RU2364528C2 - Method for motor vehicle lighting devices control - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mechanical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention refers to cybernetics and is intended for automation of color devices operation control in motor vehicles. The method for motor vehicle lighting devices control consists in receiving in motor vehicle the signals generated by device for generating lighting devices control signals which generating device is located out of any of motor vehicles, processing these signals in signal processing unit installed in motor vehicle, and generating electric signals at the output of processing unit which signals are entering motor vehicle lighting devices. Lighting conditions around motor vehicle is analysed using photocell. Signal processing unit is performed with possibility to process electric signals coming from photocell and to switch on motor vehicle lighting devices automatically when outdoor lighting level is lower than threshold. The mode of lighting devices switching on when outdoor lighting level is lower than threshold has higher priority relative to lighting devices operation mode generated using received motor vehicle lighting devices mode control signals. The said priority is determined by signal analysis circuit operation and controlled switching unit which switches on the lighting devices when there is signal at photocell output corresponding to low level of motor vehicle outdoor lighting.

EFFECT: road users safety improvement and simplification of motor vehicle driving.

8 cl, 4 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to cybernetics. It is designed to automate the process of controlling the operation of lighting devices, mainly on motor vehicles.

State of the art

Known control systems for the headlights operating modes allowing analysis of the lighting situation around the vehicle and automatically controlling the headlights (RF patent No. 2097223, CL 6 B60Q 1/14).

Through the operation of sensors made in the form of photodetector elements and electric signal conditioners, it is possible to automatically turn on the headlights at night in accordance with the rules of the road. And also to prevent drivers from being blinded by analyzing the level of oncoming light radiation and automatically transferring cars to a safe, non-blinding, driver's mode of headlights.

The synchronization of actions on the operation of lighting devices on motor vehicles is carried out by the formation of short-term light pulses on motor vehicles with high-beam headlights. These pulses are received through the operation of photocells and processed in the control unit of the operating modes of the lighting devices of vehicles.

The disadvantage of this method is that the automatic control system of the headlight operation modes does not quite correspond to the changed traffic rules and does not provide the mode of operation of the automatic headlight control system during the day in suburban conditions - with the dipped headlights turned on.

To implement this mode, it is necessary to turn off the automatic control system for the headlights, since the algorithm of its operation described in the invention involves the automatic switching off of the dipped beam (and side lights) when the level of outdoor lighting is high enough.

As a result, the new requirements of the rules of the road, providing for driving a car out of town with the dipped headlights on, are not respected.

There is a method (prototype) for preventing glare for vehicle drivers, which consists in receiving light signals from the headlights of a blinding vehicle on each vehicle, as well as radio signals for synchronizing headlights, converting them into electrical signals, generating a synchronization signal and control signals for headlights operating modes, radiation luminous flux in the form of light pulses synchronized in time (application Germany No. 3319612, CL F21M 3/24, 1991).

The synchronization of light pulses in this method is carried out by receiving and analyzing the light pulses themselves oppositely emitted headlights and due to the formation, radiation, reception and processing of radio synchronization signals. Radio signals are used to more accurately synchronize light pulses and synchronously with light pulses change the light transmittance of car windows.

Radio signals are emitted through the operation of radio transmitting devices installed on each vehicle.

As a result of using such a system at short times in time, light emission on one of the approaching cars on another car windshield (or rear window) becomes opaque to the light flux.

Due to the high frequency of generated light pulses, drivers do not have time to track these impulse processes. They perceive these processes as continuous, like rapidly changing frames of a television image - as if the headlights were turned on only in their car, and on the oncoming car the headlights were turned off.

In such systems, strict requirements are imposed on the stability of the frequency and inertia of the devices included in the composition.

High frequency stability is achieved here through the use of a crystal oscillator, phase synchronization of pulses using a special radio channel, as well as through the use of low-inertia lamps in headlights.

The disadvantage of the method is the same. The system does not automatically enable dipped headlights in the daytime when leaving the city. The system is complex and requires the simultaneous installation of similar systems on all vehicles, which makes it difficult to put into practice.

Disclosure of invention

The present invention is based on the task of improving the safety of operation of a vehicle.

The technical result that can be obtained as a result of the implementation of the invention is the simplification of driving a vehicle by automating actions to set the optimal operating modes of lighting devices in accordance with the current rules of the road.

An additional technical result that can be obtained as a result of the implementation of the invention is the prevention of blindness of drivers in the dark.

