Patent Publication Number: US-2022220708-A1

Title: Camera system and assistance system for a vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of PCT patent application No. PCT/EP2020/063324, filed May 13, 2020, which claims the benefit of German patent application No. 10 2019 206 925.8, filed May 14, 20198, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     A camera system for a vehicle is disclosed, in particular a camera system for an assistance system of the vehicle. An assistance system for a vehicle that comprises a camera system is furthermore disclosed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles can comprise a camera and a monitor that make pictures from the camera available to a user of the vehicle. Mirror replacement systems in which the fields of view of conventional exterior mirrors are represented by means of the camera and of the monitor are, for example, known. Reversing cameras by means of which regions that cannot be seen with conventional mirrors can be represented are also known. 
     It is desirable to disclose a camera system for a vehicle that can be used flexibly. It is also desirable to disclose an assistance system for a vehicle that can be employed flexibly. 
     The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     A camera system for a vehicle is disclosed. An assistance system is also disclosed that comprises a camera system as described here. The features, developments and advantages of the camera system described also apply to the assistance system and vice versa. 
     According to at least one embodiment the camera system comprises a holding device. The holding device can be fastened removably to the outside of the vehicle. The holding device comprises an accumulator. The camera system comprises a camera. The camera can be fastened removably to the holding device. Electrical energy can be transferred to the camera from the accumulator to operate the camera. 
     The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle such as a private car, a truck or a construction site vehicle such as an excavator. The vehicle is, for example, a trailer for a motor vehicle. 
     The holding device can be fastened to the vehicle, for example by means of a magnet. The holding device can be fastened in such a way that it can be non-destructively fastened to the vehicle and removed again. The holding device can be fastened to an outer side of the vehicle facing away from an interior space of the vehicle. The holding device can be fastened to the outside of the vehicle, with the result that during operation the holding device is in contact with the environment. The holding device can thus be coupled to different vehicles. The holding device can be coupled to different cameras. A modular system is thus formed that can be employed flexibly depending on the desired use. It is possible to fasten the holding device only temporarily to the vehicle if use is desired. 
     The holding device is designed to accommodate and hold the camera. The camera can thus be fastened to the vehicle by means of the holding device. The camera can be fastened to the holding device by means, for example, of magnets. The camera can be removed again from the holding device non-destructively. It is thus, for example, possible to use the camera at a plurality of vehicles, each of which has its own holding device. In addition, it is possible to mount the holding device on various vehicles. For example, it is possible to mount the holding device on the vehicle only at the time during operation of the vehicle, and otherwise to remove it from the vehicle, for example when the vehicle is parked. 
     The camera is for example designed as described in DE 10 2017 208 592 or DE 10 2018 218 735. 
     The holding device can be employed flexibly, and is, not restricted to a special intended application. This is, for example, achieved in that the holding device comprises the accumulator. Alternatively or in addition it is achieved in that the holding device can be fastened removably to the outside of the vehicle. It is thus possible to attach the holding device for periods of time at different locations on the vehicle. The holding device can also be attached at positions where no direct electrical supply is possible. The accumulator of the holding device thus enables operation of the camera even over relatively long periods of time. The possible applications of the camera system in the vehicle field are thus expanded in comparison with conventional camera applications. It is possible here to omit a fixed installation with a permanent electrical supply. 
     The camera is, for example, designed to transmit its video signal to an assistance system of the vehicle, for example by means of a wireless connection. The images of the camera are, for example, displayed together in common with images from further cameras on one or a plurality of monitors in the vehicle. As a result of the accumulator in the holding device, the operational period of the camera is extended without intermediate charging being necessary. It is also, for example, possible, when the accumulator is discharged, to exchange the holding device for a further holding device with a charged accumulator, so that operation is also possible while the accumulator of the holding device is being charged. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the holding device comprises an energy transmitting device. The energy transmitting device is electrically coupled to the accumulator. The camera comprises an energy receiving device. The electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device to the energy receiving device. The energy transmitting device and the energy receiving device each, for example, comprise a coil. Electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device to the energy receiving device for operation of the camera. It is thus possible according to these exemplary embodiments to supply the camera with electrical energy when operating while fastened in the holding device. For this purpose there is no need for wiring to be provided between the holding device and the camera. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the camera and the holding device can be arranged, when in a state ready to operate, at a distance from one another. The camera system comprises a cable connection between the camera and the holding device for transmitting the electrical energy. It is, for example, thus possible to fasten the camera at a first position that is primarily selected on the basis of the recording area of the camera. 
