DE102021116425A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device, motor vehicle comprising a lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) comprising a lighting device (2) by means of which at least one sub-area (5) of a maximally illuminable area (4) of an area (5) of the motor vehicle (1) is illuminated, with the fulfillment of a change condition being checked which can only be fulfilled if determined presence information (26) indicates that an object (27), which potentially poses a hazard, is present in the environment (5) of the motor vehicle (1), with the fulfillment of the change condition being a Brightness distribution in the maximum possible illuminable area (4) is changed, with the condition that the change is only met or can be met if determined position information (30) indicates either that the illuminated sub-area (59) does not include the position of the object (27). , in which case the illuminated sub-area (59) is widened horizontally to the left and/or right in such a way that the illuminated sub-area ei (59) encompasses the position of the object (27) or extends further in the direction of the position of the object (27), - or indicates that a weakly illuminated sub-area (60) of the illuminated sub-area (59) which is illuminated more weakly as a strongly illuminated sub-area (61) of the illuminated sub-area (59) and which lies horizontally to the left or right of the second sub-area (61), encompasses the position of the object (27), in which case the strongly illuminated sub-area (60) is stronger is illuminated or the strongly illuminated partial area (61) widens horizontally to the left and/or right in this way

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device, by means of which at least a sub-area of a maximum possible area of an area surrounding the motor vehicle that can be illuminated is illuminated, with the fulfillment of a change condition being checked, which can only be fulfilled if determined presence information indicates that an object that potentially poses a hazard is present in the area surrounding the motor vehicle, with a brightness distribution in the maximum possible illuminable area being changed when the change condition is met.

Lighting devices in modern motor vehicles have long ceased to serve merely to illuminate the surroundings or the surroundings of the motor vehicle. Instead, information from the area surrounding the motor vehicle relating to possible dangerous situations is often detected by sensors and evaluated accordingly, with the lighting device serving as a means of informing the driver of the motor vehicle of the possible dangerous situation.

For example, is off DE 10 2016 124 933 A1 a motor vehicle with several light sources is known, in which, for example, an object such as a cyclist who is on a cycle path next to a road is detected by sensors, with the light sources being used to display a corresponding warning symbol such as a red exclamation mark as a warning to the driver of the vehicle can be projected onto the street.

Another system in which a corresponding warning information is issued to a driver by means of the headlights of a motor vehicle, for example when a person is detected stepping onto the roadway, is out DE 10 2012 106 502 A1 famous. This system provides for a lighting area to be divided into a number of sub-areas, which are separated from one another by vertical boundaries, with the lighting in individual of these areas, within which the person is located, being switched on and off alternately to warn the driver. This draws the driver's attention to the person.

DE 10 2011 100 614 A1 discloses a vehicle with an object recognition device such as a camera, with a vehicle headlight being pivoted horizontally as a function of a position of the vehicle relative to an object with a risk potential that is detected by the camera.

The present invention sets itself the task of specifying an improved concept with regard to a lighting device of a motor vehicle, in particular with regard to a technically simple feasibility and a corresponding information output for the driver which is as simple and intuitively as possible.

• - entweder anzeigt, dass der beleuchtete Unterbereich die Position des Objekts nicht umfasst, wobei in diesem Fall der beleuchtete Unterbereich horizontal nach links und/oder rechts derart verbreitet wird, dass der beleuchtete Unterbereich die Position des Objekts umfasst oder sich weiter in die Richtung zur Position des Objekts erstreckt,
• - oder anzeigt, dass ein schwach beleuchteter Teilbereich des beleuchteten Unterbereichs, der schwächer beleuchtet wird als ein stark beleuchteter Teilbereich des beleuchteten Unterbereichs und der horizontal links oder rechts neben dem stark beleuchteten Teilbereich liegt, die Position des Objekts umfasst, wobei in diesem Fall der schwach beleuchtete Teilbereich stärker beleuchtet wird oder der stark beleuchtete Teilbereich horizontal nach links und/oder rechts derart verbreitert wird, dass der stark beleuchtete Teilbereich die Position des Objekts umfasst oder sich weiter in die Richtung zur Position des Objekts erstreckt.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the change condition is only met or can be met if a determined item of position information

• - either indicates that the illuminated sub-area does not include the position of the object, in which case the illuminated sub-area is extended horizontally to the left and/or right such that the illuminated sub-area includes the position of the object or further towards the position of the object extends
• - or indicates that a dimly lit portion of the lit sub-area, which is more dimly lit than a strongly lit portion of the lit sub-area and which is horizontally to the left or right of the strongly lit portion, includes the position of the object, in which case the dim illuminated partial area is more strongly illuminated or the strongly illuminated partial area is widened horizontally to the left and/or right in such a way that the strongly illuminated partial area encompasses the position of the object or extends further in the direction of the position of the object.

The lighting device can be provided as at least one headlight, in particular as two front headlights, which comprise a large number of light-emitting diodes and micromirrors, for example as Digital Matrix Lights (abbreviated “DML”). Details regarding the technical functioning of a digital matrix light are well known to the person skilled in the art and should therefore not be explained in more detail here. It is equally conceivable that the lighting device includes a number of individual light sources, such as a number of individual headlights. A control device of the motor vehicle can be provided for carrying out the method according to the invention, in particular for evaluating whether the change condition is fulfilled or not, and for controlling the lighting device.

The maximum possible area of the surroundings or the area surrounding the motor vehicle that can be illuminated is that area relative to the motor vehicle which, from the point of view of a driver of the motor vehicle, is directly visible by means of the lighting device due to its radiation characteristics is illuminable. With regard to a horizontal or azimuth angle, the maximum possible area that can be illuminated is defined as the angle area relating to the transverse direction, in the direction of which light can be emitted by means of the lighting device. With regard to a vertical angle, the maximum possible area that can be illuminated is correspondingly defined as the angular area relating to the vertical direction, in the direction of which light can be emitted by means of the lighting device. For example, it is conceivable for the lighting device to include the headlights of the motor vehicle, with the maximum possible area that can be illuminated extending in front of the motor vehicle in order to illuminate the driver's field of vision in the direction of travel.

