Camera-based orientation of a headlight adjustment tester

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for assisting in the orientation of a headlight adjustment tester, with respect to a vehicle using a camera, and to a system comprising a headlight adjustment tester and to a camera designed to carry out the method.

Description

[0001] Camera-assisted alignment of a headlight adjustment tester

[0002] The present invention relates to a method at least for assisting in the alignment of a headlight adjustment test device, SEP, with respect to a vehicle with the aid of a camera, as well as a system comprising an SEP and a camera, which is designed to carry out the method.

[0003] In many cases, vehicle headlights must be aimed in a specific way and meet other specific conditions, such as legal requirements. For example, the light distribution produced by the headlight must be within a certain height range, and in some cases the light distribution should also have a certain shape. The light emitted by the headlight should also be at a certain angle to the roadway. To measure the light distribution produced by the headlight, headlight alignment test devices (SEPs) are typically used. These are positioned in front of the headlight and have means designed to record the light emitted by the headlight and, if necessary, measure the produced light distribution. The headlight can then be adjusted based on the measurement results.

[0004] For reliable and accurate measurement of the light distribution generated by the headlight using a SEP, it is necessary that the SEP be aligned with respect to the vehicle. For example, devices with line lasers are known for aligning SEPs. Using the line laser, the SEP can be aligned as follows:

[0005] First, a line laser is positioned above the SEP and connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. The line laser is arranged such that a laser line generated by the line laser is aligned perpendicular to the optical axis of the SEP. Furthermore, two locations of the cid points are defined on the vehicle body, arranged symmetrically to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The SEP is then positioned at a specific distance in front of the headlights. The SEP is then rotated and aligned together with the line laser so that the laser line touches or intersects the two previously defined points on the vehicle body. In this way, the optical axis of the SEP can be aligned parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0006] Aligning the optics housing using a line laser, as is known in the prior art, has several disadvantages. Particularly in large vehicles with high engine compartments, the laser beam shines at a shallow angle onto the vehicle. The shallow angle and the widened beam mean that precise alignment is sometimes difficult to determine with the human eye. On vehicles with dark or highly reflective paint or in bright ambient lighting, the laser line is usually difficult to see. However, the laser intensity is limited by the laser protection class. Higher laser protection classes are not practical for use in a workshop.

[0007] Another problem can arise if the SEP cannot be positioned level in front of the vehicle. In this case, the laser line is projected at an angle onto the vehicle. The roll angle is crucial here. If the device is nevertheless aligned so that the laser line touches two symmetrical points, this will result in misalignment.

[0008] Furthermore, devices with cameras that are used to align SEPs are known from DE 10 2014 016116 Al and US 2020 / 103308 Al.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve and / or simplify the alignment of a headlight alignment tester (SEP) with respect to a vehicle. This object is achieved by a method at least for assisting in the alignment of a headlight alignment tester (SEP) with respect to a vehicle using a camera according to claim 1, as well as by a system according to the independent system claim, comprising a headlight alignment tester (SEP) and a camera, which is designed to carry out the method.

[0010] According to one aspect, a method is proposed at least for assisting in the alignment of a SEP with respect to a vehicle using a camera. The method comprises the following steps:

[0011] • Capturing at least one image of at least a partial area of ​​the vehicle using the camera,

[0012] • Generating alignment data to assist in aligning the SEP with respect to the vehicle using reference data and the at least one captured image of the vehicle.

[0013] In the context of this disclosure, an SEP can be understood as any means suitable for detecting and / or measuring a light distribution emitted by a headlight. This can be implemented, for example, by devices such as a light detection unit, which projects the light emitted by the headlight with an input optic, for example at least one lens, onto a screen or a light-sensitive sensor, such as a camera sensor. The screen or the light-sensitive sensor can, for example, be arranged in the focal plane of the input optic. The SEP can typically have a light detection unit with an input optic, such as an input lens, onto which the light emitted by the headlight impinges, for example, first impinges. The input lens can, for example, be designed as a Fresnel lens.Advantageously, the light detection unit can be mounted on a stand arrangement in a height-adjustable manner. It is particularly advantageous if these devices have rollers or wheels and can be moved in a direction transverse to the optical axis, particularly perpendicular to the optical axis. Sometimes, a levelable rail system is provided on which the SEP can be moved back and forth.

