EP2810267A1

EP2810267A1 - Signal generator, system and method for highlighting objects in road traffic, use of the system, and use of the signal generator

Info

Publication number: EP2810267A1
Application number: EP12809629.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sighard SCHRÄBLER; Stefan LÜKE; Ronald Bayer; Ulrich STÄHLIN; Peter Rieth
Original assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Current assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Priority date: 2012-02-03
Filing date: 2012-11-23
Publication date: 2014-12-10
Also published as: CN104094330A; CN104094330B; WO2013113421A1; KR20140119189A; US20150019098A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal generator (20, 23, 35) for highlighting objects (1, 7) in road traffic, comprising a marking means (21, 24, 26) and a carrier material (22, 24, 26), wherein the marking means (21, 24, 26) is arranged on the carrier material (22, 24, 26) in such a manner that said marking means covers one surface side of the carrier material (22, 24, 26) and/or is added to a substance of the carrier material (22, 24, 26) and wherein the signal generator (20, 23, 25) reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band by means of the marking means (21, 24, 26). The signal generator (20, 23, 25) is characterised in that a spectral width and a spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band are distinguished by a size and/or a size distribution and/or a shape of nanoparticles contained in the marking means (21, 24, 26) and/or by a surface nanostructuring of the marking means (21, 24, 26), wherein the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band is located in an infrared spectral range. The invention further relates to a corresponding system, to a corresponding method, to the use of the signal generator, and to the use of the system.

Description

A signaler, system and method for highlighting objects in traffic, and using the system and using the auto switch

The invention relates to a signal transmitter for highlighting objects in traffic according to the preamble of claim 1, a system for highlighting and detection of objects in traffic according to the preamble of claim 14, a method for highlighting and detection of objects in traffic according to the preamble of claim 27 and a Using the auto switch and using the system.

In the prior art, different types of driver assistance systems are known, which are essentially common that they serve to relieve the driver in the traffic. However, such driver assistance systems often also develop vehicle-preventive measures that go beyond a pure comfort effect, for example in the form of warning outputs to the driver or even interventions in the vehicle control system. The necessary information capture is based partly on environment sensors, on digital maps or even on vehicle-to-X communication. All of these systems depend on the highest possible reliability and a high density of the collected information. In order to collect information for such systems It is also known to provide road users or even traffic signs with special markings to make it easier or even more effective for the driver himself.

In this connection, DE 10 2010 031 254 AI discloses a traffic safety communication system for increasing the traffic safety of pedestrians. The traffic safety communication system includes a traffic safety communication device integrated in a pedestrian's shoe and a safety risk analysis device in a vehicle. The security risk analysis device sends a signal which activates the power supply of the traffic safety communication device when it receives it. If the traffic safety communication device has been activated, this in turn sends a signal from which the safety risk analysis device determines a position, a walking speed and, if applicable, a potentially increased danger potential (for example when a child is detected) of the pedestrian. If the safety risk analysis device detects an actual danger to the pedestrian by the own vehicle, a corresponding warning is issued to the driver.

From DE 100 28 219 AI a marking device for persons is known which can be attached, for example, to the clothing of the person and by means of an invisible radiation signal or acoustic or optical signals indicates the position of the person. The marking equipment In addition, the device automatically collects data from its surroundings and can thus alert the person to any dangers.

DE 10 2008 061 301 A1 describes a validation of information acquired by environment sensors by other environment sensor information which can be used, for example, for the so-called "target validated braking." For this purpose, a radar signal is validated by means of a camera signal by confirming that the camera signal An additional distance measurement by means of a stereo camera is not provided due to this validation by a second sensor, the reliability of the information is sufficiently high to initiate an autonomous braking process to avoid accidents.

DE 10 2008 023 972 A1 discloses a method and a device for detecting traffic-relevant information in a moving vehicle. For this purpose, sensor data of a sensor and map data of a navigation system are interpreted to identify the traffic-relevant information. The sensor can be designed as a visual sensor in the form of a camera looking in the direction of travel. The sensor data and map data are fed to a set of rules and evaluated by this. As part of the evaluation, for example, a speed limit detected by the camera in the form of a traffic sign is first compared with the map data. If the map data confirm the validity of the speed limit, the speed limit is displayed to the driver. However, the devices and systems known in the prior art are disadvantageous for various reasons. Thus, the known signal generator for interaction with the corresponding systems often rely on its own power supply to actively generate a signal. As a result, their availability depends on the presence of a sufficient amount of energy, for example in the form of a battery, or a suitable generator. However, this makes such markers on the one hand more expensive and, on the other hand, more unreliable than passive markers which do not actively generate a signal, but only reflect incident optically visible light substantially back to its original direction. An example of such passive signal transmitters are on the one hand so-called "cat's eyes", for example for highlighting road users, on the other hand also traffic signs, which are usually optically reflective coated, but this type of signalers has the disadvantage that, due to their comparatively low recognition reliability according to the state of the art For example, in order to achieve sufficient reliability for an autonomous intervention in the control of a vehicle, the technology must be detected at least simply by means of different surroundings sensors Appearance are not suited to a fashionable character of a garment or a fashion-conscious appearance of a person son so that their use is often shunned despite their safety enhancing effect.

It is therefore the object of the invention to propose a signal transmitter for highlighting objects in road traffic, which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art.

This object is achieved by the signal generator for highlighting objects in traffic according to claim 1.

The signal transmitter according to the invention for highlighting objects in traffic comprises a marking agent and a carrier material, wherein the marking agent is arranged covering at least one surface side of the carrier material on the carrier material and / or a substance of the carrier material is mixed, wherein the signal generator impinging electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band reflected by means of the marking agent. The signal generator according to the invention is characterized in that a spectral width and a spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band are characterized by a size and / or a size distribution and / or a form of nanoparticles contained in the marking agent and / or embossed by a surface nanostructuring of the marking agent are, wherein the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band is in an infrared spectral range. This initially results in the advantage that a so-called passive signal generator, that is a signal generator without its own energy supply, is provided for highlighting objects in road traffic. By dispensing with its own energy supply of the signal generator in the production is relatively inexpensive and inexpensive. In addition, its functionality is limited neither by the life of a battery nor by the operability of a known in the art generator. In particular, the omission of a separate generator for power supply allows a comparatively high robustness and reliability of the signal generator according to the invention, since this does not include any mechanically permanently loaded components.