     The holding device can be fastened at a second position at a distance therefrom. For example, the second position is different from the first position. The second position is, for example, primarily selected such that a reliable hold of the holding device is possible. This can, for example, be at a protected location of the vehicle and/or at a position that is not highly exposed to environmental influences when operating. The distance between the holding device and the camera is bridged by means of the cable connection. It is thus possible, in spite of the distance, for the camera to be operated using the electrical energy of the accumulator of the holding device. 
     According to at least one embodiment the camera system comprises a further holding device. The further holding device can be fastened permanently to the vehicle. The further holding device can be coupled to the holding device. Alternatively or in addition, the further holding device can be coupled to the camera. The further holding device can, for example, be fastened to the vehicle by means of screws or other fastening means. The further holding device may for example be fastened in such a way that it cannot simply be removed again from the vehicle non-destructively. 
     The further holding device is, for example, fastened at the first position if the holding device and the camera are arranged at a distance from one another. The camera is then fastened to the vehicle by means of the further holding device. The holding device that serves to supply electrical energy is arranged at a distance therefrom. 
     It is also possible to fasten the holding device to the vehicle by means of the further holding device. The camera is then, for example, fastened to the holding device. Different stacking variants can be formed, depending on the application that is desired and required. 
     According to at least one embodiment the camera comprises a further accumulator. The further accumulator of the camera can be charged by means of the holding device. This makes it possible to extend the operating time of the camera. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the camera is designed, when in a state in which the camera is fastened to the holding device, to receive position data from the holding device by means of wireless near-field communication. This makes it possible to determine a relative position of the holding device with respect to the vehicle. The position data are, for example, transmitted by means of RFID, NFC, Bluetooth or another near-field communication standard. The position data are, for example, stored in a memory of the holding device. The ascertainment and transmission of the position data takes place, for example, as described in DE 10 2018 218 735. 
     The camera is, for example, designed to transmit its video signal, together with the position data, to the assistance system of the vehicle for further processing. It is thus easily and reliably possible to combine the image of the camera with images of further cameras of the vehicle and, for example, to display them together. Joining the images of the different cameras together is easily and reliably possible depending on the accurate knowledge of the position of the camera. It is thus possible to integrate the mobile camera and the mobile holding device into the assistance system of the vehicle. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the camera system comprises a plurality of holding devices that are fastened removably to one another. The holding devices are designed to supply each other mutually with electrical energy. It is possible in this way to further increase the operating time of the camera. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the holding device comprises a signal amplifier for extending the range of a wireless video signal of the camera. The signal amplifier is designed for extending the range of a wireless signal of the camera. The camera is, for example, designed to transmit its video signal to a receiving device of the vehicle by means of a WLAN standard or another wireless connection. The wireless video signal of the camera can be amplified by means of the signal amplifier of the holding device, and the range can thus be improved. For example, when the holding device is mounted at the rear of a metal trailer, a sufficiently stable transmission of the wireless video signal is nevertheless possible. 
     According to at least one embodiment, an assistance system for a vehicle comprises a camera system in accordance with at least one embodiment. The assistance system comprises at least one further camera. The assistance system comprises a monitor. Images from the camera and the further camera can be displayed in combined form on the monitor. It is possible in this way to display the image of the mobile camera in combination with the image of the further camera. The position of the camera of the camera system and the position of the further camera relative to one another are known for this purpose. 
     Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related elements of the structure, the combination of parts and economics of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic illustration of an assistance system according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 2 to 5  each show a schematic illustration of a camera system according to various exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  each show a schematic illustration of a camera system in a state ready for operation according to exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic illustration of an assistance system  140  for a vehicle  200  ( FIG. 7 ). The assistance system  140  is, for example, part of a mirror replacement system and/or part of a reversing assistance system for a user of the vehicle. The assistance system  140  is, for example, part of another type of camera monitor system for the vehicle  200 . 
     The assistance system  140  comprises a camera system  100 . The camera system  100  comprises a camera  103 . The camera system comprises a holding device  101 . The holding device  101  can be fastened to the vehicle  200 . The camera  103  can be fastened reversibly to the holding device  101 . The camera system, for example, has an unfastened state in which the holding device  101  is not fastened to the vehicle  200 . In a fastened state, the holding device  101  is fastened to the vehicle  200 , and the camera  103  is held by the holding device  101  and is in particular not movable, or only insignificantly movable, relative to the holding device  101 . 
     The assistance system  140  comprises a receiving device  132  and a monitor  131 . Further elements such as control devices and image processing devices can be provided. The monitor  131  is for example arranged in the interior of the vehicle  200  and, for example, within the field of view of a user of the vehicle  200 . The monitor  131  serves to display images or videos from the camera  103 . 
