—Road friction coefficient
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/28—Cover glass
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G01B11/06—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness ; e.g. of sheet material
    • G01B11/0616—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness ; e.g. of sheet material of coating
    • G01B11/0625—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness ; e.g. of sheet material of coating with measurement of absorption or reflection
    • G01B11/0633—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness ; e.g. of sheet material of coating with measurement of absorption or reflection using one or more discrete wavelengths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/314—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry with comparison of measurements at specific and non-specific wavelengths
    • G01N21/3151—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry with comparison of measurements at specific and non-specific wavelengths using two sources of radiation of different wavelengths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3554—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for determining moisture content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
    • G01N21/4738—Diffuse reflection, e.g. also for testing fluids, fibrous materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
    • G08G1/0108—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions based on the source of data
    • G08G1/0112—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions based on the source of data from the vehicle, e.g. floating car data [FCD]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
    • G08G1/0125—Traffic data processing
    • G08G1/0133—Traffic data processing for classifying traffic situation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
    • G08G1/0137—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions for specific applications
    • G08G1/0141—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions for specific applications for traffic information dissemination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096716—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096733—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place
    • G08G1/096758—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place where no selection takes place on the transmitted or the received information
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096775—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is a central station
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096791—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is another vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2420/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60W2420/40—Photo, light or radio wave sensitive means, e.g. infrared sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2422/00—Indexing codes relating to the special location or mounting of sensors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/314—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry with comparison of measurements at specific and non-specific wavelengths
    • G01N2021/3181—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry with comparison of measurements at specific and non-specific wavelengths using LEDs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
    • G01N2021/4704—Angular selective
    • G01N2021/4709—Backscatter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/359—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/02—Mechanical
    • G01N2201/021—Special mounting in general
    • G01N2201/0216—Vehicle borne
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/06—Illumination; Optics
    • G01N2201/062—LED's
    • G01N2201/0627—Use of several LED's for spectral resolution
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/06—Illumination; Optics
    • G01N2201/069—Supply of sources
    • G01N2201/0696—Pulsed

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a vehicle headlight, and a system for monitoring road conditions with a vehicle with the vehicle headlight.
  • the invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising: a light unit, a reflector and a headlamp lens; and an apparatus for determining road conditions, the apparatus being provided inside the vehicle headlight behind the headlight glass and comprising: an infrared transmitting device configured to emit light of predetermined wavelengths through the headlight glass on a road surface; a detecting device configured to detect the light emitted from the infrared transmitting device and reflected from the road surface through the headlamp lens; a processing device configured to determine surface parameters of the road surface based on the light detected by the detection device.
  • the processing device may be in the form of or comprise a computer.
  • the device for determining the road conditions is provided inside the vehicle headlight.
  • the device can be optimally protected against contamination.
  • the device may be protected from contamination that may occur while the vehicle is traveling.
  • the infrared transmission device of the device is designed to be emitted light of predetermined wavelength in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 2500 nm, for example 780 nm to 1000 nm or 1500 nm, through the headlight glass.
  • the light reflected from the road surface is detected again through the headlight glass.
  • the headlamp glass of a vehicle is one of the elements of the vehicle that is most often cleaned or cleaned, especially in headlamps. For example, the driver of the vehicle will control the headlamp lens more often, at least before each ride.
  • the device may be attached directly to the inside of the headlight glass.
  • the device can be replaceable.
  • the device can be attached directly to the inside, ie behind the headlight glass.
  • the device can be attached and fixed with a suitable fastening means.
  • the device can also be exchangeable. It is also possible to replace the device or the headlight glass together with the device as a modular unit. This also results in the possibility of retrofitting existing vehicle headlights by adding the device or replacing the headlight lens including device.
  • the processing device may be designed to determine the surface parameters of the road surface at least 100 times per second, in particular at least 400 times per second.
  • the device may furthermore comprise a pulse device which is designed to emit the light emitted by the infrared transmitting device in pulses of maximum 500 s duration, in particular highest 100 s duration, and / or pauses of maximum 500 ⁇ duration, in particular highest 100 ⁇ duration to pulse.
  • a pulse device which is designed to emit the light emitted by the infrared transmitting device in pulses of maximum 500 s duration, in particular highest 100 s duration, and / or pauses of maximum 500 ⁇ duration, in particular highest 100 ⁇ duration to pulse.
  • the device Due to the pulses of the pulse device, the device can emit the light required for the measurement effectively and with short dead times. Furthermore, the pulse gives a time constant, a clock, for the measurement and the subsequent determination.
  • the infrared transmitting device may be configured to emit light having at least two predetermined different wavelengths or at least two different wavelength ranges (for detecting wet / wet vs. dry).
  • the different wavelengths emitted by the infrared transmitting device can each lie in the infrared range, wherein furthermore the infrared transmitting device can emit light within a reference wavelength range for calibration, wherein the reference wavelength range is likewise in the infrared range.
  • wavelengths in the infrared range there is no overlap with the visible light range of the headlamp, even no glare from other road users.
  • One of the wavelengths may be particularly suitable for the determination of ice or ice layers on the road, for example, a wavelength of 1500 nm.
  • Another, emitted from the first wavelength, emitted wavelength may be suitable for the determination of thin films of water.
  • a water film of up to about 1 mm thickness on the roadway with a wavelength of 1450 nm can be determined.
  • a further wavelength of about 980 nm can be used.
  • a further wavelength of 1300 nm may be emitted as a reference wavelength for the purpose of calibration, permanently or periodically, or at least at the beginning of the journey.
  • the aforementioned three wavelengths as well as the reference wavelength are each typically different from each other. It is understood that other wavelengths can be used. In general, the wavelengths can be adapted to the absorption bands of water and ice.
  • the surface parameters may include one or more parameters for moisture, ice thickness, snow thickness, water film thickness, ice to water ratio, freezing temperature of an ice-water mixture, salinity of an ice-water mixture, and friction coefficient , These parameters determine the most important parameters for the driver of the vehicle and can be analyzed with regard to possible dangers.
  • the device may further comprise an interface for exchanging data with the Internet and / or a mobile computing device and / or a mobile device.
  • the interface may include, for example, a CAN interface or other typical vehicle interface.
  • information / data obtained with the device may be transmitted to other vehicles.
  • the invention further provides a vehicle, in particular passenger cars or trucks, with at least one vehicle headlight as described above.
  • the vehicle may have a wireless data connection device, which is designed for a data transmission to another vehicle, and a control device, which is designed to transmit data obtained with the device for determining road conditions via the data connection device to the further vehicle. In the future, vehicles will communicate with each other and so an oncoming vehicle can be warned of critical road conditions in advance.
