WO2000055010A1 - System for enlarging the field of view in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

System for enlarging the field of view in a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000055010A1
WO2000055010A1 PCT/DE2000/000791 DE0000791W WO0055010A1 WO 2000055010 A1 WO2000055010 A1 WO 2000055010A1 DE 0000791 W DE0000791 W DE 0000791W WO 0055010 A1 WO0055010 A1 WO 0055010A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical element
vehicle
mirror
fresnel structure
lens
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PCT/DE2000/000791
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefan Hahn
Original Assignee
Daimlerchrysler Ag
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
Priority claimed from DE10011365A external-priority patent/DE10011365A1/en
Application filed by Daimlerchrysler Ag filed Critical Daimlerchrysler Ag
Priority to DE10080608T priority Critical patent/DE10080608D2/en
Priority to AU40996/00A priority patent/AU4099600A/en
Publication of WO2000055010A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000055010A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/005—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles specially adapted for viewing traffic-lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/001—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles integrated in the windows, e.g. Fresnel lenses

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for observing things which are located above or to the side of the vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the traffic-regulating devices e.g. traffic signs and traffic lights
  • the traffic-regulating devices are often located above or to the side of the vehicle, outside the driver's natural, direct field of vision. The latter must therefore move from his sitting position to observe them.
  • GB 1 177752 and WO 86-05749 there are known modifications of vehicle rear-view mirrors which allow them to be rotated by suitable means (cables or electric motors) in order to look in front of the vehicle.
  • These devices are mechanically complex, in particular if the view of objects located in front of the vehicle is also to be made possible.
  • a device known from US Pat. No. 5,316,360 provides for integrating a small window in the sun visor through which objects located above the vehicle can be observed.
  • US Pat. No. 5,214,540 proposes an optical system consisting of a combination of a plurality of curved mirrors, which, by means of a suitable combination and arrangement, reflects objects positioned in any manner into the field of view of an observer. In practice, however, the alignment of such a mirror combination places high demands on precision, in particular if one and the same device is to be used by vehicle drivers of different heights.
  • JP 97-554369 describes a mirror designed with a Fresnel structure, which allows the contents of a luggage compartment located in a passenger aircraft to be inspected above the seats.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a system by means of which things which are located above or to the side of the vehicle can be observed and which can be designed in such a way that it is inexpensive, as inconspicuous as possible and in a manner suitable for road traffic in a vehicle can be integrated.
  • the object is achieved by a system which has at least one optical element which is designed in a Fresnel structure.
  • An optical element for example in the form of a mirror, is attached to the dashboard near the windshield, so that a large one Part of the mirror surface is in the driver's field of vision.
  • the mirror is advantageously designed to be convex or spherically convex.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the integration of a prism or a lens firmly in the windshield, in the sunroof or in or on the sun visor of the vehicle. When looking in the direction of this prism, the vehicle operator can see objects that are above or are located in front of the vehicle. When looking into a concave lens, he sees vehicles above and to the side.
  • the optical elements described above are designed in an inventive manner in a Fresnel structure, so that they can be integrated in a vehicle in a cost-effective manner, as inconspicuously as possible and in a manner suitable for road traffic.
  • the arrangements of optical elements known from the prior art for expanding the field of vision of a vehicle driver make use of all conventional optics which, in the case of the necessary coverage of a wide angular range in road traffic, have a thickness extension in the range of 2-3 cm.
  • the flat embodiment of the optical element in Fresnel structure according to the invention simplifies production with still sufficient optical quality and considerably reduces the weight of the device. In addition, such flat structures are easier to integrate into existing vehicle elements (dashboard, windshield, sun visor or sunroof).
  • the optical elements are constructed with electrochromic or electro-reflective materials, as are known, inter alia, from electrically dimmable interior mirrors in automobiles.
  • a electrochromic or electro-reflective coating applied or the optical element is made of electrochromic or electro-reflective materials.
  • the mirror is made of electro-reflective material so that the reflection is maximal when standing and minimal while driving.
