DE102019103743A1 - Receiving information by a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

According to a method for receiving information by a motor vehicle (1), an information carrier (2) is provided which has at least two areas. At least one optical and / or one geometric property of the at least two areas can be changed in order to selectively set one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2). The method also includes the emission of several light pulses by means of an active optical sensor system (6) of the motor vehicle, recording of portions (5) of the light pulses reflected by the at least two areas by means of the active optical sensor system (6) and determining the set state based on the reflected portions (5) of the light pulses.

Description

The invention relates to a method for receiving information by a motor vehicle, an information carrier being provided which has at least two areas. The invention also relates to an information carrier for providing information for a motor vehicle, a detection system for receiving information from a motor vehicle with a control unit and an active optical sensor system, and an associated computer program.

The recognition of patterns which belong to a traffic-relevant object in the surroundings of a motor vehicle can be necessary for various applications. For example, a pattern on the back of a motor vehicle, for example in a column of autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles, can be recognized by a following vehicle, for example to receive information about the vehicle ahead, a traffic situation or other information. Other examples are the detection of traffic light phases or the identification of emergency vehicles, for example fire brigade, police or the like.

The pamphlet GB 2540039 A describes a method to operate a vehicle as a follower in a convoy. An optical detector system, which is designed as a camera, detects a pattern which is arranged on a leading vehicle. A receiving system of the following vehicle receives data sent by the leading vehicle as a function of the detected pattern. The data represent moving states of the leading vehicle and an electronic control unit of the following vehicle adjusts the moving state of the following vehicle based on the received data. The pattern is designed as a barcode.

Known approaches have various disadvantages. On the one hand, information that is represented by the pattern or the barcode is fixed and cannot be changed while driving. A change in the information requires, for example, a change in the pattern itself. However, in particular in a dynamically changing environment of the following vehicle, a dynamic adaptation of the information would also be desirable.

Furthermore, the use of cameras as a detector system for the following vehicle requires comparatively good ambient light conditions. As a result, difficulties in recognizing the pattern can arise in poor weather conditions, fog, rain, snow or in the dark. This can limit the reliability of the pattern and information recognition.

In addition, the pattern on the vehicle in front takes up space on the surface of the motor vehicle, which is consequently not available for advertising or other purposes. For the corresponding reasons, it is not easy to attach such a pattern to other traffic-relevant objects, for example traffic lights or the like, since the barcode is visible to human viewers and could therefore interfere with the display of the traffic light, for example.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to specify an improved concept for an information exchange between a traffic-relevant object and a motor vehicle which can be used more flexibly in different situations.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a method, an information carrier, a detection system and a computer program according to the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments and refinements.

The improved concept is based on the idea of providing, on the one hand, an information carrier that has a variable optical and / or geometric property and, on the other hand, of using an active optical sensor system for scanning the information carrier. A state of the information carrier that has been set using the changeability of the optical and / or geometric property can then be determined by scanning.

According to a first independent aspect of the improved concept, a method for receiving information by a motor vehicle is specified, wherein an information carrier is provided outside the motor vehicle which has at least two areas. At least one optical and / or one geometric property of the at least two areas can be changed in order to selectively set one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier. Several light pulses are transmitted to the information carrier by means of an active optical sensor system of the motor vehicle. Components of the light pulses reflected by the at least two areas are detected by means of the active optical sensor system and the set state of the information carrier is determined based on the reflected components of the light pulses.

The information carrier can, for example, be attached to a traffic-relevant object, such as another motor vehicle, for example a motor vehicle driving ahead in a convoy, an emergency vehicle such as a fire engine, a police vehicle or an ambulance, a device for regulating traffic, for example a traffic light, a lane boundary , a building and so on.

The at least two areas are in particular spatially defined areas, in particular on a surface of the information carrier. If the information carrier is attached to the traffic-relevant object as intended, the at least two areas can be reached in particular by the light pulses.

The at least two predefined states of the information carrier correspond, for example, to information that can be received by the motor vehicle. This can be different information, properties or states of the traffic-relevant object or further information that is not directly related to the traffic-relevant object, for example a road surface, an outside or road temperature or other environmental conditions. It can also be information, in particular danger, traffic or warning information or a traffic light phase, information about free parking spaces in a parking garage, opening times of an authority, a route command or route instruction, for example from the vehicle in front, or information about controlling a convoy act.

The at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas can comprise at least one optical and / or geometric property of one or more areas of the at least two areas.

In particular, the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas is characterized in that they influence the reflected components of the light pulses, for example an amount of reflected light, i.e. a reflected intensity or a direction or directional distribution of the reflected components.

The fact that the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas can be changed means in particular that the respective property can be changed in a controlled manner and this change is reversible. For example, this change can take place through electrical, electronic and / or mechanical action.

According to the present invention, an active optical sensor system can be defined as such that it has a light source, in particular for emitting the multiple light pulses. Furthermore, an active optical sensor system has a light detector, in particular for detecting light, for example light pulses, in particular the reflected components of the light pulses. The active optical sensor system is set up in particular to generate and output one or more sensor signals based on detected light.

In the context of the present invention, the term “light” is to be understood to include electromagnetic waves in the visible range, in the infrared range and / or in the ultraviolet range. Accordingly, the term “optical” is also to be understood in such a way that it relates to light according to this understanding.

