Method for illuminating a pedestrian crossing that leads across a road, illumination device for carrying out said method, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (1) for illuminating a pedestrian crossing (3) that leads across a road (2), wherein an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle (4) which is travelling on the road (2) approaches the pedestrian crossing (3). According to the invention, during the approach of the vehicle (4) to the pedestrian crossing (3), a road user (5) intending to cross the road (2) is detected by the vehicle (4) using sensors, wherein, in response to the detection of the road user (5), the vehicle (4) projects a light image (6) onto the road (2) and, as soon as the vehicle (4) has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing (3), at least sections of the pedestrian crossing (3) are illuminated by the vehicle (4) for the road user (5). The invention also relates to an illumination device (14) designed to carry out the proposed method (1) and to an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle (4) that has such an illumination device (14) or is designed to carry out the proposed method (1).

Description

[0001] Method for illuminating a pedestrian crossing leading over a road, lighting device for carrying out the same and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a method for illuminating a pedestrian crossing leading over a road. The invention particularly relates to a lighting device for implementing the method according to the invention, and further particularly to an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle that has said lighting device or is configured to implement the method according to the invention.

[0003] DE 102018 008213 A1 discloses a method for visualizing a pedestrian crossing for a road user attempting to cross the road. After a vehicle has detected a corresponding road user through sensors, an image in the form of a zebra crossing is projected onto the road via the vehicle's pixel headlights or similar. The projecting vehicle communicates with other vehicles traveling on the road, allowing the road user to be guided safely across the road.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a method compared to the prior art by means of which a road user can be guided safely across a road.

[0005] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The invention is based on the general idea that a road user who wishes to use a pedestrian crossing to cross a road can be guided safely across the road if a vehicle moving towards the pedestrian crossing at the same time first detects the road user by sensor, then informs the same of the successful detection and then, as soon as the vehicle has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing, illuminates the pedestrian crossing.

[0007] For this purpose, a method for illuminating a pedestrian crossing leading over a road is proposed, within the framework of which a vehicle driving on the road, which can be controlled autonomously and / or manually, moves towards the pedestrian crossing. The vehicle is configured to detect a road user, e.g., a pedestrian or a cyclist, who intends to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing using a sensor device on the vehicle. This can mean, in particular, that the vehicle is configured, on the one hand, to detect a corresponding road user as such (e.g., based on physical characteristics) and / or their movement pattern (e.g., a movement trajectory curve) and, if necessary, to determine their intentions and a future movement pattern and / or, on the other hand, to detect features of a pedestrian crossing leading over the road (e.g., parallel, white bars, traffic signs, and the like).The sensor device can be implemented by a conventional, in particular commercially available sensor device for vehicles. It is essential for the invention that the vehicle, as it approaches the pedestrian crossing, i.e. as the vehicle moves towards the pedestrian crossing in one direction of travel at a given speed, detects by sensor a road user intending to cross the road by means of the pedestrian crossing. The method according to the invention further provides that, in response to detecting the road user, the vehicle projects a light image onto the road for the road user, in particular exclusively as it approaches the pedestrian crossing. Furthermore, it is provided that, as soon as the vehicle has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing, the vehicle illuminates at least part of the pedestrian crossing for the road user.

[0008] The proposed method can significantly improve the safety of road users at pedestrian crossings. This is based on the fact that a vehicle approaching a pedestrian crossing initially signals to the detected road user at the pedestrian crossing, using the aforementioned photo, that the vehicle has successfully detected the pedestrian before the actual crossing. This provides the road user with confidence-inspiring confirmation that the vehicle is functioning properly and will respond appropriately to the road user, for example, by decelerating the vehicle.When the vehicle is stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing, the pedestrian crossing is illuminated at least in sections by the vehicle, which enables road users to cross the road comfortably and safely, particularly at dusk or at night and at pedestrian crossings without lighting.