  • the prism or the lens are made of electrochromic material, for example, so that the transmission is at a maximum while standing and minimal during driving.
  • the acute angles which the prism structure from which conventional Fresnel structures are built up, cause internal multiple reflections when light is irradiated at unfavorable angles of incidence. If the energy of the incident light wave is large compared to the ambient light, such as direct sunlight during the day or street lighting at night, the multiple internally reflected light rays are perceptible to the driver as undesired light reflections.
  • the angles which the prisms of these Fresnel structures have are not chosen too sharply.
  • the angles are ideally designed to be close to 90 °, but there are already significant improvements in angles in the range from 70 ° to 80 °.
  • the double images resulting from this inventive embodiment which are caused by the concave and convex configuration of the optical element, can be suppressed simply by covering or correspondingly coloring the part of the optical element which shows the undesired image.
  • optical elements In realistic traffic scenarios, objects to be observed by the driver through the optical device are located at different locations around the surroundings of the vehicle.
  • Conventional optical elements generally only reproduce a restricted area without distortion, which leads to the fact that one or the other object is usually depicted in a highly distorted manner.
  • a conceivable situation for this is the case that there is a traffic sign or a traffic light above and to the side of the vehicle.
  • a deviation of the optically effective surface from the radially symmetrical shape is necessary, in the simplest case through the introduction of an appropriate astigmatism.
  • This can be implemented directly by the optical element.
  • such a method has to be manufactured difficult and expensive.
  • such an embodiment can advantageously be replaced by the combination of two easy-to-manufacture optical elements, in which one is designed as a cylindrical lens or cylindrical mirror and the other is also cylindrical or radially symmetrical.
  • a foldable bracket is e.g. realized for a lens by fastening it to the sun visor with a hinge.
  • the optical element is integrated directly in the sun visor.
  • the sun visor can be freely adjusted in its position by the vehicle driver, the optical element integrated in the sun visor cannot be correctly adjusted if necessary.
  • the optical element is therefore advantageously rotatably mounted (e.g. by means of a hinge or cardanic suspension) in the sun visor.
  • an arrangement of two devices, each designed as a lens, at the top right and top left on or in the windshield means that traffic lights which are located above and to the side of the vehicle can be observed simultaneously.
  • the system can be installed in an automatic system
  • a unit for recording and / or processing and / or reproduction of image information becomes.
  • simple automatic traffic light or pedestrian detection covering a large field of view could be implemented.

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for enlarging the field of view of drivers by means of an optical element which is located inside the vehicle. An optical element is arranged in the field of view of the driver in such a way that the driver can see objects without having to move from his/her sitting position, whereby said objects are not in the natural, direct field of view of the driver and are located over and in front of or next to the vehicle. This is achieved by realising and placing a mirror, a prism or a lens in Fresnel structure at an appropriate location, such as the windscreen or the dashboard for instance. The optical element is configured in such a way that reflections and distortions are reduced and the optical element counteracts possible dazzling effects in order to improve the suitability for road traffic.