The term “reflectance” or “optical reflectance” is to be understood as a ratio of reflected light intensity to incident light intensity, in particular for a specific wavelength range or a specific wavelength, in particular a wavelength range or a wavelength of the multiple emitted light pulses.

The transmission of the light pulses and the detection of the reflected portions of the light pulses can also be referred to as optical scanning or scanning of the information carrier by the sensor system.

The set state can be determined based on the reflective components of the light pulses in particular by means of a processor or control unit of the motor vehicle or by means of a processor or control unit which is coupled, in particular wirelessly coupled, to the motor vehicle. In particular, the processor or control unit can evaluate the sensor signals for this purpose. For example, the control or processor unit can determine from the sensor signals how large a detected light intensity is from which spatial area of the information carrier, for example from which angular range.

The information transmitted or received by the motor vehicle contains, in particular, the information which of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier has been set.

Because the optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas and thus the state of the information carrier can be changed, the received or transmitted information can also be changed dynamically during vehicle operation. In this way, in particular, it is possible to react more flexibly to changing conditions or changes in the state of the traffic-relevant object or the surroundings of the motor vehicle, or different information can be transmitted to the motor vehicle in series.

In addition, the improved concept completely or at least partially eliminates any influence of the ambient light situation on a function, reliability or accuracy of the state detection by using the active optical sensor system. This also leads to increased flexibility when using the method.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, the light pulses are laser pulses, in particular in the infrared wavelength range.

For example, the laser pulses can have a wavelength of 905 nm or 1200 nm. This naturally means in each case a wavelength range with a width and distribution which are typical for the particular laser system used. The wavelengths mentioned can, within the framework of customary tolerances, correspond, for example, to peak wavelengths of the corresponding laser spectrum.

The use of laser pulses is advantageous because they allow particularly precise scanning of the information carrier due to their high spatial coherence, which characterizes them.

The use of infrared laser pulses is advantageous because they are not visible to people and therefore do not have a disruptive effect, especially in traffic. Furthermore, a sign or pattern which is formed by the at least two areas can be invisible or inconspicuous to humans by using materials which are mainly reflective in the infrared range.

According to at least one embodiment, the active optical sensor system includes a lidar system (“Lidar” for short for “Light Detection and Ranging”) or a ladar system (“Ladar” for short for “Laser Detection and Ranging”).

In addition to transmitting information according to the improved concept, the lidar system can advantageously also be used for other purposes, for example for measuring distance or speed.

According to at least one embodiment, the at least two areas of the information carrier to define the state of the information carrier form a character or pattern which is defined in particular by the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas.

In particular, geometric arrangements of areas of the at least two areas and / or optical properties of individual areas of the at least two areas can form the character or pattern.

According to at least one embodiment, the method also includes setting the one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier.

In particular, the setting of the state includes setting or changing the geometric and / or optical property of the at least two areas. By setting the status, the information to be transmitted or received by the motor vehicle is encoded, that is, for example, displayed or translated into the pattern or character.

By setting the status, the information transmitted to or received from the motor vehicle can advantageously be adapted to a current situation or current circumstances.

According to at least one embodiment of the method or one embodiment of the information carrier, the at least one changeable optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas is formed at least in part by a degree of reflection of a first area of the at least two areas, in particular a degree of reflection with respect to light with a wavelength of light pulses emitted by the sensor system.

The degree of reflection of the first area can be changed, for example, in that a component of the information carrier is arranged above the first area, thereby changing the resulting degree of reflection. Correspondingly, the component can also be removed from a position above the first area in order to change the degree of reflection of the first area. The component can be a screen, a stencil or a mask which is attached to the information carrier such that it can be moved, folded or moved in some other way, for example.

As an alternative or in addition, the degree of reflection of the first area can, however, also take place by changing a physical, in particular an optical, property of a material which contains the first area. Since the degree of reflection is linked to a degree of absorption, a degree of transmission or a degree of dissipation of the material, one of these material parameters can, for example, be changed in order to change the degree of reflection. Since the degree of reflection is linked to a refractive index of the material, particularly via Fresnel's formulas, the refractive index can also be changed in order to change the degree of reflection.

In particular, the degree of reflection of the first area can be changed individually, for example such that the degree of reflection of the first area can be changed independently of a degree of reflection of one or more further areas of the at least two areas.

In particular, the degree of reflection of the first region can optionally be set to one of at least two predetermined values.

According to at least one embodiment, setting the one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier includes setting and / or changing the degree of reflection of the first region.

By using the lidar system as an active optical sensor, setting the state of the information carrier by setting the degree of reflection of the first area proves to be particularly advantageous, since lidar systems can detect different degrees of reflection of materials with good resolution.

In particular, it can be advantageous that when a laser is used in the infrared range, a change in the pattern or character or in the first range that is visible to humans is not or not easily recognizable.

According to at least one embodiment of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the degree of reflection of the first area can optionally be set to one of at least three different values.

Correspondingly, the at least two states of the information carrier comprise three or more states. As a result, a large amount of information can be encoded and transmitted to the motor vehicle. By combining with a change in a geometric and / or optical property of one or more further of the at least two areas, for example a change in the degree of reflection of a second area of the at least two areas, a multitude of combinations and therefore states of the information carrier can be achieved. This allows a correspondingly high information density without the physical expansion of the information carrier having to be increased.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, setting the one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier includes setting the degree of reflection of the first area to one of the three values.