     The image signals of the camera  103  are transmitted in operation wirelessly by means of radio technology between the camera system  100  and the receiving unit  132 . The camera  103  comprises an antenna  127  for this purpose. The receiving device  132  correspondingly comprises the antenna  137 . The holding device  101  optionally also comprises an antenna  124 . The antenna  124  is, for example, part of a signal amplifier, which is provided according to exemplary embodiments in the holding device  101 . 
     According to some exemplary embodiments, the holding device  101  may not comprise any antennas of its own. Only the camera  103  comprises the antenna  127 . A wireless connection for transmitting the image data is only formed between the camera  103  and the receiving device  132 . 
     The camera  103  is a wireless camera for extending the field-of-view in the vehicle  200 . The camera  103  can be used in a mobile and flexible manner, and can, for example, be coupled to a plurality of different holding devices  101  of different vehicles. The camera  103  does not in itself have to be directly connected to the vehicle and does not, for example, have to be screwed to the vehicle. The camera  103  is fastened reversibly to the vehicle by means of the holding device  101 . The holding device  101  is fastened reversibly to the vehicle. A temporary attachment of the camera  103  to the vehicle is thus enabled by means of the holding device  101 . It is thus possible also to use the camera  103  when permanent installations are not wanted. 
       FIG. 2  shows the camera system  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The camera  103  comprises an accumulator  107 . In operation, this serves for example to supply the camera  103  with electrical energy. According to further exemplary embodiments, the camera  103  does not comprise its own accumulator. The camera  103  comprises an energy receiving device  109 . The energy receiving device comprises, for example, a coil. The energy receiving device  109  serves for the inductive energy supply of the camera  103 . The camera  103  comprises a magnet  114 . The camera can be fastened to the holding device  101  by means of the magnet  114 . According to some exemplary embodiments, the magnet  114  is used, alternatively or in addition, to fasten the camera  103  directly to the vehicle  200 . The camera  103  comprises a communication interface  119 . The communication interface  119  serves to exchange information with the holding device  101 . The communication interface  119  in particular enables wireless communication. The communication interface  119  enables, for example, near-field communication by means of NFC, Bluetooth or other communication standards. 
     The holding device  101  comprises an accumulator  104 . The accumulator  104  serves to store electrical energy. The holding device  101  comprises an energy transmitting device  108 . The energy transmitting device  108  comprises, for example, a coil. The energy transmitting device  108 , together with the energy receiving device  109  of the camera  103 , serves for the inductive transmission of electrical energy from the holding device  101  to the camera  103 . The energy transmitting device  108  of the holding device  101  is electrically connected to the accumulator  104 . The energy transmitting device  108  and the accumulator  104  are, in particular, arranged in a common housing  112  of the holding device  101 . 
     The holding device  101  comprises an energy receiving device  110 . The energy receiving device  110  of the holding device  101  serves for the inductive reception of electrical energy. It is thus possible to charge the accumulator  104  of the holding device  101  inductively by means of the energy receiving device  110  of the holding device  101 . The energy receiving device  110  of the holding device  101  is electrically connected to the accumulator  104 . 
     The holding device  101  comprises a magnet  111 . The magnet  111  serves to fasten the holding device  101  to a substrate. It is, for example, possible to fasten the holding device  101  directly to the vehicle  200  by means of the magnet  114 . It is also possible to fasten the holding device  101  to a further holding device  101 ,  106  ( FIG. 3 ) by means of the magnet  114 . 
     The housing  112  of the holding device  101  comprises a receptacle  115 . The receptacle  115  serves to accommodate the camera  103 . The receptacle  115  also serves to accommodate a further holding device  101 ,  106 . 
     The housing  112  has a recess  113  at a side lying opposite the receptacle  115 . The recess  113  is designed in correspondence to the receptacle  115 , so that a stack of holding devices  101 ,  106  can be formed. 
     The holding device  101  comprises a communication interface  102 . The communication interface  102  is designed for wireless communication with the communication interface  119  of the camera  103 . An exchange of position information and/or control information is, for example, possible by means of the communication interfaces  102 ,  119 . The position information for example comprises information about the position at which the holding device  101 , and thereby the camera  103 , is fastened relative to the vehicle  200 . 
