DE102006050548A1 - Motorist warning method for motor vehicle i.e. passenger car , involves determining projection point outside of motor vehicle for production of projection object based on situation information, and selectively producing object in point - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves producing a projection object as warning reference for other motorist at a projection point outside of a motor vehicle (1) by a projection unit that is provided at the motor vehicle. The situation information for traffic situation, which exits in the environment of the vehicle is determined by an information receiving unit provided in the vehicle. A preferred projection point outside of the motor vehicle is determined for production of the projection object based on the situation information. The projection object is selectively produced in the preferred projection point.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for warning at least one road user, in which by means provided on a motor vehicle projection means at least one projection object as a warning for at least another road user at a projection site outside of the motor vehicle is generated.

From the DE 10 2004 025 251 A1 a warning device for motor vehicles with a diode having laser light emitter or laser projector is known, wherein the diode emits a collimated light beam, which generates on a specific reflective surface on the rear window signal information that for the driver of a subsequent vehicle on the reflective surface of the rear window or outside the rear window of the motor vehicle as a warning triangle appears in appearance. As an example of the appearance outside the motor vehicle, the projection of a warning triangle on fog or smoke is given.

A However, such warning device is not suitable, all approaching Sufficient warning to road users.

task The present invention is to provide a method by which achieves an improved warning of other road users can be.

Is solved this object by a method having the features of the claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the present invention will become apparent the dependent claims.

According to the invention Information recording means provided on the motor vehicle Situation information for existing in the vicinity of the motor vehicle traffic situation detected, based on this situation information is a preferred Projection point determined to produce the projection object, on which the projection object is generated selectively.

By the invention becomes an early warning allows other road users.

The The invention particularly aims at situations in which the equipped with the projection means motor vehicle by a Accident or breakdown in the onward journey is prevented. So it will be in the following without limitation the general public assumed that the projecting motor vehicle is at a standstill. It is also assumed that the projecting motor vehicle on the road or at least near the same on which it is before the by the breakdown or the accident forced shutdown has occurred.

First by the determination according to the invention and consideration the direction from which other road users could approach or approach the invention produced Projection object to be generated at a projection site, at which it can develop a particularly high warning effect. For example It can be directly in the field of vision of another road user (for example, on the road surface some Meter in front of this road user). It can also in predefined or possible greater Distance from the motor vehicle along one to the accident or Leading edge breakdown Traffic are generated. Alternatively, it may be at a projection site Especially those approaching road users are generated is well visible.

The detected according to the invention Situation information for existing in the vicinity of the motor vehicle Traffic situation may be particular in an actual or estimated Alignment and possibly removal of the motor vehicle relative to another road user. Likewise, the situation information in an actual or estimated Alignment and possibly removal of the motor vehicle relative to consist of a traffic route.

Preferably becomes an actual Alignment and distance to another road user determined by measurement. The information recording means in the sense of Invention are then preferably as corresponding environment sensors formed of the motor vehicle.

The actual Alignment and distance to another road user can also be determined by communication, especially with the other road user become. Communication with the other road user can either directly through vehicle-to-vehicle communication or negotiated over Network or a central, e.g. server-based, data service respectively. The information receiving means in the context of the invention are then preferably as corresponding communication means, in particular Receiving means, the motor vehicle trained.

The projection point is preferably adapted as a function of a movement of the at least one other road user. The generated projection object can thus also for a with high speed moving other road users are made permanently well visible.

A estimate an alignment and optionally removal of the motor vehicle relative to the other road user can be based on one on a movement model based updating of a former known position, direction of movement and speed of the other road user. It can also be based on the assumption that other road users to move on traffic routes. In this respect, it is enough to own orientation and optionally removal relative to one, in particular the nearest To determine or estimate the direction and traffic route if necessary, distance relative to one on this traffic route approaching Road user.

The actual Alignment and possibly removal of the motor vehicle relative in particular, a traffic route may be determined using a, preferably satellite-based, positioning system (e.g., GPS), optionally additional Means for determining one's own geographic orientation (e.g., compass), as well as digital map material. Alternatively or additionally, by Environment sensors, in particular camera-based, features of a traffic route (e.g., guide posts, traffic signs) and into the destination be included.

the Those skilled in the art are also further methods and devices for the determination your own actual or estimated Alignment and possibly removal of the motor vehicle relative to another road user or traffic route familiar. Around just to name a few: it could camera based on a traffic route or another road user detected and based on its own relative position and / or Relative orientation can be determined. It can be especially in the dark also the headlights of another road user by appropriate special sensors (comparable to the so-called high-beam assistant used sensors) and based on their own Position and / or orientation towards the other road user be determined.

to targeted generation at the preferred projection site the projection means preferably suitably set or configured, pivoted in particular suitable. The motor vehicle must do this accordingly adjustable or configurable, in particular pivotable projection means feature. The configuration settings of such projection means can then so dependent be changed by the previously determined preferred projection position, that the generation of the projection object targeted at the preferred Projection occurs.

