Test arrangement and method for stimulating infrared camera-based environmental detection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a test arrangement (1) for stimulating an infrared camera-based environmental detection system for test purposes, comprising a holding device (2a), in which an infrared camera (2) can be fixed as a test object, an infrared light source (4), a computer-controlled mapping device (3), the infrared light source, the mapping device and the receiving device are arranged in such a way that a light path is guided from the light source to the test object through the computer-controlled mapping device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a test bench for stimulating an environment detection system operating with an infrared camera and a method for stimulating an environment detection system based on an infrared camera. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), for example driver assistance systems for autonomous and partially autonomous driving, may have different sensors for detecting the environment, for example cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and / or lidar sensors. The camera may be designed, for example, as a near-infrared camera.

[0003] One variant of a driver assistance system is dedicated to monitoring the driver and is also known as a "driver monitoring system". For this purpose, high-resolution infrared cameras that are optimized for the near-infrared range are used more and more frequently. Driver monitoring systems are safety-critical systems and require a comprehensive evaluation in order to prevent malfunctions in use as best as possible. The evaluation of the sensor system preferably takes place before the vehicle is tested in road use. Road tests are expensive, complex and dangerous.

[0004] In the framework of hardware-in-the-loop testing, it is established that the controller to be tested is integrated as unchanged as possible into a simulated context, that is, it is operated in a closed control loop with a real-time-based environment and vehicle simulation. For active environmental sensors, such as radar sensors or lidar sensors, target simulators are used for this purpose, which receive the scanning signals of the sensor to be tested and send back simulated or falsified echo signals. In the case of passive sensors, such as cameras, so-called camera boxes are known for this purpose, which can play simulated scenes for stimulating the sensor. It is advantageous here to use the real sensor as a whole without having to disconnect interfaces or activate test bench mode.

[0005] If such a target simulator is not available, the sensor data can be simulated at the electrical signal level and fed into the signal processing chain of the sensor after the real sensor front end. The disadvantage here is that the entire processing chain cannot be tested. Summary of the invention

[0006] Solutions are known for cameras in the visible range, but optical stimulation is not possible for cameras in the infrared or near-infrared range, since no devices for generating high-resolution near-infrared images are known to date. The object of the present invention is to further develop this prior art.

[0007] Against this background, a novel test arrangement and a method for stimulating an environment detection system based on an infrared camera are proposed according to claims 1 and 9 .

[0008] The test arrangement comprises a holding device, an infrared light source and a computer-controlled mapping device, in which an infrared camera as a test object can be fixed. Here, the infrared light source, the mapping device and the receiving device are arranged so that the light path is guided from the light source through the computer-controlled mapping device to the test object. This makes it possible to use the light source in a targeted manner and to conduct the emitted light in order to stimulate the test object. Other mapping elements, such as polarizers, lenses, collimators or the like, can be provided between the light source and the mapping device or between the mapping device and the test object. The mapping device is computer-controlled.

[0009] In various embodiments, the computer-controlled mapping device is provided by a computer-controlled matrix with matrix elements. At least one matrix element can be controlled in such a way that the light path through the matrix element can be selectively transmitted or blocked. A plurality of rows and columns of matrix elements are provided, which are arranged in such a way that the matrix elements are illuminated by the light source and the light can be incident on the test object in a transparent state. For this purpose, a device can be created particularly easily, which can realize complex light patterns for testing infrared cameras.

[0010] In this context, it is therefore advantageous if each matrix element can be activated individually and independently of the other matrix elements, so that light is emitted from these activated matrix elements and received by the test object. This is done independently of the actual light source, which can be, for example, an array of infrared LEDs or infrared laser LEDs. Exactly one light beam then emerges from each of these matrix elements.

[0011] In another embodiment, it is provided that the matrix element has at least a first state, in which the light path is transmissive or penetrating, and a second state, in which the light path is blocked or does not penetrate. For this purpose, it is provided that the matrix element has a dimming element for mechanical blocking, which is selectively located in or outside the light path.

[0012] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the matrix element has a polarization filter which, by rotating the polarization direction, brings about selective transmission or blocking and thus enables selective blocking.

[0013] In another embodiment, it is provided that the matrix element has a mirror element. The mirror element can be selectively adjusted either in such a way that light is reflected from the light source onto the test object and the light path is thus transmissive, or in such a way that light is reflected from the light source into the light trap. The latter option causes the light path to be blocked. The mirror element can be designed, for example, as a micromirror (also known as a “digital micromirror device”) or generally as a MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) mirror.

