Observation device for observing one or more vehicle occupants inside a vehicle.

Abstract

A proposed observation device (22) for observing one or more vehicle occupants (24) in a vehicle interior (26) comprises a lighting unit (30) for emitting infrared light rays (40) and a receiving unit (32) for receiving light rays, wherein infrared light rays and visible light rays can be received by means of the receiving unit (32), wherein the observation device (22) has a first cover element (46), wherein the first cover element (46) is designed as an infrared light-transmissive, opaque cover element (46), wherein the first cover element (46) is arranged on a side of the lighting unit (30) and the receiving unit (32) facing the vehicle interior (26), and wherein the first cover element (46) has a first area (55) transparent to visible light rays in a region of the light ray path in front of the receiving unit (32).Furthermore, the observation device (22) has a second cover element (54), wherein the second cover element (54) can be arranged in or on the first area (55) and wherein the second cover element (54) is in a first state or in a second state, the cover unit (45) being transparent to infrared light rays and to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the first state and wherein the cover unit (45) being transparent to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the second state.

Description

State of the art

[0001] From DE 10 2014 214 352 A1 a method and an arrangement for operating an occupant observation system are known.

[0002] From DE 10 2005 021 672 A1 a protective device for a camera of a motor vehicle is known. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] Proposed is an observation device for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior, comprising a lighting unit for emitting infrared light rays and a recording unit for recording light rays, wherein infrared light rays and visible light rays can be recorded by means of the recording unit. The observation device further comprises a cover unit comprising a first cover element, wherein the first cover element is designed as an infrared light-transmissive, opaque cover element, wherein the first cover element is arranged on a side of the lighting unit and the recording unit facing the vehicle interior, and wherein the first cover element has a first region permeable to visible light rays in a region of the light beam path in front of the recording unit.Furthermore, the cover unit of the observation device has a second cover element, wherein the second cover element can be arranged in or on the first region and wherein the second cover element is in a first state or in a second state, the cover unit, when the second cover element is in the first state, is permeable to infrared light rays and to visible light rays, and wherein the cover unit, when the second cover element is in the second state, is permeable to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays.

[0004] By means of the proposed observation device, the visibility of driver observation systems or interior observation systems in vehicles can advantageously be influenced, in particular reduced. These systems generally serve to monitor vehicle occupants, for example, to detect driver fatigue and / or to observe their behavior. Observation devices comprise, in particular, two optical paths. One illumination path is designed for active near-infrared illumination, which ensures the detection of the driver and other occupants, in particular at night or in poor lighting conditions. An imaging path is designed to capture an image using a recording unit or camera unit and is enabled by a reflection of the emitted light, in particular from the vehicle interior and / or a vehicle occupant.The observation device can thus enable driver monitoring and true-color video streaming in the vehicle. For this to happen, both infrared and visible light must pass through the imaging path to the recording unit. This allows the recording unit to be visible to the vehicle occupant, causing them to feel like they are being watched.

[0005] By means of the present invention, the vehicle occupant can in particular flexibly decide whether the recording unit or imaging unit remains recognizable to them or not, whereby observation of the vehicle occupant can still be carried out using infrared light. This advantageously allows the functionality of the safety-relevant fatigue detection to be maintained. For example, by bringing the second cover element into the second state, the vehicle occupant can technically prevent video streaming, since no visible light and thus no color information can penetrate through the cover element into the second state. The advantage of the present invention is that a vehicle occupant does not feel like they are being observed by a recognizable recording unit, whereby observation of the vehicle occupant can still be made possible.By adapting the architecture of the signal path accordingly, it is also possible to advantageously prevent information from the infrared image from being used for video streaming, but rather only for safety-relevant evaluations, such as detecting fatigue and / or distraction and / or other factors within the vehicle. This not only gives the driver a feeling of greater privacy, but also advantageously prevents any information from being transmitted to the outside of the vehicle via video streaming when the door is closed. This increases the comfort of the vehicle occupants and, at the same time, ensures road safety. Advantageously, the observation device can be used to make the recording unit or camera unit visible to the human eye invisible.can be concealed, while still maintaining the full safety-relevant NIR functionality of the observation device. The proposed observation device can prevent a vehicle occupant, especially the driver, from feeling observed by the recognizable imaging unit, as a pane of glass that is darkened to the photopic eye covers the imaging path. This allows the vehicle occupant to have a heightened sense of privacy.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cover element can be designed as an infrared light-transmissive cover element. This advantageously ensures that visible light cannot shine through the second cover element. The advantage lies in particular in the fact that the receiving unit is invisible or barely visible to the vehicle occupant. This can increase comfort and / or safety in road traffic.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element can be arranged in the first state in the light beam path in front of the receiving unit, and the second cover element can be arranged outside the light beam path in front of the receiving unit in the second state. Furthermore, the second cover element can be arranged in the first region in the first state, and the second cover element can be arranged outside the first region in the second state. As a result, the second cover element can be arranged, in particular, securely and / or reliably such that visibility of the receiving unit can be reliably prevented in the second state of the cover element.