According to at least one embodiment of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the first region contains a material whose degree of reflection can be changed by the action of an electric field on the material. The first area is thus provided with the material, the degree of reflection of which is changed when the electric field acts on the material.

A change in the degree of reflection of the material of the first area can be based, for example, on the Franz Keldysh effect, the quantum-confined Stark effect, the Pockels effect or the Kerr effect. Materials showing such effects are known.

The effect of the electric field can be achieved, for example, by applying an electric field which at least partially penetrates the first area or strikes the first area. This can take place, for example, by means of electrodes, in particular flat electrodes, which are arranged, for example, below or above the material of the first region (English: “electrostatic gating”).

By changing the degree of reflection, a specific degree of reflection of the material can be set in particular for determining the state of the information carrier by means of the light pulses.

By changing the degree of reflection by means of the electric field, the state of the information carrier can be set in a manner that is error-free, reversible and reliable due to the possible dispensing with mechanically movable parts.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, an information carrier for providing information for a motor vehicle is specified, which has at least two areas. An optical reflectance a first area of the at least two areas can be changed in order to selectively set one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier.

According to at least one embodiment of the information carrier, the information carrier is designed in one piece. This means that the at least two areas are designed to be connected, in particular mechanically connected.

According to at least one embodiment of the information carrier, the information carrier contains at least two parts or components, each of the at least two parts or components having one or more of the at least two areas.

According to at least one embodiment of the information carrier, the information carrier contains one or more carrier components which contain the at least two areas on a surface of the carrier components. The carrier components can include, for example, a film, in particular a plastic film, a metal film or a plate.

According to at least one embodiment of the information carrier, the information carrier has an electrode for generating an electric field in order to change the degree of reflection of the first area.

Further electrodes can be provided, for example, to change the reflectance of the second area or further of the at least two areas.

The electrode can, for example, be arranged under the material of the first region with variable reflectance or over this material, with “under” and “over” referring to the carrier components. That is, for example, when the electrode is located under the material with variable reflectance, it is located, for example, between the carrier component and the material, while when it is above the material with variable reflectance, it is on a side of the material facing away from the carrier component is located.

The at least one carrier component can for example be printed, vapor-deposited or coated in some other way, for example in order to apply the at least two areas and / or, if applicable, electrodes.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the information carrier, reference is hereby made to the various configurations of the method according to the improved concept.

According to at least one configuration of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the setting of one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier includes application of the electric field to the first area, in particular by means of one or more electrodes.

According to at least one embodiment of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the material of the first region is a semiconductor material or a carbon material.

The semiconductor material can in particular be a bulk semiconductor, for example a II-VI or a III-V semiconductor. Such compound semiconductors, such as cadmium sulfide, can show the Franz-Keldysh effect. The use of volume semiconductors has the advantage that they can be produced relatively easily and, in terms of production technology, deposited or applied to a surface of the information carrier or the first region.

The semiconductor material can, for example, contain a quantum film, in particular a semiconductor heterostructure. For example, quantum films can show the quantum confined Stark effect.

The carbon material can for example contain graphene, for example one or multi-layer graphene, in particular polycrystalline graphene. However, the carbon material can also alternatively or additionally have a layer with carbon nanotubes. It is known that such carbon materials can change their degree of absorption or degree of reflection by applying an electric field.

According to at least one embodiment of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the material of the first region has a birefringent crystal which shows the Pockels effect. Examples of this are crystals of rubidium titanyl phosphate, barium borate or lithium niobate.

According to at least one configuration of the method or embodiment of the information carrier, the at least one changeable optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas is formed at least in part by a degree of reflection of a second area of the at least two areas.

The statements made above about the first area with a variable degree of reflection also apply accordingly to the second area. In particular, the degrees of reflection of the first and second areas can be set independently of one another.

Because at least the first and the second area of the at least two areas have an adjustable degree of reflection, the number of possible adjustable states can be increased further.

In addition, larger absolute value differences in the degree of reflection between the first and the second area can optionally be achieved, for example by setting a relatively high degree of reflection for the first area and a relatively low degree of reflection for the second area or vice versa. This can lead to a more precise or more reliable recognition of the pattern or character.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, setting the one of the at least two present states of the information carrier includes setting the reflectance of the second area.

According to at least one embodiment of the information carrier or configuration of the method, the at least one changeable optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas includes a spatial arrangement of the at least two areas, in particular relative to one another.

In particular, the arrangement of the at least two areas can have an arrangement of one or more areas of the at least two areas, for example the first and / or the second area and / or further areas.

The change in the spatial arrangement of the at least two areas can also include removing one or more of the at least two areas or adding an additional area to the at least two areas or to the information carrier or covering one of the at least two areas with a mask.

The spatial arrangement of the at least two areas can also include a position, alignment or orientation of one or more of the at least two areas.

A change in the arrangement of the at least two areas can be advantageous in certain cases, for example if a change in the degree of reflection, for example due to electric fields, is out of the question due to environmental conditions or due to cost reasons.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, setting the one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier includes setting or defining the spatial arrangement of the at least two areas.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, the state of the information carrier is changed by changing the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas during operation of the motor vehicle, in particular after the state has been set.

The state or the at least one optical or geometric property of the two areas can be changed analogously to that with regard to setting the at least one state or the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas.

