DE102015007362A1 - Combination instrument for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination instrument for a motor vehicle having at least one observation device (14) for monitoring a condition of a driver of the motor vehicle and having at least one device (32) for concealing the at least one observation device (14). In this case, means (38) are provided for bringing the at least one device (32) for concealment from a first state, in which the at least one observation device (14) is hidden, into a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the at least one observation device (14) is visible to the driver. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a combination instrument.

Description

The invention relates to a combination instrument for a motor vehicle with at least one observation device, which is designed to monitor a condition of a driver of the motor vehicle. The combination instrument comprises at least one device for concealing the at least one observation device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such combination instrument.

The US 2008/0068462 A1 describes a camera which is arranged behind a dial of a speedometer of a vehicle. The camera is sensitive to infrared light and located behind a portion of the dial provided with an infrared transparent coating. Infrared light emitted by a light source, which is applied to the driver's face, passes through this area to the camera. Since passing of visible light through the dial is prevented, the camera can not be seen by the driver's eye.

The US 2004/0252993 A1 describes an infrared camera, which is arranged in an interior rearview mirror for a vehicle. The camera is located behind a transparent to infrared light mirror glass within a mirror housing of the interior rear-view mirror.

The US 2001/0022550 A1 describes a surveillance device for vehicles, in which a camera is hidden in the rearview mirror behind a black paint layer. The applied on a mirror glass of the rearview mirror black lacquer layer is transparent to infrared light. Behind the mirror glass lighting units can be arranged, which serve to illuminate the driver, which is to be monitored by means of the camera.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to observe a driver or vehicle driver by means of camera surveillance. This is particularly important if the driver uses a vehicle designed for autonomous driving. This is namely to ensure that the driver can still intervene in the event of an emergency in the driving, so instead of the vehicle controlling the control units is active. By means of the camera or such a driver monitoring unit, in particular the driver's eye and nose part is scanned in order to observe the activity of the driver, and in particular to determine whether this is (still) awake.

The hiding known from the prior art of cameras behind a permeable material for infrared light means that only infrared cameras can be used to observe the driver. It would be desirable, however, if such limitations did not need to be considered.

However, using a camera which is also sensitive to or only visible to light or dispenses with the material which is permeable to infrared light results in a further problem. In fact, the primary problem is that the at least one observation device is within the field of vision of the driver when the observation device is arranged in the combination instrument.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a related improved combination instrument of the type mentioned and a motor vehicle with such a combination instrument.

This object is achieved by a combination instrument having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The combination instrument according to the invention comprises means for transferring the at least one device for concealing from a first state, in which the at least one observation device is hidden, into a second state, in which at least a region of the at least one observation device is visible to the driver. In the first state of the device for concealing, therefore, the at least one observation device is hidden, thus preserving the familiar image of the combination instrument for the driver. The means for moving are therefore designed to make the at least one observation device invisible in the first state of the means for hiding the driver, but to make the observation device visible in the second state.

Thus, it can be ensured in particular that the at least one observation device is then not visible and thus does not disturb, if it is not needed at all for monitoring the driver's condition. If, on the other hand, it is intended to monitor the driver by means of the observation device, in particular to determine whether the driver is sufficiently active or awake to be able to drive the vehicle, the means will spend the means for concealing in the second state.

With such a combination instrument there are fewer restrictions with regard to the technology of the at least one observation device, since it is not necessary to use a camera sensitive exclusively to infrared light. In addition, by hiding or hiding or invisibly switching the at least one area of the at least one observation device, an appealing design of the combination instrument can be achieved. So there is an improved combination instrument created.

Preferably, the at least one device for concealment is designed as a polarization filter, which is at least partially impermeable in a first position for light coming from the at least one observation device and transmits the light towards the driver in a second position. By means of such a polarization filter, the at least one observation device can be concealed particularly well by bringing it into the first position.

It is namely by filtering the polarizing filter in the first position in particular reflections of components made of glass or other smooth, non-metallic surfaces filter or remove. By removing or reducing such reflections, it is thus prevented, for example, that the driver perceives light which is reflected, for example, by a lens of a camera used for monitoring the driver toward the driver. Namely, polarizing filters or polarizing filters are particularly well suited for filtering out such reflections.

By providing the polarization filter, a very simple possibility is thus created to selectively conceal the at least one observation device from the driver or to make it visible to the driver. In the first position, the polarization filter is brought into the first state, in which the at least one observation device is hidden. In the second position, however, the polarization filter is spent in the second state, in which the at least one observation device is at least partially visible to the driver.