[0014] Aligning the SEP with respect to a vehicle can be understood to mean that the SEP is brought into a position in which at least one specific axis or a specific plane of the SEP and a specific axis or a specific plane of the vehicle enclose an angle with a specific angular dimension or are arranged parallel to one another. A specific axis of the SEP can, for example, be the optical axis of the SEP. The optical axis of the SEP typically refers to the optical axis of the part of the device which is designed for receiving, measuring or detecting the headlight light and can, for example, be formed by the rotational symmetry axis of the entrance lens of the SEP. Therefore, when reference is made below to the optical axis of the SEP, this can mean the optical axis of a light detection unit of the SEP.A specific plane of the SEP can, for example, be a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the SEP. A specific axis of the vehicle can, for example, be the geometric driving axis or a longitudinal or transverse axis of the vehicle. A specific plane of the vehicle can, for example, be a plane of symmetry of the vehicle. Advantageously, the alignment of the SEP can also include positioning the SEP relative to the vehicle such that the distance between the SEP and the vehicle has a specific length.

[0015] Capturing the image of the vehicle can comprise imaging a partial area of ​​the vehicle using optics onto a camera sensor or a screen. Capturing the image of the vehicle can, in particular, comprise capturing or imaging at least a partial area of ​​an upper side of the vehicle and / or an engine compartment and / or the hood and / or the body using the camera. Advantageously, the camera can capture an area that lies in front of the SEP in the viewing direction of the SEP, in particular an area of ​​at least 0.5 m and / or at most 2.0 m in front of the SEP. Advantageously, the optical axis of the camera forms an angle of more than 0° and / or less than or equal to 90° with the optical axis of the SEP. In some embodiments, the optical axis of the camera and the optical axis of the SEP form an angle of more than 30° and / or less than 60°.In particular, the optical axis of the SEP and the projection of the optical axis of the camera onto a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the SEP can enclose an angle of more than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, or an angle of more than 30° and less than 60°. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the camera and the SEP can be arranged such that their optical axes are arranged in a common plane or the projections of the two optical axes onto a plane, advantageously a ground plane, are parallel to one another. The camera is often arranged above the SEP. The SEP itself is designed to receive and / or measure the light from the headlight.

[0016] Furthermore, alignment data is generated that can assist a user in aligning an SEP. Alignment data can generally be understood as information or values ​​that describe the current alignment of the SEP relative to the vehicle and / or a current deviation of the alignment of the SEP relative to the vehicle. This can particularly be understood as information that describes the size of an angle that a specific axis of the SEP forms with a specific axis of the vehicle and / or information that describes a distance of the SEP from the vehicle or the corresponding deviation therefrom. The alignment data do not have to be limited to one or more scalar values, but can also take on more abstract forms within the scope of this disclosure. Alignment data can therefore generally also be viewed as representation forms such as the overlay of reference data with the captured image.Alignment data can also be image data, such as an image representing the overlay of an image captured by the camera with a reference image. Alignment data can also be data indicating whether or not the SEP is properly aligned with the vehicle. Consequently, alignment data can also, for example, assume only two values, such as "aligned" or "not aligned." Percentage or relative values ​​are also possible.

[0017] The reference data are characterized, for example, by the fact that they contain information about a predetermined orientation of the camera relative to the SEP. A further step of the method can therefore also be determining the orientation of the camera relative to the SEP, if this is not known. As a rule, however, the camera and the SEP have a fixed and known orientation to one another. The orientation of the camera relative to the SEP can, for example, comprise the angle between the optical axes of the camera and the SEP. If necessary, a further step of the method can be using the previously determined orientation of the camera relative to the SEP to generate reference data. The SEP can be arranged so as to be rotationally fixed and / or height adjustable relative to the camera. Conversely, the camera can be arranged so as to be rotationally fixed and / or height adjustable relative to the SEP.

[0018] To generate the alignment data, reference data and the at least one captured image of the vehicle are used. This can mean, for example, that the captured image is compared with a reference image and the alignment data is determined from this. This can also mean that only certain points, sub-areas or locations of the captured image are compared with certain points, sub-areas or locations of a reference image and the alignment data is generated from the result of the comparison. In advantageous embodiments of the method, supporting the alignment comprises determining the alignment of the SEP with respect to the vehicle and / or aligning the SEP with respect to the vehicle. This can mean that at least the angle between an SEP axis or plane and a vehicle axis or plane is determined as alignment data.The SEP can then be positioned such that a specific angle is set between the SEP axis or plane and a vehicle axis or plane. In this case, the SEP can be aligned by rotating the SEP such that the orientation of the SEP with respect to the vehicle has a specific orientation, in which, for example, a specific angle is set between the SEP and the vehicle. Aligning the SEP can also include, for example, calculating a difference angle between the orientation determined in the determination step and the intended orientation and subsequently rotating the SEP by the calculated angle.

