Device and method for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle (2). The invention is characterized in that at least one lighting element (4) is arranged in the interior at at least three different positions (3) so that illumination for video streaming is provided for a person in the interior. The invention further relates to a method for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle.

[0002] The lighting of a vehicle's interior is becoming increasingly important. For example, different lighting or lighting situations should be provided for different scenarios. This can be achieved, for instance, by adjusting the interior lighting. Interior lighting can, in particular, include at least ambient lighting.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2023 001 306 A1 discloses a method and a device for illuminating a desired position in the interior of a vehicle. The existing interior lighting of the vehicle is adjusted accordingly.

[0004] To use the interior space for video conferences or similar purposes, lighting comparable to that in an office or a professional video studio may be required.

[0005] It is known, for example, to combine a so-called ring light with a mobile device. For this, the ring light is connected to the mobile device and set up separately. However, a suitable surface and sufficient space are required to ensure optimal illumination with the combination of mobile device and ring light.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a device or method is to be created that enables more individualized, optimized, and coordinated lighting of a vehicle occupant's face when that person is making a video call or similar activity. It is especially important to ensure that lighting conditions and backgrounds can be replicated as in an office or a professional video studio.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1, and in particular those of the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims. A method is also described.

[0008] At the core of the device according to the invention, at least one lighting element is arranged in the interior at at least three different positions, so that illumination for video streaming is provided for a person in the interior. This allows for individual, optimized, and uniform exposure and illumination of the occupant's face. The interior can therefore be used for video conferences or similar purposes, achieving illumination comparable to that in an office or a professional video studio.

[0009] The device is designed to illuminate a person inside a vehicle. The vehicle's integrated camera or a camera on a mobile device can be used. The mobile device can be connected to the vehicle in such a way that the lighting elements can be controlled via the device.

[0010] The invention offers the advantage that professional video or streaming lighting can be created using the existing interior lighting and / or additional lighting elements in the vehicle interior. In other words, the existing lighting and / or additional lights can be used to create professional video lighting, particularly suitable for the chosen (greenscreen) background. Preferably, at least one key light, one fill light, and one back light are implemented with the lighting.

[0011] The controls can be manual and customized, allowing for the setting of pre-selected scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create suitable lighting or a suitable lighting scenario. Specifically, a background overlay ("greenscreen") can be implemented, as used, for example, in video conferencing software. The AI ​​can also activate a suitable or pre-selected background to match the chosen lighting.

[0012] The lighting elements can be various types of light fixtures positioned anywhere in the vehicle. These can be located, for example, in the headliner, on the A-pillar, or in the door area. The vehicle's existing interior lighting can be used for illumination. Ambient lighting located in the door area or on the dashboard can also be utilized. Furthermore, mirror lighting, reading lights, or similar lighting elements can be used within the vehicle.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to the existing interior lighting, the lighting elements can be additional light sources installed inside the vehicle. These can be specifically designed and selected to illuminate a person's face. Therefore, the vehicle's existing lighting can be used to supplement it, ensuring optimal illumination of the person inside the vehicle.

[0014] An advantageous design may include one lighting element as a key light, one as a fill light, and one as a back light. Such lighting can be expanded as needed with additional lighting elements. In particular, multi-colored key lights can also be used.

[0015] According to a highly advantageous further development of the idea, the key light and / or the fill light can be positioned on an A-pillar of the vehicle, and / or the back light on at least one headrest. An advantageous embodiment can also include a downlight. The mirror lighting or a reading lamp could be used or supplemented as a downlight. The various lighting elements can thus be arranged at different heights and orientations to selectively illuminate a specific head position.

[0016] Keylight and filllight should never come from the same direction. They should always come from the right or left, respectively. Sometimes it makes sense for the keylight to come from the left, sometimes from the right. But in any case, the filllight should always come from the opposite side.

[0017] According to the invention, the person can be located, for example, in the driver's seat, the passenger seat, or even in the rear seat. In a preferred embodiment, the driver's seat position can be illuminated. The lighting elements can be arranged, in particular, in the headliner, on the A-pillar, and on the headrest of the passenger seat.

[0018] According to a highly advantageous further development of the idea, a ring light can be provided that can be integrated into the vehicle. An advantageous embodiment can provide that the ring light and / or a holder for a mobile device can be integrated into or onto the steering wheel. For example, a ring light can be integrated into the steering wheel. In another embodiment, the ring light can be arranged on the steering wheel via a holder. The same or an additional holder can serve to hold a mobile device, such as a smartphone. If the ring light is arranged in or on the steering wheel or directly in the steering wheel rim, at least a ring light reflection can be perceived in the eye of the person. This can be adjusted, for example, by changing the height and / or position of the steering wheel.In particular, a holder for a mobile device may also be located on the steering wheel.

[0019] In another aspect, a method is proposed that can exhibit the same advantages and features as already described with regard to the device. This method uses a mobile device with a camera or a camera integrated into the vehicle.