Description

System zur Blickfelderweiterung im KfzSystem for expanding the field of vision in motor vehicles
Die Erfindung betrifft ein System zur Beobachtung von Dingen, welche sich oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug befinden, nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a system for observing things which are located above or to the side of the vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Beim Halt an einer Verkehrskreuzung befinden sich oft die verkehrsregelnden Vorrichtungen (z.B.: Verkehrszeichen und Ampeln) soweit oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug, außerhalb des natürlichen, direkten Blickfeldes des Fahrzeugführers. Dieser muß sich somit zu deren Beobachtung aus seiner Sitzposition bewegen. Aus den Schriften GB 1 177752 und WO 86-05749 sind dahingehende Modifikationen von Fahrzeug Rückspiegeln bekannt, die es erlauben diese durch geeignete Mittel (Seilzüge oder Elektromotoren) zu verdrehen, um vor das Fahrzeug zu schauen. Diese Vorrichtungen sind mechanisch aufwendig, insbesondere wenn auch noch der Blick zu oberhalb vor dem Fahrzeug befindlichen Objekten ermöglicht werden soll. Eine aus der Patentschrift US 5316360 bekannte Vorrichtung sieht vor, eine kleines Fenster in der Sonnenblende zu integrieren, durch welches sich oberhalb vor dem Fahrzeug befindliche Objekte beobachten lassen. Die Erfindung zielt jedoch speziell auf einen Einsatz bei starkem Gegenlicht (tiefstehende Sonne) ab. Es wurde daher nicht beachtet, daß sich zur Beobachtung von Objekten, welche sich außerhalb des natürlichen, direkten Blickfelds des Fahrzeugführers befinden, dieser sich aus seiner Sitzposition heraus bewegen muß. In der Patentschrift US 5214540 wird ein aus einer Kombination von mehreren gewölbter Spiegeln bestehendes optisches System vorgeschlagen, welches durch geeignete Kombination und Anordnung beliebig positionierte Objekte in das Sichtfeld eines Beobachters spiegelt. Die Ausrichtung einer solchen Spiegelkombination stellt in der Praxis jedoch hohe Präzisionsanforderungen, insbesondere wenn ein und die selbe Vorrichtung von Fahrzeugführern unterschiedlicher Körpergröße verwendet werden soll.When stopping at a traffic intersection, the traffic-regulating devices (e.g. traffic signs and traffic lights) are often located above or to the side of the vehicle, outside the driver's natural, direct field of vision. The latter must therefore move from his sitting position to observe them. From GB 1 177752 and WO 86-05749 there are known modifications of vehicle rear-view mirrors which allow them to be rotated by suitable means (cables or electric motors) in order to look in front of the vehicle. These devices are mechanically complex, in particular if the view of objects located in front of the vehicle is also to be made possible. A device known from US Pat. No. 5,316,360 provides for integrating a small window in the sun visor through which objects located above the vehicle can be observed. However, the invention specifically aims at use in strong backlighting (low-lying sun). It was therefore not observed that in order to observe objects which are outside the driver's natural, direct field of vision, the driver must move out of his sitting position. US Pat. No. 5,214,540 proposes an optical system consisting of a combination of a plurality of curved mirrors, which, by means of a suitable combination and arrangement, reflects objects positioned in any manner into the field of view of an observer. In practice, however, the alignment of such a mirror combination places high demands on precision, in particular if one and the same device is to be used by vehicle drivers of different heights.
Eine Vorrichtung, welche es einem Autofahrer ermöglicht Dinge vor dem Auto zu sehen, die er ohne sie nicht sehen kann wir in DE 19509385 gezeigt. Hierbei wird vorgeschlagen ein optisches Element, im Kraftfahrzeug fest oder in verschiedenen Positionen arretierbar zu installieren. Im Wesentlichen zielt die Erfindung darauf Lösungsmöglichkeiten bezüglich einer sinnvollen Plazierung, Befestigung und Bedienung aufzuzeigen. Auf speziell für den Einsatz im Straßenverkehr geeignete und in Bezug auf Wirtschaftlichkeit und Kundenakzeptanz optimierte Ausführungsformen des optischen Elementes wird in der Schrift nicht eingegangen. In der Schrift JP 97-554369 wird ein mit Fresnel-Struktur ausgebildeter Spiegel beschrieben, welcher in es erlaubt den Inhalt eines sich in einem Passagierflugzeug über den Sitzen befindlichen Gepäckfaches zu inspizieren.A device which enables a driver to see things in front of the car that he cannot see without them is shown in DE 19509385. Here, it is proposed to install an optical element in the motor vehicle in a fixed manner or lockable in various positions. In essence, the invention aims to show possible solutions with regard to sensible placement, fastening and operation. The publication does not deal with embodiments of the optical element that are particularly suitable for use in road traffic and that are optimized in terms of economy and customer acceptance. JP 97-554369 describes a mirror designed with a Fresnel structure, which allows the contents of a luggage compartment located in a passenger aircraft to be inspected above the seats.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es ein System anzugeben, mittels dessen Dinge welche sich oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug befinden beobachtet werden können und welches derart gestaltet werden kann, daß es in kostengünstiger Weise, möglichst unauffällig und in einer für den Straßenverkehr tauglichen Art in einem Fahrzeug integriert werden kann.The object of the invention is to provide a system by means of which things which are located above or to the side of the vehicle can be observed and which can be designed in such a way that it is inexpensive, as inconspicuous as possible and in a manner suitable for road traffic in a vehicle can be integrated.
