DE102022130176A1 - CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A HEADLIGHT, VEHICLE AND METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

Control device (102) for controlling a headlight (108) of a headlight (110, 116) in an ego vehicle (100), comprising a detection unit (200) for detecting a road intersection (300, 300') ahead, and a control unit (202) which is designed to adapt the headlight (108) such that the headlight (108) partially or completely blocks out a vehicle (306, 308) positioned transversely to the direction of travel (x) of the ego vehicle (100) at the detected road intersection (300, 300').

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a headlight of a headlight in an ego vehicle, a vehicle, a method and a computer program product.

The use of various lighting assistance systems in modern motor vehicles is well known ( www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/licht-undbeleuchtung/lichtassistenten/ , accessed on October 18, 2022). These light assistance systems include, for example, automatic low beam, cornering light, curve light and high beam assistant. With automatic low beam, for example, a circuit is provided that supports the driver by automatically switching the low beam on or off at dusk or when driving in tunnels. The cornering light is a lighting system that illuminates the area immediately to the side of the vehicle at low speeds. With cornering light, the lighting also steers in such a way that oncoming traffic is not dazzled. Similarly, the high beam assistant switches the high beam on or off independently at night in order to reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic. It is also known to use so-called matrix headlights in the light assistance systems described above. With these, the light distribution can be dosed so finely that not just one, but a large number of objects can be specifically excluded from the light cone.

Furthermore, the CN 110979157 B A vehicle is known for which, when it enters an intersection, two additional areas to the left and right of the vehicle are illuminated. The intersection is thus better illuminated and is intended to reduce the risk of accidents.

From the EN 10 2016 200 323 A1 A method for detecting a glare situation and for correspondingly controlling at least one light-emitting element is known.

Also in the KR 101768500 B1 is described to reduce the amount of light or to completely prevent light from falling on a pedestrian or at least parts of a pedestrian, such as the face.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved control device for controlling a headlight beam of a headlight.

Accordingly, a control device for controlling a headlight of a headlight in an ego vehicle is provided. The control device has: a detection unit for detecting a road intersection ahead; and a control unit which is designed to control the headlight in such a way that the headlight partially or completely excludes a vehicle which is positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel of the ego vehicle at the detected road intersection.

This advantageously prevents the driver of the vehicle parked sideways from being blinded. The reason for this is in particular the fact that a conventional automatic dimming system does not or cannot reliably detect a vehicle parked sideways. This is because the front and rear lights of the vehicle parked sideways are oriented in such a way that the light emitted by them does not reach the ego vehicle or only reaches a small proportion of it. For example, a front camera on the ego vehicle and the corresponding downstream evaluation unit cannot or cannot reliably determine from this small proportion of light whether or not the vehicle is moving or stationary. In particular, this can lead to confusion between a moving or stationary (but drivable) vehicle and a parked (parked, i.e. not drivable) vehicle. In other words, the stopped or moving vehicle is recognized as a parked vehicle. Accordingly, the automatic dimming system does not switch off the low beam or high beam, and the driver of the moving or stationary vehicle is unintentionally blinded.

In particular, if the road on which the ego vehicle is moving is a priority road, it is not necessary to illuminate the corresponding intersection. Preferably, the detection unit is therefore also set up to detect that the road on which the ego vehicle is moving is a priority road. The detection unit can detect this, for example, depending on signs on the current road of the ego vehicle or depending on navigation data that contain the traffic regulations that apply to the road of the ego vehicle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the detection unit is set up to determine that the ego vehicle has passed the detected road crossing and to output a corresponding control signal. The control unit can be set up to cancel the previous adjustment of the headlights to partially or completely exclude the transversely parked vehicle, depending on this control signal. In other words, the control unit controls the Headlights are switched on again in the conventional way. For example, the control unit can be set up to control the headlights after passing the intersection in such a way that they completely illuminate the road again, including an area to the left and right of the side road boundaries.

