Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. Furthermore, a sensing unit for a recommended maximum velocity vmax is provided and is connected to the control unit. A velocity sensor which is connected to the control unit is provided in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity v exceeds the maximum velocity vmax. The display is preferably switched on when the vehicle velocity v drops below the maximum velocity vmax.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the body position of a passenger in a vehicle sitting in a seat a plurality of light transmitters is situated in or on the back rest, staggered by height, and emit light signals in the direction of one or a plurality of light receiver(s) situated in particular above the back rest. A conclusion may be drawn regarding the form of the blockage of the light signals by the passenger based on the light signals received, which in turn makes it possible to draw a conclusion regarding the posture, in particular the head position or the body inclination. The positions of the light transmitters and light receivers may be exchanged in an analogous manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a photovoltaic element as sensor for checking the functionality of transmitters in the infrared range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data and having a control unit for controlling the device. Here, the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off or on as a function of the collected image data. The camera is preferably selected such that it is also sensitive in the range of visible light. The display is preferably switched off or on as a function of the brightness values and/or the contrast values of the collected image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. In this context, the control unit is embodied in such a way that, while the device is operating, the display represents image data in a chronologically limited fashion by means of controlled switching on and switching off, and in the process the switching off of the representation of images on the display is made gradual. The gradual switching off is carried out in particular by changing the brightness limiting values, the contrast limiting values and/or by increasing or reducing the noise of the image data to be represented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. In this context, the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired. This device ensures very safe operation for the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. In this context, the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off after a time period t which is selected as a function of the collected image data has expired. The camera is preferably selected in such a way that it is sensitive in the range of visible light. The time period t is preferably selected as a function of the brightness values and/or the contrast values of the collected image data. This device ensures very reliable operation for the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. Furthermore, an image evaluation unit is provided which is connected to the camera and the control unit and which evaluates the sensed image data with respect to the recommended maximum velocity Vmax. A velocity sensor which is connected to the control unit is provided in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity v exceeds the maximum velocity vmax. The display is preferably switched on when the vehicle velocity v drops below the maximum velocity vmax. This device ensures that the vehicle with the device operates in a safe way for the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. Furthermore, a sensing unit for a recommended maximum velocity vmax is provided and is connected to the control unit. A velocity sensor which is connected to the control unit is provided in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity v exceeds the maximum velocity vmax. The display is preferably switched on when the vehicle velocity v drops below the maximum velocity vmax.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. An image evaluation unit is also provided, which is connected to the camera and the control unit and which evaluates the collected image data with respect to the recommended velocity Vricht and makes it available to a vehicle driver as a velocity recommendation. In addition the recommended maximum velocity Vmax is optionally evaluated from the image data. A velocity sensor is provided, which is connected to the control unit in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity V exceeds the maximum velocity Vmax.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle infrared radiation source having a plurality of infrared LEDs, a significant number, or all of the infrared LEDs of which, are removed from the vehicle light system and are arranged distributed over a large surface of typically more than 20×20 cm. The infrared LEDs which are preferably arranged at a distance from one another are arranged in the region of the vehicle windows, the radiator grille, or the bumpers, or vehicle aprons, at a significant distance from the vehicle light system, in particular from the headlights, the foglights, the reversing lights. Distributing the removed infrared LEDs over a large surface ensures that the infrared radiation source ensures sufficient safety for the eyes, thus largely excluding the possibility of damage to the eyes of other road users.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical connector system for data busses, in which optical elements are integrated in the connector and in the connector socket for redirecting the light. With this connector system the light guided along the bus line is decoupled to the optical receiver of a supplemental bus participant and the light transmitted from the supplemental participant is coupled into the bus line. The connector socket is either integrated in the bus line or a bus bridge is subsequently added to the bus line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headlight 1 in particular based on the projection principle. The headlight has a semiconductor light source 4, which is arranged at the focal point of the reflector 2 and is connected to a cooling element 5. This cooling element 5 extends from the semiconductor light source 4 to the transparent lens 3, through which the light that is reflected by the reflector 2 is emitted, passes through the transparent lens 3, and projects beyond it. This arrangement of a semiconductor light source 4, a cooling element 5 and a transparent lens 3 ensures that the light source 4 is cooled effectively. In addition, the arrangement and the form of the cooling element 5 ensure that the cooling element 5 does not shadow, or only slightly shadows, the reflected light. This leads to a high light yield from the headlight 1 according to the invention, and to a long life.

Abstract: A device for improving the view in a motor vehicle. It includes with a radiation source for illumination of the vehicle environment with infrared radiation, an infrared sensitive camera for detecting at least a part of the illuminated vehicle environment and a display for presenting the image information detected by the camera. In accordance with the invention, the camera is provided with an IR-filter which exhibits areas of differing transmission characteristics. The IR-filter thereby exhibits at least one area with a degree of transmission of approximately 70% for visible light or parts thereof and preferably at least a second area with a degree of transmission of approximately or less than 10−5 for visible light. By this design of the device for improving the view in a motor vehicle it is made possible to provide a reliable detection if the vehicle environment and thereby to more reliably map out the road traffic.

Abstract: A method and a device for vision enhancement in a motor vehicle. Image data are detected from the surroundings, and additionally the weather situation is determined from image data, one or more areas of an image and/or a plurality of images recorded at different points in time being compared for determining the weather situation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the body position of a passenger in a vehicle sitting in a seat a plurality of light transmitters is situated in or on the back rest, staggered by height, and emit light signals in the direction of one or a plurality of light receiver(s) situated in particular above the back rest. A conclusion may be drawn regarding the form of the blockage of the light signals by the passenger based on the light signals received, which in turn makes it possible to draw a conclusion regarding the posture, in particular the head position or the body inclination. The positions of the light transmitters and light receivers may be exchanged in an analogous manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns an opto-electronic connector system with a plug 1 and a receptacle 2. The plug 1 includes a tube shaped housing 3 with an area for introduction or output of an optical signal as well as at least one opto-electronic and/or electro-optical transformer 8a, 8b and a therewith associated optical element 7 for beam guidance. Beyond this, electrical contacts 10 for input or output of an electrical signal are provided, which are connected with the one or more transformers (8a, 8b) via amplifier stage 9a, 9b. The tube shaped housing 3 is preferably in the form a cylinder or truncated cone, which engages in a corresponding recess 4 in the receptacle 2 when in the connected condition. The receptacle 2 is adapted for integration on a circuit board. The opto-electronic connector system has been found to be particularly small in its external dimensions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical connector system for data busses, in which optical elements are integrated in the connector and in the connector socket for redirecting the light. With this connector system the light guided along the bus line is decoupled to the optical receiver of a supplemental bus participant and the light transmitted from the supplemental participant is coupled into the bus line. The connector socket is either integrated in the bus line or a bus bridge is subsequently added to the bus line.