ILLUMINATION OF A VEHICLE'S ENVIRONMENT

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 a sequence of images, in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle surroundings, wherein each 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 means of a vehicle camera which provides corresponding camera data, and the camera data 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. The invention further relates to a control device for controlling a pixel headlight of a motor vehicle, with a control signal unit which is configuredThe invention relates to a control signal representing a sequence of images for the pixel headlight to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings, such that the pixel headlight emits light to at least partially illuminate the vehicle's surroundings, wherein each 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 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 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 vehicle with a vehicle camera.a pixel spotlight and a control unit for controlling the pixel spotlight.

[0002] Methods for illuminating the vehicle's surroundings, control devices for controlling the vehicle's pixel headlights, and vehicles of this type are extensively known in the prior art. Motor vehicles have headlights, in particular vehicle headlights, by means of which the vehicle's surroundings can be illuminated. The lighting serves, on the one hand, to ensure good visibility of the vehicle to other road users in unfavorable visibility conditions, especially in darkness, and on the other hand, to illuminate the roadway or road surface, among other things, to enable the driver to operate the vehicle safely. Furthermore, the lighting to be provided by the vehicle is regulated by legal provisions and standards.

[0003] A motor vehicle of the type described is a vehicle that can be propelled by a drive unit during normal driving operation. The drive unit can be a drive unit comprising an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Combinations of these are also possible. The motor vehicle is preferably a car, in particular a passenger car.

[0004] Modern vehicles feature pixel headlights that allow for highly flexible light distributions to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. For example, predefined light distributions can be generated and provided to illuminate the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The wider area around the vehicle can also be illuminated by the pixel headlights.

[0005] A pixel spotlight is a spotlight that, due to its design, is capable of providing highly flexible light distributions. For this purpose, it can, for example, be based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a matrix within the spotlight. Depending on the desired light distribution, the LEDs are supplied with electrical energy by a spotlight controller to emit the corresponding light. Furthermore, laser spotlights can also be designed as pixel spotlights. These incorporate a conversion material that emits conversion light when exposed to laser light. By applying varying laser light intensities to the conversion material at different locations, virtually any desired light distribution can be achieved. Naturally, combinations of such spotlights are also possible.

[0006] Furthermore, modern vehicles include cameras to enable autonomous driving and / or to provide driver assistance systems with the necessary data. In combination with pixel headlights, this allows, for example, oncoming objects, especially other vehicles, to be detected, and the light distribution provided by the pixel headlights to be adjusted accordingly to avoid dazzling the detected objects.

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

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

[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 a vehicle without dazzling other road users. For this purpose, the headlight provides pulsed light, whereby a dark phase of a luminous flux signal generated in this way is used to detect the brightness of the area in front of the vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, Robert Tamburo et al. disclose "DMDs for smart headlights" in Visual Communications and Image Processing, Volume 8979, dated March 7, 2014, on pages 89790F-1 to 89790F-4. In addition, CN 103 747 981 A discloses a method for determining road surface irregularity in a section of road illuminated by at least one headlight of a vehicle and a method for controlling the light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle. Finally, US 2016 / 0371983 A1 discloses a parking assistance system and a method.

[0012] Even though the current state of the art has proven effective, there is still room for improvement. For example, it has been observed that road surfaces covered with ice or water, which consequently reflect light more strongly than dry surfaces, are illuminated to the same degree as dry surfaces. This can result in glare, at least for the driver.

[0013] 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 these other road users. Such details could include, for example, defects, the behavior of occupants, whether an oncoming vehicle is approaching an obstacle that it needs to avoid, or similar information.

[0014] Furthermore, the problem can arise that the vehicle's camera, which provides data for, for example, autonomous driving, is blinded in one area of ​​its detection range and / or fails to detect anything in another area with poor lighting. This is particularly detrimental to autonomous driving.

[0015] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving the lighting of the vehicle environment.

[0016] The invention proposes a method, a control device and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims as a solution.

