DE102017126741B3 - Driving simulator and method for carrying out a driving simulation - Google Patents

Abstract

Driving simulator (1), comprising a display surface (2) for displaying a driving simulation, wherein a lighting device (3) is provided to produce glare effects. The illumination device (3) comprises at least one illuminated display (8, 8.1, 8.2) which can be moved mechanically along the display surface (2) via a movement device (4).

Description

The invention relates to a driving simulator comprising a display surface for displaying a driving simulation, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a driving simulation, in particular for carrying out a night driving simulation, according to the preamble of claim 14.

The invention also relates to a lighting device for use with a driving simulator and a computer program product.

A generic driving simulator is from the document "HAYCOCK, BC [et al.]: Creating headlight glare in a driving simulator. In: Transportation research: Part F, 2017, pages 1-14, ISSN 1369-8478 " known.

Simulators, in particular driving simulators and flight simulators, are well known in practice. Such simulators are used, for example, for training and training purposes or for examinations / testing or testing of persons and / or electronic assistance systems under reproducible, realistic conditions.

The use of simulators is for the investigation of persons (eg under extreme conditions) thereby for the most part more favorable than other investigation methods. For example, a so-called mesoptometer for detecting the glare sensitivity of the subject is sometimes used in practice to decide on the night-time suitability of road users in practice. However, it is questionable to what extent the results achieved by this method can actually be transferred to roadworthiness, because in principle night-time suitability can only be reliably determined in the course of realistic, real night driving. In a real night ride, however, there is the problem of lack of repeatability of the environmental conditions. For this reason, to study the night-time suitability of road users, driving simulators are particularly suitable in which defined journeys with exact repeatability of the driving scene are possible, while the subject's vision is examined.

In conventional driving simulators, the driving scene is often displayed on a screen or on a screen. A problem of this display method is basically the lack of glare. For example, due to displayed or projected headlights of oncoming vehicles, in contrast to real road situations, the glare effects observed in the actual scenario do not occur.

To generate realistic glare effects in the course of a driving simulation, it is for example from the JP H06 282223 (A ) known to cause glare by the flickering of flash into a monitor. The effect is due to the simple structure, however, not very realistic and in particular to assign any specific light source in the simulation.

In the JP 2016 170306 discloses the use of a partially transparent display, wherein a glare can be done by a arranged behind the partially transparent display panel. However, the structure is expensive and, as expected, does not lead to a sufficiently strong glare of the subject.

The DE 10 2013 003 448 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method by means of which driver assistance systems of vehicles, preferably driver assistance systems based on optical detection means, can be tested. To generate glare effects, a special display device is used in which the driving simulation as such and at the same time a correspondingly bright glare can be generated. However, the use of such a light display, which acts as a screen at the same time is expensive to purchase and either can not provide suitable for a night driving simulation contrast / black level or does not lead to a sufficient, realistic glare.

Finally, the generic document relates "HAYCOCK, BC [et al.]: Creating headlight glare in a driving simulator. In: Transportation research: Part F, 2017, pages 1-14, ISSN 1369-8478 " a driving simulator in which a hybrid display system is provided in which a conventional projector is combined with an LED display arranged on an actuator.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved driving simulator, which is particularly suitable for carrying out night driving simulations and at the same time can produce the most realistic glare effects.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing a method for carrying out a driving simulation, in particular for carrying out a night driving simulation, wherein as realistic as possible glare effects can be generated during the driving simulation.

The object is achieved for the driving simulator by claim 1 and for the method by claim 14.

Finally, the invention is also based on the object of providing a lighting device for use with a driving simulator and a computer program product with program code means for carrying out a driving simulation.

The object is achieved for the illumination device by the features of claim 17 and with respect to the computer program product by the features of claim 18.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

A driving simulator is provided which includes a display area for displaying a driving simulation.

The invention is particularly - but not exclusively - for realistic simulation of situations in traffic during operation of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

The invention is, however, in principle also suitable for use with a flight simulator or any other simulator for simulating the operation of any means of locomotion, in particular vehicles on land, on water or in the air, including spacecraft. For example, the term "driving simulator" may refer to a simulator for spacecraft or watercraft in addition to a flight simulator. The term "driving simulation" and comparable formulations can also be reinterpreted by a person skilled in the art.

The driving simulator described below or the method described below for carrying out a driving simulation is particularly suitable for investigating the night-time suitability of road users. However, this use is not intended to be limiting; In particular, the driving simulator described below or the method described below can be used to carry out a driving simulation for training and / or for examining any persons and / or assistance systems.

According to the invention, a lighting device is provided as part of the driving simulation in order to generate glare effects, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one illuminated display, which is mechanically movable along the display surface via a movement device of the driving simulator.

The lighting device is preferably independent of the display surface for displaying the driving simulation. Thus, the display surface can be used to display the driving simulation, whereas the lighting device produces only glare effects and is not used simultaneously to display the driving simulation.

Under a light display is particularly to understand a display that can actively radiate light that is strong enough to produce a realistic glare effect. The light display may include one or more light sources and / or reflectors for this purpose.