[0009] It can expediently be provided that the light image is configured in such a way that it signals to the road user as a confirmation signal that the road user has been successfully recognized by the vehicle. In other words, the light image provided is preferably designed in such a way that it is immediately and possibly intuitively understood by the road user as confirmation that they have been recognized by the vehicle or the vehicle's sensor device. The road user, who is weaker than the vehicle, can thus be sure that the vehicle, in particular the autonomously controlled vehicle, will slow down and stop before the pedestrian crossing. This measure can in particular contribute to increasing the acceptance of autonomously controlled vehicles, since the light image can also serve as a control option for the road user to ensure the correct functioning of the autonomously controlled vehicle.

[0010] It is also expedient for the light image to be configured in such a way that, in the case of a manually controlled vehicle, it acts as a warning signal to the road user that the vehicle is being driven manually. It is expedient for the light image acting as a warning signal to be provided until the manually controlled vehicle falls below a predetermined speed limit. The speed limit can be, for example, walking pace or another vehicle speed controllable by the road user. Alternatively, the light image acting as a warning signal can be provided until the manually controlled vehicle has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing. The light image acting as a warning signal is, in particular, configured in such a way that it is immediately and, where appropriate, intuitively understood by the road user as a warning or indication that the pedestrian crossing may only be crossed when the vehicle is stationary.

[0011] It is practical to switch off the light pattern as soon as the vehicle stops in front of the pedestrian crossing. This provides the road user with a visual indication that the vehicle has completely stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing and that the pedestrian crossing can be crossed safely. In principle, the light pattern could remain switched on even when the vehicle is stopped, for example, to provide even better illumination of the pedestrian crossing and / or the area surrounding the vehicle and / or the pedestrian crossing.

[0012] Furthermore, it is expediently provided that the light pattern is formed by light-shaping elements. The light-shaping elements are expediently two-dimensional light projections projected onto the road. The light-shaping elements are preferably formed separately, but they can also merge into one another, so to speak. The light-shaping elements are preferably generated by pixel headlights. The light-shaping elements can be varied in intensity and brightness. In particular, they can also be designed to flash.

[0013] Corresponding light elements can expediently be formed as circular, elliptical, or oval-shaped light elements and / or as linear light elements. Preferably, the circular, elliptical, or oval-shaped light elements and / or the linear light elements as a whole produce a light image that is recognized by the road user as a confirmation signal. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the light elements, in addition to or alternatively to circular, elliptical, oval, and / or linear light elements, are formed as written or warning symbols. Such light elements can be interpreted by the road user particularly easily, quickly, and possibly intuitively as a warning signal.

[0014] Furthermore, it is expediently provided that a single circular, elliptical, or oval-shaped light element is formed on each of the opposite longitudinal sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, it can be provided that two linear light elements are formed in front of the vehicle in a direction of travel, which are aligned parallel to the direction of travel and / or which are spaced apart transversely to the direction of travel by a distance determined by features of the vehicle or by features of the pedestrian crossing. The distance can, for example, correspond to half the width of the road or half the length of the pedestrian crossing.

[0015] It is expediently provided that the circular, elliptical, or oval-shaped light-shaping elements are projected onto the road by the vehicle's cornering lights for emitting light, or by at least one laser- or LED-based light module of the vehicle for emitting light. Furthermore, it can be provided that the linear light-shaping elements are each projected onto the road by a headlight of the vehicle for emitting light and / or by a laser- or LED-based light module of the vehicle for emitting light. This allows the light pattern or the light-shaping elements to be provided relatively inexpensively and, if necessary, using conventional vehicle lights.

[0016] Furthermore, it is expediently provided that the at least partial illumination of the pedestrian crossing is realized using the vehicle's headlights for emitting light and / or at least one laser- or LED-based light module of the vehicle for emitting light. The pedestrian crossing can be illuminated relatively easily using the vehicle's headlights and / or the laser- or LED-based light module. An illuminated surface section of the pedestrian crossing can, for example, be rectangular, circular, elliptical, or oval.

[0017] It is expedient to illuminate a section of the pedestrian crossing that lies in front of the vehicle in one direction of travel. This section of the pedestrian crossing may expediently have an area that corresponds to half the total area of ​​the pedestrian crossing or at least half the total area of ​​the pedestrian crossing.

