WO2017071986A1 - Camera system for a motor vehicle with regulated voltage supply, motor vehicle as well as method - Google Patents

Camera system for a motor vehicle with regulated voltage supply, motor vehicle as well as method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017071986A1
WO2017071986A1 PCT/EP2016/074935 EP2016074935W WO2017071986A1 WO 2017071986 A1 WO2017071986 A1 WO 2017071986A1 EP 2016074935 W EP2016074935 W EP 2016074935W WO 2017071986 A1 WO2017071986 A1 WO 2017071986A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
control device
voltage
motor vehicle
camera system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2016/074935
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Oliver Coleman
Beniamin Dragoi
Sergio BANTILES
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Connaught Electronics Ltd
Original Assignee
Connaught Electronics Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Connaught Electronics Ltd filed Critical Connaught Electronics Ltd
Publication of WO2017071986A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017071986A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/04—Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/65—Control of camera operation in relation to power supply
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/40—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a camera system for a motor vehicle with at least one camera and with a control device, wherein the control device is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side, is electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side and is adapted to convert a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera.
  • the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a camera system.
  • the present invention relates to a method for operating a camera system for a motor vehicle.
  • Camera systems for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These camera systems can for example include a plurality of cameras, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle. An environmental region of the motor vehicle can then be captured by these cameras.
  • image sequences or video data can for example be provided by the cameras, which describe the environmental region. This video data can then be presented for example on a display device in the interior of the motor vehicle.
  • the cameras are supplied with electrical energy by an energy supply device of the motor vehicle.
  • an energy supply device can for example be a battery or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle.
  • the camera system can have a
  • control device which is connected to the cameras on the output side.
  • This control device can be connected to the energy supply device on the input side.
  • the control device serves for converting the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the respective cameras.
  • a camera system according to the invention for a motor vehicle includes at least one camera.
  • the camera system includes a control device.
  • the control device is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side.
  • the control device is electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side.
  • the control device is adapted to convert a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera.
  • the control device has a switching power supply, which is adapted to provide a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera as the operating voltage.
  • the camera system can have at least one camera. However, it is preferably provided that the camera system has a plurality of cameras, which are for example disposed distributed on the motor vehicle. Thus, the camera system can be used to monitor an environmental region of the motor vehicle.
  • the camera system can be a so-called electronic rearview mirror or a so-called camera monitoring system.
  • the camera system includes the control device, which has at least one output, which is electrically connected to the at least one camera.
  • the control device further has an input, which can be electrically connected to the energy supply device of the motor vehicle.
  • the energy supply device can for example be a battery, an accumulator or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle.
  • the control device can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle.
  • the control device has a switching power supply, by means of which a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera can be provided.
  • the switching power supply can have a
  • the switching power supply has a corresponding DC voltage converter.
  • the regulated DC voltage is substantially independent of the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device.
  • the switching power supply includes a boost-converter and/or a buck- converter.
  • the switching power supply can include a step-up converter or a boost converter, by which the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device can be converted.
  • the magnitude of the output voltage of the boost-converter is always greater than the magnitude of the input voltage, which is supplied to the boost-converter.
  • the switching power supply can include a step-down converter or a buck converter.
  • the magnitude of the output voltage is always smaller than the magnitude of the input voltage.
  • the switching power supply has a so-called buck-boost converter.
  • a buck-boost converter By such a buck-boost converter, a regulated DC voltage can be provided as an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera in simple manner.
  • the switching power supply includes a SEPIC converter.
  • the SEPIC converter SEPIC - Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter
  • the SEPIC converter includes three energy storages and a switch.
  • the energy storages are two coils and a capacitor. With such a SEPIC converter too, the regulated operating voltage or DC voltage can be provided for supplying the at least one camera in simple and reliable manner.
  • control device has a switching unit for opening and/or closing the electrical connection between the switching power supply and the at least one camera.
  • a separate switching unit can be provided for each of the cameras.
