Optical detection device, comprising at least one image receiver and at least one optical secondary receive device

Abstract

An optical detection device (14), in particular an optical detection device (14) for a vehicle, in particular a front camera for a vehicle, for monitoring at least one monitoring area (18) by use of optical waves (38), a driver assistance system, a vehicle and a method for operating an optical detection device (14) are described. The optical detection device (14) comprises at least one optical system (20) for imaging at least a part of the at least one monitoring area (18) into at least one Image field (42), at least one Image receiver (24) that is arranged in the at least one Image field (42), and at least one part of at least one optical secondary receive device (48). The at least one part of the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) comprises at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) that is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver (24) when viewed from the at least one optical system (20).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Optical detection device, comprising at least one Image receiver and at least one optical secondary receive device

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to an optical detection device, in particular an optical detection device for a vehicle, in particular a front camera for a vehicle, for monitoring at least one monitoring area by use of optical waves, comprising at least one optical system for imaging at least a part of the at least one monitoring area into at least one Image field, at least one Image receiver that is arranged in the at least one Image field, and at least one part of at least one optical secondary receive device.

[0005] Further, the invention relates to a driver assistance system comprising at least one optical detection device, in particular at least one optical detection device for a vehicle, in particular at least one a front camera for a vehicle, for monitoring at least one monitoring area by use of optical waves, and at least one control unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one optical detection device, in particular at least one a front camera, for monitoring at least one monitoring area by use of optical waves.

[0007] Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating an optical detection device, in particular an optical detection device for a vehicle, in particular a front camera for a vehicle, for monitoring at least one monitoring area, in which at least a part of optical waves coming from the at least one monitoring area is imaged into at least one Image field by use of at least one optical system, at least a part of the optical waves is received by use of at least one Image receiver that is arranged in the at least one Image field, at least a part of the optical waves is received by at least a part of at least one optical secondary receive device.

[0008] State of Technology From EP 3 139 585 B1 an integrated camera, ambient light detection, and rain sensor assembly suitable for installation behind a windshield of a vehicle is known. The assembly includes an imager-device formed of an array of pixels configured to define a centralportion and a periphery-portion of the imager-device. Each pixel of the array of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels. Each pixel in the central-portion is equipped with a red / visible / visible / visible filter (RVVV filter) arranged such that each pixel in the centralportion includes a red sub-pixel and three visible-light sub-pixels. Each pixel in the periphery-portion is equipped with a red / green / blue / near-infrared filter (RGBN filter) arranged such that each pixel in the periphery-portion includes a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a near-infrared sub-pixel.

[0009] It is an objective of the invention to provide an optical detection device, a driver assistance system, a vehicle and a method of the above-mentioned kind, where the optical detection device can be designed more flexible, in particular the optical detection device can be designed more compact.

[0010] Disclosure of Invention

[0011] The objective of the invention is achieved by the optical detection device by that the at least one part of the at least one optical secondary receive device comprises at least one optical waveguide inlet that is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver when viewed from the at least one optical system.

[0012] According to the invention, at least one optical waveguide inlet is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver. In this way, optical waves that are imaged next to the at least one Image receiver can be received with the at least one optical waveguide inlet. The optical waveguide inlet can be used to transmit the received optical waves to at least one optical secondary receiver. The at least one secondary optical can convert the optical waves into receive signals suitable for processing. According to the invention, the optical secondary receiver can be arranged at a distance from the at least one Image receiver. The arrangement of the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical secondary receiver can be designed more flexible. The at least one optical secondary receiver can be arranged in an area with more space. Overall, the optical detection device can be made more compact. Advantageously, the optical detection device can be an optical detection device for a vehicle. In this way, at least one monitoring area in the environment of the vehicle and / or in the interior of the vehicle can be monitored by use of the optical detection device.

[0013] Advantageously, the optical detection device can be a front camera for a vehicle. In this way, at least one monitoring area in front of the vehicle can be monitored by use of the optical detection device.

[0014] Advantageously, the optical detection device can use optical waves in form of light waves, in particular visible light and / or invisible light. In this way, standard optical components can be used.

[0015] Advantageously, the optical detection device can use near infrared light. In this way, the optical detection device can use invisible light. Near infrared light is particularly suitable for data transmission when the optical detection device is used for communication purpose. In addition, near-infrared light is invisible to people, so that vehicle drivers in particular are not dazzled.