[0018] A further basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a lighting device for a vehicle that is configured for autonomous and / or manual control, by means of which the method described above can be carried out. For this purpose, a lighting device is proposed that is configured for an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle and comprises: a headlight for emitting light and / or cornering lights for emitting light and / or at least one laser- or LED-based light module for emitting light. These components of the lighting device are expediently configured to project a light image onto a road and to illuminate a pedestrian crossing at least in section. The lighting device also has a control device that is configured to carry out the proposed method.This provides a cost-effective and simple device with which the method described above can be carried out. A further basic idea of ​​the invention is to specify an advantageous vehicle which is either equipped with said lighting device or is configured to carry out the proposed method. For this purpose, an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle is proposed which has a lighting device according to the type described above or which is configured to carry out the proposed method. This provides an advantageous vehicle which, in order to improve the safety of road users, communicates with a detected road user when approaching a pedestrian crossing in order to inform the latter of its sensory detection, and illuminates the pedestrian crossing for the road user, at least in section, when stopped at the pedestrian crossing.

[0019] In summary, the invention expediently relates to a method for illuminating a pedestrian crossing leading over a road, wherein a vehicle traveling on the road, which can be controlled autonomously and / or manually, moves toward the pedestrian crossing. It is essential that, as the vehicle approaches the pedestrian crossing, a road user wishing to cross the road is detected by the vehicle's sensors. In response to the detection of the road user, the vehicle projects a light image onto the road. As soon as the vehicle stops in front of the pedestrian crossing, the pedestrian crossing is illuminated by the vehicle for the road user, at least in sections.The invention further relates to a lighting device configured to carry out the proposed method and to an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle having such a lighting device or being configured to carry out the proposed method.

[0020] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawing and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawing.

[0021] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0022] It shows schematically:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a section of a road with a pedestrian crossing in a highly simplified plan view, wherein a vehicle carries out the method according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a highly simplified, purely symbolic plan view of a section of a two-lane road 2, over which a pedestrian crossing, designated as a whole by the number 3, runs. Corresponding pedestrian crossings 3 are formed by road markings in the form of parallel, white bars, which are therefore also colloquially known as zebra crossings. In the present case, a current traffic situation is indicated in which a road user 5, who is a pedestrian for example and is located to the side of the pedestrian crossing 3, wishes to use the pedestrian crossing 3 to safely cross the road 2. At the same time, a vehicle 4, indicated by a small box, is moving in a direction of travel 12 towards the pedestrian crossing 3.The vehicle 4 is designed purely as an example to be autonomous and / or manually controllable and has a sensor device (not illustrated) for detecting road users 5 as well as a lighting device 14 (also not illustrated in detail but merely indicated by a box), which has headlights for emitting light and / or cornering lights for emitting light and / or at least one laser or LED-based light module for emitting light as well as a control device for carrying out the method 1 presented below.

[0025] In order to improve the safety of road user 5 when using pedestrian crossing 3 and to increase the acceptance of autonomously controlled vehicles 4 in particular, the invention proposes a method 1 for illuminating the pedestrian crossing 3 leading over road 2. Within the scope of method 1, it is provided that the vehicle 4, as it approaches pedestrian crossing 3, uses sensors to detect road user 5 who intends to cross road 2 using pedestrian crossing 3. In response to detecting road user 5, it is provided that during and in particular exclusively as the vehicle 4 approaches pedestrian crossing 3, the vehicle 4 projects a light image 6 onto road 2 for road user 5.The light image 6 is formed by several separate light-shaping elements 8, 9, which as a whole signal to the road user 5 as a confirmation signal that the road user 5 has been successfully recognized by the vehicle 4. Purely by way of example, it is provided that two first, circular, elliptical, or oval-shaped light-shaping elements 8 are formed on opposite longitudinal sides of the vehicle 4; these are each indicated in Fig. 1 by two simple dashed ellipses. Furthermore, it is provided that two second, linear light-shaping elements 9 are formed in front of the vehicle 4 in the direction of travel 12, which are again each symbolized in Fig. 1 by two simple dashed ellipses. The two second light-shaping elements 9 are aligned parallel to the direction of travel and have a distance between them transverse to the direction of travel 12 that approximately corresponds to the width of the vehicle 4 or the width of a lane on the road 4.