  • the switching unit can for example be constituted by a transistor. By the switching unit, it can be controlled whether or not the at least one camera is supplied with the regulated DC voltage.
  • control device has a computing unit for controlling the switching unit.
  • the computing unit can in particular include a corresponding
  • control device In particular if the control device has a plurality of switching units, they can be controlled by the computing unit or the microcontroller in simple manner.
  • control device has a diagnostic unit for sensing an over- current and/or a short-circuit and the computing unit is adapted to control the switching unit depending on the sensed over-current and/or short-circuit.
  • an over- current and/or a short-circuit within the control device can be sensed by the diagnostic unit. If such an over-current and/or short-circuit are determined, the electrical connection between the control device and the at least one camera can be disconnected. In this manner, damage to the camera as a result of the over-current and/or short-circuit can be prevented.
  • control device has an electronic filter unit for filtering the supply voltage.
  • the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device can first be filtered and subsequently converted into a regulated DC voltage or operating voltage for operating the at least one camera by the switching power supply.
  • the camera system includes a plurality of cameras, which are each electrically connected to the control device.
  • the control device can have a separate output for each of the cameras.
  • the control device can have a switching unit for each of the cameras.
  • the camera system or the control device has one switching power supply, by which all of the cameras can be supplied with the regulated operating voltage.
  • a control device with a compact construction can be allowed.
  • a motor vehicle according to the invention includes a camera system according to the invention.
  • the motor vehicle is in particular formed as a passenger car.
  • the camera system can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle.
  • a method according to the invention serves for operating a camera system for a motor vehicle.
  • a control device which is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side and electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side, a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device is converted into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera.
  • the control device has a switching power supply, by means of which a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera is provided as the operating voltage.
  • Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a camera system with four cameras;
  • FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of a camera system according to the prior art
  • Fig. 3 a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a schematic illustration.
  • Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a plan view.
  • the motor vehicle 1 is formed as a passenger car.
  • the motor vehicle 1 includes a camera system 2.
  • Objects in an environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the camera system 2.
  • the camera system 2 can for example be formed as a so-called electronic rearview mirror or as a camera monitoring system.
  • the camera system 2 includes a control device 3, which can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • the camera system 2 includes at least one camera 4, which can for example be formed as a CCD camera or as a CMOS camera.
  • the camera system 2 includes four cameras 4, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle 1 .
  • one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a rear area 5 of the motor vehicle 1
  • one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a front area 7 of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • the remaining two cameras 4 are disposed in the respective lateral areas 6, in particular in an area of the wing mirrors, of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • the number and arrangement of the cameras 4 of the camera system 2 are to be understood purely exemplarily.
  • the environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the cameras 4.
  • the four cameras 4 are formed identical in construction.
  • an image sequence or video data can be provided by the cameras 4, which describes the environmental region 8.
  • These image sequences can then be transmitted from the respective cameras 4 to the control device 3.
  • the cameras 4 are connected to the control device 3 by corresponding data lines or a vehicle data bus. Presently, the data lines are not illustrated for the sake of clarity.
  • the image sequences provided by the cameras 4 can then be processed by the control device 3.
  • it can also be provided that the image sequences or video data are presented on a corresponding display device of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • Fig. 2 shows a camera system 2 according to the prior art in a schematic illustration.
  • the control device 3 is additionally used to supply the cameras 4 with electrical energy.
  • the control device 3 has an input 9, via which the control device 3 can be connected to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle 1 not illustrated here.
  • the energy supply device can be a battery or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • a supply voltage Ub is provided by the energy supply device, which is dependent on an operating state of the energy supply device or of the motor vehicle 1 and can for example be in the range between 4 V and 35 V.
  • This supply voltage Ub is filtered by an electronic filter unit 10, which presently includes a diode D and a capacitor C.
  • control device 3 includes a switching unit 1 1 for each of the cameras 4.
