DE102014011118B4 - Method for operating a light function of motor vehicle headlights and motor vehicle with a display device and a control element for operating the light function of the motor vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a light function of headlights of a motor vehicle with a display device and a control element (22) separate from the display device and exclusively assigned to the light function, the light function being assigned a plurality of different setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), characterized in that a first operating action by the user is detected and, during the detected first operating action, a display (10) assigned to the light function is displayed on the display device, it being determined which of the setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the light function according to at least one predetermined criterion (vG; HGU; HGO) can currently be activated permissibly, and in the associated display (10) at least the entirety of the currently permissible activation options for the lighting function, which were determined according to the predetermined criterion, are displayed immediately when the first operating action is detected , wherein a deactivation of the current setting option and an activation of a permissibly activated setting option takes place when a second actuation of the control element (22) that is different from the first operating action is detected and at least one setting option different from the currently activated setting option can be permissibly activated, wherein - the first Operating action represents an approach of the user to the operating element (22) and/or a touch of the operating element (22) by the user and the second actuation represents a pressing of the operating element (22) with a force above a predetermined limit value; or - the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the operating element (22) and the second actuation represents a touching of the operating element (22).

Description

The invention is based on a method for operating a light function of headlights of a motor vehicle with a display device and a control element that is separate from the display device and exclusively assigned to the light function, with the light function being assigned a plurality of different setting options. Furthermore, the invention is based on a motor vehicle with a display device and a control element which is assigned exclusively to a light function of the motor vehicle and is separate from the display device for operating the light function of headlights of the motor vehicle, with the light function being assigned a plurality of setting options.

Today's light switches in motor vehicles for operating the headlights are usually designed as a rotary switch with several latching positions or as a button module with several buttons. Some vehicles also control the light function via a rotary switch with several rotary functions integrated into a steering column lever. The switches have several positions or functions or setting options, such as parking lights on the left, parking lights on the right, lights off, automatic lights, parking lights, driving lights. There are also usually two buttons or positions for the fog front light and the fog rear light. Such designs of light switches are therefore very complex in terms of their functional scope and are therefore relatively confusing to use. In addition, the range of functions of a motor vehicle is constantly increasing, which is why operating options must also be provided for the numerous functions. On the one hand, this requires a large number of individual control elements in the motor vehicle, or, for example, when many functions are operated via a display, very complex and confusing function menus.

For example, describes the US 2007/0168089 A1 an operating system with a display unit arranged centrally in the motor vehicle and with a central control element assigned to the display unit, such as a touchpad. In addition, the operating system includes further separate, manually operated control elements, each of which is assigned a specific function. These additional controls each include a proximity sensor. If an approach to a control element is detected, a display is shown on the display unit, which shows the function permanently assigned to the control element and additional functions that are not assigned to the control element. Functions such as air conditioning settings or seat settings can then be operated using the central control element. By approaching a control element, a function menu that includes the function assigned to the control element can be quickly opened. However, since as many different vehicle functions as possible should be able to be operated in this way, a large number of controls are required. This in turn makes operation very confusing and also increases the risk of confusion. However, especially when operating lighting functions, an operating option that is as clear and simple as possible is not only desirable in terms of ease of use, but is also relevant to safety, since, for example, accidentally switching off the driving lights while driving in the dark can have fatal consequences.

Furthermore, it describes DE 2008 016 172 A1 a method for operating a motor vehicle with a touchscreen. When you approach the touchscreen and simultaneously enter a voice command, an operating mask corresponding to the voice command entry is displayed on the touchscreen. The operating mask can then be operated by touching the touchscreen. For example, an operating mask for controlling external lighting, such as low beam, parking lights, tunnel lights or similar, can be displayed. The driver can then control the exterior lighting setting of the motor vehicle by touching the touchscreen in the area of corresponding controls of the operating mask shown on the display. In this way, the number of controls is reduced, but instead it is necessary to know the corresponding voice command for each function to be operated, which makes the operation, especially of many different functions, relatively complex.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for operating a light function of headlights of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle, which enable the light function of the headlights to be operated as simply and clearly as possible.

The DE 10 2007 052 356 A1 describes a method for operating facilities of a vehicle. Various vehicle devices, such as lighting devices, communication devices, navigation systems and others, can perform a variety of functions. Function objects, for example respective buttons that can be displayed on a display device, are assigned to these functions and enable the user to initiate the respective function. For this purpose, a first display device can be provided, which can be operated using a separate mechanical control element or a second display device designed as a touchscreen. Furthermore, metadata is assigned to the respective functional objects, which allows the various functional objects to be grouped based on the metadata, so that when metadata is specified, only the functional objects to which this metadata is assigned are displayed.

The DE 10 2007 017 028 A1 describes a method for operating the lighting device of a road vehicle. This involves switching between an automatic operating mode, in which the high beam and low beam are automatically switched over, and a manual operating mode, in which one can manually switch between the high beam and low beam, depending on the switching state, ie high beam or low beam, before current switching state, as well as depending on the operating mode that existed before the current switching state. The manual switching can be done using a steering column lever on the vehicle.

