CN116529117A

CN116529117A - Sweeping type flashing indicator

Info

Publication number: CN116529117A
Application number: CN202180081035.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·施梅林
Original assignee: Volkswagen Automotive Co ltd
Current assignee: Volkswagen Automotive Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-02
Filing date: 2021-11-09
Publication date: 2023-08-01
Also published as: EP4255758A1; WO2022117288A1; DE102020215213A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10), a corresponding system (18), a method and a computer program for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator in a motor vehicle (24). It is provided that the following technical solution enables a sweeping-type flashing annunciator to be seen in the combination meter and an increased visibility by the driver. The indicator (34) is implemented in the digital combination meter display (20) by corresponding surface development of the indicator (38, 40). The indicators (34) in the analog combination meter are implemented by clustered indicating elements that create an optical sweeping effect. The driver may activate or deactivate this function through a configuration in the menu. This functionality can also be envisaged for digital combination meters as a purchasing application.

Description

Sweeping type flashing indicator

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device, a corresponding system, a method and a computer program for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator in a motor vehicle.

Background

A driving direction indicator (Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger), a so-called flashing annunciator, is used to indicate the intended driving direction change. The travel direction indicator is preferably used when turning a turn or changing lanes. To indicate an intended change in the direction of travel, the light emitting device may be turned on and off again at a predefined tempo and over a predefined period of time. It is also known to use so-called dynamic flashing annunciators to indicate an intended change in the direction of travel. In this innovation, a changing spot, for example in the form of a continuous moving light (Lauflicht), or other spots are switched on until the flashing annunciator is fully activated visually shows where the vehicle is moving. In order to indicate that the flashing signal has been activated, it is known and in most countries prescribed that the driver is given a corresponding feedback by means of a so-called driving direction indicator-marker (fahrtrichongsanzeiger-Indikator). Typically, the direction of travel indicator-sign comprises a light emitting device within the cockpit that lights up at the same frequency as the flashing annunciator. In modern cabs, there are a number of other status indicators, so that it is sometimes only difficult for the driver to obtain the most important information quickly and reliably.

The publication DE102015212104A1 relates to a device for operating a travel direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a travel direction indicator, an operating element for activating the travel direction indicator and an output device for outputting a control signal, wherein the operating element has a first position for activating the travel direction indicator in a blinking-comfort operating mode and a second position for activating the travel direction indicator in a blinking-sustained operating mode, wherein in the blinking-comfort operating mode the travel direction indicator is activated over a predetermined number of blinking phases, wherein the travel direction indicator is activated in the blinking-sustained operating mode until an operating action is detected which causes the travel direction indicator to be deactivated, wherein the output device is provided for outputting the control signal in each blinking phase. It is proposed to improve the operability of the device by letting the control signal comprise information about the activated operation mode. The disadvantage here is that the control signal is spread with information. This can impair the visibility and intelligibility of the control signal, especially for technically unskilled users.

From publication US2004/0036593A1, an indicating device is known, on which a series of laterally extending lamps are turned on stepwise in a manner arranged thereon in order to indicate the state of charge of a battery mounted in a vehicle. The vehicle further includes a flashing annunciator, a flashing annunciator switch, and an annunciator regulator configured to perform a control action in response to manipulation of the flashing annunciator switch. In the control action, the lamps are turned on in increasing order from left to right when the blinking annunciator switch is operated to indicate that the vehicle turns left, or the lamps are turned on in increasing order from right to left when the blinking annunciator switch is operated to indicate that the vehicle turns left. The disadvantage here is that the indicating device is used to indicate the state of charge and to indicate the operation of the flashing annunciator switch. Thereby significantly impeding the understandability of the indicator of the indicating device.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is now based on the following tasks: an improved possibility for the visualization of the driving direction indicator mark is created. In particular, the visibility and intelligibility of the driving direction indicator marking should be improved.

