Method for projecting light patterns around a vehicle and entry management system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for projecting a light pattern (1) around a vehicle (2) using a lighting device (3) of the vehicle (2), wherein the light pattern (1) is designed to contain a code, an optical reading device (4) detects the light pattern (1), and an arithmetic unit (5) connected to the reading device (4) identifies the code of the light pattern (1) and executes an operation according to the information described in the code. The method according to the present invention is such that a central processing unit (9) generates a code, first transmits the code to the vehicle (2) and the arithmetic unit (5), the arithmetic unit (5) is integrated or connected to an access control station (6), checks whether a code matching the code described in the light pattern (1) exists in the memory of the arithmetic unit (5), and if a matching code exists, retracts an obstacle (8) controllable by the access control station (6) that blocks the entrance of the area (7) so that the vehicle (2) can enter the area (7), and if the arithmetic unit (5) determines that no matching code exists in the memory, leaves the obstacle (8) at the entrance of the area (7) as it is.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for projecting a light pattern around a vehicle using a vehicle lighting device of the type specified in detail in the preamble of claim 1, and to an access management system of the type specified in detail in the preamble of claim 10 .

Background Art

[0002] Garage door openers are generally known from the prior art, such as the German Patent Application Publication No. 102005058144. For comfortable door opening, the motor for operating the garage door can be controlled by a wireless remote control. Since this wireless remote control can be carried in the vehicle, a user who wants to park in the garage does not need to get out of the vehicle to open the garage door. However, the drawback in this case is that it is necessary to carry the wireless remote control, which takes up space in the vehicle and slides around during driving, making an unpleasant noise. Also, if the wireless remote control is forgotten, the garage door cannot be opened. Furthermore, the wireless remote control can be stolen, which may allow a third party to enter the garage.

[0003] Also known are access systems for areas separated from the public road network, such as private parking lots, multi-story parking lots or company premises. To enter such an area, it is generally necessary to pass through a gate or a surveillance station. To identify a vehicle whose entry into the area is permitted, a card equipped with an RFID chip can be used. The drawbacks described in relation to the wireless remote control also apply to such cards. In addition to this, such chip cards can be easily duplicated. Furthermore, to read the RFID chip, the vehicle has to be brought close to an appropriate reading device (reader). This makes it more difficult for a vehicle that cannot stop, for example because a VIP is on board and stopping is dangerous, to enter the area.

[0004] Furthermore, automated toll booths are also known, and in this case, the license plates of each vehicle can be stored as an identification function for vehicles that have already paid, and these license plates are detected by a camera system at the toll booth. When the license plate is detected, the vehicle is permitted to enter the toll road. However, a drawback of such a system is that it can be easily bypassed. For example, an attacker could simply duplicate the license plate of an authorized vehicle and attach it to their own vehicle.

[0005] A method for controlling a moving vehicle is also known from U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0032874. This method makes it possible to control an autonomously controllable vehicle using a mobile terminal such as a tablet computer, and the mobile terminal can be used to tell the vehicle which available parking space it should park in. To connect the mobile terminal and the vehicle, the vehicle projects a light pattern, such as an optoelectronic code, into its surroundings and has the mobile terminal scan this light pattern. The mobile terminal transmits the scanned information to the vehicle wirelessly or by the vehicle reading the corresponding display of the optoelectronic code. Once the mobile terminal transmits the correct light pattern to the vehicle, the connection between the mobile terminal and the vehicle is completed.

[0006] Furthermore, German Patent No. 102020130473 describes a method and system for projecting an image object according to distance using an HD matrix headlight.

[0007] Furthermore, German Patent Application Publication No. 102016010373 discloses a method and apparatus for detecting the open state of a garage door. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method and corresponding system for controlling vehicle entry into an area, which can be performed particularly easily, comfortably, safely, and with high reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Based on the present invention, the object is a method for projecting a light pattern onto the surroundings of a vehicle using a vehicle lighting device, having the features of claim 1, and claims set forth therefor. 10 This is achieved by an admission management system having the following characteristics. Advantageous configurations and developmental forms become apparent from the claims dependent on those claims.

[0010] In the method described at the beginning, which uses the vehicle's lighting system to project a light pattern around the vehicle, the light pattern is designed to include a code, an optical reader detects the light pattern, a computing unit connected to the reader identifies the code in the light pattern, and performs an action according to the information described in the code. According to the present invention, a central computing unit generates a code and first transmits the code to the vehicle and the computing unit. The computing unit is integrated with or connected to an entry control station and checks whether a code matching the code described by the light pattern exists in the computing unit's memory. If a matching code exists, it removes any obstacles that are blocking the entrance to the area and are controllable by the entry control station, allowing the vehicle to enter the area. If the computing unit determines that no matching code exists in its memory, it leaves the obstacles at the entrance to the area as they are.

