DE102013014446A1 - Collision warning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A collision warning device for a motor vehicle comprises at least one sensor (7) for detecting an object spaced from the motor vehicle (12) in the direction of travel, a display device (4) with a plurality of light sources (3) distributed in the width direction of the motor vehicle (12) and an evaluation unit (9 ) for driving the display device (4). The evaluation unit (9) is further coupled to a device (8; 10) for detecting objects (13; 17) in vehicle transverse direction spaced monitoring areas (14; 18r) and arranged upon detection of an object (13; 17) in one of Detection areas (14; 18r) to drive the display device (4) with an asymmetric light distribution.

Description

The present invention relates to a collision warning device for a motor vehicle.

Collision warning devices are used in a variety of types with different performance characteristics. For example, warning devices that measure the distance to a vehicle in front are common at the speed of an ego vehicle; H. the vehicle in which the warning device is installed, and deduce therefrom a warning signal that is displayed by a display device on the dashboard. Other collision warning devices, for example, monitor blind spot areas to the right and left of an ego vehicle and have right and left vehicle side indicators to indicate a warning signal when an object is detected on the vehicle side concerned.

In the production of motor vehicles, the various types of collision warning devices, in particular their different sensors and display devices placed at various points in the vehicle, require a high logistical effort. The associated costs prevent many car buyers from having such warning devices installed, thus causing them to forego safety for themselves and other road users. There is therefore a great need for ways to reduce the cost of installing such warning devices in motor vehicles.

This object is achieved according to an embodiment of the invention, in a collision warning device for a motor vehicle with at least one sensor for detecting an object spaced from the motor vehicle in the direction of travel, a display device which comprises a plurality of light sources distributed in the width direction of the motor vehicle, an evaluation unit for controlling the Display device with a symmetrical light distribution in response to signals from the sensor, the evaluation unit is further coupled to a device for detecting objects in spaced in the vehicle transverse direction monitoring areas and is adapted to control the display device with an asymmetric light distribution upon detection of an object in one of these lateral monitoring areas. By multiple use of the display device in this way, there is no need to provide another display device for the monitoring results of the lateral monitoring areas. Since at the same time the asymmetry of the light distribution allows a conclusion as to which of the various monitoring areas an object was detected, the driver, although only a single display device is provided immediately between a warning ahead of an object ahead in the direction of travel or an object in one of differentiate between lateral monitoring areas.

The symmetrical light distribution may include an operation of all light sources of the display device with the same intensity. Thus, in the case of a preceding object, a widely distributed and clearly visible warning signal is obtained.

The asymmetrical light distribution can include a division of the light sources into two groups on the right and left of a boundary and an operation of the two groups with different intensities. Thus, the center of gravity of the light distribution allows a conclusion on that lateral detection area in which a detected object is located.

In order to provide a clearly recognizable indication of the side of the vehicle in which the detected object is located, it may be provided that the intensity is different only from that group of light sources of zero located on the side of the detected object.

The evaluation unit can be set up to assess the significance of an object detected in one of the monitoring areas for the ego vehicle. The higher the significance, the further the boundary between the two groups of light sources can be placed the further away from the monitoring area. Thus, the group of light sources on the side of the detected object is greater and the warning signal generated by it becomes more conspicuous, the more significant the object has been estimated.

If the meaning of the detected object is judged to be maximum, that is to say has reached the highest degree of significance which the collision warning device can process, then the boundary between the groups can be shifted so far that all the light sources of the display device are located on the side of the detected object Belong to group. In such a case, the light distribution of the display device can and should again be symmetrical, because while it may be sufficient at a low level of meaning that the driver takes note of the detected object and is ready to brake or avoid it if necessary The object approaching from the side generally has the same driver response as when approaching an object from the front, namely, sharp braking. But if in two different dangerous situations a same driver reaction is desired, then it is expedient if the driver in both situations the same warning signal or at least closely resembling warning signals gets displayed.

In an analogous manner, it is also contemplated that the evaluation unit judges the distance of an object detected in one of the surveillance areas and places the boundary between the groups of light sources farther from the surveillance area the closer the object is.

Here as well, when the detected object approaches the vehicle sharply, the limit can be shifted so far that all light sources of the display device belong to the same group and thus the symmetrical light distribution is generated.

The lateral monitoring areas can be blind spot areas which are poorly or not at all visible to the driver via rearview mirrors.

According to an alternative embodiment, the monitored areas may also be on the route of the ego vehicle opening trajectories on which vehicles could be located, which, if they penetrate the path of the ego vehicle, could collide with this.

