DE102020126929A1 - Motor vehicle with an exterior light and method for operating an exterior light - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle with an exterior light (2, 3, 4) and a control device (5), wherein the control device (5) is set up, on the one hand, in a first operating mode, to switch on the exterior light (2, 3, 4) to output a first lighting pattern (6) to control and to evaluate a change condition and to change to a second operating mode when the change condition is met and on the other hand to control the exterior light (2, 3, 4) in the second operating mode to emit a second light pattern (15) that differs from the first light pattern (6), wherein Fulfillment of the change condition depends on which of several driving modes of the motor vehicle (1) is selected for current or future operation, and/or fulfillment of the change condition depends on a determined driver condition.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an exterior light and a control device, the control device being set up, on the one hand, in a first operating mode, to actuate the exterior light to output a first light pattern and to evaluate a changeover condition, and to change to a second operating mode when the changeover condition is met and, on the other hand, to the second operating mode to control the exterior light to output a different from the first light pattern second light pattern. In addition, the invention relates to a method for operating at least one exterior lamp of a motor vehicle.

Exterior lights of motor vehicles are used on the one hand to illuminate the area around the vehicle and on the other hand to provide other road users with information, for example regarding the position of the motor vehicle and regarding braking or a planned turning maneuver. In addition, it has already been proposed to use external lighting to transmit additional information. For example, the pamphlet suggests DE 20 2004 009 030 U1 proposes using an additional display area of a brake light to display lettering, a logo, a pictogram or a figure for a following driver. This display can be activated manually by a user and then be permanently active or only be active when there is no braking process.

While the procedure described can be advantageous, for example, for advertising purposes or for design reasons, it is only suitable to a limited extent for providing other road users with information relating to driving operations, since such information transmission depends on manual activation or deactivation by the driver of the motor vehicle.

The invention is therefore based on the object of expanding the functionality of exterior lights, in which case, in particular, other road users should be able to better assess driving situations.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, the fulfillment of the change condition depending on which of several driving modes of the motor vehicle is selected for current or future operation and/or the fulfillment of the change condition depending on a determined driver condition.

In modern motor vehicles, it is often possible to choose between different driving modes of the motor vehicle that use different parameterizations of different vehicle components, for example the chassis and the drive train. For example, it may be possible to choose between driving modes for more sporty driving, for more comfort-oriented driving and for efficiency-optimized driving. The procedure according to the invention allows the driving mode used to be communicated unobtrusively to other road users, so that they can, for example, receive relevant additional information about an expected acceleration behavior, expected steering interventions and the like at an early stage.

Driver states, in particular emotional states, can ultimately also be understood as a type of personal driving mode, since, for example, different emotional affects can lead to different driving behavior on the part of the driver. By communicating the driver's status via the exterior light, other road users can be made aware of an expected driving behavior of their own motor vehicle in this case as well.

Thus, by using the exterior light according to the invention, other drivers or automated driving systems can predict an expected future driving behavior of their own motor vehicle with greater accuracy, which enables significantly better coordination of different road users.

As will be explained in more detail later, it is also possible to provide more than two operating modes or more than two light patterns, so that a larger number of driving modes or driver states can be visualized. It is also advantageously possible to switch back from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a corresponding further switching condition is met.

In the simplest case, the exterior light can be deactivated for the first light pattern and activated for the second light pattern. However, the exterior light is preferably active to emit both light patterns. In particular, the shape of the light pattern can be adjusted, e.g. in that several separately controllable light segments or segments of a screen are controlled differently in the various operating modes. Alternatively or in addition, the color and/or the intensity of the lighting can be varied locally, e.g. in individual segments, or over the entire luminous surface, in order to implement different luminous patterns.

The first and/or the second luminous pattern can also be a temporal pattern that includes a temporal sequence or a continuous cross-fading between a plurality of luminous images. For example, flashing can be used both as the first light pattern and as the second light pattern, light images of different shapes being emitted.