The use of nanoparticles or alternatively the alternative surface nanostructuring of the marking agent has the further advantage that the

Reflective properties in the form of the spectral width and the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band can be adjusted specifically. For example, comparatively narrow reflecting wavelength bands with sharp transitions can be produced in a non-reflecting wavelength range. It has been found that nanoparticles or a surface nanostructuring allow targeted adjustment of new optical properties or new optical functionalities of materials and surfaces. The nanoparticles can also be contained in a dye, for example, which is applied to the carrier material. If a surface nanostructuring is used to generate and adjust the spectral width and the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band instead of the nanoparticles, the surface nanostructuring has a topographical profile whose height structuring corresponds substantially to the size of nanoparticles which reflect in a wavelength band.

By using the nanoparticles or surface nanostructuring, it is also possible to generate a plurality of wavelength bands spaced apart from one another with an adjustable spectral distance, which each reflect the incident electromagnetic radiation of the corresponding wavelengths. Thus, e.g. a wavelength-dependent intensity modulation of the reflected electromagnetic radiation can be effected. In addition, since the perceived feature size is variable with the viewing angle, it can determine the orientation (e.g., oblique impingement of the electromagnetic radiation or perpendicular impact of the electromagnetic radiation). This property can be used according to the invention to determine an orientation of the highlighted object for different applications.

The marker of the signal generator can be configured both as a solid and as a liquid, suspension or powder. Since the effect of the invention effected by the marking agent acts, the only requirement for the carrier material, that this is suitable for coating with the marking agent or for admixing to the substance of the marking agent. Examples of suitable marking agents include textiles, plastics, metals and paints. Especially in textiles and paints, the marking agent can be easily arranged on the carrier material. This allows the signal generator to be attached, for example, to objects whose visual appearance would otherwise be altered or influenced by a conventional reflector, such as a so-called "cat's eye." This is an important advantage, in particular with fashionable garments or fashion accessories, since these objects are compatible with the art Signaling devices according to the invention can be provided without diminishing their fashionable character or their design or their aesthetic value, so that in a simple and effective manner pedestrians can be emphasized in traffic to improve their visibility and visibility helping to reduce traffic accidents or pedestrians.

Another advantage results from the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band in the infrared spectral range. As a result, the reflected electromagnetic radiation is positioned in a spectral range separated from the visible light and thus invisible to the human eye. On the one hand, this also contributes to maintaining a design or fashionable character of a garment, as well as the reflective effect of the signal generator to the human eye is not detectable. On the other hand, it simplifies reliable detection of the signal generator, since this reflects in a separated from the visible spectral range wavelength band and thus comparatively easily recognizable by its wavelength as inventive signal generator.

The signal generator according to the invention is preferably detected by a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle detecting in the infrared spectral range and recognized as such. Upon detection of the signal transmitter, the driver assistance system can initiate a reaction which is appropriate for the situation, ranging from an autonomous control intervention, in particular emergency braking, via warning of the driver, to complete passivity of the driver assistance system, provided that no danger is recognized and thus no reaction is necessary.

The invention offers the advantage of a very cost-effective method to emphasize pedestrians, especially children, cyclists and motorcyclists, but also traffic-related facilities such as warning signs or lane boundaries in the road.

Preferably, it is provided that the carrier material is suitable for incorporation into garments and / or ornaments and / or transport containers without diminishing their aesthetic value and / or changing their appearance style, the garments are especially shoes and / or headgear, the jewelry items especially bracelets and / or hair ornaments and wherein the transport containers, in particular Rucksacks and / or satchels and / or bags are. This results in the already mentioned advantages in terms of the arrangement of the signal generator or more signal to pedestrians and cyclists, or on their clothing. By deliberately selecting the carrier material such that it can be incorporated into the listed articles without changing their aesthetic value or their appearance style, a high level of acceptance of the signal transmitter can be assumed, which in turn favors a correspondingly high equipment rate. Thus, there is an effective way to prevent traffic accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Preferably, the signal generator according to the invention can easily be applied to garments of any kind, e.g. Jackets, hats, shirts, pants and / or shoes, even after they have been manufactured and sold to the end user. This can e.g. be made possible by a suitable textile material is selected as the carrier material.

In addition, it is preferred that the carrier material is a garment and / or an article of jewelery and / or a transport container, wherein the garment is in particular a shoe and / or a headgear, wherein the jewelery article is in particular a bracelet and / or a hair ornament and wherein Transport container in particular a backpack and / or a satchel and / or a bag is. This leads to the further advantage that the signal no longer needs to be arranged on the objects mentioned or must be incorporated into these, but the mentioned objects rather represent the signal generator, since they form the substrate, which is covered at least on one surface side with the marking agent. This can further increase the acceptance of the signal generator according to the invention. As already described, the marking agent can be embodied either in the form of nanoparticles, which are arranged on the carrier material, or in the form of a surface nanostructuring, which can itself also be part of the carrier material. In the latter case, therefore, a surface of the carrier material is used as a marking agent.

The satchels may be provided proportionately or completely with the signal generator according to the invention, for example, for their production, a special nanostructured fiber can be used. In this case, the signal generator does not need to be regularly re-applied to the satchel because the satchel consists at least partially of the signal generator and the emphasis is thus permanent. If corresponding signal acquisition modules, which include, for example, a spatially resolving camera, are available, machine-readable information in the form of a symbol or a barcode may also be included. Machine-readable information in the form of a specially selected reflected infrared wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation is also possible. In addition, such machine-readable information can also be visually detected by the human eye in the visible wavelength spectrum being represented. For example, a barcode which can only be detected in the infrared could be combined with a pictogram detectable by the human eye, the barcode and the pictogram describing the same information or the same information. In this case, a human observer has the opportunity to check the information read out by a corresponding system, which further increases the security of the method according to the invention.