In addition to a mere one abstract warning notice may be issued in accordance with a preferred embodiment The present invention also additional information by the projection means are displayed. Valuable information can be for example personal injury or the need for fast help. Consequently, possible additional information textually loud "accident with injured persons "," Please Alarm service "," Please Call towing service "etc. Comparable additional information can also be conveyed graphically or symbolically become.

Under a projection object within the meaning of the invention can be any outside the motor vehicle occurring light phenomenon are considered, the caused by the projection means provided on the motor vehicle becomes. As a projection means in the context of the invention will not viewed conventional vehicle headlights and vehicle lights, which serve primarily to elucidate the environment of the vehicle (e.g., low beam and high beam) or improved Recognizability of the vehicle serve, without targeted light to a projection site in the vicinity of the vehicle (e.g., taillights).

Especially showy and for other road users easily with regard to their warning function interpretable can be a projection, which is the viewer represents three-dimensional. This can, for example, in per se known Be achieved by an essentially two-dimensional in itself Projection, but by the viewer due to perspective presentation elements perceived three-dimensionally.

typically, Projection objects are created by placing light on the surface of a solid (not liquid) or gaseous) body is thrown. It then serves as the surface of the body as a projection surface. One Projection object in the sense of the invention may under certain circumstances and With the help of suitable techniques but also at a projection point "in free space" - not on the surface of a Solid, but for example "in floating in the air "- generated become.

Such a projection object produced in "free space" can, for example, be essentially flat or at least appear to be flat in the viewer's view, for example using a smoke screen as the projection surface It is particularly advantageous to use techniques which actually allow the generation of a three-dimensional projection object. By means of a three-dimensional projection, a plurality of viewers with different viewing directions to the projection object can be presented with a three-dimensional representation at the same projection point, because by the techniques described below representations can be realized whose three-dimensionality is almost independent of the observer's perspective. Such a three-dimensional projection is particularly advantageous because of its realistic spatial appearance, which can result in a high attention of the viewer and an effective information transfer. Since such a three-dimensional projection typically protrudes spatially out of the plane of the road or "floats" above it, it is particularly easily recognizable and is hidden with little probability.

Technically Such a three-dimensional projection can be realized through, for example holographic projection, for example with the aid of coherent light sources (Laser). For the holographic projection necessary coherent light sources can in in the manner known per se from the prior art, for example by division of a laser beam by means of a semitransparent Mirror can be generated.

Possibly can for the projection at the projection site a specially designed Medium are created in which or projected on which becomes. Alternatively or in addition may also have a boundary of two media at the projection site different optical properties are created. It then, specifically, the border between the two media can be appropriate have optical properties to there a projection object to create.

According to one particularly advantageous embodiment The invention provides a holographic projection onto or made several ultrasonic wave fronts. Preferably the ultrasonic wave fronts in terms of their spatial Arrangement controllable. It can help with this purpose specifically created standing ultrasonic waves or a spatial Arrangement of such standing ultrasonic waves inhomogeneity of the wave-optical Properties of a medium are created. By means of this inhomogeneity can those for the holographic Projection used coherent Light sources a defraction pattern at predetermined locations in space form. These places in space thus behave themselves like light sources in space (see physical effect of the defraction), resulting in In the view of a viewer, a three-dimensional floating in space Object can be formed. A suitable ultrasonic wavefront can about also by means of more coherent be created with each other synchronized ultrasonic signal generator. Such ultrasonic signal transmitter can in a medium (for example in water or, for the present application from higher Relevance - in air) generate standing waves, which may also be spatially displaceable are. By the air pressure due to the waves to the concerned Spaces in space unevenly distributed becomes, also for the optical characteristics of the bodies concerned In particular, minima or maxima form with respect to certain optical properties. The resulting inhomogeneity can be considered Medium, figuratively speaking "crystallization centers", for education a defraction pattern are used.

By the techniques described above can therefore be secondary sources of light outdoors (only filled with air) Space to be generated. In appropriate number and spatial Arrangement can be such secondary Light sources, which are also spatially extended could be, in a viewer for perception as a projection object in the sense lead the invention.