The glare may be directed in particular to a user of the simulator and / or a system to be examined, for example driver assistance system. For this purpose, for example, alignment and / or emission angle of the at least one illuminated display can be set accordingly. But it can also be provided that the glare is directed away only from the display surface by the at least one light display z. B. radiates orthogonal or at an other angle of the display area. In addition, it can be provided that the glare takes place in a predetermined direction within the simulation, z. B. along the emission direction of a simulated light source, which is displayed on the display surface.

The at least one illuminated display can be movable along the entire display area, only over a partial area of the display area or even beyond the display area.

The fact that a lighting device is provided for the targeted generation of glare effects, the glare effects can be displayed particularly realistic and repeatable.

By using a lighting device that is independent of the display surface, strong brightness differences can be generated. In this case, in particular a generally dark night drive can be displayed on the display surface, whereby, depending on the situation, a bright glare can be recorded by the illumination device without influencing the illustrated simulation or tracking simulation. As in reality, a source of light separate from the environment serves as a source of glare.

In this case, the illumination device can be particularly compact enough not to disturb the display of the driving simulation and on the other hand be effective enough, in particular the To adequately reflect the radiating area and the luminous intensity of a simulated vehicle headlight in the driving simulation.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one illuminated display is mechanically movable in front of and / or behind the display surface parallel to the display surface.

The at least one illuminated display is preferably movable parallel to the display surface, wherein the at least one illuminated display preferably maintains a constant distance to the display surface in the course of the movement along the display surface.

The at least one illuminated display may also be movable in front of and / or behind the display surface along the display surface, without the at least one luminous display maintaining a constant distance to the display surface. In fact, the distance of the at least one illuminated display to the display surface may optionally be even adjustable, especially during the movement of the at least one illuminated display along the display surface.

The display surface may be flat or curved, for example concave or convex. The display surface may be curved in the manner of a lens, in particular concave, in particular in order to produce a more realistic depth effect.

In particular, in the case of a display surface which is not flat, it can be provided that the at least one illuminated display can be moved in a plane in front of the display surface, which itself has no curvature, ie. H. the at least one illuminated display is not moved parallel to the curved display surface.

When using a (partially) transparent display surface can also be provided to move at least one light display behind the display surface, the light display is then able to shine through the display surface through to produce the glare effect.

The at least one illuminated display can also be mechanically movable within the display area.

The display surface is preferably formed as a projection display surface of a video projection device.

The at least one illuminated display can have one or more light emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps and / or other lighting means.

The at least one light display may alternatively or in addition to one or more light sources also have one or more reflectors to reflect the light from one or more light sources (the illumination device). The illuminated display can also be formed only by one or more reflectors.

When using a plurality of illuminated displays, differently designed illuminated displays can also be provided.

In one development of the invention, provision can be made, in particular, for the at least one illuminated display to be in the form of a luminous matrix display, in particular as a light-emitting diode matrix, incandescent matrix and / or gas discharge lamp matrix.

A luminous matrix display makes it possible to create particularly strong and realistic glare effects. Furthermore, different light sources can be realistically imitated.

In a development, it can also be provided that the at least one luminous matrix display has a plurality of luminous elements whose brightness and / or light color can be controlled jointly, individually or in groups.

In particular when using a luminous matrix display with a plurality of luminous elements, the brightness or the intensity of the glare and / or the light color can be easily adjusted by activating or deactivating luminous elements. Alternatively and / or additionally, the light sources of the light display or light matrix display can also be dimmable individually or in groups or adjustable in their brightness.

Even in the case of a light display which has one or more reflectors, for example a micromirror array comprising a plurality of micromirror actuators, the individual micromirrors can be controlled jointly, individually or in groups in order to optimally adjust the reflection and thus, in particular, the reflected light brightness and thus the glare effect.

In a development, it can be provided that the at least one luminous matrix display has one or more color filters in order to control the brightness and / or light color of the luminous elements of the luminous matrix display jointly, individually or in groups.

For example, a liquid crystal display may be provided as a color filter.

As an alternative or in addition to one or more color filters, it may also be provided that the light display or light matrix display has different light sources capable of emitting light in different light colors. By appropriate switching on and off and optionally dimming of the individual lamps or lighting elements then any light colors and / or brightnesses can be generated.

In an advantageous development, the at least one luminous matrix display can have a plurality of luminous elements arranged annularly in one another and / or luminous elements arranged in grid form.

In principle, the lighting elements may be designed and arranged in the manner of picture elements or pixels of an image display. Unlike a picture element of an image display, however, the light-emitting elements are configured to actively emit light to cause glare rather than merely to produce an image of composite picture elements. However, the lighting elements can be driven to produce a defined shaped light source.

It can also be provided a plurality of rectangular, round or otherwise shaped lighting elements.

In particular, a grid of lighting elements may be provided in the manner of a row and column arrangement. A circular grid or a grid in another geometry can also be provided.

According to the invention, it is provided that the movement device is designed to move the at least one illuminated display in at least two translational degrees of freedom along the display surface.

In particular, it can be provided that the at least one movement device along a first translational degree of freedom in the vertical direction, d. H. from top to bottom (or vice versa) and / or along a second translational degree of freedom in the horizontal direction, d. H. from right to left (or vice versa) to move along the display area.

It can also be provided that the movement device is designed to move the at least one light display in three translational degrees of freedom along the display surface, whereby the distance between the at least one light display and the display surface is variable. The at least one illuminated display can thus be moved away from the display surface and / or towards the display surface.

