Vehicle occupant observation device

Abstract

Title: Occupant Observation Device for a Vehicle Passenger Compartment Observation Device (22) for observing the occupants (24) of a vehicle passenger compartment (26) comprising a lighting unit (30) using infrared radiation (40) and a receiver unit (32) for receiving infrared and visible light rays, comprising: - a cover element (46), opaque to sight and transmitting infrared light. The cover element (46) is on the side of the lighting unit (30) and the receiver unit (32) facing the passenger compartment (26); it comprises, in the area of ​​the light path, in front of the receiver unit (32), a first zone (50) transparent to visible light, and a structured layer (52) within the first zone (50). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Occupant observation device for the passenger compartment of a vehicle FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for observing the occupants of the passenger compartment of a vehicle. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] According to document DE 10 2014 214 350 Al, a method and a device for managing an occupant observation system is known.

[0003] According to document EP 1 701 290 B1, a device for capturing images of the driver is known.

[0004] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to an observation device for observing one or more occupants of a vehicle passenger compartment comprising a lighting unit for emitting infrared radiation and a receiving unit for receiving light rays, the receiving unit being able to receive infrared light rays and visible light rays, observation device characterized in that it comprises a cover element which is opaque to sight but transmits infrared light, the cover element is on the side of the lighting unit and the receiving unit facing the passenger compartment, the cover element has in the area of ​​the path of the light radiation, in front of the receiving unit, a first area transparent to visible light and the cover element has a structured layer in the first area.

[0006] The observation device advantageously allows for influencing the visibility of the driver observation system, for example, systems known as DMS or OMS. Generally, these systems allow for monitoring the occupants of a vehicle, for example, to monitor driver fatigue or behavior. Observation devices include, in particular, two optical paths: a lighting path for illuminating with near-infrared light to detect the driver and possibly other occupants, and an image path for capturing the image with the receiving unit or a camera using reflected light, particularly within the passenger compartment or from the occupants. The observation device allows for monitoring the driver as well as a video stream with high-definition images within the vehicle. For this to work, infrared and visible light must follow the image path to the receiving unit.The receiving unit can thus be perceived by the occupants.

[0007] The device according to the invention reduces the visibility or perception of the receiving unit or imaging unit, with occupant observation being carried out using infrared light. This has the advantage of preserving the functionality for fatigue detection, on which safety depends. The advantage of the invention is that occupants do not feel observed by a visible observation unit while still allowing such observation. The comfort of the observations is thus improved, and at the same time, road safety is enhanced. Advantageously, the observation device makes the receiving unit or camera invisible to the human eye, that is, it conceals them while maintaining full NIR functionality for the safety of the observation device.The observation device according to the invention prevents a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, from feeling observed by a recognizable image-capturing unit. Thus, the occupants have a greater sense of privacy.

[0008] According to one development, the layer can have a polka dot pattern. The layer can also have a checkerboard pattern or vertical or horizontal lines. The layer can also have, for example, diagonal lines. The advantage is that the device is practically imperceptible to the occupants because it is barely visible. This significantly increases comfort and safety for road traffic.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the layer is opaque to visible light. The advantage of this solution is that the device is practically invisible, which, as already mentioned, increases comfort and safety in road traffic.

[0010] According to an advantageous development, the layer is transparent to infrared light. The observation device makes it possible to render the receiving unit invisible to the human eye or to leave it barely visible, which confirms the functionality of the observation device with near-infrared (NIR) light, from a safety perspective.

[0011] According to another development, the cover element has, in the radiation path area upstream of the lighting unit, a second area transparent to visible light, the cover element having a structured layer in this second area. This ensures, in particular, the safety and reliability of the interior lighting and thus of the vehicle occupants.

[0012] According to another feature, the invention relates to a method for managing a vehicle passenger compartment occupant observation device, this method comprising the steps of:

[0013] - emit infrared radiation with the lighting unit, and

[0014] - receive the light radiation, reflected by the receiving unit.

