DE102011116771A1 - Method for displaying image information on a display unit of a vehicle and driver assistance device for carrying out such a method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for displaying image information on a display unit (7) of a vehicle (3), in which an environment of the vehicle (3) is detected by a detection device (6) of the vehicle (3) and in which the vehicle surroundings in a first representation (8) in a first perspective or in a second representation (10) is displayed in a second perspective as image information on the display unit (7), wherein a change of representation (8, 10) takes place automatically when the Vehicle (3) is located on a first lane (1), which opens at an angle in a second lane (2) and the vehicle (3) moves in the direction of the second lane (2), and the detection device (6) of the vehicle (3) with its detection area (61a, 61b), the second roadway (2) at least laterally the lateral (1a, 1b) and front boundaries (1c, 1d) of the first roadway (1) can detect. The invention also relates to a driver assistance device (4) and a vehicle (3).

Description

The invention relates to a method for displaying image information on a display unit of a vehicle, in which an environment of the vehicle is detected with a detection device of the vehicle, and in which the vehicle environment in a first representation in a first perspective or in a second representation in a second Perspective is displayed as image information on the display unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a driver assistance device for carrying out such a method.

From the JP 9-180088 a device with a camera for a vehicle is known, wherein the device is operated manually. Thus, various views of a camera system are automatically selected and displayed as a function of driving speed and steering angle of the vehicle by operating an associated switch or by engaging a reverse gear.

In addition, from the WO 20101045626 A2 a device for a vehicle, in which also a side view of the vehicle environment can be recorded and displayed on a display unit.

Further, the EP 1 685 001 B1 an embodiment of a device with radar sensors, which can detect a transverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle movement progress of another object.

However, the display scenarios in these known devices are limited and the user can thus obtain only very limited different displays on a display unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a driver assistance device, by means of which or by means of which the display of different representations of the vehicle environment is made more precise and user-friendly as well as situation-adapted.

This object is achieved by a method, a driver assistance device and a vehicle according to the independent claims.

In a method according to the invention for displaying image information on a display unit of a vehicle, the surroundings of the vehicle are detected by a detection device of the vehicle. The vehicle environment is displayed in a first representation in a first perspective or in a second representation in a second perspective as image information on the display unit. A change of presentation occurs automatically when a vehicle is on a first lane, which opens at an angle in a second lane and the vehicle moves in the direction of the second lane, and the detection device of the vehicle with its detection range, the second lane, at least can laterally capture the lateral and front boundaries of the first lane. The method according to the invention achieves a considerably user-friendlier and situation-adapted image information presentation with different perspectives for the user. Just when it is necessary in each case to represent the best perspective of specific areas of the vehicle environment, this is ensured and in particular carried out automatically depending on a specific environmental detection. This is specifically specified according to the method according to the invention. Especially such traffic situations in which a vehicle enters a second lane can often be extremely difficult because of the junction angle of the first lane into the second lane that the driver sees enough in the second lane. Especially in these situations, the method according to the invention automatically enables the driver to obtain the best possible perspective of the vehicle surroundings in the area of the lane entrance, and in particular also in the direction of the second lane. Thereby, an object detection when approaching and retracting the vehicle from the first lane to the second lane can be substantially improved. Objects located on the second lane can thus be detected very quickly and recognized immediately by a driver in a suitable perspective of the vehicle environment, as this is immediately displayed on the display unit.

Preferably, it is provided that when changing the representation, only the respective representation is displayed on the display. However, it can also be provided that in each case both representations are displayed on the display and when changing the representation, only the size of one representation is changed relative to the other. The given relevant representation of a perspective is then enlarged and placed in the foreground, so that it can be perceived in the foreground and best possible for the driver. Nevertheless, the further presentation is displayed at least as a small picture, so that here, too, the driver still receives appropriate information and can perceive.

It is preferably provided that a plan view is displayed as the perspective of the first representation, and a side view of the vehicle environment is displayed as a perspective of the second representation. Just the side view is from Significant importance when the driver approaches with his vehicle from the first lane to the second lane and then can see the detection device in the second lane quasi. Since objects in this regard then approach the vehicle coming laterally on the second lane, the side view is more intuitive in these situations and better with regard to the actual perception of the object with regard to the emergence of critical traffic situations.

It is preferably provided that the detection device uses existing sensors on the vehicle for parking space measurement for limiting detection of the first roadway and / or for object recognition on the second roadway. This is a particularly noteworthy embodiment because existing sensors are used in a multifunctional manner and therefore no additional sensors that would only be used for object recognition on the second lane are needed.

Preferably, the detection device is formed with at least one camera and / or at least one radar sensor, by means of which a lateral surrounding area of the vehicle and thus the second roadway can be detected.

Just when sensors for the parking space measurement are used for the limitation detection of the first roadway, for example, ultrasonic sensors can be provided.