In this case, “sparing out” means that no headlight light or only headlight light of lower intensity (compared to the area otherwise illuminated by the headlight) falls on the vehicle parked sideways. To this end, the headlight light can be partially dimmed, switched off and/or dimmed.

According to one embodiment, the headlight is designed to partially or completely exclude the transversely parked vehicle, regardless of its actual presence.

In this embodiment, it is not detected whether there is a vehicle parked sideways in the area of the intersection. This advantageously simplifies the control device. A further advantage is that this avoids the risk of a moving or stopped vehicle being incorrectly identified as a parked vehicle and the driver of this vehicle being unintentionally blinded.

In other embodiments, the detection unit is configured to detect the transversely parked vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the headlight light depending on the detected vehicle.

• Kameradaten; und/oder
• Navigationsdaten.

According to one embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect the detected road intersection depending on one or more of the following:

• Camera data; and/or
• Navigation data.

In particular, the ego vehicle can have a camera (it can also be several cameras of the ego vehicle) which has the road intersection ahead in its field of view. Such a camera can in particular be a front camera of the ego vehicle. The camera takes the corresponding images. The camera data can include these images. The recognition unit can be set up to evaluate the camera data, in particular the images, for example with the help of object recognition. In this way, the road intersection can be reliably recognized. Alternatively or additionally (in the latter case, for example, the camera data is thus verified), the recognition unit can evaluate navigation data. The navigation data preferably contains, firstly, a current position of the ego vehicle and/or, secondly, map material in which the ego vehicle is located based on its current position. Furthermore, the map material preferably contains information on the course of the road, road intersections, applicable traffic regulations, etc.

According to a further embodiment, the camera data and/or the navigation data contain information about the position of the intersection relative to the ego vehicle and/or the nature of the detected road intersection.

The position can in particular contain the distance between the ego vehicle and the detected road junction. The nature of the road junction can, for example, contain features such as the width of the road, the presence of a turning lane, the lateral distance between the ego vehicle and a right (in right-hand traffic) or left (in left-hand traffic) road boundary, etc. From these features, the control unit can determine how the headlights should be adjusted in order to partially or completely exclude the vehicle parked across the road.

• eine Beschilderung, insbesondere ein Vorfahrtsschild;
• eine Fahrbahnmarkierung;
• eine Unterbrechung einer Fahrbahnmarkierung am äußeren Rand derjenigen Fahrspur, auf der das Ego-Fahrzeug fährt;
• eine Fahrbahngeometrie, insbesondere eine solche, die einer Straßenecke im Bereich der erkannten Straßenkreuzung folgt; und/oder
• mehrere Leitpfosten am äußeren Rand derjenigen Fahrspur, auf der das Ego-Fahrzeug fährt, insbesondere sich verändernde Abstände zwischen diesen.

According to a further embodiment, the camera data contains information regarding one or more of the following:

• a sign, in particular a give way sign;
• a road marking;
• an interruption of a lane marking at the outer edge of the lane in which the ego vehicle is traveling;
• a road geometry, in particular one that follows a street corner in the area of the detected road intersection; and/or
• several guide posts on the outer edge of the lane in which the ego vehicle is driving, in particular changing distances between them.

The signage can be used to determine whether there is a road junction ahead and/or whether the lane on which the ego vehicle is driving is a priority road (in relation to the nearest or another road junction). The road geometry can also be used to easily determine whether there is a road junction ahead, namely if there is a turning lane. The same applies to the interruption of the road markings. Even from other lanes or other road markings that are not the driving lane, the driver can also easily see the road ahead. lane of the ego vehicle, it can be concluded that there is an intersection ahead. In particular in non-urban areas, for example on country roads, guide posts, especially those equipped with reflectors, are often arranged along the lane. These are typically at a fixed distance from each other, for example 20, 30 or 50 m, but this changes in the area of an intersection. This change in particular can be detected with the help of the detection unit and thus it can be concluded that there is an intersection ahead. In addition or alternatively, the color of the reflectors can change. This change can also be used to conclude that there is an intersection ahead.

