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Arrangement And Method For Determining A Gradient Signal In A Vehicle

Abstract: An arrangement for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle is proposed having at least one position capture device which is set up to determine the position of the vehicle in an absolute system at least at a first time and at a second time and to determine the distance covered by the vehicle therefrom as a motion vector. The arrangement also has at least one first laser distance sensor which is arranged on a front side of the vehicle in a manner inclined at a predefined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and is set up to emit at least one first laser beam in the direction of a first measuring point in front of the vehicle at least at the first and second times and at least one means which is set up to determine the length of the at least one laser beam and at least one associated vector of the laser beam at each of the at least first and second times and at least one determination device which is set up to determine a difference vector from the motion vector and each of the determined vectors of the laser beam and to form a gradient signal therefrom. A corresponding method is also provided.

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
09 October 2019
Publication Number
42/2019
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
PHYSICS
Status
Email
patent@depenning.com
Parent Application

Applicants

ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
Löwentaler Strasse 20, 880 46 Friedrichshafen, Germany

Inventors

1. WOLF, Daniel
Bodanstrasse 83, 88048 Friedrichshafen, Germany
2. BIRK, Markus
Scheffelstr.14/1 88045 Friedrichshafen,Germany
3. ZANELLA, Mauro Cesar
Paul-Gerhardt-Weg 2 88046 Friedrichshafen,Germany

Specification

Arrangement and method for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle [0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a corresponding method. [0002] Various methods are known for measuring inclinations in a wide variety of branches of industry. Sensor devices and structures for determining angles with a measurement and use of markers and/or reflectors on the object to be measured are known, for example from European patent EP 2 910 512 B1 and US patent application US 2011/260 033 A or US patent application US 2016/128 783 A. An angle determination via a laser scanner is known, for example, from US patent application US 2016/076 228 A. Further, angles can be determined by two measurements with a laser distance meter. [0003] Such digital or analog inclinometers determine the angle only at the position of the sensor or by several measurements of the gradients of a traveled distance, a linear laser scan and subsequent evaluation, or by reflectors on fixed objects. Optical methods, i.e., for example, image evaluation methods, are also known for this purpose. [0004] For inclination determination in moving reference systems, fixed markings cannot be used since the terrain to be measured is unknown. In addition, a time-offset measurement must be carried out. According to the known prior art, only a very complex method from German patent application DE 10 2007 037 162 A1 has hitherto been known for moving reference systems, i.e. also those that are subjected to displacement, such as, for example, in vehicles, in which method measuring information is recorded which contains at least the measuring points scanned with the laser scanner and the position of the laser scanner associated with the respective measuring points, with reference to trigger times predetermined by the laser scanner as well as times predetermined in a time standard. [0005] However, no method is known so far in which the gradient angle of the terrain in the preview region of a vehicle, i.e. in a moving reference system, can be ascertained dynamically in a simple manner and without the use of a laser scanner. A laser scanner is used for three-dimensional scanning of an object surface by a laser beam in a defined angle raster. Thus, object surfaces with high dot density can be scanned. [0006] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an arrangement and a method, which enable such a determination without laser scanners. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. [0007] An arrangement for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle is proposed, having at least one position capture device which is set up to determine the position of the vehicle in an absolute system at least at a first point in time and at a second point in time, and therefrom to ascertain the distance traveled by the vehicle as a motion vector. Further, the arrangement has at least one first laser distance sensor arranged on a front side of the vehicle at a predetermined angle to the vehicle longitudinal axis that is set up to emit at least one first laser beam in the direction of a first measuring point in front of the vehicle at least at the first and the second point in time, and at least one means that is set up to ascertain the length of the at least one laser beam and at least one associated vector of the laser beam at each of the at least first and second point in time, and at least one determination device which is set up to ascertain a differential vector from the motion vector and each of the ascertained vectors of the laser beam and to form a gradient signal therefrom. [0008] The proposed arrangement makes it possible to determine inclination data in a moving reference system in a simple and cost-effective and dynamic manner without the use of a laser scanner. [0009] In one embodiment, the first laser distance sensor emits two laser beams spread in the vehicle longitudinal axis and the vehicle transverse direction at least at the first and the second point in time in such a way that one of the spread laser beams is the first laser beam and is emitted in the direction of the first measuring point, and the second of the spread laser beams is emitted in the direction of a further measuring point remote from the first measuring point. [0010] In one embodiment, the two laser beams are emitted by sequential switching, comprising rotating the laser distance sensor or switching the optical unit of the laser distance sensor. [0011] In one embodiment, the arrangement has a second laser distance sensor arranged on a front side of the vehicle at a predetermined angle to the vehicle longitudinal axis that is set up to direct a second laser beam at a second measuring point in front of the vehicle at at least the first and the second point in time, wherein the at least one means is further set up to ascertain the length of the laser beam of both laser distance sensors and at least one associated vector of the laser beams, respectively, and wherein the at least one determination device is further set up to ascertain a differential vector from the motion vector and the ascertained vectors of the laser beams and to form the gradient signal therefrom. [0012] By using more than one laser beam or even more than one laser distance sensor, a higher accuracy in the measurement is achieved. [0013] In one embodiment, the first and the second laser distance sensors are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A transverse inclination of the roadway can also be detected by the arrangement next to one another. [0014] In one embodiment, the arrangement further has a further processing device, which is set up to further process the gradient signal, wherein the further processing is carried out by sending the gradient signal to a control device present in the vehicle, which is set up to further process the gradient signal and to carry out an adaptation of the dynamic parameters based on the received and processed gradient signal. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement further has a further processing device which is set up to further process the gradient signal, wherein the further processing is carried out by sending the gradient signal to an external processing device, which is set up to further process the gradient signal into control signals and to transmit back to the further processing device in the vehicle in order to carry out the adaptation of the dynamic parameters of the vehicle. [0015] By a further processing and/or the provision of the results, both the ego vehicle and other vehicles can benefit from the information, i.e. the ascertained gradient signal. The data and results can be used for further processing to optimize vehicle parameters for the gradient or inclination, either via internal or external equipment. There is also a benefit in that information can be exchanged between vehicles as raw data for further processing, so that a predictive strategy can be planned. Data can also be exchanged as already processed data which predetermine a setting of dynamic parameters. This allows a fast and predictive adaptation to the gradient or inclination of the terrain. Vehicles that cannot make their own calculations can also benefit from this information. Thus, wear, for example of brakes, can be reduced, and fuel can also be saved. [0016] A method for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle is further provided, comprising the steps of determining the position of the vehicle in an absolute system at least at a first point in time and at a second point in time and, from this, ascertaining the distance traveled as a motion vector as a first step and as a second step determining a differential vector from the motion vector and the vectors of the laser beam ascertained at the first and the second point in time of at least one first laser distance sensor arranged on a front side of the vehicle at a predetermined angle to the vehicle longitudinal axis, which laser distance sensor emits at least one first laser beam in the direction of a first measuring point in front of the vehicle at least at the first and the second point in time, and ascertaining a gradient signal therefrom. [0017] In one embodiment, further processing of the ascertained gradient signal takes place in a third step. [0018] In one embodiment, the further processing is carried out by internal calculation of a control signal for adapting the dynamic parameters of the vehicle and performing the adaptation, or by sending the gradient signal for the external processing and receiving of at least one control signal ascertained from the gradient signal for adapting the dynamic parameters of the vehicle, and performing the adaptation. [0019] In one embodiment, the further processed gradient signal and/or the control signal are used to digitize the terrain and/or are provided to other vehicles. [0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures in the drawing, which show details according to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or as several in any combination in a variant of the invention. [0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing. Fig. 1 shows a representation of a steady-state calculation of the gradient of a terrain in accordance with the prior art. Fig. 2 shows a representation of a vehicle for laser distance measurement for determining a roadway inclination in the preview region at two different points in time, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a vehicle according to Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0022] In the following descriptions of the figures, identical elements or functions are provided with the same reference signs. [0023] The indices 0 and 1 used in the figures denote the point in time t=0 or t=1, respectively, at which the respective parameters, e.g. La, Lb, Pa, Pb, Ga or cp, are determined or measured. [0024] Figure 1 represents the steady-state calculation of the gradient or inclination of a terrain in accordance with the prior art. This calculation will be explained in more detail within the scope of the description of the invention, as it serves as a basis for determining the inclination in the present invention. [0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, both the configuration of the arrangement and me meinoa Tor aeiermining me incnnaiion in accoraance wnn one emDoaimeni win De described hereinafter, here the determination of the inclination of a terrain for a vehicle. Based on this determination, further processing can be carried out to optimize different parameters, especially parameters of longitudinal, vertical and transverse dynamics. [0026] A moving reference system is a reference system which is not an inertial system, i.e. it is subject, inter alia, to accelerations and displacements. [0027] The arrangement for determining a terrain or road inclination in a preview region of a vehicle (moving reference system) consists of at least one spot-measuring laser distance sensor 2 and an inclinometer 1, which can be configured as an angle sensor, preferably as a digital angle sensor. These are arranged in or on the vehicle, wherein the angle sensor outputs the angle (