The DE 10 2008 023 405 A1 describes a motor vehicle with a display for displaying variable information and a control panel arranged spatially separately from the display with at least two controls for operating functions of the motor vehicle. The display of an image of the control panel on the display can be controlled depending on the orientation of an operator's hand to the control panel.

The DE 699 07 256 T2 describes a vehicle control panel that has a multifunctional adjustment switch and a mode selector for controlling an audio system in a first operating mode and for controlling a climate control system in a second operating mode. Furthermore, system-specific function selection buttons are displayed on the control panel, which can be used to select which parameter can be set with the setting switch in a specific mode.

This task is solved by a method and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for operating a light function of headlights of a motor vehicle, having a display device and a control element that is separate from the display device and exclusively assigned to the light function, the light function is assigned a plurality of different setting options. These different setting options can represent, for example, the functions of driving lights, parking lights, lights off and/or automatic lights. In the method according to the invention, a first operating action by the user is now detected and, when the first operating action is detected, a display assigned to the light function is displayed on the display device. It is also determined which of the setting options for the light function can currently be activated in a permissible manner according to at least one predetermined criterion. In the associated display, at least the entirety of the currently permissible activation options for the lighting function, which were determined according to the predetermined criterion, are displayed immediately upon detection of the first operating action. Furthermore, the current setting option is deactivated and a setting option that can be activated permissibly is activated if a second actuation of the control element that is different from the first operating action is detected, and at least one setting option that is different from the currently activated setting option can be activated permissibly. The first operating action represents an approach by the user to the control element and/or a touch of the control element by the user and the second operation represents a pressing of the control element with a force above a predetermined limit value, or the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the control element and the second actuation represents a touch of the control element.

The invention offers many advantages when operating lights. On the one hand, light operation is made possible with only a single control element assigned to the light function. The design of the operating actions required for operation can be designed to be particularly simple and therefore clear, as will be explained in more detail later. This is due in particular to the fact that the operating action is visually represented by the display on the display device and is therefore very easy and clear for a user to understand. In addition, when an approach or touch is detected, the entire range of setting options for the light function that can currently be activated are immediately displayed. The user can thus see which setting options for the lighting function can be selected in a single operation and therefore does not have to laboriously navigate through a complex menu structure of a display device. This also eliminates the need for an additional operation to select a “light function” menu item. However, it is particularly advantageous that it is determined which setting options can currently be activated permissibly. This makes it possible to activate settings that are currently not permitted to be activated to block options and thus not make their selection available to the user at all. Incorrect operation and mix-ups, which can pose enormous safety risks, such as turning off the driving lights when driving in the dark, can thus advantageously be avoided. The invention thus provides a particularly simple, clear and, above all, particularly safe operation of the motor vehicle headlight. According to the invention, the current setting option is deactivated and a setting option that can be activated permissibly is activated when a second actuation of the control element that is different from the first operating action is detected, and at least one setting option that is different from the currently activated setting option can be permissibly activated. The latter condition ensures that only setting options that are determined to be permissible can actually be activated and those that are determined not to be permissible cannot be activated, which ensures that incorrect operations that endanger safety are excluded. The fact that the user's operating action for switching between the setting options represents an actuation other than a touch and/or approach has the particularly great advantage that the user can more easily switch between an operating action for triggering the display and the operating action for actually activating or deactivating a setting option Light function can differ. This also reduces the risk of incorrect operation. It is particularly advantageous that the operating action represents pressing the control element. The control element can be designed as a simple button or push-button switch with a proximity or touch sensor system or as a control element with a touch-sensitive user interface, in particular as a touch pad, which additionally has a sensor system to switch between touching the surface, in particular with a force below a predetermined limit value, and pressing the surface, in particular with a force above the predetermined limit value. Pressing the control element can be accompanied by a spatial offset in the direction of force action or even just the pressing can be detected without an associated spatial offset of the control element. It can also be provided that the display of the light function is displayed when an approach is detected and the change of a setting option is effected when a touch of the control element is detected. However, designing the operating action for switching as pressing has the particularly great advantage that pressing must be carried out more actively or consciously by a user than simply touching. This means that simply accidentally touching the control element cannot cause an unwanted change in the setting option.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the setting options are displayed in the associated display in such a way that the setting options that can be activated permissibly are displayed in a visually different manner from the setting options that cannot be activated permissibly. Preferably, setting options determined as currently not permissible to be activated cannot be selected and in particular cannot be activated.

In this way, all setting options assigned to the lighting function, whether currently permitted or not, are displayed to a user, which further increases clarity. In addition, he is advantageously informed about the possibilities of currently available setting options by the different visual identification of the currently activated and non-activatable setting options. Displaying all setting options with different visual indications has the advantage that a user can be shown at a glance that the setting option they want to activate is currently not available.

