IP Library Patent Application 10543910
Patent Application
App. No. 10/543,910

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

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
10/543,910
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 (24)

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.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 5, 2010
From: DEUTSCHE BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A.
To: VISIOCORP PATENTS S.A.R.L.
Reel/Frame 024953/0500 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 9, 2009
From: SCHEFENACKER PATENTS S.A.R.L.
To: DEUTSCHE BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A.
Reel/Frame 022086/0053 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 4, 2006
From: STEFFEL, HANS-CLEMENS; WAGNER, DANIEL; WAGNER, DAG
To: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
Reel/Frame 018345/0682 →