By changing the state during the operation of the motor vehicle, the information transmission or the content of the information which is transmitted to the motor vehicle can be changed dynamically, for example in real time. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of convoys or when a state of a traffic-regulating device, for example a traffic light phase of a traffic light, changes.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, the information carrier is or is attached to a further motor vehicle or a device for traffic control.

The further motor vehicle can be, for example, a further motor vehicle in a motor vehicle convoy, in particular a vehicle driving ahead of the motor vehicle, or an emergency vehicle. The device for traffic regulation can be, for example, a traffic light, a lane boundary, a lane marking or a traffic sign, for example with a speed limit or the like. The building can be, for example, a parking garage, a government building or a hospital and so on.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a use of an information carrier for a method according to the improved concept is specified. There the information carrier is designed as an information carrier according to the improved concept.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a motor vehicle component is specified with a surface on which an information carrier according to the improved concept is attached.

The motor vehicle component can be a panel, a tarpaulin, a trailer or a body part of a motor vehicle, for example.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a detection system for a motor vehicle for receiving information from the motor vehicle is also specified. The detection system includes a control unit and an active optical sensor system, the sensor system being set up to send several light pulses, controlled by the control unit, to an information carrier arranged outside the motor vehicle, in particular according to the improved concept, and to detect and base portions of the light pulses reflected by the information carrier to generate a sensor signal on the recorded components. The control unit is set up to determine, in particular to detect, one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier based on the sensor signal.

For example, the control unit can be trained to determine one of at least two existing states.

To control the active optical sensor system and to determine the status of the information carrier, the control unit has, for example, a processor unit, that is to say a computer.

The optical sensor system can, for example, also be used for other tasks, for example for distance and speed measurement, so that a synergy effect results.

One aspect of the improved concept relates to a detection system for a motor vehicle, which is designed to carry out the following steps of a method according to the improved concept, in particular carries out the following steps: sending out several light pulses by means of the active optical sensor system of the motor vehicle to the information carrier, detecting by the at least two areas of reflected components of the light pulses by means of the sensor system and determining the set state of the information carrier based on the reflected components of the light pulses.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a system is specified which contains a detection system according to the improved concept and an information carrier according to the improved concept.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a motor vehicle is specified which contains a detection system according to the improved concept.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a computer program is specified. The computer program contains commands which, when the program is executed by the control unit, in particular the processor unit or the computer, of a detection system according to the improved concept, cause the control unit, in particular the processor or computer, to control the active optical sensor system of the detection system in order to emit several light pulses and to detect reflected components of the light pulses from an information carrier, in particular according to the improved concept, and to detect one of at least two existing states of the information carrier based on the reflected components of the light pulses.

According to a further independent aspect of the improved concept, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which a computer program according to the improved concept is stored.

According to at least one embodiment of the detection system, the detection system, in particular the control unit, has a computer program and / or a computer-readable storage medium, each according to the improved concept.

Further embodiments of the information carrier follow directly from the various embodiments of the method according to the improved concept and vice versa. Further embodiments of the detection system directly from the various embodiments of the method according to the improved concept and vice versa. In particular, the detection system is designed to carry out a method according to the improved concept. In particular, the detection system is programmed in such a way that it can carry out the method. In particular, the method is carried out with the detection system.

Further embodiments of the vehicle component, the motor vehicle, the system, the The computer program and the computer-readable storage medium follow directly from the various configurations and embodiments of the method and the information carrier, and vice versa.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features 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 without departing from the scope of the invention . Embodiments of the invention which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge or can be generated from the explained embodiments by means of separate combinations of features, are therefore also to be regarded as covered and disclosed. Designs and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim. In addition, designs and combinations of features, in particular through the statements set out above, are to be regarded as disclosed that go beyond the combinations of features set forth in the back-references of the claims or differ from them.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung beispielhafter Ausführungsformen eines Detektionssystems, eines Informationsträgers und eines Verfahrens gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Informationsträgers gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung weiterer beispielhafter Ausführungen eines Detektionssystems, zweier Informationsträger sowie eines Verfahrens gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Informationsträgers gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Informationsträgers gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Informationsträgers gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept; und
• 7 eine weitere schematische Darstellung beispielhafter Ausführungsformen eines Informationsträgers sowie eines Verfahrens gemäß dem verbesserten Konzept.

Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of exemplary embodiments of a detection system, an information carrier and a method according to the improved concept;
• 2 a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an information carrier according to the improved concept;
• 3 a schematic representation of further exemplary embodiments of a detection system, two information carriers and a method according to the improved concept;
• 4th a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an information carrier according to the improved concept;
• 5 a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an information carrier according to the improved concept;
• 6th a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an information carrier according to the improved concept; and
• 7th a further schematic representation of exemplary embodiments of an information carrier and a method according to the improved concept.

In 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a detection system according to the improved concept. The detection system has a control unit 7th as well as an active optical sensor system 6th on, in particular a lidar system 6th . A motor vehicle 1 instructs the control unit 7th as well as the lidar system 6th on. Here is the lidar system 6th in particular on a front of the motor vehicle 1 arranged.

1 also shows a schematic representation of an information carrier 2 according to the improved concept. A traffic-relevant object 3 , for example another motor vehicle 3 instructs the information carrier 2 on. In particular, is the information carrier 2 on a rear or rear side of the further motor vehicle 3 arranged.