The present invention provides that the maximum possible area that can be illuminated is not necessarily completely illuminated, but only in a sub-area that represents a subset of the maximum possible area that can be illuminated. In this context, the case in which a segmented cornering light is generated by means of the lighting device is to be explained as an illustrative example. In this case, the sub-area can in principle be a central area, with respect to the horizontal angle, of the area that can be illuminated as much as possible, which in this example is in front of the motor vehicle. Consequently, the road in front of the motor vehicle is illuminated in a targeted manner, with the surroundings on the left and right not being illuminated, for example to avoid dazzling residents. As part of the segmented cornering light, it is now provided that during cornering or during a turning maneuver, the area to be driven through is specifically illuminated by shifting the illuminated sub-area to the left or right. This shift occurs, for example, as a function of a detected steering angle, using map data that is available, for example, as part of a navigation system in the motor vehicle and/or using optical data recorded by a camera in the motor vehicle.

In particular, within the scope of the present invention, for example in connection with the second alternative of the invention, it can be provided that the sub-area is divided into the weakly illuminated and the strongly illuminated sub-area, which lie next to each other with regard to the horizontal or azimuth angle and are of different brightness by means of the lighting device be illuminated. A segmented cornering light can also be provided as a corresponding example. However, the case in which a segmented low beam is generated by means of the lighting device is explained here as an illustrative example. Provision can be made here for the sub-area relating to or comprising one's own lane to be illuminated more intensely, ie with greater brightness, than the sub-area comprising the oncoming lane or a lateral sidewalk. In this context, it is conceivable that individual sub-areas are dimmed or left out with regard to the lighting adaptively, for example depending on other road users detected by sensors. Specifically, the heavily lit sub-area is that area of the sub-area that includes your own lane, with the weakly lit sub-area or sub-areas containing the oncoming lane and/or the sidewalk.

According to the invention, when the change condition is met, the brightness distribution is changed in the maximum possible area that can be illuminated. The term “brightness” is understood to mean, in particular, the intensity of the lighting generated by the lighting device, ie the radiant power per solid angle or area. In other words, the brightness specifically depends on the emission direction from the motor vehicle, in particular only on the horizontal angle. By changing the brightness distribution, the driver of the motor vehicle can be informed about the fact that an object is basically present or in the vicinity of the motor vehicle and has been detected, and there is a certain probability that a dangerous situation in connection with the object could be imminent. The presence information is therefore, in particular, binary information which states whether or not the object has been detected.

As part of the method according to the invention, it is provided with regard to the change condition that its fulfillment also depends on detected position information. The position information can only be detected if the presence information implies that the object has been detected. Alternatively, the position information can also be provided directly as part of the detection of the presence information. The position information can, for example, describe the relative position of the object in relation to the motor vehicle, for example in relation to the longitudinal direction or direction of travel of the motor vehicle. For example, the position information can only relate to the information as to whether the object is in front of or behind the motor vehicle or possibly to the side of it. The position information preferably relates to the, in particular horizontal, angle enclosed by the connecting line between the motor vehicle and the object and an axis fixed to the vehicle, such as the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

According to the first alternative of the invention, the change condition is only met or can be met if the position information implies that the currently illuminated sub-area does not include the position of the object. In this case, the object is not directly illuminated by the lighting device and may not be visible to the driver. The brightness distribution is changed in such a way that the illuminated sub-area is spread horizontally to the left or right in the direction of the position of the object in such a way that in particular the current position of the object is also recorded by the illuminated sub-area. In order to bring about a corresponding signaling effect, the illuminated sub-area can also be widened in such a way that it does not include the position of the object, but that this area only widens in the direction of the object to the left or right. In both cases, the sub-area illuminated before this change also remains illuminated after the change, since there is no displacement but a quasi horizontal expansion of the illuminated sub-area.

According to the second alternative of the invention, the change condition is only met or can be met if the position information implies that a weakly lit sub-area that is illuminated with less brightness than a strongly lit sub-area of the sub-area includes the current position of the object. In this case, too, the object is not illuminated by the illumination device with the greater brightness that is present in the strongly illuminated partial area and is therefore possibly not recognizable or more difficult for the driver to recognise. In this case, the weakly lit sub-area next to the strongly lit sub-area, in which the object is located, is in particular more strongly illuminated, for example with the same brightness as in the strongly lit sub-area. As a result, the object is more strongly illuminated and is therefore easier to recognize by the driver. It is also conceivable here that the strongly illuminated partial area is widened horizontally to the left and/or right in such a way that the strongly illuminated partial area encompasses the position of the object, so that the same effect as just explained can ultimately be achieved. According to a further variant, it can also be provided that the strongly illuminated partial area is widened horizontally to the left and/or right when the change condition is met, such that it extends further in the direction of the position of the object, but ultimately does not include it. In this case, too, a corresponding signaling effect is produced for the driver.

In connection with the position information, situations are therefore conceivable in which the presence information indicates that the object was detected in the area surrounding the motor vehicle, but the position information indicates that the illuminated sub-area includes the position of the object or that the position of the object is strongly illuminated portion of the illuminated sub-area. In this case, the change condition is not met, since a change in the brightness distribution does not cause the object to be illuminated better from the driver's point of view anyway.

Both alternatives of the invention have the advantageous effect that an increase in brightness with regard to the illumination of the object is achieved simply by horizontal spreading of the illuminated sub-area or stronger illumination of the weaker illuminated sub-area, whereby the information is communicated to the driver on the one hand. From the driver's point of view, the change in the lighting pattern that takes place is basically perceived as an alarm signal, which implies that the potentially dangerous object is present. In addition to the mere alarm signal effect, the change also means that, due to the increase in brightness right next to the object, the driver can also immediately recognize the object and adjust his driving behavior accordingly. All of these aspects are achieved by means of extremely simple technical means, with means provided in any case as part of the lighting system of the motor vehicle being used. In particular, it is not necessary to calculate exact projection positions to determine the projection of any warning signal or to pivot the entire lighting device or the like.

