Illuminating apparatus for a motor vehicle, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an illuminating apparatus (10) for a motor vehicle (12) for adaptive light distribution, comprising: at least one optical capturing device (14) by means of which an environment of the motor vehicle (12) can be captured in real time; at least one sensor device (16) by means of which a distance from at least one object (A1, A2, A3) captured by the optical capturing device (14) can be sensed; an electronic computing device (18) which is electronically coupled to the at least one optical capturing device (14) and to the at least one sensor device (16) and by means of which respective light parameters for the adaptive light distribution can be situationally adapted according to acquired data and / or information from the at least one optical capturing device (14) and from the at least one sensor device (16); and at least one illuminating element (20) which is electronically coupled to the electronic computing device (18) and by means of which the adaptive light distribution can be implemented, wherein: the at least one object (A1, A2, A3) can be captured by six points by means of the electronic computing device (18); each point represents a 3D envelope with corresponding height, width and length and contains respective X, Y and Z coordinates; an origin of a data fusion in the center of a rear axle of the motor vehicle (12) can be used as a reference point. The invention also relates to a method.

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Lighting device for a motor vehicle and method

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

[0004] In today's traffic scenarios, which are characterized by headlights with partial high beam activation during nighttime driving, glare can occur due to integrated object detection at four different angles (4-angle). This is particularly noticeable with long vehicles such as trucks approaching the driver's vehicle, especially in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle. In addition, adaptive headlights can only mask rectangular patterns that run parallel to the road.

[0005] DE 102009 054228 A1 discloses a method for controlling a headlight assembly of a vehicle, in which road users are detected in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle. This method provides for the headlight range in the other direction to be controlled depending on the horizontal angle between the direction of travel of the vehicle and the connecting line from the vehicle to the detected road user or another detected road user.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a lighting device and a method by which the detection of objects in a traffic environment of a motor vehicle having the lighting device can be at least partially improved, in particular taking into account a detection speed for increased safety while driving. This object is achieved by means of a lighting device having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous refinements of the lighting device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the lighting device are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, wherein the lighting device is designed in particular as an LED matrix headlight. Furthermore, the lighting device according to the invention enables adaptive and precise light distribution, as well as detection of objects in the traffic environment while driving by means of at least one arranged optical detection device, which can be designed, for example, as a high-resolution camera already arranged on the motor vehicle and by means of which the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected in real time, whereby images and / or data and / or other information are continuously recorded.

[0008] Furthermore, the lighting device comprises at least one sensor device, which, for example, has lidar and / or radar sensors for measuring the distance to objects and detecting their movements, as well as, for example, ultrasonic sensors for detecting objects or obstacles in the immediate vicinity. Finally, the lighting device comprises a control device or an electronic computing device that is coupled to or encompasses the optical detection devices and the sensor devices and that acquires the necessary information and / or data for a situational adaptation of the lighting parameters for illumination by the LED matrix headlights and calculates them into adaptation parameters, for example, using corresponding algorithms or K1.

[0009] In order to achieve the object of the invention, the invention provides that the at least one object can be detected by means of six points by means of the electronic computing device, wherein each point represents a 3D shell with corresponding height, width, and length and contains respective X, Y, and Z coordinates, wherein an origin of a data fusion in the center of the rear axle of the motor vehicle can be used as a reference point. The electronic computing device performs object recognition by detecting other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and markings and detecting and thus identifying their position, speed, and direction in the environment. It processes the collected data in real time and analyzes the current driving situation to detect the presence of oncoming vehicles, the presence of curves, or speed limits.

[0010] The lighting device is designed to dynamically adjust the light cone of the LED matrix headlights based on this acquired data or findings, with the respective adjustment parameters being recorded and implemented for this purpose. This is done precisely and glare-free, in order to at least partially improve and thus optimize visibility for the driver without dazzling other road users. The adjustments are made continuously while driving, including shifting the light cone when changing lanes and directing the light in curves.