  • the vehicle with the headlight according to the invention may be, for example, a scatter vehicle.
  • the data connection device may be equipped to transmit data with a transmitter and an antenna.
  • the controller may include a computer or a CPU.
  • the invention provides a system for monitoring road conditions, comprising a vehicle as described above and an internet server connected to the device for determining road conditions for the purpose of data exchange, and to a computer device connected via the internet server to this device for the purpose of data exchange is.
  • the monitoring of the road conditions by a vehicle having at least one vehicle headlamp according to the invention can be provided.
  • FIG. 1 Schematic diagram of a vehicle with a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 Schematic sketch of a vehicle headlight as shown in Figure 1 outlines with a device for determining road conditions according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 Schematic diagram of the device from FIG. 2.
  • Figure 4 Schematic sketch of a system for monitoring road conditions, with a vehicle
  • FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a vehicle headlight 3 according to the present invention.
  • the vehicle is sketched as a passenger car. It is understood, however, that the vehicle may also be a truck or a two-wheeler.
  • an LED device is used as the infrared transmitter. This is to be understood by way of example and alternatively other suitable infrared transmitting devices may be used.
  • the vehicle headlight 3 is sketched in more detail in FIG.
  • the vehicle headlight 3 comprises a light source 7 for generating headlight light.
  • the vehicle headlight comprises a reflector 5 and a headlight lens 9.
  • the headlight lens 9 may comprise a silica-based glass suitable for the vehicle headlight 3 or else plastic such as, for example, acrylic glass or polycarbonate. But there are also other glasses possible.
  • the headlight glass 9 is transparent to the light generated by the light source 7.
  • the vehicle headlight 3 further comprises a device 1 1 for determining road conditions, wherein the device is provided in the interior 10 of the vehicle headlight 3 behind the headlight lens 9. In Figure 2, the device 1 1 is provided immediately behind the headlight glass 9.
  • the device 1 1 be interchangeable. It may also be the headlight glass 9 interchangeable. Additionally or alternatively, the headlight glass 9 together with the device 1 1 be interchangeable, so that there may be different possibilities for maintenance or retrofitting.
  • FIG. 3 outlines a front view of the device 11 of FIG. 2.
  • the device 11 comprises an LED unit 13.
  • the LED unit 13 is shown in FIG. 3 with four LEDs 13L. But there may also be another number of LEDs in the LED unit 13. However, the number of four LEDs 13L has the advantage that each LED 13L can perform a different task.
  • LEDs 13L may emit light in the infrared range. In principle, other wavelengths are possible. On the one hand, light in the infrared range is invisible to other road users, on the other hand it is particularly suitable for the detection of water layers and ice layers, especially on road surfaces.
  • One of the wavelengths emitted by the LEDs 13L of the LED unit 13 may be suitable for the determination of ice or ice layers on the road, for example, a wavelength of 1500 nm.
  • a second LED 13L may emit a wavelength different from the first wavelength, especially may be suitable for the determination of thin water films.
  • a water film of, for example, up to 1 mm thick on the roadway with a wavelength of 1450 nm can be determined.
  • another wavelength can be used with another LED. In particular, this additional wavelength can be about 980 nm.
  • a further wavelength of 1300 nm can be transmitted by means of a fourth LED 13L permanently or periodically or at least at the beginning of the journey.
  • This additional wavelength can serve as reference wavelength for calibration. It is understood that other wavelengths can be used. Likewise, more than four LEDs can be used.
  • the LED unit 13 can be controlled via a pulse unit 19.
  • the pulse unit 19 may be connected to the LED unit via a line 19A.
  • the LED unit 13 transmits light through the headlamp lens 9 with the aid of the LEDs 13L.
  • the light emitted by the LED unit 13 thus falls on the road surface and is reflected there.
  • FIG. 3 further shows a detection device 17, for example a sensor unit, for detecting the light emitted by the LED device 13 and then from the sensor device Road surface reflected light.
  • This reflected light in turn falls through the headlight glass 9 into the interior 10 of the vehicle headlight 3.
  • the detection unit 17 can typically receive information about the light emitted by the LEDs 13L via a line 13 Receive light and, if appropriate, its pulsation.
  • the detection unit 17 can further process the obtained analog light information of the reflected light.
  • the detection unit 17 may be connected to a line 17A with an interface 18.
  • the interface 18 may include a CAN interface or other typical vehicle interface, so that the signals provided by the detection unit 17 can be further processed.
  • FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a system for monitoring road conditions, with a vehicle 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle with at least one vehicle headlight 3 as described with reference to FIG. 2 and the vehicle headlight 3 with a device as described with reference to FIG , FIG. 4 further shows that in the system the vehicle can be connected via a wireless connection 30 to an internet server 31 with which the analysis of the roadway surfaces obtained by the vehicle can be further processed.
  • the Internet server 30 can be connected via a connection 31 L to a data memory 33, for example a data cloud, in which the information can be stored by the Internet server.
  • the information from the data memory 33 may be accessed via a connection 33L and may be provided to multiple drivers of vehicle or vehicle steering systems.
  • the vehicle may be connected via the wireless connection 30 with at least one further vehicle for data transfer / exchange.
  • the information / data on the road surfaces can be obtained with the device described with reference to Figure 3 and then sent via the wireless link 30 to the other vehicle.

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Abstract

Vehicle headlight (3) comprising: a lighting unit, a reflector (5), and a headlight glass (9); a device (11) for determining road conditions, wherein the device is provided in the interior of the vehicle headlight (3) behind the headlight glass (9) and comprises: an infrared transmission unit (13) which is configured for emitting light at predetermined wavelengths through the headlight glass (9) onto a road surface; a detection unit (17) which is configured for detecting the light emitted by the infrared transmission unit (13) and reflected by the road surface through the headlight glass (9); a processing unit which is configured for determining surface parameters of the road surface on the basis of the light detected by the detection unit (17).

Description

FAHRZEUGSCHEINWERFER MIT EINER VORRICHTUNG ZUM BESTIMMEN VON STRASSENVERHÄLTNISSEN UND SYSTEM ZUR ÜBERWACHUNG VON STRASSENVERHÄLTNISSEN  VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS WITH A DEVICE FOR DETERMINING ROAD CONDITIONS AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ROAD CONDITIONS
Gebiet der Erfindung Field of the invention
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer, sowie ein System zur Überwachung von Straßenverhältnissen mit einem Fahrzeug mit dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer. The invention relates to a vehicle headlight, and a system for monitoring road conditions with a vehicle with the vehicle headlight.