[0015] The method may also include an additional step consisting of generating image data from the received light rays using a computing unit.

[0016] Preferably, the method has another step consisting of analyzing the image data with the computing unit. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of an observation device shown in the accompanying drawings in which

[0018] [Fig-1] Diagram of a vehicle equipped with an occupant observation device vehicle,

[0019] [Fig.2] Diagram of an observation device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0020] [Fig.3] Diagram of an observation device according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig.4] diagram of a layer of an embodiment of the invention,

[0022] [Fig.5] diagram of a layer of an embodiment of the invention,

[0023] [Fig.6] simplified diagram of the process according to the invention.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 20, for example, a motor vehicle equipped with an observation device 22 for observing an occupant 24 of the vehicle. The vehicle 20 has, in particular, a passenger compartment 26 or interior volume 26 equipped with one or more seats 28 for one or more passengers 24. The vehicle 20 has an observation device 22 for observing the occupant 24, in particular the driver or a front passenger or several passengers on the rear seat. The observation device 22 may also be called an "observation system", "driver control system", "occupant observation system" or "monitoring system". The observation device 22 is designed to capture the direction of gaze, body posture or the position of the head or face or eyes of the occupant 24 or even the state of fatigue or state of vitality of the occupant 24. One can, for example, capture the identity of the occupant 24.

[0026] To observe the occupant 24, the observation device 22 has a lighting unit 30 for emitting light rays, in particular infrared rays, and a receiving unit 32. The observation device 22 can, in particular, be integrated into the dashboard 34 or into the instrument panel 34 of the vehicle.

[0027] According to an advantageous development, the observation device 22 is integrated, in particular, into the combined instrument panel 34. Alternatively, the observation device 22 can also be located in another position within the vehicle's passenger compartment 26. 20, for example, in the steering wheel, or on the roof 38, the rearview mirror or a column of the vehicle body 20, for example, column A or column B.

[0028] The observation unit 30 is oriented specifically towards the occupant 24 and thus towards the driver's seat 28 to illuminate the occupant 24 with light rays, in particular infrared rays. In other words, the lighting unit 30 emits light rays, in particular infrared rays, towards the occupant 24. The lighting unit 30 is, for example, a lighting unit, a lighting element, an LED, OLED, or laser diode, or it comprises a lighting unit, a lighting element, a light diode, an LED, OLED, or laser diode.

[0029] The receiving unit 32 is, for example, an image-capturing unit, such as a sensor or a camera, in particular, an infrared camera module; the receiving unit 32 is oriented towards the occupant 24 and thus towards the driver's seat 28 to visually capture the occupant 24 of the vehicle. The embodiment as an infrared camera module allows for nighttime observations without the occupant 24 being illuminated or dazzled. The receiving unit 32 includes optical elements such as filter lenses and image sensors.

[0030] In other words, the observation unit 22 is designed to observe the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The observation device 22 has a lighting unit 30 for emitting light rays, in particular infrared rays, towards the passenger compartment and a receiving unit 32 for receiving light rays, in particular infrared rays; the lighting unit 30 emits light rays, in particular infrared rays, which are reflected off the passenger compartment and thus form reflected light rays, in particular infrared rays, returned towards the receiving unit 32.

[0031] The observation device 22 has a control unit 36 ​​or an operating unit 36 ​​or a computing unit 36 ​​to control the lighting unit 30 or the receiving unit 32 or to process the data from the receiving unit 32.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a diagram of an observation device 22 for observing one or more occupants installed in a passenger compartment, corresponding to an embodiment of the invention. The observation device 22 is notably made like the observation device 22 of Figure 1 or installed in a vehicle.