In particular, to detect such vehicles, the means for detecting objects in the monitored lateral areas may be a V2V communication interface capable of communicating with a corresponding interface of a vehicle in the monitored area.

The collision warning device may comprise, in addition to the display device formed by the above-mentioned light sources, another display device which is used to inform the driver of situations whose significance is insufficient to justify activation of the light sources. This second display device may, in particular, be a screen display device on the dashboard of the vehicle.

• – bei Erfassung eines von dem Kraftfahrzeug in Fahrtrichtung beabstandeten Objekts, Ansteuern der Anzeigeeinrichtung mit einer symmetrischen Lichtverteilung;
• – bei Erfassung eines Objekts in einem von dem Kraftfahrzeug in Fahrzeugquerrichtung beabstandeten Überwachungsbereich, Ansteuern der Anzeigeeinrichtung mit einer asymmetrischen Lichtverteilung.

The object is achieved according to another embodiment of the invention by a method for operating a display device comprising a plurality of light sources in a motor vehicle with the steps:

• - Upon detection of an object spaced from the motor vehicle in the direction of travel object, driving the display device with a symmetrical light distribution;
• - Upon detection of an object in a spaced from the motor vehicle in the vehicle transverse direction monitoring area, driving the display device with an asymmetric light distribution.

Further subjects of the invention are a computer program product which comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable it to function as an evaluation unit in a collision warning device as described above or to carry out the method described above, or a computer-readable data carrier on which such instructions are recorded, as well as a device comprising means for driving a display comprising a plurality of light sources distributed in the width direction of the motor vehicle with a symmetrical light distribution upon detection of an object spaced from the motor vehicle in the direction of travel and means for driving the display device with an asymmetric light distribution upon detection of an object in one of the motor vehicle in Vehicle transverse direction spaced monitoring area.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 a schematic view of the windshield and dashboard of a vehicle equipped with a collision warning device according to the invention motor vehicle;

2 a block diagram of the collision warning device;

3 a first application situation of the collision warning device; and

4 a second application situation of the collision warning device.

1 shows approximately from the perspective of a driver a schematic plan view of the dashboard 1 and windshield 2 of a motor vehicle. Along the tops of the dashboard 1 are several sources of light 3 , typically LEDs, a display device 4 distributed. The display device 4 extends into the in 1 shown embodiment over almost the entire width of the instrument panel 1 or the passenger compartment, but also conceivable is a distribution on both sides of a steering wheel 5 on only a part of the width of the passenger compartment.

The light sources 3 may each comprise a single or multiple commonly controlled LEDs. To the information content for the driver can increase each light source but also several LEDs in different colors, which can be controlled separately to each point to different, each associated with a color hazards or indicated by different colors hazard levels. The LEDs may also be differently shaped or switchable in groups to indicate characteristic symbols for different types of hazards such as an oncoming vehicle, pedestrians, animals, etc.

The light sources 3 can be visible to the driver in a straight line, z. B. projecting over the top of the dashboard, be arranged. 1 shows the alternative case that the light sources 3 in the dashboard 1 sunk and sunk upwards so that their light only after reflection on the windshield 2 on the eye of the driver and this gives the impression of luminous surfaces 6 on the windshield 2 taught.

2 shows a block diagram of the collision warning device. A first sensor 7 , for example a radar sensor, is mounted at the bow of the vehicle to monitor the traffic ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel. Other sensors 8th that are of the same type as the sensor 7 are arranged on the flanks of the vehicle, for example on exterior mirrors, to monitor blind spot areas to the side of the vehicle. An evaluation unit 9 is with the sensors 7 . 8th connected to decide based on the signals supplied by these, if and if so, at what distance is another vehicle or object in the traffic space in front of the vehicle or in the Totwinkelbereichen.

The evaluation unit 9 is also with a V2V communication interface 10 and a navigation device 11 connected to the with the help of the navigation device 11 ascertained own position via the communication interface 10 to report to other vehicles or receive corresponding messages from them and so estimate their distance, relative speed, etc.

If the sensor 7 detects a vehicle in front, determines the evaluation 9 the distance to this vehicle and divides it by the speed of the ego vehicle to estimate the importance of the vehicle in front. As long as this time is above a predetermined limit, the display remains 4 switched off. If the limit value is exceeded, all light sources become 3 operated at the same intensity, the higher the further the calculated time is below the limit value.

In addition, if the calculated time falls below a second, lower limit, it may be provided that the display device 4 switched from continuous lighting to flashing, it may also be provided an acoustic warning signal generator, which is activated in such a case.