[0020] According to the invention, video recording can therefore be made directly by the person using a central camera in the vehicle or an additional camera, such as that of a mobile device. In particular, this allows time to be used effectively for work, for example, during autonomous driving or unloading situations. Meetings, especially video meetings, streaming, video tutorials, or similar activities, can therefore be conducted directly in the vehicle using the device or method.

[0021] According to a highly advantageous further development of this idea, the mobile device can be connected to the lighting elements via an interface, so that the lighting conditions in the interior are detected using the image captured by the mobile device's camera, and the lighting elements are adjusted accordingly. The interface is primarily a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Alternatively, an NFC connection or similar technology can also be used. It is also conceivable to connect the mobile device to the vehicle at any desired location via a cable and connector.

[0022] A highly advantageous refinement of this idea envisions the system using the camera image to detect lighting conditions and, as a response, automatically adjust the vehicle's blinds to optimize the image. This allows for the detection and, if necessary, prevention of overexposure and obliquely incident light. Furthermore, by adjusting the lighting conditions, an ideal or situation-specific atmosphere can be created within the vehicle, ensuring optimal lighting for meetings or evaluations.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the method and device according to the invention are also evident from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a vehicle interior with an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a vehicle interior with a further embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0024] In the presentation of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the device 1, installed in the interior of a vehicle 2. The device 1 serves to illuminate a person in the interior of the vehicle 2. Several lighting elements 4 are arranged in the interior for this purpose. Alternatively, the interior lighting can be used to illuminate the person.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. For example, the driver's seat position can be illuminated. A bracket for a ring light 9 is provided on the steering wheel for this purpose, and a mobile device 10 is also mounted on the steering wheel via a bracket. A person in the driver's seat can be illuminated by the various lighting elements 4 at positions 3. These lighting elements can be located, for example, on the A-pillar, where they can be used as key lights 5 or fill lights 6. Positions 3 and the lighting elements 4 can be arranged, for example, on the A-pillar in the left area of ​​the illustration, or, as shown in the example, on the A-pillar in the right area of ​​the illustration. Other configurations are also possible.

[0026] In another embodiment, it is also conceivable that at least one downlight 8 is provided, which can, for example, be arranged in the headliner. A mirror light or a reading light already integrated into the vehicle can also be used for the downlight 8.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment not shown, it is also conceivable that a position on the passenger seat or on the rear seat of the vehicle can be illuminated. The positions 3 are therefore moved or arranged in the interior of the vehicle 2 to corresponding positions from which illumination is possible.

[0028] Another embodiment of device 1 is in Fig. 2 to recognize. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a vehicle from above, illustrating the illumination provided by the key light (5), fill light (6), down light (8), and a back light (7). At least one back light (7) can be positioned laterally on a headrest. Thus, the passenger seat headrest can be used to illuminate the driver's seat, and vice versa. For illumination of the rear seats in vehicle 2, positions 3 would therefore be located, for example, on the B-pillar, the C-pillar, and the rear seat headrests. The headliner in the rear seat area could also be used. Existing interior lighting elements can be used here, or additional lighting elements can be installed.

[0029] According to the invention, any position in the vehicle can therefore be used for video streaming. The lighting can be controlled manually and individually. It is also conceivable that pre-selected scenarios can be set automatically, tailored specifically to certain individuals. Artificial intelligence can be used for this purpose, for example. It is also conceivable that a desired background can be superimposed using a so-called "green screen." Thus, it is impossible for the viewer to discern whether the person is in a vehicle or in an office. In particular, time spent in the vehicle can therefore be used effectively and professionally.

[0030] Naturally, the described design variants of the device can be incorporated into the Fig. 1 and Fig.2 also serve as examples of the inventive method, which can be used to illuminate a person in the interior of the vehicle 2. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2023 001 306 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for illuminating a person in the interior of a vehicle (2), characterized by , that in the interior space at least one lighting element (4) is arranged at at least three different positions (3) so that illumination for video streaming is provided for a person in the interior space. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that one lighting element (4) is designed as a key light (5), one lighting element (4) as a fill light (6) and one lighting element (4) as a back light (7). [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the key light (5) and / or the fill light (6) is located on the A-pillar, and / or the back light (7) is located on at least one headrest. [4] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a down light (8) is provided. [5] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a ring light (9) is provided which can be integrated into the vehicle. [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the ring light (9) and / or a holder for a mobile device (10) can be integrated into or onto a steering wheel. [7] Method for illuminating a person (1) in the interior of a vehicle (2), with a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a mobile device (10) with a camera or a camera integrated into the vehicle is used. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that the mobile device (10) can be coupled to the lighting elements (4) via an interface, so that the lighting conditions in the interior can be detected via the image taken with the camera of the mobile device (10) and the lighting elements (4) can be adjusted accordingly. [9] Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by, that the lighting conditions are detected via the camera image and, as a reaction, blinds in the vehicle (2) are controlled in order to optimize the camera image.

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