DE10338764B4 - Method and system for activating a night vision system - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for activating a night vision system in a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
a) determining the current position of the vehicle,
b) determining the position of the sun relative to the vehicle using the determined position data of the vehicle,
c) determining the need to assist a driver of the vehicle by a method of improving visibility in a vehicle, the need for assistance being determined using the detected position of the sun relative to the vehicle,
characterized,
that the need to improve visibility is derived from whether the sun is above or below the horizon in relation to the vehicle.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for activating a night vision system according to claim 1 and a system for activating a night vision system according to claim 4th

In the DE 101 26 492 A1 A method for improving the visibility in a vehicle is described, in which laser light is radiated into a predetermined solid angle range, the solid angle range is observed with a camera and the images of the camera are displayed to the driver.

In the JP 2002225619 A A system for driver assistance is described in which an infrared vision system is activated in response to vehicle environment data. A dark vehicle environment is detected by means of a light sensor.

• – Mittel zum Abstrahlen von Laserlicht mit einer Wellenlänge außerhalb des sichtbaren Spektrums in einem vorgegebenen Raumwinkel,
• – Beobachten des Raumwinkelbereichs, in dem das Laserlicht abgestrahlt wird, mit einer Kamera, und
• – Mittel zum Anzeigen der Bilder der Kamera im Innenraum des Fahrzeugs.

From the publication DE 40 07 646 A1 is a system for improving the visibility in vehicles known, comprising:

• Means for emitting laser light having a wavelength outside the visible spectrum at a predetermined solid angle,
• - Observing the solid angle range in which the laser light is emitted, with a camera, and
• - Means for displaying the images of the camera in the interior of the vehicle.

A document to the document of the preambles of the independent claims is known from DE 19620779 C1 known.

With none of the aforementioned techniques, it is possible to determine whether the Sun seen from the vehicle over or below the horizon line.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a method and a system for activating a night vision system in a vehicle, in particular a Motor vehicle, available to provide that extended functionality and therefore increased benefits for the User has.

These The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and by the Characteristics of claim 4 solved. The dependent ones claims relate to advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention.

According to the invention is a Provided method in which in a first step, the current position of the vehicle is determined. For this purpose, in the system according to the invention Means provided for vehicle position determination. advantageously, the means for vehicle position determination based on satellite-based position determination. Z. B. is for this a GPS (Global Positioning System) provided in the vehicle.

In a second step of the procedure is from the current vehicle position determines the position of the sun relative to the vehicle. For this purpose are in the System means for determining the position of the sun relative to Vehicle provided. This may be z. B. to a computer act.

In a third step of the procedure is determined on the basis of Position of the sun in relation to the vehicle determines if the need consists of supporting the driver through a night vision system. in this connection is determined whether the sun in relation to the vehicle over or located below the horizon. For example, if it is determined that the sun is below the horizon in relation to the vehicle, Thus, a night vision procedure is started or a night vision system activated. The term night vision system will be general in the following for the arrangement used to improve the visibility in a vehicle. He is not restrictive to understand and includes a use of the night vision system for Improving the visibility both during the day and at night.

For example, the night vision system operates by the following method: irradiating laser light having a wavelength outside the visible spectrum into a predetermined solid angle range, observing the solid angle range in which the laser light is emitted with a camera, displaying the images of the camera in the interior of the vehicle. To carry out the method, the system comprises means for emitting laser light having a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a camera for observing the solid angle range in which the laser light is emitted, a display device in the interior of the vehicle for displaying the images of the camera. The means for emitting laser light are preferably two or more radiating in the direction of travel infrared laser headlights. Each laser headlamp contains one or more infrared lasers, in particular laser diodes operating in the near infrared. Alternatively, the system may operate in a different spectral range outside the visible spectrum, e.g. B. in the far infrared or in the ultraviolet range. A night vision system and a night vision method, as it finds application in the invention, is for example in the DE 40 07 646 A1 or in the DE 101 26 492 A1 described.