It can also be provided that the movement device is designed to move the at least one illuminated display in one, two or three tilt degrees of freedom in order to vary the emission angle of the at least one illuminated display.

The movement device can thus move the at least one illuminated display from one degree of freedom to all six degrees of freedom, wherein it is basically only important that the at least one illuminated display is movable in front of or behind the displayed driving simulation via the movement device in order to simulated light sources of the driving simulation superimpose realistic glare effect.

In a further development, it can be provided that the movement device is formed when using a plurality of illuminated displays in order to move at least one first light display independently of a second light display along the display surface, preferably to move all provided light displays individually along the display surface.

For example, two light indicators may be provided to provide two simulated headlights of a simulated vehicle in the driving simulation with realistic glare effects. Each of the lights can thus be assigned to one of the headlights.

In principle, any number of illuminated displays may be provided, for example only one illuminated display or three, four, five, six or more illuminated displays that may be associated with any simulated light sources.

According to the invention, the movement device comprises at least one rail system, at least one magnet system in order to shift the at least one illuminated display by magnetic forces, comprising at least one cable pull system and / or at least one cable robot.

The at least one illuminated display can be arranged on at least one carriage, wherein the at least one carriage is movable via the rail system, the cable system and / or the cable robot.

For example, rails of a rail system may be provided at one or more edges of the display surface to move the at least one light display along the rail system across the display surface.

A magnet system can be provided, for example, in that a magnetic guide comprising one or more permanent magnets and / or electromagnets is movable behind the display surface by means of the movement device, for example using at least one rail system, at least one cable system and / or at least one cable robot at least one light indicator placed on the opposite side of the display surface is attracted magnetically by the magnetic guide, held by the display surface, and is preferably movable along the display surface without further guide means. The at least one light display can for this purpose a ferromagnetic material, such as a soft magnetic material, for. As iron, or have a counter magnet.

The light display may preferably have rollers or lubricants, so that the light indicator can be moved as smooth as possible on the display surface.

It can also be provided a cable system, in particular to the at least one indicator vertically, d. H. from top to bottom (and vice versa) to move along the display surface. Preferably, such a cable system can be combined with a horizontally arranged rail system to move the light display on the one hand from left to right (and vice versa) and on the other hand from top to bottom (and vice versa) along the display surface.

Preferably, using a cable system to provide vertical movement, the gravity of the at least one indicator may be utilized to cause downward movement of the indicator by releasing or unrolling a guide or drive cable or a guide or drive wire of the cable system whereas, in the opposite upward movement, the at least one indicator light is moved over the guide or drive cable or the guide or drive wire through the cable system using an actuator. As a result, a downwardly extending guide or drive cable or a downwardly extending guide or drive wire and the resulting shadow cast on the display surface can be avoided.

Preferably, the at least one illuminated display can be movable in the manner of a cable robot or can be moved by a cable robot of the movement device.

In a refinement, the at least one cable robot of the movement device for the movement of the at least one light display may comprise two guide cables or two guide wires which guide the indicator light.

Preferably, guide wires made of metal or plastic are provided, which have improved guiding properties due to the rigid material properties and, for example, can introduce less vibration into the system than guide cables.

The guide wires may in particular be formed from harpsichord wire or from strings of a harpsichord or another stringed instrument. Such a wire can be particularly suitable because it is particularly prone to creep.

Preferably, the illuminated display is guided by the guide wires or guidewires on opposite sides of the illuminated display.

It may be advantageous to prevent rotation or tilting of the at least one illuminated display. By guiding through two guide cables or wires, vibrations and / or rotation of the at least one illuminated display can be avoided or at least reduced.

This can be achieved, for example, by suspending and guiding the at least one illuminated display by two tensioned guide cables or wires, wherein the guide cables or guide wires are guided, for example, by eyelets which are located on the left and right or on opposite sides of a housing of the at least one illuminated display ,

In particular, when the movement of the at least one illuminated display along the trajectory causes great jerking, this can at least reduce unwanted oscillation and / or tilting.

In principle, however, only one guide cable or a guide wire or more than two guide cables or guide wires can be provided. A combination of guide ropes and guidewires is possible.

To carry out the movement of the at least one illuminated display, in particular by a cable robot, a guide wire or a guide wire and / or a separate drive cable or a separate drive wire can be used.

The movement of the at least one illuminated display can thus be realized for example by cable drives. In this case, a decoupling between a horizontal and a vertical movement along the display surface can be brought about. The movement along the However, display surface can also be done with only a cable drive or other drive that drives all the necessary axes of motion together.

The movement of the at least one illuminated display, in particular the movement by means of cable pull and / or cable robot, can be carried out by one or more electric motors, the rotation of which drives a pulley on which preferably a drive cable or drive wire (or guide wire or guide wire) is wound at a suitable point a carriage is fixed, which is moved by the displacement of the drive wire or wire, caused by the rotation of the electric motor, and the drive shaft fixed against rotation in the belt in the horizontal and vertical directions.

As a motor drive can be provided in addition to the said electric motor and a hydraulically or pneumatically driven motor. The use of a linear drive of any design is possible.

Furthermore, different drive techniques can be combined.

