Method and device for driver assistance

• US 8,195,387 B2
• Filed: 05/29/2006
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Moritz, Rainer, Leicht, Holger
• Primary Examiner(s): Algahaim, Helal A
• Application Number:
  US11/988,610
• Publication Number:
  US 20090185718A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,199 Days
• Field of Search: 701/301, 382/104, 348/148, 340/907
• US Class Current: 701/301
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/085 due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers B60Q1/10, B60Q1/12, B60Q1/1423 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/142 Turn signal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/322 Road curvature
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/335 Number or size of road lanes
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/336 Crossings
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/45 Special conditions, e.g. pedestrians, road signs or potential dangers

Abstract

In a method and a device for driver assistance, traffic elements that point to potential danger zones are detected on the road, using a camera. If such potential danger zones are detected, at least one headlight of the vehicle is controlled in such a way that the potential danger zone is illuminated.

Claims

1. A method for driver assistance in a vehicle, the method comprising:

recording an image of an area in front of the vehicle with the aid of at least one camera;

analyzing a traffic situation in front of the vehicle with the aid of the recorded image, wherein at least one traffic element that indicates a potential danger zone is determined by the analysis; and

upon determination of a potential danger zone, controlling at least one illumination device of the vehicle so that illumination of the area in front of the vehicle is adjusted to illuminate the potential danger zone;

wherein the distance from the potential danger zone is taken into account and the light control is adjusted with decreasing distance from the potential danger zone with the effect of bringing about a greater illumination of the potential danger zone.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one traffic element that indicates a potential danger zone includes at least one of a crossing, an exit, a turn-off and an intersection.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

determining an intention of a driver of the vehicle with respect to vehicle maneuver, wherein the control of the at least one illumination device is implemented only if the driver intention has been determined.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the driver intention includes one of a turn-off and a lane change, and wherein the driver intention is detected by an activation of a turn signal of the vehicle.

5. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the crossing is detected on the basis of broad parallel lines in the recorded image.

6. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one of an exit, a turn-off and an intersection is detected if the recorded image shows a road marking including a solid line that splits into one solid line and one broken line.

13. The method as recited in claim 2,

wherein at least one designated pedestrian crossing area is determined by the analysis, and

wherein, upon the determination, at least one illumination device of the vehicle is controlled to add illumination to an area of at least one side of the designated pedestrian crossing area.

14. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

determining an intention of a driver of the vehicle with respect to vehicle maneuver, wherein the control of the at least one illumination device is implemented only if the driver intention has been determined;

wherein the at least one traffic element that indicates a potential danger zone includes at least one of a crossing, an exit, a turn-off and an intersection,

wherein the driver intention includes one of a turn-off and a lane change, and wherein the driver intention is detected by an activation of a turn signal of the vehicle,

wherein the crossing is detected on the basis of broad parallel lines in the recorded image.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the at least one of an exit, a turn-off and an intersection is detected if the recorded image shows a road marking including a solid line that splits into one solid line and one broken line.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein at least one designated pedestrian crossing area is determined by the analysis, and wherein, upon the determination, at least one illumination device of the vehicle is controlled to add illumination to an area of at least one side of the designated pedestrian crossing area.

17. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein at least one designated pedestrian crossing area is determined by the analysis, and wherein, upon the determination, at least one illumination device of the vehicle is controlled to add illumination to an area of at least one side of the designated pedestrian crossing area.

7. A device for driver assistance in a vehicle, comprising:

a camera configured to record an image of an area in front of the vehicle;

an image analysis unit configured to analyze a traffic situation in front of the vehicle with the aid of the recorded image, wherein at least one traffic element that indicates a potential danger zones is determined by the analysis;

a light control unit configured to control at least one illumination device of the vehicle in such a way that, upon determination of a potential danger zone, illumination of the area in front of the vehicle is adjusted to illuminate the potential danger zone;

wherein the distance from the potential danger zone is taken into account and the light control is adjusted with decreasing distance from the potential danger zone with the effect of bringing about a greater illumination of the potential danger zone.

8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one traffic element that indicates a potential danger zone includes at least one of a zebra crossing, an exit, a turn-off and an intersection.

9. The device as recited in claim 7, further comprising:

a determining arrangement to determine an intention of a driver of the vehicle with respect to vehicle maneuver, wherein the control of the at least one illumination device is implemented only if the driver intention has been determined.

10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the driver intention includes one of a turn-off and a lane change, and wherein the driver intention is detected by an activation of a turn signal of the vehicle.

11. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein a zebra crossing is detected on the basis of broad parallel lines in the recorded image.

12. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein at least one of an exit, a turn-off and an intersection is detected if the recorded image shows a road marking including a solid line that splits into one solid line and one broken line.