Vehicle with a retractable external camera

Abstract

A vehicle (10) with at least one multi-axis movable camera (12, 16) for observing the vehicle's surroundings by projecting the camera image onto a display unit (34) is characterized in that the at least one external camera (12, 16) is extended by means of a motor-driven extension kinematics (18) having a vehicle-side end and a camera-side end, wherein the extension kinematics (18) is attached to the vehicle (10) at the vehicle-side end and is movable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the camera (12, 16) is housed in a closed camera housing (22, 28) in the retracted position and can be aligned in the extended position away from the vehicle (10) by means of a joint at least on one axis at the camera-side end. This makes it possible to obtain precise video images of the vehicle's surroundings, especially the wheels, front and rear areas of the vehicle, which allows for more accurate movements in confined spaces such as tight parking spaces and garages and avoids damage.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with at least one multi-axis movable camera for observing the vehicle environment by projecting the camera image onto a display unit.

[0002] From DE 11 2017 006 531 T5 it is known to record the surroundings of a vehicle by means of a multi-axis movable camera and to display them to the wearer of data glasses, whereby a movement of the data glasses can be detected and converted into a movement of the camera in order to change the camera viewing angle.

[0003] DE 10 2015 003973 B3 describes a method for operating data glasses installed in a motor vehicle. This method involves the general control of a vehicle using such glasses.

[0004] The object of the invention is to enable more precise observation of the immediate vehicle surroundings.

[0005] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The object is achieved according to claim 1 in that the at least one external camera is movable by means of a motor-driven extension kinematics with a vehicle-side end and a camera-side end, wherein the extension kinematics is attached to the vehicle with the vehicle-side end and is movable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the camera is housed in a closed camera housing in the retracted position and can be aligned in the extended position, protruding from the vehicle, by means of an at least two-axis joint at the camera-side end. Preferably, at least two external cameras are provided on both sides of the vehicle in order to be able to observe both sides of the vehicle.Alternatively, four external cameras can be arranged in the area of ​​the four corners of the vehicle so that they can monitor both the front or rear of the vehicle and the area around the wheels in order to optimize parking maneuvers and avoid damage to wheels or rims.

[0007] The design according to the invention makes it possible to obtain precise video images of the vehicle's surroundings, in particular of the wheels and the front and rear areas of the vehicle, which enables more precise movements in confined conditions such as tight parking spaces and garages and avoids damage. In particular, the driver is able to position their vehicle with almost millimeter precision and avoid potential obstacles such as curbs or other vehicles. The extendable camera can also be used in other difficult driving situations, e.g. when reversing in narrow alleys, when navigating in confusing terrain or when monitoring trailer operation. The expanded view and precise control enable the driver to identify potential hazards at an early stage and react accordingly, which increases safety when driving and parking. Simple operation via data glasses (especiallyVR or AR glasses) or a controller allows the driver to control the camera intuitively and without distraction.

[0008] It goes without saying that it may be necessary to first move the camera into the extended position before it can transmit image and / or video data in real time to a vehicle display or to the smart glasses. In such a case, a special transmission protocol may be required to minimize the delay. The transmission protocol must therefore take into account that the camera is "ready" before it sends data. Synchronization between the movement of the extension kinematics and the image transmission is also important. The extension should transition into the image acquisition as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, feedback on the position of the extension kinematics can be important in order to transmit the exact alignment to the smart glasses or the controller. This could help to avoid distortions or delays in the image or video.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the extension kinematics are at least partially telescopic, providing a very compact and protected extension option. The extension kinematics are driven by a servo motor. It is conceivable that the camera can be telescoped up to, for example, 50-100 cm using the extension kinematics.

[0010] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the vehicle-side end of the extension kinematics has at least one pivot joint, which expands the camera's mobility and thus its field of view. The pivot joint has at least one, preferably two, axes of rotation to provide the camera with the largest possible field of view.

[0011] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a camera is installed in an elongated housing arranged in the vehicle floor, which can be closed by means of a pivotable closure cover, wherein the vehicle-side end of the extension kinematics comprising a pivot joint and a support is attached inside the closure cover, wherein the closure cover is further pivotable by motor between a closed position in which the camera with extension kinematics is accommodated in the housing, and in an open position in which the extension kinematics protrudes below the vehicle floor and is pivotable by motor.

[0012] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a camera is arranged in an exterior mirror housing. Sufficient space can be created in the exterior mirror housing to arrange a camera, in particular a telescopic one, so that it can be extended horizontally to the side. From there, both the front and rear areas can be easily observed. In the retracted position, the camera can either be flush with the surrounding outer skin of the exterior mirror housing or, preferably, be closed off by means of a type of shutter.

[0013] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the vehicle is equipped with data glasses which are coupled to a camera control unit for the movement and activation of the camera in such a way that the camera is aligned by a movement of the data glasses.

[0014] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one embodiment is described in detail—possibly with reference to the drawings. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0015] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic plan view of a vehicle with extendable cameras; Fig. 2: a schematic plan view of an exterior mirror housing for a vehicle; Fig. 3: a schematic view of a vehicle floor section from below; Fig. 4: a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera kinematics.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle 10 with two multi-axis movable cameras 12a, 12b on exterior mirror housings 14a, 14b as well as four further multi-axis movable cameras 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d in the area of ​​the four corners of the vehicle 10.