The exterior light can be front, rear or side lighting. In this way, for example, information can be output to road users driving behind or ahead. Both the first and the second operating mode can be used during normal driving. For example, when changing the driving mode while driving, you can change from the first to the second operating mode or vice versa. The light patterns used are therefore preferably selected in such a way that they meet the legal framework for driving.

In the event that the fulfillment of the change condition depends on which of the several driving modes of the motor vehicle is selected for the current or future operation, the or a further control device of the motor vehicle can be set up to, depending on this selected driving mode, at least one parameter of a chassis and /or specify a drive train and/or a steering system and/or a safety system of the motor vehicle. For example, a driving mode for efficiency optimization, a driving mode for comfort optimization and a dynamic or sport driving mode can thus be selectable as driving modes. In particular, each of these driving modes can be assigned a respective operating mode and thus a respective lighting pattern, which is emitted when the corresponding driving mode is selected. To set the parameters, the control device can, for example, control one or more actuators of the motor vehicle or adapt parameters of a corresponding further control device.

For example, a characteristic curve of shock absorbers or air springs can be adjusted as a parameter of the chassis or, in general, a ground clearance, a spring hardness and/or a damping of the suspension can be adjusted. For example, the strength of a magnetic damping or a filling pressure of an air suspension can be adjusted.

With regard to the drive train, the parameters that can be used are, for example, the shifting speeds of an automatic transmission, a characteristic curve of the accelerator pedal, parameters of a differential, for example a variable locking degree or active torque distribution, a transition between an electric drive and a drive by a combustion engine in hybrid vehicles, an optimization of driving operation be adjusted to a balanced state of charge of an energy store or to a short-term optimal driving performance, injection or ignition times and/or parameters for valve control.

For example, triggering thresholds for belt tensioners or intervention thresholds for driver assistance systems for collision avoidance, which can be longitudinal and/or transverse, can be set as parameters of a safety system.

A characteristic of the steering, in particular as a function of speed, or a steering ratio can be set as a parameter of the steering. Additionally or alternatively, a degree of support of a power steering or the strength of a haptic feedback of a steer-by-wire system can be adjusted.

In addition or as an alternative, the further control device or devices can be set up to guide the motor vehicle in at least one of the driving modes in an at least partially automated manner, with the driving modes differing in terms of the degree of automation. In particular, the autonomy levels according to SAE J3016 can be considered as degrees of automation. For example, a different operating mode can be used or a different light pattern can be emitted, depending on whether there is no automation, driver assistance, partial automation, conditional automation, high automation or full automation. It is of course possible that in a motor vehicle according to the invention only a subgroup of the named degrees of automation, ie for example only two or three degrees of automation, are implemented, which can be visualized by different operating modes and thus by different lighting patterns.

In the event that the fulfillment of the change condition depends on the determined driver status, the motor vehicle can have at least one sensor, in particular an imaging sensor, for acquiring sensor data relating to the driver, with the control device being set up to determine the driver status as a function of the sensor data determine. Approaches to determining driver states, for example a state of tiredness or alertness, are known per se in the prior art and will not be explained in detail. through a picture Giving sensor, for example, a line of sight, pupil movements, blinking and the like can be detected. In addition or as an alternative, for example, minor steering movements, such as those carried out unconsciously by the driver while driving, can be evaluated. If it is now recognized, for example, that the driver is tired or inattentive, a corresponding message can be given to the driver, as is known, that he should stop driving in a timely manner. In addition, by changing the operating mode and thus emitting a different light pattern, other road users can be informed that reaction times could be increased due to the determined driver status or the like.

In principle, the sensors can alternatively be an operating device that does not directly affect the driving operation, for example a touchscreen, a rotary pushbutton or a microphone for recording voice inputs. This can serve, for example, for the control device to be able to actively query the state of the driver, for example his state of mind, for example via a dialogue system.