Favor here are the means for moving the polarizing filter from the first position to the second position and formed back. The means can therefore be designed, in particular, to align the polarization filter on the one hand with opacity and, on the other hand, with a translucent effect by means of a rotational movement or a change in orientation. Such a movement of the polarization filter can be realized particularly easily. For example, the means may comprise a drive, which may in particular have a gear linkage or the like, and move the polarization filter into the various positions in which the polarization filter has different light transmissions.

As a further advantage, it has been shown that the at least one observation device comprises at least one camera. By means of the camera, namely the state of the driver can monitor particularly reliable. In particular, by capturing images of the driver's eye and nose portion and evaluating the images, its activity or alertness can be detected.

For monitoring the driver, a plurality of cameras can also be provided, which are then preferably concealed by the means for concealment or by means of a respective device for concealing or can be brought into the second state in which they are visible to the driver.

As a further advantage, it has been shown that the at least one observation device comprises at least one light source, which is designed for dispensing by means of the at least one camera detectable light.

The provision of such light sources, which may be in particular infrared light sources, ensures that the driver can be optically detected particularly well with the camera and thus his condition can be monitored.

Such light sources in particular facilitate the detection of the eyes and thus the line of sight of the driver or vehicle driver and thus the monitoring of the same. Even with such components of the observation device, however, it is advantageous if they are hidden or hidden by the device for the purpose of concealment or transferred to the first state. Because then disturb the light sources or the like detecting the particular serving the eyes of the driver elements not the usual image of the combination instrument for the driver. Thus, it is also preferred that the light sources are hidden by the means for concealing in the first state and only visible to the driver in the second state.

The combination instrument may comprise a frame element, which is formed for example of a plastic. Such a frame element may be provided to surround at least one display area of the combination instrument. At least one component of the at least one observation device can be arranged in the region of the frame element. This component may be, for example, a camera or a light source. By arranging such a component of the observation device in the region of the frame element ensures that in the area enclosed by the frame element, in particular the display area, of the combination instrument, there is particularly space for symbols, signs, warning lamps and the like and / or for a display. The arrangement of the at least one component of the at least one observation device in the region of the frame element is thus particularly space-saving.

The combination instrument may comprise a display area, wherein at least one component of the at least one observation device is arranged in the display area. Such a display area may in particular have (preferably backlit) symbols and / or characters, as is the case, for example, in a display area serving for displaying the coolant temperature or in a display area serving for displaying the tank level. Additionally or alternatively, warning lamps or the like may be arranged in such a display area. Since such display areas are arranged in the field of vision of the driver, it is particularly possible to ensure monitoring of the driver's condition by arranging the at least one observation device in the display area. Because then falls a detection range of at least one observation device particularly largely together with the field of view of the driver.

As a further advantage, it has been shown that the at least one means for concealing the region of the at least one observation device is present, which is visible in the second state for the driver. This is based on the knowledge that a particularly small distance of the device for concealing the region of the at least one observation device to be concealed or made visible is advantageous. If, in fact, the at least one observation device is a camera, the particularly small distance to the device for concealing and, in particular, the presence of this device on the camera ensures a particularly high quality of the images that can be recorded by the camera by the driver.

Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if a control device is provided, which serves to drive the means as a function of an operating state of the at least one observation device. The control device can then selectively control the means and thus effect that the device is spent for concealment in the second state when the at least one observation device is turned on, that is, is in an active operating state.

On the other hand, if the at least one observation device is switched off or in a standby mode, ie if it is in an inactive operating state, the control device effects, by the triggering of the means, that the device is moved to the first state for concealment. Thus, it can be ensured that the at least one observation device is visible and otherwise hidden only when necessary.

The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a combination instrument according to the invention. The motor vehicle may in particular be designed for autonomous driving, since in autonomous driving mode in which the motor vehicle travels without active driver intervention and / or makes direction changes and / or changes in the driving speed, the monitoring of the driver's condition is of particular importance.

The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the combination instrument according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention. Thus, embodiments are also included and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. Showing:

1 a detail of a motor vehicle, wherein an instrument panel is shown with a combination instrument;

2 the instrument panel with the combination instrument in a perspective view;

3 the combination instrument according to 2 in an enlarged view, wherein a camera arranged in a warning lamp area of the combination instrument is shown schematically;

4 monitoring a driver of the motor vehicle by means of the camera arranged in the combination instrument;

5 in a schematic view, the camera, which is arranged behind a rotatable polarizing filter;

6 an orientation of a polarizing filter in which the camera arranged behind it is completely visible;

7 another orientation of the polarizing filter, where the camera is less visible; and

8th an orientation of the polarizing filter, which leads to a complete concealment of the camera.