[0019] In further advantageous embodiments of the method, the image and / or the reference data and / or the alignment data are transmitted to a display device. The transmission can be wired, such as via copper cables or fiber optics, or wireless, such as via WiFi or Bluetooth. Particularly advantageous developments of this embodiment of the method comprise the steps: displaying the image and / or the reference data and / or the alignment data by the display device, and aligning the SEP based on the displayed image and / or the displayed reference data and / or the displayed alignment data. A user can, for example, use the alignment data to align the SEP. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to display the captured image of the vehicle and / or the reference data used.This allows a user to gain an overview of the data used to generate the alignment data.

[0020] In advantageous optional embodiments of the method, the captured image is overlaid with the reference data when generating the alignment data. This allows, for example, a user viewing the overlaid images to see or recognize deviations from a desired alignment of the SEP relative to the vehicle and to align the SEP based on this data. The reference data can preferably comprise a straight line. The reference data can thus be displayed as a straight line. The straight line can advantageously represent a line that is perpendicular or parallel to the optical axis of the SEP.

[0021] In particularly advantageous embodiments, when the image of the vehicle is captured by the camera, at least two orientation points of the vehicle defined by the SEP and / or by a user are captured and mapped onto pixels of the captured image and / or a camera sensor of the camera. The mapped orientation points and the reference data can be used to generate the alignment data. In principle, any points or locations on the vehicle that can be captured by the camera can be used as orientation points. Advantageously, the orientation points are characteristic locations on the vehicle body, such as screw-on points or visible screw heads. Particularly preferably, the orientation points are arranged substantially symmetrically around a vehicle axis or the plane of symmetry of the vehicle. In this way, the SEP can, for example, be particularly easily aligned to a plane of symmetry of the vehicle.The landmarks can be located in a portion of the vehicle's top surface and / or an engine compartment and / or the hood and / or the vehicle body. The landmarks can be determined ad hoc by a user through visual inspection. They can also be predefined for a specific vehicle type.

[0022] The captured image can, for example, be overlaid with reference data. The reference data is preferably represented as a line. Advantageously, the captured image with the overlaid line can be displayed on a display unit. The line can be overlaid with the camera images without distortion, regardless of the camera's orientation angle. For example, the line can be designed such that it runs through two landmarks on the vehicle when the SEP is aligned as intended. If the line is overlaid with the captured image, the vehicle's landmarks lie below the line precisely when the SEP has the intended orientation. In this embodiment, the SEP can therefore be rotated or tilted until the line overlaps with the landmarks in the captured image, so that the SEP is aligned.The alignment of the SEP can thus be carried out, for example, by rotating and / or tilting the SEP such that, after the rotation and / or tilting of the SEP, predetermined areas of the acquired image and predetermined areas of the reference data overlap with each other.

[0023] In further advantageous embodiments of the method, the reference data comprises a set of predetermined pixels of the camera, in particular pixels arranged next to one another along a line, or a set of predetermined image points in the captured image, in particular pixels arranged next to one another along a line. This allows the orientation of the vehicle in the captured image relative to the SEP to be determined, particularly if the orientation of the SEP to the camera is known.

[0024] Advantageously, for example, the orientation of the camera with respect to the SEP can be determined first and then the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the SEP can be determined.

[0025] Advantageous further developments of the method comprise the steps of: determining an angle between a transverse or longitudinal axis of a vehicle body and a preferred axis of the SEP based on the generated alignment data and / or determining an angle between a geometric driving axis of the vehicle and the preferred axis of the SEP based on the generated alignment data. The preferred axis of the SEP can, for example, be the optical axis of the SEP.

[0026] Advantageous developments of the method comprise the steps: determining a direction of rotation of the SEP using the alignment data, wherein the direction of rotation is a direction in which the SEP can be rotated about a vertical axis in order to reduce a deviation of an angle determined from the generated alignment data from a previously defined angle and / or to reduce a deviation of the generated alignment data from previously defined alignment data values. The previously defined angle can, for example, be an angle that should correspond to the angle in the intended alignment. The method can thus assist a user in determining the direction of rotation with which the SEP can be converted into the intended alignment.