[0014] In a variant of the test arrangement, it is provided that the infrared light source is provided by an infrared laser. The infrared laser emits a substantially beamed, i.e. approximately parallel, laser beam. It is further provided that the mapping device is provided by a laser deflector, which selectively maps the laser beam onto the infrared camera in a raster scanning method or is blocked. The laser deflector can be implemented as a galvanometer scanning mirror or by means of a MEMS system.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is provided that a computer is installed in the test arrangement. The computer is configured to send control signals to the mapping device or the computer-controlled matrix in accordance with the provisions of a control program executable on the computer, in order to selectively activate or deactivate matrix elements. The control signals are transmitted by means of an operative connection, in particular a data interface. The operative connection is between the computer or the control device and the mapping device or the computer-controlled matrix.

[0016] In another embodiment, it is provided that the computer or the second computer performs an environmental simulation from the perspective of the test object, which calculates virtual environmental objects within the visible range of the test object. The computer performing the environmental simulation is also configured to send control signals to the matrix based on the virtual environmental objects or to give instructions to the first computer for sending control signals to the matrix. This can also be done by a programmable control device. The computer or the programmable control device is configured to activate the selected matrix elements in accordance with a control program stored on the computer or the control device so that the matrix elements become permeable. For this purpose, the computer or the control device has a data memory.

[0017] The test arrangement according to the invention is therefore provided for displaying one or more virtual environment objects and for providing for stimulating the infrared camera. It can be provided that there is a connection between the computer that performs the environment simulation and the test object. In addition to the environment simulation, a simulation of the test vehicle, the test driver and the driving dynamics of the test vehicle can also take place. By means of the above-mentioned connection, the control loop can be closed, so that stimulation can be carried out within the framework of a closed-loop simulation. The reaction of the test object can be detected, for example, in the form of sensor data and control signals and used for the next simulation step.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for stimulating an environment detection system based on an infrared camera. The following method steps are provided: a holding device is provided and an infrared camera as a test object is fixed in the holding device, an infrared light source and a computer-controlled matrix with matrix elements are provided so that the light path can be selectively transmitted or blocked when the matrix elements are actuated, and the infrared light source, the matrix and the receiving device are provided so that the light path is guided from the light source through at least one matrix element of the computer-controlled matrix to the test object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings and their description show exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily indicate the geometrical dimensions of the components and the distances between the components.

[0020] In the figure:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention,

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing another specific embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention,

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing another specific embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention,

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a possible configuration of a computer-controlled matrix,

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram shows another possible design of a computer-controlled matrix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] exist Figure 1, an infrared camera is shown, which is arranged in the test arrangement 1 according to the present invention as a test object 2. Here, the test object 2 is not understood as part of the test arrangement. The illustration is selected only to clearly represent the entire system in the test operation. In order to set the test object 2, the test arrangement 1 also has a holding device 2a. The holding device can be implemented in the most different ways, wherein the exact construction method should be adapted to the construction method of the selected test object 2. In the simplest case, the holding device 2a is a simple plate on which the test object 2 is supported. The test arrangement 1 also has an infrared light source 4 and a mapping device 3. When the optical path 6 is guided from the infrared light source 3 through the mapping device 3 to the test object 2, the above-mentioned line of sight connection is obtained. The holding device 2a and the other components of the test arrangement 1, namely the mapping device 3 and the infrared light source 4, are arranged here so that there is a line of sight connection between the detector of the test object 2 (not shown here) and the mapping device and the light source 4. The mapping device 3 is computer-controlled in this case, so that it is at least partially transparent in a targeted manner to the light of the light source 4 and partially impermeable in a targeted manner to the light of the light source.

[0027] exist Figure 2 1 shows a test arrangement according to the invention in another embodiment. In addition to the components already shown, the arrangement also includes a computer 5, which has an effective connection 3-5 to the mapping device 3. In the simplest case, the computer 5 is a control device and the signal connection 3-5 is a data interface. The latter can be used to send control signals to the mapping device, which control signals control which parts of the mapping device 3 should be transparent and which parts of the mapping device should be impenetrable.

[0028] The test arrangement according to the invention also makes it possible to stimulate the test object in a closed action loop. Figure 3Here, another signal connection 2-5 exists between the computer 5 and the test object 2. The computer 5 can be set to simulate the environment of the test object. For example, a vehicle environment with environmental objects or a driver can be modeled for this purpose, and the driver should be observed by the test object, that is, an infrared camera. The vehicle and driving dynamics can also be modeled, and the test object is normally built into the vehicle. Now, the environmental objects predetermined by the environmental simulation should be observed and recognized by the test object. For this, the simulated situation can be shown on the mapping device, wherein each pixel is controlled according to the environmental objects predetermined by the simulation. It can be checked whether the test object indicates the expected reaction. For example, automatic braking can be performed. The reaction of the test object can be sent back to the computer 5 via the signal connection 2-5 and affect the execution of the simulation. But it is also possible that there is no closed action loop and, for example, only the reaction of the test object is recorded or read.

