Illuminating the surroundings of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for illuminating a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle, in which: - a pixel headlight (10, 12) of the motor vehicle emits light (40) depending on a control signal representing an image sequence (14) in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle surroundings, wherein a respective individual image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14) corresponds to a respective light distribution currently to be provided by the pixel headlight (10, 12), - the illuminated vehicle surroundings are detected by means of a vehicle camera which provides corresponding camera data (18), and - the camera data (18) are evaluated by means of an evaluation unit taking into account a predetermined light distribution in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight (10, 12), characterized in that the image sequence (14) is provided with an image sequence frequency of greater than 24 Hz, wherein the image sequence (14) comprises at least one reference image (16) for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings so that the vehicle surroundings are uniformly illuminated at a predeterminable illumination level, the vehicle camera is synchronized with respect to the reference image (16) for capturing the vehicle surroundings, and the control signal is determined as a function of the camera data (18) captured with respect to the reference image (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for illuminating the vehicle surroundings of a motor vehicle, in which a pixel headlight of the motor vehicle emits light depending on a control signal representing an image sequence in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle surroundings, wherein a respective individual image of the image sequence corresponds to a respective light distribution currently to be provided by the pixel headlight, the illuminated vehicle surroundings are captured by a vehicle camera which provides corresponding camera data, and the camera data are evaluated by an evaluation unit taking into account a predetermined light distribution in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight. The invention further relates to a control device for controlling a pixel headlight of a motor vehicle, comprising a control signal unit which is designedto provide a control signal representing an image sequence for the pixel headlight for illuminating a vehicle environment of the motor vehicle, so that the pixel headlight emits light to at least partially illuminate the vehicle environment, wherein a respective individual image of the image sequence corresponds to a respective light distribution currently to be provided by the pixel headlight, a receiving unit for receiving camera data from a vehicle camera that captures the illuminated vehicle environment and provides the camera data, and an evaluation unit connected to the control signal unit and the receiving unit for evaluating the camera data, taking into account a predetermined light distribution, in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight depending on the evaluation. Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a vehicle camera,a pixel spotlight and a control device for controlling the pixel spotlight.

[0002] Methods for illuminating the vehicle surroundings of a motor vehicle, control devices for controlling the pixel headlights of the motor vehicle, and also motor vehicles of the generic type are extensively known in the prior art. Motor vehicles have headlights, in particular motor vehicle headlights, by means of which the vehicle surroundings of the motor vehicle can be illuminated. The lighting serves, on the one hand, to enable good visibility of the motor vehicle for other road users in poor visibility conditions, particularly in the dark, and, on the other hand, to enable, among other things, illumination of the path or roadway in order to enable the driver of the motor vehicle to drive the motor vehicle safely. Furthermore, the lighting to be provided by the motor vehicle is regulated by legal provisions and standards.

[0003] A motor vehicle of the generic type is a vehicle that can be driven by a drive device during normal driving operation. The drive device can be a drive device comprising an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Of course, combinations of these can also be provided. The motor vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

[0004] Modern motor vehicles feature pixel headlights that allow highly flexible light distributions to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. For example, predefined light distributions can be generated and provided to illuminate the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. However, the wider surroundings of the vehicle can also be illuminated using the pixel headlights.

[0005] A pixel headlight is a headlight that, due to its design, is capable of providing highly flexible light distributions. For this purpose, it can be designed, for example, based on light-emitting diodes arranged in the headlight like a matrix. Depending on the light distribution to be provided, the light-emitting diodes are supplied with electrical energy by a headlight controller in order to emit the corresponding light. Furthermore, laser headlights can also be provided as pixel headlights. These headlights have a conversion material that emits conversion light when exposed to laser light. By appropriately exposing the conversion material at different locations, possibly with different luminous intensities of the laser light, almost any light distribution can be achieved. Of course, appropriate combinations of such headlights can also be provided.

[0006] In addition, modern motor vehicles incorporate vehicle cameras to enable autonomous driving and / or to provide driver assistance systems with the necessary data. In combination with pixel headlights, for example, oncoming objects, especially oncoming motor vehicles, can be detected, and the light distribution provided by the pixel headlights can be adjusted accordingly to minimize glare to the detected objects.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2007 026 750 A1 discloses a method and device for automatically detecting luminous objects in road traffic. This method is intended to distinguish between luminous objects themselves and those that merely reflect the light emitted by the pixel headlight.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2012 103 293 A1 discloses a method and device for operating a vehicle headlight. A camera system is used to automatically detect the area surrounding the motor vehicle illuminated by the headlight, and to automatically detect self-illuminating glare sources and / or reflective glare sources and their properties in this area. A total intensity distribution is determined based on a determined overall adaptation level of the driver's eyes.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 2014 108 239 A1 discloses a method for the adaptive control of a high-resolution headlight system.