[0027] Further advantageous developments of the method include the steps of: aligning the SEP with respect to the vehicle by an actuator or a user such that a deviation of an angle determined from the generated alignment data from a previously defined angle is reduced and / or such that a deviation of the generated alignment data from previously defined alignment data values ​​is reduced. This allows, for example, the SEP to be automatically transferred to the intended alignment.

[0028] Particularly advantageous developments of the method include the steps of illuminating the SEP with a headlight of the vehicle to acquire SEP measurement data, and preferably using the alignment data by the SEP to correct the SEP measurement data according to the transmitted alignment data. The SEP measurement data, for example, an intensity distribution generated by a headlight, can depend on the alignment of the SEP relative to the headlight and consequently relative to the vehicle. For example, distortions in the light distribution can occur if the SEP is not properly aligned. However, these SEP measurement data can be corrected accordingly if the alignment of the SEP relative to the vehicle is known.

[0029] In particularly advantageous developments of the method, the at least one image of the vehicle captured by the camera is a shot of a portion of the vehicle's engine compartment and / or hood and / or a frontal view of the vehicle. The engine compartment or hood of the vehicle, for example, has elements that may be characteristic of a vehicle's longitudinal or transverse axis. For example, symmetrically arranged screw points or visible screw heads.

[0030] In further advantageous developments, a camera tilt angle, preferably determined using an inclinometer, can be used when generating the alignment data. This allows, for example, the reference data to be corrected accordingly based on the tilt angle. Furthermore, values ​​from the inclinometer can be used to determine the camera's alignment with respect to the SEP.

[0031] According to a further aspect, a system is also proposed, comprising a headlight adjustment test device, SEP, and a camera, wherein the system is designed to carry out the method described above.

[0032] In advantageous developments of the system, the SEP comprises a light detection unit for detecting a light distribution generated by a headlight of the vehicle, with the vehicle being located within a detection range of the SEP. The light distribution can be understood as the intensity distribution generated by the headlight.

[0033] In further advantageous developments of the system, the camera is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the SEP and is designed to detect the vehicle at least when the SEP is aligned as intended. In this case, the orientation of the SEP relative to the camera is known at all times.

[0034] Advantageously, the camera is aligned such that it can capture an area that lies in front of the SEP, in particular an area of ​​at least 0.5 m and / or at most 2.0 m in front of the SEP. Advantageously, the camera is aligned such that the viewing direction of the camera forms an angle of more than 0° and less than or equal to 90° with the optical axis of the SEP. Advantageously, the optical axis of the camera forms an angle of more than 0° and less than or equal to 90° with the optical axis of the SEP. In some embodiments, the optical axis of the camera and the optical axis of the SEP form an angle of more than 30° and / or less than 60°. In further embodiments, the SEP can be configured such that the optical axis of the SEP is aligned horizontally.In particularly advantageous embodiments, the camera and the SEP can be arranged such that their optical axes are arranged in a common plane or the projection of the two optical axes onto a plane, advantageously a ground plane, are parallel to each other.

[0035] In advantageous developments of the system, the system further comprises a processor configured to generate alignment data for aligning the SEP with respect to the vehicle and / or for determining the alignment of the SEP with respect to the vehicle using reference data and the captured image of the vehicle.

[0036] In advantageous developments of the system, the system further comprises a display device for displaying the image of the vehicle and / or the reference data and / or the alignment data. The display device can, for example, comprise a screen or a display, and / or a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. In some cases, the display device can also comprise only a light-emitting element, for example a lamp or an LED. This can be advantageous, for example, in embodiments in which the alignment data has a small value range, such as the two values ​​"aligned" and "not aligned." Different values ​​of the alignment data can generally also be displayed by the display device emitting light of a specific color for each value or by emitting no light for at least one value.Indication devices within the meaning of the present disclosure can also be understood as acoustic signal generators which, for example, are based on the sound frequency and / or the time interval between successively generated tones and / or on the duration of successively generated tones.

[0037] In particularly advantageous developments of the system, the system comprises an actuator configured to rotate the SEP about an axis, preferably a vertical axis. The actuator can be controlled, for example, based on the alignment data.

[0038] Individual, several, or all features of the previously described system can be combined with the previously described method, and vice versa. The invention will be explained below with reference to six figures.