Appropriately, it is provided that the marking agent is a clothes detergent and / or a shampoo and / or a shoe polish and / or a skin cream and / or a lacquer and / or a fiber and / or a powder and / or a suspension and / or a solution and / or a paste, wherein the fiber is particularly useful for the production of fabrics and / or textiles. This increases the range of application of the signal generator according to the invention, since it can be transferred or applied via the mentioned embodiments of the marking means to a multiplicity of other objects or even to persons. For example, When using a shoe polish as a marker with this shoe cream cleaned shoes are provided with the marking agent and thus have the properties already described. Likewise, the signaler is on a directly on a human

Applicable when used as a marker such as a shampoo or a skin cream. If a fiber is used as a marking agent and a garment, for example a jacket, is produced from this fiber, there is the particular advantage that the signal generator is comparatively large and thus has a comparatively large emphasis. Effect unfolds. Preferably, exclusively materials for the marking agent are used for this embodiment, which are harmless to health. In particular, if it is a shampoo or a skin cream, special attention must be paid to the health safety and tolerability. For example, nanoparticles made of silver, so-called "nanosilver", should be avoided, as these may be harmful to health.

If the signaler is contained in a clothes detergent, it adheres to the corresponding garment after a washing process with the clothes detergent. In this case, the attachment of the signal generator to the garment by the end customer can thus be effected by using a corresponding clothing detergent itself.

A lacquer used as a marking agent is particularly preferably used for coating a traffic sign or the road surface, while the fiber is particularly preferably used for the production of a traffic warning vest.

It is further preferred that the marking means by means of a spraying device, in particular by means of a spray can, is applied to the carrier material. This results in a simple way to attach the signal generator according to the invention to different types of objects or to use the objects as a carrier material. For this variant from management is as a marker preferably a selected on an object adhering and drying suspension or a sprayable paint. In this way, for example, garments, bags, backpacks but also any kind of stationary object can be provided with the signal generator.

It is preferably provided that the marking agent is not permanently adhering to the carrier material. For example, a signal generator attached to a garment by means of a spray device may be removed by washing the garment. This too can increase the willingness to use the signal generator, since its application, in particular to garments, is therefore largely irreversible. In order to ensure a permanent highlighting of the marked object, a regular re-application is necessary in this case.

The emphasis on satchels of school children with the signal generator according to the invention is particularly preferred. The emphasis can either be applied already in the manufacture of the satchel, or later affixed by the end customer himself, e.g. by means of a

Spaydose. Since the signal generator is imperceptible to the human eye due to its use of infrared wavelengths, the advantage, in particular in the case of children, is that a change in the design or appearance of the satchel, which may be perceived as disturbing, does not occur. Thus, the problem is solved that many children due to the visually perceptible, perceived as unaesthetic appearance of known signal generators - such as optical reflector elements and so-called cat - refuse to wear safety vests, caps or satchels fitted with such signaling devices, although they can make a significant contribution to their safety on the roads.

Possibly. the signal generator must be re-applied regularly, since depending on the nature of the adherence (e.g., spray or cream) and the nature of the object being highlighted (e.g., clothing or skin), the marking effect is of limited duration. If the signal generator is in direct or indirect contact with a part of the human body, special attention is paid in this case to the health safety of all materials used.

In addition, it is preferred that the signal generator stores at least one coded information in machine-readable form, wherein the coded information is contained in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or a wavelength and / or at least one two-dimensional symbol. This results in the advantage that not only the information about a mere presence of an object provided with the signal generator is transmitted, but also that, for example, an encoded information describing the object is transmitted. The encoded information may be an object property, such as whether it is a living object or an inanimate object. In particular, the information may describe the object as a child. Since the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the signal generator is imperceptible to the human eye, Also, the at least one-dimensional barcode or the at least one two-dimensional symbol is not perceived by the human eye and thus not perceived as disturbing. An additional advantage resulting from the lack of visibility for the human eye in this context is that malicious intentions for the misuse of the signal generator are reduced because the signal generator is inconspicuous or imperceptible.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that a mounted on a traffic sign at least one-dimensional barcode or mounted on a road sign symbol is also perceptible in the spectral range visible to the human eye to the detection range and reliability of recognizability of the signal transmitter by the greater width of the predeterminable wavelength band on to improve. In particular, it is even envisaged that a traffic sign on which a bar code or a symbol has been attached does not contain any other information in a different form. Such a traffic sign thus has only the bar code or the symbol and the information contained encoded by the bar code or the symbol is not to be understood by a human observer.

The term machine-readable in the context of the invention is to be understood broadly and refers to the evaluation of a pattern, a symbol or a barcode by means of an infrared-sensitive camera or an infrared-sensitive laser scanner or any other suitable device. In addition, if the pattern, symbol or barcode extends into the visible spectrum, it is not imperative that the laser scanner or the camera are infrared-sensitive.

In particular, it is preferred that the at least one coded information describes a genus of the object. This makes it possible, for example, to differentiate between different types of traffic signs and different types of road users, without having to expect a complex image recognition algorithm from a corresponding vehicle-side image recognition device. The signal generator according to the invention thus helps a vehicle-side image recognition device to better interpret a context. This simplifies the autonomous detection of objects in traffic while increasing the reliability of the detection. In particular, in this way children can be identified and recognized in the road as such, which is advantageous in that they are particularly vulnerable due to their often careless behavior.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the objects are road users and / or traffic advisors, wherein the road users are in particular vehicles and / or pedestrians and / or bicycles and wherein the traffic advisor in particular traffic signs and / or lane markings and / or milestones and / or traffic lights and / or Lantern posts and / or guide posts and / or traffic cones are. This results in the advantage that just the objects are highlighted in the traffic, which is usually given special attention. In case of namely, particular attention is required insofar as they are particularly vulnerable to motor vehicles. On the other hand, the aforementioned traffic advisors transmit traffic-relevant information, which is why this special attention must also be given.