This object is achieved by a device for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator in a motor vehicle, comprising:

-an input interface for receiving travel direction indicator data having information about a state of a travel direction indicator and configuration data having information about a configuration of a travel direction indicator-identifier;

-an analysis unit for determining a travel direction indicator state, for determining a configuration of a travel direction indicator-identifier and for generating a control command for the pointing device based on the travel direction indicator state and the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier;

-an output interface for transmitting control commands to the pointing device;

wherein when the driving direction indicator is activated, the control command then causes an output of the driving direction indicator-indicator, wherein a classical presentation of the driving direction indicator-indicator or a modern new presentation of the driving direction indicator-indicator is performed based on the configuration of the driving direction indicator-indicator.

The above object is further achieved by a system for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator in a motor vehicle, comprising:

-a device as defined previously;

-a pointing device, in particular in the form of an analog combination meter and/or a digital combination meter; and

a module for acquiring driving direction indicator data having information about the state of the driving direction indicator and for transmitting the driving direction indicator data to the device,

wherein when the travel direction indicator is activated, the pointing device outputs a travel direction indicator-identifier, wherein a classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier or a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier based on the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier is performed.

The above object is further achieved by a method for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:

-receiving driving direction indicator data having information about a driving direction indicator state and configuration data having information about a driving direction indicator-identified configuration;

-determining a driving direction indicator status;

-determining a configuration of the driving direction indicator-identity;

-generating a control command for the pointing device based on the driving direction indicator status and the driving direction indicator-identified configuration;

-transmitting control commands to the pointing device;

By receiving configuration data, it is technically easy to switch between classical and modern presentations. For example, when switching from an older motor vehicle model to a new motor vehicle model, a classical presentation may be selected. Known classical presentations are easily understood. Furthermore, modern presentations (which in particular can be perceived as dynamic flashing annunciators) can be selected simply and preferably by the driver. The visibility of the driving direction indicator mark is thereby significantly increased. Furthermore, the technical innovation of dynamic or swept (wischenden) flashing annunciators at vehicles is an absolute eye drop. The driver can experience this innovative feel in the vehicle through modern new presentations. The status signal indication of the on flashing annunciator may be realized, for example, by an indicator in the combination meter. This indicator may include digital on and off or continuously moving lights, depending on the driver's desire or manufacturer specifications in the configuration data. In particular, the vehicles can thus be essentially identical and can thus be produced in a cost-effective manner, wherein the motor vehicle is adapted to the respective customer-and country-specific requirements by means of the configuration data.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the classical representation of the driving direction indicator symbol comprises a blinking output of the symbol, and that the modern representation of the driving direction indicator symbol comprises a continuous output, in particular in the form of a plurality of temporally changing illuminated symbols. The directly understandable travel direction indicator-marking, which is already known at this time, can be presented by conventional presentation. Modern presentations allow for increased visibility of the driving direction indicator-marking, since a movement of the driving direction indicator-marking is simulated or the driving direction indicator-marking preferably follows the movement of the driving direction indicator.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the output interface is configured for transmitting control commands to the display device in the form of an analog combination meter, wherein the control commands cause a continuous output, preferably via a cluster display element of the analog combination meter. The device can thus be used with analog utility meters and with known utility meters and modernizes utility meters. Modern representations can be realized in a technically simple and reliable manner by means of clustered indication elements, for example LEDs with a correspondingly shaped shade.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the output interface is designed to transmit control commands to a display device in the form of a digital combination meter, in particular a display, wherein the control commands cause a continuous output, in particular preferably by predefined, temporally variable symbols on the display. Modern new presentations of the driving direction indicator marking can thus be realized in a technically simple manner, for example by means of animated symbols on the indicating surface of the digital combination meter.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive configuration data with the desired information about the passenger's classical representation of the driving direction indicator symbol or the modern representation of the driving direction indicator symbol, in order to enable a determination of the driving direction indicator symbol configuration by the passenger. This enables comfortable and easy implementation: the driver may choose to fit his presentation of the driving direction indicator-logo. For example, the driver's desire may be obtained by an operating component or a voice assistant.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive configuration data from a server, wherein the configuration data comprise the activation of a modern representation of the driving direction indicator. This makes it possible to add the driving direction indicator mark afterwards. In particular, it is conceivable that modern presentations are implemented as a function for digital combination meters as purchasing applications, so that customers can obtain modern presentations as desired.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive data with information about a modified modern representation of the driving direction indicator symbol in order to implement an individual modern representation of the driving direction indicator symbol, in particular by a modified symbol and/or a modified temporal change of the symbol. Thus, a highly variable device can be created. In particular, personalization of the presentation may be performed. For example, in the event of a change in legal conditions or new knowledge, an adapted modern representation of the driving direction indicator marking can be implemented in the already delivered vehicle.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

The different embodiments of the invention mentioned in the present application may be advantageously combined with each other, unless stated otherwise in individual cases.