[0011] Thus, the proposed lighting device enables adaptive and safe lighting in the traffic environment and contributes to improving driving safety.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the optical detection device comprises a high-resolution camera with, for example, an effective image sensor size and a frame rate.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sensor device comprises or uses lidar and radar sensors with a predetermined measurement accuracy and a corresponding detection frequency.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic computing device uses AI-based software with neural networks for real-time analysis of the acquired data and information, as well as a processing time. In this case, already known calculations can be stored, reused, adapted, and optimized. In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting element comprises an array of independently controllable LED lights with a predetermined power output.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the adaptive light distribution reacts to different weather conditions such as rain, fog or snow by adjusting the light intensity and direction.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the electronic computing device adapts the adaptive light distribution based on the current speed of the motor vehicle, the detected traffic conditions and the applicable traffic signs and regulations in real time and with a predetermined reaction time.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the 3D hulls for describing the detected objects contain additional information about their specific shape, size, position in relation to road signs and lane markings as well as speed vectors in a coordinated 3D space.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the X, Y and Z coordinates of the six points for describing the detected objects are recorded and stored in a digital map display with a predetermined accuracy.

[0019] In summary, an algorithm for the precise detection and description of objects in the traffic environment is proposed. This algorithm uses 3D coordinates and is suitable for various types of objects such as traffic signs, vehicles, and pedestrians. Each object is described using six points, each with X, Y, and Z coordinates. It is important to note that the origin of the sensor data fusion is set to the center of the vehicle's rear axle as a reference.

[0020] LED matrix headlights, known as LED matrix headlights for motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars, make it possible to replace the dual light distribution of high beam and low beam in automotive lighting. These utilize a multitude of sensors and cameras to continuously and precisely adjust the light distribution to the current driving conditions.

[0021] Optical detection devices, particularly high-resolution cameras, are used, which are arranged / positioned accordingly on the vehicle. These cameras record the surroundings in real time and continuously deliver images and / or data and / or other information to an electronic processing device or a control system for the LED matrix headlights. Additionally, sensor devices such as lidar and radar sensors are used to detect and measure the distance to objects and their movements, while other sensor devices such as ultrasonic sensors detect and recognize obstacles in the immediate vicinity. The electronic processing device is thus linked to or incorporates the respective sensors and cameras and records the necessary information and data in order to adapt the respective lighting parameters for illumination by the respective headlights to the situation.

[0022] First, object detection takes place. The cameras and sensors detect other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and markings. They identify the position, speed, and direction of these objects in the surrounding area. The collected data is then processed in real time. The control system analyzes the information and creates a precise picture of the current driving situation. It detects whether there are oncoming vehicles, whether there is a bend in the road, or whether speed limits apply. The actual adjustment of the light cone is based on this information. The system controls the individual LED elements in the headlights so precisely that the light cone is shaped and directed accordingly. Care is taken to ensure that other drivers are not dazzled while visibility is optimized for the driver.

[0023] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] Showing:

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an environment of a motor vehicle to illustrate a function of a lighting device that uses 6-point object detection; and

[0026] Fig. 2 is a side view of the situation shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a coordinate system for 6-point detection.

[0027] In the figure, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the surroundings of a motor vehicle 12 to illustrate the operation of a lighting device 10.

[0029] The lighting device 10 is designed for motor vehicles 12, in particular passenger cars, and is provided with at least one optical detection device 14 for adaptive light distribution. The lighting device 10 is intended to detect the surroundings of the motor vehicle 12 in real time. The lighting device 10 comprises at least one sensor device 16, by means of which a distance to at least one object A1, A2, A3 detected by the optical detection device 14 can be detected.In addition, the lighting device 10 comprises an electronic computing device 18 electronically coupled to the at least one optical detection device 14 and the at least one sensor device 16, by means of which the respective light parameters for the adaptive light distribution can be adapted to the situation depending on the data and / or information acquired from the at least one optical detection device 14 and the at least one sensor device 16. Finally, the lighting device 10 comprises at least one lighting element 20 electronically coupled to the electronic computing device 18, by means of which the adaptive light distribution can be implemented.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a number of previously detected objects A1, A2, and A3, which were identified by a 6-point system and represented by a hexagon. In addition, a number of detected luminous points B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 are shown, which were only detected as such and not as objects.

[0031] In order to enable this detection, it is provided that the at least one object A1, A2, A3 can be or is detected by means of six points by means of the electronic computing device 18, wherein each point represents a 3D shell with corresponding height, width and length and contains respective X, Y and Z coordinates, wherein an origin of a data fusion in the center of a rear axle of the motor vehicle 12 can be used as a reference point.