[0016] The invention can be used with vehicles. A key functional characteristic of a vehicle is its ability to move. Vehicles can be motor vehicles. Advantageously, the invention can be used in land vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, drones, mobile robots, mobile machines, in particular construction or transport machines, such as cranes, excavators or the like, aircraft, in particular flying drones, and / or (under)water vehicles, in particular (under)water drones. The invention can also be used with vehicles that can be operated autonomously or semiautonomously. However, the invention is not limited to vehicles. It can also be used in stationary operation.

[0017] The optical detection device can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, in particular vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, road unevenness, in particular potholes or stones, road limitations, open spaces, in particular parking spaces, precipitations, rain, light, tunnels or the like.

[0018] According to a favorable embodiment, at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged at least partly in the at least one Image field of the at least one optical system and / or the Image field can have at least one overhang that protrudes above the at least one Image receiver, and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged at least partly in the at least one overhang of the Image field. In this way, optical waves that are imaged into the Image field by the at least one optical system can hit the at least one optical waveguide inlet. In this way, only one optical system is necessary for imaging the optical waves from the at least one monitoring area to the at least one Image receiver and to the at least one optical waveguide inlet.

[0019] Advantageously, the Image field can have at least one overhang that protrudes above the at least one Image receiver. The at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged at least partly in the at least one overhang. In this way, the full area of the at least one Image receiver can be illuminated. The at least one overhang allows a mounting tolerance. The arrangement of the at least one waveguide inlet in the at least one overhang makes it possible to use the optical waves in the at least one overhang that would otherwise be lost.

[0020] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged next to one side of the at least one Image receiver and / or at least two optical waveguide inlets can be arranged next to different sides, in particular next to opposite sides, of the at least one Image receiver and / or at least one optical waveguide inlet can surround at least part of the at least one Image receiver.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged next to one side of the at least one Image receiver. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be placed very close to the at least one Image receiver. Thus, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged in a relatively small overhang. Alternatively or additionally, at least two waveguide inlets can be arranged next to different sides of the at least one Image receiver. In this way, different areas of the Image field can be detected by the optical waveguide inlet.

[0022] Advantageously, at least two optical waveguide inlets can be arranged next to opposite sides of the at least one Image receiver. In this way, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be used for tracking functions. Thus, moving of the source of the optical waves relative to the at least one optical detection device can be tracked. Especially, the optical secondary receive device can be used for solar functions known from common rain-light-tunnel sensors, for example. Especially, the solar functions of a vehicle can be used to control an interior air conditioning of the vehicle.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, at least one optical waveguide inlet can surround at least part of the at least one Image receiver. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can extend over a larger area of the at least one overhang.

[0024] According to another favorable embodiment, the at least one secondary receive device can comprise at least one optical waveguide that is connected to at least one optical waveguide inlet and that leads to at least one optical waveguide outlet. In this way, optical waves that hit the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be directed to an area at a distance from the at least one Image receiver and the at least one Image field.

[0025] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be connected to at least one optical secondary receiver, in particular to at least one optical secondary receiver that is part of the at least one secondary receive device, and / or at least one optical waveguide outlet can be connected to at least one optical waveguide coupler.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be connected to at least one optical secondary receiver. In this way, optical waves that hit the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be directed to the at least one optical secondary receiver. The at least one optical secondary receiver can be used for converting the optical waves into receiving signals suitable for further processing using electronic components, for example.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be connected to at least one optical waveguide coupler. In this way, the optical secondary receive device can be designed as a modular device. The at least one optical waveguide coupler can be used for connecting at least one optical secondary receiver. Alternatively, the at least one optical waveguide coupler can be used for connecting at least one optical waveguide cable, in particular an optical fiber cable. The at least one optical waveguide cable can be connected to at least one optical secondary receiver. In this way, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be arranged outside the housing of the optical detection device. Further, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be assembled more easily.

[0028] According to another favorable embodiment, the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be mounted on at least one carrier, in particular on at least one printed circuit board, and / or the at least one Image receiver, the at least one optical waveguide inlet, and at least one optical secondary receiver, if any, can be mounted on the same side of at least one carrier, in particular of at least one printed circuit board, and / or the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be mounted on one side of at least one carrier, in particular of at least one printed circuit board, and at least one optical secondary receiver, if any, can be mounted on the opposite side of the at least one carrier.

[0029] Advantageously, the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be mounted on at least one carrier. In this way, the arrangement of the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be more stable.