It is expediently provided that the nanoparticles consist of a noble metal, in particular of gold, and / or of an alkali metal. It has been shown that there is a relationship between the size or shape of electrically conductive nanoparticles and the spectral reflection maximum. The invention makes use of the effect that electromagnetic radiation impinging on an electrically conductive nanoparticle excites the electron cloud of the nanoparticle, whereby a portion of the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, while at the same time a strong wavelength-dependent, characterized by the size and shape of the nanoparticle Scattering of electromagnetic radiation occurs. Since the nanoparticles usually have a certain, unavoidable size distribution, the wavelength band has a spectral width. The size distribution generally has the behavior of a so-called Gaussian curve. The wider the Gaussian curve representing the size distribution, the larger the width of the reflected wavelength band is.

Comparatively good test results were achieved except with gold with silver, titanium, copper and various alkali metals, for example with sodium. Precious metals are particularly well suited for the production of nanoparticles, because their electrical conductivity is not affected by oxidation and thus the properties of their electron cloud also remain unaffected.

It is preferred that the nanoparticles are produced by ablation, in particular laser ablation, and / or abrasion. Ablation processes, in particular laser ablation processes, are processes in which the nanoparticles are formed by the action of heat on a base body and detach from the base body as a result of the action of heat. At a

Abrasion process, the nanoparticles are created by abrasion of a body. Both methods have comparatively easily controllable process conditions and are therefore advantageously suitable for producing the nanoparticles having the desired size or size distribution or shape.

In addition, it is preferred that the size and / or the size distribution and / or the shape of the nanoparticles be self-assembled, preferably by means of repulsive van der Waals forces, ie in the presence of a negative Hamaker constant. The so-called self-organization is an effect that occurs in the range of nanoparticles or nanostructured surfaces under certain process conditions. Depending on the process conditions, self-organization occurs to varying degrees or in different forms. The invention makes use of the effect of self-organization in the production of the nanoparticles in that they thus have a comparatively uniform size or shape. point. This allows a special narrow band of the predeterminable wavelength band and, consequently, the possibility of particularly sharp transitions of the predetermined wavelength band in a non-reflecting spectral range. Utilizing van der Waals forces for self-organization makes use of an already known, calculable and predictable effect which makes it possible to achieve predeterminable properties with regard to the size or the size distribution or the shape of the nanoparticles. In order to determine the van der Waals forces on the so-called

Hamaker constant is still a possibility for comparatively precise prediction of the size of the used for self-organization Van der Waals forces, since the Hamaker constant is a descriptive of the force acting between two nanoparticles power. In particular, in the physical description of acting in dispersions and suspensions Van der Waals forces of the Hamaker constant is relatively important. The Hamaker constant itself can be determined from the dielectric constant or the ionization potential of the nanoparticles.

It is also expedient that the marking agent has a reflection maximum in the infrared spectrum, in particular in the near infrared spectrum of 700 nm to 1000 nm. This spectral range is imperceptible to the human eye, whereby the marking agent itself is imperceptible. Thus, an optical appearance of the signal generator essentially only by the almost arbitrary selectable carrier germaterial shaped. The signal generator is therefore generally not optically disturbing. Furthermore, said spectral range of 700 nm to 1000 nm has both good propagation properties and sufficiently high transmissivity through a thermal insulation glazing of a vehicle, with which the signal generator can be detected by a signal acquisition module of a vehicle. In addition, in this wavelength range, the already long-known, reliable and very cost-effective

silicon-based photodiodes can be used.

The invention further relates to a system for highlighting and detecting objects in traffic, which comprises at least one signal generator and at least one signal acquisition module, wherein the at least one signal generator incident electromagnetic radiation at least one predeterminable wavelength band reflected and wherein the at least one signal detection module from one of the at least one signal generator reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by at least one infrared-sensitive detection element. The system according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one signal generator is the signal generator according to the invention which has already been described in detail. The advantages of the signal generator according to the invention have already been set forth. By including the signal generator in a system according to the invention with a signal acquisition module for detecting the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the signal generator, there is the additional advantage that within the system an effective recognition of the signal Bers and possibly an evaluation of coded held information held by the signal generator are possible.

Advantageously, it is provided that the signal acquisition module irradiates the at least one signal generator by means of at least one radiation element with electromagnetic radiation of a predeterminable wavelength band, in particular with electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared spectrum of 700 nm to 1000 nm irradiated. The recourse to this spectral range leads to the already described advantages with respect to the lack of visibility for the human eye and the comparatively high transmissivity through thermal insulation glazing. The commonly used thermal insulation glazing has a reflection maximum for electromagnetic radiation in the mid-infrared spectrum, i. in the wavelength range of about 30 μπι to about 50 μπι. In addition, electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 700 nm to 1000 nm is relatively harmless to humans, especially to the human eye. However, precautions should also be taken when the radiant power exceeds certain power thresholds, and in particular when the radiant power is emitted in a coherent manner. In addition, effective radiation elements and detection elements are comparatively inexpensive in this spectral range.

The radiation element illuminates the area in front of the motor vehicle up to a certain distance infrared and thus imperceptible to the human eye. If the area illuminated in the infrared According to the signal generator, it reflects the electromagnetic radiation impinging on it so that it can be detected by the signal acquisition module.

Already in a simple embodiment of the system according to the invention with only one radiation element and only one detection element can thus reliably be detected whether an object highlighted by the signal generator according to the invention or an infrared-reflective object of itself in the detection range of the detection element and thus usually in a Danger area is located in front of the vehicle.