     The reversible fastening of the holding device  101  by means of magnets  111 , along with the energy storage in the accumulator  104  of the holding device  101 , enables a mobile use independently of special intended applications. The accumulator  104  enables an adequately long operating time for the camera  103 . Sufficient space is available in the holding device  101  for a sufficiently large accumulator  104  to be used. The camera  103  can thus be operated for a sufficiently long time, without the camera  103  needing to be provided with a large accumulator  104  for this purpose. The operating time of the camera  103  is thus sufficient to extend the application possibilities of the camera system  100  without a fixed installation with permanent electrical supply being necessary for the purpose. The mobile holding device  101  further offers the possibility of mobile use with an operating time that is significantly longer than by means of the accumulator  107  of the camera  103  alone. 
     The holding device  101  that enables the wireless, inductive supply of electrical energy to the camera  103 , is also fitted with the accumulator  104 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the components of the holding device  101  are housed in a single, common, closed housing  112 . The illustrated shape of the housing is merely exemplary. According to embodiments, a round or cylindrical shape is particularly useful. The round or cylindrical shape enables, for example, accurate fitting and thereby reliable inductive charging. 
     It is also possible for a different shape to be provided. It is, for example, possible to realize better adhesion to the substrate by enlarging the area in comparison with the height. It is, for example, possible in that way to realize a lower tilting moment. Alternatively or in addition it is, for example, possible to be able to accommodate a larger number of magnets  111  in this way. 
       FIG. 3  shows the camera system  100  in which multiple holding devices  101 ,  106  are stacked. The camera  103  is housed in the receptacle  115  of the outermost holding device  101 . The holding devices  101 ,  106  are coupled to one another electrically by means of the respective energy transmitting devices  108  and energy receiving devices  110  of the holding devices  101 ,  106 . In this way it is possible to utilize the capacity of the individual accumulators  104  of the holding devices  101 ,  106  together in order to increase the operating time for the camera  103  further. It is, of course, also possible to stack more than two holding devices  101 ,  106 . A modular camera system  100  is realized on the basis of the shape of the housing  112  with the receptacle  115  and the recess  113 . The components of the camera system  100  can be combined with one another and reused in any desired way. 
     It is, for example, possible to place the camera  103  in a charging cradle with an external power supply. The camera  103  can, alternatively, be placed in the holding device  101  with the accumulator  104 . The holding device  101  can, in turn, itself be placed in a charging cradle that is connected to an external power supply. Alternatively, it is possible to couple the holding device  101  to the further holding device  106 . 
     The holding devices  101 ,  106  can thus each themselves be charged and/or can supply another consumer, for example the camera  103  or a further holding device  101 ,  106 , with electrical energy. It is thus possible, as an exemplary combination, to provide a charging cradle that is connected directly to the electrical network of the vehicle  200 . This is used to charge the accumulator  107  of the camera  103 . 
     A further combination consists of the holding device  101  and the camera  103 . 
     A further combination comprises the charging cradle, which is connected directly to an external electrical grid, and the holding device  101 . In a further combination, the charging cradle is used to supply the holding device  101  with electrical energy. The camera  103  is connected to the holding device  101 . 
     In a further combination, the two holding devices  101 ,  106 , are connected to one another in order to be able to use the capacity of the respective accumulators  104  jointly. A plurality of holding devices  101 ,  106  can be combined together and, for example, the camera  103  at the end can use the capacity of all of the accumulators  104 . A stack of a plurality of holding devices  101 ,  106  can be combined with the charging cradle and also with the camera  103 . Many other combinations are possible, depending in each case on the application site and the desired use of the camera system  100 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the camera system  100  according to a further exemplary embodiment. The holding device  101  comprises the accumulator  104 . The other elements, for example the energy transmitting device  108  and the communication interface  102 , may be omitted. The magnets  111  are provided and, for example, the receiving device  110  of the holding device  101 . The holding device  101  can thus be fastened to the vehicle  200  and supplied with electrical energy for charging the accumulator  104 . 
     The communication interface  102  and the energy transmitting device  108  are integrated into the further holding device  106 . In operation, the camera  103  is, for example, used in the further holding device  106 . 
     The holding device  101  and the further holding device  106  are, for example, connected together by a cable connection  105  ( FIG. 5 ). The cable connection  105  serves to transmit electrical energy from the accumulator  104  of the holding device  101  to the energy transmitting device  108  of the further holding device  106 . 
     It is, for example, possible that the cable of the cable connection  105  can be accommodated in the housing  112  of the holding device  101 , for example can be wound up by a mechanism. It is alternatively possible to use a spiral cable. 
     The cable connection  105  enables a flexible use of the holding device  101  and of the further holding device  106 , even when spaced apart from one another. It is possible for the holding device  101  and a further holding device  106  to be positioned a short distance from one another, for example with a spacing of between one and two meters. 