[0011] The method based on the present invention enables particularly simple, convenient, safe, and reliable vehicle access control to areas. In other words, there is no need to carry wireless remote controls, chip cards, or other identification items, and therefore there is no risk of them being lost or stolen. Furthermore, it reduces the discomfort of vehicle occupants caused by objects rolling around inside the vehicle. In addition, light patterns are relatively difficult to duplicate compared to, for example, license plates.

[0012] The optical reading device may be, for example, a camera. By fixing and installing this camera at the entrance of the area, the area around the entrance can be detected. In particular, since the optical reading device can recognize light patterns while a vehicle is in motion, entry management becomes possible without the need to stop the vehicle.

[0013] Obstacles blocking the entrance to the area may include, for example, gate barriers, retractable hydraulic cylinders, service gates, and garage doors. Therefore, the area may be a garage, a private parking lot such as a private underground parking garage within a residential complex, or a corporate site or military facility. An optical reader may be integrated into the corresponding garage or installed in the garage area, and can recognize (detect) light patterns projected from a vehicle onto upright objects such as roads or walls. The obstacles may also be virtual boundaries, also known as geofences. In the case of geofences, a vehicle or its user may be penalized for entering the area without permission. However, the projected light pattern allows the vehicle to communicate to the entry control station that it is permitted to enter the area, thereby allowing the vehicle to enter the area (without penalty).

[0014] The central computing unit may be formed by, for example, a cloud server. The central computing unit generates a code after receiving a manual request, for example, from a vehicle user or an operator at an entry control station, and transmits the code to the vehicle and computing unit in an appropriate manner, for example, wirelessly. To receive the code, the vehicle is equipped with a telematics unit and a control unit suitable for managing the code and controlling the lighting device. Mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablet computers can also be connected to the vehicle, in which case the mobile terminal is in communication with the central computing unit. Thus, a corresponding application configured to provide the functions of the method according to the present invention can be run on the mobile terminal. A computing unit integrated into or connected to an entry control station can receive the code from the central computing unit, for example via the internet, particularly via cable.

[0015] In particular, the code generation request to the central processing unit includes identifiers corresponding to each vehicle and each access control station. This allows each access control station to be assigned to the corresponding vehicle authorized to enter the area. The identifiers for each vehicle and processing unit can also be determined by the central processing unit itself, depending on the application.

[0016] The code generated by the central processing unit is stored for a long period of time within the processing unit and the vehicle (control unit), and can be used each time a vehicle enters an area for management purposes.

[0017] However, preferably, the central processing unit generates a new code each time a vehicle enters the area and transmits it to the processing unit and the vehicle. This makes entry control particularly secure, because even if an attacker learns of a particular light pattern and uses that light pattern for projection with their own vehicle, entry will no longer be permitted for that light pattern. Instead, the vehicle and entry control station use a new, individual light pattern containing the corresponding code for each entry control.

[0018] The central processing unit can be manually instructed by the vehicle user to generate and transmit codes. For example, the vehicle user can input operational actions via the vehicle's man-machine interface while stopped in front of an obstacle, or using a mobile terminal connected to the vehicle, thereby instructing the central processing unit to generate and transmit codes. The transmission of new codes / light patterns can also be synchronized with the vehicle's initiation of light pattern projection.

[0019] In a more advantageous form of this method, the light pattern is implemented by an optoelectronic code. The optoelectronic code is, for example, a one-dimensional bar code such as a barcode, or a two-dimensional pattern such as a matrix code or a QR code (registered trademark). Such an optoelectronic code can incorporate a relatively large amount of data into a relatively small light pattern. Furthermore, the optoelectronic code can be read by an optical reader regardless of the orientation or position of the projected light pattern relative to the optical reader. This enables particularly reliable code detection. The corresponding light pattern can be projected onto any surface, such as the ground on which the vehicle is traveling, or onto upright obstacles such as walls. Generally, the light pattern may be formed by, for example, a flashing pattern, especially Morse code. However, this has the disadvantage that the light pattern needs to be output for a relatively long time in order to transmit a relatively large amount of information, which increases the time required for vehicle identification.

[0020] Furthermore, in a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, at least one vehicle headlight is used to project a light pattern. Since vehicle headlights are typically directed in the direction of the vehicle's movement, they can project a light pattern onto the road surface in front of the vehicle. Projecting a light pattern in front of the vehicle is particularly suitable for recognition of the light pattern by an optical reader, as a vehicle entering an area typically has its front facing the direction of the area. Projecting the light pattern with both vehicle headlights simultaneously makes it possible to make the light pattern appear particularly clear and bright. In particular, the vehicle headlights are implemented as so-called high-resolution matrix headlights. This makes it possible to generate a wide variety of light patterns with less effort.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the light pattern includes wavelength components belonging at least partially to the infrared spectrum. Using infrared light to generate the light pattern has the advantage that people do not perceive the light pattern. In other words, projecting a light pattern does not disturb people. Therefore, the optical reader is set to detect infrared light. In this case, it is possible to output a light pattern in the infrared spectrum while operating illumination such as low beams or high beams. This eliminates the need for the vehicle driver to interrupt low beams or high beams, or to temporarily lose awareness of the surroundings due to darkness.

