Assistance procedure for a motor vehicle lighting control system, lighting control system, computer program product and computer-readable medium

Abstract

Assistance method for a lighting control system of a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting unit of the motor vehicle for illuminating an area around the motor vehicle, a portable unit, at least one communication interface and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface, wherein the lighting unit can be controlled by means of the lighting control unit and depending on the evaluation of the signals received by the portable unit in such a way that at least one light beam of the lighting unit can be positioned depending on signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface, comprising the following method steps: - Manual or automatic activation of an initial assistance function, - Control of the lighting unit by means of the light control, such that the light beam of the lighting unit is automatically moved depending on an actuation of the portable unit occurring after the activation of the first assistance function when the first assistance function is switched on, characterized in that - that the portable unit is activated by means of a predetermined change in the position of the portable unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistance method for a light control system of a motor vehicle, a light control system for carrying out an assistance method according to the preamble of claim 7, a computer program product and a computer-readable medium.

[0002] Such assistance procedures for a motor vehicle's lighting control system, lighting control systems for their implementation, computer program products and computer-readable media are already known in numerous versions from the prior art.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2012 224 465 A1 discloses a lighting control system for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting unit of the motor vehicle for illuminating the area around the motor vehicle, a portable unit, at least one communication interface, and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface. When a control button on the portable unit is continuously pressed, the lighting unit is controlled such that a light beam from the lighting unit can be positioned depending on the position of the portable unit.

[0004] See also DE 103 38 756 A1, DE 100 34 379 A1 and DE 10 2009 048 493 A1.

[0005] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of enabling assistance for a user of the portable unit that is better adapted to the requirements of the individual case by means of a light control for a lighting unit of a motor vehicle.

[0007] This problem is solved by an assistance method with the features of claim 1, a light control system for carrying out an assistance method with the features of claim 7, a computer program product with the features of claim 11, and a computer-readable medium with the features of claim 12. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] A significant advantage of the invention lies particularly in the fact that, depending on the requirements of the individual case, it is not merely possible to provide advantageous illumination of, for example, a construction site or another location of interest in the vicinity of the vehicle. Accordingly, the applicability of the assistance provided to the user of the portable unit by means of a light control for a vehicle's lighting unit is not limited to the immediate surroundings of the vehicle. The at least one light beam of the lighting unit is automatically moved depending on an activation of the portable unit following the activation of the first assistance function.Due to this flexibility in the direction of at least one light beam from the lighting unit, the area to be illuminated by the vehicle's lighting unit, for example, a construction site, can be illuminated by the vehicle's lighting unit even if the vehicle's headlights are not directed at the area to be illuminated and regardless of the position or movement of the portable unit, and thus the position or movement of a user carrying the portable unit. The activation of the first assistance function may also depend on additional vehicle-related and / or environmental conditions.

[0009] The wording that the light beam of the lighting unit is automatically moved or movable depending on the activation of the portable unit, as well as the term "light beam" itself, are to be understood in a general sense. The term "light beam" also encompasses light bundles composed of individual light beams and complete light distributions generated by the vehicle's lighting unit.

[0010] In addition, the assistance method according to the invention provides that the portable unit is actuated by means of a predetermined change in its position. This reduces the number of operating elements on the portable unit, or at least the number of functions assigned to them. Furthermore, this method enables intuitive operation of the portable unit by the user.

[0011] The same applies to the light control system according to the invention, according to which the portable unit can be actuated by means of a previously defined change in position of the portable unit.

[0012] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the assistance method according to the invention provides that the first assistance function can be switched off manually and / or automatically, wherein the light control system automatically switches on a second assistance function when the first assistance function is switched off. This allows the second assistance function to be switched on without any further operating steps. The switching on of the second assistance function can also depend on additional vehicle-related and / or environmental conditions.

[0013] The same applies to an advantageous further development of the lighting control system according to the invention, in which the first assistance function can be switched off manually and / or automatically, wherein a second assistance function can be switched on automatically when the first assistance function is switched off.

[0014] A particularly advantageous further development of the latter embodiment of the assistance method according to the invention provides that, when the second assistance function is activated, the light beam of the lighting unit is automatically adjusted to follow the portable unit's movement trajectory. Due to this dynamic alignment of the at least one light beam of the lighting unit, the user of the portable unit, for example the driver of the motor vehicle, is optimally supported by the vehicle's lighting unit even when moving around the vehicle.

[0015] The same applies to an advantageous further development of the lighting control system according to the invention, in which, when the second assistance function is switched on, the light beam of the lighting unit can be automatically tracked to follow the portable unit depending on a movement trajectory of the portable unit.

[0016] Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the assistance method according to the invention provides that, when the first assistance function is activated, the light beam of the lighting unit is moved and / or, when the second assistance function is activated, is guided along the portable unit in such a way that the user of the portable unit is not dazzled. This ensures that the user of the portable unit is not hindered by the first and / or the second assistance function.