Stand der Technik State of the art
Es ist ein bekanntes Problem bei Fahrzeugen, die Straßenbedingungen / Fahrbahneigenschaften während der Fahrt bestimmen zu können. So können potentiell gefährliche Straßenbedingungen dem Fahrer rechtzeitig signalisiert werden und er kann seine Fahrweise entsprechend anpassen. Beispielsweise kann ein Wasserfilm auf der Fahrbahn bei zu hohen Geschwindigkeiten zu Aquaplaning führen. Ebenso können bei Temperaturen um den Gefrierpunkt bei Eis und Wassergemischen auf der Fahrbahn oder bei Regen auf gefrorenem Boden (Eisregen) gefährliche Situationen auftreten. It is a known problem in vehicles to be able to determine road conditions during the journey. Thus, potentially dangerous road conditions can be signaled to the driver in good time and he can adjust his driving style accordingly. For example, a water film on the road at too high speeds can lead to aquaplaning. Similarly, at temperatures around the freezing point in ice and water mixtures on the road or in rain on frozen ground (freezing rain) dangerous situations may occur.
Häufig werden tragbare Sensoren eingesetzt, die eine Messung der Fahrbahneigenschaften lediglich dann vornehmen können, wenn das Fahrzeug sich nicht bewegt. Das Fahrzeug muss in diesem Falle eine gewisse Zeit, etwa einige Sekunden, unbewegt stehen, um eine Messung erzielen zu können. Die Bestimmung der Fahrbahneigenschaften während der Fahrt bleibt mit diesem Ansatz aber schwierig. Ferner gibt es Sensoren, die außen am Fahrzeug befestigt werden. Dabei kann das Problem auftreten, dass diese Sensoren während der Fahrt verschmutzen können, etwa durch von der Fahrbahn aufspritzenden Schneematsch und/oder Dreck oder Schlamm. Dadurch kann eine Messung der Fahrbahneigenschaften im Zusammenhang mit der Fahrbahn erschwert werden oder sogar misslingen. Das kann die für einen Fahrer eines Fahrzeugs so wichtigen Informationen bei schwierigen Wetterbedingungen und/oder Fahrbahnbedingungen verfälschen oder gar nicht verfügbar machen, so dass der Fahrer nicht ausreichend über Gefahren benachrichtigt werden kann. Selbst bei Fahrzeugen, die teilweise autonom fahren, bei denen also der Fahrer nicht ausschließlich das Fahrzeug steuert, können die für das Steuern des Fahrzeugs notwendigen Entscheidungen, die beispielsweise von einer Steuereinheit zu treffen sind, nicht mit der erforderlichen Genauigkeit getroffen werden. Frequently, portable sensors are used which can only measure the road characteristics when the vehicle is not moving. In this case, the vehicle must stand still for a certain amount of time, for a few seconds, in order to obtain a measurement. The determination of the road characteristics while driving remains difficult with this approach. There are also sensors that are attached to the outside of the vehicle. This can cause the problem that these sensors can pollute while driving, such as from the road surface splashing slush and / or dirt or mud. This makes it difficult to measure the road characteristics in connection with the road or even fail. This can falsify or even render inoperative the information that is so important to a driver of a vehicle in difficult weather conditions and / or road conditions, so that the driver can not be sufficiently informed about dangers. Even with vehicles that drive partially autonomously, ie in which the driver does not exclusively control the vehicle, the decisions necessary for the control of the vehicle, which are to be taken for example by a control unit, can not be made with the required accuracy.
Angesichts der Probleme im Stand der Technik ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine robuste und einfache Alternative zum Stand der Technik zu entwickeln, welche die oben genannten Probleme vermeidet. l Beschreibung der Erfindung In view of the problems in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to develop a robust and simple alternative to the prior art, which avoids the above-mentioned problems. l Description of the invention
Diese Aufgabe wird durch einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst. This object is achieved by a vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.
Die Erfindung stellt einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer bereit, umfassend: eine Leuchteinheit, einen Reflektor und ein Scheinwerferglas; sowie eine Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen, wobei die Vorrichtung im Inneren des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers hinter dem Scheinwerferglas vorgesehen ist und umfasst: eine Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung, die zum Aussenden von Licht vorbestimmter Wellenlängen durch das Scheinwerferglas auf eine Straßenoberfläche ausgebildet ist; eine Detektionseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, das von der Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung ausgesandte und von der Straßenoberfläche reflektierte Licht durch das Scheinwerferglas zu detektieren; eine Verarbeitungseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, auf der Grundlage des von der Detektionseinrichtung detektierten Lichts Oberflächenparameter der Straßenoberfläche zu bestimmen. Die Verarbeitungseinrichtung kann in Form eines Computers vorgesehen sein oder einen solchen umfassen. The invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising: a light unit, a reflector and a headlamp lens; and an apparatus for determining road conditions, the apparatus being provided inside the vehicle headlight behind the headlight glass and comprising: an infrared transmitting device configured to emit light of predetermined wavelengths through the headlight glass on a road surface; a detecting device configured to detect the light emitted from the infrared transmitting device and reflected from the road surface through the headlamp lens; a processing device configured to determine surface parameters of the road surface based on the light detected by the detection device. The processing device may be in the form of or comprise a computer.
Die Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen der Straßenverhältnisse ist im Inneren des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers vorgesehen. Dadurch kann die Vorrichtung optimal vor Verschmutzung geschützt werden. Insbesondere kann die Vorrichtung vor Verschmutzung, die während der Fahrt des Fahrzeugs auftreten kann, geschützt werden. Weiterhin ist die Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung der Vorrichtung ausgebildet, Licht vorbestimmter Wellenlänge in einem Wellenlängenbereich von 780 nm bis 2500 nm, beispielsweise 780 nm bis 1000 nm oder 1500 nm sein, durch das Scheinwerferglas hindurch auszusenden. Ebenso wird das von der Straßenoberfläche reflektierte Licht wieder durch das Scheinwerferglas hindurch detektiert. Das Scheinwerferglas eines Fahrzeugs ist eines der Elemente des Fahrzeugs, das am häufigsten gereinigt oder geputzt wird, insbesondere bei Frontscheinwerfern. Der Fahrer des Fahrzeugs wird beispielsweise das Scheinwerferglas besonders häufig kontrollieren, mindestens vor jeder Fahrt. Zusätzlich gibt es Fahrzeuge, bei denen sogar eine automatische Reinigung des Scheinwerferglases, wie etwa einem Scheibenwischer zur Reinigung des Scheinwerferglases. Durch das Vorsehen der Vorrichtung hinter dem Scheinwerferglas kann somit gewährleistet werden, dass die Vorrichtung praktisch stets eine freie Sicht auf die Fahrbahn haben kann. The device for determining the road conditions is provided inside the vehicle headlight. As a result, the device can be optimally protected against contamination. In particular, the device may be protected from contamination that may occur while the vehicle is traveling. Furthermore, the infrared transmission device of the device is designed to be emitted light of predetermined wavelength in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 2500 nm, for example 780 nm to 1000 nm or 1500 nm, through the headlight glass. Likewise, the light reflected from the road surface is detected again through the headlight glass. The headlamp glass of a vehicle is one of the elements of the vehicle that is most often cleaned or cleaned, especially in headlamps. For example, the driver of the vehicle will control the headlamp lens more often, at least before each ride. In addition, there are vehicles in which even an automatic cleaning of the headlight glass, such as a windshield wiper for cleaning the headlight glass. By providing the device behind the headlight glass can thus be ensured that the device can practically always have a clear view of the road.