  • the control device 3 includes four switching units 1 1 .
  • the respective switching units 1 1 can for example include corresponding transistors.
  • the electrical connection between the control device 3 and the respective cameras 4 can be opened and closed by the switching units 1 1 .
  • the control device 3 has an output 12 for each of the cameras 4. In the present embodiment, the control device 3 includes four outputs 12.
  • the respective cameras 4 are each operated with an operating voltage Uc, which depends on the supply voltage Ub.
  • the operating voltage Uc corresponds to a filtered supply voltage Ub', which is applied to the output of the filter unit 10.
  • the filtered supply voltage Ub' can be in a range between less than 4 V and 35 V. If the supply voltage Ub provided by the energy supply device or the battery is for example 4 V, the filtered supply voltage Ub' is usually smaller than 4 V.
  • Such a voltage as the operating voltage Uc is not sufficient to operate the respective cameras 4. This in particular means that for example image sequences cannot be provided by the cameras 4.
  • the supply voltage Ub has a high noise component or corresponding oscillations. Thus, a reliable operation of the cameras 4 cannot be guaranteed.
  • Fig. 3 shows a camera system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control device 3 has an input 9, via which the control device 3 is supplied with the supply voltage Ub from the energy supply device.
  • the filter unit 10 is provided, which is electrically connected to a switching power supply 13.
  • the switching power supply 13 serves for converting the supply voltage Ub or the filtered supply voltage Ub' into a regulated DC voltage Ur for supplying the respective cameras 4.
  • the regulated DC voltage Ur is then the operating voltage Uc for operating the cameras 4.
  • the switching power supply 13 can include a corresponding switching controller.
  • the switching power supply 13 can include a boost-converter and a buck- converter.
  • the switching power supply 13 can include a buck-boost converter.
  • the switching power supply 13 can include a so-called SEPIC converter.
  • a regulated DC voltage Ur can be provided by the switching power supply 13, which is for example 9 V.
  • the switching power supply 13 is formed such that the predetermined, regulated DC voltage Ur can be provided over the entire voltage range provided by the energy supply device.
  • operation of the cameras 4 can for example be allowed if a supply voltage Ub in a range between 4 V and 35 V is provided by the energy supply device.
  • a supply voltage Ub in a range between 4 V and 35 V is provided by the energy supply device.
  • the regulated DC voltage Ur a power signal, with which the cameras 4 are supplied, can be provided, which has a lower noise component.
  • the image quality of the respective cameras 4 can be improved since the image sensors of the cameras 4 in particular can be supplied with an electrical voltage, which has a low noise component.
  • the electromagnetic compatibility can be improved due to the low noise component of the regulated DC voltage Ur as the operating voltage Uc.
  • control device 3 includes a computing unit 14, which can for example include a corresponding microcontroller.
  • the respective switching units 1 1 can be controlled independently of each other by the computing unit 14.
  • corresponding connecting lines are not illustrated for the sake of clarity.
  • control device 3 can include a diagnostic unit 15, by means of which an over-current and/or a short-circuit within the control device 3 can be sensed.
  • the computing unit 14 can be adapted to control the respective switching units 1 1 depending on a sensed over-current and/or short-circuit. For example, if an over-current and/or a short-circuit within the control device 3 are identified by means of the diagnostic unit 15, the electrical connection between the control device 3 and the cameras 4 can be disconnected by means of the respective switching units 1 1 . Further, it can be achieved by the switching units 1 1 that each of the cameras 4 can be operated with the regulated DC voltage Ur. Thus, it is sufficient to use only one switching power supply 13 within the control device 3.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera system (2) for a motor vehicle (1), with at least one camera (4) and with a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle (1) on the input side, is electrically connected to the at least one camera (4) on the output side and is adapted to convert a supply voltage (Ub) provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage (Uc) for operating the at least one camera (4), wherein the control device (3) has a switching power supply (13), which is adapted to provide a regulated DC voltage (Ur) for operating the at least one camera (4) as the operating voltage (Uc).

