Method and system for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment

Abstract

Method for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment, wherein a vehicle has two high-resolution headlights and a camera capturing a projection area of ​​the two headlights, wherein the headlights are formed using high-resolution matrix technology, wherein the headlight adjustment is adjustable or is adjusted with respect to at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing a vehicle coordinate system, and wherein an automated headlight adjustment process is carried out by means of a control unit • at least one predefined condition for releasing the process is met, • a horizontally running light-dark boundary is projected by the two spotlights in a light image (20) produced by them in the projection area, and a vertically running light-dark boundary is projected to this horizontally running light-dark boundary, • the camera captures the image (20) and transmits it to the control unit, • the control unit calibrates the high-resolution headlights based on the light image (20) captured by the camera, wherein the process of automated headlight adjustment is activated by a driver by pressing a switch for a specified minimum time, and wherein at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing the vehicle coordinate system is taken from the following list: vehicle accessories, weight and / or height of the driver, weight of a load, positioning of the load, seating position of passengers.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment in a vehicle. Furthermore, a system on which the method is carried out is proposed.

[0002] A high-resolution headlight system is theoretically capable of generating any desired light distribution for a projection area. A so-called high-definition matrix, or HD matrix, consisting of numerous light sources, preferably LEDs, can generate a freely definable light pattern by controlling the light emission of each individual LED. However, this requires an initial calibration of the HD headlights, which cannot be performed in advance at the factory, for example, under test conditions, but must only be carried out upon receipt of the vehicle, which is tailored and fully configured for the buyer and / or according to the driver's individual needs, which vary depending on their size and weight.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2011 109 440 A1 discloses a method for adjusting and / or calibrating at least one headlight of a vehicle, in which an (image) detection unit detects the vehicle's surroundings illuminated by the at least one headlight and determines the horizontal and / or vertical dimensions of a light-dark boundary. Based on deviations of the determined light-dark boundary from predetermined target values, the at least one headlight is adjusted such that the contrast ratio of the light-dark boundary is changed.

[0004] The German patent application DE 10 2018 000 081 A1 also describes a method for adjusting a vehicle headlight, in which a high-resolution lighting module of the vehicle headlight and the light distribution it produces are aligned relative to the headlight coordinates. Subsequently, a low-resolution lighting module is aligned relative to the light distribution produced by the high-resolution lighting module.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2018 007 471 B3 discloses a pixel headlight for a motor vehicle with a matrix light source comprising at least two rows for generating a low-beam distribution, wherein the matrix light source is adjustable via a horizontal and vertical adjustment means with a respective handle for aligning the low-beam distribution. A sensor arranged on the pixel headlight for activating an adjustment mode for aligning the low-beam distribution activates the adjustment mode when an adjustment means engages the respective handle.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2016 006 391 A1 discloses an environment-dependent calibration of a projection of a high-resolution vehicle headlight, in which a first and a second image content are alternately projected onto the environment. The first image content is periodically modified by a calibration unit based on image data obtained from the projection of the second image content.

[0007] Against this background, an object of the present invention is to present a method for automated headlight adjustment in a vehicle, which enables headlights with HD matrix technology to be adjusted to a specific owner of the vehicle. If necessary, the adjustment of the HD headlights must also be possible for a different driver, since, for example, adjusting a driver's seat can result in differences in the light pattern perceived by the driver. Furthermore, a system is to be provided on which this method can be implemented or is implemented.

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problem, a method for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment is proposed, in which a vehicle has two high-resolution headlights and a camera that captures the projection area of ​​both headlights. The headlights are formed using high-resolution matrix technology. The headlight adjustment is adjustable with respect to at least one parameter of the vehicle that influences a vehicle coordinate system, or is adjusted accordingly. For an automated headlight adjustment process carried out by a control unit, at least one predefined constraint is met to enable the process.The automated headlight adjustment process involves the following steps: A horizontal light-dark boundary is projected by the two headlights within a beam pattern they generate in the projection area, and a vertical light-dark boundary is projected relative to this horizontal boundary. The image is then captured by a camera and transmitted to the control unit, which calibrates the high-resolution headlights based on the image captured by the camera. The automated headlight adjustment process is activated by the driver by pressing a switch for a predetermined minimum time.

[0009] It is conceivable that the minimum time is, for example, 5 seconds, so that a brief, random activation of the switch will not trigger the automated headlight adjustment process. After the minimum activation time has elapsed, and provided the other conditions are met, the light pattern changes from a conventional light distribution to a light distribution tailored for the automated headlight adjustment, i.e., a predetermined light distribution.