[0032] Thus, it is planned to implement an algorithm for detecting and describing objects in the traffic environment using 3D coordinates. The algorithm is suitable for various objects A1, A2, and A3, such as traffic signs, vehicles, and pedestrians.

[0033] To capture these objects A1, A2, and A3 in the traffic environment of vehicle 12, a 3D coordinate system with six points is used to represent each object A1, A2, and A3. The 3D envelope of the object A1, A2, and A3 is defined, for example, as follows:

[0034] A first point (X1, Y1, Z1) represents the leading edge of object A1, A2, A3, for example, relative to the direction of travel. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the height of object A1, A2, A3.

[0035] A second point (X2, Y2, Z2) represents the rear edge of object A1, A2, A3 relative to the direction of travel. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the height of object A1, A2, A3.

[0036] A third point (X3, Y3, Z3) represents the left side of the object A1, A2, A3 with respect to the direction of travel. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of the motor vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the height of the object A1, A2, A3. A fourth point (X4, Y4, Z4) represents the right side of the object A1, A2, A3 with respect to the direction of travel. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of the motor vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the height of the object A1, A2, A3.

[0037] A fifth point (X5, Y5, Z5) represents the top of the object A1, A2, A3. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of the vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the maximum height of the object A1, A2, A3.

[0038] A sixth point (X6, Y6, Z6) represents the bottom of the object A1, A2, A3. The X coordinate indicates the distance to the front axle of the vehicle 12, the Y coordinate indicates the lateral position, and the Z coordinate indicates the minimum height of the object A1, A2, A3.

[0039] By using these six points, every detected object in the traffic environment can be accurately described. This description can be used in sensor fusion and object detection to avoid collisions and navigate safely in traffic.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the situation shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a coordinate system for 6-point detection.

[0041] Here, the motor vehicle 12 is shown with the rear axle as the reference point (XO, YO, ZO). An object A1 is shown at a distance; the respective points (X1, Y1, Z1) and (X2, Y2, Z2) are shown in the side view. Additional points are also recorded but not shown in Figure 1. By recording using six points, more precise adaptive adjustments to the lighting conditions are calculated and provided.

[0042] In summary, the invention proposes a method for displaying rotated hexagonal recesses within headlights.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. A lighting device (10) for motor vehicles (12) for adaptive light distribution, comprising at least one optical detection device (14) by means of which an environment of the motor vehicle (12) can be detected in real time, at least one sensor device (16) by means of which a distance to at least one object (A1, A2, A3) detected by the optical detection device (14) can be detected, an electronic computing device (18) electronically coupled to the at least one optical detection device (14) and the at least one sensor device (16), by means of which respective light parameters for the adaptive light distribution can be adapted to the situation depending on detected data and / or information from the at least one optical detection device (14) and the at least one sensor device (16), and at least one lighting element (20) electronically coupled to the electronic computing device (18),by means of which the adaptive light distribution can be carried out, characterized in that by means of the electronic computing device (18) the at least one object (A1, A2, A3) can be detected by six points, each point representing a 3D shell with corresponding height, width and length and containing respective X, Y and Z coordinates, wherein an origin of a data fusion in the center of a rear axle of the motor vehicle (12) can be used as a reference point.

2. Lighting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical detection device (14) comprises a high-resolution camera.

3. Lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device (16) has lidar and / or radar sensors for distance measurement.

4. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic computing device (18) uses artificial intelligence (Kl)-based software to analyze the acquired data and information, wherein already known calculations are storable, reusable, adaptable and optimizable.

5. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element (20) comprises an arrangement of independently controllable LED lights.

6. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptive light distribution can be adapted by means of the electronic computing device (18) as a function of weather conditions in the environment of the motor vehicle (12).

7. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptive light distribution can be adapted by means of the electronic computing device (18) as a function of a speed of the motor vehicle (12).

8. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the X, Y and Z coordinates of the six points for describing the objects are stored in a digital map representation.

9. Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 3D envelopes for describing the detected objects also contain information about their shape and size.

10. A method for operating a lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that by means of the electronic computing device (18) the at least one object (A1, A2, A3) is detected by six points, each point representing a 3D envelope with corresponding height, width and length and containing respective X, Y and Z coordinates, wherein an origin of a data fusion in the center of the rear axle of the motor vehicle (12) is used as a reference point.

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