[0008] For example, the second cover element can be designed as a movable latch. For example, the second cover element can be designed as a manually movable latch. Furthermore, the second cover element can be designed, for example, as an electrically movable latch. Furthermore, the second cover element can be designed, for example, as a flap. Furthermore, the second cover element can be designed, for example, as a rotational element. The second cover element can be moved, in particular, safely and / or reliably between the first state and the second state. As a result, the second cover element can be moved, in particular, safely and / or reliably into the light path and thus prevent visibility of the recording unit in the second state of the cover element.

[0009] In a further development, the second cover element can be designed as an electroactive cover element. For example, the second cover element can be designed as a transmissive cover element in the first state and as an infrared light-transmissive cover element in the second state. This advantageously ensures that visible light cannot shine through the second cover element in the second state. The advantage lies in particular in the fact that the receiving unit is not or hardly visible to the vehicle occupant in the second state of the cover element. This can increase comfort and / or safety in road traffic.

[0010] Furthermore, a method is proposed for concealing a recording unit of an observation device for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior, wherein the second cover element is brought from a first state into a second state to conceal the recording unit, wherein the cover unit, when the second cover element is in the first state, is transparent to infrared light rays and to visible light rays, and wherein the cover unit, when the second cover element is in the second state, is transparent to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element can be mechanically adjusted from a first state to a second state for concealing. For example, the second cover element can be mechanically adjusted manually and / or electrically from a first state to a second state for concealing. The second cover element can be moved, in particular, safely and / or reliably between the first state and the second state. As a result, the second cover element can be moved, in particular, safely and / or reliably into the light path and thus prevent visibility of the recording unit in the second state of the cover element.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cover element can be electrically controlled for concealment, wherein the second cover element is designed as a transmissive cover element in the first state and is controlled in the second state such that the second cover element is designed as an infrared light-transmissive cover element. This advantageously ensures that visible light cannot shine through the second cover element in the second state. The advantage lies in particular in the fact that the receiving unit is not or hardly visible to the vehicle occupant in the second state of the cover element. This can increase comfort and / or safety in road traffic.

[0013] Furthermore, a method for operating an observation device for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior is proposed, comprising the steps of emitting infrared light beams by means of the illumination unit, and receiving light beams by means of the recording unit. Short description of the drawings

[0014] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following descriptions. The same reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and have a similar effect, and a repeated description of the elements is omitted. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a device for observing a vehicle occupant; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of part of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of part of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of part of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of part of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a rearview mirror with an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention:

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 20, for example a motor vehicle, for example a car, with an observation device 22 for observing a vehicle occupant 24. The vehicle 20 has, in particular, a vehicle interior 26 or interior space 26, wherein, in particular, one or more seats 28 for one or more vehicle occupants 24 can be arranged in the vehicle interior 26. Furthermore, the vehicle 20 has an observation device 22 for observing a vehicle occupant 24, in particular a driver and / or a front passenger and / or one or more vehicle occupants in the back seat. The observation device 22 can also be referred to as an observation system, driver monitoring system, occupant observation system and / or a monitoring system. The observation device 22 can, for example, be designed to monitor a direction of gaze, a posture and / or the position of the head or face orthe eyes of the vehicle occupant 24 or the fatigue level and / or other vital signs of the vehicle occupant 24. Furthermore, for example, an identity of the vehicle occupant 24 can be recorded.