Preferably, the position of the at least one illuminated display can be detected and regulated by appropriate sensors. It can also be provided that the use of an "infinite" drive or guide cable or wire results in an unambiguous position of the at least one illuminated display.

It may be advantageous if the illuminated display is moved without contact along the display surface, d. H. it does not come to a contact, or the light display is not performed directly on the display surface.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one illuminated display is guided or supported directly on the display surface. For this purpose, the at least one illuminated display preferably has rollers or other support elements on the side facing the display surface.

It can also be provided that the at least one illuminated display is guided in guide rails on the display surface.

By guiding the at least one illuminated display directly on the display surface, oscillations and / or rotation of the at least one illuminated display during the movement can be avoided.

The display surface and / or the at least one illuminated display can also be magnetically formed, whereby the at least one illuminated display can adhere to the display surface by magnetic forces. This also ensures that the light indicator moves flat over the display surface and therefore can not tilt. For example, the display surface may be a ferromagnetic material, such as a soft magnetic material, e.g. As iron, comprise, wherein the at least one indicator has a permanent magnet. The use of one or more permanent magnets in the area or within the display area are possible, wherein the at least one light display can then comprise a soft magnetic material or a counter magnet.

In order to avoid or suppress vibrations during the movement of the at least one illuminated display may also be provided that the movement means comprises means for vibration damping. For example, the movement device can be set up to move the at least one light display mechanically along the display surface using a control loop, whereby unwanted vibrations can be detected and compensated for by an actuated counter-control.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that an input interface for controlling the driving simulation and a computing device for carrying out the driving simulation are provided, wherein the computing device is set up, the moving device a target position and / or a movement speed for the movement of the at least one illuminated display in dependence from inputted via the input interface control data and / or from the current state of the driving simulation.

Preferably, the driving simulator comprises the input interface and / or the computing device.

The input interface may preferably be a realistic cockpit of the vehicle to be simulated within the driving simulation. It may also be provided a real cockpit or a real vehicle with a cockpit, which is adapted for use with the driving simulator accordingly.

The input interface, in particular a cockpit of the vehicle to be simulated or the vehicle itself, can preferably be positioned in front of the display area. The driving simulation can therefore be very realistic. Furthermore, driver assistance systems of the vehicle can be checked by the driving simulation.

The input interface may include, for example, a steering handle, one or more selector lever for controlling the transmission, one or more pedals (for example, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal and possibly a clutch pedal), and possibly other input options.

The computing device for carrying out the driving simulation can be set up to operate the driving simulation displayed on the display surface as a function of the control data input via the input interface. For example, when an accelerator pedal of the input interface is actuated, the computing device can move the simulated vehicle virtually through the driving simulation, with the image of the driving simulation displayed on the display area correspondingly changing.

During the simulation, a change in the position of the simulated vehicle leads to a changed relative position of the subject to simulated light sources and to changed relative distances to these light sources. Thus, it may be necessary to track the at least one illuminated display of the associated light source (s), wherein the position and / or speed of movement of the at least one light source is predetermined by the driving simulation and thus by the computing device.

The computing device can also be set up to predetermine or control the brightness and / or light color of the at least one illuminated display. In particular, the computing device can be set up to set luminous elements of the at least one luminous display individually, individually or in groups in brightness and / or light color.

The activation of the at least one actuator or motor for moving the at least one illuminated display can thus be derived, for example, from a computer program product or its program code means executed on the computer, by means of which the driving simulation is realized. Thus, for example, the position of projected headlights can be read out of the projection software, if necessary corrected by probe-specific values and converted into control data for the motor or motors.

The movement of the at least one illuminated display should be synchronous or largely synchronous with the image signal of the driving simulation, so that it does not cause irritation of the user or the systems to be examined when using the driving simulator, for example by two or more than separately perceived light sources.

The position of the user of the driving simulation or the device to be examined, for example of the driver assistance system, relative to the display surface may optionally be taken into account initially or continuously for aligning the position of the at least one illuminated display. The computing device can also be set up for this purpose.

The computing device can be designed as a microprocessor. Instead of a microprocessor, any further device for implementing the computing device can also be provided, for example one or more discrete electrical component arrays on a printed circuit board, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmable circuit, for example a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLA), a graphics processor (GPU) and / or a commercially available computer.

In a development, it can be provided that the illumination device is connected to the computing device in a wired or wireless manner using a radio standard, preferably WLAN, Bluetooth and / or ZigBee.

The radio standards listed are of course only to be understood as examples. In principle, arbitrary radio standards can be provided in the case of a wireless communication connection between the illumination device and the computing device.

A wireless communication connection between lighting device and computing device has been found to be particularly suitable, since in this embodiment, an additional shadow cast by the wiring can be omitted and also the flexibility in the movement of the at least one light display can be improved.

In a development, it may also be provided that the illumination device can be supplied with electrical energy by cable, battery or battery operated and / or inductively.

In particular, a battery or battery and / or inductively powered lighting device may be advantageous to avoid additional shadow and to ensure the most flexible movement by the movement device.

An inductive power supply can be effected, for example, by an induction device arranged on the rear side of the display surface, which supplies the illumination device, in particular the at least one illuminated display, with electrical energy when it is arranged on the front side of the display surface (facing the input interface or the subject).