The car 1 and the further motor vehicle 3 drive for example one behind the other, in particular in a motor vehicle convoy, which can be controlled autonomously or partially autonomously, for example. The other motor vehicle represents 3 for example a vehicle ahead and the motor vehicle 1 for example a follower vehicle.

The information carrier 2 includes at least two areas that are in 1 exemplified by different hatching. At least one of the areas of the information carrier 2 has an optical or geometric property that can be changed. In the present example, this can be an optical reflectance, in particular with regard to a characteristic wavelength of the lidar system 6th , act. For example, the reflectance of the area with the changeable reflectance can be changed by applying an electric field. In particular, the reflectance of the area can be set to one of two or more values. Every condition of the information carrier 2 is a corresponding value of the reflectance. Every state of the information carrier 2 can encode other information, for example. The various information can, for example, information for identifying the further Motor vehicle 3 , Route instructions or other information about the convoy.

According to a method according to the improved concept, the lidar system 6th Emit laser pulses with a characteristic wavelength which is, for example, in the infrared range, for example wavelengths in the range of 905 nm or 1200 nm can be used here. A distance of the motor vehicle 1 from the further motor vehicle 3 and a maximum emission angle for the laser pulses are coordinated with one another in such a way that the laser pulses emitted by the lidar system all of the at least two areas of the information carrier 2 reachable. That means the lidar system 6th can carry the complete information 2 scan or sample using the laser pulses.

The laser pulses are at least partially from the at least two areas of the information carrier 2 reflected as if by dotted lines 5 in 1 is indicated. The intensity with which the laser pulses are reflected depends on the respective degree of reflection of the individual areas of the information carrier 2 from. In 1 are different degrees of reflection and the resulting different reflected intensities of the laser pulses by lines of different densities 5 shown. For example, the lowest of the four areas of the information carrier indicated by way of example 2 have the lowest reflectance, the second area from the top of the information carrier 2 a higher reflectance and the top and the second area from the bottom a highest reflectance.

The lidar system 6th is set up to do this, the reflected portions 5 to capture the laser pulses. For example, the lidar system includes 6th an optical detector for detecting the reflected components 5 the laser pulses. Depending on the detected proportions 5 the laser pulses can be the lidar system 6th generate associated sensor signals and to the control unit 7th output. The control unit 7th is set up to use the information from the sensor signal of the lidar system 6th for example a spatial arrangement of the various areas of the information carrier 2 to identify as well as the different degrees of reflection of the areas or their relative size. In this way the control unit can 7th together with the lidar system 6th a character or pattern which runs through the areas of the information carrier 2 is formed, reproduce and recognize.

Since by adjusting the reflectance of the area with variable reflectance the information, i.e. the state of the information carrier 2 , was encoded, the information or the status can be sent to the motor vehicle 1 , especially the control unit 7th , transmitted.

The control unit 7th can optionally with other components of the motor vehicle 1 or with a human user of the motor vehicle 1 communicate or interact in order to draw conclusions from the information transmitted, if necessary

In various embodiments, the reflectivities are several of the areas of the information carrier 2 , for example all areas of the information carrier 2 , changeable. This allows a multitude of combinations of different degrees of reflection and thus a multitude of encodable information or states of the information carrier 2 .

Since at least one of the areas has a changeable degree of reflection, the degree of reflection can in particular during operation of the motor vehicle 1 , that is, while the column is moving, can be changed by changing the electric field. As a result, the coded status or the transmitted information can also be changed dynamically while driving.

2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an information carrier 2g according to the improved concept. The information carrier 2g can for example be part of the information carrier 2 out 1 represent.

The information carrier 2g has a first area 18th and a second area 19th on. The first and the second area 18th , 19th are for example, but not mandatory, on an upper side of the information carrier 2g arranged, the top for example one of the motor vehicle 1 facing side in the 1 represents.

The first and the second area 18th , 19th each have a material whose degree of reflection can be changed by applying an electric field, for example a semiconductor material or a carbon material such as graphene. In the case of semiconductor materials, in particular bulk semiconductors, a fundamental absorption of the material can be changed due to the Franz Keldysh effect by applying the electric field, which consequently leads to a changed degree of reflection of the material.

The information carrier 2g also has a first electrode 8th and a second electrode 9 on. The first electrode 8th is below the first area, for example 18th arranged, the second electrode 9 for example below the second area 19th . By applying or changing a voltage on the electrodes 8th , 9 Electric fields, in particular different electric fields, can be generated which affect the first area 18th or the second area 19th act. This allows the reflectance of the first area 18th and the reflectance of the second area 19th in particular, can be changed independently of one another, i.e. individually. In this way the state of the information carrier 2g be coded.

In 3 a schematic representation of a detection system according to the improved concept is shown, which for example with respect to 1 described corresponds. There are also two information carriers 2a , 2 B shown according to the improved concept. The information carrier 2a , 2 B are for example analogous to the information carrier 2 of the 1 or the information carrier 2g of the 2 built up. In particular, the information carrier 2a a first area which has a reflectance which can be changed, for example, by applying an electric field. For example, all areas of the information carrier 2a have electrically variable reflectance. The same applies to the information carrier 2 B and the at least two areas of the information carrier 2 B .