According to a further embodiment, the detected road intersection is formed by two continuously drivable roads or by a continuous road and a road merging into the continuous road.

In this respect, one can also speak of a four-way intersection or a three-way intersection (T-intersection).

According to a further embodiment, in the case of two continuously passable roads, the headlight partially or completely excludes vehicles parked across both sides of the detected road intersection.

In other words, the headlights exclude the left and right vehicles parked across the road from the perspective of the ego vehicle. Here, too, it is not necessary for the vehicles parked across the road to actually be recognized. According to one embodiment, these are not recognized, but the headlights are excluded accordingly.

In the event that one, two or more vehicles parked across the road are not actually detected, the headlight beam is preferably adjusted based on empirical data (empirical values). This means that a probable position of the vehicle and, if applicable, its geometry is determined or assumed. The headlight beam is then adjusted in such a way that it always or with a high degree of probability ignores the one, two or more vehicles parked across the road. This approach can of course also take into account actually recorded information or measurements. For example, the nature of the road junction can be determined from the camera data or the navigation data, in which case a corresponding (in particular probable) position and/or vehicle geometry is assumed.

According to a further embodiment, the headlight light excludes, in particular exclusively, the driver sitting in the transversely parked vehicle.

In embodiments, the driver is not recognized as such. Instead, a probable position of the driver is assumed. For example, it can be assumed that the vehicle is a vehicle with a normal seat height (i.e. not a sport utility vehicle or the like). Alternatively, the entire vehicle is excluded from the headlight light, so that the driver is definitely not blinded.

According to a further embodiment, the headlight has a plurality of LEDs which can be individually switched off and/or dimmed with the aid of the control unit in order to adjust the headlight light.

LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode". For example, more than 10, more than 50 or more than 100 LEDs are provided. This means that the headlight light, especially its light cone, can be adjusted precisely so that one, two or more vehicles parked across the road are left out or illuminated with a lower light intensity.

According to a further embodiment, the control unit adjusts the headlight light when the distance between the ego vehicle and the detected road intersection falls below a threshold value.

The distance or threshold value is preferably such that dazzling of the driver of the transversely parked vehicle is avoided with certainty. The threshold value can be set by a user, for example by means of an input via a user interface.

In embodiments, the control unit adjusts the headlight light continuously or in several stages as the ego vehicle approaches the existing intersection.

The respective unit mentioned (here), such as the detection unit or the control unit, can be implemented using hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware implementation, the respective unit can be designed as a computer or as a microprocessor, for example. In the case of a software implementation, the respective unit can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as an algorithm, as Part of a program code or as an executable object. Furthermore, each of the units mentioned here can also be designed as part of a higher-level control system of the vehicle, such as a central electronic control device and/or an engine control device (ECU: Engine Control Unit).

• einen Scheinwerfer; und
• eine Steuervorrichtung, wie vorstehend beschrieben, wobei die Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, ein Scheinwerferlicht des Scheinwerfers zu steuern.

According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises:

• a headlight; and
• a control device as described above, wherein the control device is configured to control a headlight of the headlight.

• Erkennen einer vorausliegenden Straßenkreuzung; und
• Anpassen des Scheinwerferlichts derart, dass das Scheinwerferlicht ein zur Fahrtrichtung des Ego-Fahrzeugs an der erkannten Straßenkreuzung quer stehendes Fahrzeug teilweise oder vollständig ausspart.

According to yet another aspect, a method for controlling a headlight of a headlight in an ego vehicle is provided. The method comprises:

• Detecting an upcoming road junction; and
• Adjusting the headlight beam in such a way that the headlight beam partially or completely excludes a vehicle that is positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel of the ego vehicle at the detected road intersection.

According to one embodiment, the transversely positioned vehicle is partially or completely recessed, regardless of its actual presence.