The problem is solved in that in the known method of controlling the lighting devices of a vehicle, which comprises receiving control signals of the operation of light devices on a vehicle, processing these signals in a signal processing unit, generating electrical signals arriving at the lighting devices, according to the invention, the control signals are at least two different signals. Which are formed by means of a control signal generation device located outside of any of the vehicles. One of the signals determines the time when the light device is turned on, and the other signal determines the time when the light device is turned off and / or its operating mode changes while the vehicle is moving on roads in accordance with the current requirements of the traffic rules regarding the operation mode of light devices when driving on these the roads.

Possible implementations of the method such that:

- as a lighting device, dipped beam headlights, and / or high beam headlights, and / or side lights, and / or rear lights, and / or fog lights, and / or fog lights, and / or side lights, and / or brake lights and / or emergency stop lights and / or vehicle interior lighting lamps;

- control signals for the operation of the lighting devices of a vehicle are radio signals;

- control signals for the operation of the lighting devices of a vehicle are infrared signals;

- control signals for the operation of the lighting devices of a vehicle are signals of a magnetic or electric field generated on or near the carriageway;

- devices for generating control signals for the operation of light devices of a vehicle are installed near roads on lighting poles, road signs, billboards, bridges or overpasses;

- a device for generating control signals for the operation of light devices of a vehicle and a processing unit for control signals in a vehicle are part of a navigation or telematic system;

- additionally carry out the analysis of the external illumination of the car - "day or night", while the signal processing unit is configured to automatically turn on the lighting devices of the vehicle when the level of outdoor lighting is lower than the threshold, for example at night;

- the mode of inclusion of the light devices of the vehicle at an outdoor lighting level below the threshold, for example at night, is a priority with respect to the operation mode of the light devices generated by the received control signals of the operation mode of the light devices of the vehicle;

- carry out the analysis of the light situation around the vehicle "front" and / or "rear", the transmission of electrical signals of the light situation to the inputs of the signal processing unit; their processing, while the signal processing unit is configured to form a mode of operation of light devices of a vehicle to prevent a blinding effect;

- carry out the analysis of the light situation around the vehicle and the formation of electrical signals of the light situation "day or night", as well as the analysis of the light situation around the vehicle "in front" and / or "behind", the transmission of electrical signals of the light situation to the inputs of the signal processing unit, processing, while the signal processing unit is configured to automatically turn on the dipped headlights when the level of exterior lighting of the vehicle is below the threshold, for example, at night, and also with the possibility of forming a mode of operation of the light devices of the vehicle, preventing the blinding effect when the external illumination of the vehicle is below the threshold, for example at night on an unlit or poorly lit road;

- the signal processing unit is made in the form of a computer with software.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 schematically shows a section of the road along which cars equipped with systems according to the invention move.

Figure 2 shows a generalized structural diagram of a device for controlling the light devices of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a generalized structural diagram of a control device for the lighting devices of a vehicle, supplemented by a photocell outdoor lighting.

Figure 4 shows a structural diagram of a control device for the lighting devices of a vehicle, supplemented by photocells for outdoor lighting and a circuit to prevent blinding.

The best embodiment of the invention

Analysis of the operation of automatic control systems for the operation of light devices of vehicles shows inaccurate compliance of a number of algorithms for the operation of these systems with the traffic rules that have changed in recent years regarding the operation of lighting devices of vehicles.

In recent years, new requirements for traffic rules have appeared in the Russian Federation: a) the need for mandatory inclusion of dipped-beam headlights in the city in the evening and at night; b) the need to turn on the low beam headlights outside the city both at night and in the daytime.

In addition, the task of preventing the blindness of vehicle drivers remains virtually unresolved.

Cars coming off the conveyors of car factories do not have automatic systems that control the work of headlights that would exactly meet the requirements of traffic rules and exclude the possibility of blindness to drivers.

Known headlight automatic control systems, for example, installed on Mercedes-Benz cars of a high price category, incorporate day-night ambient light sensors (photocells) and nodes of the dipped-beam headlights automatic turn-on system when the car's light level becomes below the threshold. The car also has an infrared camera for viewing the road, which, together with a monitor mounted on the front panel of the car, allows the driver to better navigate the terrain at night.

It is known that a number of car manufacturers from the Scandinavian countries manufacture cars in which dipped headlights are switched on simultaneously with the moment the ignition is turned on.

As the analysis showed, it is possible to improve the well-known method of controlling the operation modes of headlights of motor vehicles, which consists in receiving headlight operation signals on a motor vehicle, processing these signals in a processing unit, and generating electrical signals arriving at the light devices of a motor vehicle.

For this, it is necessary that the control signals for the operation of the lighting devices are at least two different signals.

