Safety system and vehicle

Abstract

A safety system (20) comprises a rearview mirror (30) and a control device (40), wherein the rearview mirror (30) has a mirror area (32), a rearview mirror input interface (36) and an output device (31, 35), wherein the control device (40) has a control device input interface (41) and a control device output interface (42), wherein the control device (40) is configured to receive a first signal (S41) via the control device input interface (41), which first signal (S41) carries first information about a remote object (15), wherein the control device (40) is configured to locate the remote object (15) and determine a relative velocity (16) depending on the first information, wherein the control device (40) is configured tounder a given first condition, a second signal (S42) is generated and sent via the control device output interface (42) to the rearview mirror input interface (36), which second signal (S42) carries second information about an output, and wherein the rearview mirror (30) is configured to perform an optical output depending on the second information via the output device (31, 35).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a safety system and a vehicle.

[0002] DE 10 2021 203 763 A1 shows a warning device for a vehicle for issuing a warning signal, in particular for warning of a rear-end collision.

[0003] DE 10 2012 215 173 A1 shows a method for operating a vehicle safety system in which the driver is warned of a close following vehicle.

[0004] DE 10 2014 222 627 A1 discloses a method for assisting a driver in driving a motor vehicle, in which a warning signal directed towards the driver can be provided by means of a display device arranged outside the rearview mirror display area.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new safety system and a new vehicle.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the main claim and the subsidiary claim.

[0007] A security system comprises a rearview mirror and a control device, wherein the rearview mirror is configured as an interior rearview mirror, has a mirror area, a rearview mirror input interface and an output device, wherein the control device has a control device input interface and a control device output interface, wherein the control device is configured to receive a first signal via the control device input interface, which first signal carries first information about a remote object, wherein the control device is configured, depending on the first information, to locate the remote object and to determine a relative velocity between the remote object and the security system, wherein the control device is configured toUnder a given first condition, a second signal is generated and the second signal is sent via the control device output interface and to the rearview mirror input interface, which second signal carries second information about an output, wherein the first condition depends on the relative speed of the distant object, and wherein the rearview mirror is configured to perform an optical output depending on the second information via the output device in order to cause an optical warning.

[0008] The user of the safety system thus receives an up-to-date view of potentially critical distant objects via the rearview mirror. Rearview mirrors are often curved to offer a wider field of view. This leads to a distorted perception, making it more difficult to judge distance and relative speed.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to receive the first signal from a radar device. Radar signals are very well suited for determining the relative velocity and position of a distant object.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the radar device comprises at least one first radar device from a radar device group consisting of: - Rear radar device, and - Side radar device.

[0011] This radar device advantageously enables the detection of external objects in the rear and side areas.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the optical output comprises at least one first optical output from a first group consisting of: - Lights from a lighting system located in the edge area of ​​the rearview mirror, - Flashing of a light in the edge area of ​​the rearview mirror, - Pulsating of a light in the edge area of ​​the rearview mirror, - Display in the mirror area of ​​the rearview mirror, and - Running light on the rearview mirror.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the mirror area includes an optically reflective mirror to produce a mirror image in the mirror area. Such a mirror image has an optically higher resolution than a display.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the mirror area has a display configured to show an image captured by a camera. This is particularly advantageous in vehicles where the view from inside through the rear area is obstructed, for example, in a van with metal rear doors.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the first piece of information relates at least partially to a first object, which is also represented as a depicted object in the mirror area. In such a case, the user can quickly recognize the warning and the object.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the object depicted in the mirror area is optically highlighted depending on the second piece of information. This allows the user to quickly identify any potentially critical object.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to output a third signal to a loudspeaker system via the control device output interface under the specified first condition in order to cause an acoustic warning.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to determine the distance between the remote object and the safety system based on the first piece of information, and the control device is configured to generate the second signal such that the second piece of information depends on the determined distance. The distance is relevant for determining whether an approaching object is critical, very critical, or non-critical. This dependency is therefore advantageous.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the rearview mirror has at least one input element, and the rearview mirror is configured to transmit a fourth signal to the control device depending on an actuation of the input element, wherein the fourth signal carries information about the actuation of the input element.

[0020] A vehicle has such a safety system. In vehicles, this safety system offers significant safety advantages.

[0021] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It shows: Fig. 1 in schematic top view a rearview mirror of a safety system, and Fig. 2 in schematic representation a vehicle with the safety system of Fig. 1.