[0016] To observe the vehicle occupant 24, the observation device 22 has a lighting unit 30 for emitting light rays, in particular infrared rays, and a recording unit 32. The observation device 22 can advantageously have one or more lighting units 30. The observation device 22 can be arranged in particular in a dashboard 34 and / or in an instrument panel 34 of the vehicle 20. In an advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 can be arranged in particular in an instrument cluster in the dashboard 34. Alternatively or additionally, the observation device 22 can also be arranged at another location in the vehicle interior 26 of the vehicle 20, for example in a steering wheel, on a vehicle roof 38, on a rearview mirror, or on a pillar of the vehicle 20, for example on the A-pillar and / or the B-pillar.

[0017] The lighting unit 30 is directed, for example, toward the vehicle occupant 24 and thus toward the vehicle seat 28 in order to illuminate the vehicle occupant 24 with light rays, in particular infrared rays. In other words, the lighting unit 30 emits light rays, in particular infrared rays, toward the vehicle occupant 24. Alternatively or additionally, the entire interior, the field of view of the camera, and / or relevant regions can also be illuminated by the lighting unit 30. The lighting unit 30 can, for example, be designed as a lighting unit, lighting element, light-emitting diode, LED, OLED, and / or laser diode, and / or can comprise a lighting unit, a lighting element, a light-emitting diode, an LED, OLED, and / or a laser diode.

[0018] The recording unit 32 can be designed, for example, as an image recording unit, for example, as a sensor or a camera, in particular as an RGB infrared camera module, wherein the recording unit 32 is directed toward the vehicle occupant 24 and thus toward the vehicle seat 28 in order to visually capture the vehicle occupant 24 of the vehicle 20. The design as an RGB infrared camera module makes it possible to conduct the observation even at night without the vehicle occupant 24 being brightly illuminated and thus dazzled. The recording unit 32 can, for example, comprise optical elements such as lenses, filters, and an image sensor located behind it.

[0019] In other words, observation device 22 is designed to observe a vehicle interior. The observation device 22 has a lighting unit 30 for emitting light rays, in particular infrared rays, toward the vehicle interior and a receiving unit 32 for receiving light rays, in particular infrared rays. The light rays emitted by the lighting unit 30, in particular infrared rays, can be reflected on or in the vehicle interior, and the reflected light rays, in particular infrared rays, can be directed toward the receiving unit 32.

[0020] Furthermore, the observation device 22 has a control unit 36 ​​or an evaluation unit 36 ​​or a computing unit 36 ​​for controlling the lighting unit 30 and / or the recording unit 32 and / or for processing the data recorded by the recording unit 32.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be configured in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or be arranged in a vehicle.

[0022] The observation device 22 comprises an illumination unit 30 for emitting infrared light rays 40. The illumination unit 30 comprises one or more light sources. In this advantageous embodiment, the illumination unit 30 comprises at least two light sources 42, 44, in particular a first light source 42 and a second light source 44. The at least two light sources 42, 44 are in particular designed to emit infrared light rays 40. The light sources 42, 44 can in particular be designed as light-emitting diodes, LEDs, or OLEDs. The observation device 22 further comprises a recording unit 32 for recording light rays. Infrared light rays and visible light rays can be recorded by the recording unit 32. In other words, the light rays that can be recorded by the recording unit 32 can be designed as infrared light rays and visible light rays.In other words, the recording unit 32 can record infrared light rays and visible light rays or light rays of light visible to humans. In this advantageous embodiment, the recording unit 32 is arranged between the first light source 42 and the second light source 44. In other words, the first light source 42 is arranged at a certain distance on a first side of the recording unit 32, while the second light source 44 is arranged at a certain distance on a second side of the recording unit 32 opposite the first side. In other words, the first light source 42 and the second light source 44 frame the recording unit 32. In an alternative embodiment, the light sources can both be arranged on one side of the imaging module.