[0039] It shows

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art SEP alignment system.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system for aligning an SEP according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a system for aligning an SEP according to an embodiment in a side view and in a top view.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a captured image of the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a captured image of the vehicle with an overlaid line as reference data.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a captured image of the vehicle with an overlaid line as reference data.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a captured image of the vehicle with an overlaid line as reference data.

[0047] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing method steps according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a system for aligning a headlight alignment tester 1, SEP, according to the prior art. The headlight alignment tester 1 can, for example, have a light detection unit arranged on a stand assembly 7 with rollers. A laser 8 such as a line laser is arranged on the stand assembly 7 above the headlight alignment tester 1. The laser 8 is connected to the stand assembly 7 in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the headlight alignment tester 1. The laser 8 projects a line of light 6 onto the vehicle 2. In order to align the SEP 1 relative to the vehicle 2, the laser 8 is displaced and rotated together with the SEP 1 such that the projected line of light 6 intersects two previously determined points on the body of the vehicle 2. The tripod arrangement 7 can thus be positioned such that the light line 6 projected onto the vehicle 2 is projected onto specific points of the vehicle 2.A user who aligns a SEP 1 with this device relative to the vehicle 2 thus observes the light line 6 projected onto the vehicle 2 and realigns the SEP 1 together with the laser 8 until the projected line 6 intersects the specific points on the body of the vehicle 2.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a system 10 with which a method according to the invention for assisting in the alignment of an SEP 1 with respect to a vehicle 2 with the aid of a camera 3 can be carried out.

[0050] The system 10 has an SEP 1 and a camera 3. The camera 3 is configured to capture an image 20 of the vehicle 2, at least in the intended orientation of the SEP 1. The SEP 1 is configured to capture the light distribution of a headlight 9 of the vehicle 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the SEP 1 and the camera 3 are jointly connected to a tripod arrangement 7. In the embodiment of the system 10 illustrated in Figure 2, the SEP 1 and the camera 3 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by the tripod arrangement 7, so that the orientation of the SEP 1 relative to the camera 3 is fixed and known. The SEP 1 and camera 3 are jointly rotatable about a rotation axis 15. Embodiments of the system 10 are also possible in which the orientation of the SEP 1 relative to the camera 3 is variable and can be determined using suitable means.

[0051] The viewing direction of camera 3 and an optical axis of SEP 1 enclose an angle greater than 0°. This means that the viewing direction of camera 3 and the optical axis of SEP 1 are not parallel to each other. The viewing direction 12 of the camera can, for example, be the optical axis of the first object-side optical element of camera 3.

[0052] The camera 3 and the SEP 1 are jointly rotatable about a rotation axis 15, which is defined by the tripod arrangement 7. The system 10 generates alignment data 4 using the captured image 20 of the vehicle 2 and reference data 5. For this purpose, the system 10 can, for example, have a processor configured to generate alignment data 4 to support the alignment of the SEP 1 with respect to the vehicle 2 using reference data 5 and the at least one captured image 20 of the vehicle 2. The alignment of the SEP 1 with respect to the vehicle 2 can advantageously be determined from the alignment data 5. Based on the alignment data 5, the SEP 1 can additionally or alternatively also be aligned with respect to the vehicle 2.

[0053] In some embodiments, the system 10 can also have a display device 25. The captured images 20 and / or the reference data 5 and / or the alignment data 4 can be transmitted to the display device 25 and displayed by the display device 25. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the transmission is wireless, with at least the system 10 having a transmitter and the display device 25 having a receiver. However, systems 10 are also possible in which the data is transmitted via cables or other lines. The display device 25 can be configured to receive and advantageously also display the captured images 20 and / or the reference data 5 and / or the alignment data 4. A user can then align the SEP based on the displayed captured images 20 and / or the displayed reference data 5 and / or the displayed alignment data 4.