From a motor vehicle 10 is in 1 a detail of a passenger compartment shown. The car 10 is preferably designed for autonomous driving, in which without intervention of a driver 12 (see 4 ) Control devices in cooperation with sensors for locomotion, braking, acceleration and steering operations of the motor vehicle 10 to care.

In such a motor vehicle 10 is preferably at least one observation device, for example in the form of a camera 14 provided (compare 5 ), by means of which the driver 12 monitor. The camera 14 In this case, it covers in particular a head area 16 the driver 12 and is preferably designed to take pictures of the driver's eyes and nose 12 take. A corresponding detection area of the camera 14 is in 4 shown schematically. So can by means of the camera 14 the condition of the driver 12 especially with regard to their attention or fatigue. As long as the driver 12 alert and alert, he can intervene in an emergency in the driving, namely, when the motor vehicle 10 is in autonomous driving.

From the motor vehicle is in 1 an instrument panel 18 with a combination instrument 20 shown. Also 2 Here is an example of the arrangement of the combination instrument 20 on the driver's side of the instrument panel 18 refer to.

In particular from 3 It is obvious that the combination instrument 20 a frame element 22 in the form of a front frame made of a plastic material. The frame element 22 This may in particular be formed from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). This frame element 22 On the one hand surrounds display areas in the form of a warning light area 24 , a fuel gauge 26 and a temperature gauge 28 , These display areas can be on their the driver 12 facing front a formed example of a polycarbonate, in particular with a plastic back-injected, foil. In such display areas, as shown here by way of example, symbols, numbers, scales, warning lamps and the like may be arranged.

Furthermore, there is also a central display 30 from the frame element 22 edged. This is the warning lamp area 24 above the display 30 arranged, and the fuel gauge 26 as well as the temperature display 28 are each located in a lower, lateral area of the combination instrument 20 , The presently shown design of the combination instrument 20 however, is merely exemplary and may be used in other motor vehicles 10 comprise differently designed and / or differently arranged components.

Exemplary is the camera 14 in the warning lamp area 24 of the combination instrument 20 shown shown (compare 3 ). The camera 14 , which serves the driver observation, but can be hidden or hidden in the present case, so that in the hidden state, the combination instrument 20 this for the driver 12 has the usual appearance. If the camera 14 however, to monitor the driver 12 is used and is thus put into an active operating state, the camera 14 be switched visible.

As a device for hiding the camera 14 in the present case is a polarization filter 32 provided, which according to 5 in the warning lamp area 24 is shown arranged. An in 5 shown dial 36 which one to the driver 12 facing surface of the warning lamp area 24 forms can be formed by the back-injection molded with a plastic polycarbonate film.

The arrangement of the polarization filter 32 in the warning lamp area 24 however, is merely exemplary, and additionally or alternatively, the camera 14 and the polarizing filter 32 also in another, especially a dial 36 comprehensive area, such as in the display area of the fuel gauge 26 or the temperature gauge 28 be arranged. Furthermore, the polarization filter 32 also in the frame element 22 be housed, being behind the polarizing filter 32 the camera 14 is arranged.

In the present case is the polarization filter 32 in a housing 34 arranged. This case 34 is inside the dial 36 in the warning lamp area 24 rotatably mounted. The warning lamp area 24 with the front dial 36 is in turn in the frame element 22 embedded in the shape of the front frame.

As a means for bringing the polarizing filter 32 in a first state or in a first position, in which the camera 14 is hidden, is present a drive 38 intended. By means of this drive 38 can be the polarizing filter 32 also spend in a second state, namely move to a second position in which the camera 14 for the driver 12 is visible.

In the present case is a control device 40 provided which the drive 38 controls. The drive, which may include, for example, a rack and a gear meshing with the rack, provides for a rotation of the housing 34 with the polarizing filter held therein 32 relative to the dial 36 in the warning lamp area 24 , As a drive 38 Furthermore, other, in particular electromotive mechanisms are conceivable. The drive 38 which the housing 34 twisted, also spends the polarizing filter 32 in the various positions or in terms of the transmission of the polarizing filter 32 different orientations.

From the driver 12 Seen from the camera is 14 behind the polarizing filter 32 , Preferably, the camera points 14 here as in 5 schematically shown little to no distance from the polarizing filter 32 on. In other words, the polarization filter is preferred 32 at the camera 14 at.

By means of the front of the camera 14 positioned polarizing filter 32 , which is also referred to as polarizer or polarizer, can be primarily remove or reduce reflections, which from the glass of a (not shown) lens of the camera 14 or other smooth, non-metallic surfaces.

Based on 6 to 8th It should be illustrated how the orientation or position of the polarizing filter ensures that behind the polarizing filter 32 located camera 14 in front of the driver 12 hidden so switched to this invisible or switched visible.