Provision is particularly preferably made for the maximum possible area that can be illuminated to comprise a plurality of surrounding segments in front of the vehicle and arranged horizontally next to one another, which are illuminated with different brightness values by means of the lighting device, with the brightness distribution being specified in the form of a dimming or brightness characteristic curve in which each a dimming parameter describing a dimming of a maximum brightness value or a brightness value describing a brightness is assigned to the surrounding segments. The brightness distribution can be specified using a table of values, in which a corresponding dimming or brightness value can be assigned to the sequentially numbered surrounding segments. Corresponding tables can be stored in the control device, for example in the form of look-up tables, or can be calculated in a situation-specific manner.

The brightness values do not necessarily have to correspond to the physical brightness, ie for example the intensity of the lighting, but electrical voltage values can also be specified, for example, by means of which light sources of the lighting device are supplied. The corresponding numerical values can be between 0 and 100, with 0 indicating that no voltage is applied or that there should be no brightness and the associated surrounding segment is therefore not illuminated. Accordingly, the value 100 can mean that the maximum possible voltage is applied or the maximum possible brightness is present.

As an alternative to this, dimming values can be specified, ie, in particular percentage values, which describe a weakening of a maximum possible brightness or electrical voltage that is present.

As an alternative to the assignment of corresponding dimming or brightness values to the surrounding segments, it can also be provided that the dimming or brightness values are specified as a function of a horizontal emission angle, for example in the form of a functional or analytical relationship.

In concrete terms, it can be provided that, in order to illuminate the surroundings of the motor vehicle if the change condition is not met, a dimming or brightness characteristic relating to normal operation is specified, which depends, for example, only on the current steering angle or on the information as to whether a segmented low beam is currently switched on. As soon as the change condition is met, a changed dimming or brightness characteristic can be specified, in particular also as a function of the position information. The respective dimming or brightness characteristic ensures that the horizontal brightness distribution is adjusted in such a way that the object is also covered by the illuminated sub-area and is illuminated sufficiently brightly. In this context, it is preferably provided that the center of gravity of the dimming or brightness characteristic is shifted horizontally in the direction of the object when the change condition is met.

In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that, in particular by means of at least one environment sensor, at least one hazard information item is recorded, on which the fulfillment of the change condition also depends, the change condition only being met or able to be met if the hazard information item indicates that the object has a Danger emanates, the danger information being the position information relating to the position and/or speed information relating to the speed and/or movement information relating to the direction of movement and/or classification information relating to the type of object. In connection with this embodiment, situations are conceivable in which the change condition is not met simply because of the hazard information and the brightness distribution is not changed. This is specifically the case, for example, when the hazard information implies that the object does not pose a hazard or, in other words, that there is a certain probability that the presence of the object cannot be expected to imply an imminent hazard situation, in particular regardless of whether the object is currently in the illuminated sub-area or in the weakly lit sub-area of the illuminated sub-area.

The position information can be provided as hazard information, the change condition only being fulfilled or able to be fulfilled if the position information implies that the object is currently located in front of the motor vehicle or to the side of it. Speed information relating to the current speed of the object can also be provided as hazard information, with the change condition only being met or able to be met if the speed information implies that the object is currently not at rest, i.e. has a speed greater than zero. The direction of movement information relating to the current direction of movement of the object can also be provided as hazard information, with the change condition only being fulfilled or able to be fulfilled, for example, if the direction of movement information implies that the object is currently moving in the direction of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the classification information relating to the type of object can be provided as danger information, ie for example the extent and/or the shape of the object. From this it can be concluded what the object is specifically about and whether it makes sense to fulfill the change condition against this background. This is not the case, for example, if the classification information implies that the object is an object that is fixed in any case, such as a tree, a mailbox, a hydrant or the like.

The change condition is preferably only met or can be met if the position information and/or the speed information and/or the movement information indicates or indicate that the travel path of the motor vehicle is about to cross with the movement path of the object. For example, from the current Speed and the current steering angle are calculated a movement trajectory of the motor vehicle. In addition, an expected movement trajectory of the object can be calculated from the current position and/or the current speed and/or the current direction of movement of the object, with the change condition being able to be met if these two trajectories have a common crossing or intersection point.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the change condition is only met or can be met if the classification information indicates that the object is another road user, in particular another vehicle or a bicycle or a pedestrian or an animal. These are the cases in which the fulfillment of the change condition makes sense insofar as a corresponding dangerous situation could actually exist. For example, if the classification information implies that the object is just a windblown plastic bag, then it is not appropriate to meet the change condition. A change in the brightness distribution and thus a possible unnecessary distraction of the driver is avoided in this case.

In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the fulfillment of the change condition also depends on at least one item of situation information that can be detected, in particular by means of the or a further environment sensor. The situation information can be priority information, for example, with the change condition only being fulfilled or able to be fulfilled if the priority information indicates that the object must be given priority by the motor vehicle. A camera and/or a navigation system can be provided to record the priority information. For example, camera data can be used to record any traffic signs that regulate the right of way. In particular for verification purposes, data that is available in a navigation system of the motor vehicle can be used for this purpose. The priority information can, for example, only be recorded if the classification information implies that the object is another road user.

With regard to the priority information, it is conceivable that the object is another vehicle or motor vehicle approaching from the left on a secondary road, whereby the change condition is basically met, but the priority information implies that the motor vehicle has the right of way over the other vehicle or motor vehicle and therefore an adjustment reaction on the part of the driver is not required. In this case, the fulfillment of the change condition is not appropriate.

The situation information can be a piece of information about the vehicle's own speed, with the change condition only being fulfilled or able to be fulfilled if the information about the vehicle's own speed indicates that a current own speed of the motor vehicle exceeds a predefined own speed limit value. The information about the vehicle's own speed can be recorded by means of a vehicle's own speed sensor, with the data recorded by this sensor also being used to display the speed for the driver by means of a speedometer device, for example. In particular, the change condition can only be fulfilled or can be fulfilled if the current own speed can actually result in a real dangerous situation. For example, the speed limit can be between 0 and 20 km/h, in particular 10 km/h. For example, the situation is conceivable in which the motor vehicle is currently standing at a red traffic light anyway, with the speed information indicating that the current speed of the motor vehicle is zero, in which case it is not expedient to meet the change condition and thus change the brightness distribution .

