DE102017209148A1 - Adaptive headlamp device with high-resolution lighting device and corresponding operating method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a headlight device with high-resolution lighting device and a corresponding operating method. The headlight device is equipped with a controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2), which is designed so that it can selectively fade in and out a plurality of beam segments (L1a, L1b) in a predetermined beam region (L1, L2). L) for scanning emission of light pulses (E1, E2) into the beam segments (L1a, L1b) and for receiving reflected light pulses (E1 ', E2') from the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a ', L1b') of the beam region (L1 , L2 'L1') and a control device (ECU) for detecting predetermined received light pulses (E1 ', E2') of the lidar device (L), for assigning the detected predetermined light pulses (E1 ', E2') from the beam region (L1, L2 ) to one or more predetermined objects (R, R1, R2) and for adaptively driving the beam segments (L1a, L1b) of the lighting device (LA1, LA2), which are directed to the associated predetermined objects (R, R1, R2).

Description

The invention relates to an adaptive headlight device with high-resolution lighting device and a corresponding operating method.

State of the art

Tamburo R. et al. (2014) Programmable Automotive Headlights. In: Fleet D., Pajdla T., Schiele B., Tuytelaars T. (eds) Computer Vision - ECCV 2014. ECCV 2014. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8692. Springer, Cham describe headlamp devices that can hide raindrops and snowflakes and thus reduce the reflexes of the reflected light for the driver. The driver can thus better perceive objects in the rain. The position of raindrops or snowflakes in front of the headlight is detected by a camera. An arithmetic unit calculates the trajectory of the drop or the flake. In the headlight device, a beam is then generated by means of DLP technology, which blocks out these drops or flakes. The known system requires a separate camera for each headlight. Also, after hiding the drop or the flake is difficult or impossible to detect with the camera.

The DE 102 27 170 A1 describes a method and a device for controlling the light distribution of a motor vehicle, wherein the lying ahead of the vehicle vehicle environment is detected by a camera system whose detection range is at least greater than the range of the current light distribution of the headlights of the vehicle. An image processing system detects potential obstacles outside the range of the current light distribution of the headlights from the camera data and causes the light distribution to change so that the potential obstacle is at least partially illuminated by the headlight.

The DE 10 2006 044 794 A1 describes a vehicle-based lidar system with a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit is integrated in a vehicle lamp.

Controllable high-resolution lighting fixtures for headlamps are known from Gut, Rivero, Berlitz, Neumann "Novel lighting functions for high-resolution headlamp systems", VDE Optical Technologies in Automotive Engineering, 2016.

LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is a radar-related method for optical distance and velocity measurement and remote sensing of atmospheric parameters. Instead of the radio waves at the radar, laser beams are used in the LIDAR.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention provides a headlight device with high-resolution lighting device according to claim 1 and corresponding operating method according to claim 10.

Preferred developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The idea underlying the present invention is to precisely detect and assign predetermined objects and to adaptively control beam segments of the lighting device which are directed to the associated predetermined objects. Existing components can be used. Due to the high sampling rate of the lidar device with light pulses, ie visible or invisible light pulses, effects due to the proper movement of the headlight, e.g. of the corresponding vehicle. Elaborate calculations of various sensor data are omitted.

According to a preferred development, the predetermined objects comprise raindrops and / or snowflakes and / or hailstones, wherein the control device is designed such that it adaptively switches off jet segments which are directed to the raindrops and / or snowflakes and / or hailstones. By Lidarvorrichtung the position of the raindrops and / or snowflakes and / or hailstones can always be accurately determined, with a complex and trouble-prone calculation of a trajectory deleted. Rain and / or snow and / or hail can be detected independently of the illumination.

According to a further preferred development, the predetermined objects comprise a road surface, wherein the control device is designed such that it adaptively configures the luminous distribution of the beam segments, which road surface are directed, according to a detected curvature of the road surface. Using the surface data of the road surface of the Lidarvorrichtung the contour of the road surface can be optimally detected. A projection onto the surface is optimally visible and readable for the driver. In particular, arrows or dashes are not distorted, and the driver gets the relevant information displayed optimally.