In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann die Vorrichtung unmittelbar an der Innenseite des Scheinwerferglases befestigt sein. In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann die Vorrichtung auswechselbar sein. In the vehicle headlight, the device may be attached directly to the inside of the headlight glass. In the vehicle headlight, the device can be replaceable.
Die Vorrichtung kann unmittelbar an der Innenseite, also hinter dem Scheinwerferglas befestigt sein. Dabei kann die Vorrichtung mit einem geeigneten Befestigungsmittel angebracht und fixiert sein. Insbesondere kann die Vorrichtung auch auswechselbar sein. Es ist ebenso möglich, die Vorrichtung oder das Scheinwerferglas samt Vorrichtung als modulare Einheit auszutauschen. Hierdurch ergibt sich auch die Möglichkeit, bestehende Fahrzeugscheinwerfer nachzurüsten durch Hinzufügen der Vorrichtung oder Austauschen des Scheinwerferglases samt Vorrichtung. The device can be attached directly to the inside, ie behind the headlight glass. In this case, the device can be attached and fixed with a suitable fastening means. In particular, the device can also be exchangeable. It is also possible to replace the device or the headlight glass together with the device as a modular unit. This also results in the possibility of retrofitting existing vehicle headlights by adding the device or replacing the headlight lens including device.
In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann die Verarbeitungseinrichtung ausgebildet sein, die Oberflächenparameter der Straßenoberfläche zumindest 100 mal pro Sekunde, insbesondere zumindest 400 mal pro Sekunde, zu bestimmen. In the vehicle headlamp, the processing device may be designed to determine the surface parameters of the road surface at least 100 times per second, in particular at least 400 times per second.
Durch die hohe Rate der Bestimmung der Oberflächenparameter können aktuelle Werte dieser Parameter sowie Änderung der Parameter möglichst zeitnah, also praktisch ohne nennenswerte Zeitverzögerung, erfasst und ausgewertet werden, so dass der Fahrer reagieren kann. Bei 400 Bestimmungen pro Sekunde werden bei einer Fahrgeschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs von beispielsweise etwa 80 km/h alle 5 cm eine Messung und Bestimmung durchgeführt. Prinzipiell sollte die Bestimmung der Oberflächenparameter so schnell erfolgen, dass das System sehr schnell und präzise auf Änderungen der Fahrbahneigenschaften reagieren kann. Due to the high rate of determination of the surface parameters, current values of these parameters as well as changes in the parameters can be detected and evaluated as promptly as possible, ie practically without a significant time delay, so that the driver can react. At 400 determinations per second, at a driving speed of the vehicle of, for example, about 80 km / h, a measurement and determination are made every 5 cm. In principle, the determination of the surface parameters should be carried out so fast that the system can react very quickly and precisely to changes in the road surface properties.
In Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann die Vorrichtung weiterhin eine Pulseinrichtung umfassen, die dazu ausgebildet ist, das von der Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung ausgesandte Licht in Pulsen von höchsten 500 s Dauer, insbesondere höchsten 100 s Dauer, und/oder Pausen von höchsten 500 μβ Dauer, insbesondere höchsten 100 μβ Dauer, zu pulsen. In vehicle headlamps, the device may furthermore comprise a pulse device which is designed to emit the light emitted by the infrared transmitting device in pulses of maximum 500 s duration, in particular highest 100 s duration, and / or pauses of maximum 500 μβ duration, in particular highest 100 μβ duration to pulse.
Durch die Pulse der Pulseinrichtung kann die Vorrichtung effektiv und mit geringen Totzeiten das für die Messung benötigte Licht aussenden. Ferner wird durch die Pulsung eine Zeitkonstante, eine Clock, für die Messung und die nachfolgende Bestimmung gegeben. Due to the pulses of the pulse device, the device can emit the light required for the measurement effectively and with short dead times. Furthermore, the pulse gives a time constant, a clock, for the measurement and the subsequent determination.
In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann in der Vorrichtung die Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung dazu ausgebildet sein, Licht mit zumindest zwei vorbestimmten unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen bzw. aus zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Wellenlängenbereichen (zur Detektion von Feucht/Nass vs. Trocken) auszusenden. In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer können die von der Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung ausgesandten unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen jeweils im Infrarotbereich liegen, wobei ferner die Infrarot- Sendeeinrichtung Licht innerhalb eines Referenzwellenlängenbereichs zur Kalibrierung aussenden kann, wobei der Referenzwellenlängenbereich ebenfalls im Infrarotbereich liegt. In the vehicle headlamp, in the device, the infrared transmitting device may be configured to emit light having at least two predetermined different wavelengths or at least two different wavelength ranges (for detecting wet / wet vs. dry). In the vehicle headlight, the different wavelengths emitted by the infrared transmitting device can each lie in the infrared range, wherein furthermore the infrared transmitting device can emit light within a reference wavelength range for calibration, wherein the reference wavelength range is likewise in the infrared range.