The situation information can be an item of ambient brightness information, with the change condition only being met or able to be met if the ambient brightness information indicates that the current ambient brightness in the vicinity of the motor vehicle is below a predefined ambient brightness limit value. The ambient brightness information can be captured, for example, using a brightness sensor such as the camera. If, for example, the ambient brightness information implies that it is currently daytime, so that the lighting device only generates daytime running lights anyway, a corresponding change in brightness would go unnoticed by the driver and would therefore make no sense. The predefined ambient brightness limit can, for example, describe that ambient brightness below which the lighting of the surroundings by means of the lighting device can only be seen by the driver on the part of the driver. In concrete terms, the ambient brightness limit value can be defined based on the ambient brightness value that is present at the time of sunset, in particular when the sky is clear.

In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the position information is recorded continuously over time, with tracking with regard to the broadening of the illuminated sub-area or the stronger illumination of the dimly lit sub-area depending on a current position of the object. In this embodiment, in the event that the relative position between the motor vehicle and the object changes over time, it is ensured that the current light distribution is adapted to the current relative position situation or a corresponding tracking takes place in particular to the effect that the object is also off when there is a change in position The driver's view always remains in the illuminated sub-area or the more heavily illuminated sub-area.

In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that when the change condition is met, a brightness pulsation of the or a section of the illuminated sub-area comprising the position of the object, in particular the sub-area or surrounding segment comprising the position of the object, or a left-hand or right-hand section of the illuminated sub-area or the strongly lit sub-area. In this embodiment, in addition to the horizontal expansion of the illuminated sub-area or the stronger illumination of the weakly lit sub-area, there is a brightness pulsation, particularly in that sub-area section in which the object is located, so that the driver's attention is additionally drawn to the object. If the illuminated sub-area or the strongly illuminated sub-area does not include the position of the object even after the corresponding area has been widened, the pulsing of the respective left-hand or right-hand area section also causes a signal effect for the driver.

Whether a corresponding pulsation occurs or not can depend, for example, on the fulfillment of a pulsation condition that can be met or is met, for example, when the classification information indicates that the object is an object with a particularly high risk potential. For example, the pulsation can be fulfilled in particular when the classification information indicates that the object is a child or a rolling ball.

The pulsation condition can also be met or can be met if the position information and/or the speed information and/or the movement direction information indicates or indicates that the object is no longer able to reach the intersection of the travel path of the motor vehicle with the movement path of the object to the To come and therefore a reaction on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle must take place. In particular, the fulfillment of the pulsation condition makes sense, in particular independently of the speed information, if the priority information implies that the motor vehicle must yield the right of way at an intersection lying ahead.

In an optional embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that when the change condition is met, a warning signal is output using at least one output device of the motor vehicle, in particular using a display and/or a loudspeaker. In addition to the extension of the lighting area, when the change condition is met, the corresponding information is output via a second path by means of the acoustic or visual warning signal. It is conceivable, for example, that the driver of the motor vehicle may not notice the object due to a distraction, although it is illuminated accordingly when the change condition is met, so that the optical/acoustic warning signal ensures that the driver's attention is always drawn to the detected Presence of the object is controlled. Corresponding, in particular optical, outputs can be output, for example, as part of a so-called intersection assistant of the motor vehicle, in which the display, which can be arranged in particular in the area of a speedometer display, shows an intersection in front of the motor vehicle together with detected other road users in the form of pictograms. The control of the intersection assistant and the lighting device within the scope of the present invention can take place within the scope of a joint control by the control device.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by a motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device and one control device, the control device being set up to carry out the method according to the above description. All aspects, features and advantages described in connection with the method according to the invention are equally applicable to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

The lighting device can be embodied as a headlight or can comprise at least one headlight. The headlight is preferably provided as a digital matrix light already mentioned above. The lighting device preferably comprises two front headlights, which are arranged on the front, left and right of the motor vehicle.

In the motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably provided that the presence information and the position information based at least one signal of at least one environment sensor of the motor vehicle can be generated. The surroundings sensor of the motor vehicle can be an optical sensor, such as a camera, and/or a radar sensor and/or a lidar sensor.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs,
• 2 beispielhafte Dimm- oder Helligkeitskennlinien zur Realisierung eines segmentierten Abblendlichtes bei dem Kraftfahrzeug aus 1,
• 3 eine beispielhafte Umfeldsituation des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1,
• 4 ein Flussdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens betreffend das Kraftfahrzeug aus 1 und die Umfeldsituation aus 3,
• 5 ein Display des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1,
• 6 eine weitere beispielhafte Umfeldsituation des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1, und
• 7 weitere beispielhafte Dimm- oder Helligkeitskennlinien zur Realisierung eines segmentierten Kurvenlichtes bei dem Kraftfahrzeug aus 1.

Further advantages and details of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments explained below and from the drawings. Here show schematically:

• 1 an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention,
• 2 exemplary dimming or brightness characteristics for realizing a segmented low beam in the motor vehicle 1 ,
• 3 an exemplary environmental situation of the motor vehicle 1 ,
• 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention relating to the motor vehicle 1 and the surrounding situation 3 ,
• 5 a display of the motor vehicle 1 ,
• 6 another exemplary environmental situation of the motor vehicle 1 , and
• 7 further exemplary dimming or brightness characteristics for realizing a segmented cornering light in the motor vehicle 1 .

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention with a lighting device 2 comprising two headlights 3, each of which is designed as a so-called digital matrix light comprising a large number of light-emitting diodes and micro-mirrors. The lighting device 2 can be used to directly illuminate a region 4 of an area 5 surrounding the motor vehicle that can be illuminated to the maximum extent possible. The maximum possible illuminable area 4, which is in 1 is shown with respect to its horizontal extent, in the exemplary embodiment explained is the area in front of motor vehicle 1.

