Driver assistance system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a driver assistance system 10 for a vehicle 12, comprising at least one sensor device 14 for capturing distance data from at least one object 16 relative to the vehicle 12 in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle 12, with at least one electronic computing device 18 for estimating the real distance x to the object 16 and generating signals for at least one control device 19 for controlling the vehicle 12, whereby depending on the positioning of the vehicle 12 relative to the object 16, at least one visual output may be provided by an optical element 20 coupled to the electronic computing device 18, whereby the visual output by the optical element 20 is capable of being controlled based on a distance x to the object 18. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method, a computer program product, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The invention can help a driver in a parking situation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a driver assistance system according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method, a corresponding computer-program product, and a corresponding non-transitory storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The document US 10 384 718 B1 discloses a vehicle parking assistance in which a computing system associated with a first vehicle can receive, from sensors associated with the first vehicle, sensor data associated with a second vehicle. Additionally, the computing system can receive an indication that the second vehicle is approaching the first vehicle and can determine, based on at least some of the sensor data, that the second vehicle is moving towards a location near the first vehicle. Based on the sensor data, the computing system associated with the first vehicle can determine the position, orientation, and / or velocity of the second vehicle. Using this information, the system can generate instructions for guiding the second vehicle, such as for parking. These instructions can be conveyed through various means, including light emitters, sound emitters, and / or a remote user interface associated with the second vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a method to help a driver in a parking situation and to enhance the security in the parking situation.

[0004] The object is achieved by a driver assistance system having the features of claim 1 and a method for implementing a driving assistance with the driver assistance system such as a computer-program product, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle, comprising at least one sensor device for capturing distance data from at least one object relative to the vehicle in the immediate environment of the vehicle and with at least one electronic computing device for estimating the real distance to the object and generating signals for at least one control device for controlling the vehicle, whereby depending on the positioning of the vehicle relative to the object, at least one visual output may be provided by an optical element coupled to the electronic computing device. To solve the object of the invention it is envisaged that the visual output by the optical element is capable of being controlled or may be controlled based on a distance to the object.

[0006] While many modern vehicles are equipped with sensors or sensor devices that detect the proximity of objects or other vehicles to the vehicle, it is envisaged to utilize this information to enhance the driver's assistance options. This proximity information or information about distance is typically employed in parktronic systems (PTS) or park distance controls (PDC) to facilitate easy and safe vehicle parking. However, this often necessitates the driver's attention to be diverted to a screen displaying a 360° bird's-eye view, which may be distracting despite its advantages. Hence, the driver assistance system is designed to incorporate an optical element connected to the electronic computing device, providing a visual output that can be adjusted based on the distance to the object.

[0007] The system uses an ambient lighting strip positioned around the vehicle's interior to display distance information from sensors using colors to indicate varying degrees of proximity to external objects. As these interior ambient lights are visible to the driver through peripheral vision without causing distraction, the driver may maintain focus while parking without the need to constantly check a screen. Although interior ambient lighting has traditionally served aesthetic purposes in modern vehicles, this concept integrates them into driving assistance functionalities. It offers an alternative to existing methods such as audible alerts and on-screen visualization and may complement them.

[0008] Moreover, this ambient light may also signal the presence of moving objects approaching the vehicle, such as bicycles, providing a warning to both the driver and passengers before opening a vehicle door.

[0009] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical element is implemented as a light strip within the vehicle’s interior. In this implementation, the optical element takes the form of illuminated strips placed within the interior of the vehicle to ensure that the visual information provided by this optical element is easily visible to both the driver and passengers.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, light intensity of the optical element can be adjusted based on the distance. As objects come closer to the vehicle, the optical element may emit brighter or dimmer light, providing a dynamic and intuitive visual light to the driver regarding the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding obstacles.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical light color may be changed depending on the distance. Therefore, it is foreseen, that the optical element may modify its light color in response to exchange in proximity. For instance, it may emit a green light when there is a comfortable distance between the vehicle and an object, transitioning to for example yellow as objects get closer and finally to red when the vehicle is dangerously close. This color based feedback offers a clear and intuitive indication of potential collision risks with the object.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical element may be responsive to moving objects in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle. It is envisaged that the optical element may exhibit responsiveness to moving objects within the immediate surroundings of the vehicle. If for example pedestrians come as cyclists or other vehicles are detected as an object approaching, the optical element may convey this information visually. For example it may flash or change the color to attract the drivers’ attention and alert them to the presence of dynamic objects nearby and enhance overall safety.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, specific areas of the optical element located within the vehicle’s interior and / or individual optical elements may be controlled based on the object’s positioning relative to the vehicle. This means that different sections of the interior with different optical elements or areas of the optical elements may respond independently, providing targeted visual feedback to the driver and passenger about the specific location of the potential obstacle relative to the vehicle. For example, if a bicycle is behind the vehicle, an optical element in the back of the interior of the vehicle starts visualizing the potential danger for a collision with the bicycle.

[0014] These various advantageous embodiments collectively contribute to an enhanced driver assistance system that improves safety and provides a more intuitive and less distractive way for the driver and passengers to interact with the vehicle’s surroundings during parking and other maneuvers.