These signals should be generated by a device for generating signals to control the operation of light devices located outside any of the vehicles. Moreover, one of the signals determines the time when the light device is turned on. And another signal determines the time of switching off and / or changing the mode of its operation.

These actions should be carried out while driving in strict accordance with the current requirements of the road traffic regulations in relation to the operating mode of the light devices of a vehicle while driving on these roads. And in the options and taking into account the really existing illumination of the road and / or possible dazzle by headlights of other vehicles.

This principle of generating control signals can be extended to almost all known lighting devices of a vehicle. It allows for the implementation of any combination of collaboration.

For example, variants are possible when one of the control signals turns on the dipped-beam headlamps or, at the same time, the low-beam headlamps and the side lamps, and the other signal turns them off accordingly. Or, for example, one of the signals turns on the headlights, the other turns off, and the third signal determines the angle of inclination of the headlight to the horizon or determines the voltage level of the headlights supplied to the lamps.

If the system implements the principle of independent control of all external and internal lighting devices, for example, low-beam headlights, high-beam headlights, a taillight, parking lights, room lights, interior lights, brake lights, fog lights and flashlights, then the total number of control signals determined by the selected number of lighting devices and specific options for the operation of lighting devices.

By receiving these signals while the vehicle is in motion, it is possible to automatically generate as quickly as possible any variant or mode of operation of lighting devices required by the rules of the road in accordance with the specific road on which the vehicle is moving and the time of day.

For example, you can automatically lower the light intensity of stoplights at night, and automatically turn fog lights or headlights into fog, etc.

A combination option is also possible, in which, by means of control signals for the night operation mode of the car’s light devices, the dipped-beam headlights, the side lights of the car are simultaneously turned on, as well as, for example, a decrease in the light emission intensity of the stop signals made on the LEDs.

Reducing the intensity of light emission of the brake lights of a vehicle can be accomplished by reducing the voltage level applied to the brake lights. For example, from 12.6-14.2 to 5-8 V. A reduced intensity of the emission of stoplights at night eliminates blinding of drivers at a small distance from the stoplights in front of a standing car. Technically, this can be realized by means of a relay connecting a resistor or a low voltage regulator to the power supply circuit of the stoplights.

As signals for controlling the operation of headlights and other light units and devices of a car, any well-known signals and devices that can ensure the principle of wireless, noise-free signal transmission can be used.

For example, control signals for the operation of the lighting devices of a motor vehicle may be magnetic or electric field signals.

For example, magnets or shapers of magnetic or electric fields can be mounted in the asphalt of highways. Driving over these emitters in motor vehicles, it is possible to receive these fields and, in accordance with the number of received pulses, form the corresponding mode of operation of the headlights.

Optical information transmission channel, for example, using LEDs or lasers, can also be used as control signals for the operation of light devices of motor vehicles. However, the light communication channel in inclement weather may not provide reliable information transfer.

A radio channel or several radio channels can also be used as control signals for the operation of light devices of motor vehicles.

Figure 1 schematically shows a section of road 1, on which motor vehicles 2, 3 are moving, equipped with automatic light control systems for headlights according to the invention. Car 2 drives out of town, and Car 3 drives into town. On the side of the road 1 there are installed devices 4 for generating signals for controlling the headlights. They are located outside vehicles 2, 3 and are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

Devices 4 for generating signals for controlling the operation of headlights can be installed on lighting poles, road signs, billboards, bridges, overpasses, trees, road poles, chippers.

The control signals for the operation of light devices can be any known signals. For example, radio signals that are generated by radio transmitting devices associated with radio transmitting antennas and power sources of devices 4.

As power sources for devices 4 can be used power supplies connected to power lines, for example, providing lighting for streets, tunnels, bridges. Use of autonomous power sources is possible. For example, using photocells converting light into electrical energy and batteries.

The power of the radio transmitters of devices 4 installed along the roads may be small. It should provide reliable reception of the radio signal in a moving car in a small local area R (Figure 1), for example, in a radius R = 10-50 m from the installation location of the device 4.

In variants of the device 4 may contain additional nodes for remote programming of their work (radio receivers for receiving radio signals reprogramming the operation of devices 4).

In a variant of the device 4, installed on city streets, can be structurally made in the form of a cartridge for electric lamps for lighting roads, tunnels, overpasses. These devices may include a power supply unit, a radio transmitter, a transmitting antenna, and a matching circuit that automatically switches control radio signals in the daytime and in the evening - simultaneously with the time when the road lighting is turned on.

The selection of the emitted radio signals on vehicles 2 (3) can be carried out due to the spatial separation of devices 4, the polarization or frequency properties of the signals, their coding.