Appropriately, it is provided that the at least one radiation element is an LED, in particular an infrared LED. LEDs are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and at the same time have a long service life and a low energy requirement.

Preferably, the beam power of the at least one beam element is chosen such that damage and injury to human and animal eyes can be excluded. The radiant power is in particular comparable to the radiant power of a conventional flashlight or possibly also of a motor vehicle headlight.

Particularly expediently, it is provided that the LED, in particular the infrared LED, is pulsed energized. On the one hand, this increases the service life of the LED since thermal wear effects caused are reduced. On the other hand, improved it detects the detectability of the signal generator for the signal acquisition module, as this can search for reflected electromagnetic radiation, which has the emitted pulse frequency.

In particular, it is particularly expedient that the at least one infrared-sensitive detection element and the LED, in particular the infrared LED are operated synchronously pulsed. By operating the at least one detection element and the LEDs synchronously, there is the advantage that a so-called carrier frequency method can be used. Thus, for example, all detected radiation that does not correspond to the pulse frequency of the detection element or the LED, be discarded. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the necessary radiation power of the at least one LED.

Furthermore, it is preferable for the at least one detection element to be a photodiode and / or a camera

and / or a laser scanner. A photodiode has the advantages that it is inexpensive to produce, durable and robust. On the other hand, a camera and a laser scanner offer the advantages that they are spatially resolvable and can read barcodes or two-dimensional symbols. By means of two cameras or a stereo camera is also a distance determination to the signal generator possible.

In addition, it is preferred that the signal acquisition module comprises two independent detection elements and a separating diaphragm, wherein effective detection ranges of Detection elements are oriented in different directions on a horizontal plane and wherein the detection ranges are determined in particular by an arrangement of the divider. This results in the advantage that in a simple way a direction detection is possible. If the signal transmitter is detected by all two detection elements substantially equally well, it is located directly in front of the signal acquisition module. If it is only detected by one detection element because the divider obscures the signal generator for the other detection element, then the signal transmitter is located laterally in front of the signal acquisition module. The direction detection can be further improved or resolved higher, the more detection elements and separating diaphragms are used to shield individual detection elements against certain solid angles. Such signal acquisition modules with an infrared LED as a radiation element and two separated by a divider infrared photodiodes as detection elements are known as so-called "closing velocity" sensors and already present in a variety of current vehicles.

By using these already known "Closing Velocity Sensors" as signal acquisition modules, which are present in a large number of vehicles, the system according to the invention can be used essentially without additional costs on the vehicle side for increasing safety on the road.

It is expediently provided that the at least one photodiode and / or the at least one camera and / or the at least one laser scanner is shielded by means of a daylight blocking filter against impinging electromagnetic radiation in a visible spectral range. This results in the advantage that interference in the detection of the signal generator can be reduced. This improves the reliability of the detection of the signal generator and reduces error detection.

Moreover, it is advantageous that the signal detection module is capable of reading out a coded information contained in a reflected wavelength of the signal generator by means of wavelength-selective filters and / or different wavelength-dependent sensitivities of different detection elements. This results in the advantage that information transmitted via reflection of different wavelength bands is recognized as such by the signal acquisition module and can be read out. For example, For example, the signal transmitter can emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength band from 700 nm to 800 nm and in a further wavelength band from 900 nm up to

1000 nm from the signal transmitter. The electromagnetic radiation thus reflected via a wavelength-dependent intensity modulation may, for example, contain information about the type of object highlighted by the signal generator and be read out by the signal acquisition module by means of the wavelength-selective filters and / or the different wavelength-dependent sensitivities of different detection elements. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least one camera and / or the at least one laser scanner is capable of reading out encoded information held in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or in a two-dimensional symbol of the signal generator. Thus, the already described types of information can be read out in a simple manner by means of the camera or the laser scanner, provided that they are kept in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or in a two-dimensional symbol of the signal generator.

Furthermore, it is preferred that a radiation power of the at least one radiation element and a

Reflectivity of the at least one signal generator and sensitivity of the at least one detection element limit a detection range of the system to 15 m. Thus, a detection area in front of a vehicle which is usually relevant in urban areas is detected. In addition, a detection area of 15 m is usually sufficient to stop the vehicle from a city-standard speed by means of autonomous braking intervention and to prevent a rear-end collision with an object provided with the signal generator. In addition, limiting the detection range to 15 m prevents detectors from being detected outside of a relevant area and leads to error detection. Since a large number of irrelevant objects is thus masked from the outset, the system is relatively robust and reliable. Appropriately, it is provided that the signal acquisition module is affiliated to a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and capable of triggering autonomous braking intervention and / or autonomous steering intervention and / or warning a driver by means of optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic warning means. Thus, the system according to the invention can advantageously use a signal acquisition module already present in the motor vehicle, which reduces the implementation costs of the system into a vehicle. In addition, via the driver assistance system - depending on the nature of the driver assistance system - a corresponding warning or even a Bremsenbzw. Control intervention to be triggered.

Preferably, the signal acquisition module is thus designed so that it can trigger an autonomous brake intervention to prevent a collision of the motor vehicle, in which the signal detection module is arranged on the highlighted with the signal generator or by itself from reflecting object. If the read-out device detects an object in the detection area, an autonomous brake intervention can be triggered. The autonomous brake intervention may possibly precede a visual or acoustic or haptic warning to the driver, so that no brake intervention is necessary if the driver reacts sufficiently quickly. Furthermore, the autonomous brake intervention may initially be limited to a certain delay, for example 0.3 g, and only when the driver initiates a braking operation in turn is an emergency stop initiated. In the presence of an infrared-capable, spatially resolving camera or multiple infrared photodiodes with different spatial orientation, an autonomous steering intervention is preferably additionally or alternatively provided to avoid the object marked with the signal generator. The steering intervention can be initially limited analogous to the brake intervention to a specific, predetermined steering angle and only if the driver in turn initiates a steering operation, the setting of a larger steering angle is possible. In this case too, the intervention may be preceded by an optical or acoustic or haptic warning to the driver, so that the intervention is no longer carried out if the driver reacts with sufficient speed.