In a further step of the method, the direction of the solar radiation into the vehicle is optionally determined. For this purpose, means are provided for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle. The means for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle can be designed as a separate computer or be integrated into the means for vehicle position determination. For the determination of the direction of solar radiation, the information about the orientation of the vehicle is needed, which z. B. from the change in position of the determined position or z. B. is derivable by means of a compass. It is alternatively or additionally possible to determine the direction of the vehicle via coupling location. In addition, an increase in the accuracy of the determined position can be achieved by coupling the position data determined by means of coupling detection with the position data determined via GPS. A further increase in accuracy can be achieved by optional adjustment by means of a digital map, so-called map matching.

The Determining the direction of solar radiation into the vehicle is Particularly advantageous, since this light conditions can be determined, the affect the driver's view. Therefor For example, the driver gets dazzling sunlight from flat from the front into consideration. In such a situation is it is advantageous the system described to improve the view to activate, respectively, the method to improve the view too start to inform the driver without glare on the screen. Therefor it is advantageous in addition to a Light sensor to measure the brightness. In this way, the accuracy of the Ge Determining the need for visual support to be increased.

The Means for determining the position data of the vehicle and / or the data on the position of the sun relative to the vehicle and / or the Direction of solar radiation into the vehicle can be separated as separate devices accomplished be or already be part of a navigation system. It is also conceivable that the funds are an integral part of a Other installed in the vehicle computing device. Especially advantageous is the transmission the position data of the vehicle and / or the position data the sun relative to the vehicle and / or the direction of the sun's rays into the vehicle a data bus.

The inventive method for activating a night vision system in the vehicle or the system according to the invention to activate a night vision system in the vehicle is thus a indirect, mathematical method or system for determining the Sun's position. It contains Means, e.g. For example, a computer in which a worldwide valid sun position calculation algorithm implemented, as well as, for example, a satellite-based system for vehicle position determination, z. B. GPS, and facilities for Determination of time and date. Time and date, for example, via radio be received. Alternatively or additionally, the facilities for Determination of time and date in means for vehicle position determination be provided. In this case it will be out of the GPS satellites received signals determines a highly accurate time. It can do that valid in the respective country Time can be specified, z. B. according to GMT or UTC standard. This time can additionally can also be output to the user without being complicated by the user settings menu to set the current time. advantageously, allows in addition, the solar altitude calculation algorithm, solar eclipses to identify in advance and to respond accordingly. It is z. Possible, at a detected solar eclipse at the current location of the vehicle, to activate the night vision system with the night vision method.

alternative or additionally to the worldwide valid Sun position calculation algorithm may, for. B. also a table be provided, indicating whether at the current location at the current time the sun is over or below the horizon. Alternatively to a satellite-based vehicle position determination or in case of failure the same direction of travel can also by means of a compass or be determined from Radwegdifferenzmessungen. The calculator is then able to get out of it the positioning system known location and the direction of travel of the vehicle in conjunction with the time and date of the current Determine the position of the sun relative to the vehicle. By one or several light sensors can be additionally determined be, whether the sky is covered.

The Invention is based on an embodiment shown in the figures explained in more detail.

there demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a method for activating a night vision system,

2 a schematic representation of a system for activating a night vision system and

3 a vehicle data bus system with a system for activating a night vision system.

In 1 is shown in a schematic representation of a method for activating a night vision system. In 2 is shown in schematic representation of a system for activating a night vision system. This in 2 The system shown comprises means for vehicle position determination 10 , Means for ascertaining the position of the sun in relation to the vehicle 20 , An institution 30 , Means for blasting of laser light 40 , a camera 50 and a display device 60 , The facilities 10 . 20 . 30 . 40 . 50 and 60 may be interconnected discretely by lines and / or networked by a data bus and / or wirelessly. Mixed forms of the topologies, discrete connection and / or data bus are also conceivable. It is also conceivable to accommodate the components of the sunshine detection system in a housing. The data bus can be used, for example, as a CAN bus or as an annular bus, in particular as an optical bus such. B. D2B (Domestic Digital Bus) or MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) may be formed.