As the transmitting antennas of the devices 4, various antennas can be used having wide or narrowly directed signal radiation patterns, for example, frame-type antennas, vibrators or antenna arrays made using microstrip technologies, horn-type antennas, slot antennas, helical antennas, etc.

To receive these signals on cars 2 (3), radio receiving antennas 5 are used, associated with radio receiving devices 6. From the output of the radio receiving device 6, electrical control signals are supplied to one of the inputs of the signal processing unit 7 (FIG. 2). The other inputs of block 7 receive signals from the standard components or devices 9 of the vehicle — from the manual switches of the light devices of the vehicle (in Fig. 1 these circuits are schematically shown in the form of a wide arrow — standard electrical circuits) and the signal that controls the unit 7 being turned on . As a signal that controls the inclusion of block 7 in operation, for example, an ignition on signal generated by a standard ignition key 9 of a vehicle can be used. 1, this circuit is shown as a separate connection.

The signals generated at the outputs of block 7 are supplied to the lighting devices 8 of the vehicle 2 (3).

Processing unit 7 can be made in the form of a separate functional device, which can be installed at a car service station similar to a car alarm system, or the functions of block 7 can be implemented virtually - in the on-board, multifunctional car computer, generating control signals for various nodes and units of the car 2 (3), in particular the control operation of the lighting devices of 8 cars 2 (3).

The communication between the unit 7 and the light devices 8 can be made in the form of conventional electrical wiring or in the form of buses for transmitting digital data (signals).

The operation of the system is carried out in accordance with the specific algorithm of operation of block 7 or software on-board computer of the vehicle.

The software of this computer or the algorithm of operation of the signal processing unit 7 provides a sequential analysis of the signals arriving at the inputs of the unit 7 and, in accordance with their current combination, the formation of various output signals of the unit 7.

In embodiments of block 7, an analysis of the external illumination of the car can also be carried out and, for example, the automatic inclusion of headlights at night or the formation of a control mode for the lighting devices 8 of the vehicle, which prevents the effect of dazzling drivers.

Perhaps a large number of different algorithms for controlling light devices 8 of a motor vehicle 2 (3).

For example, the algorithm for controlling the operation of the dipped-beam headlights (operation algorithm of block 7) may be as follows.

At the time when the ignition key 9 is turned on and the car 2 or 3 is turned on, the ignition signal 9 is supplied to one of the inputs of block 7 and block 7 is turned on. At its outputs, a certain combination of signals arriving at the light devices 8 is formed.

In block 7, the signal processing also analyzes the signals received at its inputs from the output of the radio receiving device 6, and the ignition signal 9, for example, by means of a comparison circuit, a comparator, etc.

The signal from the output of the comparison circuit is fed to the input of the switch 11 and determines its operation. By means of the switch 11, a certain combination of signals is generated at the output of block 7. For example, after turning on the ignition 9, the dipped-beam headlights always turn on (or, for example, the dipped-beam headlights and the vehicle side lights).

If there is no signal from the output of the radio receiving device 6 (for example, a car was driven into a metal or underground garage where radio signals from devices 4 cannot penetrate), then the generated signals are stored at the output of block 7 until the control signals are received and processed from the output of the radio receiver 6.

And so, until the next control signal from the output of the radio receiver 6.

If the ignition 9 is turned off, then signals are generated at the output of block 7, which automatically turn off the light devices 8 of the vehicle.

The process of turning off the light devices 8 can proceed differently in time in accordance with the specific program of operation of unit 7. For example, the dipped-beam headlights turn off first, then the vehicle side lights and the interior lighting of the vehicle 2 or 3 turn off with a certain delay. This process of switching light devices 8 may not start immediately after turning off the ignition 9, but with a certain delay, for example, after 1-3 minutes.

This option of organizing the operation of the lighting devices 8 of the car eliminates the discharge of the battery if the driver forgets to turn off the headlights or side lights, and at the same time eliminates the creation of an emergency, for example at night on a poorly lit road, if the car suddenly dies.

Within 1-3 minutes, the driver can re-start the car and continue driving or turn off the automatic control system for the lighting devices of the vehicle 8 and manually turn on the emergency stop signals.

To turn off the automatic control system for lighting devices, a special switch (not shown in FIG. 1) may be provided, made, for example, in the form of an interactive voice-activated shutdown command.

After the ignition 9 is turned back on and traffic starts on roads 1 (Fig. 1), for example, in the daytime in the city, car 2 passes near device 4 - in the zone R of receiving radiation from signal 4. This signal is received by antenna 5, processed in the radio receiver 6 and sets the corresponding mode of operation of the light devices. For example, the daytime driving mode for car 2 with dipped headlights turned off in the city.