To the Achieving such a generation of projection objects can the generation of a special projection medium in the free space to be required. Through the rapid progress of developments In this field, however, an increasingly improved decoupling the projection of the properties of the medium into which projects is achieved. On the generation of a suitable medium, about an ultrasonic wavefront, which in principle by the projecting Motor vehicle can be done, thus may possibly be waived in the future.

According to one another advantageous embodiment The invention can also be a holographic projection on a At the projection site at least briefly created thermal front be generated. The heat front can by influencing the local temperature of the air at the Projection site with the help of appropriate technical means, in particular with the help of means for heating the air (for example, with the help of another invisible steered Laser beam or multiple laser beams focused on a plane in space) be created. By such techniques, for example, locally Water vapor or mist can be generated, as the water droplets in the air - for example with a laser beam - heated can be. A can be generated in such a manner "fog wall" can be used as a projection screen for the projection according to the invention serve.

The mentioned inhomogeneities wave-optical properties of the medium can be described in both of the above advantageous embodiments also pulsating, i. For each a short time, and created in approximately the same place as one composed of rapidly pulsating areas of space Projection in human perception as temporally and spatially continuous is perceived. It is particularly advantageous if this synchronization the device for creating wave optical inhomogeneities with the control of the projection means is created.

at the practical implementation of the described methods, that a created projection medium may only be for very short Time in unchanged Form available stands. For example, a created heat front can be done within seconds blurred or by air currents changed e.g. be distorted. A locally generated overpressure is usually within less milliseconds balanced. Only in the case of a standing Wave there are nodal points and vibration locations in the space, which are periodic reach their minima and maxima, which is why such a solution prefers becomes. To a short-term usability of the generated To cope with projection medium, the generation of projection objects in a pulsed mode with synchronization of the devices to create the projection medium and the actual projecting device respectively. For a perceived in the human perception as time-continuous Projection can while about 24 individual projections per second sufficient. Have investigations show that each individual projection has a duration of a few Do not exceed nanoseconds necessary to ensure sufficient visibility.

Preferably the motor vehicle itself comprises suitable means for creating a specially designed projection medium (for example, for the production an ultrasonic wavefront or for otherwise creating wave optical inhomogeneities) and optionally for controlling the spatial arrangement thereof. For example, you can the motor vehicle suitable ultrasonic signal generator for this purpose be provided. By the possibility the control of spatial Arrangement, the projection medium can be created where a projection object is to be generated. The motor vehicle is with suitable control then independently able by a appropriate projection technology three-dimensional projection objects to create.

An "outdoors Room "generated Projection object can be essentially two- or three-dimensional be educated. Also the visibility of a two-dimensional Projection object may be improved if the projection is not made on a projection surface, but instead if the projection object, if necessary, using a projection medium such as an ultrasonic wavefront, generated in a manner "floating" in free space becomes. So can about two-dimensional - not only through their perspective view, but actually - from the driving level outstanding projection objects are generated.

The Invention can be carried out using a projection technique that has a Generation "im free space floating "projection objects allowed to be implemented particularly advantageous. For example can be equipped with suitable projection means motor vehicle in the event of a breakdown, a projection object suitable as a warning, in particular a warning triangle, projecting into the air above the motor vehicle, to alert other road users to the breakdown vehicle do. The exact projection point over the motor vehicle can according to the invention in dependence be selected from the present traffic situation such that the warning particularly good for an approaching one is visible to other road users. This serves as a warning Projection object can also be "floating in the room "above a Lane be generated on which other road users draw closer or approach could. If the position of another road user is known, can also be a projection on the road surface right in front of the other Road users or in the free space in front of the other road users be made.

The inventive production of the projection object is preferably carried out automatically upon detection certain situations or conditions (e.g. Breakdown or accident of the vehicle). It can also be done by the driver of the motor vehicle can be activated or deactivated. In particular, the activation is preferably also from the middle distance (e.g., by the remote control of a vehicle key) or greater Distance (for example by dialing by mobile) possible.