[0010] Finally, DE 10 2008 032 345 A1 discloses a headlight for motor vehicles that enables a high degree of illumination of the area in front of the vehicle without dazzling other road users. For this purpose, the headlight provides pulsed light, with a dark phase of a luminous flux signal generated thereby being used to detect the brightness of the area in front of the vehicle.

[0011] Even though the current state of the art has proven itself, there is still room for improvement. For example, it has been shown that road areas covered in ice or water, which consequently reflect light more strongly than dry road areas when illuminated, are illuminated to the same extent as dry road areas. This can result in a glare effect, at least for the driver of the vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, the problem can arise that other detected road users, such as oncoming vehicles, are masked out by adjusting the light distribution, making it difficult to recognize details of the other road users. Such details could include defects, the behavior of occupants, whether an oncoming vehicle is approaching an obstacle that it must avoid, and the like.

[0013] Furthermore, the problem can arise that the vehicle's camera, which provides data for autonomous driving, for example, is blinded in one area of ​​coverage and / or fails to capture data in another area where there is poor lighting. This is particularly disadvantageous for autonomous driving.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the lighting of the vehicle environment.

[0015] As a solution, the invention proposes a method, a control device and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments result from features of the dependent claims.

[0017] With regard to a generic method, it is particularly proposed that the image sequence is provided with an image sequence frequency of greater than approximately 24 Hz, preferably greater than approximately 90 Hz, particularly preferably greater than approximately 100 Hz, wherein the image sequence comprises at least one reference image for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings, the vehicle camera is synchronized with respect to the reference image for capturing the vehicle surroundings, and the control signal is determined as a function of the camera data captured with respect to the reference image.

[0018] With regard to a generic control device, it is particularly proposed that the control signal unit is further designed to provide the image sequence with an image sequence frequency of greater than approximately 24 Hz, preferably greater than approximately 90 Hz, particularly preferably greater than approximately 100 Hz, wherein the image sequence comprises at least one reference image for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings, to synchronize the vehicle camera for capturing the vehicle surroundings with respect to the reference image and to determine and provide the control signal depending on the camera data captured with respect to the reference image.

[0019] On the motor vehicle side, it is particularly proposed that the control device is designed according to the invention.

[0020] The invention is based on the idea that uniform illumination of the vehicle's surroundings at a predeterminable illumination level can create the possibility of reliably capturing the vehicle's surroundings with the vehicle camera. The uniform illumination is selected such that it does not obstruct other road users as much as possible. To this end, the invention provides for the uniform illumination to be provided for a brief moment by means of a reference image, which is inserted into the image sequence or replaces an existing image in the image sequence. The duration is selected such that no significant impairment is to be expected, particularly for the human eye.The invention achieves this by selecting a correspondingly high frame rate so that an inertia in the detection of light can be used to avoid or reduce the disturbance for other road users, in particular persons, for example drivers of other motor vehicles or the like.

[0021] To enable capture of the vehicle's surroundings during the active reference image, the vehicle camera is synchronized accordingly. For this purpose, the vehicle camera can be provided with its own sensor that can determine the reference image. However, it can also be provided that a separate camera control signal is provided, by means of which the vehicle camera is transmitted the information when the pixel headlight is controlled according to a reference image. Finally, if the image sequence is provided in the manner of a video sequence, it is also possible to synchronize the capture with the video sequence. By synchronizing the capture with the video sequence, synchronization with the reference image can also be achieved automatically.

[0022] The vehicle camera can be, for example, a video camera, a still camera, and / or the like. Preferably, the vehicle camera has an electronic, in particular a digital, recording unit, so that camera data, preferably digital data, can be provided according to the detected vehicle environment.