[0030] Advantageously, the at least one carrier can be at least one printed circuit board. In this way, the components mounted on the at least one carrier can be connected to conductive paths of the printed circuit board. Advantageously, the at least one Image receiver, the at least one optical waveguide inlet, and at least one optical receiver, if any, can be mounted on the same side of a carrier, in particular of a printed circuit board. In this way, relatively short connection lines, in particular conductive paths, can be used for connecting the components.

[0031] Advantageously, the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be mounted on one side of at least one carrier, in particular of at least one printed circuit board, and at least one optical secondary receiver, if any, can be mounted on the opposite side opposite side of the at least one carrier. In this way, the arrangement of the at least one Image receiver, the at least one optical waveguide inlet, and the at least one optical secondary receiver can be realized more compact.

[0032] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical waveguide can extend at least partially on the same side of the at least one carrier, in particular of the at least one printed circuit board, as the at least one optical waveguide inlet and / or at least one optical waveguide can at least partially pass through the at least one carrier, in particular through the at least one printed circuit board.

[0033] Advantageously, the at least one optical waveguide can extend at least partially on the same side of the at least one carrier as the at least one optical waveguide inlet. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide can lead away from the at least one Image receiver to an area on the same side of the carrier.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, at least one optical waveguide can at least partially pass through the at least one carrier. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide can lead from one side of the carrier to the opposite side of the carrier. This allows the at least one Image receiver and, if any, the at least one optical secondary receiver to be arranged on opposite sides of the carrier, in particular on opposite sides of the printed circuit board.

[0035] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical waveguide inlet and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be connected to at least one optical waveguide in one piece, in particular at least one optical waveguide inlet and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be part of at least one optical waveguide. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide with at least one waveguide inlet and / or at least one waveguide outlet is easier to manufacture. Further, no alignment is required between the at least one optical waveguide inlet and the at least one optical waveguide and / or between the at least one optical waveguide outlet and the at least one optical waveguide.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one optical waveguide inlet and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be at least one optical waveguide inlet or at least one optical waveguide outlet of an optical waveguide. In this way, the optical waveguide and the at least one optical waveguide inlet and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguide outlet can be designed in one piece.

[0037] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical secondary receive device can comprise at least one optical secondary receiver that is optically connected to at least one optical waveguide inlet. In this way, optical waves that hit the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be received with at least one optical secondary receiver. The at least one optical secondary receiver can be used for converting optical waves into receive signals suitable for further processing.

[0038] Advantageously, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be used for converting optical waves into electrical receive signals. Electrical receive signals can be processed by use of electronic components such as processors or similar.

[0039] Advantageously, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be connected directly to the at least one optical waveguide inlet. In this way, additional optical waveguides such as optical fibers or similar are not required.

[0040] Alternatively, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be connected indirectly to the at least one optical waveguide inlet. For this, optical waveguides, such as optical fiber cables or similar, can be used. In this way, the at least one optical secondary receiver can be positioned at a greater distance from the at least one optical waveguide inlet.

[0041] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one Image receiver, at least one optical waveguide inlet, and at least one optical secondary receiver that is part of the at least one optical secondary receive device can be arranged in a housing and / or at least one Image receiver and at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged in a housing, and at least one optical secondary receiver that is part of the at least one optical secondary receive device can be arranged outside the housing.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one Image receiver, at least one optical waveguide inlet and at least once optical secondary receiver can be arranged in a housing. In this way, the optical detection device can be designed more compact.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, at least one Image receiver and at least one optical waveguide inlet can be arranged in a housing and at least one optical secondary receiver can be arranged outside the housing. In this way, the optical detection device can be designed as a modular system. The housing with the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be prepared as a base module. The at least one optical secondary receiver can be attached to the base module later if required.

[0044] According to another favorable embodiment, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be designed as a light sensor, a tunnel sensor or a light-tunnel sensor and / or the the at least one optical secondary receive device can be designed as a part of a communication receive system, in particular a car-to-car communication system or infrastructure- to-car communication system.

[0045] Advantageously, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be designed as a light sensor, a tunnel sensor or a light-tunnel sensor. In this way, the at least one the optical detection device can be used for monitoring the at least one monitoring area and additionally for detecting light, in particular sunlight, and / or dark tunnels. A light sensor and a light-tunnel sensor can perform solar functions. Solar functions can be used in particular to control an air conditioning system in the interior of a vehicle on basis of the position of the sun determined by the at least one optical detection device. A tunnel sensor and a light-tunnel sensor can be used to control the functions of headlights of a vehicle when entering a tunnel.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, at least one optical secondary receive device can be designed as a part of a communication receive system. In this way, information can be transmitted using the optical waves, in particular light. The at least one optical secondary receive device can receive information that is transmitted by external transmitters. Advantageously, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be used for receiving information in the form of data.

[0047] Advantageously, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be arranged in a vehicle and can be part of a car-to-car communication system. In this way, the at least one optical secondary receive system of the vehicle can be used to communicate with transmitters of other vehicles. Transmitter for car-to-car communication can be front lights or rear lights of other vehicles, for example.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one optical secondary receive device can be arranged in a vehicle and can be part of an infrastructure-to-car system. In this way, the at least one optical secondary receive device of the vehicle can be used to communicate with transmitters of an infrastructure. Transmitters for infrastructure-to-car communication can be traffic lights, streetlights or the like.

[0049] According to another favorable embodiment, the at least one Image receiver can comprise or consist of at least one optical area sensor, in particular at least one charge coupled device, at least one active pixel sensor, at least one imaging chip or the like, and / or at least one optical secondary receiver of the at least one optical secondary receive device can comprise or consist of at least one optical single sensor, in particular at least one photodiode, or at least one optical area sensor, in particular at least one charge coupled device, at least one active pixel sensor, at least one imaging chip or the like.

[0050] Optical area sensors can capture two spatial dimensions. Optical single sensors are very compact. Optical area sensors and optical single sensors can convert optical waves, such as light, into electrical signals. Electrical signals can be processed by use of electronic components, such as processors.

[0051] According to another favorable embodiment, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be designed to filter certain wavelengths of the optical waves, in particular the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be coated and / or at least one optical waveguide inlet can be made of a specific material and / or a specific waveguide material can be inserted into or in front of the at least one optical waveguide inlet to filter certain wavelengths of the optical waves. In this way, the wavelengths of the optical waves that can be received with the at least one optical secondary receiver can be limited. The at least one optical secondary receive device can receive only certain wavelengths. In this way, the signal-to- noise ratio can be improved.

[0052] Advantageously, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be coated to filter certain wavelengths of the optical waves. In this way, the filter characteristics are easy to realize.

[0053] Advantageously, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be made of specific material to filter certain wavelengths of optical waves. In this way, the at least one optical waveguide inlet with the filter characteristics can be realized more robust. Advantageously, the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be made of a material that filter certain wavelengths.

[0054] Advantageously, a specific waveguide material can be inserted into or in front of the at least one optical waveguide inlet. In this way, the filter characteristic can be adjusted in a more specific way.

[0055] Advantageously, the wavelengths can be limited to the wavelengths of sunlight. In this way, the optical secondary receive device can be optimized for solar functions.

[0056] According to another favorable embodiment, the optical detection device can comprise at least one flash memory. At least one flash memory can be used to store necessary data for the at least one Image receiver and / or provided by the at least one optical secondary receiver.

[0057] Further, the objective of the invention is achieved with the driver assistance system in that the driver assistance system comprises at least one optical detection device according to the invention.

[0058] According to the invention, the driver assistance system comprises at least one optical detection device.

[0059] The driver assistance system can control functions of the vehicle, in particular driving functions of the vehicle, autonomously or semiautonomously based on the information about the at least one monitoring area provided with the at least one optical detection device.

[0060] Furthermore, the objective of the invention is achieved with the vehicle in that the vehicle comprises at least one optical detection device according to the invention.

[0061] According to the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one optical detection device with at least one Image receiver and at least one optical secondary receive device. In this way, at least one monitoring area in the environment of the vehicle and / or inside the vehicle can be monitored. The combination of the at least one Image receiver and the at least one optical secondary receive device enables the provision of various information based on optical waves coming from the at least one monitoring area.

[0062] Moreover, the objective of the invention is achieved with the method in that at least a part of the optical waves is received by use of at least one optical waveguide inlet that is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver when viewed from the at least one optical system.

[0063] In this way, a part of the optical waves can be received by use of at least one optical waveguide inlet to provide information different to the information based on the optical waves detected with the at least one Image receiver. Advantageously, the optical waves received with at least one Image receiver can be used to determine a two-dimensional image of the monitoring area. On the other hand, the optical waves received with the at least one optical waveguide inlet can be used to detect light and / or tunnels or can be used to communicate with external communication systems

[0064] Otherwise, the features and advantages shown in connection with the optical detection device according to the invention, the driver assistance system according to the invention, the vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention and their respective advantageous configurations shall apply mutatis mutandis to each other and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, whereby further advantageous effects can occur which go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0065] Brief Description of Drawings

[0066] The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown schematically

[0067] Figure 1 a front view of a vehicle comprising a driver assistance system with an optical detection device;

[0068] Figure 2 a top view of an optical detection device according to a first embodiment that can be used with the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0069] Figure 3 a sectional view of the optical detection device of Figure 2 along the intersection line Ill-Ill;

[0070] Figure 4 a top view of an optical detection device according to a second embodiment that can be used with the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0071] Figure 5 a sectional view of the optical detection device of Figure 4 along the intersection line V-V;

[0072] Figure 6 a sectional view of an optical detection device according to a third embodiment that can be used with the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0073] Figure 7 a top view of an optical detection device according to a fourth embodiment that can be used with the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0074] Figure 8 a sectional view of the optical detection device of Figure 7 along the intersection line VIII-VIII;

[0075] Figure 9 a top view of an optical detection device according to a fifth embodiment that can be used with the vehicle of Figure 1 . In the drawings, equal or similar elements are referred to by equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0076] Embodiment(s) of Invention

[0077] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a driver assistance system 12. The driver assistance system 12 can be used for autonomous or semiauton- omous control of functions of the vehicle 10, for example driving functions.

[0078] The driver assistance system 12 comprises an optical detection device 14 and a control unit 16. The control unit 16 is designed for controlling the function of the driver assistance system 12. Further, the control unit 16 can be used for processing data that is determined by the optical detection device 14. The control unit 16 may be an electronic control unit.

[0079] The optical detection device 14 is designed as a multifunctional front camera, for example. The optical detection device 14 is mounted on the inside of the windshield of the vehicle 10. The optical detection device 14 is directed into a monitoring area 18. The monitoring area 18 is in front of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel.

[0080] The detection device 14 can also be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10 and can be orientated differently. The vehicle 10 also can comprise more or less than one detection device 14 and / or can comprise detection devices 14 of different types.

[0081] Figure 2 shows a front view of an optical detection device 14 according to a first embodiment that can be used in the vehicle 10 of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the optical detection device 14 of Figure 2 along the sectional line Ill-Ill.

[0082] The optical detection device 14 comprises an optical system 20, a carrier 22, an Image receiver 24, an optical waveguide inlet 26, an optical waveguide 28, an optical waveguide outlet 30, an optical secondary receiver 32 and a housing 34. The optical system 20, the carrier 22, the Image receiver 24, the optical waveguide inlet 26, the optical waveguide 28, the optical waveguide outlet 30 and the optical secondary receiver 32 are arranged inside the housing 34.

[0083] The housing 34 comprises a window 36. The window 36 faces the monitoring area 18. The window 36 is transparent for optical waves 38. The optical waves 38 can be visible or invisible light waves coming from the monitoring area 18.

[0084] The optical system 20 is designed as an objective lens. The optical system 20 can comprise one or more lenses. The optical system 20 is placed near the window 36 so that optical waves 36 coming from the monitoring area 18 can pass through the window 36 and enter the optical system 20. The optical system 20 is used to define a field of view 40 of the detection device 14. The field of view 40 defines the portion of the monitoring area 18 that can be viewed with the optical detection device 14. The optical system 20 is designed to image the field of view 40 into an Image field 42. The Image field 42 is inside the housing 34.

[0085] The Image receiver 24 is an area sensor, such as an imager chip. The Image receiver 24 is, for example, a CCD chip with a multi-pixel array. The Image receiver 24 is arranged in the Image field 42 of the optical system 20. The receiving side of the Image receiver 24 phases the optical system 20. The optical system 20 is used to focus optical waves 38 from the field of view 14 to the receiving side of the Image receiver 24.

[0086] The receiving side of the Image receiver 24 has a rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 3. The Image field 42 protrudes above the Image receiver 24 in four overhangs 44. The four overhangs 44 extend along the four sides of the Image receiver.

[0087] The Image receiver 24 is mounted on one side of the carrier 22. The Image receiver 24 is arranged between the carrier 22 and the optical system 20. For example, the carrier 22 is a printed circuit board. The Image receiver 24 is connected to the conductive paths of the carrier 22.

[0088] The arrangement of the Image receiver 22 and the optical system 20 can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, in particular vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, road unevenness, in particular potholes or stones, road limitations, open spaces, in particular parking spaces, precipitations, or the like, in the monitoring area 18.

[0089] The Image receiver 24 converts received optical waves 38 into electrical receiving signals. The electrical receiving signals can be transmitted directly to the control unit 16.

[0090] The flash memory 46 can be part of the optical detection device 14. The flash memory 46 can be, for example, mounted on the side of the carrier 22 opposite to the image receiver 24. The flash memory 46 can be connected to the control unit 16 for data transfer.

[0091] The optical waveguide inlet 26, the optical waveguide 28, the optical waveguide outlet 30 and the optical secondary receiver 32 are part of an optical secondary receive device 48 of the optical detection device 14.

[0092] The optical waveguide inlet 26 is arranged next to the Image receiver 24 when viewed from the optical system 20. The optical waveguide inlet 26 is arranged in one of the overhangs 44 of the Image field 42. The optical waveguide inlet 26 is connected in one piece to the optical waveguide 28. The optical waveguide inlet 26 is part of the optical waveguide 28. The optical waveguide inlet 26 is directed towards the optical system 20. Optical waves 38 coming from the optical system 20 can enter the optical waveguide inlet 26 and can be guided in the optical waveguide 28.

[0093] The optical waveguide 28 extends on the same side of the carrier 22 as the Image receiver 24 and the optical waveguide inlet 26. The optical waveguide 28 leads away from the Image receiver 24.

[0094] The optical waveguide 28 is connected in one piece to the optical waveguide outlet 30. The optical waveguide outlet 30 is part of the optical waveguide 28. The optical waveguide outlet is connected to a light inlet of the optical secondary receiver 32. The optical secondary receiver 32 is mounted on the same side of the carrier 22 as the Image receiver 24, the optical waveguide inlet 26 and the optical waveguide 28.

[0095] The optical secondary receiver 32 comprises an optical single sensor, such as a photodiode. The optical secondary receiver 32 converts the optical waves 38 that hit the optical waveguide inlet 26 and that are guided with the optical waveguide 28 to the optical secondary receiver 36 into electrical signals. The electrical signals that are determined with the optical secondary receiver 32 can be transmitted directly to the control unit 16.

[0096] Information about the monitoring area 18 obtained with Image receiver 24 and the optical secondary receiver 32 of the optical detection device 14 is transmitted to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 controls functions of the vehicle 10 autonomously or semiautono- mously in particular based on the information obtained with the optical detection device 14.

[0097] The optical secondary receive device 48 can be used as a light-tunnel sensor. Alternatively, the secondary receive device 48 can be used as a communication receiving system, for example a car-to-car receiving system or an infrastructure-to-car receiving system.

[0098] When the optical secondary receive device 48 is used as a light-tunnel sensor, the optical waves 38 that come from the field of view 40 and are received with the optical waveguide inlet 26 are used to identify light, for example sunlight, and the darkness of a tunnel in the monitoring area 18. Based on the information determined with the optical secondary receive device 48, an interior air conditioning of the vehicle 10 can be controlled based on the sun position detected with the optical secondary receive device 48, or the headlights of the vehicle 10 can be switched on when the darkness of a tunnel is detected.

[0099] Optionally, the optical waveguide inlet 26 can comprise a coating for filtering defined wavelengths of the optical waves 38. Additionally or alternatively, the optical waveguide inlet 26 can optionally be made of a specific material for filtering defined wavelengths of the optical waves 38. For example, the optical waveguide inlet 26 can be coated or made of a specific material for transmitting only sunlight. In this way, the optical secondary receive device 48 can be optimized for solar functions.

[0100] When the optical secondary receive device 48 is used as a communication receiving system, communication data based on the optical waves 38 can be received with the optical secondary receiver 32. The communication data can be transferreddirectly to the driver assistance system 12. The optical secondary receive device 48 can be used as a part of a car-to-car communication system. The optical secondary receive device 48 can receive optical waves 38 with communication data transmitted by a transmitter of another vehicle. For example, transmitters of the car-to-car communication system can be the front lights and / or the rear lights of the other vehicle.

[0101] Alternatively, the optical secondary receive device 48 can be used as a part of an infra- structure-to-car communication system. For example, the communication data can be transmitted by use of optical waves 38 send by traffic lights or streetlights.

[0102] Optionally, the optical waveguide inlet 26 can be coated for filtering the wavelength of the optical waves 38 that contain the communication data. Additionally or alternatively, the optical waveguide inlet 26 can optionally be made of a specific material and / or a specific waveguide material can be inserted into or in front of the optical waveguide inlet 26 for filtering the wavelength of the optical waves 38 that contain the communication data. For example, near infrared light can be used as optical waves 38 to transmit the communication data.

[0103] Figures 4 and 5 show an optical detection device 14 according to a second embodiment that can be used in the vehicle 10 of Figure 1 . Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment in Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference signs. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical detection device 14 comprises two optical secondary receive devices 48. The optical secondary receive devices 48 are identical in form and function. The optical waveguide inlets 26 of the optical secondary receive devices 48 are on opposite sides of the Image receiver 24. The optical waveguide inlet 26 each are located in the corresponding overhangs 44 of the Image field 42 next to the Image receiver 24. The two optical secondary receive devices 48 can track a movement of a light source, for example the sun. The detected position of the light source, for example the sun, can be used to control the interior air conditioning system of the vehicle 10, for example.

[0104] Figure 6 shows an optical detection device 14 according to a third embodiment that can be used in the vehicle of Figure 1 . Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment in Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference signs. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical waveguide inlet 26 surrounds the Image receiver 24. Parts of the optical waveguide inlet 26 extend into the four overhangs 44 of the Image field 42. The optical waveguide inlet 26 can receive optical waves 38 that arrive next to all four sides of the Image receiver 24.

[0105] Figure 7 and 8 show an optical detection device 14 according to a fourth embodiment that can be used in the vehicle 10 of Figure 1 . Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment in Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference signs. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical waveguide 28 passes through the carrier 22. The optical waveguide 28 leads from the side of the carrier 22 the Image receiver 24 and the optical waveguide inlet 26 to the opposite side of the carrier 22. The optical waveguide outlet 30 and the optical secondary receiver 32 are mounted on the side of the carrier 22 opposite to the side of the carrier 22 with the Image receiver 24 and the optical waveguide inlet 26.

[0106] Figure 9 shows an optical detection device 14 according to a fifth embodiment that can be used in the vehicle 10 of Figure 1 . Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment in Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference signs. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical secondary receiver 32 is located outside the housing 34. The optical waveguide 28 leads from the optical waveguide inlet 26 to a wave guide coupler 50. The optical waveguide coupler 50 is connected to the optical waveguide outlet 30. The optical waveguide coupler 50 is mounted in a wall of the housing 34. The optical waveguide coupler 50 is accessible from the outside of the housing 34. An optical waveguide cable 52, for example an optical fiber, connects the optical waveguide coupler 50 with the optical secondary receiver 32. The optical secondary receiver 32 is located away from the other components of the optical detection device 14.

[0107] The optical waveguide coupler 50 optionally can be a quick connector. In this way, the optical waveguide cable 52 can be easily connected and disconnected from the optical waveguide coupler 50.

[0108] Features of the five exemplary embodiments of Figures 2 to 9 can be combined with each other appropriately.

[0109] In a further embodiment not shown, the Image receiver 24 and the optical secondary receiver 32 may each be connected to an individual flash memory 46.

[0110] In another embodiment not shown, the optical system 20 can be designed for defining several Image fields. For example, the property of the optical waves 38 in a central Image field with the Image receiver 24 can be different to the property of the optical waves 38 in peripheral Image field with the optical waveguide inlets 26. In this way, the property of the optical waves 38 in the central Image field can be adapted to the function of the Image receiver 24. The property of the optical waves 38 in the peripheral Image field can be adapted to the function of the optical secondary receiving device 48.

Claims

Claims1. Optical detection device (14), in particular an optical detection device (14) for a vehicle (10), in particular a front camera for a vehicle (10), for monitoring at least one monitoring area (18) by use of optical waves (38), comprising at least one optical system (20) for imaging at least a part of the at least one monitoring area (18) into at least one Image field (42), at least one Image receiver (24) that is arranged in the at least one Image field (42), and at least one part of at least one optical secondary receive device (48), characterized in that the at least one part of the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) comprises at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) that is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver (24) when viewed from the at least one optical system (20).

2. Optical detection device according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) is arranged at least partly in the at least one Image field (42) of the at least one optical system (20) and / or the Image field (42) has at least one overhang (44) that protrudes above the at least one Image receiver (24), and the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) can be arranged at least partly in the at least one overhang (44) of the Image field (42).

3. Optical detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) is arranged next to one side of the at least one Image receiver (24) and / or at least two optical waveguide inlets (26) are arranged next to different sides, in particular next to opposite sides, of the at least one Image receiver (24) and / or at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) surrounds at least part of the at least one Image receiver (24).

4. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the at least one secondary receive device (48) comprises at least one optical waveguide (28) that is connected to at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) and that leads toat least one optical waveguide outlet (30).

5. Optical detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one optical waveguide outlet (30) is connected to at least one optical secondary receiver (32), in particular to at least one optical secondary receiver (32) that is part of the at least one secondary receive device (48), and / or at least one optical waveguide outlet (30) is connected to at least one optical waveguide coupler (50).

6. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the at least one Image receiver (24) and the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) are mounted on at least one carrier (22), in particular on at least one printed circuit board, and / or the at least one Image receiver (24), the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26), and at least one optical secondary receiver (32), if any, are mounted on the same side of at least one carrier (22), in particular of at least one printed circuit board, and / or the at least one Image receiver (24) and the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) are mounted on one side of at least one carrier (22), in particular of at least one printed circuit board, and at least one optical secondary receiver (32), if any, is mounted on the opposite side of the at least one carrier (22).

7. Optical detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one optical waveguide (28) extends at least partially on the same side of the at least one carrier (22), in particular of the at least one printed circuit board, as the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) and / or at least one optical waveguide (28) at least partially passes through the at least one carrier (22), in particular through the at least one printed circuit board.

8. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguideoutlet (30) is connected to at least one optical waveguide (28) in one piece, in particular at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) and / or, if any, at least one optical waveguide outlet (30) is part of at least one optical waveguide (28).

9. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical secondary receive device (48) comprises at least one optical secondary receiver (32) that is optically connected to at least one optical waveguide inlet (26).

10. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one Image receiver (24), at least one optical waveguide inlet (26), and at least one optical secondary receiver (32) that is part of the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) are arranged in a housing (34) and / or at least one Image receiver (24) and at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) are arranged in a housing (34), and at least one optical secondary receiver (32) that is part of the at least one optical secondary received device (48) is arranged outside the housing (34).1 1 . Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) is designed as a light sensor, a tunnel sensor or a light-tunnel sensor and / or the the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) is designed as a part of a communication receive system, in particular a car-to-car communication system or infrastructure- to-car communication system.

12. Optical detection device according to one of previous claims, characterized in that the at least one Image receiver (24) comprises or consists of at least one optical area sensor, in particular at least one charge coupled device, at least one active pixel sensor, at least one imaging chip or the like, and / orat least one optical secondary receiver (32) of the at least one optical secondary receive device (48) comprises or consists of at least one optical single sensor, in particular at least one photodiode, or at least one optical area sensor, in particular at least one charge coupled device, at least one active pixel sensor, at least one imaging chip or the like.

13. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) is designed to filter certain wavelengths of the optical waves (38), in particular the at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) is coated and / or at least one optical waveguide inlet is made of a specific material and / or a specific waveguide material is inserted into or in front of the at least one optical waveguide inlet to filter certain wavelengths of the optical waves (38).

14. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the optical detection device (14) comprises at least one flash memory (46).

15. Driver assistance system (12) comprising at least one optical detection device (14), in particular at least one optical detection device (14) for a vehicle (10), in particular at least one a front camera for a vehicle (10), for monitoring at least one monitoring area (18) by use of optical waves (38), and at least one control unit, characterized in that the driver assistance system (12) comprises at least one optical detection device (14) according to one of the claims 1 to 14.

16. Vehicle (10) comprising at least one optical detection device (14), in particular at least one a front camera, for monitoring at least one monitoring area (18) by use of optical waves (38), characterized in that the vehicle (10) comprises at least one optical detection device (14) according to one of the claims 1 to 14.

17. Method for operating an optical detection device (14), in particular an optical detection device (14) for a vehicle (10), in particular a front camera for a vehicle (10), for monitoring at least one monitoring area (18), in which at least a part of optical waves (38) coming from the at least one monitoring area (18) is imaged into at least one Image field (42) by use of at least one optical system (20), at least a part of the optical waves (38) is received by use of at least one Image receiver (24) that is arranged in the at least one Image field (42),at least a part of the optical waves (38) is received by at least a part of at least one optical secondary receive device (48), characterized in that at least a part of the optical waves (38) is received by use of at least one optical waveguide inlet (26) that is arranged next to the at least one Image receiver (24) when viewed from the at least one optical system (20).

Images