Area of representation in an automotive night vision system
First Claim
1. A method for detecting surroundings by means of an automotive night vision system comprising several areas, including a detection area, wherein the night vision system is sensitive at least to optical radiation in the IR wavelength region and detects data relating to the surroundings, and an area of representation, wherein information from the data relating to the surroundings detected by the night vision system is represented optically to the driver by means of a display device, wherein said vehicle has a high beam headlight illuminating a high beam area and a low beam headlight illuminating a low beam area, and wherein the area of representation comprises at most the high beam area of the vehicle.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method for detecting surroundings by means of an automotive night vision system comprising several areas, including a detection area (3) in which surroundings-related data is detected, an evaluation area within which the surroundings-related data detected by means of the night vision system is evaluated, and an area of representation in which information about the surroundings-related data detected therein is represented to the driver by means of an optical display unit. All previous commercially available night vision systems are configured so as to be able to display objects at the greatest possible distance. However, said systems involve the great risk of leading the driver into driving faster than would be possible without the night vision system in situations where visibility is poor or in the dark. The area of representation is therefore restricted in the inventive method for detecting surroundings such that the area of representation comprises no more than the high beam area (2). The driver is shown only the surroundings-related data which he/she would see anyway when actuating the conventional high beam due to the fact that the area of representation is restricted.
7 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for detecting surroundings by means of an automotive night vision system comprising several areas, including
a detection area, wherein the night vision system is sensitive at least to optical radiation in the IR wavelength region and detects data relating to the surroundings, and an area of representation, wherein information from the data relating to the surroundings detected by the night vision system is represented optically to the driver by means of a display device, wherein said vehicle has a high beam headlight illuminating a high beam area and a low beam headlight illuminating a low beam area, and wherein the area of representation comprises at most the high beam area of the vehicle.
Specification