[0022] Furthermore, light patterns primarily generated in the visible spectrum may not be detected by optical readers because they are canceled out by other light sources, especially bright streetlights and sunlight. Since other electric lighting sources such as streetlights and sunlight have little to no intensity in the infrared spectrum, light patterns belonging to the infrared spectrum are less likely to be canceled out, thus improving detection by optical readers.

[0023] Furthermore, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the light pattern is projected into the surroundings for a period of less than 100 milliseconds, preferably less than 10 milliseconds, and particularly preferably less than 1 millisecond. This is an extremely short projection timeframe, particularly short enough that it is undetectable to humans. This also prevents people from being disturbed or interrupted by the illumination of the light pattern. In addition, projecting the light pattern for such a short projection time makes it difficult for an attacker to copy the code, as an attacker would need to accurately record an image of the light pattern when it is illuminated.

[0024] Preferably, the light pattern is projected onto the surroundings several times in succession. For example, the light pattern may be projected onto the surroundings by pulses at a specific frequency. In this case, in order for the light pattern to be recognized by an optical reader, the vehicle's lighting system and the optical reader must be synchronized with respect to the projection frequency and scanning frequency (scan rate) depending on the projection time. If the optical reader is, for example, a camera, the camera's scanning frequency matches the projection frequency, so when the vehicle projects a light pattern onto the surroundings with its lighting system, the camera always records a camera image.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, during the authentication period, a sequence of at least two different light patterns is projected onto the surroundings, and if the sequence of light patterns recognized by the reading device matches the sequence of light patterns read from the memory of the arithmetic unit, the arithmetic unit permits entry into the area. The sequence of light patterns is determined by the central processing unit and transmitted to the vehicle and the arithmetic unit. The vehicle and the arithmetic unit can store a database of possible light patterns, and those light patterns are read by the vehicle and the arithmetic unit according to the sequence received from the central processing unit. This enables an improvement in the reliability and safety of the entry management of the vehicle into the area. Therefore, it is no longer sufficient for an attacker to simply replicate a specific light pattern, and it is necessary to also grasp each sequence of correct light patterns. In particular, before the vehicle enters the area, a new sequence of light patterns can be determined by the central processing unit each time. This makes it even more difficult for an attacker to enter the area.

[0026] Preferably, when the distance from the vehicle to the access control station is below a predetermined value, the vehicle automatically starts projecting light patterns onto the surroundings. This enables a particularly comfortable access control for the vehicle user. Therefore, the vehicle user does not need to input a manual control operation to enter the area.

[0027] The distance to the vehicle entry management station is calculated by the vehicle itself, for example, by comparing the position of the vehicle and the position of the entry management station on a digital road map. The vehicle can calculate its own position based on a global navigation satellite system such as GPS, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS, etc. The vehicle or the entry management station may be equipped with a transponder or a corresponding receiver, whereby the approach of the vehicle to the entry management station can be detected. The vehicle may be equipped with one or more cameras for recognizing the surroundings, and the camera images generated by the one or more cameras are evaluated using an image recognition algorithm. Thereby, features specific to the entry management station are recognized, and thereby the vehicle can accurately identify which entry management station it is approaching. Next, the vehicle begins to project the optical patterns necessary to obtain entry permission for each entry management station onto the surroundings.

[0028] Generally, it is also possible to input a manual control operation action so as to project an optical pattern onto the surroundings. In this case, the person driving the vehicle manually selects each entry management station so that an appropriate optical pattern is projected from the vehicle.

[0029] In an entry management system including a central processing unit, a vehicle, at least one entry management station, and a computing unit integrated or connected to each entry management station, based on the present invention, each component of the entry management system is set to execute the above-described method. The vehicle may be any vehicle such as a passenger car, a truck, a van, a bus, a construction machine, etc.

[0030] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the present invention are also apparent from the examples described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0031] The only figure is a schematic top view of a vehicle whose entry from an entry management station to an area is permitted by projecting an optical pattern onto the surroundings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] In Figure 1, vehicle 2 is approaching area 7, which is closed off by access control station 6. Access control station 6 is a gate where, for example, a barrier bar, as shown in the diagram, forms an obstacle 8. Area 7 is, for example, a company premises. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Vehicle 2 is equipped with a lighting device 3, for example, a control unit 11 for controlling two vehicle headlights 10 as shown in Figure 1. The lighting device 3 projects a light pattern 1 around vehicle 2. For example, the light pattern 1 is projected onto the ground in front of vehicle 2 in the direction of travel.