Die Aufgabe wird durch ein System gelöst, welches mindestens ein optisches Element, welches in Fresnel-Struktur ausgeführt ist.The object is achieved by a system which has at least one optical element which is designed in a Fresnel structure.
Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments.
Ein optisches Element, zum Beispiel in Form eines Spiegels, wird auf dem Armaturenbrett in der Nähe der Windschutzscheibe angebracht, so daß sich ein großer Teil der Spiegeloberfläche im Blickfeld des Fahrers befindet. Um einen möglichst großen Bereich der sich oberhalb vor dem Fahrzeug befindlichen Umgebung im Spiegel abzubilden, wird der Spiegel in vorteilhafter Weise konvex oder sphärisch konvex ausgebildet. Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausführung der Erfindung stellt die Integration eines Prismas oder einer Linse fest in der Windschutzscheibe, im Schiebedach oder in bzw. an der Sonnenblende des Fahrzeugs dar. Beim Blick in Richtung dieses Prismas eröffnet sich dem Fahrzeugführer der Blick zu Objekten die sich oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug befinden. Beim Blick in eine konkave Linse sieht er sowohl oberhalb als auch seitlich befindliche Fahrzeuge.An optical element, for example in the form of a mirror, is attached to the dashboard near the windshield, so that a large one Part of the mirror surface is in the driver's field of vision. In order to image as large a region as possible of the surroundings in front of the vehicle in the mirror, the mirror is advantageously designed to be convex or spherically convex. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the integration of a prism or a lens firmly in the windshield, in the sunroof or in or on the sun visor of the vehicle. When looking in the direction of this prism, the vehicle operator can see objects that are above or are located in front of the vehicle. When looking into a concave lens, he sees vehicles above and to the side.
In erfinderischer Weise werden die oben beschriebenen optischen Elemente in erfinderischer Weise in Fresnel-Struktur ausgeführt, damit sie in kostengünstiger weise, möglichst unauffällig und in einer für den Straßenverkehr tauglichen Art in einem Fahrzeug integriert werden können. Die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Anordnungen optischer Elemente zur Erweiterung des Sichtfeldes eines Fahrzeugführers bedienen sich alle konventioneller Optiken, welche bei der notwendigen Überdeckung eines weiten Winkelbereichs im Straßenverkehr in ihrer Dickenausdehnung im Bereich von 2-3cm liegen. Die erfindungsgemäße, flache Ausführungsform des optischen Elementes in Fresnel-Struktur vereinfacht bei noch ausreichender optischer Qualität die Fertigung und reduziert das Gewicht der Vorrichtung erheblich. Außerdem sind derart flache Strukturen einfacher in bereits vorhandenen Fahrzeugelemente (Armaturenbrett, Windschutzscheibe, Sonnenblende oder Schiebedach) zu integrieren.In an inventive manner, the optical elements described above are designed in an inventive manner in a Fresnel structure, so that they can be integrated in a vehicle in a cost-effective manner, as inconspicuously as possible and in a manner suitable for road traffic. The arrangements of optical elements known from the prior art for expanding the field of vision of a vehicle driver make use of all conventional optics which, in the case of the necessary coverage of a wide angular range in road traffic, have a thickness extension in the range of 2-3 cm. The flat embodiment of the optical element in Fresnel structure according to the invention simplifies production with still sufficient optical quality and considerably reduces the weight of the device. In addition, such flat structures are easier to integrate into existing vehicle elements (dashboard, windshield, sun visor or sunroof).