Currently, the continuous output is a presentation according to the form of continuously moving light. In continuous movement light, in a series of light sources, successive light sources each occupy a light emitting state in sequence in one direction, thereby creating an impression that the light sources themselves are moving. It goes without saying that this technique can also be applied to the symbols of the display. Continuously moving light has a high concern because it is better perceived as a moving object. Creating a visually sweeping effect.

The driving direction indicator is in particular a so-called control light, which is used to inform the driver of the technical state of the vehicle or of its system. The control lamps are usually arranged in the cluster and sometimes also at other locations in the dashboard. The control lamp is used in particular for indicating the switching state of an operating device, such as a flashing signal. The driving direction indicator mark may be embodied in particular in the form of a light arrow, the tip of which points in the direction of the activated flashing signal or the driving direction indicator on that side.

A combination meter, in particular a meter assembly in a motor vehicle, comprises a combination of a speedometer, an odometer, a tachometer, a tank indicator, a coolant temperature indicator and a control light (for example for a driving direction indicator). The individual components can be implemented not only digitally but also analog.

Drawings

The invention is explained in the following examples with the aid of the drawing. In the accompanying drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle and a server;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a cluster;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of another cluster;

fig. 6 shows a schematic view of different driving direction indicator marks; and

fig. 7 schematically shows the steps of the method according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a device 10 for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator marking in a motor vehicle. The apparatus 10 comprises an input interface 12, an analysis unit 14 and an output interface 16.

The input interface 12 is configured to receive travel direction indicator data having information about the state of the travel direction indicator and configuration data having information about the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier. The input data may here comprise data with information about a modern representation of a modification of the driving direction indicator identification. Furthermore, the configuration data may comprise information about the expectations of the occupant for a classical presentation of the driving direction indicator-sign or for a modern presentation of the driving direction indicator-sign. The configuration data may be received, for example, from a server, and may include activation of a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-identification.

The classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-logo may comprise a flashing output of the travel direction indicator symbol. Modern representations of driving direction indicator markings comprise a continuous output, in particular in the form of a plurality of driving direction indicator symbols which illuminate in a time-varying manner.

The analysis unit 14 is configured to determine a travel direction indicator state, to determine a configuration of a travel direction indicator-identifier, and to generate a control command for indicating the device based on the travel direction indicator state and the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier.

For example, based on sensor data, such as a blinking cycle sensor or an external camera, it may be determined whether the travel direction indicator is active. Furthermore, it can be determined whether the driving direction indicator is activated or not, depending on the control data for the driving direction indicator or the operating element for the driving direction indicator. In all these cases, control commands for the pointing device may be generated.

The output interface 16 is configured to communicate control instructions to the pointing device. Here, the control command may cause an output of the travel direction indicator-marking when the travel direction indicator is activated, wherein a classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-marking or a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-marking is performed based on the configuration of the travel direction indicator-marking.

It goes without saying that the input interface 12 and the output interface 16 may be combined to form a unique interface. It is furthermore evident that the interfaces 12, 16 can be configured both wireless and wired. In particular, the interface may also be configured as a software interface.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a system 18 with an apparatus 10, a pointing device 20 and a module 22 for acquiring driving direction indicator data. Like reference numerals refer to like features and are not explained again.

The pointing device 20 may include, for example, an analog combination meter, a digital combination meter, a light emitting device with a shade, etc.

The means 22 for acquiring the travel direction indicator data may comprise a flashing annunciator switch 23, wherein the travel direction indicator state may be determined when the flashing annunciator switch 23 is manipulated, including the state "travel direction indicator active" when the flashing annunciator switch 23 has been manipulated. It goes without saying that the status "driving direction indicator activation" can also be determined by the controller 26 and/or the sensor 28.