• Kameradaten; und/oder
• Navigationsdaten.

According to a further embodiment, the upcoming road intersection is detected depending on one or more of the following:

• Camera data; and/or
• Navigation data.

According to a further embodiment, a plurality of LEDs in the headlight are individually switched off and/or dimmed to adjust the headlight light.

According to a further embodiment, the headlight light is adjusted when the distance between the ego vehicle and the detected road intersection falls below a threshold value.

According to a further aspect, a computer program product is proposed which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described above.

A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communications network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

The advantages and features described above for the control device apply accordingly to the other aspects, and vice versa.

In this case, "one", "two", etc. are not to be seen as being limited to exactly one or exactly two, etc. In particular, more than "one", "two", etc. elements can be provided, unless otherwise stated. For example, two, three or more vehicles parked sideways can be provided, which are excluded from the headlight beam.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• 1 zeigt in einer Draufsicht ausschnittsweise ein Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 zeigt schematisch eine Steuervorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 zeigt in einer Draufsicht ein in eine Kreuzung einfahrendes Ego-Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 4 und 5 zeigen jeweils unterschiedliche Lichtkegel, welche ein Scheinwerfer des Ego-Fahrzeugs aus 3 erzeugt;
• 6 bis 8 zeigen jeweils in einer Draufsicht unterschiedliche Vorgehensweisen zum Erkennen einer vorausliegenden Straßenkreuzung; und
• 9 zeigt in einem Flussdiagramm ein Verfahren gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

• 1 shows a top view of a detail of a vehicle according to an embodiment;
• 2 shows schematically a control device according to an embodiment;
• 3 shows a top view of an ego vehicle entering an intersection according to an embodiment;
• 4 and 5 show different light cones, which a headlight of the ego vehicle from 3 generated;
• 6 to 8 each show, in a top view, different procedures for detecting an upcoming road intersection; and
• 9 shows a method according to an embodiment in a flow chart.

In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

1 shows a front half of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment in a plan view. The vehicle can be designed, for example, as a passenger car (car), truck (lorry), bus, train, airplane, motorcycle or the like. The same applies to the 3 later mentioned vehicles 306, 308.

The vehicle 100 comprises a control device 102. The control device 100 can be partially or completely identical to a central vehicle control unit (ECU). The control device 102 is shown schematically in 2 and comprises in particular a detection unit 200 and a control unit 202.

Returning to 1 it is shown there that the vehicle 100 comprises a camera 104. The camera 104 can be designed as a front camera, for example. Such a front camera can be mounted in particular behind the windshield in the area of a rear-view mirror. The vehicle 100 can also comprise a navigation device 106.

The control device 102 is designed to control a headlight 108 of a headlight 110. The headlight 110 can be, for example, a low beam or a high beam. In embodiments, the headlight 110 can be designed as a matrix LED headlight. In particular, in this variant, the headlight 100 can have a light source 112. The light source 112 is in 1 shown in a detailed view at the top right. The light source 112 comprises an array of LEDs 114 (Light Emitting Diodes). By means of the control unit 202 (see 2 ) individual LEDs 114 (in 1 two of these LEDs are provided with a reference symbol by way of example only). This control includes individually switching the LEDs 114 on and off (i.e. independently of the other LEDs 114 of the light source 112) and/or dimming individual LEDs 114 (again independently of the other LEDs of the light source 112). This allows the headlight 108 to be adjusted in relation to its light cone in such a way that only certain objects are illuminated and not others. Alternatively or additionally, individual objects can be illuminated with a lower light intensity than the rest of the area. Preferably, a suitable optics, in particular comprising lenses, is arranged downstream of the light source 112 in the beam path. 1 The headlight light 108 is directed into the environment through the transparent cover shown.

Furthermore, the vehicle 100 typically comprises not only a single headlight 110, but at least one additional headlight 116. If this is the case, the control device 102 also controls the headlight 116 so that it generates the headlight light 108 together with the headlight 110. Preferably, the headlight 116 comprises a light source corresponding to the light source 112 of the headlight 110, but this is not the case in 1 is not shown.