[0023] The pixel headlight is a headlight that has a plurality of individually controllable pixels arranged in a matrix, which can be controlled in a suitable manner to adjust the light output of the pixel headlight according to the current image of the image sequence in accordance with the control signal. A pixel of the pixel headlight thus preferably represents a substantially point-shaped light source. The light source can be formed, for example, by a light-emitting diode, but also fundamentally by a gas discharge lamp, an incandescent lamp, and / or the like. These light sources can be combined into a matrix, which can also include a headlight control system by means of which the individual light sources can be controlled accordingly according to the control signal.The pixel spotlight can also comprise a laser light source in the form of a laser scanner, which is controlled accordingly to provide a light distribution according to the control signal. Furthermore, the pixel spotlight can of course comprise further optically active elements capable of adapting the light emitted by the individual light sources of the pixel spotlight in the desired manner to emit light according to the light distribution, for example, refractory elements such as lenses, prisms, and / or the like, reflective elements such as mirrors, in particular micromirrors, DMDs (Digital Mirror Devices), combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0024] The vehicle environment covers at least part of an area around the vehicle, which may be limited, for example, by the driver's field of vision. However, the vehicle environment can also comprise only a roadway on which the motor vehicle is driven, a sidewalk located next to a roadway, a road edge, combinations thereof, or the like. Partial areas of the vehicle environment can also be covered.

[0025] The pixel headlight can be used to at least partially illuminate the vehicle's surroundings, preferably in an area into which the motor vehicle enters during normal driving operation. The pixel headlight thus serves to at least partially illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. However, the motor vehicle does not need to have just a single pixel headlight; it can also have two or more pixel headlights that can be controlled jointly in a suitable manner, for example by means of the control signal, which can serve to control more than just a single pixel headlight, or by means of separate control signals for each of several pixel headlights. The pixel headlight is preferably a high-resolution headlight, which can, for example, comprise one million pixels or even more.

[0026] The control signal itself can be provided by a control signal unit and is preferably an electrical signal, which is particularly embodied as a digital signal. The control signal represents a sequence of images in the manner of a video sequence, which serves to control the pixel spotlight accordingly. With the pixel spotlight, a respective image of the sequence, which is currently provided by the control signal, is preferably used to control the light sources of the pixel spotlight. The pixel spotlight is therefore designed to emit light in the manner of a projector, particularly a video projector.

[0027] At least the illuminated vehicle surroundings are recorded by the vehicle camera. Depending on the design, it can also be provided that the vehicle camera only records a predefinable area of ​​the illuminated vehicle surroundings. Preferably, it can be provided that the vehicle camera only records a section of the illuminated area that is located in front of the motor vehicle in the direction of travel during normal driving operation. However, it can also be provided that the vehicle camera records the entire vehicle surroundings. The vehicle camera can be designed as a single structural unit and arranged in a suitable position on the motor vehicle. The vehicle camera can also be designed in several parts so that it can, for example, record the vehicle surroundings in a direction-selective manner in different directions and provide corresponding camera data.

[0028] An evaluation unit is also provided, which receives the camera data from the vehicle camera and evaluates it taking into account a predefined light distribution. This allows the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight to be determined and provided.

[0029] The predefined light distribution is a light distribution that is to be provided, for example, as a target light distribution by the pixel headlight. The predefined light distribution can be provided by a higher-level vehicle control system, a control element that can be manually actuated by the driver of the motor vehicle, and / or the like. For example, the predefined light distribution can represent a high beam, a low beam, and / or the like.

[0030] The evaluation unit can analyze the camera data and, for example, detect oncoming vehicles or other road users. If other road users are detected, subsequent images in the sequence can be modified in such a way that a spatial angle in which the other road user is located is masked out or eliminated.

[0031] The image sequence includes at least one reference image for uniformly illuminating the vehicle's surroundings. The reference image therefore causes the light sources of the pixel headlight to be controlled such that they emit light with approximately the same luminous intensity. It can be provided that the light sources are controlled to emit the maximum luminous intensity. The vehicle camera, which is synchronized with the reference image and captures the vehicle's surroundings in a synchronized manner with respect to the reference image, sends corresponding camera data to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can then use the camera data to determine details that would otherwise not be visible in the images of the image sequence, for example because the appropriate lighting in the respective area is insufficient, or a corresponding area cannot be captured due to the vehicle camera being overloaded due to excessive light exposure.This makes it possible, for example, to detect road areas covered in ice or water. Furthermore, other vehicle details, such as oncoming or preceding vehicles, can be determined. Furthermore, it is of course possible to adjust the control signal accordingly by adapting subsequent images to the reference image, taking into account the findings obtained from the evaluation. For example, it is possible to reduce the illumination of a road area covered in ice or water, thus minimizing the dazzling of the driver or other road users.