In one embodiment of the invention may also be provided that the display surface is designed as a screen and / or projection display area of a video projection device.

Preferably, the driving simulator comprises the possibly existing video projection device.

When using a video projection device, it can be provided that the video projector (s) are mounted behind the input interface, for example the vehicle or its cockpit to be simulated, and project onto a projection display surface mounted in front of the input interface. Alternatively or additionally, one or more video projectors may be placed behind a (partially) transmissive projection display area and project towards the input interface.

For a night driving simulation, a projection display area may be particularly suitable. The video projection device may be a video projection device for a planetarium projection. As a result, a night driving simulation can be imaged particularly close to reality.

In the case of a display surface designed as a screen, it may also be provided that the display surface is composed of several screen segments, for example individual monitors, as far as possible without edges.

The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a driving simulation, in particular for carrying out a night driving simulation, according to which a display area is used to display the driving simulation.

In the method according to the invention, it is provided that a lighting device is used to produce glare effects by mechanically moving at least one illuminated display of the lighting device along the display surface.

In particular, it is provided that the illumination device produces stronger glare effects than the display area.

Features which have already been described in connection with the driving simulator according to the invention are, of course, also advantageously implementable for the method according to the invention or for the illumination device and the computer program product described below - and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages which have already been mentioned in connection with the driving simulator according to the invention can also be understood based on the method according to the invention or on the illumination device and the computer program product - and vice versa.

In the course of the driving simulation, a simultaneous examination of a user of the simulation and / or an electronic device, for example a driver assistance system, may be provided. In this case, tests and records of the perception of the user and / or the electronic device can be made. For example (in the simulation, eg on the display surface or separately from the simulation or the display surface), so-called optotypes (letters, numbers, images or symbols, eg a Landoltring) at a defined time interval Blinding events are presented by oncoming traffic to a user or subjects that must be recognized at least partially and within a defined time for proof of night driving ability.

In one development of the invention, provision can be made for the illumination device to be used to add glare effects to simulated light sources within the driving simulation, in particular simulated headlights of oncoming vehicles, which are displayed on the display surface.

In principle, the illumination device can be used to add glare effects to any simulated light sources within the driving simulation. For example, glare effects can be added to simulated street lights, special optical signals from emergency vehicles, reflections, etc.

The light color of the glare effect can preferably be adapted to the light color of the simulated light source. For example, a glare effect can be realistically generated by a simulated special optical signal of a police deployment vehicle by setting the at least one light display to a bluish light color.

Furthermore, light brightness, emission angle and / or shape of the glare can be adapted to the simulated light source by the at least one illuminated display depending on the situation. For example, can the brightness of the at least one illuminated display provided for glare is continuously increased as the simulated vehicle moves toward the associated simulated light source.

By a step-by-step activation of the illuminated display, in particular a light-matrix display with a plurality of light-emitting elements, it is thus possible, for example, to realistically emulate headlights of oncoming simulated vehicles both in the emitting surface and in the light intensity.

In a further development, it can be provided that at least one illuminated display is assigned to the at least one light source simulated within the driving simulation, in particular a simulated headlight of an oncoming vehicle, and is moved along the display surface such that the at least one illuminated display simulates a simulated movement of the at least one simulated Light source on the display surface follows to create a glare effect for a user of the simulation.

For example, the driving of the illumination device in an oncoming simulated vehicle with two simulated headlights can be done using two light displays that initially touch laterally while the oncoming vehicle is still far away and only at the moment when both simulated headlights separate are different from each other, moved away from each other and assigned to a respective headlight to achieve the highest possible local match of glare and simulated headlights.

The invention also relates to a lighting device for use with a driving simulator described above, wherein at least one light display is provided, which is mechanically movable in front of and / or behind a display surface of the driving simulator along the display surface.

Moreover, the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means for performing an above method when the program is executed on a computing device of a driving simulator.

In addition, it should be noted that the terms such as "comprising," "having," or "having" do not exclude other features or steps. Further, terms such as "a" or "that" indicating a singular number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with each other. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be readily connected by a person skilled in the art to further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

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

• 1 einen Fahrsimulator in einer ersten Ausführung in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 einen Fahrsimulator in einer zweiten Ausführung in einer Seitenansicht;
• 3 einen Fahrsimulator in einer dritten Ausführung in einer Ansicht auf die Anzeigefläche;
• 4 eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit einer Leuchtmatrixanzeige, die eine Mehrzahl ringförmig ineinander angeordneter Leuchtelemente aufweist;
• 5 eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit zwei Leuchtmatrixanzeigen, die jeweils rasterförmig angeordnete Leuchtelemente aufweisen, in einem ersten Simulationszeitpunkt;
• 6 eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit zwei Leuchtmatrixanzeigen, die jeweils rasterförmig angeordnete Leuchtelemente aufweisen, in einem zweiten Simulationszeitpunkt;
• 7 eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit zwei Leuchtmatrixanzeigen, die jeweils rasterförmig angeordnete Leuchtelemente aufweisen, in einem dritten Simulationszeitpunkt; und
• 8 eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit zwei Leuchtmatrixanzeigen, die jeweils rasterförmig angeordnete Leuchtelemente aufweisen, in einem vierten Simulationszeitpunkt.

