Method and device for controlling a radiation source

Abstract

A method and a device for controlling a radiation source are described, the radiation source illuminating an illumination range. At least one surveillance sensor of the motor vehicle monitors the environment of the vehicle for the presence of objects. The radiation source is switched off and/or its intensity is reduced as a function of the distance to this object.

1 .- 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A method for controlling at least one radiation source illuminating an illumination range, comprising: 
 monitoring by at least one sensor at least part of the illumination range for a presence of at least one object;    generating by the at least one sensor a sensor signal as a function of the at least one object present; and    performing at least one of the following as a function of the sensor signal: 
 switching off the at least one radiation source, and  
 a radiation intensity of the radiation source.  
   
   
   
       12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the radiation source includes a headlight emitting light at least in a near infrared wavelength range.  
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein: 
 the at least one sensor includes at least one of: 
 at least one ultrasound sensor,  
 at least one radar sensor operating in a wavelength range of at least one of 24 GHz and 77 GHz,  
 at least one LIDAR sensor, and  
 at least one video sensor.  
   
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 de-activating the radiation source if a distance to the at least one object is less than a limiting value.    
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , 
 wherein the radiation intensity of the radiation source is regulated as a function of the sensor signals.    
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the radiation intensity is approximately proportional to at least one of an approach to the at least one object and a distance to the at least one object.  
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 determining an approach to the at least one object from the sensor signal, wherein the radiation source is one of switched off and regulated as a function of the approach to the at least one object.    
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 issuing a warning for the at least one object present, the warning corresponding to at least one of acoustic warning signal and a visual warning signal.    
   
   
       19 . A device for controlling a radiation source illuminating an illumination range, comprising: 
 at least one sensor configured in such a way that the at least one sensor monitors at least part of the illumination range of the radiation source for a presence of at least one object, the at least one sensor generating a sensor signal as a function of the at least one object present,    at least one processing unit that, as a function of the sensor signal, at least one of switches off the radiation source and reduces an intensity of the radiation source.    
   
   
       20 . The device as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the device is used in a night vision system of a motor vehicle.