Durch die Verwendung von Wellenlängen im Infrarotbereicht gibt es keine Überschneidung mit dem sichtbaren Lichtbereich des Scheinwerfers, auch kein Blenden von anderen Verkehrsteilnehmern. Eine der Wellenlängen kann insbesondere für die Bestimmung von Eis oder Eisschichten auf der Fahrbahn geeignet sein, beispielsweise eine Wellenlänge von 1500 nm. Eine weitere, von der ersten Wellenlänge verschiedene, ausgesandte Wellenlänge kann für die Bestimmung dünner Wasserfilme geeignet sein. Dabei kann ein Wasserfilm von bis zu etwa 1 mm Dicke auf der Fahrbahn mit einer Wellenlänge von 1450 nm bestimmt werden. Für dickere Wasserfilme oder Wasserschichten auf der Fahrbahn, etwa bis 30 mm Dicke der Wasserschicht, kann eine weitere Wellenlänge von etwa 980 nm verwendet werden. Zusätzlich kann dauerhaft oder periodisch oder zumindest zu Beginn der Fahrt eine weitere Wellenlänge von 1300 nm als eine Referenzwellenlänge zum Zwecke der Kalibrierung ausgesendet werden. Die genannten drei Wellenlängen sowie die Referenzwellenlänge sind jeweils typischerweise voneinander verschieden. Es versteht sich, dass auch andere Wellenlängen verwendet werden können. Allgemein können die Wellenlängen den Absorptionsbanden von Wasser und Eis angepasst sein. The use of wavelengths in the infrared range, there is no overlap with the visible light range of the headlamp, even no glare from other road users. One of the wavelengths may be particularly suitable for the determination of ice or ice layers on the road, for example, a wavelength of 1500 nm. Another, emitted from the first wavelength, emitted wavelength may be suitable for the determination of thin films of water. In this case, a water film of up to about 1 mm thickness on the roadway with a wavelength of 1450 nm can be determined. For thicker water films or water layers on the roadway, up to 30 mm thick of the water layer, a further wavelength of about 980 nm can be used. In addition, a further wavelength of 1300 nm may be emitted as a reference wavelength for the purpose of calibration, permanently or periodically, or at least at the beginning of the journey. The aforementioned three wavelengths as well as the reference wavelength are each typically different from each other. It is understood that other wavelengths can be used. In general, the wavelengths can be adapted to the absorption bands of water and ice.
In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer können die Oberflächenparameter einen oder mehrere Parameter für die Feuchtigkeit, Eisdicke, Schneedicke, Wasserfilmdicke, das Eis-zu-Wasser- Verhältnis, die Gefriertemperatur eines Eis-Wasser-Gemisches, des Salzgehaltes eines Eis- Wasser-Gemisches und den Reibungskoeffizienten umfassen. Mit diesen Parametern werden für den Fahrer des Fahrzeugs wichtigsten Parameter bestimmt und können im Hinblick auf mögliche Gefahren analysiert werden. In the vehicle headlamp, the surface parameters may include one or more parameters for moisture, ice thickness, snow thickness, water film thickness, ice to water ratio, freezing temperature of an ice-water mixture, salinity of an ice-water mixture, and friction coefficient , These parameters determine the most important parameters for the driver of the vehicle and can be analyzed with regard to possible dangers.
In dem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer kann die Vorrichtung weiterhin eine Schnittstelle zum Datenaustausch mit dem Internet und/oder einer mobilen Computereinrichtung und/oder einem Mobilfunkgerät umfassen. Die Schnittstelle kann beispielsweise eine CAN-Schnittstelle oder andere KFZ-typische Schnittstelle umfassen. Insbesondere können Informationen/Daten, die mit der Vorrichtung gewonnen werden, an andere Fahrzeuge übermittelt werden. Die Erfindung stellt ferner ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere Personenkraftwagen oder Lastkraftwagen, mit wenigstens einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer wie oben beschrieben bereit. Das Fahrzeug kann eine drahtlose Datenverbindungseinrichtung, die zu einer Datenübertragung an ein weiteres Fahrzeug ausgebildet ist, und eine Steuereinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, mit der Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen gewonnene Daten über die Datenverbindungseinrichtung an das weitere Fahrzeug zu übertragen, aufweisen. Künftig werden Fahrzeuge miteinander kommunizieren und so kann ein entgegenkommendes Fahrzeug vor kritischen Fahrbahnzuständen im Vorfeld gewarnt werden. Das Fahrzeug mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfer kann beispielsweise ein Streufahrzeug sein. Die Datenverbindungseinrichtung kann zum Senden von Daten mit einem Sender und einer Antenne ausgestattet sein. Die Steuereinrichtung kann einen Computer oder eine CPU umfassen. In the vehicle headlight, the device may further comprise an interface for exchanging data with the Internet and / or a mobile computing device and / or a mobile device. The interface may include, for example, a CAN interface or other typical vehicle interface. In particular, information / data obtained with the device may be transmitted to other vehicles. The invention further provides a vehicle, in particular passenger cars or trucks, with at least one vehicle headlight as described above. The vehicle may have a wireless data connection device, which is designed for a data transmission to another vehicle, and a control device, which is designed to transmit data obtained with the device for determining road conditions via the data connection device to the further vehicle. In the future, vehicles will communicate with each other and so an oncoming vehicle can be warned of critical road conditions in advance. The vehicle with the headlight according to the invention may be, for example, a scatter vehicle. The data connection device may be equipped to transmit data with a transmitter and an antenna. The controller may include a computer or a CPU.
Ferner stellt die Erfindung ein System zur Überwachung von Straßenverhältnissen bereit, mit einem Fahrzeug wie oben beschrieben und mit einem Internetserver, der mit der Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen zwecks Datenaustauschs verbunden ist und mit einer Computereinrichtung, die über den Internetserver mit dieser Vorrichtung zwecks Datenaustauschs verbunden ist. Further, the invention provides a system for monitoring road conditions, comprising a vehicle as described above and an internet server connected to the device for determining road conditions for the purpose of data exchange, and to a computer device connected via the internet server to this device for the purpose of data exchange is.
In dem System kann die Überwachung der Straßenverhältnisse durch ein Fahrzeug mit wenigstens einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß der Erfindung bereit gestellt werden. In the system, the monitoring of the road conditions by a vehicle having at least one vehicle headlamp according to the invention can be provided.
Weitere Merkmale und beispielhafte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es versteht sich, dass die Ausführungsformen nicht den Bereich der vorliegenden Erfindung erschöpfen. Es versteht sich weiterhin, dass einige oder sämtliche der im Weiteren beschriebenen Merkmale auch auf andere Weise miteinander kombiniert werden können. Further features and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the embodiments do not exhaust the scope of the present invention. It is further understood that some or all of the features described below may be combined with each other in other ways.
Kurzbeschreibung der Figuren Brief description of the figures
Schemaskizze eines Fahrzeugs mit einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung. Figur 2: Schemaskizze eines Fahrzeugscheinwerfers wie in Figur 1 skizziert mit einer Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung. Schematic diagram of a vehicle with a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. Figure 2: Schematic sketch of a vehicle headlight as shown in Figure 1 outlines with a device for determining road conditions according to the present invention.