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 201947040710-FER.pdf 2021-10-18
1 201947040710.pdf 2019-10-09
2 201947040710-TRANSLATIOIN OF PRIOIRTY DOCUMENTS ETC. [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
2 201947040710-FORM 3 [13-03-2020(online)].pdf 2020-03-13
3 Correspondence by Agent_Form1,Power of Attorney_15-10-2019.pdf 2019-10-15
3 201947040710-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
4 201947040710-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
4 201947040710-FORM-26 [14-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-14
5 201947040710-PROOF OF RIGHT [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
5 201947040710-CLAIMS UNDER RULE 1 (PROVISIO) OF RULE 20 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
6 201947040710-PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
6 201947040710-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
7 201947040710-FORM 18 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
7 201947040710-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
8 201947040710-FORM 1 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
8 201947040710-DRAWINGS [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
9 201947040710-FORM 1 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
9 201947040710-DRAWINGS [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
10 201947040710-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
10 201947040710-FORM 18 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
11 201947040710-PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
11 201947040710-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
12 201947040710-PROOF OF RIGHT [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
12 201947040710-CLAIMS UNDER RULE 1 (PROVISIO) OF RULE 20 [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
13 201947040710-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
13 201947040710-FORM-26 [14-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-14
14 Correspondence by Agent_Form1,Power of Attorney_15-10-2019.pdf 2019-10-15
14 201947040710-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
15 201947040710-TRANSLATIOIN OF PRIOIRTY DOCUMENTS ETC. [09-10-2019(online)].pdf 2019-10-09
15 201947040710-FORM 3 [13-03-2020(online)].pdf 2020-03-13
16 201947040710.pdf 2019-10-09
16 201947040710-FER.pdf 2021-10-18

Search Strategy

1 searchE_27-01-2021.pdf