Patent ID: 8093999
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A method for attracting attention of the driver in a motor vehicle to a potential hazardous spot, the method comprising the acts of: scanning surroundings in front of the vehicle using at least one laser scanner in the vehicle and determining a shape of an object and a distance of the object from the vehicle; recording the surroundings in front of the vehicle using at least one thermal imaging camera provided in the vehicle and making available a real image or a virtual image of the surroundings for display; comparing the shape of the object with at least a first reference object utilizing a first pattern recognition process; if, based on said comparing, a significant correspondence occurs between the shape of the object and the at least first reference object, determining an area on the real or virtual image displayed to the driver in which the object is to be found; and highlighting, if the significant correspondence occurs between the shape of the object and the at least first reference object, at least one of the determined area of the real or virtual image and the respective object to be found in that area.