The dipped-beam headlights (and side lights) on the vehicle 2 are automatically turned off, for example, until the vehicle 2 drives up to the device 4, which emits a signal to turn on the dipped-beam headlights.

In the daytime in the city this can take place, for example, at the entrance to the tunnel or at the exit of car 2 from the city.

A certain spacing in the space of ground-based devices 4 provides many local areas for reliable reception of control signals for headlights along expensive 1 and a clear, in time and space, execution of commands that control the state of headlights or other lighting devices 8 of cars 2 (3) in accordance with their route following the roads 1.

For example, in accordance with the new rules of the road in the Russian Federation, a device 4 emitting signals to turn off the dipped-beam headlights in the daytime should be located on road 1 closer to the city than a device 4 that generates signals to force the headlights to turn on (figure 1). In this case, for a car 3 entering a city, the dipped headlights will turn off, and for a car 2 leaving a city, the headlights will automatically turn on after driving near the corresponding devices 4 in strict accordance with the requirements of the new traffic rules for the Russian Federation.

Thus, it is possible to improve road safety and exclude for the owner of the car 2 (3) problems associated with violation of the rules of the road with regard to the operating mode of the headlights or other light devices 8 of the vehicle, for example, as a result of its inattention.

For the convenience of the driver, all the conditions of the lighting devices can be duplicated on a special board, display, or formed in the form of voice messages of the telematics system.

With the onset of dusk, devices 4 located in the city can also be put into forced light mode for car headlights. These actions for reprogramming the operation mode of devices 4 can be carried out using an additional control communication channel. As such a channel, a city road lighting system or, for example, a special radio channel for controlling the operation of devices 4 can be used.

At the initial stage of system implementation, devices 4 can only be installed on roads 1 when leaving and entering cities and other settlements, as well as in the most dangerous traffic areas, for example, in tunnels.

With the appropriate number of control signals generated in devices 4, remote transmission to motor vehicles 2 (3) of any other informational (telematic) signals useful to drivers can be carried out, increasing the safety and comfort of operating vehicles.

For example, with the help of additional control signals, information can be transmitted about traffic signs, traffic lights, information about gas stations, cafes, hotels.

The most rational option for the implementation of the system can be considered the use of existing data transmission channels in the navigation systems of vehicles 2 (3), for example, using the satellite GPS system or Glonas.

To do this, it is necessary to supplement the database of the navigation system with information regarding the required mode of operation of lighting devices 8 of vehicles 2 (3) on roads 1.

These databases are easy to create and quickly adjust in accordance with the amendments and additions to the rules of the road.

In addition, taking into account the time of day, it is possible to implement the above principle of remote, automatic control of the lighting devices of 8 vehicles on almost all roads 1 in the world.

The software of the signal processing unit 7 installed on the motor vehicle 2 (3) should contain an appropriate program that allows the processing of information from radio transmitters installed on the satellites (or transponders) of the navigation system in accordance with a specific signal generation protocol.

To interface different navigation and telematics systems, it is advisable to develop a single international protocol regarding signals for controlling the operation of the lighting devices of 8 vehicles 2 (3).

This method of controlling the operating mode of headlights and other light devices 8 of cars 2 (3) allows you to quickly create a global network of virtual devices 4 for the corresponding roads 1 and countries. In this case, devices 4 are also located outside of any of the vehicles 2 (3) - in outer space.

Using the nodes of the navigation system allows you to implement the proposed system at minimal cost, since a significant part of modern cars 2 (3) already has navigation systems, an on-board computer connected to various nodes and units of the car 2 (3), including light devices 8.

By finalizing the software (reprogramming) of automobile computers and making changes to the software that controls the operation of the navigation system in accordance with, for example, the above-described algorithms for the operation of unit 7, it is possible to solve the problem of the invention in practice in 1-2 years.

In an embodiment, it is advisable that the information about the last signal for controlling the operation of light devices 8 received from device 4 is stored in the memory of unit 7 for some time after the ignition 9 of the vehicle 2 is turned off (3). For example, for a time of 0.5-1 hours.

An embodiment of the method is expedient in which, by means of a photocell 10 (FIG. 3), an analysis of the light situation around the car 2 (3) is carried out mainly in the direction of the upper half-space. This analysis mode and, accordingly, the electrical signals at the output of the photocell 10 can conditionally be called "day-night" or "light dark".