In the arrangement according to 3 can the information carrier 2a for example on a first traffic-relevant object 3a , for example a preceding vehicle in a column as related 1 explained, be arranged. The information carrier 2 B can, for example, at another traffic-relevant object 3b be arranged. With the traffic-relevant object 3b For example, it can be a device for regulating traffic, such as a lane marking, a lane restriction or a traffic light.

How regarding 1 described, for example, the control unit 7th the lidar system 6th so that it emits a large number of laser pulses. The lidar system 6th can change and adjust a direction of the emitted laser pulses. As a result, the lidar system 6th both the information carrier 2a scan as well as the information carrier 2 B .

Regarding the information carrier 2a that applies to 1 Explained, in particular the information carrier 2 of the 1 Explained by analogy. The same applies to the information carrier 2 B . In the example shown, it can have three areas, a middle area having a lower degree of reflection than the two outer areas.

Due to the changeability of the reflectance of at least one area of both information carriers 2a , 2 B can be a state of the information carrier 2a as well as a state of the information carrier 2 B can be set. In the manner described, information is provided in accordance with the states of the information carriers 2a , 2 B to the motor vehicle 1 , especially the control unit 7th , transfer.

Accordingly, according to the improved concept, information can be transmitted from two different information carriers in parallel. For example, information from a vehicle traveling ahead in a column can be from the information carrier 2a at the same time to a traffic light phase of the information carrier 2 B be transmitted.

In the 4th , 5 and 6th are the backs of other vehicles 3c , 3d , 3e shown, which each have an information carrier 2c , 2d , 2e according to the improved concept. With regard to the functionality of the detection system or the information carrier and the method for transmitting information, reference is made to the description with regard to FIG 1 to 3 referenced. In particular, each of the information carriers 2c , 2d , 2e at least two areas, at least one of which has a degree of reflection that can be changed by means of an electric field.

The information carrier 2c out 4th has, for example, a plurality of rectangular areas, for example seven rectangular areas, as well as a cross-shaped area 10 on. According to a specific embodiment, the reflectivities of all areas of the at least two areas can be set to be the same. A degree of reflection of the rear of the vehicle on which the information carrier 2c is applied, can for example have a different degree of reflection. Hence it is for the lidar system 6th possible, an arrangement or a geometric shape of the areas of the information carrier 2c to identify.

For example, it can be in the motor vehicle 3c be an emergency vehicle, in the example shown an ambulance. The various states of the information carrier 2c , which by setting appropriate reflectivities of the areas of the information carrier 2c come about or can be coded, for example different states or situations of the emergency vehicle 3c correspond. For example, with a first degree of reflection, the information can be transmitted that the emergency vehicle 3c is in use. If the degree of reflection is different therefrom, the information can for example be transmitted be that the emergency vehicle 3c not currently in use or the like.

One possibility would be that a degree of reflection of the areas of the information carrier 2c is set in such a way that it does not or only very little of a reflectance of the rear of the vehicle 3c differs. For example, the lidar system could 6th then one through the information carrier 2c do not recognize formed character or pattern. This state could correspond to a situation when the emergency vehicle 3c is not in use. When the vehicle 3c on the other hand, is in use, the degree of reflection of the areas of the information carrier 2c so different from the reflectance of the rear of the emergency vehicle 3c be chosen that the lidar system 6th and the control unit 7th the condition of the information carrier 2c can safely recognize.

Alternatively, some of the areas of the information carrier 2c , for example the rectangular areas or some of the rectangular areas, serve to ensure that the detection system detects the presence of the information carrier 2c can even recognize. The areas mentioned then represent markers that transmit the information that an information carrier 2c according to the improved concept. Other areas, for example the cross-shaped area 10 , can then be used to transmit further information, for example whether the emergency vehicle is in use or not. For example, only the degree of reflection of one of the areas or individual areas of the information carrier can also be used for this purpose 2c , for example the cross-shaped area 10 , can be changed in order to switch between the states of the information carrier 2c and thus the emergency vehicle 3c to distinguish.

For example, the areas of the information carrier can also be based on a shape or arrangement 2c it can be recognized what type of emergency vehicle it is. For example, the cross-shaped area 10 stand for an ambulance.

In 5 is the back of another emergency vehicle 3d shown. On the back of the emergency vehicle 3d is again an information carrier 2d attached according to the improved concept. In this example the information carrier 2d a rectangular area 13th as well as a multitude of parallelogram-shaped areas 11 , 12 on. The parallelogram areas 11 , 12 include, for example, first areas 11 and second areas 12 . According to a first state of the information carrier 2d and for example the emergency vehicle 3d can the first areas 11 for example have a first set reflectance and the second ranges 12 for example a second, different from the first, reflectance. The first areas 11 can, for example, alternate with the second areas 12 on the back of the emergency vehicle 3d be arranged. This results in a pattern which, as described above, can be recognized and identified by means of the detection system. The rectangular area 13th can serve as a marker or orientation marker, for example.

For example, the first state can be a current operational state of the emergency vehicle 3d accordingly, that is, the emergency vehicle 3d is in use. The emergency vehicle can be a fire engine, for example.

In a second state of the information carrier 2d or the vehicle 3d the first degree of reflection gives way to the first areas 11 and / or the second reflectance of the second areas 12 of the respective degrees of reflection according to the first state of the information carrier 2d from. For example, in the second state, the reflectivities of the first and second regions 11 , 12 be equal. Another possibility is that the first reflectivities according to the first state are greater than the second reflectivities according to the first state, and according to the second state the first reflectivities are smaller than the second reflectivities. The second state can, for example, be a state of the emergency vehicle 3d in which it is not in use.