For example, if, when driving in the dark, the setting option “Lights-off” is determined to be a setting option that is currently not permissibly activated, the driver can be made aware of the setting option “Lights-off” as a setting option that is currently not permissibly activated. In addition to the fact that operating errors and mix-ups, which pose a high safety risk, can be ruled out from the outset, a driver can also immediately see which setting options are available, which are currently selectable and which are not.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the setting options are alternatively displayed in the associated display in such a way that setting options that cannot be activated permissibly are not displayed, that is, only the setting options of the light function that are determined to be permissible to activate are displayed. This design has several advantages. On the one hand, this ensures that a user cannot even consider activating setting options that have been determined to be invalid. This makes it particularly clear and easy for a user to understand which choices are available to them. On the other hand, the non-display of setting options that have been identified as not permissible to activate and therefore cannot be activated leads to a saving of space on the display area of the display device, which is therefore more effective Displays of other information can also be used in an optimized manner, and this also leads to an increased clarity of the display of the setting options, which in turn makes the operation of the light function much easier, faster and therefore safer for the driver.

It is also particularly advantageous if the display is displayed in the driver-side half of the front area of the interior of the motor vehicle, in particular in an area different from a center console and / or on a display device located in the center console, preferably e.g. in the instrument cluster of the motor vehicle and /or in a head-up display and/or on a freely programmable display in the instrument cluster area and/or a separate display on the driver's side and/or also in a display in the center of the vehicle, in particular intended specifically for displaying the light function, e.g the center console. A combination instrument is generally understood to mean a display area for displaying the speed and/or rotation speed and/or for displaying further information about the motor vehicle, regardless of whether this display is implemented by mechanical or semi-mechanical pointer instruments or also only via a freely programmable display. Through this embodiment of the invention, on the one hand, the setting options for the lighting function can advantageously be displayed directly in the driver's field of vision, in contrast to, for example, a display on a central display device in the center console. On the other hand, the instrument cluster is usually not used to operate other functions of the motor vehicle, but other functions are operated via a central display and operating device in the motor vehicle. The display of the light function in the instrument cluster or in a head-up display or on a separate display intended specifically for the light function display therefore has a higher priority, which makes the operation of the light function particularly clear. The driver also does not have to look away from the road for very long while driving, which makes operating the light function even safer.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one predetermined criterion sets a condition for an ambient brightness of the motor vehicle and/or a speed of the motor vehicle and/or an activation state of the engine of the motor vehicle and/or an activation state of an ignition of the motor vehicle and/or an opening state of a Door of the motor vehicle. The ambient brightness can be detected, for example, by means of brightness sensors of the motor vehicle. If a currently detected ambient brightness falls below a predetermined brightness limit value, for example the “Lights-off” setting option, which causes the driving lights to be switched off, is displayed as a setting option that is currently not permissibly activated by visual identification, such as faded or gray, in particular at least if the motor vehicle drives faster than a predetermined speed limit. For example, if a speed greater than the predetermined limit value is detected, the “parking light” setting option can also be displayed in the same way as a setting option that is currently not permitted to be activated. These parameters ambient brightness and vehicle speed can be determined permanently or with each detected approach or touch of the control element and the display of the setting options for the light function can be adjusted depending on the detected parameters. The parameters of the opening status of a door, whether the engine is on or off, and whether the ignition is on or off, can also be recorded using sensors and optionally used as further criteria to determine the current admissibility of the setting options, which results in an even more Better and more situation-adapted assessment of the current admissibility of activating the setting options can be implemented. This means that as soon as the driver expresses an operating request by approaching or touching it, the currently selectable setting options for the light function can always be displayed and identified along with the non-selectable ones.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is determined which of the setting options is currently activated, with the display device in the display assigned to the light function visually identifying the currently activated setting option, in particular in such a way that the display of the currently activated setting option differs from differs from the representations of the currently not activated setting options. This also shows a user which of the setting options is currently activated. The user is thus advantageously provided with comprehensive information about the lighting function of the headlight. It can also be provided that the currently activated setting option for the light function is permanently displayed during operation of the motor vehicle, in particular without the user having to approach or touch the control element beforehand. Only when an approach or touch of the control element is detected are the remaining setting options also displayed. This means that the driver is always aware of the display, especially in the instrument cluster, of the currently activated setting option for the light function. The complexity of the display can also be kept as low as possible, since the further setting options are only displayed when the approach or contact is detected and not permanently. It can also be provided that a permanent display of the currently activated setting option is not provided by the display device, but rather is shown to the user through a corresponding display on the control element itself. This can advantageously save space on the display device, which can be made available for displaying further information. The display of the currently activated setting option can also be provided both by a display on the control element and on the display device, so that this redundancy provides the user with particularly clear information about the currently activated setting option.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the display assigned to the light function is displayed and when an actuation of the control element is detected by the user, the currently activated setting option is deactivated and one of the setting options determined to be permissible to be activated is activated. The user can thus change the currently activated setting of the light function in a particularly simple manner, e.g. by pressing the control element. At the same time, the representation of the display preferably also changes, i.e. if one of the other setting options is activated, this activated setting option is then also visually identified as the currently activated setting option. Since the user can see in an easy-to-understand manner on the display device which setting option he has currently activated, the control element can also be designed to be significantly simpler and clearer. In particular, for example, to change the setting option of the light function to another, the same operating action, such as pressing the control element, can always be provided, so that the control element does not have to be moved into a specific position in order to select a specific setting option. This allows the complexity of the operating procedure to be reduced to a minimum. Symbols for the light setting options are no longer correlated with a specific switch position of several switch positions, such as on a rotary switch, which allows more freedom in the arrangement of optional additional symbols on or next to the control element and thus enables a much clearer arrangement of these symbols.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the display assigned to the light function is displayed, at least the setting options that can currently be activated permissibly, and optionally also the setting options that cannot currently be activated permissibly, are displayed in a predetermined order, whereby when the user detects the actuation of the control element The following setting option is activated in the predetermined order after the currently activated setting option. For example, all setting options can be displayed consecutively in a row or in a column. The currently activated setting option is marked accordingly, as well as the currently selectable setting options and the currently not selectable setting options. By activating the control element, the selectable setting options can then be changed through in the specified order, in particular cyclically, i.e. at the end of the order, when pressed again, the start of the order starts again. In this way, it is possible to always provide the same operating action for switching through or switching between the selectable setting options, which makes operating the lighting function particularly easy, intuitive and clear.