The maximum possible area 4 that can be illuminated comprises a plurality of surrounding segments 6 - 12 arranged horizontally next to one another. More or fewer than the seven surrounding segments 6 - 12 illustrated here as an example can also be provided. Different surrounding segments 6 - 12 can be illuminated with different brightness values by means of the lighting device 2 . In other words, the headlights 3 can emit light with different brightness in different directions in such a way that the surrounding segments 6 - 12 are illuminated with different brightness from the perspective of a driver 13 .

A concrete brightness distribution of the surrounding segments 6 - 12 is specified by means of a dimming or brightness characteristic 14, with a corresponding example in FIG 2 is shown. A value table that reproduces the dimming or brightness characteristic 14 is stored in a control device 15 of the motor vehicle 1, which is also otherwise set up to carry out the method according to the invention. That in the 2 The abscissa of the diagram 16 shown relates to the horizontal beam angle or the adjacent surrounding segments 6 - 12. The ordinate 18 of the diagram 16 relates to the brightness value of the lighting in the associated surrounding segment 6 - 12. The numerical values on the y-axis or ordinate 18 relate to the maximum brightness value that can be generated by the lighting device 2 in percent. That is, a y value of 0 corresponds to no lighting and a y value of 100 corresponds to a maximum possible lighting value.

The operation of the lighting device 2 according to the in 2 The dimming or brightness characteristic curve 14 shown generates a so-called segmented low beam, which means that lighting occurs only in the right-hand surrounding segments 10-12, whereas in the left-hand surrounding segments 6-9 there is no illumination. The aspects explained relate to a motor vehicle 1 provided as left-hand drive, with the dimming or brightness characteristic 14 being correspondingly mirrored about a vertical axis in the case of left-hand traffic.

In the 3 1 shows a typical traffic or environmental situation in which it is expedient to carry out the method according to the invention, from the perspective of the driver 13 . In this situation, the lighting device 2 generates a brightness distribution according to the characteristic curve 14, ie a segmented low beam in which only the surrounding segments 10-12 are illuminated. In other words, an illuminated sub-area 59 of the maximum possible area 4 that can be illuminated is provided, comprising the surrounding segments 10-12. The remaining surrounding segments 6-9 are left out with regard to the lighting.

An exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention relating to motor vehicle 1 1 is subsequently based on in the 4 illustrated flowchart and includes steps 19 - 25. Starting from the in 3 shown situation, in the first step 19 of the method, a presence information 26 detected. In the present case, this is, for example, binary information that indicates whether an object 27, which potentially poses a risk, is present or detected in the area surrounding 5 of the motor vehicle 1 was animaled. In this case, only the fact that an obstacle of whatever type was detected in the area surrounding 5 of the motor vehicle is initially relevant. Other information, in particular relating to the type of object 25, is not yet relevant within the context of the presence information 26 and, as will be described below, only becomes relevant when the exemplary method is carried out further.

Related to the 3 another motor vehicle 28 is detected as a potentially dangerous object 27, which is approaching an upcoming intersection 29, specifically coming from the left from a street with priority. Another potentially dangerous object that is detected as part of the presence information 26 is a traffic sign 43. The fact that the traffic sign 43, for obvious reasons, does not represent an obstacle that fundamentally poses a hazard is not yet relevant in the context of the presence information 26.

If no object 27 is detected, the first step 19 of the method is run through again. In particular, this loop occurs cyclically with a timing of, for example, a tenth of a second or the like. As part of step 19, if the presence of the object 27 has been detected, position information 30 is also determined. With regard to the further motor vehicle 28 , the position information 30 indicates that the object 27 is located in the surrounding segment 7 .

In order to record presence information 26 and position information 30, motor vehicle 1 includes a plurality of environment sensors 31 connected to control device 15, namely an optical sensor embodied as a camera 32, a radar sensor 33, and a lidar sensor 34 (see Fig. 1 ). The control device 15 is set up to carry out the method steps, in particular to evaluate the sensor data from the surroundings sensors 31 and to generate the information 26, 30 and other information described below.

In the second step 20 of the method, a number of items of risk information 35 are recorded by means of the surroundings sensors 31 . The position information 30 already recorded in step 19 is also used here as the hazard information 35 .

Speed information 36 relating to the current speed of object 27 is recorded as hazard information 35 . Related to the 3 the speed information 36 relates to the current speed of the other motor vehicle 28.

In particular, if the speed information 36 implies that the object 27 is currently moving, an item of movement direction information 37 which relates to the current direction of movement of the object 27 is also recorded as danger information 35 . Related to the 3 the direction of movement information 37 indicates that the direction of movement of the other motor vehicle 28 extends transversely to the direction of movement of the motor vehicle 1 or the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 1 .

Finally, classification information 38 relating to the type of object 27 is recorded as risk information. Based on the shape and extent of the object 27, which is detected by the camera 32, the control device 15 carries out a corresponding software-based image evaluation, so that the classification information 38 with regard to 3 indicates that one of the two potentially dangerous objects 27 is of the “other motor vehicle” class and the other is of the “traffic sign” class. Other conceivable classifications of the potentially dangerous object 27 in connection with the classification information 38 are, for example, the classes “cyclist”, “pedestrian”, in particular “child”, “animal”, “tree”, “letterbox”, “hydrant” etc.

In the third step 21 of the method, situation information 39 is recorded, namely information about priority 40, information about the vehicle's own speed 41 and information about the brightness of the surroundings 42.

If the classification information 38 has revealed that the object 27 is another road user, the right of way information 40 relating to the fact whether the object 27 must be given the right of way by the motor vehicle 1 is then recorded. Camera 32 , by means of which traffic sign 43 is recorded, is used to record priority information 40 . Suitable image evaluation software for interpreting the traffic sign 43 is also provided by the control device 15 for this purpose. In order to record the right-of-way information 40 , data that is present in a navigation system 44 of the motor vehicle 1 is additionally used, in particular for the corresponding verification.

The vehicle speed information 41 relates to the current vehicle speed of the motor vehicle 1. The vehicle speed information 41 is recorded by means of a vehicle speed sensor 45 of the motor vehicle 1, the sensor values of which are also used to display the speed for the driver 13.

The ambient brightness information 42 relates to the current ambient brightness in the surroundings 5 of the motor vehicle 1. The ambient brightness information 42 is recorded by means of a brightness sensor 46, in this case by means of the camera 32 the image pixels evaluated.