[0017] Further advantageous configurations arise from the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0018] With regard to a generic method, it is particularly proposed that the image sequence is provided with an image sequence frequency of greater than about 24 Hz, preferably greater than about 90 Hz, and particularly preferably greater than about 100 Hz, wherein the image sequence includes at least one reference image for uniformly illuminating the vehicle environment, the vehicle camera is synchronized to capture the vehicle environment with respect to the reference image, and the control signal is determined depending on the camera data captured with respect to the reference image.

[0019] With regard to a generic control device, it is particularly proposed that the control signal unit is further configured to provide the image sequence with an image sequence frequency of greater than approximately 24 Hz, preferably greater than approximately 90 Hz, and particularly preferably greater than approximately 100 Hz, wherein the image sequence includes at least one reference image for uniformly illuminating the vehicle environment, to synchronize the vehicle camera for capturing the vehicle environment 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.

[0020] With regard to motor vehicles, it is particularly proposed that the control device be designed according to the invention.

[0021] The invention is based on the idea that by uniformly illuminating the vehicle's surroundings at a predefinable illumination level, it is possible to reliably capture the vehicle's surroundings with the vehicle camera. The uniform illumination is selected in such a way that it does not obstruct other road users as much as possible. To this end, the invention provides that the uniform illumination is briefly provided by means of a reference image, which is inserted into the image sequence or replaces an existing image in the sequence. The duration of this illumination is chosen so that no significant impairment is to be expected, particularly for the human eye.The invention achieves this by selecting a sufficiently high image repetition rate so that inertia in the detection of light can be used to avoid or reduce disturbance to other road users, in particular persons, for example drivers of other motor vehicles or the like.

[0022] To enable the capture of the vehicle's surroundings while the reference image is active, the vehicle camera is synchronized accordingly. For this purpose, the vehicle camera may have its own sensor capable of determining the reference image. Alternatively, a separate camera control signal may be provided, which informs the vehicle camera when the pixel headlight is controlled according to a reference image. Finally, if the image sequence is provided in the form of a video sequence, the capture can be synchronized with the video sequence, thereby automatically achieving synchronization with the reference image as well.

[0023] 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 captured vehicle environment.

[0024] A pixel spotlight is a spotlight comprising a plurality of individually controllable pixels arranged in a matrix. These pixels can be controlled in a suitable manner to adjust the light output of the spotlight according to the current image in the image sequence, based on the control signal. A pixel of the pixel spotlight thus preferably represents a substantially point-like light source. The light source can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), but also, fundamentally, a gas discharge lamp, an incandescent lamp, and / or the like. These light sources can be combined into a matrix, which may also include a spotlight control unit by means of which the individual light sources can be controlled accordingly, based on the control signal.The pixel spotlight can also include a laser light source similar to a laser scanner, which is controlled accordingly to provide a light distribution according to the control signal. Furthermore, the pixel spotlight can, of course, include other optically active elements that are capable of adapting the light emitted by the individual light sources of the pixel spotlight to produce light according to the desired light distribution. These elements include, for example, refractory elements such as lenses, prisms, and / or the like, reflective elements such as mirrors, especially micromirrors, DMDs (Digital Mirror Devices), combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0025] The vehicle's surroundings encompass at least a portion of the area around the vehicle, which may be limited, for example, by the driver's line of sight. However, the vehicle's surroundings can also include only the roadway on which the vehicle is driven, a sidewalk adjacent to a roadway, the edge of the road, combinations thereof, or the like. Even partial areas of the vehicle's surroundings can be included.

[0026] The pixel headlight can illuminate the vehicle's surroundings, at least partially, preferably in an area the vehicle enters during normal operation. The pixel headlight thus serves to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings, at least partially. However, the vehicle need not only have a single pixel headlight; it can also have two or more pixel headlights that can be controlled together in a suitable manner, for example, by means of a control signal that can 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 that can comprise, for example, one million pixels or more.