The motor vehicle according to the invention has a display device and a control element which is assigned exclusively to a light function of the motor vehicle and is separate from the display device for operating the light function of headlights of the motor vehicle, with the light function being assigned a plurality of different setting options. The control element is designed to detect a first operating action by the user, with the display device being designed to display a display assigned to the light function based on a detected approach or touch of the control element. In addition, the motor vehicle is designed to determine which of the setting options of the light function can currently be activated in a permissible manner according to at least one predetermined criterion, wherein the display device is further designed to display at least the entirety of the setting options that can currently be activated in a permissible manner, which were determined in accordance with the predetermined criterion , to display immediately upon detection of the first operating action, and in particular to display all setting options of the light function in such a way that the setting options determined by the motor vehicle as currently permissible to be activated are displayed in a visually different manner from setting options that cannot be activated permissibly. Furthermore, the motor vehicle is designed in such a way that the current setting option is deactivated and a setting option that can be activated permissibly is activated when a second actuation of the control element that is different from the first operating action is detected, and at least one of the currently activated on Different setting options can be activated permissibly. The first operating action represents an approach by the user to the control element and/or a touch of the control element by the user and the second operation represents a pressing of the control element with a force above a predetermined limit value, or the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the control element and the second actuation represents a touch of the control element.

The display device is preferably arranged in a field of vision of a driver located in a driver's seat, for example in the center console, and in particular is designed as a display device provided only for displaying the light function, or is arranged, for example, in the driver-side half of the front area of the interior of the motor vehicle, in particular in an area different from a center console, preferably arranged, for example, in the instrument cluster of the motor vehicle and/or as part of the instrument cluster and/or as a head-up display and/or as a freely programmable display in the instrument cluster area and/or as a driver-side, separate display .

The features, combinations of features and their advantages mentioned for the method according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the motor vehicle according to the invention. Furthermore, the method features mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention and its refinements enable the motor vehicle according to the invention to be further developed through further objective features.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Lichtfunktions-Anzeige einer Anzeigeeinrichtung in einem Ausgangszustand, insbesondere ohne vorherige Erfassung einer Berührung bzw. Annäherung an ein der Lichtfunktion zugeordnetes Bedienelement, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Lichtfunktions-Anzeige einer Anzeigeeinrichtung in einem weiteren Ausgangszustand, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung der Anzeige nach erfasster Annäherung bzw. Berührung des Bedienelements bei Dunkelheit und bei einer Geschwindigkeit größer als ein vorbestimmter Grenzwert, sowie die Veranschaulichung des Wechsels der Einstellmöglichkeit durch Drücken des Bedienelements, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung der Anzeige nach erfasster Annäherung bzw. Berührung des Bedienelements bei Dämmerung und bei einer Geschwindigkeit größer als der vorbestimmte Grenzwert, sowie die Veranschaulichung des Wechsels der Einstellmöglichkeit durch Drücken des Bedienelements, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung der Anzeige nach erfasster Annäherung bzw. Berührung des Bedienelements bei heller Fahrzeugumgebung und bei einer Geschwindigkeit größer als der vorbestimmte Grenzwert, sowie die Veranschaulichung des Wechsels der Einstellmöglichkeit durch Drücken des Bedienelements, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung der Anzeige nach erfasster Annäherung bzw. Berührung des Bedienelements bei Dunkelheit und bei einer Geschwindigkeit kleiner als der vorbestimmte Grenzwert, sowie die Veranschaulichung des Wechsels der Einstellmöglichkeit durch Drücken des Bedienelements, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedieneinheit mit dem der Lichtfunktion zugeordneten Bedienelement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings, whereby identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a light function display of a display device in an initial state, in particular without prior detection of a touch or approach to a control element assigned to the light function, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of a light function display of a display device in a further initial state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of the display after a detected approach or touch of the control element in the dark and at a speed greater than a predetermined limit value, as well as the illustration of the change in the setting option by pressing the control element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 4 a schematic representation of the display after a detected approach or touch of the control element at dusk and at a speed greater than the predetermined limit value, as well as the illustration of the change in the setting option by pressing the control element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 5 a schematic representation of the display after a detected approach or touch of the control element in a bright vehicle environment and at a speed greater than the predetermined limit value, as well as the illustration of the change in the setting option by pressing the control element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 6 a schematic representation of the display after a detected approach or touch of the control element in the dark and at a speed lower than the predetermined limit value, as well as the illustration of the change in the setting option by pressing the control element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and
• 7 a schematic representation of an operating unit with the operating element assigned to the light function according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The figures 1 until 6 show schematic representations of light function displays 10 of a display device in a motor vehicle according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. For this purpose, the motor vehicle includes the display device, for example with a display, which can be arranged in particular in the instrument cluster and/or can be designed as a separate, driver-side display device and/or as a head-up display and/or as a display in the center console. The display device can be provided specifically for displaying the light function of the motor vehicle headlights or other information that differs from the light function can also be displayed on the display device, such as a speedometer display, a tachometer display, the tank level, etc. The representation in the figures then shows in particular one assigned to the lighting function Net section from the display 10 shown in the instrument cluster or the head-up display 10.

