Daimler Chrysler Ag

Peter Betzitza

Siegfried Rothe

Markus Hartlieb

Guenter Dobler

An object detection device for detecting objects in a rear lateral area of a vehicle includes zero-contact radiation-based scanners for scanning such area, and an evaluation unit connected to the scanners. According to the invention, the evaluation unit evaluates the time sequence of the scanning information from two or more strip-shaped portions of the area under observation, with horizontal components that are differently inclined to the lengthwise direction of the vehicle or are offset from one another in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle. The evaluation unit distinguishes objects moving in the travel direction of the vehicle from standing and oncoming objects, based on the response sequence for the portion under observation.

Vehicle with object detection device

The invention provides a vehicle with a laterally mounted optical scanning device for zero-contact scanning of a lateral highway area and an evaluation unit connected thereto. The optical scanning device comprises a linear array of infrared transmitting devices located side by side and a corresponding CCD array, and the connected evaluation unit is programmed to perform time measurement, contrast measurement, and contour recognition. With this optical scanning system, a function to warn against falling asleep, an automatic lane maintenance function, a rear-area monitoring or environment monitoring function for the vehicle can be provided, with reaction to various types of lane boundaries being possible depending on the situation.

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Sindelfingen, Germany

Peter Betzitza