[0017] As in Fig. 2 using the example of the right exterior mirror housing 14a, the camera 12a is attached to a telescopic support 18a via an at least single-axis pivot joint 20a. Preferably, the pivot joint 20a has two rotational degrees of freedom so that the camera 12a can be directed not only forwards and backwards but also downwards in order to capture the area of ​​the wheels or objects located near the vehicle 10, such as curbs or railings. The telescopic support 18a can be motor-drivenly retracted and extended into a camera housing 22. In one embodiment, the outer surface 24 of the camera 12a is preferably shaped such that, when retracted, it is flush with the outer surface 26 of the exterior mirror housing 14a. In an alternative embodiment, the camera 12a can also be moved further inwards, wherein the camera housing 22 is closed by means of a shutter.Preferably, an identical camera arrangement is integrated in the left exterior mirror housing 14b.

[0018] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the camera kinematics in the area of ​​a vehicle corner. In this embodiment, the camera 16a is again rotatably mounted on a support 18c via an at least single-axis, preferably two-axis, pivot joint 20b. The vehicle-side end of the support 18c is attached to the vehicle 10 via another single-axis or two-axis pivot joint 24. As shown in Fig. 4, in a preferred embodiment the entire camera kinematics is mounted on the inside of a closure cover 26, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation 28 by approximately 90° between the Fig. 4 and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover 26 closes a camera housing 28, which seals the camera 16a and support 18c, preferably splash-proof. Fig. 3 shows the camera 16a together with support 18c in the camera housing 28. The Fig. 3 and Fig. The design shown in Figure 4 can be installed in the area of ​​all four corners of the vehicle or also in other places, for example between the wheels on the underbody of the vehicle 10.

[0019] The cameras 12, 16 and their electrical drives (not shown) are controlled by a camera control unit 30 installed in the vehicle 10. For this purpose, all movable parts, in particular the swivel joint 20b and the swivel joint 24 as well as the closure cover 26 are designed as Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 as well as the swivel joint 20a and the support 18a of the formation of Fig.2 driven by servo motors.

[0020] The camera control unit 30, in turn, is connected to data glasses 32 or a camera control interface 34, for example a touch-sensitive vehicle display of the vehicle, via which the cameras 12, 16 can be selected and aligned.

[0021] While driving, all cameras 12, 16 are housed in their respective splash-proof housings 22, 28. To use them, the available cameras 12, 16 can first be selected via the data glasses 32 or the camera control interface 34, for example by pressing a corresponding image on the vehicle display 34. This extends and switches on the corresponding camera 12, 16. The camera image of the activated camera 12, 16 is then displayed via the data glasses 32 or the screen of the vehicle display 34. To change the image section, a corresponding button on the camera control interface 34 can be pressed, or the wearer of the data glasses 32 can move their head and thus change the orientation of the data glasses 32, which can be detected by sensors on the data glasses 32 (not shown).Activation, switching or alignment of the activated camera 12, 16 can alternatively also be carried out via gesture control or voice commands.

[0022] It is also possible to extend several cameras simultaneously, especially to create a 360° image of the environment.

[0023] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 10 vehicles 12a,b cameras 14a,b Exterior mirror housing 16a-d cameras 18a,b,c supports 20a,b swivel joint 22 camera bodies 24 Swivel joint 26 closure caps 28 axis of rotation 30 Camera control unit 32 data glasses 34 Camera control interface / vehicle display 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 11 2017 006 531 T5

[0002] DE 10 2015 003973 B3

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10) with at least one multi-axis movable camera (12, 16) for observing the vehicle surroundings by projecting the camera image onto a display unit (34), characterized by that the at least one external camera (12, 16) is movable by means of a motor-driven extension kinematics (18) with a vehicle-side end and a camera-side end, wherein the extension kinematics (18) is attached to the vehicle (10) with the vehicle-side end and is movable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the camera (12, 16) is accommodated in a closed camera housing (22, 28) in the retracted position and can be aligned in the extended position away from the vehicle (10) by means of an at least one-axis joint at the camera-side end. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that the extension kinematics (18) is at least partially telescopic. [3] Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the vehicle-side end of the extension kinematics (18) has at least one rotary joint (24). [4] Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a camera (16) is arranged in the region of at least one corner region of the vehicle (10). [5] Vehicle according to 4, characterized by in that a camera (16a) is installed in an elongated housing (28) arranged in the vehicle floor, which housing can be closed by means of a pivotable closure cover (26), wherein the vehicle-side end of the extension kinematics comprising a pivot joint (26) and a support (18c) is attached to the inside of the closure cover (26), wherein the closure cover (26) is further pivotable by motor between a closed position, in which the camera (16a) with extension kinematics (18c, 26) is accommodated in the housing (28), and an open position, in which the extension kinematics (18c, 26) protrudes below the vehicle floor and is pivotable by motor. [6] Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a camera (12a, 12b) is arranged in an exterior mirror housing (14a, 14b). [7] Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized by that the camera housing (22) can be closed by means of a shutter. [8] Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with data glasses (32) which are coupled to a camera control unit (30) for moving and activating the camera (12, 16) in such a way that the camera (12, 16) is aligned by moving the data glasses (32).

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