DE102014017337A1 - Method and device for outputting a message to a driver of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for outputting an indication to a driver of a vehicle, in which an informative representation takes place by a change of colors and / or the intensity of an interior lighting (5) of the vehicle (1). In a method in which the indications are improved, a hint for a need for action on the driver is output by a color change and / or a change in intensity and / or a change of a display mode of ambient lighting (5) of the vehicle (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for outputting an indication to a driver of a vehicle, in which an informative representation is made by a change of colors and / or intensities of an interior lighting of the vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle.

From the DE 10 2012 015 753 A1 is a driving an interior lighting device for warning a user of a motor vehicle from a risk of collision known. Such a warning signal is output via a change in color or intensity of the interior ambient lighting.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for outputting a message to a driver of a vehicle, in which the display options are improved.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims. Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, as well as the explanation of embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures.

The object is achieved with a method in that an ambience illumination of the vehicle is output by a color change and / or a change in intensity and / or a change of a display mode an indication of a need for action to the driver. Due to the changed color or intensity or frequency of the light signal the driver is not only indicated that there is a need for action but at the same time clarifies the urgency of the need for action. This increases the information content of the hint. The ambient lighting is therefore more generous and flat than the flares previously used for display, so that it can directly attract the driver's attention.

Advantageously, the hint is issued when a driving style of the driver does not comply with the Highway Code. This is always the case, for example, if a speeding is exceeded or an occupant of the vehicle is not buckled. In addition, such a notice is also issued when a vehicle door is incompletely closed while driving or a driving style of the driver in the current traffic situation is assessed as inappropriate. Due to the improved visual display options, acoustic warning signals, which are sometimes perceived as disturbing, can be reduced. But it can also be completely dispensed with acoustic warning signals. In other cases, the triggering of an audible warning signal can be delayed, so that they underline a dangerous situation.

In an alternative, the message is output when a driver assistance system is put into operation. Such driver assistance systems may include a vehicle stability system and a lane keeping system of the vehicle. In addition, the display of a blind spot warning is to be observed.

In a further embodiment, the hint is issued when a tank reserve is activated. Alternatively, this hint can also be issued when a destination is reached by the vehicle.

This need for action can also be displayed in message traffic, for example when an SMS has been received.

A development of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, with a plurality of light sources distributed in the interior of the motor vehicle whose light color and / or light intensity is adjustable, which are connected to a control unit which is coupled to driver assistance systems and / or sensor units of the motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle in which the display presentation is improved, the control unit adjusts the light color and / or the light intensity and / or a display mode of the illuminant designed as ambient lighting as a function of the signals received from the sensors and / or driver assistance systems.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject of the invention itself or in any meaningful combination, optionally also independent of the claims, and in particular may also be the subject of one or more separate application / s. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Show it:

1 a motor vehicle in a schematic representation with bulbs for ambience lighting,

2 Exemplary embodiments of display modes of an indication signal,

3 a further embodiment of the method according to the invention,

4 a further embodiment of the method according to the invention,

5 a further embodiment of the method according to the invention,

6 a further embodiment of the method according to the invention,

7 a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 in whose interior 3 several RGB modules 5a . 5b and 5c are arranged as bulbs for the ambient interior lighting of the motor vehicle. The RGB module 5a is in a front area 7 of the motor vehicle 1 arranged while the RGB module 5b in a rear area 9 is positioned. The RGB module 5c is in the area of a right-hand vehicle door 11 arranged. Via a control unit 13 are the RGB modules 5a . 5b and 5c separately controllable, so that the light color, the light intensity or the light frequency of each RGB module 5a . 5b respectively. 5c can be set separately. For this purpose, the red light emitting diode R, a green light emitting diode G and a blue light emitting diode B within the individual RGB modules 5a . 5b and 5c individually controlled. By collecting and combining specific components with specific characteristics, you can perform complex dynamic lighting scenarios.

The RGB modules 5a . 5b and 5c are via a standardized communication interface 17 with the control unit 13 connected. The control unit 13 is with a sensor exemplified 15 , which monitors the lock of the right passenger door and a driver assistance system 19 Connects and controls the individual RGB modules 5a . 5b . 5c depending on the sensor 15 or by the driver assistance system 19 output signals.

In modern vehicles, the driver receives ubiquitous warning sounds to alert them to misconduct and dangerous situations. To visually assist these constant alerts or in some cases communicate only visually, ambient lighting is used. How out 2 As can be seen, the ambient lighting can take on different display modes. Thus, a single lighting up (A) of the ambient lighting is possible. Alternatively, the ambient lighting can be enhanced in a flashing display mode (B) or a pulsing display mode (C). This is particularly important if the danger situation is to be displayed by this change of the display modes. The color available for the respective ambient lighting can be used or the color changed.

The activation of the ambient lighting to indicate an indication to the driver that there is a need for action, allows numerous scenarios. So can by the ambient lighting 21 Attention be directed to a rear-end collision as it is in 3 is shown. In this dangerous situation, it makes sense, the ambient lighting 21 consistently in the color red.