In general - ie also in the case of three-dimensional projections, but especially in the case of two-dimensional projections - it can be advantageous for projection objects which could be distorted depending on the angle of view of the observer, to take into account the perspective of the respective viewer in the projection in such a way that the each angle gives an at least approximately geometrically correct (undistorted) image. The consideration may in particular in a deliberate distortion of the projected Image, which compensates for the perspective-dependent perspective distortion when viewing the projection object. Such a procedure is in quite a different context, for example, known for permanently mounted on a playing surface of sports stadiums advertisements, which are tuned to a particular camera perspective that they appear undistorted in the camera image. If the viewing direction of a viewer is known to the at least one projection object produced according to the invention - for example in the case of another road user whose position is detected by environment sensor of the motor vehicle or reported by vehicle-vehicle communication - it is advantageous to the known viewing direction in to take into account the known manner in the projection. Otherwise, assumptions can be made regarding a viewing angle. For example, when generating the projection object on, above or at the edge of a traffic route, it can be assumed that other road users approach the projection object along the traffic route, resulting in a probable viewing angle.

Alternatively - in particular, if it is not known in what direction a viewer could be located or if several possible It is also possible to consider several directions be projected at the same time, each one at a time Viewing angle or viewing angle range are tuned. Consequently There is a high probability that from an unknown point of view viewing observers at least one of the representations easily recognizable and informative.

The used according to the invention Projection means can itself from a single projection unit or several projection units put together. The use of several spaced apart Projection units can be useful be, even near the vehicle nor a spatially extended projection object to be able to produce. Also multicolored or particularly bright projections can under circumstances be better accomplished if multiple projection units contribute.

The Generation of at least one projection object can be done in a simple way Embodiment of a system for implementing such a method, for example by a lighting technology, such as laser-based, projection on the Roadway can be reached. Such a projection can be the simplest Fall by means of a steerable laser beam so "drawn" on the road that for an observer the impression of a two- or three-dimensional projection object results.

Preferably be in case of implementation a sensor-based analysis of the environment of the motor vehicle for just this Analysis uses reflections of signals which are generated by the invention the projection means used at least one projection object and reflected on objects in the environment. From the state of Technique various methods for analyzing the environment are known where the environment is either scanned with a laser or with an example grid-shaped illuminated light pattern is illuminated. On the basis of this resulting reflections from the environment, the environment can be analyzed and for example as a spatial one or so-called 2.5-dimensional map are detected. It can, for example so-called "time-of-flight" technologies application Find.

The so performed Analysis of the environment can be about a detection of obstacles to the projection concern or the detection according to the invention of situation information about in the vicinity of the motor vehicle serve the existing traffic situation. Such an analysis can also for determining a course, in particular a curvature, the road surface or an off-road environment. A possibly detected curvature of the road surface can in the generation of the invention of projection objects insofar as in the Case of a projection on the roadway the projection site suitable chosen is and / or distortions due to road surface irregularities be compensated. this leads to in particular when generating the at least one projection object using one or more laser beams for improved results.

Becomes a laser-based device for analyzing the environment of the motor vehicle used (for example, for general hazard detection and / or collision avoidance), so it may be particularly advantageous be when a laser of the same device for the inventive method is used. It can thus claimed in the motor vehicle Installation space can be reduced. In addition, costs can be saved.

The generation of projection objects outside the motor vehicle can be implemented particularly easily if at least one steerably movable laser serves as the projection means or if a mirror, by means of which a laser is deflected, is designed to be steerably movable. For example, the direction of a laser beam can be controlled by the laser beam is deflected by a mirror which is designed to be pivotable by, for example, an electromagnetically designed or based on the piezo technology drive. at In this simple but functional embodiment of a system for the production of projection objects outside the motor vehicle, in the human perception of an observer by a rapid movement of one or more laser beams the visual impression of an object is generated. In this way, virtual objects can also be projected, which can be interpreted as three-dimensional spatial forms. To confer a spatial effect, projection objects can have, for example, different line weights, colors and a "perspective" design.

Based the attached Drawings below are further advantages, variants, preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention described. This show schematically

1 a top view of a first traffic situation in which a breakdown vehicle warns another road user by a designed as a warning projection object,

2 a plan view of a second traffic situation in which an accident vehicle warns other road users by a designed as a warning projection object.

By the generation of at least one projection object designed as a warning can be equipped by a suitably Motor vehicle issued a warning to other road users become.

In 1 is shown a plan view of a first traffic situation in which a motor vehicle 1 , which due to a breakdown at the edge of the road 2 stands, another road user 3 by a projection object designed as a warning 4 warns. The breakdown vehicle has a laser projector 5 , The laser projector 5 is controllable so that it is a graphically predetermined warning symbol in such a way to a predetermined projection point in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1 can project that it is viewable from a likewise predetermined direction without distortion. The projection position and the viewing direction are freely selectable within certain limits. To enable the generation of projection objects also further from the motor vehicle 1 remote projection sites is the laser projector 5 very high on the motor vehicle 1 arranged. According to a not specifically illustrated embodiment of the invention, the projector 5 also be mechanically extendable to the top to make the projection from an even higher point.