So is in 6 the polarization filter 32 oriented so that he is both for the camera 14 falling light as well as from the camera 14 reflected light is permeable. Accordingly, in this transmissive orientation of the polarizing filter 32 the camera 14 completely visible.

7 shows the polarizing filter 32 in a semipermeable or semitransparent orientation, such as by an inclination of the polarizing filter 32 can be achieved. The camera 14 appears slightly shaded here, but is not completely hidden. Due to the inclined position of the polarization filter 32 So the transmission is significantly reduced.

In a by means of 8th illustrated transverse position of the polarizing filter 32 In contrast, the transmission is almost zero. The polarization filter 32 in front of the camera 14 So is spent in a position or orientation, in which the polarizing filter 32 is impermeable. The camera is corresponding 14 for the driver 12 not visible anymore.

In the present case, the control device preferably provides 40 for that the drive 38 the housing 34 and thus the polarization filter 32 moved to the desired position. This is the camera 14 by moving the polarizing filter 32 in the in 8th then shown hidden cross position when the camera 14 is not active, so not to watch or monitor the driver 12 is used. In contrast, by means of the control device 40 with active camera 14 the camera 14 switched visible. This can then, for example, from the controller 40 by driving the drive 38 be effected when the motor vehicle 10 is placed in autonomous driving.

The polarizing filter is kept in an extra component, for example in the dial 36 in the warning lamp area 24 , In the component is preferably the polarization filter 32 in the rotatable housing 34 , which by means of the drive 38 can be put into the respective orientation. The polarization filter 32 is then by means of rotary motion or change its orientation once translucent (see 6 ) and opaque to others (cf. 8th ).

Presently, as an example of an observation device for monitoring the driver 12 of the motor vehicle 10 the camera 14 shown. However, it can also be several monitoring units such as such cameras 14 be used. In addition, capturing the eyes of the driver 12 facilitating components of an observation device are used, such as light sources, which the driver 12 with from the camera 14 or the cameras 14 detectable light apply. Such light sources may be, for example, light-emitting diodes emitting infrared light.

Also such other cameras 14 and / or light sources are preferably by means of one or more polarizing filters 32 in the 8th shown state of the polarizing filter 32 in front of the driver 12 hidden. By moving the polarizing filter 32 or the polarizing filter 32 in the second, in 6 shown state is then the respective camera 14 and / or the respective light source for the driver 12 visible, noticeable. In this, not by means of the polarizing filter 32 or the polarizing filter 32 Hidden state can be detected by the camera 14 or the cameras 14 especially with the inclusion of light sources, the driver 12 observed and monitored for attention or fatigue.

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

• US 2008/0068462 A1 [0002]
• US 2004/0252993 A1 [0003]
• US 2001/0022550 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Combination instrument for a motor vehicle ( 10 ) with at least one observation device ( 14 ) for monitoring a condition of a driver ( 12 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ), and at least one device ( 32 ) for concealing the at least one observation device ( 14 ), characterized by means ( 38 ) for bringing the at least one device ( 32 ) for concealing from a first state in which the at least one observation device ( 14 ) is in a second state, in which at least a portion of the at least one observation device ( 14 ) for the driver ( 12 ) is visible. Combination instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one device ( 32 ) is designed for concealment as a polarization filter, which in a first position for the at least one observation device ( 14 ) light is at least partially impermeable, and in a second position, the light to the driver ( 12 ). Combination instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that the means ( 38 ) for moving the polarizing filter from the first position to the second position and formed back. Combination instrument according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one observation device ( 14 ) comprises at least one camera. Combination instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one observation device ( 14 ) comprises at least one light source, which is designed for dispensing by means of the at least one camera detectable light. Combination instrument according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the combination instrument ( 20 ), in particular made of a plastic, frame element ( 22 ), wherein at least one component of the at least one observation device ( 14 ) in the region of the frame element ( 22 ) is arranged. Combination instrument according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the combination instrument ( 20 ), in particular at least one backlit symbol and / or sign and / or at least one warning lamp having, display area ( 24 . 26 . 28 ), wherein at least one component of the at least one observation device ( 14 ) in the display area ( 24 . 26 . 28 ) is arranged. Combination instrument according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one device ( 32 ) for concealing at the area of the at least one observation device ( 14 ) is present, which is visible in the second state for the driver. Combination instrument according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a control device ( 40 ) for driving the funds ( 38 ) in dependence on an operating state of the at least one observation device ( 14 ). Motor vehicle, in particular for autonomous driving trained motor vehicle ( 10 ), with a combination instrument ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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