Preferably, an automatic warning to the driver is generated depending on an object detection on the second lane. Especially in connection with the very fast and precise detection option can also be a very needs-based and quick warning to the driver. For this purpose, acoustic and / or visual warning signals can be generated.

Preferably, limitations of the first roadway are automatically detected by the detection device. This too is advantageous, since a change of the image information representation takes place immediately after the detection of the lateral and front boundaries of the first roadway.

It is preferably provided that these detected boundaries of the first lane are automatically stored and displayed on a vehicle environment map. This can be visualized, for example by different colors, be identified.

Preferably, a change in the representation of the image information is automatically performed depending on the vehicle speed and an object possibly detected on the second lane.

By the method according to the invention, an improved activation of a warning to the driver can take place. The first lane may be, for example, a road or a junction of a private lot with the second lane. In this context, it can be, for example, a garage exit or another property exit.

By means of the method according to the invention, a demand-driven automatic activation of a warning device of the vehicle can take place, since object recognition on the second roadway can take place more quickly and more appropriately.

As soon as the detection device thus has a free lateral view of the second roadway, the change of the representation of the perspectives of the image information takes place on the display unit.

In particular, the lateral boundaries of the first roadway and the second roadway can be detected by the already existing ultrasonic sensors of a driver assistance device for parking space measurement. Alternatively, however, the lateral boundaries can also be detected by the at least one camera or by possibly existing radar sensors themselves.

In a multi-camera system, a plan view is preferably displayed as long as the vehicle is still in the first lane and the detection device can not yet look into the second lane. The image view is then automatically switched over to the side view as soon as an insight of the detection device into the second roadway is made possible and thus objects on the second roadway can be detected. In particular, this therefore takes place when the vehicle approaches the first roadway of the second roadway and has moved forward or backward into the second roadway in such a way that the detection device has a free lateral view of the second roadway.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a driver assistance device which is designed for carrying out a method according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

For this purpose, the driver assistance device comprises, in particular, at least one control unit and the detection device, and in particular also a warning device.

Moreover, the invention also relates to a vehicle with a driver assistance device according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic plan view of a traffic situation in which a vehicle according to the invention is involved;

2 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with a driver assistance device according to the invention;

3 a representation of a plan view of a vehicle environment map;

4 a representation of an image information on a display unit in a first perspective;

5 a schematic plan view of a vehicle in a compared to 2 different position;

6 another illustration of a plan view of a vehicle environment map; and

7 a further representation of image information on a display unit, the different compared to the representation in 4 is.

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

In 1 is shown in a plan view a traffic situation in which a first lane 1 in a second lane 2 empties. The confluence of the first carriageway 1 in the second lane 2 is here at a relatively large angle.

The first lane 1 may be a public road in this context. However, it can also be provided that the first lane 1 an exit of a private property is, for example, a garage exit is.

On the first lane 1 a vehicle is moving 3 in the direction of the second lane 2 , The vehicle 3 includes a driver assistance device 4 which is a control unit 5 and a detection device 6 having. The detection device 6 includes at least laterally detecting sensors 6a . 6b . 6c and 6d , In addition, the detection device 6 also at least one camera 6e exhibit.

At least some of the sensors 6a to 6d can be a parking assistance system of the vehicle 3 be assigned and provided for parking space measurement.

The vehicle 3 may additionally or instead also include one or more radar sensors.

With the detection device 6 also become lateral limits 1a and 1b the first lane 1 detected. In particular, in this context, front boundaries 1c and 1d , at the same time also lateral boundaries of the second lane 2 are captured.

In the shown position of the vehicle 3 in which the vehicle 3 shown by solid lines, the sensors can 6a to 6d and the camera 6e the roadway 2 side of the first lane 1 not yet record. In this situation it is provided that on a display unit 7 of the vehicle 3 a representation of the vehicle environment in a first perspective, namely shown in a plan view, as shown in 4 is shown. This first presentation 8th thus shows the vehicle from above 3 and also from above the environment of this vehicle 3 ,

In 2 is this position of the vehicle 3 in the solid line in the illustration in FIG 1 shown schematically. As can be seen, none of the sensors can 6a and 6b with the coverage areas 61a and 61b the second lane 2 side of the first lane 1 to capture.

In 3 is to a vehicle environment map 9 shown in the likewise in a plan view of the vehicle 3 is displayed and in the by the sensors 6a and 6b detected limit 1b the first lane 1 is stored. In this regard, this limitation 1b also still marked in color, for example red.

Now moves the vehicle 3 in the direction of the second lane 2 and takes the in 1 drawn front dashed position, it can be seen that the sensors 6a and 6c and / or the camera 4 also the front limits 1c and 1d capture and beyond also the side of the first lane 1 in the roadway 2 can see and capture these. Once this is achieved, at least one of the sensors 6a to 6d and / or the camera 4 such a lateral view of the second lane 2 receives, automatically takes place a change of presentation on the display unit 7 , In particular, as shown in FIG 4 no longer just the first presentation 8th but with a plan view perspective automatically to a second presentation 10 changed, in which a side view is displayed as a representation in a second perspective as image information.