Figur 3: Schemaskizze der Vorrichtung aus Figur 2. FIG. 3: Schematic diagram of the device from FIG. 2.
Figur 4 Schemaskizze eines System zur Überwachung von Straßenverhältnissen, mit einem Fahrzeug Figure 4 Schematic sketch of a system for monitoring road conditions, with a vehicle
Detaillierte Beschreibung Detailed description
Die Figur 1 zeigt ein Fahrzeug 1 mit einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung. Rein beispielhaft ist das Fahrzeug als Personenkraftwagen skizziert. Es versteht sich, dass das Fahrzeug jedoch ebenso ein Lastkraftwagen, oder ein Zweirad sein kann. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a vehicle headlight 3 according to the present invention. Purely by way of example, the vehicle is sketched as a passenger car. It is understood, however, that the vehicle may also be a truck or a two-wheeler.
In den folgenden Ausführungsformen wird als Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung eine LED- Einrichtung/Einheit verwendet. Dieses ist beispielhaft zu verstehen und es können alternativ andere geeignete Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtungen Verwendung finden. In the following embodiments, an LED device is used as the infrared transmitter. This is to be understood by way of example and alternatively other suitable infrared transmitting devices may be used.
Der Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 ist in Figur 2 näher skizziert. Der Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 umfasst eine Leuchtquelle 7 zum Erzeugen von Scheinwerferlicht. Ferner umfasst der Fahrzeugscheinwerfer einen Reflektor 5 und ein Scheinwerferglas 9. Das Scheinwerferglas 9 kann ein für den Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 geeignetes Glas auf Siliziumdioxidbasis oder aber auch Kunststoff wie beispielsweise Acrylglas oder Polycarbonat umfassen. Es sind aber auch andere Gläser möglich. Das Scheinwerferglas 9 ist für das von der Leuchtquelle 7 erzeugt Licht transparent. Der Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 umfasst ferner eine Vorrichtung 1 1 zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen, wobei die Vorrichtung im Inneren 10 des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers 3 hinter dem Scheinwerferglas 9 vorgesehen ist. In Figur 2 ist die Vorrichtung 1 1 unmittelbar hinter dem Scheinwerferglas 9 vorgesehen. Dieses hat den Vorteil, dass von der Vorrichtung 1 1 ausgesandtes Licht, dass nachfolgend von der Straßenoberfläche der Straße, auf der das Fahrzeug 1 fährt, möglichst kurze Wege zum Durchtritt durch das Scheinwerferglas 9 hat, also praktisch unmittelbar von der Vorrichtung 1 1 in das Scheinwerferglas 9 eintritt und dann ausgesandt wird bzw. bei von der Straßenoberfläche / Fahrbahnoberfläche reflektiertem Licht unmittelbar vom Scheinwerferglas 9 wieder auf die Vorrichtung 1 1 fällt. Dabei kann die Vorrichtung 1 1 auswechselbar sein. Es kann ebenso das Scheinwerferglas 9 auswechselbar sein. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch das Scheinwerferglas 9 samt Vorrichtung 1 1 auswechselbar sein, so dass sich verschiedene Möglichkeiten für Wartung oder Nachrüstung ergeben können. The vehicle headlight 3 is sketched in more detail in FIG. The vehicle headlight 3 comprises a light source 7 for generating headlight light. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight comprises a reflector 5 and a headlight lens 9. The headlight lens 9 may comprise a silica-based glass suitable for the vehicle headlight 3 or else plastic such as, for example, acrylic glass or polycarbonate. But there are also other glasses possible. The headlight glass 9 is transparent to the light generated by the light source 7. The vehicle headlight 3 further comprises a device 1 1 for determining road conditions, wherein the device is provided in the interior 10 of the vehicle headlight 3 behind the headlight lens 9. In Figure 2, the device 1 1 is provided immediately behind the headlight glass 9. This has the advantage that emitted from the device 1 1 light that subsequently from the road surface of the road on which the vehicle 1 travels, has the shortest possible paths for passage through the headlight lens 9, so practically directly from the device 1 1 in the Headlamp lens 9 enters and then sent out or falls directly from the headlamp lens 9 back to the device 1 1 when reflected by the road surface / road surface light. In this case, the device 1 1 be interchangeable. It may also be the headlight glass 9 interchangeable. Additionally or alternatively, the headlight glass 9 together with the device 1 1 be interchangeable, so that there may be different possibilities for maintenance or retrofitting.
Die Vorrichtung 1 1 wird anhand der Figur 3 näher erläutert. Die Figur 3 skizziert eine Frontansicht der Vorrichtung 1 1 aus Figur 2. In der Figur 3 umfasst die Vorrichtung 1 1 eine LED-Einheit 13. Rein beispielhaft ist die LED-Einheit 13 in der Figur 3 mit vier LED 13L gezeigt. Es kann aber auch eine andere Zahl von LED in der LED-Einheit 13 vorhanden sein. Die Zahl von vier LED 13L hat jedoch den Vorteil, dass jede LED 13L eine unterschiedliche Aufgabe übernehmen kann. Typischerweise können die LEDs 13L Licht im Infrarotbereich aussenden. Es sind prinzipiell auch andere Wellenlängen möglich. Licht im Infrarotbereich ist zum einen unsichtbar für andere Verkehrsteilnehmer, zum anderen ist es besonders geeignet für die Detektion von Wasserschichten und Eisschichten, insbesondere auf Fahrbahnoberflächen. Eine der von den LEDs 13L der LED-Einheit 13 ausgesendeten Wellenlängen kann für die Bestimmung von Eis oder Eisschichten auf der Fahrbahn geeignet sein, beispielsweise eine Wellenlänge von 1500 nm. Eine zweite LED 13L kann eine von der ersten Wellenlänge verschiedene Wellenlänge aussenden, die besonders für die Bestimmung von dünnen Wasserfilmen geeignet sein kann. Dabei kann ein Wasserfilm von beispielsweise bis zu 1 mm Dicke auf der Fahrbahn mit einer Wellenlänge von 1450 nm bestimmt werden. Für dickere Wasserfilme oder Wasserschichten auf der Fahrbahn, etwa bis 30 mm Dicke der Wasserschicht, kann eine weitere Wellenlänge mit einer weiteren LED verwendet werden. Insbesondere kann diese weitere Wellenlänge etwa 980 nm betragen. Zusätzlich kann dauerhaft oder periodisch oder zumindest zu Beginn der Fahrt eine weitere Wellenlänge von 1300 nm mittels einer vierten LED 13L ausgesendet werden. Diese weitere Wellenlänge kann als Referenzwellenlänge zur Kalibrierung dienen. Es versteht sich, dass auch andere Wellenlängen verwendet werden können. Ebenso können auch mehr als vier LEDs verwendet werden. The device 1 1 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG 3. FIG. 3 outlines a front view of the device 11 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the device 11 comprises an LED unit 13. Purely by way of example, the LED unit 13 is shown in FIG. 3 with four LEDs 13L. But there may also be another number of LEDs in the LED unit 13. However, the number of four LEDs 13L has the advantage that each LED 13L can perform a different task. Typically, LEDs 13L may emit light in the infrared range. In principle, other wavelengths are possible. On the one hand, light in the infrared range is invisible to other road users, on the other hand it is particularly suitable for the detection of water layers and ice layers, especially on road surfaces. One of the wavelengths emitted by the LEDs 13L of the LED unit 13 may be suitable for the determination of ice or ice layers on the road, for example, a wavelength of 1500 nm. A second LED 13L may emit a wavelength different from the first wavelength, especially may be suitable for the determination of thin water films. In this case, a water film of, for example, up to 1 mm thick on the roadway with a wavelength of 1450 nm can be determined. For thicker water films or water layers on the roadway, up to 30 mm thick of the water layer, another wavelength can be used with another LED. In particular, this additional wavelength can be about 980 nm. In addition, a further wavelength of 1300 nm can be transmitted by means of a fourth LED 13L permanently or periodically or at least at the beginning of the journey. This additional wavelength can serve as reference wavelength for calibration. It is understood that other wavelengths can be used. Likewise, more than four LEDs can be used.