In the fourth step 22, the fulfillment of a change condition is checked. This depends on several factors related to the information collected in steps 19-21, which are explained in detail below.

Thus, as part of the fourth step 22 , a check is made as to whether the position information 30 indicates that the currently illuminated sub-area 59 , which in the present case includes the surrounding segments 10 - 12 , includes the position of the object 27 . If this is the case, the change condition is not met and the method is restarted in step 19 . Based on the in the 3 However, this is the case in the situation shown, since the object 27 or the other motor vehicle 28 is located in the surrounding segment 7 and not in the illuminated sub-area 59 . This is not the case with regard to the traffic sign 43, which is located in the surrounding segment 12 and therefore in the illuminated sub-area 59, so that the further method steps are only carried out in connection with the further motor vehicle 28 and no longer with regard to the traffic sign 43.

As part of the review of the change condition, it is then also checked whether the hazard information 35 indicates that the object 27 poses a hazard, with the change condition only being able to be fulfilled if this is the case. In the course of this check, it is specifically evaluated whether the classification information 38 indicates that the object 27 is another road user or an animal. The change condition can only be fulfilled if this is the case. These criteria in connection with the classification information 38 are not final. In this way, the change condition can be fulfilled in the course of this check, in particular very generally if the classification information 38 implies that the object 27 fundamentally poses a risk potential for the motor vehicle 1 . If the non-fulfillment of the change condition was not already determined in connection with the position information 30 with regard to the traffic sign 43, this would be the case at the latest in connection with the classification information 38.

In connection with the classification information 38 it is also conceivable that if certain classes such as "child" or "rolling ball" are present, the further verification steps are skipped and the change condition is immediately met. In principle, the change condition with regard to the classification information 38 can already be checked before the check with regard to the position information 30, so that the check of this aspect is also skipped for the classes mentioned and the change condition is immediately fulfilled.

As part of the review of the change condition with regard to the hazard information 35, the change condition can only be met if the position information 30, the speed information 36 and the direction of movement information 37 imply that a possible crossing of the travel path of the motor vehicle 1 with the travel path of the object 27 is imminent. This can be seen in the in the 3 illustrated situation with regard to the other motor vehicle 28, namely in the area of the intersection 29.

As part of checking whether the change condition is met, conditions are then checked which are linked to the situation information 39 , ie to the priority information 40 , the vehicle's own speed information 41 and the ambient brightness information 42 . With regard to the priority information 40 , it is checked whether this indicates that the object 27 must be given priority by the motor vehicle 1 . This check is only carried out if the object 27 is another road user, which is the case with the in 3 situation shown is the case. If this check reveals that motor vehicle 1 has the right of way, the change condition is not met.

With regard to the own speed information 41, it is checked whether this indicates that the current own speed of the motor vehicle 1 exceeds a predetermined own speed limit value. This can be stored in the control device 15, for example, and can be 10 km/h. If the current own speed of the motor vehicle 1 is below the own speed limit value, for example if the motor vehicle 1 is currently standing at the intersection 29 anyway due to a red traffic light or the like, the change condition is not met.

As part of the review of the change condition, it is also checked whether the ambient brightness information 42 implies that the current ambient brightness in the area 5 of the motor vehicle 1 is a predetermined ambient brightness falls below the limit. This can also be stored in the control device 15 . If the ambient brightness information 42 implies that the current ambient brightness is greater than the specified ambient brightness limit value, this can imply that there is currently sufficient brightness due to sunshine anyway, so that the change in the brightness distribution would not be noticeable to the driver 13 and the change condition would therefore not be met is.

If none of the previously explained checks with regard to the change condition have revealed that the change condition is not met, this is ultimately met, so that in the context of the next step 23 there is a change in the brightness distribution in the maximum possible illuminable area 4 . In this case, the illuminated sub-area 59 is spread horizontally in such a way that the position of the other motor vehicle 28 is contained in the illuminated sub-area 59 . Specifically, the illuminated sub-area 59 is spread to the left, or the focus of the dimming or brightness characteristic 47 is shifted in the direction of the object 27 . This takes place in that the control device 15 specifies a further dimming or brightness characteristic 47 that is stored (see Fig. 2 ), according to which the lighting device 2 is controlled accordingly to change the brightness distribution. The brightness values in the left-hand surrounding segments 6 - 9 are increased here, so that the object 27 can be seen from the driver 13 's point of view. In addition, the brightness values in the surrounding segments 10 and 11 are increased further. Generally speaking and as well as in particular from the 2 becomes clear, the center of gravity of the dimming or brightness characteristic 14 is shifted in the direction of the object 27. Nevertheless, the brightness levels affecting the surrounding segments 6 - 9 are not illuminated with the maximum possible brightness compared to the surrounding segments 10 - 12, so that despite the lighting that is now present in these segments 6-9, no blinding of any oncoming vehicles is caused.

Although it is provided in the exemplary embodiment explained here that the position of the object after the change in the brightness distribution is contained within the illuminated sub-area 59, this does not necessarily have to be the case within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is equally conceivable that the illuminated sub-area 59 is only widened to the left or right, without the object position then being in the illuminated sub-area 59 . Nevertheless, due to the change in the brightness distribution, there is a corresponding signal effect for the driver 13.

As part of the next method step 24, there is an optional brightness pulsation of the surrounding segment 7 in which the object 27 is located or, if the object 27 is not located in the illuminated sub-area 59, of a left-hand or right-hand section of the illuminated sub-area 59 As part of this step 24, the fulfillment of a pulsation condition is first evaluated, with the pulsation occurring only when the pulsation condition is met. In this context, pulsation means, for example, that the brightness in the surrounding segment 7 is increased cyclically, for example from 20 to 80 percent of the maximum possible illumination value. The brightness pulsation also draws the driver's 13 attention to the object 27 so that he can intervene accordingly. The pulsation condition is met in particular when the information recorded as part of method steps 19 - 21, in particular the speed information 36, the direction of movement information 37 and the pulsation information 30, imply that the other motor vehicle 28 is no longer able to reach the intersection 29 stop and if the priority information 40 implies that your own motor vehicle 1 at the intersection 29 has the right of way. In particular, the pulsation condition can also be met when the classification information 38 implies that the object 27 is an object with unpredictable behavior, such as a child or an animal.