As in 4 shown, the ambient lighting lights up 23 in the area of the passenger when the passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. This is done as soon as the vehicle 1 sets in motion. The ambient lighting flashes 23 in front of the co-driver's set in the dashboard in red. An acoustic signal sounds only when after a certain driving the passenger is still not strapped.

Is through the sensor 15 Having found that the right passenger door is not closed, the ambient lighting lights up 25 only in the area of the right vehicle door 11 to forward the relevant information to the passenger ( 5 ). The inherent lighting of each door changes its color to red. If a door is completely open, the ambient lighting is used 25 in the door as ambient light to indicate in particular other road users on the open door. For this purpose, a strong, striking color is chosen, so that other road users can perceive the door faster.

Ambient lighting can also be used to operate various driver assistance systems 19 are displayed. Such a driver assistance system is for example the PARKTRONIC. When this PARKTRONIC is activated, the ambient lighting on the side of the vehicle changes the color step by step to red, and at the end can change to the pulsing display mode. This change of color and display modes is dependent on that of the sensor 15 displayed, still available distance to an obstacle. The lighting only reacts in the area where an obstacle is detected.

In a dead-angle detector installed in the exterior mirror of the motor vehicle and indicating an overtaking vehicle, the ambient lighting changes to red flashing, as soon as the driver has set a turn signal and wants to start an overtaking maneuver. The remaining parts of the ambient lighting go out or change to a neutral white.

To indicate that the vehicle stability program is active, the ambient light illuminates pulsating orange. This is in addition to the flashing warning triangle in the display of the combination instrument. If the lane departure warning system is activated, the ambient lighting emits a warning, in that it lights red on the corresponding side of the vehicle.

As soon as the vehicle recognizes that there is a speed limit, the ambient lighting in the front area of the vehicle flashes briefly.

If a tank reserve of the vehicle must be activated, the ambience lighting also pulsates orange, whereby the driver also receives a warning message on the combination instrument.

Also comfort features can be indicated by the ambient lighting.

Thus, the ambience lighting can change to the color green, if a navigation system the arrival of the motor vehicle 1 wants to show at a destination. When a glove box is opened, the LEDs in this area will glow with a high white brightness to better illuminate the glove box.

Also for the display of the air conditioning, the ambient lighting can be used. If the driver wants to cool his area, the ambient lighting in this area shows a blue color. If, on the other hand, the passenger wishes to warm his area, the ambient lighting will appear orange. With the setting "defrost windshield", the ambient lighting on the combination instrument is also switched to orange.

Another field of application is the receipt of messages via telecommunications equipment. For example, the receipt of an SMS may be indicated by being part of the ambient lighting 27 Green lights up ( 6 ). An incoming Facebook message, for example, in the same area of the combination instrument by the ambient lighting 29 be displayed only by using a different color ( 7 ).

If you switch on the interior light on the roof control unit, this could be controlled via several stages. First stage lights in the roof, second stage Ambient lighting in white with brightest steps, footwell lighting brightens and turns into white. This can be useful, for example, whenever a vehicle occupant searches for something in the dark at night.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protection area defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

motor vehicle

3

inner space

5

RGB module

7

front area

9

rear area

11

right vehicle door

13

control unit

15

sensor

17

Communication Interface

19

Driver assistance system

21

Ambient lighting

23

Ambient lighting

25

Ambient lighting

27

Ambient lighting

29

Ambient lighting

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012015753 A1 [0002]

Claims (9)

A method for issuing a message to a driver of a vehicle, in which by a change of colors and / or the intensity of an interior lighting ( 5 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) is an informative representation, characterized in that by a color change and / or a change in intensity and / or a change of a display mode of ambient lighting ( 21 . 23 . 25 . 27 . 29 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) an indication of a need for action is issued to the driver. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hint is issued when a driving style of the driver does not comply with the Highway Code. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the hint is issued when a speeding is exceeded or an occupant of the vehicle is not strapped or a vehicle door is incompletely closed while driving or a driving style of the driver in the current traffic situation is assessed as inappropriate. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hint is issued when a driver assistance system ( 19 ) is put into operation. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the indication is issued when a blind spot warning or a vehicle stability system or a lane departure warning are put into operation. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an indication is issued when a tank reserve is activated. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an indication is issued when a destination by the vehicle ( 1 ) is reached. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an indication is issued when an SMS is received. Motor vehicle, with several, in the interior ( 3 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) distributed bulbs ( 5 ), whose luminous color and / or light intensity is adjustable, which with a control unit ( 13 ) associated with driver assistance systems ( 19 ) and / or sensor units ( 15 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that the control unit ( 13 ) depending on, from the sensors ( 15 ) and / or driver assistance systems ( 19 ) received signals the luminous color and / or the light intensity and / or a display mode at least one, as ambient lighting ( 21 . 23 . 25 . 27 . 29 ) trained illuminant ( 5 ).

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