Während der Fahrt ist es im allgemeinen nicht notwendig verkehrsregelnden Vorrichtungen die sich oberhalb, direkt vor dem Fahrzeug befinden zu beobachten. Deshalb ist es vorteilhaft, daß während sich das Fahrzeug bewegt, das optische Element in seiner Reflektions- bzw. Transmissionseigenschaft verändert wird, um zu vermeiden daß stark leuchtende Objekte (tiefstehende Sonne oder helle Straßenbeleuchtung) den Fahrzeugführer blenden. Die optischen Elemente werden mit elektrochromen oder elektroreflektiven Materialien aufgebaut, wie sie u.a. von elektrisch abblendbaren Innenspiegeln in Automobilen bekannt sind. Hierzu wird auf das optische Elemente eine elektrochrome oder elektroreflektive Beschichtung aufgebracht oder das optische Element wird aus elektrochromen oder elektroreflektiven Materialien gefertigt. Beispielsweise wird der Spiegel aus elektroreflektivem Material hergestellt, damit die Reflexion im Stand maximal und während der Fahrt minimal wird. Das Prisma oder die Linse werden z.B. aus elektrochromen Material hergestellt, damit die Transmission im Stand maximal und während der Fahrt minimal wird.When driving, it is generally not necessary to observe traffic control devices that are located directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is advantageous that while the vehicle is moving, the optical element is changed in its reflection or transmission properties in order to avoid that brightly illuminating objects (low sun or bright street lighting) dazzle the driver. The optical elements are constructed with electrochromic or electro-reflective materials, as are known, inter alia, from electrically dimmable interior mirrors in automobiles. For this purpose, a electrochromic or electro-reflective coating applied or the optical element is made of electrochromic or electro-reflective materials. For example, the mirror is made of electro-reflective material so that the reflection is maximal when standing and minimal while driving. The prism or the lens are made of electrochromic material, for example, so that the transmission is at a maximum while standing and minimal during driving.
Die spitzen Winkel, welche die Prismenstruktur aus welcher konventionelle Fresnel- Strukturen aufgebaut sind, bewirken bei Lichteinstrahlung unter ungünstigen Einfallswinkeln interne Mehrfachreflektionen. Ist die Energie der einfallenden Lichtwelle groß gegenüber dem Umgebungslicht, wie beispielsweise direkte Sonneneinstrahlung bei Tag oder Straßenbeleuchtung bei Nacht, sind die mehrfach intern reflektierten Lichtstrahlen für den Fahrzeugführer als unerwünschte Lichtreflexe wahrnehmbar. Um diese Nachteile konventioneller, in Fresnel-Struktur ausgeführter, optischer Elemente auszugleichen, bietet es sich in vorteilhafter Weise an, die Winkel, welche die Prismen dieser Fresnel-Strukturen aufwiesen, nicht zu spitz zu wählen. In idealer weise sind die Winkel nahe 90° auszulegen, jedoch zeigen sich auch schon bei Winkeln im Bereich von 70° bis 80° deutliche Verbesserungen. Die aus dieser erfinderischen Ausführungsform resultierenden Doppelabbildungen, welche ihre Ursache in der zusammenfallenden konkaven und konvexen Ausbildung des optischen Elementes haben, lassen sich einfach durch Abdecken oder entsprechendem Einfärben des die unerwünschte Abbildung zeigenden Teils des optischen Elemente unterdrücken.The acute angles, which the prism structure from which conventional Fresnel structures are built up, cause internal multiple reflections when light is irradiated at unfavorable angles of incidence. If the energy of the incident light wave is large compared to the ambient light, such as direct sunlight during the day or street lighting at night, the multiple internally reflected light rays are perceptible to the driver as undesired light reflections. In order to compensate for these disadvantages of conventional optical elements embodied in a Fresnel structure, it is advantageous if the angles which the prisms of these Fresnel structures have are not chosen too sharply. The angles are ideally designed to be close to 90 °, but there are already significant improvements in angles in the range from 70 ° to 80 °. The double images resulting from this inventive embodiment, which are caused by the concave and convex configuration of the optical element, can be suppressed simply by covering or correspondingly coloring the part of the optical element which shows the undesired image.