[0022] In the following, identical or similarly functioning parts are designated with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds upon itself across figures to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a rearview mirror 30.

[0024] Rearview mirrors 30, for example, are installed in the center of the vehicle with respect to the y-axis of the vehicle in the upper area of ​​the windshield or above it on the roof system, in order to have the clearest possible view to the rear and front.

[0025] The rearview mirror 30 is designed as an interior rearview mirror and has a mirror area 32, a rearview mirror input interface 36, an output device 31, 35 for at least one piece of information and operating elements 38, 39.

[0026] The rearview mirror input interface 36 can, for example, be wireless or wired.

[0027] The output device 31 is exemplified as a luminous element in the edge area 34 of the rearview mirror 30.

[0028] The output device 35 is designed as an example as a display in the area of ​​the mirror area 32.

[0029] The control element 38 has, by way of example, a button, and the control elements 39 are designed, by way of example, as touch display control surfaces.

[0030] The mirror area 32 can have an optical, reflective mirror to produce a mirror image in the mirror area 32.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the mirror area 32 can have the display 35, which is designed to display a signal from a camera 18 (see below). Fig. 2) to display the recorded image.

[0032] In the mirror area 32, a depicted object 15' is shown, for example, a mirror image of a vehicle. The depicted object 15' is highlighted 33, for example, because it is approaching quickly from behind.

[0033] The exemplary embodiment shows several options for optical output, which can be provided and used individually or in combination. - Lighting of a light 31 in the edge area 34 of the rearview mirror 30, - Flashing of a light 31 in the edge area 34 of the rearview mirror 30, - Pulsating of a light 31 in the edge area 34 of the rearview mirror 30, - Display in mirror area 32 of the rearview mirror 30, and - Running light 37 on the rearview mirror 30.

[0034] The chasing light 37, for example, has LEDs that create a visually striking sequence of LED patterns.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a vehicle 10 with a safety system 20.

[0036] An external object 15 approaches the vehicle 10 and thus also the safety system 20 at a relative speed 16. The object 15 is, in particular, another vehicle.

[0037] Vehicle 10 has 17 seats and 19 steering wheels.

[0038] The orientation of vehicle 10 is defined in the diagram by a Cartesian coordinate system with the x-axis in the direction of travel, the y-axis to the left, and the z-axis upwards. This is the standard vehicle coordinate system.

[0039] The safety system 20 has the rearview mirror 30, a control device 40, a loudspeaker system 50, a camera 11 and radar devices 12, 13, 14.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the radar devices 12, 13, 14 comprise a rear radar device 12, a left side radar device 13 and a right side radar device 14.

[0041] The control device 40 has a control device input interface 41 and a control device output interface 42.

[0042] The control device 40 is designed to receive a first signal S41 via the control device input interface 41, which first signal S41 carries first information about the remote object 15.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment, the first signal S41 is generated by the radar devices 12, 13, 14, which cover the rear area of ​​the vehicle 10 and the left and right side areas.

[0044] The control device 40 is designed to locate the remote object 15 based on the first information and to determine the relative velocity 16 between the remote object 15 and the safety system 20.

[0045] The control device 40 is designed to generate a second signal S42 under a given first condition and to send it to the rearview mirror input interface 36 via the control device output interface 42.

[0046] The second signal S42 carries a second piece of information about an output.

[0047] The first condition depends on the determined relative speed 16 of the distant object 15. For example, the first condition could be that the relative speed is greater than 40 km / h or greater than 60 km / h. Additional conditions can also be used. For example, the condition could include that the distant object 15 is in the same lane.

[0048] The rearview mirror 30 is designed to perform an optical output depending on the second piece of information via the output device 31, 35 in order to cause an optical warning.

[0049] This allows the driver to be warned if an object 15 is approaching from behind at high relative speed. Such a high relative speed could, for example, lead to a rear-end collision at the end of a traffic jam. The driver and, if applicable, the other occupants can react to the visual warning, for example by swerving or by assuming an upright seating position.

[0050] Preferably, the first piece of information relates at least partially to a first object 15, which is also depicted as object 15' in the mirror area 32. When a visual warning is issued in the rearview mirror 30, the driver will look at the rearview mirror 30, where he will recognize the approaching depicted object 15' and can react accordingly.