[0010] The ability to generate freely definable light patterns using HD matrix technology also makes it possible to display a conventional low-beam distribution. Since a headlight system must know the precise course of a horizontal and a vertical edge in the projection area, the method according to the invention advantageously provides a simple and reliable way to activate the headlight setting. This method must be feasible, or is feasible, at least for the initial configuration of the vehicle, but also after changes in the vehicle's position, e.g., due to a change of driver.

[0011] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, a light source of high-resolution matrix technology is formed by a high-resolution matrix with a plurality of luminous points. It is conceivable that one luminous point of the plurality of luminous points is formed by an LED. However, it is also conceivable that the high-resolution matrix is ​​formed with a high-resolution LCD display in front of the light source.

[0012] According to the invention, at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing the vehicle coordinate system is taken from the following list: vehicle accessories, weight and / or height of the driver, weight of a load, positioning of the load, seating position of passengers.

[0013] It is conceivable that an uneven weight distribution or uneven loading of the vehicle, e.g., on one side of the driver's side, could affect the vehicle's position and thus the position of the headlights, which are permanently attached to the vehicle. Since HD headlights generally illuminate the entire projection area even when there is oncoming traffic, and only an oncoming object, e.g., a vehicle, is masked out of the light pattern by the HD headlight control system in conjunction with the camera or driver assistance camera, precise calibration of the HD headlights is necessary. The method according to the invention advantageously allows this calibration to be triggered easily before driving, depending on any changes in the vehicle's position.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a 90-degree dipped beam angle is formed by the horizontal and vertically oriented light-dark boundaries in the photographic image. This photographic image is particularly advantageous for calibrating the headlight setting. The 90-degree dipped beam angle in the photographic image, which is captured by the camera, represents, for example, a prerequisite or a necessary photographic image for carrying out automated headlight adjustment. However, this automated headlight adjustment is only useful after the vehicle has been fully configured, with the final configuration of the vehicle being completed, for example, only when a new vehicle is handed over to a buyer or driver. The method according to the invention offers a particularly advantageous way to trigger the automated headlight adjustment in this context.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one constraint for enabling the automated headlight adjustment process is selected from the following list: vehicle stationary, parking brake engaged, engine off, gear not engaged or in neutral or park, clutch pedal depressed, brake pedal depressed, on-board electronics switched on. The requirement of at least one constraint serves, for safety reasons, to prevent accidental and unintended activation of the automated headlight adjustment if one constraint is not met. Optionally, several constraints from the list of at least one constraint can be combined to enable activation of the automated headlight adjustment only when all of these combined constraints are met.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the inventive method, the switch for activating the automated headlight adjustment is formed by a headlight flasher. The activation of the automated headlight adjustment process is thus advantageously linked to a lever that is typically located in the vehicle and connected to a headlight function.

[0017] Furthermore, a system for the manual activation of an automated headlight adjustment is claimed, in which a vehicle has two high-resolution headlights, a camera capturing a projection area of ​​the two headlights, a control unit connected to the headlights and camera, and a switch. The headlights are formed using high-resolution matrix technology, wherein the headlight adjustment is adjustable or is adjusted with respect to at least one parameter of the vehicle that influences a vehicle coordinate system. For an automated headlight adjustment process carried out by means of a control unit, at least one predefined constraint for enabling the process can be fulfilled or is fulfilled.Furthermore, for this process, the two headlights are configured to project a horizontal light-dark boundary within a beam pattern they generate in the projection area, and a vertical light-dark boundary corresponding to this horizontal light-dark boundary. Additionally, the camera is configured to capture the beam pattern and transmit it to the control unit. The control unit is also configured to calibrate the high-resolution headlights based on the beam pattern captured by the camera. The switch is configured to activate the automated headlight adjustment process for a predetermined minimum time after being pressed by the driver.

[0018] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one light source is formed by a high-resolution matrix with a plurality of luminous points. One luminous point of the plurality of luminous points is, for example, represented by an LED. However, it is also conceivable to shine only one or a few light sources through a high-resolution LCD matrix via a lens system, as is practiced, for example, in projector technology.

[0019] According to the invention, at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing the vehicle coordinate system is taken from the following list: vehicle accessories, weight and / or height of the driver, weight of a load, positioning of the load, seating position of passengers.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, a 90-degree dipped beam kink is formed in the light image by the horizontally running light-dark boundary and the vertically running light-dark boundary.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one constraint for enabling the automated headlight adjustment process is taken from the following list: Vehicle is stationary, parking brake is active, engine is off, gear is not engaged or is in neutral or park position, clutch pedal is depressed, brake pedal is depressed, on-board electronics are switched on.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the switch for activating the automated headlight adjustment is formed by a flash of the headlights.