3 shows a top view of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter "ego vehicle") as it drives towards a road junction 300. The ego vehicle 100 itself drives on a first road, designated 302. This is continuously drivable in the area of the road junction 300 and intersects, in particular at a right angle, with a second road 304, which is also continuously drivable. For example, a vehicle 306 on the right from the perspective of the ego vehicle 100 and a vehicle 308 on the left are stopped in the road 304. In embodiments, only one of these vehicles 306, 308 can be provided, or none of these vehicles can be provided, ie in the area of the road 304, no vehicle is stopped on either the right or left side from the perspective of the ego vehicle 100. The stopped vehicles 306, 308 have a direction of travel in the direction of the y-axis, i.e. transverse to the direction of travel x of the ego vehicle 100. The vertical direction is in 3 denoted by y.

The detection unit 200 (see 2 ) of the control device 102 is designed to detect the road intersection 300 ahead. This can be done, for example, based on camera data and/or navigation data.

For example, the front camera 104 (see 1 ) of the vehicle 100 can take pictures of the intersection 300. An object recognition running, for example, on a processor of the camera 104 can identify the intersection 300 in these images. Alternatively or additionally, the intersection 300 can be included in navigation data. The navigation data can be stored in the navigation device 106 (see 1 ) or, as in 3 shown, can be retrieved from a data storage 310 in a cloud 312, in particular wirelessly, and made available in the vehicle 100. The navigation data provided in this way can, for example, contain map material which in particular includes the road intersection 300. From the map material, the recognition unit 200 can recognize that this is a four-way intersection, as in the exemplary embodiment here. In other embodiments, it can, for example, only be a three-way intersection (T-intersection) (see 6 to 8 ).

Furthermore, it can be determined from the navigation data that road 302 is a priority road (traffic rule stored in the map material). Also part of the navigation data is the actual position of the ego vehicle 100 determined from GPS data. In conjunction with the map material, a distance A of the ego vehicle 100 to the road intersection 300 can thus be determined.

Additionally or alternatively, the road junction 300 can also be indicated by a traffic sign 314 (see 3 ) can be recognized. For example, the traffic sign 314 is a right of way sign. On the one hand, this indicates that a road junction 300 is to be expected soon. In addition, it informs that the ego vehicle 100 has the right of way on the road 302 and therefore the vehicles 306, 308 moving across it must stop at the road junction 300. Accordingly, there is less reason to illuminate the vehicles 306, 308. This is because the ego vehicle 100 does not have to pay attention to them when driving or when passing the road junction 300. In this case, it is therefore particularly advantageous not to illuminate these vehicles or to exclude them from the headlights 108.

Additionally or alternatively, the sign 314 can numerically indicate the distance to the road intersection 300. This can also be detected using the camera 104, so that the distance A can be easily determined in this way. Additionally or alternatively, the distance A can also be determined from the image data of the camera 104.

If the distance A falls below a predetermined threshold, for example, the control unit 202 adjusts the headlight 108 in such a way that it excludes the vehicles 306, 308. For this purpose, 3 For example, a light cone (corresponding to the headlight 108) with the angle α is shown, whereby the light cone includes the vehicles 306, 308. After adjustment by the control unit 202, the light cone only has the angle β, so that the headlight designated 108' leaves out the vehicles 306, 308. Accordingly, the drivers of the vehicles 306, 308 are not blinded. The same effect can be achieved by dimming the headlight 108 in the recessed areas γ, γ'. The headlight 108 can be adjusted continuously or step by step as the ego vehicle 100 approaches the intersection 300 (reducing the distance A).

4 shows in cross section the cone of the headlight light 108 before adjustment by the control unit 202. The viewing direction in 4 corresponds to the direction of travel x of the ego vehicle 100. The z-direction corresponds to the vertical direction, the y-direction to the transverse direction of the vehicle.

5 shows the view from 4 after adjustment by the control unit 202. The headlight is marked here with 108'. On the right side, in 5 the transversely positioned vehicle 306 and another transversely positioned vehicle 306' at the rear are shown. The vehicle 306 is a passenger car of a conventional design, i.e. a sedan or station wagon. In contrast, the vehicle 306' is an SUV or bus in which the driver 500' occupies a higher seating position than the driver 500 in the vehicle 306.

Due to the adjustment by the control unit 202, the light cone is now trimmed so that none of the vehicles 306, 306' are illuminated. In particular, the drivers 500, 500' are excluded from the light cone so that they are not blinded. In embodiments, however, it can also be provided that only the respective driver 500, 500' is not blinded. For this purpose, the LEDs 114 (see 1 ) can be controlled accordingly.

It can be provided that the adjustment of the headlight 108 takes place regardless of whether a vehicle 306, 308 is actually present. This means that whether or not a vehicle 306, 308 is stopped at the intersection 300 transverse to the direction of travel of the ego vehicle 100 is not detected. In this case, the position of the vehicle 306 or 308 or of the vehicles 306, 308 is estimated, whereby this can be done using the navigation data and/or camera data. In particular, it can also be provided that the headlight 108 is only left out on one side, i.e. either the area γ or area γ'.

In addition to the detection of the road intersection 300 and the determination of the distance A described above, there are further possibilities which are described below in particular with reference to the 6 to 8 These options are each associated with the detection and distance determination according to 3 combinable.

6 shows the ego vehicle 100 driving towards a road intersection 300'. The road intersection 300' is in this case not a four-way intersection, but a three-way intersection, ie a T-shaped intersection, with a first continuous road 302 and a second merging road 304' transverse to the road 302. In each of the present embodiments, a road intersection 300' can be provided instead of the road intersection 300, and vice versa.

In an embodiment according to 6 the recognition unit 200 recognizes the roadway geometry 600, here illustrated by an edge of the road 302. Alternatively or additionally, a geometry of the sidewalk 602 can also be recognized. Both the bend or the curved course of the edge 600 and the sidewalk 602 in the area of the street corner 606 are evaluated by the recognition unit 200 to the effect that a road crossing 300' lies ahead.

Based on 6 A further embodiment is explained. In this embodiment, a lane marking 604 is provided on the road 302. This is detected by the camera 104 and evaluated by the detection unit 200 to the effect that a road crossing 300' lies ahead. Of course, this can also be done with additional consideration of features such as the road geometry 600 or the sidewalk geometry 602.

In the 6 to 8 For example, road 302 is divided into two lanes, with the right-hand lane on which ego vehicle 100 travels being labeled 608.

In the embodiment according to 7 the detection unit 200 detects that the road marking 700 (outer road boundary) is interrupted in an area 702. The road marking 704 on the opposite side, however, is continuous. From this, the detection unit 200 concludes that a T-shaped road junction 300' is present. In other embodiments in which the road marking 704 is also interrupted, the detection unit 200 concludes that a road junction 300, as in 3 shown, i.e. a four-way intersection.

The embodiment according to 8th illustrates a situation that is typically encountered outside of town. Here, the road 302, on which the ego vehicle 100 is moving towards a road junction 300', is lined with guide posts 800 to 810. These can be rod-shaped, for example, or have any other geometry. In particular, the guide posts 800 to 810 can be provided with reflectors. The guide posts 800 to 804 and the guide posts 806 to 810 each have the same distance AL from each other. In the area between the two posts 804 and 806, the cross street 304 flows into the road 302 and thus forms the T-shaped road junction 300'. Accordingly, the distance AK between the guide posts 804 and 806 is greater than the distance AL between the other guide posts 800 to 810. From this changing distance, the recognition unit 200 concludes that the road intersection 300' is ahead. For example, the changing distance can be determined from the image data transmitted by the camera 104.