[0023] The observation device 22 further comprises a cover unit 45 comprising a cover element 46. The first cover element 46 can be designed as an infrared light-transmissive, opaque cover element 46. The first cover element 46 is arranged on a side of the lighting unit 30 and the recording unit 32 facing the vehicle interior 26. The first cover element 46 has a first region 55 permeable to visible light rays in a region of the light beam path in front of the recording unit 32. Preferably, the first cover element 46 can be arranged in an infrared beam path 48 in front of the lighting unit 30. In other words, the first cover element 46 is designed such that infrared light rays shine through the first cover element 46, whereby visible light cannot shine through.The first cover element 46 is arranged, in particular, on a side 50 facing the vehicle occupant with respect to the lighting unit 30 and the receiving unit 32. In other words, the lighting unit 30, in particular the first light source 42 and / or the second light source 44, emits infrared light rays 40, wherein these infrared light rays form an illumination path 48 or an infrared beam path 48. The infrared light rays radiating in the path 48 are emitted in the direction of the vehicle interior and thus in the direction of the vehicle occupants 24 and thus in the direction of the side 50 facing the vehicle occupant. This allows, for example, the vehicle occupant 24, in particular their head or face, to be illuminated. Due to the first infrared light-transmissive cover element 46, the lighting unit 30 is not visible to the vehicle occupant.The infrared rays 40 strike the vehicle occupant 24 and are reflected by the vehicle occupant 24. This results in an imaging path 52, wherein the light rays of the imaging path 52 are directed to the recording unit 32. In other words, the infrared rays 40 reflected by the vehicle occupant 24 are directed to the recording unit 32 and thus recorded by the recording unit 32. The light rays thus recorded can, in particular, be analyzed such that the vehicle occupant 24 can be observed. This can, for example, be used to determine the condition of the vehicle occupant 24.

[0024] In a further development, the observation device 22 can have a housing, wherein the cover element 46 is arranged on the housing and wherein the lighting unit 30 and the recording unit 32 are arranged within the housing and the cover element 46.

[0025] Furthermore, the cover unit 45 of the observation device 22 has a second cover element 54. The second cover element 54 can be arranged or is arranged in or on the first region 55. In other words, a second cover element 54 is arranged in front of the recording unit 32 in the region of the incoming light rays 52 or the imaging path 52. The second cover element 54 can be in a first state or in a second state, wherein the cover unit 45, when the second cover element 54 is in the first state, is permeable to infrared light rays and to visible light rays, and wherein the cover unit 45, when the second cover element 54 is in the second state, is permeable to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays. In other words, in the first state, infrared light rays and visible light rays can pass through to the recording unit.can pass through, and wherein in the second state, infrared light rays are passable or can pass through to the recording unit. In other words, when the second cover element 54 is in the first state, infrared light rays and visible light rays can reach or pass through to the recording unit 32, and when the second cover element 54 is in the second state, only infrared light rays can reach or pass through to the recording unit 32. If light rays, infrared light rays and / or visible light rays, are passable, they can reach the recording unit 32 or be received by it.

[0026] Preferably, the second cover element 54 can be designed as an infrared light-transmissive cover element 54. Furthermore, the second cover element can advantageously be designed to be opaque to visible light rays. In other words, light rays visible to the human eye cannot pass through the second cover element 54. By using an NIR-transmissive material, the surface appears to the vehicle occupant as a dark-tinted area, while the driver monitoring functions are still maintained. The NIR illumination is still able to penetrate the second cover element 54 and transmit information through the imaging path.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element 54 can be arranged in the first state in the light beam path in front of the recording unit 32 and in the second state outside the light beam path in front of the recording unit. Furthermore, the second cover element 54 can be arranged in the first region in the first state and outside the first region 55 in the second state. Preferably, the second cover element 54 can be mechanically moved or pushed back and forth between the first state and the second state. In this advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 2, the cover element 54 is arranged in the second state.

[0028] Preferably, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a movable latch. For example, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a manually movable latch. Alternatively or additionally, the second cover element can be designed as an electrically movable latch 54. In other words, the latch can be electrically controlled, for example, whereby the vehicle occupant can open and close the second cover element 54 by means of the electrical control. An electronic unit or control can, for example, enable the latch to be opened automatically during a video call, provided the vehicle occupant consents or has consented. Otherwise, the latch could be kept closed.