Furthermore, the motor vehicle includes a control element 22 assigned to the lighting function (cf. 7 ), in particular a button switch or a touch pad with a proximity and/or touch sensor system, so that an approach of the user to the control element 22 or a touch of the control element 22, in particular capacitively, can be detected. Furthermore, the button switch or the touch pad can also be operated by pressing as a further additional operating action.

The light function is assigned several setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, in particular the automatic lighting setting options 12a, during whose activation the driving lights are automatically switched on or off, for example depending on the ambient brightness H of the motor vehicle, driving lights 12b, parking lights 12c, and light off 12d, when activated the driving lights are switched off. Further setting options can be provided, such as parking lights on the left and parking lights on the right, etc. Lighting functions such as front fog lights and rear fog lights are preferably implemented by separate buttons and / or switches, which can be located near the control element 22. Optionally, the front fog light and the rear fog light can also be shown as setting options for the light function in the display 10. The respective setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are now identified by corresponding symbols, in particular the automatic light system 12a by “AUTO”, light off 12d by “0”, and driving lights 12b and parking lights 12c each by the corresponding driving light symbol or .Parking light symbol.

1 now shows the light function display 10 in an initial state of the light function, in which in this example the automatic light system 10a is activated. The driving lights 12b of the motor vehicle are also automatically switched on by the automatic lighting system 12a, which is why the symbol of the driving lights 12b is also displayed in addition to the symbol of the automatic lighting system 12a. The currently activated setting option for the light function can optionally be permanently displayed by the display 10 in the instrument cluster, that is, even without prior detection of a touch or approach to the control element 22 assigned to the light function. However, it can also be provided that there is no display 10 relating to the light function is shown as long as no approach or touch of the control element 22 is detected, so that the representations in 1 and also 2 serve for illustrative purposes only. The remaining symbols are not displayed in the initial state, ie without the user approaching the control element 22 or without touching the control element 22.

2 shows another example of an initial state. Here, the driving light 12b is currently activated and the driving light symbol can optionally be permanently displayed in the instrument cluster or in the head-up display, ie at least when the motor vehicle is in operation or at least when the ignition is not switched off. The driving light 12b was activated manually by the user and not by the automatic light system 12a, which was not activated here in particular, which is why only the driving light symbol and not the automatic light symbol is displayed.

In the following, different situations with regard to ambient brightness H and vehicle speed v and the resulting displays 10 and setting changes will be considered.

3 shows a schematic representation of the display 10 after the control element 22 has been detected approaching or touching in the dark, ie at an ambient brightness H which is smaller than a predetermined lower brightness limit H _UG , and at a speed v greater than a predetermined speed limit v _G . Furthermore, changing the setting option 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d by pressing the control element 22, shown here by an arrow, is illustrated. In this example an initial state was used 1 assumed, in which the automatic lighting system 12a is activated and this has switched on the driving lights 12b due to the fact that the ambient brightness H is smaller than the predetermined lower brightness limit H _UG and the vehicle speed v is greater than the predetermined speed limit v _G . How to 1 described, this currently activated setting option 12a and 12b can optionally be permanently displayed, and as long as the user does not approach or touch the control element 22, the remaining setting options 12c and 12d are not displayed. In 3 The user has now approached or touched the control element 22, which was detected by the proximity or touch sensor system of the control element 22. The display 10 then shows either all setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the light function or only the setting options that can currently be activated.