In step a) of the method is determined by means for vehicle position determination 10 determines the current position of the vehicle. Based on the determined position data of the vehicle is in step b) of the method by means of determining the position of the sun relative to the vehicle 20 the position of the sun is determined in relation to the vehicle. It is particularly advantageous to determine whether the sun is above or in relation to the vehicle. below the horizon as seen from the vehicle.

If it is determined in step b), for example, that the sun is below the horizon, then in step c) in the device 30 determines the need to activate the arrangement to improve the visibility in the vehicle and thus start the procedure for improving the visibility. As a result, a so-called night vision system is realized, which is activated only when needed, namely at night. This has the advantage over the sole evaluation of a light sensor that the night vision system also remains active when the current environment of the vehicle is illuminated, for. B. in a crossing area or in a parking lot. It is advantageous in such situations to keep the night-vision system activated, as it means that currently unlighted areas remain visible to the user. At an intersection z. B. the areas on the sidewalks or edge areas of the road. In parking lots, for example, this is an edge area of the parking lot.

In addition, the data of a light sensor can optionally be included in the determination of the necessity in step c). The light sensor stands for this purpose with the device 30 in data transmission connection.

The positioning system, which acts as a means of vehicle position determination 10 is in this embodiment, a GPS (Global Positioning System), which may include one or more GPS receiver, which operate in combination in the latter case. Additionally or alternatively, an algorithm for coupling location with input variables for. Determining a direction of travel and a distance and / or an algorithm for aligning a journey with a digital map of a traffic route network - "Mapmatching" - Depending on the configuration of the location system, this can additionally comprise a magnetic field probe, in particular an electric compass The orientation of the motor vehicle is a parameter for which direction the motor vehicle is exposed to solar radiation and what kind of visual obstructions are possible for the driver as locating system besides the GPS also other suitable locating systems are conceivable. which can also be used for other uses in the motor vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention are in the means for vehicle position determination 10 Also provided means for determining the current height of the vehicle above sea level (NN). When determining position data of the vehicle, the height of the vehicle is then advantageously also determined via normal zero. If, in addition, information on altitude data is also contained in the digital map, a horizon line of the terrain profile can thus be determined. Such a determination of the horizon line is, for example, in DE 4323081 C2 described. From the horizon line it can be determined if the sun is above or below the current horizon line. The inclusion of altitude data is advantageous because it can be determined whether the sun is behind a mountain, for example. The altitude data stored in the digital map advantageously relates not only to the terrain profile but also to the development of an area. So z. For example, the "skyline" of a city can be seen from the vehicle, and the position of the sun in relation to it can be determined, so that it can be determined whether the sun is just behind a high house or behind the development of a city.

• i) Abstrahlen von Laserlicht mit einer Wellenlänge außerhalb des sichtbaren Spektrums in einen vorgegebenen Raumwinkelbereich,
• ii) Beobachten des Raumwinkelbereichs, in den das Laserlicht abgestrahlt wird, mit einer Kamera,
• iii) Anzeigen der Bilder der Kamera im Innenraum des Fahrzeuges.

The forbearance system works according to a method with the steps i), ii) and iii).

• i) emitting laser light having a wavelength outside the visible spectrum in a predetermined solid angle range,
• ii) observing the solid angle range in which the laser light is emitted with a camera,
• iii) displaying the images of the camera inside the vehicle.

For this purpose, the night vision system uses the means 40 . 50 and 60 , The functioning of the forbearance system is described for example in the DE 40 07 646 A1 or in the DE 101 26 492 A1 described.

In an advantageous embodiment of the Invention are those in 3 illustrated means for vehicle position determination 10 as a tracking unit 10 executed their data collected on a data bus 70 outputs. In the in 3 shown vehicle data bus system several bus participants are connected to a data bus. Exemplary are in 3 the locating unit 10 , a navigation unit 16 , An institution 30 to determine the need to support the driver, a unit, the camera 50 and laser diode 40 the night vision system includes, as well as a display and control unit with screen 60 shown. Optionally, further units, such as. As a light control system and / or an air conditioner and / or a vehicle dynamics / Radschlupfregelsystem and / or an engine control unit and / or a transmission control unit. be connected. The locating unit, which can be installed as a single unit 10 contains for example a GPS receiver 11 and a gyroscope 12 in integrated form.