According to a further preferred development, the predetermined received light pulses of the lidar device correspond to certain Signal strengths and / or specific runtimes. In this way, specific reflexes can be filtered out selectively.

According to a further preferred development, the controllable high-resolution lighting device and / or the lidar device comprises a laser scanner device with a laser source and a controllable micromirror. Such a laser scanning device is highly precise and requires little space.

According to a further preferred development, the controllable high-resolution lighting device comprises a micro-LED matrix lamp.

According to a further preferred development, the controllable high-resolution lighting device comprises a DLP or LCD beamer.

According to a further preferred development, the controllable high-resolution lighting device has a segment resolution of less than 0.5 °. Thus, even the smallest objects, e.g. Snowflakes or raindrops, hide at close range.

According to a further preferred development, the controllable high-resolution lighting device, the lidar device and the control device are integrated in a headlight. Such a construction is space-saving and can also be retrofitted.

list of figures

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments with reference to the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer adaptiven Scheinwerfervorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer adaptiven Scheinwerfervorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer adaptiven Scheinwerfervorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 4 ein Blockdiagamm zum Erläutern des Signalflusses der adaptiven Scheinwerfervorrichtung gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
• 4 a block diagram for explaining the signal flow of the adaptive headlamp device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the figures, like reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical elements.

1 shows a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In 1 denotes reference numeral 1 a vehicle front part, which is a first headlamp device S1 with a controllable high-resolution first lighting device LA1 and a second headlamp device S2 with a second controllable high-resolution lighting device LA2 having. The controllable high-resolution lighting devices LA1 . LA2 For example, micro-LED matrix lights have a respective pixel array (not shown).

The pixel arrays are designed to be in a respective predetermined beam area L1 according to headlight device S1 and L2 according to headlight device S2 a plurality of beam segments, for example L1a in the beam area L1 and L1b in the beam area L2 , selectively fade in and out. It should also be understood by fading in and out.

Furthermore, it is approximately in the middle of the vehicle front part 1 a lidar device L provided, which for the scanning emission of light pulses, for example E1 . E2 , in the beam segments, for example L1a . L1b , and for receiving reflected light pulses, for example E1 ' . E2 ' , from the beam segments, for example L1a . L1b , is designed. In the present case, the lidar device L designed so that they both beam areas L1, L2 can scan completely.

reference numeral ECU denotes a control unit, which with the headlight devices S1 , S2 and the lidar device L is connected.

In this example, there is a rain front with raindrops R . R1 . R2 in the beam areas L1 . L2 ,

In operation, the lidar device transmits in the form of a scan, which is a scan area in the beam areas L1 . L2 corresponds to light pulses, for example E1 . E2 , in the beam segments, for example L1a . L1b , In the case of light pulses E1 . E2 These are due to raindrops R1 respectively. R2 reflected and to Lidareinrichtung L returned. The returned laser pulses E1 ' respectively. E2 ' be from the lidar device L detected. Using a transit time measurement, the current vehicle speed and the respective direction of the received reflections, the location of the raindrop R1 . R2 be determined in the space in front of the vehicle, either in the Lidareinrichtung L or in the control device ECU , The control device ECU then fits the beam segments of both headlamp devices S1 . S2 such that the headlamp devices S1 . S2 around the raindrops R1 . R2 radiate around and no longer directly illuminate them. These are the beam segments L1a and L1b selectively turned off as long as the raindrops R1 . R2 determined in the relevant segment. Disturbing reflections of raindrops R1 , R2 are thereby avoided and objects which are farther away from the vehicle can be more easily recognized by the driver.

The operation is a dynamic process with a sampling rate in the kilohertz range and thus provides real-time information about the respective position of the raindrops R1 . R2 at different times.

In this case, it is preferable to hide the raindrops at least in a near zone in front of the vehicle, which can be selectively achieved by a transit time filter or a signal strength filter for the received reflexes.

Thus, it is possible to prevent looking too far into the space in front of the vehicle, which would result in too many reflections with corresponding blanking, leading to an excessive darkening of the beam areas L1 . L2 would lead.