Die LED-Einheit 13 kann über eine Pulseinheit 19 gesteuert werden. Die Pulseinheit 19 kann über eine Leitung 19A mit der LED-Einheit verbunden sein kann. The LED unit 13 can be controlled via a pulse unit 19. The pulse unit 19 may be connected to the LED unit via a line 19A.
Die LED-Einheit 13 sendet mit Hilfe der LEDs 13L Licht durch das Scheinwerferglas 9 hindurch. Das so von der LED-Einheit 13 ausgesandte Licht fällt auf die Fahrbahnoberfläche und wird dort reflektiert. The LED unit 13 transmits light through the headlamp lens 9 with the aid of the LEDs 13L. The light emitted by the LED unit 13 thus falls on the road surface and is reflected there.
Figur 3 zeigt ferner eine Detektionseinrichtung 17, beispielsweise eine Sensoreinheit, zum Detektieren des von der LED-Einrichtung 13 ausgesandten und dann von der Straßenoberfläche reflektierten Lichts. Dieses reflektierte Licht fällt wiederum durch das Scheinwerferglas 9 hindurch in das Innere 10 des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers 3. Im Inneren des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers 3 erreicht das reflektierte Licht typischerweise unmittelbar die Detektionseinheit 17. Die Detektionseinheit 17 kann typischerweise über eine Leitung 13 Information über das von den LEDs 13L ausgesandte Licht und gegebenenfalls dessen Pulsung erhalten. Die Detektionseinheit 17 kann die erhaltene analoge Lichtinformation des reflektierten Lichts weiter verarbeiten. FIG. 3 further shows a detection device 17, for example a sensor unit, for detecting the light emitted by the LED device 13 and then from the sensor device Road surface reflected light. This reflected light in turn falls through the headlight glass 9 into the interior 10 of the vehicle headlight 3. Inside the vehicle headlight 3, the reflected light typically directly reaches the detection unit 17. The detection unit 17 can typically receive information about the light emitted by the LEDs 13L via a line 13 Receive light and, if appropriate, its pulsation. The detection unit 17 can further process the obtained analog light information of the reflected light.
Die Detektionseinheit 17 kann mit einer Leitung 17A mit einer Schnittstelle 18 verbunden sein. Die Schnittstelle 18 kann eine CAN-Schnittstelle oder andere KFZ-typische Schnittstelle umfassen, so dass die von der Detektionseinheit 17 bereitgestellten Signale weiter verarbeitet werden können. The detection unit 17 may be connected to a line 17A with an interface 18. The interface 18 may include a CAN interface or other typical vehicle interface, so that the signals provided by the detection unit 17 can be further processed.
Die Figur 4 zeigt ein Schema eines Systems zur Überwachung von Straßenverhältnissen, mit einem Fahrzeug 1 wie anhand von Figur 1 beschrieben, das Fahrzeug mit wenigstens einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 wie anhand von Figur 2 beschrieben und der Fahrzeugscheinwerfer 3 mit einer Vorrichtung wie anhand von Figur 3 beschrieben. Figur 4 zeigt ferner, dass in dem System das Fahrzeug über eine drahtlose Verbindung 30 mit einem Internetserver 31 verbunden sein, mit dem die vom Fahrzeug erhaltenen Analysen der Fahrbahnoberflächen weiter verarbeitet werden können. Der Internetserver 30 kann über eine Verbindung 31 L mit einem Datenspeicher 33, beispielsweise einer Datencloud verbunden sein, in dem die Informationen vom Internetserver abgespeichert werden können. Ferner kann mit einem Steuercomputer 35 über eine Verbindung 33L auf die Information aus dem Datenspeicher 33 zugegriffen werden und diese kann mehreren Fahrern von Fahrzeug oder Fahrzeuglenksystemen bereitgestellt werden. Alternativ und zusätzlich kann das Fahrzeug über die drahtlose Verbindung 30 mit zumindest einem weiteren Fahrzeug zum Datentransfer/-austausch verbunden sein. Die Informationen/Daten über die Fahrbahnoberflächen können mit der anhand von Figur 3 beschriebenen Vorrichtung gewonnen und dann über die drahtlose Verbindung 30 an das andere Fahrzeug gesendet werden. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a system for monitoring road conditions, with a vehicle 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle with at least one vehicle headlight 3 as described with reference to FIG. 2 and the vehicle headlight 3 with a device as described with reference to FIG , FIG. 4 further shows that in the system the vehicle can be connected via a wireless connection 30 to an internet server 31 with which the analysis of the roadway surfaces obtained by the vehicle can be further processed. The Internet server 30 can be connected via a connection 31 L to a data memory 33, for example a data cloud, in which the information can be stored by the Internet server. Further, with a control computer 35, the information from the data memory 33 may be accessed via a connection 33L and may be provided to multiple drivers of vehicle or vehicle steering systems. Alternatively and additionally, the vehicle may be connected via the wireless connection 30 with at least one further vehicle for data transfer / exchange. The information / data on the road surfaces can be obtained with the device described with reference to Figure 3 and then sent via the wireless link 30 to the other vehicle.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer umfassend: 1. vehicle headlight comprising:
eine Leuchteinheit, einen Reflektor und ein Scheinwerferglas;  a light unit, a reflector and a headlamp lens;
eine Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen, wobei die Vorrichtung im Inneren des Fahrzeugscheinwerfers hinter dem Scheinwerferglas vorgesehen ist und umfasst:  a device for determining road conditions, the device being provided inside the vehicle headlight behind the headlight lens and comprising:
eine Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung, die zum Aussenden von Licht vorbestimmter Wellenlängen durch das Scheinwerferglas auf eine Straßenoberfläche ausgebildet ist; eine Detektionseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, das von der Infrarot- Sendeeinrichtung ausgesandte und von der Straßenoberfläche reflektierte Licht durch das Scheinwerferglas zu detektieren;  an infrared transmitting device configured to emit light of predetermined wavelengths through the headlamp lens onto a road surface; a detecting device configured to detect the light emitted from the infrared transmitting device and reflected from the road surface through the headlamp lens;
eine Verarbeitungseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, auf der Grundlage des von der Detektionseinrichtung detektierten Lichts Oberflächenparameter der Straßenoberfläche zu bestimmen.  a processing device configured to determine surface parameters of the road surface based on the light detected by the detection device.
2. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß Anspruch 1 , wobei die Vorrichtung unmittelbar an der Innenseite des Scheinwerferglases befestigt ist. 2. Vehicle headlight according to claim 1, wherein the device is attached directly to the inside of the headlight glass.
3. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Vorrichtung auswechselbar ist. 3. Vehicle headlight according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is replaceable.
4. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 - 3, wobei die Verarbeitungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist die Oberflächenparameter der Straßenoberfläche zumindest 100 mal pro Sekunde, insbesondere zumindest 400 mal pro Sekunde, zu bestimmen. 4. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, wherein the processing device is configured to determine the surface parameters of the road surface at least 100 times per second, in particular at least 400 times per second.
5. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 - 4, wobei die Vorrichtung weiterhin eine Pulseinrichtung umfasst, die dazu ausgebildet ist, das von der Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung ausgesandte Licht in Pulsen von höchsten 500 s Dauer, insbesondere höchstens 100 s Dauer, und/oder Pausen von höchsten 500 μβ Dauer, insbesondere höchstens 100 μβ Dauer, zu pulsen. 5. A vehicle headlamp according to at least one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the device further comprises a pulse means which is adapted to the light emitted by the infrared transmitting device light in pulses of a maximum 500 s duration, in particular at most 100 s duration, and / or Breaks of maximum 500 μβ duration, in particular at most 100 μβ duration, to pulse.
6. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 - 5, wobei in der Vorrichtung die Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung dazu ausgebildet ist, Licht mit zumindest zwei vorbestimmten unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen oder aus zumindest zwei vorbestimmten unterschiedlichen Wellenlängenbereichen auszusenden. 6. Vehicle headlight according to at least one of claims 1-5, wherein in the device, the infrared transmitting device is adapted to emit light with at least two predetermined different wavelengths or at least two predetermined different wavelength ranges.
7. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen jeweils im Infrarotbereich liegen, wobei ferner die Infrarot-Sendeeinrichtung eine Referenzwellenlänge zur Kalibrierung aussenden kann, wobei die Referenzwellenlänge ebenfalls im Infrarotbereich liegt. 7. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 6, wherein the different wavelengths are each in the infrared range, further wherein the infrared transmitting device can emit a reference wavelength for calibration, wherein the reference wavelength is also in the infrared range.
8. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß wenigstens einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Oberflächenparameter einen oder mehrere Parameter für die Feuchtigkeit, Eisdicke, Schneedicke, Wasserfilmdicke, das Eis-zu-Wasser-Verhältnis, die Gefriertemperatur eines Eis-Wasser-Gemisches, des Salzgehaltes eines Eis-Wasser- Gemisches und den Reibungskoeffizienten umfassen. 8. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, wherein the surface parameters include one or more parameters for the moisture, ice thickness, snow thickness, water film thickness, the ice-to-water ratio, the freezing temperature of an ice-water mixture, the salt content of an ice Water mixture and the coefficient of friction include.
9. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß wenigstens einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vorrichtung weiterhin eine Schnittstelle zum Datenaustausch mit dem Internet und/oder einer mobilen Computereinrichtung und/oder einem Mobilfunkgerät umfasst. 9. Vehicle headlight according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises an interface for exchanging data with the Internet and / or a mobile computing device and / or a mobile device.
10. Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei die Schnittstelle eine Bluetooth- Schnittstelle und/oder eine CAN-Schnittstelle und/oder eine RS485 -Schnittstelle und/oder KFZ typische Schnittstelle umfassen kann. 10. Vehicle headlight according to claim 9, wherein the interface may comprise a Bluetooth interface and / or a CAN interface and / or a RS485 interface and / or vehicle typical interface.
1 1 . Fahrzeug, insbesondere Personenkraftwagen oder Lastkraftwagen mit wenigstens einem Fahrzeugscheinwerfer gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche . 1 1. Vehicle, in particular passenger car or truck with at least one vehicle headlight according to one of the preceding claims.
12. Fahrzeug gemäß Anspruch 1 1 , weiterhin mit einer drahtlosen Datenverbindungseinrichtung, die zu einer Datenübertragung an ein weiteres Fahrzeug ausgebildet ist, und einer Steuereinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, mit der Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen gewonnene Daten über die Datenverbindungseinrichtung an das weitere Fahrzeug zu übertragen. 12. The vehicle according to claim 1 1, further comprising a wireless data connection device, which is adapted for data transmission to another vehicle, and a control device, which is adapted to the device for determining road conditions obtained data via the data connection device to the further vehicle transferred to.
13. System zur Überwachung von Straßenverhältnissen, mit einem Fahrzeug gemäß Anspruch 1 1 oder 12 und mit einem Internetserver, der mit der Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen von Straßenverhältnissen zwecks Datenaustausche verbunden ist und mit einer Computereinrichtung, die über den Internetserver mit dieser Vorrichtung zwecks Datenaustausche verbunden ist. 13. A road condition monitoring system comprising a vehicle according to claim 11 or 12 and an internet server connected to the apparatus for determining road conditions for data exchange and to computer means connected to the apparatus via the internet server for data exchange ,
EP14707755.6A 2014-03-03 2014-03-03 Vehicle headlight with a device for determining road conditions and a system for monitoring road conditions Withdrawn EP3113979A1 (en)

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