When this display 10 is provided, the setting option that is currently activated, the setting option that is currently permissible to activate, and the setting option that is currently not permissible to be activated is chosen between the three cases when displayed by a suitable net, corresponding, different visual identification and/or a representation and non-representation. To make this possible, the motor vehicle first checks the current admissibility of activating the setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d according to predetermined criteria. In this example, these criteria represent conditions for the ambient brightness H and the vehicle speed v. In particular, these criteria generally preferably determine the following: The parking light 12c is only determined as currently permissible to be activated and, in particular, activation of the parking light 12c is only possible then , when the motor vehicle speed v is less than or equal to a predetermined speed limit v _G , for example 10 km/h. Furthermore, it is specified that the light-off setting option 12d is only determined to be currently permissible to activate and, in particular, activation of the light-off setting option 12d, ie switching off the driving lights, is only possible if at least one of the conditions is met is that the ambient brightness H is greater than a predetermined lower brightness limit H _UG or the speed v is smaller than a predetermined limit v _G , ie only when the ambient brightness H is sufficient or when the motor vehicle is at a standstill or when driving slowly, regardless of the ambient brightness H . Furthermore, it is stipulated that the automatic lighting setting option 12a and the driving light setting option 12b always represent setting options that can be activated in a currently permissible manner, in particular regardless of the ambient brightness H and the vehicle speed v. Additional criteria, which are not explained in more detail here, may also be provided. For example, further criteria can be linked to whether the engine of the motor vehicle is activated or switched off, whether the ignition of the motor vehicle is switched on or switched off and/or whether a vehicle door is opened or closed.

The motor vehicle therefore detects, for example, the current ambient brightness H and the current vehicle speed v, and possibly the other states of the engine, ignition and/or door mentioned, using sensors. This detection can take place in particular permanently or continuously, and not only when an approach and/or touch of the control element 22 is detected. In this example, the vehicle speed v is now greater than a predetermined limit value v _G , for example 10 km/h, and it is dark, ie the detected ambient brightness H is below a lower brightness limit value H _UG . From this, the motor vehicle then determines which setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d can currently be activated permissibly. Since it is dark and at the same time the speed v is greater than the speed limit v _G , the light-off setting option 12d is determined to not be permissibly activated. Furthermore, since the speed v is greater than the speed limit v _G , the parking light 12c is also determined as a setting option that cannot currently be activated permissibly. In contrast, the automatic lighting system 12a and the driving lights 12b are determined as setting options that can currently be activated permissibly or are specified as such, since they can always be activated permissibly. The setting options that can be activated as currently permissible are now also the setting options that have already been activated. The representation of the automatic lighting system 12a and the driving light 12b is accordingly indicated in the display 10 as the currently activated setting option, for example in color, with a highly saturated color, intensely bright, larger, with a frame, or similar. Those determined to be currently not permissible to activate Setting options for parking light 12c and light off 12d, on the other hand, are either displayed differently, e.g. faded, dimmer, colorless, gray, smaller or similar, or not displayed at all. Based on this display, the user can easily see which setting options, namely parking light 12c and light off 12d, are currently not available, which is currently activated, namely automatic lighting 12a with driving lights 12b switched on, and which can currently be activated permissibly, namely the currently activated one Automatic lighting 12a with driving lights 12b switched on, as well as only (manual) driving lights 12b. By pressing the control element 22, the user can now switch from the automatic lighting 12a to manual driving lights 12b, as in the display 10 of the lower picture 3 is shown. If you press it again, you would switch back to the automatic light system 12a and so on cyclically, provided that the conditions for speed v and brightness H continue to be met.

If the user has switched to the desired setting option for the light function, such as here to manual driving light 12b, by pressing the control element 22, which is then activated at the same time, and for example there will be no actuation or contact or approach to it for a predetermined period of time If the control element 22 is detected, the display 10 changes back to the initial state, which is now the display 10 according to the activation of the manual driving light 12b 2 corresponds.

4 shows a further scenario, namely a schematic representation of the display 10 after a detected approach to or contact with the control element 22 at dusk, ie at an ambient brightness H between the lower brightness limit H _UG and an upper brightness limit H _OG , and at a speed v greater than the predetermined limit value v _G , as well as the Illustration of changing the setting option by pressing the control element 22.

The initial state is again the in 1 shown. If the user approaches the control element 22 and/or touches it, a display 10 appears according to the upper picture in 4 provided. Since the vehicle speed v is greater than the predetermined limit value v _G , the motor vehicle determines that the parking light 12c represents a setting option that cannot currently be activated permissibly. The parking light 12c is in 3 Accordingly, it is visually identified as currently not permissible to be activated, such as again gray, colorless, etc., or is again not shown in the display 10 at all. Since the ambient brightness H in this example now exceeds the lower brightness limit H _UG , the motor vehicle determines the light-off setting option 12d as the currently permissible setting option that can be activated according to the criteria described above. In the display, “OFF” is shown in a visually different way from setting options that are currently not permitted to be activated, if these are shown at all, e.g. stronger, with a more saturated color or similar. Since here again the automatic lighting system 12a with the driving lights 12b switched on is the currently activated one represents the setting option, the “AUTO” symbol and the driving light symbol are also displayed accordingly and in a different way from the other setting options, e.g. in a different color, e.g. red, larger, with a frame, etc.

Through this display 10, the user can now see at a glance that the automatic lighting system 12a and through this the driving lights 12b are currently activated, that it is possible to switch off the driving lights using the currently permissible light-off setting option 12d, and that the activation of the Parking light 12c is currently not permitted. If the user now presses the actuating element, the current setting option changes to the next setting option that can currently be activated in the specified and shown order. The user's pressing is again illustrated by arrows. If the user first presses the button, the currently activated automatic lighting setting option 12a changes to the manual driving light setting option 12b. In the display 10 only the driving light symbol is then shown as the currently activated setting option. The symbol of the automatic light system 12a changes its visual appearance and is shown as a setting option that can currently be activated. The “OFF” symbol remains unchanged and the parking light symbol also remains unchanged in its appearance if it is shown and is otherwise not shown.