[0026] According to the proposed method 1, it is further provided that the provided light image 6 is provided continuously / permanently as the vehicle 4 approaches the pedestrian crossing 3 and is switched off as soon as the vehicle 4 has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing 3. In order to enable the road user 5 to cross the road 4 safely with respect to the vehicle 4, the method 1 further proposes that, as soon as the vehicle 4 has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing 3, the pedestrian crossing 3 is illuminated by the vehicle 4 for the road user 5, at least in sections, so that the road user 5 can better recognize the pedestrian crossing 3 and, if applicable, the surroundings of the pedestrian crossing 3. In Fig. 1, it is provided purely by way of example that a section 13 of the surface of the pedestrian crossing 3 located directly in front of the vehicle 4 in the direction of travel 12 is illuminated.The area section 13 has, purely as an example, a surface area that corresponds approximately to half the total surface area of ​​the pedestrian crossing 3. It goes without saying that, within the scope of the method, not only the indicated area section 13 of the pedestrian crossing 3 but possibly a smaller area section of the pedestrian crossing 3 or possibly a larger area section of the pedestrian crossing 3 or the entire area of ​​the pedestrian crossing 3 could be illuminated by the vehicle 4.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (1) for illuminating a pedestrian crossing (3) leading over a road (2), - wherein a vehicle (4) traveling on the road (2) and being autonomously and / or manually controllable moves towards the pedestrian crossing (3) and is designed to detect a road user (5) wishing to cross the road (2) by means of the pedestrian crossing (3) using a sensor device of the vehicle (4), characterized in that - a road user (5) wishing to cross the road (2) by means of the pedestrian crossing (3) is detected by the vehicle (4) as it approaches the pedestrian crossing (3), - wherein, in response to the detection of the road user (5), a light image (6) is projected onto the road (2) for the road user (5) by the vehicle (4) as it approaches the pedestrian crossing (3), and - wherein the pedestrian crossing (3) is illuminated by the vehicle (4) for the road user (5) at least in sections as soon as the vehicle (4) has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing (3).

2. Method (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the photograph (6) is configured in such a way that it is presented to the road user (5) as Confirmation signal signals the successful recognition of the road user (5) by the vehicle (4).

3. Method (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - in the case of a manually controlled vehicle (4), the light image (6) is configured in such a way that it signals to the road user (5) as a warning signal that the vehicle (4) is being driven manually.

4. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the light image (6) is switched off as soon as the vehicle (4) has stopped in front of the pedestrian crossing (3).

5. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the light image (6) is formed by light-shaping elements (8,9).

6. Method (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that - the light-shaping elements (8, 9) are formed as circular, elliptical or oval-shaped light-shaping elements (8) and / or linear light-shaping elements (9), are varied in their intensity or are designed to flash.

7. Method (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that - a single first circular, elliptical or oval light-shaping element (8) is formed on opposite longitudinal sides of the vehicle (4), - in a direction of travel (12) in front of the vehicle (4), two second, linear light-shaping elements (9) are formed, which are aligned parallel to the direction of travel and / or which have a distance between them transversely to the direction of travel (12) which is predetermined by features of the vehicle (4) or features of the pedestrian crossing (3).

8. Method (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that - the first light-shaping elements (8) are projected onto the road (2) by cornering lights of the vehicle (4) for emitting light or by at least one laser- or LED-based light module of the vehicle (4) for emitting light, and / or - the second light shaping elements (9) are projected onto the road (2) by headlights of the vehicle (4) for emitting light and / or by at least one laser or LED-based light module of the vehicle (4) for emitting light.

9. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least partial illumination of the pedestrian crossing (3) is realized by means of headlights of the vehicle (4) for emitting light and / or by at least one laser or LED-based light module of the vehicle (4) for emitting light.

10. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a section (13) of the pedestrian crossing (3) lying in front of the vehicle (4) in a direction of travel (12) is illuminated.

11. Lighting device (14) for an autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle (4), - comprising headlights for emitting light and / or cornering lights for emitting light and / or at least one laser or LED-based light module for emitting light, which are configured to project a light image (6) onto a road (2) and to illuminate a pedestrian crossing (3), - a control device which is arranged to carry out the method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Autonomously and / or manually controllable vehicle (4) having a lighting device (14) according to claim 11 or configured to carry out the method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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