In an optional step 25 of the method, which runs parallel to steps 23 and 24 , it is provided that a warning signal 48 is output when the change condition is met, so that the driver 13 is additionally made aware of the object 27 . Output devices 49 are provided for outputting the warning signal 48 (see Fig. 1 ), namely a display 50 and a loudspeaker 51, so that the warning signal 48 is output to the driver 13 via the visual and the acoustic path. In this context, it can also be provided that the warning signal 48 is only output if the pulsation condition is met, so that it is only output in particularly dangerous situations.

Details regarding the display or output of the optical warning signal that is output by means of the display 50 are in FIG 5 shown. The display 50, which is arranged in the area of a speedometer display of the motor vehicle 1, is also used as part of an intersection assistant of the motor vehicle 1, the process steps required for this, which are well known to the person skilled in the art and are not explained in more detail here, also on the part of the control device 15 to be executed. the cross tion assistant is a system of the motor vehicle 1 for detecting other road users at a possible intersection, the corresponding traffic situation being represented by the display 50 in the form of pictograms. Thus, in addition to the stylized intersection 29, the display 50 shows the driver's motor vehicle 1 and the other motor vehicle 28, specifically at the respective positions at the intersection 29. The other motor vehicle 28 is indicated schematically here by an arrow 52. When the change condition is met, the arrow 52 can be optically emphasized, for example by being colored red and/or flashing. The driver 13 is thus made aware of the object 27 via several channels by the change in the brightness distribution, by the indication on the display 50 and by the warning tone of the loudspeaker 51 .

Parallel to running through steps 23, 24 and 25, steps 19 to 22 continue to be run through cyclically, for example with a clock rate of a tenth of a second or the like. In particular, the presence information 26 and the position information 30 are recorded continuously over time. With regard to the continuously recorded presence information 26 and the associated, cyclically repeated checking of the change condition in step 22, it is ensured that the measures carried out in steps 23, 24 and 25 are withdrawn again as soon as the object information 26 in particular indicates that no object is currently available 27 more was detected.

With regard to the continuously recorded position information 30, it is ensured that tracking takes place in connection with the change in the brightness distribution, so that even if there is a change in the relative position between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 27, the widening of the illuminated sub-area 59 is tracked accordingly, and in particular the object 27 also remains in the broadened subregion 59.

After the completion of steps 23 and 24 as well as step 25, which runs parallel thereto, the method is ended and starts again in particular in step 19.

Analogous to that in the 3 shown figure shows 6 another traffic or environmental situation of the motor vehicle 1 in which the implementation of the method according to the invention is expedient. So shows the in the 6 The situation shown is driving through a forest 53 at night, specifically in a left turn 54. Even before driving through the left turn 54, ie as long as the road extends in a straight line in front of the vehicle 1, a brightness distribution according to that in FIG 2 mapped dimming or brightness characteristic 14 specified for the realization of a segmented low beam.

In the present case, the control device 15 and the lighting device 2 are set up to generate a segmented cornering light. This means that depending on the steering angle of the motor vehicle 1, the dimming or brightness characteristic 14 is changed depending on the curve in front of the motor vehicle 1 or the current steering angle. Regarding the in 6 Left curve 54 shown, the brightness distribution according to in the 7 Mapped left curve dimming or brightness characteristic 55 specified, the corresponding diagram 56 basically the diagram 16 of 2 is equivalent to. As can be seen, compared to the dimming or brightness characteristic 14, the brightness distribution is shifted to the left according to the course of the left-hand curve 54.

In this case, the illuminated sub-area 59 comprises a weakly illuminated partial area 60 comprising the surrounding segments 11, 12 and a strongly illuminated partial area 61 comprising the surrounding segments 7 - 10, with the weakly illuminated partial area 60 lying horizontally to the left of the strongly illuminated partial area 61 , Is illuminated more weakly than the heavily illuminated sub-area 61. According to the left-hand curve dimming or brightness characteristic 55, the illuminated sub-area 59, apart from the surrounding segment 6, includes the complete, maximum possible area 4 that can be illuminated 6 The situation shown is now an object 27 present, namely an animal 57, in this case a deer.

In this situation, too, the 4 go through the process steps described, with deviating aspects being set out below. Thus, within the framework of the first step 19, the animal 57 and individual trees of the forest 53 are recorded with regard to the objects 27 potentially associated with a risk within the framework of the presence information 26.

Differences also arise when checking whether the change condition is met in step 22. With regard to the trees in the forest 53, the check as part of the classification information 38 shows that there is no danger with regard to these objects and the change condition is therefore not met in this respect. This is different with regard to the animal 57, with regard to which the classification information 38 indicates that the class “animal” is involved. In contrast to the one based on the 4 described method step 22 is the change condition ment regarding the animal 57 can also be fulfilled or fulfilled if the possible crossing of the travel path of the motor vehicle 1 with the movement path of the animal 57, based on the position information 30, the speed information 36 and the movement direction information 37 of the animal, is not detected. This is due in particular to the fact that in the case of the animal 57, in contrast to the other motor vehicle 28, the current speed and direction of movement cannot necessarily be used to draw conclusions about the further behavior, since animals can typically exhibit unpredictable behavior. For obvious reasons, the object class “animal” is not intended to be checked for priority information either. Ultimately, to meet the verification condition, it is sufficient for presence information 26 to indicate that animal 57 has been detected, for position information 30 to indicate that the position of object 27 or animal 57 is in the dimly lit sub-area, for hazard information 35 or classification information 38 indicates that the object 27 is the animal 57, that the current airspeed is greater than the airspeed limit, and that the current ambient light level is lower than the ambient light level limit.