[0029] Furthermore, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a flap. In other words, in a further development, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a flap opening along one of the sides. Furthermore, the second cover element 54 can be designed, for example, as a rotating element. Advantageously, the second cover element 54 can cover the imaging unit 32 via a rotary movement. Advantageously, a rotating element can be implemented by means of a screw cap.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the second cover element 54 can also be arranged on a side of the first cover element 64 opposite the vehicle occupant. In other words, the second cover element 54 can be arranged between the first cover element 46 and the recording unit 32. In other words, the second cover element 54, which is designed in particular as a movable element, can also be arranged from the inside, thus within the observation device 22. In this case, the vehicle occupant advantageously does not have to touch the front of the camera. The second cover element 54 can be moved, for example, via a translating pin.

[0031] In a further development, the second cover element 54 can be designed as an electroactive cover element. For example, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a transmissive cover element in the first state and as an infrared light-transmissive cover element in the second state.

[0032] For example, the second cover element 54 can be arranged as an electroactive cover element on the first cover element 46 or integrated into the first cover element 46. In other words, the second cover element 54 can be designed as a permanently mounted, arranged, or attached electroactive glass or as an electroactive glass integrated into the first cover element. By applying an electrical voltage, the visible transparency of the glass can be changed, which continues to allow the NIR information to be transmitted.

[0033] In this advantageous embodiment, the second cover element 54 is designed as a movable latch. The displacement of the second cover element 54 can be performed manually and / or electrically. Advantageously, the second cover element can be displaced along the arrow 56. The arrow 56 is arranged in particular parallel to the first cover element 46. Thus, the second cover element 54 can be displaced parallel to the first cover element. For this purpose, the second cover element 54 can be arranged in particular on a rail 58. An arrangement of the second cover element 54 on the first cover element 46 can, for example, be according to Fig. 4 and / or Fig. 5. Advantageously, the second cover element 54 can be moved or displaced such that it is displaced into a first state, in particular a first position, and displaced or moved into a second state, in particular a second position.

[0034] The first cover element 46 has, in a region of the light beam path in front of the recording unit 32, the first region 55 which is permeable to visible light rays. In other words, the region 55 in the first cover element 46 at the level of the recording unit 32 is permeable to visible light rays. The second cover element 54 can, in particular, be mechanically shifted back and forth between the first state and the second state in such a way that the second cover element 54 is not arranged over the region 55 in the first state and thus exposes it, and in a second state is arranged above or over the region 55 of the first cover element 46, so that the region 55 is covered by the second cover element 54. In this advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 2, the cover element 54 is arranged in the second state. As a result, in the second state, light rays 52 reaching the receiving unit must pass through the second cover element 54. As a result, light rays can be filtered out by means of the second cover element 54. Visible light rays are advantageously filtered out.

[0035] In other words, the observation device 22 has a lockable latch 54 for the visible spectral range. This prevents vehicle occupants from detecting the recording unit 32 or the imaging unit 32 when the latch is closed, while functional safety continues to be processed by the NIR-transmittive image information. In particular, only the video streaming functionality can be prevented by closing the flap. This prevents a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, from feeling observed by the detectable imaging unit, since a pane of glass that is darkened to the photopic eye covers the imaging path. This allows the vehicle occupant to have a heightened sense of privacy.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be configured in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or arranged in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 is shown from the front. In other words, the observation device 22 is shown as it can be seen by a vehicle occupant. Advantageously, the front of the observation device 22 is shown. This particularly shows the first cover element 46, which can be perceived or seen by the vehicle occupant. Furthermore, the second cover element 54 is shown. In this advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 3, the second cover element 54 is in a first state, or the first cover element 54 is arranged in the first state. This makes the area 55 visible, with the second cover element 54 pushed to the side. This allows light rays, in particular infrared light rays and visible light rays, to pass through the area 55 and thus reach the recording unit.

