Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the condition of a pavement surface by means of a 3D camera. By means of the 3D camera, at least one image of the surroundings extending in front of the vehicle in the direction of motion thereof is acquired. Height profiles (h) of the pavement surface that extend transversely (y) to the direction of motion (1) of the vehicle are determined from the image data of the 3D camera along a plurality of lines (5). The condition (2; 6; 7; 8) of the pavement surface is detected from the determined height profiles (h).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a height profile of the surroundings of a vehicle by means of a 3D camera. The 3D camera records at least one image of the vehicle's surroundings. The image data of the 3D camera is used to determine whether there is at least one jump in the height curve of the surface of the surroundings transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the environment of a motor vehicle having has an evaluation unit, wherein a grid-based environmental model is calculated and at least one discrete value of environmental data is assigned to each grid cell. Discretization is carried out by comparing the environmental data with at least one threshold value. At least one discrete value of the grid is preferably transmitted via a data transmission system to an evaluation or control unit in the vehicle.

Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a sensor that detects objects and/or characteristics of objects in the surroundings of a motor vehicle, and an object recognition unit that evaluates data from the sensor to produce object information, and determines a confidence value indicating the probability of accuracy thereof. If the confidence value is greater than a minimum threshold but less than a predefined threshold, then the system displays the object information to the driver, who confirms or rejects it, e.g. by actuating or not actuating an operating element. Upon confirmation by the driver, the system begins or continues to perform a driver assistance function based on the object information. Upon rejection by the driver, the system does not perform or discontinues the driver assistance function based on the object information. If the confidence value exceeds the predefined threshold, then the system autonomously performs the driver assistance function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for determining whether a vehicle can pass through an object by means of a (spatially resolving) 3-D camera. At least one image of the surroundings of the vehicle is recorded by a 3-D camera. At least one trajectory is ascertained on which the vehicle is likely to move. From the image data of the 3-D camera it is determined whether an object located above the trajectory is recognized and whether said object has one or more connections to the ground. For a corresponding object the dimensions and shape of the area or space between said object and the roadway through which the vehicle is to pass according to the trajectory are determined from the image data. By comparing the dimensions and shape of the entry area or the space which can be passed through with the dimensions and shape of the vehicle, it is determined whether and how the vehicle can pass through the object, and further suitable actions can be taken.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for avoiding collisions of a vehicle with pedestrians, the system including a camera sensor and/or a beam sensor. When an object moving at a given speed on a pedestrian crossing is detected, the object is detected as being a pedestrian with a probability that is sufficiently high to output a warning to the driver, reducing the likelihood of a potential collision.