If the user presses again, the currently activated setting changes from manual driving light 12b to light off 12d and the driving light is switched off. The parking light symbol, if shown, is skipped because the parking light 12c cannot currently be activated permissibly. This means that “OFF” is now identified as the currently activated setting option, the “AUTO” symbols and the driving light symbol are visually identified as setting options that can be activated permissibly, and the parking light symbol remains identified as currently not permissible to activate or is not displayed. If pressed again, the display and the function activation would repeat cyclically again, i.e. automatic light 12a, manual driving light 12b, light off 12d, etc. If the user has then selected a setting option and the user operates, touches or approaches for a predetermined period of time not the control element 22, the display 10 changes in such a way that only the currently activated setting option is displayed and all other setting options and their symbols are hidden and are only shown again when you approach the control element 22 again or touch the control element 22.

5 shows a schematic representation of the display 10 after a detected approach to or contact with the control element 22 in a bright vehicle environment, ie with an ambient brightness H that is greater than the upper predetermined brightness limit H _OG , and at a speed v greater than the predetermined limit v _G , as well as the illustration of changing the setting option by pressing the control element 22, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Initially, the automatic lighting system 12a is activated again, but the ambient brightness H is now greater than the upper brightness limit value H _OG , which is why the driving lights 12b are not switched on by the automatic lighting system 12a. Therefore, only the “AUTO” symbol is identified as the currently activated setting option. According to the criteria explained above, the setting options for driving lights 12b and light-off 12d are currently permissible setting options that can be activated and are identified as such, and furthermore the setting option for parking lights 12c is not a setting option that can currently be activated and is also visually represented as such or not shown at all. If the user now presses the actuating element, the currently activated setting option changes from automatic light 12a to manual driving light 12b and the driving light is switched on. If the user presses again, the currently activated setting option changes from driving light 12b to light off 12d and the driving light is switched off, etc.

6 shows a schematic representation of the display 10 after a detected approach to or touch of the control element 22 in the dark, ie the ambient brightness H is in turn smaller than the lower brightness limit H _UG , and at a speed v smaller than the predetermined limit v _G , as well as the illustration changing the setting option by pressing the control element 22, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Initially, the automatic light system 12a is again activated, and since it is dark, the automatic light system 12a also activates the driving light 12b and thus “AUTO” and the driving light symbol are shown as currently activated setting options. Furthermore, the parking light 12c is now shown as a setting option that can currently be activated, since the vehicle speed v is smaller than the predetermined limit value v _G. The light-off setting option 12d is also shown as a setting option that can currently be activated, in particular even though it is dark, since the vehicle speed v is now smaller than the predetermined limit value v _G. By pressing the control element 22, the user can now switch again between the setting options in the specified order, as shown, with each arrow again symbolizing a pressing of the control element 22.

Furthermore, it can happen that a setting option that is currently determined to be permissible to activate according to the criteria is selected by the user, such as lights off, but then, for example after a certain time or duration of travel, the ambient brightness H or vehicle speed v change conditions, e.g. it gets dark or the motor vehicle is driving through a tunnel. It can then be provided that a currently activated setting option, which is then determined to no longer be permissible to activate, is deactivated automatically, ie without the user's intervention, and a setting option currently determined to be permissible, preferably the automatic lighting system 12a, is activated. The same applies to the parking lights. If, for example, this is switched on when the vehicle is at a standstill and the vehicle then drives off and exceeds the predetermined speed limit v _G , the parking light 12b can be switched off automatically and the automatic lighting system 12a can be activated. This can also ensure in a particularly advantageous manner that it is not possible to forget to turn on the driving lights when necessary.

7 shows a schematic representation of an operating unit 20 with the operating element 22 assigned to the light function, in particular for activating or deactivating setting options such as driving lights 12b, parking lights 12c, automatic lighting 12a and the light-off setting option 12d. In addition to this control element 22, two further separate control elements 24 and 26 are arranged for activating or deactivating the fog light and the rear fog light, each of which has a symbol for the fog light 24a and a symbol for the rear fog light 26a, as well as an associated light display 24b or 26b, which lights up when the fog light or rear fog light is activated and does not light up when the fog light or rear fog light is not activated. The controls 24 and 26 for the fog light and the rear fog light can be designed as any control elements, for example as simple buttons or push-button switches or also as touch-sensitive controls. The light functions fog light and rear fog light can preferably only be activated and deactivated by actuating these respective operating elements 24 and 26, respectively, which increases the clarity of the display 10 of the display device provided for the other setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the light function. The control element 22 for the other setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the light function is, as already described, designed as a proximity and/or touch-sensitive control element with a pressure function.