[0023] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing.

[0024] 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 on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a change in a light pattern in a projection area generated by two headlights in the front of the vehicle in an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0026] In Fig.Figure 1 schematically shows a change in a light pattern 10, 20 in a projection area generated by two headlights in the vehicle's front field 1, 2 in an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The light pattern 10 shows a conventional light distribution generated by two HD matrix headlights of a vehicle, illuminating a left front field 1 (primarily the lane of oncoming traffic) and a right front field 2 (primarily the lane to be traveled in). After actuation of a switch, where, for example, a headlight flasher is implemented as the switch, for a predetermined minimum time, e.g., 5 seconds, the light pattern of the conventional low beam 10 changes, as indicated by an arrow with reference numeral 3, to a light pattern 20 tailored for an automated low beam distribution with a 90-degree low beam kink 21.This change can only be triggered if at least one secondary condition is met, e.g. only when the vehicle is stationary, only with the parking brake engaged, only with the transmission in the "Park" position, or combinations thereof. List of reference symbols 1. Illumination of the left forecourt of the vehicle 2. Illumination of the right-hand area in front of the vehicle 3. Setting process 10 Light pattern conventional low beam 20 Light pattern for automated headlight adjustment 21 90° bend in low beam distribution

Claims

[1] Method for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment, in which a vehicle has two high-resolution headlights and a camera capturing a projection area of ​​the two headlights, in which the headlights are formed using a high-resolution matrix technology, in which the headlight adjustment is adjustable or is adjusted with respect to at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing a vehicle coordinate system, in which for an automated headlight adjustment process carried out by means of a control unit • at least one specified constraint for the release of the process is met, • a horizontally running light-dark boundary is projected by the two headlights in a light image (20) generated by them in the projection area and a vertically running light-dark boundary is projected to this horizontally running light-dark boundary, • the photograph (20) is taken by the camera and transferred to the control unit, • the control unit calibrates the high-resolution headlights based on the light image (20) recorded by the camera, wherein the process of automated headlight adjustment is activated by a driver actuating a switch for a predetermined minimum time, and wherein at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing the vehicle coordinate system is taken from the following list: additional vehicle equipment, body weight and / or body size of the driver, weight of a payload, positioning of the payload, seating position of passengers. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein a light source of the high-resolution matrix technology is formed by a high-resolution matrix with a plurality of luminous points. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a 90-degree low beam bend (21) is formed in the light image (20) by the horizontally extending light-dark boundary and the vertically extending light-dark boundary. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one secondary condition for enabling the process for automated headlight adjustment is taken from the following list: vehicle stationary, parking brake active, engine off, gear not engaged or in neutral or park position, clutch pedal actuated, brake pedal actuated, on-board electronics on. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch for activating the automated headlight adjustment is formed by a headlight flasher. [6] System for manually activating an automated headlight adjustment, in which a vehicle has two high-resolution headlights, a camera capturing a projection area of ​​the two headlights, a control unit connected to the headlights and camera and a switch, in which the headlights are formed with a high-resolution matrix technology, in which the headlight adjustment is adjustable or is adjusted with respect to at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing a vehicle coordinate system, in which for an automated headlight adjustment process carried out by means of the control unit • at least one specified constraint for the release of the process can be fulfilled or is fulfilled, • the two headlights are configured to project a horizontally extending light-dark boundary in a light image (20) generated by them in the projection area and to project a vertically extending light-dark boundary to this horizontally extending light-dark boundary, • the camera is configured to capture the photograph (20) and transmit it to the control unit, • the control unit is configured to calibrate the high-resolution headlights based on the light image (20) recorded by the camera, wherein the switch is configured to activate the automated headlight adjustment process after it has been actuated by a driver for a predetermined minimum time, and wherein at least one parameter of the vehicle influencing the vehicle coordinate system is taken from the following list: additional vehicle equipment, body weight and / or body size of the driver, weight of a payload, positioning of the payload, seating position of passengers. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the at least one light source is formed by a high-resolution matrix with a plurality of luminous points. [8] System according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein a 90-degree low beam bend (21) is formed in the light image (20) by the horizontally extending light-dark boundary and the vertically extending light-dark boundary. [9] System according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one secondary condition for enabling the automated headlight adjustment process is taken from the following list: vehicle stationary, parking brake active, engine off, gear not engaged or in neutral or park position, clutch pedal actuated, brake pedal actuated, on-board electronics on. [10] System according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the switch for activating the automated headlight adjustment is formed by a headlight flasher.

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