In realistischen Verkehrsszenarien befinden sich von vom Fahrzeugführer durch die optische Vorrichtung zu beobachtende Objekte an unterschiedlichen Stellen um Umfeld des Fahrzeuges. Herkömmliche optische Elemente bilden im allgemeinen aber nur einen eingeschränkten Bereich verzerrungsfrei ab, was dazu führt, daß meist das eine oder andere Objekt stark verzerrt abgebildet wird. Eine denkbare Situation hierfür ist der Fall, daß sich oberhalb und seitlich vom Fahrzeug ein Verkehrszeichen oder eine Ampel befindet. Um die Verzerrungen zu minimieren, ist eine Abweichung der optisch wirksamen Oberfläche von der radialsymmetrischen Form notwendig, im einfachsten Fall durch die Einführung eines entsprechenden Astigmatismus. Dieser kann direkt durch das optische Element realisiert sein. Ein solches Verfahren zu fertigen ist jedoch schwierig und kostspielig. In vorteilhafter Weise läßt sich eine solche Ausführung jedoch ersetzen durch die Kombination von zwei einfach zu fertigenden optischen Elementen, bei denen eines als Zylinderlinse bzw. zylindrischer Spiegel und das andere ebenfalls zylindrisch oder radialsymmetrisch ausgeführt wird.In realistic traffic scenarios, objects to be observed by the driver through the optical device are located at different locations around the surroundings of the vehicle. Conventional optical elements generally only reproduce a restricted area without distortion, which leads to the fact that one or the other object is usually depicted in a highly distorted manner. A conceivable situation for this is the case that there is a traffic sign or a traffic light above and to the side of the vehicle. In order to minimize the distortions, a deviation of the optically effective surface from the radially symmetrical shape is necessary, in the simplest case through the introduction of an appropriate astigmatism. This can be implemented directly by the optical element. However, such a method has to be manufactured difficult and expensive. However, such an embodiment can advantageously be replaced by the combination of two easy-to-manufacture optical elements, in which one is designed as a cylindrical lens or cylindrical mirror and the other is also cylindrical or radially symmetrical.
Beispielhaft wäre dies eine Kombination von zwei Zylinderlinsen unterschiedlicher Brennweite, deren Achsen senkrecht aufeinander stehen.For example, this would be a combination of two cylindrical lenses of different focal lengths, the axes of which are perpendicular to one another.
Bezüglich einer vorteilhaften Gestaltung der Halterung für das optische Element, ist es denkbar diese klapp- oder faltbar so auszubilden, so daß der Fahrer sie bei Bedarf ins Blickfeld bringen oder sie wegschwenken kann, damit der Fahrer durch das optische Element nicht geblendet wird. Eine klappbare Halterung ist z.B. für eine Linse durch Befestigung mit einem Scharnier an der Sonnenblende realisiert.With regard to an advantageous design of the holder for the optical element, it is conceivable to design it so that it can be folded or folded so that the driver can bring it into view or swivel it away so that the driver is not dazzled by the optical element. A foldable bracket is e.g. realized for a lens by fastening it to the sun visor with a hinge.
In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist das optische Element direkt in der Sonnenblende integriert. Da jedoch die Sonnenblende vom Fahrzeugführer in seiner Position frei eingestellt werden kann, kann das in der Sonnenblende integrierten optische Element bei Bedarf nicht richtig justiert sein. In vorteilhafter Weise ist deshalb das optische Element drehbar gelagert (z.B.: mittels Scharnier oder kardanischer Aufhängung) in der Sonnenblende gelagert.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical element is integrated directly in the sun visor. However, since the sun visor can be freely adjusted in its position by the vehicle driver, the optical element integrated in the sun visor cannot be correctly adjusted if necessary. The optical element is therefore advantageously rotatably mounted (e.g. by means of a hinge or cardanic suspension) in the sun visor.