Description

Camera system for a motor vehicle with regulated voltage supply, motor vehicle as well as method
The present invention relates to a camera system for a motor vehicle with at least one camera and with a control device, wherein the control device is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side, is electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side and is adapted to convert a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera. Moreover, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a camera system. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for operating a camera system for a motor vehicle.
Camera systems for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These camera systems can for example include a plurality of cameras, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle. An environmental region of the motor vehicle can then be captured by these cameras. Hereto, image sequences or video data can for example be provided by the cameras, which describe the environmental region. This video data can then be presented for example on a display device in the interior of the motor vehicle.
Usually, the cameras are supplied with electrical energy by an energy supply device of the motor vehicle. Such an energy supply device can for example be a battery or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle. In addition, the camera system can have a
corresponding control device, which is connected to the cameras on the output side. This control device can be connected to the energy supply device on the input side. The control device serves for converting the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the respective cameras.
It is the object of the present invention to demonstrate a solution, how a camera system for a motor vehicle of the initially mentioned kind can be more reliably operated.
According to the invention, this object is solved by a camera system, by a motor vehicle as well as by a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous developments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, of the description and of the figures. A camera system according to the invention for a motor vehicle includes at least one camera. Moreover, the camera system includes a control device. The control device is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side. The control device is electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side. Moreover, the control device is adapted to convert a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera. Furthermore, the control device has a switching power supply, which is adapted to provide a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera as the operating voltage.
The camera system can have at least one camera. However, it is preferably provided that the camera system has a plurality of cameras, which are for example disposed distributed on the motor vehicle. Thus, the camera system can be used to monitor an environmental region of the motor vehicle. For example, the camera system can be a so-called electronic rearview mirror or a so-called camera monitoring system. In addition, the camera system includes the control device, which has at least one output, which is electrically connected to the at least one camera. The control device further has an input, which can be electrically connected to the energy supply device of the motor vehicle. The energy supply device can for example be a battery, an accumulator or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle. The control device can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle.
According to the invention, it is now provided that the control device has a switching power supply, by means of which a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera can be provided. For example, the switching power supply can have a
corresponding switching controller, by means of which the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device can be converted into a regulated DC voltage. In particular, it is provided that the switching power supply has a corresponding DC voltage converter. In this manner, a stable operating voltage for operating the at least one camera can be provided. Thus, the operating voltage has lower oscillations and a lower noise component compared to the case, in which the at least one camera is directly operated with the supply voltage of the energy supply device. Further, the regulated DC voltage is substantially independent of the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device. Thus, it is allowed to operate the at least one camera with a defined, regulated operating voltage. Thus, reliable operation of the at least one camera can be allowed.
Preferably, the switching power supply includes a boost-converter and/or a buck- converter. The switching power supply can include a step-up converter or a boost converter, by which the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device can be converted. Therein, the magnitude of the output voltage of the boost-converter is always greater than the magnitude of the input voltage, which is supplied to the boost-converter. Alternatively or additionally, the switching power supply can include a step-down converter or a buck converter. With a buck-converter, the magnitude of the output voltage is always smaller than the magnitude of the input voltage. In particular, it is provided that the switching power supply has a so-called buck-boost converter. By such a buck-boost converter, a regulated DC voltage can be provided as an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera in simple manner.
In a further embodiment, the switching power supply includes a SEPIC converter. The SEPIC converter (SEPIC - Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter) is a DC voltage converter, in which a positive input voltage can be both greater and smaller than the positive output voltage. The SEPIC converter includes three energy storages and a switch. The energy storages are two coils and a capacitor. With such a SEPIC converter too, the regulated operating voltage or DC voltage can be provided for supplying the at least one camera in simple and reliable manner.