In addition to this control element 22, three further displays 28a, 28b, 28c are now provided, in particular for the setting options for automatic lighting 12a, driving lights 12b and parking lights 12c. Currently activated setting options for the light functions 12a, 12b, 12c can therefore also be displayed by a corresponding visual identification of these three respective displays 28a, 28b, 28c. These displays 28a, 28b, 28c can also have the symbol assigned to the setting option 12a, 12b, 12c and, for example, a respective separate area arranged next to it that can be illuminated with an LED and which only lights up when the respective setting option 12a, 12b, 12c is activated. These displays can also be designed in such a way that the symbols themselves can be illuminated or light up or a background of the symbols lights up when the respective setting option 12a, 12b, 12c is activated. The displays 28a, 28b, 28c can also be designed as a display and, when a specific setting option 12a, 12b, 12c is activated, can be displayed using a different type of representation, such as with a different color and/or brighter.

Furthermore, the operating unit 20 can additionally have permanently activated search lighting, so that all operating elements 22, 24, 26 and/or symbols and/or the three separate displays 28a, 28b, 28c are always visible even in the dark. The display type of currently activated setting options 12a, 12b, 12c then sets also visually depends on this search lighting. Optionally, another display for the light-off setting option can be provided. However, this can also be dispensed with, since if none of these three displays 28a, 28b, 28c indicates the assigned setting option 12a, 12b, 12c as currently activated, a user is already informed at the same time that the light is switched off and thus the light Off setting option 12d is activated.

This operating unit 20 with the additional displays 28a, 28b, 28c of the setting options 12a, 12b, 12c also contributes to the particularly easy detection and recognition of currently activated light settings. Since this operating unit 20 makes it possible to permanently display currently activated setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, a permanent representation in the display 10 of the setting options 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d in the additional display device can also be dispensed with in a way that promotes clarity become.

Overall, a method for operating the lighting function and a corresponding motor vehicle are provided, which enable particularly simple, clear and particularly safe operation of the lighting function.

Claims (9)

Method for operating a light function of headlights of a motor vehicle with a display device and a control element (22) separate from the display device and exclusively assigned to the light function, the light function being assigned a plurality of different setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), characterized in that a first operating action by the user is detected and, during the detected first operating action, a display (10) assigned to the light function is displayed on the display device, it being determined which of the setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the light function according to at least one predetermined criterion (v _G ; H _GU ; H _GO ) can currently be activated permissibly, and in the associated display (10) at least the entirety of the currently permissible activation options for the light function, which were determined according to the predetermined criterion, immediately when the first is detected Operating action are displayed, wherein a deactivation of the current setting option and an activation of a permissibly activated setting option takes place when a second actuation of the control element (22) that is different from the first operating action is detected and at least one setting option different from the currently activated setting option can be permissibly activated, whereby - the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the operating element (22) and/or a touch of the operating element (22) by the user and the second actuation represents a pressing of the operating element (22) with a force above a predetermined limit value; or - the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the operating element (22) and the second actuation represents a touching of the operating element (22). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are displayed in the associated display (10) in such a way that the setting options that can be activated permissibly are displayed in a visually different manner from the setting options that cannot be activated. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the setting options (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) are displayed in the associated display (10) in such a way that setting options that cannot be activated permissibly are not displayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one predetermined criterion (v _G ; H _GU ; H _GO ) represents a condition for an ambient brightness (H) of the motor vehicle and/or a speed (v) of the motor vehicle and/or represents an activation state of the engine of the motor vehicle and / or an activation state of an ignition of the motor vehicle and / or an opening state of a door of the motor vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is determined which of the setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is currently activated, and the display device in the display (10) assigned to the light function visually indicates the currently activated setting option . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the display (10) associated with the light function is displayed and when an actuation of the control element (22) by the user is detected, the currently activated setting option is deactivated and one of the setting options determined to be permissible to be activated is activated. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that when displaying the display (10) assigned to the light function, at least the currently permissible setting options that can be activated are displayed in a predetermined order, whereby when the user detects the actuation of the control element (22), the setting option that is determined to be permissible and can be activated in the predetermined order following the currently activated setting option is activated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the currently set setting option is permanently displayed during operation of the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle with a display device and a control element (22), which is exclusively assigned to a light function of the motor vehicle and is separate from the display device, for operating the light function of headlights of the motor vehicle, the light function being assigned a plurality of different setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). , characterized in that the operating element (22) is designed to detect a first operating action by the user, the display device being designed to display a display (10) assigned to the light function based on the detected first operating action, the motor vehicle being designed for this purpose , to determine which of the setting options (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the light function can currently be activated in a permissible manner according to at least one predetermined criterion, the display device being designed to provide the display (10) assigned to the light function in such a way that at least the entirety of the currently permissible setting options of the light function, which were determined according to the predetermined criterion, are displayed immediately upon detection of the first operating action, the motor vehicle being set up in such a way that the current setting option is deactivated and a setting option that can be activated is activated when a a second actuation of the control element (22) which is different from the first operating action is detected and at least one setting option which is different from the currently activated setting option can be permissibly activated, wherein - the first operating action is an approach of the user to the control element (22) and/or a touch of the control element (22) by the user and the second actuation represents pressing the control element (22) with a force above a predetermined limit; or - the first operating action represents an approach by the user to the operating element (22) and the second actuation represents a touching of the operating element (22).

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