[0017] In principle, the type and function of the signal exchange between the portable unit and the at least one communication interface can be freely selected within broad, suitable limits. Advantageously, the signal exchange between the portable unit and the at least one communication interface occurs automatically. Therefore, the signal exchange does not need to be initiated or maintained by any user action.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the signal exchange is designed as a passive signal exchange.

[0019] An advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the signal exchange from the at least one communication interface to the portable unit and / or the signal exchange from the portable unit to the at least one communication interface is based on magnetic field technology or on acoustic signals. Such technologies are often already present in existing systems; for example, magnetic field technology is generally implemented in vehicle access systems, and acoustic systems are commonly found in mobile consumer electronics devices such as smartphones or the like.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the lighting control system according to the invention provides that the portable unit is configured as a UID and the lighting unit as at least one front headlight and / or at least one side headlight and / or at least one reversing light of the motor vehicle. In this way, the use of existing components and assemblies for the lighting control system according to the invention is further improved. The abbreviation "UID" stands for user identification device, i.e., a device by which a user authorized to use the motor vehicle can be identified. By means of the portable unit configured as a UID, it is thus ensured that the user of the portable unit is authorized, for example, to make adjustments to the motor vehicle.

[0021] The following section describes in more detail the assistance method according to the invention, the light control system according to the invention for carrying out the assistance method, a corresponding computer program product and a computer-readable medium on which the computer program product is stored.

[0022] The lighting control system of the present embodiment comprises a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting unit designed as a pair of headlights of a motor vehicle for illuminating the area surrounding the vehicle, a portable unit designed as a UID (Universal Identification Device), a communication interface, and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals received from the UID via the communication interface. The lighting control unit, the communication interface, and the evaluation unit are integrated into the motor vehicle. The headlights of the motor vehicle can be controlled by the lighting control unit, depending on the evaluation of the signals received from the portable unit, such that a light beam, designed as the overall light distribution of the headlights, can be positioned depending on the position of the UID.The two headlights each have a matrix of a plurality of individual light sources with front optics, by means of which the overall light distribution of the headlights can be generated in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] Furthermore, the vehicle has an access system by means of which the vehicle doors can be unlocked and locked using the UID in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The access system is designed as a so-called passive access system, in which the user only needs to carry the UID to unlock or lock the vehicle doors. The user does not need to actively operate the UID to unlock or lock the vehicle doors. For this purpose, the vehicle has, among other things, several LF antennas which, when cyclically energized, each generate a magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. This field can be measured by a 3D receiving coil of the UID. Based on this measurement, the UID generates a signal that can be received via the vehicle's communication interface and forwarded to the evaluation unit.

[0024] When a user, for example the driver of a motor vehicle, uses the UID, a check is first automatically performed, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, to determine whether the UID corresponds to the motor vehicle. If this has occurred and the UID has been identified as belonging to the motor vehicle, the assistance method according to the invention, described below, can then proceed.

[0025] Should the UID be located outside the vehicle, this is detected by the lighting control system. The lighting control system then automatically activates a second assistance function. The user does not need to press any button on the UID to activate this second assistance function. When the second assistance function is activated, both headlights are switched on and controlled by the vehicle's lighting system in such a way that the overall light distribution of the headlights automatically follows the UID's movement trajectory. In this particular embodiment, the overall light distribution is adjusted when the UID, and thus the user wearing the UID, approaches the vehicle from the front or from an oblique angle, such that the overall light distribution illuminates the ground in front of the user.

[0026] When the vehicle's occupant (UID) and thus the user move forward or diagonally forward from the vehicle, the overall light distribution adjusts so that it illuminates the user from behind. In the latter case, the ground in front of the moving user is also illuminated. If the UID and thus the user move laterally in front of the vehicle, the adjustment adjusts so that the overall light distribution illuminates the ground between the vehicle and the user. In all three cases mentioned above, the overall light distribution continuously follows the UID and thus the user; it is constantly adjusted. The headlights are controlled in such a way that the user is not dazzled.

[0027] For the tracking of the overall light distribution of the two headlights, as described above, the majority of the vehicle's access system's low-frequency (LF) antennas are cyclically powered, causing each LF antenna to generate a magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. These magnetic fields are measured by the 3D receiver coil of the vehicle's electronic interface (UID). Based on this measurement, the UID generates a signal that is transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle's communication interface, received by the interface, and forwarded to the vehicle's evaluation unit.

[0028] Depending on whether the evaluation unit detects that the UID and thus the user of the vehicle is located in the front area of ​​the vehicle, i.e., in the effective range of the two headlights, the light control of the light control system controls the two headlights in such a way that the overall light distribution of the headlights described above results.