[0054] During alignment, the SEP 1 can, for example, be brought into a position in which it can capture the light distribution generated by the headlight. For this purpose, the SEP 1 can be positioned horizontally and vertically in front of the headlight. In some cases, before the actual alignment to the vehicle 2, the SEP 1 can be aligned such that the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 runs horizontally. Advantageously, the horizontal alignment of the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 can also be maintained during the further course of the method if, for example, a plane of the SEP 1 that is aligned vertically and runs through the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 is aligned with the vehicle 2. When aligned to the vehicle 2, the SEP 1 can, for example, be positioned such that the optical axis of the SEP 1 is parallel to a plane of symmetry of the vehicle 2.During alignment, the SEP 1 can, for example, also be positioned such that the optical axis of the SEP 1 forms an angle with a plane of symmetry of the vehicle 2, the angular dimension of which is, for example, 2 degrees. In this context, alignment means that the SEP 1 is positioned relative to the vehicle 2 such that at least one specific axis or a specific plane of the SEP 1 and a specific axis or a specific plane of the vehicle 2 form an angle with a specific angular dimension or are arranged parallel to one another. Advantageously, the alignment of the SEP 1 can also include the SEP 1 being positioned relative to the vehicle 2 such that the distance between the SEP 1 and the vehicle 2 has a specific linear dimension.

[0055] Figures 3a and 3b show a schematic representation of a system 10 in a side view and a top view, respectively. The side view of Figure 3a shows a normal projection onto a vertical plane that runs through the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1. The side view of Figure 3a shows that the SEP 1 and the camera 3 are connected to one another by the tripod arrangement 7. The camera 3 is arranged above the SEP 1. In this embodiment, the SEP 1 is arranged such that the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 runs in a horizontal direction. The viewing direction or the optical axis 12 of the camera 3 forms an angle with the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. In particular, the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 and the projection of the optical axis 12 of the camera 3 onto a vertical plane passing through the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 enclose an angle of more than 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0056] The top view of Figure 3b shows a normal projection onto a horizontal plane (not shown). The horizontal plane can, for example, be a ground plane formed by the floor of a test stand. The camera 3 is arranged offset from the SEP 1. Embodiments are also possible in which the camera 3 and the SEP 1 are arranged one above the other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the camera 3 and the SEP 1 are arranged such that the projections of the optical axis 12 of the camera 3 and the optical axis 11 of the SEP 1 onto the ground plane are parallel to one another. However, embodiments are also possible in which the above-described projections of the optical axes 11, 12 onto the ground plane enclose an angle that is less than 90°.

[0057] In this embodiment, the camera 3 is arranged and aligned with respect to the SEP 1 such that it can capture a top, and / or an engine compartment, and / or a hood, and / or the body of a vehicle 2 positioned in front of the SEP 1. Advantageously, the camera is configured to capture an area up to 3 m or up to 4 m wide, the center of which is located at a distance between 1 m and 3 m in front of the SEP.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a captured image 20 of the vehicle 2. The captured image 20 in this embodiment shows the vehicle 2 with the hood open from above, i.e. essentially the engine compartment of the vehicle 2. When capturing the image, in some embodiments at least two orientation points 35a, 35b of the vehicle 2 can be captured. The orientation points can be defined by the SEP 1 or by a user. The orientation points 35a, 35b are displayed as regions or pixels of the captured image 20 or are imaged onto a camera sensor of the camera. In particularly advantageous embodiments, at least or only the two orientation points 35a, 35b can be used together with the reference data 5 to generate the alignment data 4.

[0059] Orientation points 35a, 35b can, for example, be or include characteristic points on the body of the vehicle 2. For example, screw heads arranged on both sides of the body, or characteristic shapes, such as corners or edges of the body arranged on both sides of the body. Advantageously, the orientation points 35a, 35b are characteristic features of the body that are arranged symmetrically around a plane of symmetry of the vehicle 2. If the reference data 5 are represented, for example, as a straight line 35, the alignment can be carried out such that the straight line 35 and the orientation points lie one above the other. In this case, the reference data 5 can either be set such that the straight line 30 and the orientation points 35a, 35b lie one above the other when the SEP is aligned.However, the orientation points 35a, 35b can also be set in such a way that, when the SEP 1 is aligned, the straight line 30 and the orientation points 35a, 35b lie on top of each other.

[0060] Figures 5 and 6 each show captured images 20 of the vehicle 2. In addition, both figures show the reference data 5 as a straight line 35. Figures 4 and 5 show a representation in which the captured image 20 is superimposed with the reference data 5. In Figures 4 and 5, the straight line 30 representing the reference data 5 is shown as a horizontal line. This can be useful, for example, when the camera is aligned horizontally and when the optical axis of the camera 3 and the optical axis of the SEP are arranged in a common plane or when projections of the optical axis of the camera 3 and the optical axis of the SEP 1 onto the ground are parallel to one another. In this case, the straight line 30 can represent a line that is aligned perpendicular to the optical axis of the SEP 1.