By the use of the switching power supply, operation of the camera with a defined DC voltage can be allowed. This allows corresponding components being used in the camera, which are designed for this defined operating voltage. Thus, compared to the prior art, in which the components of the camera have to be designed for example for the entire voltage range provided by the energy supply device, components with a lower design size are used. Thereby, a camera with more compact exterior dimensions can be provided as a whole.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control device has a switching unit for opening and/or closing the electrical connection between the switching power supply and the at least one camera. If the camera system has a plurality of cameras, a separate switching unit can be provided for each of the cameras. The switching unit can for example be constituted by a transistor. By the switching unit, it can be controlled whether or not the at least one camera is supplied with the regulated DC voltage.
In a further embodiment, the control device has a computing unit for controlling the switching unit. The computing unit can in particular include a corresponding
microcontroller. In particular if the control device has a plurality of switching units, they can be controlled by the computing unit or the microcontroller in simple manner. In a further configuration, the control device has a diagnostic unit for sensing an over- current and/or a short-circuit and the computing unit is adapted to control the switching unit depending on the sensed over-current and/or short-circuit. In particular, an over- current and/or a short-circuit within the control device can be sensed by the diagnostic unit. If such an over-current and/or short-circuit are determined, the electrical connection between the control device and the at least one camera can be disconnected. In this manner, damage to the camera as a result of the over-current and/or short-circuit can be prevented.
In a further embodiment, the control device has an electronic filter unit for filtering the supply voltage. Thus, the supply voltage provided by the energy supply device can first be filtered and subsequently converted into a regulated DC voltage or operating voltage for operating the at least one camera by the switching power supply.
Preferably, the camera system includes a plurality of cameras, which are each electrically connected to the control device. For example, the control device can have a separate output for each of the cameras. In addition, the control device can have a switching unit for each of the cameras. Thus, it is in particular sufficient that the camera system or the control device has one switching power supply, by which all of the cameras can be supplied with the regulated operating voltage. Thus, a control device with a compact construction can be allowed.
A motor vehicle according to the invention includes a camera system according to the invention. The motor vehicle is in particular formed as a passenger car. The camera system can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle.
A method according to the invention serves for operating a camera system for a motor vehicle. Herein, by means of a control device, which is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle on the input side and electrically connected to the at least one camera on the output side, a supply voltage provided by the energy supply device is converted into an operating voltage for operating the at least one camera. In addition, the control device has a switching power supply, by means of which a regulated DC voltage for operating the at least one camera is provided as the operating voltage. The preferred embodiments presented with respect to the camera system according to the invention and the advantages thereof correspondingly apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention as well as to the method according to the invention.
Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, implementations are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown in the figures and explained, but arise from and can be generated by separated feature combinations from the explained implementations. Implementations and feature combinations are also to be considered as disclosed, which thus do not have all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim.
Now, the invention is explained in more detail based on preferred embodiments as well as with reference to the attached drawings.
There show:
Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a camera system with four cameras;
Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of a camera system according to the prior art; and
Fig. 3 a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a schematic illustration.
In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference characters.
Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a plan view. In the present case, the motor vehicle 1 is formed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 includes a camera system 2. Objects in an environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the camera system 2. The camera system 2 can for example be formed as a so-called electronic rearview mirror or as a camera monitoring system. Moreover, the camera system 2 includes a control device 3, which can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle 1 .
Furthermore, the camera system 2 includes at least one camera 4, which can for example be formed as a CCD camera or as a CMOS camera. In the present embodiment, the camera system 2 includes four cameras 4, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle 1 . Presently, one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a rear area 5 of the motor vehicle 1 , one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a front area 7 of the motor vehicle 1 . The remaining two cameras 4 are disposed in the respective lateral areas 6, in particular in an area of the wing mirrors, of the motor vehicle 1 . Presently, the number and arrangement of the cameras 4 of the camera system 2 are to be understood purely exemplarily.
The environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the cameras 4. Preferably, the four cameras 4 are formed identical in construction. In particular, an image sequence or video data can be provided by the cameras 4, which describes the environmental region 8. These image sequences can then be transmitted from the respective cameras 4 to the control device 3. Hereto, the cameras 4 are connected to the control device 3 by corresponding data lines or a vehicle data bus. Presently, the data lines are not illustrated for the sake of clarity. The image sequences provided by the cameras 4 can then be processed by the control device 3. Herein, it can also be provided that the image sequences or video data are presented on a corresponding display device of the motor vehicle 1 .
Fig. 2 shows a camera system 2 according to the prior art in a schematic illustration. Presently, the control device 3 is additionally used to supply the cameras 4 with electrical energy. The control device 3 has an input 9, via which the control device 3 can be connected to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle 1 not illustrated here. For example, the energy supply device can be a battery or an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle 1 . A supply voltage Ub is provided by the energy supply device, which is dependent on an operating state of the energy supply device or of the motor vehicle 1 and can for example be in the range between 4 V and 35 V. This supply voltage Ub is filtered by an electronic filter unit 10, which presently includes a diode D and a capacitor C.
Moreover, the control device 3 includes a switching unit 1 1 for each of the cameras 4. Presently, the control device 3 includes four switching units 1 1 . The respective switching units 1 1 can for example include corresponding transistors. The electrical connection between the control device 3 and the respective cameras 4 can be opened and closed by the switching units 1 1 . Moreover, the control device 3 has an output 12 for each of the cameras 4. In the present embodiment, the control device 3 includes four outputs 12.
Thus, the respective cameras 4 are each operated with an operating voltage Uc, which depends on the supply voltage Ub. Presently, the operating voltage Uc corresponds to a filtered supply voltage Ub', which is applied to the output of the filter unit 10. The filtered supply voltage Ub' can be in a range between less than 4 V and 35 V. If the supply voltage Ub provided by the energy supply device or the battery is for example 4 V, the filtered supply voltage Ub' is usually smaller than 4 V. Such a voltage as the operating voltage Uc is not sufficient to operate the respective cameras 4. This in particular means that for example image sequences cannot be provided by the cameras 4. In addition, it can be the case that the supply voltage Ub has a high noise component or corresponding oscillations. Thus, a reliable operation of the cameras 4 cannot be guaranteed.
Fig. 3 shows a camera system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here too, the control device 3 has an input 9, via which the control device 3 is supplied with the supply voltage Ub from the energy supply device. Further, the filter unit 10 is provided, which is electrically connected to a switching power supply 13. The switching power supply 13 serves for converting the supply voltage Ub or the filtered supply voltage Ub' into a regulated DC voltage Ur for supplying the respective cameras 4. The regulated DC voltage Ur is then the operating voltage Uc for operating the cameras 4.
For example, the switching power supply 13 can include a corresponding switching controller. The switching power supply 13 can include a boost-converter and a buck- converter. In particular, the switching power supply 13 can include a buck-boost converter. Alternatively thereto, the switching power supply 13 can include a so-called SEPIC converter. Thus, a regulated DC voltage Ur can be provided by the switching power supply 13, which is for example 9 V. In particular, the switching power supply 13 is formed such that the predetermined, regulated DC voltage Ur can be provided over the entire voltage range provided by the energy supply device. Thus, operation of the cameras 4 can for example be allowed if a supply voltage Ub in a range between 4 V and 35 V is provided by the energy supply device. In the control device 3 according to Fig. 2, for example, operation of the cameras 4 is only possible if a supply voltage Ub in the range between 8 V and 16 V is provided by the energy supply device. With the camera system 2 according to Fig. 3, thereby, operation of the camera system 2 can for example also be allowed during start of the drive engine or under jump start conditions. Moreover, with the camera system according to Fig. 3, it can be allowed that the cameras 4 are equipped with electronic components, which are designed for an operation with the regulated DC voltage Ur. Thus, the cameras 4 do not have to be designed for the varying supply voltage Ub of the energy supply device. For example, capacitors can thus be used within the cameras 4, which are designed for a maximum voltage of 16 V. In the camera system 2 according to Fig. 2, capacitors are for example required, which can be operated up to a maximum voltage of 50 V. Thereby, capacitors with lower installation space can be used in the camera system according to Fig. 3.