[0034] Light pattern 1 contains a code that allows vehicle 2 to enter area 7. In this case, light pattern 1 is implemented as an optoelectronic code, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0035] The code can be implemented in an appropriate manner; for example, the QR code (registered trademark) illustrated in Figure 1 may include an identifier for the entry control station 6, an identifier for the vehicle 2, and an expiration date, as shown in the figure.

[0036] Light pattern 1 is recognized by an optical reader 4, such as a camera. This is possible even in a moving vehicle 2, as indicated by the arrow. The data generated by the optical reader 4 is evaluated by a processing unit 5. To do this, the processing unit 5 can identify the code of light pattern 1 and check whether the corresponding code is in the processing unit 5's memory. If the corresponding code is found, the processing unit 5 controls the entry control station 6 to remove the obstacle 8 so that the vehicle 2 can enter area 7.

[0037] At this time, the code is generated by the central processing unit 9 and distributed from there to the vehicle 2 and the processing unit 5. To communicate with the central processing unit 9, the vehicle 2 is equipped with a wireless communication interface 12, such as a telematics unit. This telematics unit is connected to the control unit 11 in order to store the code in the control unit 11.

[0038] For example, by inputting manual operation actions into the man-machine interface, the user of vehicle 2 can cause the central processing unit 9 to generate a code. At this time, the central processing unit 9 receives the identifier of the entry management station 6 or the processing unit 5, as well as the identifier of vehicle 2. Next, each vehicle 2 and each processing unit 5 receives the code. Therefore, each time vehicle 2 arrives in front of the entry management station 6, a new code is generated and sent to vehicle 2 and the processing unit 5.

[0039] In this system, centralized code management by the central processing unit 9 has the advantage of allowing users to easily and comfortably enter Area 7 even if they switch vehicles 2. For example, user identification is possible in each vehicle 2, for example, by username and password, or via an application run on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In response, the central processing unit 9 transmits a code appropriate to each vehicle 2 used by the user. Users do not need to carry other authentication objects such as wireless remote controls, transponders, or key cards. By using light patterns 1 to identify each user or vehicle 2 using the code, it also becomes difficult for attackers to gain access to Area 7. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0040] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102005058144 Specification [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 032874 [Patent Document 3] German Patent No. 102020130473 Specification [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016010373 Specification

Claims

1. A method for projecting a light pattern (1) around a vehicle (2) using a lighting device (3) of the vehicle (2), wherein the light pattern (1) is designed to include a code, an optical reader (4) detects the light pattern (1), and a calculation unit (5) connected to the optical reader (4) identifies the code in the light pattern (1) and performs an action according to the information described in the code, The central processing unit (9) generates the code and first transmits the code to the vehicle (2) and the processing unit (5). The processing unit (5) is integrated with or connected to the entrance control station (6) and checks whether a code matching the code described in the light pattern (1) exists in the memory of the processing unit (5). If a matching code exists, it removes the obstacle (8) that is blocking the entrance to the area (7) and is controllable by the entrance control station (6) so that the vehicle (2) can enter the area (7). If the processing unit (5) determines that no matching code exists in its memory, it leaves the obstacle (8) at the entrance to the area (7) as it is. A method characterized by the following:

2. The central processing unit (9) generates a new code each time the vehicle (2) enters the area (7) and transmits it to the processing unit (5) and the vehicle (2). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The aforementioned light pattern (1) is designed as an optoelectronic code. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. At least one vehicle headlight (10) is used to project the aforementioned light pattern (1). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

5. The light pattern (1) includes wavelength components that belong at least partially to the infrared spectrum. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The light pattern (1) is projected onto the surroundings for a period of less than 100 milliseconds. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. The light pattern (1) is projected onto the surroundings for a period of less than 10 milliseconds. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The light pattern (1) is projected onto the surroundings for a period of less than 1 millisecond. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

9. The light pattern (1) is projected onto the surroundings several times in succession. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that

10. During the authentication period, at least two different sequences of the light pattern (1) are projected onto the surroundings, and if the sequence of the light pattern (1) recognized by the optical reader (4) matches the sequence of the light pattern (1) read from the memory of the arithmetic unit (5), the arithmetic unit (5) permits entry to the area (7). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

11. When the distance from the vehicle (2) to the entrance control station (6) falls below a predetermined value, the vehicle (2) automatically starts projecting the light pattern (1) onto its surroundings. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

12. An access control system comprising the central processing unit (9), the vehicles (2), at least one access control station (6), and the processing units (5) integrated with or connected to each of the access control stations (6), The method described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is performed. An admission management system characterized by the following features.

Images