In order to choose a suitable projecting location for the projection, additional knowledge with respect to the own position and orientation towards the other road user 3 considered. The own absolute position of the motor vehicle 1 is determined by a satellite-based positioning system. The own absolute geographical orientation is by a in the motor vehicle 1 intended compass determined. In addition, by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the absolute position and the direction of movement of the other road user 3 receive. Both vehicles are suitably equipped with communication means. From the above data, the relative position and orientation of the two vehicles is determined to each other.

The laser projector 4 is now pivoted and operated so that a warning symbol, here a warning triangle, on the road surface of the road 2 in front of the motor vehicle 3 is projected. The projection is doing a few meters in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 3 chosen before this. The projection is done so that the projection object 4 with the motor vehicle 3 "Mitwandert", while the latter moves, so the projection point becomes dependent on the movement of the motor vehicle 3 tracked. It thus remains good for a long period of time for the driver of the motor vehicle 3 visible, noticeable.

The warning triangle 4 gets so distorted on the street 2 projected that from the perspective of the driver of the motor vehicle 3 almost undistorted.

In 1 are "projection beams" (see dashed lines 6 in 1 ) between the projector 5 and the warning triangle 4 recognizable. They serve in 1 primarily to clarify the relationship between the projector 5 and warning triangle 4 , However, such "projection beams" can also be deliberately visible in the real situation, but they do not necessarily have to be made visible, provided that the projection technology used permits otherwise.For other road users, an assignment of a projection object to a projecting motor vehicle is made possible by visible "projection beams" become.

In 2 is shown a plan view of a second traffic situation in which a motor vehicle 11 due to an accident from a road 12 has strayed. The accident site is with broken glass 17 dirty and should be used by other road users only cautious. In addition, the motor vehicle needed 11 Accident assistance.

The car 11 generated for (unspecified) road users who are on the road 12 could approach, designed as a three-dimensional projection object warning 14 , Such a warning 14 will be available even generated twice ( 14a . 14b ) - at a sufficient distance from the accident site in both directions of the road 12 , For this purpose, the accident vehicle has a laser projector suitable for holographic projection 15 , The laser projector 15 is so controllable that it is the projection objects given by a 3D graphics model 14a respectively. 14b to a respective predetermined projection point in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 11 can project. The projection unit is freely selectable within certain limits. The projection objects 14a respectively. 14b are designed in such a way that they can be recognized as warning signs for viewers who are arranged approximately at ground level almost independently of the direction.

The own position of the motor vehicle 11 is determined by a satellite-based positioning system. The own geographical orientation is by a in the motor vehicle 11 intended compass determined. In addition, using digital map material, the course of the nearest traffic route, here the road 12 , certainly. This will be in both directions of the road 2 at a sufficient distance from the scene of the accident (cf broken glass 17 in 1 ) Projection points for the projection objects 14a respectively. 14b certainly. The projector 15 takes the creation of the projection objects 14a respectively. 14b by holographic projection at these projection sites. For this purpose, first of all a suitable projection medium can be generated at the projection sites. The car 11 also has appropriate directional means of producing such a projection medium.

Claims (11)

A method for warning at least one road user, in which by means provided on a motor vehicle projection means at least one projection object as warning for at least one other road users at a projection outside the motor vehicle is generated, characterized in that provided by the motor vehicle information recording means situation information in the environment of Motor vehicle existing traffic situation is detected that based on the situation information a preferred projection point outside the motor vehicle for generating the projection object is determined and that the projection object is generated specifically at the preferred projection point. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation information in an orientation of the motor vehicle relative to another road user. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the projection site depends from a movement of the at least one other road user is adjusted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized that the situation information in an orientation of the motor vehicle exists relative to a traffic route. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the information recording means comprise sensor means for determining an orientation of the motor vehicle relative to another road user include. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the information recording means are communication means for communication with other road users. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized that configuration settings of the projection means are changed such that the generation of the projection object targeted to the preferred Projection occurs. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized that the generation of the projection object depends on a known angle of the other road user takes place on the projection object. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized that the projection object at a projection site in the open Space that is not on the surface a solid is, is generated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized that the projection object is formed in three dimensions. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized that the at least one projection object by holographic projection is produced.