Um die Ausmaße des optischen Elementes möglichst klein zu halten, um beispielsweise eine unauffällige Integration im Fahrzeuginnern zu erlauben, ist es denkbar eine mehrere der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtungen innerhalb eines Fahrzeugs anzuordnen. In besonders vorteilhafterweise lassen sich durch eine Anordnung von zwei jeweils als Linse ausgeführten Vorrichtungen oben rechts und oben links an oder in der Windschutzscheibe Ampelanlagen, welche sich oberhalb und seitlich vom Fahrzeug befinden, gleichzeitig beobachten.In order to keep the dimensions of the optical element as small as possible, for example to allow an inconspicuous integration in the vehicle interior, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of the devices according to the invention within a vehicle. In a particularly advantageous manner, an arrangement of two devices, each designed as a lens, at the top right and top left on or in the windshield means that traffic lights which are located above and to the side of the vehicle can be observed simultaneously.
In besonders vorteilhafter Weise läßt sich das System in eine automatische Anlage zurIn a particularly advantageous manner, the system can be installed in an automatic system
Interpretation von Verkehrsszenen integrieren, wenn mindestens einem der optischenIntegrate interpretation of traffic scenes if at least one of the optical
Elemente an die Stelle oder zusätzlich zum Fahrzeugführers eine Einheit zur Aufnahme und/oder Verarbeitung und/oder Wiedergabe von Bildinformationen nachgeschaltet wird. Auf diese Art könnte beispielsweise auf einfache eine ein großes Sichtfeld abdeckende automatische Ampel- oder Fußgängererkennung realisiert werden. Auch ist dann in erfinderischer Weise denkbar die durch die im System integrierte Einheit gewonnene Informationen über eine Kommunikationsverbindung an anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer oder eine Verkehrsüberwachungs- und koordinationszentrale zu übertragen. Elements in place or in addition to the vehicle driver, a unit for recording and / or processing and / or reproduction of image information becomes. In this way, for example, simple automatic traffic light or pedestrian detection covering a large field of view could be implemented. It is also conceivable in an inventive manner to transmit the information obtained by the unit integrated in the system to other traffic participants or to a traffic monitoring and coordination center via a communication link.

Claims

1. System zur Beobachtung von Dingen, welche sich oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug befinden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es mindestens ein optisches Element enthält, welches in Fresnel-Struktur ausgeführt ist.1. System for observing things that are above or to the side in front of the vehicle, characterized in that it contains at least one optical element which is designed in a Fresnel structure.
2. System nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element ein Spiegel ist und die Fresnel-Struktur eine konvexe Ausformung dessen nachbildet.2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical element is a mirror and the Fresnel structure simulates a convex shape thereof.
3. System nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element ein Spiegel ist und die Fresnel-Struktur eine sphärisch konvexe Ausformung dessen nachbildet.3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical element is a mirror and the Fresnel structure simulates a spherical convex shape thereof.
4. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element ein Prisma oder eine Linse ist.4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical element is a prism or a lens.
5. System nach einem der Ansprüche 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Spiegel mit einem in seinen Reflektionseigenschaften veränderlichen Material aufgebaut ist.5. System according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the mirror is constructed with a material which is variable in its reflection properties.
6. System nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die veränderlichen Reflektionseigenschaften so steuerbar sind, daß sie im Stand maximal und während der Fahrt minimal ist. 6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the variable reflection properties can be controlled so that it is at a maximum while standing and is minimal while driving.
7. System nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Prisma oder die Linse mit einem in seinen Transmissionseigenschaften veränderlichen Material aufgebaut ist, so daß die Transmission im Stand maximal und während der Fahrt minimal ist.7. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the prism or the lens is constructed with a material which is variable in its transmission properties, so that the transmission in the stationary state is maximal and minimal during the journey.