In 6th is another emergency vehicle 3e shown, which is an information carrier on a back 2e according to the improved concept. Also the information carrier 2e assigns first areas 20th as well as second areas 21st on.

The information carrier 2d out 5 has three components that are separate from each other. A first component corresponds, for example, to the rectangular area 13th . A second and third component of the information carrier 2d for example, each have three of the first areas 11 and three of the second areas 12 which are arranged alternately next to each other.

The information carrier 2c of the 4th contains, for example, a plurality of components, each component corresponding to a range. In the example shown, the 4th contains the information carrier 2c six square areas, which are each assigned to a component, a rectangular area, which is assigned to a further component and the cross-shaped Area 10 which is assigned to another component.

The information carrier 2e of the 6th consists, for example, of a single coherent component with different areas 20th , 21st .

Regarding the functionality of the information carrier 2e will refer to the remarks too 5 referenced.

In 7th is schematically a further exemplary embodiment of an information carrier 2f shown according to the improved concept. The information carrier 2f is, for example, on a traffic-relevant object, in particular a device for traffic control, for example a light signal system, in particular a traffic light 3f , arranged.

The information carrier 2f contains, for example, a frame element 17th , which can have the shape of a rectangular frame, for example. Similarly, the frame can of course have a different shape. The area 17th is for example at the front of the traffic light 3f arranged with the front of one side of the traffic light 3f from which the light signals of the traffic lights 3f are recognizable. In particular, the traffic light 3f also have several front sides. The traffic lights 3f has, for example, three light signal units, in particular an upper light signal unit, a middle light signal unit and a lower light signal unit.

The information carrier 2f includes, for example, a first area 14th which of the first light signal unit of the traffic light 3f assigned. The information carrier points accordingly 2f also a second area 15th on that of the middle light signal unit of the traffic light 3f is assigned and a third area 16 that of the lower light signal unit of the traffic light 3f assigned. The areas 14th , 15th , 16 can for example be arranged on the light signal units, that is to say cover them. Alternatively, however, the areas can also be arranged at other locations.

The frame area 17th of the information carrier 2f can for example correspond to an orientation marker, on the basis of which the detection system can recognize that an information carrier 2f according to the improved concept, in particular an information carrier of a certain type, for example one of a traffic light 3f assigned, corresponds.

The traffic lights 3f has, for example, three or more states which correspond to different combinations of light signals of the light signal units. This typically includes a stop state in which the upper light signal unit shows a light signal and the middle and lower light signal units show no light signal. This state is shown schematically on the left in 7th shown. In the middle figure the 7th is a warning state of the traffic light 3f shown, in which the upper and the middle signal unit each show a light signal, but the lower one does not. In the right figure the 7th is a free state of the traffic light 3f in which the upper and middle light signal units show no signals and the lower light signal unit shows a signal.

According to the status of the traffic light 3f can also be the information carrier 2f at least three states, each of which is one of the states of the traffic light 3f are assigned. For this purpose, in one embodiment, for example, the degree of reflection of each of the three areas 14th , 15th , 16 take two different values of one. For example, areas that are assigned to light signal units that output a light signal have a first degree of reflection and areas that are assigned to light signal units that do not output a light signal have a second degree of reflection that differs from the first degree of reflection. Accordingly, the states of the traffic lights 3f one to one through the states of the information carrier 2f and the combinations of the reflectivities of the areas 14th , 15th , 16 be mapped.

There is the traffic light 3f in the stop state, is, for example, the reflectance of the area 14th set so that it has the first reflectance, while the areas 15th , 16 are set such that they each have the second degree of reflection. There is the traffic light 3f in the attention state are, for example, the area 14th and the area 15th set such that they have a first reflectance and the range 16 is set to have the second reflectance. Accordingly, when the traffic light is in the free state, the areas are 14th and 15th set so that they have the second reflectance, whereas the range 16 is set to have the first reflectance.

Adjusting the reflectance of the areas 14th , 15th , 16 can, for example, by applying electric fields through appropriate areas 14th , 15th , 16 associated electrodes take place as above with respect to 1 to 6th described.

In alternative embodiments, the areas 14th , 15th , 16 by mechanically displaceable components of the information carrier 2f being represented. For example, the information carrier 2f for each of the areas 14th , 15th , 16 each have a fixed, immobile component which has the second degree of reflection. The second degree of reflection is lower than the first degree of reflection. Furthermore, the information carrier 2f have at least two displaceable components, the arrangement of which can be changed in such a way that they can each cover each of the three fixed components.

There is the traffic light 3f in the stop state, for example, both movable components can be arranged in such a way that they are located above one of the fixed components and the upper light signal unit of the traffic light 3f cover. Since the two movable components with a higher degree of reflection are located above the fixed component, a first region is thereby formed which has the first degree of reflection. The two fixed components, which are located above the middle light signal unit and the lower light signal unit of the traffic light 3f represent second areas which have the second degree of reflection.

There is the traffic light 3f in the attention state, one of the movable components can still be located above the upper light signal unit and the corresponding fixed component, while a second of the movable components is located above the middle light signal unit and the corresponding fixed component. Accordingly, the two movable components together with the underlying fixed components each form a first area with the first degree of reflection. The component arranged above the lower light signal unit forms a second area with the second degree of reflection.