[0027] The control signal itself is provided by a control signal unit and is preferably an electrical signal, which is particularly designed as a digital signal. The control signal represents a sequence of images, similar to a video sequence, which serves to control the pixel spotlight accordingly. The pixel spotlight uses a specific image from the sequence, currently provided by the control signal, to control its light sources. The pixel spotlight is therefore designed to emit light in the manner of a projector, particularly a video projector.

[0028] At least the illuminated area around the vehicle is captured by the vehicle camera. Depending on the design, it may also be possible for the vehicle camera to capture only a predefined area of ​​the illuminated area around the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle camera may capture only a section of the illuminated area that is positioned in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel during normal driving operation. However, it may also be possible for the vehicle camera to capture the entire area around the vehicle. The vehicle camera can be designed as a single unit and positioned appropriately on the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle camera can be designed as a multi-part unit, enabling it, for example, to selectively capture the vehicle's surroundings in different directions and provide corresponding camera data.

[0029] Furthermore, an evaluation unit is provided that 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.

[0030] The specified light distribution is a light distribution that is to be provided, for example, as the target light distribution by the pixel headlight. The specified light distribution can be provided by a higher-level vehicle control system, a control element that can be operated manually by the driver, and / or the like. For example, the specified light distribution can represent high beam, low beam, and / or the like.

[0031] The evaluation unit allows the camera data to be analyzed and, for example, oncoming vehicles or other road users to be detected. If other road users are detected, subsequent images in the image sequence can be modified to selectively mask or highlight the area in which the other road user is located.

[0032] The image sequence includes at least one reference image to ensure uniform illumination of the vehicle's surroundings. This reference image controls the pixel headlights' light sources to emit light of approximately the same intensity. It may be possible to control the light sources to emit maximum intensity. The vehicle camera, synchronized with the reference image and capturing the vehicle's surroundings in a synchronized manner, transmits corresponding camera data to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can then use this camera data to determine details that would otherwise be undetectable in the images of the sequence, for example, because the lighting in a particular area is insufficient, or because the vehicle camera cannot be captured due to excessive light exposure.In this way, it is possible, for example, to detect road surfaces covered with ice or water. Furthermore, additional vehicle details, such as those of oncoming or preceding vehicles, can also be determined. In addition, the control signal can be adjusted by modifying subsequent images based on the data obtained through the analysis. This allows, for instance, the illumination of a road surface covered with ice or water to be reduced, thus minimizing the risk of dazzling the driver or other road users.

[0033] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce glare for both the driver and the vehicle's camera. Furthermore, additional information or data, such as road surface conditions, can be obtained. It is advantageous that the reference image is only activated for a very short period, so that the driver and other road users are essentially unaffected.

[0034] The invention proves particularly suitable for retrofitting into motor vehicles 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 modifications to existing designs. Because a single reference image is averaged by the human eye with the values ​​of the next 23 images, other road users experience virtually no glare. This allows the vehicle camera to capture a detailed image of the vehicle's surroundings, especially oncoming traffic, without disturbing other road users.At the same time, the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce any glare affecting the driver and the vehicle camera, as well as potentially 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.

[0035] It is further proposed that at least one over- or underexposed area of ​​the illuminated vehicle environment be identified using the camera data. For this purpose, the camera data captured by the vehicle's camera during the reference image capture will be used in particular.

[0036] It is further proposed that the images following the reference image in the image sequence be determined based on the presence of at least one over- or underexposed area. In this configuration, the images following the reference image are adjusted accordingly, based on the evaluation of the camera data during the reference image, to improve the illumination of the vehicle's surroundings, particularly the roadway. This makes it possible to better illuminate specific areas of the vehicle's surroundings that are very bright and might dazzle the driver or the vehicle camera, or areas where visibility is poor due to insufficient lighting, by adjusting the images and consequently also the light output of the pixel headlight.Of course, the invention does not need to be limited to a single area; several over- or underexposed areas can be identified simultaneously.