They show schematically:

• 1 a driving simulator in a first embodiment in a side view;
• 2 a driving simulator in a second embodiment in a side view;
• 3 a driving simulator in a third embodiment in a view of the display surface;
• 4 a lighting device with a luminous matrix display, which has a plurality of annularly arranged one inside the other luminous elements;
• 5 a lighting device with two light matrix displays, each having grid-like arranged light elements, in a first simulation time;
• 6 a lighting device with two light matrix displays, each having grid-shaped arranged lighting elements, in a second simulation time;
• 7 a lighting device with two light matrix displays, each having grid-shaped arranged lighting elements, in a third simulation time; and
• 8th a lighting device with two light matrix displays, each having grid-shaped arranged lighting elements, in a fourth simulation time.

1 shows a driving simulator according to the invention 1 in a side view. The driving simulator 1 includes a display area 2 for displaying a driving simulation, a lighting device 3 To create glare effects, a movement device 4 , by means of which the lighting device 3 mechanically along the display surface 2 is movable, an input interface 5 for controlling the driving simulation, a computing device 6 to Implementation of the driving simulation and a video projection device 7 ,

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the illumination device comprises 3 a light indicator 8th that have a rope robot 9 the movement device 4 along the display area 2 is movable. Basically, the movement device 4 at least one rail system 10 , at least one magnet system 11 (see. 2 ) to the at least one indicator light 8th to move by magnetic forces, at least one cable system 12 and / or at least one cable robot 9 include.

It can be provided that the at least one indicator light 8th directly on the display surface 2 guided or supported, as in the embodiment of 1 through the use of roles 13 on the display surface 2 facing side of the light 8th are arranged, is realized.

To carry out the movement, the movement device 4 have any actuators. In the 1 is an example of an electric motor 14 shown, its rotational movement on a drive cable 15 (or a drive wire) is transmitted, causing the light indicator 8th is movable. For example, an electric motor 14 for the movement of the illuminated display 8th be provided in any desired direction of movement; the representation of 1 is simplified accordingly here.

The rope robot 9 of the embodiment of 1 For example, a combination of two rails 16 , above and below the display area 2 are arranged, and a vertical cable system 12 provided.

In the exemplary embodiments, the at least one illuminated display 8th each in front of the display area 2 parallel to the display area 2 moved mechanically. In principle, it is also possible that at least one indicator light 8th behind the display area 2 to move, especially if the display area 2 is at least partially transparent.

In the embodiments of the 1 and 2 illustrated display area 2 is as a projection display area of a video projection device 7 educated. Basically, the display area 2 but also be designed as a screen, as in the following 3 shown.

The computing device 6 is with the video projection device 7 electrically connected to the current state of the driving simulation via the video projection device 7 on the display surface 2 display. Furthermore, the computing device 6 with the input interface 5 for controlling the driving simulation and with the illumination device 3 as well as with the movement device 4 electrically connected (not shown for simplicity). Thus, the computing device 6 be set up, the movement device 4 a target position P (cf. 3 ) and / or a movement speed v (cf. 3 ) for the movement of the at least one indicator light 8th depending on the input interface 5 entered control data and / or from the current state of the driving simulation.

At the input interface 5 it can be a part of a cockpit or a cockpit of the vehicle to be simulated (as in the 1 and 2 shown). But it can also be provided, the real vehicle to be simulated as an input interface 5 to use and in front of the display area 2 to arrange.

In 2 is an embodiment of the 1 basically similar embodiment shown. In the embodiment of the 2 includes the movement device 4 however a magnet system 11 to the light indicator 8th to move by magnetic forces. This is a magnetic slide 17 behind the display area 2 arranged, which includes a permanent magnet, for example. The magnet carriage 17 is like a rope robot behind the display area 2 movable. On the front of the display area 2 is a light indicator 8th provided, for example, a counter-magnet or even a soft magnetic material, such as iron, and by the magnetic forces generated by the magnetic slide 17 go out, be held and guided. In this way, if necessary, a shadow of the movement device 4 be reduced because on the front of the display area 2 floating the indicator light 8th is arranged.

The light indicator 8th may optionally have rollers or lubricants, so that the light indicator 8th low friction on the display surface 2 is movable.

In 3 another embodiment is shown. The figure shows a plan view of a display surface 2 , which is designed here as a screen. The input interface 5 is not shown here.

In 3 are exemplary two lights 8.1 . 8.2 provided, in each case in two translational degrees of freedom x, y along the display surface 2 are movable. Basically, when using multiple lights 8.1 . 8.2 be provided that a first light 8.1 independent of a second indicator light 8.2 along the display area 2 is movable, preferably all provided light indicators 8.1 . 8.2 individually along the display surface 2 are movable.

According to the invention, the illumination device 3 used to simulated light sources within the driving simulation, in particular simulated headlamps 18 oncoming vehicles 19 on the display area 2 to add glare effects. In the 3 is an example of a simulated motor vehicle 19 with two simulated headlights 18 shown. Here is the second indicator 8.2 by way of example already at its target position above one of the simulated headlights 18 shown. The first light 8.1 is from the movement device 4 after specification of the target position P and / or movement speed v by the computing device 6 subsequently to the target position P on the second simulated headlight 18 emotional.