3 shows a traffic situation in which the ego vehicle 12 via the V2V communication interface 10 Position messages with another vehicle 13 exchanges. The vehicle 13 approaches an opening driveway 14 that of ego vehicle 12 busy street 15 , Using the map data of the navigation device 11 is the evaluation unit 9 able to track 14 of the vehicle 13 to identify and decide if this is the street 15 crosses and a collision between both vehicles 12 . 13 thus possible, or whether the infrastructure 14 the street 15 possibly over or under. When the driveway 14 the street 15 crosses, the evaluation unit extrapolates 9 the movements of the vehicles 12 . 13 and estimates how close they are likely to come. If this minimum distance is above a first limit, the situation is classified as harmless, and an actuation of the display device 4 omitted. If the first limit value is undershot, the evaluation unit takes 9 a subdivision of the light sources 3 in two groups 19l . 19r before, a group 19r on the side of the ego vehicle 12 from which the vehicle is 13 approaching, and a group 19l on the vehicle 13 opposite side. A border 16 (please refer 2 ) between the two groups 19l . 19r is from the evaluation unit 9 the farther from the side of the approaching vehicle 13 The smaller the predicted minimum distance, the lower it is set. In extreme cases, the limit 16 also lie so that on the side of the approaching vehicle 13 lying group all light sources 3 the display device 4 includes.

The light sources 3 that belong to the group 19r on the side of the approaching vehicle 13 include, are turned on with high intensity, the state of other light sources 3 is not changed. For example, a situation may arise in which the light sources 3 the group 19r on the right side of the vehicle shine with maximum intensity, because from there the vehicle 13 whereas the other light sources 3 the group 19l are operating at low intensity to indicate a slightly too low distance to a preceding vehicle. In this case, the driver can clearly see that there are two sources of danger, and that one of them is on the right side of the ego vehicle 12 located.

If the motion forecast by the evaluation unit 9 that results in a collision between the vehicles 12 . 13 is possible, then she puts the limit 16 so that all light sources 3 to the group 19r belong and therefore shine with high intensity. In this situation, the driver may be out of the light distribution on the display device 4 no longer knowing whether to warn of a vehicle in front or approaching from the side, but he also does not have to, as he should brake in both cases. The fact that the warning signals become indistinguishable under high urgency facilitates the correct reaction.

In order not to irritate the driver with unnecessary warnings, it may be provided that low urgency warnings are not indicated by the indicator 4 but via a screen display instrument 20 on the dashboard 1 below the light sources 3 is arranged. Because such a display instrument 20 not directly in the driver's field of vision when passing through the windshield 2 looks, the likelihood of irritation is low. For example, the display instrument may be the screen of a navigation device on which an intervening road is temporarily highlighted in color to warn of the possibility of cross traffic while the ego vehicle 12 approaching the confluence. The indicating instrument 20 can also be a combination instrument on which is superimposed on approaching a junction of the conventional speedometer and possibly speed indicator an indication of possible cross traffic. Thus, the output of a conspicuous warning on the display instrument 4 be delayed until, in fact, there is a high probability that intervention by the driver is necessary to avoid a collision with the cross traffic.

It is obvious that the evaluation unit 9 to show the behavior described above, even without the sensors 8th auskäme. A traffic situation in which these sensors 8th to be used is in 4 shown. Here is a vehicle 17 in the right blind spot area 18r of the ego vehicle 12 and gets there by means of one of the sensors 8th detected. Again, the evaluation unit takes 9 a subdivision of the light sources 3 in two groups 19l . 19r , one on the side of the blind spot area 18r and one on the opposite side, before, being the limit 16 between both from the side of the blind spot area 18r the farther the distance to the vehicle, the farther it is 17 is. So is the driver by the number of on the side of the blind spot area 18r brightly lit sources of light 3 the meaning of the vehicle 17 visualized.

Again, it can be provided that the pure presence of the vehicle 17 in the blind spot area 18r not yet to an activation of the display instrument 4 leads, but at first only on the display instrument 20 is shown. Only when additional aspects are likely to make an accident likely, such as a steering movement to the side of the vehicle 17 or setting the turn signal on the vehicle 17 facing side, also becomes the indicating instrument 4 activated.