[0029] However, it is also conceivable to control only individual light sources within the matrix of light sources using front optics for both or just one of the two headlights. For example, if the user ID (UID) is located diagonally to the left in front of the vehicle, only at least one light source from the left headlight might be activated. Similarly, if the user ID is located diagonally to the right in front of the vehicle, only at least one light source from the right headlight might be activated. Conversely, if the user ID is located more or less centrally in front of the vehicle, at least one light source from each headlight could be activated.Of course, it is conceivable that instead of switching on one or more light sources, at least one of the two headlights, other measures known and suitable to a professional could be taken to illuminate the surroundings as desired. By way of example, we refer here only to the various possibilities that arise from the use of at least one lens attachment with the respective headlight.

[0030] In the present embodiment, it is further provided that the second assistance function can be switched off manually or automatically, with the lighting control system automatically switching on a first assistance function when the second assistance function is switched off. For example, it is conceivable that the second assistance function is switched off manually by pressing a control button on the user interface. The activation can be configured such that the user presses the control button three times in quick succession. As soon as the second assistance function has been switched off in this way, the first assistance function is automatically switched on. The user therefore does not have to perform any additional operating step.The first assistance function is designed in such a way that, when the first assistance function is switched on, the overall light distribution of the headlights can be automatically adjusted depending on whether the portable unit is activated after the first assistance function has been switched on.

[0031] However, it is also conceivable that the first assistance function of the lighting control system can be switched on manually, either alternatively or additionally. For example, manual and / or automatic switching on of the first assistance function of the lighting control system can also be configured independently of the switching state of a second assistance function. This is provided, for example, in embodiments of the assistance method and the lighting control system according to the invention that do not have a second assistance function.

[0032] For example, the user of the UID can manually control the overall light distribution of the headlights using the light control system so that the headlights serve as a kind of construction light to illuminate a work area in front, i.e. diagonally in front of or in the middle in front of the headlights.

[0033] According to the invention, to operate the UID for remote control of the headlights when the first assistance function is activated, the user can manually control the overall light distribution of the headlights by changing the position of the UID. In the present embodiment, the user holds the operating button of the UID continuously and pivots the UID by hand around one of its three axes: the longitudinal axis, the transverse axis, or the vertical axis. The resulting changes in the position of the UID are detected by an acceleration sensor integrated into the UID, evaluated within the UID, transmitted to the communication interface of the vehicle as described above, evaluated in the vehicle's evaluation unit, and used to control the headlights via the light control system.

[0034] To make it easier for inexperienced users to operate the UID as described above, it may be possible to arrange appropriate instructions on the UID, such as pictograms or the like, in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. This also ensures that the user orients the UID correctly relative to the vehicle, i.e., holds it the right way round.

[0035] If the user swivels the UID around its longitudinal axis, for example to the left, the overall light distribution of both headlights is directed to the left. Swiveling the UID around its longitudinal axis to the right directs the overall light distribution of both headlights to the right. If the user swivels the UID around its transverse axis, for example forward and downward, the overall light distribution of both headlights is directed downward. Swiveling the UID around its transverse axis forward and upward directs the overall light distribution of both headlights upward. If the user swivels the UID around its vertical axis, for example to the left, the overall light distribution of both headlights is focused, while swiveling the UID around its vertical axis to the right widens the overall light distribution of both headlights.Of course, it is also conceivable that the UID's pivoting around its respective axes occurs not successively, but simultaneously around at least two of its axes. Once the user has adjusted the overall light distribution as desired in the aforementioned manner, the user releases the UID's control button. The adjustment process is complete, and the overall light distribution remains as set, i.e., static, regardless of the UID's movement trajectory and thus the user's movement of the UID.

[0036] As with the second assistance function, the first assistance function can also include glare reduction for the user. For example, by filtering out the immediate vicinity of the UID (User Identifier) ​​and thus the user from the overall light distribution in a manner known to those skilled in the art, meaning that the position of the UID, and therefore the user, is not directly illuminated by the headlights. This extension of the first assistance function would thus again result in a dynamic overall light distribution from the vehicle's headlights.

[0037] If the user presses the UID control button three times in quick succession, the first assistance function is manually deactivated and the second assistance function is automatically activated. The subsequent procedure is as described above.

[0038] Furthermore, a computer program product may be provided that includes commands that cause the light control system to execute the procedural steps of the assistance procedure.

[0039] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may be provided on which the computer program product is stored.

[0040] The invention is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the second assistance function can also be manually activated and / or automatically deactivated. Furthermore, the second assistance function can be designed differently in terms of type and function, depending on the application. Similarly, the first assistance function can also be manually activated and / or automatically deactivated.