In principle, it is provided that at least one indicator light 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 at least one simulated within the driving simulation light source, in particular a simulated headlight 18 an oncoming simulated vehicle 19 , is assigned and so along the display area 2 is moved, that the at least one indicator light 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 a simulated movement of the at least one simulated light source on the display surface 2 follows to produce for a user or a driver assistance system to be examined a glare effect, which apparently emanates from the simulated light source.

Also in the embodiment of 3 become rope robots 9 as part of the movement device 4 used to display the respective indicator 8.1 . 8.2 to move. It is provided that the respective cable robot 9 two guide wires 20 (Alternatively / additionally, also guide ropes are possible), which are on opposite sides of the illuminated display 8.1 . 8.2 are guided. For example, harpsichord wire can be used, which is characterized by particularly suitable material properties, in particular a low tendency to creep. To guide appropriate eyelets 21 on the sides of the indicator 8.1 . 8.2 be provided.

A movement of the respective illuminated display 8.1 . 8.2 or the rope robot 9 can be done using the guide wires 20 or one or more drive cables 15 (or drive wires) take place. Also harpsichord wire may be used for this. In the exemplary embodiment, a drive cable is in each case 15 provided to a lifting movement of the respective indicator 8.1 . 8.2 to be able to make an opposite vertical downward movement using gravity and a rolling of the drive cable 15 can be done. In principle, but also a drive cable 15 (or a drive wire) may be provided for movement in the opposite direction.

To perform a horizontal movement are two rails 16 above and below the display area 2 provided, with the drive of the rails 16 inserted slide 22 also using a drive cable 15 (or drive wire) takes place. For driving the drive cables 15 are corresponding electric motors 14 intended. For simplicity, in 3 only three electric motors 14 shown, for example, to move the first light 8.1 are usable, wherein a first electric motor 14 for carrying out the vertical movement upward, a second electric motor 14 to carry out a movement in the 3 to the left and a third electric motor 14 may be provided to perform an opposite movement to the right. Corresponding pulleys 23 can the drive cables 15 to the respective electric motors 14 to lead.

In 4 is an exemplary lighting device 3 shown. The lighting device has two grommets 24 on, for example, two drive cables 15 at the lighting device 3 to fix. Furthermore, the side eyelets 21 for holding guidewires 20 (or guide ropes) shown. The lighting device 3 the 4 is configured to wirelessly using a wireless standard, such as WLAN, Bluetooth and / or ZigBee, with the computing device 6 to communicate. Alternatively or additionally, a wired communication connection with the computing device 6 to be possible. In the 4 illustrated illumination device 3 is also battery or battery powered with electrical energy. This is exemplified by a battery 25 for use in a battery interface 26 shown. Basically, the lighting device 3 but also be supplied with electrical energy by cable and / or inductively.

The light indicator 8th the lighting device 3 the 4 has a plurality of annularly arranged one inside the other lighting elements 27 on. Alternatively or additionally, a light indicator 8th also grid-shaped arranged rectangular lighting elements 28 (or other shaped lighting elements, eg also round lighting elements), as in the 3 such as 5 to 8th shown. In the case of grid-shaped arranged light elements 28 In particular, a row and column arrangement may be advantageous. But it can also be provided that the light indicator 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 having only a single luminous element.

The light indicator 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 can in particular be designed as a luminous matrix display, for example as a light-emitting diode matrix, incandescent matrix and / or gas discharge lamp matrix.

The brightness and / or light color of the at least one illuminated display 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 can be individually, jointly or in groups controllable. It can also be provided (not shown in the exemplary embodiment) that the at least one illuminated display 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 one or more color filters to the brightness and / or light color of the lighting elements 27 . 28 the indicator light 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 to steer together, individually or in groups.

In the embodiment of the 4 illustrated illumination device 3 may be provided in particular that a simulated headlight 18 an approaching simulated vehicle 19 is provided with a glare effect in that the brightness of the indicator light 8th during the simulated approach of the simulated vehicle 19 is increased by gradually from inside to outside lighting elements 27 switched on and / or regulated in their respective brightness.

An exemplary use of two lights 8.1 . 8.2 with grid-shaped light elements 28 is in the 5 to 8th shown. The lights 8.1 . 8.2 are used by way of example to the headlamps 18 an oncoming simulated vehicle 19 Add dazzling effects.

5 shows a state of driving simulation in which the headlights 18 of the oncoming simulated vehicle 19 are still too far away to be separately recognizable or to be presented. The lights 8.1 . 8.2 are used mirror-symmetrically to the distant headlights 18 together as a single point of light or as a single blinding source perceptible represent. During the driving simulation, the simulated vehicle approaches 19 steady, with individual temporal states or the temporal sequence in the 5 to 8th is shown.

It is advantageous to glare effects of distant simulated light sources 18 initially using lighting elements 28 add to the outer edge of the light indicator 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 located (for example, at the top or bottom) and to enhance the glare effect gradually further inside light elements 28 to switch on. This makes it possible to use the simulated light sources 18 through the lights 8th . 8.1 . 8.2 initially as little as possible to obscure.

Alternatively, it is also possible to have distant light sources 18 first using a lighting element 28 or individual lighting elements 28 located in the middle or at least within a grid-shaped arrangement of luminous elements 28 to add dazzling effects and gradually add surrounding or surrounding light to enhance the glare effect 28 to switch on.