As from the illustration in 7 can be seen, is provided in the embodiment, that the change of representation is made to the effect that the first representation 8th clearly reduced in size and in particular also rotated by 90 ° is displayed, and next to the second representation 10 is shown significantly larger.

It can also be provided that when changing the representation of 4 on 7 then only the second presentation 10 in particular over the entire image area of the display unit 7 is shown.

Likewise it can be provided that in the situation according to 4 not just the first presentation 8th is displayed, but also the second representation 10 is displayed, but significantly smaller compared to the first representation 8th ,

In the illustration according to 5 is shown that the vehicle 3 has taken a position in which the sensor 6a over the limit 1b and thus over the first lane 1 laterally out into the second lane 2 and in this regard with the scope 61a the roadway 2 can detect. The corresponding is then in particular with the sensor 6c and especially with the camera 4 possible.

Through the sensors 6a and 6c then the limit 1b and 1a no more or only minimal capture, it is thus recognized that virtually the first lane 1 is finished and an object detection side of the road 1 on the second lane 2 especially through the camera 4 is possible.

In the in 6 shown vehicle environment map 9 this is also indicated so that a color change of the adjacent to the right front of the vehicle 3 takes place, and in this regard, for example, this area is displayed in green. The area following the green area to the rear or below is then still drawn in red, so that clearly the front boundary 1c is detected and thus the front end of the first lane 1 also on the vehicle environment map 9 visually recognizable.

In particular, it can also be provided that the automatic change of the representations 8th and 10 on the display unit 7 is also additionally taking into account the vehicle speed and / or a shape of an object possibly detected on the second lane.

In particular, it can be provided that the change of representations 8th and 10 on the display unit 7 depending on a detection of the limits 1a to 1d through the sensors 6a to 6d is performed and when the vehicle 3 is in a position in which the sensors 6a and 6c already laterally in the second lane 2 at least detect the camera 4 then the roadway 2 monitored for objects to be observed. If corresponding objects are then detected in this regard, depending on their position and / or shape and / or speed, and preferably depending on a time duration up to a possible collision with the vehicle 3 a warning will be generated. In addition or instead of a camera 4 , which then used for object detection on the road 2 in the appropriate position of the vehicle 3 is provided, at least one already mentioned radar sensor and / or a lidar device can be provided.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 9-180088 [0002]
• WO 20101045626 A2 [0003]
• EP 1685001 B1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Method for displaying image information on a display unit ( 7 ) of a vehicle ( 3 ), in which an environment of the vehicle ( 3 ) with a detection device ( 6 ) of the vehicle ( 3 ) is detected, and in which the vehicle environment in a first representation ( 8th ) in a first perspective or in a second representation ( 10 ) in a second perspective as image information on the display unit ( 7 ) is displayed, characterized in that a change of representation ( 8th . 10 ) automatically takes place when the vehicle ( 3 ) on a first lane ( 1 ), which at an angle in a second lane ( 2 ) and the vehicle ( 3 ) in the direction of the second lane ( 2 ), and the detection device ( 6 ) of the vehicle ( 3 ) with its coverage ( 61a . 61b ) the second lane ( 2 ) at least laterally the lateral ( 1a . 1b ) and front boundaries ( 1c . 1d ) of the first lane ( 1 ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that when changing the representation ( 8th . 10 ) only the respective representation ( 8th . 10 ) on the display unit ( 7 ) or both representations ( 8th . 10 ) and when changing the display ( 8th . 10 ) the size of the representations ( 8th . 10 ) are changed relative to each other. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that as perspective of the first representation ( 8th ) a plan view is displayed and as a perspective of the second representation ( 10 ) a side view of the vehicle environment is displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device ( 6 ) sensors present on the vehicle ( 6a to 6d ) for parking space measurement at least for the detection of the boundaries ( 1a to 1d ) of the first lane ( 1 ) used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device is a camera ( 6e ) and / or a radar sensor, by means of which the second roadway ( 2 ) an object recognition is detected when the vehicle ( 3 ) has reached a position at which a detection of the boundaries ( 1a to 1d ) of the first lane ( 1 ) is possible. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on an object recognition on the second roadway ( 2 ) an automatic warning is generated to the driver, in particular depending on a time until a possible collision of the vehicle ( 3 ) is generated with the object. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the boundaries ( 1a to 1d ) of the first lane ( 1 ) are detected automatically. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the boundaries ( 1a to 1d ) automatically on a vehicle environment map ( 9 ) are stored and displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a change of representation ( 8th . 10 ) automatically depending on the vehicle speed and / or on the shape of a possibly on the second lane ( 2 ) detected object takes place. Driver assistance device ( 4 ), which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle ( 3 ) with a driver assistance device ( 4 ) according to claim 10.

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