8. System nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die veränderlichen Transmissionseigenschaften so steuerbar sind, daß sie im Stand maximal und während der Fahrt minimal ist.8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the variable transmission properties are so controllable that it is at a maximum and minimal while driving.
9. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zur Reduktion von Lichtreflexen die Winkel, welche die Prismen der Fresnel-Struktur aufwiesen, nahe 90° ausgelegt werden.9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that to reduce light reflections, the angles which the prisms of the Fresnel structure had are designed to be close to 90 °.
10. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element zur Verringerung der geometrischen Verzerrung aus einer Kombination von zwei optischen Elementen besteht, bei denen eines als Zylinderlinse bzw. als zylindrischer Spiegel und das andere ebenfalls zylindrisch oder radialsymmetrisch ausgeführt wird.10. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the optical element for reducing the geometric distortion consists of a combination of two optical elements, in which one is designed as a cylindrical lens or as a cylindrical mirror and the other also cylindrical or radially symmetrical becomes.
1 1. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element auf dem Armaturenbrett in der Nähe der Windschutzscheibe angebracht ist.1 1. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical element is attached to the dashboard near the windshield.
12. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element in der Windschutzscheibe integriert ist.12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical element is integrated in the windshield.
13. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element im Schiebedach integriert ist. 13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical element is integrated in the sunroof.
14. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Element in der Sonnenblende integriert oder an der Sonnenblende befestigt ist.14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical element is integrated in the sun visor or is attached to the sun visor.
15. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es aus einer Kombination aus optischen Elementen besteht, wobei ein Element oben rechts und das andere Element oben links an oder in der Windschutzscheibe angebracht ist.15. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a combination of optical elements, one element above right and the other element is attached to the top left of or in the windshield.
16. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens einem der optischen Elementen eine Einheit zur Aufnahme und/oder Verarbeitung und/oder Wiedergabe von Bildinformationen nachgeschaltet ist.16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the optical elements is followed by a unit for recording and / or processing and / or reproduction of image information.
17. System nach Anspruch 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die nachgeschaltete Einheit an eine Kommunikationsanlage zur Übermittlung der gewonnene Informationen gekoppelt ist.17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the downstream unit is coupled to a communication system for transmitting the information obtained.
18. Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Systems zur Beobachtung von Dingen, welche sich oberhalb oder seitlich vor dem Fahrzeug befinden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abbildung der beobachteten Dinge mittels mindestens eines optischen Elementes, welches in Fresnel-Struktur ausgeführt ist einem Beobachter zugeführt wird, welcher sodann Informationen daraus ableiten kann.18. A method of operating a system for observing things that are located above or to the side of the vehicle, characterized in that the depiction of the observed objects is fed to an observer by means of at least one optical element which is embodied in a Fresnel structure, which then can derive information from it.
19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Ableitung der Informationen mittels einer dem optischen Element nachgeschalteten Einheit zur Aufnahme und/oder Verarbeitung und/oder Wiedergabe von Bildinformationen erfolgt. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the derivation of the information takes place by means of a unit connected downstream of the optical element for recording and / or processing and / or reproduction of image information.
20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die abgeleiteten Informationen über eine Kommunikationsverbindung übertragen werden. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the derived information is transmitted via a communication link.
PCT/DE2000/000791 1999-03-15 2000-03-15 System for enlarging the field of view in a motor vehicle WO2000055010A1 (en)

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DE10080608T DE10080608D2 (en) 1999-03-15 2000-03-15 System for expanding the field of vision in the vehicle
AU40996/00A AU4099600A (en) 1999-03-15 2000-03-15 System for enlarging the field of view in a motor vehicle

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DE19911363.7 1999-03-15
DE19911363 1999-03-15
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DE10011365A DE10011365A1 (en) 1999-03-15 2000-03-13 System for expanding the field of vision in motor vehicles

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GB2369811A (en) * 2000-12-09 2002-06-12 Wayne Simon Smart Optical member for vehicle driver
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GB2369811A (en) * 2000-12-09 2002-06-12 Wayne Simon Smart Optical member for vehicle driver
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