[0037] The image sequence is designed to repeatedly include reference images, with successive reference images being spaced at least approximately 0.5 seconds apart, preferably at least approximately 0.8 seconds apart. It has been shown that such a spacing between reference images largely avoids any impairment of the driver and / or other road users, while simultaneously ensuring reliable functionality according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing between the reference images can be made dependent on the vehicle speed. For example, at high vehicle speeds, the reference images can be displayed with a short interval between them, whereas at low vehicle speeds, such as during maneuvering, the interval between them can be longer.Furthermore, other vehicle parameters can of course be taken into account to adjust the time interval between successive reference images. The reference images do not need to follow each other at equidistant intervals; it is also possible to vary the time interval between them.

[0038] It is further proposed that the reference image be provided by means of a reference control signal that controls the pixel spotlight. In this embodiment, a separate control signal, namely the reference control signal, is provided for supplying the reference image. Therefore, it is not necessary to interfere with 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. Alternatively, the reference control signal can be 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. This function can, of course, also be provided in the pixel spotlight itself in a comparable manner.

[0039] Preferably, the reference image is provided by the pixel headlight for a duration of less than approximately 0.033 seconds, preferably less than approximately 0.01 seconds. With such a duration, the vehicle's surroundings can be reliably detected with respect to the reference image by the vehicle camera, and adverse effects on other road users or the driver of the vehicle can be largely avoided.

[0040] A pixel headlight preferably illuminates the roadway as the vehicle's surroundings. Therefore, a pixel headlight is, for example, a front headlight of a motor vehicle. However, it can also be a reversing light, an auxiliary headlight, or something similar.

[0041] Furthermore, it is proposed that the vehicle camera be used to determine visibility conditions and that the process be carried out depending on these conditions. This allows for optimized use of the process, particularly when unfavorable lighting conditions exist and visibility is impaired, especially for the driver of the vehicle or other road users. For example, the vehicle camera could be used to detect ambient brightness or precipitation, at which point the corresponding process would be activated. Similarly, the process could be deactivated if the vehicle camera detects an improvement in visibility or if the conditions that activated the process according to the invention no longer apply.

[0042] The effects and advantages stated for the method according to the invention apply equally to the control device according to the invention and to the motor vehicle equipped with the control device according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, corresponding device features can therefore be assigned to method features and formulated as such, and vice versa.

[0043] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which 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.

[0044] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: 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 light output when the pixel headlight is controlled according to Fig. 1 or 2 with a reference image; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of light output when the pixel spotlight is controlled according to Fig. 1 or 2 with an image of an image sequence; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a section of an image sequence for controlling the pixel spotlight according to Fig. 1 or 2 .

[0045] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0046] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0047] Fig. 1 Figure 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 this case can be, for example, a gas discharge lamp. Alternatively, a laser light source, a correspondingly high-intensity LED, an incandescent lamp, or the like can also be provided. The light source 28 emits light 36, which is supplied to a matrix 34. The matrix 34 has individual elements 38, which can be individually switched to transparent or opaque. This provides the individual pixels of the pixel spotlight 10. A schematic top view of the matrix 34, in which the individual elements 38 are visible, is shown in a lower enlarged representation.Depending on the control signal applied to the pixel spotlight 10, the corresponding elements 38 are switched to transparent or opaque, thus providing a corresponding light pattern or light distribution according to which light 40 is emitted. Figure 32 shows the light output of light 40 that is provided when all elements 38 of the matrix 34 are switched to transparent.

[0048] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a second embodiment for a pixel spotlight 12, by means of which the invention can be implemented. Like the pixel spotlight 10, the pixel spotlight 12 has the following features according to Figure 10: Fig. 1 The light source 28 emits light 36. This light 36 is directed towards a mirror matrix 42, which is subdivided into individual components that can be controlled independently. Depending on the control setting, the light 36 is deflected in a direction corresponding to the individual control setting. The mirror matrix 42 thus provides the individual pixels of the pixel spotlight 12. Figure 48 shows an enlarged view of the current setting of the mirror matrix 42. This setting of the mirror matrix 42 causes the light 36 to be partially reflected by the mirror matrix 42 and emitted as light 40, which has a light distribution as shown in Figure 48. The remaining elements of the mirror matrix 42 deflect the light 36 into a light trap 44. The pixel spotlight 12 thus emits a light distribution corresponding to the emitted light 40.