Moreover, it is advantageous that an enclosure of the detection module can be arranged by means of its wedge-shaped basic shape on an inner side of a vehicle windshield. The inside of a windshield of a vehicle largely provides optimum conditions for detecting the front environment of the vehicle by the signal acquisition module, especially if it is located in an upper area of the windshield, e.g. is arranged at the level of the rearview mirror.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for highlighting objects in road traffic, in which an object is highlighted by means of at least one signal generator, wherein the at least one signal transmitter reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band and wherein a ne from the at least one signal generator reflected electromagnetic radiation is detected by at least one signal detection module. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one signal generator is the signal generator according to the invention which has already been described in detail. The advantages of the signal generator according to the invention and of the system according to the invention, which comprises the signal generator, have already been explained. The process according to the invention leads to the same advantages already described.

It is preferably provided that the signal generator stores at least one coded information in machine-readable form, the coded information being contained in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or a wavelength and / or at least one two-dimensional symbol, wherein the at least one signal acquisition module comprises a camera and / or or a laser scanner which reads the at least one information, wherein the object is a traffic advisor and wherein the traffic advisor in particular a road sign and / or a lane markings and / or milestone and / or a traffic light and / or a lamp post and / or a guide post and / or a traffic cone. For the purposes of the invention, the road itself, ie, for example, the road surface, like a pavement marking used as a traffic advisor. For example, bends, distances to parking spaces, gas stations or the like can be applied by means of the signal generator on the road. Resulting from the provision of coded information in machine-readable Form, the reliance on a camera or a laser scanner for reading the coded information as well as the arrangement of the signal generator on said objects resulting advantages have already been discussed.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least one read out information is output optically and / or acoustically to a driver of a motor vehicle in a form that is understandable for him. Thus, the driver of the motor vehicle is offered the opportunity to respond appropriately to the information.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the signal generator is applied by a motor vehicle on a road surface. This embodiment may be advantageous, for example in an accident reconstruction, when the vehicle applies the recognition of an inevitable accident event, the signal generator on the road to make the trajectory of the vehicle immediately before the accident in a simple manner reconstructed. Since the signal transmitter is not visible to the human eye, drivers of vehicles that pass the accident site later are not irritated.

The invention also relates to a use of the system for highlighting and detecting objects in traffic in a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle.

In addition, the invention relates to a use of the signal transmitter for highlighting objects in traffic for Provision of a variety of information in machine-readable form in a traffic sign.

Further preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of an imple mentation example with reference to figures.

It shows

1 shows a traffic sign highlighted according to the invention, once in the visible spectral range and once in the infrared spectral range,

2 shows the spectrum of visible light and electromagnetic infrared radiation,

3 shows a vehicle which reads out a traffic sign highlighted according to the invention,

4 shows an exemplary signal acquisition module,

Fig. 5 different embodiments of the signal generator according to the invention and

Fig. 6 shows a possible sequence of the method according to the invention in the form of a flowchart.

Fig. La shows road sign 1, as it is perceptible to the human eye without aids in the visible spectral range. Road sign 1 indicates an ancestral road sign SSE. By means of traffic light 1 arranged on the traffic sign 1 means traffic sign 1 is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectral range. A vehicle (not shown), which has an infrared-sensitive camera, can perceive traffic signs 1 in an infrared spectral range, as shown in Fig. Lb. In the infrared spectral range, a two-dimensional barcode can be recognized on traffic sign 1, which is recognized and evaluated by the infrared-sensitive camera. In order to improve the reliability of detection and evaluation, the camera is also equipped with a daylight blocking filter, which absorbs disturbing radiation effects from the visible spectral range. According to the example, the bar code shown initially contains information that traffic sign 1 is the marking of a priority road. Furthermore, the exact GPS position of traffic signs 1 is contained in the barcode in order to determine or correct the position of the vehicle on a digital map, for example by means of a map matching method. The barcode consists of comparatively large individual elements in order to ensure safe and error-free readout via the thus comparatively large signal-to-noise ratio.

FIG. 2 shows the wavelength range of the visible spectral range VIS and of the infrared spectral range IR. As can be seen, the infrared spectral range is adjacent to the long-wave limit of the visible spectral range and is thus no longer perceptible to the human eye. The provision of objects in an infrared Therefore, people who perceive the spectral range of the signal transmitter are neither irritating nor disturbing.

FIG. 3 shows vehicle 5, which approaches traffic sign 7 on road 6. Traffic sign 7 does not have infrared illumination means, so that only electromagnetic radiation incident on the traffic sign 7 from the environment can be reflected. However, vehicle 5 has signal detection module 8, which cone 9 emits infrared radiation cone by means of an infrared LED. This meets traffic sign 7 and is reflected there. The visible only in the infrared bar code on traffic signs 7 is now detected and evaluated by signal acquisition module 8.