By analyzing the signal from the output of the photocell 10 at the output of block 7, headlight turn-on signals can be generated at an external illumination level of vehicle 2 (3) below a threshold, for example, in the evening and at night. Or when the insufficient level of external illumination is caused by weather conditions (during a thunderstorm, with high cloud cover, during solar eclipses, when entering a poorly lit tunnel or garage, etc.).

It is advisable to choose this mode as priority over the mode of operation of the headlights formed by the received signals for controlling the mode of operation of the headlights.

To realize this priority, block 7 may include a signal analysis circuit and a controlled switch 11, which, for example, switches on the dipped beam and the side lights of the car when there is a signal at the output of photocell 10 that corresponds to a low level of external illumination of the car.

This setting of priority in the control of the lighting devices 8 of the car and, above all, the dipped-beam headlights and marker lights further increases the safety of vehicles. It also excludes driving a car, for example, at dusk or in bad, inclement weather, when devices 4 are not yet switched to the night mode for generating signals to control the headlights or are absent on this road 1, and the driver did not guess to turn on the side lights and headlights low beam.

The switch 11 can be performed on electronic keys or relays. It can also be implemented in a virtual - software way in the form, for example, of conditional transition operators corresponding to a particular programming language.

It is advisable to supplement the technical solutions described above with a system to prevent glare for drivers of motor vehicles 2 (3).

As an anti-glare system, any well-known system can be used. For example, the system described in the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2097223.

This glare avoidance system is simple and efficient in operation and is best compatible with the method for controlling the operation of the light devices 8 of vehicles described above.

The algorithm of the circuit 13 to prevent blinding, described in the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2097223 (Figure 4), the following.

1. The analysis of the level of light radiation from the direction of the most probable blindness of the driver is carried out. For example, "front" or "rear" in the direction of travel 2.

2. If the level of light exposure from this direction is higher than a certain threshold, then in circuit 13 the formation of electrical pulses with a duration of τ ₁ begins. They are output from the circuit 13 (switch 11) to the high beam headlights (in the embodiment, to the rear light). Thus, the formation _of high-intensity light pulses τ ₁ towards the blinding car 3. Each pulse signal τ ₁ does not lead to blindness of drivers due to its short duration. Its duration is chosen less than the pulse duration τmax, at which a blinding effect can already occur. The duration of each pulse is also selected based on the inertia of the headlight bulbs and, for example, switching relays (for example, τ ₁ = 0.05-0.5 s).

3. After the completion of each light pulse of high intensity τ ₁ , the formation of a pause for a time τ ₂ begins. It is also selected based on the inertial properties of the headlights of automobiles 2, 3 - based on the time duration of the delay in turning off or on the headlights (for example, τ ₂ = 0.1-0.7 sec). During a pause of τ ₂ , a blinding signal level is analyzed.

If this level is below the threshold, then the formation of the next pulse of light

τ ₁ stops and a safe mode of operation of the lighting devices 8 of the vehicle 2 is established. For example, the dipped-beam headlights are turned on.

If the level of the light signal from the analyzed direction is still above the threshold, then the formation of the next light pulse τ ₁ begins. This situation means that on a blinding vehicle 3 it was not possible to receive a light pulse τ ₁ (long range or a similar system for preventing blinding was not installed).

4. If on vehicle 3, which is the source of blinding, a similar system for preventing blinding is installed and a light pulse signal τ ₁ can be received by means of a photocell, then a similar pulse light signal τ _{1 is} also generated in response with a subsequent pause of τ ₂ . It is a kind of response synchronization signal (“response” to “request” signal) and remote inclusion of the blinding prevention circuit 13 in the headlights operating mode, which does not lead to blindness of the drivers.

5. As a result, on both cars 2, 3, the formation of pulsed signals τ ₁ stops. The mode of operation of the headlights or, in the general case, of the lighting devices of a vehicle for a time τ ₀ (for example, τ ₀ = 10-60 sec) is transferred to a safe mode of operation, in which a blinding effect is impossible or unlikely. For example, in vehicle 3, which is a source of dazzle, the high-beam headlights are automatically turned off and the low-beam headlights are turned on. And on car 2, the driver of which was blinded, the dipped-beam headlights remain in the on state.

6. If on the vehicle 3, which is the source of blinding, it is not possible to immediately receive the response light pulse τ ₁ , then the formation of pulse signals from the blinded vehicle 2 will continue until the intensity of the light, pulsed exposure reaches the threshold of the circuit 13 to prevent blinding, mounted on a dazzling car 3. Or the driver of a car 3, which is a source of dazzle, will not guess in manual mode to switch the headlights from high to low beam.

A similar situation can take place in practice due to the uneven terrain of the road or due to the fact that the car 2, the driver of which is at risk of blindness, has a lower emissivity from the main beam headlights. And accordingly, the transmission distance of the synchronizing light signal τ _{1 is} less. For example, due to the fact that the headlights on the car 2 are improperly adjusted or splashed with dirt.

The described algorithm for the operation of the blinding prevention circuit can be represented in symbolic form as the following condition on the duration of the generated light pulses:

where τ ₀ is the radiation time of the continuous light flux (for example, low beam headlights),

τ _max - the maximum value of the time duration of the additionally emitted light pulse of high intensity, not causing blinding,

τ ₁ - the temporary duration of the additional emitted light pulse,

τ ₂ - the temporary duration of pauses between each additionally emitted light pulse,

τ _s - the temporary duration of the delay off or on headlights.

It should be clarified that the condition τ _max> τ1 is a more stringent condition than the condition τ _max ≥τ1, since the pulse duration τ _{max is} not the same for different individuals and depends on the level of external (background) light conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to set the condition for the duration of the generated light pulses with a certain margin, guaranteed to ensure the absence of a dazzling effect in almost any real traffic situation.

As a safe outdoor lighting mode, not only the driving mode with the low beam headlights turned on, but also a number of new modes can be used: a) the low beam mode and the light of the side-beam headlights; b) the mode of the adjustable direction of light emission of the headlights relative to the horizon (carried out by the operation of the controlled slewing-turn device of the headlight): c) the mode of the controlled intensity of the light radiation of the headlights (carried out by the operation of the controlled electronic device).

The analysis of the light level from the frontal direction is carried out by means of a photocell 12 (Figure 4). In particular, the analysis can be multi-threshold, for example, to implement a discrete mode of controlling the light intensity of the headlights or the angle of inclination.

By means of an electrical signal generated by the photocell 12, electronic components (pulse shapers) of the dazzle prevention circuit 13 are started in operation in accordance with the above-described algorithm of its operation. And through the operation of the switch 11, the output signals of block 7 are determined by the operation of the blinding prevention circuit 13.

If the vehicle 3, which is the source of blinding, does not have such a system to prevent blinding, then the pulses of light will be perceived by the driver of the car 3 as warning lights about blinding, which are usually generated by drivers manually.

Having received such a warning, the driver realizes that it is necessary to switch the headlights from the main beam to the dipped beam and prevent the creation of an emergency on the road 1. Otherwise, he will be uncomfortable driving when another car 2 “flashes” towards the high beam headlights.

In the embodiments, a photocell 14 may be used, by means of which an analysis of the light situation "behind" the vehicle is carried out. As well as the photocell 15, through which the analysis of the lighting situation "on the side" of the vehicle.

More details about the work of various options for implementing circuit 13, which provides the processing of these signals, can be found in RF patent No. 2097223.

Thus, the operation of the automatic system (circuit 13) to prevent blinding can be figuratively considered as the work of a robot that replaces the traditional actions of the driver and performs them as quickly as possible quickly and clearly.

It is understood that the above-described method for automatically controlling the operation of the lighting devices 8 of a vehicle can be used on a fully automated vehicle.

For example, the described system can be used as part of a taxi robot, robot bus, robot trolley bus, robot truck, etc. For these devices, the task of preventing blinding is also relevant. For example, to prevent interruption in the process of monitoring the dividing markings of road 1 and, as a result, exit into the ditch or exit into the oncoming lane on road 1.

It is also possible to prevent blinding due to the reception of signals from devices 4, including for a while the safe mode of operation of the headlights and excluding at this time the ability to manually adjust the mode of operation of the headlights. In this (telematic) version, the use of a special blinding prevention circuit 13 is not required (FIG. 2).

Devices 4 generating such signals should be installed, for example, before turning or before entering the top of the hill - in areas of the most likely blindness.

The principles of glare avoidance described above can also be implemented virtually - as a sub-program of an on-board computer of a car that controls the operation of light devices 8.

It is advisable in the tree of the program of work of the signal processing unit 7 (computer) to provide a priority for starting the headlight control subroutine (circuit 13) to prevent dazzle in relation to the headlight mode established by signals received from devices 4 in the evening (dark) time of day, when the ambient light level of the vehicle is below the threshold.

This priority can be realized through the operation of the signal analysis circuit (which analyzes the signals from the output of the radio receiver 6, photocells 10, 12, 14, the ignition signal 9) and which sets the priority mode through the operation of the switch 11 (Figure 4). Or, for example, programmatically - in the form of conditional transitions in accordance with a specific programming language and the selected priority of the main functional units of block 7.

