Means of transport with a three-dimensional distance camera and method for the operation thereof

• US 20060250224A1
• Filed: 01/30/2004
• Published: 11/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH
• Inventors: Wagner, Daniel, Wagner, Dag, Steffel, Hans-Clemens
• Application Number:
  US10/543,910
• Publication Number:
  US 20060250224A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2210/32 Vehicle surroundings
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/87 Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9315 Monitoring blind spots
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9318 Controlling the steering
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93185 Controlling the brakes
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9319 Controlling the accelerator
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9322 using additional data, e.g. driver condition, road state or weather data
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9323 Alternative operation using light waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9324 Alternative operation using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93272 in the back of the vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93274 on the side of the vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93275 in the bumper area
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/06 Cathode-ray tube displays or other two dimensional or three-dimensional displays

Abstract

A hazard detection system for vehicles with at least one side and rear area sensing device, area interpretation device, and driver reaction assistance, wherein the area sensing device detects objects in motion which are moving relative to the vehicle carrying the hazard detection system. The hazard detection system has two sensors oriented opposite to the direction of travel. It includes at least one analysis and interpretation unit per sensor to determine geometry data and motion data of the sensed object. In addition, it has at least one display unit per sensor. Moreover, it has at least one information, control, and/or regulating unit acting on the vehicle brake system, vehicle steering system, and/or other vehicle assemblies, wherein said unit is influenced by the analysis and interpretation units.

Claims

1. Hazard detection system for vehicles with at least one side and rear area sensing device, area interpretation device, and driver reaction assistance, wherein the area sensing device detects objects in motion which are moving relative to the vehicle carrying the hazard detection system, said hazard detection system comprising:

at least two sensors or sensor groups oriented opposite to the direction of travel or at an acute angle thereto, wherein said sensors or sensor groups are arranged at an offset to one another in the vehicle'"'"'s lengthwise direction,

at least one analysis and interpretation unit per sensor or sensor group to determine geometry data and motion data of the object or objects sensed,

at least one display unit for each sensor or sensor group; and

at least one information, control, and/or regulating unit acting on the vehicle brake system, vehicle steering system, and/or other vehicle assemblies, wherein said unit is influenced by the analysis and interpretation units.

2. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the interpretation unit determines, from data acquired by at least one sensor of said two sensors or sensor groups, the direction of motion speed of motion, and changes therein, of the objects in motion moving relative to the vehicle.

3. Hazard detection system according to claim 2, wherein the interpretation unit of the vehicle uses the direction of motion, the speed of motion, and changes therein, and the motion data of the object or objects detected, to calculate a possible collision between the vehicle and at least one object.

4. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the interpretation unit classifies by type at least one object detected by said at least two sensors or sensor groups.

5. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein, when a collision is calculated, the information unit causes the brake pedal of the vehicle to pulse, or initiates braking perceptible to the driver of the vehicle.

6. Hazard detection system according to claim 5, wherein the braking represents negative acceleration in the range of one tenth the gravitational acceleration.

7. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the information unit, when a collision is calculated, causes the steering wheel of the vehicle to pulse.

8. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the information unit includes at least one warning lamp that warns visually of an object arriving in or near the blind spot region of the vehicle exterior mirror, wherein the warning lamp is located on or in the vicinity of the exterior mirror in question.

9. Hazard detection system according to claim 8, wherein the warning lamp is a flashing lamp.

10. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the sensors include at least one camera.

11. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis and interpretation unit can switch over at least from a day mode to a night mode as a function of the ambient brightness.

12. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis and interpretation unit includes a data memory.

13. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, further including a data interface.

14. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, further including a self-diagnostics system.

15. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein the control signal and/or warning signal issued by the analysis and interpretation unit depends upon the dynamic parameters of the monitoring vehicle and/or monitored vehicle.

16. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein a warning signal is issued when visibility is bad and/or when visibility is worsening.

17. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor system oriented in the direction of travel.

18. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, further comprises a replacement for at least one mirror of the vehicle.

19. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, wherein it includes traffic sign detection.

20. Hazard detection system according to claim 1, further including a night vision device.