In the event that the fulfillment of the change condition depends on the determined driver status, the motor vehicle can include a communication interface for communication with a communication device designed separately from the motor vehicle, in particular with a smartphone or a smartwatch or a tablet PC, the control device for this purpose can be set up to determine the driver's status as a function of status information received from the communication device via the communication interface. For example, the communication device can include a sensor system that can record physiological features of the driver, for example a skin temperature, a pulse and/or a blood pressure, as status information. In addition or as an alternative, the communication device can have operating elements which, as explained above, make it possible to communicate with a driver in order to determine his state of mind, for example. Due to the advantageous possible combination of communication devices in the motor vehicle, the invention also relates to a device that includes the motor vehicle according to the invention and a communication device, in particular a smartphone, a smartwatch or a tablet PC.

The first and/or the second light pattern can be permanently specified. In particular, a catalog of luminous patterns, each with an associated meaning, can be specified by a specific manufacturer or across manufacturers. For example, a specific light pattern can always correspond to a sport mode and a specific light pattern to a comfort mode or the like. This enables drivers or driver assistance systems of other motor vehicles evaluating corresponding light patterns to recognize the driving mode or the driver state directly and unambiguously on the basis of such a light pattern.

Alternatively, it would also be possible, for example, for at least parts of the lighting pattern used to be predefinable by the driver, for example via a corresponding app on a smartphone or another device external to the vehicle and/or via operating means of the motor vehicle. The use of (pseudo-)random patterns is preferably avoided, since these are not very suitable for transmitting specific information and it is also considerably more complex for such patterns to comply with legal requirements.

The luminous pattern can be a purely spatial pattern that does not change over time. Alternatively, a time pattern, ie a time sequence of luminous images, can be used. The chronological sequence can vary the luminous brightness of the entire exterior light, that is to say, for example, implement a blinking, or change or fade between different spatial patterns or luminous images sharply or continuously. In this way, moving light patterns, for example wiping or the like, can also be implemented. Flashing can be implemented in that a certain predefined spatial pattern, ie in particular a light signature specific to the driving mode or driver state, and an empty pattern in which no segment is active are used alternately. Temporal patterns may also include, for example, dimming ramps, pulsing, local shifting of illuminated areas, and the like. Spatial or temporal lighting patterns, which can also be referred to as light signatures, can be stored in the memory of the motor vehicle itself or, for example, be called up wirelessly from the back end.

The control device can be set up to control the exterior light both in the first and in the second operating mode as a daytime running light or position light or tail light. It is therefore expedient to select the first and second light pattern or all light patterns used in such a way that they meet the legal requirements for the corresponding use. Corresponding requirements result, for example, from Regulation 48 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE). Legal requirements can specify in particular the colors used and/or sizes or arrangements of luminous surfaces or specify whether a specific spatial pattern should be emitted continuously or patterns that change over time, such as flashing, can or must be used.

The exterior lamp can have a plurality of independently controllable segments, the first and second light pattern differing from one another at least with regard to the control of one of the segments. This is particularly useful if, on the one hand, a standard lighting function, for example a daytime running light, a position light or a tail light, and, on the other hand, the information to other road users regarding the driving mode used or driver status is to be implemented via a single exterior light. In particular, at least partially different segments can be used to emit the different light patterns. By activating different segments for light emission or activating the segments for light emission with different brightnesses, requirements for the size or arrangement of the luminous surface, the luminous brightness and the color for the corresponding lighting function can be met independently of the luminous pattern used.

The various segments can all lie within one luminous area, but they can also form luminous areas that are spatially offset from one another, with a three-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of luminous areas being able to achieve a characteristic and concise appearance. A single light source can be provided per segment, or a number of light sources that are controlled together can be provided, for example LEDs or OLEDs.

The use of exterior lights with several independently controllable segments can be used, in addition to the explained communication of the driving mode or the driver's status to other road users, for example to provide different light signatures for users to choose from, for example in the vehicle itself or via an external device, e.g. a smartphone or a backend server, can be selected or can already be selected when purchasing the vehicle. In addition, further functions can be implemented through such a segmentation, for example an approach warning, in which a particularly large number, in particular all, segments are activated if another vehicle approaches too closely.