In the daytime, the blinding prevention circuit 13 can be switched off by the switch 11 from the light devices 8. At this time of the day, its operation can also be blocked by signals from the output of the radio receiving device 6.

The formation of electrical signals of the lighting environment from various directions can be carried out by means of photocells having a narrow radiation pattern. For this, photocells 10, 12, 14, 15 can be made with narrow radiation patterns due to the use, for example, of a small tube, on one side of which a photocell is glued. This tube can have fasteners and a slewing ring device that allows you to quickly fasten it near the rubber gasket of the car glass 2 (3) and orient the photocell in the required direction. For example, horizontally or at an angle to the horizon for spatially selective analysis of the level of illumination of a vehicle, respectively, "front", "rear", "side" or to analyze the lighting situation "day-night".

By choosing the analysis time constants of the signals coming from the photocells to block 7, it is possible to optimize the operation of the system and eliminate, for example, false triggering of light devices 8 caused by short-term light processes (lightning, fireworks, light billboards, etc.).

It is clear that the specific algorithm for the operation of block 7 should be consistent with the current requirements of the traffic rules in each specific country and the recommendations of the competent authorities (traffic police or traffic police), detailing the optimal operation of all lighting devices in various traffic situations.

For example, specialists from research institutes involved in traffic optimization and development of traffic rules can prepare their recommendations in the form of officially approved operating procedures for lighting devices 8 for manufacturers of automotive vehicles and international organizations working in this field.

The operation of automatic control systems for lighting devices of 8 vehicles can be checked annually at car service stations on a special stand that imitates various typical situations.

For cars that are not equipped with similar automatic devices or have not passed the test, it is advisable not to issue a technical inspection ticket as potentially dangerous vehicles.

Thus, the proposed technical solutions allow to solve the problem of the invention and meet all the criteria for patentability of the invention by novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.

Industrial applicability

The invention is applicable in the automotive industry for equipping various vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.) with automatic systems for controlling the operating modes of lighting devices.

Claims (8)

1. The method of controlling the light devices of a vehicle, which consists in receiving signals from a vehicle generated by a device for generating signals to control the operation of light devices of a vehicle outside any of the vehicles, processing these signals in a signal processing unit installed on the vehicle, generating the output of the processing unit of the electrical signals supplied to the lighting devices of the vehicle, characterized the fact that they analyze the light situation around the vehicle mainly in the direction of the upper half-space by means of a photocell, and the signal processing unit is configured to process electrical signals from the photocell and automatically turn on the light devices of the vehicle when the level of outdoor lighting is lower than the threshold, and to increase safety of operation of a vehicle when the level of outdoor lighting is lower than the threshold, for example, at night, it is a priority in relation to the operating mode of the light devices generated by the received control signals of the operating mode of the light devices of the vehicle, this priority is determined by the operation of the signal analysis circuit and a controlled switch that implements , for example, the inclusion of dipped-beam headlights and marker lights of a vehicle when there is a signal at the output of the photocell corresponding to a low level of external illumination of a vehicle. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that they analyze the light situation around the vehicle in front and / or behind the car using a photocell with a narrow radiation pattern, transmit electrical signals of the light situation to the input of the signal processing unit, process them, and the processing unit the signals are configured to form a mode of operation of light devices of a motor vehicle to prevent a blinding effect by operating nodes of a dazzle prevention circuit. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that in the dark, when the level of external illumination of the vehicle is below the threshold, the dazzle prevention circuit has priority when generating the output signals of the processing unit, this priority is determined by the operation of the signal analysis circuit and the managed switch, in the daytime time of day, the glare avoidance circuit is disconnected by the switch from the light devices of the vehicle. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the blinding prevention circuit provides the formation of pulses arriving at the headlights of a motor vehicle that satisfy the following conditions:

where τ ₀ - the radiation time of the continuous light flux, for example, low beam headlights,
τ _max - the maximum value of the time duration of the additionally emitted light pulse of high intensity, not causing blinding,
τ ₁ - the temporary duration of the additionally emitted light pulse,
τ ₂ - the temporary duration of pauses between each additionally emitted light pulse,
τ ₃ - the temporary duration of the delay off or on headlights. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the signal processing unit is made in the form of a computer with software that provides the above priority in controlling the lighting devices of a vehicle. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control signals for the operation of the light devices of the vehicle are radio signals, and the devices forming them are located near the roadway or in space. 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control signals of the lighting devices of the vehicle are magnetic or electric field signals generated on or near the carriageway. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a light device using low beams, and / or high beams, and / or side lights, and / or rear lights, and / or fog lights, and / or side lights and / or brake lights and / or emergency stop lights and / or passenger compartment lamps.

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