To the GPS receiver 11 is an external GPS antenna attached to a suitable location on the vehicle 14 connected. The locating unit 10 is via a corresponding bus interface in the data bus 70 coupled from and reads from this example wheel speed data and / or forward / backward direction data. The wheel speed data can be supplied, for example in the form of speed sensor pulses per Zeitein unit by a vehicle dynamics / Radschlupfregelsystem that wins this data for their own use, as known per se. It may be in the vehicle dynamics / Radschlupfregelsystem z. B. an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or act by the applicant under the abbreviation ESP (Electronic Stability Program) used vehicle dynamics control system. The forward / backward direction data indicates whether the vehicle is currently traveling forward or reverse, and may be e.g. B. come from reverse detection means that determine whether the reverse gear is engaged or not. Alternatively or additionally, direction of rotation data (gyro data) can be received by a rotation direction sensor connected via the bus.

As far as the locating unit 10 The data required to determine the position, ie location, not taken from the data bus, they are supplied by the integrated position sensor units, especially GPS data of the GPS receiver 11 and gyro data of the gyroscope 12 , In the locating unit 10 Vehicle position data with their location accuracy classification (location quality), travel direction angle data, vehicle speed data and altitude data, which indicate the instantaneous height of the vehicle via normal zero (NN) are determined. Furthermore, time determining means are in the locating unit 10 contain, which realize a high-precision time indication. The travel direction angle data contain not only actual angle information but also offset, drift and scale factor information.

The locating unit 10 also includes funds 20 for ascertaining the position of the sun in relation to the vehicle. The position of the sun in relation to the vehicle determined by this means is determined by the locating unit 10 on the data bus 70 output. There the sun position data are available to the other bus users. From a unit 30 To determine the need for visual assistance, the sun position data is transmitted over the data bus 70 received and evaluated. As a result of the evaluation, the components become 40 . 50 . 60 and execute the associated visual support procedure. Particularly advantageous in this embodiment, the possibility of the sun position data on the data bus and other bus subscribers, such. B. a lighting control and / or air conditioning to provide.

The locating unit outputs the described determined data to the data bus 70 where they are available to the other bus subscribers. A connected engine or transmission control unit may in particular be that of the locating unit 10 on the data bus 70 Provide provided altitude information and requires in this way no own height sensor. When restarting, the altitude value that is respectively present when the vehicle is parked expediently is used again until current altitude data is available again.

As can be seen from the above explanations, the locating unit processes 10 a plurality of parallel input information, namely, the internally obtained GPS data, the internally obtained gyro data or gyro data received via the bus, and the wheel speed data received via the data bus 1. With the help of wheel speed data meets the locating unit 10 also an odometer function.

The data bus system contains a navigation unit 16 as another bus participant. The navigation unit 16 receives over the data bus 70 that of the locating unit 10 supplied, various data and subjects specifically the received position data to a conventional map matching process in which the of the locating unit 10 determined vehicle position is compared with data of a digitally stored road map. Through this process, the navigation unit determines 16 an optionally corrected, exact vehicle position with a new positioning accuracy classification (location quality) and gives this and accompanying road network information, such as place and street names, on the data bus 70 out. The to the data bus 70 Connected bus users can then, as far as they need vehicle position data conditions, for this from the navigation unit 16 provided exact vehicle position data.

Furthermore, the navigation unit 16 on the data bus 70 Position correction data from which the possible deviation of the determined by her exact vehicle position of that of the locating unit 10 represent the determined vehicle position. The locating unit 10 can this feedback position correction data or correction parameters from the data bus 70 and use it to correct its location determination in order to improve the positioning accuracy. In addition, this also the accuracy of the position derived data, such. As the sun position data increases.

Optionally, the locating unit 10 no gyroscope 12 contain. In this case, contains the locating unit 10 Means for bus side receiving and evaluating gyro data of a vehicle dynamics / wheel slip control system, eg from an ESP control device. This leads to satisfactory results when the gyro sensor means of the vehicle dynamics / wheel slip control system have sufficient accuracy and reliability. The vehicle dynamics / wheel slip control system provides the determined gyro data on the data bus 70 available from where they locate unit 10 can be retrieved.