In addition, by the regulated DC voltage Ur, a power signal, with which the cameras 4 are supplied, can be provided, which has a lower noise component. Thus, the image quality of the respective cameras 4 can be improved since the image sensors of the cameras 4 in particular can be supplied with an electrical voltage, which has a low noise component. In addition, the electromagnetic compatibility can be improved due to the low noise component of the regulated DC voltage Ur as the operating voltage Uc.
Moreover, the control device 3 includes a computing unit 14, which can for example include a corresponding microcontroller. The respective switching units 1 1 can be controlled independently of each other by the computing unit 14. Presently, corresponding connecting lines are not illustrated for the sake of clarity. In addition, the control device 3 can include a diagnostic unit 15, by means of which an over-current and/or a short-circuit within the control device 3 can be sensed. The computing unit 14 can be adapted to control the respective switching units 1 1 depending on a sensed over-current and/or short-circuit. For example, if an over-current and/or a short-circuit within the control device 3 are identified by means of the diagnostic unit 15, the electrical connection between the control device 3 and the cameras 4 can be disconnected by means of the respective switching units 1 1 . Further, it can be achieved by the switching units 1 1 that each of the cameras 4 can be operated with the regulated DC voltage Ur. Thus, it is sufficient to use only one switching power supply 13 within the control device 3.

Claims

Claims
1 . Camera system (2) for a motor vehicle (1 ), with at least one camera (4) and with a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle (1 ) on the input side, is electrically connected to the at least one camera (4) on the output side and is adapted to convert a supply voltage (Ub) provided by the energy supply device into an operating voltage (Uc) for operating the at least one camera (4),
characterized in that
the control device (3) has a switching power supply (13), which is adapted to provide a regulated DC voltage (Ur) for operating the at least one camera (4) as the operating voltage (Uc) while the switching power supply (13) includes a boost- converter and/or a buck-converter.
2. Camera system (2) according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that
the switching power supply (13) includes a SEPIC converter.
3. Camera system (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the control device (3) has at least one switching unit (1 1 ) for opening and closing the electrical connection between the switching power supply (13) and the at least one camera (4).
4. Camera system (2) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the control device (3) has a computing unit (14) for controlling the at least one switching unit (1 1 ).
5. Camera system (2) according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the control device (3) has a diagnostic unit (15) for sensing an over-current and/or a short-circuit and the computing unit (14) is adapted to control the at least one switching unit (1 1 ) depending on the sensed over-current and/or short-circuit.
6. Camera system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the control device (3) has an electronic filter unit (10) for filtering the supply voltage (Ub).
7. Camera system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the camera system (2) includes a plurality of cameras (4), which are each electrically connected to the control device (3).
8. Motor vehicle (1 ) with a camera system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.
9. Method for operating a camera system (2) for a motor vehicle (1 ), in which by
means of a control device (3), which is electrically connectable to an energy supply device of the motor vehicle (1 ) on the input side and is electrically connected to the at least one camera (4) on the output side, a supply voltage (Ub) provided by the energy supply device is converted into an operating voltage (Uc) for operating the at least one camera (4),
characterized in that
the control device (3) has a switching power supply (13), by means of which a regulated DC voltage (Ur) for operating the at least one camera (4) is provided as the operating voltage (Uc) while the switching power supply (13) includes a boost- converter and/or a buck-converter.
PCT/EP2016/074935 2015-10-26 2016-10-18 Camera system for a motor vehicle with regulated voltage supply, motor vehicle as well as method Ceased WO2017071986A1 (en)

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