[0037] Fig. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be configured in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or be arranged in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 is arranged according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 3 shown from the front. In this advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 4, the second cover element 54 is in the second state, or the first cover element 54 is arranged in the second state or in the second position. As a result, the second cover element 54 is arranged over the area, making the area invisible. As a result, only infrared light rays can pass through the second cover element 54, while visible light rays cannot pass through. As a result, the vehicle occupant, thus the viewer of the observation device 22, can only see a dark-tinted cover.

[0038] Fig. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a part of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be configured in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or be arranged in a vehicle.

[0039] In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 3 such that the second cover element 54 is in the first state. In other words, the cover element 54 is arranged in the first state and thus open. In this advantageous embodiment, the second cover element 54 is shown as a movable latch. In this advantageous embodiment, the movable latch is shown in an open, in particular unlocked, position.

[0040] Advantageously, the rail 58 can be designed, in particular, as a dovetail rail, wherein the latch is translationally displaceable by the dovetail rail. The second cover element 54 has, in particular, at least two stop elements 60, 62. The stop elements 60, 62 are arranged on an underside of the second cover element 54. In other words, the stop elements 60, 62 are arranged on a side of the second cover element 54 facing the first cover element 46. A first stop element 60 is arranged at a first end of the second cover element 54, wherein a second stop element 62 is arranged at an end of the second cover element 46 opposite the first end. The two stop elements 60, 62 are thus arranged such that the second cover element 54 cannot be pushed off the rail when pushed back and forth, but is held in both directions by the stop elements 60, 62.In other words, the latch 54 has a stop element 60, 62 for each of the two directions to prevent the latch 54 from being accidentally removed from the rail 58. In other words, the range of motion of the second cover element 54 or the latch 54 is limited by the stop elements 60, 62 at the front and rear parts of the latch.

[0041] Furthermore, the cutting plane 64 is shown, whereby a cutting plane 64 according to Fig. 6 is shown.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a part of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be used in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or arranged in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 such that the second cover element 54 is in the first state. The part of the observation device 22 is shown in particular in this advantageous embodiment in the sectional plane, wherein the sectional plane according to Fig. 5 is trained.

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a part of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The observation device 22 can in particular be designed according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 5. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or arranged in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 4 such that the second cover element 54 is in the second state. In this case, the latch has stopped in particular at the second stop element 62. Furthermore, a sectional plane 66 is shown, wherein the sectional plane 64 according to Fig. 8 is shown.

[0045] Fig. Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a part of an observation device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device 22 can be configured in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 5. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or arranged in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the observation device 22 according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 4 and / or Fig. 7 such that the second cover element 54 is in the second state. The part of the observation device 22 is shown in particular in this advantageous embodiment in the sectional plane, wherein the sectional plane according to Fig. 7 is trained.

[0046] Advantageously, the rail 58 can be designed, in particular, as a dovetail rail, wherein the bolt can be translated by the dovetail rail. In other words, the rail 58 is trapezoidal. In other words, a section of the rail 58 is trapezoidal.

[0047] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a rearview mirror 68 with a viewing device 22 for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The viewing device 22 can be configured in particular according to the viewing device 22 according to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig, 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8. Furthermore, the observation device 22 can be designed in particular according to the observation device 22 according to Fig. 1 and / or be arranged in a vehicle. By means of the lighting unit of the observation device 22, infrared light rays are emitted in an infrared light beam path 48, which is designed, for example, as a cone. The infrared light rays are sent in the direction of the vehicle interior and thus in the direction of a vehicle occupant, where the infrared light rays are reflected. The reflected infrared light rays can be deflected in the direction of the observation device 22, where they are directed back to the observation device as an imaging path 52 and into the recording unit. Advantageously, visible light and thus light rays coming from the surroundings of the observation device 22 can also be directed along the imaging path 52 to the observation device 22.

[0048] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a method 70 for concealing a recording unit of a monitoring device for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The monitoring device can be configured in particular according to the monitoring device according to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig, 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8. Furthermore, the observation device can be designed in particular according to the observation device according to Fig. 1 and / or be arranged in a vehicle.