Optionally, the locating unit 10 an integrated GPS antenna 14 contain. This eliminates the need for a separately mounted on the vehicle and to be connected to the tracking module GPS antenna.

The Sun position data are especially when used in conjunction with an exterior light control of the vehicle advantageous. For example, such a backward flatter Sunlight incidence can be detected and upon detection of such a rear flat Sunlight incidentally that Low beam are activated.

Advantageous is the use of position data provided via the data bus and sun position data in connection with an air conditioning system. Based on position data and sun position data, the direction of solar radiation into the vehicle is determined for an air conditioning control system. These solar radiation data can be part of the sun position data. The sunbeam data is then advantageously from the means 20 generated with the sun position. Alternatively or additionally, the sunray data in the air conditioning system itself can be determined from data received via the data bus, in particular position data and sun position data. The means for determining the direction of solar radiation into the vehicle are then arranged in the air conditioning system. By determining the direction of solar radiation as an input to the control of the air conditioning can be responded to changing climate conditions in the vehicle very quickly. For example, an incipient direct sunlight is usually associated with a short-term increase in temperature in the interior of the motor vehicle, so that with the knowledge of the direction of sunlight early by activating a cooling phase of the temperature increase can be avoided or compensated. A more effective control of the air conditioning for a well-being of the occupants of the motor vehicle is thus ensured.

The provided by the locating module in standardized form Information regarding position, position of the sun, location accuracy classification (Locating quality), Driving direction, direction of rotation, altitude, vehicle inclination etc. can be over the data bus flexible from the different, to location information use based systems, e.g. for lighting control, air conditioning control, Emergency call, taxi call, navigation, curve warning, sampling vehicle traffic situation determination, Vehicle dynamics control, anti-lock braking system, traction control, Transmission, engine electronics, instrument cluster and comfort information.

Claims (8)

A method of activating a night vision system in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a) determining the current position of the vehicle, b) determining the position of the sun relative to the vehicle using the determined position data of the vehicle, c) determining the need for a driver of the vehicle by a method of improving visibility in a vehicle, the need for assistance being determined using the determined position of the sun relative to the vehicle, characterized in that the need to improve visibility is derived from whether the sun is in Relation to the vehicle is above or below the horizon. Method of activating a night vision system in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that in step a) additionally the direction of travel of the vehicle is determined, in step b) additionally the Direction of solar radiation is determined in the vehicle and the position of the sun relative to the vehicle used in step c) information about the direction of sunlight into the vehicle includes. Method of activating a night vision system in a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in step a) additionally the current date and time is determined and the in Step b) using the position of the sun relative to the vehicle of the current date and time. A system for activating a night vision system in a vehicle, comprising: means for determining vehicle position ( 10 ), Means for determining the position of the sun relative to the vehicle ( 20 ) using the determined position data of the vehicle, wherein the determined position of the sun relative to the vehicle to a device ( 30 ), which is provided for determining the need to assist a driver of the vehicle by activating an arrangement for improving the visibility in a vehicle, characterized in that the aforementioned device ( 30 ) with a navigation unit ( 16 ) and that the need to improve visibility is derived from whether the sun is above or below the horizon in relation to the vehicle. A system for activating a night vision system in a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that means are provided for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle, that means for determining the direction of solar radiation are provided in the vehicle and that the device ( 30 ) for determining the need to assist the driver of the vehicle by activating an arrangement to improve the visibility, transmissible position of the sun relative to the vehicle comprises information about the direction of solar radiation into the vehicle. System for activating a night vision system in a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) are also provided for determining the position of the sun relative to the vehicle for determining the direction of solar radiation into the vehicle. System for activating a night vision system in a vehicle according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that means for determining the current date and time are provided and that the current date and the current time to the means ( 20 ) can be transmitted to determine the position of the sun relative to the vehicle. System for activating a night-vision system in a vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the means for determining vehicle position ( 10 ) are also provided for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle.