WO2007048623A1 - Sensor device in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Sensor device in a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007048623A1
WO2007048623A1 PCT/EP2006/010367 EP2006010367W WO2007048623A1 WO 2007048623 A1 WO2007048623 A1 WO 2007048623A1 EP 2006010367 W EP2006010367 W EP 2006010367W WO 2007048623 A1 WO2007048623 A1 WO 2007048623A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
sensor device
light
motor vehicle
evaluation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2006/010367
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Jeitner
Original Assignee
Preh Gmbh
Jenoptik Polymer Systems Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Preh Gmbh, Jenoptik Polymer Systems Gmbh filed Critical Preh Gmbh
Priority to EP06828877A priority Critical patent/EP1943491A1/en
Publication of WO2007048623A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007048623A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
    • G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
    • G01J1/4228—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors arrangements with two or more detectors, e.g. for sensitivity compensation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • B60Q1/1415—Dimming circuits
    • B60Q1/1423—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
    • G01J1/10—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void
    • G01J1/16—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void using electric radiation detectors
    • G01J1/1626—Arrangements with two photodetectors, the signals of which are compared
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
    • G01J3/46—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters
    • G01J3/50—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters using electric radiation detectors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/33—Driving situation
    • B60Q2300/332—Driving situation on city roads
    • B60Q2300/3321—Detection of streetlights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/33—Driving situation
    • B60Q2300/337—Tunnels or bridges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
    • G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
    • G01J2001/4266—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors for measuring solar light

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sensor device in a motor vehicle for generating an electrical output signal as a function of a light incident on the motor vehicle comprising at least one photosensitive sensor which selectively detects the emitted light.
  • a variety of sensor devices are known with which, for example, the vehicle light is controlled or a vehicle air conditioning system is controlled.
  • sensors In order to be able to control the vehicle light as a function of the ambient brightness, sensors must be placed in the vehicle which detect the light in advance of the motor vehicle. In this case, the detection of tunnels and heavily shaded roads, such as avenues, to detect early to control the vehicle light as soon as possible and turn on, so that when it enters the lane area, the light is turned on, in which the diminished ambient brightness is present.
  • a manual operation of the light switch for the driving light by the driver of the motor vehicle is no longer necessary.
  • a device for a motor vehicle for measuring light with a plurality of sensor elements wherein a sensor element for measuring the light in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle is suitable.
  • the device also uses further sensor elements for determining the surface angle of a light source and a sensor element for determining the elevation angle of the light source, which radiates onto the motor vehicle.
  • optical elements are provided above the sensor elements, which guide the incident light in the direction of the sensor elements.
  • sun sensors which detect the incident light in the motor vehicle, wherein a subdivision of the detected range of incidence of sunlight is done in sectors.
  • the evaluation is carried out here by means of a corresponding evaluation, which determines therefrom the incident on the motor vehicle sunlight and the direction of incidence.
  • mainly photodiodes are used, which are coupled with temperature sensors, so that on the one hand the direction of solar radiation and on the other hand the temperature can be detected.
  • the light irradiation selectively detecting sensor device on the motor vehicle is known from EP 1 510 797 A1.
  • the sensor device consists of a three-dimensional circuit carrier with a plurality of mutually adjoining surfaces oriented in different directions, on which at least two sensors are arranged, each of which has an area oriented at an angle to this surface with an IR photodetector on both sides of a central surface in which the areas on which the IR photodetectors are arranged do not adjoin one another directly. In this way, a good direction-dependent detection of the light of a light source with respect to a motor vehicle can be detected.
  • the sensor device in this case has three sensors, which are aligned in directions different from each other. In addition to the two IR photodetectors, a photodetector for visible light is mounted on a centrally arranged surface. With this sensor device, a selective detection of the incident on the motor vehicle light is thus possible.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a sensor device with which a weather-independent detection of the incident light on the motor vehicle light, and the detection of artificial light is made possible.
  • the object is to provide a sensor device which makes it possible to detect a tunnel already noticeably ahead of the tunnel edge, so that the light of the motor vehicle can be switched on automatically even before entering the tunnel or the heavily shaded area. It is another object of the invention to provide a sensor device which can be produced inexpensively and with minimal means.
  • a sensor is integrated with the at least two different wavelengths of the light are detectable. Due to the construction of the sensor device according to the invention, it is now possible, with a sensor device and only a photosensitive sensor in addition to the brightness information and information about the color, ie the wavelength of light, to be considered in the evaluation and generation of an output signal. Due to the selective evaluation of the different spectral regions of the light incident on the motor vehicle, the nature of the tunnel, as well as its illumination, structure of the walls or the partial incidence of daylight has no influence on the function of the sensor, whereby a clear detection of the tunnel edge is made possible.
  • a sensor constructed in this way is weather-independent, since the driving situation or the environmental situation relative to the light incident on the motor vehicle can be evaluated on the basis of the color shifts and color changes. It is possible to safely distinguish artificially generated light in a tunnel from lack of daylight.
  • the senor is designed in such a way that three spectral regions of the light, advantageously red, green and blue, can be evaluated, as a result of which an unambiguous assignment of artificially produced light and daylight can be detected very easily.
  • a further advantage results when an optical element is arranged in front of the sensor so that the light incident on the motor vehicle is directed in the direction of the sensor.
  • the tunnel recognition is made possible by focusing on an area located in front of the motor vehicle and, moreover, the evaluation of the light emitted in advance in the sensor is facilitated.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in a principal
  • the sensor device 1 consists of a sensor 2 and an amplifier 3, which is connected to a transmitter 4.
  • the transmitter 4 consists in this case at least of a microprocessor 6, which is connected in common with the sensor 2 and the amplifier 3 and further detects the information of other vehicle sensors 5 and / or against each other and / or charged with each other.
  • a switching signal 8 is then generated for a driving light module.
  • the sensor 2 is constructed in the illustrated embodiment as a selective sensor 2, with the three different spectral regions 10, 11, 12 can be detected.
  • the wavelength is detectable in addition to the brightness information.
  • the evaluation of the different wavelengths of the light L incident on the motor vehicle makes it possible to generate a switching signal 8 which selectively detects the specific light sources illuminating the motor vehicle environment and weights them separately in the evaluation electronics 4.
  • the three different signals of the sensor regions 10, 11, 12 in the representative color regions measured here differ according to the prevailing ambient conditions, so that a significant, evaluable change from the driving situation in open terrain, when approaching a tunnel, in the tunnel and when approaching can be detected, measured and evaluated at the tunnel exit.
  • This evaluation of the light L in the apron of the motor vehicle is reinforced by the fact that a measuring lens 9, preferably a lens 9, is mounted in front of the sensor 2, which projects the light L in advance of the motor vehicle onto the sensor 2.
  • a sensor 2 is used, for example, but not limited to three sensitive to light areas with coordinated spectral sensitivity, such as red, green and blue, wherein the different areas 10, 11, 12 for reasons of homogeneity also multiple nested on the sensor 2 can be formed ,
  • a trained according to the invention sensor training 1 allows the detection of a tunnel edge at a distance of up to 50 m and more in front of the tunnel edge, so that the headlights of the motor vehicle by the generated by the sensor device 1 switching signal 8 already at an approach to the tunnel and to the Tunnel edge at up to 50 m and more is possible.
  • the particular structure of the sensor 2 in the different areas 10, 11, 12 has the additional advantage that the sensor device 1 independent of the nature of the tunnel, such as its illumination, structure of the walls, the partial incidence of daylight, since the selective detection of the spectral regions of the incident light on the motor vehicle L, the function of the sensor 2 is independent of these factors.
  • Vehicle sensors 5 may in this case be, for example, sensors that include the dynamics and / or the distance and / or the intensity of the individual spectra and / or the vehicle speed and / or the sun sensor information in the evaluation.
  • the inventively designed sensor device 1 is usually mounted behind the windshield of a motor vehicle, so that the light L in the run-up of the motor vehicle by means of a suitable optical system 9 is projected onto the sensor 2. It is conceivable in this case to arrange only the optics 9, the sensor 2 and the amplifier 3 on a printed circuit board, together with the microcomputer 6 immediately behind the windshield. By means of a local network 7 in the motor vehicle, a forwarding of the switching signal 8 to the driving light module is then possible. But it is also conceivable to attach the transmitter 4 in a separately arranged in the vehicle circuit board.

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device (1) in a motor vehicle for generating an electrical output signal (8) in accordance with a light (L) that impinges the motor vehicle. Said sensor device (1) comprises at least one photosensitive sensor (2) which selectively detects the emitted light (2), at least two different wavelengths (10, 11, 12) of the light (L) being detectable by means of the sensor (2).

Description

B E S C H R E I B U N G DESCRIPTION
Sensorvorrichtung in einem KraftfahrzeugSensor device in a motor vehicle
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sensorvorrichtung in einem Kraftfahrzeug zur Erzeugung eines elektrischen Ausgangssignals in Abhängigkeit eines auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlenden Lichtes bestehend aus mindestens einem photosensitiven Sensor, der das emittierte Licht selektiv erfasst.The invention relates to a sensor device in a motor vehicle for generating an electrical output signal as a function of a light incident on the motor vehicle comprising at least one photosensitive sensor which selectively detects the emitted light.
Um das auf ein Kraftfahrzeug einfallende Licht, wie beispielsweise Sonnenlicht, Lampen oder Laternen, zu erfassen, sind verschiedenste Sensorvorrichtungen bekannt, mit denen zum Beispiel das Fahrzeuglicht angesteuert oder eine Fahrzeugklimaanlage geregelt wird. Um das Fahrzeuglicht in Abhängigkeit der Umgebungshelligkeit ansteuern zu können, müssen Sensoren im Fahrzeug platziert werden, die das Licht im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeuges detektieren. Dabei ist die Erkennung von Tunneln und stark beschatteten Straßen, wie beispielsweise Alleen, frühzeitig zu detektieren, um möglichst zeitnah das Fahrzeuglicht anzusteuern und einzuschalten, so dass bereits bei Eintritt in den Fahrbahnbereich das Licht eingeschaltet wird, in dem die verminderte Umgebungshelligkeit vorliegt. Durch eine derartige Sensorvorrichtung ist eine manuelle Betätigung des Lichtschalters für das Fahrlicht durch den Fahrer des Kraftfahrzeuges nicht mehr notwendig.To detect the incident on a motor vehicle light, such as sunlight, lamps or lanterns, a variety of sensor devices are known with which, for example, the vehicle light is controlled or a vehicle air conditioning system is controlled. In order to be able to control the vehicle light as a function of the ambient brightness, sensors must be placed in the vehicle which detect the light in advance of the motor vehicle. In this case, the detection of tunnels and heavily shaded roads, such as avenues, to detect early to control the vehicle light as soon as possible and turn on, so that when it enters the lane area, the light is turned on, in which the diminished ambient brightness is present. By such a sensor device a manual operation of the light switch for the driving light by the driver of the motor vehicle is no longer necessary.
Aus der EP 1 566 654 A2 ist eine Vorrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug zum Messen von Licht mit mehreren Sensorenelementen bekannt, wobei ein Sensorelement zum Messen des Lichtes in der Fahrtrichtung des Kraftfahrzeuges geeignet ist. Die Vorrichtung verwendet darüber hinaus weitere Sensorelemente, zum Ermitteln des Flächenwinkels einer Lichtquelle und ein Sensorelement zum Ermitteln des Höhenwinkels der Lichtquelle, die auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlt. Zusätzlich sind oberhalb der Sensorelemente optische Elemente vorgesehen, die das einfallende Licht in Richtung der Sensorelemente leiten. Bekannt sind ebenfalls Sonnensensoren, die das in das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlende Licht detektieren, wobei eine Unterteilung des detektierten Einfallsbereichs des Sonnenlichtes in Sektoren erfolgt. Die Auswertung erfolgt hierbei mittels einer entsprechenden Auswerteelektronik, die daraus das auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlende Sonnenlicht und die Einfallsrichtung ermittelt. Eingesetzt werden hierzu hauptsächlich Photodioden, die mit Temperatursensoren gekoppelt werden, so dass einerseits die Richtung der Sonneneinstrahlung und andererseits die Temperatur erfassbar ist.From EP 1 566 654 A2 a device for a motor vehicle for measuring light with a plurality of sensor elements is known, wherein a sensor element for measuring the light in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle is suitable. The device also uses further sensor elements for determining the surface angle of a light source and a sensor element for determining the elevation angle of the light source, which radiates onto the motor vehicle. In addition, optical elements are provided above the sensor elements, which guide the incident light in the direction of the sensor elements. Also known are sun sensors, which detect the incident light in the motor vehicle, wherein a subdivision of the detected range of incidence of sunlight is done in sectors. The evaluation is carried out here by means of a corresponding evaluation, which determines therefrom the incident on the motor vehicle sunlight and the direction of incidence. For this purpose, mainly photodiodes are used, which are coupled with temperature sensors, so that on the one hand the direction of solar radiation and on the other hand the temperature can be detected.
Eine, das auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlende Licht selektiv erfassende Sensorvorrichtung ist aus der EP 1 510 797 A1 bekannt. Die Sensorvorrichtung besteht hierbei aus einem dreidimensionalen Schaltungsträger mit mehreren aneinander grenzenden in verschiedene Richtungen ausgerichteten Flächen, auf denen mindestens zwei Sensoren angeordnet sind, die zu beiden Seiten einer zentralen Fläche jeweils ein unter einem Winkel zu diese Fläche ausgerichtete Fläche mit je einem IR-Photodetektor besitzt, wobei die Flächen, auf denen die IR- Photodetektoren angeordnet sind, nicht unmittelbar aneinander grenzen. Hierdurch wird eine gute richtungsabhängige Detektion des Lichtes einer Lichtquelle in Bezug auf ein Kraftfahrzeug erfassbar. Die Sensorvorrichtung besitzt hierbei drei Sensoren, die in voneinander verschiedene Richtungen ausgerichtet sind. Neben den beiden IR-Photodetektoren ist auf einer zentral angeordneten Fläche ein Photodetektor für sichtbares Licht befestigt. Mit dieser Sensorvorrichtung ist somit eine selektive Erfassung des auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlenden Lichtes möglich.One, the light irradiation selectively detecting sensor device on the motor vehicle is known from EP 1 510 797 A1. In this case, the sensor device consists of a three-dimensional circuit carrier with a plurality of mutually adjoining surfaces oriented in different directions, on which at least two sensors are arranged, each of which has an area oriented at an angle to this surface with an IR photodetector on both sides of a central surface in which the areas on which the IR photodetectors are arranged do not adjoin one another directly. In this way, a good direction-dependent detection of the light of a light source with respect to a motor vehicle can be detected. The sensor device in this case has three sensors, which are aligned in directions different from each other. In addition to the two IR photodetectors, a photodetector for visible light is mounted on a centrally arranged surface. With this sensor device, a selective detection of the incident on the motor vehicle light is thus possible.
Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, eine Sensorvorrichtung bereitzustellen, mit der eine witterungsunabhängige Erfassung des auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlenden Lichtes, sowie die Erkennung von Kunstlicht ermöglicht wird. Darüber hinaus besteht die Aufgabe darin, eine Sensorvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die es ermöglicht, einen Tunnel schon merklich vor der Tunnelkante zu erkennen, so dass bereits vor der Einfahrt in den Tunnel oder den stark beschatteten Bereich das Licht des Kraftfahrzeuges automatisch einschaltbar ist. Weiterhin ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung eine Sensorvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die kostengünstig und mit minimalsten Mitteln herstellbar ist.The object of the invention is to provide a sensor device with which a weather-independent detection of the incident light on the motor vehicle light, and the detection of artificial light is made possible. In addition, the object is to provide a sensor device which makes it possible to detect a tunnel already noticeably ahead of the tunnel edge, so that the light of the motor vehicle can be switched on automatically even before entering the tunnel or the heavily shaded area. It is another object of the invention to provide a sensor device which can be produced inexpensively and with minimal means.
Die Lösung der Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch bereitgestellt, dass in die Sensorvorrichtung ein Sensor integriert ist, mit dem mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Wellenlängen des Lichtes erfassbar sind. Durch den erfindungsgemäßen Aufbau der Sensorvorrichtung, ist nun die Möglichkeit geschaffen, mit einer Sensorvorrichtung und lediglich einem photosensitiven Sensor neben der Helligkeitsinformation auch eine Information über die Farbe, das heißt die Wellenlänge des Lichtes, bei der Auswertung und Generierung eines Ausgangssignals zu berücksichtigen. Durch die selektive Auswertung der unterschiedlichen spektralen Bereiche des auf das Kraftfahrzeug einfallenden Lichtes besitzt die Beschaffenheit des Tunnels, sowie dessen Ausleuchtung, Struktur der Wände oder der partielle Einfall von Tageslicht keinen Einfluss auf die Funktion des Sensors, wodurch eine eindeutige Erkennung der Tunnelkante ermöglicht wird. Auch ist ein derartig aufgebauter Sensor witterungsunabhängig, da die Fahrsituation beziehungsweise die Umgebungssituation bezogen auf das auf das Kraftfahrzeug einfallende Licht anhand der Farbverschiebungen und Farbwechsel auswertbar ist. Hierbei ist es möglich, künstlich erzeugtes Licht in einem Tunnel von fehlendem Tageslicht sicher zu unterscheiden.The solution of the problem is inventively provided in that in the sensor device, a sensor is integrated with the at least two different wavelengths of the light are detectable. Due to the construction of the sensor device according to the invention, it is now possible, with a sensor device and only a photosensitive sensor in addition to the brightness information and information about the color, ie the wavelength of light, to be considered in the evaluation and generation of an output signal. Due to the selective evaluation of the different spectral regions of the light incident on the motor vehicle, the nature of the tunnel, as well as its illumination, structure of the walls or the partial incidence of daylight has no influence on the function of the sensor, whereby a clear detection of the tunnel edge is made possible. Also, a sensor constructed in this way is weather-independent, since the driving situation or the environmental situation relative to the light incident on the motor vehicle can be evaluated on the basis of the color shifts and color changes. It is possible to safely distinguish artificially generated light in a tunnel from lack of daylight.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung, ist der Sensor derart ausgelegt, dass drei Spektralbereiche des Lichtes, in vorteilhafter Weise rot, grün und blau, auswertbar sind, wodurch eine eindeutige Zuordnung von künstlich erzeugtem Licht und Tageslicht sehr leicht detektierbar ist. Ein weiterer Vorteil ergibt sich dann, wenn ein optisches Element vor dem Sensor angeordnet wird, so dass das auf das Kraftfahrzeug einfallende Licht in Richtung des Sensors geleitet wird. Hierdurch wird einerseits die Tunnelerkennung, durch eine Fokussie- rung auf einen vor dem Kraftfahrzeug befindlichen Bereich ermöglicht und darüber hinaus die Auswertung des im Vorfeld emittierten Lichts im Sensor erleichtert.In an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor is designed in such a way that three spectral regions of the light, advantageously red, green and blue, can be evaluated, as a result of which an unambiguous assignment of artificially produced light and daylight can be detected very easily. A further advantage results when an optical element is arranged in front of the sensor so that the light incident on the motor vehicle is directed in the direction of the sensor. As a result, on the one hand the tunnel recognition is made possible by focusing on an area located in front of the motor vehicle and, moreover, the evaluation of the light emitted in advance in the sensor is facilitated.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand eines schematischen Blockschaltbildes näher erläutert. Es zeigtThe invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a schematic block diagram. It shows
Figur 1 ein Blockschaltbild einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einem prinzipiellenFigure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in a principal
Aufbau.Construction.
Die Sensorvorrichtung 1 besteht aus einem Sensor 2 und einem Verstärker 3, der mit einer Auswerteelektronik 4 verbunden ist. Die Auswerteelektronik 4 besteht hierbei zumindest aus einem Mikroprozessor 6, der gemeinsam mit dem Sensor 2 und dem Verstärker 3 verschaltet ist und der darüber hinaus Informationen weiterer Fahrzeugsensoren 5 erfasst und/oder gegeneinander und/oder miteinander verrechnet. Darüber hinaus ist es möglich, die Auswerteelektronik 4 und insbesondere den Mikrocomputer 6 mit einem internen Netzwerk über eine Bus-Schnittstelle 7 zu verbinden. Mittels der Auswerteelektronik 4 wird dann ein Schaltsignal 8 für ein Fahrlichtmodul generiert. Zur zielgerichteten Erfassung des Lichtes im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeuges ist über dem Sensor 2 eine Optik 9 in der Sensorvorrichtung 1 befestig bar.The sensor device 1 consists of a sensor 2 and an amplifier 3, which is connected to a transmitter 4. The transmitter 4 consists in this case at least of a microprocessor 6, which is connected in common with the sensor 2 and the amplifier 3 and further detects the information of other vehicle sensors 5 and / or against each other and / or charged with each other. In addition, it is possible to connect the transmitter 4 and in particular the microcomputer 6 to an internal network via a bus interface 7. By means of the evaluation 4, a switching signal 8 is then generated for a driving light module. For targeted detection of the light in the run-up of the motor vehicle is above the sensor 2, an optics 9 in the sensor device 1 fastened bar.
Der Sensor 2 ist in der dargestellten Ausführungsform als selektiver Sensor 2 aufgebaut, mit dem drei unterschiedliche Spektralbereiche 10, 11 , 12 erfassbar sind. Durch diese Art des Aufbaus des Sensors mit drei, mit unterschiedlichen Licht empfindlichen Bereichen mit abgestimmter spektraler Empfindlichkeit, ist neben einer Helligkeitsinformation eine Information über die selektiv erfassten Wellenlängenbereiche des einfallenden Lichtes L auf den Sensor 2 ist neben der Helligkeitsinformation auch die Wellenlänge detektierbar. Die Auswertung der unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen des auf das Kraftfahrzeug einfallenden Lichtes L ermöglicht eine Generierung eines Schaltsignals 8, das die spezifischen das Kraftfahrzeugumfeld ausleuchtenden Lichtquellen selektiv zu erfassen und in der Auswerteelektronik 4 separat zu wichten. Die hierbei gemessenen drei unterschiedlichen Signale der Sensorbereiche 10, 11 , 12 in den repräsentativen Farbbereichen unterscheiden sich je nach den vorliegenden Umgebungsbedingungen, so dass eine signifikante, auswertbare Änderung aus der Fahrsituation im offenen Gelände, bei Annäherung an einen Tunnel, im Tunnel und bei Annäherung an die Tunnelausfahrt detektierbar, messbar und auswertbar ist. Verstärkt wird diese Auswertung des Lichtes L im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeuges dadurch, dass vor den Sensor 2 eine Messoptik 9, bevorzugt eine Linse 9, befestigt ist, die das Licht L im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeugs auf den Sensor 2 projiziert. Eingesetzt wird ein Sensor 2 der beispielsweise aber nicht beschränkend drei für Licht empfindliche Bereiche mit abgestimmter spektraler Empfindlichkeit, wie beispielsweise rot, grün und blau aufweist, wobei die unterschiedlichen Bereiche 10, 11 , 12 aus Homogenitätsgründen auch Mehrfach ineinander geschachtelt auf dem Sensor 2 ausbildbar sind.The sensor 2 is constructed in the illustrated embodiment as a selective sensor 2, with the three different spectral regions 10, 11, 12 can be detected. By this type of construction of the sensor with three, sensitive to different light areas with coordinated spectral sensitivity, in addition to a brightness information information about the selectively detected wavelength ranges of the incident light L on the sensor 2, the wavelength is detectable in addition to the brightness information. The evaluation of the different wavelengths of the light L incident on the motor vehicle makes it possible to generate a switching signal 8 which selectively detects the specific light sources illuminating the motor vehicle environment and weights them separately in the evaluation electronics 4. The three different signals of the sensor regions 10, 11, 12 in the representative color regions measured here differ according to the prevailing ambient conditions, so that a significant, evaluable change from the driving situation in open terrain, when approaching a tunnel, in the tunnel and when approaching can be detected, measured and evaluated at the tunnel exit. This evaluation of the light L in the apron of the motor vehicle is reinforced by the fact that a measuring lens 9, preferably a lens 9, is mounted in front of the sensor 2, which projects the light L in advance of the motor vehicle onto the sensor 2. A sensor 2 is used, for example, but not limited to three sensitive to light areas with coordinated spectral sensitivity, such as red, green and blue, wherein the different areas 10, 11, 12 for reasons of homogeneity also multiple nested on the sensor 2 can be formed ,
Eine erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Sensorausbildung 1 , ermöglicht die Erkennung einer Tunnelkante in einer Entfernung von bis zu 50 m und mehr vor der Tunnelkante, so dass das Fahrlicht des Kraftfahrzeuges durch das mittels der Sensorvorrichtung 1 generierte Schaltsignal 8 bereits bei einer Annäherung an den Tunnel und an die Tunnelkante bei bis zu 50 m und mehr möglich ist. Der besondere Aufbau des Sensors 2 in die unterschiedliche Bereiche 10, 11 , 12 besitzt darüber hinaus den Vorteil, dass die Sensorvorrichtung 1 unabhängig von der Beschaffenheit des Tunnels, wie dessen Ausleuchtung, Struktur der Wände, dem partiellen Einfall von Tageslicht ist, da die selektive Erfassung der spektralen Bereiche des auf das Kraftfahrzeug einfallenden Lichtes L, die Funktion des Sensors 2 unabhängig von diesen Einflussgrößen ist. Mittels der selektiven Erfassung und einer entsprechenden Zerlegung, Auswertung, Abgleichung mit Referenzwerten ist eine eindeutige Erkennung von Tageszeiten und Witterungsbedingungen ermöglicht. Diese Auswertung erfolgt über die Erfassung der Farbverschiebungen beziehungsweise der Farbwechsel, so dass ein künstlich erzeugtes Licht in einem Tunnel eindeutig von Tageslicht unterscheidbar ist, da hierbei unterschiedliche Lichtintensitäten in den spektralen Bereichen 10, 11 , 12 des Sensors 2 detektiert werden. Hierbei erfolgt eine Auswertung der im Sensor 2 erfassten Messwerte, die mittels des Verstärkers 3 an die Auswerteelektronik 4 weitergeleitet werden anhand geeigneter Algorithmen und anhand von im Mikrocomputer 6 hinterlegten Kennlinien.A trained according to the invention sensor training 1, allows the detection of a tunnel edge at a distance of up to 50 m and more in front of the tunnel edge, so that the headlights of the motor vehicle by the generated by the sensor device 1 switching signal 8 already at an approach to the tunnel and to the Tunnel edge at up to 50 m and more is possible. The particular structure of the sensor 2 in the different areas 10, 11, 12 has the additional advantage that the sensor device 1 independent of the nature of the tunnel, such as its illumination, structure of the walls, the partial incidence of daylight, since the selective detection of the spectral regions of the incident light on the motor vehicle L, the function of the sensor 2 is independent of these factors. By means of the selective detection and a corresponding decomposition, evaluation, comparison with reference values, a clear recognition of times of day and weather conditions is made possible. This evaluation takes place via the detection of the color shifts or the color change, so that an artificially generated light in a tunnel can be clearly distinguished from daylight, since in this case different light intensities in the spectral regions 10, 11, 12 of the sensor 2 are detected. In this case, the measured values recorded in the sensor 2 are evaluated, which are forwarded to the evaluation electronics 4 by means of the amplifier 3 on the basis of suitable algorithms and on the basis of characteristic curves stored in the microcomputer 6.
Ein weiterer Vorteil der erfindungsgemäß beschriebenen Sensorvorrichtung 1 ergibt sich dann, wenn zusätzliche mittels weiterer Sensoren 2 im Fahrzeug ermittelter Daten berücksichtigt werden. Fahrzeugsensoren 5 können hierbei zum Beispiel Sensoren sein, die die Dynamik und/oder den Abstand und/oder die Intensität der einzelnen Spektren und/oder die Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit und/oder die Sonnensensorinformationen in die Auswertung mit einbezogen werden.A further advantage of the sensor device 1 described according to the invention arises when additional data determined by means of further sensors 2 in the vehicle are taken into account. Vehicle sensors 5 may in this case be, for example, sensors that include the dynamics and / or the distance and / or the intensity of the individual spectra and / or the vehicle speed and / or the sun sensor information in the evaluation.