[0049] In a first step 72 of the method 70, the second cover element is moved from a first state to a second state to conceal the receiving unit, wherein the cover unit is permeable to infrared light rays and visible light rays when the second cover element is in the first state, and wherein the cover unit is permeable to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays when the second cover element is in the second state. In other words, in the first state, infrared light rays and visible light rays can pass through to the receiving unit, and in the second state, infrared light rays can pass through to the receiving unit. In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element can be moved from the first state to the second state to conceal it.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element can be mechanically adjusted from a first state to a second state for concealing. For example, the second cover element can be mechanically adjusted manually and / or electrically from a first state to a second state for concealing. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cover element can be electrically controlled for concealing, wherein the second cover element is designed as a transmissive cover element in the first state and is controlled in the second state such that the second cover element is designed as an infrared light-transmissive cover element.

[0051] In a second step 74 of the method 70, the second cover element is moved from the second state back to the first state for opening. In an advantageous embodiment, the second cover element can be moved from the second state back to the first state for opening.

[0052] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a method 76 for operating an observation device for observing one or more vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The observation device can be operated in particular according to the observation device according to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig, 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8. Furthermore, the observation device can be designed in particular according to the observation device according to Fig.1 and / or arranged in a vehicle. In a first step 78 of the method 76, infrared light rays are emitted by the illumination unit. In a second step 80 of the method 76, light rays are recorded by the recording unit. The method 78 can comprise a further step of generating image data from the recorded light rays by means of a computing unit. Furthermore, the method 78 can comprise a further step of analyzing the image data by means of a computing unit. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2014 214 352 A1

[0001] DE 10 2005 021 672 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Observation device (22) for observing one or more vehicle occupants (24) in a vehicle interior (26) comprising a lighting unit (30) for emitting infrared light rays (40) and a recording unit (32) for recording light rays, wherein infrared light rays and visible light rays can be recorded by means of the recording unit (32), characterized by , that the observation device (22) has a cover unit (45) comprising a first cover element (46), that the first cover element (46) is designed as an infrared light-transmissive, opaque cover element (46), that the first cover element (46) is arranged on a side of the lighting unit (30) and the receiving unit (32) facing the vehicle interior (26), that the first cover element (46) has a first region (55) permeable to visible light rays in a region of the light beam path in front of the receiving unit (32), that the cover unit (45) of the observation device (22) has a second cover element (54), that the second cover element (54) can be arranged in or on the first area (55) and that the second cover element (54) is in a first state or in a second state, wherein the cover unit (45) is transparent to infrared light rays and to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the first state, and wherein the cover unit (45) is transparent to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the second state. [2] Observation device (22) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the second cover element (54) is designed as an infrared light-transmissive cover element (54). [3] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is arranged in the light beam path in front of the recording unit (32) in the first state and that the second cover element (54) is arranged outside the light beam path in front of the recording unit (32) in the second state. [4] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is arranged in the first region (55) in the first state and that the second cover element (54) is arranged outside the first region (55) in the second state. [5] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as a displaceable latch. [6] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as a manually displaceable latch. [7] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as an electrically displaceable latch. [8] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as a flap. [9] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as a rotation element. [10] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second cover element (54) is designed as an electro-active cover element. [11] Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the second cover element (54) is designed as a transmissive cover element (54) in the first state and as an infrared light-transmissive cover element (54) in the second state. [12] Method for concealing a recording unit (32) of an observation device (22) for observing one or more vehicle occupants (24) in a vehicle interior (26) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cover element (54) for concealing the recording unit (32) is brought from a first state to a second state, wherein the cover unit (45) is transparent to infrared light rays and to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the first state, and wherein the cover unit (45) is transparent to infrared light rays and opaque to visible light rays when the second cover element (54) is in the second state. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the second cover element (54) is adjusted mechanically, manually and / or electrically for concealing from a first state to a second state. [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 13, wherein the second cover element (54) is electrically controlled for concealing, wherein the second cover element (54) is designed as a transmissive cover element (54) in the first state and is controlled in the second state such that the second cover element (54) is designed as an infrared light transmissive cover element (54). [15] Method for operating an observation device (22) for observing one or more vehicle occupants (24) in a vehicle interior (26) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of Emitting infrared light rays (40) by means of the lighting unit (30) Recording light rays by means of the recording unit (32).

Images