     The further holding device  106  for holding the camera  103  is, for example, fastened directly to the vehicle  200 . It is alternatively possible to use a holder  116  that is connected permanently to the vehicle  200 , as is illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 5 . The holder  116  is, for example, designed as is described in DE 10 2018 218 735. 
     The holder  116  is permanently installed at the vehicle by means of a fastening  118 , for example screws. The further holding device  106  can be fastened in the holder  116  by means of the magnets  111 . The holder  116  comprises a communication interface  117 . The communication interface  117  comprises, for example, a memory in which position data of the permanently installed holder  116  are stored. It is possible to transmit the position data and information between the individual elements by means of wireless communication between the communication interface  117  of the holder  116  and the communication interface  102  of the further holding device  106 , as well as the communication interface  119  of the camera  103 . 
     The communication interface  117  of the holder  116  has, for example, a tag, e.g. an RFID tag, that can be read and/or written using short-range radio by the further holding device  106  or the camera  103 . The holder  116  can be uniquely identified by means of the tag, and associated with the position and with its installation site. This simplifies integration of the images of the camera  103  into a common display of multiple images from different cameras, for example by means of stitching. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  each show the camera system  100  with the cable connection  105  in exemplary applications. The camera system  100  is attached to an excavator bucket  120 . The holder  116  is attached at a position such that relevant fields of view can be represented by the camera  103 . The holding device  101  with the accumulator  104  is attached at a position that is at a distance from the holder  116 . The position of the holding device  101  is, for example, selected such that the holding device  101  interferes with operation as little as possible, and remains securely fastened to the excavator bucket  120  of the vehicle  200 . 
     The position of the holder  116  is, for example, predefined or determined at assembly, and is saved in a memory of the communication interface  117  of the holder  116 . It is thus possible for the camera  106  to be automatically recognized when operating, and for the place at which it is arranged, and with which part of the vehicle  200  (the excavator bucket  120  in this example), to be identified. An identification of the tool by means of the holder  116  is, for example, possible in the case of an excavator that uses different tools. The defined position of the camera  103  in operation is also known. Easy stitching of the images of the camera  103  to images from further cameras is thus possible. According to the exemplary embodiment, the further holding device  106  is omitted, and the camera  103  is inserted directly into the holder  116 . 
     According to further exemplary embodiments, the camera  103  is not inserted directly into the holder  116 , but into the further holding device  106 . The further holding device  106  is in turn fastened to the holder  116 . The holding device  101  with the accumulator  104  can therefore be placed particularly stably at a suitable location independently of a predefined position for the camera  103 . The position for the holding device  101  comprises, for example, a solid metal surface and/or metal of high thickness, so that stable fastening is possible by means of the magnet  111 . The operating time for the camera  103  is thereby increased. Convenient stitching is thus possible, without hard wiring being necessary for the camera  103 . In addition, a plug-in connector or cable connection for transmitting the electrical energy between the tool, the excavator bucket  120 , for example, and the main vehicle  200  is not necessary. The camera system  100  can thus also be retrofitted effectively. 
     According to a further exemplary embodiment, the holder  116  is omitted. The camera  103 , with the further holding device  106 , is placed and fastened directly at the vehicle  200  or the tool (the excavator bucket  120 , in this example). It is thus possible to fasten the camera  103  at a position at which the camera view is required at the time. The holding device  101  can here remain fastened at a position that is as mechanically suitable as possible, at a distance from the further holding device  106 . 
     Even without the permanently installed holder  116 , use of the camera  106  in the camera system  100  is effectively possible. Exact position information is not necessary, for example in relatively simple viewing applications in which, for example, only the image of the camera  103  is displayed. The camera system  100  without the holder  116  allows use with any desired tool, e.g. including tools that are not fitted with a holder  116  and which also cannot be fitted because, for example, screwing is not permitted. The increased operating duration and a good ability to position the camera  103  can be realized, while hard wiring to the vehicle  200 , for example hard wiring to the electrical system of the vehicle  200 , is not necessary, 
     In the various exemplary embodiments, the camera system  100  permits an increased range of application fields and possible applications for the mobile camera  103 . The mobile camera  103  can be used in various application locations, for example autonomously or together with the holding devices  101 ,  106  and/or the holder  116 . It is always possible here to omit hard wiring to the electrical system of the vehicle  200  for supplying the camera  103  with electrical energy. Highly varied applications are nevertheless possible without restriction. 
     The foregoing preferred embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the structural and functional principles of the present invention, as well as illustrating the methods of employing the preferred embodiments and are subject to change without departing from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the scope of the following claims.