[0032] The invention therefore makes it possible to reduce the glare for both the driver of the motor vehicle and the vehicle's camera. Furthermore, additional information or data, such as the condition of the road surface or similar, can be determined. It proves advantageous that the reference image is only activated for a very short period of time, so that the driver of the motor vehicle and other road users are essentially unaffected.

[0033] The invention proves particularly suitable for retrofitting into the motor vehicle or pixel headlights. Since pixel headlights of this type can already be controlled with a control signal similar to a video sequence, the invention can be implemented easily without requiring any structural changes to existing concepts. Since a single reference image is averaged by the human eye with the values ​​from the next 23 subsequent images, other road users essentially do not notice any glare. The invention thus enables the vehicle camera to capture a detailed image of the vehicle's surroundings, in particular of oncoming traffic, without disturbing other road users.At the same time, the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce any glare that may be experienced by the driver and the vehicle camera, as well as other vehicle sensors, for example, due to wet and / or icy road surfaces, thereby improving overall driving safety. In particular, the road lighting can be actively controlled so that the vehicle camera can detect and classify as many objects as possible.

[0034] It is further proposed that at least one over- or underexposed area of ​​the illuminated vehicle surroundings be determined based on the camera data. For this purpose, the camera data captured by the vehicle camera during the reference image is used in particular.

[0035] It is further proposed that the images of the image sequence following the reference image be determined depending on the at least one over- or underexposed area. In this embodiment, the images of the image sequence following the reference image are therefore adjusted accordingly based on the evaluation using the camera data during the reference image in order to improve the illumination of the vehicle's surroundings, in particular the roadway. This makes it possible to improve the illumination of specific areas of the vehicle's surroundings that are very bright and may dazzle the driver or the vehicle camera, or areas where visibility is unfavorable due to insufficient lighting, by adjusting the images and consequently also adjusting the light output of the pixel headlight.Of course, the invention does not have to be limited to a single area, but several over- or underexposed areas can also be determined at the same time.

[0036] It is also advantageous if the image sequence repeatedly comprises reference images, with successive reference images being spaced apart in time by at least approximately 0.5 seconds, preferably at least approximately 0.8 seconds. It has been shown that with such a distance between the reference images, interference with the driver and / or other road users can be largely avoided, while simultaneously ensuring reliable functionality according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the temporal spacing of the reference images depends on the vehicle speed of the motor vehicle.For example, it can be provided that the reference images follow one another at a short temporal interval at high vehicle speeds, whereas at low vehicle speeds, for example, when maneuvering or the like, the temporal interval can be increased. Furthermore, other vehicle parameters can of course also be taken into account in order to be able to adjust the temporal interval between the successive reference images. The reference images do not have to follow one another equidistantly in time; rather, it can also be provided that the temporal interval between the reference images varies.

[0037] It is further proposed that the reference image be provided by means of a reference control signal controlling the pixel spotlight. In this embodiment, a separate control signal, namely the reference control signal, is provided for providing the reference image. Therefore, there is no need to intervene in an existing image sequence. For this purpose, the pixel spotlight can be provided with a separate input connection to which the reference control signal can be supplied. However, it can also be provided that the reference control signal is supplied to the control signal unit, which then inserts a corresponding reference image into the image sequence or replaces an existing image with the reference image. In a comparable manner, this function can of course also be provided for the pixel spotlight itself.

[0038] Preferably, the reference image is provided by the pixel headlight for a period of less than approximately 0.033 seconds, preferably less than approximately 0.01 seconds. With such a period of time, the vehicle's surroundings can be reliably captured by the vehicle camera with respect to the reference image, and an adverse effect on other road users or even on the driver of the motor vehicle can be largely avoided.

[0039] The pixel headlight preferably illuminates a roadway as the vehicle's surroundings. The pixel headlight is therefore, for example, a headlight of the vehicle. However, it can also be a reversing light or an auxiliary headlight, or something similar.

[0040] It is further proposed that visibility conditions be determined using the vehicle camera and that the method be carried out depending on the determined visibility conditions. In this way, it is possible to use the method control in an optimized manner, particularly when unfavorable lighting conditions prevail and visibility is impaired, particularly for the driver of the motor vehicle or other road users. For example, it can be provided that ambient brightness or precipitation are recorded using the vehicle camera, whereupon the corresponding method control is then activated. Accordingly, the method control can also be deactivated again if an improvement in visibility conditions has been determined using the vehicle camera or the corresponding prerequisites that activated the method control according to the invention have ceased to exist.