The control device can be set up to evaluate at least one further changing condition in the second operating mode and to switch to the first operating mode or a respective further operating mode when one of the further changing conditions is met, with the fulfillment of the respective further changing conditions depending on which of the several driving modes of the motor vehicle is selected for current or future operation, and/or wherein the fulfillment of the respective further change condition depends on the determined driver state. As a result, a change back to the first operating mode or to the first lighting pattern can take place when an original driving mode or driver state is reached again. In addition, several different driving modes or driver states can be visualized by corresponding operating modes and light patterns.

For example, a standard light signature or a standard light pattern could be used in the first operating mode, changing to the second operating mode and thus to the second light pattern when changing to a specific driving mode or when determining a specific driver state. If this driving mode is left again or this driver state is no longer determined, it is possible to switch back to the original first light pattern and operating state. However, it is also possible that in the background the standard light signature, which can be specified by the driver, for example, has been changed to a different standard light signature, so that a different light pattern results when changing back.

The driver can change the driving mode and thus the emitted light pattern or the light signature manually, for example by actuating a corresponding operating element in the vehicle interior or on a separately designed communication device. Alternatively, the driving mode can also be changed automatically. For example, depending on the state of charge of a battery in the motor vehicle, it is possible to change to an efficiency-optimized mode or the driving mode can be changed automatically if a specific driver condition, for example a tired or inattentive driver, is detected.

• - die Außenleuchte in einem ersten Betriebsmodus zur Ausgabe eines ersten Leuchtmusters ansteuert wird,
• - während des Betriebs im ersten Betriebsmodus wiederholt eine Wechselbedingung ausgewertet wird, wobei im Rahmen dieser Auswertung einerseits berücksichtigt wird, welcher von mehreren Fahrmodi des Kraftfahrzeugs für einen momentanen oder zukünftigen Betrieb ausgewählt ist, und/oder andererseits ein Fahrerzustand eines Fahrers des Kraftfahrzeugs ermittelt und berücksichtigt wird,
• - bei Erfüllung der Wechselbedingung in eine zweiten Betriebsmodus gewechselt wird, und
• - die Außenleuchte in dem zweiten Betriebsmodus zur Ausgabe eines von dem ersten Leuchtmuster unterschiedlichen zweiten Leuchtmusters angesteuert wird.

In addition to the motor vehicle according to the invention, the invention relates to a method for operating at least one exterior light of a motor vehicle, wherein

• - the exterior light is controlled in a first operating mode to output a first light pattern,
• - During operation in the first operating mode, a change condition is repeatedly evaluated, with this evaluation taking into account on the one hand which of several driving modes of the motor vehicle is selected for current or future operation, and/or on the other hand determining and taking into account a driver's state of a driver of the motor vehicle will,
• - if the change condition is met, a change is made to a second operating mode, and
• - the exterior light is controlled in the second operating mode to output a different from the first light pattern second light pattern.

The features disclosed for the motor vehicle according to the invention or for the device according to the invention, which additionally includes a communication device, can be transferred to the method according to the invention with the advantages mentioned there, and vice versa.

• 1 Ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs, durch das ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens durchgeführt wird, und
• 2 und 3 Detailansichten einer Außenleuchte des in 1 gezeigten Kraftfahrzeugs mit unterschiedlichen abgestrahlten Leuchtmustern.

Further advantages and details of the invention result from the following exemplary embodiments and the associated drawings. Here show schematically:

• 1 An exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, through which an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention is carried out, and
• 2 and 3 Detailed views of an outdoor light from the in 1 motor vehicle shown with different emitted light patterns.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 with several exterior lights 2, 3, 4 and a control device 5 for controlling the exterior lights 2, 3, 4. The exterior light 2 is a rear light, the exterior light 3 is a side position light and the exterior light 4 is a daytime running light.