9 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

In a first step S1, an upcoming road intersection 300, 300' (see 3 and 6 to 8 ) was detected.

In a step S2, the headlight 108 is adjusted such that the headlight 108 partially or completely excludes a vehicle 306, 308 that is positioned transversely to the direction of travel x of the ego vehicle 100 at the detected road intersection 300, 300'.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

100

vehicle

102

Control device

104

camera

106

navigation device

108

Headlight

110

Headlights

112

Light source

114

LED

116

Headlights

200

Detection unit

202

Control unit

300

Road intersection

300'

Road intersection

302

Street

304

Street

304'

Street

306

vehicle

306'

vehicle

308

vehicle

310

Data storage

312

Cloud

314

Traffic sign

500

driver

500'

driver

600

edge

602

sidewalk

604

Road marking

606

Street corner

608

lane

700

Road marking

702

interrupted area

704

Road marking

800 - 810

Guide post

A

Distance

AC

Distance

AL

Distance

S1, S2

steps

α

angle

β

angle

γ, γ'

angle

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 110979157 B [0003]
• DE 102016200323 A1 [0004]
• KR 101768500 B1 [0005]

Cited non-patent literature

• www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/licht-undbeleuchtung/lichtassistenten/ [0002]

Claims (13)

Control device (102) for controlling a headlight (108) of a headlight (110, 116) in an ego vehicle (100), comprising: a detection unit (200) for detecting a road intersection (300, 300') ahead; and a control unit (202) which is designed to adapt the headlight (108) such that the headlight (108') partially or completely blocks out a vehicle (306, 308) positioned transversely to the direction of travel (x) of the ego vehicle (100) at the detected road intersection (300, 300'). Control device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the headlight light (108') partially or completely excludes the transversely positioned vehicle (306, 308), regardless of its actual presence. Control device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the recognition unit (200) is designed to recognize the upcoming road intersection (300, 300') depending on one or more of the following: camera data; and/or navigation data. Control device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the camera data and/or navigation data contain information about the position of the recognized road intersection (300, 300') relative to the ego vehicle (100) and/or the nature of the recognized road intersection (300, 300'). Control device according to Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the camera data contain information relating to one or more of the following: a sign, in particular a right of way sign (314); a lane marking (604); an interruption (702) of a lane marking (700) at the outer edge of the lane (608) on which the ego vehicle (100) is travelling; a lane geometry (600), in particular one that follows a street corner (606) in the area of the road intersection (300, 300'); and/or a plurality of guide posts (800 - 810) at the outer edge of the lane (608) on which the ego vehicle (100) is travelling, in particular changing distances (AK, AL) between them. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognized road intersection (300) is formed by two continuously drivable roads (302, 304) or by a continuous road (302) and a road (304') leading into the continuous road (302). Control device according to Claim 6 , characterized in that in the case of two continuously drivable roads (302, 304), the adapted headlight light (108') partially or completely excludes vehicles (306, 308) parked transversely on both sides of the detected road intersection (300). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the headlight light (108'), in particular exclusively, excludes the driver (500, 500') sitting in the transversely positioned vehicle (306, 306'). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the headlight (110, 116) has a plurality of LEDs (114) which can be individually switched off and/or dimmed with the aid of the control unit (202) for adjusting the headlight light (108). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (202) adjusts the headlight light (108) when the distance (A) between the ego vehicle (100) and the detected road intersection (300, 300') falls below a threshold value. Vehicle (100), comprising: a headlight (110, 116); and a control device (102) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to control a headlight light (108) of the headlight (110, 116). Method for controlling a headlight (108) of a headlight (110, 116) in an ego vehicle (100), comprising: detecting (S1) a road junction (300, 300') ahead; and adapting the headlight (108) such that the headlight (108) partially or completely blocks out a vehicle (306, 308) positioned transversely to the direction of travel (x) of the ego vehicle (100) at the detected road junction (300, 300'). Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to Claim 12 to execute.

Images