While in the case of excessive approach to a preceding vehicle, the light sources 3 preferably continuously lit, it can be provided that both in the situation of 3 as well as those of 4 the light sources of the group 19r on the side of the vehicle 13 or 17 be operated flashing. This ensures that a threat from the lateral direction can still be made clear to the driver even if he is already driving so close to a vehicle ahead that all light sources are there 3 brightly shine. Here, too, it comes to achieving a highest level of meaning to a standardization of the warning signals, since, as explained above, even in imminent danger to a preceding vehicle on flashing of the light sources 3 can be switched.

It should be understood that the foregoing detailed description and drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications of the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims and their equivalence range. In particular, this description and the figures also show features of the embodiments which are not mentioned in the claims. Such features may also occur in combinations other than those specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the fact that several such features are mentioned in the same sentence or in a different type of textual context does not justify the conclusion that they can occur only in the specific combination disclosed; instead, it is generally to be assumed that it is also possible to omit or modify individual ones of several such features, provided this does not call into question the functionality of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

dashboard

2

Windshield

3

light source

4

display

5

steering wheel

6

area

7

sensor

8th

sensor

9

evaluation

10

V2V communication interface

11

navigation device

12

Ego vehicle

13

vehicle

14

roadway

15

Street

16

border

17

vehicle

18l, r

blind spot

19l, r

group

20

display

Claims (15)

Collision warning device for a motor vehicle, with at least one sensor ( 7 ) for detecting one of the motor vehicle ( 12 ) in the direction of travel spaced object, a display device ( 4 ), which are several in the width direction of the motor vehicle ( 12 ) distributed light sources ( 3 ), and an evaluation unit ( 9 ) for driving the display device ( 4 ), whereby the evaluation unit ( 9 ) to a facility ( 8th ; 10 ) for capturing objects ( 13 ; 17 ) in vehicle transverse direction spaced monitoring areas ( 14 ; 18r ) and is set up when an object ( 13 ; 17 ) in one of the coverage areas ( 14 ; 18r ) the display device ( 4 ) with an asymmetrical light distribution. Collision warning device according to Claim 1, in which the symmetrical light distribution ensures operation of all light sources ( 3 ) with equal intensity. Collision warning device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the asymmetrical light distribution is a division of the light sources ( 3 ) on two groups ( 19r . 19l ) right and left of a border ( 16 ) and an operation of the two groups ( 19r . 19l ) each having different intensities. A collision warning device according to claim 3, wherein the intensity of only that group ( 19r ) is different from zero, which is on the side of the detected object ( 13 ; 17 ) is located. Collision warning device according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the evaluation unit ( 9 ), the importance of one in one of the lateral surveillance areas ( 14 ; 18r . 18l ) detected object ( 13 ; 17 ) and the limit ( 16 ) the farther from the surveillance area concerned ( 14 ; 18r ), the higher the meaning is placed. Collision warning device according to Claim 5, in which the evaluation unit is set up when the meaning of the information in one of the lateral monitoring areas ( 14 ; 18r ) detected object ( 13 ; 17 ) is judged to be maximum to produce the symmetrical light distribution. Collision warning device according to claim 3 or 4, in which the evaluation unit is set up, the removal of one in one of the lateral monitoring areas ( 14 ; 18r ) detected object ( 13 ; 17 ) and the limit ( 16 ) the further from the surveillance area ( 14 ; 18r ), the closer the object ( 13 ; 17 ). The collision warning device according to claim 7, wherein the judged distance is determined based on the movement of the vehicle ( 12 ) and detected object ( 13 ; 18 ) is an estimated future minimum of the distance. Collision warning device according to Claim 7 or 8, in which the evaluation unit ( 9 ) is established when the distance of the in one of the lateral monitoring areas ( 14 ; 18r ) detected object ( 13 ; 17 ) falls below a threshold to produce the symmetric light distribution. Collision warning device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the monitored lateral areas ( 18r . 18l ) Are blind spot areas. Collision warning device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the monitored lateral areas ( 14 ) are. Collision warning device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the device for detecting objects has a V2V communication interface ( 11 ). Method for operating a plurality of light sources ( 3 ) comprehensive display device ( 4 ) in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: - detecting one of the motor vehicle ( 12 ) in the direction of travel spaced object, driving the display device ( 4 ) with a symmetrical light distribution; - when capturing an object ( 13 ; 17 ) in one of the motor vehicle ( 12 ) In the vehicle transverse direction spaced monitoring area ( 18r . 18l ), Driving the display device ( 4 ) with an asymmetrical light distribution. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable it to operate as an evaluation unit in a collision warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or to carry out the method according to claim 13. A computer-readable medium on which program instructions are recorded which enable a computer to operate as an evaluation unit in a collision warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or to carry out the method according to claim 13.

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