[0041] The effects and advantages stated for the method according to the invention apply equally to the control device according to the invention and the motor vehicle equipped with the control device according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, method features can therefore also be assigned corresponding device features and formulated as such, and vice versa.

[0042] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a pixel headlight; Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a pixel headlight; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a light output when controlling the pixel spotlight according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 with a reference image; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a light output when controlling the pixel spotlight according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 with one image of a sequence of images; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a section of an image sequence for controlling the pixel spotlight according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0045] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a pixel spotlight 10 by means of which the method of the invention can be carried out. The pixel spotlight 10 comprises a light source 28, which in the present case can be formed, for example, by a gas discharge lamp. Alternatively, a laser light source, a correspondingly bright light-emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, or the like can of course also be provided here. The light source 28 emits light 36, which is fed to a matrix 34. The matrix 34 has individual elements 38, which can be individually switched to transparent or non-transparent. This provides the individual pixels of the pixel spotlight 10. The enlarged representation below shows a schematic plan view of the matrix 34, in which the individual elements 38 can be seen.Depending on the respective control of the pixel spotlight 10 by means of a control signal, the corresponding elements 38 are switched to transparent or non-transparent, so that a corresponding light pattern or light distribution is provided, according to which light 40 is emitted. 32 represents a light output of the light 40 that is provided when all elements 38 of the matrix 34 are switched to transparent.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a pixel headlight 12 by means of which the invention can be implemented. The pixel headlight 12, like the pixel headlight 10 according to Fig. 1 the light source 28, which emits light 36. The light 36 is fed to a mirror matrix 42, which is divided into individual parts that can be individually controlled. Depending on the control, the light 36 is deflected in a direction corresponding to the individual control. The individual pixels of the pixel spotlight 12 are thus provided by the mirror matrix 42. A current setting of the mirror matrix 42 is shown enlarged at 48. This setting of the mirror matrix 42 results in the light 36 being partially reflected by the mirror matrix 42 and emitted as light 40, which has a light distribution according to the representation 48. The light 36 is deflected into a light trap 44 by the remaining elements of the mirror matrix 42. The pixel spotlight 12 thus emits a light distribution according to the emitted light 40.

[0048] The Fig. 3 to 5 show below a method for illuminating a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle, in which the pixel headlight 10, 12 of the motor vehicle, which is not shown in the figures, emits light 40 depending on a control signal representing an image sequence 14 in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle environment.

[0049] A respective individual image 20, 22 ( Fig. 5) of an image sequence 14 corresponds to a respective light distribution currently provided by the pixel headlight 10, 12. The illuminated vehicle surroundings are recorded by a vehicle camera (not shown), which generates corresponding camera data 18 ( Fig. 4) provides. In Fig. Figure 4 shows an analysis of camera data 18, according to which the camera data 18 detects an area 24 where the illumination is too high, so that glare may occur. Furthermore, the camera data 18 shows that an area 26 has been identified where the illumination is insufficient. Thus, contrasts in areas 24, 26 cannot be adequately recognized. In the remaining area 50, normal illumination within a permissible range has been detected.

[0050] The camera data 18 are evaluated by means of an evaluation unit (also not shown) taking into account a predetermined light distribution, here a high beam, in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight 10, 12.

[0051] The sequence 14 ( Fig. 5) is provided with a frame rate of approximately 100 Hz. The frame rate 14 comprises a reference frame 16 ( Fig. 3), which serves to evenly illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. In this case, all pixels of the pixel headlight 10, 12 are designed to emit maximum brightness.

[0052] The vehicle camera records the vehicle surroundings with reference to the reference image 16 by being synchronized accordingly. Controlling the pixel headlight 10, 12 by means of the reference image 16 results in the vehicle camera recording the camera data 18 while the reference image 16 is being displayed by means of the pixel headlight 10, 12. The camera data 18 thus correspond to a recording while the reference image 16 is being displayed by means of the pixel headlight 10, 12. The camera data 18 can be determined, for example, from Fig. 4 shown.

[0053] The control signal is now determined by means of the evaluation unit depending on the camera data 18 recorded with respect to the reference image 16.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows a video sequence, or rather the image sequence 14, which represents the control signal for controlling the pixel spotlights 10, 12. The order of the individual images is from left to right and from top to bottom.