[0033] The observation device 22 includes a lighting unit 30 for emitting infrared radiation 40. The lighting unit 20 has one or more light sources. In an advantageous embodiment, the lighting unit 30 has at least two light sources 42, 44, in particular a first light source 42 and a second light source 44. The two light sources 42, 44 emit infrared light rays 40. The light sources 42, 44 are in particular made under The form of LED or OLED light-emitting diodes. The observation device 22 further includes a receiving unit 32 for receiving light rays. The receiving unit 32 can receive infrared radiation and visible light radiation. In other words, the light rays received by the receiving unit 32 are either infrared or visible light rays. In other words, the receiving unit 32 can receive infrared radiation, visible light radiation, or light rays visible to the human eye. In this advantageous embodiment, the receiving unit 32 is installed between the first light source 42 and the second light source 44. In other words, the first light source 42 is at a certain distance on the first side of the receiving unit 32; the second light source 44 is at a certain distance on the opposite side of the receiving unit 32.The first light source 42 and the second light source 44 surround the receiving unit 32.

[0034] The observation device 22 further has a cover element 46. The cover element 46 is an opaque cover element 46, transmitting infrared light. Moreover, the cover element 46 is installed on the lighting unit 30 and the receiving unit 32 on the side facing the passenger compartment 26. In other words, the cover element 46 is specifically located on the side 48 of the lighting unit 30 and the receiving unit 32 facing the occupants. The cover element 46 has, in the area of ​​the light beam path, in front of the receiving unit 32, a first area 50 transparent to visible light rays.

[0035] According to one development, the observation device 22 has a housing and the cover element 46 equips the housing, receiving the lighting unit 30 and the receiving unit 32 and the cover element 46.

[0036] Advantageously, the lighting unit 30, in particular the first light source 42 or the second light source 44, emits infrared rays 40; these infrared rays 40 form a lighting path or an infrared radiation path. The infrared rays are directed towards the passenger compartment and thus towards the occupants, i.e., towards the side 48 facing the occupants. In this way, the occupants, in particular their heads or faces, can be illuminated. The first cover element 46, transparent to infrared light, makes the lighting unit 30 invisible to the occupants. The infrared rays 40 reach the occupants and are reflected by them. This creates an image path whose light rays are directed towards the receiving unit 32. The infrared rays reflected by the occupants are directed towards the receiving unit 32, which receives them.The light rays thus received can be analyzed to observe the occupant(s) 24. This makes it possible to determine, for example, the condition of occupant 24. The . light rays directed towards the receiving unit 32 pass through zone 50 of the receiving unit 32.

[0037] Furthermore, the cover element 46 has a structured layer 52 in the first zone 50. The area of ​​incident light rays or the image path to the receiving unit 32 has a layer 52 on the cover element 46. The layer 52 can have a polka dot structure, a checkerboard pattern, or vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. In other words, the structure can be implemented as a polka dot structure, a checkerboard pattern, or a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line structure. The layer 52 is, for example, implemented as a coating or as a film.

[0038] Layer 52 is opaque to visible light. Advantageously, layer 52 is transparent to infrared light.

[0039] A structured layer 52 or a structured print 52 can be applied to the cover element 46. The layer 52 can be positioned, in particular, in the area of ​​the lens in front of the receiving unit to conceal the lens. This results in a less visible appearance, but one which nevertheless has only a minor influence on the optical characteristics. As the image plane is located away from the front cover, there is no impact on image quality. The structure can have, for example, a polka dot pattern, a checkerboard pattern, a pattern of vertical or horizontal lines, or other patterns. The layer is preferably applied to the inner or outer side of the cover.

[0040] According to one embodiment, zone 50 has, for example, a recess receiving layer 52. Preferably, the excess thickness of layer 52 relative to the cover element 46 is avoided by adjusting the thickness of one or both segments. According to one embodiment, another transparent layer in the infrared and visible ranges can be applied to the cover or to the first layer, thereby reducing or eliminating the height difference.

[0041] According to one development, the structured layer is used for both the lens unit and the illumination area. Alternatively, a material can be used for the structured layer that is partially transparent in the visible spectrum to avoid affecting transmission and optical quality through the patterned area. According to another development, a material is used for the structured layer that is transparent in the near-infrared range, particularly in the spectral range of 850-1000 nm, but which totally or partially absorbs the visible light spectrum. This has virtually no effect on the quality of the infrared and RGB images, while the camera remains hidden from the occupants.