[0049] The Fig. 3 bis 5 The following shows a method for illuminating the 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.

[0050] Each 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 environment is captured by means of a vehicle camera (not shown), which transmits the corresponding camera data 18 ( Fig. 4 ) provides. In Fig. 4 An evaluation of the camera data 18 is shown, according to which the camera data 18 detects an area 24 where the illumination is too high, potentially causing glare. Furthermore, the camera data 18 indicates that an area 26 has been identified where the illumination is insufficient. Therefore, contrasts cannot be adequately perceived in areas 24 and 26. In the remaining area 50, normal illumination within a permissible range has been recorded.

[0051] The camera data 18 are evaluated by means of an evaluation unit which is also not shown, taking into account a given light distribution, here a high beam, in order to determine and provide the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight 10, 12.

[0052] Image sequence 14 ( Fig. 5 ) is provided at a frame rate of approximately 100 Hz. Frame sequence 14 includes a reference image 16 ( Fig. 3 ), which serves to uniformly illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. It is intended that all pixels of the pixel headlight 10, 12 emit maximum brightness.

[0053] The vehicle camera captures the vehicle's surroundings with respect to the reference image 16 by synchronizing it accordingly. Controlling the pixel headlight 10, 12 using the reference image 16 causes the vehicle camera to capture camera data 18 while the reference image 16 is being displayed by the pixel headlight 10, 12. The camera data 18 thus corresponds to a recording made while the reference image 16 is being displayed by the pixel headlight 10, 12. The camera data 18 can be, for example, based on… Fig. 4 depicted.

[0054] The control signal is now determined by means of the evaluation unit depending on the camera data 18 acquired with respect to the reference image 16.

[0055] Fig. 5 Figure 14 shows a video sequence, or image sequence 14, which represents the control signal for controlling pixel spotlights 10 and 12. The individual images are arranged chronologically from left to right and from top to bottom.

[0056] A first image is formed by the reference image 16. While this reference image 16 serves to control the pixel headlight 10, 12, the vehicle camera captures the vehicle's surroundings and delivers camera data 18 ( Fig. 4 Based on the camera data 18, the following images 20 are determined, in which the area 24 is reduced with respect to light intensity in order to mask or obscure an oncoming object. The six images 20, which follow each other immediately, thus control the pixel spotlight 10, 12 with respect to light output for the next six cycles or frames.

[0057] Further evaluation of the camera data 18, in particular taking into account area 26 ( Fig. 4 Areas 52 are also masked or desilted where reduced illumination is desired to minimize glare caused by ice or water. This is achieved with image 22, which follows image 20. A subsequent image 54 shows that the masking in areas 24 and 52 is reduced. In these areas, the pixels are thus again controlled for partial light emission.

[0058] The in Fig. 5The depicted excerpt of image sequence 14 illustrates the basic procedure. In the present embodiment, 100 consecutive images 16, 20, 22, 52 are provided as a control signal every second. Additional reference images 16 can be included in image sequence 14 as needed. In the present embodiment, every thirtieth image is a reference image 16. Naturally, the frame rate or the time interval between the reference images 16 can also be varied as required to adapt the procedure to current needs.

[0059] Overall, the exemplary embodiments show how the invention can achieve improved illumination of the vehicle environment, in particular the roadway on which the motor vehicle is driven.