[0029] exist Figure 4 A possible design of the mapping device 3 according to the invention is shown in FIG. In this example, the mapping device is implemented as a computer-controlled matrix 3'. A matrix consisting of matrix elements 3'a can be provided, which can be individually controlled and can assume transparent and non-transparent states by actuation. It is also provided that the irradiation with an infrared light source 4 is arranged behind the matrix, which is provided here by individual light sources 4a distributed over an area that roughly corresponds to the area of ​​the matrix.

[0030] This is a possible embodiment. Another example is conceivable and is Figure 5 . Here, the matrix 3 is illuminated from the front. The light source 4 can be a laser or a laser LED 4b or also an IR diode 4a (not shown here). It can be provided that the light source is collimated or focused by a lens. The matrix elements 3a are provided here by reflective elements, such as micromirrors. These reflective elements can be individually controlled and occupy at least two orientation directions. It is advantageous here to select one of the positions so that the light of the light source is reflected onto the test object. The other positions should be selected so that the light is not reflected onto the test object, but, for example, into a light trap.

[0031] Reference numerals

[0032] 1. Test layout structure

[0033] 2 Test subjects

[0034] 2a Holding device

[0035] 3 Mapping device

[0036] 3'Computer-controlled matrix

[0037] 3'a Matrix element

[0038] 3-5 Signal connection

[0039] 2-5 Signal connection

[0040] 4 Infrared light source

[0041] 4a infrared diode

[0042] 4b infrared laser source

[0043] 5. Computer

[0044] 6 optical paths

Claims

1. A test arrangement (1) for stimulating an infrared camera-based environment detection system for test purposes, the test arrangement comprising a holding device (2a), an infrared light source (4), and a computer-controlled mapping device (3), in which the infrared camera (2) as a test object can be fixed, and the infrared light source, the mapping device and the receiving device are arranged so that the light path is guided from the light source through the computer-controlled mapping device to the test object.

2. The test arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The computer-controlled mapping device is provided by a computer-controlled matrix (3') having matrix elements (3a), wherein at least one matrix element (3a) can be controlled so that a light path (6) is selectively permeable or blocked via the matrix element.

3. The test arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The matrix element (3a) has at least a first state in which the light path is transmissive and a second state in which the light path is blocked, and for this purpose has a dimming element for mechanical blocking, which is selectively located in or outside the light path.

4. The test arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The matrix element (3a) has at least a first state in which the light path is transmissive and a second state in which the light path is blocked, and for this purpose the matrix element has a polarization filter which causes selective transmissivity or blocking by rotating the polarization direction.

5. The test arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The matrix element (3a) has at least a first state, in which the light path is transmissive, and a second state, in which the light path is blocked, and for this purpose has a mirror element, which selectively causes the transmissivity of the light path or blocks the light path, i.e. deflects it into a light trap.

6. The test arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The infrared light source is provided by an infrared laser which emits a substantially focused laser beam, and the mapping device is provided by a laser deflector which selectively maps the laser beam onto the infrared camera in a raster scanning method or blocks the laser beam.

7. The test arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The test arrangement further comprises a computer (5), wherein the computer is configured to send control signals to the computer-controlled matrix in accordance with the provisions of a control program executable on the computer, in order to selectively activate or deactivate matrix elements.

8. The test arrangement according to claim 7, wherein: The computer or the second computer performs an environmental simulation as seen from the test object, the test object calculates virtual environmental objects within the visible range of the test object, and the computer or the second computer is also configured to send control signals to the matrix based on the virtual environmental objects or to give instructions to the first computer for sending control signals to the matrix.

9. A method for stimulating an infrared camera-based environment detection system, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: providing a holding device (2a) and fixing an infrared camera (2) as a test object in the holding device, providing an infrared light source (4) and a computer-controlled matrix (3) with matrix elements (3a), so that the light path (6) can be selectively penetrated or blocked when the matrix elements (3a) are actuated, and further providing that the infrared light source, the matrix and the receiving device are arranged so that the light path is guided from the light source through at least one matrix element of the computer-controlled matrix to the test object.

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