In the embodiment, the preferred variant is shown in the lighting elements 28 starting from an edge of the lights 8.1 . 8.2 at closer coming simulated light source 18 be switched on. In 5 In this regard, initially only three light elements 28 in the upper right corner of the left indicator 8.1 and three light elements 28 in the upper left corner of the right LED 8.2 active.

In 6 is the glare effect of the lighting device 3 already raised, with the headlights 18 still not perceptible separately and by the control of the upper lighting elements 28 the lights 8.1 . 8.2 only partially obscured.

In 7 are the two headlights 18 of the simulated oncoming vehicle 19 already separately perceptible and can on the respective light displays 8.1 . 8.2 individually as a respective blending source.

8th shows a state of driving simulation in which the simulated oncoming vehicle 19 already very close and therefore a correspondingly strong glare effect is desired. By moving the lights apart 8.1 . 8.2 can also be any distance between the simulated headlamps 18 be considered in the simulation.

Claims (18)

Driving simulator (1), comprising a display surface (2) for displaying a driving simulation, wherein a lighting device (3) is provided to produce glare effects, wherein the illumination device (3) comprises at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2), via a movement device (4) is mechanically movable along the display surface (2), characterized in that the movement device (4) is formed, the at least one light display (8, 8.1, 8.2) in at least two translational degrees of freedom (x, y) along the display surface (2) and wherein the moving means (4) at least one rail system (10), at least one magnetic system (11) to at least one of the illuminated display (8, 8.1, 8.2) to move by magnetic forces Cable system (12) and / or at least one cable robot (9). Driving simulator (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2) in front of and / or behind the display surface (2) parallel to the display surface (2) is mechanically movable. Driving simulator (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one illuminated display (8, 8.1, 8.2) is designed as a light matrix display, in particular as a light-emitting diode matrix, incandescent lamp matrix and / or gas discharge lamp matrix. Driving simulator (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the at least one luminous matrix display has a plurality of luminous elements (27, 28) whose brightness and / or light color can be controlled jointly, individually or in groups. Driving simulator (1) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one luminous matrix display comprises one or more color filters for controlling the brightness and / or light color of the luminous elements (27, 28) of the luminous matrix display jointly, individually or in groups. Driving simulator (1) after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the at least one luminous matrix display has a plurality of luminous elements (27) arranged in annular fashion inside one another and / or luminous elements (28) arranged in the form of a grid. Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the movement device (4) when using a plurality of light indicators (8, 8.1, 8.2) is formed to at least a first light indicator (8.1) independently of a second light indicator (8.2) along the display surface (2) to move, preferably to move all provided light indicators (8, 8.1, 8.2) individually along the display surface (2). Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the at least one cable robot (9) of the movement device (4) for the movement of the at least one light display (8, 8.1, 8.2) comprises two guide cables or two guide wires (20), the light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2 ) to lead. Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2) directly on the display surface (2) is guided or supported, and preferably on the display surface (2) side facing rollers (13). Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that an input interface (5) for controlling the driving simulation and a computing device (6) are provided for carrying out the driving simulation, wherein the computing device (6) is set up, the movement device (4) a target position (P) and / or a Movement speed (v) for the movement of the at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2) in response to input via the input interface (5) input control data and / or from the current state of the driving simulation. Driving simulator (1) after Claim 10 , characterized in that the illumination device (3) is wired or wirelessly using a wireless standard, preferably WLAN, Bluetooth and / or ZigBee, communicatively connected to the computing device (6). Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the lighting device (3) is cabled, battery-powered, battery-powered and / or inductively supplied with electrical energy. Driving simulator (1) after one of Claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that the display surface (2) as a screen and / or projection display surface of a video projection device (7) is formed. Method for carrying out a driving simulation, in particular for carrying out a night driving simulation, according to which a display surface (2) is used to display the driving simulation, wherein a lighting device (3) is used to produce glare effects by providing at least one light display (8, 8.1, 8.2) the lighting device (3) is moved mechanically along a movement device (4) along the display surface (2), characterized in that the movement device (4) is formed, the at least one light display (8, 8.1, 8.2) in at least two translational degrees of freedom (x , y) move along the display surface (2), and wherein the movement device (4) at least one rail system (10), at least one magnetic system (11) to move the at least one light display (8, 8.1, 8.2) by magnetic forces, at least one cable system (12) and / or at least one cable robot (9). Method according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the illumination device (3) is used to add glare effects within the driving simulation of simulated light sources, in particular simulated headlights (18) of oncoming vehicles (19) displayed on the display surface (2). Method according to Claim 15 , characterized in that at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2) of at least one simulated within the driving simulation light source, in particular a simulated headlamp (18) of an oncoming vehicle (19) is assigned, and is moved along the display surface (2) in that the at least one illuminated display (8, 8.1, 8.2) follows a simulated movement of the at least one simulated light source on the display surface (2) to produce a glare effect for a user of the simulation. Lighting device (3) of a driving simulator (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that at least one light indicator (8, 8.1, 8.2) is provided, which is mechanically movable in front of and / or behind a display surface (2) of the driving simulator (1) along the display surface (2). Computer program product with program code means for carrying out a method according to one of the Claims 14 to 16 perform when the program on a computing device (6) of a driving simulator (1) is executed.

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