As in the 2 and 3 is shown as an example for the exterior lamp 2, the respective exterior lamp 2, 3, 4 comprises a plurality of segments 10-14, which can be controlled separately. The exterior lamp 2 here comprises three separate luminous surfaces 7, 8, 9, which in particular are arranged spatially offset from one another in order to produce an interesting luminous image.

in the in 2 In the light pattern 6 shown, the segments 10, 11, 12 are active for the respective light area 7, 8, 9 and the segments 13, 14 are switched off. If the control device 5 recognizes that a change condition is met, it changes from a first operating mode, in which the exterior lamp 2 is controlled to output the first lighting pattern 6, to a second operating mode, in which the exterior lamp 2 is activated to output the in 3 illustrated second light pattern 15 is driven. In this, the segments 10, 11, 13 are active for the respective luminous surface 7, 8, 9 and the segments 12, 14 are switched off.

in the in 1 Motor vehicle 1 shown, such a change in light patterns 6, 15 can be used to provide other road users with information about which of several driving modes the motor vehicle 1 is being operated in. Alternatively or in addition, the lighting pattern 6, 15 used or the selection of the corresponding operating state can depend on the determined driver state of the driver 26.

In the first case, the light pattern 6 can correspond to a comfort mode, for example, and the light pattern 15 can correspond to a sport mode, for example. Corresponding driving modes can be selected by the driver 26 using an operating means 25 of the motor vehicle 1 . Depending on the selected driving mode, parameters of the chassis 17, 18, the drive train 19, the steering 20 and/or the safety system 21 are set by the further control device 16 of the motor vehicle 1 or, in an alternative embodiment, directly by the control device 5 itself. Examples of such settings have already been explained in the general part of the description and should not be repeated here in detail.

Purely by way of example, with regard to the drive train 19, a characteristic curve of the gas pedal sensor 22 can be adapted and/or a shifting speed of an automatic transmission can be specified. With regard to steering, a steering angle can be detected, for example, using the steering sensor 28 and a translation or haptic feedback of a steer-by-wire system can be adjusted. With regard to a safety system 21, for example, a triggering point of a belt tensioner can be adjusted. To adjust a chassis 17, 18, a magnetic damping or a pressure in air springs can be adjusted, for example.

As an alternative to a manual selection of the driving mode to be used, such a selection can also be made automatically, for example as a function of a detected driver condition. For this purpose, information about the driver's condition can be determined, for example, via sensor 24, which is, for example, an interior camera, or via steering sensor 28. In addition, status information can be acquired via a communication device 23 configured separately from the motor vehicle, in the example via a smartwatch ments take place. For example, a pulse or a blood pressure of the driver 26 can be measured. Detected status information can be transmitted to the motor vehicle 1 via the communication interface 27 and evaluated there by the control device 5 .

If, for example, driver agitation is detected, it is possible to switch automatically from a sport to a comfort mode. If, for example, driver 26 is determined to be tired, automated driving operation can be initiated and a change can thus be made from a low-automated driving mode to a higher-automated driving mode. These automatic changes between different driving modes can also be visualized for other road users by changing the operating mode of the control device 5 and thus by changing the light pattern emitted via the exterior light 2 .

While a driver's state was evaluated in the above example in order to change a driving mode of the motor vehicle and only the change of driving mode was visualized by selecting a corresponding light pattern, it is alternatively or additionally possible that the operating mode used by the control device 5 and thus the via at least one the light pattern emitted by the exterior lights 2, 3, 4 depends on a driver's condition. For example, the light pattern can be changed on the basis of a driver's tiredness or lack of alertness in order to draw the surrounding traffic's attention to this, while the driver 26 can be asked to take a break and thus temporarily park the motor vehicle at a suitable location.

As can be seen from a comparison of the 2 and 3 shown light patterns 6, 15, the same number of segments 10-14 are active for both light patterns 6, 15, so that a similarly large light area and similar levels of brightness are achieved for both light patterns 6, 15. In particular, both lighting patterns 6, 15 can thus meet legal requirements for an exterior light 2 used as a tail light, so that the exterior light 2 can fulfill the function as a tail light or position light, regardless of the operating mode used by the control device 5 or regardless of the light pattern 6, 15 used. Correspondingly, for example, the exterior light 3 can simultaneously serve as a turn signal and as a means of outputting information about the selected light pattern and the exterior light 4 can simultaneously serve as daytime running lights and as a means of outputting information by selecting a corresponding light pattern.