[0015] The driver assistance system for a partially automated motor vehicle comprises at least one module, one capturing device, and one electronic computing device

[0016] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0018] The drawings show in:

[0019] Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a vehicle to visualize the driver assistance system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0021] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0023] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of a cross sectional view of the vehicle 12, offering a visualisation of the driver assistance system 10. This driver assistance system 10 during various vehicle maneuvers, enhancing safety and awareness. The driver assistance system 10 for the vehicle 12 comprises at least one sensor device 14 for capturing distance data from at least one object 16 relative to the vehicle 12 in the immediate surroundings 12a of the vehicle. The driver assistance system 10 comprises at least one electronic computing device 18 for estimating the real distance x to the object 16 and to generate signals for at least one control device 19 for controlling the vehicle 12, whereby depending on the positioning of the vehicle 12 relative to the object 16, at least one visual output can be provided by an optical element 20 coupled to the electronic computing device 18. It is envisaged that the visual output by an optical element 20 may be controlled based on a distance x to the object 16, while it is possible that the optical element 20 is formed as a light strip within the interior of the vehicle 12.

[0025] In other words, the sensor device 14 is strategically positioned in the vehicle 12 to function as the sensory input for the driver assistance system 10. It captures distance data from at least one object 16 located in the immediate vicinity 12a of the vehicle 12, such as a nearby vehicle or a moving bicycle.The electronic computing device 18 processes the data received from the sensor device 14, while its primarily function is to estimate the real distance x between the vehicle 12 and the object 16 and based on this estimation to generate signals that are sent to the control device 19 to control the vehicle 12. This control device 19 serves as a command center of the driver assistance system 10, responsible for executing various vehicle functions and maneuvers in response to the incoming signals of the electronic computing device 18.

[0026] Furthermore, the optical element 20 is integrated into the vehicle’s interior and provides visual feedbacks to the driver of the vehicle 12. It is closely coupled with the electronic computing device 18 to receive instructions and to be controlled to provide visual information to the driver. Therefore, the driver assistance system 10 includes its ability to control the visual output of the optical element 20. This means that, depending on the real distance x between the vehicle 12 and object 16, the driver assistance system 10 may adjust the visual output. This dynamic feedback enhances safety and situational awareness during various driving scenarios. The optical element 20 is designed in the form of a light strip within the vehicle’s interior to ensure that the wish for feedback is easily visible to both the driver and passengers. Furthermore, the driver assistance system 10 may control the light intensity of the optical element 20 based on the distance x to brighten or dim the light emitted, providing proximity information. Moreover, the light color of the optical element 20 is capable of being adapted and may change depending on the distance x. This dynamic colour variation serves as a clear visual assistance to the driver, while it may for example change between green for long distances x to objects 16 and red for close distances x to the objects 16 and therefore possible danger of collision.

[0027] Finally, the driving assistance system 10 offers a selective control, allowing specific areas 20a, 20b of the optical elements 20 within the vehicle’s interior individuals and individual optical elements 20 to be controlled independently. This precision ensures that the visual feedback is accurately directed and reflects the positioning of the object 16 relative to the vehicle 12. For example, if there is a bicycle as the object 16 behind the vehicle 12, optical elements 20 or specific areas 20a, 20b of the optical element 20 within the back of the interior of the vehicle 12 visualize the proximity of the bicycle as the object 16 to the driver.

[0028] In summary, the driver assistance system illustrates in Fig. 1 a safety-focused driver assistance system 10 for the vehicle 12, offering enhanced situational awareness for both driver and passengers. Its dynamic visual feedback contributes to a safer and more intuitive driving experience for the driver. Signs driver assistance system vehicle immediate surroundings sensor device object electronic computing device control device optical element areas distance

Claims

1. Driver assistance system (10) for a vehicle (12), comprising at least one sensor device (14) for capturing distance data from at least one object (16) relative to the vehicle (12) in the immediate surroundings (12a) of the vehicle (12), with at least one electronic computing device (18) for estimating the real distance (x) to the object (16) and generating signals for at least one control device (19) for controlling the vehicle (12), whereby depending on the positioning of the vehicle (12) relative to the object (16), at least one visual output can be provided by an optical element (20) coupled to the electronic computing device (18), characterized in thatthe visual output by the optical element (20) is capable of being controlled based on a distance (x) to the object (18).

2. Driver assistance system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe optical element (20) is formed as a light strip within an interior of the vehicle (12).

3. Driver assistance system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata light intensity of the optical element (20) is capable of being controlled depending on the distance (x).

4. Driver assistance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe light color of the optical element (20) is capable of being changed depending on the distance (x).

5. Driver assistance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe optical element (20) is capable of being controlled depending on moving objects (16) in the immediate surroundings (12a).

6. Driver assistance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatrespective areas (20a, 20b) of the optical element (20) arranged in the interior of the vehicle (12) and / or respective optical elements (20) are capable of being controlled based on the positioning of the object (16) relative to the vehicle.

7. Method for operating a driver assistance system (10) for a vehicle (12), in which at least one sensor device (14) captures distance data from at least one object (16) relative to the vehicle (12) in the immediate surroundings (12a) of the vehicle (12), and at least one electronic computing device (18) estimates the real distance (x) to the object (16) and generates signals for at least one control device (19) for controlling the vehicle (12), whereby depending on the positioning of the vehicle (12) relative to the object (16), an optical element (20) coupled to the electronic computing device (18) provides at least one visual output, characterized in thatthe visual output by the optical element (20) is controlled based on a distance (x) to the object (18).

8. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 7.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 8.

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