In fig. 3, a system 18 according to the invention is shown with a motor vehicle 24 and a server 30. The motor vehicle 24 has a pointing device 20 and an apparatus 10.

The device 10 can exchange data with the server 30 via the wireless communication interface 32 of the motor vehicle 24. In this regard, the input interface 12 may exchange data with the server 30 via the wireless communication interface 32. It goes without saying that direct communication between the input interface 12 and the server 30 is also conceivable.

In particular, configuration data can be received from the server 30 and, by means of the configuration data, an activation of modern new presentations of the driving direction indicator-identification can be performed. For example, modern presentations may be obtained through purchase and activated by transmitting corresponding configuration data.

Furthermore, modern new presentations can be envisaged which create modifications of the driving direction indicator-logo. For example by a modified symbol and/or a modified time variation of the symbol. The modification may also be transmitted through the server 30. It is also conceivable that the server 30 is constructed in the form of a smart phone and that the user can configure and design the driving direction indicator-identity himself or herself individually.

In fig. 4a pointing device 20 in the form of an at least partly simulated cluster is shown. In the upper region of the combination meter, a driving direction indicator-identified output 34 is present, which in the example shown comprises five symbols 36. The symbol 36 is constructed according to the type of "greater than" or "less than" symbol, wherein the tip of the symbol 36 points in the direction of the motor vehicle 24 in which the corresponding travel direction indicator is located. The symbol 36 can be operated in a predefined time sequence by actuating the light-emitting device such that the output 34 comprises a sweeping light effect or a continuous light effect.

In fig. 5 a pointing device 20 in the form of a digital combination meter is shown. For example, the digital combination meter may comprise a screen or display, wherein the output 34 of the driving direction indicator-logo can be realized by a corresponding symbol 36 on the display. In the example shown, the output 34 includes four symbols 36. The symbol 36 may be output at a predefined location by manipulating the display accordingly over a predefined time course. It goes without saying that the output 34 can also be embodied in the form of a Pop-Up (Pop-Up) and only be illuminated when the driving direction indicator is activated, and in other cases a predefined position for other indicators is used.

A first time course 38 and a second time course 40 for indication and/or lighting of a total of five symbols 36 are schematically shown in fig. 6. In this case, the different sequences of the processes 38, 40 are represented in different rows, the lower row showing the respective next sequence. The activated symbol 36, i.e. the indicated or highlighted symbol 36, is presented with a solid line. Inactive symbols 36 are presented in dashed lines.

The sweeping effect is produced by the first time course 38 by activating the additional symbols 36 with each further sequence starting from the left. If all symbols 36 are active, then all symbols 36 are deactivated in the last sequence and the first time process 38 may begin from the front, i.e., again in the uppermost row.

In the second process 40, a sweeping effect is created by activating additional symbols 36 with each further sequence starting from the left until the maximum number of symbols 36 is active. In the example shown, the maximum number is three. If the maximum number of symbols 36 is active, the symbols 36 with the longest activation time are additionally deactivated with each further sequence. Thereby reducing the number of active symbols 36 when no further symbols 36 can be activated at the left end. Finally, in the last sequence, all symbols 36 are deactivated. The second time course 40 may then start from the front, i.e. again in the uppermost row.

The two time courses 38, 40 are presented for a right flash, it being understood that the sweeping effect for a left flash may be achieved by a corresponding mirroring of the course and/or the symbol.

It is furthermore self-evident that in the example shown above, the shape, number and order of the symbols 36 are chosen by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations may be advantageously used with the disclosed teachings.

Fig. 7 schematically shows the steps of the method according to the invention for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator marking in a motor vehicle.

In a first step S1, travel direction indicator data having information about a travel direction indicator state and configuration data having information about a configuration of a travel direction indicator-identifier are received. In a second step S2, a driving direction indicator state is determined. In a third step S3, the configuration of the travel direction indicator-marking is determined. In a fourth step S4, a control command for the pointing device 20 is generated based on the driving direction indicator state and the driving direction indicator-identifying configuration. Finally, in a fifth step S5, the control command is transmitted to the pointing device 20. Here, when the driving direction indicator is activated, the control command then causes an output of the driving direction indicator identifier, wherein a classical representation of the driving direction indicator identifier based on the configuration of the driving direction indicator identifier or a modern representation of the driving direction indicator identifier is performed.