[0051] Preferably, in the mirror area, the depicted object 15' is optically highlighted depending on the second piece of information, as shown in Fig. 1 with visual highlighting 33 is shown. This allows the driver to quickly recognize the warning and the specific danger and react accordingly.

[0052] The control device 40 is preferably configured to output a third signal S50 to the loudspeaker system 50 via the control device output interface 42 under the specified first condition in order to trigger an acoustic warning. The output of a visual and an acoustic warning ensures that the driver is reliably warned and can react quickly.

[0053] The control device 40 is preferably configured to determine the distance between the remote object 15 and the safety system 20 based on the first piece of information. The second signal S42 is generated such that the second piece of information depends on the determined distance. For example, it can be specified as a condition that the second signal S42 is only output if the distance is less than 400 m or less than 150 m. This allows the visual warning to be adapted to the distance. At a shorter distance, the risk of collision is greater, and the warning can be correspondingly stronger.

[0054] The rearview mirror 30 is preferably designed to function depending on the activation of the input element 38, 39 (cf. Fig.1) To transmit a fourth signal S30 to the control device 40, wherein the fourth signal S30 carries information about the actuation of the input element 39. It is thus possible to give feedback to the control device 40 via the rearview mirror 30, for example to confirm receipt of the warning or to deactivate the warning function.

[0055] Naturally, numerous variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present inventions. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 203 763 A1

[0002] DE 10 2012 215 173 A1

[0003] DE 10 2014 222 627 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Safety system (20) comprising a rearview mirror (30) and a control device (40), wherein the rearview mirror (30) is designed as an interior rearview mirror, has a mirror area (32), a rearview mirror input interface (36) and an output device (31, 35), wherein the control device (40) has a control device input interface (41) and a control device output interface (42), wherein the control device (40) is configured to receive a first signal (S41) via the control device input interface (41), which first signal (S41) carries first information about a remote object (15), wherein the control device (40) is configured to locate the remote object (15) depending on the first information and to determine a relative velocity (16) between the remote object (15) and the safety system (20), wherein the control device (40) is configured to generate a second signal (S42) under a predetermined first condition and to send it via the control device output interface (42) to the rearview mirror input interface (36), which second signal (S42) carries a second piece of information about an output, where the first condition depends on the relative velocity (16) of the distant object (15), and wherein the rearview mirror (30) is configured to perform an optical output depending on the second piece of information via the output device (31, 35) in order to cause an optical warning. [2] Security system (20) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (40) is configured to receive the first signal (S41) from a radar device (12, 13, 14). [3] Safety system (20) according to claim 2, wherein the radar device (12, 13, 14) comprises at least one first radar device consisting of a radar device group comprising: - Rear radar device (12), and - Side radar device (13, 14). [4] Security system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical output comprises at least one first optical output from a first group consisting of: - Lighting of a light (31) in the edge area (34) of the rearview mirror (30), - Flashing of a light (31) in the edge area (34) of the rearview mirror (30), - Pulsating of a light (31) in the edge area (34) of the rearview mirror (30), - Display in the mirror area (32) of the rearview mirror (30), and - Running light (37) on the rearview mirror (30). [5] Security system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror area (32) has an optically reflecting mirror to produce a mirror image in the mirror area (32). [6] Security system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror area (32) has a display (35) which is configured to display an image taken by a camera (11). [7] Security system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first information relates at least partially to a first object (15) which is also represented in the mirror area (32) as a depicted object (15'). [8] Security system (20) according to claim 7, in which the imaged object (15') is optically highlighted in the mirror area depending on the second piece of information. [9] Safety system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (40) is configured to output a third signal (S50) to a loudspeaker system (50) via the control device output interface (42) under the specified first condition in order to effect an acoustic warning. [10] Safety system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (40) is configured to determine the distance between the remote object (15) and the safety system (20) depending on the first information, wherein the control device (40) is configured to generate the second signal (S42) such that the second information depends on the determined distance. [11] Safety system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the rearview mirror (30) has at least one input element (38, 39), and in which the rearview mirror (30) is configured to transmit a fourth signal (S30) to the control device (40) depending on an actuation of the input element (38, 39), wherein the fourth signal (S30) carries information about the actuation of the input element (38, 39). [12] Vehicle (10) which has a safety system (20) according to any of the preceding claims.

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