[0061] If the captured image 20 is captured, for example, by a camera 3 having a camera sensor with pixels, the straight line 35 can be a set of pixels of the camera sensor arranged next to one another. The straight line 35 can then be represented, for example, by the pixels of a camera sensor arranged in a row of the camera sensor.

[0062] In Figures 5 and 6, the SEP is considered to be properly aligned if the vehicle's landmarks 35a, 35b are mapped onto the straight line 35. If the straight line 30 is represented by a set of pixels of a camera sensor of camera 3, then the SEP 1 can be considered aligned if the landmarks 35a, 35b are each mapped onto at least one of those pixels of the camera sensor of camera 3. However, the reference data 5 can also comprise any desired set of predetermined pixels of the camera sensor.

[0063] Figure 7 shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention in which the straight line 30 is also tilted by a specific angle 37 relative to a horizontal straight line, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, 35. The SEP 1 can be aligned relative to the vehicle 2 as in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, i.e. by jointly tilting, shifting and / or rotating the camera 3 and the SEP 1 about an axis of rotation 15, so that the orientation points 35a, 35b are imaged onto the line 30. In some embodiments, it can also be provided that the line 30 is shiftable. The line can be moved up and down or left and right in the displayed image without changing the angle to the SEP 1. Due to the preset angle 37, the alignment is also tilted by the same angular amount 37 in this case.This can be used, for example, to align the SEP 1 at any angle 37 relative to the vehicle 2.

[0064] In advantageous embodiments, the SEP 1 can be aligned with respect to the geometric driving axis 38 of the vehicle 2, instead of with respect to the axis of symmetry 36 or plane of the body of the vehicle 2. The geometric driving axis 38 can be measured in a separate step, and the angular deviation 37' of the geometric driving axis 38 from the axis of symmetry 36 or plane of the vehicle 2 can be determined. The measurement of the geometric driving axis 38 can be performed as part of an axle alignment or using a tool for calibrating vehicle cameras / sensors. Subsequently, the straight line 35 can be tilted or rotated by the angular deviation 37' between the geometric driving axis 38 and the axis of symmetry 36 / plane. In a next step, orientation points 35a, 35b can be selected that are arranged symmetrically around the axis of symmetry 36 or plane of the body of the vehicle 2.If the camera 3 is positioned together with the SEP 1 in such a way that these orientation points 35a, 35b are imaged onto the tilted straight line 30, the SEP 1 is aligned with respect to the geometric driving axis 38 of the vehicle 2.

[0065] For the case described above, in which the camera 3 is aligned horizontally and the optical axis of the camera 3 and the optical axis of the SEP 1 are arranged in a common plane, or projections of the optical axis of the camera 3 and the optical axis of the SEP 1 onto the ground are parallel to each other, the optical axis of the SEP 1 is aligned parallel to the geometric travel axis after performing the previously described steps. In cases where the camera 3 is not aligned horizontally, the inclination angle of the camera 3 can be determined, for example, using an inclinometer, and the reference data 5 can be adjusted according to the inclination angle of the camera 3.

[0066] Embodiments are also possible in which the orientation points can be selected or predetermined in such a way that they take into account the angular deviation 37' between the geometric driving axis 38 and the symmetry axis 36 of the vehicle 2 and the line 35 is not tilted.

[0067] In further embodiments, an angle between a preferred axis of the vehicle 2 and a preferred axis of the SEP 1, in particular the optical axis of the SEP 1, can be determined on the basis of the generated alignment data 4.

[0068] Figure 8 shows a block diagram illustrating various steps of the method for assisting in the alignment of the SEP 1 with respect to the vehicle 2 with the aid of the camera 3. Step S1 represents the capturing of an image of at least a partial area of ​​the vehicle 2 with the camera 3. Step S2 represents the step of generating the alignment data 4 from the captured image and the reference data 5. In step S3, the SEP can be aligned using the alignment data 4. The method of Fig. 8 can be combined with the steps previously described in connection with Figs. 1-7 and supplemented by individual, several, or all of these steps.