There is the traffic light 3f in the free state, both movable components are located, for example, above the fixed component, which in turn is located above the lower light signal unit. Correspondingly, the movable components and said fixed component form a first area with the first degree of reflection. The two fixed components, which are located above the upper and the middle light signal unit, each form a second area with the second degree of reflection.

It is expressly pointed out that the specific arrangements, forms and numbers of areas of the information carriers described are selected purely by way of example and are in no way limiting. It is immediately clear to the person skilled in the art that there is an infinite number of combinations and possibilities for defining individual characters and patterns and for transmitting associated information or states of the information carrier to the motor vehicle in accordance with the method according to the improved concept.

As described, the improved concept makes it possible to transmit information to a motor vehicle or to receive it by a motor vehicle, with particularly high flexibility being achieved by using an active optical sensor system for emitting light pulses and for detecting reflected components of the light pulses and in combination therewith, the geometric or optical properties of the information carrier are designed to be changeable.

The use of a lidar system is particularly advantageous, since it enables reliable pattern or character recognition to be ensured, particularly in adverse environmental conditions, in particular light conditions, that is to say in bad weather or in the dark.

A detection system according to the improved concept can, for example, also be used in addition to another system for transmitting information between a motor vehicle and a traffic-relevant object. The other system can be cameras or an ultrasound system, for example. These additional systems can then, for example, advantageously generate redundancy in order to detect errors in the transmission of information.

One application of the concept according to the invention relates to the recognition and evaluation of patterns on differently reflective surfaces that are applied, for example, to the rear of motor vehicles. Information about the received light intensity is available for each scan point of the lidar system. Therefore, such a pattern generates an evaluable pattern in the sensor data or the lidar system, which can be played on the detection system through training and can be used for different purposes. For example, the information can be used in particular when driving in a convoy in order to identify suitable participants in the convoy.

The following vehicle can also use the information to identify whether the vehicle in front is suitable as a lead vehicle, belongs to the same fleet, or can identify the destination of the vehicle in front. This can play a role insofar as this information can be used to find out whether and for how long the lead vehicle can be followed, for example autonomously, and whether this is, for example, long enough so that the driver of the following vehicle can plan a break. During this break the driver can for example, recover without having to stop the motor vehicle.

Another application is that the transmitted information can contain an individual identification number of the vehicle in front. A follower vehicle can thus establish car-to-go communication with the lead vehicle. Information about the journey, for example, can then be exchanged.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• GB 2540039 A [0003]

Claims (15)

A method for receiving information by a motor vehicle (1), wherein an information carrier (2) is provided outside the motor vehicle (1) which has at least two areas (10-21), characterized in that at least one optical and / or one the geometric property of the at least two areas (10-21) can be changed in order to selectively set one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2); - Several light pulses are transmitted to the information carrier (2) by means of an active optical sensor system (6) of the motor vehicle (1); - Through the at least two areas (10-21) reflected portions (5) of the light pulses are detected by means of the sensor system (6); and - the set state of the information carrier (2) is determined based on the reflected components (5) of the light pulses. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that one of the at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2) is set. Method according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one changeable optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas (10-21) is formed at least in part by a reflectance of a first area of the at least two areas (10-21). Procedure according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the reflectance of the first area can optionally be set to one of at least three different values. Method according to one of the Claims 3 or 4th , characterized in that the first region is provided with a material whose reflectance is changed when an electric field acts on the material. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the material is a semiconductor material or a carbon material. Method according to one of the Claims 3 to 6th , characterized in that the at least one changeable optical and / or one geometric property of the at least two areas (10-21) is formed at least in part by an optical reflectance of a second area of the at least two areas (10-21). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , characterized in that the at least one changeable optical and / or one geometric property of the at least two areas (10.21) is formed at least in part by a spatial arrangement of the at least two areas (10-21). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th characterized in that the state of the information carrier (2) is changed by changing the at least one optical and / or geometric property of the at least two areas during operation of the motor vehicle (1). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the information carrier (2) is attached to a further motor vehicle (3) or a device for traffic control (3f) or a building. Information carrier for providing information for a motor vehicle (1), the information carrier (2) having at least two areas, characterized in that an optical reflectance of a first area of the at least two areas can be changed to selectively one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2) set. Information carrier after Claim 11 , characterized in that the first area contains a material whose degree of reflection can be changed by the action of an electric field on the material. Information carrier after Claim 12 , characterized in that the information carrier (2) additionally contains an electrode (18, 19) for generating the electric field in order to change the degree of reflection of the first area. Detection system for a motor vehicle for receiving information from the motor vehicle (1), the detection system comprising: - a control unit (7); and - an active optical sensor system (6), set up to send several light pulses, controlled by the control unit (7), to an information carrier (2) arranged outside the motor vehicle (1), portions (5) of the light pulses reflected by the information carrier (2) to detect and to generate a sensor signal based on the recorded components (5); characterized in that - the control unit (7) is set up to determine one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2) based on the sensor signal. Computer program, including instructions that are used in the execution of the program by the Control unit (7) of a detection system according to Claim 14 cause these to - control the active optical sensor system (6) of the detection system in order to emit several light pulses and to detect portions (5) of the light pulses reflected by an information carrier (2); and - to detect one of at least two predefined states of the information carrier (2) based on the reflected components (5) of the light pulses.

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