IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,135,513
Granted Patent B2
US 8,135,513 · App. 12/522,019 · Granted Mar 13, 2012

Vertical alignment of a lidar sensor

Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,135,513
App. No.
12/522,019
Granted
Mar 13, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

An analysis unit for a driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an input for receiving image information which is captured by a camera, a calculating device for using image information to calculate a variable which describes an angle of inclination of the vehicle, a determining device for using the variable to determine an output signal, wherein the output signal relates to a vertical orientation of electromagnetic radiation which is to be emitted by a transmitter unit, and an output for outputting the output signal. A driver assistance system, a computer program product and a method for operating a driver assistance system, are also provided.

Claims (23)

1. An analysis unit for a driver assistance system for a vehicle having a camera and a transmitter unit, the analysis unit comprising:

an input for receiving image information captured by the camera;

a calculating device for calculating at least one variable with reference to another vehicle represented in the image information, the variable describing an angle of inclination of the vehicle;

a determining device for determining an output signal with reference to the at least one variable, the output signal relating to a vertical alignment of electromagnetic radiation to be emitted by the transmitter unit; and

an output for outputting the output signal.

2. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein said calculating device calculates the at least one variable with reference to roadway markings and/or roadway limits represented in the image information.

3. The analysis unit according to claim 2 , wherein said calculating device calculates a road course with reference to the represented roadway markings and/or roadway limits, and the at least one variable is calculated with reference to the calculated road course.

4. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one variable includes an angle of inclination of the vehicle relative to the other vehicle.

5. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one variable includes an angle of inclination of the vehicle relative to a connection line between the vehicle and the other vehicle.

6. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one variable includes a pitch angle of the vehicle.

7. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitter unit is part of a system for determining distance.

8. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein said calculating device calculates the at least one variable with reference to information captured by a tilt sensor.

9. A driver assistance system for a vehicle, the driver assistance system comprising:

the analysis unit according to claim 1 , the camera and the transmitter unit.

10. The driver assistance system according to claim 9 , which further comprises a device for determining a distance from another vehicle with the aid of the transmitter unit, and a device for controlling the distance from the other vehicle.

11. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium for a driver assistance system for a vehicle, the computer program executable to perform the following steps:

calculating at least one variable with reference to another vehicle represented in image information, the variable describing an angle of inclination of the vehicle;

determining an output signal with reference to the at least one variable, the output signal relating to a vertical alignment of electromagnetic radiation to be emitted by a transmitter unit; and

outputting the output signal.

12. A method for operating a driver assistance system for a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

receiving image information recorded by a camera;

calculating at least one variable describing an angle of inclination of the vehicle with reference to another vehicle represented in the image information; and

determining an output signal with reference to the at least one variable, the output signal relating to a vertical alignment of electromagnetic radiation to be emitted by a transmitter unit.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 22, 2011
From: BAUER, JOCHEN; ERTL, LUDWIG
To: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
Reel/Frame 027271/0813 →
Priority Claims (1)
DE 10 2007 001 103 · Jan 4, 2007 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20090312906A1 · Dec 17, 2009