[0069] List of reference symbols

[0070] 1 headlight adjustment tester, SEP

[0071] 2 vehicles

[0072] 3 Camera

[0073] 4 Alignment data

[0074] 5 Reference data

[0075] 6 projected light lines

[0076] 7 Tripod arrangement

[0077] 8 lasers

[0078] 9 Headlights 10 System

[0079] 11 optical axis of the SEP

[0080] 12 Viewing direction / optical axis of the camera

[0081] 15 axis of rotation

[0082] 20 captured images

[0083] 25 Display device

[0084] 30 Line

[0085] 35a Landmark

[0086] 35b Landmark

[0087] 36 Axis / plane of the vehicle

[0088] 37 angles

[0089] 37' angle

[0090] 38 geometric driving axes

[0091] 51 Capturing at least one image of the vehicle using the camera

[0092] 52 Generating alignment data

[0093] 53 Aligning the SEP

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method at least for assisting in the alignment of a headlight adjustment test device (1), SEP, with respect to a vehicle (2) with the aid of a camera (3), comprising the steps: • Capturing (S1) at least one image (20) of the vehicle (2) by means of the camera (3), • Generating (S2) alignment data (4) to support the alignment of the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2) using reference data (5) and the at least one captured image (20) of the vehicle (2), characterized in that when generating the alignment data (4), the captured image (20) is superimposed with the reference data (5).

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein assisting the alignment comprises: determining the alignment of the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2) and / or aligning (S3) the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: transmitting the image (20) and / or the reference data (5) and / or the alignment data (4) to a display device (25).

4. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the steps of: displaying the image (20) and / or the reference data (5) and / or the alignment data (4) by the display device (25), and aligning the SEP (1) based on the displayed image (20) and / or the displayed reference data (5) and / or the displayed alignment data (4).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reference data (5) comprise a straight line (30).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the straight line (30) is oriented perpendicular or parallel to an optical axis (11) of the SEP (1).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when capturing the image (20) of the vehicle (2) by means of the camera (3), at least two orientation points (35a, 35b) of the vehicle (2) defined by the SEP (1) and / or by a user are captured and mapped onto pixels of the captured image (20) and / or a camera sensor of the camera (3), wherein the mapped orientation points (35a, 35b) are used with the reference data (5) to generate the alignment data (4).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reference data (5) comprises a set of predetermined pixels of the camera (3) or a set of predetermined pixels in the captured image.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the predetermined pixels of the camera (3) or the predetermined image points in the captured image (20) are arranged next to one another along a line.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following step: determining an angle between a transverse or longitudinal axis of a body of the vehicle (2) and a preferred axis of the SEP (1) on the basis of the generated alignment data (4) and / or determining an angle between a geometric driving axis of the vehicle (2) and the preferred axis of the SEP (1) on the basis of the generated alignment data (4).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following step: determining a direction of rotation of the SEP (1) using the alignment data (4), wherein the direction of rotation is a direction in which the SEP (1) is rotatable about a vertical axis in order to reduce a deviation of an angle determined from the generated alignment data (4) according to claim 10 from a previously defined angle and / or to reduce a deviation of the generated alignment data (4) from previously defined alignment data values.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following step: Aligning the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2) by an actuator or a user such that a deviation of an angle determined from the generated alignment data (4) according to claim 10 from a previously defined angle is reduced and / or such that a deviation of the generated alignment data (4) from previously defined alignment data values ​​is reduced.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following steps: Illuminating the SEP (1) by a headlight (9) of the vehicle (2) to record SEP measurement data and preferably Using the alignment data (4) by the SEP (1) to correct the SEP measurement data according to the transmitted alignment data (4).

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one image (20) of the vehicle (2) which is captured by means of the camera (3) is a picture of an engine compartment of the vehicle (2) and / or a frontal view of the vehicle (2), and / or wherein an angle of inclination of the camera (3), which is preferably determined with an inclinometer, is used when generating the alignment data (4).

15. System (10) comprising a headlight adjustment test device (1), SEP, and a camera (3), wherein the system (10) is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

16. System (10) according to claim 15, wherein the SEP (1) has a light detection unit for detecting a light distribution generated by a headlight (9) of the vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle (2) is arranged in a detection range of the SEP (1), and the camera (3) is arranged rotationally fixed relative to the SEP (1) and is designed to detect the vehicle (2), the system (10) further comprising a processor which is configured to generate alignment data (4) for aligning the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2) and / or for determining the alignment of the SEP (1) with respect to the vehicle (2) using reference data (5) and the captured image (20) of the vehicle (2).

17. System according to one of claims 15 or 16, further comprising an actuator which is designed to rotate the SEP (1) about a vertical axis and / or further comprising a display device (25) for displaying the image (20) of the vehicle (1) and / or the reference data (5) and / or the alignment data (4).

Images