[0060] The exemplary embodiments serve only to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A method for illuminating the vehicle surroundings of a motor vehicle, in which: - a pixel headlight (10, 12) of the motor vehicle emits light (40) as a function of a control signal that represents 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 being provided at that time by the pixel headlight (10, 12), for which purpose the pixel headlight is designed to emit light in the manner of a projector, wherein the control signal itself is provided by a control signal unit, wherein the control signal represents the image sequence (14) of images (20, 22) in the manner of a video sequence that is used to appropriately control the pixel headlight, wherein by use of the pixel headlight a particular image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14), which is provided at that time by means of the control signal, is used to control light sources of the pixel headlight, - 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), - the image sequence (14) is provided at an image sequence frequency of greater than 24 Hz, wherein the image sequence (14) includes at least one reference image (16) for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings, so that due to uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings to a predefinable illumination level, the option is provided for reliably detecting the travel path using the vehicle camera, wherein the reference image (16) is inserted into the image sequence (14) or replaces an existing image of the image sequence (14) so that the uniform illumination is briefly provided by means of the reference image (16), wherein the image sequence (14) repeatedly incorporates reference images (16), wherein successive reference images (16) are spaced at least 0.5 s apart from one another in time, wherein as a result of the reference image (16), the light sources of the pixel headlight are activated in such a way that they emit light with the same light intensity, so that the vehicle surroundings are uniformly illuminated to a predefinable illumination level, - the vehicle camera for detecting 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) detected with respect to the reference image (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one overexposed or underexposed area (24, 26) of the illuminated vehicle surroundings is determined based on the camera data (18).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the images (22) of the image sequence (14) following the reference image (16) are determined based on the at least one overexposed or underexposed area (24, 26).

4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference image (16) is provided by means of a reference control signal that controls the pixel headlight (10, 12).

5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference image (16) is provided by means of the pixel headlight (10, 12) for a period of less than 0.033 s.

6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pixel headlight (10, 12) illuminates a roadway as the vehicle surroundings.

7. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that visibility conditions are determined by means of the vehicle camera, and the method is carried out based on the determined visibility conditions.

8. A control device for controlling a pixel headlight (10, 12) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a control signal unit that is designed to provide a control signal that represents an image sequence (14) for the pixel headlight (10, 12) for illuminating the vehicle surroundings of the motor vehicle, so that the pixel headlight (10, 12) emits light (40) in order to at least partially illuminate the vehicle surroundings, for which purpose the pixel headlight is designed to emit light in the manner of a projector, wherein the control signal represents the image sequence (14) of images (20, 22) in the manner of a video sequence that is used to appropriately control the pixel headlight, wherein by use of the pixel headlight a particular image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14), which is provided at that time by means of the control signal, is used to control light sources of the pixel headlight, wherein a respective individual image (20, 22) of the image sequence (14) corresponds to a respective light distribution being provided at that time by the pixel headlight (10, 12), - a receiving unit for receiving camera data (18) of a vehicle camera that detects 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 predefined light distribution, in order to determine and provide, based on the evaluation, the control signal for controlling the pixel headlight (10, 12). wherein the control signal unit is further designed - to provide the image sequence (14) at an image sequence frequency of greater than 24 Hz, wherein the image sequence (14) includes at least one reference image (16) for uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings in order to uniformly illuminate the vehicle surroundings to a predefinable illumination level, so that due to uniformly illuminating the vehicle surroundings to a predefinable illumination level, the option is provided for reliably detecting the travel path using the vehicle camera, wherein the reference image (16) is inserted into the image sequence (14) or replaces an existing image of the image sequence (14) so that the uniform illumination is briefly provided by means of the reference image (16), wherein the image sequence (14) repeatedly incorporates reference images (16), wherein successive reference images (16) are spaced at least 0.5 s apart from one another in time, - to synchronize the vehicle camera for detecting the vehicle surroundings with respect to the reference image (16), and - to determine and provide the control signal based on the camera data (18) detected with respect to the reference image (16).

9. A motor vehicle having a vehicle camera, a pixel headlight (10, 12), and a control device for controlling a pixel headlight (10, 12), characterized in that the control device is designed according to claim 8.