In step 23 of the method is now, in contrast to step 23 of 4 , provided that the weakly lit sub-area 60, in which the position of the object 27 or the animal 57 is located, is illuminated more intensely. Specifically, the brightness distribution according to in the 7 further left-hand curve dimming or brightness characteristic curve 58 shown is set by the control device 15 . The center of gravity of the left-hand curve dimming or brightness characteristic 55 is shifted to the right here, so that the animal 57 is illuminated more intensely in comparison to the left-hand curve dimming or brightness characteristic 55 . Here, too, however, it can alternatively be provided that the strongly illuminated sub-area 61 is widened only in the direction towards the object 27 without the position of the object 27 falling within the strongly illuminated sub-area 61 .

In particular, also takes place in the case of the 6 The method described involves cyclically running through steps 19 to 22 in parallel with steps 23, 24 and 25. In this way, it is also ensured here with regard to the continuously recorded position information 30 that tracking takes place in connection with the change in the brightness distribution, so that even if there is a change of the relative position between the motor vehicle 1 and the object 27, in particular this will continue to be more strongly illuminated if it remains in the weakly illuminated sub-area 60.

If the object 27 enters the strongly illuminated sub-area 61 due to the change in relative position, the stronger illumination of the sub-area 60 can be reversed. If the object 27 leaves both the weakly lit sub-area 60 and the strongly lit sub-area 61, i.e. the entire sub-area 59, then the sub-area 59 can be widened in the sense of based on 3 explained procedure are carried out.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited 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

• DE 102016124933 A1 [0003]
• DE 102012106502 A1 [0004]
• DE 102011100614 A1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) comprising a lighting device (2) by means of which at least one sub-area (59) of a maximally illuminable area (4) of an area (5) of the motor vehicle (1) is illuminated, with the fulfillment of a change condition being checked which can only be fulfilled if determined presence information (26) indicates that an object (27), which potentially poses a risk, is present in the area (5) of the motor vehicle (1), with the fulfillment of the change condition being a Brightness distribution is changed in the maximum possible area (4) that can be illuminated, characterized in that the change condition is only met or can be met if determined position information (30) either indicates that the illuminated sub-area (59) shows the position of the object (27) not included, in which case the illuminated sub-area (59) is widened horizontally to the left and/or right in such a way that the illuminated sub-area (59) encompasses the position of the object (27) or extends further in the direction towards the position of the object (27), - or indicates that a weakly illuminated sub-area (60) of the illuminated sub-area (59) which is illuminated more weakly the position of the object (27) is included as a strongly illuminated sub-area (61) of the illuminated sub-area (59) and which lies horizontally to the left or right of the strongly illuminated sub-area (61), in which case the weakly illuminated sub-area (60 ) is more strongly illuminated or the strongly illuminated partial area (61) is broadened horizontally to the left and/or right in such a way that the strongly illuminated partial area (61) encompasses the position of the object (27) or extends further in the direction of the position of the object ( 27) extends. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the maximum possible area (4) that can be illuminated comprises several surrounding segments (6 - 12) lying in front of the motor vehicle (1) and arranged horizontally next to one another, which are illuminated with different brightness values by means of the lighting device (2), the brightness distribution in the form of a dimming or brightness characteristic (14, 47, 55, 58), in which each of the surrounding segments (6 - 12) is assigned a dimming value describing a dimming of a maximum brightness value or a brightness value describing a brightness. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that, in particular by means of at least one environment sensor (31), at least one hazard information item (35) is detected, on which the fulfillment of the change condition also depends, the change condition only being met or able to be met if the hazard information item (35) indicates, that the object (27) poses a hazard, with the hazard information (35) the position information (30) relating to the position and/or speed information (36) relating to the speed and/or direction of movement information (37) relating to the direction of movement and/or is classification information (38) relating to the type of object (27). procedure after claim 3 , characterized in that the change condition is only fulfilled or can be fulfilled - if the position information (30) and/or the speed information (36) and/or the movement direction information (37) indicates or indicate that a possible crossing of the route of the motor vehicle (1st ) with the movement path of the object (27) is imminent and/or - if the classification information (38) indicates that the object (27) is another road user, in particular another motor vehicle (28) or a cyclist or a pedestrian, or an animal ( 57) is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fulfillment of the change condition also depends on at least one item of situation information (39) which can be detected, in particular by means of the or one or one additional environment sensor (31), the situation information (39) being priority information ( 40), which is recorded in particular by means of a camera (32) and/or a navigation system (44), the change condition only being fulfilled or able to be fulfilled if the priority information indicates that the object (27) must be given priority on the vehicle side, and /or - a piece of information about the vehicle's own speed (41), which is detected in particular by means of a vehicle's own speed sensor (45), the change condition only being fulfilled or capable of being fulfilled if the piece of information about the vehicle's own speed (41) indicates that a current own speed of the motor vehicle (1) exceeds a predetermined own speed limit value exceeds, u nd/or - an item of ambient brightness information (42) which is detected in particular by means of a brightness sensor (46), the change condition only being met or able to be met if the item of ambient brightness information (42) indicates that the current ambient brightness in the area (5) surrounding the motor vehicle (1) falls below a predetermined ambient brightness limit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position information (30) is recorded continuously over time, with tracking with regard to the widening of the illuminated sub-area (59) or the stronger illumination of the weakly illuminated sub-area (60) depending on a current position of the Object (27) takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the change condition is met, a brightness pulsation of the or a section of the illuminated sub-area (59) comprising the position of the object (27), in particular of the sub-area (60 ) or surrounding segment (6-12), or a left- or right-hand section of the illuminated sub-area (59) or the strongly illuminated sub-area (61). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the change condition is met, a warning signal (48) is emitted by means of at least one output device (49) of the motor vehicle (1), in particular by means of a display (50) and/or a loudspeaker (51), is issued. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a segmented low beam and/or a segmented cornering light is generated by means of the lighting device (2). Motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device (2) designed in particular as a headlight (3) or comprising at least one headlight (3) and a control device (15) which is set up for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. motor vehicle after claim 10 , characterized in that the presence information (26) and the position information (30) based on at least one signal from at least one environment sensor (31) of the motor vehicle (1), which is in particular an optical sensor, for example a camera (32), and / or a radar sensor (33) and/or a lidar sensor (34) can be generated.

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