Be exemplified in 2 and 3 only two different light patterns 6, 15 are shown. A variety of other lighting patterns can be implemented by selecting the lighting segments 10 - 14 used differently, it also being possible, for example, for different segments 7 - 14 to be activated for different lighting areas 7 - 9 . It is thus possible, for example, to use three different lighting patterns in order to be able to visualize a comfort mode, a sport mode and an efficiency mode of motor vehicle 1 . Alternatively or additionally, different lighting patterns can be used to visualize different degrees of automation and/or to visualize certain driver states.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 202004009030 U1 [0002]

Claims (9)

Motor vehicle with an exterior light (2, 3, 4) and a control device (5), wherein the control device (5) is set up, on the one hand, in a first operating mode, to switch on the exterior light (2, 3, 4) to output a first lighting pattern (6) to control and to evaluate a change condition and to change to a second operating mode when the change condition is met and on the other hand to control the exterior light (2, 3, 4) in the second operating mode to output a second light pattern (15) that differs from the first light pattern (6), thereby characterized in that the fulfillment of the change condition depends on which of several driving modes of the motor vehicle (1) is selected for current or future operation, and/or that the fulfillment of the change condition depends on a determined driver condition. motor vehicle after claim 1 , the fulfillment of the change condition depending on which of the several driving modes of the motor vehicle (1) is selected for the current or future operation, characterized in that the or a further control device (5, 16) of the motor vehicle (1) is set up to to specify at least one parameter of a chassis (17, 18) and/or a drive train (19) and/or a steering (20) and/or a safety system (21) of the motor vehicle (1) and/or the motor vehicle, depending on the selected driving mode (1) to be at least partially automated in at least one of the driving modes, with the driving modes differing in terms of the degree of automation. motor vehicle after claim 1 or 2 , the fulfillment of the change condition depending on the determined driver status, characterized in that the motor vehicle (1) comprises at least one sensor (24), in particular an imaging sensor, for detecting sensor data relating to the driver (26), the control device (5 ) is set up to determine the driver's condition as a function of the sensor data. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulfillment of the change condition depends on the determined driver condition, characterized in that the motor vehicle (1) has a communication interface (27) for communication with a communication device (23) configured separately from the motor vehicle (1), in particular with a smartphone or a smartwatch or a tablet PC, wherein the control device (5) is set up to determine the driver's status as a function of status information received from the communication device (23) via the communication interface (27). Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second light pattern (6, 15) are permanently specified. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (5) is set up to activate the exterior light (2, 3, 4) both in the first and in the second operating mode as a daytime running light or position light or tail light. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior light (2, 3, 4) has a plurality of independently controllable segments (10 - 14), the first and second light pattern (6, 15) differing at least with regard to the control of one of the segments (10 - 14) differ from each other. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (5) is set up to evaluate at least one further change condition in the second operating mode and to change to the first operating mode or a respective further operating mode when a respective one of the further change conditions is fulfilled the fulfillment of the respective further change condition depends on which of the several driving modes of the motor vehicle (1) is selected for current or future operation, and/or wherein the fulfillment of the respective further change condition depends on the determined driver state. Method for operating at least one exterior lamp (2, 3, 4) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein - the exterior lamp (2, 3, 4) is controlled in a first operating mode to output a first lighting pattern (6), - during operation in first operating mode, a change condition is repeatedly evaluated, with this evaluation taking into account on the one hand which of several driving modes of the motor vehicle (1) is selected for current or future operation and/or on the other hand a driver status of a driver (26) of the motor vehicle (1 ) is determined and taken into account, - if the change condition is met, a change is made to a second operating mode, and - the exterior light (2, 3, 4) in the second operating mode to output one of the first lights pattern (6) different second light pattern (15) is driven.

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