To achieve a good resolution, the lighting fixtures should LA1 . LA2 have a segment resolution of less than 0.5 ° and the lidar device L have a correspondingly low resolution of typically less than 0.5 °. Although the light segments with detected raindrops are completely blanked out in the embodiments described above, they can only be dimmed.

As soon as raindrops are no longer detected in the relevant beam segment, the associated beam segments of the lighting devices become LA1 . LA2 switched on again as long as the headlamp device is in operation.

Although in the above example, a detection of objects, in particular raindrops or snowflakes, takes place by a total reflection of the light pulses, it is conceivable that the light pulses are only scattered or completely absorbed. In this case, the lidar device receives L no reflex signal, whereby it is also possible to interpret the missing signal as raindrops and so on. In this case, it would be possible to estimate the location of raindrops or other objects using appropriate statistics.

2 shows a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment of the headlamp device according to the invention S1 ' are the corresponding lidar device L 'and lighting device LA' shown in more detail.

The controllable high-resolution lighting device LA 'includes a micro LED matrix lamp with a pixel array LEM ,

The lidar device in the second embodiment comprises a laser scanner device with a laser source Q and a controllable micromirror MS which can be pivoted about at least two axes such that it has a corresponding projection area in the beam area of the controllable high-resolution lighting device LA 'can generate. A light pulse emitted via the micromirror device MS LA is reflected in the present example by a raindrop R0 and by means of a in the Lidareinrichtung L ' provided detector device as a reflected light pulse LR detected.

Controlled by the controller ECU as already mentioned above 1 described, the beam segment L1a ' are selectively hidden, so that the raindrop R0 is no longer directly irradiated, but is irradiated around it, as illustrated by the beam segment L1b ' , which remains on.

For clarity, here are only the two beam segments L1a ' and L1b ' the plurality of existing beam segments of the lighting device LA 'presented.

Otherwise, the operation of the headlight device S1 ' identical to the operation of the headlight device S1 according to 1 ,

In particular, it should be emphasized that the structure according to 2 in a common housing of the headlight device S1 ' can be integrated.

Compared to the first embodiment described above, a separate lidar device would then be provided for each headlight, which increases the accuracy and performance, but increases the costs if a lidar device is already provided in the vehicle.

3 shows a schematic representation of an adaptive headlight device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, reference numeral designates 100 a motor vehicle, wherein in the vehicle front area 1 an adaptive headlamp device S1 " and a lidar device L " are integrated. In the present example, the headlamp device is aimed S1 " by means of a (not shown) controllable high-resolution lighting device, a light beam in the beam area L1 ' , which in the low beam mode on the road surface F which is typically 10 to 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100 lies.

The lidar device L " Scans the surface of the road surface F in the impact area of the beam area L1 ' and thus detects a curvature or a height profile of the surface of the road surface F ,

Using the information obtained by the scanner, the luminous distribution of the beam segments of the headlamp device can be determined S1 " adjust to the distortions of the road surface F to correct from the driver's image.

Thus, the surface of the road surface can F and the information contained thereon, such as markings, are displayed optimally for the driver.

Typical values for the angular resolution of the lidar device L " emitted light pulses e are less than 0.5 °, preferably 0.15 °, the surface resolution for 10 m distance would be about 2.6 cm and for 25 m distance about 6.5 cm.

For the contour calculation of the road surface F become the direct reflexes of the road surface F , here for example E'a, used.

However, with this type of scan of the lidar device, multiple reflections may also occur, as here for example by the reflex e'b to the raindrop R3 back and through the reflex E'c from the raindrop R3 back to Lidareinrichtung. In addition, of course, direct reflections of raindrops, for example R3 , to be obtained.

Thus, this third embodiment, which also provides a combination of the contour detection of the road surface F and an object detection, such as raindrop detection, both information for adaptively driving the beam segments of the high-resolution lighting device of the headlamp device S1 "can be used.