[0055] A first image is formed by the reference image 16. While this reference image 16 is used to control the pixel headlight 10, 12, the vehicle camera records the vehicle surroundings and provides camera data 18 ( Fig. 4). Based on the camera data 18, the following images 20 are determined, in which the area 24 is reduced in light intensity to reduce or mask an oncoming object. The six images 20 that follow one another immediately control the light output of the pixel spotlights 10, 12 for the next six cycles or frames.

[0056] By further evaluation of the camera data 18, in particular taking into account the area 26 ( Fig. 4) Areas 52 are also masked or de-glared where reduced illumination is desired to reduce glare caused by ice or water. This is achieved with images 22 following images 20. A subsequent image 54 shows that the masking is reduced in areas 24 and 52. In these areas, the pixels are thus controlled again to partially emit light.

[0057] The Fig.The section of the image sequence 14 shown in Figure 5 shows the basic process control. In the present embodiment, 100 images 16, 20, 22, 52 are provided consecutively as a control signal per second. Additional reference images 16 can be provided in the image sequence 14 as needed. In the present embodiment, every thirtieth image is a reference image 16. Of course, the frame rate or the time interval between the reference images 16 can also be varied as needed in order to adapt the process control to current requirements in a suitable manner.

[0058] Overall, the embodiments show how the invention can achieve improved illumination of the vehicle surroundings, in particular of the roadway on which the motor vehicle is driven.

[0059] The embodiments serve only to explain the invention and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

[1] Method for illuminating a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle, in which: - a pixel headlight (10, 12) of the motor vehicle emits light (40) depending on a control signal representing an image sequence (14) in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle surroundings, wherein a respective individual image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14) corresponds to a respective light distribution currently to be provided by the pixel headlight (10, 12), - the illuminated vehicle surroundings are detected by means of a vehicle camera which provides corresponding camera data (18), and - the camera data (18) are evaluated by means of an evaluation unit taking into account a predetermined light distribution in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight (10, 12), characterized bythat the image sequence (14) is provided with an image sequence frequency of greater than 24 Hz, wherein the image sequence (14) comprises at least one reference image (16) for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings so that the vehicle surroundings are uniformly illuminated at a predeterminable illumination level, the vehicle camera for capturing the vehicle surroundings is synchronized with respect to the reference image (16), and the control signal is determined as a function of the camera data (18) captured with respect to the reference image (16). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one over- or underexposed area (24, 26) of the illuminated vehicle surroundings is determined based on the camera data (18). [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the images (22) of the image sequence (14) following the reference image (16) are determined depending on the at least one over- or underexposed area (24, 26). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the image sequence (14) repeatedly comprises reference images (16), wherein successive reference images (16) are spaced apart from one another in time by at least 0.5 s. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference image (16) is provided by means of a reference control signal controlling the pixel spotlight (10, 12). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference image (16) is provided by means of the pixel spotlight (10, 12) for a period of time of less than 0.033 s. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pixel headlight (10, 12) illuminates a roadway as the vehicle environment. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat visibility conditions are determined using the vehicle camera and the procedure is carried out depending on the determined visibility conditions. [9] Control device for controlling a pixel headlight (10, 12) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a control signal unit designed to provide a control signal representing an image sequence (14) for the pixel headlight (10, 12) for illuminating a vehicle environment of the motor vehicle, so that the pixel headlight (10, 12) emits light (40) to at least partially illuminate the vehicle environment, wherein a respective individual image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14) corresponds to a respective light distribution currently to be provided by the pixel headlight (10, 12), - a receiving unit for receiving camera data (18) from a vehicle camera that captures the illuminated vehicle surroundings and provides the camera data, and - an evaluation unit connected to the control signal unit and the receiving unit for evaluating the camera data (18) taking into account a predetermined light distribution in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel spotlight (10, 12) depending on the evaluation, characterized by that the control signal unit is further designed - to provide the image sequence (14) with an image sequence frequency of greater than 24 Hz, wherein the image sequence (14) comprises at least one reference image (16) for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings in order to uniformly illuminate the vehicle surroundings at a predeterminable illumination level, - to synchronize the vehicle camera for capturing the vehicle surroundings with respect to the reference image (16) and - to determine and provide the control signal depending on the camera data (18) acquired with respect to the reference image (16). [10] Motor vehicle with a vehicle camera, a pixel headlight (10, 12) and a control device for controlling a pixel headlight (10, 12), characterized by that the control device is designed according to claim 9.

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