[0042] Figure 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the invention of an observation device 22 for observing one or more occupants in a passenger compartment. vehicle. The observation device 22 is made in particular as the observation device 22 of [Fig. 2] or the observation device 22 is made in particular according to the observation device 22 of [Fig. 1] or it is installed 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 an occupant. Advantageously, the front face of the observation device 22 shown shows in particular the first cover element 46 with the structured layer 52 perceived by the occupant. In this advantageous embodiment, according to [Fig. 3], the layer 52 has a checkerboard structure. In other words, the structure is made as a checkerboard structure.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a diagram of a layer 52 according to one embodiment of the invention. The layer 52 can be applied to the cover element. The cover element is part of an observation device. In other words, the observation device comprises the cover element with the layer 52. The observation device 22 is made, in particular, as the observation device 22 of Figure 2 or Figure 3. The observation device 22 can also be made as the observation device 22 of Figure 1 or be installed in a vehicle. In this advantageous embodiment, the layer 52 has diagonal lines. In other words, the structure is formed by diagonal lines. The diagonal lines are in the form of a layer applied to the cover element.

[0044] Figure 5 and the diagram of a layer 52 according to another embodiment of the invention. The layer 52 may be provided on the cover element, which is in particular part of an observation device. In other words, the observation device comprises the cover element with its layer. The observation device 22 is in particular made as the observation device 22 of Figure 2 or Figure 3. Furthermore, the observation device 22 is in particular made as the observation device 22 of Figure 1 or is installed in a vehicle. According to this advantageous embodiment, the layer 52 has a Polka dot structure. In other words, the structure is a Polka dot structure.

[0045] Figure 6 is a highly simplified diagram of a method 60 for managing an observation device for observing one or more occupants of a vehicle's passenger compartment according to an embodiment of the invention. The observation device is notably made like that of Figure 2 or Figure 3. The observation device may, in particular, be made like the observation device of Figure 1 or be installed in a vehicle. In a first step 62 of the method 60, the lighting unit emits infrared light beams. In a second step 64 of the method 60, the receiving unit receives the light beams. The method 60 may have another step consisting of generating image data from the received light beams. using a computing unit. Process 60 may also have another step of analyzing image data by a computing unit.

Claims

Claims

1. An observation device (22) for observing one or more occupants (24) of a vehicle passenger compartment (26) comprising a lighting unit (30) for emitting infrared radiation (40) and a receiving unit (32) for receiving the light rays, the receiving unit (32) being capable of receiving infrared light rays and visible light rays, the observation device characterized in that it comprises: - a cover element (46), - the cover element (46) is a cover element opaque to view but transmits infrared light, - the cover element (46) is on the side of the lighting unit (30) and the receiving unit (32) facing the passenger compartment (26), - the cover element (46) has a first area (50) transparent to visible light in the area of ​​the path of the light radiation, in front of the receiving unit (32), and - the cover element (46) has a layer structured (52) in the first zone (50).

2. Observation device (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer (32) has a Polka dot structure.

3. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (52) has a checkerboard structure.

4. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (52) has vertical or horizontal lines.

5. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (52) has diagonal lines.

6. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (52) is in the form of a layer (52) opaque to visible light radiation.

7. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (52) is a layer transparent to infrared radiation (52).

8. Observation device (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (46) has in a region of the light radiation path in front of the lighting unit (30), a second region (55) transparent to visible light radiation, and the cover element (46) has a structured layer in the second region.

9. Method (60) for managing an observation device (22) for observing one or more occupants (24) of a vehicle passenger compartment (26) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - emitting infrared radiation (40) by the lighting unit (30), - receiving the light radiation by the receiving unit (32).

10. The method (60) of claim 10, comprising a further step of generating image data from the received light rays using a computing unit (36).

11. Method (60) according to claim 10, comprising a further step of: - analyzing the image data with the calculation unit (36).

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