4 FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the signal flow of the adaptive headlight device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The in 4 shown signal flow of the lidar device L " provides that light pulses, for example E ' E2 ' . E3 ' are sent out in a scan-like manner and emitted by the lidar device L "and their reflexes again by the lidar device L " be recorded. The controller then calculates ECU' Correction information for the control of the controllable high-resolution lighting device LA " , Thus, the beam range can be L1 ' according to the correction information regarding the contour of the road surface F and possibly further information, such as information about raindrops or snowflakes, adapt in real time.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. In particular, the mentioned geometries are only exemplary and not limited to the illustrated examples.

Although in the above embodiments, controllable high-resolution lighting devices in the form of micro-LED matrix lights have been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, but other high-resolution lighting devices, such. DLP projectors, LCD beamer, laser scanner, etc. can be used as a high-resolution lighting device.

Likewise, the lidar device is not limited to the micromirror / laser array.

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

• DE 10227170 A1 [0003]
• DE 102006044794 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Adaptive headlight device with: a controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") which is designed such that it has a multiplicity of beam segments (L1a, L1b; L1a', L1b ') in a given beam region (L1, L2; L1') can selectively fade in and out; lidar means (L; L '; L ") for scanning light pulses (E1, E2; LA; E', E"; E "') into the beam segments (L1a, L1b; L1a', L1b ') and for receiving reflected light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E'a, E'b, E'c) from the beam segments (L1a, L1b; L1a ', L1b') of the beam region (L1, L2; L1 '); and a control device (ECU; ECU) for detecting predetermined received light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E'a, E'b, E'c) of the lidar device (L; L '; L ") for assigning the detected predetermined light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E'a, E'b, E'c) from the beam region (L1, L2; L1 ') to one or more predetermined objects (R, R1, R2; R0; R3 , F) and for adaptively driving the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a ', L1b') of the lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") which are directed to the associated predetermined objects (R, R1, R2; R0; R3 , F) are directed. Adaptive headlamp device after Claim 1 wherein the predetermined objects (R, R1, R2; R0; R3) include raindrops and / or snowflakes and / or hailstones, and the controller (ECU;) is configured to include beam segments (L1a, L1b; L1a ', L1b '), which are directed to the raindrops and / or snowflakes and / or hailstones, adaptively switched off. Adaptive headlamp device after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the predetermined objects (F) comprise a pavement and the control means (ECU; ECU) is arranged to control the luminous distribution of the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a ', L1b') facing the pavement according to a detected curvature of the road surface adaptively designed. Adaptive headlamp device after Claim 1 . 2 or 3 , wherein the predetermined received light pulses (E1 ', E2';LB;E'a,E'b,E'c) of the lidar device '(L;L'; L ") correspond to specific signal strengths and / or specific transit times. Adaptive headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") and / or the lidar device (L; L'; L") comprises a laser scanner device (Q, MS) with a laser source (Q ) and a controllable micromirror (MS). Adaptive headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") comprises a micro-LED matrix lamp. Adaptive headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") comprises a DLP or LCD beamer. Adaptive headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") has a segment resolution of less than 0.5 °. Adaptive headlight device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA "), the lidar device (L; L'; L") and the control device (ECU; , S2, S1 ', S1 ") are integrated. Method for adaptively operating a headlamp device with a controllable high-resolution lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") which is designed such that in a given beam region (L1, L2; L1') a plurality of beam segments (L1a, L1b L1a ', L1b') can selectively fade in and out, with the steps: scanning light pulses (E1, E2; LA; E ', E "; E'") into the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a ', L1b') and for receiving reflected light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E 'a, E'b, E'c) from the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a', L1b ') of the beam region (L1, L2, L1') by means of a lidar device (L; L '; L "); and Detecting predetermined received light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E'a, E'b, E'c) of the lidar device (L; L '; L "); Assigning the detected predetermined light pulses (E1 ', E2'; LB; E'a, E'b, E'c) from the beam region (L1, L2; L1 ') to one or more predetermined objects (R, R1, R2; R0; R3, F); and adaptively driving the beam segments (L1a, L1b, L1a ', L1b') of the lighting device (LA1, LA2; LA '; LA ") directed to the associated predetermined objects (R, R1, R2; R0; R3, F) ,

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