The present invention has been described in detail. It goes without saying that the above embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention by taking a motor vehicle in the form of a passenger car as an example. The disclosed teachings may be used, inter alia, advantageously with or in one or more of the following embodiments of a motor vehicle: railway industry, construction machinery, ground transportation vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, wheelchairs, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, mining machinery with chassis and drive, all vehicles with flashing annunciators and combined indicators/status indicators of the flashing annunciators. The term motor vehicle is currently to be interpreted in a broad sense.

List of reference numerals

10 device

12 input interface

14 analysis unit

16 output interface

18 system

20 indicating equipment

22 module

23 scintillation annunciator switch

24 motor vehicle

26 controller

28 sensor

30 server

32 radio communication interface

34 output

36 symbols

38 first time course

40 second time course

S1-S5 method steps

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for improved visualization of a driving direction indicator-marking in a motor vehicle (24), the apparatus having:

-an input interface (12) for receiving travel direction indicator data having information about a state of a travel direction indicator and configuration data having information about a configuration of a travel direction indicator-identifier;

-an analysis unit (14) for determining a travel direction indicator state, for determining a configuration of the travel direction indicator-identity and for generating a control command for the pointing device (20) based on the travel direction indicator state and the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identity;

-an output interface (16) for transmitting said control commands to said pointing device (20); characterized in that when the travel direction indicator is activated, the control command then causes an output of the travel direction indicator-identifier, wherein a classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier or a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier is performed based on the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-sign comprises a blinking output (34) of a symbol (36), and that the modern presentation of the travel direction indicator-sign comprises a continuous output (34), in particular in the form of a plurality of temporally changing illuminated symbols (36).

3. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output interface (16) is configured for transmitting the control command to a pointing device (20) in the form of an analog cluster, wherein the control command causes a continuous output (34), preferably a continuous output through a cluster pointing element of the analog cluster.

4. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output interface (16) is configured for transmitting the control command to a pointing device (20) in the form of a digital combination meter, in particular a display, wherein the control command causes a continuous output (34), in particular preferably a continuous output through a predefined time-variable symbol (36) on the display.

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) is configured for receiving configuration data with desired information about a classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-indicator or a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-indicator by an occupant in order to enable a determination of the configuration of the travel direction indicator-indicator by an occupant.

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) is configured for receiving configuration data from a server (30), wherein the configuration data comprises activation of a modern new presentation of a driving direction indicator-logo.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) is configured for receiving data with information about a modified modern representation of the driving direction indicator-logo in order to realize an individual modern representation of the driving direction indicator-logo, in particular by a modified symbol (36) and/or a modified temporal variation of the symbol (36).

8. A system (18) for improved visualization of a travel direction indicator-marking in a motor vehicle (24), the system having:

-the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims;

-a pointing device (20), in particular in the form of an analog combination meter and/or a digital combination meter; and

-means (22) for acquiring travel direction indicator data with information about the state of the travel direction indicator and transmitting the travel direction indicator data to the device (10), characterized in that when the travel direction indicator is activated, the pointing device (20) outputs the travel direction indicator-identifier, wherein a classical presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier or a modern new presentation of the travel direction indicator-identifier based on the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identifier is performed.

9. A method for improved visualization of a travel direction indicator-marking in a motor vehicle (24), the method comprising the steps of:

-receiving (S1) driving direction indicator data having information about a driving direction indicator state and configuration data having information about a configuration of a driving direction indicator-identity;

-determining (S2) a driving direction indicator status;

-determining (S3) a configuration of the travel direction indicator-logo;

-generating (S4) a control command for a pointing device (20) based on the travel direction indicator status and the configuration of the travel direction indicator-identity;

-transmitting (S5) the control command to the pointing device (20);

characterized in that when a driving direction indicator is activated, the control command then causes an output (34) of the driving direction indicator-identifier, wherein a classical presentation of the driving direction indicator-identifier or a modern new presentation of the driving direction indicator-identifier based on the configuration of the driving direction indicator-identifier is performed.

10. Computer program having program code means for performing all the steps of the method according to the preceding claim 9 when the computer program is implemented on a computer or a corresponding computing unit.