[0041] The lighting unit can also be other exterior lighting components of the motor vehicle, such as side headlights or reversing lights. These can also be combined to form a lighting unit according to the invention.

[0042] For example, a lighting unit comprising two headlights, two side lights (one on each side of the vehicle), and at least one reversing light would allow the light beam of the lighting unit to automatically follow the portable unit's movement trajectory in a 360° radius around the vehicle when the second assistance function is activated. Similarly, it would also be conceivable that the light beam of the lighting unit could be automatically moved in a 360° radius around the vehicle when the first assistance function is activated, depending on the operation of the portable unit. Furthermore, the lighting unit could also be designed as an auxiliary headlight, integrated or mounted, or as other exterior lighting for the vehicle.

[0043] The light beam can be configured not only as the overall light distribution of the respective lighting unit. For example, it is also conceivable that only individual light sources of the lighting unit, with or without an additional lens, are used and controlled for the first and / or second assistance function. Instead of the light sources themselves, it is possible to control the respective lens in the case of light sources with at least one additional lens.

[0044] The portable unit can also be configured in various ways, depending on the application. For example, instead of a portable unit configured as a UID, a portable unit configured as a smartphone or similar device could be used.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable that several portable units could be present in the vicinity of the vehicle simultaneously, for example, if several users are moving around the area, each with a portable unit. In such a case, the explanations for a single portable unit configured as a UID, based on the present embodiment, apply to each of the multiple portable units, regardless of whether they are configured as UIDs. The multiple portable units could also be of a different type, for example, two UIDs and a smartphone.

[0046] Besides the magnetic field technology used in the exemplary embodiment for signal exchange between the portable unit and the at least one communication interface of the vehicle, other suitable technologies known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable. Examples include the use of acoustic signals, so-called UWB technology, BTLE technology, or GPS technology. A combination of different signal transmission technologies is also possible, for example, when several portable units of different types or with different signal transmission technologies are used.

Claims

[1] Assistance method for a lighting control system of a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting control for controlling a lighting unit of the motor vehicle for illuminating an area around the motor vehicle, a portable unit, at least one communication interface and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface, wherein the lighting unit can be controlled by means of the lighting control and depending on the evaluation of the signals received by the portable unit in such a way that at least one light beam of the lighting unit can be positioned depending on signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface, comprising the following method steps: - Manual or automatic activation of an initial assistance function, - Control of the lighting unit by means of the light control, such that the light beam of the lighting unit is automatically moved depending on a timely activation of the portable unit when the first assistance function is switched on, characterized by , - that the portable unit is activated by means of a predetermined change in the position of the portable unit. [2] Assistance method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first assistance function can be switched off manually and / or automatically, whereby the light control system automatically switches on a second assistance function when the first assistance function is switched off. [3] Assistance method according to claim 2, characterized by, that when the second assistance function is switched on, the light beam of the lighting unit is automatically tracked according to the movement trajectory of the portable unit. [4] Assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that when the first assistance function is switched on, the light beam of the lighting unit is moved in such a way and / or when the second assistance function is switched on, it is guided along the portable unit in such a way that a wearer of the portable unit is not dazzled. [5] Assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the signal exchange between the portable unit and the at least one communication interface occurs automatically. [6] Assistance method according to claim 5, characterized bythat the signal exchange from the at least one communication interface to the portable unit and / or the signal exchange from the portable unit to the at least one communication interface is based on magnetic field technology or on acoustic signals. [7] Light control system for carrying out an assistance method according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a light control for controlling a lighting unit of a motor vehicle for illuminating the area around the motor vehicle, a portable unit, at least one communication interface and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface, wherein the lighting unit can be controlled by means of the light control and depending on the evaluation of the signals received by the portable unit in such a way that at least one light beam of the lighting unit can be positioned depending on signals received by the portable unit via the communication interface,and wherein a first assistance function of the lighting control system can be switched on manually and / or automatically, and the light beam of the lighting unit can be moved automatically when the first assistance function is switched on, depending on an actuation of the portable unit occurring after the first assistance function has been switched on, characterized by that the portable unit can be operated by means of a predetermined change in the position of the portable unit. [8] Light control system according to claim 7, characterized by , that the first assistance function can be switched off manually and / or automatically, whereby if the first assistance function is switched off, a second assistance function can be switched on automatically. [9] Light control system according to claim 8, characterized by, that when the second assistance function is switched on, the light beam of the lighting unit can be automatically tracked according to the movement trajectory of the portable unit. [10] Light control system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the portable unit is designed as a UID and the lighting unit as at least one front headlight and / or at least one side headlight and / or at least one reversing light of the motor vehicle. [11] Computer program product comprising commands that cause the light control system according to one of claims 7 to 10 to perform the process steps of the assistance method according to one of claims 1 to 6. [12] Computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 11 is stored.