FIG. 4 illustrates, by way of example, signal acquisition module 10, which comprises individual radiation element 11 and detection elements 12 and 13. Radiation element 11 is formed in this case as an infrared LED, while detection elements 12 and 13 are formed as infrared-sensitive photodiodes. Between detection elements 12 and 13 of the partition 15 is performed a shading function, which does not hide directly frontal incident electromagnetic radiation depending on the direction of incidence for detection element 12 or 13. Housing 14 is shaped such that a simple arrangement of signal detection module 10 is ensured behind the windshield at the level of the rear view mirror inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Electrical connections to a power supply and a data bus are located on the back of enclosure 14 and are not shown in Fig. 4. The radiation power radiated in the infrared spectral range is sufficiently high to produce reflections in a range of up to 15 m, which can be detected by detection elements 12 and 13 if an infrared-reflecting object is located in the illuminating area. Suitable objects are, for example, sufficiently large metallic objects like other vehicles or even all kinds of objects which are highlighted with the signal generator according to the invention. If the reflected radiation lying in the infrared spectral range is detected by both detection elements 12 and 13 at the same time, read-out device 10 detects an object that is essentially directly frontally within the detection range of 15 m. On the other hand, if the reflected radiation lying in the infrared spectral range is only detected by a single detection element 12 or 13, the signal detection module 10 detects it on a laterally frontal object in the detection range. In this case, the reflected radiation lying in the infrared spectral range is only detected by the individual detection element 12 or 13 because of the shielding effect against laterally incident radiation from the separation diaphragm 15. Depending on whether the reflected radiation lying in the infrared spectral range is detected by detection element 12 or 13, a left-right discrimination of signal detection module 10 can be made. Signal detection module 10 is also able to trigger a brake intervention upon detection of an object located in the detection area and thus to prevent or at least mitigate an imminent collision. Such a signal acquisition module 10 described by way of example, which comprises infrared LED 11 and infrared-sensitive photodiodes 12 and 13, is also known as the so-called "closing velocity sensor".

FIG. 5 a shows a signal generator 20 according to the invention, which comprises marking means 21 and carrier material 22. Marking means 21 is a surface side of substrate 22 covering on carrier material 22 arranged. Electromagnetic radiation of an infrared wavelength band impinging on the surface side of carrier material 22 covered by marking agent 21 is reflected by narrowband banding means 21. The spectral width and the spectral position of the infrared wavelength band within which incident electromagnetic radiation is reflected is characterized by the size, size distribution and shape of nanoparticles contained in marker 21. For example, marking agent 21 is a sprayable suspension which has not been permanently adhered to carrier material 22 by means of a spray can. Carrier material 22 is a section of a school uniform of a schoolchild.

In Fig. 5b signal generator 23 is shown, which carrier material 24 and marking means 24 comprises. Since the nanoparticles contained in marking agent 24 have already been admixed with a substance of carrier material 24 during the production of carrier material 24, a geometric separation of carrier material 24 and marking agent 24 is no longer possible. By adding marker 24 to the substance of carrier material 24, carrier material 24 now has the reflective properties of marking agent 24. Thus, each surface side of substrate 24 is capable of reflecting incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band. The spectral width and the spectral position of the wavelength band lie in an infrared spectral range and are characterized by the size, size distribution and shape of the nanoparticles contained in marking agent 24. Signal generator 23 is formed, for example, as a fluorescent body, which fluoresces in the spectral range of visible light. Support material 24 is correspondingly a fluorescent plastic. In addition, signal generator 23 is provided for attachment to satchels to meet the DIN 58124, which requires that at least 20% of the surface of the satchel must be provided with fluorescent material. Signal generator 23 thus fluoresces in the visible spectral range, which increases the perceptibility for the human eye and at the same time reflects in the infrared spectral range, which in turn allows perceptibility by a signal acquisition module according to the invention.

FIG. 5 c shows signal transmitter 25, which surrounds carrier material 26. Surface layer 27 has a surface nanostructuring, which represents the marking agent. Thus, substrate 26 and the marking agent are of the same material and differ only in their different surface finish. In the case shown, the marking agent is thus not formed by nanoparticles, but by the surface nanostructuring, which has a topographical profile on the order of the nanoparticles already described.

FIG. 6 shows a possible sequence of the method according to the invention for highlighting objects in traffic. In step 30, infrared radiation in a wavelength range of 700 nm to 1000 nm is emitted by means of a radiation element of a signal acquisition module. In step 31, the infrared radiation impinges on a signal generator according to the invention, which has a visible only in the infrared spectral range two-dimensional barcode and is reflected by this. The reflected infrared radiation is detected in step 32 by an infrared-sensitive and spatially resolving camera of the signal acquisition module. The signal acquisition module determines that the signal transmitter is located laterally in front of the vehicle on which the signal acquisition module is located. Since there is thus no acute danger of collision, initially no warning is issued to the driver. In the following method step 33, the two-dimensional barcode is evaluated. This describes the highlighted by the signaler object as a child. Since children often lack the necessary care for a gefahrenbewus stes behavior in traffic, in step 34 but now issued a visual and audible warning to the driver of the vehicle to make it aware that due to an assumed, unpredictable behavior of the detected child is to be expected with the sudden occurrence of a dangerous situation.

Claims

claims

1. Signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) for highlighting objects (1, 7) in traffic,

comprising a marking means (21, 24, 26) and a carrier material (22, 24, 26),

wherein the marking means (21, 24, 26) at least one surface side of the carrier material (22, 24, 26) is arranged covering on the carrier material (22, 24, 26) and / or a substance of the carrier material (22, 24, 26) admixed and wherein the signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band by means of the marking means (21, 24, 26),

characterized in that a spectral width and a spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band are characterized by a size and / or a size distribution and / or a form of nanoparticles contained in the marking agent (21, 24, 26) and / or by a surface nanostructuring of the nanoparticle Marking means (21, 24, 26) are embossed and wherein the spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band is in an infrared spectral range.

2. Signal generator according to claim 1,

characterized in that the carrier material (22, 24, 26) for incorporation into garments and / or ornaments and / or transport containers without reducing their aesthetic value and / or without modification thereof Apparent style is suitable selectable, the garments are especially shoes and / or headgear, the jewelry items are especially bracelets and / or hair ornaments and the transport containers are in particular backpacks and / or satchels and / or bags.

3. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 and 2,

characterized in that the carrier material (22, 24, 26) is a garment and / or an article of jewelery and / or a transport container, wherein the garment is in particular a shoe and / or a headgear, wherein the article of jewelery in particular a bracelet and / or a Hair jewelry is and wherein the transport container is in particular a backpack and / or a satchel and / or a bag.

4. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that the marking means (21, 24, 26) is a clothes detergent and / or a shampoo and / or a shoe cream and / or a skin cream and / or a lacquer and / or a fiber and / or a powder and / or a suspension and / or a solution and / or a paste, wherein the fiber is usable in particular for the production of fabrics and / or textiles.

5. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that the marking means (21, 24, 26) by means of a spraying device, in particular by means of a spray can, on the carrier material (22, 24, 26) can be applied.

6. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that the marking means (21, 24, 26) on the carrier material (22, 24, 26) is not permanently adhered.

7. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that the signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) holds at least one coded information in machine-readable form, the coded information being contained in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or a wavelength and / or at least one two-dimensional symbol.

8. Signaling device according to claim 7,

characterized in that the at least one coded information describes a genus of the object (1, 7).

9. Signaling device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,

in that the objects (1, 7) are road users and / or traffic advisors (1, 7), the road users being, in particular, vehicles and / or pedestrians and / or bicycles, and the traffic notifiers in particular including traffic signs (1, 7) and / or lane markings and / or milestones and / or traffic lights and / or lantern posts and / or guide posts and / or traffic cones.

10. Signaling device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized in that the nanoparticles consist of a noble metal, in particular of gold, and / or of an alkali metal.

11. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 10,

characterized in that the nanoparticles are produced by means of ablation, in particular laser ablation, and / or abrasion.

12. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized in that adjusts the size and / or the size distribution and / or the shape of the nanoparticles self-organized, preferably by utilizing repulsive Van der Waals forces.

13. Signal generator according to at least one of claims 1 to 12,

characterized in that the marking means (21, 24, 26) has a reflection maximum in the infrared spectrum, in particular in the near infrared spectrum of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

14. System for highlighting and recognizing objects (1, 7) in traffic,

comprising at least one signal generator (20, 23, 25) and at least one signal acquisition module (8, 10), the at least one signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) reflecting electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band and wherein the at least one signal acquisition module (8, 10) detects an electromagnetic radiation reflected by the at least one signal generator (20, 23, 25) by means of at least one infrared-sensitive detection element (12, 13), characterized in that the at least one signal generator (20, 23, 25) has a signal transmitter (20, 23 , 25) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

15. System according to claim 14,

characterized in that the signal acquisition module (8, 10) irradiates the at least one signal generator (20, 23, 25) by means of at least one radiation element (11) with electromagnetic radiation of a predeterminable wavelength band, in particular with electromagnetic radiation. Table irradiated radiation in the near infrared spectrum from 700 nm to 1000 nm.

16. System according to at least one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the at least one radiation element (11) is an LED (11), in particular an infrared LED (11).

17. System according to claim 16,

characterized in that the LED (11), in particular the infrared LED (11), is pulsed energized.

18. System according to claim 17,

characterized in that the at least one infrared-sensitive detection element (12, 13) and the LED (11), in particular the infrared LED (11) are operated synchronously pulsed.

19. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the at least one detection element (12, 13) is a photodiode (12, 13) and / or a camera and / or a laser scanner.

20. System according to at least one of claims 16 and 19, characterized in that the signal detection module (8, 10) comprises two mutually independent detection elements (12, 13) and in particular a separating diaphragm (15), wherein effective detection areas of the detection elements (12, 13 ) are oriented in different directions on a horizontal plane and wherein the detection rich in particular by an arrangement of the separating diaphragm (15) are determined.

21. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the at least one photodiode (11) and / or the at least one camera and / or the at least one laser scanner are shielded by means of a daylight blocking filter against impinging electromagnetic radiation in a visible spectral range ,

22. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the signal detection module (8, 11) by means of wavelength-selective filters and / or different wavelength-dependent sensitivities of different detection elements (12, 13) for reading one in a reflected wavelength of the signal generator ( 20, 23, 25) contained coded information.

23. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the at least one camera and / or the at least one laser scanner due to resolution to a reading of in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or in a two-dimensional symbol of the signal generator (20, 23 , 25) is capable of holding coded information.

24. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that a radiation power of the at least one radiation element (11) and a Reflectivity of the at least one signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) and a sensitivity of the at least one detection element limit a detection range of the system to 15 m.

25. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the signal acquisition module (8, 11) is associated with a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle (5) and for triggering an autonomous brake intervention and / or an autonomous steering intervention and / or a warning of Driver is enabled by means of optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic warning means.

26. System according to at least one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that an enclosure (14) of the detection module (8, 10) can be arranged by means of its wedge-shaped basic shape on an inner side of a vehicle windshield.

27. A method for highlighting and detecting objects (1, 7) in traffic, in which an object (1, 7) by means of at least one signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) is highlighted, wherein the at least one signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band and wherein an electromagnetic radiation reflected by the at least one signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) is detected by at least one signal acquisition module (8, 10), characterized in that the at least one signal generator (20, 23, 25) is a signal generator (20, 23, 25) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

28. The method according to claim 27,

characterized in that the signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) holds at least one coded information in machine-readable form, wherein the coded information is contained in an at least one-dimensional barcode and / or wavelength and / or at least one two-dimensional symbol, wherein the at least one signal acquisition module (8, 10) comprises a camera and / or a laser scanner, which read the at least one information, wherein the object (1, 7) is a traffic advisor (1, 7) and wherein the traffic advisor (1, 7) in particular a traffic sign (1, 7) and / or a lane markings and / or a milestone and / or a traffic light and / or a lamp post and / or a guide post and / or a traffic cone is.

29. The method according to at least one of claims 27 and 28,

characterized in that the at least one read information is issued to a driver of a motor vehicle (5) in optically and / or acoustically understandable form for this.

30. The method according to at least one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) from a motor vehicle (5) on a road surface (6) is applied.

31. Use of the system according to at least one of claims 14 to 26 in a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle (5).

32. Use of the signal transmitter (20, 23, 25) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 for providing a plurality of information in machine-readable form in a traffic sign (1, 7).