Die erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Sensorvorrichtung 1 wird üblicherweise hinter der Windschutzscheibe eines Kraftfahrzeuges befestigt, so dass das Licht L im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeugs mittels einer geeigneten Optik 9 auf den Sensor 2 projizierbar ist. Vorstellbar ist es hierbei, lediglich die Optik 9, den Sensor 2 und den Verstärker 3 auf eine Leiterplatte, gemeinsam mit dem Mikrocomputer 6 unmittelbar hinter der Windschutzscheibe anzuordnen. Mittels eines lokalen Netzwerkes 7 im Kraftfahrzeug ist dann eine Weiterleitung des Schaltsignals 8 zum Fahrlichtmodul möglich. Es ist aber auch vorstellbar, die Auswerteelektronik 4 in einer separat im Fahrzeug angeordneten Leiterplatte zu befestigen. The inventively designed sensor device 1 is usually mounted behind the windshield of a motor vehicle, so that the light L in the run-up of the motor vehicle by means of a suitable optical system 9 is projected onto the sensor 2. It is conceivable in this case to arrange only the optics 9, the sensor 2 and the amplifier 3 on a printed circuit board, together with the microcomputer 6 immediately behind the windshield. By means of a local network 7 in the motor vehicle, a forwarding of the switching signal 8 to the driving light module is then possible. But it is also conceivable to attach the transmitter 4 in a separately arranged in the vehicle circuit board.

Claims

PATENTANS PRÜCH E PATENTANS PRETTY E
1. Sensorvorrichtung in einem Kraftfahrzeug zur Erzeugung eines elektrischen Ausgangssignals (8) in Abhängigkeit eines auf das Kraftfahrzeug einstrahlenden Lichtes (L) bestehend aus mindestens einem photosensitiven Sensor (2), der das emittierte Licht (L) selektiv erfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels des Sensors (2) mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Wellenlängen (10, 1 1 , 12) des Lichtes (L) erfassbar sind.1. Sensor device in a motor vehicle for generating an electrical output signal (8) as a function of a light incident on the motor vehicle (L) consisting of at least one photosensitive sensor (2) which selectively detects the emitted light (L), characterized in that means at least two different wavelengths (10, 11, 12) of the light (L) can be detected by the sensor (2).
2. Sensorvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mit dem Sensor (2) drei Spektralbereiche (10, 11 , 12) des Lichtes (L), insbesondere rot (10), grün (11) und blau (12), auswertbar sind.2. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that with the sensor (2) three spectral regions (10, 11, 12) of the light (L), in particular red (10), green (11) and blue (12), are evaluable ,
3. Sensorvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sensor (2) mit einer Auswerteelektronik (4), insbesondere einem Mikrocomputer (6), elektrisch verbunden ist.3. Sensor device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the sensor (2) with an evaluation (4), in particular a microcomputer (6), is electrically connected.
4. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen dem Sensor (2) und der Auswerteelektronik (4) ein Verstärker (3) integriert ist.4. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that between the sensor (2) and the transmitter (4), an amplifier (3) is integrated.
5. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein weiterer Sensor (5) mit der Auswerteelektronik (4) verbunden ist.5. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one further sensor (5) with the transmitter (4) is connected.
6. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der weitere Sensor (5) ein Abstandssensor ist.6. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the further sensor (5) is a distance sensor.
7. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der weitere Sensor (5) ein photosensitiver Sensor ist.7. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the further sensor (5) is a photosensitive sensor.
8. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der weitere Sensor (5) ein Temperatursensor ist. 8. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the further sensor (5) is a temperature sensor.
9. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein optisches Element (9) in der Sensorvorrichtung (1) befestigt ist, wobei das optische Element (9) das Licht (L) in Richtung des Sensors (2) leitet.9. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an optical element (9) in the sensor device (1) is fixed, wherein the optical element (9) passes the light (L) in the direction of the sensor (2) ,
10. Sensorvorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das optische Element (9) eine Linse (9) ist.10. Sensor device according to claim 9, characterized in that the optical element (9) is a lens (9).
11. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 und 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Linse (9) senkrecht auf den Sensor (2) ausgerichtet ist.11. Sensor device according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the lens (9) is aligned perpendicular to the sensor (2).
12. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sensor (2) derart im Kraftfahrzeug befestigt ist, dass das Licht (L) im Vorfeld des Kraftfahrzeuges erfassbar ist.12. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensor (2) is fixed in such a way in the motor vehicle, that the light (L) in the apron of the motor vehicle is detectable.
13. Sensorvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sensorvorrichtung (1) hinter einer transparenten Fläche, insbesondere einer Windschutzscheibe, befestigt ist. 13. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sensor device (1) is mounted behind a transparent surface, in particular a windshield.
PCT/EP2006/010367 2005-10-28 2006-10-27 Sensor device in a motor vehicle WO2007048623A1 (en)

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